Summer Vibes - Indoor Addition

June 9, 2020 | by Sequoia
Summer Vibes - Indoor Addition

Summer is finally here… but with COVID-19 still present, we have to limit some of our favorite activities. Fortunately, having fun isn’t canceled! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite indoor activities to give you the ultimate summer vibes, all from the comfort of your apartment!

Stargaze From Your Patio or Balcony

Your patio or balcony is a great place to soak up the summer sun in your own space, but summer nights are the best time for relaxation. Stargazing is one of the many activities you can do from the comfort of your home. Your patio or balcony is the best summer hangout spot, so grab your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, your favorite chair and turn off all the lights for the ultimate stargazing experience. Apps like GoogleSky, SkySafari, and SkyTracker can also help you identify constellations, planets, and stars.

Try a New Summer Recipe to Cool Off

What better way to cool off this summer than with a frozen treat?! Homemade popsicles are an easy summer recipe and are versatile with their ingredients to get your creative juices flowing, literally. This recipe is flexible in that you can use whatever fruits you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Popsicle molds (optional - you can use a muffin tin as well)
  • A blender - to blend your fruity concoction
  • Your favorite fruit combination
  • Additional ingredients to add - coconut milk, yogurt, honey, etc.

Some of our favorite popsicle combos include minty watermelon, raspberry peach yogurt, orange mango and so many more. The combinations are truly endless. Once you decide on your combination, simply add your ingredients into a blender and mix them up. Then, pour the mixture into the molds or muffin tins, add the popsicle sticks and freeze for up to six hours. The best part about popsicles is that you don’t have to turn on your oven, keeping your apartment cool for the summer.

Throw the Ultimate Movie Night

Beat the heat by throwing the coolest summer themed movie night! The first thing you need is to pick the perfect movie. Some of our favorites include: Grease, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Sandlot, Endless Summer, Moana and so many more! Many of these movies can be streamed on platforms including Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Youtube TV, HBO Go, Crackle and Fandango. If you don’t have any of these streaming services, most offer a free trial. Once you pick the movie, snacks are in order. Some of the best movie snacks include popcorn, candy and your favorite beverage! To elevate your movie night, try a candy, fruit or classic Charcuterie board featuring your favorites! Your movie night now is almost complete…dim the lights, grab your favorite blanket, press play and let the ultimate summer movie night commence.

Take a Virtual Class

Virtual classes are becoming more popular as we face this global pandemic. In order to still do some of the things we love, we have to get creative. Many companies are now offering virtual classes for everyone including cooking classes, workouts and more! Here are some virtual classes that are perfect for date night, getting that summer body, kid-friendly and more!

Cooking Classes

  • Sur La Table - offering virtual cooking classes for $29 per person featuring summer recipes. The classes are done via Zoom and can last 90-120 minutes. You are given a prep packet including a shopping list and equipment needed beforehand so you can be fully prepared for the ultimate feast. They also offer kid-friendly classes.
  • Airbnb Experiences - choose from several dozen cooking courses featured in over 30 different countries. You can learn how to make pasta from an Italian Nonna or take a virtual trip to Morocco to make chicken tagine. You will be provided with a list of ingredients needed and a zoom link to participate.

Cocktail Making Courses

  • Avital Virtual Cocktail Course - learn new cocktail recipes from local Mixologists via zoom with Avital. A cocktail kit will be sent beforehand with some prep and equipment instructions. From there you will meet your mixologist and start the party!

Virtual Workout Classes

  • It’s not too late to get your body summer ready! Check out our blog highlighting gyms, yoga studios and more offering virtual workout classes!

Virtual Paint Night

  • Create with Kait offers virtual paint classes for everyone via zoom. She will work with you to pick a date, time, gather supplies and of course have fun! You will also work with her one on one to pick out your favorite summer masterpiece you want to create!

Plant The Ultimate Summer Garden

Summer is the perfect time to start your own garden from your patio or balcony. There are so many different vegetables and herbs that can grow in small places and don’t take up a lot of space. Here are the perfect summer plants that you should have in your garden.

  • Tomatoes - You can plant tomatoes in a medium sized pot, in the sunniest place on your patio or balcony. They are pretty low maintenance and just require watering every other day.
  • Strawberries - They are one fruit you can grow in pots or hanging planters. They need a good amount of sunlight, but you only need to water them every other day!
  • Herbs - the best herbs to grow in the summer heat include Basil, Chives, Dill, Parsley, Sage and Thyme. These can be grown in small pots together or smaller planter beds. When it comes to watering your herbs once a week is ideal, but pay attention to the soil. If it’s dry, your plant needs water!

Related news & insights

March 17, 2026
Walnut Creek, CA - Sequoia has once again been recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified company, marking its fourth consecutive year earning the accolade. Based entirely on confidential team member feedback, the certification reflects Sequoia’s ongoing commitment to building a culture rooted in trust, support, and belonging. The results in this year’s survey reflects a top-tier team member experience, starting from day one with 92% of team members sharing feeling welcomed when they first joined Sequoia. This sentiment also carries over through team member experience with 89% of Sequoia’s workforce noting they are trusted with a high level of responsibility in their roles. Company culture continues to remain a priority at Sequoia with 89% of teams sharing that special events are celebrated throughout the organization including the annual holiday luncheon, surprise and delight gifts, and company branded swag. “Earning the Great Place to Work Certification for the fourth consecutive year is especially meaningful because it reflects the experiences and voices of our team members,” said Enrica Suson, Vice President of Human Resources. “From the moment someone joins Sequoia, we want them to feel welcomed, supported, and trusted to make an impact. Our people are the heart of our culture, and we’re proud to continue creating an environment where they can grow, connect, and thrive.” Sequoia’s people-first philosophy is supported by dedicated training programs, leadership development opportunities, meaningful recognition initiatives, and a focus on work-life balance. By prioritizing both performance and connection, the company continues to cultivate an environment where individuals can grow personally and professionally. About Sequoia At Sequoia, the philosophy is simple: make the ordinary extraordinary. By embracing small gestures that create meaningful moments, Sequoia elevates apartment living into something truly special for both residents and team members. Rooted in innovation and a strong sense of community, Sequoia attracts top talent and empowers its team to deliver exceptional service every day. Since its founding in 1986, Sequoia has grown to manage over 13,000 apartment homes across California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The company’s vibrant culture fosters creativity, collaboration, and growth, cementing its reputation as a leader in the multifamily industry. Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit Sequoia’s careers page at: www.sequoiacareers.com Looking to have Sequoia manage your community? Visit the client services page at: www.elevatetosequoia.com/client-services
March 5, 2026
Walnut Creek, CA - Venu at Galleria and Harrison Tower have once again secured a place among the nation’s top-performing apartment communities for online reputation on the ORA Power Ranking Elite 1% list, recognized by J Turner Research. These communities continue to set the standard earning multi-year recognition for their exceptional resident experiences and strong online reputations. The ORA Power Ranking model analyzes over 150,000 properties using lifetime sentiment data from multiple review platforms. In 2025, just 1,312 properties achieved the bragging rights of making the Elite 1% list. Venu at Galleria, located in Roseville, CA, led the Sequoia portfolio once again, closing out 2025 with an ORA score of 97. This is their fifth consecutive year on the Elite 1% list, confirming their dedication to resident satisfaction year after year. Venu also ranked in the top 10 in the state of California. Representing Portland, OR, Harrison Tower added another Elite 1% ranking to their list of accomplishments, celebrating their 9th consecutive year. The community finished 2025 with an ORA score of 95, ranking sixth overall in the state of Oregon. “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized as a J Turner Elite 1% property for the ninth consecutive year,” says Rebecca Fields, Community Manager. “This achievement is a true testament to the incredible tenure, heart, and consistency of the Harrison Tower team. Their ongoing commitment to exceptional service, genuine resident connections, and pride in our community is what makes this recognition possible year after year. We are so grateful to our residents for their trust and feedback, and we remain dedicated to delivering an elevated living experience every single day!” Across its portfolio of 56 communities, Sequoia maintains an average ORA score of 79 compared to the national average of 62.43. About Sequoia Sequoia is not just another apartment complex. Sequoia strives to make the ordinary a little more special by inspiring its team members and creating communities where people can expect more out of everyday life. The company believes it's the little things done for both residents and team members that go a long way. Sequoia attracts and retains the top talent in the multifamily housing industry. Its greatest competitive advantage is not found within the brick and mortar of its communities, or even the company, but within the values that each individual brings to the collective team. Sequoia's creative environment and unique culture foster opportunities for growth and success. The team works hard and plays hard, but they do these things together. Founded in 1986, Sequoia has grown to become one of the largest, privately held organizations of its kind on the West Coast, with more than 13,000 apartment homes throughout California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit Sequoia’s careers page at: www.sequoiacareers.com  Looking to have Sequoia manage your community? Visit the client services page at: https://www.elevatetosequoia.com/client-services
Five people posing with an award outdoors, in front of a building. MHN Excellence Awards winner logo
By corbin December 5, 2025
Sequoia was recognized at the 19th annual MHN Excellence Awards, earning Silver for Best Marketing Campaign and Gold for Most Effective DEI Program.
Three women hold an award, standing next to motorcycles and art.
By corbin December 3, 2025
Sequoia Equities has been honored as a Top Workplace in Orange County for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to a positive and people-first workplace.
Living room with TV, dining area, and kitchen. Gray walls, wood-look floor, modern furniture.
By corbin November 25, 2025
Details and guidelines for the Tower 737 Tour Feedback Contest, including eligibility, prizes, and general conditions.
Group of people at
By corbin September 17, 2025
Sequoia has been honored as a 2025 Top Workplace by The Oregonian for the ninth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment.
Hand turning a key in a silver door lock on a blue door, with a tan leather keychain.
By corbin September 8, 2025
Sequoia has been recognized by Great Place to Work and Fortune Media as the 11th best workplace in real estate for 2025, marking its third consecutive year on the list.
Man in tan shirt showing papers to a smiling woman at a desk in an office setting.
By corbin August 4, 2025
Sequoia has been recognized by J Turner Research for the third consecutive year, ranking 12th in the Division III category with an ORA score of 78.2, highlighting their commitment to exceptional resident experiences.
Man handing keys to a person seated at a desk. Both smiling, in an office.
By corbin June 5, 2025
Sequoia has been named a 2025 Fortune Best Workplace in the Bay Area, ranking 30th in the small/medium category, marking its fourth consecutive year on the list.
Four people in a modern living room setting. They are seated, smiling, and conversing around a coffee table.
By corbin March 24, 2025
Sequoia has been officially recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified company for the third consecutive year, based entirely on team member feedback.