We wish you and your loved ones all a very happy and safe holiday season.

After your first visit, Albuquerque’s International Balloon Museum will quickly top the list of most unique museums you’ve ever toured. This fascinating museum is dedicated to the history of hot air ballooning, and you’ll be amazed at just how rich with history this topic is. Every part of the building is architecturally beautiful and intricately decorated with colorful dioramas lining the floors, giant balloons suspended from the glass ceilings, and a majestic, curved entryway at the museum’s front. Hands-on exhibits enable visitors to get up close and personal with a real hot air balloon, and although the museum is fairly small, there are so many other exhibits that it will take a good three hours to experience them all.

The International Balloon Museum is also the site of much of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, one of the city’s most popular annual events. For a full event schedule, visit the museum’s website.

International Balloon Museum
9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87198
(505) 880-0500
www.balloonmuseum.com
www.yelp.com/biz/anderson-abruzzo-albuquerque-international-balloon-museum-albuquerque

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/kiukey

You may already use your Apple device’s built-in camera as a mirror, but did you know that there are a number of beauty apps that will take your on-the-go primping to the next level? These great apps for makeup mavens and hair pros will help you to give yourself a makeover with the help of your iPhone.

Makeup Genius
This colorful app from beloved makeup brand L’Oreal enables users to upload a photo of their face and then try out different makeup looks. If you’ve always wanted to try a dramatic cat eye or a bold red lip, using this app is a noncommittal way to see if the look works for you.

Hair Color
Dyeing your hair a different color is a fairly permanent commitment, but with the Hair Color app you can try out all of the hair colors that you want–without the actual dye! Simply upload a photo of yourself to the app and use the color tools to change your hair to a completely different shade.

Mirror
Whether you need to touch up your makeup or you want to take a selfie of your new ‘do, the Mirror app helps you to take flattering photos or check yourself out in a digital mirror.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Mainstream