FORBLOOMINGTONF(ALL) Absolute Living SEPTEMBER 2022 HALEY HILTS MAKE EVERY DAY A HAIRGOODDAY AUTHENTICALWAYS PERFECTPICTURE

THE CAR YOU WANT. THE WAY YOU WANT. 317.608.0019TomWoodSubaru.com 3300 E 96th St Indianapolis, IN 46240 SHOP ONLINE AND WE WILL DELIVER IT TO YOU! *Offer ends 6/30/22. On approved credit. Security deposit waived. Finance deal may not include vehicle trim levels shown. Fees subject to the state of residency. Specials dependent on credit. WAC. See dealer for details. 3.99%APR Finance As Low As For up to 48 months. On Select Models. With Approved Credit Subject to $199 Documentation FeeSalesPre-OwnedCertifiedEventAtTomWoodSubaru. 9/30/22





OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS GROUP INDY CUSTOM POOLS DESIGN • BUILD • NURTURE • SWIM EST D 2007



DESIGNED FOR YOUR LIFE BY TRIPHASE. Uncommon times, uncommon excellence. As your local leader in technology, we’re close to all the trends. With more family at home, we can expand your networking bandwidth, smart home and business video conferencing and extend life into the outdoors with entertainment systems. Serving you the comfort and convenience modern technology delivers. Accessible with a touch of a button. Elegant by design. AUDIO | VIDEO | LIGHTING + SHADES | HOME THEATER | OUTDOOR LIVING | SECURITY | SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS | + MORE 10960 Bennett Pkwy | Zionsville, IN 46077 | (317) 845-0236 | triphase-tech.com HOME-A-RAMA,OURSEEWORKATTHE2022CHATHAMHILLS.









Indiana,
Volume 16. Issue 08. (#175) CONTENTS 12 16 32
year's best options for sophisticated home improvement.
a mere stone's throw
the metro
MAKE
COMMENTS
2022 ABSOLUTE HOME RENOVATION & REMODELING GUIDE through this
BLOOMINGTON FOR F(ALL) getaway from region, visit Bloomington, and charmed.
PICTURE PERFECT GC Photography preserves your most precious memories as heirloom quality works of art.
To
THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA This month's seasonal line-up presents a celebration of our vibrant local and global cultures, with food and drink, music, fashion and more. EVERY DAY A GOOD HAIR DAY A healthy head of hair links closely to our selfesteem. If your hair isn't what it used to be, check out these innovative hair restoration solutions.
be
SUBSCRIPTIONS For more information go to absolutelivingmagazine.com, call 317.509.3981, or email jpena@ absolutelivingmagazine.com. sign up for Absolute Living's monthly newsletter, go to absolutelivingmagazine. com/newsletter. Contact us via social media or email us at jpena@absolutelivingmagazine.com
37 46 ALWAYS AUTHENTIC 22 HALEY HILTS DESIGNAUTHENTIQUEOFCOLLECTIVE

Let our favorite industry experts lead you room by room
For an unforgettable autumn
FOLLOW @absolutelivingmagazine P hotogra P hy B y G abrielle C heikh N oel September/2022



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 Contact Us INFO@ABSOLUTELIVINGMAGAZINE.COM Comments & Feedback EDITORIAL@ABSOLUTELIVINGMAGAZINE.COM Subscriptions SUBSCRIBE@ABSOLUTELIVINGMAGAZINE.COM 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 Absolute Living



ABSOLUTELIVING
September/October
Absolute
Living
Home-a-Rama Chatham Hills bagi.com Visit the desirable Westfield community of Chatham Hills while exploring some of the area’s most stunning new custom homes. The annual event offers visitors a rare opportunity to tour a collection of luxury homes by Central Indiana’s most prestigious builders, including Wedgewood Building Company, Scott Campbell Custom Homes and Carrington Homes.

Carmel on Canvas - Plein Air Paint Out Carmel Arts & Design District carmelartanddesign.com
September 13 DakhaBrakha The Cabaret thecabaret.org

Exploring traditional Ukrainian folk music fused with jazz, rock and hip-hop on the intimate stage of The Cabaret, this quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine —whose name means “give/take” in old Ukrainian—creates a modern, global sound on a tour that aims to bring its audience into support and solidarity with their home country.
AGENDA
Artists from across the Midwest will compete out in the open in a variety of contests, surrounded by inspiring landscapes around the city of Carmel, at the annual Carmel on Canvas - Plein Air Paint Out. Visitors can watch, interact and even purchase work created at the Sunday afternoon art fair.

By SuSaN Salaz The
September 22-October 9
September 16-18
October 6-16
September 24 Food & Wine Experience Clay Terrace wineandfood.usatoday.com

Breast Cancer survivors shine as they walk the runway, styled in stunning fashions and accessories provided by The Secret Ingredient and J. Benzal, in this luncheon event for Pink Ribbon Connection, a non-profit providing support, resources and education to those affected by breast cancer across the state of Indiana.
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown Ballroom pinkribbonconnection.org
September 24-October 30, weekends Country Fall Festival Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch russell-farms.com
Heartland International Film Festival Downtown Indianapolis heartlandfilm.org
October 1 Brewfari Indianapolis Zoo indianapoliszoo.com Costumes are encouraged at this year’s Brewfari at the Indianapolis Zoo—the wildest Halloween party in town. Guests can sample flavors from the area’s top craft breweries, cideries and distilleries while enjoying food, live music, psychic readings and animal chats at this exclusive after-hours event for adults only.

Autumn is in the air at Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch, where you can enjoy a quintessential day in the country with activities for all ages. Relax on an afternoon hay ride, get lost in the corn maze, pick out a pumpkin, and stock up on your favorite treats at the country store.

For more than 30 years, Heartland Film has hosted an annual film festival in Indianapolis, inviting audiences to experience the transformative power of film. With venues throughout the city, HIFF showcases the talent of a diverse group of filmmakers in 300+ films that seek to do more than just entertain.

October 1 Stars of Pink Fashion Show

September 30 Oktoberfest Carmel City Center carmelcitycenter.com Celebrate a lively Oktoberfest at Carmel City Center this fall! The familyfriendly event will include an outdoor game zone, shopping and giveaways, and food from Tucci’s, Manelé Café, and more area restaurants, along with traditional polka on the plaza by the 6-piece music sensation, Indy Polkamotion.

Indulge in food and drink delights from an array of nationally recognized culinary leaders, emerging talent and some of the Indianapolis area’s best chefs, including Paolo Duenas, the new executive chef at Clancy, Inc.’s Grindstone on the Monon. VIP tickets include early entry, unlimited sampling and access to the exclusive lounge.
ABSOLUTELIVING





2325 Pointe Parkway, Carmel (317) 569 6448 www wise aesthetics com CoolPeel Laser Facial Laser Genesis Dermal Infusion Facial Microneedling Chemical Peel IntroducingJourney Membership Our new monthly membership offers a skin care treatment of your choice, discounted rates on products and services, exclusive rates on treatment upgrades, and flexible terms Free Botox During Birthday Month 10% Off Premium Treatments & Products Free Skin Analysis Free Lash & Brow Tint and more! Choice of and the



Make Every Day a Good Hair Day
By Susan Salaz
ABSOLUTELIVING
Hair loss can affect both men and women at any stage of life, and it can have detrimental effects on self-esteem. At We Grow Hair Indy, the mission is to enrich the lives of their clients with the most innovative and proven hair restoration solutions, hoping they leave with more confidence, pride, and a more vibrant life than when they first walked through the doors on consultation day. Almost 20 years ago, Darren Andrews, a New Zealand native began losing his hair, which had a dramatic impact on his life. “My hair loss bothered and affected me more than I was willing to admit,” he reveals. In 2005, he underwent a hair transplant procedure to restore his hair, that in turn restored his self-confidence. Andrews, who is now the Clinic Director at We Grow Hair Indy, says, “Having the opportunity to help other people experience the same results has been very rewarding to me." (promotional content)
Alex Fortey has over 25 million views of the simple golf lessons he gives on his YouTube channel, The Art of Simple Golf. “I used to have to wear a lot of hats on the golf course,” he admits, but last year, he made the drive up to Indianapolis from Louisville, Kentucky, for the trademarked procedure at We Grow Hair Indy, a Multi-Unit Hair Grafting™ hair transplant. “The hairline is natural, it looks good,” he says of his current full head of hair. “I love it. I wish I had done it sooner. It’s so much easier than you think.”
ABSOLUTELIVING
We Grow Hair Indy is the largest hair restoration clinic in the Midwest. Hair restoration is their passion, and they have offered the gold standard in permanent and natural hair restoration for both men and women for more than 30 years. Individual plans are customized for each client based on age, health, hair type, degree of loss, and expectations, and utilize two of the most effective hair restoration options on the market—the ARTAS Robotic FUE (follicular unit extraction) and their trademarked Multi-Unit Hair Grafting™ procedure. “Traditional FUT procedures can't compare to We Grow Hair Indy’s trademarked Multi-Unit Hair Grafting™ procedure,” says Andrews. “It’s the best choice for clients who need the most hair possible, typically delivering up to double the hair density compared to other commonly done procedures.” Through an exclusive partnership with Transitions Indy, non-invasive and non-surgical hair restoration is also possible with laser hair therapy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), and other hair growth treatments. These treatments are ideal for treating hair loss caused by hormonal changes or stress, and can provide clients of any age with thicker, fuller and healthier hair. "My life has changed in big ways since going to We Grow Hair Indy. I can go on a run without wearing a hat or headband to cover my hair loss. It's truly made me a happier person!"




"Rick DeMulling, Former Professional Football Player"

Darren Andrews We Grow Hair Indy Clinic Director

ABSOLUTELIVING
“If hair loss bothers you now, it will bother you even more in the future as it progresses,” says Will Saddler, the Clinic Director at Transitions Indy who had his hair transplant in 2015. His advice is to research all the available options as soon as you start to notice hair loss, when it’s easier to get under control. “The first step is to stop hair loss in its tracks, and then we have a variety of options to restore the hair you've lost. Don’t wait until it’s too late!”

Give your hair, and your confidence, a boost with a consultation with one of the restoration specialists at We Grow Hair Indy by calling (317) 522-2995. Find out more and schedule online at wegrowhairindy.com and follow @wegrowhairindy on Instagram for stories, testimonials and proven results.
"The first step is to stop hair loss in its tracks. Then we have a variety of options to put back what you've lost."



Haley Hilts is here to help accessorize your life with stress-free styling in her recent launch of Authentique goods—a quarterly subscription service that delivers a curated collection of luxe home accessories directly to your door.
AlwAys Authentic By SuSaN Salaz (promotional content)
artwork By Eduardo PEñaPhotograPhy By GabriEllE ChEikh NoEl
Haley Hilts is in creative mode, but that’s nothing unusual. She’s spent her entire life being creative because that is what comes naturally. Like most others in the interior design industry, Haley got an early start, painting walls and rearranging rooms before she hit double-digits, and this passion is still coursing through her veins. This month, she is lining up the next collection for Authentique goods, with the newest subscription boxes and a la carte, create-your-own collection due to drop in November. “It’s like getting Christmas gifts four times a year,” says the founder of Authentique Design Collective (formerly Homes by Haley) and Authentique goods.
ABSOLUTELIVING
Each collection focuses on a different area of the home. Collection I saw an array of hostess items, including vintage etched glass goblets and one-of-a-kind, locally crafted charcuterie boards, while Collection II focused on coffee table essentials with textured vases, a custom-scented candle and Haley Hilts of Authentique Design Collective
“We source high-quality products from all over the world, but always highlight a local artist or company in each collection,” she explains. Subscribers also receive a complete style guide as well as a personal design session with an Authentique Design Collective team member to help incorporate the items into their space. For the subscription’s next iteration, Haley has a bedroom collection in the works featuring a designer sheet spray. Next February, she hopes to do a “no formula…just heart” theme for American Heart Month—because after undergoing three life-saving cardiac procedures, the cause is, well, close to her heart. But for now, she is excited to see this new subscription service thrive. The concept takes away the guesswork and stress that comes with shopping and styling spaces throughout a home, while giving back distinctive design elements and valuable time. As exciting as the collections are (because who doesn’t love a surprise special delivery of luxurious home goods!), they are only a part of the bigger picture Haley has in store for Authentique Design Collective. The Greenwood native has lived overseas and around the country, graduating from Lynn University in Florida, where she studied business and biology and played women’s volleyball. She settled back home again in Indiana in 2014 and currently resides in downtown Indianapolis. After several years in medical sales, Haley chose to pursue her passion for interior design, drawing on both her artistic talent and business acumen to open Homes by Haley in 2019, focusing solely on home styling and design. The move to rebrand to Authentique Design Collective is a chance for her to branch out and work on larger projects, both residential and commercial, as well as events. For Haley, it’s also an opportunity to build relationships and network among inspiring designers. “Some people think it's competition, but I love learning from the best,” she says, noting Julie Browning Bova, Whitney Parkinson and Urban Sly as some local designers she admires. From small re-styling projects to large community renovations, she believes it takes a village with multiple ways of looking at the project to create something truly "authentique" and spectacular, and she is eager to build connections and community relations among veteran and rising designers in the Whilearea.Haley labels her personal style as “transitional, with regal tendencies,” she strives to take on her clients’ unique styles when working with them in order to create spaces specifically for them to love. “Oftentimes that’s a marriage of styles. Whether it’s traditional-meetsgrand, millennial-meets-boho, we will find a way to balance your space and make it work,” she says. She goes on to note how her restyling experts are skilled at incorporating those already owned pieces that just can’t be let go of yet and
ABSOLUTELIVING the perfect stage book. But every box is versatile, containing only highend items with timeless appeal and “authentique” pops of style meant to be conversation starters in any space.
One of Haley Hilts’ personal taglines is “no formula.” She themed the second collection of Authentique goods around this idea and even created a signature “no formula” scented candle from Penn & Beech Candle Co.—a must for every coffee table. “There is truly no formula on how to live life or how to style home accessories,” she says, always encouraging others to adopt this freeing mindset. With a timeless, yet edgy flair, Haley and her team use this approach to help create balanced and inspiring looks.

Authentique Design Collective, founded by Haley Hilts, offers end-to-end design services for a variety of projects by sourcing services, contractors and products, along with coordinating an individualized plan and executing the end result to the client’s own style.

Down the road, Haley intends to open a brick and mortar shop, offer classes, and maybe even start a podcast associated with Authentic Design Collective. You can catch her in October when she takes over the Instagram feed for High Point Market—the world’s largest home furnishings trade show held annually in High Point, North Carolina. She’ll be highlighting new design trends and introducing what ADC has to offer. “To me, everything is art,” Haley expresses, and Haley is eager to make her mark on the design industry. Visit AuDesignCo.com for more information on design and styling services for your home, business or event. Follow @ authentique_goods on Instagram to sign up for stress-free styling with the Authentique goods quarterly collection.
[ ]
Look for the next Authentique goods collection this November, featuring handselected, luxury home goods from local artists and around the world that can be incorporated throughout your home, available as part of the quarterly subscription service or an a la carte, create-your-own collection.
ABSOLUTELIVING make them valid additions once again. “Tapping into different designers that specialize in certain vibes or aesthetics is beneficial for this type of work,” she believes, which is why she wants to build a design community within Authentique Design Collective as opposed to being siloed.




By SuSan Salaz
ABSOLUTELIVING
GC Photography has an expanded suite of full-service offerings, creating a breathtaking end-to-end experience that not only makes picture day a breeze, but also preserves your precious memories as heirloom quality works of art. Perfect
Picture

With a distinct, classic style, Gaby Noël has an impressive portfolio of wedding, family and commercial photography under her belt. She has seen a lot from behind the lens of her camera, which has informed several new services that bring the nuances of family and portrait photography into focus. Gaby credits her own journey in motherhood for the shift in perspective, saying that as she evolves as a mom, so does her business. “I am seeing new ways to fully serve parents,” she says. “I see how invaluable and fleeting time is, and I’m excited to bring a seamless process of documenting, creating and preserving all of the good that life brings.”

ABSOLUTELIVING
For more information about memberships, heirloom portraits and other services, visit gcphotography.com and follow @g_cphotography on Instagram for Gaby’s latest photos and behind-the-scenes shots.
“I think what people forget is that, for kids especially, seeing their pictures in their own home makes them feel like they are a part of the story,” Gaby muses, adding that over the years she has received consistent feedback that actual, printed, images—as opposed to the digital kind—have created cherished moments most families didn’t realize they would have together, from flipping through a memory book or baby album to naming family members over the years up a staircase.
In addition to studio sessions, Gaby is happy to shoot on location in your home or outside in a number of natural and scenic locations. She is currently booking this winter and beyond, offering single sessions as well as memberships with multiple sessions over a period of time.
The experience doesn’t end there. Gaby wants to help her clients get their photos off the cloud and into albums, onto walls, and enjoyed for generations to come. After the photography session, she offers custom album design and execution, framing services and gallery wall design. “I walk clients through the entire process of image making, and then give them a tangible heirloom at the end that they can pass on to their kids,” she says, explaining the different design processes and computer programs she uses to guide her clients in album layout, framing and wall arrangement.
“This keeps things planned and helps build out albums and galleries,” she says, adding that it is ideal for new babies, sibling birthdays and other milestone years.

With an “everymom” mindset, Gaby guides her clients through the photography process from an innovative angle she uses to keep the potentially overwhelming process as mellow and relaxed as possible. In her natural light studio, she offers a model wardrobe with graceful styles for the entire family, along with hair and makeup services for moms and commercial clients. It’s amazing what a little relief can do for the finished product— and for the memories made in the process. Gaby encourages everyone to let their guard down, have fun, and be in the moment. “So much of today’s life is curated,” she says. “But your favorite family memories don’t have to—and shouldn’t—look like everyone else.”

The design consultants at the KOHLER ® Signature Store will work with your clients to pick the perfect products, colors, materials, finishes, and technologies that will have your designs bursting with joy. KOHLER.com /Indy RECEIVE EXPERT BATHROOM DESIGN SERVICE 4335 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250 (317) 854-5999






Better Drinking Water at Your Fingertips culliganwaterindiana.com 317-591-9999 Get forFinancing0%6months* * Offer expires 11/30/2022. Dealer participation may vary. See Dealer for details. Contaminants may not be in your water. Subject to credit approval. © 2022 Culligan Ultrapure Start Drinking Quality Water Today

Maybe you’re hoping to take the plunge with a new pool or you’re cozying up to the idea of installing a fireplace. Or perhaps you are in tune with audio upgrades in the way of a new home sound system or you want to see visual updates through with custom draperies and blinds. Whatever you are considering, having a plan in place and a team of proven professionals in your corner is paramount to ensuring the project’s success. Read on for some of the top projects on home renovation wish lists and more ideas to make your house the home of your dreams. Home Renovation & Remodeling Guide
ABSOLUTELIVING
We spoke with a few of our favorite industry experts for tips, tricks, popular trends and timeless enhancements when it comes to home improvement. For you, it may be time to heat things up in the kitchen or find some needed relief in the bath.

Last year, more than half of America’s homeowners renovated their homes, and this year even more are following suit. If you want to add lasting value, comfort and style to your home, then perhaps investing in a small renovation or a full-scale remodel is in your future.
By SuSaN Salaz
2022 Absolute
Kitchen remodels today are all about maximizing functionality without compromising style, conveys Amy Kreutz, partner and senior designer at Conceptual Kitchens & Millwork (CK&M), stating, “We love to create unexpected designs that blend seamlessly into the existing architecture of our clients’ homes.” For busy families, transforming an existing pantry into an operating prep kitchen can add storage and work space, allowing the kitchen to shine with elements of design and Rightstyle.now, Kreutz is loving the small details and textures that elevate kitchens into works of art. Dry matte wood tones paired with rich painted finishes give kitchens a sought-after clean and calm look, while a complex door profile finished in satin lacquered paint draws interest to the custom cabinetry. Add unlacquered brass fixtures and hardware pieces to tie in warmth and finish off the space. “From the overall layout and flow to the last finish detail, we want your kitchen to work for you,” she says. Through valued relationships with industry trade partners, CK&M offers immediate insight into the latest design trends, products and technology to build a kitchen as unique as each client. Visit their studio at the Indiana Design Center, located at 200 South Rangeline Road in Carmel, or online at conceptualkitchens.com and by following @conceptualkitchens on Instagram for more information and inspiration. The Kitchen



ABSOLUTELIVING

The Bath
ABSOLUTELIVING
Inspired by luxurious resort spas, bathroom sanctuaries are currently making a mainstream appearance in many home remodels. With a focus on larger floorplans, integrated technology and increased cleanliness, these spaces offer a sense of beauty and solitude that is beneficial to our overall health and wellbeing, says Elizabeth Young, director of marketing and communications for Crescent Plumbing Supply. Kohler is an industry leader in design and innovation and has kept up with the home technology movement, showcasing digital and even smart-speaker-enabled showering options that are easy to use and provide an updated look. Large format tiles can create a seamless, calming design while reducing grout lines in the shower. Ann Sacks, a Kohler company, has an assortment of large format tile to accomplish this look, along with a grout that is antimicrobial, stain and crack resistant, and maintains its color over time, Young explains.


The Kohler Signature Store by Crescent Supply, located at 4335 E. 82nd Street in Indianapolis, works with architects, builders, designers and homeowners for a wide range of bathroom and plumbing projects. For more ideas and virtual design services that include a style quiz, design consultation, floor plans and renderings of your new bathroom design, stop in the showroom or call 317-854-5999 to request an appointment.


ABSOLUTELIVING
Enhancing your home’s curb appeal could be as simple as planting a few shrubs and trees or as extensive as adding an elaborate outdoor oasis. “We have continued to see a huge uptick in pools and pool houses,” says Chad Bruick, owner of Outdoor Environment Group (OEG). “We are one of the only companies in the area that can turn-key that kind of project,” he adds. Specializing in custom outdoor landscapes, the team at OEG includes landscape architects, designers and builders, offering comprehensive services that see your ideas from concept through completion. With full-service maintenance plans and improvement services, OEG ensures your outdoor environment continues to thrive season after season, allowing you to simply sit back and enjoy. If a family pool isn’t in your plans, but you’d still like a place to lounge rather than swim laps, plunge pools are gaining in popularity, says Bruick. Perfect for smaller yards and empty nesters, these quaint spaces often combine intricate finishes with sleek architectural elements, integrating into the landscaping without taking over. To view some of the inspiring environments OEG has created or to connect about your vision, visit oeggroup.com or call 317-292-9776 to learn more about their end-to-end landscaping design, construction and maintenance services.



The Landscape

The Fireplace
ABSOLUTELIVING
A stunning fireplace can be the focal point of a home, but often gets put on the backburner when it comes to updates. Todd Ketchum, president of Victory Surfaces, believes the hearth is a home’s natural gathering place and shouldn’t be overlooked. The beauty of investing in a fireplace remodel is that it is a relatively simple way to make a dramatic difference. “You can change the facade of your fireplace without doing a lot of other tedious work like electrical or plumbing that come with kitchen and bathroom remodels,” he Porcelain,says. a thin material similar to tile but with the look of stone, is a popular choice, lending itself to tall, statement fireplaces, but Ketchum believes some of the most striking finishes incorporate a mix of materials, which can include natural stone, carved limestone, ceramic tile and even concrete. Visit victorysurfaces.com for more information on fireplace design and remodel services, or stop in the showroom, located at 5720 Kopetsky Drive, Suite J, on the south side of Indianapolis, to speak with a designer and make your vision a reality. Follow @victorysurfaces on Instagram for fireplace inspiration and all the latest in stone and terrazzo.




The TreatmentsWindow
Shop-at-home and showroom consultations allow clients to find just the right color, texture and design for every room and window. Strong listens to her clients, balancing necessity and desire, offering guidance with a variety of solutions. “The banded shades—those are my favorite thing ever,” says Strong, adjusting the bands to peak between filtered light and full privacy, noting that she prefers the Lafayette brand because they were the first, but others are available. Roller shades, Roman shades and shutters offer privacy, and Strong recommends adding draperies on top or stationary panels alongside to create a layered look that finishes the space.
Tailored window treatments not only freshen up the home, but can add functionality by letting light in or keeping it out, says Catherine Strong, who owns and operates Adkins Draperies and Blinds with Frank Miller, Jr. High-quality products, precise installation and first-class customer service are top priorities to the secondgeneration owners, giving Adkins an advantage over stores and services.
ABSOLUTELIVING
For custom window treatments wellsuited for every style and need, visit Adkins Draperies & Blinds at 3162 East State Road 32 in Westfield to view their selection and speak with a specialist. Find out more about their services and schedule a shop-at-home appointment at 317-896-3833 or adkinsdraperyshop. com online.



ABSOLUTELIVING
Home audio enhancements can really turn up the volume on any home remodel, and oftentimes, giving your home music system a boost is easier and less invasive than anticipated. “There are many ways to upgrade music systems today that add a great amount of value,” says Robert Haecker, owner of Triphase Technologies, which specializes in high performance home automation and entertainment systems. While home technology has made many advances, existing music systems can often be updated by leaving existing wires and speakers in place and upgrading the electronics and streaming


Ifdevices.youalready have an extensive renovation planned, consider adding audio infrastructure behind the drywall now to enjoy immediate benefits of distributed music throughout your space, or at least to alleviate dust and damage down the road when you do decide to implement a sound system. Haecker says even if a homeowner isn’t ready to invest in the electronics just yet, the team at Triphase can provide a master plan and provide full design and build services to prepare customized wiring, built in speaker systems and individually tailored acoustic applications for the future. For the latest in audio technology and other home automation and entertainment offerings, visit triphase-tech.com, or visit their showroom at 10960 Bennett Parkway in Zionsville to speak with a specialist. The Sound


Calamari & Polenta

Bloomington For (F)All
ABSOLUTELIVING
For the Scholar…
Whether or not you are an alum of Indiana University, it’s hard to deny the beauty of its campus. Start your tour at the picturesque Sample Gates and plaza, and be sure to stop at Indiana Memorial Union, the heart and hub of the university for more than 100 years and home to its three-story bookstore. Before you go, visit Cox Arboretum—an 11-acre landscaped oasis within campus—and the iconic I.M. Pei-designed Eskenazi Museum of Art, with five galleries and a collection that includes work by Claude Monet and Jackson Pollack.
For an unforgettable autumn getaway, there’s no better place than Bloomington, Indiana. This bohemian college town serves as a gateway to the scenic beauty and rolling hills found in the southern part of our state, and has something to offer just about everyone.

Bloomington is a natural place to immerse yourself in the changing seasons, and here vibrant fall colors flourish. Stroll through the woodlands around Griffy Lake, and soak in the vistas on Monroe Lake, where luxurious accommodations and boat rentals are available at Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina. For a more thrilling adventure, take a ride through the woods at Wapehani Mountain Bike Park, or for the ultimate view, see it all from the sky on a hot air balloon tour.

For the Nature Lover…
For the Sports Fan… Fall wouldn’t be the same without football, and experiencing IU and Memorial Stadium on gameday doesn’t disappoint. “It is a fun way to introduce kids into the spirits and traditions that exists within IU athletics,” says White, who suggests making a day of it by tailgating.

For the Foodie…
Fall flavors abound in Bloomington, from the beloved farmer’s markets to Fourth Street, known as International Restaurant Row. “A lot of our restaurants lean into those seasonal dishes utilizing fresh ingredients,” says Erin White, director of leisure marketing and media at Visit Bloomington. Even cozy coffee counters and local ice cream shops get in on the seasonal action, serving up a taste of fall with unique drinks and dishes. Visit Cardinal Spirits, one of the town’s newest distilleries, for fall-flavored cocktails, or celebrate the season with a glass of apple pie wine at the nearby Oliver Winery.


For the Family…


ABSOLUTELIVING
All ages can delight in the excitement of science at WonderLab Museum, found on the B-Line Trail in the heart of the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District, and featuring the favorite Bubble Flow exhibit and the new, immersive Hidden Life of Deserts display. Fall festivals are also a fun attraction, ranging from the Hot Air Balloon festival in early September to the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, where more than 1000 handmade blown-glass pumpkins will adorn the lawn of the Monroe County Courthouse on October 15. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the Bloomington Handmade Market in mid-November. The diverse culture of Bloomington beckons everyone, and the fall season is best enjoyed by staying a night or two. The Grant Street Inn offers one-of-a-kind rooms in a range of styles throughout five historic buildings, and Graduate Bloomington offers a sophisticated stay just steps from campus. You might also consider one of the many vacation rentals, from downtown lofts to cozy cottages to lush forest cabins—and remember, weekday respites often allow for more solitude and less crowds than weekend stays.




“A Plan that Fits Perfectly”shepherdins.com317.846.5554Shepherd Insurance provided a convenient and affordable way to provide coverage for our business and personal protection. They created a plan that fits perfectly with our growing business as well as the changing needs of our family. The service we get from Shepherd Insurance far exceeds the service we received from our previous insurance provider. The Lampliter John DeWaal Owner The Lampliter



