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!