Absolute Living

Absolute Living

JUNE 2020

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING CHAD BRUICK

KEEPING HEALTHY AND KEEPING ACTIVE

OUTDOOR LIVING ESSENTIALS

REFRESHING CLASSIC DRINKS

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June/2020

CONTENTS

18

Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING Outdoor Environments Group Brings Imagination Into Existence CHAD BRUICK

10

WARM WEATHER SKIN CARE TIPS

30

REFRESHING CLASSIC DRINKS

26

KEEPING HEALTHY AND KEEPING ACTIVE

36

OUTDOOR LIVING ESSENTIALS

Summer 2020

With A Fresh Summer Twist

How to Create the Ultimate Summer Outdoor Entertaining Space

Volume 13. Issue 05. (#150

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Warm

Weather Skin Care Tips

I

f you've ever noticed how thirsty you get when it's hot outside, that's because your body's natural water content evaporates more quickly in warm weather. It's not just your mouth that gets parched, however; your entire body, including your skin, can feel the impact of climbing temperatures.

Although it's often overlooked, skin is an essential organ that needs special attention and care.

After all, not only does your skin tell the true story of your health and age, it provides a protective barrier to the rest of your body.

Keeping your skin supple, soft and well-hydrated helps ensure it doesn't dry and crack, which is just as possible during the warm summer months as winter.

Use these tips to create a healthy summer skin care regimen.

Use proper sunscreen. The sun can dry out and damage your skin quickly even on an overcast day, and more so if you're near water, where reflections can magnify its intensity. Protect your skin from burning and drying out by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 any time you venture outdoors. Also remember to check the sunscreen's expiration date to ensure you're actually being protected.

Moisturize often. Make moisture part of your daily routine, not just when you get out of the shower, but throughout the day. An option like Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Lotion contains a proprietary botanical blend of nutrients, emollients and antioxidants, including green tea, clove and safflower

oleosomes. Its smooth, rich formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft with no greasy or oily residue.

Formulated by skin care experts, the lotion helps skin stay moisturized for up to 24 hours and is free of 80 of the most common allergens that contribute to irritation and skin sensitivity. For more information, visit remedyderm.com.

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"Although a long, hot shower or a nice soak in a tub is very relaxing, hot water can really dry out your skin."

Shorten bathtub and shower time. It may seem contradictory that spending more time in the tub or shower strips your skin of moisture, but prolonged heat does exactly that. Keep your bathing time brief to minimize the chance of dehydration.

"Although a long, hot shower or a nice soak in a tub is very relaxing, hot water can really dry out your skin," says board-certified dermatologist and Medline Remedy consultant Dr. Jeanine Downie. "Damp skin helps hydration from your moisturizer lock in, so the best time to apply moisturizer is not when your skin feels the driest but rather after a bath or shower. Be sure to apply a thick

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coat of lotion immediately after getting out while skin is still wet to help keep skin soft and supple."

Exfoliate. Take time to regularly exfoliate, which removes dead skin cells and makes it easier for moisturizer to penetrate and reveal healthy-looking skin.

Be sure to exfoliate gently and adjust your exfoliation schedule to your skin's unique needs so you don't irritate it.

Hydrate frequently. Applying lotion is an external strategy for maintaining your skin's natural barrier, but you can also keep your skin hydrated from the inside

out. When you're dehydrated, the body pulls water from any source it can, including your skin. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8-11 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and keeping a bottle of water on-hand at all times can provide easy, on-the-go hydration.

Consume hydrating foods. Similar to upping your water intake, you can increase your body's overall water content by eating the right kinds of foods. Many types of produce have a high percentage of water, like berries, melon, cucumbers and zucchini.

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Landscape Architecture | Construction | Horticulture | Swimming Pools

c o n c r e t e

s t u d i o

OEGgroup.com

By Writer Susan Salaz | Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | Artwork By Eduardo Peña

BUSINESS IS

BLOOMING Outdoor Environments Group Brings Imagination into Existence We caught up with Chad Bruick, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Environments Group, and found out he doesn’t just want to create beautiful outdoor spaces (spoiler alert: every OEG space we saw was gorgeous). Bruick instead strives to cultivate relationships and memories, but his breathtaking backdrops are definitely a bonus.

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L

andscaping and life are relatable.

There is the hardscape, the resolute layers that provide a foundation and remain the same year after year. And then there is the softscape, the nuanced parts that grow and change—they need nourishment, but will continue to evolve. The tricky part is balancing intuition with practicality, seeing the beauty in the hard and the soft, especially in the combinations they can create together. Chad Bruick understands this integration and uses it to create stunning spaces for his clients.

Bruick started Outdoor Environments Group in 2007 with only four employees, and now—in its thirteenth year—it has grown into a full service landscape architecture and construction company that employs a talented group of 75 individuals, ranging from landscape architects, certified horticulturists, irrigation specialists and technicians, to skilled craftsmen and a construction crew.

“This is an incredible team and they make everything that we do possible,” says Bruick. OEG takes pride in its projects, surveying every space to find its true potential from the onset. They source only the highest quality materials and plants.

And they collaborate with their clients from an idea’s inception, and then well beyond the final product, keeping their work healthy and thriving for years to come.

“I have always had a passion for the outdoors and design and business,” says Bruick. A Fort Wayne native, he studied horticulture and design at Vincennes University. After moving to Indianapolis, he was able to harness his creativity, along with a green thumb and knack for business, to form OEG, and the passion continues to grow and set the company apart from others in the field.

The thing is, Chad doesn’t want to just draw up a landscape plan or put in a pool and patio, he aspires to match the space with the stories it will tell. “We want to create a comprehensive space that basically becomes the catalyst for personal relationships and interactions for years to come. We build these great outdoor spaces with pools, and terraces, and landings, and all these things that create a special environment. And because of that people have birthday parties there, they have weddings there, they have events there. This is where they have their family gatherings and where they make memories.

That is really what excites us.”

Originally, the business was focused on landscape design and architecture, as well as construction. “We didn’t initially do maintenance of landscaping, but as we began to complete fairly comprehensive projects, our customers began asking that we maintain what we had installed,” says Bruick. “We take care of these spaces for our customers year after year.” And many times, for new owners if a property sells.

Providing maintenance is another hallmark that distinguishes OEG, and this service has stoked personal relationships and longevity with many clients. It is at the root

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of OEG’s business philosophy. “So many people think once they are done building something, they have crossed the finish line and it’s over with. Our philosophy is that once we complete [the construction of] a project and done it well, we haven’t established the finish line, but we are just at the starting point,” Bruick explains.

Bruick says the main thrust of his work is in Indianapolis, Carmel, and Zionsville, but a fair amount is scattered throughout the state, and OEG has even done projects in Michigan and Illinois. Seventy percent of their work is residential, with the other thirty percent coming from commercial clients such as restaurants and offices, as well as multi-family residential developments. While many of the projects are for outdoor leisure spaces, Bruick’s team seeks out the extraordinary to make each space special. They have taken their work inside when necessary to build living walls, fireplaces, and even a unique dining table for large groups at Four Day Ray Brewery in Fishers. It is not a surprise, of course, that Bruick is most excited about the conversations that will happen around that table.

Swimming pool construction and maintenance is another sought after service of OEG. From infinity pools looking out to Geist Reservoir to rooftop pools gazing over the skyline, OEG knows the importance and tranquility water holds for everyone, and they also find the fun in creating playful spaces for families and friends to enjoy.

Another popular movement right now is productive gardens, harkening back to the Victory Gardens of the World War era, and Bruick is happy to incorporate

“What we do is a living form of art. All of the plant material is growing, so it will evolve to be better in two-years, five-years, even ten-years from now, than it was the day we completed the installation, but only if it is cared for and maintained properly.�

OEG Group joined forces with Gary Nance Design, Hoss Homes, A Lantz Design, TRI-Phase Technologies, and Conceptual Kitchens and Millwork to create the magnificent artistry of this residential project.

those into the repertoire. “People are having a greater interest in gardening once again, and want to be more connected to where their food comes from.” He doesn’t want anyone to be shy about including vegetables and fruit into everyday scenery either. “We do a lot of pear trees and apple trees in our landscapes. We will incorporate asparagus and cabbages into the landscapes so they are more than just something to look at, but they are an experience as well.”

The company has grown tremendously in the past thirteen years, and Bruick wants to pursue that trajectory, but says, “I see us continuing to grow as a company, not only in size but also in ability and skills. I don’t measure growth just by the numbers…but also by the caliber of work we are able to produce.” As a business owner, he is savvy to the objective that one must grow first in quality, skill, and customer service, knowing that growth in size and numbers will follow.

In addition to the caliber and quality of his work, Bruick also prioritizes his community. In 2019, his team lent a hand at the new Isaiah House in Indianapolis, a mission that provides transitional housing for men reentering society. OEG also partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to create a spectacular space for IPS School 56 last summer. “The Colts were doing an outdoor playground, but the school wanted an outdoor classroom, too,” explains Bruick. “That was a really fun project to do. Our staff, and also our vendors and strategic partners, really worked to make it happen.”

Bruick has harmonized a variety of elements in a wide range of landscape projects he hopes to sustain for years to come. His greatest desire for those spaces, though, is that they will create endless opportunities for memories to blossom.

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Keeping Healthy and Keeping Active

Summer 2020 This summer presents us with some unique challenges when it comes to exercise and staying active. Many of us will need to find alternatives, or get more creative, with our fitness and workout routines.

Here are some tips to help you start or continue to stay active and exercise this summer!

If your goal is exercising, you should aim to work hard enough so you are breathing harder, your heart rate is elevated (in the aerobic zone), and you are breaking a sweat for at least 30 minutes. If you are at a more advanced fitness level, working in interval training with high intensity interval training (HIIT) will give you the best bang for your effort. This entails working as hard as you can, followed by a recovery period in a 1:1 time ratio.

For example, running as fast as you can for 30 seconds, followed by a jog or walk for 30 seconds and doing this for 20 minutes. Tabata training is working in a 2:1 (work to recovery) time ratio, which is even more challenging.

If the weather permits, get outside as much as you can for your activity. Enjoying the outdoors can improve your mood and get you moving. Planning to do your activities early in the morning or after the sun goes down can help you beat the heat.

Other than the usual outdoor activities like sports, walking, running, and biking, don’t forget parks and playgrounds. Hiking, canoeing, and using a playground for an outdoor gym will give you some

different options for outdoor workouts. You may also use a nearby outdoor track for your workout.

For a stairs workout, use the stairs or bleachers in parks, stadiums, or at a monument. You can create your own 5k, 10k, or mini triathlon. And why not multi-task and get some chores done while exercising? You can mow the lawn with a push mower, or build a new deck for your home.

Effective workouts can also be done in your home or at work with minimal to no equipment. You can perform a cardio workout by simply combining different plyometric exercises. These are exercises that exert maximum effort in short periods of time, like jumping jacks. If you have a flight of stairs at home or at work, you can use these stairs for exercise. For more difficulty, you can incorporate HIIT or Tabata intervals as previously described.

Effective strength workouts can be done with bodyweight exercises such as planks, push-ups, squats, lunges, etc. If you have some dumbbells, adding weight will increase the difficulty.

There are plenty of apps with on demand workouts, online, right at your fingertips. Some of these are free, while others require a monthly subscription. There are also workouts on YouTube (including Refine YOU’s channel) for free.

If you have difficulty staying motivated, creating a challenge for yourself can be a fun way to keep up the momentum. Do a one-minute challenge for 30 days. For one minute a day do as many push-ups as you can, or hold a plank for one minute. Another

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Kim Goletz is an Indy native, wife, mom, a practicing physician assistant, nutritionist, trainer, and founder of Refine YOU an online fitness and nutrition company. She has a lifelong passion for the health and fitness industries, and has dedicated her life to helping others.

The Refine YOU blog provides fitness and nutrition tips, recipes, and tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Her mission with The Refine YOU Program is to help as many people as possible with customized nutrition and workouts to be the best and healthiest they can be. refineyou.co Photography By Peter Jonathan Images

option, set a goal to do a certain number of workouts per week. To stay on track with your activity, keep track of your workouts on a calendar, or make a fun check list. Find a friend or family member to do this challenge with you to help keep you accountable with your workouts.

Continuing to stay active is important to your physical and mental health. While this year presents us with some unique circumstances, it is still possible to stay active and improve or maintain your current fitness routine. More importantly, exercise can give you the satisfaction that you have done something good for yourself. Exercise helps with stress, helps you feel more relaxed, and boosts your mood. Movement is medicine for the mind, body, and spirit. If you would like assistance with your health and fitness goals, Refine YOU is an online fitness and nutrition company that provides customized nutrition plans and workouts with support and accountability to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Be the healthiest YOU possible, mind, body, and spirit.

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Rebecca + Tommy

Refreshing Classic Drinks With A Fresh Summer Twist

Whatever your spirit of choice, these drinks will keep you cool through the hottest months.

A cocktail in the summertime has a singular purpose: It must make you feel cool. Cool, like soft breezes, salty ocean spray, and the crisp air from AC units. Cool, like the hose water in that inflatable pool you may or may not have panic-purchased as you looked ahead to a summer spent in at least partial isolation.

That's the kind of cool Sangria brings to your evening, or a Julep with fresh mint.

These classic summer cocktail recipes are ideal for hot weather drinking.

Master a handful—a Pineapple Mojito is particularly impressive and almost too drinkable when it's good—and you'll have yourself a happy hour cocktail menu stored in your brain.

So log off, shut down, or hang up. Depart the home office for your kitchen, back deck, or front drive, where you can nurse the cocktail you just mixed. And, as always, stay cool.

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Lemonade Mint Julep Ingredients: 2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon (like Woodford Reserve) 1 ounce simple syrup 1 ounce lemon juice fresh squeezed 4-5 Mint leaves muddled 1/2 cup Lemon sparkling water cold How to make it: In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, add the mint leaves and muddle. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Fit the cocktail shaker with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.

Fill a glass with ice, and pour the cocktail over the ice. Top off the cocktail with the lemon sparkling water. Garnish glass with a lemon slice and mint sprig, if desired. Enjoy right away while cold.

Sweet Tea Sangria Ingredients: 1 750-ml. bottle white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc 4 c. sweet tea 1/4 c. triple sec 2 c. sliced frozen peaches 2 c. raspberries Fresh mint, for garnish How to make it: In a pitcher, combine wine, sweet tea, triple sec, frozen peaches and raspberries and stir until combined.

Refrigerate until chilled.

Serve garnished with mint.

Pineapple Mojito Ingredients: • 1/4 cup pineapple, finely chopped • 5 mint leaves • 1 teaspoons sugar (or more depending on the sweetness of the pineapple) • 2 ounces white rum • juice from 1/4 lime • club soda for serving • wedges of pineapple and mint leaves for garnish

How to make it: Place pineapple, mint leaves and sugar in a cocktail shaker and muddle with a cocktail muddler or handle of a wooden spoon.

Add rum, lime juice and ice. Replace lid and shake until chilled.

Strain cocktail into 2 ice filled glasses and top with club soda.

Garnish with mint leaves and pineapple wedges.

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Outdoor Living Essentials How to Create the Ultimate Summer Outdoor Entertaining Space

W

hether playing backyard baseball, splashing in the pool or staying up late to catch fireflies, some of our best memories happen outside during long summer days. Research shows Americans are utilizing their outdoor spaces more to escape their busy lives, and summer is a prime opportunity to unwind while enjoying the backyard with family and friends.

"Summertime is always the best of what might be."

Charles Bowden ABSOLUTELIVING

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Here are the lawn and landscaping essentials of setting the stage for outdoor summer entertaining:

Get the coolest gadgets – Yards are now backed by technology that allows homeowners to spend more time with families and friends. Lawn care technology has never been more efficient or user-friendly. From trimmers, leaf blowers and edgers with interchangeable batteries to propane mowers that reduce fuel and maintenance needs, lawn care technology now defines the “cutting” in cutting-edge. For those looking to spend less time maintaining and more time relaxing, consider a robotic mower–a battery-operated, automatic lawn trimmer perfect for a variety of yards.

Stunning landscape lighting – New lighting

technology helps families enjoy their outdoor spaces 24/7 if desired! Controlled by a smart phone, landscape lighting allows homeowners to switch on various zones, dim for the perfect mood or shine a spotlight to ward off intruders. High-powered solar lights now make lighting solutions easier. With a collection of models, styles and functions, solar lights are a practical option for those looking for a high-tech and well-lit property. They even add a sense of whimsy, coming in a host of colors.

Take your kitchen outside – It’s no secret that

families and friends bond over food, and outdoor kitchens and dining areas help take these memorycreating moments outside. Homeowners are trading in their cart grills for luxury built-in models. With features such as pizza ovens, hibachi grills, smokers and industrial ranges, homeowners enjoy endless entertaining opportunities.

Transform your entertaining space – Patios and decks provide the foundations for outdoor living.

Landscape professionals can now offer an array of styles and materials, including native stones, woods, metals and composites that make these party platforms pop. Add a pergola, statement focal points and landscape lighting to further transform an outdoor space.

Add Fire (or Water) – Maybe the thought of

s’mores with the kids, or dreams of a gorgeous rippling backdrop for an elegant outdoor dinner party, have you considering an outdoor fire or water feature. Fire pits and fireplaces are among the hottest trends in landscaping. If water is your preferred element, ponds, fountains and waterfalls are creative ways to add a focal point to a yard and can help drown out noise from nearby roads or neighbors.

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