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What Millennials Want in an Apartment

Millennials know what they want. This is the on-demand generation where everything is available at the touch of a button. Need a ride? There’s an app for that. Need food, quick? There’s an app for that, too. But when it comes to finding the right home, it’s not as simple as downloading an app. Fortunately, we know what millennials want — and you can find it all at Bella Ridge.

The Perfect Apartments at Bella Ridge

The cozy club room at Bella Ridge.

Concierge Services

While we don’t have an app for dry cleaning, we do offer concierge services for a variety of services (like dry cleaning!). Think of us as your personal assistant — we’re here to help keep your home life running smoothly.

Resident Rewards

Beyond perks like granite countertops, large spaces, separate tubs and showers, and more, we also offer a different kind of resident rewards. Our resident rewards program is free to join and gives you discounts on local shopping, dining, and lifestyle services.

Green Property

Sustainability is important for the earth, and we’re pleased with our Green Globe Certification. This national certification demonstrates excellence in water conservation and energy efficiency.

Free Bike Rentals

Sustainability doesn’t stop at building codes. We offer free bike rentals at Bella Ridge — it’s a great way to burn some calories and help the environment simultaneously.

Dog Park

Four-legged friends are welcome at Bella Ridge. We even have our own designated dog park! Just remember to review our dog park etiquette.

Free Poolside Covered Cabanas

Our stunning pool is the perfect place to get away from it all without ever leaving home. In addition to free covered cabanas, our pool also features tanning ledges and a grilling area so you can make a day of it.

Free Resident Events

Meet other Bella residents and enjoy perks like wine nights and holiday parties at our resident events.

24-Hour Fitness Center

Are you one of those people who likes to exercise late at night? We totally aren’t. But we feel you! That’s why our fitness center is open 24 hours.

DVD Rentals

Millennials love a good #tb. Enter DVD rentals. You might be tempted to queue up your Netflix account, but check our selection first! It’s old-school fun for an awesome night in.

 


Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

The boneless, skinless chicken breast: a weeknight staple for lean protein that cooks up in a jiffy. But it can get a little boring, can’t it? Keep reading for four new ways to prepare this quick-cooking cut of poultry: they’re big on global flavors but still easy, we promise!

Chicken Breast Recipes

Hummus-Crusted Chicken

Simple Mediterranean flavors transform in the oven, creating a crisp outer crust. We’ll bet you have most of these ingredients in your fridge already! Try serving it with sauteed squash or boxed couscous.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup hummus (try using garlic or red pepper hummus for extra flavor!)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper

Recipe

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Grease one large baking dish with cooking spray.
Rinse and pat chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken breasts into the greased dish, then spread each piece with the hummus so that the entire breast is covered. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken, then distribute the paprika on top. Thinly slice the remaining lemon and place throughout the pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Serves four.

Slow-Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Pulled chicken in salsa verde is the basis for an awesome Taco Tuesday. Try using the leftovers for burrito bowls or add barbecue sauce and garlic toast for a barbecue chicken sandwich.

Ingredients

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups salsa verde
  • 1 bottle beer (can substitute with 1 and 1/3 cups chicken broth)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • Salt and pepper

Recipe

Add chicken to the slow cooker, and top with salsa verde and beer or broth. Sprinkle with cumin and add several pinches of salt and one pinch of pepper. Using tongs, turn the chicken so that all sides are coated in the salsa mixture. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using a fork and toss with the juices. Serves 6-8.

Roasted Chicken with Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Canned chickpeas are an easy ingredient that packs on the protein. This one-sheet meal makes cleanup a cinch. Try serving it with a creamy, cool dollop of Greek yogurt sauce (recipe included below) for even more protein.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (skin recommended)
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro sprigs (can substitute with Italian parsley)

Recipe

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Whisk oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the oil mixture to another bowl, and add the yogurt. Set aside.
Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet (skin side up if using skin-on breasts). Rub two tablespoons of the oil mixture generously on the chicken. In a separate bowl, add tomatoes, chickpeas and half of the cilantro, then add the remaining oil and mix to coat. Pour onto the baking sheet around the chicken. Turn to coat the chicken with any extra oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt.
Roast for about 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving plates and spoon the bean and tomato mixture over top. Garnish with remaining cilantro, and serve with the yogurt sauce. Serves 4.
 

Baked Sriracha Chicken

Want to spice things up? This baked recipe brings the heat. Pair it with simple, steamed Jasmine rice for upgraded take-out at home.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced where green and minced where white
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced or grated ginger
  • 2-3 minced garlic cloves
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (can adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

Recipe

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a large baking dish and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk the minced white onions, hoisin, garlic, ginger, salt, lime juice, Sriracha sauce, and Chinese five spice. Piece by piece, place the chicken breast in the bowl and coat completely with the sauce. Place coated breasts in the baking dish and pour any remaining sauce over top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Place chicken on serving dishes and top with onion greens and sesame seeds. Serves 4.


The Best Fests in New Orleans This Spring

Festival season is here! And we’ve got a full list of New Orleans festivals happening over the next few months in and around the city and its metro area. Take a peek!

Spring 2017 New Orleans Festivals

March

Wednesdays at the Square — The Young Leadership Council (YLC) of New Orleans hosts this fun, free event every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. in Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans. It’s a great way to get yourself over that weekday hump, and proceeds from sales of food and beverages benefit YLC charities and causes. The weekly series runs through May 24.

Delgado Music Festival — Delgado Community College hosts this free event at its City Park Campus (615 City Park Avenue) on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Expect performances from artists like Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Stephanie Jordan, and more.

Hogs for the Cause — Help support kids facing scary diagnoses at Hogs for the Cause, benefitting treatments and support for families with children with pediatric brain cancer. This fest is all about the barbecue, with amazing pork dishes (vegetarian, too) and plenty of live music at the UNO Lakefront Arena festival grounds March 31 and April 1. One-day general admission tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate; kids under 12 are free.

Kenner’s Italian Heritage Festival — Celebrate Italian culture even after St. Joseph’s Day with this fest happening March 31-April 2. Local crafts and live music set the tone to browse historic photos and a St. Joseph’s Day altar. The fest lasts from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 (free for children under 12).

April

Freret Street Festival Freret Street in Uptown New Orleans just keeps growing. This free fest celebrates the neighborhood with more than 200 vendors plus live music on three stages, activities for kids, pet adoptions, and more. Hit the fest on April 1 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Music Under the Oaks On April 2 and April 9, the Loyola University School of Music (April 2) and the New Orleans Concert Band (April 9) offer free concerts at 5 p.m. at Newman Bandstand in Audubon Park. Food and drinks are available at this lovely event — bring your lawn chair for a comfy seat!

A Taste of Covington Dine out on some of the North Shore’s best food and wine at this upscale event happening April 5-9. Tickets vary.

French Quarter Festival All the French Quarter becomes a stage at this free event from April 6-9. Hundreds of bands play all throughout the French Quarter on stages small and large. Food from more than 60 restaurants keeps your appetite at bay so you can enjoy the music!

Spring for Art This free downtown Covington fest on April 18 features music, live performances, and — of course — art. Businesses will stay open late so you can peruse and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Lake PontchARTrain Craft Fair Browse work from more than 30 vendors offering jewelry, crafts, artwork, pottery, and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 22.

Jazz Fest  On April 28-30 (and then again May 4-7), Jazz Fest brings in incredible acts like Stevie Wonder, Alabama Shakes, Wilco, Patti La-Belle, Kings of Leon, Maroon 5, Tom Petty, and more. The fest runs from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; tickets are $70 in advance and $80 at the gate.

May

Jazz Fest — See above!

Mother’s Day Celebration — Treat mom to a fun day at Audubon Zoo for a free concert (with price of regular zoo admission) from New Orleans legend Irma Thomas. Additional performances plus family activities round out your day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 14.

Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo — Boogie on the bayou at this three-day festival featuring Jon Cleary, Luke Winslow King, and more local music acts. Plenty of food plus arts and crafts are all part of the fun from April 19-21. Even better? It’s free!

New Orleans Food and Wine Experience — Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in good taste at this ultimate New Orleans culinary experience featuring grand tastings, a pastry show, a wine stroll, and so much more. Tickets vary; the Experience runs from May 25-28.

Greek Festival — Go Greek! Along Bayou St. John in New Orleans, scope out Hellenic dances, cooking demonstrations, Greek music, food, and much more May 26-28. Ticket information TBA.

Bayou Country Superfest The Baton Rouge favorite moves to New Orleans this year with country artists like Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, and more. Head to the Superdome May 26-28; tickets start at $99.


Let’s Fly Away: International Flights from Louis Armstrong Airport

Louis Armstrong Airport is truly undergoing a renaissance. In addition to a new, upcoming terminal and new restaurants on-site (planned vendors for the terminal expansion include Pizza Domenica, Mondo, Mopho, and Emeril’s Table), MSY is also adding new international flights to its roster. Keep reading to plan your dream international vacation — we’ve got the scoop on where to go and what to pack so you always feel at home.

Where to Go from Louis Armstrong Airport

London — British Airways announced its exciting new nonstop from New Orleans to London last year… and now flights are finally available starting March 27. The global culture and ancient history of this premiere city is just a direct flight away; there’s truly no reason not to take advantage of this amazing new offering from Louis Armstrong Airport!

Panama — Some call Panama the gateway to the Americas, but it’s also a destination in and of itself. Whether you choose to stay in Panama or use the direct flight on Copa Airlines to venture into other nearby Central and South American countries like Costa Rica or Colombia, your flight will be quick and easy — it’s only 3 1/2 hours long!

Frankfurt — Frankfurt is one of the largest, busiest airports in the world that offers easy access to other countries in Europe and Asia. You may choose the direct flight to Frankfurt as your connection to nearly anywhere else in the world, or you might decide to stay and explore Germany. Frankfurt is a truly European-style destination with historic landmarks, botanical gardens, museums, performing arts venues, and so much more; it’s also just a train ride away from Germany’s capital, Berlin.

Cancun — Your beach getaway just got a lot more exotic with direct flights available seasonally to Cancun. Revel in the surf and the sun on a flight that clocks in at under 2 hours!

Punta Cana — This gem of the Dominican Republic is another must-do beach destination available seasonally. You’ll be treated to incredible resorts, beautiful ocean views, and the laid-back style of the Caribbean.

Toronto — Spend your vacay on the shores of Lake Ontario with a flight to Toronto. This cosmopolitan city is a prominent location for films, music, and the performing arts. Get a view of it all from the city’s famous CN Tower.

What to Pack for an Overseas Flight

Of course, you’ll want to prepare for weather and desired activities (are you envisioning a fancy night out? A heart-pumping hike? Pack accordingly!) wherever you’re headed, but there are a few things you can bring with you to stay relaxed and feel at home on a long flight. You’ll arrive feeling refreshed, not frazzled.

  • Noise-canceling headphones — Crying baby? What crying baby?
  • USB battery pack — A backup battery means you can Netflix binge without worrying about draining your phone!
  • Lightweight scarf, jacket, or blanket — Planes get chilly, after all.
  • Travel pillow — Pick one up at the airport if you forget to bring your own. The last thing you want when you land is a sore neck!
  • Address of where you’re staying — This sounds obvious, but have the address written down or committed to memory. Customs agents may ask when you land, and you’ll certainly want to direct your cab driver to the correct place.
  • Care pack — Pack a quart-size, clear plastic zip bag with items like moisturizer, eye drops, Tylenol, Alka-Seltzer, chapstick, and Emergen-C. Sometimes, long flights are just plain uncomfortable, but these items can help!

 

 


Spring Home Decor Trends

After spring cleaning comes the fun part: redecorating! We’ve collected some spring home decor trends to incorporate into your apartment. You don’t have to spend a fortune, either: adding any one of these trends to your home can help freshen up your overall look.

desk-1st-lake-properties

Warm metals, indoor plants, and organic accents like glass and wood are all on trend for spring!

Spring Home Decor Trends

Shades of Green — Pantone’s 2017 color of the year is “Greenery,” so it’s no surprise this trend is in full bloom. Add accent pillows in rich, emerald tones, or create an indoor garden with house plants. Choose green accessories with undertones that suit your existing decor — a more yellow-green for warm tones and a more blue-green for cool tones, respectively.

Faux Fur — Fuzzy accents are having a big moment. In fact, texture in general (think velvet or chunky knits) are popping up all over home decor websites. Get into the texture trend with faux fur accents like shaggy accent pillows or faux sheepskin rugs. We love the look of layering a small faux sheepskin rug over a larger area rug or casually draping it over an accent chair. You can even add fuzzy stools that bring a fun dose of texture to your space!

Organic Materials — Playing off the texture trend, you’ll want to incorporate organic, tactile materials into your space. Add glass and wood elements for a calming, natural aesthetic.

Marble Accents — Some of our properties feature natural stone countertops, but you can amp up that look by incorporating marble accents. Don’t limit this to the kitchen — try adding marble details elsewhere at home, too! In the kitchen, we like marble pieces like cutting boards. Coffee tables and side tables with a marble (or faux marble) top look great in living rooms and bedrooms. We also are swooning over this removable marble wallpaper — wouldn’t it look great in a bathroom?

Warm Metals— Warm-tone metals like brass and copper are having a moment. If your fixtures are already silver tone, don’t fret: you can mix metals! Add copper and brass elements like lighting or storage to complement your existing metal finishes.