Absolute Living

Absolute Living

DECEMBER 2019

BEAUTY BEYOND MEASURE B.J. NICHOLS AND REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS

5 OF THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN THE UNITED STATES!

2020'S BEST NEW TECH & GADGETS

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES

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CONTENTS

December/2019

18

BEAUTY BEYOND MEASURE B.J. Nichols and

Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel

Reis-Nichols Jewelers

12 26

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES

Shorter days and colder temperatures can be a challenge for us all. Take a dose of Absolute Living’s advice for a happier winter.

2020'S BEST NEW TECH & GADGETS

Get a load of this season’s trendiest tech toys!

30

5 OF THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN THE UNITED STATES!

36

LET'S GET HEALTHY!

If it must be cold, at least let it be fun!

This season, consider establishing healthier habits that will lead you to your best self.

Volume 13. Issue 12. (#145

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PRINCESS FLOWER COLLECTION

Absolute Living

Publisher / Co-Founder JUSTYNA PEÑA

Editor-in-Chief / Co-Founder EDUARDO PEÑA

Account Executive JUSTYNA PEÑA

Senior Writer MATTHEW HUME

Contributing Writers JUSTIN GUILD VALERIE JONES

Photography GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER EDUARDO PEÑA

Art ROGER PEÑA

Marketing Director ISMAEL PEÑA

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Absolute Living Magazine is published monthly by Pena Group, Inc. Copyright by Pena Group, Inc. Absolute Living Magazine is a registered trademark of Pena Group, Inc.

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spending quality time with her friends and family — especially her daughter and husband.

Beating the winter blues

A

s the days get shorter, many people find themselves feeling sad.

You might feel blue around the winter holidays, or get into a slump after the fun and festivities have ended. Some people have more serious mood changes year after year, lasting throughout the winter, when there’s less natural sunlight.

Get a jump on beating those blues with these six proven ways to lift your spirits and feel good all winter long, no matter how short the days get or how low the temperatures drop.

1. Make your environment brighter.

When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light—also called a light box—for 30 minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication. Opening blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.

2. Eat smarter.

Certain foods, like chocolate, can help to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety.

Other foods, like candy and carbohydrates provide temporary feelings of euphoria, but could ultimately increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

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3. Exercise.

A 2005 study from Harvard suggests walking fast for about 35 minutes a day, five times a week, or 60 minutes a day, three times a week, improved symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Exercising under bright lights may be even better for seasonal depression: A preliminary study found that exercise under bright light improved general mental health, social functioning, depressive symptoms, and vitality, while exercise in ordinary light improved vitality only.

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4. Give your skin some TLC. There’s no denying that your skin looks better in the summer, with its sun-kissed glow and fresh dewiness—thanks to humidity. There’s also no denying that as temperatures and humidity levels plummet, all that cold, dry air takes a toll on your complexion. That’s why winter is the perfect time to up your skin game. Reevaluate the ingredients in your skincare routine and get the pros involved. Talk to your dermatologist about the best topical ingredients to use, such as retinol and peptides. Talk to your doctor about giving your skin a boost from the inside out with a beauty supplement that contains ingredients like collagen. Who doesn’t feel better when their skin looks good?

5. Plan a vacation.

Longing for sunnier days back at the beach? Research shows that the simple act of planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.

6. Get outside.

Talking yourself into taking a walk when the temperatures plummet isn’t easy, but the benefits are big: Spending time outside (even when it’s chilly!) can improve focus, reduce symptoms of seasonal affect disorder (SAD), and lower stress levels.

When your mood is falling as fast as the thermometer, these small lifestyle changes may help boost your spirits.

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BEAUTY BEYOND MEASURE B.J. Nichols and Reis-Nichols Jewelers

By Senior Writer Matthew Hume | Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | Artwork By Eduardo Peña

I sat down recently with B.J. Nichols of Reis-Nichols Jewelers to hear the story of the years he and his family have dedicated to one of the most familiar names in jewelry throughout the region, and one of the largest, independently owned jewelers in the United States. I’ve known about Reis-Nichols for over a decade, I had heard a radio ad for the store just that afternoon, and as I entered their 86th Street location—admittedly, my first time there—I found myself mesmerized by the richness of the intricately detailed precious metals and gems around me and the gleaming, glittering celebration of sophistication that emerged from showcases displaying the world’s finest jewelers and watchmakers. When I sat down with B.J. Nichols, I had to know—how did it feel to be at the helm of such a massive jewelry endeavor? “We’re a fairly humble, family-owned business, so I honestly don’t think about it that much,” B.J. says, well, humbly. “Sometimes our customers remind us of our family roots,” he says, “and it feels really good to know the impact we’ve had on the community.” As Reis-Nichols celebrates their hundredth year in business by observing “100 Acts of Kindness” (more on that to come), a picture soon emerged out of our conversation of a man who still holds tight to his small-town values and integrity, in the leadership of a business that has never lost sight of the Indianapolis community that has supported their growth over the past century.

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Reis Jewelers was founded in 1919, and it was B.J. Nichols’ great-uncle who, in 1973, bought the business that would eventually become the ReisNichols Jewelers so recognized today. Involved in the family business as far back as high school, B.J. and his sisters made $1/hour distributing catalogs on foot downtown and, with their father as chauffeur, leaving catalogs on doorsteps throughout Indianapolis. Upon high school graduation, B.J.’s original plan to attend Indiana University was amended in deference to the business. “My father wasn’t in the greatest health, and I ended up staying here, going to school locally, and taking over as president of the company by age 20,” he tells me. And so B.J. navigated the growth of the company, from a small, niche market, to offer a greater selection of luxury brands, and transforming it into the powerhouse of high-end designers and Swiss-made watches that Reis-Nichols offers today.

“WORK HARD” I asked B.J. to go beyond the jewelry, to share some lesser known points of interest about the store. For one, he says that being family owned has been a boon for business throughout the years, not only in terms of relationship growth among multiple generations of jewelry consumers, but with the store’s vendors.

“The fact that we’re family-owned, and that I’m on the premises, and that there’s a plan for family succession, matters all across the board, but especially among watchmakers,” B.J. says. “They know we’re not going

to be taken over by a professional third-party without that family trust factor.” The second point he makes is that Reis-Nichols is a top independent jeweler in the United States, one of the top 20, in fact. “That’s as far as the performance of our brands and the size of our organization in terms of employees and sales.”

It’s the employees that figure into B.J.’s third point.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide a great experience to our customers,” he says, “but we can’t do that without making sure our employees are having a great experience as well.” One of the biggest selling points in terms of attracting and keeping high-quality employees, he says, is putting an emphasis on the “rock star” factor, as B.J. jokingly calls it. “Working here comes with bragging rights,” he says, tongue-in-cheek. “We work with some of the most influential people in this city, and they get to work with some of the world’s premier designer brands.”

A typical employee experience includes trips around the country and around the world for training. “It’s a sophisticated, fun learning experience for our young employees, and they’re building relationships for life with these clients,” B.J. adds.

“HAVE FUN!” Humility and integrity aside, owning a top performing jewelry store comes with definite perks. “My wife and children and I have been fortunate to take some incredible trips thanks to our vendors,” B.J. tells me.

“We’ve been to Wimbledon with Rolex and got to see

the Monaco Grand Prix F1 race with TAG Heuer.” But when B.J. isn’t traveling with the family to world-class events, he’s likely off on an adventure of his own, be it piloting his Cirrus plane, or perhaps indulging in his most recent hobby, Porsche racing.

You wouldn’t necessarily think it in talking with the man, with his mild and soft-spoken manner, but B.J. Nichols is a bona fide, thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie. “Racing is my biggest passion right now,” he says, and that passion has led B.J. to race at many of the country’s finest facilities—Sebring International Raceway, Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway, Watkins Glen, and others. “Part of the thrill for me is learning the insand-outs,” B.J. says. “It’s not just about trying to go as fast as you can. I work with a driver coach, usually a former racecar driver, to learn technique, setup, breakpoints, tire temperature, and so on. There’s so much involved.”

“TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER” This year marks 100 years in the jewelry business for the ReisNichols brand, and the team is celebrating in a spectacular display of generosity to the greater Indianapolis community through their “100 Acts of Kindness for 100 Years” campaign.

Taking the concept of “random acts of kindness” to a whole

new level, B.J. explains that the team at Reis-Nichols has enthusiastically embraced this initiative beyond his expectations. “Each of our employees can take a paid hour, on the clock, to volunteer in the community,” he tells me. “And each department has chosen a group to work with to perform an act of kindness for that group.” The marketing team and accounting team, for example, visited a nursing home to make Christmas ornaments and sing carols with the residents; and the Greenwood Reis-Nichols location presented a check to the Franklin Police Department with funds to purchase a hoist for their canine unit. Among the larger acts has been a Habitat for Humanity build. “One of the most fun things we did was to show up at the Butler University bookstore one day and buy the textbooks for a student in line,” B.J. says. “She was so delighted and thanked us over and over because she was already in so much debt. It was definitely a feel-good moment.”

Another way that Reis-Nichols connects to the community, B.J. tells me, is through the watch battery donation program the business has run for the past several years. Instead of charging labor for watch battery replacements, the jeweler encourages customer donations instead. “Through this, we’ve

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raised enough to donate two delivery vehicles to Second Helpings over the past five years,” B.J. explains, and B.J., himself, is actively involved with the Second Helpings organization. The company also donates regularly to the IU Cancer Research Foundation.

CELEBRATING LOVE Without a doubt, the life of B.J. Nichols is defined largely by the work he’s done for the family business for over 30 years, and in fact, it’s hard to talk about B.J.’s family without referring back to the business, and vice versa. He and his wife of 32 years have two adult children, and their daughter, a graduate of the IU Kelley School of Business, supervises the store’s bridal department. “She’s great in customer relations,” her father says, “and is one of our top diamond engagement ring salespeople.” B.J.’s son works in the IT sector. “I also have two nephews involved in the business as jewelry consultants,” B.J. says. “It’s really neat to have the commitment and dedication from family.”

Expressions of love take many forms, and it is in creating outward symbols of these expressions that the designers at Reis-Nichols excel. A few months ago, B.J. explains, the store received an email from a woman in Ohio on her way to Bloomington to attend a friend’s husband’s memorial service. The young man had died at 34 after a year’s struggle with cancer, and the couple had long enjoyed a meaningful bond over Oreos. Their friend wrote: “A group of us were trying to think of something special that she could keep close to her heart. I’m not sure if this is even possible, but could an Oreo-shaped charm be put on a necklace and engraved on the back of the charm? I know it is a tight timeline…” The employee in receipt of the e-mail called the woman and worked with her over the phone, and soon the Reis-Nichols team jumped into action, creating a charm and necklace, and designing the Oreo logo to be engraved. Upon delivery, the customer was thrilled with the charm and was amazed at the store’s ability to make such a quick turnaround on such an impressive and sentimental piece.

I asked B.J. to sum up the Reis-Nichols philosophy in a word or phrase. “Work hard, have fun, and take care of each other,” he says, boldly. It’s a motto that’s emblazoned on the screen saver of every Reis-Nichols employee, and it’s a life mission that B.J. Nichols wholly embodies through a skillful balance of personal fulfillment, service to the community and to the Reis-Nichols team, and providing the highest quality gift-giving experience to those celebrating life’s most love-filled moments.

B.J. Nichols and daughter Hannah

Quick Facts • R-N has 12 jewelers on staff, including Andre, who has been a designer there for over 36 years.

• R-N is highly regarded for its luxury watches, including Patek Philippe, Cartier, Rolex, Jaeger LeCoultre, and more.

• R-N’s jewelers and designers can provide customized jewelry services to fit client needs.

• B.J. buys all the store’s diamonds greater than ¼ carat, traveling from Antwerp to Israel and beyond.

• R-N is home to 5 full-time watch makers, including Dan who has been there for 20 years.

• Bonus fact: B.J.’s grandfather invented the midcentury chocolaty cola sensation, Choc-ola.

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2020’s Best New Tech & Gadgets Are you the discerning shopper who demands the latest tech gadgets on the market? Here are the best gadgets and most innovative technology available in the New Year, from phones and drones to hotspots and iPads.

Skyroam Solis X WiFi Smartspot This new, portable WiFi hotspot from Skyroam is a cut above the rest, offering a range of other amenities in addition to providing 4G connection wherever in the world your adventures—or work projects—take you. This small but mighty device boasts a wideangle camera lens, a smart assistant, a powerbank for charging your other electronics and the ability to connect with up to 10 different devices simultaneously. Ideal for keeping you safe, entertained and up-to-date while out and about.

Bose Audio Sunglasses The new audio sunglasses from Bose signal that the future really is here. While providing UV protection, these wearable devices can be used to play music, make and answer calls and connect to Bluetooth. They can be paired with your other devices and can access apps including Spotify, Skype or Google Maps. Eventually Bose hopes to offer sunglasses that can be connected to fitness and gaming apps, too. There are currently two frame shapes to choose from: Alto and Rondo.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ The latest tech offering from Samsung once again places the brand on an even playing field with its competitors. The Galaxy Note 10+ boasts an expansive, high-quality screen, professional-standard cameras and laptoplevel storage packed into mobile size. Available with either a 6.3- or 6.8-inch screen, the Note 10+ offers super fast charging and extra long battery as well as speedy processors that make gaming, downloading and streaming quality even better than before.

What also sets this phone apart is the “note function.� Complete with an S Pen, users can jot down notes or create doodles by hand on the phone's screen and then instantly save, upload or share their work. The pen can also be used to control applications and functions on the phone, such as moving the camera angle or lowering the volume. The Galaxy Note 10+ comes in two colors: black or aura glow.

Amazon Echo Show 5 The Echo Show 5 from Amazon offers an advanced step up from the previous handsfree Amazon Echo speaker. The updated version has all the features of the classic Echo, such as the abilities to research information, make calls and play music, but now has a 5.5-inch screen for added effect.

This new technology means that users can now ask Alexa anything and be shown answers; follow step-by-step recipes; watch shows and TV; or connect with family and friends via video calling. Added features include the ability to connect with and playback your home security camera footage, control lights and thermostats or simply display your favorite photos on the interface.

Alexa is back and better than ever.

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Pocketalk Voice Translator For the well-travelled, the Pocketalk Voice Translator is a must-have gadget.

Wherever your next trip takes you, this pocketsized tech translator will be able to make communication smoother between foreigners and locals. Simply speak into the device in your mother tongue and the conversation will be instantly translated on the device's screen. Up to 74 different languages have been programmed on the device and its built-in data and advanced microphones will ensure that nothing is ever lost in translation.

Anden Apple Watch Valet Born out of a desire to create beautiful and tactile tech accessories using traditional carpentry techniques and the finest materials, the Valet is the first design from new luxury brand Anden. It provides an elegant stand for charging your Apple Watch as well as four perfectly proportioned slots for any spare watch straps. Available in sustainably sourced walnut, maple and cherry wood or in limitededition heavyweight pure white Corian, each is handmade to order in London and finished with natural oils.

Vaonis Stellina portable smart telescope Point it skyward, connect the app, choose your constellation and let the Vaonis Stellina do the rest. No bigger than a briefcase (approximately 25lbs, 19.3in by 15.4in by 5.1in), this motorized smart telescope takes total control of the image processing, tracking the star, planet or constellation, while overlaying multiple exposures to reduce noise and create a spectacular galaxy-worthy photograph.

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5

Best Ski Resorts in the United States!

of the

When it comes to choosing the best ski resort in the US for an unforgettable winter vacation, ski enthusiasts have plenty of choices.

Of course, the best resorts have more than just difficult runs and thousands of acres of mountain to explore. They also offer terrain to fit every ski and snowboard skill level, as well as a robust après-ski culture and plenty to do off the mountain.

From the varied terrain at Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado, perfect for those just learning, to a 6-mile-run at the Big Sky Resort in Montana that challenges even expert skiers or snowboarders, the US boasts ski resorts to keep everyone happy.

Here is our pick of the best ski resorts for your next winter vacation.

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Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado This is one of the best ski resorts in the US if you’re learning to ski or snowboard—nearly 60 percent of its runs are dedicated to beginners and intermediates. And yet the mountain still offers extremely difficult terrain for the advanced among your group. The real thrill seekers can try out heli-skiing, where they’ll be dropped from a helicopter to explore more than 200 square miles of high alpine basins, cirques and summits. You don’t need skis or a snowboard to continue to get your adrenaline fix: try out a guided ice climbing tour or a snowmobile tour for some extra thrills.

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah Whether you're gliding down black diamond runs or down Main Street, you're sure to have a great winter vacation in Park City. Take a skiing tour of the city's old, abandoned mining buildings to learn about its history. Later in the evening, pick from several aprèsski options while still in your ski and snowboard gear, or close out the night with a romantic horsedrawn sleigh ride.

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Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming With more than 100 trails, there’s a ski run for everyone to discover at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. For a treat with a view, take the Aerial Tram up and stop for a waffle break at 10,450 feet—they even offer yummy waffle toppings like brown sugar butter and Nutella. Later, take in the area’s wildlife with a horse-drawn sleigh ride to the National Elk Refuge, or work off that sugar from earlier with a winter fat bike tour.

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Aspen Snowmass, Colorado This celebrity-favorite ski resort has something for everyone, from expert skiers to complete beginners. The resort’s four mountains offer everything—from easy bunny slopes, to runs that will really test your endurance and skills. Later, rest your legs and have a drink at a high-end après ski bar or head to Ullr Nights, a festive event where you’ll find the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. End the night with s'mores and hot chocolate by a bonfire.

Big Sky Resort, Montana This resort gets an average of 400 inches of snow each year, and it offers breathtaking views of three states and two national parks from the top of its Lone Peak Tram. When you’re done traversing the more than 5,800 acres of skiable terrain—or as much of it as you can handle—take a ride on the 1,500-foot adventure zip line, sitting 150 feet above the forest. For a slightly calmer excursion, explore the mountain with a scenic snowshoe tour or see nearby Yellowstone Park from the comfort of a snow coach.

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Let's Get Healthy!

When you read that headline, what goes through your mind? Weight loss? Toning up? Improved nutrition?

Better sleep? Stress management? Or all of the above?

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What if I told you that all of these are related, and that you can work on them together in harmony to live a healthy lifestyle? It’s about creating healthy habits, one step at a time.

It’s that time of year for re-assessing where we are, congratulating ourselves for what we have accomplished (yes, small steps count!) and planning for the New Year. I call this Designing with Intention.

The better we take care of ourselves, the more we can bring to our families, co-workers, friends…

Where do you start? This is a problem for many of us. “I’ll start tomorrow,” we tell ourselves—but tomorrow never comes. I love Simon Sinek’s quote: “It doesn’t matter when we start. It doesn’t matter where we start. ALL that matters is that we start.”

Dream It, Map It, Believe It, Achieve It

Ever hear of a Vision Board? It’s a powerful way of bringing clarity to what you want to achieve in a visual way. It can be any kind of board: poster, cork, white board, art book—anything that you can draw on, attach pictures, motivational messages, markers of progress. You get the idea—make it yours. Give yourself space to dream, take yourself on a journey, mapping the road ahead. Set goals along the way. You’re designing your story—your ideal future state.

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How do you make your vision a reality? Take action!

• What does it mean to you to reach this goal? What difference does it make?

• What one step could you take now to start moving toward your ideal future?

• Imagine you are in that future state right now. Envision it in specific detail.

What do you see and feel?

Your vision board should be dynamic, with room to make adjustments as you experience your journey.

The beauty of a vision board is that you can make it inspirational to keep moving ahead.

Over time—remember, this is a continual journey— you will be building healthy habits for a lifetime, experiencing transformation and feeling great!

Experience a bump in the road? Remember that a journey isn’t linear. It has curves, twists and turns, and ups and downs, more reflective of real life. And no negative self-talk! You deserve to give yourself grace and look forward, reminding yourself of the small victories you’ve accomplished. This isn’t about striving for perfection.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great and I want to get started, but I’ve tried something similar before,” or, “I set goals every year and never accomplish what I set out to do,” then what’s the answer? Get a coach!

We have a greater chance of success with an accountability partner. Let’s create forward movement together. Contact me for a complimentary discovery session.

Valerie Jones, Certified Professional Coach valerie@coachingcx.com, 317 506-5418

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