Circumstances often beyond our control force us to relocate, Hurricane Laura is a perfect example.  However, no move is more abrupt than one triggered by a hurricane.  Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Laura.  With estimates in the billions of dollars in insurance claims, many will have lost their home - or at a minimum been temporarily displaced.  Rebuilding will not be easy, as construction resources will struggle to supply the current market conditions. It is a time of loss, confusion, and uncertainty for many - but there is also hope.  
 
Relocating after a Natural Disaster
Displaced by a natural disaster, many families will search for short- and long-term Corporate Housing Accommodations near the epic-center.  This allows displaced families to travel back and forth while their homes undergo the rebuilding process. 
 
Corporate and Executive Housing Solutions
The beauty of corporate and executive housing is that most units will come partially or fully furnished.  In the case of those who have lost everything to Hurricane Laura, finding the perfect corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana can prove a Godsend.  These furnished units allow a semi-return to normalcy.   Complete with full-sized kitchen, living room, dining, bedroom, and bathroom furnishings, the displaced can rent 1 bedroom – 1 bath, 2 bedroom – 2 bath, and 3 bedroom – 2 bath units to accommodate families of varying sizes. 
 
Finding Comfort in Unexpected Places
Evacuees looking to truly find the comfort of home, can look for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana that offer the amenities they were accustomed to back home.  Many corporate housing accommodations in Lafayette offer 24-hour fitness centers, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, and even dog parks.  While searching for a short-term lease, be sure to look at the corporate housing community amenities page to ensure they offer the comforts of home you desire.
 
Hope After the Storm
In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, life can look a little bleak - especially for children that are facing six months to a year to rebuild.  Lake Charles school age residents were due to start school the week Hurricane Laura set its path.  Short-term housing in Lafayette Louisiana is available in award-winning school districts, allowing a smooth transition for their children.  COVID-19 delayed the start of the school year for all of Louisiana, so chances are the children will not have missed too much of the school year.
 
Fur Babies Welcome
Many of Lafayette Louisiana Short-term Housing realize that families include pets and welcome the furry children of families with open arms.  You will be able to find interim housing in Lafayette Louisiana that accommodates most breeds of cats and dogs, chances are they will have a dedicated dog park or two where dogs can exercise and socialize. 

Please recognize that while most communities’ welcome pets, their need to protect their residents, and their pets may exclude certain breeds of dogs deemed dangerous.
 
If you or someone you know has been displaced by Hurricane Laura and need temporary housing in Lafayette Louisiana, call Lafayette Gardens Apartments for a tour of their 1, 2- or 3-bedroom pet-friendly apartment community.  They offer short-term housing in the River Ranch area of Lafayette Louisiana. 

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Are you someone with questions about corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana and whether it might be a suitable alternative for your short-term housing needs.   In this article, we hope to clear up your questions and provide you with a few considerations that may apply to your situation.

Corporate Housing – What it is and how to find them

Corporate leasing refers to housing that offers furnished units for long-term stays.  Its name is derived from the fact that corporate leasing was primarily used by companies to house their employees for long-term assignments to save the cost of hotel bills.  It can be used for employees on temporary assignment in a distant city or to house contract workers or employees temporarily.


While corporate leasing started out as a housing alternative for company employees, the service has expanded to include students, vacationers, and those requiring interim housing when moving. While fees can be higher than traditional leasing, corporate units are usually stocked with everything you need for comfortable long term lodging.   Typically corporate leases include parking, cleaning and are near the short term assignment location to make commuting easier.

When to Consider Corporate Housing
When moving to a new city and looking for a new home, or the home you purchased will require extensive remodeling before you can move in.  However, if your needs are shorter than 3 months, this may not be the right path.   

May we suggest investigating vacation rentals such as VRBO or Airbnb.  Clearly, pricing, comfort, and location are important.  With a little research, you are sure to find temporary lodging that meets your needs and budget.  If you need to move during the off-season, it should be easier to find Airbnb or VRBO rental deals. 

Often those offering corporate housing are familiar with the market and can help you compare your options and may even have short-term housing deals during offseason.  Most people want to stay close to family during the winter holidays, so this may be the key to finding a bargain

Costs
Corporate Housing is like traditional housing when it comes to pricing, location, length of stay, and how many rooms you will need will determine the pricing structure.   Typically, corporate leasing is more costly than renting a long-term unfurnished apartment.   

Length of Your Stay
The length of your stay has a significant impact on what you will pay.   Corporate housing companies offer weekly and monthly rates, prices decrease as the length of your stay increases.  Also, you will pay less for a studio apartment than a one-bedroom apartment, less for a one-bedroom than a two-bedroom, etc.   Special needs may also cost more, such as pets or infants; many corporate leasing properties are designated adult leasing only, so be sure to ask before you book.

The location
The location also has a significant impact on price.  While opting for a place further from the center of town can save money, your commute and parking may be impacted.  Sometimes the location is non-negotiable.   Do consider safety when choosing a location and conveniences such as cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores.

How to Find Corporate Housing
In today’s technology environment, it is as simple as opening the Google browser on your cell phone and asking Google, Suri or Bixby for corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana, or corporate leasing in Lafayette Louisiana.  Do include the city and state name where you would like to find a lease; otherwise, your phone's digital assistant or search engine will use your phone's GPS to find and serve up local search results.  If you happen to be searching for corporate housing in Lafayette, Louisiana, stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take a tour of our dog and family-friendly corporate leasing units.  L.G.A. offers one-bedroom apartments in Lafayette Louisiana up to three-bedroom apartments in Lafayette Louisiana, stop by or call today. ​

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Sometimes shopping for an apartment cannot wait, and what do you do when you find yourself in the middle of stay at home orders during a pandemic.  You would be surprised how literal the phrase "where there is a will there is a way" truly is.

The real estate industry has had to make significant changes in how it is conducting business. From real estate sales to leasing, the need for social distancing and hyper-disinfecting has led many companies to offer virtual tours of their properties through FaceTime, their websites, and other apps too. 

It is not just renters who are changing their methodology to shopping for apartments during COVID-19; property owners and managers are looking for new ways to conduct business while practicing social distancing as well.  Most apartments in Lafayette La are willing to offer virtual tours using any number of apps and video conferencing services, and adapting is proving beneficial.  

Non-contact lease signing options are available as well.  If you are familiar with what a lease looks like, and what you should look for, this digital contract solution is providing a suitable alternative to hard copy leases.  If precaution is more your style, most apartments in Lafayette Louisiana can get a copy of their lease agreement to you through email, so you can read it, sign, and scan it to email as a non-editable PDF. 

You may be able to view a property in person, call to verify a property's showing procedures during Louisiana's stay-at-home and social distancing orders.   

As long as a property is sanitized, it is still acceptable to see it in person – provided, it is legal in your area.  In addition to federal and state agency guidelines, local restrictions may apply.  Calling the local city hall can help you navigate the ever-fluid local guidelines.  If no such restrictions apply, ask the property management agent if they require specific measures while visiting and if extra measures are being taken to ensure the community and apartment are government compliant with disinfecting public spaces during COVID-19.  

When shopping for new apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana, you should know your rights as a tenant. Do not allow the agent to apply pressure to sign a lease and be sure to ask as many questions as you can before signing a contract.  Between facemasks and gloves, and maintaining a social distance of 6 feet, current shopping conditions are a little overwhelming; your preparation, attitude and calm mental state can make looking for an apartment an exciting adventure.  
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It will pay to have a game plan.
Consider making a list of all the amenities you would like in a new apartment community in Lafayette Louisiana, then compare apartments online, when you have narrowed it down to two or three, call and find out about the property's availability, showing restrictions and schedule for tours.  

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​Many of us are spending an abundance of time inside right now, but that time need not go to waste.  Who doesn’t love a freshly cleaned home, and what better time to do a little spring cleaning.  Once the weather gets more beautiful, we are not going to want to be stuck inside with rubber gloves and a duster. This month is considered a sweet spot when the weather is still up in the air – pardon the pun, when dedicating a day indoors can still be justified.

Below is a list of the best spring-cleaning tips we found.  We suggest going room to room, taking your time if you can.

• Dust shelves, moldings, light fixtures, blinds, ceiling fans, and vents.  Anything that accumulates dust and you usually overlook.
• Wash the windows
• Clean window treatments.  Including your shower curtain. 
• Flip and turn your mattress.  This should be done up to 3 times a year to get the maximum life out of your mattress.
• Change your winter bedding to spring.  This could mean just storing winter blankets. Be sure to wash and dry them first.
• Change your clothes from warm to cool and pack away your seasonal clothes.  Donate unused clothing items
• Vacuum and shampoo carpets and area rugs.  
• Take removable sofa and chair cushions outside for a little sunshine.  Sunshine is an effective disinfectant.
• Wax wood floors.  Adding a shine really makes a difference. 
• Check your smoke detector batteries
• Replace your air conditioning filters.
• Clean your medicine cabinet out, and your makeup bag too
• Organize your paperwork and clean up your desktop
• Clean your computer and TV.
• Clean your deck and furniture including trash bins
• Clean your refrigerator top to bottom.  Pull out drawers and shelves, it will be easier to clean the backs and sides.
• Clean out your coffee maker
• Clean the stove and oven. You will be surprised how much build-up happens in a short time.  

Things you will need to complete an effective spring-cleaning checklist. 

Check your local dollar store, it's where many of these items can be found. 

• Cleaning caddy
• Plastic gloves
• Paper towels
• Scrubber
• Mop
• Bucket
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Duster
• Dusting mitt
• Microfiber cloths
• Garbage bags
• Sponges
• Scrub brush
• Blind cleaner
• Oven cleaner
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Dust spray
• Wood cleaner
• Disinfecting spray
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Vacuum
• Distilled white vinegar
• Ceramic cooktop cleanser
• Toilet brush
• Dish soap
• Scented room spray

​Looking for a new home to hang your hat?  
If you are searching for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments.  Located in the heart of Lafayette, it’s only minutes for shopping and dining in the famed River Ranch area.  Call to schedule your tour of this community.

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Apartment hunting in any city can be a formidable task, but when you are searching for one out of state, it presents a whole new set of challenges.  No matter your reason for the move, we found a few tips that can help make you go a little smoother.
 
IF POSSIBLE, VISIT YOUR NEW STATE AHEAD OF TIME
If your schedule permits, it’s advised to visit your new city ahead of time. Getting a feel and the vibe of your new city and potential apartment in-person is the best way to start your search. If you are fortunate and have a company relocation package, they may provide you with temporary housing while you’re visiting.  If not, visiting your new city will afford you the opportunity to visit different areas in relation to your new job or school.
 
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Today, information is readily available via the internet. Most reputable apartment communities have websites that offer images of their grounds and apartments, along with amenities and special features.  And with Google Maps, you can research the area to get a feel for local features, hangouts, shopping, neighborhood groceries and other points of interest.
 
SEEK LOCAL HELP
Many times, the university or your HR department can shed light on relocation. Check with these sources first, usually, someone there will have the inside scoop on popular neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Consider reaching out to the leasing agents at apartment communities. Often, they can share distance to the school or business that brings you to the city and possible benefits or hindrances of their location. It’s their job to stay informed on the area, so be sure to ask questions. 
 
SEEK OUT VIRTUAL TOURS
Most apartment communities are going to share their best images on their website.  But the more tech-savvy apartment communities are jumping on board with 3D touring. This technology gives a more accurate depiction of your new living arrangements and is considered the next best thing to a live tour. 
 
BE AWARE OF THE LOCAL MARKET
While we all like to shop around to find the best bang for our buck, keep in mind the rental market of your new city. College and large cities often have a high demand for temporary housing arrangements. The earlier you start looking, the better, and if you find something you like, you need to act quickly or could end up missing out. 
 
FOCUS ON LOCATION
Finding an apartment near your employer or school would be great and relieve you of the stress associated with learning your new city's layout. But occasionally, where you are employed or go to school may be in high demand area and out of budget. If this turns out to be the case, look for alternatives that are close to public transit or near the interstate just outside of your desired area.   
 
BE READY WITH A SECURITY DEPOSIT
If you are relocating for work, your deadline may be out of your control. Make sure you have a security deposit ready when you start looking. While you are at it, have your references and bank statements available as well. It would be very disappointing to miss an opportunity for a lack of preparation.
 
MONEY MATTERS
For students and fist time renters, take time to understand the full cost of renting. Most apartment managers can share the average utility bill for a 1-bedroom apartment. But you need to factor in groceries, transportation, internet/cable and possibly renters insurance. Be sure that the apartment you are considering works well within your budget. Also, keep in mind that your credit score plays a role in your approval to rent. If you have not established credit, now is a good time to do so. If your credit score is low, consider taking steps to improve your score. Most local banks can help you understand the steps you need to take to establish or clean up your credit.
 
HONESTY REALLY IS THE BEST POLICY
If you are honest with the property manager about your credit situation, you might find they have a little wiggle room or discretion in this matter and can offer solutions to help you secure your first apartment.
 
Apartment hunting can be stressful, especially when you are out of town or state. Our friendly property managers are here to help   If you are looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette,LA be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments to take a tour or call to schedule your virtual tour. ​

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Halloween just over a month away, what better way to get you and your Apartments in Lafayette Louisiana into the spirit than to do some fun Halloween Kids Crafts? With so many fun ideas we thought we would share a few of our favorites with you. 
 
Spooky spiders top our list.
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Spider Handprint
Supplies you need to make this Spider Handprint

• Orange construction paper
• Black construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Glue stick
• Black glitter glue or you can make your own
• Scissors

 

1. First, fold your black paper in half and then half again.
2. Trace just four fingers and leave about 1/2 an inch from the edge of the paper.
3. Cut out your handprint. You should now have two spiders.
4. Draw your spider webs on orange construction paper in the corners with a pencil or black pen. Add two web lines down to where you will place your spider handprints.
5. Carefully trace your web with the black glitter glue. If possible, make a continuous line when you are tracing your spider web to avoid the glue from making clumping marks. Allow the glue to dry overnight.
6. Glue your spider's eyes on.

 
Paper Spider
Supplies you need to make the Paper Spider.

• Black paper – one sheet will make one spider
• White paper
• Black pen
• Black bakers twine for hanging
• Glue stick
• Scissors

 

1. Begin by cutting out four 1/5 inch strips off the top of your sheet of paper – set aside for the legs.
2. Next, use a small cup to trace and cut out 8 same-sized circles from the rest of sheet – however many you can fit.
3. Fold each circle in half to create semi-circles.
4. Add glue to half of the semi-circle and place another semi-circle on top, then add glue to the next layer and repeat.
5. When all of your circles are glued together and stacked high, cut a piece of bakers twine – about 8 inches long fold it in half and tie a knot.
6. Add a generous amount of glue to the spine of your paper circle stacks and place the baker's twine against it. Add glue to the top semi-circle, unfold the circle and bring it round
7. Make the legs with the strips of paper you cut first, make 4 longer legs and 4 shorter legs for each side of the spider's body, 8 total.
8. Fold the legs about 1/3 of the way down to make a right angle and then fold again about ¾ of the way down the opposite direction to make the foot
9. Last, you'll add your spider’s eyes. Draw two circles the size of a dime, cut out and add pupils. Bend the two middle flaps of your spider back slightly and glue the eyes on.

Craft Stick Spider Webs
Supplies you’ll need to make Craft Stick Spider Webs.

• Popsicle sticks
• Glue (or a hot glue gun)
• Paint in Halloween colors
• Yarn in black, white, and/or orange.
• Scissors
• Optional: Spider stickers

 

1. Paint your popsicle sticks with paint.
2. Once dry, glue three popsicle sticks together. Use a hot glue gun to eliminate drying time.
3. Now tie one end of the yarn to one base of the glued popsicle sticks.
4. Wrap your yarn around each popsicle stick or simply feed it in between each stick in a circle fashion twice.
5. Once you’re done wrapping the web, tie a knot to the end of the last stick, leaving a long trail of yarn to hang your spider web.

Any of the crafts we described above can be scaled by using larger craft supplies. Are you looking for a fun and inviting, family-friendly apartments in Lafayette, La? Stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take a tour.

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​A new year brings new home decorating looks and incorporating them into your apartment for a bright, updated look is not difficult to do.  Paint companies, interior designers, and buyers from the United States and Europe are interviewed every year on what their predictions are for hot looks in the new year.  Here are seven things that will gain in popularity and ways you can change or add to your present décor in your apartment.
 
Neutrals - for the last few years one of the most used colors was grey.  No more!  Lose the grey darker tones. Think warm neutrals like beige and taupe.  Whether used for wall colors, on a large piece of furniture, or for necessary items like bedding, towels, or curtains, neutrals bring your décor forward into the new year.
 
Contrasting Patterns & Colors - when things are paired that contrast you see a striking difference.  Black is in contrast to beige and taupe.  Pink paired with black and/or blue also is a great high contrast look.  When paired together the effect is striking and new looking for home décor in 2019.  Contrasting patterns that are always effective are florals and plaids.  Rough textures paired with smooth surfaces are another great way to show striking differences that make for a trendy décor look of contrast.
 
Think Pink - any and all shades of pink are big for home décor in the new year.  Hot pink, bubblegum pink, fuchsia, hibiscus, and pale pink are all looking good when it comes to adding pops of color in your home. 
 
Black for the Kitchen - it is always great to have black incorporated in your design schemes to give your eyes a focal point.  This upcoming year the room that saw the most use of the color, or the absence of color, black was the kitchen.  It can gleam as an appliance, cabinet, or counter color and is beautifully used on bowls, dishes, and canisters in eye-popping designs.
 
Florals - prints of flowers and greenery are a design tradition in the South.  All over the world 2019 home décor is blooming with bold floral prints.  Floral patterned wallpaper and stenciling makes a comeback for one wall as well as floral slipcovers for furniture.  Big and bold flowers rather than smaller blooms are the way to go.
 
Tweed - when it comes to fabric, tweed is the 2019 choice.  Tweeds rougher texture with little flecks of color is great for sofas, chair cushions, and pillows.  Durable and neutral tweed is a look with staying power.
 
Curves Ahead - roundtables, circular chairs, and curved couches are impactful looks and gaining in popularity.  Room flow seems to improve when you add curved furniture and accent pieces.  Even round canvases and frames are appearing on walls.
 
Handcrafted pieces - whether a country craftsman or a city gallery owner/operator hand makes your new piece of art or accent décor, handcrafted is the way to go!  Resourced boards are continuing to be used for all sorts of home décor that is handcrafted.
 
Ready to add some of these great designs to your apartment, go shopping!  New drapes, throw pillows, wall decals, and small accent pieces are fast, economical ways to add the latest décor looks to your home.  Re-group things you already own and make the most of high contrast looks. 
 
Paul Michael, art galleries, and farmers markets are great places to go in the Lafayette area to add hot items to your décor.  Looking for a new place to decorate?  While out shopping in Acadiana, stop by Lafayette Garden Apartments for a tour of their 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments in Lafayette, La.

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People head home for the holidays.  It’s tradition.  It’s comforting.  It’s a place to re-group and re-charge for life.  Home starts with a person and space.
 
Did you know that you could tour, apply, and be moved into a new apartment in as little as two weeks?  Making a move and being in place in your new home is possible before the big end-of-year holidays are here. 
 
Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Advent, Chanukah / Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s Eve, if you need a new location to hang your hat, take action now.  If you act now, you could host a holiday celebration in your new locale in a few days.  Prefer being alone and relaxing during some holiday downtime?  That’s a possibility with the professional staff on call 24/7 to help you with many of life’s details.
 
Lafayette Garden Apartments knows how important home is at any time of year, but especially during the holidays.  Their knowledgeable staff can have you situated in a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom traditional or handicap accessible apartment floor plan within a week or two based on availability.
 
Whether searching for a permanent home, temporary home while attending school, or corporate housing for those times you need to work in the Acadiana area, Lafayette Garden Apartments has the space you need.  Leases from 3-12 months are available.
 
Imagine living in a gated, guarded community that has special activities for all ages and amenities galore to boot.  The professional staff at this facility makes the living easy in beautiful surroundings.
 
Vaulted ceilings and special touches like 8-inch crown molding are part of the tasteful design of each apartment.  All kitchens boast stainless appliances and are equipped down to the microwave ovens.  Disposals and dishwashers are standard equipment. Washers and Dryers and included in each space.  Garden tubs allow luxurious soaking at bath time.  Central air and heat and ceiling fans provide year-round comfortable temperatures.
 
Bedrooms have walk-in closets that allow for maximum storage space.  Included in every floor plan is outside balcony or patio space.  Additional outside common areas and additional storage space is available and adds to the appeal of making this community your new home.
 
Imagine being surrounded by all you need in a private community that sits inside the heart of the thriving city of Lafayette.  Restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping, and the airport are all minutes from your front door when you live at Lafayette Garden Apartments.
 
Amenities include car care center, two 24-hour fitness centers, tanning beds, movie theatre, clubhouse, coffee bar, beachfront entry pool, and basketball court. There is a business center, pet parks, kid parks, garages, and storage units. 
 
You can pay your rent online or have automatic drafts set-up.  Whatever makes living convenient and hospitable for you has been considered.
 
The grounds are beautifully landscaped. The on-site staff allows requests to be handled efficiently.  Everything was designed with the comforts of home in mind.
 
Stop by for a tour today.  You will know you’ve come home when you walk through our door. ​

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There is a crispness in the air as Fall finally comes to the South.  This is the time of year when people want to gather in their homes.  How can you make your apartment inviting to your friends, family, and yourself this time of year?  Try a few of these easy Fall decorating ideas.

Glowing Mason Jars:  As a centerpiece, window ledge attraction, or even on a small front door table, a Mason Jar (that’s the glass jar with metal lids that pickled vegetables or jelly goes into) with a battery-operated candle makes an attractive decoration.  A single jar with one votive candle is perfect for a small space.  Have bigger space to fill or a whole counter space to decorate? Try alternating jars with candles or small strands of battery-operated lights with jars that are filled with dry black beans, popcorn, and red beans.  The colors are just right for Fall and you can actually cook the beans and popcorn when you are done with the decorations.

Bring Outside Inside:  Leaves and twigs look great splayed across the table as a centerpiece for Fall.  Take a bundle of twigs, tie with a piece of raffia and add a few cinnamon sticks for a rustic, inviting, great smelling alternative to a wreath for your front door.  A basket full of pine cones also adds texture, Fall color, and interest to the door stoop, fireplace hearth, or next to a bedside table.  The simple charm of various sized pumpkins and gourds spread around your space is always a well-received decorating idea.  The various colors and shapes add visual interest and can be scattered individually or grouped together for greater impact.  Rocks found when you go for a hike look great on the bathroom counter or gathered in a clear glass bowl for any room.  When you are done, return your items to the great outdoors and be proud that you decorated using “green” methods that don’t harm the environment.

Words of Thanksgiving:  Have access to a computer and paper?  Print out things that you are thankful for and group these words on the wall or on a surface in inexpensive picture frames.  You can even have your children, family, and friends become your artists by having them write down the things they are thankful using markers or crayons.  The medium doesn’t matter as much as the message.  Reading these daily will help you keep an attitude of gratitude all throughout the Fall season.

Team Spirit:  Use the colors of your favorite football team to adorn your door or dinner table.  A small piece of green fabric can become your “football field” and you can carry out the theme using your adored team’s mascot standing on the miniature field you created with fabric.  Team t-shirts make great chair back covers.  Slipping the t-shirt or jersey over the chair is a fast way to add team colors and spirit to your dining space.

Looking for the perfect one bedroom, two bedroom or three bedroom apartment in Lafayette Louisiana to decorate?  Tour Lafayette Garden Apartments today and find a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom floor plan with desired amenities that you can call home before Fall days are over. ​

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​Summer officially ends with Labor Day weekend. In the South, warmer temperatures will remain while the rest of the nation starts to feel a chill in the air. Warmer temps sometimes delay enjoying the hottest fall looks. Not this year!

Fall Fashion trends include a huge array of looks that are wearable while the weather is still warm and carry over into the cold temperatures we’ll feel late in the year.  Some of the best looks from the runway this year include:

Animal Print—zebra and leopard were the most popular on the runway.  Don’t go all out with animal print.  A blouse in zebra stripes or a straight leopard skirt paired with basic black is your best bet.  Leopard and zebra loafers make a simple outfit pop.

Tweed—originally produced in Scotland, tweed is a rougher surface woolen cloth.  Most tweeds are flecked with different colors. In the past, tweed was reserved for business suits or a more dressed up look. Runways this year saw tailored tweed jackets paired with jeans and basic fitted t-shirts.  Tweed slacks with solid simple sweaters also were spotted for a dressy/casual mix of fashion.

80’s Cowboy—giving a nod to the classic dance flick “Urban Cowboy”, runways saw classic cowboy boots paired with bootcut jeans and the obligatory cowboy hat for weekend fun. Floral or prairie print dresses worn with full cowboy boots (not booties) were a hot look as well. 

Leather—while leather cowboy boots were everywhere worn with everything on the runway, leather anything was hot.  Thicker belts, simply styled leather fitted jackets and leather skirts were also bold looks from several designers this year.

Hoods—mixing form and function, the hood was popular and not just for casual wear anymore.  Hooded evening dresses were shown right along with hooded sweaters, jackets, and sweatshirts.  A hood adds built-in protection from the cold when needed and a pretty drape of fabric in many of the non-casual hooded looks spotted on the models at major designers’ shows.

Opulent Fringe—evening looks contained fringe that wasn’t of the flapper variety!  This fringe was made from beads, feathers, and crystals.  The intricate work trimmed bottoms of evening dresses, backs of ball gowns, and more than one wedding gown featured luxury fringe as the showstopper at the end of a designer’s collection.

Cover-it-up Dressing—proving that less is more when it comes to showing some skin, modesty returned to the runway this year for fall.  Buttoning up that shirt all the way to your collarbone was popular.  Hemlines coming to the knee and right below it hinted at modesty from years past. Skin was covered up proving that some of the sexiest looks are produced with form-fitting clothes that leave things to the imagination are worn with confidence.

Check it Out—lumberjack checks were everywhere on runway models!  Whether a cute hat, tailored slacks, simple shirts, or as a shirt dress, checks were made into many a cute look this year. The most popular was the traditional red and black check, however, blue with yellow and white and black were also popular check colors.
Whether you favor Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford, Givenchy, or Calvin Klein, you will find fashionable fall looks.  Try any of the fall trends out and collect the compliments.

Need a place to hang your hat and your other fall fashion finds?  Tour Lafayette Garden Apartments today.  Their 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans all have spacious closets with plenty of storage room.

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It’s summertime and living is easy at Lafayette Garden Apartments. It is also the time of year when seasonal vegetables and fruits are in abundance. Plan a weekend trip soon and add some fresh ingredients to your cookout, picnic, or weekly dining menus.

Each season, and every month of that season, has colors and flavors associated with it and early summer seems to be the season of abundance. Warmer temperatures and longer days add to the fun of trying out new flavors.

Visit any market and you will see so many shades of green your head will spin. Much variety can be found right now for the base of your salad. Can’t pick just one variety of lettuce, try them all for some great variations on a summer staple.
Around every corner there seems to be something new to add to your diet. This is the time to indulge in shrimp, peppers, and tomatoes. Grill the shrimp and toss with the vegetables. Add a light dressing that you can make with fresh herbs, oil, and vinegar and you have an easy, healthy meal in minutes.

Speaking of herbs, look for basil, parsley, thyme, mint, rosemary, chives, and lemon balm right now.  Boil some pasta and toss with olive oil and a couple of the herbs you like and let it infuse for an hour or two. Fresh and yummy without spending hours in the kitchen.  You can also infuse water with cucumber slices and your favorite herb for a refreshing treat.

Vegetables that are in abundance in early summer are zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and green beans. You will also find potatoes, sweet corn, peppers, asparagus, and cucumbers virtually anywhere you go.  Instead of a crawfish boil, think about hosting a vegetable boil and take advantage of delightful flavors that can come about from a pot of boiling water.

For an easy dessert, fill a bowl with all types of seasonal fruit. Easy to find and indulge in this time of year are blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, figs, oranges, peaches, and lemons.  Want to get a little decadent and go beyond fresh fruit in a bowl? It’s as easy as adding chopped nuts and a little whipped cream to the top of your mixed fruit offering.

Homemade ice cream is a wonderful treat this time of year. Make with fresh fruit or top good old-fashioned vanilla ice cream with a puree of two or three of the juicy seasonal offerings you’ll find at the market this time of year.
Where to go to find these fresh seasonal treats?  Check out one of these Acadiana farmers’ markets:

Lafayette Hub City Farmers Market at 427 Heyman Street, Lafayette
Open year-round on Saturdays from 8-Noon

Lafayette Farmers and Artisan Market at 2913 Johnston, Lafayette
Open year-round on Saturdays from 8-Noon
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Le Petit Magasin de Scott at 916 Cayret Street, Scott
March through October on Saturdays

If you prefer a more traditional, indoor market experience, these Lafayette grocers and markets offer plenty of seasonal, fresh produce too:  The Fresh Market, Fresh Pickin’s, Whole Foods Market, Rouses Market, and Tammy’s Grocery.

If you are looking for a new apartment with wonderful opportunities for preparing your seasonal finds, head to Lafayette Garden Apartments for a tour. Pools, barbecue areas, parks, and even corporate living spaces with fully equipped kitchens are a few of the special things you’ll find in this gated community.

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If you are looking for apartments in Lafayette, La. and don’t know where to begin read on and discover how making a list will help you find the space of your dreams.

Lists are made for all types of things. There are grocery lists, vacation packing lists, party planning lists, and bucket lists of things that a person wants to do before their life is over.  Making a list to help you find the apartment of your dreams may sound unnecessary but it can help you focus on the things that are truly important to you that you may not have realized until you wrote it down.

Start with some basics to write your list.  Type it into your phone so it will be with you if someone is helping you in your search include them in the list-making process, gather around a laptop or go old-school with pen and paper. It doesn’t matter how you write it down, just that you do. 

Brainstorm everything that you want in an apartment. You may think things like adequate parking for everyone in the complex is a given but when you start looking at spaces you may find that isn’t always the case.  Don’t judge the list yet.  Just write down everything you can think of that you would like to find in an apartment.

Here are a few things that make most lists:  the number of bedrooms needed, the number of bedrooms desired, number of parking spaces needed, whether the unit can be upstairs or downstairs, does the apartment allow pets, how much are deposits, am I okay with neighbors with children, do I want to live in a gated community and is the location suited to the type of commute I am willing to make to work or school?

Some things that also might make your list:  is their great food delivery in this area, is cable/internet connection possible or included, what type of lease will I have to sign and am I willing to sign one for the length of time required, and can I walk around this neighborhood safely?
Once you have a list, you will probably have around 25-50 things to consider.  Now is the time to re-read your list and make three categories:  must-haves, would like to have, not necessary (but would be nice).  These columns distributed by the level of need and want will help you quickly narrow down your search.

With your list in hand start looking at spaces where you are considering making your home. Be brutal.  If it has 4 of your must-haves but not all 7, keep looking.  Does it have all your must-haves, but only a few of your like to haves? Make notes and go on to the next place.
Starting your search online is a great way to eliminate places you won’t need to see in person.  So, you’ve narrowed it down to a few places or your list helped you find the one place that has the things you wanted.  Sign your lease, pay your deposits, and make a list of things you’ll need to do before you move.

Lafayette Garden Apartments makes the top of the list when it comes to finding a great apartment.  Visit them and see how many of their amenities are on your list, like 24-hour fitness centers, patios, and recreation areas including swimming pool.  ​

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​On occasion executives must relocate to an area temporarily due to their job responsibilities. Finding appropriate corporate housing can be a difficult task. To find the best executive lease look for the following:
 
A lease that that is flexible.  Apartment communities in tune with their economic environment will often offer both short term and long-term leases to corporations and individuals. It is understood that executives may need to be in an area for an extended stay that ranges from weeks to months. Either way, you should be able to find corporate housing accommodations catering to short and interim work assignments.
 
Accommodations can be furnished, non-furnished, or a combination of the two.  One executive may not want to worry about brining anything when they have to re-locate to any area for a temporary assignment. Others may prefer to bring or purchase furniture and household items that are special to them. Either way, finding an apartment complex that will provide space that is unfurnished, completely furnished, or partially furnished is easier than you think. Inquire about household items as well. Cookware, dishes, linens, cleaning supplies, basic toiletries and pantry items should be available as well, so your employee doesn’t need to spend valuable time locating the necessities to set up a comfortable home away from home when living in corporate housing.
 
Amenities: both basic and premium. Amenities can make a huge difference in the comfort level of the executive lease habitat. Internet, cable, water, garbage, sewage, and security should all be offered as part of your corporate housing for executives. Making certain that the person living in corporate housing has everything set-up for them upon arrival will provide much by way of good will when it comes to moving into corporate housing. If the internet service is high speed and the cable comes with premium channels or the option to obtain them, the executive is sure to be pleased.
 
Custom packages if requested.  A luxury apartment community with experience in providing corporate housing should be able to accommodate variety when it comes to custom packages. Anything that makes an employee comfortable and would help utilize the time spent at their corporate home should be considered. It may be cost effective to include it in your corporate lease. Talk to a leasing agent about cleaning service, restaurant delivery services, or even suggestion on child care; necessary services can usually find their way into a package created just for your business.
 
Lafayette Garden Apartments is a luxury complex in Lafayette, Louisiana that caters to executive leases for corporate housing. Offering 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites for short or long-term leases that can be furnished, unfurnished, or partially furnished. The staff works to provide you with custom accommodations and amenities that will suit the most discriminating tastes.
 
The beautiful complex has two 24-hour fitness centers, parks, a beach-front entry swimming pool, and common areas with fun planned activities. In addition, each unit offers water, garbage, sewage, and a security intrusion alarm system.
 
The key to corporate housing in the Lafayette area is an executive lease with Lafayette Garden Apartments. Visit their website today.

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​One of the basic needs of life is shelter.  When you find yourself needing a place to hang your hat:  should you rent or should you buy?  It’s an age-old debate.  Here are a few reasons to look into apartments for rent in Lafayette, La. rather than a home ownership:

It’s convenient - when you rent, you pay your monthly bill and forget about everything else.  There is such ease in the system.  You can set up automatic monthly payments at your financial institution so you don’t have to do remember anything.  If able, you can even pay several months rent at a time.

You travel for pleasure or with your job - if your job or leisure activities take you away from home frequently, it’s nice to know that someone else can keep an eye on their investment. 

You are planning a move—you know that work will take you to a different locale or you want to experience an area for a short time.  The no hassle way to live is to rent.  No worry about re-sale values and most times you can afford to rent a more luxurious place than you can afford to buy.

Upkeep and maintenance are not your concern - if the thought of having to pay to replace an ice maker in your refrigerator, repairing an air conditioning unit during the heat of summer, power washing the fence, and/or mowing grass instead of heading out to have some fun isn’t appealing to you, rent.  Leave those headaches to the landlord or management company.

Community living appeals to you - many apartment compounds have organized activities and common areas that lend to meeting interesting people.  A sense of family can be established for many who are away at school and/or have no relatives in the area.

You don’t like your neighbors - again, you can avoid the hassle and a confrontation and have the manager that you rent from broach the subject for you.  People who don’t follow the rules of many apartment complexes must move. 

You are striving to repair or build credit - being a renter that pays on time in full looks great on a credit report.

No property taxes - if you own a home, you pay property taxes depending on the value of the structure.  As a renter, you avoid those types of taxes.

Amenities—having a pool, gym, maintenance, and security on site at many complexes are benefits a renter can take advantage of without additional expense. 

You just prefer it—as a renter you find the living easier not having the responsibilities and stresses a home owner faces.  It’s what you want and therefore right for you.

Being a renter offers many benefits.  If you would like to maximize the benefits of renting, check out Lafayette Gardens Apartments.

Lafayette Gardens offers a beach front entrance pool, play areas, patios and/or balconies at every unit, gated community, two 24-hour fitness centers, on-site maintenance professionals, basketball court, and one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans.

Come see this beautiful complex at 110 E. Martial Avenue, Lafayette, LA.

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February is the month dedicated to the heart. That muscle that pumps blood throughout our body and keeps us alive is also credited with feeling the deep emotion of love. For 28 days in 2018, the heart, what most would claim as the most important organ in our body, is honored in two ways.

American Heart Month and St. Valentine’s Day are celebrated in February. Each year the month is full of celebrations where the heart is the central theme.

When Pope Gelasius made February 14th Saint Valentine’s Day, he put in motion a day that would become dedicated to love. American Heart Month began in 1964.  The American Heart Association decided that the month could be dedicated to awareness. For over 50 years, American Heart Month raises awareness about heart health so the rate of death due to heart disease will lower.

Awareness of what causes heart disease and what can be done to live a heart-healthier lifestyle has lowered the rate of death due to heart disease in the United States. According to The American Heart Association, even though statistics show that the number of heart disease-related deaths since 1964 are lower, heart disease is the still the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States.
1 in 4 deaths in America is contributed to heart disease. That statistic can change through education about heart health and by a person adopting a heart-healthy regimen as a way of life.

As a leading research facility, Harvard University says that doing these five things can lead to a healthier heart:  avoid tobacco, be active, aim for a healthy weight, enliven your diet, and drink alcohol in moderation or not at all. Being able to live in surroundings that offer you the opportunity to practice daily activities that lead to a healthy heart is possible. Think about your surroundings as you strive to make your heart healthier each day.

Frequent non-smoking or non-tobacco using facilities. If you already smoke, find a smoking cessation class that will surround you with others who are kicking the habit and with counselors who have already quit tobacco use and are familiar with techniques to help you through this major change. The State of Louisiana offers these classes in all major cities.
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Activity that gets you moving is vital to a healthy heart. Exercising at a gym, walking your pet, and taking the stairs are simple ways to add some activity to your daily routine. Whether you are starting out slow because you haven’t been active for a while or adding to a lifestyle where you already workout daily, increasing activity even slightly causes results.

Aiming for a healthy weight involves watching what you eat and moving your body. The best place to start to find out what a healthy weight is for your frame and height is your physician. Your doctor is familiar with your medical history and can help you set a goal to aim for the right weight for you and the proper diet to follow to get on track to maintain or reach that healthy weight range.

The more colorful your plate, the more enlivened your diet will become. Vegetable, fruits, and spices come in a rainbow of colors. Surround yourself with all types of choices to add color to your diet in the produce section of your grocery store or stopping at a produce market like Fresh Pickin’s on Kaliste Saloom.

Drinking alcohol in moderation means that you can still indulge. Research shows that a glass of red wine offers health benefits like the ability to improve cholesterol and fight free radical damage due to the antioxidants contained in a serving.

Lafayette Garden Apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana is a premier community living facility that surrounds you with amenities that can help you practice heart-healthy living. On the grounds of the complex are two 24-hour fitness centers. Imagine working out every day at the time you want and not having to pay membership fees. In addition to work out facilities, the grounds also offer a basketball court, kids and pet parks, outdoor barbecue areas, and a beachfront entry swimming pool.

Tour Lafayette Garden Apartments today and fall in love. Your heart will thank you.

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