<h2>The Difference Between Intentions and Resolutions</h2>
<p>An intention is based on your values, whereas resolutions are centered around something you hope to achieve. Goals are external pursuits that are specific and measurable. Setting an intention helps you focus on the present and can be put into practice daily.</p>
<p>Intentions also serve as a baseline to refer to throughout the year so you can adjust as necessary. They make room for the unexpected and aren’t limited by the rigidity of a goal.</p>
<p>Some examples of intentions include promoting personal growth or emotional wellness, strengthening relationships and <a href="/about-our-company/blog/want-to-improve-your-health-get-growing/">improving your health</a>. They are ideas with an overarching theme of betterment.</p>
<h2>Tips for Setting Intentions for the New Year</h2>
<p>It’s important to ask yourself questions about your values.</p>
<p>Consider the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>What thoughts, feelings and aspirations are important to you?</li>
<li>What improvements can be made in your daily life that would promote happiness?</li>
<li>What are the basic motivations behind some of your goals or resolutions?</li>
</ul>
<p>When you evaluate the “why” of your long-term aspirations, you’ll understand your true motivations and find ways to implement your intentions each day.</p>
<p>These tips can help you get started:</p>
<p><strong>Make room:</strong> <a href="/about-our-company/blog/how-to-declutter-your-apartment/">Clear your physical space</a> to eliminate distractions while setting intentions.</p>
<p><strong>Find some quiet:</strong> Take time alone to write down your short- and long-term goals and review the intention behind each of them.</p>
<p><strong>Create doable intentions:</strong> Develop a plan to enact your intentions and review them after a short period to see if they need adjusting or no longer fit your values.</p>
<p><strong>Push yourself:</strong> An intention should present a challenge to allow for personal growth. Find something that gets you out of your mental or physical comfort zone.</p>
<p><strong>Make it memorable:</strong> Use a word or phrase to encompass your intention for the new year. It should be short enough to fit on a sticky note and easily referenced.</p>
<p><strong>Give your intention a ritual:</strong> Establishing a routine to check in with your intention will help your brain register change and create a new habit. Reflect on your intention in a specific space, play music or light a candle to get yourself in the mindset to evaluate how you’ve implemented your intention.</p>
<p>Enjoying your living space is one intention to set for the new year. Ardent Communities has living communities in Columbus, Ohio, with luxury amenities and features. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Connect with us</a> online to learn about our apartments and townhomes.</p>


Setting New Year’s Intentions Instead of Resolutions

<h2>#1 Dress the Part</h2>
<p>It’s important to dress in layers to maintain your body temperature. Wear several light layers instead of a couple of heavy ones. The space between layers allows air to circulate your body heat. You lose heat through your feet, so wear socks and slippers to keep your toes toasty. Flannel shirts and pajamas are other must-have items that will keep you warm during winter.</p>
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<h2>#2 Circulate Existing Heat in Apartment</h2>
<p>Proper air circulation allows heat to disperse evenly through your apartment. Move furniture away from air vents so you don’t inhibit warm airflow. Blocked registers and radiators also pose safety risks. Check that your ceiling fans turn clockwise as that rotation pushes warm air toward the ground.</p>
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<h2>#3 Natural Light Apartment Heating</h2>
<p>Sunlight is limited in the winter, so make the most of its heating power by leaving your curtains, blinds or shades open during the day. The sunlight will naturally heat your space, so you can turn down your thermostat when you’re not home. Shut your curtains for apartment heating at night and keeping the cold air out.</p>
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<h2>#4 Add Some Cozy Décor</h2>
<p>Keeping your apartment warm is the perfect excuse to <a href="/about-our-company/blog/tis-the-season-tips-for-decorating-your-apartment-for-the-holidays/">decorate</a>. Fuzzy throw pillows and blankets retain heat and add colors, patterns and textures to your apartment. Thick rugs will protect your feet from cold floors.</p>
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<h2>#5 Use Your Kitchen Appliances</h2>
<p>Cooking during the winter serves as alternative heating for apartments: you can enjoy seasonal comfort food and let the residual heat from your oven and stove dissipate in your apartment. Leave</p>
<p>the oven door open after you’ve turned it off to allow the remaining heat into your space. However, never use your oven or stove as your primary heat source.</p>
<p>Try slow cookers for roasts and casseroles if you’re not big on cooking in the oven. Other <a href="/about-our-company/blog/first-apartment-checklist-the-items-youll-need-to-feel-at-home/">kitchen gadgets</a> like electric kettles and mug warmers are good for hot drinks such as coffee, tea and cocoa.</p>
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<h2>#6 Eliminate Drafts</h2>
<p>Your efforts at making things cozy will be for naught if you let cold air leak in all winter.</p>
<p>Here are some cold apartment hacks to fight drafts:</p>
<p>Place draft stoppers under or on the inside of exterior doors.</p>
<ul>
<li>Roll bath towels and wedge them on windowsills.</li>
<li>Cover the inside and outside of window A/C units.</li>
<li>Use outlet gasket covers to block cold airflow.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>#7 Prep for Bedtime</h2>
<p>You can turn down your thermostat in the evening and stay toasty by layering your bed with flannel sheets, comforters and blankets. Keeping a humidifier in your bedroom adds moisture to dry winter air. Some models also blow warm air, so you can humidify and heat your bedroom.</p>
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<h2>#8 Throw in an At-Home Workout</h2>
<p>Movement increases your body temperature. Using your body weight in an <a href="/about-our-company/blog/simple-at-home-workouts-for-apartment-dwellers/">apartment workout</a> will raise your heart rate and boost circulation without exercise equipment. Regular exercise also keeps your joints lubricated and flexible during colder months.</p>
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<h2>Cozy Apartments in Columbus, Ohio</h2>
<p>Ardent Communities has apartment suites in Columbus, Ohio, that will keep you comfortable and cozy. Call <a href="tel:6142537368">614-253-7368</a> or <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">connect with us online</a> to learn more about Ardent&#8217;s <a href="/apartments/">apartments in central Ohio.</a></p>


Comfy tan couch with throw blankets and pillow

8 Tips to Stay Cozy in the Winter

<h2>Find a Tree to Fit Your Apartment</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Evergreen trees are a quintessential holiday decoration, but full-size real and artificial trees can get too bulky.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some alternatives:</p>
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li>Slim trees: A skinnier tree still makes a big impression. This style requires less space than traditional-sized trees and is good for narrow rooms.</li>
<li>Half trees: This type of holiday tree has a flat side that lines up flush against a wall.</li>
<li>Tabletop trees: Place several miniature trees around your apartment to add a festive touch throughout your home.</li>
<li>Wall decals: Layer lights, garlands and decals to create a tree design on a wall of your apartment.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Use Tabletop and Wall Space</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Tables, desks, bookcases and shelves are great spots to add holiday touches. Swap out your <a href="/about-our-company/blog/apartment-decorating-ideas-on-a-budget/">everyday décor</a> for seasonal florals, trinkets and lights. Wreaths create a welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in your door.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Hang stockings from a coat rack, bookcase or shelf if you don’t have a mantel. Review your lease agreement to see the policy on using nails or temporary hooks and adhesive strips.</p>
<h2>Holiday Themes and Colors</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Deciding on a theme will help you choose appropriate decorations and create a cohesive display. Try a single style, or go all out and pair different themes.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Picking a color palette is another good place to start when deciding on festive décor. Red and green are traditional holiday colors, but you may also consider silver, gold, blue, white and purple to add more variety.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">You don’t have to splurge on different furniture to create the ultimate holiday home. Use what you have and add pops of festive colors and patterns with throw pillows, blankets and rugs.</p>
<h2>Light Up the Night</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">String strands of lights and garlands around your doorways, windows or mirrors. Drape your patio or balcony with colorful lights to brighten a winter night, or try white lights for a subtler effect. Add lights to a glass bowl or vase to create a sparkling tabletop display.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Candles are another décor option that adds a cozy glow and festive scent to your space. You may need to use battery-powered candles if your apartment community doesn’t allow open flames.</p>
<h2>Keep Safety in Mind</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Be aware of the following decoration safety tips:</p>
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li>Never leave a lit candle or wax melting pot unattended.</li>
<li>Keep candles on a sturdy surface away from flammable decorations.</li>
<li>Position trees away from air vents and portable heaters.</li>
<li>Check electric cords for fraying.</li>
<li>Don’t overload a single outlet with too many extension cords.</li>
<li>Use a power strip to plug in multiple strings of lights.</li>
<li>Turn off all lights and decorations before you leave your apartment.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Ardent Communities has apartments in Columbus, Ohio, that provide plenty of space for your holiday décor. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Contact us</a> online to learn about available apartments and amenities.</p>


Tips for Decorating Your Apartment for the Holidays

<h2>Have an Honest Conversation</h2>
<p>Personal finances are a sensitive subject, even if you’re talking with your best friend. However, it’s an important conversation that should happen before you <a href="/about-our-company/blog/five-tips-to-save-on-moving-expenses/">move in</a> together.</p>
<p>Discussing the following will give you an idea of your roommate’s finances:</p>
<ul>
<li>Their job stability</li>
<li>Monthly income</li>
<li>Personal expenses such as car insurance, loans and phone bill</li>
<li>Their credit score</li>
</ul>
<h2>Discuss Shared and Individual Expenses</h2>
<p>Rent and utilities like water, electricity and heating are commonly shared costs between roommates. Other optional expenses include internet, cable, streaming services and <a href="/about-our-company/blog/busting-myths-about-renters-insurance/">renters’ insurance</a>. You’ll need to discuss who will pay for those services or if you’d like to split them evenly. For example, you both watch Netflix, but it’s your roommate’s account. He or she may wish for you to chip in for their subscription since you’re sharing the account.</p>
<h2>Decide How to Pay for Groceries</h2>
<p>Working out how to pay for groceries might be tricky. You and your roommate may have different eating habits and schedules. <a href="/about-our-company/blog/your-guide-to-grilling-in-an-apartment/">You may like to cook</a> while your roommate prefers takeout, making it hard to determine what you need to fill your fridge and pantry.</p>
<p>Buying your own food is an option, but will you finish things like milk and condiments on your own? Discuss which foods and beverages you’re willing to share and take turns buying those items. You could also split the cost of cleaning supplies. Each roommate can buy their supplies or divide the supplies per room. One person buys <a href="/about-our-company/blog/first-apartment-checklist-the-items-youll-need-to-feel-at-home/">items for the kitchen</a>, while the other purchases for the bathroom.</p>
<h2>Pick Someone to Pay the Bills</h2>
<p>Most rent and utility bills require a primary account to make payments. Having one person pay monthly expenses all at once is often easier than separate payments from multiple people, which can lead to confusion and over- or under-payments.</p>
<p>Discuss who would best handle the expense schedule. That person should create a deadline for each roommate’s portion of their expenses to ensure everything is paid on time. Or split up the bills per roommate and collect each other’s share after it’s been paid. For example, you take charge of rent and electricity payments while your roommate ensures the water and heating bills are covered.</p>
<h2>Record and Track Expenses</h2>
<p>You’ll have several monthly bills to manage, and you may encounter a situation where you or your roommate can’t remember if you paid. Tracking expenses is a must, whether in a notebook or on a spreadsheet or app.</p>
<p>Collect your monthly statements and keep them in a communal space where everyone can find them. Highlight the due date and amount or input them in a spreadsheet. You or your roommate should log the date next to each bill once it’s been paid to eliminate confusion and error.</p>
<p>Ardent Communities has several apartment and townhouse <a href="/about-our-company/blog/columbus-is-booming-why-you-should-consider-making-the-move/">communities in Columbus, Ohio</a>. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Connect with us</a> online to learn about our residences and application process.</p>


Young female backpacker renting apartment

5 Tips for Creating a Budget with a Roommate

<h2>Outdoor Activities in Westerville, OH</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.inniswood.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Innis Metro Park:</a> This 123-acre nature preserve is open year-round and full of streams, woodlands, wildflowers, landscaped gardens and trails. This park has a horticultural library and hosts local artists in the main room each month.</p>
<p><a href="https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/reservoirs/hoover-reservoir/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hoover Reservoir Park &amp; Sharon Woods:</a> Constructed in 1955 to supply water to Columbus, you’ll find plenty of activities at the 4,700-acre park, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Boating</li>
<li>Swimming</li>
<li>Fishing</li>
<li>Disc golf</li>
<li>Hiking trails</li>
<li>Picnic areas</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/sharon-woods/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sharon Woods</a>: Home to towering forests and prairie fields with several paved, gravel and natural hiking trails under two miles. Fish at the lake, take your pet for a stroll or come back in the winter for sledding.</p>
<p><a href="https://parks.westerville.org/facilities/highland-park-aquatic-center" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Highland Park Aquatic Center:</a> There’s something for everyone at the Highland Park Aquatic Center.</p>
<ul>
<li>An eight-lane, 25-meter pool</li>
<li>Two water slides</li>
<li>A lazy river</li>
<li>A simulated rock slide</li>
<li>A spray playground</li>
</ul>
<h2>Westerville Golf Center</h2>
<p>The golf center is open to players of all skill levels. There are 100 tees and 40 heated stalls, so you can practice driving year-round. Adults and children can take lessons or head to the miniature golf course for a family outing. <a href="https://www.westervillegolf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Westerville Golf Center</a> also has batting cages open daily.</p>
<h2>Westerville History Museum and Hanby House</h2>
<p>Explore the past at <a href="https://westervillelibrary.org/museum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Westerville History Museum</a>. Westerville was once ground zero for the prohibition movement and the Anti-Saloon League. The <a href="https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/hanby-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hanby House</a> is another historical site that was the home of Benjamin Hanby, a composer who wrote “Up on the Housetop.” The house was also part of the Underground Railroad and one of the few open to the public in Central Ohio.</p>
<h2>Urban Float Polaris</h2>
<p>The float spa is located off Polaris Parkway in the northwestern corner of Westerville. Unwind in a sensory-managed DreamPod to relieve physical and mental tension. The pods at <a href="https://www.urbanfloat.com/urban-float-columbus-westerville" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Urban Float Polaris</a> also use a full-spectrum infrared sauna and red light therapy to provide pain relief, treat skin conditions and improve circulation.</p>
<h2>Restaurants in Westerville, Ohio</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.uptowndeliandbrew.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Uptown Deli &amp; Brew</a>: Grab a sandwich and a craft beer from Temperance Row Brewing while you lounge on the patio and people-watch on State Street.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thenorthstarcafe.com/location/northstar-cafe-westerville/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Northstar Café</a>: This Westerville staple is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner items made from locally grown, organic food.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.101beerkitchen.com/westerville-ohio" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">101 Beer Kitchen</a>: The extensive craft beer list is complimented by rustic food options, including blackened walleye, housemade macaroni, ale and cheddar soup and the 101 burger.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.myrustybucket.com/locations/westerville" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rusty Bucket</a>: Located on Polaris Parkway, Rusty Bucket features classic tavern fare like fish and chips, burgers, Reuben sandwiches and pizza.</p>
<h2>Moving to the Area? Check out 1-, 2- &amp; 3-Bedroom Westerville Apartments!</h2>
<p>Find your apartment in Westerville, Ohio, at Ardent Communities. <a href="/apartments/westerville/andrew-reserve/">Andrew Reserve</a> has luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom suites that provide ample living space. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Contact us</a> online to apply.</p>


Our Blog

Setting New Year’s Intentions Instead of Resolutions

8 Tips to Stay Cozy in the Winter

Tips for Decorating Your Apartment for the Holidays

5 Tips for Creating a Budget with a Roommate

Top Places to Explore in the City of Westerville, OH

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