Search

1st Lake Blog

Renting for Two: 3 Apartment Hunting Tips for Couples

It’s not hard to find best practices for apartment hunting online, but what if you’re looking for apartment hunting tips for couples? We’ve got everything you need to know to find the perfect apartment space for you and your significant other.

Apartment hunting individually or as a couple can be similar in many ways. But there are certain factors to consider that are unique to approaching the process as a pair – just like deciding how to spend the holidays or making big purchases.

If you’re launching into an apartment hunt with that special someone, check out these 3 things that’ll make the process faster, easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

Know Your Apartment Negotiables & Non-Negotiables in Advance

Make sure you discuss the apartment search process as a couple in advance.

This is a largely ignored step that can save couples a ton of hassle and disagreements. Before launching into your couple apartment search, make sure to write separate lists of each of your apartment negotiables and non-negotiables. Then, combine all your non-negotiables into one list and make this your starting point.

If the list seems too long, cut it down by eliminating items that both of you don’t feel strongly about. Be sure to completing this exercise before going into the process. This will be instrumental in avoiding nasty surprises later on.

For example, are there certain locations that won’t work for one of you? Is a community pool a necessity or are both of you willing to forgo that amenity? Questions like these help both partners get on the same page and narrow down the apartment search criteria.

Separating the necessities from the “icing on the cake” items will help speed up the apartment search process tremendously.

Split the Apartment Search to Double the Efficiency

One of the best tips for apartment hunting as a couple is to research separately when apartment-hunting with a significant other.

Okay, we get it, you do everything together. But when it comes to apartment hunting as a couple, this isn’t the most efficient strategy.

We suggest maximizing the fact that there are two of you. You can cover twice as many locations, online resources and showings if you split the search process between you both. There will be times when you need to research a listings site or attend an apartment appointment as a pair. But tackling some of the legwork separately can make your apartment search twice as effective.

To avoid any miscommunication or confusion, make sure to keep each other in the loop through cc’d emails, pictures and regular touch bases. As far as visiting apartments solo, that’s what FaceTime is for.

Establish a Soft Timeline

Establish a soft timeline for apartment search

When you decide to rent, you’ve most likely discussed a timeline for research, appointments, the application process, etc. However, it’s best not to place a hard deadline on when to make a decision.

Unless there are factors like a new job or the birth of a child to consider, it’s best to leave plenty of room for research, discussion and changes of heart. Renting an apartment as a couple shouldn’t be rushed, and if one person isn’t 100% on board with a particular place, it’s best to wait rather than try to convince them otherwise.

Apartment hunting with a significant other can be an exciting time. But it can turn ugly if both parties aren’t open to reaching common ground. It’s important to consider your partner’s point of view and be clear about your own needs and non-negotiables.

As long as you know what to stand firm on and what to let go, you’ll be moving into both of your dream apartment in no time!

Finding the ideal apartment is a big part of the puzzle when moving as a couple but there are many other moving-related tasks to consider as well. If you’re moving in the near future, check out CableMover’s Custom Moving Guide for personalized tips, tools & timelines for your move – your way. 

Guest blog by CableMover


Cleansing Smoothie Recipes

‘Tis the season to overindulge. Fortunately, these cleansing smoothie recipes serve a multitude of purposes: they’re perfect for on-the-go fuel while you’re busy getting in the holiday spirit, and they’re packed with healthy ingredients that will help your body detoxify from the inside out. Follow along with these recipes for delicious drinks that can boost your immune system, provide key nutrients like fiber and potassium, and — most important — still taste great!

Cleansing Smoothie Recipes

Tropical Green Smoothie

This smoothie produces a beautiful green color and a hint of exotic flavor. Kiwi is a powerhouse for vitamin C, and pineapple and celery help keep you hydrated.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kiwi
  • 1 banana
  • 1/4 cup pineapple, roughly chopped (can substitute frozen pineapple chunks)
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 cup water (can sub coconut water for extra tropical flavor)

Recipe:

Combine all ingredients and blend. For a thicker smoothie, add ice and/or freeze pre-cut kiwi, banana, and pineapple in advance.

Antioxidant All-Star Smoothie

Berries are the star of the show in this smoothie, which blends up to a vibrant shade of purple. Oats add extra protein while berries boast antioxidants that can help stimulate the immune system and fight sickness.

Ingredients: 

  • 1.5 cups frozen berry mix (blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries)
  • 1.5 cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup purified water
  • 1/8 cup rolled oats

Recipe:

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Substitute almond milk for coconut milk if desired.

Cherry-Chocolate Detox Smoothie

It’s dark and rich, but it’s also good for you!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cacao powder (can substitute cocoa powder)
  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • 5 red endive leaves
  • 1/4 cup frozen dark red cherries
  • 8-10 oz. water
  • Stevia to taste

Recipe:

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Substitute water for almond milk if desired to create even more depth of flavor.

 


Creating a Functional Living Room

Looking to spruce up your living room? We’ve collected some fantastic ideas for creating a functional living room that’s big on style. Incorporate some (or all!) of these tips into your space, and folks will flock to this cozy spot in no time.

How to Create a Functional Living Room

Consider the color scheme

Lighter colors are typically best for a living room because they can make a space feel larger and more airy. If your living room is part of an open floor plan, opt for a color that complements your kitchen decor to create a cohesive look.

Anchor your space with an area rug

Even if you have carpet, an area rug helps designate the confines of the living room and adds an extra layer of comfort and style. Area rugs can introduce texture and color into a space, and can also serve as a basis for choosing other decor like curtains, pillows, and artwork.

Choose your seating wisely

When possible, opt for wipe-clean seating like a leather couch, or slipcovers that can be easily removed and washed. If the aim is to create a room everyone can enjoy (maybe even furry friends!) you’ll want to rely on pieces that are as functional as they are comfortable. When in doubt, choose dark colors for your furniture to help hide stains, and keep the rest of your decor light and airy.

Add storage

Choose double-duty pieces like storage ottomans or trunks that can double as coffee tables. Then, fill them with living room essentials like board games, spare batteries for the remote, and extra blankets. Oversized wicker baskets filled with accent pillows are another way to incorporate texture while also adding storage.

Take the TV into consideration

Most living rooms are a primetime spot to watch TV, so use this simple trick to know how far away to place the TV from the sofa: multiply the size of your TV by 1.5. For example, if you have a 40″ television, the sofa should be at least 60″ (5 feet) away. Remember to place the TV at the right level so that your eye naturally gazes toward the middle of the screen when you’re sitting on the sofa.

 


Free Farmers Market at Citrus Creek Apartments on Thursday, Nov. 17

With beautiful fall temperatures, we’re making the most of our time outside at the Farmers Market in Citrus Creek Apartments, one of many communities within our River Ridge apartments

Whether or not you live at Citrus Creek (or maybe you’re interested in moving there), you’re welcome to stop by our next Farmers Market on Thursday, November 17 from 4 until 7 p.m. Browse or buy locally grown and made food and objects at this outdoor, River Ridge market centrally located in the middle of Elmwood at 5301 Citrus Blvd, Elmwood, LA 70123! We’re providing all the entertainment, too, with live music as you shop and mingle with your neighbors. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly!  

So, what can you expect at this Farmers Market? Goods and wares from 9 different vendors, including items like pepper jelly, teacakes, frozen entrees, organic veggies and produce, trail mix and jerky, candy and cookies, bread pudding, soaps and shaving products. Plus, the LA-SPCA will be holding a dog/cat adoption as well from 4-6 p.m.!

Special Events

In addition to the array of locally made products available at the Farmers Market, we will also have staff on hand to give tours of the property and answer any questions you may have about Citrus Creek or our other River Ridge apartments. 


Setting the Table: Welcoming Design for a Meal to Remember

Some of the very best memories are made around the dinner table, whether at a dinner party or maybe even just while chowing down on leftovers. Dining tables represent a place to sit down together and share a meal while also sharing time with one another: sit-down meals nourish both the body and the heart! With this simple truth in mind, we’re sharing a few of our favorite tips for creating a special dining environment on what is perhaps the ultimate in shared meals: Thanksgiving. The food is usually the centerpiece of this annual meal, but beautiful table settings can amplify the hard work you’ve put into that roasted turkey or sweet potato pie. Whether your decor taste leans rustic or elegant, keep reading for some seriously stylish ideas.

Tablescape Tips for Thanksgiving

If You’re a Rustic-Chic Chef

Stick to a perennially fresh color scheme of blue, white, and wood. Prints like ikats in blue and white create a warm and welcome basis for the rest of your tablescape, which could include items like natural white gourds, burlap or linen napkins, and simple white plates. We love the addition of natural spices here, too, like cinnamon sticks. Try tying up your napkins with twine and sliding a cinnamon stick through each for a cohesive look.

If You’re a Posh Partier

Add a bit of mystery by using deep, jewel-tone colors and rich textures. A velvet table cloth in an eye-catching shade like plum or emerald green is a great place to start. From there, try adding lux greenery like cabbage roses and ferns. Gold flatware and candlesticks are a must to tie everything together.

If You’re a Nature Lover

Go all out with a nature-inspired table! Start with a wood table and add a simple runner. From there, use glass vases and fill them with items like pine cones and acorns. Add fresh herbs like sage and rosemary into the mix, whether scattered across the table, in rustic mason jars, or even tied together and placed on top of each place setting. Branches, berries, and baby pumpkins all make sense within this serene tablescape, too.

Even More Ideas

  • Use LED candles for worry-free ambience.
  • Think of using fruits and vegetables within your décor: winter citrus adds a pop of color, while gourds bring in a traditional Thanksgiving vibe. Cinnamon sticks, pears, and oranges studded with cloves are all beautiful additions to the table.
  • Incorporate metallic elements beyond your flatware: mercury glass candleholders and glittered pinecones will create a glimmering vibe.