If you have to give caffeine a break or are simply looking for a healthy alternative, try incorporating a morning cacao elixir into your routine and the benefits will surprise you. 

Ingredients:
2 cups milk (your choice)
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt

Method: 
Whisk raw cacao powder into cold milk with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (which balances the flavors) until smooth. Whisking the cacao into the milk before heating it allows it to dissolve completely (if you add it to hot milk it can clump up). Warm the hot chocolate on the stove, and enjoy! 

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Living in an apartment often requires creative thinking and strategic planning to make the most of your space. Whether you're in a cosy studio or a three-bedroom apartment, efficient space planning can transform your apartment into a comfortable, functional and stylish home. Here are some essential tips to help you maximise space in your apartment:
 

1. Multi-Functional Furniture

One of the best ways to maximise space is to invest in multi-functional furniture. Pieces that serve more than one purpose can help reduce clutter and make your apartment feel more spacious. Consider a sofa bed that can be used for seating during the day and as a visitor bed at night. Similarly, a coffee table with storage underneath or a dining table that doubles as a workspace can be incredibly useful.
 

2. Vertical Storage Solutions

When floor space is limited, think vertical. Utilise vertical storage solutions like tall bookshelves, wall-mounted shelves and hanging storage units. These not only free up floor space but also draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of higher ceilings and a larger room. In the kitchen, hanging pots and pans from a ceiling rack can save cabinet space, and in the living room, wall-mounted entertainment centres keep the floor clear.
 

3. Declutter Regularly

Clutter can make any space feel cramped and disorganised. Regularly declutter your apartment by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Adopting a minimalist mindset can help you keep only the essentials and those items that bring you joy. Use baskets, bins and organisers to keep small items in check and maintain a tidy environment.
 

4. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors can significantly enhance the sense of space in an apartment. Placing mirrors opposite windows reflects light and makes the room appear brighter and larger. A large, framed mirror on one wall can serve as a focal point while also creating the illusion of depth.
 

5. Opt for Light Colours

Light colours on walls, floors and furniture can make a room feel more open and airy. Neutral shades like white, beige and light grey can visually expand the space. Adding pops of colour through accessories, such as cushions, rugs and artwork, can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the room.
 

6. Maximise Closet Space

Closet space is often at a premium in apartments. Maximise this space by using organisers, shelves, and hanging racks. Consider adding a second hanging rod or using cascading hangers to increase the amount of clothing you can store. Storage bins and boxes can help keep off-season items neatly tucked away.
 

7. Create Zones

In an open-plan apartment, creating distinct zones for different activities can help define the space and make it more functional. Use rugs, furniture arrangement and room dividers to delineate areas for sleeping, dining, and relaxing. This approach can make a small apartment feel more organised and spacious.

By implementing these space planning strategies, you can create a more efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing living environment in your apartment. Thoughtful organisation and a few clever design choices can significantly enhance the functionality and feel of your home, no matter its size.

The post Maximising Space in Apartment Living: Essential Tips for Effective Space Planning appeared first on Arklife Blog.

Living sustainably is more important than ever as we strive to reduce our environmental impact. Incorporating green cleaning practices, effective recycling and mindful packaging choices into our daily routines can significantly contribute to a healthier planet. Here are some practical tips to help you live more sustainably at Arklife:

1. Green Cleaning

Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and our health. Switching to green cleaning methods is an excellent way to minimise these impacts. Start by using natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice. These substances are not only effective at cleaning, but also non-toxic and biodegradable.

Additionally, consider purchasing eco-friendly cleaning products from companies committed to sustainable practices. Using reusable cleaning tools, such as microfiber cloths instead of disposable paper towels, can further reduce waste.
 

2. Effective Recycling

Recycling is a crucial part of sustainable living, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure that materials are properly processed and reused. Start by familiarising yourself with your local recycling guidelines, as rules can vary significantly by area.

Sort your recyclables properly, ensuring that items are clean and free of food residue. Additionally, be aware of what can and cannot be recycled. Common recyclables include paper, cardboard, certain plastics, glass and metals. Items like plastic bags, batteries and electronics require special handling and should not be placed in regular recycling bins. 

3. Mindful Packaging Choices

Reducing packaging waste is another effective way to live more sustainably. Whenever possible, opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging. Buying in bulk can reduce the amount of packaging waste generated and is often more economical. Bring your own reusable bags, containers and produce bags when shopping to avoid single-use plastics.
Consider supporting brands and companies that prioritise sustainable packaging. Look for products packaged in recycled or biodegradable materials.
 

4. Composting

Composting organic waste is an excellent way to reduce landfill contributions and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Food scraps, coffee grounds and yard waste can all be composted. Small benchtop compost bins can support your apartment composting needs.

By adopting green cleaning practices, recycling effectively, and making mindful packaging choices, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. These small changes, when practiced consistently, can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle and a healthier planet for all.

The post Tips for Living Sustainably: Green Cleaning, Recycling and Packaging appeared first on Arklife Blog.

When it comes to working out, there are many different types of exercises you can do to improve your fitness levels. One type that you might be overlooking is strength training. Strength training involves lifting weights, using resistance bands or doing body weight exercises to build muscle strength and endurance. Below are the detailed benefits of adding strength training to your fitness routine.

Physical Benefits

Increased Muscle Strength: Strength training can help increase your muscle strength and endurance, which can lead to improved performance in other types of exercises and daily activities.

Improved Body Composition: Strength training can help reduce body fat, increase muscle mass and improve overall body composition.

Better Bone Health: Strength training can help increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Improved Balance and Coordination: Strength training can improve your balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Reduces the risk of injury: By building strength and muscle mass, you can also reduce your risk of injury, especially in activities that require physical exertion.

Improves posture: Strength training can also help to improve your posture by strengthening the muscles that support your spine.

Mental Benefits

Boosts confidence: When you start to see the results of your strength training, it can boost your confidence and self-esteem. You'll feel stronger, more capable and more empowered.

Reduces stress and anxiety: Exercise is a proven stress-reliever, and strength training is no exception. By focusing on your workout and pushing yourself to lift heavier weights, you can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood.

Increases mental toughness: Strength training can also help to increase your mental toughness and resilience. By pushing yourself to lift heavier weights and overcome physical challenges, you'll develop a sense of mental toughness that can translate to other areas of your life.

Improves cognitive function: Research has shown that strength training can also improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age.

Strength training offers many physical and mental benefits that can help improve your overall health and wellbeing. By incorporating strength training into your fitness routine, you can build muscle strength and endurance, improve body composition, reduce stress and anxiety and increase self-confidence.

The post The Benefits of Strength Training: Why You Should Add It to Your Fitness Routine appeared first on Arklife Blog.

1. Low-maintenance marvels
   Meet the stars of apartment living – low-maintenance plants. From the resilient Snake Plant to the un-fussy ZZ Plant, discover the green wonders that can thrive even in the busiest of city schedules. No green thumb required!

2. Pet-friendly pals
   For our fellow animal lovers, it’s important to consider houseplants that are safe for furry friends. Choose pet-friendly plants like the Boston Fern and Spider Plant to bring harmless greenery to your apartment.

3. Space-saving superstars
   Cosy apartments call for space-saving plants that fit perfectly on windowsills, shelves and tiny tables. Think pothos varieties, succulents and compact herb gardens to make the most of your limited space.

4. Air-purifying powerhouses
   Breathe easy with plants that double as natural air purifiers. Explore the benefits of Aloe Vera, Peace Lilies and Spider Plants as your green guardians, filtering out toxins and promoting a healthier indoor environment.

5. DIY plant décor
   Let your creativity bloom with DIY plant decor ideas. From hand-painted plant pots to stylish macramé hangers, consider creative ways to turn your plant corner into a chic and personalised apartment oasis.

6. Plants for every room
   Explore the perfect plant for each room of your apartment. From the bathroom (hello humidity-loving plants) to the bedroom (where sleep-inducing lavender is a literal dream), commit to finding the ideal greenery for every space.

7. The apartment gardener's toolkit
   Arm yourself with essential tools and accessories for apartment gardening. Collect an inventory of self-watering planters, stylish watering cans, spray bottles and mini gardening sets to make your plant care routine a breeze.

8. Plant parenthood: a stress-free zone
   Unwind and de-stress with the therapeutic benefits of houseplants. Enjoy the calming impact of a leafy apartment and the connection with nature in the midst of a busy urban environment.

Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a newbie looking to bring nature indoors, these apartment houseplants are sure to elevate your space, mood and health. Embrace the green revolution with the ultimate guide to transforming your apartment into a lush, green paradise.

The post The Ultimate Guide to House Plants for Apartment Living appeared first on Arklife Blog.

1. Space optimisation for furry friends

Discover the art of maximising your apartment space for your pet. Selecting the right-sized dog bed is critical, as is creating designated feeding and play areas to make the most of your living space.

2. Daily walks and exercise: a city dog's delight

Living in an apartment doesn't mean sacrificing exercise. It creates an opportunity for daily walks, exploring nearby parks and finding creative ways to keep your dog active and entertained, even within the confines of city living.

3. Nutrition matters: crafting a balanced canine diet

Explore the world of canine nutrition, tailoring your dog's diet to apartment living. Portion control and high-quality dog food are important, as are healthy treats and a balanced feeding routine.

4. Bathroom breaks and apartment potty training

Navigate the challenges of potty training in an apartment by establishing a bathroom routine, utilising indoor potty options and discovering effective methods to keep accidents at bay to maintain a clean living space.

5. Mind games and enrichment activities

Engage your dog's intellect with mental stimulation. Explore puzzle toys, interactive games and DIY enrichment activities that keep your pup's mind sharp, avoid boredom and foster a happy and well-adjusted companion.

6. Neighbourly manners: canine etiquette in shared spaces

Be a considerate neighbour by instilling good manners. Focus on proper leash etiquette, minimise barking and respect common areas to ensure a positive relationship with fellow residents.

7. Pet-friendly amenities and services

Choose a building with pet-friendly amenities, such as Arklife Robertson Lane’s on-site dog potty station and DIY dog wash.

8. Regular vet visits and health check-ups

Prioritise your dog's health with regular veterinary check-ups. The combination of vaccinations and preventive care will keep your canine companion in optimal health and ensure a long and happy life together.
 

Caring for your dog in an apartment is a rewarding experience that can deepen the bond between pet and owner. With a blend of love, attention and city-savvy planning, you can create a paw-sitively perfect environment for your canine companion to thrive in the heart of urban living. Embrace the wagging tails and joyful barks and enjoy the journey of apartment living with your furry friend.

The post Paws and apartments: creating a pet-friendly living space appeared first on Arklife Blog.

Routine is an overused term that some people relish and others dread. Regardless of your preference, routine forms the building blocks of success for starting your health and wellness and training. We’ve identified four key elements that will help you kickstart a successful fitness regime.
 

Nail the Small Things

To start a habit and set yourself up for success, you should build your exercise routine brick by brick. Progressively achievable rather than progressively impossible should be the mantra that makes sure every component of your routine contributes to your goal; whether that is getting out of bed early to go for a run, to the gym or for a swim. Every little action counts (including making your bed) and the less you have to think about it the more likely you are to stick to the routine.
 

Take pride in what you do

Find a sense of purpose with every small step you take, whether it be your diet or exercise. This creates the feeling that you have a degree of control through forming a positive habit and making progress towards your health and wellness goals.
 

Plan your steps

Like anything, it is easy to get carried away with goal setting and the ‘what ifs’. Setting yourself a big, massive goal is great, but just make sure you also identify smaller, readily achievable targets on your way. The journey needs to be as enjoyable as the objective itself.

 
Align with your goals

Think about your actions with your diet, exercise and recovery in the context of alignment with your overall goals. To achieve your overall goals, it is critical that your exercise, diet and recovery actions align themselves with that overarching objective.

Good luck and don’t forget to make the bed.
 

Unsure how to get started? Contact us for a personalised health and fitness plan.

The post ArkWellness: Four ways to kickstart an exercise regime appeared first on Arklife Blog.

Sleep is essential for our biological life function. While we sleep, many important functions take place that help the body recover and repair, support brain development, cardiac function and body metabolism, as well as enhance learning capability, improve memory and enhance your mood.

Your central nervous system is the main information highway of your body. Sleep is necessary to keep it functioning properly. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in our body, which is responsible for increasing sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhancing your brain’s use of glucose and increasing the availability of substances that repair tissues. Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or harmful in a fight-or-flight situation. Sleep deprivation leads to elevated levels of cortisol. To heal and feel physically and mentally strong, you need to keep that stress hormone at an optimal level.

Long-term effects of sleep deprivation are real. Our sleep affects almost every tissue in our body, including our growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Research shows that lack of sleep increases the risk for obesity, heart disease and infections.

Long-term effects of sleep deprivation are real. Our sleep affects almost every tissue in our body, including our growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

These reasons prove that your sleep hygiene is critical to your health. So, what is sleep hygiene? It is the system that supports your bedroom environment and daily routine to promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep. Ideal sleep hygiene consists of the following:

• A relaxing pre-bedtime routine with limited screen time to minimise exposure to blue lights
• Healthy daytime habits, including nutrition and exercise
• A stable sleep schedule
• A comfortable room that is free of disruptions

Everyone’s sleep hygiene is different. It is critical to tailor hygiene practices to your own unique needs. As you’re developing your sleep practice, it’s helpful to apply positive habits that ensure sound sleep and make you feel well rested. These habits can be as simple as limiting caffeine after 12pm. Six hours after caffeine is consumed, half of it is still in your body. It can take up to ten hours to completely clear caffeine from your bloodstream.

We encourage you to consider your sleep hygiene and develop a habit or system that works for you to enable a healthy sleep cycle and support your journey to optimal health.

The post ArkWellness: Sleep hygiene – is your sleep affecting your overall health? appeared first on Arklife Blog.

The Arklife Vision

Here at Arklife, we have a vision of creating, owning and operating vibrant residential rental communities that put our residents at the heart of everything we do.

By adopting a design led, customer centric approach, we believe our communities enable residents to enhance the way they live, work and play.

Led by a team of property professionals with a shared passion for creating experience-based communities, Arklife brings a new way to live.

Our residents

Success to us is ensuring our residents have everything they need to fully realise their true potential and feel at home in the process.

Our residents have the opportunity for balance. From Saturday afternoon rooftop sundown drinks to lazy Sundays watching “bad’’ TV, Arklife champions every resident to live life to the fullest.

We aim to create spaces that instil our residents with a sense of pride and ownership, as well as fostering a feeling of belonging to the broader Arklife community.

Our team

Our in-house Resident Services team endeavours to help residents do what they want to do and be who they want to be. We offer events and activities curated to the general interests and benefit of each community on topics including health and wellbeing, career, community, leadership, and culture. 

At Arklife Robertson Lane, our Resident General Manager, Chad, is responsible for the day-to-day operations within the community. With more than a decade of experience managing residential communities, Chad’s skills and expertise are second-to-none.

With a strong background in hospitality and tourism, Caitlin, our Resident Services Manager, is passionate about customer service. From events and services through to leasing, Caitlin helps residents to make the most of every day living.

Our communities

We adopt a design led, customer centric approach and believe our communities enable residents to enhance the way they live, work and play by providing all the conveniences, security and comfort of an urban resort.

Offering new rental apartments in Brisbane, Arklife’s apartments for rent are more than just a home for now.

With a range of amenities designed with our residents in mind, living at Arklife allows you to take control of your career, social life and wellbeing. Each communal space is designed to be an extension of your living room, with functional and practice design features that make it simple for residents to connect or invite friends and family without the hassle of sharing space.

From co-working spaces to a 350sqm gym with regular classes, rooftop entertaining areas, dog wash bay, and hi-tech games room, Arklife Robertson Lane has everything you need to live your best life.

Located within one of Brisbane’s foremost retail and lifestyle precincts, James Street, at Robertson Lane you’ll never be more than a short walk away from your favourite bars, restaurants and retailers.

Less than 500 metres away is Howard Smith Wharves. Stop by after work for a drink with friends before heading home to get ready for a night our or enjoy a well deserved night in. You can do it all at Arklife Robertson Lane.

At Arklife Cordelia, an extraordinary collection of resident amenity and services is complemented by the promise of sustainable living. A new residential rental community in South Brisbane, Cordelia will target a 5-star Green Star design and build rating through features including double glazed windows, climate responsive design principles, energy monitoring portals and more.

Just metres from the vibrant South Bank precinct and cultural heart of West End, this market-leading sustainably designed community will bring Arklife’s vision of a sustainable future to life.

New rental apartments Brisbane

Unlike traditional rentals, Arklife offers a unique new type of serviced apartments in Brisbane. With a range of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom furnished and unfurnished apartments for rent in Fortitude Valley, and coming soon to South Brisbane, Arklife is the new way to live in Brisbane.

Our pet-friendly communities are the safer way to rent. With keyless entry powered by our resident app, no difficult landlords, flexible lease agreements and the freedom to rent it like you own it, Arklife is the closest you can get to home ownership without the hefty price tag.

Enquire now to learn more about Arklife.

The post The Arklife Vision – New Rental Apartments Brisbane appeared first on Arklife Blog.

Discover South Brisbane, the city’s cultural haven

Anyone who has ever visited South Bank can’t deny that it is the cultural epicentre of Brisbane.

Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, South Bank is a 17-hectare precinct within the suburb of South Brisbane.

Filled with arts and educational facilities, a world-class theatre, museums and library, South Bank is the ultimate destination for lovers of the arts.

But it’s not just education, art and history that drives the lifestyle of this neighbourhood.

The perfect destination for foodies, this inner city region is home to eateries serving cuisines from every corner of the globe.

A great option for your future

QUT Gardens Point campus. Image: Queensland University of Technology.

South Brisbane is already popular with both local and international students for a number of reasons.

Not only is South Brisbane perfectly positioned to make walking to university easy for many campuses, but it’s also right on the doorstep of Brisbane’s best public transport networks!

Here is a list of the top educational facilities, all located just a short walk or bus trip from South Brisbane.

• Queensland University of Technology – Gardens Point campus.
• Queensland University of Technology – Kelvin Grove campus.
• The University of Queensland – St Lucia campus.
• Griffith University – South Bank campus.
• The University of the Sunshine Coast – South Bank campus.
• CQ University – Brisbane CBD campus.
• TAFE Queensland – South Bank campus.

An artists impression of Arklife Cordelia in South Brisbane.

Rental properties in South Brisbane

Whether you’re currently pursuing higher education, work at one of Brisbane’s leading universities, chasing a career in the city or simply love the idea of living in a cultural hub, South Brisbane is the ideal neighbourhood. If you’re seeking rental properties in Brisbane close to everything you need, look no further.  

Arklife Cordelia, a vibrant residental community at 17 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane has received development approval and is now under construction.

Designed by Rothelowman, Cordelia will also feature an elevated skygarden, expansive subtropical landscaping, lap pool, residents lounge, games room, private dining and retail tenancies.

Arklife combines everything that Australians love about renting plus flexibility and affordability, with the security and peace of mind that is often associated with buying.

The closest thing you can get to home ownership, without the hefty price tag, Arklife allows you to decorate your home how you like, live with your beloved pets and build genuine connections with your neighbours through exceptional amenity, on-site events and experiences, and shared working spaces.

Discover rental properties in South Brisbane – Arklife Cordelia is coming soon. Enquire now to call Arklife home.

Alternatively, to discover rental properties in Fortitude Valley, click here to learn more about Arklife Robertson Lane. 

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