Valentine’s Day is a sweet way for couples to acknowledge one another. But what if you’re single? Don’t fret. We’ve collected five fun ideas for treating yourself this Valentine’s Day — no plus-one required.
With apps like Postmates and Uber Eats now available in New Orleans, you can have gourmet cuisine delivered straight to your door. Just think of how much more comfortable you’ll be on the couch in pajamas than waiting at a busy restaurant.
Channel your inner celebrity chef and whip up a new recipe for dinner. We like browsing The Kitchn — they even have a special post with “12 Recipes for a Solo Valentine’s Day Celebration.”
Round up some fun-loving friends, and go see a movie. Opt for a comedy or thriller, and definitely plan to spring for popcorn and candy.
Sometimes, getting out of town means getting a fresh, new perspective. If your schedule permits, plan for a day trip just outside of the city. We’ve got a few ideas here.
The holiday is all about love, so think about how that might translate into non-romantic meanings. Give your mom or friend a call and let them know you love them. Offer some extra snuggles to your pet. Or pamper yourself with a pedicure or beauty treatment for a little self love.
Decking the halls might be reserved for the holidays, but you can deck the walls any time of year. Even better? You can do it on a dime. Keep scrolling for the best places — some predictable, some unexpected — to find affordable home decor online.
One Kings Lane — You’ll have to sign up for this site, but it’s endless fun to browse. Sure, some of the decor and furniture are investment pieces, but keep an eye out for frequent sales and specials that help keep your budget in check.
Society6 — Find a print or pattern you love on this site, and put it on just about anything: prints, pillows, shower curtains, rugs, and more. Many designs come from independent artists and have a quirky, colorful vibe.
ModCloth — You might know about this vintage-inspired shop for its cute clothes. But ModCloth also has a great home and decor section featuring blankets, pillows, prints, rugs, string lights, chandeliers… the list goes on…
Wayfair — The commercial jingle is true: Wayfair really does have just what you need, whether it’s furniture or a poster frame. The website giant also several awesome retail partners you’ll want to check out, like Joss & Main, AllModern, Dwell Studio, and Birch Lane.
JC Penney — This established department store has a surprisingly fresh, modern home section online (you definitely won’t find this stuff in the store).
Etsy — Head straight to the “Home & Living” section on this mega-site, where you can find unique, handmade products tailor-made to your tastes.
Fab — Best suited for those with a modern design aesthetic, Fab offers bright, playful products that just make your home feel cheerier. Keep an eye out for sales!
CB2 — This Crate and Barrel spinoff has a fresher feel than its predecessor, favoring clean lines with the same quality you’d expect from its parent company (but at a lower price).
H&M Home — Just like ModCloth, this clothes-minded store also has a great home section. The overall vibe is serene and European. We particularly like the linens and decorative pillows.
Poppin’ — This website is technically for office spaces, but the clean, cool lines also look great at home. And if you have a home office, this is the place to stock up on furniture, fun accessories, and more.
Hautelook — Part of the Nordstrom family, this website requires you to sign up, but it’s totally worth it for the amazing sales that happen every day on chic home products.
World Market — Yes, there are two locations in Greater New Orleans, but the online site has options that you won’t find in store! Plus, they often have deals on products and shipping.
Time to hit “refresh” on your interiors! A new year is the perfect time to take stock of what you have, and treat yourself to something new. Here’s what you need for rental resolutions:
Decorative lamps at this Creeks of River Ridge apartment tie the room together and add functional lighting.
These items are a little bit boring — but trust us, they’ll help you keep your apartment feeling like home (and like-new) for years to come.
These decor items are a surefire way to add style to your space.
New year, new resolutions. For 2017, why not focus on where you live? These five rental resolutions will make your apartment feel like home.
Apartments in New Orleans
It’s easier said than done — but carving out time to make your bed each and every day makes a big difference in making your space feel like home! It’s meditative time for you in the morning, and when you get home from work, imagine how nice it will feel to come home to a made-up bed. Purchase fun throw pillows or linen spray to really amp up the homey feel.
At some point every day, make it a point to put away or clean up ten items. That could mean stacking up your magazines on the coffee table, loading a few lingering items into the dishwasher, or wiping down the counter. Don’t plan to spend more than 20 minutes doing this: the idea is to clean day by day and help mitigate time-consuming deep cleans on your Saturday.
Renters often feel like it doesn’t make sense to invest in their space since they’re only renting. We firmly disagree! If you move, you take your decor with you, just like you would clothes and personal items. So why not allocate a little bit of money toward home decor?
Curtains add instant polish to your space and help define windows, which are natural light sources and a focal point for the eye. Go for full-length curtains to help create a sense of height. Whether you opt for a bold color or simple neutral is up to you!
Pantone named “greenery” the 2017 color of the year! Our suggestion for getting green? House plants. They add life to your space while also offering added health benefits. Take a look at our guide to indoor plants here.
A touch of greenery added to our Fox Run Apartment!
We have so many different properties at 1st Lake that no matter what you’re looking for, chances are we have a community suited to your needs. Take a look at some of our properties in Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge, and Jefferson below. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss more about your future home!
Breakers — This property is great for pet owners, since it’s just a short distance from Lafreniere Park.
Canterbury Square — Fancy yourself a swim? Choose Canterbury Square: it has two pools on the premises, plus a grilling area, playground, and more.
Crossings — This community’s incredible location and updated floor plans make you feel at home instantly, and details like expansive windows with plantation blinds mean you’ll never want to leave.
Fox Run — Tranquil landscaping sets the tone for this peaceful community, with select units featuring details like vaulted ceilings, sunrooms, and fenced patios.
Frenchman’s Creek — Like Canterbury Square, this Metairie property features two tropical-inspired pools. The location is just minutes from both downtown New Orleans and Louis Armstrong International airport, placing you right in the middle of so much to do.
Lemon Tree — If you like the look and feel of a small apartment community, Lemon Tree is perfect, clocking in at just 12 units. Get to know your neighbors all within the convenient setting of Metairie.
Lost Bayou — Consider Lost Bayou a hidden oasis. With plenty of off-street parking and a sparkling pool, this small community is the perfect place to relax.
Lanai — Tucked into a residential neighborhood, Lanai retains a homelike feel with its French Quarter-style courtyard and private pool.
Northbridge — With studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes, Northbridge has plenty of comfortable options within its beautifully landscaped grounds.
Orange Park — Walk to Lafreniere Park from your spacious apartment home at Orange Park. These double homes feature your own private driveway and free lawn service each week.
Park Oaks — Included off-street parking means maximum convenience at this park-like apartment community studded with oak trees.
Premises 2 — Cathedral ceilings and skylights are unique architectural details at this comfortable and charming community.
Registry — If you’re seeking a loft or town home, this convenient community beckons with details like brick accent walls and a private patio within every unit.
Rosedale — Rosedale apartment homes boast nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, plus the added comfort of features like a great room, breakfast bar, and a fenced, private yard.
Sandpiper — Natural light is a huge plus in any apartment home, and Sandpiper has it in spades. This small, gated community features skylights and sunrooms plus a sparkling pool to really soak up the sun.
Severn Pointe — Posh interiors define this Metairie community, featuring granite countertops, large windows, and plantation-style blinds.
Surf Rider I — With select apartment homes that are completely renovated, Surf Rider offers plenty of space and lush grounds.
Wildflower — This community backs up to Lafreniere Park and is located just two minutes from I-10. Find both tranquility and ease of travel in this prime location.
Windmill Creek North — Creeks and fountains add a touch of nature to this apartment community, featuring comfortable and spacious units.
Windmill Creek South — Winding pathways take you through creeks, fountains, and a pristine pool at this recently updated apartment community.
Cherrywood — Relax at the pool within a French Quarter-style courtyard at this conveniently located community within walking distance to restaurants and stores. Free off-street parking makes it easy if you decide to drive to the shops instead!
Sugar Mill West — These energy-efficient apartment homes feature large closets, sunrooms, and wood-tone flooring. Comfortable and smart.
The Villas at Laketown — Exquisitely appointed townhome in Gabriel Estates at The Villas feature granite in the kitchen and bath, a jetted tub, wet bar, office space, and a two-car garage.
Chestnut Creek — A traditional gatehouse entrance sets the tone for life at Chestnut Creek, where select apartments feature wood-burning fire places, Roman tubs with marble alcoves, and cathedral ceilings.
Walnut Creek — The convenience of River Ridge can’t be beat — especially in a comfortable and stylish community like Walnut Creek. Furnished corporate apartments are also available.
Willow Creek — Details like wood-burning fire places, large tubs, and sunrooms make Willow Creek hard to leave. It’s the perfect place to call home in River Ridge.
Riverwood — A private patio/balcony allows you to enjoy the peaceful scenery at Riverwood, which includes a tranquil pool and gazebo.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
