Such a Couch Potato

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!

Track Them Without Becoming a Nuisance

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?

Feel the Spirit of Kansas this July 4th!

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!

A 4th of July Holiday Word Search

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!

Fun Throughout the Year

Let’s take a look back at some of the fun we have around here. At Chalet, our residents really know how to have fun. We are a close community that enjoys fun and games, such as a Resident Carnival. Earlier in the year, we played Plinko!

Here are some photos of our residents participating!

The Board!	Hmmm!...
Too far over!!!	Come on, Plinko!

Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine

Is laughter really the best medicine? Is that how the saying goes? There certainly is no doubt, in my mind, that laughter is a great way to lower stress and makes me feel better. Friday can be busy with last minute wind-ups at work and with that being the case, my mouse wanders on over to You Tube to find me something silly to laugh at and boost my mood.

In my opinion, clips from a really funny sitcom does the trick! Do you have a favorite sitcom past or present? I dedicate this to laughter and the recent passing of one of my beloved ladies of comedy! Rue!

Historical Landmark Comes Down

I’m sad to report that the White Haven Motor Lodge has closed this week and will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The motel and its flashy iconic neon sign have been an eye-soar to visitors and residents for 53 years.

“Everything that can be auctioned. Wall to wall, inside and out. Everything that we can sell will be sold,” said Anne Smith of A. Smith Auction Group. “It’s a two-day auction. It’s going to be huge.”

The auction is set for early July.

Read more at Kansas City Star!

Fair-Skinned and Light-Eyed Beware

In the cold months, I have a tendency to become pale in comparison to what I look like during the warm months. And I really enjoy laying out by the pool or just simply being outdoors and catching some rays.

But, I am guilty of not using a strong enough sunscreen or even sunblock. Although I will brown in the following days, I can burn very easily at first exposure to the sun right around the shoulder and neck area. Thus, I am talking about how to care for my skin while exposed to the sunlight.

Although I knew that being fair-skinned puts you at greater risk for sunburn, I did not know, however, that being light-eyed would do the same. Have you ever heard of this?

As I stated earlier, I am guilty of using too low of a level of sunscreen or not using any at all. I’m also guilty of not applying any to my face and rotating my time in the sun with a hat. And I am well aware that those pesky ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays (UVA and UVB rays) can damage my skin no matter what – even if I don’t get a sunburn. And a tan is the body’s attempt to merely protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays. This weekend I used a 12 sunscreen but I’m thinking it was not strong enough since I am a bit on the red side.

So what can you do to prevent damage to your skin caused by too much exposure from the Sun? Let’s take a look at some of the suggested tips:

• From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you should avoid the sun since this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Never go to a tanning salon or use a tanning bed.
• Wear proper clothing and use a hat whenever you go outside.
• Purchase and wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA sunlight.
• Give yourself a body check for unusual changes in skin every month or see a certified Dermatologist yearly.

Stay informed by reading the full article!

Are you fair-skinned and light-eyed? Does this give you caution? What is your preferred level of sunscreen or sunblock protection? 12? 35?

This One’s For All Our Great Dads at Chalet

“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass”; “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys”;” -Harmon Killebrew

With a stocky build at 5 ft 11 in, 210 pounds, Harmon Killebrew is a former Major League Baseball player with a compact swing that generated tremendous hitting power. His career in the big leagues lasted 22-years and was second in home runs to Babe Ruth.

What is some great advice you have passed on?

Happy Father’s Day! We hope you have a great day!

-The Chalet

Kansas City Leaves Lasting Impressions

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City endlessly raises money during the year to support a wide range of art organizations, artists and programs throughout greater Kansas City. How is Art important to you?

Here is what’s coming up at the Kansas City Library’s main branch starting this weekend:

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