christmas

Christmas Nights of Lights Holiday Family Event in Indianapolis

Indy’s holiday events game is so strong. You could easily do a different event or attraction every night in December. The best part, they’re all awesome! This past week we were invited to check out the Christmas Nights of Lights display at The Indiana State Fairgrounds. Not only has it been added as a definite must-see but we’ll be going back to see it again this year.

Our entire family was singing along and pointing out our favorite parts throughout the 30-minute drive-through experience. Thankfully Triton Light Shows has a multi-year commitment to return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds again and again!

Tips for Christmas Nights of LIghts

Before you go:

  1. Make sure you know how to turn off your headlights. There is plenty of light for you to see to drive through the paths marked with signs and orange lights. You don’t want to ruin the experience of the car in front of you by having your lights on.
  2. Know your radio. There is a specific radio station that plays the music that syncs with the lights. You’ll definitely want to be able to tune to their FM station.
  3. Go to the bathroom before you head out. The show is about 30 minutes and the only restrooms are the port-o-potties at the very start.
  4. Bring your own hot chocolate. We made the anticipation exciting by making puppy chow to take along with us. At the last second, I wanted hot chocolate so we took that instead and it was well worth it!
  5. Make it a tradition. You can get a carload of people in (up to 9 people) for $30! There were families with huge vans and their sliding doors open so everyone could see!
  6. Make sure to use Gate 12 off 42nd Street. 42nd Street is off of Evanston Avenue which is a light where you’ll turn right.

The Details

Dates

November 8, 2019 –
January 1, 2020
Dusk to 10:00 P.M.
Extended hours on weekends.

Location

Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205

Pricing

$7.00 per person Children Age 3 & Under: FREE!
OR a Carload Special $30 (up to 9 passengers)

Group Rates:
10 – 15 Passengers $50
16 – 35 Passengers $75
35+ Passengers $100

Plan Your Visit

During our busier hours, you may experience a bit of a wait. To avoid the crowds, we recommend guests plan their visit on a weekday or weekends after 9 P.M. Any cars still in line at the time of closing WILL be permitted to enter and enjoy the show.

Let me know what you think once you’ve gone! Personally, we think it’s well worth the money. There are so many different songs you could go a few times in the season and see different shows!

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Merry Prairie

24 Days of Christmas Books

24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- We love celebrating the holidays. Sophia and I are usually begging Jeffrey to put up the decorations before Thanksgiving. We just get so excited to watch all the holiday movies, snuggle in our jammies, drink cocoa and read lots of Christmas books. We now have almost enough Christmas books to read one per day in the month of December leading up to Christmas! Whether you’re buying new books and wrapping them as an advent calendar or checking them out from the library, here are 24 awesome Christmas books to read with your kids. We own or have read each of these and think they’re all wonderful.

24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

24 Days of Christmas Books

Book links are Amazon affiliates.

December 1
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas– Spend the holidays with your favorite blue cat! In this rockin’ spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

December 2
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Bear Stays Up for Christmas– Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!

December 3
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Christmas Wish– Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa’s elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa. A generous trim-size, matte cover, extraordinary photographs, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season.

December 4
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving– In The Berenstain Bears and The Joy of Giving Brother and Sister Bear can’t wait for Christmas and all the presents they’ll open. But during the Christmas Eve pageant, something special happens! The Bear cubs learn a very valuable lesson about the joy of giving to others.

December 5
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Pick a Pine Tree– Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree — digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.

December 6
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!– “Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.

December 7
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Disney Christmas Storybook Collection– Celebrate the season with favorite Disney and Disney• Pixar characters! This updated edition of the top-selling storybook collection includes new stories with popular characters from films like Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, and Tangled. This enchanting volume of 18 tales brings the magic of Christmas to life with over 250 beautiful full-page and spot illustrations plus silver-gilded pages!

December 8
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

A Christmas Carol– Follow miserly Scrooge as he is whisked through the night by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come in order to face his selfish treatment of Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Families will enjoy reading this shortened version of Dickens’s story together, with its warm illustrations that capture every twist and turn.

December 9
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Nutcracker– Join Marie, Fritz, and the intriguing Nutcracker himself on a magical Christmas Eve adventure. Behold the frightful Mouse King, the elegant Sugar Plum fairies, and the entire Land of Sweets in this dazzling, gorgeously illustrated holiday classic. With spare text based on the story in the ballet, this book offers a front-row seat to the enthralling tale that is a perennial favorite of adults and children alike.

December 10
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Secret Santas and the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving– Children everywhere are learning how they can become members of the real-life, Secret Santa Team! With every page turned an exciting new adventure awaits, showing your child how he or she can spread kindness and cheer throughout the Christmas season. This tradition of hope, joy, and love paves the way for families to introduce their little ones to the joy that comes from giving to others in a magical and exciting way.

December 11
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Christmas Cookie Day!– Christmas Cookie Day! celebrates the beloved tradition of making Christmas treats and even features a special Christmas cookie recipe for you and your child to create. The bright illustrations by Pauline Siewert and sweet, rhyming text by Tara Knudson are sure to capture the wonder of young readers and parents alike. Perfect for building new memories, this board book has a beautiful, glittery cover.

December 12
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Zetta the Poinsettia– Zetta discovers she is more than just holiday decor in this tale of hope and self exploration.

December 13
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Polar Express– A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . . Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.

December 14
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Elfie the Elf– Granny has a bedtime story that her grandkids will never forget. When a little girl befriends an Elf in the north pole, the two learn about friendship, standing up for each other, and achieving your dreams. With a cast of characters including reindeer, elves, and Santa himself, Granny’s story seems larger than life. But is it?

December 15
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas– It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep!

December 16
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Littlest Christmas Tree– There are only five days until Christmas, and the Littlest Christmas Tree is still waiting for a home. All it wants is for a family to take it home, decorate it, and sing its favorite song, “Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches…”

December 17
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Stick Man– Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.
But one day, Stick Man is carried off by a mischievous dog who wants to play fetch! Things go from bad to worse as Stick Man is carried farther and farther away from home. Lonely and lost, Stick Man wants nothing more than to be home with his family for Christmas. And when he helps Santa Claus out of a bind, he finds the perfect ticket home!

December 18
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Little Reindeer (The Little Animal)– When a jingling sound wakes her from her sleep, a little girl’s dreams come true when she meets a lost reindeer in the forest. They set off on a magical adventure and it becomes a Christmas never to forget. Nicola Killen’s evocative illustrations are sure to enchant in this beautiful book with die cut pages, foil, and flashes of festive red.

December 19
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree– Christmas is here and Mr. Willowby’s tree has arrived! There’s just one big problem . . . the tree is too tall to fit in his parlor. He cuts off the top so it will fit, but little does he know that the top of that tree will travel clear across the countryside, bringing holiday cheer to the homes of bears, rabbits, mice, and more! This heartwarming story is the perfect way to start your yuletide season, and the perfect addition to your family’s festive holiday traditions.

December 20
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story (Picture Puffin Books)– This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.

December 21
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad– Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter is getting ready for Christmas in this classic, funny, and heartwarming book. Whether he’s making wreaths, eating gingerbread cookies, or putting the star on the top of the tree, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season!

December 22
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Story of Holly and Ivy– Ivy, Holly, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones all have one Christmas wish. Ivy, an orphan, wishes for a real home and sets out in search of the grandmother she’s sure she can find. Holly, a doll, wishes for a child to bring her to life. And the Joneses wish more than anything for a son or daughter to share their holiday. Can all three wishes come true? This festive tale is perfectly complemented by beloved Barbara Cooney’s luminous illustrations, filled with the warm glow of the Christmas spirit.

December 23
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

Red and Lulu– Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again. Luckily, it’s just the season for miracles. . . . From Matt Tavares comes a heart-tugging story combining the cheer of Christmas, the magic of New York City, and the real meaning of the holiday season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.

December 24- Christmas Eve!
24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- DIY Mama- Book advent calendar

The Night Before Christmas– Since it was first published anonymously in 1823, “The Night Before Christmas” has enchanted children with the story of St. Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling all the stockings before springing back to his sleigh. Many families read the poem every year, and now they have an edition to treasure. The cherished verse, faithfully reproduced here, is accompanied by Charles Santore’s lavish illustrations.

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Holiday Gift Ideas: Friends, Family and Significant Others

 

Shop Local This Holiday Season- Indianapolis

Shop local this holiday season- Indianapolis: It’s holiday shopping time already and this year I’m shopping local. Indianapolis has an abundance of great quality products that make great gifts for everyone on your list. I had a chance to meet several amazing local vendors at a blogging event last night where we shopped and were pampered to our hearts content. Trendy clothes, jewelry, hair, makeup, massage and treats made for a pretty perfect night out for this mama.

shop local- indianapolis- DIY Mama

Pampering Gifts

One of my favorite gifts to receive is the gift of being pampered. To be able to have time alone taking care of my body. I had the chance to meet two amazing stylists from the Indy area.

HAIR

Dakota from the Dragonfly Salon in Fishers specializes in color and extensions and Cher from Cher Behind the Chair specializes in natural curls. Both of them do amazing work as shown by their social media accounts and they were the sweetest most knowledgeable girls.

MAKEUP

Dania who promotes Senegence make up was a delight. I was not aware of the Senegence brand before speaking with her but I’m amazed at how long lasting their lip products are. She’d told me it would last 8-12 hours and it’s now been 20 and it’s still holding strong to my lips!

MASSAGE

Erica  who owns Muscle Mama Massage Mobile Wellness travels to you! What an amazing gift! I have a very tight neck and back and she was able to help loosen me up just in the short time we had together. To get on a regular schedule with her coming to my home would be bliss.

shop local- indianapolis- DIY Mama

Practical Gifts

The hosts of the holiday blogging event were Susan Baroncini-Moe and Kelly and Wendy of KW Style. Susan is author of Business In Blue Jeans and has a second book The BounceBack Artist coming out just before Christmas. Kelly and Wendy of KW Style sell Agnes & Dora and Stella & Dot. I got the cutest pullover sweater and a pair of jeggings that are incredibly comfortable. That’s saying a lot for a mama who just had a baby!

shop local- indianapolis- DIY Mama

Unplug Soy Candles was there making the whole place smell amazing and you can get 15% off of your purchase through Tuesday November 13th with code DIYMAMA. Better yet, give the gift of a candle with a date to go pour your own in Fortville!

shop local- indianapolis- DIY Mama

Nothing beats popcorn and chocolate and Indy has some of the BEST you can find. I had Just Pop In in all of the guest bags at my wedding and everyone raved about them. Recently, when out on a pamper day for myself, I stumbled upon DeBrands Chocolate and have now taken everyone there any chance I get. Their chocolate is the best I’ve ever had and they always have a free sample when you stop in their store!

So why not shop local this year? With all of the high quality products and services that you can find right here in Indy, there’s nothing your friends and family could want more.

shop local- indianapolis- DIY Mama(photo credit: Unsplash)

Here’s how you can find out more about these lovely companies:

– KW Style (@shopKWStyle, shopKWStyle.com)
– Erica Johnson/Muscle Mama Massage Mobile Wellness (Facebook.com/musclemama526)
– Dakota and Dragonfly Salon (@dragonflysalonfishers, @dakotadoinghair, Facebook.com/dragonflysalonfishers)
– Cher/Cher Behind the Chair (@cherbehindthechair, cherbehindthechair.com)
– Dania Whittey/Senegence (@lastingbeautybydania)
– Unplug Soy Candles (@unplugsoycandles, unplugsoycandles.com
– Just Pop In! (@justpopin, justpopinpopcorn.com)
– DeBrand Fine Chocolates (@debrandfinechoc, debrand.com)
– Susan Baroncini-Moe/Business in Blue Jeans/BounceBack Artist (@suebmoe, @bouncebackartist, bouncebackartist.com)

Holiday Gift Ideas: Friends, Family and Significant Others

Last December The Minimalists put out a documentary on intentional living. I’ve been slowly adjusting how I live, buy and give to fit those values. The most difficult thing for me in the realm of minimalism is gifting. Not only is it difficult for gifts coming in but also the idea of giving gifts that will be truly impactful to someone (either by aesthetic of usefulness.)

My favorite thing to give and receive are experiences. I loved Miranda’s recent post over at Live Free Creative Co. called 50 Ideas for Gifts of Experiences. Her family of five has been applying the mindset of Less Stuff, More Adventure with their year of #morethanenoughstuff challenge. Only purchasing consumable items, experiences and necessities has been their goal. If your friends and family prefer gifts over experiences, here are some ideas to get you started.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Family, Friends and Significant Others

Indoor gardening for year round fresh spices!
For your green thumb mother-in-law who loves cooking. Kitchen Greenhouse.

Bath gift box for visitors coming for Christmas.
For your Aunt who staying over for the holidays. Bath Pamper Box.

Lady plant head hair vase
For your hip cousin who just bought a new house. Wild Hair Lady

photo easle
For your Grandpa who has no plans to retire. Custom Photo Calendar & Easel.

baby swing
For your boho cousins with a baby on the way. Macrame Baby Swing.

salt water cure framed art print
Art for your mom who dreams of the beach. Salt Water Cure Print.

wooden spoons

For your Dad who likes to work with his hands. Spoon Carving Knives.

crocodile-on-roller-skates-rugs
For your nephew that has every toy! Skating Gator Rug.

crafternoon house pillow

For your niece that loves to create. House Pillow Kit.

shoe organizer
For your sister who loves organizing. Ikea shoe drawer.

wireless phone charger ikea
For your techy brother who appreciates style. Ikea Phone Charger.

arm knitting
For your friend who is always cold. Arm Kitting Throw Kit.

wiskey ice ball

For your friend who has sophisticated taste in beverages. Whiskey Ice Ball Mold.

galaxy moon phases print
For your husband who is obsessed with space. Galaxy Phases of the Moon Print.

hanging night stand
For your boho minimalist wife who loves nature. Hanging Wood Nightstand.

And for you, a day to yourself. Go get your eyebrows done, get a free makeover at Sephora, get your hands and feet pampered at the spa and cap it off curling up with a book on the couch next to the Christmas tree. Aaaah what a day. I hope this gift guide was inspirational for that cousin or nephew that is tricky to buy for!

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.

Ironworks Hotel Indianapolis

Ironworks Hotel in Indianapolis

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.

Ironworks Indianpolis(photo courtesy of Ironworks Hotel)

Ironworks Hotel in Indianapolis is amazing

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.

Ironworks Hotel in Indianapolis is amazing

Blue Sushi at Ironworks Hotel Indianapolis(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.

Massage Heights at Ironworks Hotel Indianapolis

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.

the fashion mall at keystone in indianapolis(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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