School Days

August came and went, quicker than ever, and left us with his responsible sister, September. This responsible, driven, persistent September signals the end of warm summer days enjoying the sun and the waters. Of all people, kids are the most enthused (I'll bet) to see September rear her stoic head. School starts in just a few days and hopefully everyone has completed back to school shopping. Soon enough our morning rush hour trips to work will be again shared with the young who are so eager to make their way to school.

Below a few photos of a school nearby; one that I attended and one that I must walk past on a daily basis. This summer it looked so lonely, but thankfully in a few days it will be full of life again.

Enjoy!

Bareburger Adventure

Today's food craving drove me and some co-workers to venture out onto Austin Street and find the most delicious burgers in town. Well, I have many more places to try, but Bareburger definitely raised the bar. The meat was juicy and organic. So we felt less guilty about the overindulgence.

The decor is super natural, relaxed, consists mostly of wood and pinecones. I love the seating right by the entrance with colorful high chairs and an airy, chill vibe overlooking Austin Street. 

There is a certain cabin-in-the-woods feel that continues through-out with recycled, earth-friendly accessories (their chandeliers are made from forks & spoons and other household items - funky and creative.)

It has high booths toward the back that are very comfy and private. They have a big T.V. screen that plays old cartoons! Boomerang @ lunch to distract the kids while one eats at peace. 

The tables have an assorted selection of bears! Ketchup bear, Hot sauce bear, Honey Mustard bear and Agave bear.

As for the food! You have a choice of assorted meats/non-meats(Beef, Turkey, Veggie, Portobella Mushroom, Chicken (assorted), Lamb, Wild Boar, Elk, Bison, and Ostrich) and from there you choose your sandwich.
Their menu features several mouth-watering combinations.

I had a dab at the California burger, which I recommend 100%; it was absolutely scrumptious. It has sharp cheddar, fresh (honestly fresh)  hass avocado (which I love), romaine lettuce, tomatoes, raw red onion, and cilantro lime dressing (so good).

The fries/onion rings combo was perfect. The order comes with 4 dips:

Peppercorn steak sauce

Curry ketchup (yum!)

Spicy chipotle mayo (yum*2)

& Bareburger special sauce.

Definitely get the fries & rings (to share)!!

And for the family with artistic youngn's, they supply your little one with some crayons and coloring sheet!

No excuses not to go! Grab the kids, friends, family and take the trip.

Bareburger @ 71-49 Austin St. || (718) 275 - BARE (2273)

Enjoy! 

Carousel [Forest Park]

Forest Park Carousel. My oldest memory of the Carousel at Forest Park is 5th grade senior trip. My elementary school held a barbecue for us graduating seniors (we were so eager to move up in the ranks of life at that age). The cheese bus we rode was stale and moldy (Have they gotten better?). The seats old, dark green things that felt harder than planks of wood - the deep color masking the dirt and sweat that accumulated from the commotions of the young. Finding the seat belts took longer than the trip itself. That day the entire fifth grade made its way to Forest Park. Of all of them, in my heart, I felt I was the most thrilled to encounter a real, live carousel. I was prepared. My enthusiasm flying out the window, above the buildings, and away past the dreary, foretelling clouds.

We got to Forest Park. The teachers announced, "The carousel is closed." ..Bummer.

This time around, it was open. And quite a few passed around to enjoy it. I say take the kids, take yourselves, ride the carousel. It's a classic experience. And joyful, simple entertainment.

Cick : Carousel