New Bike Helmets for Cheap

Every time your child has a new favorite color they want new accessories to match.  Well there is a way to help their changing tastes without spending a fortune.  Duct Tape is the way to fix their bike helmets without buying a new one every other week.

Many of us have been there: staring at a hole in a shoe, a torn backpack, or possibly a damaged car fender. Lacking the time or skill to repair them properly, we reach for the duct tape, slap it on and go about our business. 

Considering the fact that repairing things with duct tape is common enough to be an oft-lampooned stereotype, a duct tape makeover would seem to be an easy target for ridicule. But things are not always as they seem, as this project illustrates.

While not usually known for being fashion forward, duct tape takes center stage in this project. Anna from My Life and Kids was tired of looking at her kids' tired old helmets. Instead of buying new ones, she thought outside of the box and decided to employ some decorative duct tape. The finished product speaks for itself.

 While she had the tape out, Anna got a bit more crafty and made her daughter a color-coordinated basket for her bike out of a cardboard box. Who knows what she will tape up next?

For more information see Apartment Therapy.

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National Parks Free Admission Day

The end of the month is National Parks free admission day.  It is a great way to take a weekend trip with a family for a low cost.  There are 10 parks on the list in the New Mexico area that all have interesting sights to see.  Make sure to schedule this free admission day on your calendar.

More than 100 national parks that usually charge admission fees are free for all on National Parks Free Entrance Days.
We’ve got a National Parks free admission day coming right up on Saturday September 29, 2012 to celebrate National Public Lands Day. It’s a great excuse to take a day trip, get outside, and make the most of the last great days of summer. So consider this a heads-up to plan ahead.

Parks that usually charge admission but are free on September 29 include the New Mexico National Parks on this list:

• Aztec Ruins National Monument
• Bandelier National Monument (but check the link for which sections are open, and for access info. Frijoles Canyon is currently only accessible via the park’s shuttle bus.)
• Capulin Volcano National Monument
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park
• El Morro National Monument
• Fort Union National Monument
• Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (but check the link for current info as the trail to/from the Gila Cliff Dwellings may be closed for periods due to storms and flash flood danger.)
• Pecos National Historical Park
• White Sands National Monument

The next round of Free National Parks Entrance Days are on November 10-12 for Veterans Day weekend. So mark your calendar now.

For more information see ABQ on the cheap.

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Learn about Dinosaurs this Sunday

 Do you want to learn about dinosaurs?  The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is usually closed to the public, but this Sunday anyone can enjoy the center for free.  This beautiful center has breathtaking views, hiking trails, and great programs.  So go check it out, on this one public day of the year.

The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is usually closed to the public, but on September 2 you can explore, hike, enjoy the scenery, try geocaching and the solar telescope, and hear about dinosaurs.

The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center in Cedar Crest is open to all this Sunday September 2, 2012, from 9 am to 4 pm, and admission is free.  According to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Facebook page (they operate the center) the theme this Sunday will be 
What is a Dinosaur?

Usually the 128 acre piñon-juniper forest with over 5 miles of walking trails is only open to school groups, but this Sunday anybody can turn up to hike, spot wildlife from the observation deck and bird blind, do geocaching, or even have a picnic. During the open day a solar telescope will be available to view the sun.

Sandia Mountain Natural History Center open day:

• When: Sunday September 2, 2012
• Time: 9 am - 4 pm.
• Where: Sandia Mountain Natural History Center, Cedar Crest
• Price: Admission is free!
  For more information see ABQ on the Cheap.
  

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Apartment Storage Ideas

Apartment Storage can be tricky when you have a lot of stuff and not a lot of space.  However, there are ways to work with what you have to give you extra space to hide and store things around your apartment.  Read below to find out some excellent tips on how to successfully store things in your apartment.

1. Get stuff up off the floor. There's only so much area under foot. When you have your extra belongings in corners or stacked next to the entertainment center, you aren't doing yourself any favors. The best way to open up your small digs is to clear some floor space. You'll finally be able to get around the place to see what other space options are available.
2. Take an inventory. You can't know where you need the most space (for large or small items) until you know what you really have. Take an inventory and sort your belongings by category. Anything you don't need or want should donated or pitched.
3. Purge. Now that you've gotten rid of the easy to dispose of stuff, purge items you haven't used in a long time. Some experts say you should lose anything you haven't used in a year or more, but even if you aren't that ruthless, you probably know which items you're just hanging onto because you're reluctant to make a firm decision. An occasional purge is good for the soul. It'll make you feel lighter and faster on your feet.
4. Make space in the closet. Closets are notorious for being crowded and disorganized. Re-organize your closet bound stuff and invest in modular storage to put it in. A sixteen-inch deep shelf might do much better as two eight inch shelves filled with bags and shoes. Modular storage systems are less expensive than you might think and can create tons of space. Even the area near the ceiling can be pressed into service with small hooks for belts and scarves
5. Buy vacuum bags. These nifty bags make storing extra linens and winter items, like heavy coats, easier. They have an opening that fits on the reverse flow nozzle on your vacuum cleaner and removes the air between layers of fabric. You can double or triple your space this way, and protect your fabrics from moisture and dust too.
6. Use stackables, fold-downs, and hidden storage. That foot rest you've been using could be swapped out for a modern model with a hollow center. It's an instant storage chest waiting for linens and other items. Need another table for when guests come to call? Try a drop leaf variety that can be shallow or sprawling depending on the occasion. These flexible furniture solutions and many more can reduce the number of larger items you need by being creative multi-taskers. Less big stuff cluttering your apartment means more area for . . . everything else.
7. Employ open shelving. All that empty wall area can be used for storage with the addition of some freestanding or wall mounted shelves. Some of your kitchenware and even personal items are probably attractive enough to display, so get decorating. For items that are too utilitarian to keep out in the open, use containers, like attractive woven baskets or boxes. You can decorate and store at the same time.
8. Invest in door and shelf racks. Outsized items can be a bear to store. Pot lids, colanders and even spices can take up more than their fair share of shelf area. Wire racks help hold lids, stack dishes and corral spices; you can save more of your precious cupboard space for important stuff, like food.
9. Use under the bed and wasted space. Yes, we're recommending that you use the area under the bed, but with some provisions. Invest in plastic under bed containers to keep items dust free. From sweater minders to shoe racks, you can usually find something to store your under the bed items of choice in. If you've exhausted the under the bed area, how about the inside of your luggage? If you only travel a few times a year, it may be worth it to store winter or summer clothes in your travel bags. It's also an inspired spot for unused pillows, a parka, or fuzzy robe.
10. Stay organized. No storage system will work if you don't use it. Once you do get everything up, put away and displayed the way you want it, take the extra fifteen minutes a day to keep it tidy.

For more information please see SuperPages.

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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Receives National Attention

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is something the city waits for all year. Hundreds of hot air balloons fly through the air with spectacular color.  This fiesta is a tradition in Albuquerque and has been around for 41 years.  Tons of different sponsors and groups participate in the balloon fiesta making it something that everyone in New Mexico goes to.  

National Geographic and CNN have featured the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as a “top travel destination.”

National Geographic lists the Balloon Fiesta in its “Best Fall Trips 2012” story that covers 10 places to travel to this autumn.

CNN’s online travel section mentions the event in its feature “7 breathtaking ballooning adventures.” 

The piece highlights Albuquerque’s fall climate, air currents and the Balloon Fiesta’s “remarkable displays” including the balloon glows and mass ascensions.

The 41st Balloon Fiesta takes place October 6 through October 14. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit online.

Read the National Geographic report here. The CNN report is here.

For more information see BizJournals.

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Budget Saving Tips to Decorate Your Apartment

Decorating your apartment can be hard when you are on a budget.  However, do not fear there are ways to decorate your apartment that won’t break the bank.  These tips will make your apartment look it is out of a magazine without the price tag.

Your apartment can have the appearance and feel of a well lived in home.  The mindset that your apartment has to be cold and uninviting should be the farthest idea from your head.  Apartment living is a great way to save money and you have the freedom of moving around as you please.  Decorating your apartment cheaply will make you feel good when you entertain, and when enjoying your place on your own. Here are ideas to cheaply decorate and furnish your apartment and to make it the best it can be.

SALES: Yard, garage, and discount stores are the best place to find décor items for cheap! Furniture, wall décor, and storage items don’t need to be bought brand new.  You can find beds and couches and spruce them up with mattress covers and slip covers.

ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS: Websites like Craigslist, Backpages, and other free online classifieds are great resource for finding décor.  Often time’s people are moving out of their homes and need to get rid of items fast and cheaply.  Estate sales are also published in online classifieds as well. Estate sales are trying to sell the belongings of a deceased person. They can also be from individuals who can’t financially afford their belongings. Take advantage of these because the items may be hard to find bargains!

DO IT YOURSELF: Believe it or not, you and some friends may be able to assemble anything you put your mind to. Do it yourself tables, chairs, and entertainment centers can save you money.  Stores like Ikea have made their entire business centered around merchandise that you can assemble yourself.  Ikea has décor and storage ideas for every budget, and every assembly skill level.

LOFT BEDS: Loft beds are a cheap way to accommodate several people in a small space.  Loft beds are reminiscent of bunk beds, which take advantage of vertical space. Loft beds can be bought at furniture stores, garage sales, or check college dorm and apartment bulletin boards for quick sales. Even if you don’t have a lot of people in your apartment, loft beds can house a bed on top and a desk area beneath to save valuable space in your bedroom.

For more information go to Fresh Home.

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New Amphibian Exhibit Opens at the Zoo

The ABQ Biopark zoo is opening a new exhibit on August 5th.  This new exhibit is all about amphibians and their natural habitat.  Most of the frogs featured in this exhibit are endangered, and they are being put in this program to breed and keep the population alive. Make sure to go check out this new exhibit, and see the amphibians like you never have before.

The ABQ BioPark Zoo opens its new exhibit, Amphibians: Life on a Limb, on Sunday, August 5. The facility offers a rare glimpse into the world of frogs and other amphibians and helps save endangered species.

One third of amphibians are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change and diseases. A pioneering Coqui Conservation Lab allows guests to watch as BioPark herpetologists care for critically endangered coqui frogs, helping ensure their survival through breeding and reintroduction programs.

"Amphibian populations are rapidly declining and many species are on the brink of extinction," said Doug Hotle, Curator of Reptiles & Amphibians. "It's exciting to showcase these amazing animals while we help protect them. We want future generations to enjoy frogs, too."

At 700 square feet, the exhibit is intimate with a jungle-like ambiance. Jewel-like tanks are filled with a diverse group of amphibians, and visitors get an extraordinary peek into their environmental significance. Guests will encounter strange and stunning species like poison dart frogs, hellbenders, aquatic caecilians and sharp-ribbed newts.

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on August 5, guests can enjoy hands-on discovery stations and talk with amphibian keepers. The amphibian exhibit is included with regular admission and will be open daily during the Zoo's regular business hours.
 
Amphibians: Life on a Limb kicks off the New Mexico BioPark Society's "Nurture Your Love of Nature" Capital Campaign.

For more information see CABQ.gov.

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