Time To Clean Up

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Cleaning is something that no one wants to do. It is time consuming, and we would rather be out having fun. We all get a little lazy with our apartment cleaning. That’s alright, though. The spring weather is sticking around for a while so you still have tons of time to spruce up the place. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to begin before the official start of spring. Here’s how you can get your The Louis apartment back in tip top shape.

Split the work up for yourself. If you try and do it all in one or two days, you’ll stress yourself out about having to get it all done. Spreading it out over the span of a week or so will let you work at a slower pace and give more attention to the details. You won’t miss any spots if you spread all the work out. Create yourself a schedule and you’ll know exactly what needs to be done on what days.

Living Room

Get into those couch cushions and vacuum in between them to get all the built up clutter and dirt out. You might even find some money in there! Take everything off of coffee, side tables and book shelves. Make sure to dust not just under the objects but the objects themselves too. Dust all light fixtures and lamp shades. You’d be surprised at how much brighter it will get in the room once you remove that layer of dust. If you have any rugs lying about make sure to take them outside and shake them out to get the dust and debris off of them.

Kitchen

You wash dishes all the time but you probably don’t think of the place where your dishes live. Get everything out of your cabinets and wipe down the inside of the cabinets as well as the outside of the cabinets and handles. Think of how many hands have been on those handles! Next, empty out the refrigerator and wipe down all the shelves and drawers. Toss anything from the fridge that you know you won’t eat or is out of date. Wipe down your stove and oven. Messes are attracted to the stove so scrub it down extra well. Clean the microwave out by first putting a glass of water in for 30 seconds. This will loosen up all of the gunk caked onto the inside walls. Don’t forget to sweep and mop to clean up all those spills from the last few months.

Bathroom

Wipe down that mirror so you can see your beautiful face in it again! There’s no point in having it if you can’t see yourself in it. Your showerhead has probably built up a lot of residue over the time you’ve used it. Take a plastic zip bag, fill it with distilled white vinegar and tie it up around the shower head using a hair tie or rubber band. Let it sit for and hour and then wipe the head clean with a wash cloth. Take stock of your beauty products and hair care products. Over the next month keep track of what you’ve used or haven’t used and at the end of the month toss everything you haven’t used. You’ll cut down on your clutter and also streamline your routine.


It doesn’t take a lot of work to keep a home clean but it does take a lot of work to get it clean in the first place. So get a head start and get your stylish, luxury apartment back in shape and from here on out you’ll only have to do small things here and there.

What’s your best spring cleaning tip? Share it with us on Facebook page.

Easter Weekend in DC

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Not everyone celebrates Easter but there are some traditions and events that go along with the holiday that everyone can participate in regardless of your beliefs. The holiday is especially fun if you have young children in your family. Easter eggs hunts and photos with the Easter bunny, there’s tons of fun to be had! So grab your baskets for eggs and make sure your bunny ears are on tight because we have some bunny business to take care of. 

On Easter Sunday the 27th, Odyssey is offering Easter brunch cruises. Take a leisurely ride down the river while munching on the most delicious breakfast foods you can get your hands on. Two time slots are offered for the cruise so both early risers and those who sleep in can enjoy the cruise from 10-noon and 3-5. Adults will receive a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa during the cruise. Kids will have access to coloring books as well as a special appearance by the one and only Easter bunny! Brunch on the river? What could be better than that? Book your spot on the river cruise now to ensure your spot at the buffet. Luckily, we won’t have far to travel to reach the boat dock since it’s a short 20 minute hop away from The Louis.

Del Frisco’s Grille will be hosting their very own Easter brunch on Sunday the 27th. Del Frisco’s take on prime rib will knock you off your feet with flavor. They also serve up the most egg-celent Easter dessert around: the signature lemon cake jar! To see their full menu or to make yourself a reservation, check the link above. 

It’s not Easter in the Washington DC area until we’ve had the White House Easter Egg Roll! Taking place this year on Monday the 28th, the annual family event is here and the hunt is on. The race to find the most eggs is fierce competition for the little ones. Enjoy live musical performances and a dance party out on the lawn. Children can gather around while celebrities read stories out loud to them. Participate in Easter egg dying and a challenging obstacle course. There are so many exciting things happening at the White House Easter Egg Roll this year that we hope you got a ticket ahead of time. 

Easter might not be a holiday for everyone but the fun traditions and events surrounding the holiday are great for every family to participate in. Does your family celebrate the pastel holiday? How do you celebrate? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter!

Make Your Apartment A Home

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We are so happy that The Louis is becoming your new home. Washington DC has so many great restaurants and activities for you to enjoy during your days off of work. Whether you take a stroll downtown or a run through our many parks, Washington DC will become your new home within a few weeks. However, before you explore outside, it is time to get your place furnished inside. You may be worried that it will be hard to find furniture, but Washington DC has so many great shops that all of your design ideas can come true. 

Do you need some design inspiration? We recommend starting off at Pottery Barn. Pottery Barn is a little less than six miles away from your home at The Louis. Their unique and creative furnishings will give you an idea of what you want your home to look like. Do you want more of a modern or classical feel? One day in Pottery Barn will give you the direction you need to start furnishing your home.

Now that you have your design scheme, head to Room and Board on 14th Street. This upscale shop has home furnishings and decor for your new apartment. They have small and large pieces for your living room, dining room and bedroom. You can head to their website to see what they have in store before you buy. With their one-of-a-kind pieces, you may find a perfect centerpiece for your living room or bedroom at this local store.

Now that you have your big pieces, head to Bed Bath and Beyond on 14th Street to get your bedroom and bathroom supplies. It is a short 10 minute drive from your home at The Louis. This store has so many colors and patterns to choose from, it will be easy to find one that matches your design scheme. They even have home appliances that you may have forgotten to bring or pack with you. Check out their website for the great deals they have every day.

We hope you love your new home at The Louis. With these great stores all within 30 minutes of your new home, your new apartment will be ready to live in within a few days.

Get Your Green On In DC!

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Get your green on. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and we cannot wait to celebrate. Even if you are not Irish, you can still celebrate with your friends at many events in the Washington DC area. DC knows how to party, and we have found some great events throughout the next week. So go find your green shirt and beads, you are going to have a great time!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is an event that everyone looks forward to all year. Green is everywhere as we see some of our favorite local floats and celebrities ride along Constitution Avenue until 17th Street NW. The St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on March 13th this year. It is super close to your home at The Louis. The parade starts at noon.

Shamock Fest

You can still get tickets for Shamrock Fest in DC. This festival is held on March 12th at RFK Stadium. It features bands for the entire day from 3pm-11pm. You can experience eight hours of dancing to celtic rock bands at this famous event. The festival also includes food, beer and party games to help keep you entertained throughout the day and between bands. 

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

There are a few great pub crawls occurring all throughout the DC Area. The official St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl is March 17th. There are various drink specials as you make your way through your favorite bars in the DC Area. There are various dates for you to choose from on the website. 

Irish Bars

If you want to get your Irish on at a local bar, Washington DC has a few to choose from. You can always go to Fado Irish Pub Washington, D.C. They will have plenty of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this weekend and next week.  

We hope you have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family in Washington DC.

Distract Yourself From Your Phone

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Today’s fast paced society can be draining. Being on the go all the time can make you forget the time before you were busy nonstop. With our faces constantly buried in our phones, tablets and laptops both at work and at home, it can distract us from the real world. Even though our phones are great connectors and open up a whole new world to us, sometimes there’s nothing that beats good old face-to-face communication and alone time. In honor of the Day of Unplugging, take a day or even just a few hours to unplug from your electronics and live in the moment.

Now that the weather has been a little kinder to us, it’s almost okay to spend tons of time outside again. Luckily, at The Louis, we have a fabulous BBQ picnic area. So even if the weather is still a little chilly, you can still hang out near the picnic area and grill up some burgers. Relaxing in the picnic area with your pals is a great way to be social without having to be attached to your phone. If all of your friends are already with you, you don’t need to stare at your phone! Hopefully, spring will be here soon so we can start to use the picnic area regularly!

One of the best ways to avoid the draw of your phone is to occupy yourself. Strike out into the city for an event! If you’re enjoying yourself and keeping busy, you’ll forget all about your phone and enjoy yourself even further. This month is the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival. This three week event from March to April is the perfect time to enjoy the scenery and stop staring at your favorite screen.

Another great way to remove yourself from the burden of technology is to take yourself outdoors! Spending time outdoors is never a waste of time. There are tons of lovely local parks in Washington DC to enjoy. The Yards Park has everything you need to distract you from your electronics. This new park features water areas, kayaking and a summer concert series. However, when going to the concert make sure you watch through your eyes instead of through your phone.

Enjoy your Day of Unplugging with some distractions to keep your mind off of the fact that your phone isn’t in front of your face.

It Is Chili Day!

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Yum! We love a good chili. From a great traditional chili to a five-alarm bowl at a chili cook-off, you can never have enough of this great dish. Did you know that February 24th is National Chili Day? This is the perfect day to make your own traditional chili, or you can get out and explore some of the great restaurants with chili in Washington DC. We hope you and your stomach have a great National Chili Day.

If you are looking for classic chili with a twist, head to Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street. This neighborhood joint is a favorite of DC residents. You can get your chill with many different options and styles of serving. From bowls to fries, you will never get bored of Ben’s Chili Bowl. 

If you want chili for lunch tomorrow, you need to find the BBQ Bus Food Truck. Their bowl of chili includes an earthy blend of black beans, kidney beans, white beans, corn, onions, peppers, chilies and tomatoes. It has just the right amount of spice, and it can be served with a delicious buttermilk cornbread biscuit. 

If you want some Mexican food with your chili, you can head to Peacock Cafe. This DC staple is known for their robust and flavorful chili with nutty cheese, creamy sour cream and more served over fresh crunchy tortilla chips. You can also add guacamole or fresh tomato salsa to your chili dish. 

Hard Times has a few locations throughout the DC Area. We love Hard Times because of their many options for the chili fanatics in your life. From vegetarian chili to Cincinnati chili, there is a dish on this menu that everyone can like. You can even try their crowd favorite chili mac and cheese with various add-ins and toppings. 

These are just a few of the many chili options you have close to your home at The Louis. What is your favorite chili recipe? Share with us in the comments underneath this post on our Facebook Page. We hope everyone has a great and delicious National Chili Day.

Get Away This Weekend

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We could all use a little vacation. Even if it is only for a few days, the ability to fly away from home is a great escape. Lucky for you, there are some great getaways from Washington DC that will not break the bank. Do you need some ideas on where to start? We have researched some of the best quick vacations from Washington DC. Keep reading and decide where you will make your escape.

Spontaneous Weekend Getaways

Groupon has great deals on hotels, but they also have great deals on vacation packages. Maybe you have a few more vacation days and a little extra money to spend. You can head to the Tropical Princess Beach Resort & Spa with airfare for as little as $599 a person. This all-inclusive resort has many days to choose from. However, these specials always sell out fast, so make sure to check everyday to find the best trip for you.

New York, New York

The city that never sleeps is waiting for you to visit. There are so many places to go in NYC that you will fully understand “The City That Never Sleeps” mentality. Whether you want to see a Broadway show or climb the Empire State Building, NYC is a perfect getaway from DC. You can get a BestBus from DC to NYC for $60 dollars round trip. The short five hour drive will give you time to relax, surf the internet and chat with your travel companion. Once you get to NYC, you can use Groupon to find some great deals on NYC Hotels. Groupon has hotels for as low as $75 dollars a night!

The City of Champions

You have so many options to travel from DC to Pittsburgh that it is almost impossible to not find a cheap option. Pittsburgh has three sports teams, but also a thriving arts and foodie scene. No matter what your interest, Pittsburgh has something for everyone on a short weekend trip. 

We hope this blog gave you a few ideas for your next vacation. No matter where you go, we will be happy to see you once you get home to The Louis.

Valentine's Day in DC

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Did you read our last blog? If you did, we hope you found the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one. If you have not found the perfect gift yet, you still have a few days. Read our past blog for help with your Valentine's Day presents. 

Now that you have the gift, it is time to start planning the perfect date. Valentine’s Day can have a lot of high expectations associated with the holiday. However, the key to any great date is planning it with your loved one in mind. What is something you both love in the relationship, or does your person have a favorite place or restaurant? This previous knowledge will help you create a Valentine’s Day that they will never forget.

We have researched and found a few Valentine’s Day local date ideas that we think your special someone would love. These ideas are all within a close distance of The Louis and Washington DC.

Do you want the classic Valentine's Day date? A romantic dinner for two with candlelight and champagne? Lucky for you, Washington DC has many options for that exact idea. Make a reservation at Zatinya for the couples who loves tapas. This restaurant located in Chinatown also has a great section of wine and dessert. 

Central Michel Richard has won the James Beard award multiple times. This American bistro with a french accent offers everything from macaroni & cheese to duck leg confit. The Valentine's Day menu gives you three courses for $100 per couple. 

Bistro Cacao is a small French restaurant located on Capital Hill. This romantic spot will let you try Chef Deger's tasting menu with options for everyone including vegetarians and meat eaters. You will feel like you went to Paris in this French modern bistro. 

If you are looking for something a little out-of-the-box, The Black Cat will be hosting it's annual Rock-N-Roll Dance Party. This dance party starts at 10pm on Valentine's Day. You will hear all music from Doo-Wop to 60s Rock. Dance the night away with your loved one at this Valentine's Day Party. 

We hope you have a great Valentine's Day with a loved one, family or friends. The best part about Valentine's Day is spending time with the people you love.

Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts in DC

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Valentine’s Day is almost here, and that means it is time to surprise your loved one with presents and gifts. However, are you one of those people that gets completely overwhelmed with shopping for presents? We completely understand, we have been there too. Lucky for you, Washington DC has a wide variety of shops and stores to find the perfect gift. We have gathered some of the best gifts near our home at The Louis. So grab your wallet and take a walk to find your perfect gift for this Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate and flowers are always a great gift to start your Valentine’s Day date. However, there is more to chocolate than the pre-made boxes in your local grocery store. You can head to Co. Co. Sala to get the perfect sweet gift.  Shop their Valentine’s Day collection to find a great variety for each person’s unique tastes. They have everything from your classic chocolate heart to Aphrodisi-Bark.

Maybe you want your gift to be a little more adventurous than chocolate and flowers. There are many Valentine's weekend cruises to choose from the DC area. From a champagne brunch to a delicious dinner cruise, you have your choices for your perfect Valentine's Day weekend. Make sure to book these cruises well in advance because they do sell quickly. There are still plenty of dates and types of cruises available so book today. 

If you want this Valentine’s Day to stand out from the others, head to Brilliant Earth's website to find the perfect piece of jewelry. This store was founded by two Stanford Grads. They sell conflict-free jewelry using recycled previous metals. You can choose from custom made rings, earrings and other pieces. There is no showroom in DC, but you can still order many of their gorgeous designs online. 

These are just three of the many great creative gifts throughout the Washington DC area. Valentine’s Day can be stressful, but thinking about your loved ones' tastes makes the process just a little simpler. Do you have the perfect go-to Valentine’s Day gift? Share it with us on our Facebook Page. 

Tips For Your Super Bowl Party

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Will you be throwing a Super Bowl party this year? The big game is a little over a week away. Even if your team is not in the game, it is still fun to watch the commercials, eat tons of food and party with friends. The Carolina Panthers will take on the Denver Broncos Sunday, February 7th. Send out your invites now, so you can celebrate the 50th Super Bowl. What makes the perfect Super Bowl party? We have some ideas.

Appetizers:

Guacamole and Chips:

A classic appetizer for any event, guacamole and chips are the perfect starter for your party. Head to Trader Joes near The Louis to get your hands on all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is super easy. Take all of the ingredients listed on the RealSimple recipe, then stir them in a bowl. Once the mixture is done, you have you guacamole. Choose your favorite chip and serve it to all of your friends and family. 

Main Dish:

We love themes, and the Super Bowl is the perfect opportunity to really theme out. We recommend picking one team and serving a traditional dish from that area of the United States. 

DENVER

Did you know that the Cheeseburger was trademarked in Denver? The trademark for the name cheeseburger is listed with Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado in 1935.  We recommend making mini-cheeseburgers for your main Super Bowl dish if you are rooting for Denver.

CAROLINA

If your are rooting for Carolina, we recommend a classic BBQ recipe. Everyone goes south for BBQ ribs and wings. Ribs are not hard to make. We have found a great Sweet Carolina Rib recipe for your crock pot. This will allow you to start the food in the morning, and it will be ready by kickoff. 

Drinks:

Drinks are pretty easy for the Super Bowl, most people want to grab a cold one from the fridge. Take this up a notch with different beers from the Super Bowl Area. San Francisco has some great beers that you can order or get at your local store. We recommend checking our Anchor Brewing. They have a great selection, and it will add to the Super Bowl theme. 

These are just a few ideas to make your Super Bowl party one that everyone will remember. What are you adding to your Super Bowl party?

Washington DC Sports

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Are you a sports fan? Luckily for you, you live in one of the best sports cities on earth. No matter what your sports preference you can always find something that will be great to watch on TV or in person. In Washington DC, we have 5 different professional sports teams for you to choose from. If you are new to the world of sports or an old fan, learn about the history of our cities teams in the blog below. Hopefully, you will learn something new and have an appreciation for Washington DC's great sports history. 

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are a baseball team that plays in Nationals Park in Southeast D.C. near the Anacostia River. The Nationals developed as a expansion club in 1969 named the Montreal Expos. They were the first league team in Canada. The Expos had a semi-successful run until 2001 when fan's interest began to fade. The MLB purchased the team and moved them to DC before the 2002 season with the new name The Washington Nationals.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are the hockey team of the city. They are in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the NHL. The "Caps" were founded in 1974. They have won eight division titles and made it to the Stanley Cup finals once. In 1997, the team moved their home team rink to the suburban Capital Centre before moving to the Verizon Center in 1999. 

D.C. United

D.C. United is a professional soccer club in Washington D.C. The franchise is one of the ten charter clubs of the MLS. This means they have competed since the league's inception in 1996. They are one of the most decorated clubs in the MLS with thirteen international and domestic titles over the club's history. They are also the only American team to win an intercontinental title.

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are the only professional basketball team in D.C.. "The Wiz" is part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. The team plays their home games at the Verizon Center in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington D.C. 

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins play in the National Football Conference in the NFL. The team plays it's home games at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. They might not play right in DC, but they are still DC's favorite football team. 

We hope you can get together with your friends at The Louis and cheer on your favorite DC team. 

More Sources:

Washington Nationals

Washington Capitals

D.C. United

Washington Wizards

Washington Redskins

Food Delivery in DC

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Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking or going out. We have all been there. You get home from work and the idea of leaving the couch is just too much for you. However, in Washington DC there are so many options for delivery that you will never have to leave the couch again. We have gathered some of the best delivery services and options for you to try at the Louis at 14th. We want to hear your favorites too!

GrubHub

When you do not want to google individual restaurants, Grubhub can tell you everything that delivers to your home at The Louis at 14th.  All you need to do is put in your address and let the website do the work for you. Grubhub has Indian, Chinese, pizza and vegan food all ready to be delivered to your door stop. Grubhub even allows you to see the wait time for each place so you can make your decision wisely. Pull up Grubhub on your computer and throw on a Netflix show, you are staying in tonight.

Seamless

Seamless is a company that you hear about in memes, TV shows and all over social media. Any food you want delivered to your door step sounds too good to be true. However, Seamless is pretty close. Seamless is similar to Grubhub. You put in your address and see what Seamless can deliver to you. Los Angeles has so many options it could be hard to choose. We will watch out for your Instagrammed Seamless delivery. 

Caviar

Caviar is a DC business that will deliver food to your home or office. There are over 40 different choices depending on what day it is and the time. There are also various price points to choose from. Fees for the delivery range from 2-6 dollars depending on the distance, there is also an 18% tip included in the bill. You can use the website to check your delivery status, that way you know when it will be arriving. This is just one of the many options in DC Food Delivery available to you.

These are just a few of the many great options for Washington DC delivery. What is your favorite food delivery option in DC?

Instagram Your Way Through DC

Instagram is one of the most popular social networks of all time. The foodies and the travelers both love it to capture their day to day moments. They hope to get as many likes and comments as possible on their adventures. However, even if you are not a professional you can still have a great Instagram photo collection. This is especially true because you live in one of the best places for Instagram Photos: Washington DC. Here are a few spots you can add to your Instagram bucket list.

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1. Nationals Park

Let's Go Nationals! Our awesome baseball stadium is the perfect place to start your Instagram journey. You could be there for the game or the hotdogs, and there is always something to capture for your collection. You can even try to get as many unique views as possible. Use it to create your own hashtag and have fun!

2. Ronald Reagan Building 

The Ronald Reagan Building is a great place along Pennsylvania Avenue to snap a few photos. Use the fact that you are local to capture it from a unique angle that tourists might not know. Make sure to use a few hashtags so that non-DC residents know what building you are capturing. 

3. The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center is home to so many unique events that you can create a special Instagram image every visit. Whether you want to go obvious with a picture of your tickets or subtle with a picture of the interior design, this is one photo opportunity you do not want to miss. 

4.  Logan Circle

This location might be a routine walk for some locals, but have you ever stopped to really look at the statues and scenery. Next time you are walking through, take a moment to find a landmark you have never seen before. We think this would be a perfect photo opportunity. 

5. National Gallery of Art

This iconic DC museum is perfect for the Instagram newbie who just wants to find something recognizable to photograph. Make sure to capture the permanent exhibit by Leo Villareal called "Multiverse" for your followers.

These are just a few of the great spots in Washington DC to get that perfect photo. You can also take a few photos from your great home at The Louis. What are your favorite Instagram shots? Share them with us on our Facebook page!

Other Sources:
Washington Post

New Year's Resolutions

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It’s a brand new year which brings with it tons of opportunities to start over. Whether it’s in your personal life, your work life, with your health, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make a change. It may seem difficult but hey, you’ve got the whole year to make a difference!

As we get older and grow up, it can seem like our relationships suffer at the hands of other aspects of our lives. Our work gets in the way, school gets in the way, family gets in the way, life just gets in the way! This year, make an effort to reach out to those friends that you might have let fall by the wayside. Invite them over to spend time in our TV area. You might find yourself with a new neighbor once they fall in love with our rooftop sky terrace!

Even better than rekindling old friendships is creating new ones. The easiest friends to make are the ones that are near to you and that means your neighbors! Say hello the next time you see a neighbor leaving their apartment and invite them over for dinner one evening. One day you might find yourself in need of some assistance and the only people there to help will be your close neighbors. It can’t hurt to introduce yourself!

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get healthy in the new year. However, a lot of excuses can pop up when it comes time to actually get to it. The gym is too far away or the membership prices are outrageous are just two of the typical complaints. Here at The Louis at 14, neither of those are a problem! Our gorgeous state of the art fitness center has everything you need to get up and moving towards your new healthy lifestyle. We have something for everyone! Interested in growing stronger? Our strength equipment and weights will get you there. Want to increase your endurance? The aerobic machines will help you! It can be difficult to fit a workout in when you work all day and the gym has limited hours. That’s not a problem here! Our fitness center is open to you 24 hours a day! There’s nothing in your way between you and health here at The Louis at 14.

What are your goals for the new year? Let us know on Facebook.

From everyone in The Louis at 14 family, Happy New Year! Good luck to you on achieving your goals.