We hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
De-Stress This Holiday Season
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:55 AM
Do you want a way to rewind and de-stress? "Mindfulness" is the new way
to do that. Here are some great tips on how to embrace this philosophy
in your home.
Mindfulness is being embraced everywhere these days, from the
Kindergarten classroom to the company retreat. What is mindfulness,
exactly? Susan Smalley, Ph.D., and Diana Winston, co-authors of Fully Present,
say that mindfulness is "an accepting and kind attitude toward yourself
and your present moment experience." One that will change your
relationship to life.
Sounds enticing, huh? Here are a few tips on how to integrate the practice of mindfulness into your home.
1. Set an intention when you wake up. Before you get out of bed, take a few deep breaths and a minute to give thanks for the day. What do you want to accomplish today beyond your to-do list? What do you want to appreciate, acknowledge, and communicate in your life?
2. Make your bed. Making your bed is a productivity-enhancing and mood-boosting habit that can promote the adoption of other healthy habits. Take three minutes (yep, I timed it) and start your day off right.
3. Do your laundry. Karen Maezen Miller, a Zen Buddhist priest and author of Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life, says, "A full hamper reminds us that running away from the things we would rather avoid makes our lives feel like an endless chore. Face it. Taking responsibility for your own well-being is the first step in transformation."
4. Practice mindful eating. Eat when you are hungry, not when you are tired, sad, anxious or bored. Take a minute to appreciate your food: Where did it come from? How did it make its way to you? What people might have been involved in getting the food to your plate? How will this food nourish you? (Studies show that when we practice mindful eating, we take in only what is necessary.)
5. Turn off the TV, the computer and any other stimulating devices at least two hours before bed every evening. Our brains need time to build melatonin, which is critical for deep rest. Personally, I find that this technology curfew is one of the best House Rules I have.
6. Slow down; Literally. When we race around at a frenetic pace, our minds operate at the same speed. And who can sleep at night when your head is spinning like a Nutcracker ballerina after too many Red Bulls? When you slow down your physical actions, even just the smallest bit, your shoulders relax, your jaw un-clenches, and your mind can be a bit more at ease.
7. Pause to think about your consumption. Give gratitude to all of the people behind each purchase: The person who delivered your Amazon package, the person who packed it and shipped it, the person who assembled your new book, the person who wrote it, edited it, the list goes on and on. Think also about how your consumption affects the greater world. Do you really need to order another pair of shoes from Zappos? Think of everything that this purchase means; it's not just a new pair of shoes. It's a pair of shoes that requires a box, packaging materials, time and energy to ship, time and energy to store and maintain, time and energy to pass it along once it is no longer serving you. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself is deciding NOT to purchase something.
8. Take a ten minute "mind re-set" break in the middle of the day. We live in a world that is turned on at full-speed, full-blast, full time. The body craves balance and one great way to achieve it is by doing nothing for ten minutes a day. Mindfulness is sometimes called the "seat belt of mental health." The body cultivates what we practice and practice changes the breath. By practicing becoming relaxed and aware, we can actually become more so in our daily life.
Fasten your seat belts, because the holidays are here. This holiday season, consider taking a few minutes each day to cultivate a home that is more mindful, a mind that is more peaceful, and an attitude that keeps you happier at home.
For more information see Apartment Therapy.
Mindfulness is being embraced everywhere these days, from the
Kindergarten classroom to the company retreat. What is mindfulness,
exactly? Susan Smalley, Ph.D., and Diana Winston, co-authors of Fully Present,
say that mindfulness is "an accepting and kind attitude toward yourself
and your present moment experience." One that will change your
relationship to life.Sounds enticing, huh? Here are a few tips on how to integrate the practice of mindfulness into your home.
1. Set an intention when you wake up. Before you get out of bed, take a few deep breaths and a minute to give thanks for the day. What do you want to accomplish today beyond your to-do list? What do you want to appreciate, acknowledge, and communicate in your life?
2. Make your bed. Making your bed is a productivity-enhancing and mood-boosting habit that can promote the adoption of other healthy habits. Take three minutes (yep, I timed it) and start your day off right.
3. Do your laundry. Karen Maezen Miller, a Zen Buddhist priest and author of Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life, says, "A full hamper reminds us that running away from the things we would rather avoid makes our lives feel like an endless chore. Face it. Taking responsibility for your own well-being is the first step in transformation."
4. Practice mindful eating. Eat when you are hungry, not when you are tired, sad, anxious or bored. Take a minute to appreciate your food: Where did it come from? How did it make its way to you? What people might have been involved in getting the food to your plate? How will this food nourish you? (Studies show that when we practice mindful eating, we take in only what is necessary.)
5. Turn off the TV, the computer and any other stimulating devices at least two hours before bed every evening. Our brains need time to build melatonin, which is critical for deep rest. Personally, I find that this technology curfew is one of the best House Rules I have.
6. Slow down; Literally. When we race around at a frenetic pace, our minds operate at the same speed. And who can sleep at night when your head is spinning like a Nutcracker ballerina after too many Red Bulls? When you slow down your physical actions, even just the smallest bit, your shoulders relax, your jaw un-clenches, and your mind can be a bit more at ease.
7. Pause to think about your consumption. Give gratitude to all of the people behind each purchase: The person who delivered your Amazon package, the person who packed it and shipped it, the person who assembled your new book, the person who wrote it, edited it, the list goes on and on. Think also about how your consumption affects the greater world. Do you really need to order another pair of shoes from Zappos? Think of everything that this purchase means; it's not just a new pair of shoes. It's a pair of shoes that requires a box, packaging materials, time and energy to ship, time and energy to store and maintain, time and energy to pass it along once it is no longer serving you. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself is deciding NOT to purchase something.
8. Take a ten minute "mind re-set" break in the middle of the day. We live in a world that is turned on at full-speed, full-blast, full time. The body craves balance and one great way to achieve it is by doing nothing for ten minutes a day. Mindfulness is sometimes called the "seat belt of mental health." The body cultivates what we practice and practice changes the breath. By practicing becoming relaxed and aware, we can actually become more so in our daily life.
Fasten your seat belts, because the holidays are here. This holiday season, consider taking a few minutes each day to cultivate a home that is more mindful, a mind that is more peaceful, and an attitude that keeps you happier at home.
For more information see Apartment Therapy.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Easy Ways to Improve Your Work Flow
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:32 AM
Do you find yourself not having as productive work day during the holidays? Here are some great tips to improve your productivity at work and at home!
With more and more of us spending our entire workday behind a computer, the concept of productivity seems almost silly. What do most of us create anyway? Emails? Spreadsheets? However, there are three things we can all do that will help us be more productive people.
If you're always looking to be more efficient, here are three things you can do today to improve your "tech toolbox," so to speak:
1. Learn the keyboard shortcuts for the programs you use most often.
Do you find yourself right clicking, dragging down a list of prompts, selecting copy and then paste 10-20 times per day? Guess what — you've lost approximately 20 seconds of productivity every day based on this action alone. Seems trivial, but add it up for an entire year and you've lost over 2 hours to the simple task of copying and pasting. It's easy enough to learn this command (Copy = Command + C and Paste = Command + V), since it's the same for every program.
One way to quickly learn key commands is by hovering over the toolbars within the programs. For example, in Photoshop you can hover over the toolbar with your mouse and the key command will appear if there is one available.
2. Set-up automatic hard drive backups to a cloud service.
Instead of relying on finding time in your busy schedule every month to back up your hard drive, consider signing up for a service that performs this function in the background every day. Just forget about external hard drives too. They're pricey, prone to death if exposed to water, and are more cumbersome than web-based services.
There are plenty of free services that will provide up to 5 gigs of storage at no charge, such as iDrive, Google Drive and SugarSync. If you have more to store (most of us do) consider signing up for an annual plan versus a month to month plan to save money.
3. Use reputable web-based freeware whenever possible.
Are you still paying for and downloading Microsoft Office for every new computer you buy? Stop now. There are plenty of free versions of common software on the web that allow you to word process or create spreadsheets that save directly to your cloud space. Plus, you never have to worry about software updates. New updates often mean waiting for a download and full restart of your computer. Want to try a free program? Fly Suite and Google Docs are easy to use and will be familiar to people who have used Microsoft's Suite in the past.
For more information see Apartment Therapy.
With more and more of us spending our entire workday behind a computer, the concept of productivity seems almost silly. What do most of us create anyway? Emails? Spreadsheets? However, there are three things we can all do that will help us be more productive people.
If you're always looking to be more efficient, here are three things you can do today to improve your "tech toolbox," so to speak:
1. Learn the keyboard shortcuts for the programs you use most often.
Do you find yourself right clicking, dragging down a list of prompts, selecting copy and then paste 10-20 times per day? Guess what — you've lost approximately 20 seconds of productivity every day based on this action alone. Seems trivial, but add it up for an entire year and you've lost over 2 hours to the simple task of copying and pasting. It's easy enough to learn this command (Copy = Command + C and Paste = Command + V), since it's the same for every program.
One way to quickly learn key commands is by hovering over the toolbars within the programs. For example, in Photoshop you can hover over the toolbar with your mouse and the key command will appear if there is one available. 2. Set-up automatic hard drive backups to a cloud service.
Instead of relying on finding time in your busy schedule every month to back up your hard drive, consider signing up for a service that performs this function in the background every day. Just forget about external hard drives too. They're pricey, prone to death if exposed to water, and are more cumbersome than web-based services.
There are plenty of free services that will provide up to 5 gigs of storage at no charge, such as iDrive, Google Drive and SugarSync. If you have more to store (most of us do) consider signing up for an annual plan versus a month to month plan to save money. 3. Use reputable web-based freeware whenever possible.
Are you still paying for and downloading Microsoft Office for every new computer you buy? Stop now. There are plenty of free versions of common software on the web that allow you to word process or create spreadsheets that save directly to your cloud space. Plus, you never have to worry about software updates. New updates often mean waiting for a download and full restart of your computer. Want to try a free program? Fly Suite and Google Docs are easy to use and will be familiar to people who have used Microsoft's Suite in the past.
For more information see Apartment Therapy.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Children's Travel Gifts
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:26 AM
Your children may travel a lot to see relatives. The long hours in
a car or plane can be boring. However, this holiday season there are
many gifts you can get them to help pass the time or to learn about
travel. Keep reading to find out details on what are some great gifts!
Maps
are useful and portable, but globes fascinate children of all ages.
Using a globe, children can learn about countries, continents and
oceans. Globes teach children about the true sizes of landforms and help
them see the distances between points. Look for a raised relief globe,
which shows elevations of mountains and valleys.
Even
young children enjoy packing and pulling their own rolling suitcases.
Taking care of clothing and belongings gives children a sense of
responsibility and turns the tedious task of packing into an enjoyable
activity. Look for a rolling suitcase sized for your child or
grandchild; a youth-sized rolling bag will be easy for a younger,
shorter child to pull. Middle schoolers and teens will probably prefer a
larger bag with a longer pull handle. You can find rolling suitcases
and duffel bags in all shapes, colors, sizes and price ranges.
This
classic, low-tech toy can help those hours in the car pass more
quickly. Each child takes an auto bingo card, which includes pictures of
common roadside items, such as sheep, stop signs and railroad
crossings. Players slide a colored window closed when they spot an
object on their particular card. The first child to close five windows
in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row shouts, "Bingo!" and wins the
game. Auto bingo games come in sets of four cards.
The
only thing more tedious than a long drive is a seemingly longer wait
for restaurant food to arrive. Keep your child or grandchild happy and
busy with these fun Mealtime Masterpiece paper placemats by Fred &
Friends. This stack of 40 11 by 14 inch placemats comes with six marking
pens, but you could also bring crayons or colored pencils, which are
easier to carry and less messy, for your junior artists to use at the
table. Each placemat has a painting-canvas-and-frame design, perfect for
"framing" a creative kid's art.
Card games provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages. A deck of regular playing cards can be used to play Concentration
by spreading the shuffled cardes face down on a table and having each
player take turns turning two cards over, looking for pairs. The same
deck can be used to play Solitaire, Crazy Eights, Old Maid
and many more card games. Boxed card games, such as Professor Noggin's
educational trivia games and UNO, are both colorful and easy to carry. Tip: Airplanes, trains and hotel rooms are the best places to play card games. It's very easy to lose cards in the car.
Children
of almost any age can draw or write about their travel adventures in a
blank journal or sketchbook. Preschoolers enjoy drawing pictures of
buildings, animals and even food; parents and grandparents can write the
date and a short description on each sketchbook page. Older children
can draw pictures, create cartoons or write about each day's adventures
in their journal.
Travel journals and sketchbooks come in all sizes and price ranges;
younger children will probably prefer to draw their pictures on larger
pages. Remember to provide crayons, pencils or pens; marking pens may
soak through pages.
For more information see About.com.
Globe
Rolling Luggage
Auto Bingo
Mealtime Masterpiece Paper Placemats
Playing Cards / Boxed Card Games
Travel Journal / Sketchbook
For more information see About.com.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Holiday Band Concert
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:51 AM
Come see this great free holiday concert on Sunday December 2nd at 3pm. The concert is held at the KiMo Theatre, and you must get their early to make sure you have a seat. The Albuquerque Concert Band will be performing your holiday favorites to get you in the spirit of the season.
The Albuquerque Concert Band has been entertaining Albuquerque for more than 40 years, and they’re staying true to form with a free concert of holiday music.
The Albuquerque Concert Band free holiday concert is this Sunday December 2, at 3 pm, at the
KiMo Theatre. I love holiday music, and I had a wonderful time at this
free concert last year with some friends. It’s all very rousing and
jovial, with plenty of family favorites to tap your toes to, and the
band and conductor wore different festive headgear to accompany each
song. I can’t guarantee they’ll be doing the same this year, but I can
guarantee that they are terrific entertainment. Short of
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer crash-landing on my head, I’ll be there first in line!
Doors open at 2:30 pm and it’s wise to arrive promptly as it’s a pretty full house in my experience.
Here are some free audio samples from Albuquerque Concert Band recordings to get you in the mood.
The KiMo Theatre is located at 423 Central Avenue NW.
For more information see ABQonthecheap.
The Albuquerque Concert Band has been entertaining Albuquerque for more than 40 years, and they’re staying true to form with a free concert of holiday music.
The Albuquerque Concert Band free holiday concert is this Sunday December 2, at 3 pm, at the
KiMo Theatre. I love holiday music, and I had a wonderful time at this
free concert last year with some friends. It’s all very rousing and
jovial, with plenty of family favorites to tap your toes to, and the
band and conductor wore different festive headgear to accompany each
song. I can’t guarantee they’ll be doing the same this year, but I can
guarantee that they are terrific entertainment. Short of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer crash-landing on my head, I’ll be there first in line!
Doors open at 2:30 pm and it’s wise to arrive promptly as it’s a pretty full house in my experience.
Here are some free audio samples from Albuquerque Concert Band recordings to get you in the mood.
The KiMo Theatre is located at 423 Central Avenue NW.
For more information see ABQonthecheap.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by Larimer Associates on 8:42 AM
We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time
with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you
are thankful for.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thanksgiving Decorating Tips
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:54 AM
Do you have company coming over for Turkey Day? If you want to decorate
without tons of hassle, here are some great quick and easy Thanksgiving
Decorating tips!
It's
turkey time and this time of year isn't just for eating, it's also for
decorating! Give your home a quick and easy facelift for the
Thanksgiving holiday.
Fall and Thanksgiving Colors
Check your home for items that are in the rich hues of fall--red curtains, orange throw pillows, brown rugs.
Local thrift stores can also provide inexpensive items to decorate with. Look for blankets that are in fall colors. These can be used as throws on the back of a couch, a drape over a chair, even a cloth for your kitchen table. You can also cut blankets up and sew them into slipcovers for throw pillows.
Small Accents
Small items can add accent touches to any room. Scented candles (pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, cranberry) that are in fall colors or come in decorative candle holders can add small spots of color and texture while creating the smell of the fall holiday.
Curtains
Just for the holidays, do a changeup with the curtains in your home. You don't need to do the whole house to make a decorating statement--your kitchen and living area will suffice. Choose rich colors that reflect the cooling temperatures and hues of fall.
Throw Rugs
If you normally have carpet or bare floors, decorate for Thanksgiving by adding a large, festive throw rug. Smaller throw rugs can be used as accents or can add spots of color if you can't use a large area rug.
Towels
Hang decorative towels for Thanksgiving in your kitchen and bathroom to making drying your hands and your dishes more festive. Local stores usually have inexpensive kitchen and bath towel sets for the different seasons and holidays. Sure you only pull them out once a year but they add to the look and feel of your home at Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Dishes
If you have room to store them, special decorative Thanksgiving dishes are perfect to use at this time of year. Don't wait until Thanksgiving Day, use them during the whole month of November and enjoy them. If you don't have Thanksgiving dishes, check the local thrift store for dishes that are fall-colored. Mix and match to create fun meals and enjoy!
Rearrange Your Furniture
While there are no specific "Thanksgiving furniture arrangements" moving your furniture around always gives a room a fresh update. Since Thanksgiving is a fall holiday and is all about reconnecting with family, try arranging your furniture to create cozy areas for friends and family to gather and chat.
For more information see Yahoo.
Fall and Thanksgiving Colors
Check your home for items that are in the rich hues of fall--red curtains, orange throw pillows, brown rugs.
Local thrift stores can also provide inexpensive items to decorate with. Look for blankets that are in fall colors. These can be used as throws on the back of a couch, a drape over a chair, even a cloth for your kitchen table. You can also cut blankets up and sew them into slipcovers for throw pillows.
Small Accents
Small items can add accent touches to any room. Scented candles (pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, cranberry) that are in fall colors or come in decorative candle holders can add small spots of color and texture while creating the smell of the fall holiday.
Curtains
Just for the holidays, do a changeup with the curtains in your home. You don't need to do the whole house to make a decorating statement--your kitchen and living area will suffice. Choose rich colors that reflect the cooling temperatures and hues of fall.
Throw Rugs
If you normally have carpet or bare floors, decorate for Thanksgiving by adding a large, festive throw rug. Smaller throw rugs can be used as accents or can add spots of color if you can't use a large area rug.
Towels
Hang decorative towels for Thanksgiving in your kitchen and bathroom to making drying your hands and your dishes more festive. Local stores usually have inexpensive kitchen and bath towel sets for the different seasons and holidays. Sure you only pull them out once a year but they add to the look and feel of your home at Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Dishes
If you have room to store them, special decorative Thanksgiving dishes are perfect to use at this time of year. Don't wait until Thanksgiving Day, use them during the whole month of November and enjoy them. If you don't have Thanksgiving dishes, check the local thrift store for dishes that are fall-colored. Mix and match to create fun meals and enjoy!
Rearrange Your Furniture
While there are no specific "Thanksgiving furniture arrangements" moving your furniture around always gives a room a fresh update. Since Thanksgiving is a fall holiday and is all about reconnecting with family, try arranging your furniture to create cozy areas for friends and family to gather and chat.
For more information see Yahoo.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Child Proofing Your Home
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:12 AM
Child proofing your house can be expensive. There are always homemade tips and tricks to try that will
work the same as the expensive in store remedies. Here is a tip from Diana about using pool noodles for your
toddler that likes to open and close doors.
It's no secret that Simon is training to be
an champion olympic door-man. He's obsessed with opening and closing doors
wherever we go. People always think he's so polite in wanting to hold a door
open for others.
At home he loves to close doors, especially
those that I need to stay open like our bedroom door and the door to the
storage area where the kitty litter boxes are kept. The last thing I want is an
issue because one of the cats can't get to the litter box! Anything that we use
as a door stop can easily be moved. Even our 10 pound roller coaster wheel can
be slid out of the way. That's why I wanted something easy to install that
Simon couldn't undo but could be easily removed by us, if need be.
Introducing my toddler-proof door stopper:
It's a pool noodle that I picked up for a
$1. I cut off a piece about 6 inches long and then cut halfway through it to
the hollow center. That's it. Pop it onto the side of your door and
voila! No more worries about closed doors or fingers getting pinched. You can
probably get about 12 door stops out of one noodle. Look at the big brain on
Diana.
For more information see Diana.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Happy Halloween!
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:33 AM
Ghouls, goblins, and ghosts will be parading around town for Trick or Treat soon. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Halloween Safety Tips
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:13 AM
Halloween
is one of the best holidays of the year for kids. Dressing up as their
favorite character and receiving tons of candy is something every kid
dreams of. While your children are enjoying this holiday, make sure to
keep things safe and secure so everyone can have a good time. Here are
some Halloween safety tips for your family.
Are your children begging to carve pumpkins? Make Halloween safety a family affair.
For more information see Mayo Clinic.
Carve safely
Are your children begging to carve pumpkins? Make Halloween safety a family affair.
- Decorate with markers or paint. Let young children draw faces on pumpkins with washable markers or child-friendly paint. Leave any carving to an adult.
- Use candles with care. Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended. Better yet, light pumpkins with flashlights or battery-operated flameless candles instead.
Get clever with costumes
From furry animals to princesses and superheroes, choosing costumes wisely is an important part of Halloween safety.- The brighter the better. Whether you buy a costume or make one yourself, choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. If your child will be trick-or-treating outdoors after dark, attach reflective tape to his or her costume.
- Size it right. In case it's chilly outdoors, make sure your child's costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be worn underneath — but not long enough to cause tripping. Avoid oversized shoes and high heels.
- Skip the masks. A mask can obstruct your child's vision, especially if it slips out of place. Use kid-friendly makeup instead.
- Limit accessories. Pointed props — such as wands, swords and knives — may pose safety hazards.
Trick-or-treat with care -
The promise of Halloween candy may leave stars in your child's eyes, but Halloween safety still rules.
- Get in on the fun. Accompany trick-or-treaters younger than age 12. Pin a piece of paper with your child's name, address and phone number inside your child's pocket in case you get separated. Encourage older kids to trick-or-treat with a group of friends, parents or older siblings. Make sure someone in the group carries a flashlight with fresh batteries.
- Stay close to home. Don't allow your child to go door to door in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
- Set ground rules. If your child will be trick-or-treating without you, establish a route and set a curfew. Review safety rules, including staying with the group, walking only on the sidewalk, approaching only clearly lit homes and never going inside a home. You may want to give your child a cell phone for the evening should he or she need to contact you.
- Inspect the treats carefully. Don't let your child snack while he or she is trick-or-treating. Feed your child a healthy snack before heading out, and inspect the treats before allowing your child to dive in. Discard anything that's not sealed, has torn packaging or looks questionable. If you have young children, weed out gum, peanuts, hard candies and other choking hazards.
- Ration the loot. If your child collects gobs of goodies, dole out a few pieces at a time and save the rest. You may even ask your child if he or she would like to swap some — or all — of the candy for something else, such as a special toy, book or outing. You might also suggest donating excess candy to a food shelf or other charity.
- Plan a party. Consider planning a trick-or-treat party with a couple of neighbors instead of house-to-house door knocking. Decorate the garages, have a costume contest, and plan games and prizes.
Stay safe and sweet on the home front
If you'll be handing out treats, make sure you're ready for trick-or-treaters.- Clean up. Put away anything trick-or-treaters could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. Clear wet leaves, snow or other debris from the sidewalk.
- Turn the lights on. Replace any burned-out bulbs to ensure good visibility at the walkway and front door.
- Control your pets. Take no chances that your pet might be frightened and chase or bite a child at your door.
- Consider sugar substitutes. Instead of handing out sugar-laden treats, try stickers, glittery pencils, rubber insects or colored chalk.
For more information see Mayo Clinic.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Fall Pumpkin Recipes
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:51 AM
Brown Eyed Baker
has ten great pumpkin recipes to get you ready for fall. Pumpkin is
what everyone craves this fall, and here are ten ways to put it into
your dinner plans.
Here they are, in alphabetical order:
1. Pumpkin Bread:
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake:
3. Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip & Pecan Granola Bars:
4. Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins with Pecan Streusel:
5. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting:
6. Pumpkin Fudge:
7. Pumpkin Pie:
8. Pumpkin Pie Bars:
9. Pumpkin Scones with Spiced Glaze:
10. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple-Cream Cheese Filling:
Here they are, in alphabetical order:
1. Pumpkin Bread:
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake:
3. Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip & Pecan Granola Bars:
4. Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins with Pecan Streusel:
5. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting:
6. Pumpkin Fudge:
7. Pumpkin Pie:
8. Pumpkin Pie Bars:
9. Pumpkin Scones with Spiced Glaze:
10. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple-Cream Cheese Filling:
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Do You Remember Book It?
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:38 AM
Do you remember Book It from when you
were a kid? Pizza Hut's Book It program has reached it's 28th year. 14
million readers learn about literacy in order to get a free Personal
Pan Pizza. It is a national program that launched in 1985. Did you
participate in book it?
Pizza Hut is
beginning the 28th year of the BOOK IT! Reading Program, which reaches
more than 14 million young readers with a message about literacy and an
incentive of a free Personal Pan Pizza.
It’s
a national reading program launched in 1985, and enrollment has reached
680,000 classrooms and more than 14 million students in 38,000 schools
across the country.
BOOK
IT! announced in May that it joined with author Jeff Kinney and his
book series, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” for the 2012-13 school year. “Diary
of a Wimpy Kid” is integrated into all BOOK IT! classroom materials,
teacher printables and web creatives at bookitprogram.com.
“Year
after year, the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program continues to reach new kids
with a positive message about how rewarding reading can be,” said
Shelley Morehead, BOOK IT! program administrator. “Through our ‘Diary of
a Wimpy Kid’ partnership and our 28 years of advancing literacy, we’re
fortunate to have such tremendous support from schools around the
country who want to make it great.”
The
program’s “Read Your Heart Out” quest involves five steps for young
readers: rally readers, track reading minutes, take on the Principal’s
Challenge, read to help kids who are hungry and share a love of reading.
Resources are available for each step of the quest at
http://www.bookitprogram.com/readyourheartout.
In
BOOK IT!, teachers and librarians set monthly goals and present
students with a reading award certificate when goals are met. Students
take the certificates to a Pizza Hut restaurant, where they are
congratulated by a team member and given a free, one-topping Personal
Pan Pizza. There is no purchase necessary and the pizza can be taken to
go. To learn more, visit PizzaHut.com.
For more information see Henry Daily Herald.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival
Posted by Larimer Associates on 5:34 AM
The Balloon Fiesta is one of the biggest events in Albuquerque throughout the year. Add the excitement of Balloon Fiesta plus the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival and you have a great day of events to attend. The show runs Oct 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, and 14th of this year.
For
24 years, the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival has been rounding up
world-class artists and craftsmen and bringing them together under a
legendary white tent in the Land of Enchantment. Taking place the first
and second weekends of October, this annual Albuquerque favorite offers a
taste of New Mexico and has earned its place as a cornerstone of
attractions during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Crowds
of shoppers return year after year to take part in the unsurpassed
setting of a huge peaked tent under a hot air balloon dotted sky,
bustling with 280 of the most talented artisans from all over the map.
In addition to a fantastic juried artist lineup and lively crowds, the
festival features entertainment and music in the outdoor pavilion, good
eats, artist demonstrations, complimentary activities for kids, and
samples of food and wine! Invite your friends and save the dates! We’ll
see you in October at this extraordinary fall festival.For more information see Rio Grande Festivals.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Fall Organizational Tips
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:05 AM
Fall is here which means it is time to reorganize your
house for the next season. These are some great tips on how organize
your apartment for fall, and get rid of that clutter that has gathered
from summer.
Tip #1 Since the floor plan may seem small, the best way to add storage as well as décor to your apartment is through wall shelving. By adding shelves, you're able to make use of wall space by storing CD's, books, videos or any other collections on the shelves and off the floor. Wall shelves are also a great way to display framed photographs or other knick-knacks.
Tip #2 As an avid shoe collector, I
know that small closet space can be a problem in most apartments. A
great way to get shoes off the floor and allow space for other items is
to purchase a shoe organizer. They can be found just about anywhere, and
are a great low cost alternative to closet clutter. The best ones hang
right over your closet door, allowing easy access to your favorite pair
of shoes. By organizing your shoes, it also cuts down on time spent
looking for them, especially when you're in a hurry!
Tip #3 Another great way to make the most of limited closet space is to buy adding an additional closet rod. This apparatus is simply hung from both sides of your original rod by 'hangers', allowing for a second row of clothing to be added below the first. A great space-saver, this item can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for a low price.
Tip #4 Depending on available floor space, a common storage unit can come from the form of a trunk, or chest. These are good for putting away seasonal items or even extra towels for the guests. They're also a great additive to room décor, and can also provide additional seating in a bedroom or be used as a table for pictures or flowers.
Tip #5 In the living room, store books or games in storage furniture like Ottomans or coffee tables with drawers and shelves. Ottomans are essential for living rooms in that they provide a leg rest instead of the coffee table, and they can store things away from sight. You can also use them to store everyday items like the remote controls, or a TV Guide to reduce clutter in the living space.
Tip #6 Another good space for storing items is under the bed. While most people do hide things under the bed, most often they're not stored properly and items can get dusty and sometimes damaged. Plastic bins are an easy way to store winter sweaters, extra bedding or items you just don't know what to do with. There are specially sized plastic bins that are made thin enough to fit right under the bed, allowing for easy accessibility and freshness when particular items are needed.
Tip #7 If you have extra space on your closet floor, adding plastic drawers can organize and reduce clutter from other areas of the house. Organize belts, scarves, ties or anything else in the plastic drawers to make room in your regular drawers for clothing or undergarments. You can also use these drawers to hold gym clothing, extra shoes or slippers, or laundry supplies to keep with the laundry pile. These drawers, as with any size or type of plastic bin, can be found at discount retailers like Target or Wal-Mart for a low price.
Tip #8 Cut down on clutter by adding hanging hooks to the living room, kitchen or bathrooms. These inexpensive items allow for usable wall space to be turned into a storage area for day-to-day items like your cell phone, keys or hats. Use hooks in the bathroom to hang bathrobes or wet towels, or even decorative towels can be used for both display and practicality. In the kitchen, hang dishtowels or spare keys for easy accessibility or organization.
Tip #9 An easy way to store a lot of items is to have a TV entertainment center with lots of drawers and shelves. Since they are usually large, make the most of the space it takes up by storing DVDs, CDs, books or video games. Try to find enough shelves to fit the electronics, and when you're all finished setting everything up, clip together the electrical cords to make it look more neat and clean. By clipping all the cords together, it's also easier to vacuum and reduce the amount of dust buildup behind the furniture.
Tip #10 The last tip is to shop around for furniture that has multiple uses. You have a limited amount of space to work with, so make the most of it. Most bedroom sets offer beds with drawers, so this is a great way to attain additional storage. Ikea is a great store to shop for storage solutions for affordable apartment settings. Coffee tables, end tables, and even miniature bars all have shelves or storage space, so use it wisely!
For more information see yahoo.
Tip #1 Since the floor plan may seem small, the best way to add storage as well as décor to your apartment is through wall shelving. By adding shelves, you're able to make use of wall space by storing CD's, books, videos or any other collections on the shelves and off the floor. Wall shelves are also a great way to display framed photographs or other knick-knacks.
Tip #2 As an avid shoe collector, I
know that small closet space can be a problem in most apartments. A
great way to get shoes off the floor and allow space for other items is
to purchase a shoe organizer. They can be found just about anywhere, and
are a great low cost alternative to closet clutter. The best ones hang
right over your closet door, allowing easy access to your favorite pair
of shoes. By organizing your shoes, it also cuts down on time spent
looking for them, especially when you're in a hurry!Tip #3 Another great way to make the most of limited closet space is to buy adding an additional closet rod. This apparatus is simply hung from both sides of your original rod by 'hangers', allowing for a second row of clothing to be added below the first. A great space-saver, this item can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for a low price.
Tip #4 Depending on available floor space, a common storage unit can come from the form of a trunk, or chest. These are good for putting away seasonal items or even extra towels for the guests. They're also a great additive to room décor, and can also provide additional seating in a bedroom or be used as a table for pictures or flowers.
Tip #5 In the living room, store books or games in storage furniture like Ottomans or coffee tables with drawers and shelves. Ottomans are essential for living rooms in that they provide a leg rest instead of the coffee table, and they can store things away from sight. You can also use them to store everyday items like the remote controls, or a TV Guide to reduce clutter in the living space.
Tip #6 Another good space for storing items is under the bed. While most people do hide things under the bed, most often they're not stored properly and items can get dusty and sometimes damaged. Plastic bins are an easy way to store winter sweaters, extra bedding or items you just don't know what to do with. There are specially sized plastic bins that are made thin enough to fit right under the bed, allowing for easy accessibility and freshness when particular items are needed.
Tip #7 If you have extra space on your closet floor, adding plastic drawers can organize and reduce clutter from other areas of the house. Organize belts, scarves, ties or anything else in the plastic drawers to make room in your regular drawers for clothing or undergarments. You can also use these drawers to hold gym clothing, extra shoes or slippers, or laundry supplies to keep with the laundry pile. These drawers, as with any size or type of plastic bin, can be found at discount retailers like Target or Wal-Mart for a low price.
Tip #8 Cut down on clutter by adding hanging hooks to the living room, kitchen or bathrooms. These inexpensive items allow for usable wall space to be turned into a storage area for day-to-day items like your cell phone, keys or hats. Use hooks in the bathroom to hang bathrobes or wet towels, or even decorative towels can be used for both display and practicality. In the kitchen, hang dishtowels or spare keys for easy accessibility or organization.
Tip #9 An easy way to store a lot of items is to have a TV entertainment center with lots of drawers and shelves. Since they are usually large, make the most of the space it takes up by storing DVDs, CDs, books or video games. Try to find enough shelves to fit the electronics, and when you're all finished setting everything up, clip together the electrical cords to make it look more neat and clean. By clipping all the cords together, it's also easier to vacuum and reduce the amount of dust buildup behind the furniture.
Tip #10 The last tip is to shop around for furniture that has multiple uses. You have a limited amount of space to work with, so make the most of it. Most bedroom sets offer beds with drawers, so this is a great way to attain additional storage. Ikea is a great store to shop for storage solutions for affordable apartment settings. Coffee tables, end tables, and even miniature bars all have shelves or storage space, so use it wisely!
For more information see yahoo.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The Taste of Fall
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:08 AM
When anybody thinks of the taste of fall, pumpkin food and treats are what first comes to mind. However, pumpkin can not only be used for pumpkin pie, but for delicious other treats that you can make at home
Makes: 24
to 36
servings
Yield: 24 to 36 bars
Yield: 24 to 36 bars
Prep:
25 mins
Bake:
325°F
55 mins
Cool:
30 mins
Chill: 3 Hours
Ingredients
-
1 1/4
cups graham cracker crumbs
-
1/4
cup sugar
-
1/3
cup butter, melted
-
2
8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
-
1 3/4
cups sugar
-
3
eggs
-
1
cup canned pumpkin
-
1/2
teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
-
1/2
teaspoon vanilla
-
1/4
teaspoon salt
-
6
ounces semisweet chocolate, cut up, or 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
-
2
tablespoons butter
-
1 1/4
cups sour cream
-
1/4
cup sugar
-
Grated fresh nutmeg
-
Milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate curls
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a
13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine graham
cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in the 1/3 cup melted butter.
Press mixture evenly into bottom of the prepared baking pan; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and the
1-3/4 cups sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until
smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each
addition just until combined. Beat in pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice,
vanilla, and salt on low speed just until combined. Remove 1-1/4 cups of
the mixture.
3. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the 6 ounces
chocolate and the 2 tablespoons butter. Cook and stir over low heat
until melted. Whisk chocolate mixture into the 1-1/4 cups pumpkin
mixture. Pour over crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin mixture over
baked chocolate layer, spreading evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes more
or until filling is puffed and center is set. Cool on a wire rack for 30
minutes.
5. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and 1/4 cup
sugar. Gently spread over cookies. Cool completely. Cover and chill for
at least 3 hours. Cut into bars.* Before serving, sprinkle with nutmeg
and/or chocolate curls. Makes 24 to 36 bars.
From the Test Kitchen
- Make Ahead Tip Bake and chill cookies as directed; cut into bars. Place in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
-
Tip
*Test Kitchen Tip:To make triangle-shape bars, cut
the cookies crosswise into four strips. Then cut each strip into five
triangles (you'll end up with two half-triangles from the ends of each
strip).For more information see Better Homes and Gardens.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Old Town is Getting Spicy with a Fiesta
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:49 AM
Get your taste buds ready for the Old Town Salsa Fiesta this Saturday. There is a salsa making contest, a dip competition, and entertainment for the whole family. Make sure to come down on Saturday to vote for your favorite salsa, while you taste test tons of different recipes.
8th Annual Old Town Salsa Fiesta - Saturday, September 15
Join in on this celebration of all things salsa. You can even vote or participate in the salsa making contest!
The annual event features salsa bands and dancers on the gazebo and throughout Old Town, kids’ activities and crafts, and the Best Homemade Salsa contest. Competitors make their salsa on the spot in front of everyone, and attendees get to taste and cast their votes for the winners.
Some Old Town restaurants will also have specials on the menu and pairings with New Mexico wines.
Sandia Green Chile Festival - Sunday, September 16
The Albuquerque Balloon Museum is proud to host the first Sandia Green Chile Festival! Celebrate locally grown chile with O'Hare Serna Farms.
Enjoy an artisan’s market, local brewery arena, green chile roast-off, food-tasting & cooking demonstrations, and other green chile fun!
Entertainment
8th Annual Old Town Salsa Fiesta - Saturday, September 15
Join in on this celebration of all things salsa. You can even vote or participate in the salsa making contest!
The annual event features salsa bands and dancers on the gazebo and throughout Old Town, kids’ activities and crafts, and the Best Homemade Salsa contest. Competitors make their salsa on the spot in front of everyone, and attendees get to taste and cast their votes for the winners.
Dip Competition
A Salsa Fiesta in New Mexico wouldn't be complete without a salsa dip
cooking competition. This contest showcases the best salsa recipes from
non-professional cooks in the region.
Some Old Town restaurants will also have specials on the menu and pairings with New Mexico wines.
Sandia Green Chile Festival - Sunday, September 16
The Albuquerque Balloon Museum is proud to host the first Sandia Green Chile Festival! Celebrate locally grown chile with O'Hare Serna Farms.
Enjoy an artisan’s market, local brewery arena, green chile roast-off, food-tasting & cooking demonstrations, and other green chile fun!
Entertainment
- Le Chat Lunatique
- The Squash Blossom Boys
- The Buckarettes
- Jeez la Weez
- Felix y los Gatos
- Racine Kreyol
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Recipe for Families
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:34 AM
Do you have a lot of family coming in for an event? Cooking for a large amount of people is hard, but here is a great and easy recipe for families. They recipe will make a lot of food, for a little amount of money.
Chicken pasta bake
- 200g pasta cooked according to pack instructions and drained
- 100g cooked chicken, chopped
- 100g tinned or frozen peas
- 100g tinned or frozen sweetcorn
- 1-2 tsp dried or fresh basil, oregano or parsley
- 250ml white sauce (use half quantity of this recipe)
- grated cheese for topping
Easy and delicious!
Variations
- Use any other leftover cooked meat if preferred.
- Use frozen mixed veg instead of the peas & sweetcorn
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
New Mexico Wine Festival
Posted by Larimer Associates on 11:24 AM
Do you still need plans for this Labor Day Weekend? There is a great Wine Festival in Bernalillo. There is a discount of five dollars if you buy tickets ahead of time. The event is for adults and minors. There will be a kid's area, arts and crafts vendors, and delicious food.
The New Mexico Wine Festival takes place in Bernalillo this Labor Day weekend, from September 1 – 3, 2012.
You’ll save $5 on admission if you buy a three-day pass online in advance at $31 for adults, compared to $12 a day at the gate. However, you have to be pretty hard-core wine buff to go for three solid days – and it’s likely to be packed and hot, so keep drinking the water as well as the wine!
The New Mexico Wine Festival $12 adult admission includes a glass for wine tastings. Minors aged 13-20 pay $5, and kids aged 12 and under go free. The
wine tastings are free with admission for age 21+, but these are just
tastings. Obviously you have to pay to buy a full glass, or bottles to
take home.
If saving time is more important to you than saving money, you can also buy New Mexico Wine Festival tickets online in advance for $13 per adult or $5.50 for minors. The price for a three-day pass is $31. Either print out the tickets or show them on a smartphone, tablet or other portable device.
In addition to wine tastings from New Mexico wineries, expect a kids’ area, arts and crafts, vendors with all kinds of tasty New Mexico food and delicacies, and a lively line-up of music and entertainment. See the full NM Wine Festival entertainment schedule in PDF from noon to 6 pm each day. Soon we’ll all be dancing like the groovy people at the NM Wine Festival website!
It might be wise to take the NM Rail Runner Express to the festival grounds, they have a special Rail Runner schedule for the NM Wine Festival over Labor Day weekend and then walk or hop on the free shuttle at the Sandoval/US 550 station. If you’re driving, take Bernalillo exits 240 /242 from 1-25 and follow the signs to the wine fest. Expect to pay $3-5 for parking in the lots by the festival.
Remember to take ID even if you look WAY older than 21, as they do check regardless.
The 2012 New Mexico Wine Festival at Bernalillo runs on Saturday through Monday September
1-3, from noon, with wine tasting and entertainment ending at 6 pm.
For more information see ABQ on the Cheap.
The New Mexico Wine Festival takes place in Bernalillo this Labor Day weekend, from September 1 – 3, 2012.
You’ll save $5 on admission if you buy a three-day pass online in advance at $31 for adults, compared to $12 a day at the gate. However, you have to be pretty hard-core wine buff to go for three solid days – and it’s likely to be packed and hot, so keep drinking the water as well as the wine!
The New Mexico Wine Festival $12 adult admission includes a glass for wine tastings. Minors aged 13-20 pay $5, and kids aged 12 and under go free. The
wine tastings are free with admission for age 21+, but these are just
tastings. Obviously you have to pay to buy a full glass, or bottles to
take home.If saving time is more important to you than saving money, you can also buy New Mexico Wine Festival tickets online in advance for $13 per adult or $5.50 for minors. The price for a three-day pass is $31. Either print out the tickets or show them on a smartphone, tablet or other portable device.
In addition to wine tastings from New Mexico wineries, expect a kids’ area, arts and crafts, vendors with all kinds of tasty New Mexico food and delicacies, and a lively line-up of music and entertainment. See the full NM Wine Festival entertainment schedule in PDF from noon to 6 pm each day. Soon we’ll all be dancing like the groovy people at the NM Wine Festival website!
It might be wise to take the NM Rail Runner Express to the festival grounds, they have a special Rail Runner schedule for the NM Wine Festival over Labor Day weekend and then walk or hop on the free shuttle at the Sandoval/US 550 station. If you’re driving, take Bernalillo exits 240 /242 from 1-25 and follow the signs to the wine fest. Expect to pay $3-5 for parking in the lots by the festival.
Remember to take ID even if you look WAY older than 21, as they do check regardless.
The 2012 New Mexico Wine Festival at Bernalillo runs on Saturday through Monday September
1-3, from noon, with wine tasting and entertainment ending at 6 pm.
For more information see ABQ on the Cheap.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Road Closures due to Movie Shooting
Posted by Larimer Associates on 11:06 AM
When driving over the next two weeks, make sure to check out road closures in Cimarron Canyon State Park. A motion picture will be shooting there over the next two weeks, and will need to use a few roads to complete the shots they need. Although the movie being filmed is not officially being released, many believe it to the movie "The Lone Ranger", which is believed to be shooting in these locations.
Some roads and recreation areas in Cimarron Canyon State Park will be closed over the next two weeks because of filming a motion picture, The Raton Range reported.
And while the New Mexico State Parks Division and state Film Office wouldn’t say which movie was being filmed because of confidentiality agreements between the filmmaker and state agencies, a spokeswoman for Angel Fire Resort, which is close to Cimarron Canyon State Park, told The Range on Monday that more than 200 people associated with “The Lone Ranger” had booked rooms at the resort through Aug. 31.
According to the New Mexico Film Office website, “The Lone Ranger” lists locations that could include Cimarron Canyon State Park and the Angel Fire area, The Range said.
Filmmakers are looking for some residents of western Colfax County to be extras in scenes to be shot beginning this week, according to The Range.
According to a State Parks Division news release, the agency and New Mexico’s Department of Game and Fish are working with the movie production company “to minimize impacts to visitors and to anglers” in Cimarron Canyon State Park.
For more information see the ABQJournal.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Westside Summerfest is Saturday!
Posted by Larimer Associates on 8:22 AM
This Saturday at the Cottonwood Mall is the Westside Summerfest. Bring your family down for food, music, and activities while shopping around the market. The event starts at 6pm and runs until 10pm, and it is free admission.
This summerfest is a celebration of local food and goods in Albuquerque. Located on the North side of Cottonwood Mall, the Westside Summerfest is going to be a great time for the whole family.
The music line-up features the funky sounds of musical headliner, The James Douglas Show, and the bluesy guitar of Alex Maryol. Sample a bazaar of local cuisine and beverages, while shopping in the Market. Some of Albuquerque's best micro-breweries will also be on tap.
The Market will be packed with handmade arts and crafts plus unique, independent businesses. The kids' activity area, always a family favorite, will feature arts and crafts, face painting, a climbing wall and much more to keep the younger set entertained.
The wide variety of entertainment and musical styles of Albuquerque bands will get the crowd dancing!
Entertainment Line Up:
6 p.m. The Breaktone
7 p.m. Aladocious
8 p.m. Alex Maryol
9 p.m. The James Douglas Show
For more information please see ItsATrip.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
"2 Guns" a New Movie is Being Filmed in New Mexico.
Posted by Larimer Associates on 12:59 PM
A Hollywood
movie will be filmed in Albuquerque.
The movie “2 Guns” will start filming at the end of August until
September. It will film around Albuquerque and Santa Fe. This
movie will help boost the economy by helping employment from all the local
people this movie will use. The
movie is based off a graphic novel called “Boom!”.
An action-drama starring Denzel Washington
and Mark Wahlberg will be shooting in New Mexico later this month.
The New Mexico Film Office says production
of the film "2 Guns" will begin in late August and continue through
early September in and around Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Also starring in the film will be Bill
Paxton and Edward James Olmos.
The movie, based on the Boom! Studios
graphic novels by Steven Grant, is about a DEA agent and an undercover Naval
Intelligence officer who are investigating each other when they find out they
have both been set up by the mob.
The film office says the production will employ at least 100 New Mexico crewmembers, 10 New Mexico principal actors and more than 400 background talent.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Best Deals for Back to School Shopping.
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:19 AM
Back to school shopping can be expensive for any family. However, there are ways to lower the cost, and you can still get fashionable clothes for your family. Make to check consignment shops like Just Between Friends Kids and Maternity to get the best deal and the best clothes. Read below for more information on this consignment shop and the deals they have.
Sunday is Half Price Day and Free Admission!
JBF is a bargain shopper's dream come true! 15,000 square feet of maternity, infant, baby & kid items. That's right, all under one roof! No running from garage sale to garage sale to hunt down your bargains. No calling online postings, making appointments to see items and showing up only to be disappointed. All items are inspected for quality, cleanliness and recalls. The floor is arranged by type, gender and size.
What does JBF have? New and gently used maternity & kids clothing (0-12 yrs), shoes, books, toys, games, furniture, outdoor equipment, bikes, shoes, etc. Brands such as Carter's, Osh Kosh, Gymboree, Little Tykes, Step 2, Fisher Price, Melissa & Doug, Old Navy, Children's Place, Gap and more! We've got legos, leap frog, Barbie, exersaucers, baby carriers, wagons, toddler beds, pack ‘n plays, changing tables, train tables, Star Wars, bikes, tricycles, power wheels, you name it! Everything you need for your growing family!
For more information please go to dukecityfix.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"Breaking Bad" Brings Tourism to Albuquerque
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:52 AM
"Breaking Bad" is an AMC series that is based in Albuquerque, but the meth lab saga was not always welcome here. The controversial topics of the show were thought to be putting a bad image on the city. However, visitors started to increase to these famous places that were shown on series. This led to a perfect time to capitalize on the tourism in the city. Tours and events centered around "Breaking Bad" put Albuquerque in a positive light, and it is starting to increase tourism profits in the city.
AMC's meth-lab saga Breaking Bad- an Albuquerque-based series the Washington Post's Hank Stuever says "comes from such a dark hole of the American cultural psyche that you sometimes have to wonder how it ever made it on TV" - is now fodder for the city's tourism bureau.
"When Breaking Bad began airing five seasons ago, we were less than thrilled by the subject matter, which is based on a fictional character and story," says Dale Lockett, head of the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau.
But given its popularity, "people are traveling to our city to see the locations featured in the show and then spending time at our attractions, restaurants and hotels," he adds.
"This unexpected new visitor market is definitely a pleasant surprise, and we will soon be marketing it more aggressively" - including a self-guided tour that links Breaking Bad filming locations (an Octopus Car Wash, among them) with nearby museums and other, more conventional draws.
One local tour operator, the ABQ Trolley Co., added a three-hour, $60 per person Breaking Bad tour timed to this month's season premiere - and promptly sold out all seven scheduled departures.
Of course, Albuquerque isn't the only destination to make tourist lemonade out of film location lemons.
For more information see the USATODAY.
AMC's meth-lab saga Breaking Bad- an Albuquerque-based series the Washington Post's Hank Stuever says "comes from such a dark hole of the American cultural psyche that you sometimes have to wonder how it ever made it on TV" - is now fodder for the city's tourism bureau.
ABQ Trolley Co
"When Breaking Bad began airing five seasons ago, we were less than thrilled by the subject matter, which is based on a fictional character and story," says Dale Lockett, head of the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau.
But given its popularity, "people are traveling to our city to see the locations featured in the show and then spending time at our attractions, restaurants and hotels," he adds.
"This unexpected new visitor market is definitely a pleasant surprise, and we will soon be marketing it more aggressively" - including a self-guided tour that links Breaking Bad filming locations (an Octopus Car Wash, among them) with nearby museums and other, more conventional draws.
One local tour operator, the ABQ Trolley Co., added a three-hour, $60 per person Breaking Bad tour timed to this month's season premiere - and promptly sold out all seven scheduled departures.
Of course, Albuquerque isn't the only destination to make tourist lemonade out of film location lemons.
For more information see the USATODAY.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Wildlife West Music Festivals
Posted by Larimer Associates on 7:42 AM
Wildfire West Music Festival is close to home and is packed with great bands that your family will love. Children's admission is free, and parking is also free of charge for the weekend. Bands perform every two hours with activities and contests continuing during the festival.
Wildlife West is just 20 minutes east of Albuquerque in nearby Edgewood, New Mexico, and parking is always free! Free weekend camping (dry camping) is provided. Children under 12 are admitted free. No alcohol or open fires are permitted at the festivals.
Friday kicks off at the Historic Bean Barn with a Country Barn Dance with South by Southwest.
The following contests are scheduled: Fiddle Contest, Banjo Contest, Sunday, July 22 at 4pm.
Saturday & Sunday begins at 11am with
When Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe (pronounced Kway-bee) raise their
fiddles and play, audiences marvel. When the girls sing their vintage style
three-part harmony, audiences are blown away. Add the extraordinary
rhythm guitar of Joey McKenzie and the swinging upright bass of Drew
Phelps and the Quebe Sisters Band becomes a force of nature. The QSB's
unique brand of music has taken the Americana music scene by storm.
They perform a refreshing blend of western swing, vintage country,
bluegrass, jazz & swing standards, and Texas style fiddling.
The band has been awarded the 2007 Crescendo Award by the Western Music Association and winner of the 2008 Western Swing Album of the Year from the
Academy of Western Artists,
Members:
Byron Berline, John Hickman, Jim Fish, Richard Sharp, Greg Burgess and Steve Short
Byron Berline is a three-time National Fiddle Champion who turned to a musical career after earning a B. A. in Physical Education at the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Oklahoma where he began playing the fiddle at age 5, Byron lived and worked in Los Angeles for 26 years before returning to his home state in 1995.
Byron's professional career reads like Who's Who in the music business as he has performed with or recorded with so many notables. He has led or been a member of the following bands : Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, 1966 - 67; Dillard & Clark, 1969-1970; Dillard Expedition, 1970-71; Country Gazette, 1971-75; Sundance, 1975-85; Berline, Crary & Hickman, 1978-90; L. A. Fiddle Band, 1978-93; California, 1990-96; Byron Berline Band, 1996- Present
Also appearing at the 10th Annual Festival will be:
We kick off the weekend with the Friday Barn Dance, 7pm July 20 featuring South by Southwest. Saturday and Sunday feature a dozen bands on two covered stages. The Quebe Sisters and Byron Berline are staying over to play Sunday, and with the new dance floor in the amphitheater there will lots of boot-scootin’ to some terrific fiddlin’.
Workshops in songwriting, banjo and fiddle, Jam Sessions and camaraderie, plus the non-releasable wild animals in this 122 acre nature park make for a great weekend. There's always free camping and parking and remember - it’s cooler in Edgewood.
For more information on the festival head to the Wildlife West Website.
Wildlife West is just 20 minutes east of Albuquerque in nearby Edgewood, New Mexico, and parking is always free! Free weekend camping (dry camping) is provided. Children under 12 are admitted free. No alcohol or open fires are permitted at the festivals.
10th Annual Wildlife Music Festival July 20-22, 2012
This summer's festival will feature the Quebe Sisters Band and The Byron Berline Band.Friday kicks off at the Historic Bean Barn with a Country Barn Dance with South by Southwest.
The following contests are scheduled: Fiddle Contest, Banjo Contest, Sunday, July 22 at 4pm.
Saturday & Sunday begins at 11am with
The Quebe Sisters Band
When Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe (pronounced Kway-bee) raise their
fiddles and play, audiences marvel. When the girls sing their vintage style
three-part harmony, audiences are blown away. Add the extraordinary
rhythm guitar of Joey McKenzie and the swinging upright bass of Drew
Phelps and the Quebe Sisters Band becomes a force of nature. The QSB's
unique brand of music has taken the Americana music scene by storm.
They perform a refreshing blend of western swing, vintage country,
bluegrass, jazz & swing standards, and Texas style fiddling.The band has been awarded the 2007 Crescendo Award by the Western Music Association and winner of the 2008 Western Swing Album of the Year from the
Academy of Western Artists,
The Byron Berline Band
Members:
Byron Berline, John Hickman, Jim Fish, Richard Sharp, Greg Burgess and Steve ShortByron Berline is a three-time National Fiddle Champion who turned to a musical career after earning a B. A. in Physical Education at the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Oklahoma where he began playing the fiddle at age 5, Byron lived and worked in Los Angeles for 26 years before returning to his home state in 1995.
Byron's professional career reads like Who's Who in the music business as he has performed with or recorded with so many notables. He has led or been a member of the following bands : Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, 1966 - 67; Dillard & Clark, 1969-1970; Dillard Expedition, 1970-71; Country Gazette, 1971-75; Sundance, 1975-85; Berline, Crary & Hickman, 1978-90; L. A. Fiddle Band, 1978-93; California, 1990-96; Byron Berline Band, 1996- Present
Also appearing at the 10th Annual Festival will be:
- Holy Water & Whiskey
- The Squash Blossom Boys
- Muddy River String Band
- Lost Howling Coyotes
- Kitty Jo Creek Band
- Hot Club of Santa Fe
- Zoltan Orkestar
- Breaking Blue
- Gary Reynolds & the Southwest Wind Band
- Coyote Crossing
- Cheap Shots
- Jimmy Abraham and more
We kick off the weekend with the Friday Barn Dance, 7pm July 20 featuring South by Southwest. Saturday and Sunday feature a dozen bands on two covered stages. The Quebe Sisters and Byron Berline are staying over to play Sunday, and with the new dance floor in the amphitheater there will lots of boot-scootin’ to some terrific fiddlin’.
Workshops in songwriting, banjo and fiddle, Jam Sessions and camaraderie, plus the non-releasable wild animals in this 122 acre nature park make for a great weekend. There's always free camping and parking and remember - it’s cooler in Edgewood.
For more information on the festival head to the Wildlife West Website.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Vacation Tips to Keep Your Packing Light
Posted by Larimer Associates on 10:34 AM
Are you going on vacation this summer? Whether you are running out of room in your car or want to avoid the extra rates on the plane, packing light is essential. Here are some great tips on how to avoid those extra rates, and still bring everything you need on the trip.
Start early: For a trip that's a week or longer, I typically get my suitcase out two or three days before I'm leaving. It helps me get into travel mode early, which means I'll have time to think of things like laundry and outfits.
Make a list: My mom recently brought up that when my brother and I were little, she made a point of teaching us how to pack our own bags. List-making was always the first step to doing it efficiently.
Stick to a few versatile pieces of clothing and pairs of shoes:
Choose colors and patterns that will mix and match easily so that
you'll be able to wear each piece more than once. This forethought
reduces how much you'll pack and can make getting dressed easier. For
women, dresses are pretty foolproof. Include things that can transition
from casual to dressier; for shoes, think loafers for men or ballet
flats for women. (And I never pack more than three pairs.)
Think about outfits: Similarly, you'll end up bringing less stuff if you spend a few minutes planning outfits. By having incorporated versatile tops and bottoms, you'll still have options to choose from depending on your mood when you're traveling. Women can include a few staple pieces of jewelry, which won't take up much space but can change a look.
Dress your heaviest onboard: I travel wearing my bulkier items, which for airplanes in the summer includes pants and the only cardigan I'm bringing.
Learn what you don't have to pack: To save suitcase space you can easily forgo many items, particularly hair dryers and most toiletries. Hotels and hosts typically will oblige, and, if need be, you can pick up toiletries at a drugstore. And in general remember that when it comes down to it, very few things (e.g. prescriptions and contacts) are essential.
Go for light reading: I love to read while traveling and try to stick to paperbacks under 300 pages or else magazines.
For more vacation tips check out Apartment Therapy.
Start early: For a trip that's a week or longer, I typically get my suitcase out two or three days before I'm leaving. It helps me get into travel mode early, which means I'll have time to think of things like laundry and outfits.
Make a list: My mom recently brought up that when my brother and I were little, she made a point of teaching us how to pack our own bags. List-making was always the first step to doing it efficiently.
Stick to a few versatile pieces of clothing and pairs of shoes:
Choose colors and patterns that will mix and match easily so that
you'll be able to wear each piece more than once. This forethought
reduces how much you'll pack and can make getting dressed easier. For
women, dresses are pretty foolproof. Include things that can transition
from casual to dressier; for shoes, think loafers for men or ballet
flats for women. (And I never pack more than three pairs.)Think about outfits: Similarly, you'll end up bringing less stuff if you spend a few minutes planning outfits. By having incorporated versatile tops and bottoms, you'll still have options to choose from depending on your mood when you're traveling. Women can include a few staple pieces of jewelry, which won't take up much space but can change a look.
Dress your heaviest onboard: I travel wearing my bulkier items, which for airplanes in the summer includes pants and the only cardigan I'm bringing.
Learn what you don't have to pack: To save suitcase space you can easily forgo many items, particularly hair dryers and most toiletries. Hotels and hosts typically will oblige, and, if need be, you can pick up toiletries at a drugstore. And in general remember that when it comes down to it, very few things (e.g. prescriptions and contacts) are essential.
Go for light reading: I love to read while traveling and try to stick to paperbacks under 300 pages or else magazines.
For more vacation tips check out Apartment Therapy.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Beating the Heat
Posted by Larimer Associates on 11:37 AM
This heat wave has taken over the country. Temperatures are well into the upper 90s and past 100 degrees, and everyone is looking for a way to stay cool. Here are some great tips on how to beat the heat, but still have a great summer.
The National Weather Service said the record-breaking heat that has baked the nation's midsection for several days was slowly moving into the mid-Atlantic states and Northeast. Excessive-heat warnings remained in place Friday for all of Iowa, Indiana and Illinois as well as much of Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky.
St. Louis hit a record high of 105 on Wednesday and a record low of 83. In Wisconsin, the coolest Milwaukee and Madison
got was 81 in the early morning, beating previous low records by 2 and 4
degrees respectively. Temperatures didn't fall below 79 in Chicago, 78
in Grand Rapids, Mich., and 75 in Indianapolis.
"When a day starts out that warm, it doesn't take as much time to reach high temperatures in the low 100s," said Marcia Cronce, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "You know it'll be a warm day when you start out at 80 degrees."
For people in other parts of the country who aren't used to hearing the weather man say, "It'll be cooling down to 105 tomorrow," here are a few unique tips from the Valley of the Sun:
1. Keep your ride cool. Those cumbersome windshield reflectors are your new best friend. And if you have young children, buy an extra one to strap over a car seat to keep metal clasps from heating up in the sun as your car sits in the parking lot. You might even throw an ice pack or frozen water bottle in the seat to keep it cool for little ones while you shop.
2. Get creative about sleeping arrangements. Set up beds on a porch or back yard. Or just sleep in the shade, during the heat of the day.
3. Avoid the sun. Sure, sunscreen helps. But you can avoid it altogether by waking up and doing yard work before sunrise or going for your daily run at midnight.
4. Think before you touch. Any surface that sits in the sun could be hot enough to burn. There's no shame in using pot holders to open doors. Also, carry a towel to put on hot seats, and keep curtains pulled tight to block out the rays.
5. Water is your friend. Drink it. Swim in it. Spray it on your face. In Phoenix, shopping centers and cafes greet visitors by showering them with a fine, cool mist. You can get the same effect by filling a spray bottle with water.
And if all this talk about smoldering temperatures is getting you down, look on the bright side. You can always bake cookies on the dashboard of your car. We really do that.
For more information check out the Christian Science Monitor.
The National Weather Service said the record-breaking heat that has baked the nation's midsection for several days was slowly moving into the mid-Atlantic states and Northeast. Excessive-heat warnings remained in place Friday for all of Iowa, Indiana and Illinois as well as much of Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky.
"When a day starts out that warm, it doesn't take as much time to reach high temperatures in the low 100s," said Marcia Cronce, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "You know it'll be a warm day when you start out at 80 degrees."
For people in other parts of the country who aren't used to hearing the weather man say, "It'll be cooling down to 105 tomorrow," here are a few unique tips from the Valley of the Sun:
1. Keep your ride cool. Those cumbersome windshield reflectors are your new best friend. And if you have young children, buy an extra one to strap over a car seat to keep metal clasps from heating up in the sun as your car sits in the parking lot. You might even throw an ice pack or frozen water bottle in the seat to keep it cool for little ones while you shop.
2. Get creative about sleeping arrangements. Set up beds on a porch or back yard. Or just sleep in the shade, during the heat of the day.
3. Avoid the sun. Sure, sunscreen helps. But you can avoid it altogether by waking up and doing yard work before sunrise or going for your daily run at midnight.
4. Think before you touch. Any surface that sits in the sun could be hot enough to burn. There's no shame in using pot holders to open doors. Also, carry a towel to put on hot seats, and keep curtains pulled tight to block out the rays.
5. Water is your friend. Drink it. Swim in it. Spray it on your face. In Phoenix, shopping centers and cafes greet visitors by showering them with a fine, cool mist. You can get the same effect by filling a spray bottle with water.
And if all this talk about smoldering temperatures is getting you down, look on the bright side. You can always bake cookies on the dashboard of your car. We really do that.
For more information check out the Christian Science Monitor.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Happy Fourth of July!
Posted by Larimer Associates on 11:25 AM
Everyone wants to watch the fireworks this Fourth of July! Here is your Albuquerque information on where to watch the fireworks and all the other exciting events that are happening that day.
Join us July Fourth to celebrate our nation's
independence. Enjoy live music, family entertainment, food vendors, and much
more! The main stage will feature local musicians throughout the day, with country superstars Diamond Rio to close out the show. At 9:15pm get ready for one of the state's largest fireworks displays.
There will also be a Youth stage, sponsored by our friends at Warehouse 508.
Other activities to include a car show, balloon glow, kids' activities, and free face painting.
The Fire Cracker Café features a covered area with private tables and a premier vantage point. Treat your family, friends or employees to the "red carpet" experience. BBQ and other delicious edibles will be part of the package. Prices are $30.00 per person, or $200.00 for a table of eight. Kids 12 and under are half-price. The package includes VIP access route and parking, table with seating, shade, a BBQ Dinner, soft drink coupon and cash bar. Call 821-1000 for tickets.
Park & Ride will be available from St. Pius High School and Coronado Mall. For more information visit ABQ Ride. Onsite parking is $10.
For more information see ItsATrip website.
