4th of July: Fun Events

Tomorrow is Independence Day! If you need some ideas for how to celebrate, check out the list of events below to make your 4th of July spectacular!



Put on your party hat and get out the sparklers; the Fourth of July is here. No other holiday brings so many people together to look up and enjoy what's in the sky. Find out where to see fireworks, and whether or not there's a parade near you (there probably is). If you're so inclined, you might even want to participate in that All-American pastime, and take in a baseball game. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your Fourth!

Updated for 2013

Tipsy Tow Service: Stay Safe
AAA New Mexico will be available for 30 hours over the holiday, to ensure only sober drivers are on the road. The free program will be available from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 through midnight, Thursday, July 4. Call 1-800-222-4357 or 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free tow home for up to 10 miles. Tell AAA operators "I need a Tipsy Tow" and get a ride home along with your towed car. Restrictions apply.

Find out where to find a Fourth of July parade.
Beat the crowds and see the Freedom Fourth display from the Balloon Museum.

If you've never been to one of the big fireworks events before, you might want to consider some advance preparation. Be sure to take a blanket(s) for a picnic spot, or umbrellas, water bottles, sunscreen, and hat. If you're on a budget, take your own dinner in a cooler. Get there early to avoid the lines, and if you have kids, get there early so they have time to enjoy the jumping structures and climbing wall. There are a lot of activities for the kids at these events, so get out before dinner when the crowds are thinner and the kids won't have to wait in long lines. If you have young ones, take a stroller or a wagon. And whatever you do, don't forget the camera!

Fireworks Displays

Casino Hollywood Fireworks Display
San Felipe Casino Hollywood features a free fireworks display on July 3.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Get out to Isotopes Park for the all American game of baseball. The Isotopes play the Iowa Cubs, with the gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and the game starting at 6:05 p.m. on July 4. And after the game is over, stay to enjoy the fireworks display. If you don't want to face the crowds of the big fireworks event, Freedom Fourth, then this is a great alternative. Hurry, though, for the 4th event, as tickets sell fast! There will also be fireworks after the game on July 5 and 6.

Freedom Fourth
The annual celebration at the Balloon Fiesta field, Freedom Fourth, celebrates the day and ends with fireworks. Find out more.

Los Lunas Fireworks
Free entertainment begins at 4 p.m. at Daniel Fernandez Park, located at 1103 Highway 314. There will be plenty of food sold at the event, or you can bring your own picnic. Fireworks start at dusk. Entertainment includes live music, inflatable jumpers, a home run derby and a men's softball game. Fireworks start at dusk. See the parade at 9 a.m. at the intersection of the "Y" at Main Street and Route 47.

Rio Rancho Fireworks Event
The city of Rio Rancho always puts on a fireworks display for the 4th of July. If you live on the west side and don't want to face the crowds of the Freedom Fourth event put on by the City of Albuquerque, this display is a wonderful alternative.
Go to the Rio Rancho High School football stadium to watch the display. The high school is located at 301 Loma Colorado in Rio Rancho. There will be parking available at the high school, the adjacent Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, Loma Colorado library, and Loma Colorado Park, for $5 per vehicle, with proceeds to benefit the Rio Rancho High School and Sue Cleveland High School booster clubs. Handicapped parking is available. The stadium will open at 6 p.m.
A family friendly movie that will be projected onto a large screen at 8:15 p.m. An intermission will take place at 9 p.m. to watch the fireworks show.
In addition to live music, there will be food available for purchase at the stadium snack bar. There will be plenty of activities for the kids.
The event is alcohol free and subject to weather. Entry to the Fireworks and movie event is free. For more information, call (505) 891-5015.

Santa Fe Fireworks
Several local agencies will put on the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at the Santa Fe Municipal Recreation Center, located at 205 Caja Del Rio Road. The display has been at Santa Fe High School in past years. The event begins at 5 p.m. Live entertainment is by Thieves & Gypsys, Nosotros. Sol Fire, Miriam Hass, Space Hero and the Duo Brothers. There is no tailgating, and no food or drinks. The event is free, but parking is $5 per vehicle.

Socorro Fireworks, Concert and Celebration
The outdoor festival features music, water slides, jumpers, family activities and New Mexico Tech's famous fireworks display. At the Macey Center on the New Mexico Tech campus. It's free and takes place at Macey Center on New Mexico Tech's campus. For 2013, hear Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Jr., El Gringo, Sauvecito, the Socorro Community Band, The Remedy and Dough Figgs. Clan Tynker will also entertain with juggling and magic.

Go Wild! Benefit Concert at the Zoo
Celebrate 90s pop with Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, and Gin Blossoms. The all ages concert at the Zoo is a benefit for the BioPark Society, which supports the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach. Food will be available for purchase, or bring your picnic. General lawn seasting, so bring blanket and/or lawn chairs. The concert is Wednesday, July 3 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Pancakes on the Plaza
Santa Fe has an annual tradition on July 4 that gives back to the community. The Santa Fe Rotary Club features Pancakes on the Plaza, which brings together communities around Santa Fe to celebrate our nation's birthday while providing proceeds to those in need. Purchase tickets ahead for a discount, or on July 4th at the event. Enjoy plenty of pancakes and give to a good cause. There is also a classic car show, children's activities, a silent auction, ongoing entertainment and an arts and crafts show. Enjoy a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. - noon, on the Plaza.

Moriarty Pancake Breakfast
Moriarty has its annual Lion's Club pancake breakfast, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Lion's Club (yellow building behind the Circle K). It's followed by a parade at 9 a.m. and then events will follow at the park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You'll find fun jumps for the kids and more.

Pork and Brew
Over 50 BBQ competitors from around the U.S. will be competing for the chance to go to the nationals held in Kansas City. Get out and taste some of the best BBQ there is in the parking lot of the Santa Ana Star Center. There will be activities for the kids as well as arts and crafts vendors. Pork and Brew takes place July 5 - 7.

Mountainair Outlaw BBQ and Poker Tournament
Mountainair will celebrate the 4th on July 6 with food, poker prizes, pie and cake contests and more. The poker tournament and bbq benefit Mountainair Public Schools "Battle of the Books."

Santa Fe Wine Festival
The annual festival takes place at El Rancho de las Golondrinas on July 6 and 7. Celebrate New Mexico's wines while enjoying live music, food, traditional agricultural products and arts and crafts for sale.

The Bad Bull Series
If you're in the mood for some cowboy fun, Moriarty will have its Bad Bull Series at the Moriarty Heritage Arena on July 6 and 7, beginning at 1 p.m. You can see roping, bull riding, mutton bustin, cowboy bronc riding, barrel racing and more. Events will have entrants from kids to adults.

Find other July Festivals in the Albuquerque area.

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/lwemYy

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Turn Summer Fruits into Refreshing, Cool Sodas & Ice Pops!

Trying to beat the heat? If you want to cool down and grab some fruity treats then make them yourself by checking out "Turn Summer Fruits into Refreshing, Cool Sodas & Ice Pops!" below!

There are few things that sound as crisp and refreshing as a light sparkling fruit soda, and few things as cool and nostalgic as ice cold popsicles. Why not try having a bit of both with your favorite summertime fruits at your next picnic or backyard get-together?

It's officially summer, which means almost everybody could use a few extra ideas for cooling down. Grab a bushel of your favorite fruits and try some of these great popsicle and soda recipes to contrast the bold flavors of your chargrilled creations at your next cookout.

Mangos

• Mango Lime Pops - Love & Lemons
• Sparkling Mango Lemonade - Heather Christo

Strawberries

• Roasted Strawberry & Toasted Coconut Popsicles - Joy the Baker
• Strawberry Honey Soda - Bran Appetit

Blackberries

• Pinot Noir-Infused Blackberry Ice Pops - The Kitchn
• Backyard Blackberry Soda - Washington Post

Blueberries

• Blueberry & Orange Icy Pops - Two Loves Studio
• Blueberry Lavender Vodka Spritzer - The Kitchn

Raspberries

• Raspberry Yogurt Pops - Oh So Delicioso
• Raspberry Beer - Southern Living

(Images: 1. Jack Mathews - Love & Lemons 2. Maureen Petrosky)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/14pHi58

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Super Easy DIY: Make Your Own Kimono Fabric Table Runners

Kimono Fabric Table Runners are sure to spruce up any table. Instead of purchasing them from a store, you can make them yourself. If you're down a for a little bit of DIY then check out "Super Easy DIY: Make Your Own Kimono Fabric Table Runners" below!

In a transparent attempt to use my wedding budget to enrich my fabric stash while simultaneously injecting a bit of color into the affair, I decided to decorate the tables with runners made from vintage kimono fabric. And it turned out to be the easiest DIY project I’ve ever tackled.  

Kimono fabric comes on bolts that are usually 14.5” wide, which makes it perfect for table runners. New and vintage bolts in silk, acrylic, or cotton (for yukata) are available online at an array of price points, depending on age, condition, and fabric type. I got mine from online kimono dealer Ichiroya, but eBay is often full of them. For some reason, prices seem to be lower during the winter, when I bought mine. (I wound up paying paid about $5-10 per runner.) 

And because kimono fabric is already a perfect width, making it into table runners is incredibly easy:

First measure your tables. Add the length or diameter of the table to two times the height of the table in inches or centimeters. Each side will have a half-inch hem, so add one inch to your over-the-table measurement for the hem. (You will need to add more for the hem if you are using hem tape instead of sewing.)

Calculate how many runners you will get out of one bolt of fabric. By my calculations I needed 131” of fabric per table runner, which meant that one bolt of kimono fabric would give me three table runners. In my case 12 tables needed runners and one bolt of kimono fabric gave me three runners, so I needed to buy four bolts of kimono fabric. 

Cut the fabric and finish the ends. When my fabric arrived, I simply cut it into 131” lengths and finished it by folding a quarter of an inch at each end, then folding the end over again so that the raw edge was enclosed. I stitched it down for a ¼” hem, then pressed the whole thing. And that was it. 

If I did not already sew, I would have finished the raw edges at the ends of the fabric strips with an iron-on hem tape like Stitch Witchery, which is generally available in any drug store. But if you do that, make sure to add a bit extra for the length. 

I was prepared to lose some of my runners due to wine spills. But somehow I got lucky and only one wound up spotted, which left me with an armload of vintage kimono fabric for potential craft and sewing projects. 

(Image: Paul Yamashiro for Elizabeth Licata) 

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/19SWUV9

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I Was Addicted To My Smartphone, Are You?

Are you addicted to your cell phone? If you're not sure, check out the signs below. Taking a break from technology and reconnecting with people face to face might be something you'd enjoy trying, so check out one woman's story of how she switched to silent.

Admit it: As soon as you get up from your computer, and the first thing you do when sitting back down is check your email. Just like the first thing you do when you get up in the morning (and sometimes even while you're still in bed) is check your phone. Notifications rule our lives. 

For me, there were a few signs that I needed to get a handle on my smartphone addiction. Signs like: 

• My phone started loading slower from having too many apps running and continual notification popping up. 
• When asked to print a photo for my son’s preschool class, I couldn’t find a single picture of him I hadn’t taken on my phone (and could easily print). You can read the full story of what happened here.  
• When I almost left home without my wallet (and driver’s license!) because I knew I could rely on my phone for all my payments and transactions.
• When quality time with my husband started to mean sitting side by side on our devices.
• When I attended a wedding where everyone spent so much sharing the festivities online that it was hard to hold a face-to-face conversation.  

In one of my favorite psychology courses at Harvard, we learned about something called a Skinner Box. A Skinner Box is a type of chamber that allows you to study the behavior of a small animal. In one experiment with the Skinner Box, we looked at the effects of giving small animals a reward at a random time versus a predictable time. When mice could predictably press a lever and out came food, they quickly learned only to press the lever when hungry. 

But something interesting happened with the other group when the reward was randomly given. Those mice would literally keep pressing the lever until they died. When the scientists studied the brains of these mice, they found that during the random occurrences of getting a “surprise reward,” dopamine levels in the brain would rise – almost like doing a hit of drugs – and thus, the mice were actually growing addicted to pressing the lever in hopes of a hit.

And really, aren’t our mobile phones the same sort of thing? We don’t know when we’re going to get a new text message, a new email, a new Retweet, or a new Facebook message. These little bursts of communication are our own little form of “random rewards,” and we're growing addicted to continually looking at it at all times. 

Here are some tips for regaining control over your smartphone: 

• Get the phone out of the bedroom and family room! Send your last email of the night and leave your phone in your office or on your kitchen table. Unwind from the day with a book, movie or your significant other. If you have to have it in your living space, at least place it on a dresser where you can’t mindlessly reach it from the bed or couch. 
• Think twice before you share. Thinking twice saves your followers from a constant stream of pointless posts, and saves you from notifications every time someone likes or retweets. Posting a little less often gives you an attractive air of mystery, too. 
• Keep your devices on silent after work hours. When you are home making dinner and relaxing, you don’t need to be buzzed at every time anything happens on your phone. By keeping it on silent, you might even pleasantly forget it’s there. 
• Don’t check it when you’re with other people. If you are in the same room having a conversation with any other human being, refrain from checking your phone. The text can wait. The updates can wait. It’s pretty hard to feel valued when the person you are conversing with has their nose in their phone. 
• Use your phone as a tool, not entertainment. When walking from place to place, watching TV, waiting for the bill to come, commuting in the morning, try and hold on mindlessly checking your social media on your phone because you’re bored. Enjoy being in the world, and look around to see what’s going on! 

When did you know you needed to unplug? What tips have helped you do it?

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/13BThOi

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How To Really Enjoy a Day Off

When you get a day off from work sometimes it can feel like a precious prize. Well don't let that prize go to waste! If you're trying to make the most of your day off, whether that be by relaxing or being productive, this article is for you! Check it out below.

A Plan for a Relaxing Day Off

Stay in bed as long you want - no "shoulds" or "have to's" allowed.

Have a leisurely breakfast, read the paper (or your iPad), listen to music, take your time.

Take a long bath or brisk shower, put on your favorite feel-good outfit.

Head out for a walk around your neighborhood - maybe try and check out a destination that you don't feel you have time to investigate during busy work days and chore-filled weekends - a park, a cafe, a new shop or maybe just a street of homes that appeal to you. Have fun; explore, observe and investigate.

Spend the afternoon doing whatever you feel like - no more, no less. A selection of sample perfect lazy afternoon activities:
-see a movie
-explore a bookstore

-eat a light lunch, alfresco
-take a nap
-do a mini-marathon of that show you've been wanting to watch
-bake a batch of cookies
-be creative: knit, sew, craft, make music, blog, pin
-meet a friend for coffee or a cocktail

For dinner, either call in your favorite delivery option or make a simple, yet satisfying home cooked meal that you'll really have time to savor - like a roast chicken or a new-to-you pasta dish.

Head to bed early with a good book, relaxed and ready for a good nights rest.

More on relaxing and enjoying time at home:

→ How To Relax and Eliminate Stress at Home

→ How To Have a Spa Day in Your Bathroom

→ 10 Simple Things to Make You Happier at Home

→ Tips for Slowing Down

A Plan for a Productive Day Off

Start your day with a good walk, a run or a visit the gym - expend some energy to feel energized!. 

While you are exercising, think about something specific you'd like to accomplish with the day - ideal choices would be a project that has a definite end point and is doable in 3-4 hours max. Some ideas: a good clean sweep at home. A closet re-org. A small DIY project. Cleaning the outdoor furniture and grill. Gardening. 

While you shower and get dressed, think about what supplies you may need (if any) to complete your project. Have a hearty breakfast and a dose of caffeine (if you partake, that is). 

Hit the store(s) to pick up your supplies if needed or simply gather the supplies at home. Prep your work area, if applicable. 

Get started! This is half the battle, so you should feel good to be diving in. Set a timer for an hour and when that goes off, take a break. Assess your progress, have a cool drink or a cup of tea.

Get started again, this time, set your timer for 2 hours and be sure to put on some motivating music. This is a good long stretch of  time where you can really focus and you should get the bulk of your work for the day done in this period.

Take an hour break for something quick and fresh to eat and a quick walk outside to refresh and recharge.

Come back and dive right back in, with an eye on finishing up or winding down for the day in an  hour or so. You should feel no pressure to 100% finish up today - if you need more time, it's fine - the hard part is getting started and you've already make good progress. If you are going to continue your task at a later date, just be sure to straighten up your work area and organize your supplies so it's easy to start back up again when you have the time.

Step back, admire your efforts and pat yourself on the back.

Prepare or head out to a well-deserved dinner.

It's been a busy day - take time to wind down but turn in whenever you are feeling sleepy so you are fresh for the week ahead.

More on how to enjoy a productive day around the house:

→ 100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
→ Pro Organizer Tips: What NOT To Do When Decluttering Your Home
→ Housekeeping Basics: 36 Step-by-Step Guides
→ The Art of Finishing a Project

Share your plans for today (or your next full day off) in the comments...

(Image: Marcia Prentice / Alex & Sarah's Traveler's Home House Tour)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/16kyFP2

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Skip's Scramble: A Recipe for Fans of Arrested Development

Were you thrilled to hear about the new season of Arrested Development on Netflix? If yes, then you're probably familiar with the (in)famous "Skip's Scramble". Well why not whip up one of your own!? Check out "Skip's Scramble: A Recipe for Fans of Arrested Development" below!

If you're a fan of the smart and wacky sitcom Arrested Development, you probably couldn't wait to sit down and binge-watch the newest season on Netflix on Sunday. And speaking of bingeing, there is no better meal to accompany your futureAD marathons than this truly impressive recreation of the show's infamous "Skip's Scramble," which includes 12 separate recipes referencing the show, from Cornball Cakes to Hot Ham Water.

Skip's Scramble comes from the brunch menu at Skip Church's Bistro, which makes this offer: Too many choices? Menu too big to swallow? Let Skip serve you up a scram that has something from every dish in the menu. It will knock you into next week! 

This rendition, from chef and blogger Brian Staffield, includes recipes like Banana Stand Pancakes ("Promote yourself to Mr. Manager. Then mix all the dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl") and Vodka on the Rocks with a Piece of Toast ("1. Pour some vodka over ice and remember that it's only 8 am. 2. Make a piece toast.") 

Don't order the Skip's Scramble. But do yourself a favor and take a look at the recipe.

→ Check it out: Skip's Scramble at Cooking With B.S.

What would you serve at an Arrested Development viewing party?

(Images: Katy Weaver/Cooking With B.S.; Netflix)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/130l2zM

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Where to Squeeze a Home Office into a Full House?

The home office can be an incredibly useful tool, if not sometimes a necessary one. But where can you squeeze one in when it seems that every last square foot in the place is already taken!? If you'd like to set up a home office, but are having these problems, check out "Where to Squeeze a Home Office into a Full House?" below!

It's a perennial small space question that merits revisiting. Under ideal conditions most of us would love to have designated workspace at home, but sometimes square footage and circumstances get in the way. So if your home doesn't have an office where do you put it? 

I always had an office. Studios, one bedrooms, shares, it didn't matter, I always had one. It was a priority in every housing search, and when we bought our house we had a plan that made perfect sense. I don't remember the details of that plan, but it was blown out of the water when I got pregnant with twins and we had to rethink how we were using our space. 

I was fine being an office-less wonder for a while, or so I thought. I tried going paperless wherever possible and told myself that I could manage my freelance commitments and household management with a laptop. Things change. I attributed my lack of organization to the fabled "mommy brain," but there seems to be another story here. Yes, I had three kids in 23 months and was late paying bills for the first time in my life, but that also correlated with the disappearance of my desk. I'm going back to teaching in a few months and realized that I can't plan a syllabus with a desk. So where do I put one? Ours is not a small space, but like the Yiddish folktale retold in A Big Quiet House, it's full of kids and quiet is in rare supply. 

It's a discussion that keeps coming up at Apartment Therapy, but does the solution change when you have young kids in the mix? We have hashed out the feng shui implications of the bedroom office debate, looked for office nooks in the living room, contemplated the pros and cons of the kitchen office, and checked out a few lovely examples of a dining room office. Closets are a good idea when you can martyr one to the cause, but it's definitely not happening here. 

So which solution makes the most sense for your family and space? 

(Image: Jason's Perfect Corner Home Office View)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/13HZ9WN

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