Date Archives: June 2022

The key to a functional, inviting kitchen is organizing it well. A well-organized kitchen will be an enjoyable space, whether you're cooking, snacking, entertaining, or just hosting a no-frills evening at home with your family. Do you feel like your kitchen is a cluttered and intimidating place to cook or relax in? Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for making this space more organized.

1. Tackle Problem Areas
   What areas of your kitchen seem like they lack organization the most? For many people, frequently used areas like junk drawers, countertop clutter, and the pantry pose the biggest problems. You may also find while you're cooking that it's hard to locate and access the pots, utensils, or small appliances you need. Once you determine what needs your attention the most, you can start there.
   
   
2. Purge What You Don't Need
   Before you get started, go through your cupboards and ruthlessly get rid of any food that's expired, small appliances you rarely use, and dishes or equipment you don't need. It's easy to forget what's in the dark recesses of your cabinets. But if you don't even remember what's in there, chances are you don't need it.
   
   
3. Make a Plan for Traffic Flow
   For your kitchen's organization to make sense, it should prioritize anything that you access more frequently. For instance, many people choose to keep glasses near the sink, spices and cooking oil near the stove, and pots and pans under or above counter spaces that are frequently used for food prep.
   
   
4. Prioritize Frequently Used Items
   Similar to thinking of the traffic flow in your kitchen, make sure that your most often used items are easy to access. For instance, even if you don't keep your coffee machine on the counter, if you use it daily, it should be kept someplace easy to access, such as in an appliance garage or a cabinet near where you plug it in.
   
   
5. Utilize Storage Bins
   Don't forget the power of corralling smaller items in a bin. For instance, clear, stackable storage bins for the fridge and pantry make it easier to organize and find small items like spices and kids' snacks. Fabric or plastic bins or woven baskets enable you to organize in style in readily visible places like open shelves or on top of the fridge.
   
   
6. Make Items Accessible
   If your cupboards are full of deep, dark recesses that are difficult to access, or if you forget what you have hidden back there, consider upgrading your cupboards. Modern pull-out cabinet drawers enable you to utilize all of the cupboard space available to you while making the "back of the cupboard" items easy to access.
   
   
7. Invest in Custom Storage
   Things like coffee makers, crockpots, and stand mixers make our lives easier, but they also cause a lot of countertop clutter. Consider investing in custom cabinetry such as appliance garages and pop-up appliance shelves to keep them out of sight when you don't need them but still readily accessible when you do.
   
   
8. Add More Storage
   Walking through Alexandria homes for sale, you'll notice some creative solutions for kitchen storage. Pot racks, magnetic knife strips, and open shelving on available walls all provide ways to add additional storage.

Have you outgrown your current home and its kitchen? The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house because of how much waking time you spend there. If you're ready to upgrade your home, contact us today, and we'll help you get your search started.

 

Looking for something new to do this summer? Grab your friends and family and go play a round of disc golf! Disc golf is pretty similar to regular golf. The major difference is players throw a flying disc instead of using balls and clubs, and the objective is to land the disc in a basket instead of a hole.

Our real estate agents have been really getting into this fun summertime activity, so we're up to date on all the best disc golf courses around the great state of Louisiana. You'd be surprised at just how many great courses there are around:

• Bob Rodgers Memorial Disc Golf - 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70611
  Located in Sam Houston Jones State Park, the Bob Rodgers Memorial Disc Golf Course contains 21 challenging wooded holes spread out over 4,353 feet. Fees are $1 per person and loaner discs are available at the park office. The park also contains plenty of camping and rental cabins if you're planning to make a whole weekend out of it.
  
  
• Ward 3 Recreation Disc Golf Course - 3210 Power Center Pkwy, Lake Charles, LA 70607
  This 9-hole, 28-par disc golf course near Lake Charles is great for beginners. Ward 3 Recreation offers a mostly open course with a few obstacles that mostly consist of park amenities (playgrounds, picnic tables, etc.). Certain sections do have a few trees. The course is a lot of fun, and if you like the area, there are some great Lake Charles homes for sale just a few miles away. 
  
  
• City Park Disc Golf Course - 65 Diagonal Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
  This popular disc golf course is 18-holes and contains many obstacles including live oak trees, lagoons, and bridges. The City Park Disc Golf Course is actually the only course in New Orleans. Located in City Park, each hole is a par 3, making it great for players of all skill levels. 
  
  
• LHC Disc Golf Park at Scotlandville - 3100 Monte Sano Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70807  
  You'll find a challenging and well-maintained 61-par course at LHC Disc Golf Park with 18 total holes (including two par 5's). It's actually the second-largest course in the state. The terrain is mostly flat, yet you will find your fair share of subtle rolling landscapes. The course is open from sunrise to sunset. 
  
  
• Highland Road Park Disc Golf Course - 14024 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Highland Road Park Disc Golf Course has two basket locations per tee (purple baskets are the short course, gold baskets are the long course). You'll find beautiful hilly and woodsy terrain, as well as a scenic creek that runs right through the course. There is even a tiny pro shop onsite making this location perfect for disc golf fans near Baton Rouge homes for sale. 

Have fun ringing those disc golf baskets, as it's one of the many fun things to do around Louisiana. If you're in the market for a new home, contact us today.

Worried that your home's furnishings don't complement one another? It's time to figure out your decor style!

While there's no rule that says you have to consistently stick to a specific decor style, it's usually easier to find pieces for your home when you know what style you find most appealing. Your home will also look more cohesive and put together. Our real estate agents suggest following these tips to help you determine your decor style. 

• Use Your Current Home's Architecture
  Take a cue from our home's architecture to learn more about your decorative preferences. For example, if your home is a craftsman with a simple design that seems to blend in with nature, you'll likely prefer minimalist, nature-inspired decor or rustic furnishings. Or, if your home has a more flashy Queen Anne design with steep roofing, towers, vertical windows, and numerous decorative features, your decor style may lean towards traditional pieces (think classical, elegant items) or even art decor that embraces ornate home furnishings. 

• Take a Home Decor Style Quiz
  A fast, effective way to learn your preferred home decor is to take an online quiz. Then, your results will tell you what your preferred decor style is. 

• Flip Through Magazines
  Another way to determine your ideal home style is to flip through magazines. Don't look for anything in particular; instead, flip through the magazine and mark any rooms or pieces that are appealing to you. Go back through the pages you saved to get a better idea of why style you tend to gravitate towards. 

• Check Out Other Homes
  Drive around your town, and make a note of any homes with an exterior that you instantly love. When you go to Lafeyette open houses, look for rooms or homes that you find appealing. Seeing specific decor styles in real life can assist you with narrowing down your home decor tastes. 

• Examine Your Wardrobe
  Your wardrobe offers a lot of insight as to what style you tend to prefer. Are most of your clothes neutral, or do you tend to gravitate towards cheery prints and bright colors? Does your clothing have clean, straight lines, or do you prefer flowy, romantic pieces? If you like a specific style for your wardrobe, you're likely to prefer pieces with a similar style in your home. 

• Take a Tour Through Your Home for Inspiration
  Go through each room in your home, and look for pieces that you like and would select again for your home. Use these furnishings and decorative items to figure out what they have in common and help you get a better sense of your style. You can also use these items to help you stage your home's rooms before adding it to the list of Lafayette homes for sale. 

Finding your home decor style can be tricky, but once you know your stylistic preferences, it's easier to find items that fit your aesthetic preferences and budget.

Ready to put your home on the market? Contact us today to get started!

Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are eco-friendly ways to enjoy nature while staying active. Our real estate agents explore these waterways around Baton Rouge homes for sale.

• Milford Wampole Memorial Park - 901 Stanford Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  Paddling newcomers can get their feet wet at Milford Wampole Memorial Park. LSU Lake has a number of boater-friendly launch spots that make it easy for beginners to head out. BREC also hosts occasional sunset paddles that accommodate all skill levels. Park hours are sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
  
  
• Greenwood Community Park - 13350 Hwy. 19, Baton Rouge, LA 70714
  Greenwood Community Park is another spot that's good for newbies. If you haven't yet invested in your own craft, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rental services are conveniently located right next to the 18-acre lake. The paddle trail along the edge of the lake is nicely shaded, making it perfect for a late-afternoon trip. Afterward, take Fido for a run in BREC's newest off-leash dog park. Greenwood Community Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  
  
• Ward Creek Greenway - 9311 Mall of Louisiana Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Even in its urban setting, Baton Rouge retains many spots of natural beauty. Ward Creek Greenway is tucked in behind developed stretches that include the Mall of Louisiana and luxury apartment buildings. Plans are in the works to include the Greenway in the Health Loop, a connected sequence of parks and green spaces that will eventually span more than 10 miles. Ward Creek is a lazy, slow-running waterway that's easy to navigate, even when traveling upstream.
  
  
• Highland Road Community Park - 14024 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Paddle the same waterways traveled by early settlers at Highland Road Community Park. The park's boat launch provides access to Bayou Fountain, part of BREC's Blueways water trails. As the surrounding lands became developed, fallen trees and debris made the waterway impassable. Fortunately, dedicated community members started a project to clean up Bayou Fountain, which is once again open to paddlers. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  
  
• Tickfaw State Park - 27225 Patterson Rd., Springfield, LA 70462
  With four different ecosystems within the 1,200-acre grounds, Tickfaw State Park is a popular place for nature lovers to explore a variety of landscapes. Paddling along the park's namesake river, just minutes from Springfield homes for sale is one of the favorite activities for visitors. From the launch, pass through a cypress swamp as you head out into the river, where paddlers are frequently treated to sightings of alligators and turtles beneath a canopy of trees. Admission is $3 per person, with no fee for ages 3 and under. Hours are 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Wetland Watchers Park - 1650 Lower Guide Levee Rd., Norco, LA 70079
  Wetland Watchers Park, not far from Norco homes for sale, started as a unique outdoor classroom where students could learn about the values and challenges of local wetlands. Today the park includes boardwalk nature trails, a 10-foot marsh overlook, fishing piers, and a canoe/kayak launch. The park is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

There are plenty of nature spots to enjoy close to Baton Rouge! Stay ahead of the curve on the latest Baton Rouge open houses. Get the most current information when you contact us at Latter & Blum.

Looking for restaurants near New Orleans homes for sale where your favorite canine will be welcome to join you? You may not be able to bring Fido to New Orleans open houses, but you're sure to find plenty of places for delicious cuisine where dogs are part of the fun.

Our real estate agents know that finding a great yard for pets is a big driver behind purchases for many of our customers. With that in mind, we've collected a list of some New Orleans eateries that will be glad to show you some hospitality with your pal in tow.

Just remember that New Orleans' pet-friendly restaurants do require dogs to be on leashes!

Let's take a closer look at some of your many options all throughout The Big Easy:

• New Orleans Creole Cookery Seafood – 510 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
  New Orleans Creole Cookery Seafood will dazzle you with an enormous selection of Creole food right in the heart of the French Quarter. The historic surroundings make delectable food even more delightful. If you have a four-footed companion in your party, you will be especially interested in the outdoor patios, which offer ample space and the soothing sounds of sparkling fountains.
  
  
• The Ugly Dog Saloon – 401 Andrew Higgins Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130
  The Ugly Dog Saloon welcomes your dog (ugly or otherwise) to one of New Orleans' many 20th-century success stories. Ugly Dog first opened its doors in 1998, right in the Warehouse District. Since then, it has become synonymous with award-winning barbecue that smells and tastes amazing. An array of outdoor seating ensures your pooch will have plenty of room!
  
  
• Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant – 701 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant sits on St. Charles Avenue in one of the most desirable parts of the city. The vision of Chef Donald Link, it opened to the public for the first time in 2000. A James Beard Award winner, its menu is defined by local ingredients that meet in a fresh fusion of French Southern and rustic Italian cooking. The wine list is one of the most expansive in New Orleans.
  
  
• The Bulldog Uptown – 3236 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
  The Bulldog Uptown is at the crossroads of the Garden District and the entertainment district centered on Magazine Street, making it the ideal way to start or end an evening of excitement. Voted "Best Bar Food" multiple times by local publications, it has nearly 50 draft beers to choose from. Lauded for its spacious patio (one of the largest on Magazine Street), it is a great place to bring your dog.
  
  
• The Crown & Anchor – 200 Pelican Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70114
  If you are looking for a classic pub experience right in your own backyard, look no further than The Crown & Anchor. The Crown & Anchor is steeped in history – although first known by that name in 1998, it has been a tavern in one form or another going as far back as 1900 and has been consistently run that way since 1960. Its drinks, snacks, and specials are sure to please you and your pooch.

We know both you and your pets will love living in NOLA. Contact us to discover more about New Orleans today.

During a hot Louisiana summer, a pool can be extra relaxing and provide a nice break from the heat!

Having a pool installed is a pretty big project, but if you do your work upfront, it's entirely manageable. Here are some things to know and consider before you add a pool to your property. 

1. Pool Design
   Do you plan to use the pool primarily as a place to relax and cool off on hot days? Or will you use it as a place to swim laps and get some exercise?
   
   Sit down and write a few sentences about how you and your family will use the pool. This will keep you focused when considering different pool features and designs. For instance, if you plan on swimming laps, you'll likely want standard, rectangular pools rather than designer pool shapes.
   
   
2. Pool Placement
   In a small yard, there may only be one space where you can put the pool. But in larger yards, you have more options. List the pros and cons of various pool positions on your property. For example, one site may be convenient to reach from your door, but it may also put the pool under a tree. Another site may be further from your home but require less excavation.
   
   After listing the pros and cons, narrow your options down to two or three sites. You can then ask your pool contractor which of these preferred sites they recommend.
   
   
3. Your Budget
   Pools vary greatly in price. You can buy a basic, above-ground pool for a few thousand dollars, or you can install an in-ground pool for as much as $100,000 — and sometimes even more. Decide upfront how much you plan to spend on your pool. Then, you can focus on shopping for options inside of that budget. This approach helps keep you from over-spending. It will also save you from wasting time looking at pool designs outside of your budget.
   
   
4. Chlorine or Saltwater?
   Most pools have a feeder system that adds liquid chlorine bleach to the pool as needed to keep the water sanitary. Other pools are saltwater pools; the chlorine is provided from salt rather than bleach. Saltwater systems are more expensive to install but gentler on the skin. Talk to a pool contractor about both options, and choose the one most in line with your needs and budget.
   
   
5. Who Will Do Maintenance?
   Some homeowners open and close their own pools each year. Others hire out for this service. There are even pool companies you can hire to come clean and maintain your pool on a weekly basis. Think about how you want to maintain your pool before you even install one. This can prove helpful when choosing a pool size and features.
   
   
6. Landscaping Options
   We've attended some Lafayette open houses with gorgeous backyard pools. Often, it's not just the pool that's attractive; it's the landscaping around it. Talk to your pool contractor about landscaping options. Some companies install pools and do landscaping design, which is a real asset. You want plants that call attention to the area but ones that are fairly easy to maintain.

Once your pool is in place, all that's left to do is enjoy it! If you're still looking for the perfect home among our Lafayette homes for sale, with or without a pool, contact us soon. Our real estate agents will be happy to help.

Since Baton Rouge formed around the Mississippi River, it's no surprise that many of the city's historical sites are close to the waterfront. Immerse yourself in the rich history around Baton Rouge homes for sale at these fascinating locations.

• Louisiana's Old State Capitol - 100 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  When Baton Rouge was selected as the capital of Louisiana in 1845, plans began for an impressive Gothic-style statehouse equal to the city's new stature. Today, Louisiana's Old State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark that serves as a museum to promote education and awareness of the democratic process over the years. Exhibits include a look at the legacy of Huey Long and a gallery of Louisiana statehouses of the past. The museum also hosts a series of visiting exhibits on a variety of topics. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and admission is free.
  
  
• USS Kidd Veterans Museum - 385 S. River Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Military history comes alive at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum. The ship is named for Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr., who lost his life while serving on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. First launched in 1943, the USS Kidd is the only remaining Fletcher-class destroyer restored to its original configuration. Visitors can see the dented helmet of an infantryman who participated in the D-Day invasion and read the names carved on the black granite walls of the Louisiana Memorial Plaza. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Admission is $12.53 for adults and $8.36 for ages 5-12.
  
  
• Riverfront Plaza - 300 S. River Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  No matter how many times you visit Riverfront Plaza, there's always something new to see. This 5.4-acre greenspace, right on the banks of the Mississippi River, offers endless opportunities for historical exploration, physical activity, and live entertainment. Examine maps that depict the evolution of the Mississippi's course over the years and marvel at Frank Hayden's "Red Stick" sculpture that pays tribute to the city's namesake. Water pools and gardens, levee terraces, and a dock overlook provide a scenic backdrop. The park is accessible 24/7. Alternatively, you can explore this area on your bike when you travel along the Baton Rouge Mississippi River Levee Bike Path. The trailhead for this 4.31-mile path is located under the Mississippi Bridge and makes for a fun and active way to explore the area. 
  
  
• Beauregard Town - Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Located just a few short blocks from the riverfront, Beauregard Town brings a charming European feel to the streets of Baton Rouge. The city's second-oldest neighborhood dates back to 1806 and follows French colonial architectural traditions. Thanks to the beautiful homes and "Catfish Town," a warehouse district separating the residential area from the riverfront, Beauregard Town was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Let our real estate agents help you plan a tour of Baton Rouge open houses. Get started when you contact us at Latter & Blum.

Looking for something fun and refreshing to enjoy while you check out New Orleans homes for sale or even New Orleans open houses? New Orleans showcases all kinds of cuisine with an international flair. If you're ready for something new, our real estate agents suggest boba tea.

Boba tea, sometimes known as bubble tea, was first made in Taiwan in the 1980s. It combines a sweetened milk tea drink with chewy tapioca balls. Sometimes there are other exotic flavors or additions, such as red bean. You can find this drink at Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants around New Orleans.

In fact, boba tea is so popular that some places focus on it, serving up Cajun, Creole, and classic American snacks alongside. Boba tea is cool, sweet, and invigorating. It's fun to drink and will appeal to both adults and kids. New Orleans is the perfect place to give it a try!

Here, you'll find just a few of the places where you can sample boba tea near New Orleans:

• Jazmine Cafe – 614 South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118
  Jazmine Cafe is a full-service Vietnamese restaurant known for its wide range of delectable dishes. You can find all of your favorites here, from classic appetizers and salads to hot soups, spring rolls, and the delightful poke bowls. Specialties of the house are many and varied, from curry chicken to stuffed crepes and "Sweet Heat Noodles." A dozen flavors of boba tea are available every day.
  
  
• Ding Tea NOLA – 1440 Lapalco Boulevard, Harvey, LA 70058
  Ding Tea NOLA is near Harvey homes for sale and is a family favorite lauded for its innovative milk tea. Boba flavors change on a seasonal basis, with winter melon, jasmine green tea taro, Thai tea creamsicle, and so much more awaiting. Any boba tea of your choice can be upgraded with the new creme brulee topping, which adds more richness and depth to any combination.
  
  
• Dream House Cafe – 1331 Barataria Boulevard Suite C, Marrero, LA 70072
  Dream House Cafe sits just minutes from Marrero homes for sale. If you're in a hurry to get your boba enjoyment on, you can order online for delivery or walk in and receive your order in seconds. Dream House goes "beyond boba" with fresh flavors like caramel, brown sugar, and honey oolong. The shop also offers fruit teas, blended smoothies, and a line of two dozen different macaron flavors – from honey lemon to birthday cake to ube. Rotating flavors mean there's always something new to try.
  
  
• Boba Boba NOLA – 3405 Williams Street, Kenner, LA 70065
  Boba Boba NOLA will help you with your boba tea craving near Kenner homes for sale. Billing itself as the home of the best bubble tea in town, Boba Boba has made waves with its strawberry rose black tea coupled with matcha boba. Boba Boba rounds out its drink selections with blended smoothies – you'll be captivated by its creative uses of avocados. Tiger brown sugar tea is the top-selling item on the menu.
  
  
• Mr. Bubbles Sandwich House – 925 Behrman Highway Suite 12, Gretna, LA 70056
  Mr. Bubbles Sandwich House is the answer for boba tea convenient to Gretna homes for sale. In addition to its boba tea, it even touts a selection of twelve different types of banh mi, a crisp baguette filled with various savory foods. This Vietnamese mainstay pairs beautifully with sweet beverages. If you want dessert, you can always count on Mr. Bubbles to have high-quality King Cake in season, too.

Contact us to discover more about New Orleans today.

Go to Lafayette open houses, and you'll be only a few minutes away from some of the best driving ranges and golf courses in the state of Louisiana. Most driving ranges are associated with professionally sized golf courses, and many offer classes to help you boost your skills even further.

Let's take a closer look at some of the places around Lafayette to perfect your golf swing:

• North University Golf Center – 2305 North University Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70507
  As part of the Wetlands Golf Course, North University Golf Center is a convenient place to putt, chip, and drive minutes from a full eighteen holes. The Center is well known for its professional staff and its attention to detail, with modern facilities in a beautiful setting. To warm-up for the day or test out new clubs, you are invited to the driving range – where you can learn directly from friendly golf professionals.
  
  
• Lafayette Golf Academy – 2231 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, LA 70508
  Lafayette Golf Academy is a top-rated local driving range with full educational courses to help golfers of any background to take their game to the next level. Adults, teens, and kids can get in on the action with classes divided by age. There are also special events that take place on a regular basis.
  
  
• Cane Row Golf Club – 500 Darby Lane, New Iberia, LA 70560
  If you are looking for the fun and excitement of golf near New Iberia homes for sale, then you will not want to overlook Cane Row Golf Club. Formerly known as Squirrel Run Golf Club, this course stands by its long-time mission of offering you golf the way it was meant to be played. You can enjoy lessons at the driving range, get supplies at the complete pro shop, dine at the clubhouse, and even try out local food trucks that stop nearby.
  
  
• Farm d'Allie Golf Club – 1235 Beau Bassin Road, Carencro, LA 70520
  With nearly 20 years in business, Farm d'Allie Golf Club is a haven for spending time on the links out by Carencro homes for sale. Golf clinics are available for men, women, juniors, and corporations. Detailed instruction helps you master the individual facets of the game, like short game and full swing. There's even an outdoor club fitting service for amateurs through professional players.
  
  
• Muni Lafayette Golf Course – 1121 Mudd Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70501
  Muni Lafayette Golf Course (also called Herbert Municipal Golf Course) is a gorgeous and conveniently located golf course that frequently plays hosts to charitable events. The course was originally completed all the way back in 1926, but it enjoyed a major renovation in 2010. You can book a tee time right from the website or even join the official "e-Club" for the latest information on happenings near Lafayette homes for sale.

Contact us to find out more about what Lafayette has to offer.