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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Steps to an Organized Kitchen

 Kitchens can become the most cluttered room in your house.  However, with a few simple steps your kitchen can become more organized and user friendly.  This will help you know where things are, and it will make cooking a little more enjoyable for you.


 Whether you've just moved into a new space, are settling into a summer rental, or are just frustrated with your kitchen, here are some ideas to help you arrange your kitchen for maximum cooking and cleaning efficiency that will making mucking about in the space a lot more fun.

Start with what you have: You may love them, you may hate them, but unless you've got the money for a full scale renovation, your sink, stove and refrigerator aren't going anywhere. Their position will dictate where everything else goes. Cleaning them up (Magic sponges, Barkeeper's Friend, Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Spray, Bon Ami and those curly stainless steel sponges sometimes called Kurly Kate's, are my weapons of choice), inside and out, can go a long way towards making them presentable.

Create stations: Taking a cue from restaurant kitchens, mentally assign stations for all of the tasks that you do in your kitchen: cleaning, storage, prepping, cooking, putting food away. I bake a lot, so I also have a baking station.

Organize items according to task: The point is to organize the kitchen so that there's as little unnecessary movement as possible. If, after you've washed the cutlery from tonight's dinner at the sink, putting it away means walking across the kitchen to do so, chances are it will never get put away, no matter how pretty the cutlery drawer organizer is.

Move things around so that what you need is in arm's reach: Cutlery and dishes should be near the sink; spices and cooking implements, whether rubber spatula or skillet, should be near the stove; put knives and chopping boards near your prep area; store sugar, flour, rolling pins, cookie sheets and standing mixer near your baking area.

Out of reach: Put things you rarely use — the turkey platter you pull out at Thanksgiving, the holiday-themed cookie cutters — higher up or lower down. Having to get on a ladder, or even bend your knees, means you'll use something less frequently.

If necessary, buy two of everything: I use cinnamon for cooking and for baking, so I've got one canister near the stove and one in my baking area. While I'm not suggesting you buy two food prep machines, consider doubling up on little items like spices and spatulas.

Merchandise your storage: Yes, I confess, my kitchen is always ready for its close up. I like my kitchen organized, I also like it pretty. Arranging items by size and color as well as by how often you use them can go a long way towards making your time in this room pleasant.

Pretty but also useful: If the canister that you use to store flour is hard to open, it's not useful. Before you buy something, try it out in the store and consider how you'll use it. Does it feel substantial in your hand but also light enough that it's easy to use? Can you open a container with one hand? I've removed rubber sealant rings from many a flour container in order to make them easier to open.

Stick with the place you've given for things: With everything in my kitchen assigned a spot, it's easy to see what I have and what's missing. With a quick glance into my refrigerator, I can tell that I'm out of butter or milk or low on veggies. Since I always keep these things in the same place, a glance at my kitchen cupboards tells me I'm out of glasses and I'd better get washing!

For more information and other apartment tips go to Apartment Therapy.

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Route 66 Summerfest

This Saturday head to the Route 66 Summerfest.  There are activities for the whole family including a climbing wall, dancing, car shows, and delicious food.   There is a stage and beer garden for the adults, and there is a trolley for the kids.  This is a great event to get your family out of the house, and enjoy the beautiful weather we have been having.

There’s nothing like a street festival to make the most of summer – and is there anywhere better for a street festival than Albuquerque’s old Route 66 herself? We think not. Join in the party on Saturday July 21, 2012, for free live entertainment, car cruise, and more…

Route 66 Summerfest in Nob Hill kicks off at 2 pm through 10:30 pm on July 21, and the free festivities include a car show, live music and dancing, kids’ activities, an arts and artisans’ market, tours of Nob Hill, and sidewalk sales. Some highlights:
 
The KidZone offers a schedule of activities including yoga, sumo wrestling, climbing wall, dances, and a jump rope performance, on Central Avenue between Wellesley and Tulane.
 
New Mexico Route 66 Association’s Car Show all afternoon on Central between Carlisle and Aliso, with the 12th Annual Neon Cruise starting at 8:30 pm.
 
Urban Wheels Show with alternative transportation on Central between Aliso and Morningside, and the motorbikes, scooters and bikes will also join the Neon Cruise at 8:30 pm.
 
Summerfest music (in partnership with the New Mexico Jazz Festival) starts at 2 pm on two stages, with a great line-up including headline acts Cadillac Bob & the Rhinestones at 8 pm on the East Stage (Central & Washington) and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band performing at 9 pm on the Main Stage (Central & Girard).
 
Route 66 Cork & Tap has its own stage and beer garden, with music including Mala Mana and 

En-Joy and local breweries on site, at Central and Sierra.
 
Art and Artisan’s Market showing local arts and crafts between Dartmouth and Bryn Mawr.
 
World’s Longest Stroll Dance attempt to grab the Guinness World Record at 4:30 pm. They need more than 221 people to beat the current record, so join in at Central and Solano, opposite the Route 66 Malt Shop.
 
Free trolley rides courtesy of ABQ Trolley Co along Central Avenue from 2-9 pm, as a shuttle to save your aching feet!

Check out the full schedule of Route 66 Summerfest events and times. They also have a very handy map so you can see what’s where.

For more information and coupons for the event go to ABQ on the Cheap.

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