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With spring just around the corner (March 20th), we wanted to help our residents at Cantera Apartments get motivated to start spring cleaning. With help from MarthaStewart.com and HouseBeautiful.com we compiled a yearly ‘To-Do List’ before the weather gets hot again and everyone wants to spend time having fun in the sun!
Start by cleaning out your closets.
Ever just stuff some clothes in there to get them off the floor? Or is it overflowing with bulky sweaters and coats? Now is a good time to pack your winter clothes away and make room for a spring and summer wardrobe. Make sure to make a donation pile for the items you don’t really want, use, or need anymore. When in doubt, throw it out!
The freezer is your friend.
If you don’t like to be inside cooking in the hot summer months, use your freezer. Prep meals that freeze well and that can be reheated quickly to speed up dinner. Grilling is also a quick way to serve up dinner on hot summer nights.
Organize!
Separate your cleaning supplies into buckets for where they are for such as bathroom, kitchen, laundry, etc. If you’re feeling extra motivated, create labels for each bucket. Now is also a good time to go through medicine cabinets and throw out old and expired products. You will be better able to determine what products you might need to stock up on and which ones to skip.
Clean House.
A clean house is a happy house! Deep clean the entire house so that when you clean again it will be quick. Here are a number of items that sometimes get overlooked when we clean house.
The dishwasher. Use a specialty dishwasher cleaner to ensure the dishwasher is clean and can effectively clean your dishes. This should be done monthly.
Entire countertop surfaces. Clean the entire surface and don’t forget to get the backsplash.
Cabinets. Take the time to wipe off the tops and front sides of the cabinets where dust and grease can settle and build-up.
The refrigerator. It’s a good idea to take all the shelves and drawers out and wash with soap and water and wipe down the interior of the fridge.
The oven. At least once a year we should deep clean our ovens from top to bottom. Here’s an almost effortless way! Just warm up the oven to 150 degrees, turn the oven off, and then place a small bowl of ammonia (1/2 cup) on the top rack and a large pot with boiling water on the bottom rack. Let it sit overnight with the oven door closed and then wipe clean with some dishwashing liquid and a rag or sponge.
Bedding. Pillows, comforters, dust ruffles.
The washing machine. You can purchase a specialty cleaner or use white cleaning vinegar for the washer to ensure mold and mildew don’t build up and cause a stench you can’t get rid of. Leave the washer door open when not in use so it can dry out and further prevent mold and mildew.
Windows. Clean the inside of each window but also make sure to clean the outside of the windows to remove dirt and grime that built up over winter. House Beautiful’s pro tip is to wash on a cloudy day, so the cleanser doesn’t immediately dry on the windows.
Carpet. According to House Beautiful, the carpet should be professionally cleaned every 18 months in areas that don’t have a lot of traffic and three or four times a year in high traffic area.
Complete Unfinished Projects. Finish up and projects you started over the winter to make time for the new ones come spring when the air is fresh, and the temperatures start to rise.
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Schools out for summer! Which means it’s time to take in all that the season has to offer in El Paso! And that certainly includes time with friends and family for a night out cheering on the Chihuahuas! To get you out to have some fun times all summer long, we’ve dedicated this blog with an easy to read schedule that shows when and where our home town team in town this summer.
Nestled in the heart of downtown El Paso, and a short drive from our apartments at Cantara, Southwest University Park which is home to the Chihuahuas offers a great setting for summer fun. Before you go, click into their website here to read more about group specials, birthday packages, and other savings and seasonal specials.
In Town:
June 27 – 29 – v/s Sacramento
June 30 – July 2 v/s Reno
July 7 – 9 v/s Salt Lake
July 21 – 24 v/s Omaha
July 25 – 28 v/s Iowa
August 11 – 14 v/s Las Vegas
August15 – 29 v/s Albuquerque
August 24 – 27 v/s Sacramento
August 29 – 31 v/s Fresno
August 29 – Sept 1 v/s Las Vegas
September 2- 5 v/s Albuquerque
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With summer in full swing, we’re dedicating our June blogs to some of our favorite things to do and see in and around El Paso this summer. If you need more ideas, just stop in our office or give us a call at our apartment community in El Paso
Eat Drink and Be Merry
In the Segundo Barrio, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some of the best pan dulces in the state at Bowie Bakery. Locals will note they are as colorful as the neighborhood’s many murals.
Love Enchiladas? We do too and often frequent H & H Carwash for their absolutely delicious Red Cheese Enchiladas.
Other yummy stops in El Paso for great local food include L & J Café which is just across the street from the Concordia Cemetery.
For what may call ‘unorthodox comfort food,” there’s no better place to get a great variety at a great value. At Ode Brewing Company we love their friend Buffalo-style cauliflower, pork tortas, and don’t miss those homemade brews, too!
Shop Til You Drop
As noted in a recent Texas Monthly article: “While downtown’s El Centro shopping district is a bargain-seekers mecca, the west sides’ new TI:ME at Montecillo development is a ‘hip nucleus” of indie shops tucked in to shipping containers.
Two of our favorites include Mother of Pearl Vinyl and Chuco Relic which has a great selection of goods made by local artisans.
Sightsee in Your Hometown
If you have yet to spend some time at Chamizal National Park, it’s time you do. You’ll step back in time and learn all about the 1964 land swap that settled a dispute and cause the shifting of the Rio Grande.
Be it by foot or by tram, every view in and around the Franklin Mountain State Park is worth the time invested with family and friends. For a little exercise and fresh air, we prefer a hike up the Ron Coleman Trail; for a gentler way to the top, take the famous Wyler Aerial Tramway gondola that goes to Ranger Peak.
Just outside the El Paso Museum of History is a showcase within itself. Make some time to soak up the talent with the DIGIE display. This interactive digital tapestry of photos and narratives tells the tales of two nations.
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Summer is almost here! Take a look at this list of fun things to do in and around your apartment in El Paso this June! Have fun, be safe, and have a super summer, too!
El Paso Chihuahuas
Take me out to the ball park!
See the full summer schedule here.
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
Demonstrations every Saturday of the month
11:00 a.m. – 2: oo p.m.
4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain
National Trails Day Hike
June 3
Wyler Aerial Tramway
Celebrate National Trails Day with a hike up and around Ranger Peak.
Cinderella
June 6
7:30 p.m.
The Plaza Theatre
Hueco Tanks Rare Plant Tour!
Jun 10
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Did you know Hueco Tanks is home to plants that only grow here in the entire United States? Come find out why.
Wings of the World Bird Show
Every Wednesday and Saturday in June
12:30 pm. & 2:30 p.m.
El Paso Zoo
Women's Hike – Hueco Tanks
June 10
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
A women-only hike in Hueco Tanks with Park Interpreter Dr. Kendra Moore.
Outdoor Cooking – Back to Basics
June 17
Wyler Aerial Tramway
Learn how to cook on a Dutch Oven.
PAW Patrol, LIVE!
June 16
The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center
ElPaso Street Fest
June 23
6:00 p.m.
1 Civic Center Plaza
Last Sunday Hike
June 25
Wyler Aerial Tramway
Learn about the wildlife of the Franklin Mountains!
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With spring in full swing and summer around the corner, we thought this month’s batch of blogs could focus on some fun things to do in and around your apartment in El Paso! Have fun, be safe, and have a super summer ahead!
Learn How to Clean Your Bike!
May 13
10:00 AM Community Workshop
Bring your bike; supplies provided
Downtown Cruise Bike Ride
May 14
5:00 p.m.
San Jacinto Plaza
4th Annual Elephant Butte Lake Kayak Fishing Tournament
May 19 – 21
Elephant Butte Lake
101 NM-195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935
Ride for Silence
May 17
6:30 p.m.
300 North Campbell
Wings of the World Bird Show
May 18 – 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
May 20 – 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
May 24 – 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
May 27 – 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
El Paso Zoo
Mortuz Velos Ally Cat Bike Race
May 19
5:00 p.m.
3011 Pershing Drive
Learn How to Change a Flat Bike Tire
May 20
10:00 a.m.
117 Anthony Street
Sombra Antiqua Winery Concert
See website for more concert information for the balance of the summer.
May 20 – Live music with Chris Baker and Juilo Ortiz Cameo
May 21 – Live music with Skivi Meredith
May 27 – Live music with Chris Baker and Juilo Ortiz Cameo
May 28 – Live music with The Two of U
430 La Vina Road, Anthony, NM
Hueco Tanks Yoga Tour
May 20
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Take a relaxing yoga tour in Hueco Tanks.
Hueco Tanks Birding Hike
May 20
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Visited by over 200+ different species of birds throughout the year, come see what’s here in May!
Hueco Tanks Constellation Tour
May 25
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Check out the Constellations of Spring this month.
Geocaching 101
May 28
Wyler Aerial Tramway
Take part on this modern-day treasure hunt.
Last Sunday Hike
May 28
Wyler Aerial Tramway
Let's hike up Ranger Peak!
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If you’ve got kids, of course you want to make sure they grow up fit and healthy. But you also know it’s hard to juggle work, family, and physical activity. We’re here to help!
With all the great weather that we annual enjoy in and around the Cantara Apartments in El Paso, we thought we’d share a few tips to keep us healthy inside and out of our community this spring and throughout the balance of 2017.
Here’s #1: “Unplug and Plug-in to the Great Outdoors”. There’s no better way to set a healthy example than to lead the pack. Gather the whole family and get outside for fresh air and a good old fashioned hike or bike around the block, unplugged.
Tip #2 “Plan Outdoor Activities” This one could not come at a better time! The Humane Society of El Paso is seeking volunteers to walk their dogs or take their dogs on your own field trips. Take a look at this link and then plan some special time with your family to enjoy a short walk around the block or weekend with a new furry friend.
Tip #3: Take a Fitness Class Together There are more gyms and parks and recreation programs that we have room for on this blog so click on this link to check out all the options that await you and your kids for keeping fit this spring. If your little ones are too little to participate, a beautiful walk in the spring with a stroller by your side is always a good workout as well.
Tip #4: Set Up A “Skinny Gym”
Make a bad weather day good with a family fun workout inside your apartment in ElPaso. You don’t need much to have all the equipment stored in a small spot to get big results. Here’s a quick list of some of the fitness items we keep around when the outdoors keeps us in:
- Resistance bands
- Dumbbells
- A yoga mat
- A jump rope
- Wii Fit for the Nintendo Wii
Tip #5 Turn Indoor Chores into Indoor Fun!
No one every likes to do chores by the themselves so we’re recommending a few tips to turn everyday tasks into a game you can all do together. We like to ask our kids what music they want to hear when doing the dishes or sorting laundry. Before you know it, you may find all of you singing and dancing around the house while tidying up.
Tip #6 Plan Healthy Meals, Together
Springtime is a great time to familiarize your family with all the fabulous Farmer’s Markets that are popping up this time of the year in and around El Paso. Plan an outing every week and then sit down and plan your weekly meals. When you have healthy food in the fridge, it’s a lot easier to enjoy your family feasts with fresh goods from our local farms. For a complete list of El Paso Farmers Markets, click here, and happy, healthy shopping!
Tip #7 Empower Your Kids to Be the Food Police!
There’s something to be said about giving your children the opportunity to police what you eat, and what they consume as well. Have a chat about ‘smart-eating’ habits, then take a tour through your cupboards and see how well your house is stocked for the upcoming spring and summer months.
Tip #8 Bring Back the Bedtime Stories
With all the noise and technology that wraps around our family’s everyday life, we try our best to shut it all down just after the sun sets. Take time to find some quiet time and bring back the tradition of curling up and reading a good book or sharing a bedtime story every night.
Sleep tight!
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Springtime is one of the best times to head outdoors from your apartment in El Paso to enjoy all the local color and lovely events that flourish this time of the year. To help you enjoy all that there is to do in your back yard, we’ve picked a few of our favorites to share with you now!
Michael McDonald Performs at The Plaza Theatre in El Paso
April 4 – 7:30 pm
Plaza Theatre
1 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX
A great family-friendly concert is coming to El Paso when Michael McDonald take the stage at the Plaza Theatre. A legend of the top music chart hits for four decades, Michael is well know for his career with the Doobie Brothers when hits like “What a Fool Believes” and solo hits like “I Keep Forgettin” were playing on radio stations throughout the world. Get the family together, get your tickets, and go enjoy an evening of timeless music for a great night on the town.
21st Annual Veterans Parade in San Elizario
April 5
San Elizario Historic District
The 21th Annual Veterans Parade & Celebration is coming our way in El Paso. It starts starts at 9 a.m. at Thompson Rd and Socorro Rd and heads east on Socorro Road to Main Street in San Elizario and ends at Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of the San Elizario Church. Stay to watch the Veteran presentations, annual Lighting of the Candels and POW-MIA festivities.
Arts in the Parks Workshop Series: Photography
April 15
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930
Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
There’s always something to do in and around our apartments in El Paso and this spring is no exception. Get your calendar, pull out your camera, and head to the Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park to enjoy a fun and educational day with famed photographer David Quintanilla. With his personal guidance, you will have the opportunity to practice your photography skills and enjoy the views at the park. A special note: If you participate in this workshop you will be able to participate on our Arts in the Parks exhibition at the International Museum of Art in El Paso.
La Viña Winery Spring Wine Festival
April 22 – 23
La Viña Winery
One of our favorite springtime events is on tap Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23 2017, from noon to 7 p.m. when La Viña Winery hosts their annual Spring Wine Festival.
Over 20 wines will be available for tasting and purchase. Adult admission to the festival is $20 and includes a souvenir glass and a choice of 9 wines or a glass of wine. There is a $10 admission for 12-20 years of age and those under the age of 12 will be admitted free.
Arts in the Parks Workshop Series: Acrylic Painting
April 22 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930
Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
Here’s another wonderful opportunity to enhance your artistic talents! Head to the Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park on April 22 for a free Acrylic Painting session with Missy Mitchel. Be sure to bring 1 small and 1 medium sized acrylic paint brushes; the rest of the tools and paints will be supplied. If you participate in this workshop you will be able to participate on our Arts in the Parks exhibition at the International Museum of Art in El Paso.
Sun City Craft Beer Festival
April 29th
Convention Center Plaza
It’s time again for the biggest craft beer festival in El Paso! If you enjoy sipping brews in the sunshine while listing to some great bands and eating scrumptious food, make plans now to head on out to the Sun City Craft Beer Festival on April 29th. This year they will showcase over 150 different craft beers brought to you from 60 breweries from near and far. There’s plenty for kids of all ages to make this a great spring day for all involved.
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With Spring Break and Easter Vacation right around the corner, it’s probably a good idea to make some plans ahead of time to ensure your kids have a great vacation, and you do, too.
Here’s another list of local suggestions from our neighbors at Cantara Apartments of favorite places kids like to eat in El Paso.
L & J Café Don’t let their slogan “The Old Place by the Graveyard” scare you away from this family-favorite spot. Well known for their “Authentic Boarder Mexican Food”,
L & J Café continues to win awards as “El Paso’s Best Mexican Restaurant.” And with good reason. If you have dined at the Café, you know why the accolades continue; if you haven’t, just one night out with your kids during Spring Break, or any time of the year, and you’ll know why they remain at the top spot.
Carlos & Mickey’s Kids of all ages love this cantina and restaurant in El Paso. From their award-winning Margaritas to their delectable daily specials, Carlos & Mickeys has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for over 65 years. Owned and operated by the Arrambide family since 1965, the recipes remain traditional, and the service is always exceptional. Whether you’re looking for a family night out, or have a special occasion to celebrate, check out Carlos & Mickey’s website right here for a complete menu and private party information, too.
Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ For real Texas barbecue and a real good time, head on over to Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ on the east or west side of El Paso. Their mouthwatering menu includes all the traditional items one would expect from a home-grown barbecue joint. Today, Rudy’s is a well-respected franchise that serves Briskets, Ribs, Sausage, Chicken and more for a hearty appetite or for take-out, too.
Rosco’s Burger Inn Just one look at all of the Trip Advisor food reviews on-line and you’ll be quickly convinced to head off to Rosco’s for one of their famous burgers, and then some! No need to dress up; in fact, it’s casual atmosphere is part of the dining adventure in this rather small spot with really big ratings!
Ripe Eatery & Market If you’re looking for a healthy spot for lunch, dinner or brunch, you need to check out the Ripe Eatery & Market in El Paso. From scrumptious salads to hearty sandwiches, and a wide selection of delicious fish dishes, this local’s hot spot is a must-not-miss for families who seek a great meal at a good value.
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With Spring Break right around the corner, we thought we’d send along some of our favorite things to do with our kids on vacation right here in El Paso. Through a variety of resources and chats with the neighbors within our apartment community in El Paso, we’ve created this short list to fill the forthcoming long hours of daytime fun.Everyone Loves a Day at the Zoo! What’s not to enjoy and remember when you can take your kids to the El Paso Zoo to watch lion taming, animal feeding and so much more so close to home. It’s a family favorite year-round and a super family thing to do when you’re looking for an educational option that’s loaded with fun. For a complete schedule of activities, and more information, click to the El Paso Zoo website right here.
Go Downtown for Some Uptown Fun If you get a bad day of weather, head to the El Paso Museum of Art for some good times for all ages. In addition to all the exhibits, there are arts and crafts classes scheduled throughout the spring. From jewelry to ceramics, to photography and comic and character drawing classes, the museum has an excellent list of activities to keep your kids creative all spring long, and year-round. For a full list of art classes at the El Paso Museum, click here.
Get Out and Up on the Wyler Aerial Tram If you have yet to experience the views and history that comes with this breathtaking ride up to Ranger Peak, put this on your list. The four-minute ride will take you and yours over a 240-foot-deep canyon wrapped with incredible views of the city below. The adventure is as educational as it is memorable as the Wyler Aerial Tram has a host who describes the rock formations, fauna and local wildlife that exist in the terrain way below. Up top, there’s more to see and do at its 7,000-foot elevation. For hours of operation for the Wyler Aerial Tram and ticket prices, click here to their website.
Take a Picnic to the Park Some of our best memories of family time in El Paso were at Franklin Mountain State Park. It’s beautiful in the springtime when wildflowers are beginning to bloom and warmer temperatures temp one to take a long hike, get out on a mountain bike, or donate some vacation time as a Volunteer Park Ranger. It nature at its best and it’s a short scenic drive to one of our state’s most prized state parks. If your spring break plans include trying a new sport, click here to see GeoBetty Tours’ website where they offer hiking and biking tourshttp://geobettytours.com/ in the Park for the novice to the most advanced.
Love Your Library Got a rainy day or need some downtime? We always enjoy the opportunity to take our kids to the El Paso Public Library. Before you go, we highly recommend you spend some time with your children on-line to review their very helpful “Kid’s Catalog” that has categories of things that might interest your kids. One click on the catalog selection and your child can then select a book or two that he or she may enjoy on a favorite subject or two!
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With the spring season around the corner, we decided to share some of the top decorating trends for apartments and townhouses in 2017. We have scoured our favorite resources and selected ideas to bring some color and fun into your apartment in ElPaso.
House Plants are on the Rise!
Recent statistics from Pinterest.com note that there has been a 200% increase in house plant purchases – and with good reason. From plants that require lots of sunshine to those who don’t, there are lots of great options, and most don’t need too much care.
Not sure which are best for your home? We found this great resource for you. Just click here to ApartmentTherapy.com for a full list of the top house plants for apartments.
“Hygge” – The New Term for Comfy
Did you know the secret to happiness is now referred to as “Hygge” décor? We didn’t either, so we had to check this new trend out. According to our resource on this subject, here’s their take on this upcoming trend for 2017: “Finding the words to convey sentimental feelings can be hard sometimes. Yet, the opposite is true when it comes to the Danish term "hygge." Although there is literally no single translation for the concept (pronounced hoo-gah or hue-gah) the Danes use hygge to describe the warm feelings of happiness, comfort, and coziness—not unlike our idea of holiday spirit—they strive to achieve during the cooler weather seasons.”
Nightstands Bring New Light to Bedroom Décor
It was a bit hard to believe, yet according to the top online décor sites, the interest in ‘nightstands’ has far exceeded any former stats. On Pinterest alone, they have seen a 721% increase in clicks to anything to do with bed stands or small table décor. If you are a DIY aficionado, here’s a good link with step by step directions on how to make your own nightstand.
Color it Copper, Poised Taupe, Pink or Byzantine Blue
Be it a blanket, throw, floor rug, pillow, purse, or a new pair of shoes, the top colors of 2017 are now in; some we are familiar with, and others have opened our eyes to new ideas. Gone are the blankets that we have stored in the closet for unknown reasons or the pillows we have had for 20 years. In are the Pink shoes for Easter celebrations with a Byzantine Blue accessory to complement our fresh look of spring!
Wicker Makes a Comeback
I can remember sitting on my Grandmother’s wicker chairs and always wondering if I would end up with their ownership? I should have nabbed them when I could as and wicker (and rattan) baskets, furniture, and home décor accents are at the top of the charts for 2017. FYI: we found a super way to add wicker into our apartment in El Paso by using wicker baskets for storage of towels and such.
Happy decorating!
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