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10 Delaware State Symbols

From strawberries to horseshoe crabs, Delaware’s state symbols represent the cultural heritage & natural treasures of The First State! How many of these 10 Delaware State symbols can you recognize? Wildlife Animal - Gray Fox Adopted June 10, 2010 Indigenous to Delaware, the gray fox is a primitive species, believed to be between 7 and 10 million years old. Capable of running up to 28 miles per hour, it is a swift and powerful animal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kendra Goodness (@photographygoodness) Bird - Blue Hen Adopted on April 14, 1939 While blue hens are not an officially recognized breed, Delaware’s state birds are bred and named for the steel-blue coloring of their feathers. The history of Delaware's state bird starts during the Revolutionary War, when a company of soldiers from Delaware known for their courage acquired the nickname of "The Blue Hen's Chickens" or "Sons of the Blue Hen." Today, The Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens are the athletic teams of the University of Delaware of Newark. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissa Bryant (@melissa_bryant_id) Butterfly - Tiger Swallowtail Adopted on June 10, 1999 This large, yellow, and black-striped butterfly is indigenous to Delaware and can be seen in deciduous woods, along streams, rivers, and wooded swamps, and in towns and cities throughout Delaware. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Susan Wools (@butterflygardeninginspirations) Flower - Peach Blossom Adopted May 9, 1895 At the time the peach blossom was designated as the state’s official flower, Delaware's orchards contained more than 800,000 peach trees yielding a crop worth thousands of dollars, earning the state its reputation as the "Peach State.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kayla Crouch (@kaylacrouch.photography) Fish - Weakfish Adopted 1981 Recognized for its recreational and economic contributions to the state of Delaware and its value as a game and food fish, Delaware’s state fish the weakfish can grow to 3 feet in length and weigh over 19 pounds. You might also know the weakfish by some of its other names - spotted sea trout, gray trout, yellow mouth, yellow fin trout, squeteague, and tiderunner. Marine mammal - Horseshoe Crab Adopted June 25, 2002 The blood of these invertebrates – which contains a protein called Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) - provides a valuable medical product critical to maintaining the safety of many drugs and devices used in medical care and is used by pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to test their products for the presence of endotoxins. Delaware is home to more horseshoe crabs than any other place in the world. Each spring, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs leave the depths to spawn on Delaware Bay beaches, with The Mispillion Harbor being a prime location to view these prehistoric creatures as they gather. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ocean Conservancy (@oceanconservancy) Tree - American Holly Adopted May 1, 1939 Often called Christmas holly or evergreen holly, the tree has dark, thorny-leaved foliage and red berries. In Delaware, the tree can reach a maximum of 60 feet in height and a trunk diameter of 20 inches. The American holly was named Delaware’s official tree when the state was the leading exporter of holly Christmas wreaths. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Native Plant Trust (@nativeplanttrust) Bug - Lady Bug Adopted April 25, 1974 Chosen as Delaware’s state bug by a class of 2 nd graders, the 7-spot ladybug first appears in the spring, often between March and April, looking for food. Every spring, the first ladybug you see could aid scientists in tracking how climate change is affecting biodiversity. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nancy DeJesus (@nancysdejesusphotography) Dessert - Peach Pie Adopted July 30, 2009 Peach farming is an important part of Delaware’s agricultural heritage; at its peak, shipping 6 million baskets to market in 1875. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kyleigh Sage | Barley & Sage® (@barleyandsage) Fruit – Strawberry Adopted 2010 Strawberries are an important part of Delaware's agricultural industry, being bred for taste, not to be big or to last a long time on a store shelf. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CSA Farm, Delaware market, farm education (@highland_orchards) Be sure to keep an eye out for these state symbols next time you’re out canoeing, hiking or just driving around our great state of Delaware! You may even be able to spot a few of them right here in the Christina Riverfront at River House Apartments.

11 Tips for a Happier Home

It can’t be overlooked how much our homes shape our moods, actions, and even our outlook on life. Home is where we start and end each day, and it holds the power to change the way we live and spend our time dramatically. Our homes are there to care for us and help keep us feeling our best. A few small yet meaningful changes can make for a far happier home. Here are our top 11 tips to make your home here at River House Apartments its most comfortable. Make Your Bed Do you have to make your bed if you just mess it up again the next night? Though it seems like a waste of time, the simple act of making your bed can increase productivity and boost happiness . Making your bed takes no more than a few minutes and can set you up for success from the minute you wake up. Don’t Let Dishes Pile Up The sight of a mountain of dirty dishes in the sink can be a huge stressor. The best way to avoid the buildup is to rinse a dish as soon as you use it and stick it in the dishwasher. If you don’t have a dishwasher, wash the dishes by hand and set them on a drying rack. It might feel like a chore in the moment, but a clean kitchen is sure to boost your happiness and protect your family from sickness. Keep Surfaces Clutter Free Too much stuff can be one of the biggest sources of stress for people . Your home should be a peaceful place. One of the easiest ways to keep your home tidy is to get into the habit of keeping surfaces clean. Though it’s tempting to throw your mail and keys on the table, put those things in designated spots and you won’t have to pick them up later. Return Your Room to Its Normal State One of the best practices to get into is putting a room back to normal before you leave it. After you’ve cooked, put away all the ingredients, empty the sink and wipe down the surfaces. This practice can be difficult to make a habit but the happy feeling you get when you enter a clean room is worth the extra effort. Decorate with Photos Identify the memories that make you happy and display them on your wall. Put up your wedding photos, pictures of your grandparents and your kids’ first day of school shots. When you walk by those photos, you’ll remember how happy that moment was, and it will surely brighten your day. Add Some Natural Elements House plants are not only beautiful, but they also help reduce toxins in the air , boost your mood and improve productivity. If you don’t want the commitment of a houseplant, try adding a bouquet of sunflowers to your counter for an instant mood boost. Greenery makes an excellent addition to any room. Try incorporating plants in your bedroom for better sleep ! Make a Zen Space Our homes have become our office, our gm, our movie theater, our restaurants, so having a designated space for unwinding is crucial. The best way to create your personal zen space is to pick a spot that’s comfortable — it could be a small corner or a spare room. Decorate your space with cozy items that make you happy. Set aside time every day to go to your zen space and meditate, practice yoga or read. Show Your Personality It’s empowering to express yourself, and home decor is one of the best ways to do it . Make a list of everything that makes you happy. Look at your list and incorporate those things into your home. Whether it’s paintings of the ocean, tea towels with cat print or the color pink, placing things around your house that reflect your personality will make you happier to live in the space. Let the Light In The brightness and color of light directly affects mood . Blue light can increase productivity, bright light can heighten emotions and natural light can boost happiness. Open the windows, pull back the curtains and let the sunshine in. If you live in a dark space, add lamps and dimmers to boost the brightness and your mood. Choose Mood Boosting Colors The colors in your home can directly affect your mood . The best way to optimize your space for positivity is to choose what specific mood you want to create and use those colors accordingly. Use yellow for an energizing feel, try blue for a calming space and use green for comfort. Fill With Fragrance Smell is the sense that is most closely related to memory . Have you ever smelled an old book and been transported back to your elementary school library? Try filling your home with fragrances that remind you of good memories. Filling your home with pleasant fragrances is sure to lift your spirits. Find Your Happy Place at River House Apartments in Wilmington, Delaware Our waterfront apartments will offer world-class views and best-in-class features including stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood floors, and more. Our community will boast all the best amenities including 24/7 Fitness Center, Resident Lounge, Business Center, Pet-Washing station, Rooftop Deck, Outdoor Fire Pit, and so much more! All of this in a location that puts everything Downtown Wilmington and the Christina Riverfront have to offer in walking distance including dining, shopping, entertainment venues and more!

9 Tips for Sustainable Apartment Living

Creating a positive environmental impact starts at home. Through sustainable living, we can live a lifestyle that attempts to reduce society’s reliance on the Earth’s natural resources. Apartment dwellers can take earth-conscious steps towards making their home an eco-friendly zone and reap the numerous benefits that come along with sustainable living, which include cost savings and a healthier life. To help you take the first step into sustainable apartment living, here are 9 tips: Reduce Your Energy Use There are numerous ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption, like making sure to shut down your computer, unplugging idle electronics, and turning off lights when they’re not in use. Speaking of lights, make sure you’re using LEDs , which are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan. Conserve Water Did you know the average American uses an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home? What’s more, nearly 1 in 10 people around the world lack access to clean water . Do your part to reduce water consumption by turning off the water when it’s not in use (this includes while washing hands), taking shorter showers, only running your dishwasher when its full, and reporting all water leaks to your Leasing Office. Conserving water protects our ecosystem and can also save you money on your energy bills! Use Green Cleaning Products Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthy conditions - the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, certain cleaning products may contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation, or other human health issues . Making the switch to green cleaning products can help to reduce the human health and environmental concerns that come along with cleaning. To identify greener cleaning products, consult the EPA’s Safer Choice program , which certifies products that contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment. Opt for Energy Efficient Appliances While you may not have a say in the type of larger appliances used in your apartment home, swapping your smaller appliances for eco-friendly alternatives can make a huge difference in your energy bill and carbon footprint. Though they can cost more up front, energy efficient appliances will save you enough in utility costs that they’ll often pay for themselves in a short time. Shop Sustainable Furniture Often made of cheap single-use materials derived from questionable working conditions, fast furniture is manufactured quickly and en masse to keep up with passing trends. That kind of consumption is having real ramifications on the planet. The EPA estimates that over 9 million tons of furniture is tossed in landfill each year. What’s more, as furniture decomposes, it can emit harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide. When furnishing your apartment home, first opt for secondhand pieces to help keep them out of landfills. If secondhand isn’t an option, opt for pieces made from sustainable materials and by brands that are doing their part to reduce their environmental impact . When it comes to floor coverings, choose rugs made with natural materials like organic cotton, seagrass, jute, and wool. Control Temperature Naturally Besides adding a touch of design and personality to your apartment, window treatments provide shade against the sun in the summer and trap heat during winter. When choosing window attachments, look for products certified with the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) Energy Improvement rating for increased energy savings and added comfort. Control the temperature in your home more naturally by opting for an open window vs air conditioning or adding or removing layers of clothing. And when it is time to turn on the thermostat, make sure to schedule your programmable thermostat for optimal energy savings. Reduce Your Overall Consumption Recycling items you’re no longer using is a great way to reduce your footprint, but reducing your consumption in the first place has an even bigger impact. Buying less isn’t about purchasing only sustainable brands or shopping secondhand. It’s about being thoughtful with what you buy, thinking about the future, and spending your hard-earned cash on things you’ll actually use. Opt for Zero-Waste Consumables Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture and reflect our tendency to prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts. Of the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced each year worldwide, half of that is for single-use items. Zero waste alternatives can be found for nearly every single use plastic consumable – like toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent and more! When it comes to living a low waste lifestyle, perfection isn’t the prime objective. Simply swapping out one or a few of your “normal” items for these zero waste products is a significant move. Compost Food Waste Tossing food waste into a garbage bin might seem like no big deal, but food waste sent to landfills can seriously impact climate change. When food waste is trapped in a landfill without air, it releases methane, which is a potent gas that contributes significantly to global warming. One way to avoid this is to compost your food waste . Composting is a process of naturally recycling organic materials like leaves and food scraps into decomposed matter that enriches the soil. Composting simply speeds up the process of decomposition by creating the ideal environment for microorganisms to feed on them. You can add compost to your window boxes or mix it with potting soil for indoor plants. Creating an eco-friendly apartment has immense benefits, from ridding your space of dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, improving your health by avoiding products and materials that contain toxic chemicals, and saving energy by using lights and electrical appliances that are power efficient. Practice the tips mentioned above and create an eco-friendly apartment. Not only will you save money, but you will be doing your part in saving our planet.

Navigating Online Reviews

If you are like 89% of all renters, checking out an apartment community’s ratings and reviews is a major part of your apartment hunt. Seeing what other residents think of the apartment community can give you great insight into what it’s like to live there, but how do you know how reliable they are? Knowing what to look for when reading reviews will help you get the most out of them, so we’ve put together a list of thing you’ll want to be sure to look for when reading online reviews! The Date You’ve been on an exhaustive hunt for your new home and you think you’ve finally found the perfect one. It offers plenty of natural light for your plant babies, it’s a 10-minute commute to work and the fitness center is the stuff of dreams. Before you commit and sign the lease, you decide to check out some online reviews. Most of the reviews are reassuring you that you’ve made a great decision, when you come across one that warns “ Don’t rent here. Worst decision I ever made!”. You start to question whether this is the right place for you. Before you make the decision to jump ship on your new pad, check the date of the review. While an older review can still provide insight, things may have changed since it was posted. Maybe the property is under new management, or its undergone renovations. These changes likely wouldn’t be reflected in an older review, so keep that in mind when reading older reviews. The Motives Even if that review cautioning you away from your dream home is recent, think about the reviewer’s motives. Reviewers are often motivated by extreme feelings, either positive or negative. When everything is fine, people are less likely to write a review. This is true regardless of the industry – restaurants, hotels, etc. If a negative review seems vindictive, take it with a grain of salt, especially if all the other reviews are more positive. This reviewer likely just wanted to vent, and their experience won’t necessarily be your experience. The Star Rating Because most reviewers are motived by extreme emotions, it is very common to see reviews at the low or high end of the star rating (1 out of 5 or 5 out of 5). Oftentimes, the reviews in the middle (the 3 and 4-star reviews) tend to be more detailed and objective. While you’ll want to read the reviews when looking at apartments (at least the most recent ones), you’ll likely gain more insight from the reviews in the middle. The Manager’s Response You can tell a lot about the level of service you will receive and how engaged and responsive your property manager will be by the response to the review. When reading the responses from the manager, you’ll want to look for the following: Did they respond at all? A lack of response to a review can sometimes say more than the review itself. Were they genuinely appreciative of the review? A good property manager should be thankful for all reviews, good or bad, and should take the opportunity to thank everyone who is willing to provide helpful feedback. If there was an issue mentioned, did the manager acknowledge it frankly? Issues don’t get resolved by being ignored, and a good property manager will acknowledge the issue without pointing fingers or getting defensive. If there were issues mentioned, did the manager share how they planned to address them or attempt to have the reviewer get in touch to share more details? As you read reviews, a clear picture will begin to emerge about the apartment community. The things residents truly enjoy will become clear, since those things will likely be mentioned by multiple reviewers, and you’ll feel better knowing what you can expect your experience living in the community to be like.

6 Ways to Make Your Overnight Guests Feel at Home

Hosting friends or loved ones overnight? Make them feel right at home with these tips for being a thoughtful host! Whether you’ve never hosted before or are simply looking to do it better, a little hospitality can go a long way and may be easier and more rewarding than you anticipated. Before your visitors arrive, write down your Wi-Fi log-in information so you have it handy when they ask for it (and they will ask for it!). Have plenty of breakfast options ready in the morning - especially the coffee! You’ll want to inquire about any special dietary restrictions ahead of time. Show them where to get water or soft drinks while staying with you and make sure they know they’re welcome to help themselves! That way they don’t feel like they must ask you every time they need a drink. Make sure the toilet paper is in plain sight to re-stock. Nothing is more uncomfortable to a guest than having to root around your bathroom for a fresh roll. Make sure you have a clean hand-towel out for drying their hands after washing them as well! While we’re on the subject of the bathroom, make sure you have additional toiletries such as extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, razors, tissues and feminine products. Though your guests are likely bringing their own, have them on-hand just in case! Set out the hair dryer for them, too! Show them how to work your television and set the remote in front of it so they don’t have to go hunting for it. Your Guests Will Love River House Apartments River House apartments in Wilmington will be the newest luxury riverfront apartments in town. Our waterfront apartments will offer world-class views and best-in-class features including stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood floors, and more. Our community will boast all the best amenities including 24/7 Fitness Center, Resident Lounge, Business Center, Pet-Washing station, Rooftop Deck, Outdoor Fire Pit, and so much more! All of this in a location that puts everything Downtown Wilmington and the Christina Riverfront have to offer in walking distance including dining, shopping, entertainment venues and more! Submit your contact information to receive construction updates, availability and wait list information, events and more.

How to Care for Your Stainless-Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances look great and blend with most decors. Here at River House in Wilmington, Delaware, our luxury apartment homes will feature best-in-class features including stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood floors, and more. Keep your appliances looking pristine and free of marks from grease, fingerprints and water drops by following these guidelines. Wipe in the Direction of The Grain When cleaning stainless steel appliances, the main goal is to do it without damaging the surface or leaving unsightly streaks on it. Find the direction of the grain by looking for little horizontal or vertical lines in the stainless steel. If the stainless-steel grain is horizontal, wipe from left to right. If the grain is vertical, wipe in a downward direction. Use a Designated Stainless-Steel Cleaner Avoid using any harsh chemicals or multi-purpose cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia on your stainless-steel appliances, as these can cause scratches and damage to the appliance. Instead, use a designated stainless steel cleaner , which is formulated to dissolve grease without scratching. Many also leave behind a protective coating to help deter future fingerprints. Wipe With Microfiber Cloth After cleaning your appliances, avoid allowing them to air dry, which can lead to streaks. Instead, buff them dry with a clean microfiber cloth, which lift and trap dirt and grease and do a better job zapping streaks more quickly than plain cloths or sponges do. Apply a little extra elbow grease when you come to any oily smears or stubborn fingerprints. Steel brushes and steel wool pads should not be used since they can scratch the surface of your appliance. Come Home To River House Apartments! River House apartments in Wilmington will be the newest luxury riverfront apartments in town. Our waterfront apartments will offer world-class views and best-in-class features including stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood floors, and more. Our community will boast all the best amenities including 24/7 Fitness Center, Resident Lounge, Business Center, Pet-Washing station, Rooftop Deck, Outdoor Fire Pit, and so much more! All of this in a location that puts everything Downtown Wilmington and the Christina Riverfront have to offer in walking distance including dining, shopping, entertainment venues and more! Submit your contact information to receive construction updates, availability and wait list information, events and more.