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2024 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

It’s officially 🎶 “CARNIVAL T-I-I-I-ME!” 🎶

With Carnival season comes purple, green, and gold galore, delicious king cakes, and the most fun of all – dazzling parades! To help prepare you for the season, we’ve curated a list of all the Northshore and Southshore parades. Keep reading for more and get your bead bags ready!

Photo by @mardigrasworld via Instagram

Southshore

Metairie

Krewe of Excalibur • Friday, February 2nd • 6:30 PM

Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters • Saturday, February 3rd • 5:00 PM

Krewe of Athena • Sunday, February 4th • 5:00 PM
Krewe of Atlas follows

Krewe of Symphony • Thursday, February 8th • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Athena • Sunday, February 11th • 5:30 PM

Krewe of Centurions • Monday, February 12th | LUNDI GRAS • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Argus • Tuesday, February 13thst | MARDI GRAS • 10:00 AM
Krewe of Elks Jeffersonians follows

New Orleans

Krewe of Chewbacchus • Saturday, January 20th • 7:00 PM

Krewe Bohème • Friday, January 26th • 7:00 PM

Krewe du Vieux • Saturday, January 27th • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Nefertiti • Sunday, January 28th • 1:00 PM

‘tit Rəx • Sunday, January 28th • 4:30 PM

krewedelusion • Sunday, January 28th • 7:00 PM

Krewe of Cork • Friday, February 2nd • 3:00 PM

Krewe of Oshun • Friday, February 2nd • 6:00 PM
Krewe of Cleopatra follows
Krewe of Alla follows

Krewe of Pontchartrain • Saturday, February 3rd • 11:30 AM
Legion of Mars follows
Krewe of Choctaw follows
Krewe of Freret follows

Knights of Sparta • Saturday, February 3rd • 5:30 PM
Krewe of Pygmalion follows

Knights of Nemesis • Saturday, February 3rd • 1:00 PM

Krewe of Barkus • Sunday, February 4th • 2:00 PM

The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale • Sunday, February 4th • 11:00 AM
Krewe of Carrollton follows
Krewe of King Arthur follows

Krewe of Druids • Wednesday, February 7th • 6:15 PM

Krewe of Nyx • Wednesday, February 7th • 6:45 PM

Knights of Babylon • Thursday, February 8th • 5:30 PM
Knights of Chaos follows
Krewe of Muses follows

Krewe of Bosom Buddies • Friday, February 9th • 11:30 AM

Krewe of Hermes • Friday, February 9th • 5:30 PM

Krewe d’Etat • Friday, February 9th • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Morpheus • Friday, February 9th • 7:00 PM

Krewe of Iris • Saturday, February 10th • 11:00 AM

Krewe of Tucks • Saturday, February 10th • 12:00 PM

Krewe of Endymion • Saturday, February 10th • 4:00 PM

Krewe of Okeanos • Sunday, February 11th • 11:00 AM
Krewe of Mid-City follows

Krewe of Thoth • Sunday, February 11th • 12:00 PM

Krewe of Bacchus • Sunday, February 11th • 5:15 PM

Krewe of Proteus • Monday, February 12th | LUNDI GRAS • 5:15 PM

Krewe of Orpheus • Monday, February 12th | LUNDI GRAS • 6:00 PM

Krewe of Zulu • Tuesday, February 13th | MARDI GRAS • 8:00 AM

Krewe of Rex • Tuesday, February 13th | MARDI GRAS • 10:30 AM
Krewe of Elks Orleans follows
Krewe of Crescent City follows

Kenner

Krewe of Isis • Saturday, February 10th • 6:00 PM

Jean Lafitte

Krewe of Rosethorne • Saturday, February 10th • 12:00 PM

Westbank

The Mystic Krewe of Music • Monday, February 5th • 6:00 PM

The Culinary Queens of New Orleans (TCQNO) • Tuesday, February 6th • 6:00 PM

The Krewe of Nandi • Wednesday, February 7th • 6:00 PM

Krewe of NOMTOC • Saturday, February 10th • 10:45 AM

Des Allemands

Des Allemands • Sunday, February 11th • 1:00 PM

Northshore

Abita Springs

Krewe of Push Mow • Saturday, February 3rd • 12:00 PM

Bush

Krewe of Bush • Saturday, February 10th • 9:00 AM

Covington

Krewe of Olympia • Saturday, February 3rd • 6:00 PM

Carnival in Covington • Tuesday, February 13th | MARDI GRAS • 10:00 AM

Krewe of Bogue Falaya • Tuesday, February 13th | MARDI GRAS • 10:15 AM

Krewe of Mardi PAWS • Sunday, February 18th • 2:00 PM

Folsom

Krewe of Folsom • Tuesday, February 13th | MARDI GRAS • 2:00 PM

Hammond

Omega • Friday, February 2nd • 6:30 PM

Madisonville

Krewe of Tchefuncte • Saturday, February 3rd • 1:00 PM

Mandeville

Krewe of Eve • Friday, February 2nd • 7:00 PM

Krewe du Pooch • Saturday, February 17th • 12:00 PM

Pearl River

Krewe of Pearl River Lions Club • Sunday, January 28th • 1:00 PM

Slidell

Mystic Krewe of Titans • Friday, January 26th • 6:30 PM

Krewe of Bilge • Saturday, January 27th • 12:00 PM

Krewe of Poseidon • Saturday, January 27th • 6:00 PM

Krewe of Antheia • Sunday, January 28th • 1:00 PM

Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne • Saturday, February 3rd • 10:00 AM

Krewe of Dionysus • Sunday, February 4th • 1:00 PM

Krewe of Selene • Friday, February 9th • 6:30 PM

Parade Into Your New Home!

From the Northshore to the Southshore, there are not only plenty of parades to experience but also plenty of properties for you to move into! See a list of our Northshore and Southshore properties and find the one that meets your needs today!


Where To Satisfy Your Cravings for King Cake in New Orleans

King Cake in New Orleans is a beloved and special tradition – and one you can only enjoy during the Carnival season. So it’s important to make the most of your King Cake window and try as many delicious renditions as you can!

Ask any local and they’ll tell you that King Cake in New Orleans is only eaten from Twelfth Night (January 6) through Mardi Gras Day. And there are so many bakeries, restaurants and special spots that serve up their own spin on the confection.

Need a good starting point to find the best King Cake in New Orleans? Here’s some must-try options for you to enjoy!

Manny Randazzo's King Cake is a must-try King Cake in New Orleans during Carnival

Manny Randazzo’s King Cake

Almost everyone has heard of the Randazzo family and their secret family king cake recipe is the stuff of legend in New Orleans. As the most well-known keeper of the family’s sweet treat, Manny Randazzo’s King Cakes offers everything from traditional King Cakes to special flavors like apple, lemon, and strawberry.

A bite of Manny Randazzo’s king cake is an essential part of the Mardi Gras experience – if you’re lucky enough to snag one!

Photo by Caluda’s King Cake via Facebook

Caluda’s

Caluda’s, another classic king cake spot, is a go-to bakery offering a variety of traditional and non-traditional flavors both during the carnival season and year-round. Their 30-step baking process makes for a delicious and decadent king cake.

Either pick one up locally or order one for shipping!

Photo by @laboulangerienola via Instagram

La Boulangerie

This French bakery on New Orleans’ charming Magazine Street is the perfect spot to pick up a delicious King Cake. Well-known and popular year-round for their croissants and pastries, they offer traditional cakes alongside cinnamon, strawberry, almond, and pretzel flavors during Carnival. 

You can even grab a personal mini King Cake to enjoy on the go!

Haydel's Bakery serves classic King Cakes in New Orleans that locals love.
Photo by @haydelsbakery via Instagram

Haydel’s Bakery

Haydel’s classic king cake is famous around town. Made of Danish dough, hand braided with cinnamon and sugar, and baked to perfection, these treats are sure to be one of your top favorites with just one bite. 

Plus, they have many special flavors to choose from like praline pecan, cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese, German chocolate, and brownie chocolate chip!

Photo by @gambinosbakery via Instagram

Gambino’s Bakery

Gambino’s has been a well-known New Orleans King Cake spot for decades. Many call them the King of King Cakes and with good reason. Their classic King Cake is just that – fluffy dough, topped with icing, and drizzled with sugar, exactly how a King Cake should taste. 

Photo by @graciousbakerynola via Instagram

Gracious Bakery

If you’re looking for an adventurous flavor to try for your King Cake indulge, Gracious Bakery is the perfect place to start. Their delicious confections showcase some mouthwatering flavors like chocolate, almond frangipane, and nectar cream – they even have a bananas foster-flavored King Cake that’s definitely worth a bite!

Tried All Those and Still Want More?

Our friends at NewOrleans.com wrote a very extensive blog on all the king cake finds this city offers. Check it out here!


How to Make a Holiday Charcuterie Board

A typical Charcuterie board usually consists of a variety of meats and cheeses and is a staple for holiday parties. This year, they have become more popular and people are making their boards with a variety of different items! 

We tried our hand at it with a couple of our own twists and tricks! See how we assembled two, modern charcuterie boards just in time for the holiday season, using items you will love! 

A Cheddar Together Board

    First up, we created a charcuterie board that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine! Our board included three main ingredients: cheese, grapes, and crackers. All of which were purchased from Rouses! This year, our holiday decor at Artesia Apartments featured a lot of snowflakes, and we decided to bring those elements to the board. 

    Learn how to make a fun, festive charcuterie board for your next get-together!

    We placed tinsel in the shape of a tree and alternated between grapes and cheese. Add some snowflakes on top and you have a cheesy winter wonderland scene. Not only did this one come out tasty, but it also added a festive flair to our countertop! 

    Dreamy Dessert Board

    For our second board, we decided to go down a sweeter path to make the dessert board of our dreams! We gathered all of our favorite holiday treats and found the perfect spot to share, at our new apartment community, Bella Ridge South

    If you want to make a stunning charcuterie board with a fun holiday twist, try serving a dessert themed charcuterie board!

    We suggest making yourself a delicious cup of hot chocolate or egg nog to enjoy this one. From staples like Little Debbie Treats, red and green gumdrops to peppermint marshmallows and even Oreo cookies, this board had everything! Adding popcorn and pretzels is a great way to add a splash of salty snacks into the mix. The final product is perfect to leave in the kitchen for midnight snacking or even to make as your table’s centerpiece!

    With oversized kitchens and huge floorplans, our apartment homes are a perfect place to come home to for the holidays!

    For more ideas on holiday decorating, check out our blog on how to create a Show-Stopping Table Setting


    DIY Holiday Gift Basket Ideas

    When it comes to gift-giving, it’s often said that it’s the thought that counts. However true this may be, you should strive to give the best gift possible.

    Adding a personal touch to your gifts is a way to show someone they’re special. That’s why DIY gift baskets are so cool – they’re a way to give a great gift with a personal touch.

    In this post, we’ll share some ideas for DIY holiday gift baskets. With a gift basket, you can give your loved ones an assortment of goodies that show you’ve been thinking about them.

    Read on for some great gift basket ideas!

    Wine & Coffee

    Both wine and coffee are great themes for a holiday gift basket. Chances are, you know someone who is a wine or coffee enthusiast, or both. There are lots of coffee or wine-themed gifts you can turn into a basket that will provide them with everything they need to enjoy their favorite beverage.

    For coffee, include mugs, to-go cups and lids, coffee beans of your choice, mini-creamers, and sugar. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can even include a coffee bean grinder.

    For wine, include wine glasses, a corkscrew, wine aerator, and a bottle of delicious red or white. For a more in-depth tutorial on wine baskets, check out The Wine Cellar Group’s detailed guide.

    Gardening

    Do you know anyone with a green thumb? If so, they’ll be delighted by a gardening gift basket.

    Use your gardening basket as a way to replace old or worn tools and provide inspiration for new things to grow.

    Include gardening gloves, a garden trowel, seed packets, gardening books, air plants, a garden cultivator, and gardening pots. Check out Gardening Know How for more.

    Grilling & BBQ

    The grilling gear basket is great for anyone who spends their holidays entertaining guests and flipping burgers out in the backyard.

    Include a basting brush, a high-quality dry rub or sauce, skewers, an assortment of grilling-related condiments, and top it all off with a cutting board. Country Living provides a few more ideas for the grilling pro in your life.

    Baking

    You probably also know someone who loves to bake. Because those who bake love to share the fruits of their labor, a “baking essentials” basket might end up being a gift to yourself as well!

    Include baking utensils, a whisk, spoon, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, tongs, and a strainer. Dish towels, oven mitts, and some kind of cake mix or dough are also great additions.

    Start Making Your Holiday Gift Baskets in Your New 1st Lake Apartment!

    Contact us today for information on our private residential communities.


    DIY Hot Chocolate Bar

    As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming mug of hot chocolate. This seasonal classic is even better personalized with toppings, mix-ins, and your favorite holiday mugs. Creating a DIY Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar ensures all these extras are in one place, making it the perfect setup to easily grab a cup or have friends and family over to join in the cozy festivities.

    DIY Hot Chocolate Bar

    Selecting the Perfect Spot:
    Find the ideal location for your hot chocolate bar, whether it’s the heart of your kitchen on the island, a cozy corner on your countertop, or a stylish bar cart.

    Crafting a Theme:
    Infuse personality into your hot chocolate bar by selecting a theme that resonates with the season. Think candy cane stripes, delicate snowflakes, cozy plaid – the possibilities are endless. To keep things seamlessly coordinated, snag your supplies in your chosen theme!

    Gathering the Essentials:
    Curate a checklist of must-have items to ensure your hot chocolate bar is both functional and fabulous. From charming mugs, elegant spoons, and festive napkins to handy containers and eye-catching decorative elements like tablecloths and signs, each detail contributes to the overall enchantment.

    Picking Your Hot Chocolate Flavor:
    Begin your hot chocolate journey by choosing a flavor that sets the tone. Opt for classic hot chocolate powder, or venture into alternatives such as velvety white chocolate, rich dark chocolate, or spirited peppermint and caramel options. For a mess-free and effortlessly delicious experience, consider indulging in convenient hot chocolate sticks.

    Toppings & Mix-ins Extravaganza:
    Now, the fun begins! Let your creativity run wild as you assemble an array of toppings that turn a simple cup of cocoa into a masterpiece.

    • Dry Toppings:
      Transform your hot chocolate with classic choices like marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and cinnamon powder. Alternatively, explore unique toppings like toffee bits, coconut shavings, coarse sea salt, candied ginger, or even a dollop of peanut butter!
    • Refrigerated Toppings:
      Elevate your hot chocolate experience with chilled delights. Choose from an array of flavored whipped creams to add an extra layer of indulgence. As for the base, whether it’s regular milk or a dairy-free alternative, the result is a cup of hot chocolate that’s irresistibly creamy and utterly satisfying.

    Organization
    Now that you have everything you need to create your hot chocolate bar, it’s time to set up! Add your cocoa powder and toppings to separate containers with a lid to ensure they stay fresh, and keep your refrigerated items cold until it’s time to add them to your delicious cup of hot chocolate. Once you have everything organized, lay it out in the spot you chose for your hot chocolate bar and finish by decorating with your festive essentials!

    There you have it! A deliciously fun and festive hot chocolate bar to enjoy all throughout the holiday season!

    Find Your New Home this Holiday Season!

    Looking for a new home this holiday season?! We’ve got you covered! Browse our list of apartment homes here and find the perfect one to call your cozy haven!