Blog Posts

Tips for Better Photography

Are you an aspiring photographer? Even if you aren't, do you enjoy taking photos? In this week’s Canyon Park Apartments Blog, we’ll share some tips for you to consider when taking photographs. Understand Composition Taking photos is more than just pointing and clicking, even on a smartphone. Composition can make or break how much you like the photos you take. Understanding how to compose a photo will greatly increase its quality and likeability. What is composition? Composition is knowing where to place the subject and how other elements of the photo can complement and guide the viewer's eyes to the subject. Use a Tripod Avoid the plague of shaky hands by investing in a tripod. Your photos will thank you. Taking photos without a tripod can result in blurry images, or photos with a tilt. With a tripod, you’re more likely to take photos you will be satisfied with as it provides the camera with a more stable platform. Tripods are also great for long exposure shots or if you wish to be in the photo without taking a selfie. Natural vs Artificial Light Another important aspect of photography comes in the form of lighting. Understanding natural and artificial light can greatly enhance your photo quality. Many photographers have their preferences, but the consensus is that there are positives and negatives for both and it comes down to the situation you’re in. Most photographers know of the great time to take photographs known as the Golden Hour (shortly after sunrise, and right before a sunset). This little window of time offers natural light that allows the photographer an easier time in taking greatly lit photos, and is a great start for beginners. Experiment Photography can seem daunting to beginners. Many professionals had to start somewhere, and they only got to where they are by practicing and experimenting with the settings on their camera. Don’t go out to buy the fanciest camera out there, instead, get a cheaper alternative and learn the basics. Once you’re comfortable with it, look into an upgrade. If you don’t have a DSLR camera, the principles of photography can be related to taking photos on smartphones as well. Do you have any photography tips for beginners that we missed? Let our Puyallup, WA apartment community know in the comments below! Thanks for reading, and good luck with your photographs!

Workout Tips for Summer

The warm weather of summer provides many opportunities to head to the park, visit a beach, or take a run! In this week’s Canyon Park Apartments Blog, we’ll share with you some workout tips for you to make the most of the warm weather of summer here in Puyallup, WA. Workout Close to Home You don’t need to go very far to get the benefits of going to the gym. With our new Resident Clubhouse with a Fitness Center, you can get into the groove of exercising just steps from your apartment! Outfitted with cardio equipment and weight machines, you have everything you need at your fingertips. Our fitness center is a great place to exercise, especially on rainy days or days that are too hot to be outdoors. Find Something Fun Enjoy the summer to its fullest by playing sports, swimming, or going hiking. These activities are a form of exercise, but aren’t often associated with the tedious nature of working out at the gym! Exercise comes easier when you’re having fun. You’re more likely to do it more, and for a longer duration. If you start a sport, it may renew your vigor in going to the gym to get stronger to perform better in that sport. There are various trails available for you to hike, and a variety of local pools to choose from when you want to swim. Dress Appropriately If you’re going to be running, playing sports, or swimming, it’s necessary to wear the right attire for each activity. The Pacific Northwest may be a temperate climate, but that doesn’t stop it from getting hot. Stave off heat stroke by wearing breathable materials, swim more easily by wearing a swimsuit, and make sure you wear an appropriate amount of sunscreen! Take it Slow There are many reasons for this tip, and many ways this tip can apply. If you’re just getting into exercise again after a while, it’s wise to take it slow and not push yourself past what you’re capable of doing. If you’re picking up a sport, understand that learning takes time, and you’re not going to learn any faster by rushing. Summer can also be hot at times, so don’t push yourself. Take care of your body, and your body will take care of you. Do you have any workout tips to take full advantage of summer activities? If so, leave a comment below! Thanks for reading!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is coming up! In today’s Canyon Park Blog, we’ll be sharing some information about Cinco de Mayo as well as ways to celebrate at your apartment here in Puyallup, WA. Invite friends over and enjoy! History “Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.” Game Suggestions Play a game with your guests celebrating Mexican culture. Learn a new Mexican Folk Dance like this website suggests. You could even hire someone to come teach your group. If you or someone you know is familiar with a traditional Mexican dance, let them be the teacher and enjoy! You could also play some games with chili peppers such as this Chili Pepper “How hot?” Game . Have your guests guess how hot a pepper is before they bite into it. Food Ideas Check out these Mexican recipes from Today . We think the Chipotle Pork Carnitas look especially delicious! To make them you’ll need canola oil, pork shoulder, a Spanish onion, a red bell pepper, garlic, chipotle chile powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, kosher salt, tomatoes, chicken stock, and bay leaves. Set out some chips and make some salsa, queso dip , and guacamole for easy and tasty appetizers. Check out The Spruce for more delicious and authentic recipes like Mole , Chiles en Nogada , Tamales , and Pan Dulce . How do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Do you have any other tasty Cinco de Mayo recipes that you enjoy? Comment below. Be sure to visit us again soon here on the Canyon Park Blog!

Watch These Comedies for National Humor Month

April is National Humor Month! Celebrate at your Canyon Park apartment by watching a classic comedy movie. Invite friends over and enjoy a good laugh with good company here in Puyallup, WA! Check out our movie suggestions below. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) “History is turned on its comic head when, in 10th century England, King Arthur travels the countryside to find knights who will join him at the Round Table in Camelot. Gathering up the men is a tale in itself but after a bit of a party at Camelot, many decide to leave only to be stopped by God who sends them on a quest: to find the Holy Grail.” Groundhog Day (1993) “A weather man is reluctantly sent to cover a story about a weather forecasting "rat" (as he calls it). This is his fourth year on the story, and he makes no effort to hide his frustration. On awaking the 'following' day he discovers that it's Groundhog Day again, and again, and again. First he uses this to his advantage, then comes the realisation that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people do the same thing EVERY day.” Pitch Perfect (2005) “Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.” Meet the Parents (2000) “Male nurse Greg Focker meets his girlfriend's parents before proposing, but her suspicious father is every date's worst nightmare.” Clueless (1995) “A rich high school student tries to boost a new pupil's popularity, but reckons without affairs of the heart getting in the way.” Mean Girls (2004) “Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.” The Princess Bride (1987) “While home sick in bed, a young boy's grandfather reads him a story called The Princess Bride.” What’s your favorite comedy? Let us know in the comments below!

Hiking Tips in Puyallup, WA

As the weather warms up, it’s time to get outside here in Puyallup, WA. In today’s Canyon Park Blog, we’ll be sharing some hiking tips for you. Bring some friends along and enjoy some fresh air this month! Drink plenty of water. Whenever you feel thirsty, drink. Bring a water bottle and refill when you can. Take frequent breaks to drink. This will help prevent dehydration and keep you healthy and happy during your hike. Dress the part. Feeling comfortable and ready for the great outdoors starts with a great outfit! As you prepare in your apartment, remember important factors like the weather, changes in body temperature according to where you’re hiking and for how long, the range of motion your clothes allow you, and personal comfort. If you’re heading somewhere you might get cooler, layer up! Determine whether your hiking trail warrants hiking boots or whether some good sneakers may do the trick. And bring along a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh sunburns. Pack your bags. While hiking this month, it’s important to be prepared and to bring the essentials with you. Some easier trails may not require all of these items, but remember that it’s more important to be prepared for what may lay ahead. Make sure you have water and some snacks to keep your energy levels up. Have a first aid kit, a map of the area, a pack, flashlight, hat/sunscreen, and the right clothing for the weather and area. Be safe. While hiking, make sure that you are making the appropriate plans for the conditions you’ll be in. If you know a storm is coming (especially with lightning), choose not to hike. Remember to also watch the time. Give yourself plenty of time to hike during the ascending parts of the trail. Do you have any other hiking tips for us? Where’s your favorite place to hike in the Puyallup, WA area? Comment below! Thanks for reading today’s post.

World Health Day

Did you know that April 7th is World Health Day? In today’s Canyon Park Blog, we’ll be sharing some tips and ideas on how you can celebrate this holiday in and out of your apartment. Get healthy, enjoy fresher foods, and exercise for a better life. We hope you enjoy your month here in Puyallup, WA. Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals can mess up your body’s regular eating rhythm. It also leaves you lethargic, causing you to grab something high in calories and sugars to energize you. It can also cause problems with your metabolism and mood. Smile more. This is always a good tip that we don’t do enough of. Smiling helps you feel more confident and good about yourself. When you’re feeling that way you’ll take better care of yourself and live a healthier life. Get outside more. Get outside of your workplace and apartment. Fresh air can do wonders for your health. It also encourages exercise, whether you’re going outside for a walk or you’re playing an outdoor game like frisbee or basketball. Let yourself sleep. Oftentimes we don’t let ourselves get the sleep our bodies crave. Get to bed early and let yourself relax. Don’t feel bad about sleeping in every once in awhile as well. Your body will thank you. Make a healthy meal. For a quick dinner with tasty veggies and moist chicken, try out this Asparagus Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet . This recipe comes from Primavera Kitchen . To make this dish you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic cloves, a medium sweet potato, chicken broth or water, fresh asparagus, and crushed red pepper. Drink more water. You may hear this tip all the time, but it can make a big difference. It’s recommended women drink 91 ounces of water a day and men drink 125 ounces. Start by purchasing a water bottle and bringing it with you wherever you go to make it more natural. What other health tips do you have for us? Share them with us in the comments below. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit us again next week!