Un-Shopping: Tips for Using What You Already Own

How nice would it be to give your apartment a whole new look without spending any money? This article from Apartment Therapy focuses on rearranging what you already have (no shopping necessary!) to make an old space feel brand new.

If your shopping eyes are bigger than your budgetary stomach, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can pull together just by rethinking how and where you display what you already have.

A few months ago I visited my best friend and helped her decorate her otherwise sparse apartment. Given her tight budget, we made only one big-ticket purchase, which she had been saving up for. Mostly what I did was to help her find the best way to use what she had on hand but wasn't sure how to showcase. Here are some ideas for taking what you've got to make your home more like what you want.

Collections: My friend happens to have a trove of colorful, patterned cigar boxes. Instead of letting them keep languishing in a drawer, I stacked several of them around her apartment. Maybe you collect figurines or stones, ticket stubs or records; whatever it is, displaying them in an organized way will add a creative personalized touch. See the links below for ideas for corralling your collection.

Souvenirs: Travel finds are another great ways to add character to your home — highlight them! My friend is lucky enough to have traveled to some very interesting places, and I helped her find spots on her tables and shelves for her Russian nesting dolls, Tanzanian "crown" and necklace, and Uzbek tile. We also used colorful foreign money as art in an Ikea frame.

Your wardrobe: When your budget and your space are tight, make your stylish duds and accessories do double-time as decor. Hang them neatly and the clothes' and jewelry will add color and texture to the room.

Storage: If you, like me, have lots of little knickknacks, try rotating them. Keeping a portion stored away can not only help you avoid clutter but also make your possessions feel like new when you rediscover them.

Read more http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/un-shopping-tips-for-using-wha-164243

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What is Your New Year Resolution

Happy New Year everyone!  Do you have a New Year Resolution yet?  Share it with us!  And if you are still thinking about how you can make 2012 the best year ever, here are some ideas:

1. Lose Weight

This is probably one of the resolutions which are common to many people who always dream of having a beautiful and lean body. Was this one of your resolutions from past year? If so, be encouraged this year to follow it until you see positive results. Make a plan of what you will give up (late night snacks, that extra meal) in exchange for a lean body. You only have to make this shift once in your lifetime to get lasting results.

2. Getting Organized

Punctuality and organization is very crucial in a man’s life. People should always organize things accordingly and never delay any work what so ever. Work planning is very important both in office and also in home. The 2012 resolution must also include being organized and well planned. This will not only help in becoming a disciplined person but can also help in earning appreciation. In life problems are inevitable but handling these problems in planned and organized way is the main thing. Therefore a person’s resolution must include being disciplined. Simple things such as making a daily goal list before you start the day can go a long way.

3. Spend Less, Save More

How did you do financially in 2010? Many people spend money on unnecessary things without any justification. Money is an important thing in life and should be spent very carefully no matter how rich a person may be. Here’s a simple rule for you to follow in 2012. Before you buy something, always spend some time justifying the reason. You should spend the same amount of time it took you to earn that money on reasoning before you buy. If you do this, you will be able to cut most of the impulse purchases and you will be drawn to a better deal elsewhere.

4. Learn Something Exciting

Time waits for none and it should never be wasted. There are so many things that a person might engage himself or herself into apart from what they do. Where do you waste most of your time everyday? Do you spend idle time during waiting for the bus or train? Carry a book or an audio book on your career or profession every time you travel. Can you cut down on the time you spend watching TV, and learn a new skill? You’re never too young or old to learn a new skill. Therefore, make a resolution to upgrade your skills.

Check out the whole article with even more resolution ideas here :  http://www.2011resolutions.org/top-10-new-years-resolutions-for-2011/

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Albuquerque in Trip Advisor’s Top 15 Destinations on the Rise

The Duke City was ranked 11th out of 15 “Destinations on the Rise.” This is great news on so many different levels – for our economy, for residents’ perception of the city, for job creation, for morale. It’s an exciting time to live in Albuquerque!

This is what Trip Advisor had to say about our city:

Whether you're into history, culture, outdoor adventures or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, anytime of the year. In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas, winding brick paths and adobe benches. Families will find plenty to do at the Albuquerque Biological Park, which features a zoo, aquarium and botanic garden. Outdoor types will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking and golf. After working up an appetite, head to any number of fine restaurants that serve up a choice of hot or even hotter New Mexican cuisine. To top it all off, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of all this vibrant city has to offer.

See who else made this list!

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Merry Christmas!

Happy Holiday's and a very Merry Christmas from the Laurels at Uptown!

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Albuquerque gives Chipotle Mexican Grill hearty welcome

How do you feel about our first Chipotle…Glad to finally have one nearby? Or do you think we have enough good Mexican food around without a chain showing up?

Albuquerque’s first Chipotle Mexican Grill opened Tuesday to long lines of patrons eager to try its fare.

The Denver-based chain of gourmet burrito and taco restaurants opened in the former Shoney’s restaurant on the southeast corner of one of the city’s busiest intersections, Menaul and Louisiana boulevards, immediately east of the state’s largest enclosed shopping mall, Coronado Center.

Chipotle’s (NYSE:CMG) website reports that the chain was started in 1993 by founder and CEO Steve Ells, whose first store was a former ice cream parlor. The company went public in 2006, after opening restaurants outside of Colorado.

Chipotle’s menu features salads, gourmet tacos and gigantic burritos with make-it-your-own options, such as rice, pinto or vegetarian black beans, “naturally” raised meat (braised carnitas or barbacoa, adobo-marinated and grilled chicken or steak) or guacamole, salsa and cheese or sour cream. Customers can order take-out online on its website.

The new restaurant, at 6810 Menaul Blvd. NE, is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Read more http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/blog/2011/12/slideshow-albuquerque-gives-chipotle.html 

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Garden Holidays at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium & Garden

Going on now through the end of December.

Embrace the holiday spirit at the Botanic Garden, Aquarium, and Zoo during the daylight hours through the month of December. The BioPark blooms in holiday cheer with a variety of themed exhibits full of decorations, evergreens and seasonal color. Displays include hundreds of poinsettias in the Mediterranean Conservatory; an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere at the Heritage Farm; a miniature holiday scene at the Railroad Garden and a sizzling Southwest-themed display with plenty of chile ristras in the Desert Conservatory. In addition, check out the seashore theme in the lobby of the Aquarium and the White Winter Wonderland at the Zoo. Everywhere you go at the BioPark, the holiday spirit is hard to miss!

Displays include:

The "Winter Evergreen" theme is evident throughout the Botanic Garden in over forty large containers full of fragrant fir, pine, cedar and dried naturals accented with a touch of glitter. These rich floral arrangements show the Botanic Garden continues to be a place of beauty, even in winter. Holiday evergreen containers are also on display at the Zoo's front entrance to greet guests.

Old-Fashioned" at the Botanic Garden's heritage farm showcases simpler times with a holiday setting that includes a decorated tree and large red poinsettias in the cozy farmhouse. And don't miss the family of tumbleweed "snowpeople" who live near the red barn!

"Miniature Winter Scenes" in the Botanic Garden's railroad garden capture the festive flair and enchants wandering children with glistening holiday villages scattered among mid-century towns.

The Botanic Garden's Mediterranean Conservatory is a "White Winter Wonderland" this year. Hundreds of BioPark-grown ‘Polar Bear 'poinsettias accented by diamond frost euphorbia and white impatiens with trailing ivy decorate hanging baskets and container arrangements. Large snowmen, snowflakes, and a collection of white stuffed animals along with wreaths and garlands add to the look.

"Southwest" theme compliments the Botanic Garden's Desert Conservatory with wreaths decorated with berries and seed pods. To tie into the Mediterranean Conservatory's theme, white kalanchoes with whitish sedums and echiveras are accented with large red poinsettias for an inviting splash of color.

"Under the Sea" in the Aquarium lobby features large ‘Visions of Grandeur' and ‘Polly Pink' poinsettias that flank a tree decorated with sea shells and sea ornaments.

"White Winter Wonderland" can also be found at the Zoo. The Zoo's front plaza will also be decked out with large holiday trees surrounded by aspen logs under the gazebos, and the containers will feature garlands and evergreens with splashes of white in the form of snowflakes. The Zoo's Tropical America and Cottonwood Café will also be decorated with poinsettias and white ornaments.

Read more: http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden/events/december-garden-holidays/

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Dee Gordon Named To Topps Rookie All-Star Team

Congratulations Dee!

Former Albuquerque Isotopes shortstop Dee Gordon had been named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team after batting .304 in 56 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gordon started the 2011 campaign in Albuquerque and immediately thrilled 'Topes fans, batting .333 with 51 runs scored and 30 stolen bases in 70 games.

After making his Major League debut on June 6 at Philadelphia, Gordon returned to the Isotopes on July 5 for about a month before joining the Dodgers for good on July 31. By the end of the season, the 23 year-old established himself as the everyday shortstop and leadoff hitter in Los Angeles and his .304 average ranked second-highest among Major League rookies (min. 200 at-bats) and fifth-highest ever by a Dodgers rookie. The native of Windemere, Florida also tied for second among big league rookies with 24 steals, ranking fifth all-time among Dodger rookies.

A fourth-round selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, Gordon finished the season batting .345 over his last 34 games, the fifth-highest average among qualifying National League hitters in the second half.

Gordon was recognized as the Gillette presents National Rookie of the Month of September, batting .372 with a league-leading 42 hits in 26 games. Gordon also ranked second in the NL with 12 steals in the month to go along with his 21 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple, and six RBI. He posted a career-long 11-game hitting streak from September 13-24, batting .400 (18x45) during the run, and set a career high with four hits on September 8 at Washington.

He is the first Dodger shortstop and 20th all-time Los Angeles player to be selected as a Topps Major League Rookie All-Star in the 53 years of the award. First baseman James Loney was the last Dodger to be selected to the Topps All-Rookie team in 2007.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Read more http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111130&content_id=26064030&vkey=news_t342&fext=.jsp&sid=t342

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