--- title: An Active Adult Community Blog | Ashlynn Bauer --- [![EPCON](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/Logo/EpconCommunities_Clarity_Construction_Logo.svg)](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/) - [Our Communities](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/communities/) - [The Courtyards at Harvest Ridge](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/harvest-ridge-ankeny-iowa/) - [The Courtyards at Kings Landing](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/kings-landing/) - [The Courtyards at Parkside](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/parkside-waukee-iowa/) - [The Courtyards at Rock Creek](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/rock-creek/) - [The Courtyards at Shadow Creek](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/shadow-creek/) - [Why Epcon](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/why-epcon/) - [Our Team](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/about/) - [The Epcon Lifestyle](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/lifestyle/) - [What is HECM?](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/hecm/) - [Blog](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog) - [Gallery](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/gallery/) - [Contact](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/contact/) # An Active Adult Community Blog ## Ashlynn Bauer ![Ashlynn Bauer](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/435e11f964d4406599119ba0059b1ef1) ### Recent Posts ## [Less Is More. Declutter Your Home and Your Mind.](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/declutter-and-downsize) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Jun 14, 2021, 5:15:00 PM [![packing-boxes-in-storage](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/michal-balog-66NaCdBrkCs-unsplash.jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/declutter-and-downsize) When you’ve lived in the same home for decades, your belongings tend to accumulate in any available storage space. This makes more to clean, more to maintain, and more to keep track of, such as decorations, bedding sets, kitchen items, and old toys. Getting rid of the clutter can help alleviate stress and give you more time for things you enjoy. [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/declutter-and-downsize) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/declutter-and-downsize#comments-listing) Topics: [Insider](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/insider), [Lifestyle](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/lifestyle) ## [Planning for Retirement: Should You Downsize Your Home?](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/planning-for-retirement-should-you-downsize-your-home) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Feb 11, 2021, 10:12:00 AM [![Couple-Reviewing-Finances](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Couple%20at%20home%20working%20on%20laptop%20computer.jpeg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/planning-for-retirement-should-you-downsize-your-home) Starting your retirement can be an emotional but exciting time. It can also cause some financial strain. It’s never too early to start planning. One of the first things you’ll need to decide when laying out a post-retirement financial plan is whether you will stay in your current home or downsize. [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/planning-for-retirement-should-you-downsize-your-home) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/planning-for-retirement-should-you-downsize-your-home#comments-listing) Topics: [Finances](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/finances) ## [3 Easy Holiday Crafts for You and Your Grandchildren](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/easy-holiday-crafts-for-your-family) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Nov 17, 2020, 12:15:00 PM [![mother-preparing-to-bake-with-children](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/pexels-elly-fairytale-3806953%20(1).jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/easy-holiday-crafts-for-your-family) The holidays are just around the corner, and you may be thinking of fun and safe activities you can do with your family. Decorations from the store are great, but homemade crafts can be even more meaningful. [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/easy-holiday-crafts-for-your-family) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/easy-holiday-crafts-for-your-family#comments-listing) Topics: [Lifestyle](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/lifestyle) ## [4 Tips for Hosting a Party This Summer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/4-tips-hosting-party-this-summer) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Jun 22, 2020, 11:54:46 AM [![backyard-party](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/backyard-party.jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/4-tips-hosting-party-this-summer) Summer is usually the time when people break out their party hats and [invite their friends and family over](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-things-every-hostess-should-know) for a backyard barbecue. However, due to recent [social distancing guidelines](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/6-tips-for-social-distancing-in-your-community), hosting a party this season just got a bit more complicated. Here are some simple ways to host a summer party safely, while keeping everyone’s health in mind.  [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/4-tips-hosting-party-this-summer) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/4-tips-hosting-party-this-summer#comments-listing) Topics: [Lifestyle](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/lifestyle) ## [3 Recipes to Try When You're Stuck Inside](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-recipes-to-try-when-youre-stuck-inside) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Apr 9, 2020, 10:20:24 AM [![red cherries in a bowl on a table](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/Webp.net-compress-image%20(68).jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-recipes-to-try-when-youre-stuck-inside) The recent COVID-19 outbreak has left many [stuck inside their homes](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/6-tips-for-social-distancing-in-your-community) until the danger passes. This time in quarantine can get boring. Or, if you have school-aged children, perhaps you now need to find activities to amuse them between at-home schoolwork. Instead of spending your days sitting on the couch in front of your television, get in the kitchen and bake the things you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time to! Below are our favorite three recipes from [Taste of Home](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/baking-ideas-for-when-youre-bored/) that you and your family can enjoy. [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-recipes-to-try-when-youre-stuck-inside) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-recipes-to-try-when-youre-stuck-inside#comments-listing) Topics: [Lifestyle](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/lifestyle) ## [3 Things Every Host(ess) Should Know](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-things-every-hostess-should-know) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Mar 5, 2020, 8:45:00 AM [![](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/Webp.net-compress-image%20(19).jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-things-every-hostess-should-know) Hosting a party in your home can be stressful, no matter what the purpose is. Maybe you want to meet new friends in your neighborhood. Perhaps this is the first time the whole family has gotten together since they all moved out and left you an empty nester. Or, maybe this gathering is the first after the [passing of your spouse](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/5-ways-to-know-its-time-for-a-change). Whatever the case may be, throwing a party doesn’t need to take weeks to plan or zap all of your energy. Remember these three tips to keep things simple when planning your next gathering. [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-things-every-hostess-should-know) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-things-every-hostess-should-know#comments-listing) Topics: [Lifestyle](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/lifestyle) ## [5 Ways to Know It's Time for a Change](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/5-ways-to-know-its-time-for-a-change) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Oct 26, 2019, 10:00:00 AM [![empty nest](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/empty%20nest.jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/5-ways-to-know-its-time-for-a-change) Contrary to popular belief, getting older doesn’t mean getting set in our ways. Anyone, at any age, can make positive life changes. Each of us can benefit from stepping back and evaluating our lives in order to focus on where we want to go next. Here are some of the major changes that many of us experience as we move into our fifties and beyond. [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/5-ways-to-know-its-time-for-a-change) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/5-ways-to-know-its-time-for-a-change#comments-listing) Topics: [Lifestyle](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/lifestyle) ## [3 Ways to Spruce Up Your Concrete Slab](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-ways-to-spruce-up-your-concrete-slab) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Sep 25, 2019, 12:59:00 PM [![outdoor-patio-with-table-and-chairs](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/outdoor-patio-with-table-and-chairs.jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-ways-to-spruce-up-your-concrete-slab) Outdoor living provides comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment that’s hard to beat. Fresh smells, cool breezes, and warm sunshine provide the perfect backdrop for dinner parties, morning reading sessions, and laughter with friends and [family](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/joys-of-living-near-your-parents?_ga=2.249462211.579438487.1569357398-1438004438.1535388875). While you might be used to having a deck for this purpose, there are benefits to having a patio with a concrete slab instead. Contrary to what you might think, this feature doesn’t have to be drab and boring.  [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-ways-to-spruce-up-your-concrete-slab) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/3-ways-to-spruce-up-your-concrete-slab#comments-listing) Topics: [Floor Plan Styles](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/floor-plan-styles) ## [Basement or No Basement?](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/basement-or-no-basement) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on Jun 19, 2019, 12:26:00 PM [![Basement new home ](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/Webp.net-compress-image-2.jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/basement-or-no-basement) As you’re [preparing to build your new home](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/moving-101-deciding-its-time-to-sell-the-house-and-tell-the-kids), one of the major decisions you’ll need to make is the type of foundation you want for your property. When choosing between a slab and basement foundation, there are several factors to consider. It’s important to evaluate your personal needs and select the design that’s most practical for your lifestyle. Here are a few assessments to help you decide: basement or no basement. [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/basement-or-no-basement) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/basement-or-no-basement#comments-listing) Topics: [Floor Plan Styles](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/floor-plan-styles) ## [Joys of Living Near Your Parents](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/joys-of-living-near-your-parents) Posted by [Ashlynn Bauer](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer) on May 12, 2019, 12:24:00 PM [![](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/gallery-3.jpg)](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/joys-of-living-near-your-parents)   Parents play an important role in our lives, no matter how old we get. Whether you currently live near your parents or not, you've likely considered the advantages of having them close. Check out these benefits of moving your parents to a [neighborhood](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/live-active-live-happy-live-longer-benefits-of-an-active-adult-community) near you.  [Read More](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/joys-of-living-near-your-parents) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/joys-of-living-near-your-parents#comments-listing) Topics: [Lifestyle](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/tag/lifestyle) [All posts](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/all) [Next](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/blog/author/ashlynn-bauer/page/2) ### Subscribe to our blog! ![EPCON](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/Logo/EpconCommunities_Clarity_Construction_Logo_White.svg) At Epcon communities across the country, life is meant to be lived on your terms. That’s because we build homes with communities in mind, and with an attention to details that appeal to our buyer’s desires. - Quick Links - [Home](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/) - [Experience Our Communities](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/communities/) - [The Epcon Lifestyle](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/lifestyle/) - [Why Epcon](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/why-epcon/) - [Contact](https://www.clarityconstruction.com/contact/) ### Contact Us 2873 104th St, Urbandale, IA 50322 Phone: [515-789-3878](tel:515-789-3878) [![Epcon on Facebook](https://info.clarityconstruction.com/hubfs/001-facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/epconcommunitiesclarityconstruction)