Moms & Memories, Pets & Pampering—It’s the Merry Month of May at Waterford Crossings!
It’s the merry, merry month of May at the upscale Waterford Crossings apartment home community in Southeast Nashville, which means Mother’s Day, National Pet Month, and more! And by more, of course we mean Star Wars Day Sunday, May 4, 2025: “May the Fourth be with you.” (If you haven’t seen the LEGO Star Wars sets, then maybe this is the year!) Quickly followed by Cinco de Mayo, which isn’t really that big a deal in Mexico. But, hey, who are we to argue about going out for some tacos and tequila this Monday, May 5? A Corsage For Your Mama The Waterford Crossings team asked *the Idea Specialists™* to fill us in on the background of Mother’s Day, which is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May (May 11 of this year). They turned to the venerable Smithsonian for the goods: “The credit belongs to Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official Mother’s Day services on the morning of May 10, 1908, in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia, and later in the afternoon in her adopted hometown of Philadelphia.” U.S. President Woodrow Wilson gave the holiday federal recognition in 1914. It’s also because of Anna Jarvis that one of the gifts we give our mamas this month is flowers. She specifically selected her own late mother’s favorite flower, the white carnation, as the holiday’s official emblem. At many churches, particularly in the South, it became a tradition to give each female in the congregation a corsage on Mother’s Day, and not just of carnations. What mattered was the color—red or pink if your mother was still alive, and white if what remained were memories of her. Let’s Support Our Local Merchants! Waterford Crossings loves being a part of the community, and always wants to support our local businesses when we can. That’s why we loved the idea of finding that perfect arrangement for mom this year at A Village of Flowers on 21st Avenue South in Nashville, which has some breathtaking designs. You can pick up or they can deliver. If you’re in the market for something that will last a little longer, Rose at the iconic Hermitage Hotel offers a carefully curated selection of products to help you live your most inspired Southern lifestyle. (The Idea Specialists™ are _awfully_ interested in the jewelry collections!) Mummy Yummies! And whose mom wouldn’t want to go out to eat on her special day? Of course The Hermitage also offers an incredible dining experience with live music….the Mother’s Day Brunch Grand Buffet, inclusive of valet parking and a special takeaway gift (complimentary for children 5 and younger). Check out Nashville Guru for more delicious ideas. We’re A Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartment Home Community Because we’re such a pet-friendly luxury apartment home community, of course we love celebrating National Pet Month! It was founded by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1981 to recognize the bonds we develop with our beloved pets and promote responsible pet care through education and awareness. And, it’s anchored by National Pet Week the first full week of May. There are an estimated 1 billion pets worldwide, and we want to pet all of them! (Well, OK, maybe not the iguanas so much.) But we do love our fur-babies, so much so that we have two leash-free pet parks. The Month’s End Brings Memorial Day Memorial Day honors those who died or suffered injuries in battle, as compared to Veterans Day on November 11, which honors all who served in the military, whether they served in peace or wartime. This year, Monday, May 26, 2025, is the date of this U.S. Federal holiday; government offices will be closed. *The Idea Specialists™* The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
April Appreciations—Easter, National Library Week, The Masters & RPM Careers Week!
It seems like everyone’s calendars get crazier than usual when spring rolls around, and this April at Waterford Crossings in Nashville, Tennessee, is no exception! Easter, the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, National Library Week, and more—there’s something for almost everybody to celebrate and appreciate! Let’s Hop Right Into Easter An “eggcellent” way to celebrate will be to take your little bunnies to one of the many Easter events in the area. Nashville Kids Out and About has a good list of what’s on the calendar, including Eggstravaganzoo at the Nashville Zoo Saturday, April 19—and the super-easy option of going to Opry Mills to get your family pic with the Big Hopper himself! These activities are taking place before the actual holiday because it’s late this year—Sunday, April 20, 2025 (Passover begins Saturday, April 12). Which gives you plenty of time to lay in supplies and have the fun of making your own charcuterie Easter basket! If you’re not feeling particularly creative, * The Idea Specialists™ * recommend a quick google search for the kind of goodies you want to share with family and friends. They found lots great boxes and baskets at Harry & David, as well as full holiday dinners! Locally, GREYS Fine Cheeses is an excellent option! Our Local Library When you’re making plans to commemorate National Library Week April 6-12, put checking out the Southeast Branch of the Nashville Public Library (on Hickory Hollow Parkway) first on your list! This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Drawn to the Library,” and that’s because libraries have something that draws everyone in: books, magazines, computer stations, story time for kids, DVDS, online resources, and more. Teed Up Next—The Masters It just wouldn’t be spring in the South without the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, now would it? If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to attend—even if only for a practice round—take it! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most of us, though, will get to enjoy the lovely azaleas and admire the prowess of professional athletes like betting favorites Rory McIllroy and Scottie Scheffler from the comfort of our Waterford Crossings living rooms. Here’s the guide for watching at home. We asked The Idea Specialists™ for some suggestions on how to throw a Masters party, and of course they came through! Egg salad sandwiches, pimento sandwiches, and Mini MoonPies are musts!! Don’t have time to make your own sammies in your custom-appointed kitchen? Not to worry—you can feast on tradition with the Taste of the Masters hosting kit! The world-famous classic concessions items, including pork bar-b-que, are delivered to your door, enabling you to recreate the patron experience. Another way to do that is to make an Azalea Cocktail, the beloved drink of golfers and fans alike. (Pro Tip: This pretty pink concoction goes well with most Easter menus, too!) RPM Careers Week Our final focus for this month’s blog is Residential Property Management (RPM) Careers Week April 14-18, 2025, because where we would be without the people who make it so easy to call our beautiful luxury apartment community home? Support services teams, maintenance/service professionals, suppliers, and leadership—everyone works together, and we’re especially fortunate because they all have a good time at the same time! Residential property management offers career opportunities for passionate, creative, and driven people from all walks of life, professional levels, and skillsets. Check out the National Apartment Association site for more info. Stop in any time to help us celebrate! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
March Madness & ALDI Fun Finds — Both Slam Dunks for Waterford Crossings!
Just like everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s got a bracket when March Madness rolls around. That’s why Waterford Crossings in Nashville, Tennessee, asked *the Idea Specialists™* for some slam-dunk suggestions on how to celebrate both this month. Fellowship, Food & Fun Finds! From shamrocks to the Sweet Sixteen, and whether it’s green beer and corned beef or “Courtside Punch” and chicken wings, the things all good March parties have in common are fellowship and food. The Idea Specialists™ plan to take their shopping lists to the ALDI on Nolensville Pike to stock up on staples and sweets. They have learned about so many good frozen foods and specialty items and gotten so many great recipe ideas from being members of the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook! And of course there’s nothing “shameful” about it! The name really refers to the area in the center of the store that is packed with what the grocer refers to as “ALDI Finds,” a rotating stock of limited-edition, often seasonally themed items. It’s also a prime spot to score dupes of popular name-brand products, at a fraction of the price. Who wouldn’t cheer for that? Gameday Gatherings When it comes to watching the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, plan to have a few folks over to enjoy the roundball action in the comfort of your luxury apartment home, or take advantage of the wonderful spaces in the Waterford Crossings clubhouse to cheer on your faves with your neighbors and friends. Decorate your drinks and spear your appetizers (served in hoop-designed snack cups!) with these fun basketball-themed cocktail picks the Idea Specialists™ found. It always adds an extra level of excitement when you’re competing against friends, so get yourself a bracket going! There doesn’t have to be any money on the line—it can be all about the bragging rights! You can also play around with non-sports brackets to get the non-fans involved—movies, music, and more, the list goes on and on. Check out this post for more ideas. The Wearing Of The Green While once thought of as primarily a day of Catholic religious observance to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in modern times St. Patrick’s Day is more about the wearing of green clothing and celebrating all things Irish! Faith and begorrah! There’s always a lot of fun to be had in Nashville on and around St. Patrick’s Day, and this year is no exception to that rule! Nashville Guru has a great rundown on a lot of the adult fun to be had. For fun with your li’l leprechauns, go to the third annual official Nashville St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday March 15, 2025. It will kick off at 10 a.m. in front of Boston Commons on Woodland and, among other things, feature traditional Irish Pipe and Drums, and some of your favorite sports fans and mascots! Then stick around for live Irish music all afternoon across venues in Five Points, as well as a kids zone with face painting and other family-friendly fun. * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Sweets for Your Sweetie This Valentine’s Day
From initial spark to hot flame, brightly burning fire to softly glowing embers, true love and romance is worth celebrating at all of its stages. That’s why the Waterford Crossings luxury apartment home community in Antioch (near Nashville, Tennessee), asked the *Idea Specialists™* for suggestions on making this Valentine’s Day a memorable one. Let The Guru Be Your Guide The Idea Specialists™ are big fans of Nashville Guru, which has done a fantastic guide to just some of the many restaurants in Nashville are perfect for Valentine’s Day dinners, drinks, or desserts. Carne Mare and Yolan are just two on the list that are featuring prix fixe menus for the special occasion. Wherever you choose to go, don’t forget the bubbles! It’s OK To Monkey Around This Valentine’s Day! A fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Music City is with a Frothy Monkey Frothy Love Dinner. At all of the Nashville locations (and in Franklin), they’re gonna down the lights, change the tunes, and create the perfect ambiance to serve an exclusive three-course menu for two. While everything looks good, the Idea Specialists™ are mainly focused on dessert—a double chocolate flourless cake with tart cherry sauce! You can find out more here, and make your reservation for Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night (February 13-15). More Ideas For still more ideas about how to celebrate in the city, check out Eventbrite’s rundown. And The Knot has a fun list—95 Romantic, Unique and Spicy Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Couple. Sweet Dreams Are Made of This And speaking of chocolate….. Oh, my, but did the Idea Specialists™ come through for Waterford Crossings with suggestions on this front! They hit the jackpot when they found this Food Network post on best buys for Valentine’s Day. Favorites? First up is the Salts of the World Chocolate Collection; each of these chocolates celebrates a different country and features salt, ingredients, and a wildflower all native to that country. So cool! Then there’s the Belgian Chocolate Covered Mini Doughnut Bouquet. Flowers are nice, but could anything really beat a beautifully packaged bouquet of chocolate-covered mini doughnuts? Then, for the vegan Valentines out there, the Idea Specialists™ recommend that you go with the Berry Bouquet Vegan Chocolate Box from Compartés. It is packed with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries and cherries, all dipped in absurdly good vegan dark chocolate. Kids & Puppies The Idea Specialists™ also gave the Waterford Crossings team a cute suggestion on how to celebrate the little lovies in your life—a cute mini-waffle maker! You can make kid-sized waffles in a heart shape perfect for Valentine’s Day morning—or as a dessert treat with ice cream and hot fudge! (Pro Tip: Add a little pink or red food coloring to the batter for that extra flair.) And because they know that Waterford Crossings is a very pet-friendly apartment community, complete with leash-free pet parks, the Idea Specialists™ made it a point to share some info on animal safety. Each year the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate or lilies. Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans—as long as dangerous items are kept out of paws’ reach! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Those Little Special Somethings
One Change To Make In Each Room To Make Your Life Better In 2025 Bedroom Magic The bright and airy bedrooms at the Waterford Crossings luxury apartment home community in the Nashville area are just brimming with design potential! One way to maximize the natural light from their windows is with a large mirror to reflect that gorgeous Tennessee sunshine and get your day off to a pleasant start. Like magic, it will make the already spacious rooms seem even larger! The *Idea Specialists™* love the idea of leaning an oversized arched mirror against a wall (no nail holes!!). From ornate to Midcentury Modern the styles abound, but you really can’t go wrong with classic black (available from Amazon). Bathroom Beautiful Tired of reaching for your toothpaste only to knock over your deodorant and lotion because your bathroom vanity has gotten so cluttered? It’s easy to get organized and beautify your surroundings with all of the container options available now, especially if you follow some of the tips in this House Beautiful piece! Some faves: Don’t double up! Buy cleaning supplies when you need them, instead of stockpiling. And keep them in a convenient caddy! Declutter once a season. Do you really wear the same lipstick in June that you do in November? No. So store stuff accordingly. And speaking of lipstick, check out this groovy rotating cosmetics display case! Kitchen Confidential You can instantly liven up your space, add warmth, and protect the floors in your kitchen by adding a colorful or patterned area rug or runner. The great thing about this change is that it’s almost the ultimate in temporary decoration—you can rotate rugs with the seasons without spending very much money so your culinary space stays fresh. (Like your vegetables, we hope!) Ruggable has unbeatable selections, easy-to-swap styles, and—best of all—their products are machine-washable! Good Housekeeping has everything you need to know before you buy in this post. Den Delights When it comes to choosing lamps for your den, the options can seem endless. Before you make a decision, think about how you’re using the various spaces in the room. Do you need task lighting for an area you’ve dedicated as a work space? A table lamp by the couch for reading? Once you know, then consider your color and style options. The Idea Specialists™ recently found this great combination floor lamp and end table. And, if you, too, are not a fan of visible cords, you can take your pick of colors with these affordable decorative covers. The Idea Specialists™ recently discovered Antioch Furniture Outlet on Bell Road, an easy drive from Waterford Crossings, and could spend just hours there exploring decorating options (including delightful lighting, of course!). Balcony Bonus One of the great things about living at Waterford Crossings is the option of having a sunroom or private balcony. Whichever you choose, one easy way to bring color and comfort to the space is by adding greenery with potted plants, hanging planters, or even faux plants for a touch of nature. Artificial plant bonus: No worries about watering or changes in the weather! The Idea Specialists™ recently used a luxe combo of pots of trailing variegated String Of Hearts from Pottery Barn and traditional ferns by House of Silk Flowers (from Bed Bath & Beyond) to soften corners and enliven a balcony. For other ideas, check out great tips on selecting faux plants from The Spruce. Community Calendar Looking to get out and about to shake off the winter blues? The Music City area doesn’t ever disappoint. Check out these sites for all your options: – Nashville Guru – Nashville Scene – Visit Nashville * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Festive Holiday Cooking & Entertaining: Big Cheer for Clever Entertaining at Waterford Crossings Apartment Homes, Antioch, TN
Who says you need to be a pro to host a holiday bash? With fun recipes and clever decorating tricks, even YOU can transform your home into a festive wonderland this holiday season. We asked the Idea Specialists© for their recommendations for high-impact low-effort entertaining and here is what they said… Let’s start with the food. Easy Recipes for the Star Host Glazed Maple Dijon Salmon Swap the classic roast for something sleek and simple. Brush salmon fillets with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce. Bake for 15 minutes and serve with pre-steamed green beans. It’s elegant, delicious, and practically effortless. Holiday Charcuterie Cups Skip the giant grazing boards and opt for individual charcuterie cups. Fill small glasses or paper cones with cheese cubes, nuts, cured meats, and festive touches like rosemary sprigs or cranberries. They’re portable, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for mingling. Mini Yule Log Brownies Bake brownie batter in a loaf pan, then slice and roll pieces into mini logs. Frost with chocolate ganache, dust with powdered sugar, and top with candy holly. These bite-sized treats are as show-stopping as they are easy to make. Decor That Wows in Small Spaces Twinkle with Lights: String fairy lights along bookshelves, doorframes, or around a mirror to create a warm, inviting glow. Bonus: they double as mood lighting. Mini Centerpieces: Fill mason jars with ornaments, cranberries, or pinecones. Top with a tea light for an affordable and chic decoration. Maximize Vertical Space: Hang wreaths or garlands on walls or doors to add holiday cheer without taking up floor space. Pro Tips for Stress-Free Hosting Make It Interactive: Let guests garnish their drinks with cranberries, citrus slices, or candy canes at a DIY holiday drink station. Or serve up a pitcher of White Chocolate Christmas Margaritas and garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Here’s the recipe: https://charmingcocktails.com/white-christmas-margarita/ Prep Ahead: Choose recipes that can be made the day before so you can enjoy the party too. Small Touches, Big Impact: Personalized place cards or festive napkins add an elegant touch without much effort. Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to downsize your holiday dreams. With these easy recipes, clever décor ideas, and hosting hacks, you’ll be the toast of the season. So, crank up the holiday playlist, pour some spiced cider, and get ready to entertain like a pro! Enjoy Michael Bublé – Best Christmas Songs (Yule Log Fireplace)
Let’s Talk Turkey …And Dressing!
The Idea Specialists™ at Waterford Crossings in Antioch, just outside downtown Nashville, Tennessee, are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re once again having the great “stuffing vs dressing” debate, researching all things cranberry, and making sure they’ve signed up for the annual Turkey Trot. And this year, they’re also going to try something new to them—tandoori turkey! Veterans Day But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Country singer-songwriter Coffey Anderson will serve as grand marshal of this year’s Nashville Veterans Day Parade, Tuesday, November 11, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m. The event, organized by The Mission Continues, is the fifth-largest parade honoring veterans in the United States, with more than 60,000 attendees and more than 50 floats, bands, and other entertainment. The parade route runs down Broadway, in the heart of Nashville, from 13th to 1st Avenue. More Upcoming Events After Veterans Day there is plenty of fun to be had in and around Nashville, especially at Zanies Comedy Club. Henry Cho, a Korean-American born and raised in Tennessee, will bring his clean comedy show to town as part of his From Here to There Tour Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights November 14-16, 2024. And you can start planning holiday experiences with the help of Visit Music City, which has already posted a great roundup of seasonal happenings, including Christmas at Gaylord Opryland starting Friday, November 8, 2024, and Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo starting Thursday, November 14. The Thanksgiving Table So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference? The Waterford Crossings Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that. Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing and Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets. Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird. Cranberry Creations Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can. Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey! This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe Waterford Crossings apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!). Gobble, Gobble—Bark Bark? Excellent news this year from Run Nash, one of the producers of the producers of the Music City Turkey Trot—they’ve added a Doggie Dash! And of course because Waterford Crossings is such a pet-friendly community, we just had to be the ones to tell you about this! The 2024 Music City Turkey Trot will be supporting Nurture the Next, a local charity with the mission to support parents and the communities where they live in creating loving homes that make children feel nurtured. Today, they provide in-home parenting support in 30 counties in Tennessee and offer several statewide programs. Since your fur-baby can’t sign itself up (well, probably, LOL), here’s the registration information you need to participate Thursday, November 28, 2024. All the races will start at Nissan Stadium. Go Titans!
Live & Local, Fall & Football!
With fall comes football, and with football comes tailgating! Whether you’re going to an NFL game or watching ESPN and rooting for your college alma mater out of the weather and in the sumptuous comfort of your apartment home at Waterford Crossings in Antioch near Nashville, Tennessee, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of tasty treats on hand to satisfy family and friends. And yourself, of course! But before we get to dishing the goods on tailgate goodies, let’s talk about having some non-football fun. (It can be done, we promise! LOL) LOOKING AHEAD TO SOMETHING LIVE & LOCAL The Nashville Oktoberfest is always big fun. And, given that Waterford Crossings is so pet-friendly, it’s especially appealing because you can bring your good doggo! And not only that, enter your fur-baby in the annual Pup Parade, set this year for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024. (Costumes encouraged but not required.) Another annual tradition is Boo at the Zoo, featuring a new Ferris Wheel, the always-popular free rides on the Scary-Go-Round Carousel, special animal shows nightly, Carn-Evil games, and 10 trick-or-treat stations (sorry, kids only). Buy tickets online at Nashville Zoo for any of the event’s run nights, October 11-31, 2024. (Admission is ALWAYS FREE for children under 2.) Go ahead and bookmark Nashville Go to make it easy to always keep up with what’s on tap, you’ll be glad you did. NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT POPULAR GAMEDAY GOODIES Google for gameday goodies and you’ll find that pickles are really hot this fall—especially when you serve them cold in this Duke’s Mayo Pickle Dip. The Waterford Crossings Idea Specialists™ love the idea of putting this on burgers and hot dogs, using it for a different kind of chicken nugget sauce, and of course just eating it on some chips or crackers. Check out more sweet and sour food for thought in Delish’s 53 Pickle Recipes You Never Knew You Needed. The Idea Specialists™ know that you can never go wrong with this particular Southern Living Fire Cracker recipe. But they want to up their cracker game this fall, so they’re going to give the Bacon Bow Tie Crackers recipe a go, too. COOLER CONCOCTIONS Beers, spritzers, soft drinks, and water are all cooler staples. Treat your guests to a little something extra with a special tailgate cocktail like the Lunchbox, which you can make ahead in a large lidded pitcher or non-glass beverage dispenser for easy transport. If the combo of orange juice, beer, Southern Comfort, and amaretto doesn’t sound like your cup of fun, Mix that Drink has several more fun recipes to choose from! BBQ FOR YOU No time to get in your well-appointed Renaissance at North Bend kitchen before the next get-together? No worries! Our part of Tennessee is righteously blessed with some barbecue joints; makes for some hard choices when there’s everything from Fat Boy’s to Peg Leg Porker with Honeyfire and so many more in between. Whether you’re craving smoked sausages and pork shoulder (even smoked green beans!) or some chicken and extra-special slaw, you are covered. Don’t forget the peanut butter banana pudding! Yummers! GAMEDAY MUST-HAVE The Waterford Crossings Idea Specialists™ know from experience that while it’s all fun and games on the field, collegiate and pro stadiums don’t play around when it comes to fan do’s and don’ts. One of the biggies is making sure that any bag you take in with you meets guidelines. These days you can go to Amazon and spend about as much or as little as you’d like on a bag. The ET website has the skinny; the Specialists are going with the imminently practical LOXOMU crossbody bag. (But this acrylic WJCD bag that comes in SO many colors and has a removable chain looks like so much fun! Maybe both?) Go Team!
Spend the Last Days of Your Summer Staycationing in Luxury at Waterford Crossings—and Exploring the Nashville Area!
Dear Resident’s, It is truly hard to believe that it is already August. Before you know it, kids will be back in school, and Starbucks will be rolling out its latest pumpkin spice latte! Let’s not think of that just yet though, because we have lots of great things going on right here at Waterford Crossings to help us celebrate the last month of summer. MARK YOUR CALENDARS On Wednesday, August 7, please join us for waffles in the office lobby. We’ll be serving up waffles with all sorts of toppings, juice, and piping hot coffee. Be sure and stop by and grab breakfast. “A Couple of Coffees” food truck will be here on August 10, 8am-2-pm “Donut NV” will have sweet afternoon treats August 15, 5pm-8pm We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our Networking Mixer on August 27. Watch for more details on this event. MAINTENANCE APPRECIATION MONTH Lastly, during the month of August, we will celebrate our maintenance/service crew, for the excellent job they do in keeping Waterford Crossings beautiful and everything in working order. When you these folks, please thank them for all they do! This month’s blog is about staycationing—staying at home and enjoying yourself right where you are. We hope you enjoy reading it and getting ideas on what you could do to treat yourself right here at home, to a little R&R. On behalf of myself and our team here at Waterford Crossings, we wish you a happy August! It is our pleasure to serve you. Brittanie Owens, Community Manager Waterford Crossings STAYCATIONING Yes. It really is a thing. Staycationing at home versus traveling, is totally possible with the lovely pool, community amenities, and location so close to so many fun things and places! So, before you get geared up for the return of back-to-school and other fall routines, make plans to spend the last days of your summer staycationing in luxury at Waterford Crossings and taking a new look at what the Nashville, Tennessee, area has to offer! The American Automobile Association (AAA) says the key to a good staycation is remembering that you’re on vacation, which can be hard to do when you’re staying home. They offer a few tips for planning: Stop daily chores and routines. Focus on activities you wouldn’t normally do. Select activities that relax you and bring you joy. Have a plan, even if it’s a loose one. Set a budget and stick to it. Of course, the loose plan the Waterford Crossings Idea Specialists™ have come up with involves hanging out at our beautiful community pool. And not only is it convenient, it and the sun deck and all the landscaping and common areas are always so gorgeous and clean! Both AAA and Apartments.com have some great ideas about ways to spend your staycation. One suggestion is to cook a fancy meal. And sure, that’s always easy to do in your well-appointed apartment home kitchen, but the Idea Specialists™ have been amusing themselves lately by watching TikToks on private chefs in the Hamptons, which gave them an idea…… YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF Why not hire a personal chef for your staycation? In Good Company offers a range of services—from a chef cooking for you and another person in the comfort of your Waterford Crossings apartment home, to a chef coming once a week to cook all your meals for the week, to a team of chefs cooking for a custom dinner party. If hiring a personal chef isn’t in the budget, barter with a friend who loves to cook and entertain to cater your special dinner. SET THE TABLE And if you’re going to enjoy lovely meals, why not splurge a little and get some lovely new linens to freshen up your dining table? ELLE Decor has turned the Waterford Crossings Idea Specialists™ on to the Ridhi brand of boho-inspired linens (handmade!) in all manner of summery patterns and prints. According to the site, “You can score a set of printed cloth napkins for just $26, tablecloths starting at $53, and placemats for under $40 (all on Amazon), allowing you to create the colorful tablescape of your dreams without breaking the bank.” FAMILY SUMMER MOVIE MARATHON Another good idea for an August staycation is a family summer movie marathon. A google search (the Idea Specialists™ do so love to search!) shows that the Pioneer Woman has a popular post up: “30 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Are Almost as Fun as Being Outside” One of those is that all-time classic The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio. It doesn’t matter whether your gang is caught up on all six series of Cobra Kai or not, it’s still worth the watch—or re-watch! Or, if you’ve always wanted to expand your movie repertoire during your time off, check out the Top 10 most popular movies of all time on Netflix. EXPLORING THE NASHVILLE AREA If you haven’t spent some time on the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. website—Visit Music City—now would be a great time to do so! In addition to sections on exploring the area and things to do, they currently have some special pages up about summer in the city. And it’s Visit Music City for the win again with a page dedicated to all the FREE things you can do in Nashville while you’re on your staycation—or any other time, for that matter. From art and history to free music and Cooter’s Place, a Dukes of Hazzard museum, there’s something for everybody to enjoy—including your good doggo! Given that Waterford Crossings is a very pet-friendly community, the Idea Specialists™ loved coming across this article about how dog-friendly Nashville is. They’ll be checking out the Downtown Dog Park soon. And If you haven’t been already, now might be the time to spend a day at Cumberland Park, on the east side of the Cumberland River directly between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean War
Fireworks & Picnics—Nashville is Exploding with Opportunities for Fourth of July Fun!
With America’s Independence Day and National Picnic Month both on the calendar, opportunities abound for members of the Waterford Crossings community to enjoy food, fun, and fireworks this July in and around Nashville, Tennessee! Celebrate With Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th Plan to celebrate our great nation with your family and friends by taking in one of the most powerful fireworks shows in the country over the Cumberland River at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 2024. It will be the culmination of a day of food, fun, and entertainment provided by Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th. Before then, there will be live performances in Music City Walk of Fame Park starting at 11 a.m., which is also where the family fun zone will be open from noon to 5 p.m. That’s when the main show at the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage at First and Broadway will begin with remarks, patriotic songs, and Color Guard presentation. Multi-platinum global entertainer Chris Young will headline the show at 8:05 p.m. The Nashville Symphony Orchestra at Ascend Amphitheater then will provide the concert soundtrack to the fireworks and drone show. Note: The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and the Woodland Street Bridge will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians beginning at 8 p.m. They will reopen after the event at the discretion of Metro Nashville Police Department. National Picnic Month Sometimes summer sunshine just screams out for a picnic, which is probably why the American Bakers Association picked July as National Picnic Month way back in 1952. The Waterford Crossings Idea Specialists™ did a little research and found that the word picnic comes from the French word piquenique, which eventually came to refer to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. In today’s world, a picnic can be something as simple as sandwiches and soft drinks on a sun deck by one of the three sparkling Waterford Crossings resort-style pools, or as over the top as an Insta-worthy luxury picnic delivered by companies specializing in creating memorable experiences. Locally, Picnic PopUp offers curated packages for unforgettable gatherings. Picnicking In And Around Nashville There are plenty of places for you to plan your own picnic in this lovely part of Tennessee, including Cane Ridge Park, which is conveniently located to Waterford Crossings. If you want to venture just a little farther afield, Do615 has a great list of suggested locations, including those classics, the Parthenon and the Hermitage (which is dog-friendly!) Grilling & Chilling Of course the Idea Specialists™ are going to have some suggestions for you when it comes to picnic-appropriate food and drink! First, though, check out this awesome Picnic Time combo BBQ Kit Cooler from Target they found. In addition to its large capacity for ice and drinks, it features an eight-piece stainless steel grill set that includes everything from tongs and a spatula to a cutting board and corkscrew. And because of its shoulder strap, it’s imminently portable—thus perfect for a picnic at the community poolside barbecue area. Sweet! Before you head out to wherever you’re going to spread your picnic blanket, whip up a to-go pitcher of this luscious Summertime Rosé Tequila Sangria. And depending on what you’re in the mood for, maybe one—or four, or a lot more—of these Pioneer Woman picnic foods. Cowboy caviar, loaded potato salad, chef’s salad on a stick, and blueberry bars all will go with whatever you decide to grill—ribs, chicken, burgers, YUM. Summer’s Bounty The Waterford Crossings Idea Specialists™ will definitely be heading back to the Nashville Farmers’ Market for some more homegrown tomatoes now that they’ve seen this Garden & Gun article for delicious recipes for everything from tomato pudding to cracker salad. They’ll be taking that salad, and some green tomato chowchow, on their picnic, for sure. And Speaking Of Garden & Gun If you’re not already familiar with this quintessentially Southern magazine, check out their Instagram feed to get a feel for what it’s all about. And maybe have a little fun with their “You Might Be a Southerner If…..” quiz. Enjoy!
