Active LIFE Dec 2016

BE ACTIVE + LIVE WELL!

ALM

ACTIVE LIFE MAGAZINE

Kelly Hipskind

BIZARRO ZEN 15 MINUTES TO STRESS RELIEF

Kevin West

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

CAN'T LOSE

WEIGHT?

LOOK AT UNDERLYING HEALTH ISSUES

BEST

SKI RESORTS IN THE MIDWEST

Gifted Custom Art Transforming Imagery, Transforming Lives

*A STRESS-FREE

DECEMBER 2016

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DEC 16 ACTIVE

ACTIVE

LIFE MAGAZINE

Kelly Hipskind

MAGAZINE

Editor-in-Chief / Co-Founder

Photography By Eduardo Peña

Kevin West

EDUARDO PEÑA

Executive Editor / Co-Founder JUSTYNA DORUCH

Account Executives JEFF LORD DEBBIE SAPPER

Senior Writer MATTHEW HUME

Contributing Writers DAVID DECKER

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CLIFFORD W FETTERS TATUM PÉREZ

Photography EDUARDO PEÑA

Art ROGER PEÑA

GIFTED CUSTOM ART

Marketing Director ISMAEL PEÑA

Transforming Imagery, Transforming Lives

Circulation USPS (Direct Mail) ACTIVE LIFE MAGAZINE

Contact Us

Departments:

INFO@ACTIVELIFEGUIDE.COM

Comments & Feedback EDITORIAL@ACTIVELIFEGUIDE.COM

BEAUTY/COSMETIC __________________

HEALTH/WELLNESS __________________

HOME/GARDEN _____________

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When Diet and Exercise Just Aren't enough

A Stress-Free Holiday Can Be Yours in Three Small Steps

Five Kitchen Trends for 2017

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Bizarro Zen: 15 Minutes to Stress Relief

24

Can't Lose Weight? Look At Underlying Health Issues

FASHION/STYLE ________________

TRAVEL/EXPLORE _________________

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Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas: For Her and For Him

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Best Ski Resorts in the Upper Midwest

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Active Life Magazine is published monthly by Active Life Guide Corp.

597 Industrial Dr., Carmel, IN 46032; Copyright by Active Life Guide Corp.

Active Life Magazine and Active Life Guide are registered trademarks of Active Life Guide Corp.

Active Life Magazine strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. If you follow these fitness tips, you agree to do so at your own risk and assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Active Life Magazine from any claims.

Volume 10. Issue 12. (#111)

AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

July 1 2016 b ai pdf.pdf 1 7/11/2016 9:33:02 PM

Only One Group Puts It All Together, Naturally We provide holistic, functional medical care for both children and adults. Our mission is to work in partnership with our patients to develop an individualized health plan focused on prevention thatincludes proactive strategies supported to help them achieve and maintain optimal health. For those who do not enjoy ideal health or suffer from health problems and illness we will determine the rootcause of the problem and we will design a treatment program that will allow the body to repair itself.

Cancer Treatment Lyme Disease Drug & Alcohol Treatment Anti-Aging Cell Therapy Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue IV Therapy Ozone Therapy Heavy Metal Detox Women’s Health Pediatric Care Well-Baby Care C

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Clifford Fetters, MD Bruce Thomas, MD Jerry Weber, ND Lyn Williams, DM Deanna Kirk, FNP-C Amanda Patchett, FNP-C 11900 N. Pennsylvania St. Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032 www.hwofc.com (317) 663-7123

MY

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EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

With two 15 minute non-invasive, painless tests, Thermography scans can alert you to changes that may indicate early stage breast disease. We establish a base-line and do another scan to check for changes. Although Thermography cannot diagnose cancer, a scan might detect tumor development when it is the size of a pin head.

That is 3 to 5 years before a mammogram can do so!

Now, you can detect changes in your 20’s, with no radiation or compression.

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When used as part of a multimodal approach (clinical examination + mammography + thermography) 95% of early stage cancers will be detected.

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LIFE MAGAZINE

Shine a little brighter this season.

BEAUTY AND COSMETIC

A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

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Beauty and Cosmetic

When Diet and Exercise Just Aren’t Enough

Y

ou live a healthy lifestyle.

You spend countless hours in the gym and eat healthy, yet sometimes that stubborn body fat just won’t budge.

Enter CoolSculpting.

If you haven’t heard of CoolSculpting yet, it is a popular and effective non-surgical liposuction alternative.

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, a deepcooling technique that freezes unwanted fat cells beneath the skin, leaving skin tissue unaffected. This fat freezing process destroys the fat cells, which are then disposed of using the body’s natural waste removal system.

CoolSculpting is FDA approved for nonsurgical body contouring and can be used to treat: • Belly Fat: CoolSculpting is perfect for subcutaneous fat (fat beneath the skin) in the abdominal region.

You’re eating

the right foods.

You’re going to the gym regularly.

Now if only the body fat would just go away!

• Obliques: Also called “love handles,” the stubborn pockets of fat just above the hips can be eliminated using the CoolSculpting system.

• Inner and Outer Thighs: Whether you’re striving for the thigh gap or want to get rid of your saddle bags, cryolipolysis has proven fat reduction results. Need to sculpt both?

No problem!

• Back and Bra Fat: If you have some bulge in your bra area or back fat, CoolSculpting can help smooth things over.

• Double Chin Fat: Using the new CoolMini applicator, CoolSculpting can be used to freeze away submental fullness for a smoother, more youthful profile.

CoolSculpting is also being tested on the knees and upper arms and shows promising results.

CoolSculpting in the Media CoolSculpting isn’t just a great solution to unwanted body fat, it’s a media favorite as well. It’s been featured in health and beauty magazines, nationally syndicated talk shows and local news stations across the country.

Also, CoolSculpting’s Brand Ambassador Molly Sims isn’t just their spokesmodel; she’s a CoolSculpting success story herself!

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Why Get CoolSculpting at the LASSI? The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI) was founded by Dr. C. William Hanke, a dermatologic surgeon who has helped pave the way for modern liposuction surgeries worldwide. In addition to providing tumescent liposuction in our Indianapolis dermatologic surgery practice, Dr. Hanke also lectures to physicians nationally and internationally and has contributed to dozens of publications related to liposuction on awake patients using tumescent local anesthesia. The LASSI also served as a clinical trial facility for the new Kybella, from the makers of Botox, the first non-surgical double chin reduction treatment approved by the FDA. There are many non-surgical fat reduction devices on the market for body contouring, but after much research, Dr. Hanke

determined that CoolSculpting provides the best results for patients who would rather not have liposuction surgery or aren’t good candidates for surgical treatments.

We’re excited to be able to offer patients another option for body contouring and fat reduction.

Schedule Your CoolSculpting Consultation Today The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana is a full-service general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology facility offering everything from facials and injectables to skin cancer surgery and liposuction. The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana is a premier destination for body contouring in Indianapolis, and we invite you to try CoolSculpting in the hands of Dr. Hanke, a skilled and renowned liposuction expert. Visit their website at www.thelassi.com or call 317 660-4900.

AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

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LIFE MAGAZINE

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to look fabulous!

FASHION AND STYLE

A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

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F

a s h i o n a n d

JACQUELINE ROSE Large Pyrite 2-Tone Bronze Bracelet

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ETIENNE MARCEL Coated Black Zipper Skinny

t y l e

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t’s crunch time for the holidays.

Do you need ideas for a last-minute We’ve compiled

holiday outfit?

this look for your next holiday

LEATHER FEATHER STONE Bronze Clutch

gathering: a casual-glam look to hang with family

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grace and style!

SOL-SANA Raider Open Toe Boot

ANINE BING Sequin Top with Low Back

Casual-Glam

All items are available at beauty + grace boutique Carmel City Center

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AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

Last-Minute

Holiday Gift Ideas

For Her

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1. Rubellite And Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold

Pierce Jewelers, 114 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN

2. LEATHER FEATHER STONE Brown Clutch

leatherfeatherstone@gmail.com

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3. THYMES

Gingerbread Petite Reed Diffuser

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Allisonville Garden and Home, 11405 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN

4. Petite Bar Braceltes

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jewerlybyjnicole@gmail.com Instagram: @j.nicolejewelry

5. NIYAMA JEWERLY

Diamond Triangle BusyGirlâ„¢ Bracelet michellemarocco.com

6. SOL SANA

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Kim Faux Fur Slides Love Your Body Boutique, 1726 E 86th St., Indianapolis, IN

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7. LEATHER FEATHER STONE Pink Sugar Wristlet

leatherfeatherstone@gmail.com

8. Ruby And Diamond Platinum Ring Pierce Jewelers, 114 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN

9. 27 MILES MALIBU

5

6

3

Cashmere Beanie

Beauty + Grace Boutique, 751 Hanover Place, Carmel, IN

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AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

For Him 1. Stone Drink Dispenser

Allisonville Garden and Home, 11405 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN

2. NIYAMA JEWERLY Men's Eagle Bracelet michellemarocco.com

3. BEDTSU

Nigel Teak Rustic Bag Love Your Body Boutique, 1726 E

2

86th St, Indianapolis, IN

4. GOOD HYOUMAN

4

Thankful Beanie

Love Your Body Boutique, 1726 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN

5. LUMIRA

Cuban Tobacco Perfume Oil Beauty + Grace Boutique, 751 Hanover Place, Carmel, IN

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LIFE MAGAZINE

This December, give yourself the gift of “calm.”

HEALTH

AND WELLNESS

A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

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Health and Wellness

A STRESS-FREE

By Tatum Pérez, Personal Trainer

Holiday Can Be Yours in Three SMALL STEPS The holiday season…company parties, out-of-town guests, travel, gift shopping, crowded malls and another year…2017

D

id your heart rate speed up just a bit? I know that mine did just putting it down on paper!

The holiday season can bring about many emotions, from joy to anxiety. This stress, real or undue, can cause depression and leave us unenergetic during what is supposed to be a joyous time of year. We may find ourselves reverting to ineffective coping mechanisms that negatively impact our health and only skew our outlook on the situations at hand. So how do we cope with the holidays upon us? Myself? I vote for jumping on a plane and heading out on a hiking adventure in a warm place far away from the stress of the season. Although I’m kidding, getting away may be something to consider if it’s right for your family.

Below is a list of three things that may help you get through the season, so start checking it twice!

1. EXERCISE AND MOVE STRESS FREE

Work, crowds of people, family and traffic can cause mental overload during the holiday season. Try exercising solo, get away from the office for exercise, walk through a park away from traffic and noise, leave the headphones at home and enjoy the solitude and quietness. While TV watching and web surfing may be your first flight response for relaxation, it’s not the best choice. Instead of sitting, it’s best to indulge in exercise and recreational activity. You’ll clear your mind, help maintain your weight this season and boost your energy. Again, don’t underestimate the power of little doses of solitude and even sunlight. (Try Cool Creek Park.) Yes, it’s cold, but bundle up and remove the walls around you.

Your challenge: Walk 30 minutes daily.

2. MAKE THIS SEASON PURPOSEFUL AND GIVE IT MEANING

Connect to holiday traditions, be kind and show gratitude, make a list of how you can help others, and volunteer your time to put others first. Don’t overthink this one—just find little ways to brighten someone else’s

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holiday. Maybe take a meal to a neighbor who is alone on the holiday or invite them over.

Your challenge: List three things daily that you are grateful for this holiday season.

3. DON’T OVERBOOK, AND TAKE CONTROL

Make a small list of 3-5 things that you definitely want to do this holiday season.

Consider what makes you happy and what you truly don’t want to spend time on, and then exercise your power of choice. If that cookie exchange party makes you miserable each year, kindly turn down the invitation, or offer to help with the party in other ways that require less time commitment.

Your challenge: Say no at least once this season.

4. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES

It’s not always easy to avoid angry people in the shopping mall parking lot or negative coworkers, but most of the time you have a choice with those in your life that zap your energy, exhaust you and bring you down.

Learn to spend more time with the people

that bring you up and that are a joy to be around daily. Their moods are contagious and help to foster a renewed energy. Your challenge: Reflect on the people that touch your life daily, make note of how they make you feel, and then take action to create your network of support.

5. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

This is a tough one when trying to live up to certain standards brought on by social media and holiday advertisements. First, forget perfection this holiday season and change your mindset. The things that didn’t go well last year will most likely resurface this season, so plan ahead for it and make changes if necessary. Also, be realistic when it comes to your holiday budget and stick to it. Suggest a gift exchange for large family or office parties. Your challenge: Reduce negative thoughts of the past or future by picking one situation a day (i.e., walking through a park, eating breakfast, sipping your morning coffee), and be present while savoring the moment.

Now relax, try not to worry about others’ expectations of you, and spread good cheer! Have a wonderful holiday season!

AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

Now open in Carmel! Club Pilates offers a revolutionary workout at every level, from beginner to advanced, with convenient class schedules and certified trainers.

Come try a complimentary demo class and see the Pilates difference today.

CLUB PILATES CARMEL | 2482 EAST 146TH STREET | CARMEL, IN 46033 (317) 565-4828 | CARMEL@CLUBPILATES.COM | CLUBPILATES.COM/CARMEL

ZEN

1 5 Minutes to

>>

Stress Relief

Photography by Eduardo Peña

By Tatum Pérez

>

Jessica Gershman

ACTIVE

WORKOUT ROUTINE

Clothing Courtesy of

Bizarro LIFE MAGAZINE

>> T

he holiday season is upon us and so is the stress that comes with it. Typically, we talk about yoga and breathing to help eliminate these feelings. This month I am going to throw (no pun intended) something else your way.

These exercises not only increase the heart rate and engage the core, but most importantly, they may just bring a little smile to your face. Sometimes the best medicine for stress, anxiety or frustration is to pick something up and just slam it. It’s the perfect therapy for me, and I hope that you enjoy it as well.

Warm-up:

Multidirectional and Varied Grip Flips focusing on rhythm and timing

A. Alternating Lunge Sandbell Slam B. Sandbell Overhead Slam

A. Alternating Lunge Sandbell Slam

To get started you will need one 4- to 10-pound HyperWear Sandbell or dead ball. Perform the warmup for one minute, and then repeat each exercise for one minute, trying to complete as many repetitions as you can during that time. After you complete four minutes of work you will rest for three minutes before repeating the sequence one more time.

B. Sandbell Overhead Slam

Recover

Repeat one more time leaving out the Fun Flips

Exercise A: A

A

lternating

Lunge Sandbell Slam

Targets: Back, Butt/Hips, Full Body/Integrated, Legs – Thighs, Shoulders

• Begin by standing with feet hip-width apart and Sandbell in both hands.

• Raise the Sandbell overhead as you rotate your entire body 90 degrees to face right, while stepping forward with your right foot.

• Shift your body weight to the right foot, placing it firmly on the floor.

• While lowering your back knee to the ground and your hips straight down, drive the Sandbell into the ground in front of your right foot.

• Maintain a flat back while retrieving the Sandbell and bring it back overhead as you bring your right foot back to the starting position to face forward again.

B

Exercise B: O

Targets: Full Body/Integrated

verhead

• Repeat on the left side.

Sandbell Slams

A

B

C

• Begin with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

• Raise the Sandbell above your head while standing on your toes.

• Drop your hips down and back into a squat as you drive the Sandbell into the ground.

• Drop into a deep squat to retrieve the Sandbell, maintaining a neutral spine without rounding.

• Return to the start by explosively bringing the Sandbell back above your head and raising up on your toes to repeat the slam again.

A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

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>> Health and Wellness

Can't Lose Weight?

By Clifford W. Fetters, M.D.

Look at underlying health issues

D

o you keep trying weight loss diets but can’t seem to drop the pounds? Are you instead exhausted and frustrated by an ever-growing layer of fat?

Calorie-restricted diets have been popular for decades as a way to lose weight, but clearly more is at play as many people under-eat and still can’t lose weight or keep it off.

If you’re doing everything right and the fat isn’t budging, the culprit may lie in underlying health issues that are slowing metabolism and blocking fat burning.

Feast or famine? Dieting slows metabolism for years

For most of human history, life vacillated between feast or famine, with plenty of bouts of famine.

The human body has smart coping mechanisms to get us through hungry times — lowered metabolism and increased fat-storage hormones.

As far as the body is concerned, a low-calorie diet is a famine and it employs the same measures to save you from starving. As a result, each low-calorie diet can add weight in the end when you resume normal caloric intake.

This dieting-caused metabolic slow-down can last for years.

This phenomenon was recently documented in participants from the The Biggest Loser reality TV show. Six years after participating, contestants’ metabolic set point was below what it was when they started. They burn up to 800 fewer calories per day!

After all that hard work, most of them returned to their pre-show weight and had to under-eat in order to prevent weight gain.

Dieting disrupts key hunger hormones Leptin is a hormone that controls appetite, satiety — that feeling

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of being full and satisfied — and whether your body burns or stores fat. When your diet is high in starches and sugars, it causes frequent swings in blood sugar. This leads to chronic insulin surges, which causes constant hunger and cellular resistance to leptin.

Underlying health issues hinder weight loss

For most people, weight loss is not as simple as “calories in, calories out.” Sometimes inflammation and other metabolic factors can be a driving factor behind the inability to lose weight.

Many people are surprised to find unwanted pounds drop away when they follow an anti-inflammatory diet. These are nutrient-dense diets void of inflammatory triggers and are used to manage pain, digestive problems, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and other health issues.

to low-calorie extremes.

Even if you’re eating healthy foods and avoiding the inflammatory ones, it’s still important not to starve the body and trigger the famine response that holds onto fat.

In fact, increasing healthy fats, protein, and nutrient-dense foods encourage the body to drop the pounds. Meeting your nutritional needs, providing healthy sources of fat to remind the body it’s not a time of famine, and enough protein to keep blood sugar stable are key for helping the body increase

Why do they work? Excess weight can be a symptom of underlying health imbalances that slow metabolism and block weight loss. Systemic inflammation, leptin resistance, hormonal imbalances, stress, leaky gut, blood sugar imbalances, food intolerances, and hypothyroidism are examples of factors that block weight loss.

How do autoimmune protocols and diets fit in?

metabolic rate and drop extra weight.

The autoimmune diet and protocols are effective for people suffering from various chronic illnesses.

Anti-inflammatory in nature, special attention is given to gut health and food reactivity.

If you suffer from unwanted weight, contact Health and Wellness of Carmel at (317) 663-7123 for an appointment. Functional medicine has effective ways to work with the underlying health issues that hinder weight loss.

While highly effective for many in not only managing autoimmunity but also dropping unwanted pounds, sometimes people take these diets

LI FE MAGAZINE | D E CE M B E R 2 0 1 6

AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

Do you suer from

SLEEP APNEA/SNORING?

This can have a negative effect on your health as well as your relationship.

Have a healthy and happy life

14753 Hazel Dell Crossing.

Ste. 700. Noblesville IN 46062

(at the corner of 146th and Hazel Dell)

ACTIVE

LIFE MAGAZINE

KELLY HIPSKIND

KEVIN WEST

Gifted Custom Art

By Matthew Hume

Photography By Eduardo Peña

Transforming Imagery, Transforming Lives

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AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

I recently met with Gifted’s founder, Kevin West, and CEO, Kelly Hipskind—and I was immediately inspired by the duo’s creativity, passion and intensity for their business. Kevin had a passion for art his entire adolescence, “…but it was just a side thing, whenever I could get the opportunity,” he says. An Indy native, Kevin began studying at Herron School of Art and Design after community college, but he never felt he could justify spending money on what he already knew— so school was put on hold. Instead, Kevin tried his hand at starting his own art business and even taught art at the Boys and Girls Club of America in Indianapolis. But as life moved forward and Kevin was blessed to marry the love of his life, Roshawn, family and income took on a much greater significance.

Kevin took a corporate gig, though he never stopped thinking about his art.

One day, Kevin’s mother unwittingly relit his passion. “I had about 30 pieces of artwork in my mom’s garage, and she asked if I’d ever thought of having an art show and selling my work,” Kevin says. Kevin laughed—he didn’t think anyone would buy it. But his mom persisted, as mothers do, and she rented the top floor of City Market in downtown Indianapolis and moved his stuff out of the garage to the show. And at his first-ever art show, Kevin sold nearly all the 35 pieces presented. “After that show, my wife and I knew it was vital to have art in my life in a more permanent way,” he says. So Kevin grew his business, working on commissioned pieces for people across the city. Soon the Mavris Arts and Events Center agreed to display some of his contemporary and abstract works in a personal gallery, and

Kevin knew for certain that his art wasn’t just a personal passion—but that it had a larger, marketable appeal.

At this point in his career, Kevin was ecstatic.

And although his story may not immediately strike a person as particularly remarkable, Kevin’s deck was stacked against him. As a young African American born in an area one would not describe as a wealthy suburban center or a hub for art or music, Kevin grew up in a single parent home, raised by his mother (along with his grandmother, aunts and uncles) while his father was in prison.

“Statistically, I shouldn’t have made it out of where I came from,” he says. “But I come from a faith-driven family, with my grandmother on her knees praying and my mother doing the best she could. Some of the things I’ve been brought through, people wouldn’t believe it.” But his challenges didn’t stop there. Just a few years ago, as his art career was blooming, Kevin—a healthy young man who played basketball all through high school and college—was diagnosed with stage-3 cancer with a football-sized tumor in his hamstring. Losing 70 pounds and facing death, Kevin battled through, aided by the prayers and faith of his friends and family.

“While I was recovering from the surgery, I received a message from the Lord that I had something bigger on the other side— so I had to get healthy,” he said. “I didn’t know what it would be, but the message was clear. I knew I was going to make it, and my passion for art only grew stronger.”

A Platform for Dreams

The idea for Gifted Custom Art may have been born in the hospital room of a cancer ward, but it was a special request from Kevin’s five-year-old daughter Brooklyn and his niece that ignited the fire. While painting a commission piece in his garage, Brooklyn and her cousin kept nagging Kevin to let them paint. “They asked me if they could paint themselves,” Kevin says. “So I drew out their pictures on canvas, numbered them, and set them up with some paints and an easel.” While away delivering a painting shortly after, Kevin got a call from his wife asking if he’d painted the portraits of the girls—she just couldn’t believe their five-year-old and little niece had painted it themselves. When Kevin got home, he immediately knew he had something special.

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$ I

magine a world where when you take a picture, or get a thousand likes on a picture on Facebook, or have a priceless memory you never want to part with, that you can have it printed or converted to make it 2D, 3D, and beyond in an instant. Imagine having the ability to create your own custom coloring book from your favorite memories, or paint a portrait of your beloved grandparent, or create something custom and meaningful as a priceless, unique gift—without having to be a professional artist. Well, imagine no more!

A local, innovative company named Gifted Custom Art has automated custom imagery and art for the very first time.

LIFE MAGAZINE

To test the idea further, Kevin hosted his first custom paint-by-number event at the Boys and Girls Club with a few friends and family members. Not anticipating the power of social media, his idea went viral almost overnight. The next day, Kevin’s inbox was flooded with requests from parents asking to sign up their kids for this new event. From that point on, Kevin started creating custom paint-by-number canvases for birthday parties, in homes, as client appreciation events and more. He booked up every weekend for months, working Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week, and soon became so busy with events that he would start an event and then hand it off to his mother or other supporter so he could run off to his next event. “There was a point I got really tired,” he says. “I was drawing all these photos out by hand, my back was hurting, my fingers were bleeding, I was working a fulltime job and drawing until 2 or 3 AM, and I knew there was no possible way to sustain or scale this concept.” What Kevin needed was a way to automate the process—and so in August 2014, Kevin reached out to his proven successful tech entrepreneur friend and former college teammate, Kelly Hipskind.

Bring on the Tech

Now, it’s important to understand that Kelly isn’t just some ordinary guy. In the days since Kevin and Kelly played basketball together back in college, Kelly had proven himself to be a successful entrepreneur, creating multiple businesses—with his most recent business successfully scaling and selling to a much larger entity. But as Kelly will tell anyone, he believes his most important business decision was to latch on to a deep faith in the plans God had for him, a fact that’s highly visible to those around Kelly as his business success didn’t come overnight or easily. For example, prior to starting the business he sold just before joining Gifted, Kelly quit his salaried job six days before getting married to his loving wife, Carla. “All our guests at the wedding thought I was crazy—including both of our families!” Kelly says. “But nobody could see and understand the fire, drive and passion that was burning deep within me to pursue my dreams of scaling a business and watching the smiles of others enjoying products I helped to create.”

But this crazy idea wasn’t without its own

“It all started with my daughter’s drawing in the garage,” Kevin says, “but the purpose here is to bless other kids and other families with this new way of doing art.”

A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

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LIFE MAGAZINE so everyone could do it, especially kids.

Keeping this vision front and center, the two worked to find a profitable model to scale and sustain the business by licensing Gifted to paint and sip and ceramic studios (like Wine and Canvas and Color Me Mine) across the country. Today Gifted is in 46 states in hundreds of these studios and is currently launching in Canada. The company has received interest from countries around the world as well, including Australia, Austria, South Korea, South Africa, Paris and the UK.

Lightning in a Bottle

challenges. Between starting and growing a company, learning how to pitch investors while building technology, managing a budget, and finding a customer base, Kelly struggled. “It was a grind. It drained our savings, it strained our marriage—and for a while, I didn’t know where to turn. I considered quitting for about 30 minutes, but I already knew that wasn’t an option.”

At his lowest point in his career, finances, and probably his entire life, he prayed.

“God, there are two options here,” Kelly started. “Either I’m going to quit, leave this business behind, and go back into corporate America, or I hire you as my CEO and step down to president and will go anywhere you want to take me.” Within weeks, Kelly’s business attracted major interest, and in less than a year, he successfully sold to education giant Herff Jones. “I guess I made the right decision to hire God,” Kelly says with a gleaming smile.

When Passions Collide

When Kelly learned of Kevin’s idea to enrich lives through custom art, he immediately saw the life-changing potential of this business venture – but he hesitated to join forces with his former teammate in respect to his wife.

“After selling my company to Herff Jones, I promised Carla I wouldn’t be part of any startup for a least a year,” Kelly says. “But the moment Kevin told Carla his testimony, she was in tears. ‘You have to do this,’ she told me. ‘You have to help him.’” A few short weeks later, Kelly, Carla, Kevin and Roshawn met over dinner, and the Hipskinds offered Kevin $50,000 to quit his job and follow his dreams. The only term on the investment during this stage of the business was that Kevin glorify God in all he did by continuing to share his testimony and story. The two shook hands, and that was it.

Though Kevin had originally thought of his idea as an art party business, he soon admitted to Kelly that his true vision was to make custom art scalable and affordable

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Clearly, Kevin’s original model of drawing out customized art by hand would never have survived the worldwide demand that Gifted is now seeing. Kelly’s charisma shines through as he explains the magic behind the curtain and the technology in their application, Photomatic®. “We are the first company in the world to begin creating and scaling custom imagery and art through a global network of companies,” Kelly says.

“Our app, Photomatic, will integrate with all websites—including major arts supply retailers, convenience stores, photo sharing sites, social media and more.” The app takes your favorite memory or photo and transforms into an image that can be put on paper, canvas, a coloring book, ceramic, hat, t-shirt, wood, life-sized wall decal and more. “Our technology allows us to partner with retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, photographers, paint and sips, and many more verticals to bring Gifted to consumers on demand,” Kelly says. He and Kevin are beyond excited at the possibilities that Photomatic holds. In March 2017, the lid to the proverbial bottle is coming off. Gifted began printing their own canvas; they also recently found a fulfillment partner and strategic investor in the art supply and paint manufacturing business, signed up the largest ceramic entertainment company with 150 studios in 15 countries, and much more.

And starting next spring, Photomatic will be made available to all existing affiliates, partners, suppliers, manufacturers and other outlets through individual subscriptionbased licenses. “This is truly an amazing and wildly exciting time for Gifted,” Kevin and Kelly explain. “We are literally creating a category of business on an international scale for the first time—and that’s pretty darn cool!”

Gifted portrait and that she wanted to order more for him. “This really gives kids of all ability levels an opportunity to overcome challenges and build self-esteem,” Kevin says. “We’ve even had the Autism Society hit us up about doing a curriculum in the schools, and we’re working with people in the local blind community to pursue raised ink.” And it’s not just the art that’s making a difference. The company, too, has found ways to give a leg-up to adults in need.

Shortly after the business was up and running, Kevin met a young man at a Boys and Girls Club who had been a student at the Illinois Institute of Art but had moved back to Indianapolis—and Kevin ended up hiring him. A week or two later when Kevin asked him about the clothes he’d seen in his car, the man told Kevin he was homeless. Kevin knew he was put in the young man’s path to help support him, and Gifted gave him the power to be able to do so. “With Gifted, we were able to give him a job and put him up in an apartment for a year, and at the same time teach him to use his art to become an entrepreneur.” Another young artist Kevin met told him he had been discouraged from pursuing art by his high school guidance counselor. “The common belief is that if you’re being creative or artistic in the inner city, you have to go to New York to do it, or there just isn’t enough money in it,” Kevin says. “We showed him this isn’t necessarily the case.”

If you want to check them out locally, Kelly suggests Color Me Mine in Carmel’s Clay Terrace and Wine and Canvas in Indianapolis.

And of course, Gifted will continue to expand their affiliate network as far as cyberspace allows, especially come next spring. “We’re changing the way people see imagery and art,” Kelly says. And for these two, this is only the beginning. www.giftedcustomart.com

All for Art, and Art for All!

“Gifted is a platform, not a purpose,” Kelly tells me. Kevin adds: “The purpose here is to bless other kids and families with this new way of doing art.” Consider the mother who wrote to Kevin and Kelly explaining that her autistic son, who had never been able to sit still for longer than 10 minutes, painted a

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“Wine gives a man nothing… it only puts in motion what had been locked up in frost.” Samuel Johnson

EAT+DRINK A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

27

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With over 80,000 square feet of exercise and program space, indoor and outdoor pools, premier wellness equipment, child watch, three gymnasiums and much more, the Fishers YMCA is THE place for families in Hamilton County!

CALL OR VISIT THE FISHERS YMCA TODAY!

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Experiencing “kitchen envy”? Try a new look in the coming year.

HOME AND GARDEN

A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

31

Home and Garden

By David Decker, Owner of The Affordable Companies

FIVE KITCHEN TRENDS FOR 2017

With the end of the year fast approaching, kitchen designers are excited to see what new trends are in store for the New Year. While some of these will be new and innovative, others will pay tribute to the past. Here is a list of trends we anticipate seeing in kitchens designed in 2017.

Do you find yourself coveting your neighbor’s kitchen space?

Perhaps it’s time for a remodel of your own.

1.

Simplistic Design. Many kitchens are now eliminating the heavy and ornate details and keeping things monochromatic and minimalistic. Neutral color palettes and shaker or slab style cabinetry paired with simple subway tile help to create the airy and inviting space that many homeowners are seeking.

2.

Black & White Design. These classic hues prove to always be in style. Many consumers are loving the look of white cabinets with a contrasting black countertop mixed with classic white ceramic subway tile and black cabinet hardware. These striking features make a bold and beautiful statement.

3.

Refining Past Designs. No, we aren’t suggesting tie-dying your kitchen or installing lava lamps and neon lights, but we are seeing a huge comeback in acrylic and gold finishes. Scandinavian-style acrylic cabinets and satin brass finishes give a contemporary flare to these old styles and bring them into the 21st century.

4.

Quartz, Quartz, Quartz. These days, the practicality of quartz far outweighs the natural beauty of granite. Low maintenance monochromatic or marble look-a-like quartz counters are more appealing than busy granite tops that need routine TLC.

5.

Function Over Form. Touchless faucets, cabinet accessories, charging stations and LED undercabinet lighting will soon become standards when it comes to designing a kitchen. The kitchen is where we spend much of our time, so why not make it functional?

To talk to a designer about incorporating these trends into the re-design of your kitchen, contact us today at 317 575-9540.

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Spectacular view from multiple terraces. Spacious main floor master, hardwood flooring, beautiful formal dining, open concept kitchen with a great pantry and plenty of storage. Loft and 3 bedrooms upstairs, all with large walk in closets and doors from each to a balcony.

1814 Milford St. - $899,800

Outstanding custom, estate home w/ master on main level. Eye-catching, staircase curves to the upper floor w/ 4 bedrooms and expansive loft area. All brick/ stone architecture w/ over 7,500 sq. ft. of inside space.

Finished lower level w/ wet bar, fireplace & room for storage.

2333 Chartwell St. - $699,800

Brazilian Cherry flooring throughout most of the main floor. Main floor master bedroom with sumptuous bath/spa & large walk-in closet.

Kitchen open to Great Room w/ large granite island, gas cook-top.

Butler's Pantry connects Dining Room & Kitchen.

1914 Trowbridge High St. -

13249 Frogmore St. - $899,800

12895 Grenville St. - $648,000

Hardwood flooring and den w/ coffered ceiling. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, large center island & breakfast area open to Great Rm. Large Master Suite upstairs with walk in shower.

Kid’s bedrooms connected with a Jack-n-Jill bath. Newly painted & ready to move in!

This home has all the upgrades, tons of living space, and an enormous lot with a gorgeous view. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths with a walk out basement featuring a game room, family room, media room, and a wet bar. Enjoy your evenings in the screened porch overlooking a manicured lawn with pristine landscaping.

Charming custom home uniquely positioned to enjoy family life & run a business if desired! 4 or 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, lovely hardwood floors on main, nice finishes/ built-ins, & close to Village Center. 3-car garage. Covered patio looks on to nice side yard.

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Use the ice and snow to your advantage this winter.

TRAVEL AND EXPLORE

A C T IV E LIF E G UIDE .COM

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Travel and Explore

Best Ski resorts in the Upper Midwest

T

oo many people make the mistake of playing defense in the winter, of hiding indoors, shrinking at the thought of their skin being exposed to 20-degree air. But there’s no need for this. Winter must be attacked. We must bring it to heel under the tip of our ski, the blade of our skate, the runners of our sled. Ski resorts—most of the big ones built on public land here in the United States—give us some of the best avenues through which we can conquer winter and make it ours. So seize the season. Own the winter. Make the ski resort yours.

If you love skiing but want to know what ski resorts near Indianapolis you should consider for your next trip, then our rankings are for you.

Resort

True Snowfall*

Acreage

Vertical Drop

PAF Score

1

Mount Bohemia, MI

273 in

450 acres

900 ft.

49.4

2

Indianhead Mountain, MI

210 in

220 acres

638 ft.

46.9

3

Big Powderhorn Mountain, MI

214 in

253 acres

600 ft.

44.8

4

Boyne Highlands, MI

140 in

435 acres

554 ft.

40.3

5

Lutsen Mountains, MN

114 in

1000 acres

1000 ft.

39.3

*The “true snowfall” number is an estimate based on the region and data we know about close-by points.

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AC TI V E L I FE GU I DE . CO M

a tradition of creating lasting

oliday

HMemories garden & home 11405 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN 46038 317-849-4490 allisonvillenursery.com

NEW at Color Me Mine in Clay Terrace!

MAKE IT A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER Transform your favorite memory into canvas art with Gifted Custom Art’s custom paint by number! Now available to order online at Color Me Mine.

at re

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Use promo code CMMCarmel at checkout for $50 off your Gifted Custom Kit. Hurry! All kits must be ordered by 12/15/16 to be received by 12/25/16.

Order today at carmel.colormemine.com/gifted Terms and conditions may apply. | ®© 2016 Color Me Mine Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | ® 2016 Gifted Custom Art, LLC All Rights Reserved