How to Keep Your Cat Happy in Your Apartment

Here are four pawsome tips to help your cats cozy up to their new apartment. 

1. Elevated Points 

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! 

2. Scratching Posts 

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. 

3. Playtime 

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. 

4. Calming Smells 

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!

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!

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Labor Day Furniture Sales

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. 

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)! 

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! 

Happy bargain hunting, friends! 

Need an apartment for all these great furniture finds? Visit 1stlake.com to find your perfect place.

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5 New Orleans Stores for Decorating on a Budget

Redecorating your space? We’ve got the perfect guide to snag some used furniture in New Orleans at a price that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.  

These five second-hand stores in New Orleans have some of the best reduced-cost, quality inventory around. They’re perfect for a DIY-style approach to apartment decor!

House Stuff: House Stuff is a boutique consignment store full of used furnishings, from living area furniture to accent pieces. Located at 3939 Toulouse St., House Stuff is a store owned by Flora Shaughnessy that pays homage to “well-designed, solid wood craftsmanship.” If you’re looking for used mid-century modern furniture, this is the place to start.

Junk’s Above: This Mid City spot has some of the best used furniture in New Orleans if you’re looking for funky, vintage finds to decorate your apartment. 

Plus they’ve got plenty of tchotchkes that add some retro flair to your place!

 

Bridge House Thrift Store: Bridge House is a remarkable New Orleans institution that primarily offers individuals seeking recovery from drug and alcohol addiction the time and structure needed to begin a new life. They also happen to have two thrift stores featuring a wonderful rotation of home furnishings for a bargain. 

You’ll find their locations at 4243 Earhart Blvd. and 7901 Airline Drive.

Floor 13, formerly Canal Furniture Liquidators is another great spot for furniture finds. In their own words,  they “buy and sell pre-loved furniture.” Find them at 400 Jefferson Hwy.  

Seasoned: Seasoned’s inventory is a bit more specific than the rest of our list, as it only sells second-hand kitchen items. They’re on the pricier side, but this store is just too cool for us to pass up. 

Seasoned sells vintage cookware, both online and at their brick & mortar location at 3824 Dryades Street. If you’re looking for the coolest cookware in the city, Seasoned is your spot to shop.

Click here to find more furniture stores in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Looking for a New Apartment to Decorate? Let Us Help!

Check out our website to find a 1st Lake residential community near you! 

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Sales That Suit Your Style And Your Budget

Looking for more pieces to make your apartment feel like home? We did the digging for you and found deals on everything you need! From kitchen appliances to accent tables, we scrounged up several sales you can benefit from today!

1. Kitchen Clearance

Spice up your kitchen with new cookware! With up to 75% off from Sur La Table, you can feel like a master chef while trying out that new recipe. Plus, take advantage of Williams & Sonoma’s semi-annual cookware event and save up to 25%  on essentials at Home Depot. We love this juicing blender from Sur La Table and it’s currently 56% off! 

2. Bed & Bath Bargains

Looking for a fresh new look for your room or bathroom? Head to the semi-annual bed & bath sale at Wayfair. They’ve got steals like this classic comforter set that’s 78% off! Oh and you can snag 60% off items at Birch Lane’s Memorial Day Presale.

3. Furniture Finds

Home Depot does it again with this functional, classic side table. With up to 25% off here, you can find anything from headboards to dining tables without breaking the bank. 

4. More Steals

Still have things on your shopping list? No worries, we found even more deals. We love how this rug from West Elm adds subtle color and class to the room (and that it’s 25% off!) Once you’ve filled your virtual shopping cart, take advantage of the Overstock Memorial Day Blowout with up to 70% off and free shipping! World Market has big sales on everything too! From chairs to towels and even snacks, you can get a bargain. 

 

Already have your pieces but need a place to call home? Check out our apartment homes to find your perfect place today! 

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Gifts For Mom That Won’t Bust the Bank

It’s impossible to put a price on moms and mother figures; they’re just so precious to us. But when it comes to gift-giving, it can be overwhelming to find just the right gift at a price we can afford. So we crafted six thoughtful gift ideas that don’t break the bank.

1. Breakfast In Bed

Start Mother’s Day off strong by making her favorite breakfast. Awaken mom with a gentle knock on the door and the scent of fresh-brewed coffee wafting through the air. Deliver her meal on a tray (and for extra brownie points, add fresh flowers!). Mom will love the royal treatment! Need breakfast inspo? Country Living has plenty of recipes you can try.

2. Handwritten Note 

Your mom knows you love her, but take a pen to paper and remind her of all the reasons why. It might seem like a simple gift, but we’re pretty sure she will treasure it forever! Hallmark has some tips on how to write a sweet note to mama.

3. Give Mom A Day Off

Give your mom a break by sending her to her favorite restaurant or cafe with a gift card. While she is out enjoying time to herself, you can clean her house or run her errands. Find out how to pull off giving Mom a day to herself here (with some extra ideas too!). 

4. Create a Photo Book

Find your favorite photos with Mom and create a photo book. You can make one for only $15 at Artifact Uprising.

5. A Spa Package

Pamper your mama with a spa package. Whether you want to pitch in with others and pay for a spa experience, or if you want to DIY for Mom, we can help. Learn how to make your own spa package here. 

Now you are ready to show your mother just how much you cherish her without stressing about spending lots of money!

 

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