Kit | November + December

celebrate giving back

MEET ALTRUISTIC WOMEN, SHOP GIFTS WITH A CAUSE & MORE!

NOV +DEC 2 01 8

kitindy.com

self care: focus on wellbeing

MINDFULNESS PRACTICES & EXPERT TIPS TO CURB HOLIDAY CRAVINGS

tis the season to entertain

13 FESTIVE PLACE SETTINGS + HOLIDAY RECIPES & EDIBLE GIFTS

The Volkswagen Atlas. Take a closer look...

FIVE H Overall Safety Rating

Third row seating allowing

Rear view Camera, Forward

room for 7 adults.

Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring

Tom Wood VW of Noblesville is GIVING BACK TO PREVAIL for every vehicle sold in November and December.

Tom Wood Noblesville Is a drop-off location for Prevail: Items needed for Prevail victims: • Grocery and Gas Gift Cards ($20) • Individual packaged snacks; Chips, cookies, fruit snacks • Journals (small)

Bucket or bench seats in the middle row with

• Art supplies (markers, colored pencils, dry erase markers, spray cleaner and erasers for dry erase board)

easy access to third row.

Three zone automatic climate control all three rows, driver / passenger heated and cooled seats.

America's Best Warranty 6 years, 72,000 miles, bumper to bumper.

Prevail, Inc. is dedicated to serving victims of crime and abuse in a confidential, supportive, nonjudgmental environment that is meant to empower, educate and strengthen those we serve. By offering these lifesaving services, free of charge, we help people move forward – to give hope for a life free of violence and fear – to provide care and understanding in crisis – to help make an easier path in facing life’s challenges. Prevail seeks to make positive change happen – in individuals and families, in our communities, and in our social systems.

Care • Committment • Convenience Tom Wood Volkswagen Noblesville

14701 Tom Wood Way Noblesville, IN 46060 317.853.4552

Tom Wood Volkswagen Noblesville E. 146th Street

TomWoodVolkswagenNoblesville.com Prevail: Susan Ferguson (Executive Director) ; Esther Lakes (President of the Board), Michelle Corrao (Assistant Director); Tom Wood Noblesville: Mike Bragg (General Manager)

Before you hear the heartbeat, we hear you

AscensionŽ care teams at St. Vincent listen to you as a woman and an expecting mom. We take the time to understand the care you need, including any special care. Then, together we create a care plan that’s right for you, your baby, and your family.

Visit stvincentbaby.com

JENNIFER C. HUGHES hughes@cchalaw.com

LESLIE CRAIG HENDERZAHS henderzahs@cchalaw.com

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Begin from a position of strength.

Secure your future by working with an experienced Family Law Specialist who will advocate your interests and prepare you for the next phase of your life. Forge your future. You deserve to embrace it.

FISHERS 10765 Lantern Rd. Suite 201 Fishers, IN 46038

NOBLESVILLE Two North Ninth Street Noblesville, IN 46060

TIPTON 118 S. Independence St. Tipton, IN 46072

MERRILLVILLE 8585 Broadway St., Suite 860 Merrillville, IN 46410

317-773-2190 www.cchalaw.com 1

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NOVEMBER+DECEMBER

DEPTS. 6 11 15 22 30 35

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the kit agenda: holiday edition 17 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON

DIY kit: Deck the halls 4 NO-FAIL HOMEMADE ORNAMENTS

Artisans we Admire SWOON-WORTHY, LOCAL GOODS

care Kit: Hamilton Co. Heroes THREE PILLARS IN THE COMMUNITY

Health Kit: curb the cravings EXPERTS’ TIPS FOR SMART EATING

Health kit: awareness & peace MINDFULNESS 101 & PRACTICES

by the rules: HOliday etiquette GIFT, HOST & ATTEND WITH GRACE

FEATURES 19 23 32 39 44 53 61

Women Making a Difference MEET KIT’S FIRST WINNER & FINALISTS

gifts that give back SHOP THESE 6 PERFECT PRESENTS THAT BENEFIT OTHERS

a couple holiday recipes ‘A COUPLE COOKS’ RETHINK HOLIDAY FARE (THINK SALAD & A CRUMBLE)

setting the mood 13 TABLESCAPES TO INSPIRE ALL OF YOUR SPECIAL MEALS

Home: Christmas in the Wild LIZ FOUREZ’ MAGICALLY NEUTRAL HOLIDAY HOME

Winter Fashion made easy TIMNAH MASARIU TALKS — & MODELS — SAVVY CHILLY-WEATHER STYLES

food kit: edible apps & gifts NEW TAKES ON BRIE, FLAVORED SALTS & GOAT CHEESE TERRINES

ON THE COVER

Styling by Courtney James + Photo by Theresa Story STORY ON PAGE 39

New… It’s a sign of growth.

A fresh start.

And full of possibilities.

There’s nothing like new.

Introducing the new Riverview Health Westfield Hospital.

Featuring the area’s first combined ER and Urgent Care.

Sometimes you don’t know whether you need to go to an ER or Urgent Care.

At Riverview Health Westfield Hospital, our combined ER and Urgent Care will offer a single access point – where you’ll be guided to the level of care you need.

The hospital will also house an inpatient unit, surgery suites, physician offices, drive-thru pharmacy and a walk-in orthopedic and sports medicine clinic.

Now Open.

To learn more, visit riverview.org/westfieldhospital

RIGHT SIZE. RIGHT CARE. RIGHT HERE. NOBLESVILLE / WESTFIELD / CARMEL / CICERO / FISHERS / SHERIDAN Riverview Health has hospitals in Noblesville and Westfield with advanced, 24/7 ER capabilities and doctor offices located throughout Hamilton County.

CALENDAR NOVEMBER + DECEMBER

THE KIT AGENDA IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR TO MAKE HOLIDAY MEMORIES ALL ACROSS THE CITY.

SHOPPING, CAROLS & TWINKLING LIGHTS! Discover a new holiday tradition to share with family and friends.

Music & Entertainment

arts & culture

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play November 16-December 23

Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. Don’t miss this holiday classic film-turned-1940s live radio broadcast. Tickets start at just $25.

The Studio Theater, 4 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; thecenterfortheperformingarts.org

December 7-29

November 17-December 23

You’ve seen the movie, now watch the musical.

Jack-of-all-trades Bert will introduce you and your family to England in 1910, as well as the Banks family. Follow young Jane and Michael as they meet Mary Poppins, a nanny with more skills than first meets the eye.

For the second year, Center Green hosts an open-air Christmas market. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, the market features a skating rink, live music, and traditional German food and gifts.

New this year is a 33-foottall, German-built Glühwein Pyramid.

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; thecenterfortheperformingarts.org

November 17-December 26

Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; (317) 635-5252; irtlive.com

December 21-23

This beloved holiday tradition features musical surprises for kids from 1 to 92. With four performances at The Palladium, there’s plenty of time to catch the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir alongside the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Tickets start at $21; $15 for students.

Center Green, 10 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 559-6608; carmelchristkindlmarkt.com

Straight No Chaser Indianapolis Ballet Presents The Nutcracker December 14-16

THE NUTCRACKER

For the past 11 years, the Indianapolis School of Ballet has made its production of The Nutcracker a mustsee. Snag tickets to this traditional show and listen to the 45-piece Indianapolis Ballet Orchestra bring Tchaikovsky’s score to life.

Tickets start at $15 for children; $20 for adults.

Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis; (317) 231-0000; oldnationalcentre.com

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Festival of Carols

The Palladium, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; thecenterfortheperformingarts.org

A Christmas Carol As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the spirits of the past, present and future. In addition to regular performances, take advantage of post-show discussions and sensoryfriendly performances.

Tickets start at $25.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical

December 21-23

Don’t miss Straight No Chaser’s return to Indianapolis. The a cappella ensemble formed at Indiana University more than two years ago and is best known for its rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis; (317) 231-0000; oldnationalcentre.com

Holiday Artisan Bazaar November 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Shop ‘til you drop at the annual Holiday Artisan Bazaar at the JCC Indianapolis. Browse beautiful offerings from some of central Indiana’s finest artisans and craftspeople. Both parking and admission are free.

JCC Indianapolis, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis; (317) 251-9467; jccindy.org

arts & family & culture education

Winterlights November 18-January 6

This dazzling outdoor light experience returns to Newfields for a second year, this time with 1.5 million lights. There will be warm drinks, handmade s’mores, and unique photo ops, as well as a new Wintermarket. Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for youth. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis; (317) 923-1331; discovernewfields.org

Yelp’s Totally Bazaar December 8, 6:30-11 p.m.

Get your holiday shopping on! More than 150 local businesses will be offering their goods at this annual pop-up shopping party hosted by Yelp Indy. The event is free to attend.

Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis; indy@yelp.com, yelp.com

DIY Holiday Gifts with Essential Oils

Downtown Indy Inc.’s Circle of Lights

November 13, 6:30-8 p.m.

Join more than 100,000 people to celebrate the lighting of “the world’s largest Christmas tree.” The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and is free to attend.

Let someone know how much you care about them by making a DIY holiday gift at Rabble Coffee.

Learn how to use essential oils to make a variety of gifts for family and friends.

To pay for the class, all you need to do is barter — be it through a donation to Barter School Indy or a “pay it forward” token.

November 23, 6-8 p.m.

Monument Circle, Indianapolis; (317) 237-2222; downtownindy.org

Rabble Coffee, 2119 E. 10th St., Indianapolis; barterschoolindy@ gmail.com; barterschoolindy.com

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure November 17-January 21

A holiday tradition unlike any other, this locomotive wonderland includes nine working model trains.

The trains wind their way around miniature Indianapolis icons, national parks of the American West and — new this year — Route 66.

Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; (317) 636-9378; eiteljorg.org

Reindeer Ride

Holidays on the Prairie

November 24-December 15

November 23-December 30

Climb aboard the Nickel Plate Express! Celebrate the season with carols, festive crafts and Santa himself. During the Bright Night experience, the entire train lights up in a dazzling display! Tickets start at $25. Children ages 2 and under ride for free.

Make Conner Prairie a part of your holiday traditions. Family-friendly programming includes Breakfast (or Dinner) with Santa, Conner Prairie

by Candlelight and a Gingerbread Village.

Arcadia Depot, 107 W. South St., Arcadia; (317) 285-0682; nickelplateexpress.com

Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers; (317) 776-6000; connerprairie.org

Christmas at the Zoo November 23-December 30

Now in its 50th year, Christmas at the Zoo features hot beverages, campfires, plenty of animals, and opportunities to meet Santa and his reindeer! Enjoy the lights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. Save $1 on admission when you donate a new hat, scarf or pair of gloves.

Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; (317) 6302001; indianapoliszoo.com

Jolly Days Winter Wonderland November 23-January 6

Head to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for the two-story Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear and visits with Santa. Kiddos can also “ice skate” in their socks, “bake” wintertime goodies and explore the Ice Castle.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis; (317) 334-4000; childrensmuseum.org

PUBLISHER Kelly McVey

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashlie Hartgraves

GUEST EDITOR Casey Kenley

WRITERS Dawn Olsen Courtney Leach Susan Beckwith Brooke Reynolds

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Whonsetler LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Theresa Story PHOTOGRAPHER Cara Wagner PHOTOGRAPHER Tenth Street Photography Kayla Thompson INTERN PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Thompson AD DESIGNER Julie Taylor Reed AD DESIGNER

HOME Liz Fourez CONTRIBUTOR

MARKETING Gary Nickander

ADVERTISE WITH KIT sales@kitindy.com For a free subscription, visit kitindy.com For customer service, info@kitindy.com Printed by EP Graphics, Berne Indiana

TOGETHER

WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

Hamilton County Community Foundation works with donors, not-for-profits, and civic, business and government leaders on projects conceived to make our community a better and more beautiful place to live, work and play.

We identify and seize opportunities to improve the quality of life across Hamilton County. Tackling challenging issues and supporting innovative solutions, the foundation collaborates with community partners and donors on projects and initiatives that transform our community for the better.

HamiltonCountyCommunityFoundation.org

317.843.2479

EXPERT ADVICE Q+A

The harsh Indiana winters can do a number on your skin. With Susan Eaton Barnes’ tips, you’ll be well on your way to healthy skin this season!

TOP 10

Susan Eaton Barnes, manager, Phases by Turkle & Associates, Medical Skin Care and Laser Center, brings you ten ways to combat winter skin!

Indoor heat can take a toll on your skin whether you are sitting next to the fire or cranking up the thermostat. Adding humidifiers in the rooms you spend most of your time, can help put moisture back into your skin.

We all love a hot shower in the winter to help warm us up, but extreme heat can be another contributing factor to drying the skin. Make your shower warm and immediately after, apply a rich moisturizer or body oil to damp skin. This will help seal water into your skin.

Before heading out from the warmth of your home into the bitter cold, pull your scarf up to protect your face. Going in and out of extreme temperatures can make you more prone to broken blood vessels on your face.

Don’t be afraid to change up your skin care regimen for the winter months! Skin can become very irritated, dry and itchy through the winter. You may need to consider switching to a sensitive cleanser that does not have harsh ingredients or frragrance.

If you love using toner, think about changing to a hydrating toner. Make sure your toner does not have alcohol in it. This can be a contributing factor to dry skin.

When it comes to exfoliation of the skin, be gentle during the cold months. Put away the harsh physical scrubs and choose an enzyme instead. Papaya enzymes will gently dissolve the dead cells from the surface of your skin.

Because this is easier on your skin, you can continue to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to help your moisturizers penetrate effectively.

Serums can be a great addition to your winter regimen. Look for serums that soothe and hydrate the skin. Ingredients such as Vitamin E, chamomile and Vitamin B5 will calm and hydrate the top layers of skin.

Listen to your skin when it comes to moisturizing! You may need to switch to something with different ingredients that are thicker and more hydrating. Our skin tends to lose moisture during the winter because our barrier has broken down. Look for ceramides to help hold skin cells together creating a protective layer which holds in the moisture.

Another great ingredient is hyaluronic acid!

This is our body’s natural lubricant. It pulls water from the air and penetrates your skin to help plump and hydrate.

If you don’t use an eye cream, start!

This area is very delicate and needs extra protection. Losing elastin creates crepey tissue under the eyes. Your eye creams should hydrate, build elastin and contain anti-oxidants.

Finally, your lips! We have all suffered from dry or cracked lips during the winter months.

This is because your lips don’t contain oil glands. Find a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin and apply a moisturizing lip balm often.

Turkle & Associates 11455 N. Meridian St., Suite 150, Carmel, IN For an appointment, call (317) 848-0001 TurkleMD.com

D DIY

KIT

DANGLING WOOL ACORNS

This ornament make a great nature lesson with kids! On your acorn hunt, point out oak trees’ lobed leaves and rough bark, and compare it to other tree types. These ornaments are perfect for small trees that might go in kids’ or guest bedrooms, and they resemble colored lights.

SUPPLIES

▢▢ Felting wool or wool roving ▢▢ Small bowl hot water with a couple drops of dish soap mixed in ▢▢ Sheet tray ▢▢ Acorns with intact tops ▢▢ Flat-head screwdriver ▢▢ Drill ▢▢ Twine or thread ▢▢ Hot glue gun

TO MAKE Felt Balls: Pull off a small wad of wool, and tightly wrap more wool around it. Make it about twice the size you want your ball to eventually become. Dip the ball in warm soapy water and roll it in your hands and on tray. Keep dipping and rolling until you feel the ball get hard (about 10 minutes). Once you have it the size and shape you would like, let it dry at least 12 hours.

Acorn Tops: To remove acorn tops from the acorn, use a small flat-head screwdriver; they pop right off. Drill two holes in the top of the acorn.

Pull 6 inches of twine through the holes and tie on the inside. Use a hot glue gun to secure dry balls inside the acorn tops.

Felt Ball Cheating: If you need to make a lot. I recommend buying some of the felt balls. This way you can make some smaller and larger balls to fit the small and large acorn tops and use the homemade felt balls for the regular-sized acorn tops.

DIY: DECK THE HALLS

FOUR SIMPLE HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS TO TRY You don’t have to be the “Craft Queen” to master these little ornaments.

Presented solo or in sets, they make great gifts for neighbors, family and friends. Unlike your typical homemade edible treats, these tree trimmers have staying power for many holidays to come. They’re also inexpensive and can easily be made in bulk. TIP: Tie them on top of your beautifully wrapped gifts as a finishing touch. We promise you won’t have any #FAIL moments.

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HAVE A BALL

You likely have Ball jars lying around. These are easy with endless possibilities.

SUPPLIES

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

These state ornaments are adorable. If you don’t know how to sew well, don’t fret — the more rustic the better. Help your kids make them to give to family for a real holiday hit!

SUPPLIES

▢▢ Felt ▢▢ Embroidery floss ▢▢ Hand sewing needle ▢▢ Stuffing ▢▢ Ribbon

TO MAKE Print and cut out a state outline to use as a stencil. Trace the mirrored images onto your felt two times (the pencil marks won’t be visible since you will sew the two sides together). Cut out your felt and sew simple stitches, starting at the top and leaving a small space there for stuffing and ribbon.

Once nearly finished, stuff a small amount of stuffing into the tiny hole. Don’t stuff it so much that it disorts the shape, just enough to add a little cushion. TIP: If you don’t want to buy a big bag of stuffing, pick up a small stuffed animal at a dollar store. You’ll save money and have enough stuffing for multiple ornaments.

Tie a knot in a ribbon and stuff down into the hole. Finish sewing the rest of the ornament, sewing the ribbon in place.

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▢▢ Ball jar lid ▢▢ Scrapbooking paper ▢▢ Ribbon ▢▢ Accent Graphic

TO MAKE Trace a circle onto the backside of your scrap paper with the inside of your Ball jar lid. Cut out and place into the lid along with a ribbon for hanging. Hot glue the lid down on the back, securing your paper and ribbon in place.

ACCENT GRAPHIC Foil printing is lovely, but quite expensive. A great trick? Use a laminator. Print a graphic onto your scrapbook paper using black toner printer. If you don’t have a laminator, take it to your local printer.

Then, using reactive foil on top of your design (I like MINC brand), run your paper through the laminator a few times. No page cover is necessary. Slowly peel foil off, and wherever your black toner was, you’ll now have a beautifully foiled design.

Other options include using a paint pen to handwrite, or purchase a festive stamp or sticker.

OUT ON A LIMB STATE CONNECTED

Send some love to someone who is unable to be with you on the holidays — from your state to theirs.

Instead of looping the ribbon (see “Home for Christmas” instructions at left), sew the ribbon from the top of one state to the other. For a special touch, add hearts to the cities in which you both live.

These inexpensive, rustic ornaments are a sweet little woodsy treat.

SUPPLIES

▢▢ 2- to 3-inch-thick limbs, cut into 1/2-inch disks ▢▢ Black paint ▢▢ Screw eyes ▢▢ Ribbon

TO MAKE Sand the inside of the wood disk. Paint a black circle in the center and let dry.

Decorate as you see fit. We used a white paint marker to handwrite “joy” and then attached a poinsettia using a hot glue gun. You could also use a stamp or stickers, or a Cricut Cutter to add vinyl.

To finish, add a screw eye to the top and tie a ribbon around to hang.

Get in. Get out. Get better.

FranciscanExpressCare.org When life’s unexpected illnesses and injuries don’t require a trip to the ER, get the care you need now! Visit one of our Franciscan ExpressCare locations.

No appointment needed, just walk right in!

THOMPSON COMMONS

GREENWOOD

5210 E. Thompson Road Indianapolis, IN 46237

1001 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142

(317) 782-7500

(317) 528-7500

7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day*

7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day*

STONES CROSSING

CITYWAY

1703 W. Stones Crossing Road Suite 100 Greenwood, IN 46143

325 S. Alabama St. Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 528-2900

(317) 705-4785

7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day*

7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day* * Holiday hours may vary.

ARTISANS

WE ADMIRE

These women prove that if you want something special, sometimes you have to pick up the tools and craft it yourself. Here are some of the local tastemakers and creators we’re applauding this issue.

DRESS IN GLOBAL CHARM Jill Duzan Willey’s goal has always been to create jewelry that captures the natural beauty and individuality of every woman.

Her style is culturally eclectic, modern and easy to wear, or what she calls “rugged elegance.”

For years, while traveling, she sought out rare finds inside local shops, antique stores and street markets. She amassed a collection of beads made of natural stones and silver, charms and artifacts. She began creating jewelry with her treasures, and soon her friends noticed her pieces.

In 2003, Jill Duzan Artisan Fine Jewelry was born. Six years later, she opened the doors of Jill Duzan Treetop Design Studio on her property in McCordsville. Today, the inspiring retail and work space is open to the public by appointment.

Jill still collects artifacts during her travels to Italy, Thailand, Bali, India, Africa and around the United States, weaving her finds into new earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants. Seldom are two pieces the same. The only consistent thread across nearly every piece is the custom-made JD logo clasp.

Jill Duzan Artisan Fine Jewelry is available at Reis-Nichols Jewelers, as well as at retailers in Colorado, New Jersey, Wyoming and Los Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

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LIGHT UP A ROOM Linnea’s Lights is an homage to strong Swedish women, who emphasize the value of family, hard work, integrity, compassion and the art of creating by hand. In 2012, founder Lynn Manley passed the baton to daughter Laura Cler.

The Carmel, Ind., company offers home fragrances — candles, diffusers, reeds — handcrafted by a team of artisans in small batches from mindfully sourced, highquality ingredients. Heritage, travels and memories spawn aromas that bring joy, serenity and light.

Seasonal scents such as Bourbon Tabac and Pumpkin round out the collection of bestselling products.

Linnea’s Lights uses only ecofriendly materials to create and package their products. Laura’s team also partners with non-profit organization Janus Developmental Services to provide life skills for people with disabilities, and treat all employees with gratitude, respect and compassion.

Purchase Linnea’s Lights products at linneaslights.com or call (317) 324-4002 to make an appointment.

COZY UP TO LOCAL KNITS Growing up in Newfoundland, MaDonna Wolf was surrounded by women who knitted, crocheted and sewed. She has fond memories of sitting on her Nan’s lap, “helping” her make mittens and gloves for loved ones. Because of these ladies, MaDonna says she can’t remember not loving or knowing how to knit. It’s impossible to count the number of items she’s made and gifted over the years.

In 2010, with encouragement from family and friends, MaDonna began designing her own patterns and selling knitwear. She lovingly and personally hand makes each item in her shop, from baby’s booties to merino wool blankets.

MeridianMade by MaDonna Marie is available by appointment and on Etsy.

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PURIFY YOUR SKIN CARE When Elizabeth Jones’ oldest daughter was diagnosed with severe allergies and eczema, gentle skin products were hard to find. So, Elizabeth created her own, falling in love with the artistry in the process.

As she shared the results, demand grew and Elizabeth decided to launch Soap & Sunshine Apothecary, first online and then as a storefront.

Today, the company offers cold process soaps and lotions, bath bombs, natural deodorant, facial products, essential oils and loose-leaf teas. Everything beautiful bar, cream or scrub is made 100 percent by Elizabeth and her team, from beginning to end, and only with the best ingredients.

Soap & Sunshine Apothecary is in downtown Alexandria, Ind. You can also find the products at The Mercantile 37 in Atlanta, Ind., and online at soapandsunshine.com.

TAG YOUR BEST FRIEND SarahKate Chamness is an art director and graphic designer living in Indianapolis with her 8-year-old golden retriever, Bea Arthur. An aspiring jewelry designer, SarahKate decided to marry three of her great loves — dogs, semiprecious stones and creating — and channel them into adorable handcrafted tags. She uses vintage stamps, patinaproducing liver of sulfur, brass key rings and copper wire to assemble the designs.

Healing stones, such as citrine, which she credits for keeping precious Bea safe and in good health, make these extra special.

Shop SarahKate’s dog tags at Handmade Promenade on Mass Ave. Follow @doggonegood_indy on Instagram.

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Nominees and guests gathered at Daniel's Family Vineyard & Winery in McCordsville.

Lisa Snethen, nominated by John Snethen

Courtney Cox Cole (right), nominated by Leslie Henderzahs

Jean Ross, nominated by Dana Robinson

Sunset at Daniel's Family Vineyard & Winery

WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE Story by Brooke Reynolds | Event Photos by 10th Street Photography | Portraits by Cara Wagner

Kit Magazine knows there are an awful lot of generous, amazing women in Indianapolis who go above and beyond for their communities and families. So it was about time we did a little something to recognize a handful of these superstars! This year, we created the Women Making a Difference award. And we asked you, our readers, to nominate women you felt deserved special recognition. This award gives local service-minded women a platform on which to be thanked and celebrated. In a world where we barely slow down to offer sincere appreciation, Kit was happy to spend an upbeat evening gathered with these three inspiring people, letting them know how bright of a light they are. The nominees’ stories were diverse, but their selflessness and determination knit them together.

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WANT TO NOMINATE A WOMAN MAKING A DIFFERENCE?

LISA SNETHEN WINNER

Follow Kit on Facebook and Instagram @KitIndyMag for the latest details.

A few years ago, the Snethen family took a leap of faith when Lisa Snethen decided to leave her 20-year career as a registered nurse. The plan was to focus full time on volunteering opportunities at their two kids’ schools in Sheridan. Bottom line: She wanted to be where her kids were. While there, she started Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Sheridan Middle School, and it grew into one of the biggest clubs at school.

After prayer and family discussions, the Snethens this year decided to homeschool their kids, who are now in seventh and ninth grades. While Lisa is no longer a part of FCA or school-associated extracurriculars, she keeps plenty busy with other volunteer opportunities with her kids through homeschooling.

“In addition to totally embracing our increased time together at home as a God-ordered, Godgiven blessing, I have found that managing our own curriculum allows us to be more intentional with our time to enjoy pursuing shared passions outside of our home,” Lisa says. “We seek out and embrace opportunities to serve together, such as delivering food, visiting and praying with someone in need, doing chores — pulling weeds, pruning trees, cleaning hog barns, etc. — for someone in need, singing and playing keys with SingLove praise and worship band, volunteering at Reins of Grace Therapeutic Riding Center (helping children with special needs) … I could go on and on!”

Lisa also continues her passion for mentoring students by volunteering with Northview Church’s student ministry twice weekly. She also manages to find time to volunteer on Northview Church’s grounds team and pastoral care team, as well as Phi Beta Psi Sorority’s Goodwill Committee.

“I know that God has hard-wired me to serve, as I am never more full of joy than when I am serving others,” Lisa says. “I look for opportunities to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet in a hurting world, and always wish I could do more!”

ABOVE: Lisa leads a group of student at Northview Church. LEFT: We captured the moment Lisa was announced as winner of the inaugural Women Making a Different award.

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“I know that God has hard-wired me to serve, as I am never more full of joy than when I am serving others."

LISA SNETHEN

JEAN ROSS FINALIST Jean Ross’ compassion as a registered nurse stretches far beyond her job description. She cares for all her patients and their families, but she’s taken a special interest in families affected by dementia.

“You see these families grow a little more isolated as the disease progresses, or a little more overwhelmed with all the changes happening in their loved one,” Jean says.

She decided she wanted to take her level of care for these families a step further, so she attended an informational meeting for Dementia Friends Indiana, thinking she’d hear about a neat community resource she could refer families to. Instead, she learned that DFI is a social movement to advance the education and awareness of dementia, reduce the stigma associated with the disease, and create community environments that are welcoming and conducive for those living with dementia.

g n i k a M n e m Wo a Difference

Jean followed a calling to get involved.

After becoming a Dementia Friend, then Champion, she wanted to do everything in her power to advance the cause in Hamilton County. Besides leading multiple training sessions, Jean played a role in establishing partnerships with key community stakeholders, including Conner Prairie. There, she found a community organization receptive to her idea of a Memory Cafe. Conner Prairie’s mission of inclusive programming set the stage for an amazing team of passionate folks to come together. With the help of Kelsey Van Voorst and Jordan Carpenter from Conner Prairie, the first Memory Cafe in Hamilton County was launched.

Jean with Conner Prairie's Kelsey Van Voorst, Interpretation Manager and Jordan Laux, Senior Interpreter

g n i k a M n e m o W a Difference Women Mak a Difference “My goal as a Dementia Friend was to figure out how to connect spouses impacted by this disease,” Jean says.

“As a nurse, I know patient education is important, but in the case of dementia, the caregiver of the spouse with dementia is the one needing this education and connection the most.”

| DANIEL’S VINEYARD SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

Conner Prairie now hosts Memory To date, Jean has personally made 120 Cafes once a month in winter and everyWOMEN REMARKABLE ARE ALL AROUND US, MAKING Dementia Friends through info sessions other month in warmer months. These AN IMPACT IN WAYS THAT JUST CAN’T BE IGNORED. she leads as a volunteer Dementia gatherings provide a chance for dementia Champion.

With a each friend made, Jean Kit established Women Making Difference Award to honor patients and their families to engage the in sees the awareness of dementia increase hands-on activities in a safe,few welcoming a select of these women giving back to our community. and the stigma reduce.

She is excited to WOMEN AR REMARKABLE WOMEN ARE ALL AROUND MAKING REMARKABLE environmentUS, — one where people won’t We asked our readers to women theyFriends felt deserved seenominate what other ideas Dementia judge the outward behaviors or speech AN IMPACT IN WAYS THAT JUST CAN’T BE IGNORED. AN IMPACT IN WAYS THAT special recognition.

The nominees’ stories were diverse, but their will create in their communities.

For those living with dementia can often Kit established the Women Making a Difference Award to honor Kit established the Women Ma more information about how to become selflessness and determination bound them together. exhibit. a Dementia Friend, check a select few of these women giving back to our community. a please select fewout of these women g dementiafriendsindiana.org.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

| DANIEL’S VINEYARD

We asked our readers to nominate women they felt OUR deserved FINALISTS: special recognition. The nominees’ stories were diverse, but their COURTNEY COX COLE selflessness and determination bound them together.

COURTNEY COLE FINALIST

NOMINATED BY LESLIE HENDERZAHS

We asked our readers to nomi special recognition. The nomin selflessness and determination

Courtney Cole is one who, when faced with Courtney has also served as a patient less-than-ideal circumstances, naturally spokesperson to one of their physician JEAN ROSS OUR FINALISTS: OUR FINALISTS: sees ways to contribute to the BY greater groups and also to the physician group NOMINATED DANA ROBINSON good. She exemplifies this because, as at Riverview Hospital.

The primary COX COLE COURTNEY COX COLE COURTNEY LISA someone who has beenSNETHEN diagnosed with emphasis of her talks has been about the NOMINATED BY LESLIE HENDERZAHS NOMINATED

BY LESLIE HENDERZAH NOMINATED

BY JOHN lung cancer, instead of only thinking of SNETHEN need to tell patients about the effects of JEAN ROSS JEAN ROSS herself, she has rolled up her sleeves to chemotherapy on the brain and potential NOMINATED BY DANA ROBINSON

BY DANA ROBINSON raise lung cancerPROGRAM awareness and better the need for personal NOMINATED counseling therapy. lives of others affected by the disease.

LISA SNETHEN LISA SNETHEN Additionally, Courtney and her sister, NOMINATED BY JOHN SNETHEN

BY JOHN SNETHEN Courtney was selected by the American Monica Peck, haveNOMINATED worked tirelessly COCKTAILS AND HORS D’OEUVRES Lung Association to receive the 2018 to raise funds for an MRI machine for Lung Force Impact Award because of her Riverview Hospital, which provides a PROGRAM PROGRAM work raising funds for the association. The quicker, less claustrophobic and more INTRODUCTION TINA MCINTOSH, MISTRESS OF CEREMONY; executive director of the Lung Association comfortable scan for patients, which can PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER JOY’S HOUSE of Indiana, Tanya Husain, credited detect cancers in the early stages.

COCKTAILS AND HORS D’OEUVRES COCKTAILS AND HORS D’O Courtney for her strength, positivity and Courtney also helped found the Noblesville perseverance through her own battle with INTRODUCE THREEMini FINALISTS Marathon in 2014, with proceeds lung cancer, all while raising awareness and INTRODUCTION TINA MCINTOSH, MISTRESS OF CEREMONY; TINA MCIN going to the Boys and Girls INTRODUCTION Club of funds for lung cancer research.

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER JOY’S HOUSE PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER Noblesville. She ran it the first year — RECIPIENT WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD Courtney says she raised the funds by OF INAUGURAL something she loved doing before her corralling all her Facebook friends to diagnosis — but the cancer quickly made it INTRODUCE THREE FINALISTS support her mission. impossible to keep running.INTRODUCE THREE FINALI

6:00 6:30 6:45 7:30 7:45

6:00 6:30 6:45 7:30 7:45

6:00

6:30 6:45 7:30 A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS: 7:45 CONCLUSION TINA MCINTOSH

Because of her contributions to the cause, Courtney was invited to be the keynote RECIPIENT OF INAUGURAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD speaker at the Lung Force gala, where she shared her personal story with lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONCourtney TINA MCINTOSH with her children, Cayla (16) and Blake (13).

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS:

BOZEMAN PROPERTIES

Not only has Courtney busied herself with improving lives, but throughRECIPIENT her work OF INAUGURAL for the American Lung Association and Riverview Hospital, she is now saving lives.

CONCLUSION TINA MCINTO DAVE AND LIZ JACKIE COX TATE YOU TO A SPECIAL THANK

THANK YOU TO THE 'WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE' SPONSORS: BOZEMAN PROPERTIES

DAVE AND JACKIE COX

LIZ TATE

ree - D

TRISHBOZEMAN PROPERTIES CLARK IT’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED

heroes of hamilton co.

THREE INDIVIDUALS NAMED COMMUNITY PILLARS OF HAMILTON COUNTY

C

Hamilton County Community Foundation (formerly Legacy Fund) believes that everyone in our community deserves an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter their place, race or identity. The civic leaders, philanthropists and everyday citizens who work tirelessly to make this a reality stand as community pillars. These individuals are honored every year at Hamilton County Community Foundation’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy.

Members of the community nominated this year’s honorees in one of three areas — family success, college readiness and success, and inspiring places. Each winner was also given the opportunity to award $5,000, provided by Hamilton County Community Foundation, to the local not-for-profit of their choice.

CARE

JUDGE STEVEN R. NATION

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Judge Steven R. Nation of Hamilton County Superior Court received the Community Pillar Award for "family success" and allocated $5,000 to Hamilton County Youth Assistance Programs, an early-intervention program for at-risk youth and their families. The program launched as a pilot in Westfield in 2009 and is now in every Hamilton County school district.

It has contributed to a significant decrease in youth interacting with the justice system.

BRENDA MYERS FREEDOM KOLB Freedom Kolb, special projects officer for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, received the Community Pillar Award for "college readiness and success," and allocated $5,000 to Child Advocates to enable Hamilton County residents to attend Undoing Racism workshops at no cost. The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond developed the workshop, and it is presented in Central Indiana by Child Advocates of Marion County. Kolb has encouraged all Hamilton Southeastern Schools educators to attend the workshop, believing passionately that equity and inclusion lead to higher academic success.

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Brenda Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton County Tourism, received the Community Pillar Award for "inspiring places" and allocated $5,000 to Hamilton County Leadership Academy to engage alumni as a resource for not-for-profit capacity building in the community. Hamilton County Leadership Academy is a 10-week program that educates and inspires local individuals to create a positive impact in the community with their leadership, expertise and collaboration.

Hamilton County Community Foundation also announced at the event three new leadership initiatives for 2019 in the areas of mental health, family and youth empowerment, and inclusive economic growth. The foundation will roll out specifics of the five-year plan in 2019 and is currently establishing community collaboration for the efforts with donors and not-for-profit organizations.

Learn more about Hamilton County Community Foundation and its leadership initiatives, or get involved, at HamiltonCountyCommunityFoundation.org.

ALTRUISTIC ALLURE Whether gifting others or treating yourself, picking up these products is a great way to give back.

By Courtney Leach

M MINI

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THE STORE Silver in the City THE PRODUCT Executive Handbag, $112 THE CAUSE PUP (peopleup.org) designs bags, wallets, accessories and Christmas ornaments with materials that would otherwise pile up in our landfills, including pieces of the RCA Dome, which was demolished a decade ago. PUP has also procured and transformed materials from Super Bowl banners, Fountain Square Music Festival signage, Indianapolis Indians banners and more. Purchasing these products funds PUP’s various community initiatives throughout the Indianapolis area and supports ecoconscious design.

434 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis (317) 955-9925

THE STORE Smith’s Jewelers THE PRODUCT Jewelry and book set, $65 THE CAUSE Smith’s Jewelers supports Prevail, a Hamilton County organization that advocates for victims of crime, approximately 70-80 percent of whom are women and children who suffer from domestic violence or sexual abuse. During Prevail’s annual fashion show, the featured speaker chooses a charm that is symbolic of her or his journey of survivorship. Smith’s uses the charm to make a necklace or bracelet and pairs it with a book that reflects the overall message.

All profits go to Prevail.

98 N. 9th St., Noblesville (317) 773-3383

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THE STORE Capstone Cafe & Bookstore

THE STORE R4 Galleria

THE PRODUCT Sky Footwear Socks, $12

THE PRODUCT Thymes Frasier Fir scented candles, various styles, sizes and scents, $5$112.50 (most are in the $25-$50 range)

THE CAUSE This product came to fruition in a Taylor University dorm room. Two dudes with a heart for the homeless decided to do something about one of the most requested needs: socks. Whenever you buy a pair of Sky Footwear Socks, a pair will be donated to a homeless shelter.

The socks come in a variety of styles and designs, and are oh so cozy!

12900 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel (317) 846-2884

Sky Footwear

ArtMix Urban Art isans

THE CAUSE For each Frasier Fir product purchased, the manufacturer, Thymes, plants one tree. Candles, hand soaps, wax melts, decorative sachets, diffusers and more products are also available.

19 E. Main St., Suite 100, Carmel (317) 564-8694

THE STORE Gallery 116 THE PRODUCT ArtMix Urban Artisans large sushi serving platter, $15; small sushi dish, $6; mug, $18; Indiana plaque, $25

Thymes Frasier Fir Scented Candles

THE CAUSE ArtMix Urban Artisans is an internship program that aids 16-22 year olds, with and without disabilities, who are transitioning from school to the workplace. Under the leadership of their professional teaching artists, interns work as a creative team to produce marketable artistic products in clay, fiber, paints and mosaics. These products are sold in the ArtMix Gallery and in local shops, with 50 percent of the retail price going back to the ArtMix program to pay for teaching artists and supplies.

8597 E. 116th St., Fishers (317) 577-9730

THE STORE Uplift Intimate Apparel THE PRODUCT Blush Panties, 1 for $15 or 3 for $33

Blush Panties

THE CAUSE For every pair of Blush Panties sold, Uplift Intimate Apparel donates $1 to Restored Inc. through its Panties on Purpose (POP) program. Restored Inc. provides services, outreach and education to young girls, ages 11-24, who have been victimized by domestic sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The organization works to raise awareness and provide education and advocacy in the hope of ending human sex trafficking throughout Indiana.

711 Veterans Way, Carmel (317) 853-6007

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This Christmas, give the gift of

Joy

to a local child in need.

Angel Tree: A Ministry of The Salvation Army This program serves thousands of Hoosier children in need with the help of generous individuals like you! Angel Trees will be on display in Castleton Square and Greenwood Park malls November 16 and 17 and November 23 through December 8. Shoppers who choose to adopt an Angel are given special bags to fill with gifts for the child they select from the Angel Tree. Each Angel tag includes the child’s age, clothing and shoe sizes, “wants” (like toys or games) and “needs” (like jeans or snow boots). Once filled, the bags can be brought back to the Angel Trees, which will be set up at the south entrance of Castleton Square between Forever 21 and H&M and just outside the Macy’s mall entrance at Greenwood Park. Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org for more information.

How The Salvation Army is bringing together the community to save Christmas for thousands of children this year.

‘Tis the season to share our blessings and spread joy to loved ones and strangers alike. At The Salvation Army, this may mean cooking a hot Thanksgiving meal for neighbors or bringing thoughtful Christmas gifts to residents in local nursing homes. When it comes to making a difference during this special time of year, though, nothing compares to the Angel Tree program.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides Christmas gifts for thousands of children across central Indiana, but it is much more than a simple toy distribution.

Every enrolled child (a.k.a.

“Angel”) comes complete with a profile to help a donor understand their adopted Angel’s deepest Christmas wishes and greatest practical needs. One might find hanging on an Angel Tree a tag for Natalie, a 12-year-old girl who loves arts and crafts and needs clothing to keep up with her recent growth spurt. Or perhaps you’ll see 3-year-old Jacob, who loves

Paw Patrol and is in need of training pants. Each child is unique, and these profiles help to make sure that every item chosen for an Angel is just as special as they are.

Many Angels are adopted by local businesses, churches, and organizations looking for a way to give back during the holiday season, but it also takes individuals willing to add a name to their Christmas list to make Angel Tree a success. You can adopt an Angel right off a tree at Castleton Square and Greenwood Park malls or at the Indiana Historical Society, where a very special Angel Tree lights up the lobby during the Festival of Trees. Just return your purchased gifts

by December 8 so The Salvation Army can get all 5,000-plus bags to families before Christmas.

A joyful Christmas morning, relief for families on a tight budget, and a hands-on way to give back during the holidays. It just doesn’t get any better than that!

3 WAYS TO GIVE BACK I WANT TO GET MY HANDS DIRTY Volunteering is a great hands-on way to get involved. Sign up to ring at a red kettle this Christmas at RegisterToRing.com or help The Salvation Army sort Angel Tree bags, serve meals to seniors, or tackle a painting project at one of their local community centers. A little elbow grease and a couple of hours of your time means all the world to a non-profit during this busy time of year!

I WANT TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT Get your company or church to adopt 10, 20, or even 100 Angels. With so many children in need, it takes commitments like this to fulfill the wishes of every child in the program. No time to shop?

How about making a financial gift that can help underwrite the costs of big programs like Angel Tree or support important ministries like The Salvation Army’s downtown shelter for homeless women and children.

I WANT TO HELP, BUT I HAVE NO TIME Making an online donation is as easy as visiting SalvationArmyIndiana.org. In just two minutes you can help The Salvation Army feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and spread joy across central Indiana. You can also be an advocate for the families in the Angel Tree program by sharing on your Facebook page and telling friends and family about this great program!

Feeling like every day is a juggling act?

Family caregivers have a lot to juggle.

You work hard all day trying to keep up with life’s demands—family, work, homemaking, errands, paying bills.

Add caring for a family member with aging or disability needs, and suddenly you feel like you can’t keep it all up.

You don’t have to do it alone.

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions is a nonprofit that connects people seeking help for themselves or a loved one with community resources that provide the best care possible: • Medicare/Medicaid answers • Housing options • Home health services • Home-delivered meals • Transportation • Home accessibility modifications • And much more!

(317) 803-6131 www.cicoa.org

A member of the

connect Alliance.

A R E YO U R E A DY TO

in Carmel, Indiana?

Yes, please! There's no need to travel to New York or the North Pole for your holiday fix this winter. Carmel offers top-notch cultural experiences, first-class performances and a German-themed Christmas market that, only in its second year, is already considered one of the best of its kind in America!

From classic holiday shows at the Palladium, the Tarkington and Studio theaters at the Center for the Performing Arts, to the unique gift shopping in the Arts & Design District and Carmel City Center, there is always something to do throughout the holiday season.

Mark your calendars - from November 17 to December 23, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt will be the place to shop rare, unique German gifts; sample wonderfully sweet spiced wine known as Glühwein (offered in collectible Christmas mugs); and enjoy the best Germanic foods

like sausages, sizzling cheese sandwiches, pastries and other delectable treats from more than 40 huts that wrap around an open-air ice skating rink in the heart of Carmel’s beautiful City Center.

Kick off the season with Holiday at Center Green on Saturday, November 17. Kids can visit with Santa, help light our holiday trees, enjoy music, make crafts and check out live reindeer and other animals from Silly Safari.

Don’t miss the latest attraction – a three-story Glühwein Pyramid, the largest of its kind in the U.S., that will offer more than a dozen different varieties, including Germanic craft beers and a non-alcoholic choice for kids at the base of a beautiful tower designed and built exclusively for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

Santa returns on Saturday, December 1 as Main Street shops and art galleries celebrate Holiday in the Arts District with food, music, live animals from Silly Safari and holiday activities.

Sprinkle in some serious time on The Ice at Center Green skating rink; the convenience of weekend holiday trolleys taking you from district to district for free; fine dining and fun times throughout the City … It’s all for you this holiday season!

Ride the festive and free Carmel Holiday Trolley and visit Santa the first four Saturdays in December. The trolley route includes Christkindlmarkt, The Ice at Center Green, City Center, Midtown and the Arts & Design District.

New this year, Carmel’s Holiday PorchFest – live music played from the front porches of beautiful homes in the Arts & Design District – followed by the Second Saturday Gallery Walk on December 8.

Make sure you Embrace the Holidays in Carmel by visiting HolidaysinCarmel.com

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CURB THOSE HOLIDAY CRAVINGS Let’s resolve to not overindulge this holiday season. Sound like a familiar, oftforgotten promise?

Kit asked our friends in the know how to help you outsmart those pesky calories.

Like many other families, my family skips meals or decreases calories to “save up” for holiday meals. Unfortunately, this approach does not work because cutting out meals makes you beyond hungry, which will inevitably cause you to overeat.

You will most likely eat too quickly and too much since your brain and belly won’t have time to tell you if you’re actually full.

The best way to control overeating is to mentally prepare. If you’re going to be out shopping, pack trail mix or nuts, or keep some healthy snacks in the car. If you’re preparing a holiday meal, make sure the menu includes a veggie tray and a fruit salad or fruit tray, which add great color to a holiday spread. If you’re attending parties, eat something healthy before you go.

During the holidays, my family also brings out the jumbo-sized dinner plates so there’s room for all the good food, but just switching to a smaller plate helps you control your portions and be more mindful of when you are full.

Other tips to reduce holiday weight gain:

So, do not skip meals. Instead, pace yourself by frequently drinking water, and setting down your fork during conversation and between bites.

Remember, there is always tomorrow for another delicious meal.

If you are hosting, have some to-go containers for you and your guests. They will thank you!

AMANDA GARANT MS, RD, CD Registered Dietitian, Motion 4 Life Fitness

»» Choose low-calorie beverages over high-calorie drinks. Sip on fruitflavored seltzer, club soda or water with a slice of fruit. »» Do something. We tend to eat more when we’re sitting around, so plan activities you can enjoy with family and friends. »» Bake smarter. Use liquid fats, such as olive oil, instead of solids, such as Crisco. In baked goods, use fruit purees. Yogurt often can replace sour cream in recipes, reducing calories without reducing taste. »» Rethink your recipes. You can decrease fat and calories in traditional recipes with a few swaps. Think about adding a sweet potato to your mashed potatoes, or serve mashed cauliflower or roasted veggies instead.

TIFFANY COX CICOA Dietitian with am emphasis on aging, weight loss and wellness

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NEW YEAR. NEW LOOK.

12 DAYS OF HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Turkle & Associates’ annual “12 Days of Holiday Open House” returns! Each day we will offer great prices on skin care products or services. Give yourself the gift of healthy, beautiful skin! Or, snag these deals to get a head start on holiday shopping. The fun starts December 7.

DON’T MISS THESE DAILY SPECIALS! Follow us on: Facebook: Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery (@TurkleMD) Instagram: turklemd Twitter: TurkleMD Sign up for our email newsletter at turklemd.com.

11455 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET | SUITE 150 | CARMEL, INDIANA 46032 | 317-848-0001 31

A CULINARY CONNECTION The twosome behind “A Couple Cooks” rethink holiday fare.

AFTER A FEW YEARS OF MARRIAGE, Sonja and Alex Overhiser decided they wanted to learn to cook, so they immersed themselves in the craft. In 2010, they unveiled the wholesome fruits of their labor online as “A Couple Cooks” food blog.

“For us, cooking has always been about connection: inviting people in and enjoying great conversation over good food,” Sonja says.

Influenced by food writer Mark Bittman, the pair began with one meatless meal each week, but now identify as “flexitarian,” opting for mostly vegetarian and vegan dishes, with the occasional carnivorous plate.

“Our style resembles the Mediterranean diet — whole grains, veggies and healthy fats — but we don’t stick to one philosophy.” They share their from-scratch style in Pretty Simple Cooking a new cookbook featuring smart, crowd-pleasing recipes.

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APPLE CHERRY CARDAMOM CRUMBLE

FENNEL, POMEGRANATE, & ARUGULA SALAD

GF* | V* | Serves 8

Serves 4 to 6

THE CRUMBLE

FOR THE DRESSING

11/2 pounds tart apples (about 4 to 5 large Granny Smith, Jonathan or Jonagold) 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1/ cup light brown sugar 3 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/ teaspoon ground cardamom 2 3/ cup dried tart cherries (no sugar added) 4 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup oat flour or 1 cup finely ground rolled oats 11/4 cups rolled oats 1/ teaspoon kosher salt 4 1/ cup chopped pecans 3 5 tablespoons coconut oil, at room temperature 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon lemon juice (1/2 lemon) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon honey 1/ teaspoon kosher salt 8 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

FOR THE TOPPING

1| Make the vinaigrette: Juice the lemon half. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, white wine vinegar, honey and kosher salt. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and whisk until fully combined. Continue adding the remaining olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until all 6 tablespoons are added, and the dressing is creamy and emulsified.

/2 cup crème fraîche or coconut whipped cream 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 1

1| Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2| Make the filling: Peel the apples and thinly slice. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together apples, lemon zest, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, cherries and cornstarch.

3| Make the crumble: If necessary, make the oat flour by blending 1 cup rolled oats in a food processor or high speed blender until finely ground. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oat flour, rolled oats, kosher salt and pecans. Cut in the coconut oil using a pastry blender, and then add the maple syrup and mix until well combined.

4| Bake the crumble: Place the filling into a 9x9-inch baking dish, and then spread the crumble over the top. Bake until golden brown (50-55 minutes).

5| Make the topping: While the crumble bakes, mix together the crème fraîche and maple syrup, or make the coconut whipped cream.

FOLLOW A COUPLE COOKS at acouplecooks.com, on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Listen to the “A Couple Cooks” podcast by downloading the app, or on Spotify or Stitcher.

6| To serve: Top the warm crumble with maple crème fraîche or coconut whipped cream.

GF* For gluten-free, use gluten-free oats.

V* For vegan, top with coconut whipped cream.

FOR THE SALAD

1 pomegranate (1/2 cup seeds) 1 small fennel bulb 1 stalk celery 6 cups baby spinach and arugula or other baby greens, loosely packed

2| Seed the pomegranate: Cut the pomegranate in quarters and place them in a large bowl of water.

Under the water, gently pull out the seeds with your fingers. Eventually, you’ll be able to turn the peel inside out to extract the seeds closest to the outer skin. As you work, the pomegranate seeds will sink to the bottom, while the white pith from the fruit will float to the top. When all of the seeds are extracted, skim off the white pith and strain out the water. Rinse the pomegranate seeds; reserve 1/2 cup for the salad and store the extra seeds in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3| Prepare the fresh ingredients: Remove the green fronds from the top of the fennel and thinly slice the bulb. Thinly slice the celery. Wash and dry the greens as necessary.

4| To serve: Place the greens on a platter. Top with the fennel, celery and pomegranate seeds. Toss with the desired amount of dressing, to taste.

5| To store: Reserve any extra dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving.

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks | Pretty Simple Cooking: 100 Delicious Vegetarian Recipes to Make You Fall in Love with Real Food by Sonja and Alex Overhiser. Copyright © 2018. Available from Da Capo Lifelong Books, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

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EXPERT ADVICE Q+A

WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER We’re amidst those doomed winter months, when it seems like everyone around us is sick. How can we keep ourselves healthy with all the coughing and sneezing symptoms going around? Let Emily K. Frank, M.D., of Internal Medicine and Bone Health at St. Vincent Carmel, offer a few tips to increase your chances of making it through this season without the flu.

To schedule an appointment or for more information: St. Vincent Medical Group 317-415-6450 Visit one of our convenient locations or go online to schedule an appointment with a St. Vincent physician at getstvincentcare.com 13420 N Meridian Street Suite 270, Carmel

Q A

Do people tend to be more prone to illness during winter months? Why or why not?

Infections that are spread by respiratory droplets are definitely more common during the frigid winter months. This is likely because more people spend time indoors and are coming in closer contact with one another.

Q A

What illnesses can you get from the cold weather?

Frostbite, dry skin and cold-induced wheezing are pretty much the only things that occur as a direct result of the cold weather. It’s a complete myth that going out in the cold weather actually causes any infection to occur.

Q A

How do we fight those common cold-weather illnesses?

Frostbite: avoid prolonged unprotected exposure in freezing temperatures. Dry skin: avoid hot showers, use a home humidifier, load up on lotion and oil. See below for fighting off infections.

Q A

Are people more contagious during winter months? How so?

We’re more contagious because we are inside.

This exposes a greater number of people to infectious diseases. You don’t have to be a hermit but should definitely take precautions to avoid getting sick.

Good hand-washing is absolutely essential. When you’re coughing, sneezing or have a fever, stay away from others to avoid spreading your germs. Most of these illnesses are spread by microscopic respiratory particles, so remember your mother’s advice and cover your mouth when you sneeze!

ADVERTORIAL

Q A

What are the best ways to prevent getting sick in the winter?

Flu shot, flu shot, flu shot. It is a dead virus vaccine, so there’s no possible way to get the flu from the vaccination. If someone tells you they did, it’s probably because the guy next to her at the pharmacy sneezed all over her.

Q A

What are the best supplements for winter months that combat the most common winter illnesses, stress, etc.?

My number one recommendation is vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. Recent research has questioned it’s efficacy, but it’s well known that nearly half of older adults are vitamin D-deficient. Vitamin D supplements are widely available, inexpensive, welltolerated and may be an effective defense against the “winter blues.”

Q A

What appointments should I begin making for the new year?

Be sure to get your flu shot if you haven’t already.

Flu season usually peaks in January or February.

For routine medical care, try to avoid doctor’s offices, pharmacies and hospitals in January or February, as these places are packed with people who may have influenza symptoms.

Q A

What natural remedies do you recommend for keeping us well in winter months?

Honey is an amazing antibacterial agent and its use dates back to ancient Greece. Mix it in hot tea to soothe a sore throat or calm a coughing fit. You can slather it on a raw patch of skin or simply eat it with your morning granola!

H HEALTH

KIT

COMING TO

OUR SENSES

By Courtney Leach

The key to deep awareness and peace might be more accessible than you think. Inhale, exhale, reset.

Data confirms what many of us already feel: We are a gender plagued by stress. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that from puberty to age 50, women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop anxiety.

“Everything in our culture is aimed at distraction and consumption,” says Dr. Jennifer E. Bradley, a clinical psychologist in Bloomington, Ind., who also offers mindfulness training and meditation mentoring. “We’re out of balance, partly because we’re encouraged to constantly multitask and do more than is natural. This results in chronic stress and anxiety. In response to that, we’re taught to numb ourselves with food, alcohol, shopping, social media, overwork, etc. As we go numb, we lose track of our ability to connect with peace, stillness and deep awareness.”

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THE ROLE OF MINDFULNESS “Anxiety is fundamentally about being in our thoughts about the past or future. Unless there’s an immediate crisis, anxiety is rarely about the present,” Dr. Bradley says. Enter mindfulness.

“Simply put, mindfulness is intentionally bringing awareness, kindness and curiosity to the moment, and being truly present, in a nonjudgmental way, with what’s happening now."

“When we’re anxious, we replay what we’ve said or done in the past and, perhaps especially for women, beat ourselves up about it. Or, we anticipate what’s coming in the future and generate negative scenarios and storylines. Because mindfulness brings us back to the present, again and again, it takes us away from anxiety.“

A MINDFULNESS PRACTICE “One of my favorite ways of coming into awareness is focusing on the breath. Breathe deeply, into your diaphragm — in for a count of four, out for a count of six. Do this for two or three minutes, staying with the sensations of your breath."

To see if you're getting the best breath possible, try lying down. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.

The one on your belly should be moving much more. This is how you know you’re breathing into the diaphragm.

“Another simple practice is a ‘stoplight’ practice. Each time you find yourself at a red light, focus on your breath. And then just notice what you see, hear, smell, taste and feel,” Dr. Bradley says. When all else fails, she recommends focusing on doing exactly one thing, and only one thing, at a time.

BOOST YOUR AWARENESS: Breathe in deeply for 4 seconds.

Exhale for a count of 6. Repeat for 2-3 minutes.

TAP INTO THE SENSES “The body is the gateway to mindfulness. Thoughts tend to take us away from the present, but sensations bring us back,” Dr. Bradley says. “Take eating as an example. If we slow down and really look at our food, smell it, and chew slowly to truly taste it, we experience greater enjoyment. We tune in to sensations of fullness, and often, we feel satisfied earlier and are less likely to overeat.”

According to Dr. Bradley, connecting to your senses is a gateway to a healthier self-image, too. “Staying present is a skill that takes time and practice to cultivate, but the rewards are huge. It’s like learning to be a good friend to yourself. I’m sure you can connect with how it feels when you sit down with a friend. You can tell that she’s listening, that you have her full attention and that she’s approaching you with kindness, curiosity and empathy. You feel heard, understood and honored in your sharing.

"Now think about sitting down with another friend, who isn’t listening. She’s glancing at her phone, looking at the door, and her mind is elsewhere. This is how we tend to live our lives in relation to ourselves. We’re not really there. To be happy, healthy and whole, we need to be listening inwardly to ourselves, mindfully and compassionately.”

Find Dr. Jennifer Bradley online at drjenniferebradley.com.

Exercise Before The Holidays!

… helping yourself so you can have another helping “Motion 4 Life has been a godsend for me. As a retired nurse I knew the importance of exercise, but was not consistent exercising. Working now with a personal trainer has been fantastic. I definitely have seen improvements. Working on cardio, balance, and strength has been a great overall workout.”

Marilynn, Member

It’s always a challenge during the holidays to balance food, family, fellowship and fun while still being mindful of health and fitness. Get yourself in shape and take the first step today for a more enjoyable holiday.

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motion4lifefitness.com 14801 Market Center Drive, Carmel, IN 46033 (Just north of 146th on Gray Road)

ADVERTORIAL

EXPERT ADVICE

HEALTHIER

Sleep/Body/New Year Did you know that a lack of sleep can make you gain 2 pounds in less than a week? That’s right, insomnia increases your risk of obesity.

And that’s not all. Insomnia also increases your risk of food cravings, insulin resistance, diabetes, memory loss, cognitive decline, disorientation, confusion, anxiety, depression, mood swings, heart disease and even cancer.

Worst of all, without consistent restful, restorative sleep, you simply can’t help but feel fatigued. And just plain lousy.

So, if you want to be healthy and have a healthy body, what do you need to do? Sleep, that’s what.

snooze troubles

But it’s not that easy, right? For too many women today, sleep is a real problem. In fact, 1 in every 3 American women struggle with sleep, at least for brief periods, on a regular basis.

Worse yet, 10% of all women suffer from chronic insomnia. For them, the idea of feeling rested and ready to go in the morning is something they can only dream of (if only they could sleep and dream in the first place, that is).

But not all women are the same. Insomnia is not a one-size-fits-all kind of problem.

Some women aren’t able to fall asleep. Others fall asleep just fine, but then awaken early but can’t fall back to sleep. Still others awaken repeatedly throughout the night. The last and possibly the largest group of all simply awaken day after day feeling unrested and unrefreshed.

So, if any of this fits you, then you have insomnia. It’s official. We know the diagnosis.

what’s keeping you from catching z’s?

The question, however, isn’t so much WHAT you have. It’s WHY? Why aren’t you sleeping well? What’s the true root cause of the problem?

And that’s precisely where Functional Medicine can help. Functional Medicine is designed precisely to ask the WHY questions.

WHY aren’t you sleeping well? Well, there can be lots of reasons. It could be something as simple as a nutrient deficiency. Or obstructive sleep apnea. Or a medication side effect. Or a hormone problem of some sort (think thyroid, cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, etc.). Or something in your diet. Or stress. Or pain. Or anxiety. Or depression. The list goes on and on. You get the idea.

finding an answer

So what’s the answer? Well, far too often and for far too many, the answer comes in the form of a prescription medication. As if insomnia is somehow the result of an Ambien deficiency or Xanax deficiency. (That makes about as much sense as saying that depression is caused by a Prozac deficiency or that high cholesterol is caused by a Crestor deficiency.)

Stephen P. Elliott, M.D. Living with Intention, INC 11979 Fishers Crossing Drive Fishers, IN 46038 317-863-5888 LivingWithIntention.biz

But once you’ve done that digging, once you’ve uncovered the cause, then you know how to solve it. And most of the time, the vast majority of the time, the problem can be solved naturally. No prescription necessary.

Make sense? Of course it does. And that, perhaps, is one of the best definitions of Functional Medicine I’ve ever heard. Simply stated, it’s medicine that makes sense.

HUGE NUMBERS HUGE PROBLEM » According to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, some 40-50 million Americans are sleep deprived. » More than 9 Million Americans spend billions of dollars annually on prescription sleep meds. » All told, the “sleep industry” generates over $370 Billion dollars of revenue annually.

The true answer, the definitive answer, can only be found by understanding the cause. And that can take some time. More time than is typically available in a 10-15 minute doctor’s appointment these days. It typically requires some digging, some investigating.

Stephen P. Elliott M.D. practices Functional and Integrative Medicine at Living With Intention, Inc. For more information call 317-863-5888 or visit us at www.livingwithintention.biz and www.lwimedtherm.com.

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Holiday memories 317.849.4490 allisonvillegarden.com 11405 Allisonville Rd Fishers, IN 46038

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715 E. Carmel Dr. Carmel, IN

H MINI

KIT

Don’t clutter your table.

Guests should feel comfortable, not crowded.

EARTHY PINES

Keep your Christmas tablescape fun and casual so guests don’t feel nervous about all the usual Christmas table formalities.

Start by using a vintage tin tile as a charger plate. Wrap a piece of ribbon around the dinner plate and layer the snowflake appetizer plate on top. The stemless wine glass also promotes the casual vibe.

Tablescape by Stacy Molander

SETTING THE MOOD

From the first toast to the last crumb, special meals are meant to be lingered over. When you invite friends and family to gather around your table, it’s an opportunity to show your love for them. While we often take great care choosing a menu and preparing the meal, the table goes overlooked. As the setting for your delicious food, and the place where guests will actually settle in and enjoy the food and conversation, we invite you to revisit your settings.

To inspire you, Kit asked several home décor experts around Indy to coach us on how to set a lovingly prepared place setting.

Find a design that speaks to you and your tastes, and let the dinner party begin!

By Brooke Reynolds

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Use a wooden pallet or board as a charger.

Find vintage linens that say “Christmas” to you.

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Make it personal.

Have guests write what they’re thankful for — it makes for great conversation.

RETRO SANTA

Vintage Christmas was the inspiration for this setting.

Old Santa cups make a fun statement. Set silverware on old books in festive colors to give the setting height.

Mix and match new and old to nail the style.

Tablescape by Courtney James Design

THANKFUL TABLE

This warm, welcoming place setting comes together with the black and cream “thankful” napkin, a stained wood pallet as charger and matte rose-gold flatware.

It all pairs nicely with basic white plates. Add a special touch with a pine cone or cute white pumpkin; maybe even use them as name plates.

Tablescape by Rachel Rae, Golden Raezz

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Use fresh or artificial greenery to complete your table.

POCKETFUL OF GRATITUDE

The inspiration here is simple, yet personal. Cut old flannel shirts in the shapes of pockets and sew them onto plain white napkins.

Use the pockets to hold crayons and construction paper for kids, or pencils and paper for heartfelt messages for the adults.

Tablescape by Kelly McVey

FARM TO TABLE

The vision for this setting is fall farmhouse. Use neutral tones with a one-color pop — here, it’s green. I like to use a mix of textures: white porcelain and brown bottles, real leaves and cotton bowls, and the buffalo-check linen napkin, used here.

Tablescape by Courtney James Design

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Make it memorable.

Give your table unexpected texture.

Use colorful or patterned linens as splashes of color against neutral plates.

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Keep your DIY hand-stamping napkin project simple by not using more than three colors of paint.

It’s OK to mix rustic and elegant pieces in your tablescapes.

GLAM CHRISTMAS This setting has an edgy spin on a classic Christmas look. A traditional green plaid and ice-covered berries bring the red-andgreen Christmas feel, while the ivory fur runner and black plates supply the perfect amount of daring.

Tablescape by Brooke Csukas, Uncommonly Styled

GOING ALL IN

From the beaded runner to the floral napkins, to the patterned plate and textured accessories, every component means business in this fall table look. Deep teal is a perfect contrast to the burnt orange shades.

Embrace color and contrast!

Tablescape by Brooke Csukas, Uncommonly Styled

AUTUMN DIY

Keep costs down on your fall table setting by doing a little DIY project for part of it. Use inexpensive plastic charger plates and dress them up with dried fall leaves from your yard. Have fun hand-stamping a cheap, thin hand towel to use as the napkin. To finish, gather it up with a cute napkin ring.

Tablescape by Stacy Molander, Rusted Window

HEIRLOOM VARIETY

The Christmas plates in this setting are a family heirloom, which sets the tone for a classic Christmas setting. The wood slab charger and napkin ring with the checked napkin add to the rustic, homey feel. Gold flatware accentuates the gold in the Christmas china pattern and brings a little elegance to the table.

Tablescape by Rachel Rae, Golden Raezz

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Find an inspiration piece and don’t be afraid of how out-there it may be.

Mixing shades of metal is on trend for fall, but keep a balance of each type used.

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Show off new napkins with the glassware and plates you already have.

Play up your food presentation by displaying tags in front of the food with teamrelated names.

MIXED METALS

A gorgeous floral runner sets the fall mood for this table setting. Here, we have shades of purple, gray and ivory along with mixed metals. (Gone are the days when metals must match.) Neutral doesn’t mean everything has to be light; the right combination of tones can have an overall neutral feel while still showcasing your personality.

Tablescape by Brooke Csukas, Uncommonly Styled

GLAM DINING

SCORE BIG

Tablescape by Rachel Rae, Golden Raezz

Tablescape by Stacy Molander, Rusted Window

The muted, fern green napkin inspired this place setting. Paired with the gold charger and flatware, we’re upping the glam effect. A black and gold greeting punctuates each guest’s plate.

Dress up the table for your Super Bowl party by adding a football field table runner and football place mats, both from Rusted Window.

Add hard plastic “paper” plates and red Solo cups keep it simple for everyone.

NYE PERFECTION

Recreate this look for New Year’s Eve. The mirrored ornaments mimic the Time Square ball drop and scream “celebration!” Build the table setting off of a standout piece of glassware — like this moody, iridescent glass — by adding a balance of neutral black and a pop of color.

Tablescape by Brooke Csukas, Uncommonly Styled

MEET OUR TABLE STYLISTS

IN THE SPIRIT Need help sprucing up your table? At Amanda’s Exchange and Allisonville Nursery, you won’t have to hunt long for the perfect addition to your spread.

It’s what’s on the inside that counts when it comes to these wooden bowls with a tartan pattern from Allisonville Nursery.

Small bowl, $16.99; large bowl, 39.99; holiday paper napkins, $5.99.

COURTNEY JAMES COURTNEY JAMES DESIGN

Courtney, of Courtney James Design, has a passion for interior design and vintage curating. Ready to make your home a dream home? Courtney’s your girl, with her home-decorating services and farmhouse décor and vintage finds she touts at markets around town.

Each season, she also creates different treasures herself, from handmade towels, to Christmas decor, to little fall pumpkins. Check out courtneyjamesdesign.com to find out what market she’ll be at next!

BROOKE CSUKAS UNCOMMONLY STYLED

Uncommonly Styled grew out of Brooke Csukas’ passion for entertaining and her desire to help make entertaining easier for others. Hosting can be overwhelming, but Uncommonly Styled offers a service that makes table settings a breeze. You choose a table design you love, select a delivery date and guest count and then check “tablescape” off your to-do list. They’ll deliver and set up the tablescape and pick everything up afterward — and even do the dishes!

If you didn’t get enough fine china or flatware when you married, shop Amanda’s Exchange to hunt secondhand wares. Silver set, $100; china and glassware, prices range $75-$390.

STACY MOLANDER RUSTED WINDOW

Stacy Molander opened Rusted Window because she wanted to bring together everything she loves all under one roof. The Carmel, Ind., boutique offers a fresh flower market, home décor and gifts. The team at Rusted Window loves working with clients on events, home-decorating projects or simply picking out the perfect gift.

RACHEL RAE GOLDENRAEZZ.COM

Rachel Rae, of goldenraezz.com, loves entertaining all year long, but the holidays are her favorite time to host.

Rachel loves designing tablescapes and place settings because she says when you use beautiful chargers, glass plates, candles, pretty napkins, or even switch up the color of your flatware, it shows you took the time to make your guest — even if it’s just one person — feel special.

It’s all in the details with these finds from Allisonville Nursery.

“Gather and Gobble” tray; small ladle set, $29.99; “Thankful” place setting, $7.99; toile place mat set, $29.99; napkin holder, $24.99; paper napkins, $5.99.

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CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD Story by Courtney Leach | Photos by Liz Fourez

If you walk into the Kokomo home of Liz Fourez, the creator of the lifestyle website Love Grows Wild, you’ll discover her flair for modern farmhouse décor and textured neutrals. She says that the yuletide plays perfectly into her preferred aesthetic.

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“My approach to holiday decorating is simple and natureinspired, which makes weaving it into our existing decor seamless,” Liz says. “It doesn't feel overdone and, with cozy elements added in, these decorations can be left out long after Christmas is over.”

According to Liz, the only decorating rule is that it has to be special to you. “Don't feel like you have to use traditional holiday colors, unless that's what you love. If your home is normally full of neutrals, go with creams, wood tones and touches of gold. If you love bold color, try an unexpected combination of pink and green or red and teal. The point is to create a space where you, your family, and anyone who comes to visit, can celebrate the season. Think of ways to make your home feel inviting, with just a touch of whimsy and magic.”

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MOTHER NATURE’S MAJESTY There’s so much available in your own backyard. Add evergreen trimmings to a large vase for a centerpiece and pinecones to a pretty bowl to set on a coffee table. Even bare branches can make a big statement in a large vase.

Leave them as natural wood or spray paint them black, white or add glitter to dress them up a bit.

CHRISTMAS CUDDLES Throughout the house, focus on adding elements of “cozy” with soft blankets draped on the sofa and candles scattered all around.

PRETTY PACKAGES As you place gifts around the tree, use wrapping paper and ribbons that coordinate with your décor. These will naturally feel like a beautiful extension of your holiday decorating!

GET MORE TIPS from Liz in her book, A Touch of Farmhouse Charm, available on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble and at Books-A-Million.

Find her online at lovegrowswild.com.

On Instagram, follow @lizlovegrowswild.

ALL THE TRIMMINGS The tree is always a big focal point. Spend some time creating handmade ornaments or garlands from wood beads or pom-poms to make it feel extra special without spending a lot of money. It's a great tradition to share with your family.

DELICIOUS DIY Gingerbread houses are my favorite holiday DIY. You can buy the little gingerbread kits or make your own from scratch. They look so sweet and festive and are so much fun for the kids. To elevate your creation, set it out on a cake plate with shredded coconut sprinkled around as snow.

BY THE RULES M HOLIDAY ETIQUETTE Q-&-A

MINI

KIT

It is the season of gift-giving and get-togethers. With that comes lots of opportunity to, well, mess things up. Here, Susan Beckwith answers some of the biggest holiday humdingers to keep your stress at a minimum.

Q

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I love hosting Thanksgiving, but when everyone RSVPs, my budget gets blown. Is there a kind way to ask for help with the financial burden of the bird-day?

This is tricky. If they’re your invited guests, the expectation is that the host will cover the expense. If the guests invited themselves, it is acceptable to contact them and ask them to share in some of the expense of the meal.

However, it could still be an awkward situation. If you believe hosting will be too much of a financial strain, think about inviting guests to a potluck Thanksgiving. This will help spread not only the expense of the meal but also the work required to entertain. If you go this route, stay organized and have suggested menu items ready. No one wants five people bringing cranberry salad.

Q S

What do you do when you receive a gift and you’re not prepared to reciprocate?

I have been caught off guard in this manner and it’s definitely embarrassing. Don’t tell a white lie about leaving their gift at home or ruin the rest of your evening stressing over it. Instead, accept the gift graciously. Focus on showing gratitude. Most people are just elated to demonstrate their love and appreciation by giving a gift. If you feel you must say something, keep it simple. For example, “I didn’t know we were exchanging presents. I feel awful I don’t have something for you, but I love my gift. Thank you.”

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The holiday season’s tab adds up quickly. With all of the gifts and extra tips here and there, it’s hard to know where to draw the fiscal line. Is there a good rule to follow?

Spreading holiday cheer can bring great joy but also great stress if you’re not careful.

Many consumers go into debt during the holiday season or are tempted to match, dollar for dollar, what they expect others will spend. To prevent this from happening, make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for. Once you’ve established your list, create a budget based on the resources you actually have. And remember that it is OK if you have to remove someone from your list in order to stay within budget.

Q

I always accidentally leave someone off my gift list, whether it’s the mailman, or my neighbor who just so happens to be home from Florida for the holidays. How can I avoid this?

S

I have a little gift closet for situations just like this. Some of my favorites are candles, hand cream, and specialty nonperishable food items like dips, jellies and jams.

I even have a fashionable pair of earrings and a scarf in my gift closet! Also, gender-neutral coffee mugs and a couple Starbucks gift cards have been a lifesaver to have on hand.

Q S

Is there such a thing as regifting gracefully?

I totally believe regifting is permissible. The item still has value and perhaps you either had a duplicate, or it was

something you couldn’t use. For example, I gave a soy candle to a dear friend not knowing she had a sensitivity to soy. I would totally understand if she regifted my present but would feel gratified that she knew my intentions were good and I had thought of her. To avoid any embarrassing blunders, be sure to remove the tag, change the packaging and only regift items that make sense. For instance, I wouldn’t give a duplicate decorative wine stopper to my parents because they don’t drink wine.

Q

As a hostess, is there a proper way to hint that you’re ready to wrap up the evening?

S

Entertaining is great fun but can also be exhausting.

When extending the invitation, give your guests some time parameters. This will set the expectation of when the festivities will draw to a close.

(As a mom with a young child at home, I appreciate that additional information on an invitation since we have to coordinate childcare.) If your guests aren’t getting the hint, try these subtle tactics. First, clear any remaining glassware from the room. Second, turn the lights up and the music off. These are both tried-and-true tactics from the hospitality industry that can also be employed to help you usher out guests who have overstayed their welcome.

Susan Beckwith is a certified etiquette coach and blogs at belleoftheMidwest.com

Q

How should you handle a gift exchange where suggested dollar amounts are far exceeded? I may go over slightly, but I try to stick closely to the budget. Some people seem to misplace their calculator year after year, and I tend to feel a little cheap.

S

Congratulations on sticking to the budget and the agreed-upon guideline. You adhered to the rules of the game and should not feel bad for doing so. Try not to feel slighted if you think the other person intentionally ignored the set amount. Instead, graciously accept their present.

Q

When you’re invited to a holiday party with a “No need to bring anything but yourself” note included, is the host just being courteous? I hate showing up empty-handed.

S

If you are instructed not to bring a gift or side dish, heed the order. However, a hostess gift is always appropriate, and it doesn’t have to be overly elaborate.

The hostess gift is a token of your appreciation for the effort expended to create a wonderful party. A forever favorite of mine is Frasier Fir candles.

They smell lovely year round.

Kit is a wonderful resource for local shops and businesses offering appropriate gifts. I recently discovered Open Gate.

It’s a fabulous home décor store located on the border of Perkinsville and Anderson — truly magical and worth the drive. (Check back issues for more of Susan’s suggestions.)

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FASHIO

Hats Off to Burgundy

Everyone needs a good fedora.

See if you can’t score one in burgundy — all the stores are stocking up on this rich, warm color.

Jacket at Evereve; pants and shoes at AH Collection; hat at Marshall’s.

TIMNAH MASARIU HAS A PASSION FOR FASHION and believes style doesn’t have to break the bank. In June, the former medical representative-turned-style influencer launched Savvy Style Mom. Now, just a few months after she started sharing her wallet-friendly looks, Timnah works with local boutiques to promote their latest fashions. The stay-at-home mom of two is also on a mission to showcase what real women — what real moms — wear. “We spend so much money on our kids and their activities,” Timnah says. “Savvy Style Mom is a way to figure out how to style ourselves at an affordable price.”

TIMNAH SHARES STYLE TIPS AND VERY WEARABLE OUTFITS FOR A FASHIONABLE WINTER.

Mad About Plaid

Plaid is in. Lucky for us, the sophisticated print elevates any outfit. Pair it with an earth-toned, fallinspired shirt and jacket.

Plaid pants and black jacket at Lesley Jane; hat at Free People; Sole Society shoes at Nordstrom.

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In-Trenched

Keep it classy with a double-breasted trench coat. Plus, plaid is on point.

Trench coat at Nordstrom; beanie at J.Crew.

KIT READER DISCOUNTS Use Savvy20 for 20% off your purchase at Dottie Couture Boutique.

Use Savvy20 for 20% off your purchase at AH Collection.

Use Savvystyle10 for 10% off your purchase at Lesley Jane.

Timnah is also a rep for Stella & Dot.

Cuff It Up

For all you Hoosiers — and Hoosiers-atheart — this bracelet is a must. Plus, it’s locally made!

Bracelet at AH Collection.

All the Feels

The ‘70s have returned with knit cardigans, fringe and fur in tow.

This cardigan brings some texture to your outfit, and its neutral shade complements any color.

Cardigan at AH Collection; hat at Free People; boots at Target.

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On the Fringe

Statement jackets don’t have to cost a lot of money. This fun, flirty fringe jacket can be dressed up or down, and is perfect for all those holiday parties.

Jacket, pants and shoes at AH Collection; bag at Target.

Follow her on Instagram at @savvystylemom.

Timnah is also a part of LiketoKnow.it, a platform that makes it easy to shop her wardrobe.

Cat-Like Instincts

Trust that leopard print shoes naturally provide a pop of color to more neutral outfits. In this case, a mustard yellow sweater brings it all together. Class up your everyday look with a statement necklace.

Sweater at Dottie Couture Boutique; denim at AH Collection; Stella & Dot white shirt and necklace; Nine West shoes; Bag at Target.

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Neutral Party

Make sure your closet has at least one sweater in a creamy white or pale gray shade. It’s a neutral piece you can wear over and over again.

Pair it with black pants and a plaid scarf when you’re out running errands.

White top at Target; black pants at AH Collection; plaid scarf at Target.

November 16 - January 6

The sights, sounds and sensations of the holidays are all here, waiting for you to unwrap them. French Lick Resort’s 50 Days of Lights commence with two grand tree lighting ceremonies, and our holiday hoopla stretches all the way into 2019 with Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas cheer spread throughout. With familyfriendly activities and a half-million lights brightening the resort, the holidays illuminate brightest at French Lick Resort.

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good GIFTS OF

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR TIGHT BUDGETS AND TIME CONSTRAINTS! This year, I pushed the “easy button” and went with a few of my favorite dishes, as they’re easy to make (and easy on the eyes).

Goat cheese spreads and brie plates make excellent appetizers and are always a hit at parties. (Plus, they can tide you over while you make the main course.)

Smoked and flavored salts are also a fun treat and make for unique gifts! Personalize your salts, adding whatever herbs your peeps love.

If your budget allows, put together a steak and salt gift box! Pick up some steaks from your local butcher — and some Trillium from Tulip Tree Creamery, while you’re at it.

(Locally purchased goods are always great gifts.)

GOAT CHEESE TERRINES WITH ROSEMARY & CANDIED CRANBERRIES RECIPE ON PAGE 63

Just don’t get too caught up in the franticness of the holidays.

Take a step back, sit down at the table, and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Happy holidays!

Recipes & photos by Katherine Costello

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BRIE WITH FIGS & FIG SPREAD Brie plates are easy to put together and are always a crowd pleaser. Here are a few ways to really make your plate shine.

First, start with good brie! There are lots of wonderful varieties out there, but Trillium from lndy’s Tulip Tree Creamery is my favorite. All a triple-cream brie needs is to be served at room temperature alongside a baguette. However, you can dress it up with a high-quality fig spread and/ or fresh or dried figs. If you wish, add other dried fruits and nuts. Use 2-4 ounces of fig spread per 6- to 8-ounce piece of brie.

1| Heat up the fig spread by placing it in a small saucepan on low heat. Stir until it is pourable.

You may need to add a few teaspoons of water to thin it out.

2| Pour the spread over cold brie, and then add any fruit or nuts — enough to just cover the top of the cheese surface.

3| Let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, and then serve it with a fruit and nut cracker like Rock Creek Crisps or Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps.

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GOAT CHEESE TERRINES BASIL PESTO Use any kind of mold for this treat. However, I like using a 16-ounce round deli container. I also use a high-quality pesto and sundried tomato spread, pine nuts and goat cheese.

Nonstick spray 16-ounce deli container with lid 8 ounces goat cheese, such as the Whole Foods brand (not crumbled) 4 ounces high-quality pesto (not from a jar) 2 tablespoons pine nuts 2 ounces sundried tomato spread Baguette or olive oil crostini, to serve 1| Spray the inside of the deli container with nonstick spray. Press half of the goat cheese into the deli container.

Spread on the pesto and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the pine nuts. Press the remaining goat cheese into the container.

2| Close the container and chill at least 1 hour. To remove from the “mold,” carefully slide a knife around the edges and place on a serving tray or plate. Top the cheese with the sundried tomato spread and add the remaining pine nuts.

(Try to place them decoratively!) Cover and refrigerate until it’s time to eat.

3| Serve the cheese with a baguette or olive oil crostini.

ROSEMARY & CANDIED CRANBERRIES Nonstick spray 16-ounce deli container with lid 8 ounces goat cheese, such as the Whole Foods brand (not crumbled) 1 cup Candied Cranberries (see recipe) Several strands Candied Rosemary (see recipe) 1| Spray the container with the nonstick spray. Press half of the goat cheese into the deli container. Add half of the candied cranberries, and then press the remaining cheese into the container.

2| Close the container and chill at least 1 hour. To remove from the “mold,” carefully slide a knife around the edges and place on a serving tray or plate. Top with the remaining cranberries and rosemary.

Cover and refrigerate until service.

CANDIED CRANBERRIES

SMOKED SALTS

/2 cup water 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 cup fresh cranberries 4 ounces large crystal sugar

If you already have a smoker, excellent. You can also use your grill.

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1| In a small saucepan, bring the water and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to a boil.

Cook until the sugar is dissolved; cool about 20 minutes. Add the cranberries and store overnight in the refrigerator.

2| Drain cranberries and roll into the large crystal sugar. Place on parchment paper and allow to dry for 2 hours.

CANDIED ROSEMARY 1| Follow the recipe for candied cranberries, adding a few strands of fresh rosemary instead of the cranberries. Reserve the strained liquid for another use.

FLAVORED & SMOKED SALTS Coarse salt is best when it comes to smoked and flavored salts. My personal favorite, handsdown, is Maldon Salt, but any coarse sea salt will work.

BOURBON SALT* 3 cups bourbon 1 cup coarse sea salt, such as Maldon Salt 1| Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Bring the bourbon to a boil in a small saucepan.

Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium. While the bourbon reduces, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Pour the salt in a mixing bowl. When about 2 ounces of bourbon remain, remove from heat. Drizzle the bourbon over the salt and try to coat as much of it as possible. (Tossing with your hands works well.) Spread the salt evenly on the cookie sheet and place it in the oven.

Every 15 minutes, stir the salt.

2| Remove from the oven once all of the dampness is gone. Cool completely, and then store in an airtight container. Use the salt on steaks, in caramels, in pecan pies, in chocolate chip cookies or on the rim of a cocktail. It will take something that’s already good to the next level.

2 cups wood chips, such as hickory or applewood 2 cups coarse sea salt, such as Maldon 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper (optional) 1| Place wood chips on an old cookie sheet or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Turn grill to 450 degrees and place the chips as close as possible to the heat source.

Wait around 20 minutes, or until things are quite smoky.

2| Spread your salt on a second cookie sheet and place on the grill. Close the lid and turn down heat to about 300 degrees. Smoke for about 1 hour.

Remove salt from the heat and cool completely. Add pepper, to taste. Store in an airtight container.

HERB-FLAVORED SALTS You can use almost any fresh herb, or a blend of herbs. My go-to is thyme, though, since I love it on most meats and vegetables.

1/ cup fresh herbs (stems removed) 2 2 cups flaky or coarse sea salt, such as Maldon

1| Preheat oven to 200 degrees. While the oven is heating up, briefly pulse the herbs in your food processor. (You can also grind them in a spice grinder.) Add about one-fourth of the salt to the herbs and pulse briefly once more. Mix the remaining salt in by hand.

2| Spread the salt on a cookie sheet and place in the oven for about 1 hour. Stir the salt every 15 minutes, cooking until the herbs are completely dry. Cool completely, and then store in an airtight container. *You don’t have to be a bourbon drinker to love the flavor of this salt. Its uses are endless!

No matter your stance on bourbon, you may cringe at the thought of reducing three cups of bourbon down to about 2 ounces. However, it’s worth it!

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