The Day of Unplugging

With today’s fast moving pace, it can get a little overwhelming. Always on the go, constantly attached to your phone, you can forget to look up every once in awhile. Whether at work or at home, our faces are usually buried in our phones, tablets and laptops. This week, in honor of the Day of Unplugging, take a day to disconnect and enjoy life in real time.

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If you have a pet, try taking them outdoors and spending time with them! Or if it’s a little too cold to spend time outside (or you don’t feel like going out) play with them indoors. Keeping your pet entertained could keep your mind off of your phone all day. They’ll never get tired of the attention. They also don’t care if you’ve stopped to take a picture of them having fun to post on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook either. Your pets much prefer to have all of your attention. So when you think about pulling your phone out, just look at your pet’s face and reconsider.

Spending time outdoors can definitely help you forget all about your phone for a little while. Head next door to the Fox Hills Golf Course for a few holes of golf. They offer both men’s and women’s golf courses as well as golf simulators for practicing and full service menus to fuel you up before heading out on the green. Getting a little exercise out in the open air will take your mind off of your electronic life for hours on end. Luckily for us, the Fox Hills Golf Course is right across the street from the Glen at Hunter’s Run so we don’t have very far to travel to get there.

If you’d really like to escape your phone consider trying some tricks to use it less. Avoid using your phone within the hour before you go to sleep. Not only does the light from your phone affect your sleep quality, it also just stresses you out! Try not to use your phone first thing in the morning either. Instead, get up and go through the rest of your routine before doing any scrolling. When you get to work, make a mental or real to-do list and don’t look at your phone until you’ve completed the things on that list. All of these tricks will help you refrain from too much phone use and unplug from the digital world for a while.

Do you enjoy time unplugged or do you prefer to always be connected? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Singles Awareness Day: Spending Time With #1

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Valentine’s Day is finally over and Singles Awareness Day is here. Whether you’re half of a couple or just single, we can all agree that some things are better done alone. You don’t have to worry about being rushed or being dragged to something else. You can take all the time you want to enjoy whatever it is that you’re doing without any interference. There are the best things near Watford City to complete solo.

You might think that the movies is definitely a place you’d want to go with someone else. However, what sense does it actually make to go with another person? You sit in complete silence for 2 hours in the dark next to your date. Go alone! You’ll enjoy yourself much more and you won’t have to answer any questions about the movie for your date who isn’t following along. 6 Shooter’s Showhall and Cafe is nearby the Glen at Hunter’s Run so you won’t have to search very hard for your movie night alone time. In theaters this week is Deadpool and Zoolander 2 so you’ll have tons of laughs to share with yourself. See the movie times here.

Many people take hikes outdoors for exercise but many do it because it allows them to be alone in nature. The solitude you’ll find alone on the trails in the middle of trees and open sky is something you can’t find anywhere else. Luckily, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is pretty near to Watford City. The hour and a half drive there is just extra time you’ll have to spend in solitude. The trail system is comprised of multiple trails around 190 miles in distance so you’ll have a lot of trail to cover. If you’d rather not cover it on foot you can also mountain bike the trail or try it on horseback. Horseback isn’t technically alone, but we don’t think the horse will have much to say to you. Spending the afternoon alone on the trails is a great way to get away from everything and everyone. Learn about the trails and what else is available on the Maah Daah Hey Trail here.

Being alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely and you don’t have to be single to appreciate Singles Awareness Day.

What’s your favorite outing to spend time by yourself? Tell us on Facebook and Facebook but we promise not to intrude upon your solitude.

Grown-Up Snow Days

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When you were a kid, you probably remember having snow days and feeling the joy of knowing you have a whole day ahead of you to do as you please. As adults, we don’t get those opportunities as much. No matter the weather, we usually have to go to work anyways. There are ways to recapture that feeling of elation when you realize your school has a cancellation. Even though we might not get snow days we will have weekends where it will be better to just stay in the house. Here’s how we recommend spending your snowed-in weekends.

Turn your snow day into a spa day. Pamper yourself with all of your favorite things. Slather on a mud mask and paint your nails or brew up a hot cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and curl up on the couch with a good book. Watch reruns of old TV show to make it feel like you’re actually a kid again. Whatever brings you joy and relaxation is what you should choose!

Get started on that new Netflix series you’ve been meaning to watch. If you’re really dedicated you might even be able to finish it. If you need some snow day recommendations head here.

If you can manage to dig yourself out of your apartment, consider heading out with some friends to a local coffee shop or restaurant for grub. If you head to Smiling Moose Deli, you can even catch breakfast since they serve breakfast all day. Try a delicious Morning Moose, a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese on ciabatta bread. If you’d prefer lunch to breakfast, check out Outlaw’s Bar and Grille. Their hand cut burgers and specialty sandwiches will help you forget about the snowstorm raging on outside. It’ll only take you 10 minutes to get to Smiling Moose Deli and Outlaw’s Bar and Grille so you won’t have to spend much time in the car travelling through the snow.

Bundle up in your warmest and thickest clothing and grab your garbage can lid. Head back to your youth for some snow day fun. Once you’ve located the biggest hill around head to the top with your garbage can lid to slide back down it! Put some food coloring in a bottle of water and you can decorate the snow for a little winter art.

Don’t let a weekend of snow make you feel trapped. There are tons of things you can do on a snow day. Put your snow suit on and make the best of it! What’s your favorite way to spend snow days and snowed in weekends? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter.

Winter Workouts: Staying Fit While Staying Warm

Now that the weather has taken a turn towards real winter, it can be disheartening to look at the temperature readings and head out for a run in the park. This is the kind of weather that’s only conducive to sitting at home and cuddling up with a cozy blanket or in the resident lounge next to the fireplace. When you want to get a workout in but you don’t want your fingers to fall off in the cold, we’ve got some suggestions for you.

Image courtesy of Andrew Hill - Geograph

McKenzie County Fairgrounds when not being used as fairgrounds has an indoor ice skating rink that can be used for exercising or just for fun. Gliding around on the ice is a great cardio activity as well as muscle building activity. If the rink isn’t particularly full you can go at your own pace and get in extra workouts that you wouldn’t normally be able to squeeze in. Check here to see all of the health benefits from ice skating. 

Next time you have to go up a couple of floors, opt for the stairs over the elevator. We’re not talking 40 floors, you’ll never make it to where you’re going on time! But the next time you need to go to the 5th floor head for the stairs instead of the elevator bank. Try taking the stairs two at a time for a little extra oomf.

The Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC) has everything you’ll need to stay fit through the cold winter months. In addition to a regularly equipped gym with cardio and strength training equipment, there is a swimming pool, an indoor track, tennis courts, batting cages, a spinning area and a group fitness room. It’s impossible not to find something to keep you occupied at the Williston ARC. There is even a child sitting area for those with kids who don’t have a babysitter. Your New Year’s Resolutions are that much closer with the Williston ARC behind you. Find out more about the activities and class schedules here.

When all else fails, there’s always the Glen at Hunter’s Run’s top of the line fitness center. Work on your fitness without ever leaving the apartment community. You’ll stay safe from the winter winds but you’ll be able to get your full workout in.


What are some great winter fitness tips that help you avoid the cold but still stay healthy?

New Year, New You!

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The new year is finally here and with it brings a whole new set of opportunities. You have the opportunity to change your lifestyle and alter your life. A new year is the perfect time to start fresh and on a good foot. No matter what your goal is for yourself in the new year, the Glen at Hunter’s Run can help you achieve it.

It seems that as we grow up and get older, maintaining friendships can get harder. Work gets in the way, family gets in the way, school gets in the way, life gets in the way! This year make an effort to reconnect with those friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Even better yet, try to make some new friends! There’s no easier way to make friends than to introduce yourself to your neighbors. There may come a time when you need something and the only people around are your neighbors. The perfect place to spend time with your new neighbor-friends is in our lovely clubhouse. Enjoy the company of your friends with a cup of hot tea or hot cocoa while you catch up!

One of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions is to get back in shape or to get healthy. A lot of excuses can be made such as it’s rough to have to travel to the gym and it’s too expensive to join a gym. None of these things are a problem at the Glen at Hunter’s Run. Our well-equipped fitness center is on-site and free! Striving to increase your strength? Try out the strength equipment and weights. Looking to build your endurance? The treadmills will help. Our fitness center will help you get back on the track to a healthy lifestyle.

If the fitness center feels a little too stuffy and structured for you, the great outdoors are the perfect alternative. Not only can you achieve your own fitness goals but you can help your dog achieve his too! Going for walks with your fur-baby will keep both you and him happy and healthy.

It might seem like a daunting task to make some life changes but with the Glen at your back, it can be a little easier!


What are your goals and resolutions for 2016? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter.

Easy Holiday Treats To Wow Your Friends

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Christmas is finally here and there are bound to be parties for you to attend. So don your ironic ugly sweaters and grab something delicious to offer up to the host. Oh, wait. What are you going to cook? You didn’t have anything in mind. Don’t worry, we have you covered. When you’re headed to those parties this week, make sure you have one of these dishes in hand.

A spiral cake is a delicious holiday treat that a lot of people tend to overlook but this recipe from Roxana’s Home Baking will change their minds. Here’s what you’ll need to create the vanilla roll cake:

• 2 eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) sifted cake flour
• 3 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup red & green Wilton batter bits or edible confetti
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
• 3-4 tbsp red & green sprinkles
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-3 teaspoons heavy cream
• 4 oz white chocolate
• red & green sprinkles

1. Crank the oven to 450F to get it ready and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl add 2 eggs, 3 egg yolks and ½ cup of sugar. Beat this mixture on medium to high speed for 5 minutes or until pale in color and thickened. Add the dash of vanilla extract and beat for a few extra seconds to mix it in.
3. Put the flour and cornstarch over the egg yolk mixture and using a spatula, gently fold it and the batter bits into the mixture.
4. Sift the flour and the cornstarch over the egg yolks mixture and with a spatula gently fold it in.
5. In a separate grease-free bowl, add 2 egg whites and a tablespoon of sugar and whip it with a whisk until firm peaks form.
6. With the spatula, fold the whipped egg whites into the egg yolks mixture.
7. Spread the cake batter evenly into the pan and bake for 6-7 minutes or until golden brown. It should spring back when touched.
8. As soon as you remove the cake from the oven sprinkle with powder sugar and then invert the cake onto a clean dish towel. Remove the parchment paper, sprinkle with more powder sugar, and roll up the cake with the towel. Place on a wire rack to cool
9. For the vanilla buttercream, add butter into a clean bowl and whip the butter for 2-3 minutes on medium to high speed. Lower the speed and slowly add in the sugar, adding in only about ½ a cup at a time.
10. When you’ve put all of the sugar into the mixture, increase the mixer speed and whip for about 2 more minutes.
11. Add a few drops of heavy cream to alter the consistency to your preferences. Using a spatula, fold in the sprinks.
12. Gently unroll the cake and spread buttercream evenly around it. Then, roll it back up and place it in the fridge for a couple of hours.
13. Serve your vanilla roll cake with melted white chocolate drizzled over it and sprinkles dashed on top.

Red velvet is never a bad choice but it’s an especially perfect choice during the holidays. The color is holiday appropriate and the taste is life altering. Check out this recipe from Dessert for Two to figure out what you’ll need:

• ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon white vinegar
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 12 oz. almond bark (or white chocolate), for coating

1. In a cupcake tin, place 4 cupcake liners on the outside edge.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, beat together the canola oil, sugar, buttermilk, egg white, red dye, vinegar, and vanilla using an electric mixer.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing all the while. Divide the batter between the four cupcake liners and bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
5. When cool, crumble the cupcakes into crumbs. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add the crumbs and stir very well. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into your hands and then roll into balls. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
6. To make the coating, chop the almond bark into 1" chunks and place in a bowl. Heat on medium power in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted. Dip each ball into the coating quickly, using a fork to turn, then let them dry on a piece of wax paper. Can be made 3 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

Christmas parties might feel stressful but with treats like these, they won’t seem all that bad. The hosts will welcome you with open arms if you come bearing these delicious snacks.

Do you have a go-to treat at parties? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Ho-Ho-How to Throw the Best Holiday Party

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With all of the holidays coming up, you might be considering hosting a party! It’s the perfect opportunity to invite your friends that you might not see during the holiday rush. Get them all together in our beautiful clubhouse to enjoy some cocktails before heading up to your apartment for the real party. Here are some tips for throwing the best holiday party.

Yum. You can’t have a holiday party without delicious finger foods. If you’re not feeling quite ready to be a full grown up yet, take it back to your roots with an adult spin on a kid classic: mac and cheese bites. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb Macaroni
• 2 (8 oz) Packages of Sharp Cheddar Cheese Chunk
• 1 1/4 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 2 Eggs
• 3 cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Vegetable Oil

1. Cook up the macaroni until it’s nice and tender then drain it and set it aside. While that’s boiling you can shred the cheese up and put that aside too. 
2. In a big pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add in flour and mix it until it gets to be a light brown color. Add in 1 cup of milk and whisk that all up until it’s nice and thick.
3. Start adding in the cheese one handful at a time. Mix that up until the cheese is all melted and smooth.
4. Add in the macaroni and mix until the noodles are coated with the melted cheese. Add in some salt and pepper.
5. Refrigerate for about an hour or until they’re cold.
6. Line a baking sheet with wax/parchment paper and form the macaroni and cheese into small 1” balls to line up on the pan. Then, pop them in the freezer for an hour.
7. Beat eggs and ¼ cup of milk in a bowl and start dipping the mac and cheese balls into the mixture. After dipping in the egg mixture, coat them in bread crumbs. 
8. If you have a deep fryer, pop them in for about 3-4 minutes. If you don’t, fill a skillet about ½-¾ of an inch deep and heat over medium high heat for 3-4 minutes. Drain and you’re done!

For more amazing and delicious recipes, check out Thrifty Jinxy.

Signature Sips. If you want to make a party truly memorable, you might want to consider having a signature cocktail at the party. You’ll really impress guests if you can make it off the top of your head without looking at a recipe! We recommend a sparkling apple cider sangria; perfect for the holidays. Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

• 1 750 ml bottle (standard) champagne or Prosecco
• 2 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup club soda
• 1/2 cup Disaronno
• 2 apples, sliced
• cinnamon sticks, for garnish

For the full concoction you can check out Pizzazzerie’s blog. A signature cocktail at a party will not only make the drink stand out in your guests minds but also the party as a whole. “Hey, remember that party we went to where they had that amazing apple cider sangria? That was a cool party!” Don’t you want people to have that reaction to your party? We thought so.

Snacks! Take the party to another level with a chocolate fondue station. Melt up some chocolate and lay out some delicious holiday favorites like marshmallows, candy canes, gingerbread men, shortbread cookies and pretzels. Your guests will eat it up, literally!


Do you have any tips and recipes for a holiday party? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.