Blog Posts

Gift Ideas

With tons of opportunities to purchase gifts this time of year, it is easy to run out of ideas. We’ve compiled a list of items for when you just don’t know what to get your loved ones! Use these ideas throughout the year for birthdays, as well. Our first tip is to save on wrapping! Buy generic colors so you can use them for any age or occasion. Ask stores if they do gift wrapping for free (Nordstrom does!), and you can save money. Buy bulk boxes of bows and tape at this time of year so you will always be prepared. Having a few items on hand like lotions, gift cards or movies is helpful for those when you need a last minute gift. This list from Real Simple is great for any quirky or last minute gifts. The site says, “ They might be the least expensive items on your gift-giving list, and often they’re last-minute picks, but that doesn’t mean that stocking stuffers can’t be just as thoughtful as the other gifts you plan on giving. Spare your loved ones the predictable sock packs (snooze), scarves (boring), and ho-hum candy (trust us, they’re all set in those departments), and instead, check our list (twice!) for modern, unique, and special gift ideas for literally anyone and everyone. ” Some items on the list include copper kitchen items, lip balm, and a pretty terrarium. We loved the items on this list from Poor Little It Girl . Technically these are “stocking stuffers” but those items make great gifts and are usually lower in cost! On this list are earrings, mittens, luggage tags, matches, and socks. Remember to give gifts solely out of appreciation and love for the receiver. It’s less about what the cost of the gift is and more about the thought you put into the gift. They will think of you every time they see that item, and they will love it! Where are your favorite places to shop in Puyallup, WA? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Holiday Treat Swap

Hosting a sweet swap is a great way to get friends together and try out a few new desserts. This is a simple event, since your guests will be contributing some of the foods you’ll be enjoying! You pick the date and time, set the space, and invite your favorite people over for an evening of sweets and snacks! Let your friends know ahead of time that they get to contribute a plate to the event. If anyone has allergies, make others aware of those as well. Ask guests to bring copies of their recipe to share with others at the party. Prepare a way for guests to take home their treats. We recommend using a small box or a plate with plastic wrap. Set the mood! Play holiday themed music, turn the lights low and light some candles! This creates a fun atmosphere for a holiday event. Wondering what treat to make? We found these recipes that we think you’ll love. These cookies from Vintage Revivals are a shortbread style cookie with a sweet pink frosting! The recipe makes a ton of cookies, so it’s perfect for sharing. The cookies are best served cold, so making these ahead of time works well. Let them chill while you decorate for the event! The classic Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie (this one comes from Eating on a Dime) will certainly be a hit at your party. They aren’t very labor intensive, and they are always a crowd-pleaser. To get your guests to really fall in love, make these caramel butter bars from Cookies and Cups. They require a few extra steps, like baking the crust and melting the caramel, but after one bite it will all be worth it. There’s a lot of butter in this recipe which makes it the perfect indulgent dessert for the holidays! We hope you enjoy these recipes! Thanks for reading Willow Hill Blog. We hope you have a great week here in Puyallup, WA!

November New Releases

That fall chill is in the air and we’ve moved our weekend fun indoors. No more weekend BBQ’s or outdoor fun, but that doesn’t have to mean boring! There’s a season for everything, and fall is the season for cozy nights inside under fuzzy blankets! One of our favorite activities is heading to the local theater in Puyallup. There’s nothing better than buttery popcorn and a cold drink in hand while watching a blockbuster. Being released on November 4th is Doctor Strange : “From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place-a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.” Also releasing on November 4th is Trolls : “The film will be a grand scale musical comedy centering around how the Trolls came into their vibrant and colorful hair.” Later in the month, on the 23rd, catch Moana . This is Disney’s newest release that we can’t wait to see: “In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore.” Let us know your thoughts as you see these new flicks this month, and thanks for reading the Willow Hill blog!

Holiday Decorating in Small Spaces

At Willow Hill, we love decorating for the holidays. With all the other holiday errands that come with this time of year, decorating can sometimes be an added expense. We’ve found some ideas with decorating tips to save time and money in your space. utm_campaign=managed&utm_medium=social&crlt.pid=camp.ZUAIzVAMLEQA&utm_source=facebook"> This article from Apartment Therapy gives some great centerpiece ideas. The site mentions “The holiday countdown is ticking away at rapid speed. This time of year can definitely get a bit overwhelming, what with holiday parties, shopping, baking, crafting, and all things festive. If you're hosting a holiday meal and want to make your table extra-special for your guests but don't have the time or budget to go all out on an elaborate tablescape, don't fret.” Our favorite idea involves stringing together christmas ornaments to use as a garland for a tablescape, and we always love scattering scented pinecones throughout a room. House Beautiful has more ideas for decorating a small space for the holidays. The site says “Really hurting for space? One thing we've all got: A door. If you've got no room for decorations, don't be afraid to go wild on your front door. You'll feel a burst of holiday cheer whenever you come home, and your guests (and neighbors) will never doubt your dedication to the season.” A DIY project from Style Me Pretty teaches you how to make your own pillow with a festive message. Being able to add these simple touches invites the holiday feel into your home all season long. You’ll be able to learn what works for your space, lifestyle and your own personal style. Switching out pillows or hand towels is a great way to add something festive and functional in a small space. Be aware of others around including your Willow Hill neighbors as you decorate for the season. What is your favorite way to decorate your space? Let us know in the comments below. Happy decorating!

Hosting Overnight Guests for the Holidays

Holidays are all about celebrating, decorating, and sometimes hosting! From turkey dinners to New Year’s Eve there are plenty of opportunities to host guests. When you’ve got loved ones traveling from near or far, offering your couch or guest room to them is a really kind gesture. Don’t feel like you have to bend over backwards for your guests—if you do, you’re hosting the wrong guests! However a little bit of extra effort and preparation can be one of the sweetest gifts your loved ones receive this season. Here at Willow Hill, we are all about preparation and keeping others in mind while doing so! Think about pleasant experiences you’ve had while visiting someone, and do what you can to recreate that time. Don’t feel like you’re running the Ritz-Carlton, but just going out of your way to make your friends feel at home. Take into account your guests preferences as well as dislikes when preparing bedrooms and bathrooms. It might be helpful to reach out to them beforehand to get a feel for what they might be expecting. There are tactful ways to check if they are expecting dinner (“Will you be around that night for dinner?” vs “Do I need to make dinner for you?”) Let them know you don’t want to hinder their tourist experience, but that you are available for help and entertainment if they prefer! Communicate openly so everyone knows what to expect and feelings won’t end up being hurt. One thing we like to prepare for guests is a snack basket. Some guests feel uncomfortable helping themselves in the kitchen, so this is a great opportunity to provide some treats and snacks for them when they get hungry between meals. Here are some ideas for a treat/snack basket: -Granola bars/protein bars -Beef Jerky -Dried fruit -Pretzels -Special foods unique to your state or area -Bottled water -Small candies or chocolate bars Don’t forget to be careful of allergies while packing a snack basket. Happy hosting during the upcoming holidays!

Life at Willow Hill

Life at Willow Hill Apartments is both convenient and comfortable. Choose from one, two, or three bedroom apartment homes to suit your lifestyle. We are pet friendly here at Willow Hill accepting cats, caged small pets, and dogs up to twenty pounds full grown weight. Take your pet for the best veterinary care to East Main Veterinary Hospital /Sunny Sky Animal Rescue or Value Pet Clinic. For all the best shopping and dining experiences, the South Hill Mall is just a short drive away. Willow Hill also offers a 3% monthly discount for all South Hill Mall employees. Willow Hill offers a complimentary tennis court, swimming pool and fitness center, and for residents wanting more for a very active lifestyle, Willow Hill is close to Puyallup Krav Maga , The Little Gym-Puyallup , trails for walking/jogging and rollerskating . Willow Hill has a walk score of 80 and offers complimentary coffee to our residents and prospective residents. You will also find a plethora of coffee shops, cafes, fast food, sport's bars and fine dining all just minutes away . Need a haircut or other salon service? No problem, because salons abound in the area. Willow Hill offers a seasonal swimming pool, cozy cabana and complimentary tanning salon for your best relaxation, and Puyallup offers several spas in the area as well. If schools are important to you and your family, Willow Hill is close to: Kalles Jr High, Meeker or Stewart Elementary, Cascade Christian and Puyallup High School. Pierce College Puyallup is just minutes away. For more information, photos and video of Willow Hill Apartments, visit our site or our Facebook page.