Eating fresh and healthy food on a regular basis requires keeping fresh produce in your kitchen. For those of us new to cooking or who often find our produce has quickly deteriorated shortly after purchasing it, there are a few basic rules of thumb when it comes to storing fruits and vegetables. Follow these kitchen guidelines for maintaining your produce’s freshness for as long as possible.
Don’t store fruits and vegetables together – Fruits give off ethylene which is a ripening agent and can cause vegetables to start rotting prematurely, so keep your fruits and vegetables separate from each other in the refrigerator.
Storing vegetables – Vegetables from the grocery store or market should have their ties or rubber bands removed before putting in the refrigerator. For leafy vegetables like celery, trim the ends with a little left on to keep them from drying out. Place the vegetables loosely in the refrigerator with enough space so they’re not right on top of each other, which can cause them to decompose quicker. Leafy greens can be washed ahead of time but other vegetables like mushrooms as well as delicate herbs should not be washed until they are ready to be prepared to eat.
Storing fruits – The way fruit should be stored depends on how quickly you want them to ripen if they are not already. Fruits like avocado, tomato, melons, apples and pears will ripen if stored on the countertop, but can also be stored in the refrigerator if they aren’t meant to be consumed immediately. Fruits like bananas, grapes, bell peppers, citrus and berries will all ripen quickly and should be stored in the refrigerator unless they are intended to be eaten on the day of purchase.
1st Lake Properties is proud to partner with The Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. During the second half of July, you can help 1st Lake assist victims of domestic violence by donating school supplies for children and care packages for women.
The Metropolitan Center for Women and Children is a non-profit organization in Jefferson Parish that has been offering services for victims of violence since 1986, including helping survivors secure housing, counseling, and alternatives to violence. They strive to help families regain their physical and emotional strength, resulting in empowerment and transformation.
As active participants in the community, 1st lake Properties believes, as The Metropolitan Center for Women and Children does, that “as survivors become stronger, the community is strengthened.”
If you would like to participate, please drop off your donation to your rental office through Friday, August 1. After that, you can still help by donating at Metropolitan Center for Women and Children between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Visit the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children’s website for information and for more ways to help.
The following items are much needed and much appreciated:
School Supplies
Backpacks for boys and girls (clear or mesh only)
Pens (blue, black and red)
Pencils, crayons, markers
Single Subject notebook
White Out
Quart size ziplock bags
Manila Folders and Pocket Folders
Kleenex
Paper Towels
Peppermints
We Care Packages for Moms
Body Wash
Adult hair brushes
Deodorant
Small folding umbrellas
Shower Caps
Mini Manicure kits
Make-up bag
Razors
Journals (single subject notebooks are fine)
Pens
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
When it comes to cooking your own meals at home, you don’t always have the time or money to prepare a wholesome, healthy meal with a busy schedule and a tight budget. This can result in eating spaghetti mixed with a jar of store-bought sauce or frozen dinners more often than you’d like to admit. However, with just a little pre-planning, you can avoid this these redundant meals for something better tasting and better for you without spending your whole paycheck.
Pan seared fish – Fish is a lighter protein that is delicious, and cooks quickly and easily. Choose something mild and inexpensive like tilapia, season both sides with spices and herbs to your liking, and pan sear on the stove top on both sides until fully cooked through. Serve with a side of sautéed or roasted vegetables and couscous and you’ve got yourself one quick, healthy and delicious meal.
Summer quinoa salad – Quinoa is a less starchy alternative to pasta and rice and can be a hearty base for a main course entrée. Cook quinoa in vegetable or chicken stock and set aside to cool. Add your choice of veggies like peppers, onions, zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Throw in some soy beans or chickpeas for extra protein and pepper and dress with a zesty citrus dressing.
Black bean tacos – These tacos are delicious and easy to make at home. Heat a can of black beans on the stove with Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and coriander. Then heat up some corn tortillas with a small amount of oil on both sides. Fill your lightly grilled toritllas with the black beans and add salsa, cheese and lettuce or cilantro.
Curried lentils – Add some Indian flavor into your cooking repertoire with a warm, comforting bowl of curried lentils. Lentils are a great source of protein that can be cooked just like a stew until you get the desired tenderness. Start by sautéing onion and garlic, then add your lentils and vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then let simmer until lentils are thoroughly cooked. While simmering, add curry powder or paste, ginger, and salt and pepper. Throw in potatoes or peas for a heartier meal.
This month, the nation celebrated our country’s independence with festive Fourth of July festivities of all kinds. 1st Lake Properties took part in the patriotism with a very special flag raising ceremony on June 26 at one of their commercial property locations in Kenner, LA. The event was an opportunity for 1st Lake Properties to come together with the community and celebrate our flag of the United States of America, and all that it means to us as citizens.
For the event honoring the country, Boy Scouts Troop 223 officiated the ceremony, along with Kenner City Councilman of District 2, Mike Sigur. On the day of the ceremony, Susan Wallace, 1st Lake Commercial Properties Agent, said, “The flag brings much needed attention to our country and our servicemen here and abroad. And we all recognize the appreciation they deserve.” After the flag was raised in silent respect, all in attendance spoke the Pledge of Allegiance in unison.
Veterans from the Vietnam and Korean wars were there to view the ceremony, giving a special honor to the event. 1st Lake Properties is grateful for their service and was proud to have them at the flag raising ceremony.
1st Lake Properties recognizes the connection to the country they enjoy in both business and in spirit. Bria Martinez, Regional Vice President for 1st Lake Commercial Properties said, “We have a unique opportunity for local and out of state companies in this building with its strategic location to the Louis Armstrong International Airport.”
1st Lake Properties was proud to share in such a meaningful display of patriotism with the community. The flag will continue to fly and will be lit at night for the neighborhood to see. If you are in the area, stop by and see it at 2200 Veterans Boulevard in Kenner, LA.
Every month, 1st Lake Properties offers you great deals and discounts on apartments throughout the New Orleans area. As the summer sun continues to shine on into July, so are our apartment specials continue to bring you great savings on rental rates, move in costs, and more. Call today to get in on these great deals!
New Orleans Metro Area Apartments
Fox Run – Perfect for summer, this Metairie apartment community features three swimming pools and several grilling areas, and select units start at only $595. Call to find out how you can save up to $300 on your move-in costs, as well.
Sugar Mill East – This apartment community in Kenner features beautiful, contemporary studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, complete with fully-equipped kitchens and large closets. This month you can get great deals on rent and move-in costs, so contact us now to find out how!
Sawmill Creek – The apartment homes in this River Ridge location are spacious, stylish, and located in close proximity to wonderful restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. This month, $99 moves you in on select floor plans!
Hickory Creek – The elegant, large and luxurious apartments in this River Ridge apartment community feature alarm systems, fireplaces, and full size washer and dryers. Get a July discount on move-in costs with a $99 security deposit and waived administrative fee, as well as up to two weeks free rent!
Windmill Creek South – The beautiful grounds of this apartment community in Metairie are perfect for summer, with a pool and picnic and grilling area. This month you can find big move in savings at Windmill Creek South.
Brewster Commons – Two bedroom apartments at Brewster Commons have kitchens with granite countertops and breakfast bars, raised panel wood cabinetry, and clean steel appliances. As a move in bonus we’re offering flat screen TVs in select apartments! Take advantage of great specials while they last.
Regency Club – Regency Club’s unique one and two-bedroom apartments feature wood-burning fireplaces, private patios and balconies, and beautiful accent walls. In July, get $175 off your move-in costs!
Grand Palms – Grand Palms in Mandeville is a centrally located, warm apartment community with newly renovated homes. This gated community also features two pools, a cabana and picnic and grilling areas. This month, $99 moves you in with reduced deposits and waived administrative fees. Ask about the loft-style apartments when you call today!
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
