Many studies have been conducted on the influence of semiochemicals (fragrances, pheromones, even body odor) on mood and behavior. Essentially, how, and why, do smells make us feel?
There is even an entire lab at Rutgers University dedicated to the study of such matters. One such study, conducted by Professor Jeannettte Haviland-Jones’ Human Emotions Lab, concluded that flowers and flower scents promote happiness. Other scents, according to Vanderbilt University’s Health Psychology department, can promote calm, relaxation, or even rejuvenation.
Any modern department store will have a selection of diffusers, essential oils, and scents, as will many bath and body, candle, and home décor stores. Choosing a signature scent for your apartment will individualize your space, infuse a sense of home, and just might spruce up your attitude, too.
To promote a relaxing environment, choose a musky scent such as sandalwood or citrusy bergamot. If you’d like your signature home scent to invigorate your space, choose a piney rosemary or cool, spicy peppermint aroma. The scent of lemon promotes high energy and positive mood as well.
To encourage alertness, diffuse the scent of eucalyptus. If you need to ease feelings of tension and anxiety, opt instead for a savory sage scent.
Flowers and gardening are certainly “good things” according to media empress Martha Stewart, who enjoys the intoxicating fragrances of freesia, rose, and gardenia.
If you enjoy perfumes or cut flowers, the sky is the limit in terms of scents for your home. If you wish to keep live plants, an apartment renter should choose a sturdy bulb plant such as freesia or tuberose rather than a voluminous, prickly rose bush. Lilies are hearty, fragrant bulb flowers too and they will grow well in a home or on a balcony garden.
The lily family is extensive, including a total of roughly 1,300 species. The selection of bulbs at your local home and garden store won’t be that extensive, but you should be able to find a bevy of ubiquitous varieties including white Easter Lilies, magenta speckled Stargazer Lilies, and orange Tiger Lilies.
If you choose to showcase cut lilies instead, snip and discard the anthers (the pollen-coated bits) from the centers of the lilies to avoid messy pollen dispersion. Garden gurus claim this little trick will extend the shelf life of your flowers, too.
River Ridge is a family-friendly three-mile stretch of southern Louisiana lying between Kenner and Metairie along the Mississippi River, bounded approximately by Generes Drive, Little Farms Avenue, Caladium Street, and Folse Street.
As River Ridge is adjacent to Elmwood and Harahan as well as Metairie, shopping in the area abounds. Lakeside Mall and Elmwood Village Shopping center are both within just a few miles of River Ridge and the boutiques in downtown New Orleans, such as The Shops At Canal Place, are just 15 minutes away.
Also just next door to the River Ridge community is the Nims Center Studios, a premiere filming and editing space used for commercials, music videos, television shows, and major motion pictures. Currently, Louisiana’s own Imagination Movers film episodes of their hit Disney Channel series on location at the studios. In the past, the Nims Center Studios have aided in the production of blockbusters including The Runaway Jury, All The King’s Men, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
In terms of buildings and zoning in the area, River Ridge is largely residential. At the time of the 2000 census, nearly 75 percent of all River Ridge housing units were detached single-family units. According to figures compiled by Trulia.com, the median sales price for a single-family home in River Ridge was up 23 percent (from 2009) in December 2010, though sales data still reflects an overall depreciation in value of roughly eight percent since 2006.
At present, rental units in apartment complexes such as The Creeks of River Ridge Apartments are trending in the area. Apartment communities including Cypress, Hickory, and Sawmill Creek are gaining popularity by renting units at below average rates while still offering amenities such as swimming pools and gym facilities.
River Ridge is located within Jefferson Parish and is represented by Republican Kirk Talbot in the Louisiana State House of Representatives and by Republican Daniel Martiny in the Louisiana State Senate. For more information on River Ridge and other communities within Jefferson Parish, visit the Jefferson Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau web site.
Slidell, Louisiana is a city rich with culture and more than 100 years of hometown history, just a short, scenic drive from downtown New Orleans. Just a short thirty minute drive from New Orleans, Slidell is located within a breathtaking tract of Louisiana known as the Ozone Belt. This name refers to the special mix of salty sea air and pine scented breezes mingling in the area. This special air was thought by some Native Americans to have restorative powers.
Slidell is home to a host of festive annual events, including the Slidell Heritage Festival held each July 4 and the Olde Towne Slidell Spring Street Fair held in April. Slidell’s Heritage Park even hosts an annual Christmas under the Stars celebration, a holiday spectacular featuring lights, cheer, gingerbread, even a miniature train village!
Slidell’s iconic DuBuisson Gallery, a popular spot for events held throughout the year, gets into the holiday spirit, too. This year, through December 23, DuBuisson Gallery is hosting a holiday market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. An added bonus, shoppers can stop by the famous City of Slidell Train Display, which will be open for viewing through January 8 of next year.
In addition to being the setting of year-round festivities such as the aforementioned, Slidell is prospering in the face of grim national financial figures. The cost of living in Slidell is nearly 10 percent below the national average, according to Yahoo! Real Estate. While recent job growth is low, 1.5 percent, future job growth is projected to reach 26 percent. Slidell’s unemployment rate, 4.5 percent, is well below the national average, which has hovered around 10 percent nationally for more than a year.
The same source reports Slidell’s population at nearly 30,000 and growing. The median age of residents is 37 and the median income of 50,000 on average. The city also reports a pupil to teacher ratio of 12 to one. Combined, these figures show Slidell as an ideal settling place for young families with children.
There are more facts about this captivating city, visit the official city of Slidell web site. Visitors can also call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to learn more about Slidell.
Searching for an apartment in Slidell? Check out our Audubon Gates apartment community, located in the heart of Slidell.
Ah, the dreaded lease agreement! Many times, while this is the simplest of moving tasks to complete, this can be the most daunting! A lease agreement, in very basic terminology, grants an individual use of an individually-owned or company-owned asset. Most often, the individual is called the lessee and the owner of the asset is known as the lessor. Simple, right?
Although lease agreements typically contain a long list of terms and conditions that are intertwined with legal jargon, they are meant to provide protection to both the lessee and lessor. Lease agreements are not meant to be scary or over-imposing. In a dynamic world where things are so ever-changing, a lease agreement will offer consistency and comfort in your living experience. Additionally, a lease agreement offers a plethora of rights and privileges to the lessee.
With respect to apartment lease agreements, the lessee is granted much more than just the right and privilege to reside in an apartment home. Rather, the lessee is able to use the luxuries of the owner’s entire asset. Pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, business centers, and all of the other amenities of the owner’s asset can be utilized by the lessee.
It is, however, very important for the lessee to understand the entirety of the lease agreement, so that he/she can make the most of what is being offered and also be aware of what is not permitted due to the well-being of the owner and asset. Read through your lease agreement and ask questions about the topics that you aren’t completely certain of. You’ll be very happy that you did.
The final point to make about a lease agreement is the pride that you should take in it. An individual or company has made an educated decision to entrust you with their precious asset. They’ve determined that you are a good candidate to use, take care of, and represent this asset. You should be proud of yourself for being extended this lease agreement and commit yourself to the terms of it.
Don’t be afraid of a lease agreement. It is there for protection and guidance. Be proud that you were able to secure a lease agreement and make the most of it.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
