Blog Posts

Top Tips for Buying Antiques

Liv Ahwatukee Blog is back with more information about antiques, vintage items, and collectibles. Now that we’ve covered what they each are and where to find them, we want to take a look at things to keep in mind when you are shopping for antiques. Remember the guiding principle about value, essentially that the value of an item is based on what you’re willing to pay for it — but balance that with your time, budget, and space. Here are some tips to help you do that. — When you can, shop in person. While pictures can be good representations, there is nothing quite like seeing an item for yourself to judge its condition, color, and patina. — When it comes to furniture, some key things to note are whether or not the piece is well-built if it has a sense of character — a patina built up over time and does it suggest a sense of history. — If you are shopping online, the more information you have, the better. Ask for additional information before you buy if you aren’t certain about something - exact measurements, maker’s marks, labels, etc. Things to Look for in a Great Piece Do you like it? If you don’t, what’s the point of getting it? Many pieces may speak to you. . . . Consider the investment a bonus. . .. check to see if the piece is well constructed. Has it been cared for? Note things like cracks, broken parts, stains, loose joints. Ask the seller about the history of the piece and if the provenance is known. Gifts If you are looking for a gift, keep your intended recipients’ interests in mind as you shop. One of the best things about shopping for vintage items and antiques is that they are generally one-of-a-kind. Be sure to find out the return policy of the shop or vendor and if a gift receipt is available. Regardless of whether a gift receipt is available, always get a receipt, even for a cash purchase. The receipt should include the age of the item, the material it’s made from, any damage or restoration, its value, and the price. Are you ready to hit the Phoenix antique shops? We bet you’ll find something perfect to add to your Arizona apartment! Let us know how it goes in the comments.

Phoenix Antiques: Where to Find Them

In our last post, we explored antiques, vintage items, and collectibles, sharing information about how to identify them, what to look for and how to determine value. This week, the Liv Ahwatukee Apartments Blog is taking a look at places to shop for antiques in the greater Phoenix area. Arizona has a rich history and we’re sure you’ll find something worth taking home as you venture out in search of the perfect antique item! Brass Armadillo Antique Mall According to their website, “The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall® is a unique chain of antique malls showcasing antique and collectible merchandise from more than 3,500 antique dealers. With eye-catching malls conveniently located on major interstate highways, we bring the advantages of mega mall shopping to the quaint business of selling antiques and collectibles.” Camelback Antiques “Camelback Antiques is a 7,500 square foot multi-dealer antiques mall located in the historic heart of Phoenix, AZ! We offer a wide selection of vintage and antique goods. We’re the perfect place to find an overlooked treasure for your home or business. Stop on in and see what our always-changing inventory has to offer you!” Rare Lion Antiques & Jewelry “With over 33 years experience and expertise in assessing Antique & Estate Jewelry, our appraisal services are sought after by Estate Liquidators, Attorneys, Accountants, Trustees, Insurance Companies, Heirs, Individuals, and many others. We pride ourselves in providing extensive, detailed, and accurate appraisals, filling the particular needs of each and every client.” For other antique dealers in the area, check out this list from Yelp . We hope you have fun heading out to our local antique shops or finding deals online. Let us know about your finds in the comments. Next time we will share tips about what to look for as you’re shopping.

Do You Know the Difference? An Antiques Primer

Now that it’s starting to cool down a bit here in Arizona and people are more inclined to be out and about here in Phoenix, the Liv Ahwatukee Apartments Blog is taking a look at antiques, vintage items, and collectible items this month. First, let’s take a look at the basics. Key Definitions Antiques are items that are at least one hundred years old, generally speaking. (For cars, it’s twenty-five years old, and for technology, things are typically outdated within five years.) Vintage refers to items that are at least twenty years old. Collectibles are popular items that people like to collect. They may or may not be vintage or antique, but they often are. Retro is something (particularly clothes) that looks out of style for the current time period. Provenance is the written history or proof of a piece’s authenticity, and it is most often found with more expensive items. It is a paper trail for an antique and may include purchase receipts, marketing materials, documents from auctions houses, and even photographs of the piece that establish or prove its history. On Value A general concept in the antique community regarding value is summed up with this adage: A piece is worth as much as you’re willing to pay for it. This concept encompasses the idea that following your heart when it comes to shopping for antiques is okay — just be sure to balance the desires of your heart with your budget. Receipts When it comes to antiques, receipts are important. Always get a receipt, even for a cash purchase. The receipt should include the age of the item, the material it’s made from, any damage or restoration, its value, and the price you paid. Be sure to find out the return policy of the shop or vendor in case you need to return an item. Next week we will highlight various places in the area where you can find antique, vintage, and collectible items. We hope you enjoy the cooler weather this month! Thanks for reading our post today.

Back to School Tips

Welcome back to the Liv Ahwatukee Blog! Not only is it National Golf Month, but this time of year is also the time when many students are starting or preparing to get back to school. Today our apartment community is focusing on helping these students and anyone who will be a support system for them this school year here in Phoenix, AZ. Read on for some back-to-school tips everyone should keep in mind for a successful year. Know the logistics. The first step to feeling confident and capable while you or your student is at school is to first know when it starts! Then you can get a better feel for when you need to be done shopping for school supplies and planning proper sleeping and play schedules. Check your or your school website and event calendar so you can put important dates on your calendar. Tour the school. Learn about each school for you and your household by touring them specifically. This is especially important for anyone new to a school so they can familiarize themselves with the new environment and map out in real time a route they’ll need to follow every day. Even doing this with returning students is useful, for example if the school went through any changes, or if they simply just need to re-orient themselves to the school. Shop for supplies. This can be a fun part of school prep for you and your children, so bring them along and let them choose any items they’ll need, like specific styles of notebooks, binders, pencils, a backpack, and more. This will help them feel confident and prepared for the school year, which goes a long way! Practice a routine. Getting into a more strict routine can be difficult for some kids, so make your efforts now to transition them into going to bed early, waking up early, and setting aside specific times for work and play. Especially if they’re rowdier children, walk them through sitting still, raising their hands, getting along with others, and waiting for their ride home so they are prepared for these important tasks. Encourage and empower them and they’ll respond well!

Golfing Tips for National Golf Month

Welcome to August! It’s National Golf Month, so if you need an excuse to get out of the apartment here at Liv Ahwatukee and do something fun or try something new, golfing is a great answer! Today our blog has golfing tips so you can get out into Phoenix, AZ and make the most of your trip. Come prepared. You don’t have to empty your savings account to get started golfing, so don’t sweat it too much if you’re worried that getting the right clubs means it has to be a huge investment. If you’re new to golf, consider renting equipment or borrowing from a friend who golfs and who could lend a club that might work for you. Don’t forget the sunscreen, gloves, and a hat, too! Practice perfect posture. Having great posture is not only good for you physically — it’s also important to your golfing game! Free Online Golf Tips points out in their golf tips for beginners that you should take dead aim and check your alignment every time you golf so you can get in the habit of creating an on-point hit! Create a solid stance as you do so and tilt at your hips, not at your waist, so you can have great form. Practice. It is true that the more you do something the better and more proficient you become at it, and golf is no exception. Consistent, dedicated practice is how the pro golfers got to be where they are. Be sure to refine your technique and methods as you practice so you’re actually improving, too! Stay safe. Arizona in the summer is really, really hot. The last thing you want to do is get caught out on a golf course without sunscreen or a water bottle. Remember to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and drink whenever you’re thirsty. Also, dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend bringing a hat and sunglasses to wear while you’re out on the course. Take breaks between each hole and if it’s an especially hot day, consider renting a golf cart. We hope you enjoyed these golfing tips from our blog and that you get a chance to get outside and golf this month. Happy golfing!

Refreshing Summertime Recipes

If you are looking to start eating healthier, summer is the perfect time to get started! With so many fresh fruits and vegetables available at local farmers markets and grocery stores, eating fresh produce is easy to do in the summertime. Visit your favorite grocery store or farmers market here in Phoenix, AZ to stock up on the fresh ingredients you will need to create a delicious meal to enjoy inside or outside of your apartment. Triple Berry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans from Chelsea’s Messy Apron Dress your triple berry spinach salad with lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, dijon mustard, salt, white sugar, vegetable oil, and poppy seeds. Head to your local farmer’s market for your fresh fruits and vegetables. Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad with Crispy Chickpeas from Recipe Runner Our favorite part of this Greek tomato cucumber salad is the red wine vinaigrette. Mix together red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, dried oregano, and garlic powder to make it. You’ll love the mix of textures and flavors in this delicious dish! Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken from The Recipe Critic Marinate this chicken in lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic cloves, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Make a batch of homemade mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes, and a light salad to pair with this delicious chicken. Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower from The Fitchen Keep your summer meals healthy by dishing up this sweet and spicy baked cauliflower. Maple syrup, sriracha, olive oil, tamari, and black pepper spice up this simple side. Top with a serving of quinoa or rice with a serving of this cauliflower. Asparagus, Bacon, and Strawberry Salad with Poached Eggs from Savoury Nothings We are big fans of this asparagus, bacon, and strawberry salad. This salad is perfect for opening any spring meal. Our favorite part of this dish is the vinaigrette. Mix together garlic, shallot, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make it. Thanks for reading the Liv Ahwatukee Apartments Blog! We hope your summer is filled with delicious food, good times, and exciting memories.