Community Blog

Just around the corner from Chalet Apartments is the Topeka Zoo.   In the 1960s it was one of the most famous zoos, having been open to the public since the 1930s.  Home to hundreds of animals, including the newest exhibit featuring mountain lions and North American river  otters.  A special habitat opened in 2005 for three special Sumatran tigers.  These tigers are highly endangered with estimates of less than 400 left in the wild.

On Friday, July 30th, 2010 the zoo will host Summer Safari.  From 5-8pm guests will be able to enjoy a picnic and viewing as the animals receive their ‘icy’ treats.  If you can’t make the event, don’t worry, on August 20th, 2010 the zoo will feature a Twilight Tour from 7:30 – 9pm.  Zoo staff with give guided behind the scenes tours of the animals and what it takes to operate the zoo.   If you haven’t checked out the zoo lately, plan a trip with family and friends this weekend!  Here’s a video of one of Topeka’s very special Sumatran tigers.

I know barbecue, beer and chocolate  probably sounds like an odd tasting combination.  Well beer and chocolate anyway but if you pair the right beer with chocolate you get a nice flavor.   Try a nice stout with your chocolate dessert or an American IPA if it is a darker, slightly more bitter chocolate.

Now where to you find this unique meal combination in Topeka?  Stop by Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant for some incredible pulled pork or slow hickory smoked beef brisket.  Both are customer favorites and are served with Blind Tiger’s famous BBQ sauce.   And when ordering don’t forget to look over the brew menu that includes their Midwest IPA and the County Seat Wheat.  They’re located on 37th Street with an outdoor patio open April – September.

Afterward head over the Hazel Hill Chocolate on S. Kansas.  It’s 4 miles north of the restaurant off of Topeka Blvd.  Their specialty is handmade truffles and fudge, plus they have candy coated apples with an assortment of crunchy toppings.

Make it a night in Topeka relaxing with family and friends over BBQ, beer and chocolate.  You’ll enjoy the sweet and spicy meal!

The 10th annual Butterfly Festival is happening at Powell Gardens August 6th – 8th.  Plan a visit to celebrate the beauty of butterflies with live exhibits, as well as the art work of artist, John Cody.  There are several children exhibits that give an interactive view of the changing life of butterflies.  It’s a 2 hour drive from Topeka but it’s a perfect weekend getaway.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inspiring video of colorful butterflies.

After a long hard day at work (or play), it’s really easy to end up just like this dog. I know first hand. I often find myself right there on the couch in my favorite spot, in front of the television and now, I’ve become a couch potato. But, I’m working on it… I promise.

If you also find yourself in the same place and or position (on the couch) everyday, this Tuesday, get up, get out and off of the couch for No Couch Potatoes Needed at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. The health & fitness program runs for an hour, from 3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m. at the public library in Topeka, Kansas and will feature lecturers Jason Yoder and Kelly Hennes from Rebound Physical Therapy from the local community giving teens tips and tricks on how to stay healthy, be active, and eat right.

I’ll go, if you do!

See you there Chalet teens!

Have you ever experienced the thrill if taking off in an open cockpit plane?  It’s thrilling to feel the wind rush around you and the roar of the engine in front.  There really is nothing like experiencing flight in a biplane.  They may be antiques but they’re gentle giants of the sky.  You’ll feel exhilarated as you look out over the Topeka countryside, enjoying the vast sky and endless horizon.  To learn more or experience flying in a biplane, visit Topeka Biplane Rides.

Craving chewy, fudge brownies lately?  After I read the recipe I was anxious to make a batch of these chocolaty treats.  The food blog, Bake or Break, details how to prepare dark chocolate, salted fudge brownies with gorgeous photos.  They are rich and dense, perfect if you love the flavor combination of an unsweetened dark chocolate with chunky sea salt.  They take less than an hour to prepare; letting you quickly share them with family and friends.   Try them out and let me know how you like the combination.

However if you don’t consider yourself a baker, visit Perkins or Panera Bread for delicious walnut brownies.

Do you have a teenager getting ready to do some traveling this summer? Are you prepared to let them go without having to know every last move they make? It’s hard to let them go, but putting faith in the fact that you have raised them well to be responsible young adults should help put your mind at ease and keep you from becoming a “helicopter” parent. In other words, don’t “hover” over them too much.

This post relates to how they will spend their money on their trips. Have you set a budget for them to stay within? How will you keep track of their finances while they are gone?

When I was a teen, I became a bit overwhelmed at just how much it costs to travel through Europe. I remember buying a first-class ticket on the Chunnel from London to Paris! And this was absolutely unnecessary since a simple coach ticket would of sufficed.

According to USA Today Travel, there are several ways to give yourself peace of mind while your teens travel. Some of the tips discussed are:

• Money
• Communication
• Personal Safety
• Documents
• Insurance
• Lodging

What will you do to prepare?

I enjoy preparing one dish brunches for family and friends on Saturday mornings.  It’s a great time to catch up, relax over a nutritious and hearty meal, before heading out for a full day of activities.   One of my go-to blogs for recipe ideas is Country Living.   Their recipes are inspiring and easy to prepare and this version of Rick Bayless’ egg and cheese souffle is a perfect example.  I find it’s simple to whip this the night before, cutting my day of prep time in half.  The next morning I pop it into the oven for 1.5 hours of baking and that’s it.  The flavors soak into the bread, giving it a wonderful savory taste.

Did you know that although America’s birthday is July 4, 1776 it wasn’t until 1870 that July 4th has been recognized as a federal holiday? And federal workers didn’t start receiving holiday pay until 70 years later in 1941.

Every year in the US, we celebrate or independence from Great Britain with parades, festivals, barbecues, fireworks and picnics. Since the fourth of July is a federal holiday a lot of people are off work that day and celebrations start in the early morning and go until late at night when the fireworks begin.

And this year is no different with the annual Spirit of Kansas!

The Topeka Spirit of Kansas Festival is an old-fashioned 4th of July celebration held at Lake Shawnee from l0:00 am to dark with arts and craft vendors, a car show, food, free children activities, entertainment, sporting events, and televised fireworks July 4 at 10:00 p.m. In the evening there will be a water-ski show.

Admission is FREE to families!

Happy 4th of July!

Pressures of having to think too much got you down?!? How about taking your mind off of things and playing the 4th of July holiday word search! This one is especially for all of the residents that we love at Chalet! Good Luck!

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