Absolute Living

THE BRIGHT SIDE

ELIZABETH

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

SWIM

THE BRIGHT SIDE

ELIZABETH LECHLEITER OF 8FIFTEEN

THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA

Every Hoosier knows that April really is just the precursor to the racing madness of May. But April has plenty going on, too! Check out all the local happenings inside.

FRESH FACE FORWARD

Expert advice on the connection between healthy skin and overall health — and steps you can take to promote both.

LET'S BRUNCH

In the mood for a classic brunch? Craving worldclass, homemade pastries? A healthy bowl? A Bloody Mary? We have you covered!

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Amy Kreutz of Conceptual Kitchens presents an illustrated case study of one of the firm's latest modern-meets-practical designs.

Publisher / Editor

JUSTYNA PEÑA

Marketing Director EDUARDO PEÑA

Assistant Editor MATTHEW HUME Writer SUSAN SALAZ

Photography GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER

PAOLA WILLIAMS

Art NICK PEÑA

Marketing Coordinator ISMAEL PEÑA

Circulation USPS & ABSOLUTE LIVING MAGAZINE

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April 14

Morgan James Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael feinsteinshc.com

Renowned vocalist and Broadway favorite Morgan James, who has appeared in Motown, Godspell, Wonderland and The Addams Family, graces the stage at Feinstein’s Cabaret for a night of her signature, soulful melodies. James recently released her highly anticipated fifth album, Nobody’s Fool, a ’90s-style R&B album.

AGENDA

April

By SuSaN Salaz

April 15

Dash by the Past 5K Meridian Kessler showhouseindy.org

Support the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center’s Behavioral Health Academy in one of the city’s most distinguished fun runs, taking you through historic Meridian Street and past the Decorators’ Show House and Garden homes. This family friendly event features a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile walk so everyone can join.

April 21-22

Little 500 Weekend

Bloomington, IN iusf.indiana.edu

You don’t have to be a cyclist or an IU alum to enjoy Little 500 weekend at Indiana University in Bloomington. Modeled after the Indianapolis 500, four-person teams square off around the quarter-mile track at Bill Armstrong Stadium, in a spectacle that has become known as “the world’s greatest college weekend.”

April 25-May 7

Hamilton

Old National Centre

indianapolis.broadway.com

Relearn American history through the sights and sounds of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway sensation: Hamilton. Drawing on hip-hop, R&B, soul, pop and traditional show tunes, the music and mastery of this iconic show has earned it a spot among Broadway’s best.

April 29-May14

Decorators Show House and Gardens

The Failey House showhouseindy.org

The Decorators Show House and Gardens, in its 62nd year, is the longest running show house event in the country. This year, the historic Failey House in the Meridian Kessler neighborhood will be showcased, transformed by interior designers and landscapers and available for tours to benefit Eskenazi Health.

May 6

Opening Day, Carmel Farmers Market

Carter Green, Carmel carmelfarmersmarket.com

Grab your market basket—it’s opening day of the Carmel Farmers Market. With more than 70 vendors, you can find everything from fresh greens and organic pasture-raised meat to homemade pies, right in the heart of downtown Carmel. Opening day festivities include fanfare and entertainment, along with a flyover by Indy Biplanes.

April 26

The Bloom Gala Case Sun King Carmel sunkingbrewing.com

Imagine being caught in the game of Clue, except that this is real life and you’re here to help solve the mystery! Then imagine enjoying your favorite local beers while you’re at it. It doesn’t get much better than that, so don’t let this night of mystical brews and spirits at Sun King Brewery with Cold Case Crackers pass you by.

May 6

OneAmerica Mini-Marathon

Downtown Indianapolis indymini.com

Run through downtown Indianapolis, take a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and make your own history at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon this May. The fast and flat course features entertainment almost every step of the way and has been named one of “America’s Most Iconic Races” by Runner’s World.

May 14

Mother’s Day Celebration

8Fifteen 8fifteen.com

Whether you are a mom, have a mom or know a mom, be sure to check out the impressive selection of apparel, accessories and gifts at 8Fifteen in Broad Ripple Village. Follow @8fifteenindy on Instagram to find out more about sales, specials and their upcoming Mother’s Day event.

Fresh Face Forward

5 TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN THIS SPRING

By SuSaN Salaz

We spoke with skincare expert Kayla Trammel, registered nurse and owner of Radiant Skin Aesthetic & Beauty Studio, for suggestions on how to get a glowing complexion this spring. According to Kayla, every aspect of health and aesthetics goes hand in hand, so at Radiant Skin, they take a holistic approach, addressing healthy practices throughout the body along with the four pillars of aging to achieve natural, long-lasting results.

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Try a HydraFacial…

The HydraFacial is a personalized treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, moisturizes and protects the skin for a refreshed and revitalized complexion. "With a HydraFacial, you leave with glowing skin," says Kayla, "and for weeks your skin just looks phenomenal." Try the Radiance HydraFacial, which includes all of the basics along with ZO Brightalive corrective serum to brighten and even the skin tone.

Work from the inside out…

"You have to be mindful of what you're putting inside your body because it really does reflect what happens on the outside," says Kayla, adding that staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet can benefit the skin. She advocates for integrative medicine, which works in tandem with aesthetic treatments. At Radiant Skin, IV therapy is offered to boost overall wellness. Try the Fountain of Youth drip, which detoxifies and promotes healthier hair, skin and nails with glutathione, B vitamins and vitamin C.

Don't skimp on sunscreen…

Sunscreen is essential any time of year, and even indoors. Kayla recommends finding a product that, at a minimum, contains zinc oxide, which blocks UVB (rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer), as well as UVA (rays responsible for accelerated skin aging). Radiant Skin carries Elta MD sunscreens, which also protect against damaging indoor rays we now encounter from phones, computer screens and even fluorescent lighting, and the Elta MD products contain effective anti-aging ingredients, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

Experience "prejuvenation" with the MOXI Laser…

Reassess your routine…

Investing in medical-grade skincare products is a top priority for Kayla, who explains that these labels are superior to drug store and even department store brands. Developed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, medical-grade products use stable, active ingredients, that penetrate deep into the epidermis, stimulating cell turnover while protecting from environmental DNA damage. "The better you take care of your skin at home, the better treatments are going to respond," she says, adding that Radiant Skin carries several customizable medical-grade skincare lines that yield remarkable results.

Prevent aging and rejuvenate your skin with the innovative MOXI Laser treatment, a gentle yet powerful fractionated laser that helps delay the signs of aging, producing evenly toned, glowing skin in a single treatment with no downtime. In addition, the MOXI Laser is safe at any time of year and on all skin types.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

By SuSaN Salaz

ELIZABETH LECHLEITER OF 8FIFTEEN

Spring style is in full bloom at 8Fifteen, and Elizabeth Lechleiter, new owner of the fashion-forward boutique in Broad Ripple Village, is keeping things light and lively.

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PhotograPhy By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | artwork By eduardo Peña

Eye-catching patterns and vibrant colors infuse 8Fifteen with a refreshed mood that seems to lift spirits just by stepping through the door, and that's by design. After seven years as store manager, Elizabeth Lechleiter took ownership of the designer boutique last year. Although much remains the same, the store, like Elizabeth herself, is always evolving.

"For me it was a dream come true," says Elizabeth, as she shows me around the store, pointing out new brands and fashion lines. She has added designers that include Anine Bing—edgy yet sophisticated comfort; Farm Rio—pattern masters with tons of color; and Jonathan Simkhai—fashion forward and full of dazzling textures. Of course, recognizable favorites like Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra and Golden Goose are still in stock, and the aim to be a destination for exclusive style remains. But Elizabeth is also making room for an expanded range of price

points, silhouettes, jewelry, accessories and gifts for everyone.

As we browse, Elizabeth's team is helping shoppers coordinate outfits and find matching jewelry, and they’re hanging sundresses and the new swimwear line by Love & Bikinis in anticipation of sunny days ahead. One lays out an outfit in a rainbow of colors for the day's Instagram image: a pink sweater by Sablyn, a pleated patterned skirt by Le Supurb, and Golden Goose sneakers accessorized with a Mar y Sol clutch, an enameled cuff and geometric sunglasses. It's elegant, captivating, and brazen all at the same time, yet still absolutely effortless.

Elizabeth Lechleiter, who took ownership of 8Fifteen last year, has embraced the opportunity to bring exclusive, fashion-forward designer styles to Broad Ripple Village and beyond. She has expanded the brands to include new favorites, like the sweater and silk dress she is wearing here by Sablyn and shoes by Jonathan Simkhai.

Elizabeth got her start in retail working in the gift shop at Habig Garden Shop in Nora when she was only fourteen. With a keen eye for fashion and fine art, she earned her BFA in textile design at Xavier University in Cincinnati, then a degree in fashion design from Parsons School of Design at the New School in New York City. After that, she worked in fashion retail at Nordstrom before serving as manager for the flagship Ted Baker store in Midtown Manhattan. After moving home to Indianapolis to raise her young children, Elizabeth was introduced to Erin Welch, founder of 8Fifteen, by her sister-in-law, embracing an opportunity to manage the thriving boutique.

At 8Fifteen, Elizabeth felt at home. She not only adored the clothes, but she loved the atmosphere and the team she helped build there. Her career grew alongside her family, both taking twists and turns

Golden Goose luxury sneakers, as seen here on owner Elizabeth Lechleiter, have been on the shelves at 8Fifteen since the shop opened in 2009. While she has brought in several new lines, iconic designers, including Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra and Veronica Beard, are still in high demand.

For Elizabeth Lechleiter, 8Fifteen is a haven of happiness, which she hopes to share with everyone who steps in the door through the colors, patterns and beauty inside.

along the way, but 8Fifteen was always her happy place. So she leaped at the chance to purchase the business last summer, excited to continue it as her own. "I don't take for granted one second of this opportunity," she tells me.

Last August, Elizabeth finished signing the paperwork and was handed the keys. The first thing she did once the shop was officially hers was paint all the walls white. Next, she replaced the dark hangers with white ones to brighten things even more. Then she filled the space with colorful paintings by her favorite artist, Kerri Rosenthal, to enhance the upbeat mood and welcoming atmosphere. "I stumbled upon Kerri's art one day and it just spoke to me," Elizabeth says. The whimsical hearts, smudgy colors and encouraging words are infectiously happy. Her smaller Blocks of Love are available for sale, perfect for gifts and collections. "They make me happy when I see them, and I want them to make other people happy," she says.

A true artist, Elizabeth thrives on coming into the store, working on the floor and moving things around. "This whole place is like my canvas," she says, pointing out the patterns, colors and textures that make the shop come to life. "I am able to express myself through what I order," she explains, adding that at market and on buying trips she feels such a strong connection to the clothes—imagining how they will look in the store and who will choose them for their own wardrobe—and she hopes others feel that connection as well. "When [customers] leave happy, with something

they would have never tried on or haven't had the opportunity to see in another place in Indy—I think that's the exciting part," says Elizabeth, noting that being able to continue the legacy of the store and to share this side of fashion with the city is an honor.

8Fifteen has become a fixture of Broad Ripple Village and continues to flourish, bringing fashion-forward styles closer to home. For now, Elizabeth is ambitious to nurture the boutique as a fun destination with something for everyone. "You can grab a gift and go, or you can spend the whole day here," she says, adding that the talented team can offer personal styling if needed. The shop also hosts several trunk shows and "girls' night out" events throughout the year that are an enjoyable way to shop with friends.

Find all your favorite fashion items and fresh spring styles at 8Fifteen, located at 815 E. 65th Street in Broad Ripple Village, or by visiting 8fifteen.com and following @8fifteen on Instagram.

Let's Brunch

By SuSaN Salaz

Brunch is a beloved meal, a sacred space, where we can allow ourselves time to slow down, relax and savor the bounties of life. It’s the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. It’s the texture of fluffy pancakes and perfectly whipped hollandaise. Brunch is shared stories and shared bites that not only fuel the body, but energize the soul.

Whether you are in the mood for classic breakfast items, homemade pastries, a healthy bowl to start your day or a Bloody Mary that might as well be a meal, your cravings can be met right here at some of our favorite local restaurants. This spring, we’re featuring modern restaurants that embrace established traditions, bringing you the best brunch has to offer, from sweet to savory, healthy to indulgent. So sleep in. Order a drink before noon. Get fancy with your friends. Brunch is everything you ever wanted, and it comes with coffee. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Rize

12957 Old Meridian Street, Carmel

Any day is a great day for brunch at Rize. A fresh addition to the Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) repertoire, Rize, now with a third location in Carmel, offers farm-to-table fare in a bright and airy environment where you can watch the chefs prepare the day’s brioche cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfast bowls from the open kitchen.

“Our chefs understand the physical need for fuel food, the good-for-your-body-and-mind food to get the most out of your day,” says Carissa Newton, director of marketing at CRG. Every recipe is developed in-house and made from scratch with the freshest locally sourced ingredients, including produce grown at its own CRG Grow Greenhouse on the south side of Indianapolis. “CRG Grow uses vertical hydroponic growing towers that supply the restaurant with fresh Thai basil, watercress and greens for lighter fare menu items,” Newton explains.

Newton recommends the vegan chia seed pudding bowl with peanut butter and strawberry preserves, but the menu offers a wide variety of healthful favorites, including the garden frittata, avocado toast and a beet salad with whipped goat cheese. Breakfast classics include eggs benedict and farmhouse waffles with maple whip and a brown butter crumble. Be sure to try a flaky croissant or seasonal pop-tart, and top off your experience with a freshly squeezed juice, house blended smoothie or kombucha.

Visit Rize in Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis (in the Ironworks district). For more information, find them online at rize-restaurant.com and follow @rize.restaurants on Instagram.

Classic brunch and healthful favorites unite at Rize.

Caffé Buondí

11529 Spring Mill Rd #250, Carmel

At Caffé Buondí, “a good day starts in the morning,” says Andrea Melani, owner of the bright bistro in southwest Carmel. With a modern European flair, Melani and his team serve a bountiful array of handcrafted Lavazza espresso drinks, a selection of cocktails and fizzy, fruity mimosas, scratch-made pastries and an artisanal menu rooted in Italian tradition.

Buondí Creations, the signature dishes that stand out among traditional brunch items, are at the heart of the menu here. Several freshly added items are making an appearance here this spring, including two new savory crepes: the Nuvolari and the Niki—a favorite featuring Fischer Farms short ribs, veggies, brie and horseradish mayo. The Sivori, a new toast on the menu, is also topped with the Fischer Farms short ribs, a local favorite. On the sweeter side, waffles and crepes are made to order. Formerly a popular special, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes served with cream cheese icing and powdered sugar now grace the menu. And if a light lunch is your style, the Salmone e Avocado with feta, olives and balsamic vinaigrette is a refreshing way to fuel your day.

The menu, like the space, is full of energy, as is Melani himself, who also owns and operates Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine next door. An avid motorsports and auto-racing fan, many of the dishes are named for race car drivers. This spring, Caffé Buondí is even sponsoring IndyCar driver Benjamin Pederson, a rookie taking on the Indianapolis 500 in May.

For more information visit caffebuondi.com and follow @indycaffebuondi on Instagram.

At Caffé Buondí, creative signature dishes stand out among top-notch traditional brunch fare.

The Fountain Room

830 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis

A cornerstone of the bustling Bottleworks District in downtown Indianapolis, The Fountain Room is a spirited escape any time of day, and the new brunch menu is sure to knock your socks off. “We really wanted to have a fun and playful brunch,” says Blake Fogelsong, thirdgeneration restaurateur and owner at Clancy’s Hospitality. The location—just steps away from the iconic Bottleworks Hotel—made sense for morning favorites, which are now available Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm. “We have some traditional breakfast items, but also have some refreshing and modern spins on classics,” Fogelsong adds.

The croissant French toast (with fluffy cinnamon sugar custard and lemon maple syrup) and lobster omelet (loaded with lobster claw meat and a blend of cheeses and veggies) keep things classic, but Fogelsong says the avant-garde whipped brie brulee, a luscious sweet and savory dish, is the most popular item on the menu. “I love our Wagyu burger,” he admits, and since the Fountain Room is first known as Mass Ave’s finest supper club, several lunch favorites make an appearance on the brunch menu.

Wake up to a Lavazza espresso or an Irish Old Fashioned, chilled to perfection with an espresso infused ice cube. Call it a day with the Bougie Bloody Mary—a meal in itself with St. George green chili vodka, smoked jalapeno syrup, Nueske’s slab bacon, poached jumbo shrimp and housepickled vegetables.

Find the full brunch menu online at thefountainroom.com and follow @the.fountain.room on Instagram for the latest news and special.

Still Mass Ave's finest supper club by night, The Fountain Room now offers a spirited weekend brunch.

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

By SuSaN Salaz

Nestled on the lake in a quiet North Crows Nest neighborhood, an Oxbow home adds function and finesse with a timeless remodel by Conceptual Kitchens.

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Once a tight galley separated from the home’s living area, an impractical kitchen layout motivated this recent remodeling project that aimed to connect the space. The results are obvious, with gorgeous upgrades opening the area to the living and hearth rooms, while maximizing storage and prep surfaces and creating an eye-catching focal point with the range wall.

“We emphasize a hands-on design approach with our clients, drawing and designing in the space in the moment,” says Amy Kreutz, principle at Conceptual Kitchens. Here, the clean, open look was created by shifting the existing kitchen forward to create a prep kitchen passageway behind the range wall, easily accessible from either side. This unseen extension of the kitchen houses a second sink and prep area, additional Sub Zero refrigeration drawers, a microwave, coffee station and more storage. “Having the ability to execute custom designs grants us the opportunity to create a truly one of a kind custom kitchen, layered with fresh ideas and materials that stay true to the style of the home,” Kreutz adds.

Every space has different needs and demands. Therefore, each one should be approached with a fresh perspective, believes Kreutz, who would rather create individualized designs tailored to each client than try to replicate design details. “It's more important to us that the space itself functions properly for the homeowners, and also that the proportions and the design are the best opportunities for that space,” she says.

Custom paneling creates a streamlined look of cabinetry and appliances, assuring a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional,

explains Amy, who feels fortunate for the strong relationships she has established with manufacturers across the country. “From hand sketches on paper to the engineering process and quality assurance of the final product, we have confidence in our vendors to help take a design from inception to flawless execution in our clients' homes,” she says.

The variation of texture is crucial in creating visual interest, especially within clean, open layouts such as this. The matte finish and cerusing of the oak create a standout foundational texture that welcomes the

Amy Kreutz, principle at Conceptual Kitchens, an award-winning residential design firm, loves the growing prevalence of back kitchens and dedicated beverage stations in home kitchens. "Having a dedicated place to store and serve coffee and tea has become more commonplace,” she says. “It is always beautiful alongside the kitchen yet highly functional."

layered elements of tile, glass and paint throughout the composition. “We love to mix materials to juxtapose the variation in function and purpose of different elements of a kitchen,” says Amy, likening it to enhancing your wardrobe with jewelry for a finishing touch. She points out how the honey bronze drawer pulls used throughout this kitchen draw out hints of gold from the cerused oak, stone and decorative elements. Everything comes together with timeless appeal, an essential component of any design executed by Conceptual Kitchens.

Visit Conceptual Kitchens at the Indiana Design Center at 200 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel. For more information, find them online at conceptualkitchens.com and follow @conceptualkitchens on Instagram.

Adding widened leg posts gives an oversized feel to the island, comparable to the stature of the range and refrigeration units, while maintaining the overall proportion of the house.

The decorative trim, paneling and recessed toe kick of the dish pantry lend an intentional armoire furniture look.

THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION

If you’ve been staring at your walls and wondering how changing the color would make a difference, perhaps we can help. Have your local painting team at CertaPro Painters ® of Indianapolis refresh the home you love and show you the power of fresh color.

We’ll provide a worry-free painting experience that fits your needs – complete with safety and cleaning guidelines to keep you and our painting teams safe. Schedule your on-site or remote estimate today to get started on your spring project!

FREE PAINT UPGRADE ON YOUR NEXT INTERIOR PAINTING PROJECT*

*Offer applies to your residential painting project of $4,000 or more. Must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with other offers. Not valid on current estimates or proposals. Available at CertaPro Painters ® of Indianapolis. Expires 5/31/23.