Blog Posts

Easy Pasta Salad Recipes Perfect for Summer in AZ

If summer was a food group, we’re pretty confident it would be pasta salad. There’s just something so refreshing about cold noodles, tossed with a flavorful dressing and topped with your favorite veggies, herbs, and proteins. Here are three absolutely delicious summer pasta salad recipes that are on repeat when BBQs and side snacks are part of the conversation. Basil Pesto and Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad This pesto pasta salad is always a crowd favorite. Add this to the BBQ buffet and it will be the first bowl that is empty! All you need are a few ingredients and you’ll have the side dish everyone is raving about. The bold flavors of the basil pesto paired with the sundried tomatoes make for a well-rounded summer dish. Give it a try and you’ll see what we mean! Ingredients: - 1 pkg bowtie noodles - 1 cup basil pesto sauce (you can find this at most local North Phoenix grocery stores) - ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped - ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese Directions: Boil bowtie noodles according to package directions. Once cooked al dente, strain and rinse under cold water to prevent further cooking. While noodles are boiling, chop the sundried tomatoes. Combine the basil pesto sauce and the bowtie noddles first. Then add the sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese. This pasta is best served nice and cold! Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad Four staple ingredients are all you need for this fresh and flavorful vegetarian pasta salad. Like most pasta salads, you can add as much or as little of the ingredients as you’d like, and you can get creative with the pasta noodles you use! Tortellini is our favorite for this dish because it’s dense and filling, which compliments the other ingredients. When serving this cold pasta salad we encourage fresh basil leaves and mozzarella. You’ll notice enhanced flavor and increased quality when these key ingredients are fresh! Ingredients: - 1 pkg. cheese tortellini - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, ripped - Olive oil and salt + pepper Directions: Boil cheese tortellini according to package directions. Once cooked al dente, strain and rinse under cold water to prevent further cooking. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and toss all ingredients together in a large bowl. Chill and serve! Chicken and Vegetable Pasta Salad As you can imagine, this pasta salad is exactly what it sounds like. Think broccoli florets, diced carrots, red and green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and some grilled chicken tossed together with penne noodles and a zesty Italian dressing. That right there is the essence of this tasty and filling cold pasta salad! Ingredients: - 1 pkg penne noodles - Small head of broccoli - ½ Green bell pepper - ½ Red bell pepper - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 Carrots, diced - Grilled chicken breast, diced - ½ cup Italian Salad Dressing Directions: Boil penne noodles according to package directions. Once cooked al dente, strain and rinse under cold water to prevent further cooking. While noodles are boiling, grill the chicken. Once cooked, dice the chicken and all of your vegetables into bitesize pieces. Toss the noodles, Italian dressing, chicken and vegetables, then top with salt and pepper. *Chef kiss* Weekend BBQs and small gatherings are in our near future here in the North Valley, so keep these cold pasta salads in mind the next time you’re deciding what to make! They are easy and delicious pasta salads that everyone will love. If you liked these recipes, share this blog with your friends and family on Facebook or Instagram ! And while you’re at it, keep following the Acero North Valley Blog here for more posts like this one.

Thoughtful Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is this weekend, and if you have no clue what to get your dad, you’re in the right place. While most people think women are tough to shop for, we know just how challenging it can be to find the perfect gift for the special man in your life! So this year, we’re going to help you surprise dad with something a little more thoughtful than a last-minute Father’s Day card because let’s be real, your dad deserves it! A Quality Shaving Kit Among the list of unique gift ideas for dad this Father's Day is an upgrade to his current shaving situation. Treat dad to an at-home spa day with a high-end shaving kit. We’re talking all the bells and whistles; shaving cream, a quality razor, aftershave, moisturizer, etc.! Nothing compares to the clean feeling of a fresh shave. You can handpick most of these shaving essentials at local stores around town, like the Shops at Norterra, or you could find a gift box that’s already assembled for you! North Phoenix stores like TJ Maxx and Kohls are likely to have these pre-assembled shaving kits, so we recommend checking them out. Keep in mind if your dad has a special preference for a particular scent (maybe sandalwood or evergreen are his favorites) as well as any allergies to ingredients/ fragrances so you can be sure to avoid those products. Growler of Local Beer Say “cheers” to dad this Father’s Day with a growler of his favorite Arizona beer! The Craft Beer Quickstop is about 15 minutes from your Acero North Valley apartment, but it’s worth the drive when you get to sit down and enjoy a cold one with your dad. If you are unfamiliar with what a growler is, it’s a glass container that holds about 4-5 beers and is filled from a tap. Growlers are great for those one-off beers or unique craft beer blends that are not sold in 6 packs or in convenience stores. Right now, it’s even easier to gift your Dad a great beer from the Craft Beer Quickstop, because they are offering online ordering ! Not only are you supporting a small business while treating dad to some quality craft beer, but you can do all of it from the convenience of your phone and pick it up when you’re ready. Easy as that! Cheers. (Photo by @Higgspeed) A New Tool Set Now at first, you might think, “My dad is not a handyman, he wouldn’t want tools.” But we ask that you hear us out! Tools are a convenience to have not only around the house but in your car too! Does your dad still drive that old ford from the 70s that he absolutely loves? Does it break down every now and then? Then it’s likely he could use a new set of tools for those occasions. Or simply whenever he needs a screwdriver that isn’t lost or tucked away in the shed. Spoil dad with a quality toolset that he will look forward to using and think of you each time he does! A new toolset is a gift your dad will love, and can be found at the North Phoenix Lowes , Walmart, or really any home improvement store in the area. Show dad just how much you love and appreciate him this Father’s Day with thoughtful gifts that are just as unique as he is. If you liked this blog and found it helpful, please share it with friends and family on Facebook or Instagram ! For all you know, sharing this blog could help a fellow neighbor find the perfect Father’s Day gift, too! That's all for today. Stay tuned for more from the Acero North Valley blog here , and we’ll see you next time.

Sip, Sip, Hooray! Cool Off with These Refreshing Local Beverages

Summer has just about made it’s way to the valley! And I don’t know about you, but there’s something special about sipping on a light, refreshing beverage on a sunny North Phoenix day. If that sounds like your cup of tea (or coffee, or lemonade) listen up. There are three local beverage shops near your Acero North Valley apartment that you’ll want to visit as soon as you finish reading this blog, offering more than just iced coffee. Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade Nothing says “hello summer” quite like fresh-pressed, handcrafted lemonades, acai bowls, and smoothies! Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade offers all of this and more, only a few minutes from your apartment. It’s like having a cute, local lemonade stand right up the street selling gourmet lemonades in a trendy cafe. Wow Wow Lemonade thinks outside of the box, juicing up Passion-Colada lemonades , tropical spritzers, acai lemonade, and more. Whether your craving fresh lemonade or fruit-infused sparkling water, this little local shop is bound to be your favorite place this summer. (Photo by @Wowowlemonadehappyvalley) Elevate Coffee Co. Of course Elevate Coffee Co. makes the list! One of our favorite neighbors, Elevate Coffee Co. brings more to the table than perfectly roasted coffee and mouthwatering iced lattes. The baristas can also whip up a refreshing smoothie, handcrafted sodas with over 25 flavors to choose from, lemonades (that can also have flavor added), chai lattes and so much more ! Next time you’re there, ask your barista for their “Barista Faves” menu and try something new that the Elevate team loves! (Photo by @ElevateCoffeeCo) SaddleCreek Coffee Yep, we’re highlighting another coffee shop, but not for their tasty coffee concoctions! SaddleCreek Coffee has a great variety of impressive summertime drinks on their menu . Think hydrating, light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious, all wrapped up in a drink container! SaddleCreek’s summer refreshers, infused iced teas, nitro sodas and “cowboy lemonade” are what sunny days were made for. The raspberry mango infused ice tea is our favorite, but if we’re being honest, pretty much anything they serve with their infamous slushy ice cubes will taste like a liquified Arizona summer. Try it once and you won’t want to go anywhere else! (Photo by @SaddleCreekCoffee) Dive headfirst into summertime with these refreshing beverages, just a short drive from your home at Acero North Valley. Share this blog with your friends and neighbors on Facebook and Instagram , and stay tuned for more like it, here . See you next time!

Local North Valley Trails to Explore This Summer

You’re not alone if you’ve been feeling cooped up lately. A lot has changed since this time last year, but one thing that remains the same is the beautiful parks and trails that surround our home here at Acero North Valley, just waiting to be explored! As we head into summer, things may look a little different due to the current environment, but we can still enjoy the beautiful outdoors while maintaining a safe social distance. Check out these nearby North Phoenix conservation areas, trails and nature preserves worthy of leaving the house for! Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Living at Acero North Valley puts you less than 10 minutes from the parking lot at the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve . You can pretty much admire the beauty of this outdoor oasis from your apartment balcony you’re so close! Like most Arizona parks, the Sonoran Preserve is packed to the brim with giant cacti, great-horned owls, and all kinds of desert blossoms. As you trek along any of the 36 miles of Sonoran Preserve trail, don’t get too lost with taking photos of all the natural beauty. Remember to lift your eyes, stop for a moment, and take it all in. The views are absolutely breathtaking! (Photo by @Inc.wearearizona) Thunderbird Conservation Park The Thunderbird Conservation Park , located in the Hedgpeth Hills, is also just a short drive from your new apartment! Boasting over 1,000 acres of desert life, this park is home to horseback riders, hikers, mountain bikers, and bird enthusiasts. There’s something for everyone at the Thunderbird Conservation Park making it a lovely outdoor adventure. Whether you’re aching for a 5-mile hike on the Coach Whip trail, or more of a brief stroll like that of the Chuckawalla or Ridgeline trail, you’re bound to have a grand time. (Photo by @Mesilber1) Lookout Mountain Preserve Living up to its name, the Lookout Mountain Preserve is just the place if you’re craving a stunning view of North Phoenix and an all-encompassing view of the valley. Part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve , Lookout Mountain is small but mighty. The trail to the top is fairly short, but can pack a punch when considering the mountain’s steepness. As you can imagine, the higher the trail elevation, the better the view (but also, the more work to get there!). It may take extra effort and energy, but we’d have to say the views make up for it! (Photo by @Andrewkurz_) Hiking Safety We would be doing you an injustice if we neglected to mention safety tips for hiking in the summer months here in Arizona, as well as amidst COVID-19. The national guidelines surrounding social distancing remains the same for parks and trails; stay home if you’re exhibiting symptoms, observe recommended physical distancing of 6 feet while on trails at all times, and share the trail leaving adequate space for others! With regards to safe hiking as Phoenix temperatures rise, see the “Take a Hike, Do it Right” guidelines from the City of Phoenix. This includes hiking during the early morning or evening hours, monitoring the local forecast, and accounting for trail difficulty ratings before embarking on your hike. (Graphic by The City of Phoenix) Get outside and enjoy the beautiful place you get to call home! These are just a few of the many trails, parks, preserves and conservation centers here in North Phoenix. Let us know your favorite local trail on Facebook or Instagram , and keep following the Acero North Valley blog here for more articles like this one. See you next time!

How to Transform Your Patio into A Desert Oasis

Nothing quite compares to Spring in the valley. The temperatures are slowly creeping higher and higher with each day, but in the early summer months like May and June, the weather is still tolerable (for the most part!). With great weather comes the desire to spend all day, or night, relaxing outdoors on the patio. That’s why today we’re going to help you transform your Acero North Valley balcony or patio into your favorite little outdoor oasis. Map Out Your Patio Every apartment suite at Acero North Valley has a beautiful, large, private patio or deck. The first step towards making your patio your new favorite spot to spend time is mapping out how you plan to optimize your outdoor space! Do you currently have patio furniture, such as chairs and a coffee table, rug, plants, etc? Are you starting fresh? If you are starting with a blank “patio canvas” and filling as you go, here’s what we recommend: walk from inside your apartment to your patio, and once you’re outside, determine where you would like to walk to in order to sit down. Do you want the small outdoor couch with a small end table near the door, or on the other side of the patio? Would you want a large plant? Bar-style seating or comfortable lounge seating? Once you have an idea of what furniture you want on your patio, use a measuring tape to determine how much space you’ll anticipate needing for each item. Next, it’s time to shop! (Photo by @My_Hygge_My_Home) Patio Decorating 101 You’ve settled into your new apartment, now it’s time to tackle the patio decor. In all honesty, patio decorating is quite simple. It all boils down to a balance of comfort, functionality, vibrance and a touch of desert glam (this is North Phoenix, so cacti and succulents are a must). After mapping out the blueprint of your patio, the next step is finding just the right furniture and working around that. The valley is full of home improvement stores that are geared up and ready for patio weather. Home Depot , Lowes , the Tractor Supply Co. and even the neighborhood Walmart or Safeway offer a variety of outdoor furniture and decor. Pick your favorite, bring it home, and let the fun begin. Assemble your new patio furniture where you had it mapped out before. Then, determine your patio “theme.” Bring your outdoor space to life with a colorful rug, bright throw pillows, a cactus or small palm tree, and twinkle lights. Order online or stop by the North Phoenix Rod Works and design your patio with decor you will love relaxing with. Our tip for a well-balanced patio: Neutral furniture (tans/browns/black/nude) paired with a bright/colorful outdoor rug, matching throw pillows, a touch of greenery, and battery-operated twinkle lights hanging on the walls. *chef kiss* Perfect! (Photo by @thebohobirdie) Patio Maintenence This may seem like a no brainer, but it’s always worth a reminder. As you dedicate time and energy to transforming your new patio oasis, it’s just as important to keep it clean and maintain it over time. Sweeping your patio and vacuuming the outdoor rug often will make a huge difference in how long it lasts and how long it looks new! Additionally, keep your patio furniture out of direct sunlight when possible, to avoid sun bleaching and tarnish. If hanging lights, be sure to have them in an area of your patio that won’t get hit with rain. Speaking of rain, it’s a great idea to invest in patio furniture covers to keep your new seating area looking new for many summers to come! Your patio is the perfect place to start your morning with a cup of coffee, unwind after a long day, chat with a friend on the phone, or read a book while sunbathing. Hopefully you found some of these tips helpful and will have a blast transforming your Acero North Valley patio into your own little oasis. We’d love to see how your patio turns out, so be sure to share before and after photos with us on Facebook or Instagram ! While you’re at it, keep following the blog here for more posts like this one.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Hot Phoenix Months

There’s no doubt about it, living in North Phoenix means looking forward to warm days exploring the valley of the sun with your dog. However, living in North Phoenix also means those “warm” days can quickly turn into triple-digit days where the temperatures are hardly bearable. We know you want to get out there with your pet and enjoy the beauty of our community, but when the summer months roll around and the temperature continues to rise, here are some important tips to keep in mind when it comes to your pup’s health and wellbeing! Keep Your Pet Indoors Sorry to be the one to tell you this, but if it’s a sunny afternoon in North Phoenix and the temps are rising with each hour, the best advice for keeping your dog cool is simply keeping them home and indoors. Your Acero North Valley apartment has air conditioning that will keep your fur baby cool and comfortable. Sometimes the best thing you can do is say “Sorry little one” and leave the leash, and the pup, at home. Have Plenty of Fresh Water If you do, however, decide to venture outdoors with your pup when it’s warm out, always be sure to have plenty of fresh water available for them. Pro tip: always bring more than you think you’ll actually need! This is the best way to be prepared. Your tail-wagging companion has a coat of fur layered on them, meaning keeping them hydrated and their internal temperature as cool as possible is one of the best ways to avoid overheating in hot weather. Know Your Pet Your dog is most likely one of your best friends, so you probably know all about them. Their age, breed, general health; these are all things you should consider when it comes to heading outdoors in the heat! Similar to humans, the young, the old, and those with health conditions are extra sensitive to heat, so keep these in mind when deciding if your pup needs to join you on today’s adventure. Protect Your Pet’s Paws Let’s say you started your walk at 7 or 8 a.m. when the temperatures were just right. Then, after a few miles and a couple of hours later, the sun has risen and it’s beating right down on you and your furry friend. Their paws are not invincible, and just like we need shoes, they need booties! A great investment if your pup is outdoors often in the summer heat is paw booties . These act as shoes for your dog’s paws, protecting them from the scorching hot pavement, and if you live in the valley of the sun, we recommend not leaving the house without them. Pay Attention to the Time As I briefly mentioned before, it can be easy to lose track of time, and all of a sudden it’s warmer outside than you expected it to be, and your pup looks exhausted. When determining if you’re bringing the dog with you, pay extra attention to when and where you plan to be. Typically the coolest part of the day during the warm Arizona months is the early morning, getting increasingly warmer with each passing hour, and even lasting late into the night. Check various weather apps to see what the temperature is expected to be throughout the day before you leave, and as we are confident you already know, never, ever leave your dog in the car. If it’s expected to get hot, and you don’t really have a plan for the day or know when you intend to be home, simply leave your furry best friend in your cool, air-conditioned Acero North Valley apartment. We know it’s hard to leave your dog at home when the sun comes out, but when you live in North Phoenix, sometimes that is the best thing you can do. Keep these tips in mind as the temps start to creep up here in AZ, and share this blog on Facebook or Instagram with your fellow pet parents! If you liked this blog, stay tuned for more like it, here . See you next time!

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