luxuryliving

April 22 2020

Evolving Outdoors This Summer

Jenny Yarborough Uncategorized 2020, apartmentliving, events, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, garden, herbs, houseplants, indoorgarden, interior, interiordesign, interiors, lemongrass, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, modernliving, monstera, ncapartmenthomes, plants, pothos, propertymanagement, snakeplant, spring, succulents, thewayyoulive

We Can’t Wait to Get Outdoors with You at Evolve!

With everything that’s going on in the world right now, spending time outdoors feels more important than ever. Connecting with nature and getting the fresh air our bodies crave is one of the best ways to stay both grounded and energized.

Our first priority is keeping our communities healthy, so in an effort to remain proactive in regards to the Coronavirus, our amenity spaces are still temporarily closed.

We are, of course, all about our outdoor amenities at Evolve communities—and we can’t wait to enjoy them with you all very soon! We will continue to communicate any changes in services as quickly as possible. Keep reading to check out everything you’ve got to look forward to this summer!

Community Gardens

guy planting herbs in community garden at evolve

Just because apartment living means no private backyard, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden! We love making sure our residents have the gardens their green thumbs deserve. Community gardens like this one at Mountain View are a great way to spend time outdoors and get your hands dirty. We love being able to utilize freshly grown ingredients in our kitchen, and maybe even propagate some herbs to grow on the balcony!

When you’re able to sink your hands into our community gardens again, what will be the first thing you’ll use in your kitchen?

Grill Stations

guy grilling hotdogs at evolve summer recipes

One of our favorite things to do at Evolve is firing up a community grill and spending quality time with our loved ones—and we’re realizing that all the more now! We can’t wait to mix and mingle with you all later this summer. Get ready for barbeque, burgers and warm nights with friends.

Outdoor Fitness Equipment

There’s nothing better than exercising outdoors on a beautiful summer day. Fresh air and sunshine are major motivating factors to work up a sweat! We love offering outdoor exercise equipment at Evolve, so that our residents always have an opportunity to take their workouts outside! While amenity spaces are still closed, running or walking throughout your community is the perfect alternative to equipment.

Family Playgrounds

family on playground at evolve community

Spending time at the playground with your kids is a great way to Evolve outdoors as a family this summer! Adventure and excitement await kids of all ages at Evolve playgrounds. From giant spiderwebs and slides to swing sets and blowing bubbles, there are so many fun ways to get your family outdoors while the weather is warm! We’re so excited to see you and your kids use your imaginations on our playgrounds again soon!

Community Pools

people playing in pool at evolve community

This is usually everyone’s favorite part, right?! Community pools are such a great way to spend time with your family and friends and get to know your neighbors. At Evolve, we’re all about pool parties with our residents in the summer, complete with food and drinks! Be sure to follow your Evolve community on social media to keep up with all the fun happenings when we’re all able to socialize again!

Dog Parks

girl with dog at dog park at evolve community

Fur babies are family too, and they deserve all the playtime their hearts desire! Bark parks are such a fun way to evolve the way you live outdoors with your neighbors. Taking longs walks is always a great idea (especially while amenity spaces are closed), but when everything opens up again, hanging out at your community dog park will be an awesome way to meet people. You and your pup could gain a new friend!

Outdoor Living

The best part of evolving outdoors this summer? You don’t always have to be on the go! That’s right—we love offering outdoor living spaces for our residents to spend time, so that they don’t always feel like they have to be doing something to hang out in the fresh air. Relax with a good book or play corn hole with friends at 1701 North. Take some time to slow down and enjoy!

When your favorite hangout spots in your community open up again, what’s the first thing you’ll do?!

How are you planning on evolving outdoors this summer?

What’s your favorite way to spend time outside? Are you into activity and adventure or are you more of a recharge and relax kind of person? Let us know in the comments!

Evolve Outdoors with Us!

We would love to see how you’re evolving the way you live outdoors this summer! When you and your loved ones are reunited and able to spend more time together, be sure to take tons of photos so we can see how you’re enjoying outdoor amenities at Evolve. Tag us on IG so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive.

March 25 2020

Houseplants That Are Perfect for Apartment Life

Spring Has Sprung at Evolve

Spring has sprung at Evolve Companies, and we couldn’t be more excited to roll up our sleeves and bring our indoor gardens to life. We love how easy houseplants can be to take care of in your apartment, even if your thumb isn’t as green as you’d like it to be! With the time that most of us have on our hands this spring, now is a great opportunity to get a garden growing. Also, Earth Day is right around the corner on April 22^nd—what better way to celebrate?! Check out these 6 houseplants that are perfect for apartment life.

Grass Plants

houseplants for apartment blog table with lemongrass

Who would’ve thought grass could be just as good indoors as it is outdoors? When you live in an apartment, bringing your backyard inside is half the fun. Not to mention, grass plants are super easy to take care of!

We love lemongrass in particular because while it is a grassy plant that looks great in your home, it’s also an herb, so it’s perfect to use while cooking! Grass plants can create an amazing modern centerpiece on your kitchen table—like this one at 1701 North. Just make sure they’ve got plenty of sunlight to really bring the space to life!

Peacock Plant

evolve blog refresh your space girl with baby houseplant

Want to add a pop of color to your space? Peacock plants are the way to go! They (of course) get their name from the peacock’s tail—bold, elegant and colorful. Because they’re of tropical origins, these plant babies love humidity. Keep their soil moist at all times and place them somewhere in moderate indirect light. Too much sun can actually make the markings on their leaves fade. A little love will keep your peacock plant bright and beautiful for years to come!

Succulents

No matter how much you struggle with keeping plants alive, a succulent will rarely ever fail you! Succulents really are a houseplant that’s perfect for apartment life. The trick is not to overwater your tiny cactus, and it will be happy for life. Succulents are so fun because there are so many shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. You can plant multiple together in a larger pot to really bring a spark of creativity to your space. Or keep it minimal with a few planted separately in small, simple pots lining a windowsill. Give them plenty of sun and space between watering, and they’ll thrive!

: Design: Level 5 Designs

: Design: Level 5 Designs

Pothos

Pothos plants are some of our favorite trailing plants. These are perfect for hanging from the ceiling or placing high on a bookshelf so their vines can sprawl down. One of our favorite things about pothos plants—besides being virtually indestructible—is that they come in so many different colors. From bright, lime green to variegated leaves, you can have so many of these in your home while still keeping it unique! Pothos plants are definitely perfect houseplants for apartment life.

Fresh Herbs

Some Evolve communities like Mountain View have community gardens that allow resident to grown their own herbs, vegetables, and more! If you don’t have a community garden, you can instead create your very own indoor herb garden inside your apartment home. From basil and thyme to cilantro and parsley, the options are endless. Plus, keeping fresh herbs in your home is the best way to keep things exciting in the kitchen!

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree

evolve blog simplify for spring apartment living room

If you really want to make a statement and bring your apartment to life, the fiddle-leaf fig tree is a must-have. These trees are just as much home décor as they are plant-babies. They can add the perfect pop of modern boho to any space. However, fiddle-leaf figs can be a little finicky! They love bright, filtered light and lots of humidity. Make sure the soil is moist, but never soggy. You can even mist your fiddle-leaf to create a little more humidity!

: Design: Level 5 Designs

Think Faux

Design: Level 5 Designs

No green thumb? Faux is the way to go! And the only maintenance required is a quick dusting. We asked Emily Bagley Johnson of Level 5 Designs—our incredible design team—what some of her favorites were. Here’s what she had to say:

West Elm – Preserved plants at West Elm add so much texture and are sometimes just as good as the real version.

World Market – If you’re in need of an inexpensive fiddle leaf fig tree or small plants (i.e. succulents and ferns), World Market has some really great options. They normally have fun pots too! Adding a unique pot helps add personality and interest!

Target – Recently, Target has been introducing more faux foliage into their seasonal selection. They have a really diverse assortment that will fit into everyone’s style.

Coastal Succulent – Local favorite. These guys make the most amazing preserved moss installations, bowls, arrangements. They are a little more of an investment piece but well worth every penny! They’re local to Wilmington and have done amazing installs throughout Evolve Company’s Wilmington office.

: Design: Level 5 Designs

: Design: Level 5 Designs

woman reading book with artificial plant apartment

How are you bringing your apartment to life with houseplants this spring?

There’s nothing quite like bringing the outdoors in, especially during a time where we’ll find ourselves indoors much more often. With Earth Day fast approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring your indoor space to life! Celebrate with us by planting something this season.

The Perfect Apartment Houseplants

We would love to see how you’re bringing your apartment to life this spring! What are your favorite houseplants? Now that you’ve checked out these 6 houseplants that are perfect for apartment life, show us what kind of indoor jungle you’ve created in your home! Be sure to tag us on IG so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive.

Shop the look:

Fig tree purchased from West Elm HERE; basket for fig tree purchased from Target HERE
Palm fronds purchased from Target HERE
Pearl succulent purchased from West Elm HERE
Half dipped stoneware vase purchased from West Elm HERE
Peacock plant purchased from Target HERE

March 7 2020

Let the Evolution Begin: What’s Up Our Sleeves

Jenny Yarborough Uncategorized 2020, apartmentliving, construction, diy, events, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, interior, interiordesign, interiors, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, March, modernliving, ncapartmenthomes, newconstruction, newprojects, project, propertymanagement, realestate, sneadsferry, spring, surfcity, thewayyoulive, wilson

Evolving in More Ways than One

We’re all about evolving the way you live at Evolve Companies. Let the evolution begin as we focus our efforts on all of the exciting new projects that we have up our sleeves! March is the month for springing into action, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at Evolve.

Evolve Construction currently has 14 projects underway in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—we know, that’s a lot!

Evolve at Stones Bay

let the evolution begin people in pool at stones bay

Located in Sneads Ferry, NC, Evolve at Stones Bay continues to be a go-to for one, two and three bedroom luxury apartment homes. In each apartment you’ll find 9-foot ceilings, granite countertops, and oversized walk-in closets. Their state-of-the-art fitness center will get you excited to stay active. Be sure to take a dip in their saltwater swimming pool to cool off when it heats up this summer! Stones Bay hasn’t forgotten your furry friends either. They offer an outdoor bark park that’s perfect for spending time together.

But we’ve got a few new tricks up our sleeves—phase 3 of Stones Bay is scheduled to be open this spring which will add 60 brand new apartment homes to the community! To top it off, renovations on the clubhouse will begin this season as well.

Evolve Surf City

let the evolution begin people in gym at surf city

Let the evolution begin in Hampstead, NC with Evolve Surf City! These beautiful one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes are just what you’ve been looking for. Get ready for a saltwater swimming pool complete with cabanas and grills, 24-hour fitness center and a yoga studio.

Evolve Surf City is a pet-friendly community—perfect for your furry friends. It’s also easily accessible to major roads, making your commute as quick as possible.

Phase 1 of Surf City is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020, so be ready to snag your spot for your brand new apartment home!

Evolve at Heritage

let the evolution begin family on playground at heritage

Coming soon to Wilson, NC, phase 1 of Evolve at Heritage is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020! At the heart of our luxurious apartment community, you’ll find a saltwater swimming pool with several grilling stations, perfect for those relaxed weekend evenings. Evolve at Heritage also offers a 24-hour fitness center with a private yoga studio where virtual classes will be available to residents!

A playground, zen garden, and off-leash bark park are just a few of the other first-class amenities you’ll enjoy at Heritage. Check for updates on their website to stay in the loop about leasing!

let the evolution begin girls playing pool at evolve community

Where are you evolving the way you live?

There’s no place like home—so why not turn it into a permanent vacation? If you’re looking for luxurious, resort-style living that makes life fun, it’s time to let the evolution begin. Where do you see yourself evolving the way you live this year?

Let the Evolution Begin

With so many incredible Evolve communities underway in 2020, we can’t wait to see how things grow. Want to stay in on the action? Check us out on IG for behind the scenes updates. Be sure to tag us so we can see how you #evolvethewayyoulive!

January 14 2020

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Interior Design Lover

Jenny Yarborough Uncategorized 2020, apartmentdecor, apartmentliving, be mine, decor, decorationideas, decorations, diy, events, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, gift ideas, gifts, gifts for her, gifts for him, interior, interiordesign, interiors, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, modernliving, ncapartmenthomes, propertymanagement, realestate, residentevent, residentevents, thewayyoulive, valentine, valentinesday

5 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Special Someone

The holiday of love is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your special someone. At Evolve, we’re all about asking how you can evolve the way you live, and what better way than by helping your favorite interior design lover make their apartment feel like home?!

Even if you aren’t too design savvy yourself, it doesn’t mean you won’t find the perfect addition for your special someone’s secret oasis. The thought behind the gift is what matters most, and with these easy ideas they’re sure to be yours this year. Check out these 5 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that your partner-in-crime will obsess over.

Art for a Pup-Parent

valentine's day gift ideas girl with dog in front of animal art evolve companies

When your Valentine loves décor almost as much as they love their fur-child, there’s an easy answer for what to gift them. People love their pets, and they love them even more when they’re up on the wall for everyone to see! Ask local artists how much they would charge for a portrait of their pup (or cat—we can’t leave them out!) and go from there. Whether it’s realistic or abstract like this piece at Mountain View is up to you.

Do you have a photographer friend? You can also ask them to photograph the pupper and blow it up for a life size print! When your special someone gets their animal in the form of art, you can’t go wrong.

Funky Fixtures

valentine's day gift ideas funky light fixture at evolve companies

As much as we love funky fixtures at Evolve communities, they can definitely be a less obvious gift choice. But even interior design lovers can overlook the impact that fresh new lighting can create in their apartment. If your Valentine’s apartment is super simple or a little on the outdated side, fun and funky fixtures can help spruce things up in a big way. If their community doesn’t allow residents to switch up lighting, opt for a unique reading lamp to help keep things cozy.

Green Thumb Goodies

valentine's day gift ideas girl reading next to houseplant evolve companies

Is your Valentine a crazy plant man or lady? Houseplants are the perfect way to bring some life into any home. Even if your person doesn’t have the biggest green thumb, there are tons of houseplants that are a piece of cake to take care of! Some of our favorites are:

– Snake plants
– Golden pothos
– Prayer plants
– Philodendron
– Money trees

Not only do plants add a whole other layer of dimension to décor, but they’re amazing sources of oxygen for your space. These green goodies can help promote a sense of peace and calm, as well as clean the air and assist in breathing! Best gift ever, right?!

Jump-for-Joy Throw Pillows

valentine's day gift ideas girl jumping on couch with throw pillows evolve companies

I mean really, who doesn’t love a good set of throw pillows?! Any interior design lover will be thrilled at the thought of adding more pillows to their apartment. If you’ve got a good feel for your Valentine’s style and what will go great in their home, then you’re on the right track. Do they love soft and subtle or bright and funky like these at 811 East Downtown? Look at what they’ve already got and go from there. The great thing about pillows is that they create the perfect opportunity to mix things up with the seasons without having to completely redecorate. That way, things can stay fresh all year long!

The Perfect Reading Nook Chair

valentine's day gift ideas girl reading in chair evolve companies

If your special someone loves nothing more than curling up with a blanket and getting cozy with a good book, consider helping them revamp their reading nook. Pop by their favorite furniture store or look online to find the perfect piece. If there’s something they’ve been eyeing, now is your chance to surprise them with exactly what they want. They’ll be completely unsuspecting of the perfect reading nook chair!

valentine's day gift ideas people dancing and kissing in living room evolve companies

What gift ideas do you have for your favorite interior design lover?

Ultimately, it really is the thought that counts! Celebrate the holiday of love with a meaningful gift that will show your Valentine how much you care.

Want to see how Evolve communities are celebrating? Check it out below!

811 East Downtown

will be your Valentine! DO-NUT worry if you don’t have your own – 811 East has got you covered! Swing by their office on February 14^th for a sweet treat.

They’re also doing an amazing Valentine’s Day move-in special, so if you haven’t already locked in your space at 811 East, now is your chance! Move in by February 14th and receive $500 off move-in money!

Mountain View

is keeping things sweet this Valentine’s Day with a candy buffet. Residents can get a little bit of everything when they fill up a bag of delicious treats! Be sure to stop by for your favorite goodies.

Wishing You All a Happy Valentine’s Day!

If you give your special someone any of these Valentine’s Day gift ideas, be sure to snap a photo and tag us on IG. We’d love to see how you and your boo are evolving the way you live!

December 27 2019

New Year, New Workout: 8 Fitness Tips to Keep You Motivated in 2020

Jenny Yarborough Uncategorized 2020, apartmentdecor, apartmentliving, december, decor, decorationideas, decorations, diy, events, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, modernliving, ncapartmenthomes, newyear, newyears, newyearseve, nye, nyeparty, party, propertymanagement, realestate, residentevent, residentevents, thewayyoulive

Get Motivated to Stay Active with These 8 Fitness Tips

The New Year is upon us, and that means it’s time for new workout ideas! One of the best ways to stay motivated to work out in the New Year is to keep your fitness routine fun and exciting. At Evolve, each community has its own top-notch fitness center that will make you want to work out in 2020. Ready to hit the ground running this New Year and evolve the way you live? Check out these 8 fitness tips to keep you motivated to crush your goals in 2020.

It’s a Stretch

Girl stretching in fitness center during workout at Evolve

Make sure to start and finish your workout with several minutes of stretching. Stretching your muscles and lubricating your joints before you hit the gym can help prevent tears and strains while you work out. Plus, getting your muscles and joints ready can actually help you get more out of your workout!

Run for Your Life

friends high-fiving on treadmills while they run and work out at evolve

Evolve communities like 1701 North are equipped with treadmills so that even on the coldest, rainiest days, you can still get your heart rate up! Running for a few minutes before you start working out allows your muscles a chance to get warm. Getting blood flow to your muscles can help prevent injury during your workout.

Bonus tip: grab a buddy to keep you accountable and help you stay even more motivated while you move!

Swing, Swing, Swing

girl swinging kettlebell at evolve community new workout

Kettlebells are such a great piece of equipment because the possibilities are essentially endless. From kettlebell swings and bent-over rows to squats and lunges, you can really get a full-body workout with just a kettlebell or two. We love this article for kettlebell exercises that are perfect for anyone!

Let the Battle Begin

girl with battle ropes at evolve community new workout

Battle ropes are the perfect way to spice up your routine and get a full-body workout at the same time. Not only are battle ropes great for arm strength, but they also incorporate tons of core. You can also add in squats or lunges while you’re using the ropes to fire up your legs at the same time!

Let Free (Weights) Ring

guy using dumbbells in evolve fitness center new workout

Free weights are incredibly diverse, so they’re perfect if you’re looking for a simple way to strengthen your entire body. Use dumbbells for bicep curls, push presses or during squats to get great results. Evolve communities like 811 East Downtown are fully loaded with a wide range of free weights, so you’ll always have just what you need!

Kickstart Your Workout

girl kickboxing at evolve fitness center new workout

Kick your workout into high gear with a kickboxing routine that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the world! There’s no better way to get excited about working out than by doing something that’s fun! Kickboxing is fantastic for cardio, strength, and balance. If you’re looking for some beginner moves, check out this Livestrong article to get the basics!

Take it Outside

girl working out outside at evolve community new workout

If you’re tired of being stuck indoors during the winter, try taking it outside. It doesn’t have to be a warm summer day for you to enjoy the fresh air. Switching up your workout spot helps keep things interesting and helps you stay motivated to keep going!

Finish Strong (but Not Hard)

girl meditating at evolve community new workout

If you want to finish your workout strong, be gentle with yourself. Don’t skimp out on the cooldown. When you rob yourself of those final few minutes to slow down, stretch, and reconnect with your breath, you don’t give your body the space it needs to restore.

Practicing yoga gently—even if only for 10 minutes—at the end of your workout can help slow your heart rate and prevent soreness.

Closing your eyes to meditate for a few minutes is another great way to come back to your breath and ease your heart rate before heading out to tackle the rest of your day!

girl doing yoga in evolve fitness center

What new workouts are you bringing into 2020?

Start your New Year off strong with new workouts to match! Be sure to check out all the awesome equipment the fitness centers at Evolve communities have to offer.

Wishing You All a Happy New Year!

If you try out any of these workout tips and ideas to stay motivated in 2020, let us know! There’s nothing wrong with a gym selfie or two! Tag us so we can see how you’re evolving the way you live this year.

December 12 2019

Top 5 New Year’s Eve Party Decorations

Celebrate the New Year with These Top 5 New Year’s Eve Party Decorations

Can you believe we’re in the final month of the decade?! With 2019 coming to a close, there’s no better way to ring in the new year than with a party for all of your close friends. We’re all about evolving the way you live at Evolve communities, and now is the perfect time to come together and celebrate that evolution! Check out these top 5 New Year’s Eve party decoration ideas for the celebration of the decade!

Garlands Galore

Don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with the garland when you’re considering your NYE party decorations. The more glitter and gold on New Year’s Eve, the better! We love this mixture of textures and styles from OhSoFancyParty on Etsy. Garlands like tassels, stars, and fringe are all fun options to play around with!

New Year’s Resolutions Board

7 nye party decoration ideas resolutions chalkboard

How do you plan on evolving into the new year? One of our favorite things about New Year’s Eve is taking the time to set intentions for the year ahead! This chalkboard + New Year Resolutions lettering combo create the perfect focal point for your party. This decoration idea is such a great way for your guests to get interactive and intentional at your New Year’s Eve party!

Confetti Dipped Balloons

We love this super simple DIY project from Studio DIY. Grab a big bag of balloons from your local party store, gold foil confetti (so your balloons don’t pop), Mod Podge or decoupage glue, and a paint brush or foam brush. If you’re using helium to fill your balloons, be sure not to overdo it on the confetti so they still float.

Use a thin, even layer of glue around the bottom of your balloon and start dipping or sprinkling on your confetti. Make sure you have something underneath your balloons to catch the extra confetti so that you can still use it!

Bubbly Bar

Ringing in the new year just isn’t the same without a champagne (or sparkling grape juice) toast! We love the idea of turning a bar cart or counterspace into a bubbly bar. Keep your favorite champagnes or non-alcoholic options chilled for your guests. Orange juice and cranberry juice are delicious additions to any champagne as well. You can even set out bowls of berries for guests to add to their drinks.

Photo Booth Fun

7 nye party decoration ideas balloon backdrop

One of our favorite decoration ideas for the perfect New Year’s Eve party is to create a stunning photo booth backdrop! The beauty of this idea is that it can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be. We’re all about incorporating helium balloons on strings of different lengths to create some depth. We also love any kind of garland, gold tassels, or fringe! This is the perfect opportunity for you to have fun and get creative.

Happy holiday season!

How are you celebrating?

This month is jam-packed with holidays, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! Check out all the ways these Evolve communities are celebrating the season.

808 West

offered lots of delicious snacks and hot apple cider during finals week for their residents. Because they’re a student property many of their residents will be away until January, but that didn’t stop them from getting festive!

Evolve at Stones Bay

has a hot cocoa bar and gift wrapping station set up for their residents. Head to the clubhouse to make wrapping gifts a little more fun this year with a mug of hot chocolate to keep you cozy!

Stones Bay is also doing a toy drive for Toys for Tots this year. We’d love it if you could bring any toys you’d like to donate down to the clubhouse.

811 East Downtown

is baking fresh cookies for the office daily and is also offering free Christmas present wrapping!

Mountain View

also has a gift wrapping station set up for their residents, complete with festive wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, tape, and more!

They had milk and cookies with Santa earlier this month as well, and Santa read the Night Before Christmas to everyone who joined!

Wishing You Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Are you ready to throw the best NYE celebration to ring in 2020? Remember these top 5 decoration ideas when you plan your New Year’s Eve party this year!

If you do try out any of these fun decoration ideas, post pictures on your IG! Be sure to tag us in them so we can see how you’re evolving in the new year!

October 20 2019

Top 6 Ideas for Hosting the Best Friendsgiving Party

Jenny Yarborough Uncategorized apartmentdecor, apartmentliving, decor, decorations, diy, events, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, friendsgiving, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, modernliving, ncapartmenthomes, party, propertymanagement, realestate, residentevent, residentevents, thanksgiving, thewayyoulive

Ideas for Hosting the Best Friendsgiving Party

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! If you don’t live near family, Thanksgiving is the best time to invest more in your apartment or community. At Evolve, we’re all about evolving the way we live, play, eat, and drink. What better way to get to know your neighbors than to treat your community like family? Check out these top 6 ideas for hosting the best Friendsgiving party.

Get Festive with Food and Drinks

Any good party always revolves around food—especially at Thanksgiving. Potluck-style is a really fun and easy way for all of your guests to come together and create the best holiday gathering you can imagine. Choose a few dishes to make yourself, and let your guests bring the rest. This is a great time to create text chain or Facebook group so everyone knows what to bring! Remember that hosting the best Friendsgiving party starts with food!

Cauliflower en Croute

We love this Cauliflower en Croute recipe from Real Simple. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious vegetarian-friendly option, this is the way to go. Underneath a crispy, golden brown puff pastry is an entire head of cauliflower for you to dip in vegetarian gravy! It’s simple to make, and it can be done ahead of time to make your morning even smoother.

Apple Cider Sangria

When the holiday season is in full swing, there’s nothing like the perfect festive cocktail to warm you up. Grab your favorite fall fruits, brandy, cider, apple whiskey, and sparkling white wine to create Apple Cider Sangria that will keep your guests coming back for more! Check out this recipe from Recipe Girl for the details.

Play Games in Your Apartment or at Your Community

If you want to host the best Friendsgiving party, bring everyone together with festive games and activities! Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving in your apartment or you’re getting together with neighbors in the clubhouse of your Evolve community, one of the best ways to bond is to simply let loose!

Cookie Decorating Contest

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone! Bake a bunch of cookies before your guests arrive so they’re ready to go for the contest. Set up a table with edible goodies like sprinkles and different colored icing, and let your guests get creative. Deem a few friends as judges to choose their favorites when all the cookies are complete!

Gratitude Board

You can find a decent sized chalkboard online that’s perfect to use as a Gratitude Board. Have your guests write down something they’re grateful for when they arrive. If you can’t find a chalkboard, you can use brown paper as a tablecloth and have your guests write on it with permanent markers. Take a photo of the board or paper at the end of the day and send it to each person so they’ll always remember what they’re thankful for!

FALL in Love with Your Décor

Get into the holiday spirit by falling in love with your cozy autumn décor. One of our favorite ideas for hosting the best Friendsgiving party is to spruce up your décor. It doesn’t take much more than bringing hints of nature indoors. From centerpieces to placeholders, there are so many ways you can get creative with your decorations.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Depending on the theme of your party and decorations, you can really get creative with this centerpiece and make it your own! Start with some fabric from your local craft store to use as the base for your centerpiece. You might add in some fall flowers or wheat—simply laying them across the table looks really great. Add in pinecones, orange and yellow leaves or a few small pumpkins. It’s helpful to serve your feast buffet-style in the kitchen.

Succulent Pumpkin Placeholders

These Succulent Pumpkin Place Cards by Giggles Galore are the perfect place settings and will bring your guests joy for years to come! Grab one tiny succulent from your local garden store for each guest, as well as one tiny pumpkin to pair with it. You’ll want to transfer your succulents into little terra cotta pots, but first outline the widest part of your terra cotta pot on the top of your pumpkin. Use a sharp knife to carve almost to the bottom (but not quite!). Dig out all of the seeds, extend the life of your pumpkins by giving them a bleach bath. Add in some natural moss and place your succulents inside the pumpkins. Top them off with a little extra moss and planter stakes with your guests’ names, and you’re ready for Friendsgiving!

What are you thankful for?

We’re thankful for YOU!

Check out the events these Evolve communities have planned to show you how thankful they are for you!

811 East Downtown

is hosting their 5th Annual Chili Cook Off on November 15th. Do you think your chili is so good it can’t be beat? Let your cozy creation speak for itself!

The Summit at Cullowhee

is inviting their residents to Eat, Drink and Be Stuffed with them the Thursday before Thanksgiving! The feast starts at 1pm on November 21st and it’s one you won’t want to miss!

1701 North

is hosting a Grab ‘n Go Breakfast on November 13th. The only thing better than complimentary coffee is complimentary breakfast! Be sure to stop by the clubhouse to before work or class for the most important meal of the day!

Mountain View

is hosting their own Resident Potluck this season! They’ll be providing some of the basics, but are asking that residents bring their own signature dish as well. And even more fun – residents will bring the recipe for their dish so that the Mountain View team can create a Community Cookbook to share with everyone!

Wishing You a Happy Friendsgiving!

Keep these 6 ideas in mind for hosting the best Friendsgiving party. We know your friends and neighbors will love you for it!

If you try out any of these ideas for hosting the best Friendsgiving party, be sure to post pictures to your IG and tag us so that we can see how you’re celebrating this season!

September 24 2019

Top 5 DIY Halloween Decorations for Your Apartment

Jenny Yarborough Uncategorized apartmentdecor, apartmentliving, decorations, diy, events, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, evolvetimbercreek, garner, halloween, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, modernliving, ncapartmenthomes, poolparty, propertymanagement, realestate, residentevent, residentevents, thewayyoulive

Make Your Apartment Spooktacular with DIY Halloween Decorations

Whether you’re dressing up as a ghoulish ghost, a vicious vampire, or a silver sequin disco ball, Halloween is the perfect time to get festive. It’s just around the corner and we’re ready to see some spooktacular décor at Evolve communities this season! Add a little life (or death) to your apartment this Halloween with super easy and fun DIY decorations. Check out 5 of the ideas we love most!

Spooky Spider Web Wreaths

are sure to add a little fright to your front door.

evolve-companies-diy-halloween-blog-spider-web-wreath

This is such an easy and fun project to do at home! Choose a bare wreath that works with your style, and grab faux cobwebs or spiderwebs from any craft store to wrap around your base. Add some fake spiders for a little extra spook or simply wander the aisles of your local craft store to find the perfect haunting accessories for your home!

Laboratory Specimen Jars

are the perfect way to give your goodies a hint of ghoul.

If you’re having people over for a Halloween feast, think about what you’ll be serving up. Grab some wide mouth mason jars and throw in anything from hot soups to exotic fruits like jackfruit resembling brain tissue for dessert.

Spook up your entire table setting by switching out your current dressing jar or gravy dish for an aged, antique option.

Steaming Swampy Punch

will leave you feeling like a creature lurking in the lagoon.

evolve-companies-halloween-blog-dry-ice-punch

Everyone loves the misty punch effect during Halloween. Luckily, the only scary thing about it is the way it looks – it’s super simple to create. Get two large bowls – one slightly smaller than the other so that it fits inside. Using gloves or tongs, carefully place dry ice in the larger bowl. Fill your smaller bowl with your favorite Halloween punch. When you’re ready for the fog to flow, pour a little warm water in the larger bowl.

Keep Out Door

will have your guests running for their lives!

evolve-companies-halloween-door-decorations-blog

When you don’t have a huge front yard to decorate, using your door is the perfect way to show off your skills and your personality! There are so many creative ways to decorate your front door, but we love this KEEP OUT idea. Cut cardboard into planks to mimic wood, and add in any other touches that you’d like – eyeballs peeping through the planks, cobwebs, caution tape, and so much more.

Ghoulish Cheesecloth Ghosts

to spook away unwanted guests!

evolve-companies-halloween-blog-cheesecloth-ghosts

These cheesecloth ghosts are the perfect way to add some fright to your fun! You’ll need cheesecloth, glue or liquid starch, and something to mold the cheesecloth over. Depending on the shape you want your ghosts to take on, you can use balloons or water bottles with lightbulbs resting in the top.

Cut your cheesecloth into smaller pieces, unfold it completely and douse it in your glue or liquid starch. Ring it out enough so that it isn’t dripping but it’s still wet, shape it over your base in layers, and let it sit overnight so that it’s completely hardened. If you let your cheesecloth pool at the bottom of your base, it will be able to stand on its own!

evolve-companies-halloween-blog-painted-pumpkins

Want to Celebrate?

Let the Halloween haunting begin!

Who doesn’t love to get festive for Halloween? Keep it low-key, and grab some popcorn and snacks. It’s the perfect night to watch scary movies with your friends!

Spice up the spook a little bit with a Halloween party! Now’s the time to test out those Specimen Jars and Steaming Swampy Punch!

Evolve at Stones Bay

is gearing up for their Halloween event, A Movie in the Courtyard. What’s Halloween without Hocus Pocus?! Popcorn and drinks will be provided, but bring your own lawn chair or blanket to curl up and get cozy with!

evolve-companies-halloween-blog-movie-poster

808 West

is hosting their Halloween party on October 25th.

If you’re ready to be spooked, you won’t want to miss it! What will you dress up as?!

The Summit at Cullowhee

goes all out for Halloween. Don’t let their sweet spirits fool you! The fear factor is through the roof, the team is preparing for their Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest and Halloween Party!

evolve-companies-halloween-blog-summit-at-cullowhee

Have a Spooktacular Halloween

Get ready for the spookiest season of all at Evolve communities! From pumpkin carving and scary movie nights to door decorating contests and lots of tricks and treats, you’re sure to have the most frightening fun. Check in with your Evolve community to find out how they’re celebrating this season!

If you try out any of these DIY Halloween decorations, be sure to post it to your IG and tag us so we can see your spooktacular work!

August 27 2019

Let the Evolution Begin: Evolving into Fall

Jenny Yarborough Uncategorized 1701north, apartmentliving, chapelhill, events, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, evolvetimbercreek, garner, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, modernliving, ncapartmenthomes, poolparty, propertymanagement, realestate, residentevent, residentevents, thewayyoulive

How we’re evolving into fall at Evolve Communities

We have had some serious tricks up our sleeves at Evolve this summer. As the fall season approaches, we want to show you how our communities are celebrating the evolution. Resident events and pool parties are just some of the ways our communities are shifting into a new season! You might have also noticed that Evolve has done just that—evolved! We’re turning over a new leaf for the fall, and we’ve officially launched our new website! But that’s not all—we’re celebrating the launch in a BIG way (hint: it’s a giveaway)! Let the evolution begin at Evolve and see how we’re evolving into fall!

Check out how Evolve communities have been transitioning into fall. And, keep reading until the end to find out how we’re celebrating the new site and what you can do to be the lucky winner!

1701 North

had a blast saying “see ya later” to summer and evolving into fall with their most recent pool party.

1701 North is so grateful to all of the sponsors who helped make the event that much better including Orange Theory and Wells Fargo who really brought their businesses to our community. They both sent in representatives with tables full of information and giveaways. Lucky residents!

Our Chapel Hill community’s next resident event will be a pizza party, sponsored by Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza. If you’re around on Wednesday, September 18^th at 5pm, grab a slice and bring a friend!

In addition to 1701 North’s celebration, Evolve Timber Creek enjoyed Wine Down Wednesday in the middle of August and spending time with their residents!

Evolve Timber Creek

joined Wine Down Wednesday.

The community is also hosting a Vendor Social with some incredible companies at the end of September. 1701 North welcomes Carolina Ranch Animal Hospital and Resort for pets, Thirty-One (monogrammed bags and totes), Pampered Chef (kitchen items like stone bake sheets), Usborne Books (children’s books), Damsel in Defense (self-defense items for women), Tickle Your Fancy Treats (chocolate covered treats), Jams, Jellies and Jars (homemade jellies and jams), and so many more! Check it out on Saturday, September 21^st.

In addition to Timber Creek hosting several events this season, the town of Garner, NC also has a lot going on! Latin Fest 2019 takes place at Lake Benson Park on Sunday, September 8^thfrom 1pm-5pm. Later in the month, NCVAN has their 8^thAnnual Know Hope 5k Walk Run. Get ready for that on Saturday, September 21^st at 8am at Lake Benson Park!

Want to win BIG?

Let the Evolution Begin!

While Evolve communities have been celebrating the close of summer and evolving into fall, we’ve been doing our own form of celebrating! The launch of our new website has left us floating on cloud nine, and we want you to feel the same! Want to win a giant flamingo floatie and Evolve water bottle? Check out our IG post here and follow the instructions to enter and win! Let the evolution begin at Evolve, and let’s see how you EVOLVE THE WAY YOU LIVE.

July 26 2019

Back to School: Getting Prepped for New Student Move-Ins!

evolveadmin Uncategorized apartmentliving, backtoschool, evolve, evolvecompanies, evolvecos, evolvethewayyoulive, lovewhereyoulive, luxuryapartments, luxuryliving, modernliving, ncapartmenthomes, pool, poolparty, propertymanagement, realestate, residentevent, summer, summertime, thewayyoulive

It feels like summer just started, but we’re already talking about new student move-ins at Evolve communities! Despite school starting back up soon for many, summer is still in full force. There are plenty of cookouts, pool days, and weekends at the beach to be enjoyed before the weather cools off this year! Check out the awesome events our communities have planned to celebrate the rest of summer and our new move-ins!

Garner, NC has so much awesome stuff in store for the rest of the season! On August 14^th, Evolve Timber Creek is hosting Wine Down Wednesday, fully equipped with a food truck! Residents can check it out between 5:30pm and 8pm!

If you’re looking to spread your wings and check out what the rest of the city has to offer, Garner Lions Club will have a Back to School Community Event Day on August 17^th from 10am until 3pm. The PKMP’s 9^th Annual School Supply Drive will be held on August 24^th from 12:30pm until 2:30pm at the Avery Street Park and Recreation Center.

811 East Downtown in Knoxville, TN had some new student move-ins in July—just in time to enjoy the rest of their summer by the pool! They’ve also got a Wine Down Wednesday coming up toward the middle of August, as well as an end-of-summer pool party toward the beginning of September!

Mountain View in Asheville, NC had an awesome time celebrating National Hot Dog Day! Plenty of dogs, sides and snacks for everyone!

In Chapel Hill, 1701 North is planning a pool party for their residents on August 17^th from 1pm until 3pm. Wings Over Chapel Hill and Jersey Mike’s are sponsoring the event, so residents can expect tons of delicious food! Other vendors will supply gift cards for raffles and drinks as well!

2918 North is celebrating the season on August 8^th from 5pm until 7pm at their Midsummer Cookout! Residents can expect burgers, hotdogs, veggie burgers, tons of mouthwatering sides, and beverages to help stay cool in the heat!

Want to EVOLVE THE WAY YOU LIVE? Now’s the time to join us at an Evolve community—you definitely don’t want to miss out on these awesome events! Check out how we evolve the way we live by following along on Instagram and Facebook.