Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and seemingly everyone with a significant other is looking for that perfect gift! While there are the tried and true go-to gifts such as chocolates or roses, sometimes it’s good to try something a little different.
A gesture that veers away from the classic gifts can show that you care even more, as it requires a bit more thought! There are several things you can do to show that special someone how much they mean to you while sticking to a budget as well. With finances being tight for a lot of people, there’s no need to break the bank just to make a sweet gesture on Valentine’s Day!
Photo by Leonardo Wong on Unsplash
We think there’s no better way to start this love-centered day than by waking your boo up to breakfast. One gesture that goes a long way without having to spend a lot of money is to make a simple and delicious breakfast spread. Stacked pancakes, hot coffee, and a side of scrambled eggs–what more could we ask for? Plus, breakfast food is the least expensive of all so you won’t break the budget.
Even if you’re no expert in the kitchen, looking up a special pancake recipe or giving homemade french toast a shot might be a sweet idea. Even if you come up a little short in your attempt to be a gourmet chef, the effort involved will certainly prove how much he or she means to you! Try finding a recipe that isn’t too heavily involved, and a meal that can be relatively mess free (since you’ll be eating it from the comfort of your sheets).
Here are 45 breakfast in bed ideas.
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
Another way to show that you care on a budget is to create your own gift. Sometimes these gifts are the most meaningful, because they require genuine time and thought. Do you have a special talent that you can utilize? Perhaps you’re a great singer, photographer, or artist.
Take an inventory of the skills you can use to create a gift that shows you really care. If you can play a guitar or sing, try singing a song about your loved one.
Another idea that most anyone can do is to create a scrap book of your time together. You could include photos you’ve taken together, movie ticket stubs from your first date or dates thereafter, small mementos from trips you’ve taken together, and other sentimental scraps. The more thought and effort you put into your scrap book, the more special it will be.
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
Sometimes, the best gift you can give is a simple escape from everyday life. Take a brief trip with your loved one for Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you can manage a day off of work together and take a day trip to a close-by destination that you both enjoy. If you or your significant other isn’t able to take off of work, book a hotel room in your city or town! Even if it’s close by, simply being able to stay somewhere else, have someone else pick up after you, and be away from the normal stresses and tedium of home can be huge! Some hotels run specials, and you might be able to find a room fairly cheap. Try using one of our favorite apps/sites, Hotel Tonight to see day-of hotel specials in the area. In their own words, Hotel Tonight “partners with top-rated hotels, they give us their unsold rooms, and we show you each day’s best deals. You check out those deals, book the one you like and boom! You’re on your way to a great stay.”
Photo from the Eliza Jane Hotel
Get a little creative this Valentine’s Day, and you may find that not only can you save a little money, but the added sentiment of creativity can go a long way! Here’s to a safe and happy Valentine’s Day for everyone!
Did you know most people only wear 20% of the clothes they own 80% of the time? Keep this factoid in mind as we talk about tips for downsizing from a house to an apartment. No matter why you’re downsizing, the transition can seem daunting without these quick tips.
1. Determine What You Already Have
Once you’ve figured out exactly how much square footage you have in your new apartment, you can tackle the task of sorting through what you already have and then choosing what items are moving with you and what items are not.
2. Organize Your Belongings
It’s important to prioritize in the early phases of downsizing. Identify the most important items you have which will most likely be key furniture such as your bed, sofas, dining table, bedside tables, and chairs. Start planning out where you will put these items first as they are the most important. Then you can begin to plan around with decor or smaller items.
3. Consider Lifestyle Changes
Getting into the mindset of your new life will be extremely helpful to your downsize project. Consider how your everyday activities will change in your new surroundings. For example, according to a long distance moving company in Dallas, if you are moving to a city without good public transportation, you need to restructure your budget to allow more spending on gas.
Think about your lifestyle changes as you go through your possessions and determine which ones make the cut, and which ones are better left behind. Consider things that may be useful to you now but won’t be useful in an apartment and a different environment.
4. Choose Your Supplies Wisely
As you start packing, it may be helpful to designate boxes: items you’re taking with you, items you’re giving away, items you’re putting in storage, items you’re throwing away. Remember, long-term storage can be expensive, so if there are items you don’t want to get rid of but don’t have space for (like a piano, for instance) ask a friend or family member to store those for you.
5. Deciding What to Give Away vs. Keep
Many people find it hard to discard their belongings even if they haven’t used them in a long time. While there is no getting around the sentimental value an item might have you should ask yourself two important questions when sifting through your things. One: how useful is it? And two: does it have aesthetic value?
Remember the stat we threw at you in the beginning of this post? Your downsize project may seem intimidating but the fact is most of the items we accumulate in our homes are not particularly useful. While you won’t want to bring a rarely used kitchen mixer, you may want to bring a rarely read book. Why? Because books are great accent pieces that can add aesthetic appeal without breaking the budget.
6. Declutter Your Life
Making the most use of your available space will be very important when downsizing. For many, this means minimizing clutter. No matter how organized you are, we all have clutter and moving is the perfect time to declutter your life.
One helpful hint for minimizing clutter is using wirelessly connected devices like printers and laptops so you don’t have a bunch of wires creating an eyesore in your new place. Plus, if you’re relocating to a new office, you may consider bringing some home items to your new space (i.e. small plants, notepads, etc.) Also, utilize the space under your bed and behind your doors (door-mounted shoe racks and underbed storage are great sources of organization).
A Great Opportunity
In reality, downsizing is a great opportunity to simplify, de-stress and reprioritize your life. It’s a chance to reinvent yourself and your living space. So we hope this post has given you a positive perspective of the whole ordeal. Ready, Set, Go!
Guest blog by North Dallas Moving and Storage
Create a cozy apartment with these three tips:
Basket & Blanket from Hobby Lobby
Always a Deal Throw Pillows from World Market
Bonus tip: Next time you’re at the dollar store, grab a box of flameless, battery-powered candles. Sprinkling these throughout your apartment will create an ambiance of peace and quiet. 
To snag one more bonus tip, head to our Instagram Story!
Looking for an apartment you’ll fall in love with? We can help! Just click here.
Here are four pawsome tips to help your cats cozy up to their new apartment.
By cleaning the tops of bookshelves or setting up small cat posts around your apartment, your cat has room to perch and move. This gives them a great view of your space and even outside!
Scratching posts are sure to be loved by your kitty! Scratching allows them to stretch and flex their paws. Grabbing a small scratching post from your local pet store will reduce unwanted scratches throughout your home. Keep your place and feline friend happy. The Humane Society goes in depth about the benefits of having a scratching post.
HomeDepot.com
Set aside some time for you and your cat for playtime, where both of you can play together either with a string toy or a laser pointer. This helps with bonding and gives your kitty some needed exercise. Cats also love to play on their own so by grabbing little balls of yarn or smaller toys, they can play with themselves when you are busy.
You can’t be there for your cat all day every day so they can get sad without you. Help calm their separation anxiety with lavender and chamomile diffusers. Check out Chewy’s cat-friendly diffuser to create a calm environment for your cat and yourself!
Chewy.com
Keep your cat and apartment happy with these little tricks. Are you and your feline friend looking for a new home? Find your new place at any of our pet-friendly apartments today!
In case you didn’t know, home decor stores everywhere are offering incredible Labor Day sales starting today! To save you time and money, we rounded up the best deals we could find.
First, the Pier 1 in Elmwood Shopping Center is closing! That means the entire store is on sale with deals ranging from 20%-75% off! We already snagged the accent pieces of our dreams.
Next, hit the bullseye at everyone’s favorite place on Earth: Target. With 25% off home decor items, you can get what you want for less! Our personal obsession right now: throw pillows. Target has some of the trendiest throws for prices you’ll want to tell your friends about.
Cotton Textured with Tassels Square Throw Pillow – Opalhouse™ by Target
For a savings overload, head to Overstock.com. They’ve got multiple sales happening right now including the Labor Day Blowout Sale (extra 20% off products), the One Big Rug Sale (extra 25% off area rugs), and best of all the Fall Preview Event Sale (up to 70% off items)!
nuLOOM Grey/Black Southwestern Flatweave Hand-woven Wool Ikat Tassel Area Rug by Overstock
Our next furniture giant, Wayfair, has a click-worthy sale going on! The Fresh Start Sale has all things from back-to-school to bedding to storage and appliances.
Rooms To Go has a Pre-Labor Day Sofa Sale happening right now: all sofas are on sale! It doesn’t get better than that. With brand new couches starting at $425, you just found the perfect excuse to finally get a new sofa. Head to the local Rooms to Go on Veterans Blvd. for more in-store deals!
Sofia Vergara Pacific Palisades Emerald Plush Sofa by Rooms to Go
Happy bargain hunting, friends!
Need an apartment for all these great furniture finds? Visit 1stlake.com to find your perfect place.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
