Get Your Christmas Crafts at the La Casa Bazaar This Weekend

Yesterday we wrote about some great local gift ideas, and we neglected to mention that this weekend you have your annual opportunity for great crafty gifts at the La Casa Bazaar.

This is Southern New Mexico's largest holiday bazaar and it starts today at the Las Cruces Convention Center. The best part about this fun filled shopping extravaganza is that you help victims of domestic violence when you go and buy something!

It will cost you $5 to get in and shop at the over 100 booths featuring top artisans and vendors from throughout the Southwest. All proceeds go to the La Casa Domestic Violence Shelter and Programs.

This year there's an extra special feature for those of you who would rather watch the game! A special "man cave" has been set up to give husbands, or others, an escape to watch their favorite sports while their spouses take their time shopping and snacking on biscochitos, chile sauces and other treats. Be sure not to miss the La Casa Cookie Cupboard, filled with home-baked goods and other holiday treats!

Other exciting features this year include the annual raffle which this year includes an adobe territorial-style dollhouse built by Studio D Architects and Diemer Construction, a cookie walk, a gift certificate grab bag, the La Casa Store, and other great raffle items.

Most importantly, this year the event is needed more than ever. With financial shortages at the national and state level, grants are non-existent or smaller than ever. In times like these it is up to all of us to step up and help. Events like this give you the opportunity to help in ways that also help you cross things off your to-do list.

La Casa provides shelter, survival basics and other help for domestic violence victims and their families. Everything raised from the bazaar will go right back into operating costs.

Here are all the details:

La Casa Bazaar
Benefits: La Casa shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children
Bazaar hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave. at El Paseo
How much: $5 each day, kids under 12 free
Info: (575) 526-2819, lacasainc.org

By far the most exciting economic news in 2011 was Union Pacific's decision to move it's operations out of El Paso and into Santa Teresa. Here's why:

Facility To Bolster Economy

Union Pacific Railroad is constructing a state-of-the-art rail facility in the southern part of the state. With an overall economic impact of $500 million for the New Mexico economy, Union Pacific's investment in the project totals more than $400 million.

The facility will create 3,000 jobs during the construction phase from 2011 to 2015, and will eventually be headquarters for more than 600 permanent jobs. While these jobs are not necessarily New Mexico residents, they will pay NM income taxes and the opportunity is huge for those NM residents looking for jobs. 

For the first time ever, southern New Mexico will have a key inland port, positioning the Santa Teresa area as a strategic focal point for goods movement in the southwestern U.S. This opens up countless new ancillary opportunities for economic growth Santa Teresa. It also adds to the growth in transportation opporunities in Santa Teresa which started with the Dona Ana County International Airport, then the border crossing, and now rail. 

The opportunities for future economic development resulting from this project are huge. 

About The Project 

The site for the facility is located just west of the Santa Teresa Airport, and will incorporate:

Fueling Facilities - Located along the busy "Sunset Route" between El Paso and Los Angeles, this fueling facility will enhance commerce and goods movement in the state of New Mexico.

Crew Change Buildings - This facility will eventually serve as home base for Union Pacific employees operating long-haul trains out of the area. 

Intermodal Block Swap /Switching Yard - Enhancing capacity and efficiency, this new switching yard will incorporate the latest engineering techniques for improved efficiency and throughput.

Intermodal Ramp - This regionally focused intermodal ramp will permit both local and regional businesses more immediate access to the efficiencies of freight trains.

Immediate Economic/Jobs Impact

Upon completion, the project will have generated $500 million in economic impact in New Mexico, creating thousands of jobs and fostering a new economic base for the Southern region of the state.

With construction anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011 and continuing through 2014, the region will see impact as soon as this year, with substantial upside for many years to come.

Competitive Global Economy Demands Efficiency 

The construction of the Santa Teresa facility will permanently position Southern New Mexico as a crucial component of the historic "Sunset Route," one of the oldest and most critical rail corridors in American history, securing New Mexico's future as a leader in the goods movement industry.

Union Pacific's initial plans for capital spending in 2011 total $3.2 billion in support of America's freight transportation needs and to continue enhancing the safety and efficiency of its 32,000-mile network.

The resulting improved rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks.

The March of Dimes High Heels for High Hopes 2011 Runway Show is tonight at 6pm at the Las Cruces Convention Center! 

This year's choreographed runway show features 21 local models and their Salon Partners interpreting fashion on all seven continents. Each model has been fundraising for the event benefiting the March of Dimes. 

The event highlights include a VIP reception pre-party, General Reception, Silent Auction, Runway Show and After Party.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

In Las Cruces the March of Dimes organizes several anual fundraisers include High Heels for High Hopes and the Celebrity Waiter event in March. 

For many communities the beginning of November marks the end of golf season. In Las Cruces, it markes some of the best golfing you can find.

Our weather is fabulous in October and November. It's cooling down, but you will only need a jacket with your early tee times, and you'll probably take that jacket off after the first 9 holes. This is one of the best things about living in Las Cruces!

In Las Cruces you now have a forth public golf course to choose from - Red Hawk Golf Club. Located on the Northeast side of town, Red Hawk has great views of the Dona Ana and Organ Mountains. While the residential community is just getting started out there, the golf course is up and running! If you're interested in living in a golf course community let us know.

Red Hawk Golf Club

Red Hawk has five sets of tees, with yardage ranging from 5,502 to 7,523. Hazards include 5 lakes (with water coming into play on 8 holes) and 76 bunkers. The course covers 200 acres (100 acres of turf, 50 acres of planted native grasses, and 50 acres of natural desert) in southern New Mexico's high desert terrain (elevation: 4.300 feet). The course is noteworthy for its links-style features, its rolling and generous greens, and its challenging yet spacious design. 

I'm already willing to say that it's the best plact o get an Indian Taco - fry bread topped with beans and beef, smothered in red or green chile, finished with lettuce and tomato and served with sour cream and guacamole. Yummy. 

Seferino's started out in Rio Rancho, New Mexico and the owner has operated a few different spots before opening up the newest location by Kinkos on University. 

Seferino's has everything from tacos to tamales to frech toast in the morning. Their assortment of rolled enchilada plates ranging from plain cheese, to carne adovada, to chorizo and potato might seem typical of most Las Cruces Mexican food restaurants, but there's something about Seferino's that makes them a little different. 

Seferino's offers a full service breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, with a broad range of meals to choose from.

Along with burritos and omelets, the restaurant serves Breakfast Rellenos - two roasted green chiles, stuffed with cheese and fried, and topped with two eggs and a choice of red or green chile. All of the rellenos are roasted and prepared at the restaurant. Though the full breakfast menu is limited to weekends, Seferino's sells breakfast burritos Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m.

I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

When you mention Whole Enchilada around Las Cruces most people think about the fiesta and the parade.

When you mention Whole Enchilada to softball players they think about the Whole Enchilada Softball Invitational which takes place this year 10/7 through 10/9 at the Hadley Sports Complex.

So why do softball players from around the country know about his? It's the largest adult slow pitch softball event in the nation and it takes place right here in Las Cruces, NM.

It has produced over 250 men's and women's teams for the past 15 years. The Whole Enchilada is sanctioned by the United States Specialty Sports Association and has a World Tournament flavor. In fact, players call this the "Super Bowl" of softball.

It's a large and exciting event, not to mention an economic boost in that so many travel from out of town bringing money to pump into the economy. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, we highly recommend you go spend a few hours at the Hadley Sports Complex to watch a few games. They're not only exciting, they're free!

Learn more about the USSSA on their website: http://www.usssa.com/sports/organizationlinks.asp?Sport=11

Today we want to highlight an organization called El Caldito Soup Kitchen.

El Caldito is a community and volunteer based, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, and a Grade A food service establishment that has been serving meals to those in need in our community since 1984. More than 72,000 free meals are served annually.

It does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, handicap, income, national origin, or any other way.

Hot nutritious meals are served every day from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and a sack lunch on Saturday at no cost to the client. Some food is donated by local supermarkets, bakeries, individuals, organizations, producers, businesses, and various food drives throughout the community.

Still, much food, utilities, and all service items must be purchased and that's why the Empty Bowls Fundraiser is so important.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser

The Potters' Guild of Las Cruces holds Empty Bowls annually in mid-October to fight hunger by raising funds for El Caldito Soup Kitchen. Guild members make over 1000 bowls each year, local restaurants donate soup, and ticket-holders enjoy a soup lunch and take home a hand-made pottery bowl.

This year's Empty Bowls is Friday, October 21 from 11 am to 1:30 pm at St. Paul's Methodist Church. You can buy tickets at the door for $18.

Watch this video to learn more:

If you'd like more information on El Caldito Soup Kitchen visit their website:
http://elcaldito.wordpress.com/

We have written before about how presenting an attractive home to potential buyers can greatly increase your chances of selling your house quickly.

Here are 6 more ideas on how to make the inside of your Las Cruces home stand out.

1. Float the Furniture

Though it may seem natural to push furniture against the walls, try "floating" the furniture to make more intimate spaces for conversation. Lisa LaPorta, designer on HGTV's Designed to Sell, recommends visualizing a figure-eight or the letter H and placing furniture in that pattern. Just remember to create clear pathways for traffic to help the flow of the room.

2. Work the Windows

Window dressings can serve as the perfect accent to any room. If the room is small, consider opaque curtains, which allow more light to shine through and give the room a bigger feel. If your windows are narrow, extend the curtain rods about a foot on each side to give an illusion of width. Remember that curtains featuring vertical patterns create an elongated effect; this style compliments most windows in a home. We talked about your windows in more detail last week.

3. Don't be Afraid of Color

Painting is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to revive a home. Keep in mind that painting walls with a rich color can make the spaces more intimate, dramatic and cozy, while lighter, paler shades help rooms appear more spacious. When in doubt, go neutral.

4. Draw Attention to Art

Instead of hanging art along an invisible line encircling each room, consider hanging pieces in diagonal, triangular or vertical patterns. Michael Friedes, a stager with Nest Home Design, says this creates visual interest and can help direct the eye toward interesting features in a room, such as a bay window or high ceilings.

5. Accessorize in Threes

When creating displays for table tops, shelves, walls and other spaces around your home, experts recommend accessorizing in odd numbers - especially groups of three-and grouping objects by unifying elements, such as color or texture. Display items of various heights and widths with the largest objects in the back.

6. Get Some Flowers

Seasonal flowers help a home appear fresh, clean and beautiful. Whether you showcase budding magnolia clippings in spring or holly branches in winter, there are beautiful arrangements to display in any season. You can't make mistakes when arranging flowers, so remember to get creative and have fun!

Bonus: Choose a Realtor who can help you!

One of the best ways to help prevent unexpected disasters from harming your home and your family is to install detectors that will alert you at the first sign of danger. Below, we have listed three life-saving alarms every Las Cruces home should have.

Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors are one of your best defenses against house fires. The U.S. Fire Administration states that you should install smoke detectors on every floor of your home. Furthermore, smoke detectors should be in multiple areas: inside and outside of bedrooms, in laundry rooms, near furnaces and other areas where fires could start.

It's absolutely vital that you inspect your smoke detectors every month. Smoke detectors typically have a test button that will sound the alarm when pressed. If the alarm does not sound during the test, you should replace the detector's battery. Most modern smoke detectors will chirp when the batteries are running low, reminding you to replace them.

It's also important to discuss an escape plan with your family. Choose a location outside of your home for your family to meet in the event of a fire and make sure that each member of your family has a way to escape your home from every room.

Carbon Monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide (or CO) is an odorless and invisible gas usually emitted from gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters and cars. This gas is poisonous and can be lethal at certain levels.

CO detectors are essential in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. In the event that your CO detector sounds its alarm, have your family evacuate the house and check for symptoms of CO poisoning, such as dizziness, chest pains, nausea and headaches.

If you or your family members exhibit any of these signs, dial 911. If you don't exhibit any of these signs, turn off your appliances, open your windows to ventilate your home and call a professional to determine the levels of CO in your home.

Home security systems
As well as protecting your family from hazards inside your home, you should also consider the dangers potentially lurking outside - namely, burglars.

We see in the news that a home burglary can occur at any time of day. Among other measures, you can reduce the chance that your home will be burglarized by installing a home security system. Studies have shown that homes without a security system are three times as likely to be burglarized than a home with a security system in place.

Home security systems vary in their designs. Some may be motion based while others rely on door/window sensors or security cameras. It's important to determine which security system will best suit your house. For example, if you have a pet that roams around your house at night, a motion detection security system may not be the best choice for your home.

If you arrive home and your house appears to have been burglarized, leave the premises immediately and dial 911 on a cell phone or a neighbor's phone. Do not attempt to investigate your home, as the intruder could still be inside. You also do not want to tamper with the crime scene before police officers arrive.

These are just a few helpful tips for keeping you, your family and your home safe. For more safety tips concerning fires, carbon monoxide and other hazards, visit the websites for the U.S. Fire Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The 4th annual Men Who Cook fundraiser for the Mesilla Valley Hospice Foundation is Saturday, August 13 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

We love this party! And I call it a party on purpose. It may be a fundraiser, but it's more like a good time for a good cause.

It's planned to have over 70 celebrity chefs from around Dona Ana County who will feed attendees the best dish they can come up with. This is the only event of its kind in Las Cruces, NM where each of the men prepares a favorite dish or gourmet specialty, and plenty of it, serving it to the attendees at the evening's event.

Last year's event brought in more than $66,000 in charity funds, benefiting those who cannot afford the hospice's services or don't have medical insurance. This year they're selling more tickets, move the location to a bigger venue at the new convention center, and added more entertainment.

The event will be held from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the new Las Cruces Convention Center. Doors open promptly at 6:00pm, food will be served from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, and there will be live entertainment from 8:00pm to 10:00pm including a silent auction.

New to this year's event includes a DJ, live entertainment, and a silent auction featuring crafts from around the county. But the main attraction is the FOOD! I don't know about you, but when I put Murray in the kitchen, his number one priority is taste! You should find everything from smoked ribs, yakitori and sweet potato casserole to a wheelbarrow full of chocolate cake and jalapeno poppers. For the best dish, or the station that raises the most tips (which end up donations to hospice), the creator will be named the KAyLaurel Rischer Chef of the Year.

Also, all recipes from the event will be published in a recipe book for sale at the event and at the hospice foundation for $5 for a digital version and $20 for a printed version.

Don't eat lunch Saturday so you'll come hungry!

Free food and drinks will be available courtesy of Farley's, Texas Roadhouse, Walmart and Neuro energy drinks. Other vendors include a Hawaiian Shaved Ice stand, Shred's Board Shop, NMSU Outdoor Recreation and more.

Even if you aren't into skating it should be a really fun event. $5 for general admission includes free food and drinks, and some entertainment. You can't beat that.
Those of you with kids interested in skating, be sure to get out there and encourage them to get active. Those of you looking to move to Las Cruces, know that we have great programs in Las Cruces for our children.

Other Events This Week

7/22

Comedy at the Cabaret - Gary Hood and Kyle Reade at the Boba Cafe & Cabaret

1900 S. Espina

7/23

The fifth annual Donate Life Car Show and Health Expo - Health provides, food vendors and live music at Young Park.

1905 E. Nevada St.

7/26

Photographic Symposium - Passionate photographers looking to enhance their skills won't want to miss this event from 8 am to 6 pm at the Preston Contemporary Art Center.

1755 Avenida de Mesilla

$55 entry

7/27

Cornhole Tournament - Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, takes place at The Game's newly renovated outdoor patio at 7 pm.

Free Yoga!!!

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 10 am to 11 am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary's parish school building

1260 S. Espina St.

When we think of home repairs and remodeling, we don't usually remember the roof. But if your roof's in bad shape, nothing else matters. The value of your home is severely influenced by a roof that needs fixing.

What You Can't See Can Hurt Your Roof

The problem with roofs is that it's not easy to know when it's time to repair or replace it. By the time you do know, it's usually too late, and you're stuck with big problems. I have encountered a few instances while helping clients sell their home where the faulty roofs created some unwanted troubles. Make it a habit each fall and spring (perhaps when you set your clocks?) to do a roof check. Look for the following:

• Your shingles are missing, curling, cupping, broken or cracked.
• There's leakage in your attic after a storm, or after ice build-up.
• Exterior or interior paint begins blistering or peeling.
• There are stains on your interior ceilings and walls.
• You notice dark, dirty-looking areas on the roof.
• Your energy costs go up drastically, indicating that heat is escaping through your roof.
• Pooling or ponds of water won't drain from your flat roof, indicating poor drainage or low areas.

Inspect the underside of your roof from the attic with a flashlight. A couple of pinholes are normal, and the shingles will usually swell the holes shut when the roof is wet. But you should take note of holes that look bigger.

When in Doubt, Seek Professional Help

If you're not sure what you're looking for, contact an inspector. Never go on your roof to inspect or repair it - the risk isn't worth the money you'd save.

Looking for a roofer when you're desperate for one can lead to hasty, unwise decisions. Be sure to shop around first, and select a licensed, insured roofer who guarantees all work. Being proactive about roof repairs or replacements now can save you lots of stress later.

Roofers in Las Cruces:

G. Bishop Roofing
www.gbishoproofing.com/

Professional Roof Repair by Cottonwood Construction
www.roofrepairlascruces.com/

Progreen Superior Coatings & Roofing
www.progreenlc.com/

C D General Contractors
www.cdgeneralnm.com/

Do you have any personal experience with roof problems? If so and you'd like to share, leave your story in a comment below.

If you’re interested in more ways you can avoid big problems like a faulty roof, we’ve provided you with a free seller’s guide. Even if you aren’t selling your home, this guide is helpful to you because it can give you ideas you possibly haven’t thought of yet on how to improve your home and your life.

 To access your very own free seller’s guide, visit and follow the directions at:

http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com/login.php?reffer=http://www.sellingahomeinlascruces.com/sellers_guide_book.php

Las Cruces has just received another prestigious recognition!
Forbes Magazine ranks Las Cruces No. 14 on its "Best Small Places for Business and Careers" list.

Besides all of the awards and recognitions from national organizations, I want to express my feelings about living in Las Cruces.

The Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers rankings are based on:

• past and future projected job growth,
  
• business and living costs,
  
• income growth, education
  
• projected economic growth.
  
• Quality of life areas such as crime rate, cultural and recreational
  

Las Cruces' metro area, has made the Forbes list four times before. Las Cruces, NM has a positive and growing economy. It provides a great, low cost opportunity for businesses to relocate their offices, establish new facilities, and to open new businesses. There are extensive training and educational facilities for the readily available workforce, and a low cost of living. All of this plus a lifestyle that offers wonderful arts, culture, and recreational opportunities.
See all of the awards Las Cruces has gotten for these  important qualities. 

 I personally would like to add my feeling about life and lifestyle in Las Cruces:

Las Cruces is the best place to live, raise children, work, and retire.
We are: "Unique" ... "A perfect location" ... "An ideal climate"...
"A Dream Town"

Join me and see "Enchanting Las Cruces" – How can you not love Las Cruces?

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If you are from out of town and would like our great relocation package
just click here.

Our Guide to Las Cruces and Relocating to Las Cruces Websites will provide you a look at the Las Cruces Lifestyle.

• Las Cruces can be found nestled between the majestic spires of the Organ Mountains and the fertile green belt of the Rio Grande's Mesilla Valley.
  
• You will find that Las Cruces has beautiful year round weather, with 350-days of sunshine, 4- distinct seasons.
• We pride ourselves on our Multi-Cultural history, diversity, and traditions.
  
•  Las Cruces is home to many year round arts & cultural events, sporting attractions, and outdoor recreation.
• we still have that friendly, Southwestern, small town feeling. Las Cruces is the perfect place to live!

As always, this is Evelyn Bruder, I want you to know that I am available to assist with any of your Las Cruces problems or questions - Real Estate or Not.

This is a shameless request.
If you are reading this then the bar below is familiar to you, and I hope that you will:   

• Add a comment about what you love or dislike about Las Cruces.
• Share this Blog with your friends and family
• We would really love it if you would use the follow us and like us on whatever social media you use.
  

As a parent, I know how important education is to a child’s life. We all know that teenagers especially need a little extra guidance. If put in the right environment, it’s wonderful to see your young one grow and flourish into an independent, compassionate adult. I’m glad to see that Las Cruces has provided such an environment at the Early College High School. 

Early College High School isn’t just a school; it’s an opportunity!

Las Cruces is home to the first early college high school in New Mexico. What’s an early college high school? It’s a joint effort between the university and the public school system aimed at reducing dropout rates by engaging students in the college process early. This engagement includes small class sizes and real-world applications in coursework. The best part is that students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associates degree.

However, the benefits don’t end there. The school is actually more affordable to run and build as costs were reduced through partnerships with NMSU and DACC. For example, the district doesn’t have the additional expense of building a gym or library because students will use university facilities instead.

Last year the early college high school opened to about 120 Las Cruces freshmen at its temporary location at Doña Ana Community College. Eventually the school will be located in the Arrowhead Research Park at New Mexico State University.

ECHS will cost around $18 million and serve 500 students, compared to the new high school under construction on Dripping Springs, which will have between 1,500 and 2,000 students, and cost around $110 million, resulting in a total cost per savings of 16 percent per ECHS student.

Within the next 4 years, the school will boast a maximum of 500 students in the 65,000 square-foot facility. It will feature state-of-the-art technology, a cafeteria and multipurpose center, a student commons area and administration offices. Students will also benefit from and continue to use facilities at NMSU and DACC.

The Early College High School is the first in New Mexico to take advantage of New Mexico House Bill 33. Instead of spending $18 million to build the school, Las Cruces Public Schools will lease the building for six years, paying 4 percent interest on the certificate of participation bonds, and make no lease payments until the campus opens in August 2011. In the sixth year, the school will buy out the lease for the principal amount of $18 million, paying off the loan with future bonds.

It was The Bridge of Southern New Mexico that launched the project. The Bridge was created through an education committee initiative of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce that formed the Regional Education Initiative, which led to community discussions regarding school attendance and graduation rates.

This joint effort between the business community and the school systems demonstrates that in Las Cruces, your education matters, and when the right people get together to address an issue, action is taken.

Do you have any other ideas as to how the education system could be improved? If so, please leave a comment below.

If you have young ones and are interested in learning more about the schools in Las Cruces, feel free to visit http://www.lascrucesschools.com/.

The remaining short films range in content from comedy animation, horror and documentary.

They include:

• "Shakespeare's Women," - a short film of essential female monologues delivered by local actresses with commentary

• "I Can't Wait," - a music video for artist Alex Carbonel

• "Baby Monitor," - a drama about a mom tormented by phantom crying from her baby monitor, written by Santa Fean, Jocelyn Jansons

• "Torcida," - about a defiant teenager who finds herself unexpectedly trapped in a brutal underworld

• "The Astronomer's Sun," - a short stop-animation film about Henry, his bear, and what it means to be human

• "Energy Tap Out," - a comedic documentary on the mixed-martial arts fighter Rex Sharpe who takes energy conservation to the extreme

Albuquerque natives Brent Morris, who directed the winning documentary "Flamenco School," and Adrien Colón, who directed the winning comedy "Energy Tap Out," will be on hand to discuss the influences and ideas for their films, and will answer questions from the audience. Trish Lopez, program director for New Mexico Filmmakers, will also be on hand for the event.

The screenings will take place in the newly renovated ENMSU-Ruidoso White Mountain Annex, 203 E. White Mountain Drive at 6 p.m. directly following an auction that starts at 4 p.m.

If you aren’t looking for a weekend trip to Ruidoso, you can also attend CineMatinee, hosted by the Mesilla Valley Film Society at the Fountain Theatre.

At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, the MVFS and the NM State Film Office are offering a free special feature and will screen the same seven winning films from the showcase.

The New Mexican Filmmakers showcase is free to the public. Regular CineMatinee tickets cost $4 for non-MVFS members and $1 for MVFS members.

Learn more about MVFS at http://mesillavalleyfilm.org/.

Also, if none of these are of interest to you, but you’re still curious about possible things to do in Las Cruces this weekend, perhaps you could check out one of the options presented in the link below:

http://www.guidetolascruces.com/theaters_and_venues.php

Facebook is one of the best ways to stay in touch with all my friends, but it’s also a place where I tend to find common complaints. For those of you filling my wall with complaints about the heat, I’ve come up with 3 of my family and friends’ favorite ways to beat the heat in Las Cruces.

1. Swimming

One of my family’s favorite ways to beat the heat during these Las Cruces summer days is by hanging out in the pool. Adding water is a surefire way to turn a hot and lazy day into an active enjoyable one. What if your new house doesn’t have a pool? No problem!

No matter where you live in Las Cruces, you are just minutes away from a cheap and fun public pool.

City of Las Cruces Pools

Aquatic Center
If you’re looking for an indoor swimming adventure, you will be hard pressed to find a better option than the new Las Cruces Aquatic Center. Built in 2010, the aquatic center offers your family a great escape from the summer heat. They have a lazy river, kids pool, heated pool and of course a huge water slide. Learn more in my blog about the Las Cruces Aquaitc Center.
http://www.lcrealestateblog.com/blog/swimming_in_the_snow/

Other Great Public Pools

Frenger Pool
800 Parkview Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001

East Mesa Bataan Memorial Pool
6141 Reynolds Rd.
Las Cruces, NM 88011

Laabs Pool
750 W. Picacho
Las Cruces, NM 88001

Apodaca Pool
801 E. Madrid,

Not Interested in Swimming?

For those of you looking for a way to put the sunscreen away and get out of the Las Cruces sun alltogether, we’ve added 2 more ways to beat the summer heat blues.

2. Catch a movie:

Other than traditional movie theaters, Las Cruces is blessed with the Fountain Theater run by the Mesilla Valley Film Society. This historic building just off of the Mesilla Plaza offers you a unique and historical atmosphere to enjoy alternative, foreign and independent film and videos.

Get a copy of their schedule at their webiste: http://mesillavalleyfilm.org/

3. Live Entertainment:

The Rio Grande Theater is a historical building sitting in the heart of Downtown Las Cruces. They have a summer calendar packed with everything from live music and dance to children’s theater events. Visit their website for more information: http://www.riograndetheatre.com/calendar/

The Las Cruces Community Theater is another option for live entertainment in Las Cruces. Read the blog I wrote about the history of this theater.
http://www.lcrealestateblog.com/blog/las_cruces_community_theater_tradition_and_entertainment/

So to those of you complaining about the heat on my Facebook wall, I’d like to send you one message: put away your computers and take advantage of one of the ways to get out of the summer heat in Las Cruces. I know I will!

What’s your favorite way to beat the heat in Las Cruces?

For suggestions on even more things to do in our beautiful city, head on over to the guide that we’ve compiled for you at: http://www.guidetolascruces.com/things_to_see_and_do.php

Cleaning and repairing your Las Cruces home’s siding once every year will pay off in the form of a long life and value for your home.

With proper care and a little regular maintenance, your home’s exterior could be trouble-free for 50 years and more. I know an elderly man who has lived in his home for about 40 years and has had it cleaned every two or three years. The home still looks brand new and beautiful! Cleaning the exterior of your home removes dirt and mildew that may shorten the life of that exterior. A clean house protects your investment, too. A good first appearance on a home can add as much as 5% to 10% to the value of the home.

Cleaning wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, fiber-cement siding

All types of siding benefit from a good cleaning once every year to remove grit, grime, and mildew. The best way—whether you have wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, or fiber-cement—is with a bucket of warm, soapy water (1/2 cup trisodium phosphate—TSP, available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and home improvement centers—dissolved in 1 gallon of water) and a soft-bristled brush attached to a long handle. Divide your house into 20-foot sections, clean each from top to bottom, and rinse. For two-story homes, you’ll be using a ladder, so keep safety foremost.

Cleaning an average-sized house may take you and a friend every bit of a weekend. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. If you don’t have the time—or the inclination—you can have your house professionally cleaned for $300-$500. A professional team will use a power washer and take less than a day.

When confronted with selling a house that needs a little bit of exterior TLC, I highly recommend Engel Coatings&Siding. This is the company to call to get the job done. Trust me, I have seen some dirty houses, but after Engel gets finished with them, the transformation has always been impressive. It makes my job in helping you to sell your home as quickly as possible at the best possible price easier.

You can rent a power washer to do the job yourself for about $75 per day, but beware if you don’t have experience with the tool. One year my husband and I learned this the hard way. Power washers force water through a nozzle at high pressure, resulting in water blasts that can strip paint, gouge softwoods, loosen caulk, and eat through mortar. Also, the tool can force water under horizontal lap joints, resulting in moisture accumulating behind the siding. A siding professional has the expertise to prevent water penetration at joints, seams around windows and doors, and electrical fixtures. We are no experts, so the damage we caused afterwards was frustrating. Ever since then, we either call a professional or use the brush and water method.

Inspect for damage

Right before you clean is the ideal time to inspect your Las Cruces home for signs of damage or wear and tear. A house exterior is most vulnerable to water infiltration where siding butts against windows, doors, and corner moldings. For all types of siding, look for caulk that has cracked due to age or has pulled away from adjacent surfaces, leaving gaps. Reapply a color-matched exterior caulk during dry days with temperatures in excess of 65°F for maximum adhesion. As we all know, there is no shortage of days like those here in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Other defects include wood siding with chipped or peeling paint, and cracked boards and trim. If you have a stucco exterior, like most houses in Las Cruces do, be on the lookout for cracks and chips. For brick, look for crumbling mortar joints. Repair defects before cleaning. The sooner you make repairs, the better you protect your house from moisture infiltration that can lead to dry rot and mold forming inside your walls.

Repair cracked stucco

Seal cracks and small holes with color-matched exterior acrylic caulk. Try pressing sand into the surface of wet caulk to match the texture of the surrounding stucco. Paint the repair to match.

Take time to inspect and clean your house's exterior, and you’ll be rewarded with more time to concentrate on equally important priorities. If you’re considering selling your home or not, it’s always nice to know how to maintain your house to where you can always be happy and comfortable.

For more tips and tricks on the subject of making a quick and painless sale, we would be happy to share our e-book containing 450 ideas on how to sell your house for the best price possible.

Use this link to request your copy.   
http://www.sellingahomeinlascruces.com/450_ideas_ebook_offers.php

Stay in synch with your neighborhood
Sure, you've got flair and panache. But take it too far, and your house becomes the proverbial sore thumb of the neighborhood. Better to put your money toward regular maintenance and energy-efficient upgrades that provide a return on your investment.

Stash your trash
You don't have to be a pro appraiser to know that a yard drowning in junk is a sure way to devalue your property. It's also an invitation for stray critters to move right in.

Choose exterior colors wisely
OK, you're an artistic individualist. We get it. But shock value is highly overrated when it comes to curb appeal. Your exterior color choices should be in harmony with other Las Cruces homes in your neighborhood. Scout around first before you paint or stain-your neighbors will thank you.

Hire a landscape designer
If you don't know what you're doing when it comes to making an attractive front yard, hire somebody who does. A modest investment in a pro landscape plan will pay off big-time when it comes time to sell your house. If you're adverse to regular lawn maintenance, consider a condo or an apartment.

A place for everything
You may be proud of your diligent recycling and trash maintenance routine, but that doesn't mean it should be on display for the world to see. Keep trash bins off to the side, and build a low-cost privacy screen to hide them from view.

Chained to a bad fence option
Chain link fence is sturdy, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. It's great for bordering back and side yards, but out front, it's flat-out ugly. With so many great fencing options available at a fairly modest cost, you owe it to yourself to re-fence. (And while you're at it, trim that grass!)

When high-tech is low-cool
Technology has brought many wonderful things into our lives-but good-looking exteriors aren't necessarily included. If you're a techno-geek, keep your antennae and solar collectors hidden from view behind shrubbery or privacy screens. Or forget trying to communicate with extraterrestrials and just rent "Mars Attacks" on DVD.

Ease up on the lawn ornaments
Front yards are great for well-trimmed shrubs and fetching flowers, but they really, really aren't the place to display your fetish. Keep ornaments to a minimum; when it comes to good curb appeal, moderation is a virtue, and helps preserve the value of your property.

Have you seen bad curb appeal in your neighborhood? Share your stories below. 

Latex Paint

Latex paint cleans up easily with water and can be used on wood, stucco, and vinyl siding.

At a cost of $4,000 to $6,000 or
more for a professional house painting, you want to get the most from your investment. Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain.
One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared. But equally important is the choice of the paint or stain itself. Using high-quality materials, matching them to your house and climate, and conducting regular maintenance will extend the time between recoatings.

Expect to pay $35 to $45 per gallon for conventional premium paint or stain. "Green," or zero-VOC, products run $45 to $55 per gallon. A gallon covers 350 to 400 square feet,
so figure on about 8 gallons to cover an average two-story, 30-by-40-foot house. Most paint jobs require a primer and two topcoats.

Acrylic Latex Paints

Acrylic latex is the favored choice, both of pros and do-it-yourselfers. These water-based paints come in an endless range of colors and three popular finishes. Flat paint, commonly used indoors, offers the least protection against the elements. Satin, with its slightly higher sheen, is a good choice for wood siding. Semi-gloss or gloss offers the most protection and works well on high-use areas like window and door trim.

Pros: Latex paints are easy to work with and clean up with water. The paint film remains flexible even after drying, so it breathes and moves slightly to accommodate changes in temperature, or even house settling, without cracking. In addition to wood, latex can also cover siding made of vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, stucco, brick, and metal.

Cons: Unless you're using "green" products, expect to smell paint fumes from the moment you open the can until the paint dries completely. These odors, produced by volatile organic compounds, are toxic in high quantities and contribute to air pollution.

In general, latex paint doesn't bond well to previous coats of oil paint unless you prepare the surface very well. That means stripping nearly all the old paint off the wood first, a time-consuming and expensive job. It's often smarter to stick with oil if you've got oil, and latex if you've
got latex.

Costs: $35 to $45 a gallon for premium latex paint; $45 to $55 a gallon for premium low- or zero-VOC paints.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil paint, long prized for its durability, used to be the gold standard for exteriors and some high-traffic house trim such as handrails, doors, and floors. But these days it plays second fiddle to latex.

Pros: Oil paints dry hard and get harder with time. That makes them perfect for high-traffic uses: porch floors, steps, metal handrails, even your front door.

Cons: Over time, oil paint can become brittle and crack, producing an "alligator" look. (Some people actually
like the effect.) Oil paint can never be applied on top of old latex paint; the two won't bond properly.

Toxic solvents are required to clean brushes and other equipment that come in contact with oil paint. The average can of oil paint has more VOCs than a can of conventional latex paint. Low-VOC oil paint is available, but even these products contain more VOCs than low-VOC latex paint.

Costs: $35 to $45 a gallon for premium oil-based paint; $45 to $55 a gallon for premium Low-VOC Paints.

Exterior stain

Stain is the choice when you want to let some of the natural features of the wood shine through but still shield your investment from the elements. Cedar, redwood, and other beautiful varieties cry out for stain. As a rule, stain isn't as protective as paint; sunlight and weather can still penetrate the stain, causing the wood to age and discolor.

Like paints, stains come in latex and oil-based versions. You don't want to cover an oil with a latex stain, or vice versa, unless the old coat of stain has aged and weathered to the point where the new coat can adhere.

Stains come in three
finishes:
Clear stains are extremely translucent. You'll see more of the wood, but you'll need to reapply as often as every two to three years. Clear stains can still vary greatly in appearance, so you will want to experiment on a scrap piece of shingle to choose your favorite product. Over time, the wood under clear stain will continue to discolor, forcing you to eventually move to the next category.
Semi-transparent stains are bulkier and offer more protection than clear stains, because they contain a hint of pigment. Color choices are not nearly as numerous as those for latex paint, but there's still a broad range of options. Reapply in five to seven years.
Opaque stains behave more like paint; they offer maximum protection and hide much of the wood's look. But they still allow the texture to show through. These come in many colors, but choose carefully-if you want to change colors next time around, you'll need to sand the surface completely. Opaques last 10 years or more.

Pros: Stains don't require extensive surface prep the way paint does. Just
wash, dry, scrape any raised or cracked stain, and re-stain with a brush. You don't need a primer and may be able to squeak by with one coat.

Cons: Depending on type of stain, requires frequent reapplication.

Costs: $35 to $45 a gallon.

It's worth springing for the good stuff. To make sure you're purchasing a quality product, buy at a reputable paint store and ask sales clerks for recommendations. When buying latex paints, choose ones that are 100% acrylic polymers or resins, labeled on the front or in the ingredients list. Low-quality paint feels thin, runs
down surfaces, and spatters off rollers. High-quality paint feels thicker, levels well when applied, and hides the old paint layer or primer in one to two coats, tops.

When it comes to stain, brand name and reputation are the best indicators of quality. Ask for recommendations, accept the higher price, and don't try to cut corners.

As we approach the heart of summer we have noticed that our family is spending more and more time outside. Whether we are on the patio in the evening, or our neighbor's pool in the afternoon, it's time to make sure that there's ample stock of sunblock around the house.

Be Careful!

Overexposure to the sun can cause painful burns, speed up the aging process and even result in skin cancer later in life. Experts say that everyone should use a sunblock or sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and apply if often. If you are spending time outside, using sunblock must become as automatic in your daily routine as brushing your teeth. And remember to apply it 15 to 20 minutes before you go out, the sunblock needs to saturate your skin before it becomes effective.

Sunscreen lotions can be classified into physical sunscreens that reflect the light, or chemical sunscreens that absorb the UV light. Lotions classified as sunscreen must have an SPF of 2 or higher.

If you don't follow this advice and you end up with a sun burn, it may take several days to heal. To help with the pain and healing process, experts recommend applying an aloe vera gel, lotion or spray several times a day. Avoid heavy creams, petroleum jelly and butter as they require rubbing the skin and can trap heat in the skin. Applying hydro-cortisone cream three times daily will also reduce the inflammation and pain.

And don't forget to drink lots of water.

Your body loses fluid through your skin because of your sunburn. Drinking lots of water will prevent dehydration.

If you start to get blisters, you probably have a second-degree sunburn. Don't break the blisters because they are a part of the healing process. Breaking blisters will make them more painful, slow the healing and bring an increased risk of infection.