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1st Lake Properties Helps Oklahoma Tornado Victims

The team members at 1st Lake Properties are gathering their resources to help the victims of the tragic tornadoes that recently tore through Oklahoma.

It all started with an idea from the grounds maintenance technician at the Sugar Mill West apartment community in Kenner, Tony Vezinat. Tony wanted to provide some help to the Oklahoma tornado victims, stating “I just wanted to give something to these people who have been through such a tragedy.  I feel blessed to have survived Hurricane Katrina and can understand their loss and suffering at this time.”

Bringing his desire to help out the people of Oklahoma to the attention of the Sugar Mill West manager, they formed a company team member challenge to aid the victims. 1st Lake Properties has challenged its team members to donate to the fund that Tony started and in return, they will be able to participate in a “Wear Your Jeans To Work Day,” and of course enjoy the satisfaction of knowing their contribution goes to a very important cause. To cap it off, Tommy Cvitanovich of Drago’s Restaurant donated four gift certificates to add to a drawing for the team members who donate to the fund.

Michele Shane L’Hoste, President of 1st Lake Properties, is impressed by her generous team members. “We have been involved in several community projects, and I am always amazed at our 1st Lake team members’ willingness to give.”

The team member challenge began on June 1 and will run through June 14. If you would like to be a part of a philanthropic community like the ones at 1st Lake Properties who look out for those in need, check out the available apartments in the New Orleans area and contact 1st Lake Properties today!


Home Improvement Projects Using Velcro

It’s small, it’s simple, and it’s invincible – it’s velcro. This everyday material may not seem like that big of a deal, but it can actually be used for more than you would think. As an added bonus, it is very affordable and can be easily found at hardware or arts and craft stores. There are spinoff velcro products that offer even more DIY home improvement possibilities by adding a peel off adhesive to the other side, so velcro can be easily stuck and removed to affix or fasten items.

Organize – If you are having cord control issues, velcro can be the best way to easily organize loose and messy cords and cables. In addition to bundling cords, velcro can be an effective way to hold together sporting equipment like golf clubs and fishing poles.

Hanging – Velcro has powerful attachment capabilities and can be used to hang tools or household items like keys to the wall using a velcro board. It’s also a great option for hanging pictures or art securely to the walls so they stay in place.

Place holder – If you are someone who constantly misplaces household items, velcro can solve that problem in just a few seconds. Stick a piece of velcro to the end table to secure the television remote control when it’s not in use, or to the bathroom wall to place hair brushes or hair dryers.

In addition, if you have a gate without a lock that easily swings open, velcro can be a quick fix to keep it closed. As you can see, velcro can be used for many home improvement projects, so when in doubt, remember velcro!

Browse the desirable selection of apartments for rent in Metairie from 1st Lake Properties to find the perfect new apartment to move in to!


Tips For Shopping At Flea Markets

If you like sifting through a collection of various odds and ends to find one of a kind pieces for your apartment, flea markets in New Orleans are a great place to discover buried treasure and put your thriftiness to good use. If you aren’t as seasoned as dedicated flea market enthusiasts, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind before you hit the tables. Remember these pointers when heading out to the flea market in New Orleans this summer for unique, bargain shopping.

This goes for anywhere you’re shopping for furniture – bring a tape measure to confirm that the pieces you’re interested in buying will fit in the dimensions of your apartment. Make sure to bring a list of measurements from different rooms in your apartment to cross check with the size of the furniture.

Quality control is one of the biggest areas of contention when it comes to flea market finds. At first glance, certain antiques might look nearly flawless, but upon further inspection, you might find wear and tear from past usage. This goes not only for visible damage, but odors, too. If the damage isn’t too severe, you may be able to negotiate a lower price, which can be half the fun of flea markets for some people

While you should be mindful of the condition of certain items, even pieces that might need some work still have great potential. Think of ways you can repurpose old pieces by reupholstering them or updating them to work with your living space.

Finally, get out there early before the early bird shoppers have rummaged through the best of the day’s bounty.

There are many great flea markets close to 1st Lake’s Southeast Louisiana area apartments:

New Orleans Flea Markets

River Road Flea Market
3908 River Rd
New Orleans, LA 70121
(504) 831-3532
Open 10am – 5pm, Thursday through Monday
Offers more than 4,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, with 20 different shops inside.

Freret Market
Freret St. & Napoleon Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 638-2589
Open 12pm – 4pm, the first Saturday of the month, except June, July and August
Monthly neighborhood market featuring local food, arts & crafts and flea market vendors.

No Fleas Market
4228 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 324-4727
Open 10am – 6pm, Monday through Saturday and 12pm – 5pm, Sunday
Resale shop that supports animal welfare. Portion of all proceeds are donated to local animal shelters and rescue groups.

Algiers Mini Mart Flea Market
2105 Behrman Hwy
New Orleans, LA 70114
(504) 361-1637
Open 7:30am – 5:30pm, Saturday and Sunday
Located on the Westbank, this sprawling flea market is more than 40 years old and features many Central American food vendors.

Baton Rouge Flea Markets

The Flea Market of Louisiana
15545 Airline Hwy
Prairieville, LA 70769
(225) 673-2682
Open 9am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
Located just outside of Baton Rouge, this flea market offers a family atmosphere and plenty of shopping.

Mississippi Gulf Coast 

Flea Market & RV Park at Menge
8095 Menge Ave
Pass Christian, MS 39571
(228) 452-0590
Open 8am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
The largest outdoor flea market on the MS Gulf Coast, offering hundreds of vendors each weekend.


Home Improvement Project The Pegboard Solution

For renters living in small apartments, or anyone whose apartment is lacking furniture, pegboard can be a miracle material. Pegboard can be made out of wood, cardboard or metal and is full of lines and rows of small holes. Pegboard is an extremely convenient home project material, providing additional storage which is always a plus for apartment living, while achieving a minimalist modern look. Consider pegboard for your next home improvement project!

Not sure how exactly to use pegboard? The options are seemingly infinite. Here are some ideas:

  • Pegboard headboard: Make a headboard for your bed by attaching two pieces of pegboard together with double sided tape.
  • Storage: Perhaps the biggest benefit of pegboard is its storage possibilities. We love this list of storage organizers from Remodelista.
  • Backsplash: Attach pegboard with some non damaging adhesive to your kitchen which not only makes a cool looking backsplash, but adds holes for hanging kitchen utensils!
  • Customize: Add some color to your pegboard to spell out words and use for a coat rack or welcome mat.
  • Decorate: Pegboards can be inventive solutions for hanging paintings and pictures without damaging walls. Just hang picture frames with hooks onto the pegboard or attach hooks to anything to display on your walls using pegboard.

See all the convenient and comfortable apartments available in the New Orleans area from 1st Lake to make all your home improvement projects a joy!


How To Make A Terrarium

If you’re looking for ways to bring some life and color to your apartment, a terrarium is an easy and convenient way of having plants! Plus, these low maintenance houseplants are a fun craft project for a weekend activity.

If you don’t have enough outdoor space or sunlight to properly grow a garden at home, a terrarium is the perfect alternative for those green thumbs out there. Terrariums act as miniature gardens, which are even cuter than normal sized gardens. You can even have multiple terrariums all in one small space!

And these mini gardens don’t take up much space or require diligent caretaking. Learn how to make your own terrariums at home to elevate the air quality and look of your apartment.

Making the terrarium

To start with, find a growing container. These will likely already be sitting on a shelf or in a cabinet in your apartment, or are very cheap at any supple store. Mason jars or other glassware, like cookie jars or wine decanters, work perfectly.

After you have your terrarium containers lined up, the first step is to build a base. Put 1-2 inches of wood chips, sea shells or stones at the bottom of the container. Then fill up about one third of the container with potting soil. Gently pack the soil.

Next, it’s time to add in your terrarium plants. Plants for terrariums that work well are smaller, more delicate greenery like the Moon Valley plant, spider fern, nerve plant, Aurea, Aquamarine and black mondo grass. Allow enough room in the terrarium to add more soil once the plant is placed inside.

Next, pack the soil around the terrarium plants to prevent air pockets. Make sure the roots of the plants are covered by the potting soil. Place moss on top of the soil in between the plants for an added decorative green layer.

Place the terrariums in a well lit area in your apartment, next to a window. Water daily or as recommended according to each plant type. Minimal maintenance is required. Plants may be trimmed if they grow out of the top of the terrarium.

And there you have it! Making terrariums is quick and easy and can be a pleasant addition to any room, desk or mantle.

Check out our available Metairie apartments for rent from 1st Lake Properties to find the perfect home for you.