Warming Up Those Windows

It tends to not get too cold here in Albuquerque during the winter months, but on cooler days, drafts coming in through cracks in your windows can be a real bummer. Fortunately, there are lots of ways that you can make your apartment warmer by giving some TLC to your windows - and you don’t need to be a handyman or millionaire to get it done.

On ApartmentTherapy.com, their “Reader Intelligence Report” feature gathered a number of suggestions for their readers for insulating and modifying their home windows to create a warm, energy efficient environment during the winter months. And since we’re not exactly dealing with sub-zero conditions, chances are these tricks will do a great job:

“I took some cheap burlap fabric, stained it with tea, and made rice-filled thin, sealed bags to go on all of my apartment window ledges and at the bottom of my front door. This doesn't keep the cold from the glass but in my 1920s drafty apartment it works well.”

“I’ve also used foam drawer liners, rolled up and stuffed into crevices. The self-sticking kind might be nice to line small crevices in windows and doors.”

“You'd be amazing what you can do with cotton balls and some tweezers. I went around and shoved as much cotton as I couldn't into all of the cracks where I could feel air coming in, and it's worked amazingly (not to mention super cheap)!”

“Put bubble wrap and plastic over all of your windows. No, it's not pretty but it's the best thing I've found (aside from getting new windows) to control heat loss via your windows. Dampen your windows with water from a spray bottle, and then cover the glass with cut to size pieces of bubble wrap. Then, cover the entire window (frame and all) with some clear plastic and seal it with removable weather stripping.”

“What I did was go to a Walmart and buy space blankets at the sporting goods dept. Then I got a couple of packages of thin quilt batting ( W doesn't sell them anymore, damn, they were cheap there) and finally cheap but pretty curtain material. Layered all three, material/batting/space blanket, after measuring my windows and sewed them together, hung them and damn all they worked like a charm BUT it made things a bit gloomy as they kept out all the light as well as keeping out the cold.”

To read even more tips for making your windows warmer, click here.

A Bright Future for Downtown Albuquerque

Just a short 10-minute drive from The Arbors, downtown Albuquerque has been a great place to work for decades. But soon, it could be home to a lot more, thanks to a new initiative to bring new amenities to downtown Albuquerque.

This Bernalillo County Commission has unanimously voted to consider a $11.3 million industrial revenue bond project. The proposal will include a grocery store, the development of 22,000 mixed use commercial space, and more.

If it moves forward the downtown development project is great news for our community - it is estimated that the project will create 62 full-time jobs and 150 temporary construction jobs.

Perhaps the best news (at least short-term) out of all this is that the project would be funded by private investors rather than taxpayers. Construction is currently slated to begin towards the end of 2014.

The County Commission aren’t the only ones trying to encourage the economic growth of downtown Albuquerque - of course there’s also the Downtown Action team, who work year-round to lobby on behalf of small and local businesses in the downtown area:

• Serve as the management committee for the Business Improvement District (BID) to provide enhanced services to the businesses and properties within the BID
• Provide Clean & Hospitality services to the Business Improvement District
• Attract quality growth and investment in Downtown that benefits greater Albuquerque
• Understand the market and pro-actively collaborate with key players in the community to develop and implement strategies to reach our desired outcomes
• Develop an environment for vibrant Downtown neighborhoods, and enhance the image of Downtown
• Manage the Downtown Growers’ Market, which takes place for 25 weeks of the year and attracts over 40,000 people annually 

To read additional coverage of the new downtown development project, click here.

Science Camps for Winter Break

If you’re looking to keep the kids busy over their winter break, you’re in luck. Don’t scramble to hire a sitter for every day in late December - there are lots of other options for kids in Albuquerque.

One of the coolest things we found at the Winter Day Camps over the the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. There are a bunch of different camps and dates, depending on your child’s preference - these camps are intended for kids ages 6 to 12.

The camps include:

Air Academy

Monday, December 23

Come learn about the Dynamics of Flight. Practice your piloting skills on the Museum’s Flight Simulator. Become a paper airplane expert and build your very own glider.

Grossology

Friday, December 27

Totally disgusting, but so much fun! We don’t talk about  body functions in polite company, but the questions persist. Do you have questions that no one wants to discuss? Where does snot come from, anyway? Learn more about our anatomy and lots of other gross stuff.

Let’s Move, Science of Sports

Friday, December 27

How does centripetal force affect your skateboard? How fast is a fastball, anyway? What is the best design for a bicycle? Be able to teach your parents the science behind the upcoming Winter Olympics. Science really IS everywhere!

CSI: Camp Scene Investigation

Thursday, January 2

Forensic science takes on a new twist. Search for evidence, gather clues, and discover how science is used to help solve real mysteries. Learn to think like a detective and join the investigation!

Click here to read the full catalog of Winter Camps at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History!

May the Forecemas be With You

We may be dealing with less daylight this time of year, but don’t let seasonal depression get you down. Laughing is one of the best ways to keep yourself in good spirits throughout the winter months (or any time of year for that matter).

So consider taking a trip over to The Box, one of Albuquerque’s premier comedy theaters. You can take improv classes, and see stand-up or improv shows. For the kids, you can also see youth shows at their Youth Playhouse and send them to comedy Summer Camp.

Starting on December 13, you can take the whole family out for a good laugh that the kids and parents will both enjoy: “A Very Star Wars Christmas,” presented by the Cardboard Playhouse Theater Company.

Here’s the show’s synopsis, courtesy of the Cardboard Playhouse’s website:

When Darth Vader complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Forcemas season, Queen Amadela suggests that he become director of the school Forcemas pageant. Darth Vader accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little Endorean Forcemas tree fails, he needs Yoda's help to learn what the real meaning of Forcemas is.

How will it turn out? We don't even know. This show will be half improvised and half scripted so the show will be different every time. Appropriate for kids of all ages!

Click here to reserve your tickets today! 

IKEA Holiday Decoration Ideas

If you’re expecting guests this holiday season, you might be thinking of getting your awesome apartment in tip-top shape. We like to think one of the best parts of living here at the Resort at Sandia Village is the affordable rent and included amenities, so naturally, we’re always looking out for cheap ways to spruce up your apartments.

For cheap basic furniture, IKEA is always a given, but did you know that you can use IKEA items to create a classy, holiday theme for your apartment? It’s true! Apartment Therapy published anice guide including 10 ways to utilize IKEA products for some professional-quality holiday decor:

Pair Contrasting Surfaces: Gold and matte black are total opposites, but when combined make for a nice balance of shiny and grounded.

Make It Messy: The holidays are all about making merry — not perfection. It’s okay if things fall out of line or don’t match entirely.

Group Decorations in Clusters for More Impact: This collection of otherwise basic gift-wrapped presents is made more dramatic and note-worthy when grouped and stacked all together.

Click here to see the full guide to IKEA-inspired holidaydecorating ideas!

Downtown Growers Market’s Extended Season

Buying your food from local farmers is a great way to support the Albuquerque community and maintain a healthy diet. Sure, peak season for most fruits and vegetables is the summer, but fortunately, we have a temperate climate down here, so fresh produce is possible, even at the beginning of winter.

If you’re looking to get your farmers market fix, even in the cooler weather, you’re in luck—the Albuquerque Downtown Growers’ Market is open until December 21, 2013, offering city residents a wide variety of produce and prepared foods considering the time of year.

The Winter Market moves from its usual location on Route 66 to the parking lot behind Java Joe’s and Firenze Pizzeria, at 906 Park Ave. SW in Albuquerque. Just like during the regular growing season, there will be lots to enjoy besides the food.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Downtown Growers Market:

The Downtown Growers’ Market is run by the Downtown Action Team. The Market began in 1996, and continues to grow exponentially thanks to our vibrant community. The market is home to over 45 New Mexican growers offering the highest quality produce available in Albuquerque, along with a wide array of talented local artists and a delicious mix of prepared food artisans.

Every week we feature a live band, community nonprofits, a bike valet service, and lots of community spirit! All are welcome! We accept EBT/SNAP funds, which can be processed at our Information Booth, as well as WIC and Senior checks. Also, if you forgot cash- we got you covered! Visit the Info Booth to learn how you can use your debit card to acquire market tokens.

Click here for more information on the Winter Market!

Pueblo of Isleta Elder Center Arts & Craft Fair

What happens when you combine Albuquerque’s local ethnic culture and its love of art?

At the Isleta Resort and Casino this Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, you can find out for yourself! The Pueblo of Isleta Elder Center’s annual Arts & Craft fair is sure to be a great time for aficionados of Native American culture and art buffs alike.

Drop by the Grand Ballroom and support over 100 local artists selling their original arts and crafts, completely free of state and local tax, with free admission. You really have nothing to lose! This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re looking to get a great deal on some unique holiday gifts.

If you’re not familiar with the Pueblo of Isleta Elder Center:

The Pueblo of Isleta is nestled in the scenic Rio Grande Valley, 15 miles south of Albuquerque on Interstate 25 Exit 215.  It is one of the larger 19 Pueblos within New Mexico and was established in the 1300s.  Isleta Pueblo covers an area of more than 329 square miles, surrounded by the Manzano Mountains to the east and to the desert mesa lands of the Rio Puerco on the west. The name Isleta comes from the Spanish language which means "Little Island."  Visit Isleta Pueblo to learn more about the history and culture. 

Click here for more information on the event over at NewMexico.org. 

How to Arrange Inexpensive Flowers for Your Apartment

So you’re walking through the aisles of a grocery store and you see some flowers that actually look halfway decent. Sure, you could find better quality flowers at a florist or perhaps elsewhere, but there’s an art to making grocery store flowers look presentable.

At ApartmentTherapy.com, we found a fantastic guide written by Tess Wilson, on how to arrange cheap grocery store flowers into an arrangement that can really make your apartment pop. The first thing you’ll need to do is grab all the flowers of the same color that you can get your hands on:

1. Strip all of the leaves off the stems, including the long leaves.

2. Arrange the stems in your hand. Try to get the flowers to look natural, yet random. At this point, the stems should still be long.

3. Decide on a vase to use, and then chop the stems down to an appropriate length for the vase - if in doubt, leave the stems longer than shorter, so there’s room to cut if they’re still too long. Secure the arrangement with a rubber band, and make some final trimmings.

Got your own tip for turning inexpensive flowers into a presentable arrangement? Remember to share it with fellow residents on our Facebook page!

Five Quick, Space-Saving Tips for Your Albuquerque Apartmen

If you’re new to apartment living, first of all, congratulations on making a practical intelligent decision. Now, we know it can be a tough adjustment especially if you’ve lived in larger houses your whole life - but one of the great joys of apartment living is being able to make the best use of the space that you have.

Not only will your apartment feel bigger to you, your family, or roommates -  you’ll also get that great sense of satisfaction from making the most of your resources.

Over at ApartmentTherapy.com, Judy Ross shared five simple tricks she uses to make small spaces feel larger:

1. White Walls: It's basic, but it's still true. White walls tend to make small spaces feel larger. 

2. Built-ins: Building in storage options to your furniture reduces the appearance of clutter (and gives you the gift of clean surfaces to come home to!). 

3. Deep Shelves: Deep bookshelves allow you to store things behind the front row of books. Things like wine. Or money. Or... more books. 

4. Accentuate Height Where Possible: Building bookshelves and closets all the way to the ceiling gives your home a feeling of being bigger than it is (you can also try hanging curtains from floor to ceiling to get some extra length). 

5. Lighting: Lots of lamps tend to create clutter, which make already small spaces feel crowded. Consider looking into lighting elements which cast light upward and which don't make your space busier than it already is!

Do you have your own tricks when it comes to making tiny spaces feel bigger. Head on over to our Facebook page and share your ideas with your fellow residents!

Find the Creature in You for a Trick-or-Treat Alternative

Looking for an alternative to trick-or-treating in Albuquerque this year? You’re in luck! This Halloween, consider checking out the ABQ BioPark Zoo’s 25th annual “Zoo Boo” event.

Celebrate animals and Halloween by dressing your family up and heading over to the zoo for a full day of fun and games. Don’t want to dress up but still want to help? The event is also seeking volunteers ages 18 and older - call (505) 848-7172 for more information.

Public transportation to the event is available:

●       Free park-and-ride is available from the Aquarium & Botanic Garden, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

●       Take the bus:

1.     The Rapid Ride stop at the Main Library is about 14 blocks from the Zoo.

2.     The Route 66 bus stop at Central and 10th is an 8 block walk.

3.     The Rt. 53 bus stops just 1 block from the Zoo entrance

And here’s the official event description, from the City of Albuquerque’s website:

It's time for Zoo Boo! We're celebrating 25 years of safe Halloween fun this year with games, Haunted Habitats, costumes and, of course, candy! Trick-or-treat from dozens of sponsoring businesses and civic organizations at tables throughout the Zoo.

Use #ZooBoo25 to show us your costumes, share photos of the event and tell us what you enjoy best about the event on Twitter.

Supporting Native American Businesses Isn’t History

The Albuquerque area is steeped in Native American History. In fact, just last week, the

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was named the “Tribal Destination of the Year” at this year’s American Indian Tourism Conference.

Our region has historically been home to several groups of Native Americans, including the “Sandia Man” and later, the ancient Anasazi Indians, who were known for their huge apartment-style buildings, constructed out of stone and adobe. In fact, most of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos are still within an hour’s drive of the city.

But Albuquerque’s connection to Native Americans isn’t just history - The Regional Development Corporation, in partnership with the Los Alamos Laboratory, Los Alamos National Security, and the New Mexico Indian Affair Department are offering venture capital to local businesses owned by Native Americans.

Request for Proposals for the 

NATIVE AMERICAN VENTURE ACCELERATION FUNDBACKGROUND 

The Regional Development Corporation in partnership with the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Security, LLC and the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department seeks to further the development of tribally held businesses in Northern New Mexico as a way of creating jobs and diversifying the economy.  

OPPORTUNITY 

Purpose:  The Native American Venture Acceleration Fund will make awards to tribally owned companies for critical technical services that lead to increased revenues and employment for the company.  Awards will be made on a competitive basis and are intended to provide services to tribal business entities that will allow the company to diversify revenue, leverage other investments, create new jobs and have systems in place that lead to growth.  

Award Size:  Up to $30,000. 

Eligible Applicants: 

Native American owned business enterprises in which a tribe or tribal member has at least a 51% share or stake.  

A tribal member or corporation of the Pueblos from Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Santa Clara, Pojoaque, Taos, San Ildefonso, Tesuque, Cochiti or Jemez.
Company must be located in the counties of Sandoval, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, San Miguel, Mora, Rio Arriba or Taos.  

Entities which have been awarded in the past are eligible to apply again as long as the company successfully completed prior awards. 

Award Uses:
Awards may be used to procure specialized services for the company which will lead to increased revenues and employees.  For example, a company may need to develop a website to increase sales or may need a consultant to help select, install and train their staff on specialized accounting software required for federal government contracting.  The RDC will work with the providers agreed upon by the grantees such as accountants, business consultants, marketing experts or others to provide the services a tribal company needs.  Cash awards will not be made directly to awardees.   

Deadline: Proposals must be received no later than 5pm, October 25, 2013. 

To read the full request for proposals and get more information about the program, click here.

Fall Doesn’t Always Mean the End of Farmers Markets

In lots of cities, Farmers Markets tend to end in early fall. But here in Albuquerque, with our relatively mild winters, we can enjoy lots of great fresh, local food all year around - or for most of the year, at least.

If you’ve never been to a local farmers market, this is a great time to try one out and take advantage of the smaller crowds. Shopping at a farmers market is a lot different than shopping at a traditional grocery store. You’ll never know what you might find at a Farmers Market, so it may be best not to bring a list, and to create meals around what you found rather than the other way around. Also, the freshest items tend to sell early in the day, so if you hit any of these locations, do it in the morning, if possible. If you can’t make it until later, you may actually be able to ask for reduced prices!

Last week, the New Mexico Tourism Department wrote about a number of local farmers markets in the ABQ Journal, including the Albuquerque Downtown Growers’ Market, which has a special extended season this year, until November 2:

“Get Your Picks On Route 66” at the Albuquerque Downtown Growers’ Market. Located in the heart of downtown at 8th & Central Avenue, the Growers’ Market is open Saturday mornings, starting mid May, and runs through October. Give yourself plenty of time to shop amongst the 40+ vendors. www.downtowngrowers.com 

 ​Starting Saturday, November 9th, we are moving across the street to the space behind Java Joe's & Firenze Pizzeria for our WINTER MARKET!  Our regular season in Robinson Park is ending Nov 2nd, just in time for Parks & Rec to begin the restoration on the park (which will be complete in time for us to return in May 2014).  Our Winter Market will run every Saturday, 10am-2pm, Nov 9-Dec 21.  That's 7 weeks!  We're going to take a break in January, and hopefully kick Market off again in February.  We're working toward a completely year-round Market!  It's exciting!  And it will take some time for it to grow and settle in, so please stay tuned for more news!  

 The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is New Mexico’s largest, with over 150 active vendors. In 2002, the Market began operating year-round in order to meet the ever-growing demand for fresh, local produce. Located in the Farmers’ Market Pavilion, 1607 Paseo de Peralta at Guadalupe, the Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in winter, and Saturdays & Tuesdays, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. in summer (beginning in May). Don’t forget to check out the marvelous arts and crafts at the Railyard Artisan Market at the Market Pavilion on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4p.m. www.santafefarmersmarket.com 

 The Red Willow Growers’ Market at Taos Pueblo is another New Mexico market that operates year-round. Red Willow heats its two greenhouses using an innovative biomass heating system. It is open to the public on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. All of the produce sold is grown at Taos Pueblo without pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. The summer market, which started in 2007 with three vendors, now has 20 vendors; the winter market has about seven growers.  

To read the complete article in ABQ Journal, click here.

Bike the Bosque for a Fall Adventure

Just because those hot, summer days might be gone, it doesn’t mean you can’t get in some full days outdoors, enjoying the fantastic natural beauty of Albuquerque and get some exercise.

From October 10 to 13, you can experience one of the area’s most spectacular trails and get the most out of it with a guided bicycle tour! The BikeSmith bike shop has organized some trips to the Paseo del Bosque trail. With lots of fun stops along the way, a delicious meal, a tour of Old Town Farm, and a bike rental and accessories included, the Bosque trail is known as one of the region’s best bike rides:

Recognized as one of the best bike rides in the west, the Paseo del Bosque trail runs 16 miles through the heart of the city along the Rio Grande’s beautiful cottonwood forest. The trail is a 5 minute bike ride from The BikeSmith store via The BikeSmith & Old Town Farm Bike Path. Proceeding south on the trail from our point of access takes you to Tingley Beach, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Albuquerque Aquarium and the Rio Grande Zoo. The northern route takes you by the Rio Grande Nature Preserve and provides beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande River.
 Biking Package Includes:- Fully Equipped Fuji Hybrid or Comfort Bike
- The BikeSmith Bosque Trail Guide
- Gourmet meal at Old Town Farm – (includes soup, mini quiches & beverage). Other items available for an additional charge.
- Old Town Farm Tour 

For more information about the Bosque Biking Adventure, click here. And for more on BikeSmith, including their location and hours, click here.

Company’s Comin’ to Albuquerque

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the biggest events in town, year in and year out. It’s has “international” in the name for a reason - the fiesta draws people not only from all parts of the country, but the world.

This is one of our best opportunities to showcase all the city has to offer and how our residents can work together to create something great. So leading up to the International Balloon Fiesta, the city needs our help cleaning up - so tomorrow morning, consider spending some time at Keep Albuquerque Beautiful’s 4th Annual Company’s Comin’ Community Cleanup:

Help us prepare for the more than 700,000 visitors expected to enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Starbucks Coffee will be served, while supplies last. 

An affiliate of Keep America Beautiful since 1982, Keep Albuquerque Beautiful is dedicated to community education on all solid waste management issues and alternatives through litter control, beautification, and graffiti eradication activities. These activities are geared toward increasing awareness and changing attitudes through public information.
 Keep Albuquerque Beautiful is part of a national network, the Keep America Beautiful System. They are respected for their success in litter prevention and recognized by the Wirthlin Public Opinion Survey as the most credible source for environmental information. 

For more information about the community cleanup day, click here. The event will be at the Albuquerque Balloon Museum, from 9 am to 12 pm.

Paseo del Norte Construction Will Pay Off (Eventually)

Even on a normal day, Albuquerque traffic can be pretty frustrating. And as you’re probably aware, there are some major construction projects that will be starting within the coming months. Among them is the Paseo/I-25 Interchange Project, which recently began and likely won’t end anytime soon.

Although the construction will inconvenience those of us who commute using Paseo Del Norte/I-25, it will have benefits--in time. According to the project’s website, it will accomplish the following:

A reconstruction project to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety and air quality in one of New Mexico's busiest transportation corridors that includes six major improvements: 

1.     A two-lane free-flow ramp to improve the eastbound-to-southbound traffic movement in the morning peak travel time (7-9 a.m.). 

2.     A two-lane flyover ramp to improve the northbound-to-westbound traffic movement in the evening peak travel time (4:30-6:30 p.m.). 

3.     An overpass at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Paseo Del Norte to improve east-west access and local traffic flow. 

4.     Bicycle and pedestrian improvements to provide a critical link across I-25 and connect existing paths in the area. 

5.     Improved freeway access for traffic originating from the area east of the Paseo Del Norte/I-25 interchange. 

6.     I-25 mainline improvements between the Alameda Boulevard and Jefferson Street interchanges to improve safety and traffic flow.

And what will the benefits of all these additions be? According to the project’s website, once completed, it will save Albuquerqueans a ton of time, will reduce automobile accidents, and will save the city lots of money:

Expected Traffic Benefits 

Economic Analysis 

Based on engineering traffic modeling, the estimated project results are: 

●      Potential savings of more than 350,000 hours in travel time annually. 

○      Equivalent to more than one hour per person per week or more than 170 person work years in increased work productivity every year. 

●      Safety improvements to Paseo Del Norte/I-25 area. 

○      Anticipated reduction in approximately 470 accidents a year between three intersections due to reduction in congestion, weaving, and intersections with traffic signals. 

●      Congestion relief on parallel river crossings. 

●      Improved air quality due to reduced congestion. Based on Mid-Region Council of Governments Economic Modeling, the projected effects to the local economy include: 

●      $2.8 billion in net new economic activity from year 2013-2031 for the Albuquerque region. 

●      More than 3,000 net new jobs within 20 years. 

●      An estimated $2.5 million annual savings in fuel for the region over the next 20 years, supporting a local workforce of approximately 38,000 current jobs (20% of workforce). 

For more information on the Paseo/I-25 Interchange Project, click here. You can even watch a virtual simulation of what it will be like to drive through the new sections. And for updates, remember to follow @paseoi25 on Twitter.

Fall-ify Your Apartment for a New Look

Summer has come to an end, and fall is here. If you really love summers here at The Arbors Apartments (we do have three pools), then you’re probably sad to say goodbye to the warmer weather.

But the coming of fall can be a great excuse to redecorate, and what better theme than fall? Even if you don’t like fall weather, who can resist those classic autumn auburns, oranges, browns, and yellows? If your apartment needs a fresh start this fall, we’ve put together some ideas, courtesy of Bond Magazine, to help fall-ify your apartment.

Among Bond Magazine’s tips, were:

• Interesting decorative pillows made from colorful scarves: Scarves in gorgeous, fun, Fall prints make for an affordable fabric choice when it comes to toss pillows.
• Used books with colorful hard covers or wrapped in decorative paper: Covering hardcover books with beautiful printed or decorative patterned paper is a great way to display books and incorporate a decorative element into your Fall décor at the same time. The idea behind this tip is to use old books as a decorative item.
• Decorating with fruit – fruit placed in long tall vases: I really love working with lemons, and limes, placing them in tall cylindrical vases. I also like using tall long vases and placing baby apples in them. Using fruits and vegetables in your Fall décor is a wonderful way to incorporate the “Fruits of Fall”.
• Potted succulents instead of plants or flowers: Although Fall is typically a season for leaves and foliage, why not use potted succulents instead! Succulents are quite hardy, I especially love them because they last a long time and don’t require a lot of care. Succulents are not only beautiful but they look fabulous in everything from rubbed terra cotta pots to glass vessels filled with stones and moss.

To read Bond Magazine’s complete list of autumn decor tips, click here!

Have you fall-ified you apartment? We’d love to see what you’ve done! Post a photo of it to our Facebook wall, and remember to check us out not only on Facebook, but also on Twitter, and Google Plus.

Finding the “Goldilocks” Temperature in Your Apartment

As we transition from summer into fall, we should expect temperatures to rise and drop a bit over the next month or so. One of the most common points of contention between couples and families this time of year is the temperature in the apartment. Dad wants it warmer than Mom does, and Suzie want’s it even colder than Mom! So how do you find a compromise or solution that pleases everyone?

On ApartmentTherapy.com, Tess Wilson wrote a little bit about how she and her husband managed to solve their problem of different temperature preferences. It turns out that the secret is humidity:

“...You don't have to cool the house very much in order to make a big difference! A tiny adjustment can remove the humidity from the house, which makes all the difference in the world. On hot days, we've been setting the thermostat at about 83ºF, and if it's in the low 80ºs with low humidity, we simply open all the windows and turn on the ceiling fans. At night, however, all my money — and energy — saving goes out the window because I have a terrible time sleeping unless it's cold. I like to think my daytime thriftiness and my nighttime extravagance balance each other out, and luckily, the rest of my household agrees.”

So by opening windows and using ceiling fans, you can easily achieve a temperature that pleases everyone by removing humidity from the apartment! And, of course, this has the added benefit of saving electricity as well!

Do you and your roommates or family have another secret to finding the right temperature for everyone? Post it to our Facebook wall and share it with the rest of our residents.

Stay cool! (Or warm!)

Celebrate Local Street Food at the Albuquerque Food Truck Showdown

Cities from San Francisco to New York are developing thriving food truck scenes, and Albuquerque is no different. With the city’s gritty aesthetic and its signature Southwest cuisine, it’s no wonder that food trucks, like Goritas Valle Gourmet have taken hold around the city.

On September 8 at the Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill, all of the city’s best food trucks will battle for food truck bragging rights at the Albuquerque Food Truck Throwdown. Along with some of the best street cuisine in Albuquerque, Duke City Food Trucks will also be hosting  live music from local bands and DJs, a beer hall with locally made fine wines, as well as a classic car display from 9 am to 3 pm.

The Albuquerque Food Truck Throwdown isn’t just a celebration of gastronomy, though. To go with the truck theme, all proceeds from the event will be donated towards the renovation of the Wheels Transportation Museum.

To read more about the Albuquerque Food Truck Throwdown, click here. Do you have a favorite food truck in Albuquerque? Or how about a food truck from another city that you WISH were in Albuquerque? Recommend your favorite street food on our Facebook page!