Here at Pine View Village Apartments, we're proud to be part of the Flagstaff community … and that means giving back when and where we can! This month, your Pine View Village crew was proud to give back to the Second Chance Center for Animals with a day of volunteering!

Second Chance has served as a "rescue from the rescues" through a partnership with over 30 organizations across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Their vision of making sure every dog and cat in Northern Arizona has a home has led to the adoption of so many animals into welcoming "fur-ever" homes! Their partnership with the Coconino Humane Association has saved the lives of at-risk animals who may have otherwise faced euthanasia. During our volunteer day, we were able to paint part of their facility and provide doggy (and puppy!) baths!

Second Chance recently made the decision to pull back some of its offerings, but have encouraged volunteers to support the Coconino Humane Association. We've also been happy to partner with Coconino Humane to sponsor some of our favorite resident events: Rent A Puppy!

Looking to adopt a new "fur-ever" friend? Because Second Chance must empty the shelter by May 1st, they are currently waiving adoption fees on ALL homeless animals! Be sure to stop by the Welcome Center to learn about our animal policies before adopting … Then head HERE to learn more about how to bring home your furry friend between now and April 30th!

To learn how you can help animals in Flagstaff, visit the Coconino Humane Association's Volunteer Page! It's just one small way you can help work "meow-icals" and make a "paw-sitive" difference right here in Flagstaff!

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You can’t spell “HOME” without “om,” a unique meditative phrase sometimes interpreted as “that with which one is liberated.” If nothing else, we hope your apartment home is a place where you feel free to be you … or, even more simply, a sanctuary where you feel free, period. Here are five ways to create the sanctuary of “om” in your own apartment home!

1. Clear your mind

… And your space. Clutter is a huge energy suck in your home. We all know the familiar impulse to hold on to things because we might need them someday, we’ll convinced they’ll increase in value, they have sentimental value, or the dreaded “just in case.” But consider how much space those “just in case” items are taking up … and how stressed your clutter can make you on a daily basis! Take time today to clear away clutter, especially from desktop surfaces and your major relaxation spaces. Consider donating or regifting the items you no longer need; not only will you decrease stress, but the act of giving things away is an instant mood enhancer!

2. Create your zone

Find a space that you can make your own private refuge. Whether it’s a special spot on the couch, your bed, your favorite spot to sip your morning coffee, or the bathtub, we all need a place in our home that is private and personalized. Find a way to define that personal space, be it with an item (a guitar, a special chair, a beautiful rug, etc.) or an extra touch of coziness (extra pillows, bath salts, a scented candle, etc.). Find ways to make that area distinctly yours, even if you can’t create physical separation from the rest of your apartment. Consider the impact of draping your favorite blanket over your favorite chair in your favorite reading nook … that spot is yours, and no one else’s, even if it’s smack dab in the middle of your living room!

3. Here comes the sun

“Let the sun shine … Let the sunshine in!” Natural sunlight boosts your mood and health, and can totally change the feel of a room. Whenever you can, let in as much sunlight as possible. Consider natural daylight bulbs if your apartment doesn’t naturally face direct sunlight during the day. Crack open a window and let in the fresh air … soak it in!

4. Color your calm

Add pops of your favorite colors to every room. Pick a color theme that creates the mood you want in each space of your apartment. Even if you’re in a studio, you can create distinct mood places through color: deeper shades wherever your bed is, brighter colors in the living room, softer hues for a spa-experience in the bathroom, etc. Greens are serene. Blue is restful. According to Feng Shui, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster, so consider this year’s “lucky” colors: yellow, brown, gold, silver, and white!

5. Sent-sational

Have you ever heard of signature scents? Many hotels feature specially crafted scents as you enter the lobby or your room to create an instant sense of place. You can bring this same sense to your own space by identifying, claiming, or creating your own signature scent. Flagstaff is known for smelling of vanilla, so if you love nature consider scenting your apartment with vanilla, evergreen, and cinnamon. The main scent “categories” are: musk, smoky, citrus, woody, green, floral, aquatic, and incense (spicy and sweet). Consider your favorite scents of cologne/perfume, shampoo, lotion, or even your favorite coffee shop or hangout. Find ways to bring those scents home.

Remember, it’s the things that make your space personal, peaceful, and private that make it your own sanctuary. When it comes to making your home into a haven, do what feels right to you! With the tips above, and your own personal touches, you’ll be saying “om” to your home in no time!

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February is a month of love, so we’re celebrating with a focus on things we love, from home décor to fun holidays and more!

The City of Seven Wonders. The Dark Sky City. The apple of our eye. Whatever name we give it, we love our hometown. Flagstaff is a city near and dear to our hearts (and we’re not just saying that because we live here) … here are ten reasons it should be near and dear to yours, too!

A “Haunting” City

Flagstaff has a haunting personality … literally. Head to the Weatherford, Monte Vista Hotel, North Morton Hall at NAU, and the Museum Club are just some of the local spots where you can witness (or at least hear plenty of stories about) some freaky paranormal activity. Whether you’re a skeptic or a full-blown believer, we recommend taking a Haunted Flagstaff tour at least once while you’re here!

Hanging with the Stars

Okay, so maybe we’re not talking about hanging out with the likes of Brad Pitt or Taylor Swift … But you can get an up-close and personal look at one of the best views of the cosmos right here in town at the Lowell Observatory. Pluto is still a planet in our hearts (yep, it was discovered at Lowell in 1930), and NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft is on the cusp of reaching it in July! So be sure to celebrate the “Year of Pluto” throughout 2015 at the observatory!

Feet on FUTS

Head out into the great green landscape of Flagstaff and enjoy the Flagstaff Urban Trails System, or FUTS. Flagstaff has a reputation as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and the more than 50 miles of trails on the FUTS tells you all you need to know about why! You can enjoy other outdoor rec at Thorpe, Buffalo, and Wheeler Park, and other nearby parks, trails, and expedition hubs.

Go “Extreme”

One of Flagstaff’s most “tree-rific” spots in Flagstaff Extreme. Enjoy the zip line and both kids’ and adult adventure courses that take you out of your comfort zone and into the pines!

Pedal to the Metal

Flagstaff is already a great city to roam the streets in … but the Alpine Pedaler takes your journey to a whole new level. Reserve your own seat or enjoy a private group ride with up to 14 pals as you pedal your way along a two hour pub crawl with VIP discounts at all stops!

The Dark Night Rises

If you haven’t yet, make sure you take at least one night to head outside and stare up at the beautiful starry sky over Flagstaff! As the world’s first International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff’s commitment to dark sky preservation means good things for the earth and great things for star gazers. While we love Lowell Observatory, we love even more the fact that you don’t need a telescope to scope out millions of stars on a nightly basis. Still, if you’re looking for a great spot for your stargazing, we recommend heading up to Mars Hill right below the Observatory where you’ll get a great view of the city and the sky!

Macy’s Greys

Not part of the Starbucks crowd? Flagstaff is a coffee lover’s dream with many small coffee shops and cafes, and one of our favorites is Macy’s! Stop in for a delicious cappuccino, hot cup of tea (we’re going Star Trekking with a cup of Earl Grey, hot), or a one of a kind breakfast, lunch, or dinner platter. Macy’s represents Flagstaff’s passion for supporting both the local and global community. For an old fashioned, made from scratch treat, don’t miss Macy’s!

How About a Rendezvous

You’ll find the most dapper baristas in town at Rendezvous, a classy Flagstaff hot spot connected to the Hotel Monte Vista. A coffee house by day, Rendezvous will also tantalize your taste buds as a martini bar by night. Grab a board game and relax in the intimate atmosphere at Rendezvous, and don’t be surprised when the hours fly by and you find yourself unable to leave. Not only are you super close to all the action downtown (Heritage Square is right up the street), but your taste buds will thank you as you enjoy unique coffee blends, ridiculous martinis (you’ll be saying “Holy Moly!” the first time you try their Holy Mole), and yummy pastries.

Me, You, and Hullabaloo

Celebrate all things Flagstaff at the Hullabaloo. Celebrated annually at Wheeler Park, this wild and wacky festival has been voted the Best Annual Event or Festival by the Arizona Daily Sun readers since 2010, and there’s no sign of that changing. There’s a crazy costume contest, micro-brews, bounce houses, music, raffles, food, puppets, and more! The only thing we’re not crazy about are the clowns … but we’re more than happy to forgive their presence for the sheet quantity of awesome at this event!

First Things First (Fridays)

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is an awesome way to explore all of Downtown, see great art, enjoy live music, and more. Take in Flagstaff’s monthly street party … you never know what you’ll see! Hundreds of local artists are featured every month, and you never know what fun surprises will pop up around every corner!

Want a full day of fun in Flagstaff? Check out the “Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona” Facebook page!

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