Flower Trucks

Photo Credits Here and below: Amelia's Flower Truck Instagram Page

One of my favorite easy to decorate is with fresh flowers. I have them all over my home and in my office at work. I just feel like they make the area feel alive and gorgeous. 

Fresh flowers are super affordable and you don't have to wait for someone to send them to you. Though, my husband is very good about bringing home fresh flowers……

Check your local farmers markets. Often, you can find a small bouquet for under $10. Add some filler and voila! you have a beautiful arrangement. Also, be sure to support your local florists. Many have great prices as well as unique designs.

So, back to my original reason for this post. As I was scrolling Instagram a few days ago, I came across Amelia's Flower Truck in Nashville, Tennessee. Stop the presses! I instantly fell in love. I informed my friend T - who is from Nashville - that we needed to take a road trip!

From the super cool VW trucks ( there are three) to the brown paper wrap with strings and the beautiful flowers, these trucks are not to be missed if you live in  or are traveling to the Nashville area. Seriously, I would probably make it my job to follow these beauties around!

I'm wondering why Indy doesn't have something like this…………

I decided that I would write a post about flower trucks. Low and behold, what do I find in my research? STEMS - an Indy Flower Truck coming this Spring 2017!  To say I am excited is an understatement. I am  over the top excited! 

Does your town have a flower truck? I'd love to know all about it! Please share below.

Be sure to follow STEMS and Amelia's on Instagram. Check back here for a full review once STEMS is up and running. 

Coffee Talk

Photo Credit: Erika Gregory iPhone 7s

Can I tell you how much I love a good cup of coffee?  I go from loving my Nespresso machine to loving my French Press. The french press requires a little time. So, if you are in a rush I would say to wait. It really does make a difference if you use the french press properly. 

I also enjoy going to coffee shops here and while traveling. Truth be told, I am a huge paper coffee cup freak. Many of you will remember when I was obsessed (JK) over the coffee cups at Maman NYC.

Aren't these the best?? They were even a part of our favorite things party in 2016.  The folks at Maman were kind enough to send enough cups for everyone to enjoy. If you are in the NYC, Toronto or St. Bart's area, be sure to visit. 

Photo Credit: Maman NYC Facebook Page 

I've decided to do a coffee series on the blog. One of the posts will feature several local Indy coffee houses. I'll be sharing my experience as a Baby Boomer with my  Millennial friend, A. I can't wait to try out a few places and see what she thinks. 

I'll also find a coffee house or two on my travels to share with you. Feel free to leave a comment below with your favorite coffee houses (near or far). You never know when I might be in your town.

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Coocoo for Coconuts

Coocoo for Coconuts by eegrego160 featuring Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier body moisturizer
belk.com




 Yep, I'll admit it - I am coo coo for coconuts. Anything coconut.  

  Every morning, I enjoy a big cup of coffee from my Nespresso machine along with Coffeemate Coconut Cream creamer and a sprinkle of cinnamon. At one point, I decided to only have this sweet treat on the weekend (trying to watch my sugar intake).  That quickly changed as I missed my morning fix.  Now, I just make sure to use a smaller amount of the cream and I can enjoy it everyday!

 I am not really a sweet drink adult beverage kind of girl, but if it has coconut in it, I am!  I had THE best coconut drink at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse a few weeks ago. It was the Ginger Coconut Lemon Drop. Vodka, coconut vodka, ginger liquor, ginger-infused syrup, fresh lemon juice and candied ginger make for a simply refreshing drink. I am going to start making this drink at home. It's just that incredible. The lemon juice and ginger tone down the sweetness and you still get the flavor of coconut coming through. Incredible. 

 Ok - so, I won't limit my love of coconut to drinks.  My morning routine also includes coconut.  My morning shower starts with a coconut scrub. I've been using this incredible scrub from TreeHut . I have used all of the fragrances, but tend to favor the Coconut Lime scrub. You can find this online or at Meijer and Walgreens. It's 7 bucks, but lasts a long time.

 I then use some sort of coconut scented body scrub. I don't really have a favorite. So, if you do, please leave a note below. I'd love to try it!

 I finish my routine with this wonderful Laura Mercier  almond Coconut Milk body butter.  This has to be the creamiest body butter ever. It's pricey, but again a little will go a long way. My skin is super dry and I don't use a lot of it. It's amazing.

I could go on and on about my love of coconut, but I'll stop here.

 What is your go to fragrance/flavor? Drop a not below - I'd love to know.

Enjoy your day!


*All products listed were purchased by me.

Fashion's Night Out - Indy

 

 

 

Ok ladies - How excited am I for September 8th?  Not only is it my older sisters birthday, but it's also Fashion's Night Out across the country! The Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing and Saks are participating in the event here in the Indy area - details below.  Is your city participating? I'd love to know all about the events you attend at your cities Fashion's Night Out! I'll be there and I'll be blogging about it here.....

 

 

 

Thursday, September 8, from 6 to 10

Throughout the Store
Beauty and Fashion Trend Show at 7
Contemporary on Two

Once a year, the entire fashion world goes out for a nationwide late night of style, makeover, music and more. We invite you to celebrate Fashion's Night Out @Saks Indianapolis!

DJ Slater Hogan will be on hand spinning tunes.

Enjoy specialty cocktails complements RNDC of Indiana.

Snap pictures in our photo booth complements of Top Hat Photo Booths.

And be sure to check out the newest trends in Beauty and Fashion at our show on Two at 7.

For more information, please call 317.816.0171, ext. 5205.

Indianapolis - Fashion Mall at Keystone
8701 Keystone Crossing
Indianapolis, IN  46240


 

The Fashion Mall
8701 Keystone Crossing
Indianapolis, IN  46240
Fashion's Night Out

9/8/11

The Fashion Mall proudly hosts Indiana's first "Fashion's Night Out," a celebration of style and beauty created by Vogue Magazine, on Thursday September 8th from 6-9p.m. in Nordstrom Court. Sponsored locally by Helen Wells Agency and North Magazine, Fashion's Night Out will honor the latest design while contributing to a good cause.

 

lululemon athletica - manifesto & more



Manifesto from lululemon athletica's website

  My husband and I have started doing yoga. We started with the P90X yoga DVD and now I am ready to move on to another DVD. I also think I see an actual yoga class in my future. Wow -I NEVER thought I would say that. Mind you, I am still not as flexible as I'd like. I am willing to give it a try.
  A couple of years ago, I was in Chicago with some friends. We had to make a stop for one of my friends at a special store. An athletic store - WHAT? Unheard of for me. I'm not a huge fan of athletic stores. I tend to wear sweat pants and a tee or sweatshirt. So, I had no need to go to those stores. Trust me, I was dreading going into this store. It was as if I were having major surgery.  What a surprise when I walked in. The color and cute clothing and the decor was delightful!  The store? lululemon athletica  I love the sayings on the walls. I was hooked. I still didn't buy anything that trip because I wasn't working out regularly. I just couldn't justify the cost.
 Not now. I have been on a regular workout routine for some months now. I think I am willing to make the investment now. Best? We have a lululemon athletica here in Indy now. AWESOMEness!

Photo Credit: lululemon athletica

 Here is a bit about the company from their website:

 After 20 years in the surf, skate and snowboard business, founder Chip Wilson took the first commercial yoga class offered in Vancouver and found the result exhilarating. The post-yoga feeling was so close to surfing and snowboarding that it seemed obvious that yoga was an ideology whose time had come (again).
 The lululemon name was chosen in a survey of 100 people from a list of 20 brand names and 20 logos. The logo is actually a stylized "A" that was made for the first letter in the name "athletically hip", a name which failed to make the grade. 
 Founded in 1998, lululemon's first real store opened in the beach area of Vancouver BC called Kitsilano, in November of 2000. The idea was to have the store be a community hub where people could learn and discuss the physical aspects of healthy living from yoga and diet to running and cycling as well as the mental aspects of living a powerful life of possibilities. Unfortunately for this concept, the store became so busy that it was impossible to help the customer in this way in addition to selling the product.
 So the focus of training shifted solely to the lululemon educator or staff person. Our goal was to train our people so well that they could in fact positively influence their families, communities and the people walking into our stores.
 Although the initial goal was to only have one store, it was soon obvious that to provide a fulfilling life of growth, family, salary and mortgage for our amazing staff, we would have to provide more opportunities. It was really a matter of grow or die because active minds need a challenge.






Devour Downtown Indy Summer 2011



Photo Credit: What Katie Ate Blog


 Twice a year,  Downtown Indianapolis select restaurants participate in an event called Devour Downtown. There is one in the summer and one in the winter. Devour Downtown Indy - Summer 2011 is here now. Running from August 8th, 2011 until August 21st, 2011, this event is not to be missed.

 Basically, participating restaurants offer a special menu for $30. Yep, $30 - for premier restaurants in Downtown Indy. Restaurants like St. Elmo Steak House, The Capital Grille, Oceannaire, Fogo de Chao, Eagle's Nest and many, many more. You can find other restaurants here. This event is a great time to try a new restaurant or to visit an old favorite at a great price. For instance, here is the menu for St. Elmo's:

St. Elmo Steakhouse

127 S. Illinois St. +317.635.0636 + Reserve Online
M-F: 4pm -11pm ; Sat: 3pm-11pm ; Sun: 4pm-10pm

Devour Dinner Menu Summer 2011
$30 per Person

FIRST COURSE:

World Famous Shrimp Cocktail
3 Jumbo Shrimp with Plenty of Fiery Sauce
or
House Salad

SECOND COURSE
Choice of:

Filet Mignon

Grilled Salmon

Bourbon Chicken

All Entrees served with Redskin Mashed Potatoes and 
 Sauteed Green beans

THIRD COURSE
Choice of:

Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding

Crème Brulee

Cheesecake

$30 menu
Tax and Gratuity not included.
Sorry No Substitutions

This is truly a great deal as the steaks at St. Elmo alone can cost $30.  My hubby and I plan to dine at a few thru the course of the event. We'll visit The Capital Grille and St. Elmo Steakhouse. I'll be sure to review here on the blog.

 If you are in the Indy area, are you planning on attending?  If you are not in Indy, does your city offer the same? I'd love to hear about it!

Zest! Exciting Food Creations

After months of trying to go to Zest! Exciting Food Creations restaurant here in Indy, Ken and I finally made it last Sunday after church. We had heard about it several times and even saw it featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. Here is a bit about Zest! from their website:
Zest! Exciting Food Creations is the invention of Executive Chef/Partner Valerie Vanderpool. Valerie has a passion for the artistry of creating and serving food that is intensely flavored, fun, and full of delightful surprises for everyone who enjoys one of the best things in life…extraordinary Downhome Goes Uptown food served with hand-selected wines and specialty beers and enthusiastically enjoyed with wonderful friends!

 Zest! sits in a strip mall with several other shops including Posh Petals - one of my favorite florists in the city. You could dine Al Fresco or inside. Being that it was 210 degrees  hot  that day, we decided to dine in. We had about a twenty minute wait which seemed to pass quickly. There is a coffee station featuring their el Diablo Premium (wicked) coffee and Black Cat Premium decaf while you wait. The el Diablo is wicked good! Yep, I said it "wicked". The dining area is actually several rooms of dining. It sort of reminds me of a home. The decor was eclectic and they had me at the chandeliers!

 So, I'll get to the part I know you are dying to read about. The food. The food was off the chain good. We both had a Creative Scrambled omelet. I loved this not only because of the taste, but because that is exactly how my omelets turn out - scrambled! Anyway, Ken had artichokes, feta and (oops, can't remember) in his omelet and Cowboy potatoes. The Cowboy potatoes were smokin'. I had an egg white omelet with avocado, tomatoes and yellow cheddar cheese. Oh, and edamame succotash. Heaven!!!!!! The service was prompt and super friendly - even though they were packed.

 As we were leaving, I saw the nice lady who seated us and Chef Valerie at the counter. Of course, I had to ask for a photo!  They were super nice. We ended up buying dessert for later. Ken had a blondie and I had the key lime scone. DELISH!!!The scone was super moist as scones go and jam packed with flavor. Not overly tart - just enough tartness to know that it was key lime. The Blondie was equally as good. Super moist and chewy. Excellent!

  Zest! Exciting Food Creations is located at 1134 East 54th Street - Studio H in Indianapolis, IN 46220. Reservations (except brunch)  are accepted and recommended. Call 317.466.1853.

 You should head over there - NOW if you haven't been already. Trust - you will not be disappointed!
If you've been, I'd love to hear what you think about it.


    
                

What's Happening in Indy - Fourth of July weekend

Photo Credit: Indy.com
Monument Circle, Indy

Who doesn't love long holiday weekends?  I know I do. We usually lay low with family and friends for a cookout or two. Oh, and a movie night or two.......  Love seeing the fireworks on the Fourth. Hopefully, we can see them from our back patio. What are your plans for the weekend?  Here are a few things you may want to do in Indy over the weekend:

Segway Tours:

White River State Park

801 W. Washington Street

Indy

When:   Daily 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
Except December 25, January 1, and December 25, 2012

Price: $45

Event Phone Number: (317) 569-087

website

Carmelfest 2011

July 3rd and 4th

website

Location: Carmel Civic Square; Carmel, IN 46032
Cost: FREE Admission & FREE Parking
Dates: Sunday-July 3rd (Noon to 10 pm) & Monday-July 4th (Noon to 10:30 pm)
Times: Festival at Carmel Civic Square on July 3rd Noon to 10 p.m.; and July 4th (Noon to 10:30 pm)
“St.Vincent Health July 4th Parade at CarmelFest” Mon-July 4th (10:30 am to Noon)
“B015.7 Fireworks launched by Firestone” Mon-July 4th 9:45 p.m.

Stutz Artist Center

WHAT: "The Color of Music"
WHERE: StutzArtSpace, 212 W. 10th St., Indianapolis Please enter from 10th street via Bearcat Alley.
WHEN: Friday, July 1, at noon with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Exhibition is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment through July 29
COST: Free
ADDITIONAL INFO: (317) 503-6420

Stylin' Saturday - Home Edition



Photo Credit: West Elm website

One of my go to design stores is West Elm. Again, I can't remember how I first found them - or did they find me? I think I received one of their catalogs in the mail. All I know is that some of my favorite pieces(owned and wish list) come from them. Since we don't have one here in Indy, I usually shop and browse on line or by catalog.


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Photo credit: West Elm


 A few months ago, my husband and I visited the one in Chicago. Design Heaven! I actually saw what is now my office chandelier there. Below and above are pieces from their website. Oh, and Indy: Why not fill the soon to be vacant Nordstrom Circle Centre with a West Elm????
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Photo Credit: West Elm



www.westelm.com

Friday Fave - Holy Cow, Cupcakes!

This weeks Friday Fave is an Indy area cupcakery - Holy Cow, Cupcakes! .  I first heard of the company from one of my photography friends, Erin Hession of Erin Hession Photography.  So, one day  a few years ago a friend and I decided to check them out. I can't describe in words how wonderful these little treats are.
My absolute favorite is the Maple Bacon. I know, I know..... maple and bacon flavored?  Yup! DELISH.......It's like eating pancakes and bacon. Superb. You must try it.  They feature it every Saturday.
Be sure to check out their website here for more info on flavors and availability.

Photo Credit: Erin Hession Photography

Location and Hours Info:

545 South Rangeline Road

Carmel, IN 46032

317.571.1500

Sunday: Closed

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 10-6

Friday: 10-5

Hours are subject to change

Cost:

Regular size cupcakes: $2.50 each $12/half dozen  $24/dozen

Babycakes $1 each $12/dozen.

Tax included

Makeup Monday - What's that Smell?



Photo Credit: Molton Brown website

The other day at work someone asked me what I was wearing - referring to a scent. I actually wasn't wearing anything - scent wise that is.  I can't wear most fragrances because of my asthma. It sucks because I used to love all sorts of fragrances. I finally had to stop wearing them because it was just not worth the constant coughing (my form of catching my breath). Anyway, there are a few scents I can wear. It's quite random and mostly in the form of a lotion. No sprays allowed.
Thankfully, I can still wear one of my all time favorite scents - COCONUT or most things that smell of a Caribbean vacation. I was thrilled to read in InStyle mag about Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue. The caption reads "Using this exotic flower scented hand cream is like a mini-vacation in the middle of my workday". SOLD! Who doesn't need a mini-vacay in the middle (or any part) of your workday? I know I do.



I first tried Molton Brown products while  staying in a hotel somewhere. It's been so long I don't remember where. What I do remember is how wonderful the products smell. Not to mention the packaging. The company was founded in 1973 in London as a hair salon.
You may purchase their products on line here or in Indy at Saks.

EARTH DAY and Our Very First Give Away

In case you haven't heard, Earth Day 2011 is April  22nd.

Earthday.org explains Earth Day better than I can:
Each year, Earth Day -- April 22 -- marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.
The height of hippie and flower-child culture in the United States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Protest was the order of the day, but saving the planet was not the cause. War raged in Vietnam, and students nationwide increasingly opposed it.
At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news.  Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson's New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962.  The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.
Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center. 

One of the great things about celebrating Earth Day is the fact that people who don't typically recycle have an opportunity to make that change on this day. You can learn about many different recycling and Save the Earth opportunities at community events. Those in Indy can find info here.  The Earth Day Indiana Free Outdoor Festival is April 23rd from 11AM to 4PM at White River State Park - 801West Washington Street in Indianapolis. The festival will go on rain or shine. There are 4 Exhibition tents and one children's tent.  A few of the exhibitors in the tents are: IndyChild, Green Bean Delivery, Eli Lilly, Knozone, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Whole Foods Market, Endangered Species Chocolate, Indy Food Cooperative, Inc and many, many more including food vendors. You can also volunteer your services for the festival here - you must be 15. What a great way to get your teenager involved. 
There are Earth Day festivities all over the country. Be sure to check out what's happening in your community.
Now - for the give away. Most of my friends and family know I am a HUGE tote freak. I just love them as you can tell in most of my latest posts. My husband and I stopped off at a Starbucks just recently and guess what  I spotted? You've got it - a TOTE! Not just any tote, but a Starbucks Eco-friendly tote. It's big enough to hold your lunch and a bottle of water or an e-reader and some snacks. Perfect for the days when I worked downtown and ate on the steps of the Circle (oops, I digress).
 So, in honor of Earth Day, I am giving away one of the totes. All you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment on what you will do on Earth Day to save the planet. Current followers may enter as well - just leave a comment. The winner will be picked on April 23rd via random pick. Good luck and tell your friends!

Makeup Monday - EyeMAX Cosmetics & Beauty Boutique

eyeMAX Studio eyeMAX Studio  In the past, I've looked into the prescription eyelash extender, Latisse. You know, the one that Brooke Shields promotes. For some reason, I never got much past requesting more info thru the mail from the company. Imagine my surprise when I received an invite from Kiralee Hubbard of eyeMAX for the launch of her new item,  eyeMAX lash! This natural, non-prescription formula is safe for even the most sensitive eye. You only need apply once daily to the base of your eyelid - just like applying eyeliner. Each tube will last several months. Best? Results may be seen in as little as 2 weeks!   eyeMAX lash How can you get a tube? Well, you can  purchase a tube at the eyeMAX lash Launch Party here in Indy. Kiralee Hubbard, the brains and beauty behind eyeMAX Professional Makeup Not only will you get a chance to purchase makeup items by eyeMAX. You'll get to see the coolest makeup studio  here and meet Kiralee herself. Details: When: April 21st Where: eyeMax Professional Makeup Studio             6503 Carrollton Avenue             Indianapolis, IN 46220 Time: 5PM to 9PM            Not in Indy? The product will be available online very shortly. Be sure to sign up for emails here.  Be sure to tell her Erika sent you! Photo Credit: eyeMax









Spa Week in Indy

  The week of April 11th - 17th, 2011 is going to be a great week for spa lovers!  It's officially Spa Week  all across the country. Spa Week happens twice a year - once in the Spring and again in the Fall in select markets across the country. Be sure to check the list of participating spas here. Select spa treatments are $50 - yes, ma'am $50!  A few of the Indy Spas participating are:

                    

 
Who doesn't love a good massage or facial?  Seriously, who doesn't?