Resource Guide for Renters in the New Orleans Area by 1st Lake Properties

Thrifty and Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and seemingly everyone with a significant other is looking for that perfect gift! While there are the tried and true go to gifts such as chocolates or roses, sometimes it’s good to try something a little different. A gesture that veers away from the classic gifts can show that you care even more, as it requires a bit more thought! There are several things you can do to show that special someone how much they mean to you while sticking to a budget as well. With finances being tight for a lot of people, there’s no need to break the bank just to make a sweet gesture on Valentine’s Day!

One gesture that goes a long way without having to spend a lot of money is to make a nice, romantic dinner at home! Perhaps you already know your way around the kitchen, in which case this idea is a cinch! However, even if you’re no expert in the kitchen, looking up a recipe and giving it a shot might be an even sweeter idea. Even if you come up a little short in your attempt to be a gourmet chef, the effort involved will certainly prove how much he or she means to you! Try finding a recipe that isn’t too heavily involved, and a meal that can be romantic. You’ll want to stick to something light so you won’t both feel weighed down after. It also helps to try making something that isn’t messy. Nothing can stifle Valentine’s Day momentum like a food-stained shirt or dress! If you keep it simple, you may find this to be a very rewarding alternative to going out for a fancy meal.

Another way to show that you care on a budget is to create your own gift. Sometimes these gifts are the most meaningful, because they require genuine time and thought. Do you have a special talent that you can utilize? Perhaps you’re a great singer, photographer, or artist. Take an inventory of the skills you can use to create a gift that shows you really care. If you can play a guitar or sing, try singing a song about your loved one. Another idea that most anyone can do is to create a scrap book of your time together. You could include photos you’ve taken together, movie ticket stubs from your first date or dates thereafter, small mementos from trips you’ve taken together, and other sentimental scraps. The more thought and effort you put into your scrap book, the more special it will be.

Sometimes, the best gift you can give is a simple escape from everyday life. Take a brief trip with your loved one for Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you can manage a day off of work together and take a day trip to a close-by destination that you both enjoy. If you or your significant other isn’t able to take off of work, book a hotel room in your city or town! Even if it’s close by, simply being able to stay somewhere else, have someone else pick up after you, and be away from the normal stresses and tedium of home can be huge! Some hotels run specials, and you might be able to find a room fairly cheap.

Get a little creative this Valentine’s Day, and you may find that not only can you save a little money, but the added sentiment of creativity can go a long way! Here’s to a safe and happy Valentine’s Day for everyone!

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New Orleans Mardi Gras 2012

Mardi Gras is kicking into gear, and the entire greater New Orleans area is about to become a party! While locals and tourists alike can get together to enjoy this fantastic carnival season, it’s also imperative everyone be prepared.

Parking - Dealing with your parking situation can save you a lot of headaches and money! This time of year, there is always a very limited amount of parking around parade routes.

1.  If you’re traveling to a heavily populated area such as the French Quarter, try carpooling, taking the streetcar, a taxi, or having a friend drop you off near the festivities to save you the hassle. Getting back and forth to where you’re going without having to drive a vehicle can save you a lot of time and stress.
2. If you are driving to and from the parades, make sure you observe all restricted parking areas around you. This includes not parking in front of fire hydrants, driveways, no parking zones, loading areas, and other places that may get you ticketed or towed!
   

   This guy is not going to be pleased...

3. It is also imperative you do not park on the parade routes at any time near the parades. The New Orleans City Ordinance states that there is to be no parking on the parade routes 2 hours prior or 2 hours after the parades. If you think you may be on the parade route, double check and make sure that you get your vehicle moved before it’s too late!

Possessions - Once you’ve ensured your vehicle is parked safely and legally, make sure that your vehicle isn’t a target for vandals.

1. Remove all valuables from your vehicle, or if you have to leave something of value in the vehicle, move it or hide it from public view.
2. Make sure all doors on your vehicle are locked before walking away. Sometimes, this simple mistake can make things all too easy for a potential thief.
3. Take a walk around to  make sure that your windows are closed and keys are on your person.
4. Either memorize or keep something with your license plate information on you at all times. In the unfortunate event your vehicle is towed away or stolen, this will assist the police in quickly determining what has happened and locating your vehicle.

If you follow these basic rules and exercise common sense, you can have a fantastic and safe Mardi Gras season!

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Apartment Living Trash Disposal

Apartment living offers convenience and flexibility, as well as close proximity to many exciting businesses and hangouts. However, sometimes making the transition to having limited kitchen or bathroom space can be tough for first time apartment residents. While many take this in stride, it can be a bit daunting for those who tend to create a lot of trash. Whether it’s because you’re a social person who likes to have gatherings, or because you live with others who might be a bit messy, dealing with trash effectively in a limited space is key to keeping a nice apartment home!

Bathroom Trash

While generally speaking, bathroom trash tends to be small and manageable, making sure your trash can is the right size and in the right place can be integral to making sure your bathroom remains pleasant. If you have too large a can or place your trash bin in an awkward place, it can not only be unsightly, but hazardous when moving around in what tends to be a small room.

Your best option is most likely to buy a small, compact trash can and place it out of view. Depending on the logistics of your bathroom, between the toilet and tub or between the toilet and counter generally works best. Out of sight but easily accessible is the best way to keep your bathroom trash.

Kitchen Trash

The area that tends to accumulate the most trash is in the kitchen. Kitchen layouts vary from apartment to apartment, but if you’re the type of person who likes to host get-togethers at your apartment or who tends to cook a lot, trash can accumulate quickly no matter what size your kitchen is! It’s important to make sure this area remains clear of trash and looks aesthetically pleasing. Not only will this look great when you have guests, but it ensures that you have a clear path around the kitchen when you’re busy trying to cook up something special! The last thing anyone wants is a smelly and cluttered kitchen area, so be sure to explore your options when deciding what to do with your kitchen waste.

Try to hide it!

Sometimes the most effective way to make sure trash is out of the way is to conceal it completely from view. The best option for concealing trash is to convert cabinet space under the sink into your personal trash and recycling center. This space is traditionally one of the widest cabinets in the kitchen, which makes it much easier for you to place a trash bin within it. As long as you don’t keep a great deal of cleaning supplies or other miscellaneous items under your sink, you should have ample room for both your waste bin and any other items you may choose to store in that cabinet. The main issue with this system is being aware of when your trash needs to be taken out. Some people who opt for a concealed trash bin forget to check it as often as they should, leading to over-filled garbage cans and smelly kitchens. If you’re going to put your trash underneath the sink, remember to check it often!

Mounted Cans

If you want to try something a little different, a door-mounted kitchen trash system keeps the trash out of sight and out of the way of foot traffic. A sturdy wire rack hangs on the inside of a cabinet, pantry, or cellar door and holds a three or five gallon trash bag. The system has a drop down lid that keeps the waste contained and helps to secure the trash bag in place. There is also a slight variation of this system that uses a sturdy wire rack that holds a rectangular plastic trashcan. This system is not quite as flexible as the plastic trash bag version but it is still space-efficient and keeps trash out of sight.

Low Profile Cans

If you’d rather keep your trash can out in the open, try to find one that has a low profile. There are tall, thin trash cans with flat backs available that look fairly minimalist but are effective at containing a large amount of kitchen garbage. These can rest up against a kitchen counter, remaining pretty much out of the way but still out in the open. This way, you won’t forget to check your trash, and it’s more easily accessible for when you’re cooking meals that require constant disposal of refuse.

Consider the size and design of your bathroom or kitchen before making a decision on how to deal with trash in your apartment. Once you decide on how to approach waste disposal, there are options that not only make your area clean, but can be a compliment to the room as well! Trash doesn’t have to be ugly as long as you choose the right design!

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Super Bowl XLVI Party Snacks

Half the fun of watching the Super Bowl is being a part of the right gathering! If you plan on hosting a Super Bowl watch party, do it right! Your guests are sure to be starving from all the excitement!

The most important aspect of your party being a success are the Super Bowl snacks! You could choose to go with the tried and true favorites, such as:

1. Popcorn
2. Peanuts
3. Hot wings
4. Chips and Dip
5. Queso
6. Nachos
7. Burgers
8. Chilli-cheese Fries!

…or you could try your hand at something a little different for your guests!

If you’re a Patriots fan, try making some New England clam chowder to keep your guests in that New England spirit! If you’re pulling for the Giants to win the big game, try making some New York style pizza or New York style cheesecake! If your apartment will be filled with guests who are split among each team, try making both!

How ever you choose to nosh for this event is sure to set the tone for your party! Live it up!

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XLVI – Party Time Games!

Half the fun of watching the Super Bowl is being a part of the right gathering! If you plan on hosting a Super Bowl watch party, do it right!

If you’re trying to keep your watch party family friendly, there are several games you can play to keep things light-hearted and fun for all ages. One game that can be played is Super Bowl Trivia.

1. Using colored construction paper in the colors of your favorite team, cut them up into squares of approximately playing card size.
2. Write down questions based on everyone’s favorite team, or use general Super Bowl trivia questions that can easily be found online.
3. Make sure no one cheats by using their smart phone!
4. For a family-style game, prizes can be given out to whoever gets the most questions right!

How about a play-along game! There are many ways to get creative with this.

1. Pass out 20 poker chips or something similar to each guest, keeping another 20 or so in the “pot.”
2. Each guest will choose a team, and a player In order to make it fair,  write player’s names on a piece of paper and have guests choose them randomly. Use those who are more likely to score, such as the kicker or a popular receiver or running back.
3. When someone on their chosen team incurs a penalty, they have to pay one chip back to the pot.
4. If their chosen player makes a play, they get a chip.
5. Whoever ends up with the most chips at the end of the game, wins a prize!

However you choose to enjoy the big game, have fun and make it interesting! The Super Bowl will be played in New Orleans next year, and there’s always hope that the Saints will be in that number!

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