Posts about Holidays

Pet Costume Ideas for Halloween 2021

It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween costumes and that goes for your pet too! Our pet friendly community has plenty of furry residents and we love seeing them dressed up during the spooky season! If you’re stumped on ideas, keep reading for inspiration. Pet/Person Matching Costumes Matching your costume with another human is so last year. This year, we’re all about matching with your pet! You can travel to the land of Oz with Wizard of Oz themed costumes giving you creative options like Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and the house that squished the Wicked Witch of the West. Speaking of witches and wizards, catch the train to Hogwarts and bring magic to life with Harry Potter themed costumes consisting of scarves, glasses, and wands coordinated with the house colors of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Save the town as a gang of superheroes and their sidekicks like Superman, Batman, and Robin - to name just a few. For a more earthly approach, you can dress up as a beekeeper or gardener and your four-legged friends can match as a beautiful flower or buzzing bumblebee. Food Themed Costumes Food themed costumes are cute enough to eat, but don’t let the chef catch you slacking! A tiny chef hat and bandana apron will show off your pet’s cooking prowess, even if they usually munch more than they make. And what’s on the menu? A fine selection of hot dogs, tacos, and donuts, of course! We can’t forget to decorate with a little orange pumpkin costume. Other Animals Dressing your pet up as a different animal will never get old. A magnificent mane turns your regular pet into a fur-ocious lion while a simple pair of black wings does the trick for a bat. If you have a brown or tan colored pet, add some dots to their back with fur-safe paint or non-toxic chalk to look like a baby deer and everyone will be fawning over them. If you have a black pet, you can use the same pet-safe paint to make them into a skunk that won’t require a tomato bath. Fantasy Costumes Embrace fantasy and the fun of a medieval renaissance theme by dressing as a king or queen and making your fur baby into a princess in a dress or the royal court jester with a clown collar. Keep things enchanting with a whimsical set of fairy wings or a fearsome dragon suit. Spooky Costumes There are tons of options for classic Halloween costumes. You can turn a cat into a vampire like Dracula with a tiny cape or draw bones on a dog for an undead skeleton look. Upcycle an old sheet into a ghost costume by cutting out holes for the ears, eyes, and snout or keep things simple with a miniature witch’s hat. Reveal your pet’s true colors by dressing them up with an angelic halo or devil horns - whichever is more accurate. Many of these you can make at home if you get a little crafty but in case you don’t have the time or know-how to make it work, there are a few different PetSmart and PetCo locations in Vancouver where you can find a cute costume. If you plan ahead and take shipping time into account, we recommend seeing what sites like Etsy and Chewy have to offer! However you and the fur kids decide to dress up for Halloween, make sure you take a picture and share the results with us on Facebook or Instagram . We’d love to see what you come up with!

Fourth of July Celebration in Vancouver, WA

Clark County just announced a ban on fireworks this year amid the recent heatwave in the Pacific Northwest. Although unfortunate news for those looking forward to the Fourth of July firework celebrations, it is better to take precautions for the safety of everyone. This does not mean that we cannot still celebrate, however. There’s still a myriad of things to do this Sunday. Here are some of our favorite ways you can celebrate Independence Day in Vancouver, WA. Cookout With Friends There isn’t a better way to spend your Fourth of July than with friends and family. A good way to get everyone together is to throw a cookout. Whether you want to go to a nearby park and grill some burgers or have everyone bring a dish to your apartment, food can really connect people. If you’re looking for anice nearby park to have a picnic, Vancouver Lake Regional Park has over 60 picnic tables and 24 barbecue grills. On a sunny day, you can even catch glimpses of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helen. Make sure to bring a cooler with some drinks to stay hydrated and refreshed. Fun in the Water One of the biggest perks of living in the Pacific Northwest is the easy access to all the nearby lakes, rivers, and water activities. Another good way to celebrate the holiday is to make your way to a lake where you can go swimming, boating, kayaking, jet-skiing, or paddleboarding. The options are truly endless. For those of you looking to rent a kayak or paddleboard equipment, make sure to check out Alder Creek . They have locations in the Vancouver area and Portland as well where you can rent and take lessons if needed. Looking to hang out on a boat with friends instead? Visit Xtreme Sports for information on renting boats for the day. Restaurants and Bars Go out and have a drink with friends in Downtown Vancouver. One great place you might want to check out is Underbar . From noon to 4 pm, they’ll be serving bottomless mimosas for just under 20 dollars! Once you’re ready for more, explore the rest of Esther Short area as it is filled with countless options of pubs and restaurants. You’ll also get to see gorgeous views of the Columbia River if you keep walking south to the Vancouver Waterfront where you’ll find other great dining options including WildFin American Grill . Although fireworks won’t be allowed, we can still appreciate being able to hang out with our loved ones. Grab your grill and go to a park, put on your swimming gear and head to a lake, or gather with friends for a night of drinks, it’s time to celebrate the Fourth of July! We wish you a happy Independence Day full of laughter and joy!

Easy and Relaxing Ways to Celebrate This Mother's Day in Vancouver, WA!

Mother’s day is a special day to thank the hard-working women who helped raise us and guide us through life. Whether you are celebrating from the comfort of your Acero Haagen Park home or exploring the beautiful city, there are plenty of wonderful ways to celebrate your mom! Check out our list below of relaxing ways to spend your Mother’s Day this year! The Vancouver Waterfront The up-and-coming Vancouver Waterfront offers plenty of options for socially distanced exploring to celebrate Mother's day. Start your day early on the patio at Kafiex Roasters or take a stroll while you enjoy views of the river. If you are looking for a great spot to enjoy Mother’s Day brunch, reverse a spot at Twig Bistro for a delicious Mother’s Day plated brunch and craft cocktails. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, stop by one of the many new wineries to hit the waterfront. Airfields Estate Winery not only offers deliciously affordable wines but has a patio to enjoy sunny weekend afternoons! The Vancouver Farmers Market When you are looking for a way to support the local community and enjoy some fresh air, hop over to the Vancouver Farmers’ Market! Located in Esther Short Park in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, where you can enjoy fresh produce from local farmers, fresh flowers, hand-crafted items, and local goods. This market is following socially distanced practices to provide a great shopping experience. Grab your mask and enjoy the colorful vendors with delicious vegan, gluten-free, and pet-friendly options! Cozy Meal at Home Sometimes the best gift you can give to your mom is the gift of a home-cooked meal. Treat your mom to her favorite meal and a cozy day at home! If your mom doesn’t have a favorite meal, create the perfect mimosa bar with fresh fruit and this Infinitely Adaptable Frittata from Delish ! Ingredients: 8 large eggs 1/3 c. heavy cream 3/4 c. shredded mozzarella Salt and pepper Pinch red pepper flakes 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 shallot, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced 1/2 c. ricotta 3 c. baby spinach Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°. In a bowl whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallot and garlic and cook until soft, 5 minutes then add mushrooms and cook until soft, another 5 minutes more. Add spinach and cook until wilted, 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into the skillet then dollop with ricotta and transfer skillet to oven. Bake until eggs are just set, 12 minutes. We hope we were able to help you celebrate your mom with these Mother's Day ideas. Take a photo of your favorite way to relax at home and share it with us on Facebook or Instagram! Check back next week for more food and fun in Vancouver, WA.

St. Patty’s Day Fun: Where to Find Green Beer and Cocktails in Vancouver, WA | Acero Haagen Park

Get into the St. Patty’s day spirit with some fun boozy beverages in Vancouver! There are tons of local bars and restaurants celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with green beers, cocktails, and shakes. Read on a quick list of where to find green beer and cocktails in Vancouver, WA this weekend. Rally Pizza This popular pizza parlor really goes above and beyond for any holiday! Rally Pizza has got a variety of themed drinks for March including the Shamrocker and Irish Coffee Shakes and a $10 Green Pizza! If you’re in the mood for a drink with a little extra kick, try their Pot O’ Gold cocktail , made with a vibrant Green Chartreuse. Visit their website to check out their menu and order ahead! McMenamins on the Columbia About 15 minutes away along the Columbia River Waterfront is McMenamins ! Enjoy a pint of green-tinted beer while you take in breathtaking views of the river from their spacious outdoor patio. Sunsets at McMenamins on the Columbia are a must-see for local foodies that appreciate good aesthetics and good food. They’ve also got a delicious creamy Irish Stout and warm Irish Coffee all week! Downtown Vancouver You’ll find all the Guinness and Jameson you could possibly want at Shanahan’s and Grady’s , lively Irish pubs in downtown Vancouver. You can also catch a viewing of “The Quiet Man” at Kiggins Theatre on March 17th at 6:30 pm. They will have green beer and the Fort Vancouver Bag Pipe Band performing before curtains at 6 pm. That’s all for today, folks! Check-in next week for more food and fun around Vancouver, WA.

Flower Shops in Vancouver, WA | Acero Haagen Park

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Every day is a good day to show people that you care, but especially on Valentine’s Day. Plan ahead for the holiday and order a beautiful bouquet from one of these local flower shops in Vancouver, WA! Fine Flowers Fine Flowers flower shop is the closest to Acero Haagen Park, about 8 minutes away on Mill Plain Blvd. This family owned and operated flower shop has been serving the Vancouver area for over 15 years! They are seriously talented, creating gorgeous arrangements and bouquets for every occasion. They are open for business, but if you feel more comfortable shopping online they have a very user friendly website. Check out their website to order online for pick-up or delivery! The Flower Express A little further north on Fourth Plain is The Flower Express . This flower shop is about 11 minutes from our apartments. They offer classic arrangements and contemporary designs. When you order online through the website they have a promo code right now to get $10 off an order of $100 or more. Go big or go home! Visit their site today to find the perfect bouquet. Garside Florist Garside Florist is a little closer to downtown Vancouver with a shop on Mill Plain about 12 minutes away. The extra drive is worth it, as they have been voted “Best Florist” seven years in a row by the readers of our local newspaper, The Columbian . Browse their website and you’ll find all kinds of beautiful bouquets for pick-up or delivery. That’s all for this week! Come back next week for more food and fun dates for Valentine’s Day in Vancouver, WA!

Hello 2021 | Celebrating the New Year in Vancouver, WA

This has been a unique year full of challenges, but we are grateful for the growth and learning that came along with those challenges. With that said, we are ready to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021! There’s not as much going on around town this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, but there’s still plenty of ways to celebrate the New Year in Vancouver, WA and nearby in Portland, OR. Pink Martini Virtual Concert Bring the holiday cheer to your living room at Acero Haagen Park! Dress up in your fanciest cocktail attire and pop a bottle of champagne while you tune in to this virtual event. Portland’s favorite Little Orchestra is performing a virtual New Year’s Eve concert in Portland that you can stream via the Wonder Ballroom . Enjoy old fan favorites and new songs like “Good Riddance 2020!” The virtual show starts at 6pm online. Rose City Rollers Winter Skating at Lloyd Center Spend time this weekend skating with the Rose City Rollers! Tickets sell fast so get yours asap. They have a truck where you can rent skates and gear from, with enough space for 50 people at a time to skate in this open air parking garage skating rink at the Lloyd Center in Portland. Click this link to learn more! Urban Adventure Quest in Portland Participate in an epic urban scavenger hunt brought to you by Urban Adventure Quest ! This city-wide scavenger hunt is the perfect way to spend a lowkey but fun weekend close to home. All you need is a smart phone to guide you on this three hour tour of iconic landmarks in Portland. Bring a good camera for fun selfies and impromptu photoshoots too! Death to 2020 Cozy up in your living room at Acero Haagen Park and watch Death to 2020 on Netflix. This mockumentary takes a look back at some big moments in 2020 with a comedic twist. Brought to you by the creators of Black Mirror, it’s bound to get weird but so was this year! That’s all folks! We hope everyone has a fantastic time celebrating the New Year with lots of love and laughter this weekend. Come back next week for more PNW living!