Have you ever heard of “float therapy” Indy got it’s first float therapy center on the Westside in November and I understand that Irvington will be getting one early in 2015. As a resident of Irvington, I’m excited and intrigued by this new business!
What is it you ask? Well…the Better Being Float Center offers the experience of near-total sensory deprivation and from what I’ve read, once you’ve done it, nothing compares. Shiny white fiberglass Float Pods are filled with approximately 10 inches of water and about 900 pounds of dissolved Epsom salts, the saltwater environment makes it difficult for germs to live in the water, but the tanks and water are cleaned and sanitized in between uses with hydrogen peroxide, UV, ozone, and filters.
Before you get into the float pod, a shower is required, and it’s recommended to apply petroleum jelly (provided) to any cuts or scrapes because salt can sting. For that same reason, it’s recommended to not shave prior to a float. Earplugs are provided to prevent water from entering the ears and an iPod dock is available to pipe music through speakers inside the pod. There are also controls to adjust sound and the light inside. The lights outside the pod are on a motion sensor, turning off shortly after one settles in the pod and back on upon exiting.
What does one wear to a “float” ? Sure you can wear a swimsuit, but since the room is completely private and locked, why not go au natural!
Again, I haven’t experienced this…yet, but I hear that getting into the tank is like getting into a shallow bathtub and the temperature of the water adjusts, along with the air inside the tank, to match your body’s internal temperature. You simply step into the tub, pull the lid closed, lay down and, well, float.
I’m a little concerned about claustrophobia and I would guess that I’m not the only one! If it’s an issue, you can leave the lid open or open it whenever you want! The pods are designed to make a smooth and pleasant experience. They also recommend avoiding caffeine, nicotine and heavy meals prior to a float session.
The sessions are 90 minutes and $59, in addition to the relaxation for mind and body that floatation therapy offers, there are reported physical benefits including recovery from workouts and injuries, and provides relief from Fibromyalgia, arthritis, joint and back pain.
Try it and decide you like it? Float tanks are sold for residential use. Royal Spa sells commercial and residential float tanks, including economy tanks and float rooms made in Indiana. Prices start at $6,950 for an economy tank and range up to $11,000 for a custom float room set-up. Want to try it? Visit the Better Being Float Center at 3065 Salt Lake Road on Indy’s Westside and watch for news of a location in Irvington early next year!
There are benefits to buying a home at the end of the year, plus what a great Christmas gift to yourself!
Summer may be our busy season, but winter offers great opportunities for buying a house, especially for renters looking to become homeowners, growing families trading up to larger houses and baby boomers seeking homes to fit their evolving lifestyles. The housing choices during December are less than in the spring, but market-wise, but if that fits your timeline, you could luck out. The benefits to buying a house at the end of the year are fairly extensive:
1. Tax savings – If you close by December 31, you can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, points on your loan and interest costs. These deductions can be significant, especially in the early years of your loan when you’re paying off a lot of interest.
2. Motivated sellers – Many sellers want to enjoy tax savings on the next home they purchase. They may accept lower bids in order to meet Uncle Sam’s deadlines. However, if you’re in a strong seller’s market, you’ll want to be conservative and heed advice from a real estate professional, like me!
3. Builder incentives – there are a number of Indianapolis builders who have “inventory” or “spec” homes that are available now and empty! As the builders move to close out their year, they may offer upgrades or little extras to sell houses before the calendar turns.
4. Available movers – Many moving companies are booked six weeks or more in advance during the busy summer months, in the winter, it’s normally easier to find a moving company or rental equipment on shorter notice.
5. Paying toward something you own – If you’re renting, your monthly check goes toward something that will last you a month: You’ll never see any return on that money. When you buy a house, your monthly mortgage payment goes toward an investment—and ultimately a roof that’s yours.
6. Consistent payments – Landlords will likely increase your rent every year, once you buy a home, you can rely on consistent payments if you have a fixed-rate loan, the only fluctuation you might see is if your homeowners insurance or property taxes go up or down!
7. Freedom to renovate – Update your kitchen, paint your home’s exterior neon orange, change your fixtures or replace your flooring; whatever inspires you, no one can tell you, “No!”
8. Gaining equity – In the beginning, most of your payment goes toward interest. But gradually more will go toward paying off your principal, meaning you build up equity—or savings—in your home. Another factor in equity is appreciation: As home values rise, so does your rate of equity!
So who do you know that I can help Turn their dreams into an address…?
…other than it is really good with a little Southern Comfort in it? Eggnog is a classic holiday drink, but there are some things you might not know about it…
The origin of the name eggnog is still somewhat of a mystery, it’s thought that the word could be derived from noggin, the Old English word for strong beer. Others credit the name to Colonial America when colonists called thick drinks grog, and eggnog was called egg-and-grog.
Eggnog is believed to be a descendent of a hot cocktail from the fourteenth century known as posset. The drink didn’t contain eggs but was made with sweetened and spiced milk and ale or wine. We would guess that over the years, egg was added.
Did you know that Christmas Eve is also known as National Eggnog Day? What better excuse to make up a batch and enjoy! As an aside, before it was known as eggnog, this traditional holiday drink was called egg milk punch. Our first President, George Washington, served a drink very similar to eggnog at his holiday parties…with significantly more booze…rye whiskey, rum, and sherry.
This was one of my favorite tidbits…following a drunken Christmas party, a melee known as the Eggnog Riot took place at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and lasted from Christmas Eve through Christmas morning in 1826. Two days before, cadets snuck in whiskey to make eggnog for the party, which is how the riot got its name.
How about this…according to a medicinal book from the 1800s, eggnog used to be recommended as a treatment for various illnesses, including malaria.
Cultures around the world have their own versions of eggnog, like tamagozake from Japan and auld man’s milk from Scotland. Will you be sharing some of this rich treat on National Eggnog Day?
I know I’ve posted about things to do during the Holiday’s in Indy, but here are a few more that look like a lot of fun!
The historic Lilly House — on the IMA grounds — will twinkle with holiday decorations inspired by the 1930s and 1940s. Amongst the trees, wreaths and greenery, visitors can see ornaments typical of Depression-era frugality and wartime shortages, as well as the exuberance of the post-war era.
2. Festival of Trees – Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., (317) 232-1882, indianahistory.org, Nov. 22 to Jan. 3.
The Indiana History Center’s annual holiday festival features an exhibition of historical photographs with a holiday theme. Visitors can also experience a winter wonderland of 25 holiday trees, decorated with themes such as “Home for the Holidays” and “Santa’s Workshop.” Other activities include holiday film screenings, kid-friendly crafts and adult painting classes.
3. Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure – Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St., (317) 636-9378, eiteljorg.org, Nov. 22-Jan. 19.
Now in its fifth year, Jingle Rails is a wonderland of model trains, which chug along nearly 1,200 feet of track. They go through tunnels, over bridges and trestles, and past scale models of national landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. The display also includes local landmarks like Lucas Oil Stadium and Union Station — all decorated for the holidays. Still searching for that perfect holiday gift? Don’t miss the museum’s Winter Market (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6), featuring handmade goods from more than 30 local artists.
4. Indianapolis Art Center: Pop-up Classes – IAC, 820 E. 67th St., (317) 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org/popups, Ongoing
Choose from a variety of pop-up art classes, ranging from $20 to $60. Several focus on making glass ornaments, such as snowmen and glass balls. Others guide students through making holiday jewelry or crocheted wire snowflakes. Some classes are family-friendly, while others are perfect for a December date night.
During Jolly Days, the Children’s Museum transforms its staircase into a two-story slide, surrounded by festive holiday décor. Children can “ice skate” in the sock-skating rink and try indoor versions of winter activities like ice fishing. Come Nov. 28 to see Santa arrive in style — not in a sled, but in a race car. The museum also offers several opportunities to breakfast with Santa.
6. Celebration Crossing – Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., (317) 232-1637,indianamuseum.org, Nov. 28-Dec. 31.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by helicopter Nov. 28 to open the Indiana State Museum’s annual holiday extravaganza. While children make crafts and ride the Santa Claus Express train, parents can explore re-created L.S. Ayres holiday window displays. Other activities include breakfast with Santa, tea parties in the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room, and live music from local bands and choirs.
7. Christmas at the Zoo – Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., (317) 630-2001,indianapoliszoo.com, Nov. 28 to Jan. 4.
Back in 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the country to hold a holiday lights event, and it’s still going strong in its 47th year. Check out the vibrant holiday displays as you visit the animals — especially ones such seals, polar bears and red pandas that enjoy the cold weather. Visit Santa’s workshop in White River Gardens, enjoy carols performed by local school choirs, sample holiday refreshments, and go on a scavenger hunt for hidden mistletoe throughout the grounds.
Conner Prairie bustles with activity during the holiday season. Families can sign Holiday Adventures — a series of festive daytime activities and crafts in 1836 Prairietown. At night, return for Conner Prairie by Candlelight. The family-friendly Prairietown tour features costumed interpreters, who discuss the history of various holiday traditions. Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s a peaceful, low-tech way to reconnect with the holiday spirit. Afterward, check out Gingerbread Village, featuring dozens of amateur and professional gingerbread creations.
9. Holiday Hullabaloo – Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, (317) 923-1331,imamuseum.org, 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4.
The IMA will offer discounted shopping, as well as live music, free gift-wrapping and refreshments. Watch pottery demonstrations by artist Mary Firestone and preview the new collection from Patricia Locke Handmade Jewelry. Stop by the Jane H. Fortune Gallery to see Paul Gauguin’s “Christmas Night (The Blessing of the Oxen),” one of several artworks with a holiday theme.
Now in its 29th year at Hilbert Circle Theatre, “Yuletide Celebration” features traditions such as tap-dancing Santas and a reading of “Twas the Night before Christmas.” This year, kids will go crazy for tunes from Disney’s “Frozen,” such as “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” The concert also includes a medley of holiday pop hits, such as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
11. INDIEana Handicraft Exchange’s Holiday Mini – Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.,indieanahandicraftexchange.com, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5.
Your favorite summer craft fair is back for the holidays, featuring more than 45 vendors of handmade, artisan goods. Check out gift items from Boris Loved Natasha, 1337motif, Get Lathered Soap Company, Growler Girls and several jewelry artisans. You can also pick up gourmet goodies from vendors such as 240sweet, Chocolate for the Spirit, Newfangled Confections and Sage’s Simple Syrups.
12. Stutz Artists Association’s Holiday Open Studios and Exhibition – Stutz Business Center, 212 W. 10th St., (317) 292-3200, stutzartists.com, 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5
More than 25 Stutz artists will offer holiday gift items such as paintings, metal sculptures and jewelry. Also, check out the walls of the Raymond James Stutz Art Gallery, which will be decked out with artwork from more than 90 Stutz artists.
13. Tiny III: A Really Big Group Show – Gallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St., (317) 631-3301, indyarts.org/gallery-924, Dec. 5 to Jan. 2.
Gallery 924’s third annual holiday show features hundreds of tiny artworks from dozens of Central Indiana artists. It’s an affordable way to start an art collection — or find a unique holiday gift. The show opens Dec. 5 in conjunction with the IDADA First Friday Art Tour.
14. Indiana Wind Symphony: “Holiday Dreams” – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; TheCenterPresents.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6.
Join the Indiana Wind Symphony for its “Holiday Dreams” performance, featuring beloved tunes such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time” and “White Christmas.” There’s a “Silent Night” sing-along, as well as classical selections from “The Nutcracker” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets range from $5 to $40.
Other Palladium holiday events include the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holidays!” performance (Dec. 13) and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” (Dec. 20-21).
15. Rocky Ripple Holiday Bazaar – Rocky Ripple Town Hall, 930 W. 54th St., rockyripple.org, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6.
Rocky Ripple’s 15th annual holiday festival benefits arts programs within the Rocky Ripple Parks Endowment Fund. The schedule includes live music, food vendors and a variety of local artist exhibitors, such as painters, sculptors, woodworkers and jewelry artisans.
This hip pop-up shopping party features more than 120 local vendors, including food artisans, jewelers, visual artists and vintage shops. Enjoy the live music or grab a snack from a nearby food truck, such as Spice Box or Scratchtruck. Beer and wine vendors include New Day Craft, Fountain Square Brewing Co., Sun King Brewing Co. and more.
17.Jordan College of the Arts: “Rejoice!” – Clowes Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., (317) 940-6444, cloweshall.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13.
This annual concert features your favorite holiday music performed by student ensembles from Butler’s Jordan College of the Arts. If you’re seeing the university’s annual “Nutcracker” ballet performance at Clowes Hall, Dec. 4-7, this is a perfect follow-up to keep the holiday spirit alive.
18. “White Christmas” – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; TheCenterPresents.org, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12.
As part of the Great American Songbook Film Series, the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts will screen “White Christmas.” The 1954 classic stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. Admission is $10.
19. Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra: “Messiah” Sing-Along – Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., (317) 940-9607, icomusic.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13.
Several ensembles are performing Handel’s “Messiah” this holiday season, but only the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra offers a sing-along version. Conducted by maestro Kirk Trevor in his farewell season, the performance features four renowned vocal soloists — plus plenty of opportunities for audience participation.
For a more traditional version of Handel’s “Messiah,” pick up tickets to the ICO’s performance on Dec. 14, in conjunction with the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir.
20. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: “Classical Christmas” – Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts of Butler University, 610 W. 46th St., (317) 639-4300, indianapolissymphony.org, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13.
The ISO is known for its extravagant “Yuletide Celebration” (Dec. 5-23). But if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, check out “Classical Christmas.” The performance will be conducted by Raymond Leppard at the cozy Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets are $45.
21.Indianapolis Children’s Choir: “Angels Sing” – St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., (317) 940-9640,icchoir.org, 7 p.m. Dec. 19 to 20.
You’ve probably seen a televised version of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s annual “Angels Sing” performance. This year, why not see the real thing? The concert features the ICC’s elite choirs, such as the Indianapolis Youth Chorale and Bel Canto. If you want to see the younger singers, check out the “Celebrate the Season” performance, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20, also at St. Luke’s.
Indiana’s favorite a cappella ensemble, Straight No Chaser, returns to Indianapolis for four performances at Old National Centre — just in time for Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed for hilarious hits like “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “The Christmas Can-Can,” as well as more traditional holiday favorites.
The Twelve Days of Christmas costs what? Every year, the PNC Wealth Management Christmas Price Index brings “The 12 Days of Christmas” carol lyrics to life by revealing how much each item mentioned in the song’s lyrics would cost in the present day.
If someone’s “true love” bought all of the gifts mentioned in the holiday classic, then the bill would come out to $27,673.22 in 2014, according to the bank, which gathered data from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PHILADANCO (The Philadelphia Dance Company) and the Pennsylvania Ballet Company.
Here is the full list:
Partridge ($20 up from $15 last year) and the Pear tree ($188, last year $184) = $208
Two turtle doves, $125
Three French hens, $181 (last year: $165)
Four calling birds (canaries), $600
Five gold rings, $750
Six geese-a-laying, $360 (last year: $210 what a jump in price!)
Living in Indy 