Arts + Culture

Native Guitar Tours

Featuring the Pueblo community Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Ryan Begay Jir Anderson grew up on the Cochiti Pueblo. His father was originally from Cochiti, and his mother was from the San Felipe Pueblo. Music has always played a significant role in Anderson’s life. “I’m a musician at heart. I started at the age of 13. My parents bought me my first guitar,” says Anderson. As a Native American, he believes “music is just another extension of our traditions.” Anderson is the...

Life + Culture

Nicole Kapnison

Indulge and Enjoy Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Zack Coker and Kalen Rydan Nicole Kapnison is no stranger to the restaurant business. She grew up watching her father succeed as a local entrepreneur and restaurant owner.  Her father, Nick Kapnison, owned several restaurants in Albuquerque. He operated and owned the original El Patron, Yanni’s, Nick & Jimmy’s, Sandy’s, and Kap’s. Kapnison says, “I’ve learned a lot from him—what to do- what not to do. The biggest thing he’s taught...

Travel

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

A day trip on the high-desert Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Autumn Oglesby The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is 45,000 acres of high-desert badlands just south of Farmington, New Mexico that is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Known for its surreal hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion), Bisti is a true wilderness area with no facilities. It is an isolated and rugged place that requires some preparation if you’re going there to hike or camp. There will be...

Arts + Culture

Colonel Susana Corona

A career of military service Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by courtesy of Col. Corona New Mexico native Colonel Susana Corona knew in her Alamogordo High School days that she wanted to serve her country. She told us “I wanted to serve my country and so I looked at opportunities to serve and went to the New Mexico State University ROTC detachment 505 office and asked, ‘What do I need to do to sign up?’ I was also really interested in the travel opportunities that the military offered.”...

Shopping

Generations of Craftmanship

Ladies creating a legacy of silversmithing Article and Photography by Richard Lakin With the popularity of hand-crafted jewelry in New Mexico, we here at Albuquerque City Lifestyle keep an eye out for talented silversmiths. Recently, we encountered some ladies who have been doing it for generations. Dee Devine, who works with her mother and husband, told us, “I'm a fourth-generation silversmith and my mom is the third. We all work together hand-making fine sterling silver and gemstone jewelry...

Home Services

News Release

Albuquerque, N.M. (April 1, 2025) - Tesuque Stucco Company, a New Mexico-based stucco restoration company, announces today a complimentary stucco home makeover in honor of its 25th anniversary in business. Founded in 2000, the company is providing a new high-performance stucco transformation to a family whose home is in need of exterior restoration. “Tesuque Stucco is thrilled to give back to the New Mexico communities that have supported us for the last 25 years,” said Shannon Biddle...

Travel

The Forest Frozen in Time

The Petrified Forest-A great day trip from Albuquerque Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Richard Lakin Between Flagstaff and Albuquerque is an ancient forest frozen in time. Petrified Forest National Park encompasses 220,000 acres in Arizona. The trees of the once-dense forest collapsed due to natural occurrences. 225 million years ago, the forest became buried and covered in groundwater and volcanic ash. The ash and water began seeping into the logs. This process turned the wood into...

Education

Menaul School

An investment in education Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Autumn Oglesby Menaul School is truly an international school with a campus in Albuquerque, as well as Qingdao, China. Dr. Julie Bean, President and Head of School, told us, “It's truly a global community because we have kids from 30 different countries and all over New Mexico as well so it's just a really special place. We also have students from Native American nations and pueblos. We’re a co-educational college preparatory...

Education

The Workforce Leadership Academy

An investment in community workforce leadership Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Courtesy of The Workforce Leadership Academy A community investment in promoting leadership skills within the local workforce is being offered under a new program called the Workforce Leadership Academy. Rachel Snyder, senior workforce adviser for the city’s Economic Development Department, told us. “The city and Central New Mexico Community College are really excited because we're one of only three...

Finance + Legal Services

Insider Tips for Tax Season

An accountant provides some tax insights Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Autumn Oglesby MP Group Inc. CPA has been in business since 2013. Owner and Managing Partner Scott Peck started his company in 2011 and later merged to form MP Group Inc. in 2013. His staff has years of experience in accounting and audit services. The essence of Peck’s job lies in crunching numbers and mastering the intricacies of tax law, but his clients truly make his work fulfilling. Peck says,” I just enjoy...