Decorating Tips to Re-Invent Your Apartment

There are shows, blogs and websites all telling us how to update, renew and change our apartments and each one has fantastic ideas.  But how do you take all that information and create your own space while maintaining a budget?  Simple if you follow a few tips that can dramatically change the look and feel of your space.

Since cooler temps are on their way, why not add in a couple new throw pillows onto the sofa or bed.  Pier 1 Imports has a wonderful selection of pillows in a variety of colors and textures.  The store on Wanamaker Road is conveniently located to Chalet Apartments and downtown Topeka.   Currently,  Target has some great deals on frames, candles and baskets.   Try using a decorative storage basket for magazines, lose change or fill it with fragrant dried flowers.   With a few simple changes you can update your apartment and stay within budget…a win-win situation!

Favorite Movie Contest

Chalet Apartments in Topeka offers residents unique and fun amenities, including an extensive DVD library.  Each month we add more current and entertaining titles to the collection, many at the requests of residents.  As a thank you to the residents, we are now sponsoring a contest on our Facebook page.  The prize?  4 passes to the local Hollywood 14 theater!

The contest?  Suggest your favorite movie not currently in the DVD library.  Make sure you tell us why you like it.  Favorite actor/actress?  Great family film or drama?  The movie suggestion with the most comments and ‘likes’ receives the movie passes.  The contest runs through Tuesday, August 17th, 2010.

To make a suggestion in the ‘favorite movie‘ contest or if you want to LIKE Chalet Apartments, visit the Facebook page.

Top City Brings Out the Fun on Thursdays

Downtown Topeka is hosting Top city Thursdays through September 30th.  If you work downtown make plans to stay for food, fun and entertainment.    Tonight, August 5th, includes Iowa State Yo Yo Champion demonstrations, live music at Hazel Hill and 99 cent sangria at The Break Room.

Other shops are also staying open later, like Marion Lane Candles where tomato leaf candle is the fragrance of the month.  Stop by and you’ll receive 15% off your tomato leaf candles.  Dorothy says it’s an amazing scent!   It’s only 20 minutes from Chalet Apartments, making it a perfect time to get together with family and friends.  So head over to Top City Thursdays tonight!

Run With Topeka

Approximately 15 minutes south of Chalet Apartments is the 13 mile paved  Shunga Trail.    It starts at Crestview Trail and meanders through woods, parks and intersects the Landon Nature Trail. It’s a great place to run or mountain bike with family and friends.   The trail provides a natural setting for getting fit or increasing endurance.

But if you’re trying to decide how to create a route that encompasses both trails, visit MapMyRun.  It allows you to customize a workout, whether you’re looking to find a marathon length route or shorter paths with varying scenery.    But if you prefer to workout with a group, contact the Sunflower Striders Club.  Their season kicks off September 6th with a 5k run followed by breakfast.  However you choose to run, Topeka offers a variety of community events, trails and meet ups to suit your needs!

Get Wild at the Topeka Zoo

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.

BBQ, Beer and Chocolate the Topeka Way

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!

Relax with the Butterflies at Powell Gardens

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.

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!

Take Flight with Topeka Biplane Rides

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.

Salted Fudge Brownies

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.

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