The next few months are rife with diet pitfalls as we head into fall and winter holidays. Corresponding with this calorie-laden season is the “fall back” time change. When we get home from work and it’s already dark outside, the last thing we want to do is exercise!
Choosing healthy foods and cooking at home are easy ways to steel yourself against junk food cravings. Our bodies also need plenty of protein to keep us full and satisfied.
Lean meats are a great source of protein, but plenty of plant-based sources can provide healthful protein with less fat and cholesterol than meat alternatives. Take tempeh, for example: this soybean-derived food has 21 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, approximately the same amount of protein as a serving of beef.
Review our top ten list plant-based proteins, and aim to incorporate a few servings into your diet each day. Adequate protein not only helps support and repair muscles, but also provides the body with energy to fight fatigue. Avoid the sugar crash by choosing protein instead!
Another perk of plant-based proteins is their ability to play well with one another. In any single dish, you can include several of these options to double, triple, or quadruple up on your vegetarian protein sources!
To help get you started, we’ve put together a three-course meal using plant-based proteins:
Chickpea and lentil soup is a fantastic appetizer. This make-ahead dish tastes even better as leftovers and can be eaten hot, at room temperature, or even as a gazpacho.
For your main course, try quinoa stir fry. This dish gets meaty flavor from mushrooms and a hearty crunch from edamame and broccoli.
Dessert can have protein, too. No-bake pistachio chia seed pudding requires a bit of prep time for the homemade pistachio milk, but you can always substitute store-bought almond milk and add an extra handful or two of chopped pistachios instead.
All that’s left to do is enjoy this healthy, satisfying, and protein-packed meal!
We’re proud of each of our 1st Lake Properties, but today we’re highlighting one of our River Ridge apartment communities: Sawmill Creek. With easy access to downtown New Orleans and quieter suburbs like Metairie, Harahan, and Kenner, Sawmill Creek presents a range of exciting activities alongside amenities like double sinks, washer and dryer, and even a wood-burning fireplace in select units.
Even better? We’re offering reduced rents and reduced move-in costs for a total savings of up to $1,200.
Another draw of this River Ridge apartment community is its landscaping. 1st Lake Properties takes great care in creating a peaceful atmosphere at Sawmill Creek. Between lush stretches of pines and plants, you’ll find a variety of perks to enhance your time outside.
A playground, grilling stations, and two enchanting pools invite residents to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of lawn care or pool maintenance – we’ve taken care of everything so all you have to do is relax. Additionally, private patios and balconies offer residents a sense of peace and privacy.
We love the range of apartment home styles at this centrally located property. No matter what size space you’re looking for, Sawmill Creek can meet your needs. Our one- and two-bedroom apartments are available with either a townhome floor plan or that of a traditional flat. You can also customize how many bathrooms you’d like: anywhere from 1 to 2.5 bathrooms are available.
Comfortable and convenient, Sawmill Creek is one of our most coveted locations. Its proximity to all the attractions of greater New Orleans pairs with large floor plans and contemporary amenities: three prime reasons to make Sawmill Creek your new home. Call now for more information on our limited-time specials!
The season of entertaining is upon us. Thanksgiving and the winter holidays mean we’ll likely be hosting large crowds and worrying over whether or not the turkey is dry. Why not ease your way into holiday entertaining with a tapas party?
Tapas – bite-size portions similar to appetizers – are ideal for easy entertaining. You don’t need to worry about setting the table either: guests can simply use a small plate or even a napkin to hold these delightful little morsels.
With an eye toward local ingredients that are also in season, we’ve outlined a sample menu for an intimate tapas get-together.
Savory Starters
Tapas originate from Spain, so the use of Spanish flavors and techniques helps create an authentic experience for your guests. Skewer small bites of chorizo and manchego cheese on a toothpick for a no-cook snack – both ingredients have Spanish origins.
Spicy lamb meatballs in tomato sauce are a warming, comforting choice as well. Crescent City Farmers Market offers lamb on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as well as several choices for tomatoes, including heirloom and hydroponic varieties.
While you’re at the Crescent City Farmers Market, head to Pete & Clara’s Seafood and L’Hoste Family Farms to create a local version of sizzled citrus shrimp. Though the recipe calls for lemon juice, we suggest using organic satsumas instead. These incredibly juicy, easy-to-peel fruits will lend a sweetness and floral quality to the dish along with citrusy flavor.
Leek and mushroom croquettes add a vegetarian option for guests. Cap’s Flower and Vegetable Farm at the Crescent City Farmers Market offers fresh leeks – wash them thoroughly as this onion-flavored vegetable tends to hold on to dirt.
Sweet Dreams
Bite-size dessert portions can satisfy a sweet tooth without wrecking diets. For a seasonal nod to beignets, we suggest pumpkin fritters. The recipe calls for homemade caramel sauce, but simple toppers like powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, or even apple sauce are equally tasty pairings.
Elegant and deceptively simple, two-ingredient white chocolate mousse is another tapas choice when served in mini, edible dessert cups. Top each one with a mint leaf for a pretty finish.
The bathroom is a great place to relax with a soothing bath or steaming hot shower, but it’s also one of the biggest hubs for clutter. Bathrooms often lack ample storage, and with so many bottles (medicine, shampoo, body wash) requiring designated space, it’s easy for clutter to take hold. Read on for pretty, easy bathroom de-cluttering tips you can take to make your bathroom a place of respite, not mess.
Just like the kitchen, there are many great bathroom décor options to implement in your apartment. There’s always a need for more hooks in the bathroom for towels, robes, etc. and damage-free hooks, like those sold by Command, are perfect for adding more hanging options. Wire mesh organizers are excellent bathroom design solutions for the vanity, as are caddies for the shower to neatly consolidate all of your toiletries.
Towels – This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when furnishing the bathroom. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of hand towels and larger shower towels. Before you make your purchase, think about what color or design would complement the look of your bathroom and the other elements, including the shower curtain and bath mat. Find something that matches your personality, whether it’s a funky pattern, solid subdued color or bright multi-toned color scheme.
Bath mats – When shopping for your bathroom suite, make sure to get a bath mat to lay down in front of the shower to absorb excess moisture. Think about the rest of your bathroom design and pick a color or pattern that meshes well for a cohesive bathroom design.
Storage caddies – These toiletry containers come in handy for organizing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, sponges, etc. all in one place so it’s easily found and accessible.
Toothbrush holder – This is an essential vanity item to store your toothbrush in a place where you won’t lose it.
Soap – This is a no-brainer, but hand soap has really reached a new level over the past few years. Brands like Mrs Meyer’s offer incredibly fresh fragrances like basil.
Shower Curtain – Here’s another chance to showcase your own design aesthetic and personality. No matter if you prefer a basic shower curtain or a creative, whimsical design, there are plenty of patterns out there to choose from.
Flair – Don’t be shy with your bathroom design! Add flowers, pictures, art, and anything else to put the finishing touches on this room in your apartment!
If you found this article helpful, please share on Facebook or Twitter
Related posts: Must Know Refrigerator Organization Tips, Apartment Spring Cleaning Checklist, How to Clean a Refrigerator: 5 All-Natural Fridge Cleaning Hacks
People often associate vintage pieces with dated décor – but where some see stodgy, we see potential. With so many communities in and around New Orleans, residents at 1st Lake can take full advantage of the city’s robust antiques scene. Fall is also an ideal season for decorating with vintage pieces: Cooler temperatures make a day of antiquing extra pleasant.
If you’re on Magazine Street, check out places like Lucullus or Passages Antiques. For even more antique treasure hunting head to the French Quarter. Shops like Keil’s Antiques (founded in 1899!) and Royal Antiques, both on Royal Street, feature formal pieces from the Georgian era and beyond.
Antique tea tins bring color, storage, and a vintage vibe to your space. (Photo courtesy Rina Pitucci on Flickr)
Now that you’ve found your perfect vintage piece, here are our top three tips on how to incorporate a bit of retro allure to your apartment:
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
