by Shelly on November 22, 2017 8 Comments

Indy is the new Chicago for Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping is in full force and Indianapolis is scoring all the right points for making your shopping experience fantastic this year. Greater Indianapolis has been growing by leaps and bounds in the past few years and this past year was no exception. With the addition of Ironworks Hotel that opened up in September, the Northside is giving Chicago a run for it’s money. We had the pleasure of checking out Ironworks hotel at a discount to test my theory of having all of the luxury of Chicago right here in Indianapolis. No need to take a bus up to Chicago and lug around massive shopping bags through Michigan Avenue anymore.

Lodging

The Northside of Indy is known for it’s amazing upscale dining and shopping but has only recently become the hot spot for hair salons, spas and hotels as well. The Ironworks Hotel welcomes guests to the new Indianapolis location to enjoy rooms and suites inspired by the 19th century capped off with industrial charm and modern amenities.

The 120 room boutique hotel will be host to three restaurants and a spa that offers facials and massages. Room prices will range from about $139 for a king-size traditional room to $1,500 for the premier founder’s suite on the fifth floor, which has a private bedroom and private terrace with a fire pit and a far-off view of Downtown Indianapolis.

We stayed in the Legacy Suite which has a King size bed and a living space. Both areas have a 65 inch TV for his and her viewing. The windows in this room allow ample light during the day but black out shades helped us sleep like babies through the night. Our favorite addition to the room were the hand crafted industrial pieces by The Rusty Truck like the end tables, desk and wine holders. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of the room was noticeable. It did not feel like a big box hotel which we love.

(photo courtesy of Ironworks Hotel)

Dining

The Ironworks Hotel property will have three restaurants once they’ve all opened. Rize was the health focused breakfast and lunch restaurant that we had the pleasure of enjoying Sunday morning. The food was phenomenal and we were happy to hear that a majority of their food is sourced from local growers. The hotel also plays host to Provision, another health conscious restaurant focused on sourcing from local farmers. Provision’s menu includes locally sourced products from Fischer Farms, Tyner Pond Farms, and Confectionaries, all passionate partners in regional restaurant development and growth in Indianapolis. They also showcase locally grown produce from Cunningham Restaurant Group’s own CRG Grow Greenhouse.

The third location, Blue Sushi Sake Grill, is due to open in late 2017. Sushi enthusiasts will appreciate Blue Sushi Sake Grill’s high-quality ingredients and fresh seafood. Along with traditional sushi selections, they are known for their growing list of tasty vegan-friendly and gluten-free fare.

(photo courtesy of Ironworks Hotel)

Pamper

After shopping all day you’ll want to make time for relaxing your worn out muscles. Massage Heights in Ironworks Hotel is the perfect resort for your massage and facial needs. Massage helps lower blood pressure, improve flexibility and increase endorphins along with loosening muscles. They’re currently running a grand opening special that includes a 1 hour massage for $25 (that is a $75 discount!)

If it’s your first time, be sure to get there at least 10 minutes early to fill out the paperwork. Members can enhance their massage or facial with various Elevations (from Hot Stone Therapy and Reviving Foot Scrubs to Revitalizing Face Massage and Active Therapy), as well as all-natural Aromatherapies designed with specific benefits in mind.

Shopping

Indy is the new Chicago for Holiday shopping. The Fashion Mall is the premier luxury shopping destination for the Indianapolis metro area, and Indiana. A dynamic retail fusion of ready-to-wear fashions, home decor and top technology. Boasting a unique mix of high-end anchors, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, top brands and luxury specialty retailers such as Burberry, Tiffany & Co, Raleigh Limited Menswear, BCBGMAXAZRIA, kate spade new york, Swatch, tumi, Coach and more. Fulfill all of your tech needs at The Apple Store and Microsoft store.

Some of my favorite stores are at Keystone Fashion mall including Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, MAC, Pottery Barn, The North Face and Lucky Brand. The Fashion Mall in Indianapolis has everything Chicago has without the traffic.

(photo courtesy of Simon Malls)

With Thanksgiving in a couple of days, our minds will quickly switch gears to shopping for the Holidays. Give yourself a break this year and experience your Holiday Shopping trip in luxury with fine dining, one-stop-shopping, a little pampering and a great night’s sleep.

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by Shelly on October 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

Spooky Wicked Woods at The Children’s Museum Haunted House

Wicked Woods at The Children’s Museum- Today I was invited to walk through the Wicked Woods at The Children’s Museum Haunted House. I thought last year’s Cursed Castle was extremely thoughtful and well themed but this year’s Wicked Woods is frighteningly spooky.

Directly from The Children’s Museum:

After 54 years of haunting, the museum’s head witches have perfected their potion for all things spooky, and this year is no different! Starting October 7th, embark on a hike through the foreboding forest as you encounter campfires and caves, creatures and cabins, terrible tales and haunted trails. Grab your packs and get your gear ready!

The Haunted House offers IPL’s Lights-On Hours (for children who scare easily) and AAA Frightening Hours (with lights off, for children who dare to be scared). Tickets are $8 at the door. All tickets are available at The Children’s Museum Box Office or online.

Ticket Information:

Members receive a 10% discount.
Discount tickets are available at Indianapolis-area Old National Bank branches.
Haunted House tickets are separate from museum admission. Museum admission not required.
Children age 13 and under must be accompanied through the Haunted House by a paying adult.
Children under the age of 2 are free.

My Thoughts on Wicked Woods at The Children’s Museum Haunted House

I scare easily so The Children’s Museum Haunted House is the only haunted house I will ever visit. I was not able to walk through the Wicked Woods on my own, despite the playful Halloween music they were playing. The details were seriously spooky. I tried picturing it with the lights out and scare-ers throughout and I was terrified. Thankfully The Children’s Museum offers both experiences because I know many people that like to be spooked. For the Lights-On experiences there are friendly witches that have treats and will tell jokes throughout the walk-through. There is also a sweet raccoon that you can find in each room to use as a scavenger hunt distraction.

If you’re interested in learning more about being a scare-er, check out The Children’s Museum Guild for more information. They are the ones who work tirelessly planning the next year’s Haunted House a day after this year closes. They work day and night starting in September to completely build and transform that exhibit space into the masterpiece it is for us to experience. Other events revolving around Wicked Woods: Black Hat Bash, Friendly Feast with the Witches and Black Hat Dash.

Let me know your favorite tradition when visiting The Children’s Museum Haunted House and be sure to tag #HauntedTCM and @TCMIndy or @childrensmuseum when you come to visit Wicked Woods!

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Need to Know About IKEA Fishers

I was invited to the sneak peek media event at IKEA Fishers that will be opening October 11th. I’ve been to the Schaumburg, IL, Bolingbrook, IL and West Chester, OH locations and am happy to report that the Fishers IKEA has it all! With the convenience of it being a one story building, I was worried they would not have all of the various departments the larger stores contain. Thankfully, the new Ikea (6 minutes from my home) has it all!

IKEA Fishers Opening

Fishers, IN, October 4, 2017 – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that when its Indianapolis-area store opens on October 11 in Fishers, Indiana, it will recognize loyal, enthusiastic customers by giving away thousands of dollars in gift cards and merchandise – including an iconic EKTORP sofa for each of the first 45 adults in line, and a POANG armchair for the next 100. Other highlights include a free mattress for the first 45 adults on Thursday, October 12 and a free 4-piece cookware set for the first 45 on Friday, October 13. Customers may begin lining up at 9 a.m. EDT on Monday, October 9 – 48 hours before the store’s opening at 9 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 11. Fishers, IN Mayor Scott Fadness, IKEA U.S. president Lars Petersson and store manager Holly Davidson will officially open the store.

IKEA Fishers is the Swedish company’s first store and restaurant destination in Indiana, 45^th in the United States, and 408^th worldwide. The 289,000-square-foot future IKEA Fishers, with its 1,000 parking spaces, was built on 35 acres along the eastern side of Interstate 69, just south of the E. 116^th Street exit. The store reflects the unique architectural design for which IKEA is known worldwide, and includes one of Indiana’s largest solar rooftops, consistent with the solar presence at 90% of IKEA U.S. locations – as well as three electric vehicle charging stations.

The October 11 ceremony also will include State Representative Todd Huston raising the U.S. flag, Honorary Swedish Vice Consul Anna Engstrom Patel raising the Swedish flag and State Senator Victoria Spartz raising the state flag of Indiana. Individual store coworkers will sing the respective American and Swedish national anthems, and “America the Beautiful” prior to the opening remarks. Entertainment for customers waiting in line will begin at 6 a.m. EDT on opening day. “Just as the IKEA store concept will introduce a new way of shopping for the home, we want customers waiting in line to visit our store to enjoy the unique experience too,” said Holly Davidson, IKEA Fishers store manager. Store visitors will have opportunities to enjoy benefits from the grand opening of IKEA Fishers, including:

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Rest Assured – The first 45 adults (18 & older) in IKEA Fishers on October 11, 2017 will receive a free EKTORP three-seat sofa, honoring our 45^th U.S. store.
Take a Seat (And We Mean Take It!) – The next 100 adults (18 & older) in IKEA Fishers on October 11, 2017 will receive a free POÄNG armchair.
For the (Truly) Young at Heart – The first 100 children (17 & younger) in IKEA Fishers on October 11, 2017 will receive a free FAMNIG heart-shaped soft toy.
Pick a Card, Any Card – The first 2,500 adults (18 & older) in IKEA Fishers on October 11, 2017 will receive a random prize envelope with IKEA Gift Cards ranging from $10 to $250, or a “Buy One, Get One Free” cinnamon bun, hotdog or soft-serve frozen yogurt voucher.
Happy Birthday to You and Us – The first 100 adults (18 & older) bringing proof to IKEA Fishers on October 11, 2017 that their birthday is the same as the store’s will receive a gift card in the amount of $45, a tie-in corresponding to IKEA Fishers as the 45^th U.S. IKEA store.
Enter our Home, Enter to Win – From October 11 through October 15, 2017, visitors to IKEA Fishers may enter for a chance to win one of twenty $250 IKEA Gift Cards through the IKEA FAMILY loyalty program. IKEA is matching twice the amount of the prizes (a total of $10,000) with a donation of home furnishings to Dayspring Center, a local organization that meets the basic needs of homeless families seeking assistance and helps them realize their potential.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Sleep Like Royalty – The first 45 adults (18 & older) in IKEA Fishers on Thursday, October 12, 2017 will receive a free queen-sized HAUGESUND mattress.
Cozy Comfort – The next 100 adults (18 & older) in IKEA Fishers on Thursday, October 12, 2017 will receive a free ALINA “sleep set” that includes bedspread and cushion covers.
Kids’ Best Friend – The first 100 children (17 & younger) in IKEA Fishers on October 12, 2017 will receive a free GOSIG golden dog soft toy.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Cook Like a Pro – The first 45 adults (18 & older) in IKEA Fishers on Friday, October 13, 2017 will receive a free 4-piece SENSUELL cookware set.
Meatballs for a Year – The next 100 adults (18 & older) in IKEA Fishers on Friday, October 13, 2017 will receive a voucher for 12 monthly meatball meals for two at IKEA Fishers’ Restaurant through next year, expiring on October 31, 2018.
A Cold Sweet-ish Treat – The first 100 children (17 & under) in IKEA Fishers on Friday, October 13, 2017 will receive a voucher for a soft-serve frozen yogurt available that day at IKEA Fishers’ Exit Bistro.

Wednesday, October 11 – Sunday, October 15, 2017

Play Big If You’re Little – Balloon artists, entertainment and face-painting will enhance the family-friendly fun at IKEA Fishers from October 11 through October 15, 2017.

ADDITIONAL OFFERS AT IKEA FISHERS

IKEA Fishers is a fun day out for the family with:

Småland, a supervised children’s play area (for children 37”-54” in height) that replicates the look of a typical Swedish farmhouse and forest;
Additional play areas throughout the store, offering activities for kids shopping with parents;
A “Children’s IKEA” area in the Showroom that also offers fun, interactive play; and
Attention-to-detail amenities such as family-friendly parking, strollers and baby care rooms.

No shopping on an empty stomach at IKEA Fishers because:

The IKEA Restaurant opens 30 minutes earlier than the store for a full hot breakfast, including scrambled eggs, potatoes, turkey sausage and Swedish pancakes for only $2.00.
The 325-seat restaurant also offers a diverse menu featuring lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert, including Swedish specialties such as the popular IKEA Swedish meatballs (as well as chicken or veggie versions), seafood plates, pasta, chicken, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian dishes too.
Menu choices for kids include a child’s portion of Swedish meatballs, chicken fingers or macaroni and cheese, while baby food and bibs are available for even younger visitors.
The Swedish Food Market offers Swedish delicacies, snacks and treats, and frozen Swedish meatballs (the same ones available in the Restaurant) to purchase and then prepare at home.
The Exit Bistro serves hot dogs, pizza, cinnamon buns, frozen yogurt, sundaes and beverages.

IKEA Fishers shopping conveniences include:

Free design appointments with a furnishings consultant;
IKEA catalogs, measuring tape, pencils, store maps, yellow shopping bags and 3 types of carts;

Same-day shopping satisfaction with products in easy-to-transport flat-pack boxes that benefit the customer and the environment;

15 checkout lanes to ensure efficient customer purchasing;
Warehouse picking, home-delivery, assembly, and kitchen planning and installation services; and
2018 IKEA Catalogs, focused on how food-related activities help bring people together through everyday life in and around the kitchen.

When IKEA Fishers opens, there will be 408 IKEA stores in 49 countries, including 45 in the U.S. Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. IKEA has been included in rankings of “Best Companies to Work For” and strives to be an employer of choice. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com,@IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

by Shelly on August 23, 2017 Leave a Comment

Gen Con with Kids

Gen Con with kids is one of my favorite activities to date. With everything that is going on around our world, it is so special to show our kids a place where everyone is accepted. Gen Con is accepting of all people which makes it a super fun place to meet friends and also play a few games. Gen Con is the largest tabletop-game convention in North America by both attendance and number of events. This year’s 50th year was the biggest yet with sold out badges and not a hotel room available for miles because of the 30,000+ attendees.

I was able to bring Sophia for a small taste of Gen Con on Thursday when I went to pick up my press pass. We thought we could pop in and out before heading out to the State Fair for the evening. I was pleasantly surprised by her awe and amazement at every cosplayer and event that was going on. There is a lot to do for kids throughout the week but Sunday is always Family Day. Many games and events are geared towards children and families.

Gen Con with Kids

The Pros of Gen Con for Kids

Gen Con is a place kids are able to freely converse with adults who will give them their full attention. Every single person our daughter spoke to had a genuine conversation with her which helps her be more confident in speaking to all ages, races and sexes. We also practiced using a map to plan what events to do and figure out where to go. Another great teaching moment revolved around money and saving. We had her bring some of her quarters that she could use to spend at the event. On the first day she really wanted to play the arcade games but ultimately spent her money on dice and gumballs. This lesson is two fold: learning about earning/saving money and helps alleviate the dreaded ‘can I have that?!’ problem when we go places. Not to say we never buy her goodies when we go out but there are certain places we’ll tell her to bring her own coins if she wants to buy something.

Speaking of money, your family can experience a day at Gen Con free if you do not want to participate in any tabletop games. You will have to pay for parking (cheapest at Circle Center or $20 at Lucas Oil) but if you bring your lunch you can have a day worth of entertainment in the corridors of the Convention Center. You could also bring some cash and experience the food trucks out on Georgia Street and Capitol Avenue.

I’m so happy that Gen Con is contracted to be at Indianapolis through 2021 so we’ll have many years of cosplay and game play at this awesome event. The 2018 Gen Con will be held August 2 – 5, 2018 so start planning your costumes now! Pre-registration started late January this year so put it in the calendar to start checking in December. Let me know what questions you might have about taking your family to Gen Con or what you did while you were there!

Everybody’s Accepted at Gen Con

Green BEAN Delivery

When we first moved back to Indy, I didn’t know anyone that was less than a 45 min drive from our town. I got on MeetUp and found this mom group called theCityMoms and was excited but nervous to start making new friends from scratch. I’m now very thankful I ran across this group because I’ve met a lot of awesome women and done some pretty cool events with them!

Green BEAN Delivery

As a CityMom I was invited to attend a luncheon at GreenBEAN Delivery to better understand the behind the scenes business side of a product that makes a mom’s life so much less stressful. GreenBEAN Delivery is a grocery distributor that has this goal in mind:

‘Our goal is to make healthy and sustainably-grown local food affordable, accessible, and convenient to the Midwest communities we serve.’

Green BEAN has access to a large majority of their inventory through the two farms they own and operate in Sheridan, IN and Mason, OH. What does this mean for us moms? Fruit and veggies that will last over a week because it’s coming from the farm to Green BEAN and delivered to our table without the wait time of a conventional grocery store. For parents with toddlers who like a fruit one day and hate it the next, this is a huge money saver!

While we were at the Green BEAN headquarters in Indianapolis we were taught the importance of healthy eating and introducing it in fresh ways to our children. The husband/wife team Matt and Beth shared the importance of mending the America’s broken food system by connecting rural farming with urban communities.

Beth gave a demonstration on how we can implement fresh veggies everyday for a quick delicious lunch. Her solution:

Mason Jar Salad

Mine included (in order from bottom to top)

Sweet Onion Dijon dressing (or dressing of your choice)
Pecans
Feta cheese
Watermelon Radishes (I can’t WAIT for these to be back in season!)
Hard-boiled egg
Heirloom cherry tomatoes
Leafy greens & spinach

There are thousands of combinations you could do to make your own mason jar salad. I recommend using a jar with a wide mouth opening so you can easily reach your hand in while making it and eating it. The best part is that it doesn’t dirty up dishes! Just pull out your organic ingredients, add them to the jar and use that as your lunch box and bowl!

I love the food Green BEAN Delivery distributes almost as much as their heart behind the mission. Living in the midwest, we have a very short window of opportunity to get fresh veggies that are only found at the farmers market. Those naval oranges aren’t in season here in IN (not to mention you’d have to pay a pretty penny to buy a fresh orange in IN) but they’re straight from a farm in CA that has a great relationship with Green BEAN. Having fresh fruits for a snack with Soph after school and grilling fresh veggies on the grill made our family feel great. We were very surprised by the quality and longevity of the produce.

I’ve partnered up with Green BEAN to get you a $15 off your first order because I want everyone to have the chance to try those naval oranges, oh and the Sweet Onion Dijon, oh and the heirloom tomatoes, OH! and don’t forget about the watermelon radishes! Let’s just say, we’ll be eating more fresh fruits and veggies from now on.

Promo code: DIYMAMA

To win a $35 giftcard as a new member, go follow me on Twitter! Ends 8/20

This promo code is only valid for new members who are just signing up for Green BEAN Delivery and also for past members who are reactivating their account with us. The promotional code can’t be coupled with any other discounts.

Indy is the new Chicago for Holiday Shopping

Lodging

Dining

Pamper

Shopping

Spooky Wicked Woods at The Children’s Museum Haunted House

Directly from The Children’s Museum:

My Thoughts on Wicked Woods at The Children’s Museum Haunted House

Need to Know About IKEA Fishers

IKEA Fishers Opening

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Friday, October 13, 2017

Wednesday, October 11 – Sunday, October 15, 2017

ADDITIONAL OFFERS AT IKEA FISHERS

No shopping on an empty stomach at IKEA Fishers because:

IKEA Fishers shopping conveniences include:

Gen Con with Kids

Gen Con with Kids

The Pros of Gen Con for Kids

Everybody’s Accepted at Gen Con

Green BEAN Delivery

Green BEAN Delivery

‘Our goal is to make healthy and sustainably-grown local food affordable, accessible, and convenient to the Midwest communities we serve.’

Mason Jar Salad

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