Cold weather is upon us, and fireplaces are lighting up.  But do you have the right firewood to burn?

Any homeowner who regularly uses his or her fireplace in the winter months knows that dry, aged wood produces the best results for the ideal fire.  It burns better, produces more heat and produces less creosote build-up in your fireplace than green wood.  Green wood is hard to light and difficult to keep burning, it tends to smoulder and not burn consistently because it retains water.  You can usually tell the difference between older vs. green wood with a simple inspection.  Aged wood tends to have greyish bark and, on the inside, is dry and white, usually lighter than on the outside.  Young wood, instead, appears similar in colour throughout.  Aged

As we prepare for the Holiday season there are many fun activities throughout Santa Fe and Albuquerque that will get you into the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking at a spectacular light show or making your own ornaments, Santa Fe is a wonderful place to be for the Holidays. Let us know what your favorite holiday activities is. One thing we can all hope for snow this holiday season!

The Nutcracker
December 15th - 16th
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Santa Fe’s annual performance of 'The Nutcracker' is a cannot miss holiday event. Embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy this amazing performance by Santa Fe’s Aspen Ballet Company. With over 60 dancers this show incorporates ballet, Chinese ribbon dance and flamenco.
aspensantafeballet.com

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Santa Fe Properties would like to recognize Sue Garfitt, winner of The National Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award. This award recognizes Realtors who have made a tremendous impact through volunteering and community outreach. Sue has been working with the Eldorado 285 Recycling Group to promote recycling to address the important issue of global warming. She has been working for over two years clocking in over 600 hours of community service. Santa Fe Properties would like to congratulate Sue for her amazing work and for bettering our community. 

The Women's Council of Realtors is hosting a luncheon gala to benefit the Solace Center on Tuesday 12/11 at the Eldorado Hotel, the event begins at 11:30am. 

I am very excited to be modelling for Nathalie Santa Fe in the fashion show!  There will also be a silent auction.

All are welcome, please come support the Solace Center (and me)  

Tickets are available here: http://www.wcrsantafe.org/2018gala/

 
Santa Fe rings in the holidays with fun-filled activities and food. Celebrate the only way we know how; from the Annual Christmas Eve Farolito Walk on Canyon Road to New Year's Eve on The Plaza, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As we embark on the holiday season here are some things to get you into the festive mood!

Chanukah on the Plaza
December 2nd
Historic Downtown Plaza
Celebrate the lighting of the Menorah with Santa Fe’s Jewish Center. Delicious hot latkes will be served.

Christmas at the Palace
December 7th
Palace of the Governors
A beloved Santa Fe tradition. Enjoy live music, hot cider, and cookies alongside Mr. and Mrs. Clause who will be there to partake in the festivities.
santafejcc.com

Las Posadas
December 9th
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Turquoise has adorned the rulers of Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs (and possibly other Pre-Columbian Mesoamericans), Persia, Ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and in ancient China.  It was cherished by the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes. The Anasazi are believed to have prospered greatly from their production and trading of turquoise.  In Persia, turquoise was the de facto national stone for millennia. It was later brought to India following the establishment of the Mughal Empire (even being built into the Taj Mahal). Turquoise was (and still is) used extensively in Tibet and Mongolia.  The Egyptian use of turquoise stretches back as far as the First Dynasty and possibly earlier; though most well-known pieces were recovered from

I recently participated in a course on the risks of radon and thought I’d share some of the wisdom gleaned.  Radon is a naturally occurring gas, and we live amongst it in the normal course of life.  It comes from rocks deep in the soil and is undetectable to our senses but can be tested for with special equipment.  Radon is a carcinogen and is known to cause lung cancer.  Unsurprisingly, smokers are at higher risk of lung cancer with radon exposure.  Radon tests are not required, but if you’ve had one done, you’ll need to disclose that in a real estate transaction. 

Radon is not regulated, but the EPA offers guidance suggesting “safe” levels at or below 4 picocuries per litre or pCi/L.  This target was developed based on the “as low as reasonably

I’d like to invite everyone to the Women’s Council of Realtors holiday gala on December 11th at the Eldorado Hotel, doors open at 11:30am.  It is a luncheon gala, complete with a silent auction and fashion show.  We will be showing designs from local boutiques which will be modelled by our own Santa Fe realtors, me amongst them!  As my friends, I’d love to have you there for support.  I’m not much of a runway model, but I’m excited to give it a whirl (pun intended).  Tickets are $60 and for a good cause, the funds go to support the Solace Crisis Treatment Center which assists individuals who are in crisis or suffering from trauma.  You can purchase tickets here: http://www.wcrsantafe.org/2018gala/.  I hope to see you there!

The newest issue of Santa Fe Living is here! Below is a letter from Santa Fe Properties President, Liz Cale, on what you'll find in this issue:

 "I know you will enjoy this issue that provides you with some impressive properties along with information on what Santa Fe Living is all about. Inside you will find an event calendar and a map of historic downtown Santa Fe along with Santa Fe gallery and dining information.

As the oldest capital city in North America, Santa Fe continues to receive awards and accolades for its distinctive architecture, lifestyle, art and great food. Whether you live here or are visiting, we want to make sure you enjoy the Santa Fe lifestyle and would like to share a few of these honors.

• Conde Nast Traveler's Readers'