We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebrating with the ones you love!
Immerse Yourself in New Mexico’s Incredible Natural World at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
February 11, 2016 by
Whether you’re looking for a fun and educational place to take the little ones or a way to get closer to nature yourself, the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is one of the most incredible natural areas in all of Albuquerque. Here, visitors can learn about the area’s unique plant life, native animals, rare birds, and much more. Admission is free if you simply want to wander the paths by bike or foot, while parking is available on site for a small fee that benefits the park’s maintenance.
Once inside, you’ll likely run into animals like lizards, turtles, frogs, and even the occasional coyote (from a distance, that is). Venture into the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park’s impressive library and you’ll find a small gift shop, as well as one of the most impressive views in the whole city. Curl up with a new book in the seating area overlooking a manmade marsh to cap off your visit to this beautiful natural area!
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 344-7240
www.yelp.com/biz/rio-grande-nature-center-state-park-albuquerque
Sip on Some of the Area’s Finest Caffeinated Beverages at Espresso Fino
February 4, 2016 by
At Espresso Fino in Albuquerque, you’ll find some of the area’s best coffee and espresso drinks that even the most seasoned coffee connoisseur will appreciate. Pop in for a classic drip brew coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a strong cortado topped with impressive latte art. You’ll even find milk alternatives, like almond milk and coconut milk for dairy-free guests. Orange cranberry scones and breakfast burritos pair perfectly with your first coffee of the morning, while the café’s other sweet treats make great pick-me-ups at any time during the day.
There’s ample seating throughout the cozy shop with free Wi-Fi for customers, as well as charming patio seating that makes the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon in Albuquerque. With a friendly staff of knowledgeable baristas and a quirky, eclectic interior decor, this is a great hangout for area coffee lovers!
Espresso Fino
222 Gold Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(575) 779-6078
www.espressofinoabq.com
Boost Your Brunch Game at Central Grill and Coffee House in Albuquerque
January 28, 2016 by
Ask any Albuquerque local where to find a great brunch in the area, and you’re sure to hear about Central Grill and Coffee House more than a few times. This local favorite features an eclectic combination of breakfast dishes from French, Mexican, and other cuisines, and its old-fashioned diner style makes it the perfect place for a casual meal with friends.
The menu includes everything from fluffy, syrup-topped pancakes to huevos rancheros and Croque Monsieur sandwiches, as well as all kinds of eggs Benedicts for a more traditional brunch option. There are juicy burgers and burritos for lunch, and the daily specials always feature something new and exciting!
Central Grill and Coffee House is spacious and modern inside, and it even has a few picnic tables outside for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
Central Grill and Coffee House
2056 Central Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 554-1424
www.yelp.com/biz/central-grill-and-coffee-house-albuquerque
How to Clean Your Microwave Without Harsh Chemicals
January 21, 2016 by
From reheating leftovers to warming up bowls of canned soup, your microwave sees a whole lot of messes from its various daily tasks. You may think that you need to use a store-bought cleanser to get out those tough, caked-on stains, but if you want to avoid those harsh chemicals, you can actually make your own cleanser at home. Follow these steps for cleaning your microwave in an all-natural way.
- Pour one cup of vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl, and then add one cup of hot water and stir the two together.
- Place the bowl with its vinegar solution in the center of the microwave and turn it on. Let it run on average power for 10 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the bowl and remove it from the microwave when you notice it starting to boil (likely somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes). Note: Be sure to use an oven mitt, as the bowl will be very hot.
- Wet a rag with lukewarm water and give the inside a good wipe-down to remove the now-loosened debris inside.
- Once all of the debris is steam cleaned away, create a simple solution of lemon juice and water. Dip another rag into the homemade cleanser and give the microwave another wipe-down to freshen things up.
How to Clean Your Microwave Naturally With Just a Lemon [The Kitchn]
How to Clean and Shine Your Microwave Without Cleaner [One Good Thing]
Use a Lemon to Make Cleaning the Microwave Easy [Lifehacker]
Browse the Stacks at the Albuquerque Main Library
January 14, 2016 by
If you love getting caught up in a good book in your free time, you’ll likely enjoy hunting for new reading materials at the Albuquerque Main Library. This public library is conveniently located right in Albuquerque city limits, and there is even a parking garage nearby that offers two hours of free parking to library visitors.
Wander through the stacks to find fiction and nonfiction titles to take back to Broadstone Towne Center, or if you’re having trouble finding a book on your own, join one of the library’s book groups to discover new reading materials to discuss with fellow area bookworms. In addition to books, the Albuquerque Main Library offers music and DVDs that you can check out with a library card.
Tech-savvy visitors can use the 39 library computers to catch up on work, or bring your own laptop and take advantage of the building’s free Wi-Fi.
Albuquerque Main Library
501 Copper Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 768-5170
www.abclibrary.org
How to Keep Your Fridge at Broadstone Towne Center Clean and Fresh
January 7, 2016 by
Looking for easy ways to help keep your refrigerator clean and fresh? These smart and simple household items will help you to get out even the toughest food smells and leave your fridge smelling like new again!
- Baking soda. This one isn’t just an old wives’ tale; baking soda really does help to absorb unpleasant scents and remove them from the air. Start by sprinkling some baking soda around your refrigerator and scrubbing with a damp sponge. Once you’re done, place an opened box inside to absorb any additional smells that might happen in the future.
- Lemons. Lemons are also all-natural deodorizers. Soak a cotton ball in a small bowl of lemon juice, and then leave it inside the refrigerator for several hours to permeate every inch of the interior.
- Salt. Scrub the inside of your fridge with a simple salt and water solution, leaving the coarse granules for extra scrubbing power. This is a great way to do a heavy-duty clean without chemicals.
- Liners. If you frequently find yourself scrubbing foul-smelling spills from condiments, leftovers, and other unsavory items, you might want to try lining the shelves of your fridge with paper towels. That way, you can simply remove them if (and when) a leak happens.
Clean and Deodorize Your Refrigerator [Reader’s Digest]
How To Clean & Organize a Refrigerator [Apartment Therapy]
Cleaning Your Fridge [Martha Stewart]
Explore the Flavors of Ethiopian Fare at Talking Drums Restaurant
December 23, 2015 by
Planning tonight’s dinner out in Albuquerque? Taste something exciting at Talking Drums Restaurant, a local favorite that features all of the most popular dishes from Ethiopia and all across Africa. Whether you’re already a fan of this style of cuisine or you’re just feeling adventurous, you’ll love the robust flavors and unique style of dining that involves eating each dish with flat, spongy injera bread instead of utensils.
Everything on the menu at Talking Drums Restaurant is served on a large platter so that you can easily scoop it up using the injera, and the most popular dishes include tender lamb served with jalapenos and onions, stewed lentils, and grilled chicken with warm tomato sauce. Regulars recommend ordering the meat or vegetarian platters in order to try a variety of dishes in one sitting, and because these are large enough for two, it also makes an affordable date night out!
Talking Drums Restaurant
1606 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 792-3221
www.yelp.com/biz/talking-drums-restaurant-albuquerque-2
Think Beyond the Mug With These Delicious Recipes Using Eggnog
December 17, 2015 by
Translate your love of eggnog into everything from cookies to puddings this holiday seasons with a bit of creativity in the kitchen. Although the tried-and-true winter beverage is decadent and delicious, it may start to get a bit stale after so many years. If you want to experience the old seasonal favorite in a brand new way, these sweet recipes will provide the perfect inspiration.
Eggnog Coffee Cake Muffins [twopeasandtheirpod.com]
Enjoy your eggnog first thing in the morning—in the form of delicious coffee cake muffins, that is! This recipe features an eggnog-flavored base, a perfectly crumbly topping, and an eggnog icing drizzle for a bit of extra sweetness.
Frosted Eggnog Cookies [tasteofhome.com]
Instead of handing out your usual holiday sugar cookies, try something different this year with these frosted cookies filled with eggnog flavor. Because there is eggnog in both the frosting and the cookie itself, this recipe offers double the delicious winter taste.
Eggnog Pudding [foodnetwork.com]
Rich, creamy and just a bit spicy, this unique eggnog pudding is the perfect dessert to finish off any holiday meal. Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top to add even more spice.
Happy Winter!
December 15, 2015 by
As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?
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