Absolute Living by Eduardo Pena

Absolute Living

JULY 2021

RE–DESIGNING REAL ESTATE WITH MARY WERNKE

SUMMER'S MUST–TRY SLICE OF PIE

GET THAT SUMMER GLOW

EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS

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ESCAPE FROM

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Jul/2021

Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel

CONTENTS

GET THAT SUMMER GLOW

RE–DESIGNING REAL ESTATE

A SKINCARE Q&A WITH AMY JAMES OF THE BEAUTY LOUNGE

WITH MARY WERNKE

SUMMER'S MUST–TRY SLICE OF PIE

EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS

YOU NEED PIZZA. NOW.

NATURE BECKONS, NO MATTER THE SEASON.

Volume 14. Issue 7. (#162)

@absolutelivingmagazine

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Absolute Living

Publisher / Editor JUSTYNA PEÑA

Marketing Director EDUARDO PEÑA

Assistant Editor MATTHEW HUME

Writer SUSAN SALAZ

Photography GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER EDUARDO PEÑA

Art NICK PEÑA

Marketing Coordinator ISMAEL PEÑA

Circulation USPS & ABSOLUTE LIVING MAGAZINE

Comments & Feedback EDITORIAL@ABSOLUTELIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Subscriptions SUBSCRIBE@ABSOLUTELIVINGMAGAZINE.COM Absolute Living Magazine is published monthly by Pena Group, Inc. Copyright by Pena Group, Inc. Absolute Living Magazine is a registered trademark of Pena Group, Inc.

Indianapolis luxury at all costs. Tucker sells that. When you think of luxury homes in the greater Indianapolis market, think F.C. Tucker. With #1 market share, the greatest number of agents focused on luxury properties and the power of Luxury Portfolio, F.C. Tucker is your clear choice. Come home to TalkToTucker.com.

F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. | TalkToTucker.com

By Susan Salaz

Amy James

Get That Summer Glow

A Skincare Q&A with Amy James of The Beauty Lounge Amy James, aesthetician at The Beauty Lounge in Carmel, clues us in on the importance of skin care, how to get that summer glow, and why the “A” in aesthetician makes all the difference. What is your background in the beauty industry? AJ: I started out as a massage therapist. In 2004, I started to get cystic acne, which in turn was giving me pink raised scars. I went to several doctors, aestheticians, even a plastic surgeon at one point, and it only got worse. I decided to enroll in esthetics school—thinking, if nothing else, I would figure my skin out and add that to my resume. Once I was out of school I began working with lasers, and was able to stop my breakouts and treated my scars. After that, I was hooked, and I never looked back at massage. Is there a treatment you specialize in? AJ: I specialize in the larger treatments like Cool Peel (one of my favorite procedures that produces quick results), Plasma Pen, and Microneedling with radio frequency (also known as VirtueRF). I also

specialize in product knowledge and pairing the right products to the right skin type for best results.

with Alastin Hydra-tint and you will have everyone asking about your glow!

How do you determine what procedures are best for an individual? AJ: The best way to determine which service is right for a new client is to have a consultation, so that I can see their skin and talk to them about their expectations. Once I know that and we discuss realistic results, then we can move forward with a treatment plan.

What are some of the most popular services available at The Beauty Lounge? AJ: We have several new procedures that are getting attention and giving great results—the most popular service right now is our TBL Facial MD. This (like all of our facials) is customized to the client’s skin, so you not only get the result needed for your skin type, but it also includes dermaplaning and a laser treatment to promote collagen. This facial is one that my clients do every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their skin looking fantastic!

It’s summer and we all want dewy, glowing skin. What do you recommend? AJ: Yes, summer is here! For that dewy summer skin, I would choose our Hydra-Infusion SkinWave. It has all you need for that beautiful glow— exfoliation, extractions, hyaluronic acid, lymphatic drainage and LED therapy. Add a dermaplane and finish

Who can benefit from your services? AJ: Anyone! That is the most beautiful thing about skin—it’s our largest organ, and anyone that wants to make a difference in his or her (promotional content)

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Get Your Glow On ABSOLUTELIVING

skin can do so. I have helped many people in my 15+ years with a wide range of budgets. I do believe that medical grade products are necessary, but home care is 80% of your results. Getting any skincare service without quality homecare is like going to the dentist for a cleaning and not brushing daily. I know it’s easy to get bombarded with products—Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, even neighborhood friends who are selling skin care. The best advice I can give is to let a professional help. You won’t regret it! So really, what is the difference between an Aesthetician and an Esthetician? AJ: Esthetician refers to a skin care specialist in a day spa—offering light peels, deep cleansing, extractions, masking and even waxing. An aesthetician’s role is in a clinical setting, such as a medical spa, a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist’s office—offering medical grade treatments and modalities.

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Re–Designing

Real Estate WITH MARY WERNKE

By Susan Salaz | Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | Artwork By Eduardo Peña

Mary Wernke has not only built a successful real estate career over the years, but she has also created a luxury lifestyle brand that she holds to a high standard. With her award-winning team at F.C. Tucker Meridian North, she's constantly crafting plans for success.

(promotional content)

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Real estate is nothing new to Mary Wernke, who has an extensive background in marketing along with 17-years of real estate transaction experience. After six years learning the ins-and-outs of the industry in downtown Chicago, Mary has now spent more than a decade establishing herself in the Indianapolis market, and finds herself fortunate to share a profession with her husband Michael, who works in commercial real estate. Amidst the pandemic, Mary and Michael have been raising three kids, maintaining full work schedules, successfully remodeling and flipping a home together, all while simultaneously building their dream home from the ground up. This work has given Mary a deeper insight into all aspects of home design, allowing her to wholeheartedly understand her clients’ wishes and better equipping her to meet their needs. Real estate agents are one of the largest groups of small business owners in the country, and residential agents shoulder the massive responsibility tied into our basic human need for shelter. Mary does not just want to find her clients a place to

live—she wants to help them find a home to create a life in. She is constantly motivated to deliver properties that match the lifestyles of the individuals and families she serves. In this tedious, and often emotional industry, Mary offers a unique perspective from her experience and skill set. With her first-hand knowledge of home building and remodeling, along with a keen understanding of the inner workings, integrity, and functionality of a home, Mary can convey sound advice and prudent support to her clients. "For most people, purchasing a new home is not only one of the most important and monumental financial decisions they will make, but it is also one of the most personal life decisions," she says. Her enthusiasm for the real estate market, along with her unending patience, provides a seamless and stress-free experience in every transaction at a wide range of price points. Mary also devotes herself to clients needing to sell a property. “I pour myself into the properties I sell,” says Mary, who serves each of her clients with integrity, working with all price ranges in all area of Indianapolis and the northern suburbs. Her discriminating taste (it speaks for itself) and proven track record (she was among the top ten producers at F.C. Tucker in 2020 with nearly $40 million in sales last year and over $25 million in sales so far in 2021), paired with a long list of connections (spanning Indianapolis, Chicago and around the globe) have been key to her success, but it is the white-glove, concierge style realty services that make her business

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stand out, especially in the luxury real estate markets. She not only stays ahead of the trends in order to anticipate what buyers are looking for, but she invests her own resources to drive results by offering thorough design and staging plans, elegant brochures, flyers and media advertisements, and second-to-none photography and videography. Mary invests in technology and continuously educates herself on the latest cutting-edge marketing that will benefit her clients. The end product becomes a true testament to all the space can offer, adding value and bringing in top dollar. Mary knows what it is like to start from scratch in Indianapolis, and relocation is another area where she excels. Her first-hand experience of setting roots in Indianapolis, paired with her ability to connect with clients on a personal level, has helped many relocate here with ease. Mary cares deeply for this city she has made her home, and more than anything, she believes in the importance of giving back to her community. The Mary Wernke Real Estate Group and the Wernke family support numerous nonprofit groups in the Indianapolis area, including the JWS Foundation, the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Holliday Park and St. Luke Catholic School to name a few. In order to balance everything that comes her way, Mary believes it is essential to surround herself with a hardworking team. Donna Kreps, President of Residential Real Estate Services for F.C. Tucker,

Real estate is both an art and a science, according to Mary Wernke, who has spot-on market intuition, savvy negotiation skills, and an uncanny eye for aesthetics. Paired with a vast network of elite designers, contractors, and other professionals, Mary strives to help meet her clients' every home need.

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The award-winning Mary Wernke Real Estate Group at F.C. Tucker Meridian North includes real estate experts Mary Wernke, Jenn Sutton and Melissa Webb. Together the three women have continuously dominated the real estate market throughout Indianapolis.

To learn more or to connect with Mary and her team, visit marywernke.com or follow @marywernkerealestategroup on Instagram.

says, "Mary has built a great team of driven, passionate, like-minded agents. She's created an environment where they each have their own success and grow and support each other.” The award-winning Mary Wernke Real Estate Group includes Jenn Sutton, who loves helping others and connecting with people, and has expert knowledge of real estate investment and home renovation, along with Melissa Webb, who is a seasoned expert and multi-million dollar producer, and adds over seven years of transaction experience to the team. In today's market, it's absolutely essential to work with a seasoned, aggressive, and forwardthinking real estate expert who is fully engaged and committed. "Mary's business has had incredible growth in the last several years," says Jim Litten, Owner & CEO of F.C. Tucker. "She's found a way to connect with clients that make them want to come back to her, as well as refer her with complete trust." For some, real estate is just a hobby, but for Mary it is a full-time passion that allows her to go all-in and consistently exceed client expectations.

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FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOME

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By Susan Salaz

Summer’s Must–Try Slice of Pie Pizza has long ranked as America’s favorite food. It might seem simple in terms of culinary feats, but there are some specific, scientific reasons we humans are drawn to a delicious piece of this savory pie. It has all the flavors we crave, from the fluffy, flaky dough to the sweet sauce to the rich toppings, and of course all of that glorious cheese. Each ingredient might be fine on its own, but they are so much better together. Each bite stimulates our senses, tantalizes our taste buds and makes our mouths water for more.

Here you’ll find some of the area’s best pizzerias that keep their regulars coming back. Whether you are in the mood for classic or gourmet, loaded or light, wood fired or grilled—there is something for everyone when it comes to pizza, and summer is the perfect time to add a new pizza joint to your list. Read on to find your new favorite.

(promotional content)

PIZZOLOGY What: Wood-fired, Neapolitan-inspired pizza is what Pizzology does best. Their scratch kitchen delivers a deliciously thin, light and airy crust that comes out with the perfect amount of char. The pies are topped with only the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients (like Tulip Tree Creamery Foxglove double cream cheese) united through captivating combinations (think local honey and jalapeño). When: Monday-Thursday: 11am-2pm, 4pm-9pm Friday: 11am-2pm, 4pm-10pm Saturday: 11am-10pm Closed Sunday Where: 13190 Hazel Dell Parkway Carmel, IN pizzologyindy.com @pizzology on Instagram Why we love it: Pizzology is for the people and holds service and quality to a high standard. Like an episode of Cheers, Pizzology knows their regulars on a first-name basis and often has their favorite cocktail ready for them to enjoy before they even get a chance to order it. How to enjoy it best: Pizzology pizza is enjoyed best under the covered patio, with great company, complemented by a tasty cocktail from the full bar. Must–try pie: The Americano is a summertime favorite at Pizzology. Head Chef Paul Robinson says it celebrates the best parts of summer with roasted sweet corn, fresh jalapeños, and delicious smoked mozzarella that takes your taste buds straight to a backyard BBQ.

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PIES & PINTS What: Since Pies & Pints first opened in West Virginia in 2003, they have been baking hand-tossed pizza directly on the stone so it comes out crisp on the bottom and golden brown on top. Now available in six states, they continue to use only the highest quality ingredients and source as many local products as possible. When: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm Where: 14550 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 100, Carmel, IN 13901 Town Center Blvd, Suite 100, Noblesville, IN piesandpints.net @piesandpints on Instagram Why we love it: While the environment at all Pies & Pints restaurants is modern and comfortable, both the Clay Terrace and Hamilton Town Center locations offer inviting patios to kick back, relax, and relish over a delicious slice of pie with a side of their award-winning char-grilled hot wings. How to enjoy it best: With a pint of course! Pizza and beer are a match made in heaven, and each Pies & Pints pie can be paired with a craft beer that will complement the flavors perfectly. The staff are all skilled Cicerone Certified Beer Servers, which means they are trained to help each guest find the perfect pint every time. Pies & Pints even offers draft root beer so everyone can indulge. Must–try pie: The Chicken Gouda Pie—oh my! In addition to the chicken and gouda, this one features applewood smoked bacon, red onions, chipotle crema and scallions.

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ARNI'S

What: Arni’s classic thin-crust pizza has been satisfying loyal customers since Arnold “Arni” Cohen opened the doors of his first pizza shop in Lafayette in 1965, and the party-sliced pizzas have become a tradition for many families around the state, and even across the country (they ship anywhere in the U.S.). When: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm Where: 4705 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 1691 Curry Road, Greenwood, IN meetyouatarnis.com @arnisrestaurant on Instagram Why we love it: Arni’s offers incredible consistency at all of its locations (there are nearly 20 across the state) along with loyal, long-time servers that believe in the Arni’s brand. We not only crave the pizza, but we adore the hometown charm that comes with a slice of Arni’s classic St. Louisstyle pie. How to enjoy it best: Arni’s has it all, from gluten-free crust and personal pies, a full bar and drink specials, to carryout and delivery options, and a menu that stretches far beyond pizza. Enjoy Arni’s anyway you like, but we prefer it on the patio with extra cheese. Must–try pie: With ground pepperoni and just the right amount of spice in every bite, the straight up Pepperoni Pizza at Arni’s is anything but standard, and by far the most popular choice.

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BAZBEAUX What: The legendary, gourmet-style pizzas at Bazbeaux have been an Indy staple for 35 years. The hand-made, oven-fired pies offer a crisp crust (white, wheat or gluten-free) topped with traditional and exotic toppings in daring, but delightful medleys. This unpretentious pizza joint has been voted one of the city’s best and is a true Indianapolis original. When: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday-Saturday: 11am-10pm Where: 111 W. Main Street, Carmel, IN 811 E. Westfield Blvd, Broad Ripple, IN 333 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN bazbeaux.com @bazbeaux on Instagram Why we love it: We aren’t just crazy about the pizza—we also love the scene! All three Bazbeaux locations offer a fun, eclectic atmosphere just steps off the Monon Trail, each with a lovely patio perfect for people watching. How to enjoy it best: Sit trailside at the Carmel Arts & Design District site and enjoy a fresh salad topped with housemade dressing (we always opt for creamy basil) along with your specialty pie, and don’t forget a cold craft beer or glass of wine to complete your meal. Must–try pie: You can’t go wrong with our personal favorite, Pizza Alla Quattro Formaggio, a masterful blend of all the right cheeses (including gooey ricotta) and sprinkled with crisp bacon and mushrooms.

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By Susan Salaz

Embrace the

Outdoors It’s summertime, and the [outdoor] living is easy.

ummer days are long and hot and perfect for whiling away from your favorite perch on the patio. Chad Bruick, president of Outdoor Environments Group, shares his expert advice for creating an outdoor living space that fits perfectly into your landscape and lifestyle. Bruick believes that outdoor living spaces are essential for today’s family—enabling everyone to enjoy being in nature rather than living completely in a manmade environment. “These spaces can change the way a family lives and functions,” he says.

According to Bruick, the first step in enhancing your outdoor space is to clean up and enjoy what you already have—you don’t need to add anything yet. Instead, he suggests imagining the way you want to live and experience your outdoor space. Once you have a clear vision that fits into your lifestyle, then you can begin bringing that vision to life. One common misconception, in Bruick’s experience in the industry, is the idea of a finished landscaping project. “If we do a project correctly,” says Bruick, “the installation is just a starting point. We haven’t completed anything yet.” He explains that landscaping is a living form of art and it is just the beginning. It should continue to grow and mature over time, only to get better. The skilled team at OEG consists of landscape architects, horticulturists and craftsmen that offer an innovative approach to every project, nurturing and maintaining it from the beginning and as it progresses. Whether your final vision includes gardens, pergolas, lounging areas or landscape lighting, OEG offers end-to-end services that will evolve with your landscape for years to come. While water features are wildly popular, a backyard pool is one that is guaranteed to make a big splash. Bruick considers a pool the heartbeat of the backyard. “It’s like the kitchen to a house,” he says, adding, “A pool becomes the central piece to the outdoor landscape both visually and

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functionally.” A pool can add to the enjoyment of your space, and increase the amount of time you spend outside, especially as the temperatures rise and the balmy weather would normally beckon you back indoors. OEG takes a different approach to swimming pools, seeking to incorporate them into the environment in order to create a cohesive space that all fits into the original vision. Bruick also notes that an existing pool can be reimagined, referencing the first step of cleaning up what you already have. “We can renovate a backyard around the pool and make a space that looks brand new,” he tells me. OEG has the unique ability to design, build and rehabilitate a space, and the ongoing nurturing of each project (which includes weekly pool maintenance) makes it easy to take the plunge on a backyard pool. This summer, step outside and see what the outdoors has to offer. It’s never to early, or to late, to start planning. Visit oeggroup.com to learn more about Outdoor Environments Group and their comprehensive approach to outdoor living.

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TAKE IT OUTDOORS

WITH TRIPHASE THIS SUMMER.

Take music from room to room. Enjoy lighted paths, automated shades and lights that adjust on schedule as the days grow longer. As night weather changes, your climate adjusts automatically. Take your entertainment experience outdoors—and to new heights. We’re the experts at whole house integration, and we can show you how to take control of your home in every way, every day. Take it inside, outside—and wherever you are.

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