There isn’t much to say about Hurricane Katrina, the natural disaster that prompted failure of the federal levees and left much of New Orleans and the Gulf South submerged and in shambles. But we can reflect.
The City of New Orleans, through its Katrina 10 program, features several events happening in connection with the anniversary of the storm, which happened 10 years ago as of Aug. 29. Take a look at some of the Katrina-related events happening around New Orleans – whether you choose to remember is up to you. You can also visit Katrina 10 for a full list of events.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 2015 – Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal Street
What: This weeklong series of panel discussions focuses on stories of organizations, government officials, and individuals on subjects like civic engagement, criminal justice reform, and culture and tourism since Hurricane Katrina. Registration required. Learn more here.
When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 at 8:29 a.m.
Where: Hurricane Katrina Memorial, 5056 Canal Street
What: A morning prayer service at the Katrina Memorial commemorating the unidentified and unclaimed bodies from the storm.
When: Saturday, Aug. 29 starting at 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Where: Various locations throughout the city of New Orleans
What: A day of service where thousands of volunteers will focus on service across seven parts of the city. All in all, volunteers will help support more than 100 different projects. Learn more here.
When: Through Sept. 7
Where: New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle
What: A multimedia exhibit focused on themes of memory, loss, and revitalization. The exhibit features abstract visualizations rather than overt references to the storm. Learn more here.
When: Aug. 22 through Jan. 9, 2016
Where: The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street
What: A collection of 77 photographs from local photographer David Spielman touching on themes of destruction and stunted recovery.
When: Now through Aug. 30
Where: The New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Ave
What: A fine art photographic journal that will eventually become a coffee table book of the same name. Browse images capturing some of the most influential jazz, blues, soul, and roots musicians as you read accompanying text about these important members of the community. Learn more here.
When it’s hot out, you know to wear sunscreen, stay indoors during peak hours, and always drink plenty of water – but what about your pet? Pets can’t tell us exactly how they’re feeling, so it’s important to take precautionary measures during the extreme heat of summer. We’ve seen record-breaking heat in the past few weeks and want to remind all pet owners to take extra care to keep their pets safe and healthy in high temperatures. Here are a few easy ways to help your pets make it through summer safely:
Pets can get heat exhaustion and heatstroke just like humans. Dogs in particular, who love to run around and play, are prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have the ability to produce sweat the same way we do. (Dogs, for example, only produce sweat in areas not covered by their fur).
Heat exhaustion symptoms (the early stages when a dog begins overheating) include ailments like vomiting, rapid panting, diarrhea, and a reddening of the skin inside the ears. Heatstroke is the most dangerous hot weather condition. Full heatstroke can cause organ failure, brain damage, seizures, blindness, and even death.
Simply put, certain breeds and conditions can make your pet more susceptible to heat sensitivity. Pets with short snouts like pugs, bulldogs, and Persians can’t breathe as easily in high temperatures (Persians also have thicker coats that can make the heat uncomfortable). Factors like obesity, old age, and heart disease can also put your pet at a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion.
Don’t allow your pet to stand on hot surfaces, which can burn sensitive paws. Limit walks during peak daylight hours, and take advantage of grass and other landscaped areas rather than asphalt (just remember to bring a bag and pick up after your pet!). You can also trim your pets – we recommend using a groomer – to remove excess fur that can contribute to overheating. Above all, never, ever leave your pet in a parked car. Parked cars – even in the shade, and even for just a few minutes – can quickly turn into an oven-like environment with extreme temperatures that can irrevocably harm your pet’s health.
At the first sign of heat exhaustion, work quickly to bring your pet inside to a cool area near a fan, offer them fresh water, and dampen their skin with lukewarm water – let the water air-dry to quickly lower your pet’s body temperature. Even if your pet seems OK, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible to prevent further sickness.
Back to school is sort of the “spring cleaning” of the summer – a chance to get organized, regroup, and start the fall on a fresh note. For students, we’ve collected a list of pertinent school supplies and start dates for area schools below. We also know that the beginning of the school year is often a time when college students move into new apartments, which is why we’re including top tips from our Moving Checklist. Check out the full list here! Is it your first apartment? We have all the resources you need with our First Apartment Essentials Checklist.
And remember – tax-free shopping happens this Friday and Saturday, so stock up on back-to-school items all over town during this statewide tax holiday.
John Q. Adams Middle
August 10
Airline Park Academy for Advanced Studies
Aug. 10
Alexander, A. C. Elementary
Aug. 10
Audubon, John James Elementary
Aug. 10
School supplies list online
Birney, Alice Elementary
Aug. 10
School supplies list online
Bissonet Plaza Elementary
Aug. 10
Bonnabel, Alfred Magnet Academy High School
Aug. 10
No supplies list available
Boudreaux, Geraldine Elementary
Aug. 10
Bridgedale Elementary
Aug. 10
Butler, Joshua Elementary
Aug. 10
Chateau Estates Elementary
Aug. 10
Cherbonnier-Rillieux Elementary
Aug. 10
Clancy-Maggiore Elementary School for the Arts
Aug. 10
Collins, Lionel Montessori School
Aug. 10
Cox, George A. Elementary
Aug. 10
Cox, Helen High
Aug. 10
No official list
Cuillier, Joseph A. Sr. Career Center
Aug. 10
No supplies list available
Dolhonde, Ella Elementary
Aug. 10
East Jefferson High
Aug. 10
No official list
Ehret, John High
Aug. 10
No official supplies list
Ellender, Allen School
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Ellis, J.C. Elementary
Aug. 10
Estelle Elementary
Aug. 10
Fisher Middle-High
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Ford, Henry Middle
Aug. 10
Grand Isle School
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Green Park Elementary
Aug. 10
Greenlawn Terrace Elementary
Aug. 10
Gretna Middle
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Gretna No. 2 Academy for Advanced Studies
Aug. 10
Harahan Elementary
Aug. 10
Harris, Mildred S. Elementary
Aug. 10
Harris, T. H. Middle
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Hearst, Phoebe Elementary
Aug.10
Higgins, L.W. High
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
International School of Louisiana
Aug. 17 (Grades 1st – 8th)
No supplies list online
Janet, Congetta Trippe Elementary
Aug. 10
Jefferson Elementary
Aug. 10
Jefferson, Thomas High
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Johnson, Shirley T.-Gretna Park Elementary
Aug. 10
Keller, Harold Elementary
Aug. 10
Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
Aug. 12 (1st – 8th)
No supplies list online
Kerner, Leo Elementary
Aug. 10
King, Grace High
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts
Aug. 10
Livaudais Middle
Aug. 10
Live Oak Elementary
Aug. 10
Marrero Academy for Advanced Studies
Aug. 10
Marrero, L.H. Middle
Aug. 10
Martyn, John H. Alternative School
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Matas, Rudolph Elementary
Aug. 10
McDonogh No. 26 Elementary
Aug. 10
Meisler, J.D. Middle
Aug. 10
Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies
Aug. 10
Pitre, Vic A. Elementary
Aug. 10
Pittman, Ella C. Elementary
Aug. 10
Riverdale High
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Riverdale Middle
Aug. 10
No supplies list online.
Riviere, Marie Elementary
Aug. 10
Roosevelt, Theodore Middle
Aug. 10
No school supplies list online
Ruppel, L.W. Academy for Advanced Studies
Aug. 10
No school supplies list online
Schneckenburger, Walter Elementary
Aug. 10
Solis, Paul J. Elementary
Aug. 10
St. Ville Douglass Connections
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Strehle, Catherine Elementary
Aug. 10
Taylor, Patrick F. Science & Technology Academy
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Terrytown Elementary
Aug. 10
Thibodeaux, Myrtle C. Elementary
Aug. 10
Truman, Harry S. Middle
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Wall, Miller Elementary
Aug. 10
Washington Montessori School
Aug. 10
West Jefferson High
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Westbank Community School
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Woodland West Elementary
Aug. 10
Woodmere Elementary
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Woods, Granville T. Elementary
Aug. 10
Worley, Stella Middle
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Young Audiences Charter School
Aug. 10
No supplies list online
Audubon Charter School
Aug. 19 (K-8th)
School supplies list online
Benjamin Franklin High School
Aug. 11
Bricolage Academy
Aug. 11 – 1st Grade
Aug. 18 – Kindergarten
Einstein Charter School
Aug. 18
Aug. 25 (Pre-K & K)
Supplies list will be handed out to students
Encore Academy
Aug. 12
No supplies list online
Alice M Harte Elementary
Aug. 5 – First Day of School
Aug. 12 – Kindergarten boys first day
Aug. 13– Kindergarten girls first day
Edward Haynes Elementary Charter
Aug. 13(1 – 6th), Aug. 14 (7-8)
Aug. 20 (Pre-K, K)
Edna Karr High School
Aug. 5
Langston Hughes Charter School
Aug. 10
Lake Forest Elementary Charter School
Aug. 10 (1st – 8th)
Aug. 17 (Pre-K & K)
No supplies list online
Lusher Charter School
Aug. 17
Sophie B. Wright Charter School
Aug. 17 – 9th – 12th grades
Aug. 18 – 7th & 8th grades
Benjamin Franklin Elementary Math & Science
Aug. 11
No supplies list online
Bethune Elementary
Aug. 11 (1st – 6th)
Aug. 17 (Pre-K, K)
McDonough 35 High School
Aug. 18
No supplies list available online
McDonough 35 Middle School
Aug. 18
No supplies list available online
McMain Secondary School
Aug. 11
No supplies list online.
Foliage in your apartment can really make a space feel fresh and with the right indoor plants, you can literally purify the air in your home.
A little greenery can make a big impact and brighten up the room, but caring for houseplants can be tricky. After all, they are living, breathing beings, and each one is different.
These tips can help you approach the task responsibly so that you can enjoy beautiful indoor plants in your apartment for years to come.
Different plants have different needs, and some plants are better for indoors than others. Some plants that tend to flourish in apartments include Cast Iron Plants, Chinese Evergreens, Philodendron varieties, Peace Lilies, Orchids, and Snake Plants.
Houseplants aren’t just pleasing to the eye; many also serve a beneficial function such as purifying air. NASA has even executed studies on common household air pollutants and found that certain household plants filter a stunning amount of toxins.
Ficus plants are at the top of the chart when examining air purifying qualities. Plants of this family include the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) and Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina).
Other beneficial plants that will thrive in New Orleans’ climate include the Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia), Caladium, Spider Plants (Chlorophytum), ivy, and ferns.
If your apartment gets little light, choose a plant with low light requirements such as an Umbrella Tree (Schefflera), Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema), or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue – also known as Snake Plant – (Sansevieria trifasciata).
For filtering and fragrance, choose a flowering plant to improve indoor air quality. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), for example, can filter toxic benzene. Persian Violets (Cyclamen), African Violets (Saintpaulia), and Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus Tazetta) perform similar functions, serving to sift dangerous chemicals from the air.
Chrysanthemum, too, are excellent purifiers. A study by NASA in the late 1980s indicated that a single chrysanthemum filtered more than 60 percent of toxic formaldehyde from a small room in just 24 hours.
The best houseplants are pretty while are deceptively easy to keep alive. Philodendrons only require moderate light and water levels, so no need to frequently water or worry about light exposure. Not only do ponytail palms sound cute, but they look cute too, and only need watering once every one or two weeks.
The snake plant (also called mother-in-law’s tongue or its formal name Sansevieria trifasciata) is another great indoor plant that is virtually impossible to kill. With a little TLC every now and then, this houseplant can grow in almost any indoor condition.
Grow delicious herbs and vegetables year-round in your indoor garden. A freshly harvested tomato will add some extra zing to your salads, and a sprig of fresh mint is the perfect addition to any cocktail. Print out our handy pocket guide from 1st Lake Properties for easy reference.
As many great houseplants as there are to choose from, there are also some to avoid as to not put any pets or small children in danger. Many are only poisonous if ingested, but be on the lookout for these different species when shopping for houseplants.
A great solution for pet owners is to grow wheatgrass at home: it’s safe for pets, cats love it, and it even helps to neutralize pet odors!
You might also want to try making a terrarium, to keep the plants away from prying paws.
Now that you’ve determined the right types of plants for your apartment lifestyle, it’s time to plant them and get them set up in your home.
Obviously, you’ll want to choose a beautiful pot that matches the rest of your apartment’s décor. But choosing the right type of pot is about more than just how it looks.
All pots should have at least one hole on the bottom. You’ll need to pair your pot with a tray underneath to catch any water. Line the tray with about an inch of aquarium gravel – this will help disperse the water and help it evaporate. You never want a plant to sit in water, because the plant’s roots will rot if they sit in water for too long.
If you are placing your plant on a wooden or painted surface, be sure to use a trivet underneath the tray to avoid condensation that can damage wood and paint.
All photosynthetic organisms need light to live and grow, but some need more than others. Depending on the direction your window faces, you’ll be able to get more or less sunlight.
This light can be measured in what are called foot-candles, with each foot-candle representing the light on a square foot of surface 12 inches from a single candle. A plant requiring “Low” light needs around 50 foot-candles, but “High” light plants require around 200 foot-candles of light to flourish.
When living in an apartment, you’ll want to find plants that grow well in indirect or filtered light conditions if your window faces north or south. Once you’ve picked a plant, make sure you know its sunlight needs to place it accordingly. If possible, place your plant near a window.
If the sunlight coming through your window is very intense, you may need to position your plant about 12 inches away from the window. You can determine if the window is too hot or too cold by putting your hand there – if you place your hand on the window in the summer, and your hand gets hot quickly, it’s probably too hot for the plant. If the window gets very cold in the winter, move your plant further indoors to keep it warmer.
Rotate your plants periodically so that all of the parts of the plant get some sunlight.
Regular watering is important for plants, but you never want to over-water.
For most plants, you’ll want to water them until you see water emerge from the bottom of the pot. (This is why you should always use pots that have at least one hole in the bottom!)
Make sure that your plant has good drainage, as well, so the roots don’t rot. Make sure to include something underneath the pot to catch any drips and condensation.
Spritzing the leaves with water can be just as important as watering the roots, depending on the type of plant you have.
Large plants in larger pots need to be watered less regularly than small plants in small pots, which dry out more quickly.
Often, tropical plants do well inside, so in the winter, when the weather can be drier, you’ll want to treat your tropical indoor plants to the shower steam in the bathroom every so often.
Too busy to water your plants often? Look for plants that don’t need to be watered regularly, like succulents and cacti.
Have trouble remembering to water your plants regularly? Set a recurring reminder for yourself on your smartphone’s calendar, ensuring that you water your houseplants regularly.
Cleaning your plants might sound silly, but indoors, dust get can get everywhere, and to keep your plants healthy, you’ll want to make sure to keep them clean.
Wipe down their leaves, prune them as needed, and make sure they are dust free. They will look more beautiful and live longer that way.
Keep an eye out for pests, like spider mites, whitefly, scale and mealy bugs.
To keep pesky insects from snacking on, or living in, household plants, try an organic solution before rushing out to buy harmful chemicals.
One way to keep the buggies away is to pack used coffee grounds around the base of a plant, as insects are deterred by the bitter but nutrient-rich waste.
If you’re not a java fan, mix Cayenne pepper and water in a spray bottle and spritz the leaves and stems of houseplants to keep pests away.
Of course you can go to the national home improvement chains to pick up plants, but a city like New Orleans also offers plenty of locally-owned options to shop for houseplants of all shapes and sizes. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Perino’s Garden Center in Metairie offers a variety of houseplants, not to mention furniture and seasonal decorations.
The Plant Gallery, located on Airline Highway, features plenty of indoor plants and home decor.
Laughing Buddha Nursery in Metairie offers a holistic approach to gardening, with organic gardening gear including composted soil they make in-house.
Reach out to us on Facebook and share your favorite tips for caring for indoor plants with us!
We recently spoke with local interior designer Whitney Jones about how to create a space – even when you’re renting! – that truly feels like home. Jones believes that a beautiful apartment isn’t just attainable; it’s also affordable. How? Three simple letters: D I Y. Check out our conversation with Jones below.
1LP: Your blog features a lot of DIY projects, and it seems like something you’re very passionate about. Why is it so important?
WJ: In my apartment, I actually pretty much did everything custom, which really can be code for DIY. You don’t want to go into your friend’s house or post a picture online and have someone say, “I have that! And I have that!”
If you try to do custom, you always have a unique space that will get you compliments. When you love décor and love for your home to look good, it feels good for someone to feel welcomed into a really nice space.
1LP: Can you recommend some examples of DIY projects?
WJ: Of course! I have some chairs I purchased at Target for $26 on clearance. They’re metal chairs with gray and teal upholstered fabric – they didn’t match, but I bought them anyway because I knew they had potential. I went to a fabric store and purchased some orange vinyl, and I upholstered both of them in the vinyl [using a staple gun]. They look like a totally custom chair for under $75.
Then, there are my curtains that I purchased from Pier 1. I bought two matching curtains and then a third in a contrasting color and fabric. Then, I used parts of the third curtain to add to the bottom of the matching pair to create a custom look. It also added length, which meant I could suspend them from higher on my ceiling – that’s a great trick to add a feeling of height to a space. I also make pillows and sell them on my website.
I also DIY’d a wood bench I purchased at a flea market. I painted the bench white and recovered with faux fur that I purchased at a fabric store. There are so many different options!
1LP: What, in your opinion, is the easiest kind of DIY?
WJ: Before you purchase or do anything else, I suggest going with pillows first. They shape your sofa, they can even reinvent your sofa, and they’re your source of inspiration for the rest of the room. If you decide to make DIY pillows, you have hundreds of different selections that inspire you that you can use to have as a jumpstart for the rest of the room. They’re really easy to make – just search for a tutorial whether you prefer to hand sew, use a sewing machine, or even use hot glue!
I also love DIY art because it’s easy and affordable. I have a DIY canvas board with some song lyrics that I painted – really simple.
1LP: What if someone is feeling stuck once they start decorating? Or maybe they’re too overwhelmed to even get started! What advice do you have?
WJ: ALWAYS PLAN before you do anything. Don’t start buying stuff without a plan. You have to pick something that’s your starting point. If you find something you love or just have to have, make it your jumping point so you can plan your room around it. If you choose art, choose a color out of your artwork that you can use in your pillows; another color can be your curtains; another color can inform your accessories.
My other best piece of advice is to start with the room where you spend the most time. People see pictures of my living room and they think I have it going on. And then you look to the right and it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s a disaster over there!’ My dining room functions as my office! I had so much energy to do my living room and then I wasn’t sure if I was ready to start on something else. For me, I started with the room that I spend the most time in; the room that means the most to me. If your bedroom is your sanctuary or if you want to feel more comfortable there, that’s where you should start. If you cook a lot, you should start in the kitchen. Because if you start somewhere where you don’t spend a lot of time, you’ll get burned out fast. You’ll have the energy and the spirit to start in other rooms if you begin a project in a room you enjoy being in the most. It’ll have a domino effect.
1LP: Where are some of your favorite places to find furniture and accessories in New Orleans?
WJ: My favorite place to shop in the city is Target. They’re really trendy – they’re on the mark on what’s hot in decor. I’m not a trendy decorator, per se, but I like to see what they have. If you’re not really good at decorating or don’t know what you like, Target allows you to do it on a budget. Pillows, linens, living chairs, lounge chairs, and all for good quality and price.
Nadeau has really good price points and unique items, so I’d definitely say Nadeau for furniture. TJ Maxx for accessories and Pier 1 for glamorous accessories – they’re pricier but they’re not outrageous, and you can have a really glamorous look for a lot less than you’d expect.
1LP: What are some of your favorite websites for that same purpose?
WJ: Ballard Design – they’re not the most inexpensive but they have beautiful items. I really love Wayfair so there are hundreds of thousands of times so you could shop all day! Sometimes it’s way too much stuff to look through, but in a good way. I like Wayfair for the options. Home Decorators Collection – it’s actually Home Depot’s home line. They don’t tell people that, but it is! They have really good stuff for really great prices.
Find Whitney on Instagram at @whitneyjdecor or visit http://whitneyjdecor.com to connect with this amazing local designer!
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
