Tag Archives: Louisville

Get In The Know

If you haven’t jumped on the Louisville City FC bandwagon yet, come on aboard – there’s plenty of room.

The pro team has given our Metro Louisville/Southern Indiana community much to cheer about. Here are three more reasons why the Boys in Purple are the favorites of fans and nonprofits, too.

Did you know… Louisville City FC, the area’s only fully professional soccer club, started in 2015 and is a member of the United Soccer League – now sanctioned Division 2 by U.S. Soccer – only one level below Major League Soccer? The USL includes 33 teams across the country, some of them independent and others acting as close affiliates with MLS clubs.

Did you know… LouCity offers a simple way to give back to charitable causes?

The Louisville City FC Give & Go Program is a fundraising opportunity for local 501(c)3 charitable, educational, scientific, literary and cruelty-preventing organizations in Kentuckiana to get into excitement of attending a home game and raise funds at the same time. The program is also open to for-profit companies and individuals to purchase and donate tickets to worthy causes. This past season, LouCity will have made up to 5,000 single-game tickets available to charitable organizations to sell to the public at a special nonprofit rate. For each ticket sold, a contribution of $4 is made to non-profit organizations. For-profit organizations and individuals can also purchase match tickets and donate them for selected or designated nonprofits or groups to use. Learn more at louisvillecityfc.com.

Did you know… Tom Farmer, president of LouCity’s supporter group The Coopers, went from soccer cynic to one of the team’s most vocal fans? Want to join the growing regiment? Go to LouisvilleCoopers.com.

LouCity’s regular season ends 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 when they take on Indy Eleven at Slugger Field.

SET AN EXAMPLE

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Photo by Jason Applegate

Nearly 1 out of every 4 Americans 16 years and older volunteer their time in some way to charitable causes. Utah has the highest percentage of volunteers (43 percent); Louisiana ranks last (18.43 percent). Indiana (26.9 percent) falls somewhere in the middle. Aside from the obvious benefit of volunteering – helping others – there are plenty of gains for volunteers themselves, including an increase in happiness, better health and developing new skills. It doesn’t hurt that those who volunteer their time also report feeling like they have more of it in much the same that people who donate money to charity report feeling wealthier. The Extol Magazine Team is eager to highlight individuals and organizations who are setting an example through their dedication to helping others – like Floyds Knobs residents Jeannie and Victor “Vic” Unruh (pictured). If you know a group or person who deserves to be acknowledged for how they give back, send an email to extol@extolmag.com and include “Example” in the subject line. To learn more about Jeannie and Vic’s latest philanthropic endeavor, turn to page 105.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Harvard Business Review

Pace Yourself

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Photo by Danny Alexander

If the sweltering summer months kept you from staying committed to lacing up your running shoes and going for a walk or run, autumn is the time to start anew. Southern Indiana offers a number of family-friendly and competitive races and fun 5Ks, including SWAT TROT 2018 in Borden (Oct. 27), ElectriCom Run Cancer Out of Town 5K at French Lick Resort (Oct. 27), Rebel Color Dash in Elizabeth (Nov. 3) and much more. Pacers & Racers, 3602 Northgate Ct. #19 in New Albany, has built a reputation of ensuring customers walk out of the store with the correct shoes on their feet, smiles on their faces, and the knowledge that they have become members of the Pacers & Racers family. The shop also hosts an online schedule of the latest runs and walks. Visit pacersandracers.com, click on “Running & Walking” and then “Race Calendar” for details.

SoIN Style

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An invitation to explore with Extol

There’s so much to love about Southern Indiana, including the places we call home. Whether you own, rent, lease or are selling your abode, we want to see your SoIN style and what makes your pad the preferred place to be.

We’re looking for residences that are old, new, big, little, unique, classic, interesting, futuristic, inspiring, vintage, immaculate, wacky, wonderful, historic, brand-new – and everything in between.

We’ll never give your address or share any identifying information about your home’s whereabouts – unless you ask us to – but will explore what defines your SoIN style in your personal sanctuary.

If you’re interested, send an email to extol@extolmag.com and put “Welcome Home” in the subject line.

Wedded Bliss

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On the fence about hiring a wedding planner? Here’s what you need to know.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN WATSON

Thanks to Google, Pinterest and all things DIY, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re up for the task of taking on nearly any craft, project or event. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider calling in the experts. While some couples prefer to map out their wedding day solo – or, at least with each other – there are several reasons why you should consider hiring a pro to plan your perfect day. We asked wedding planner Shannon Fehr of Bliss Events to explain why you should give experienced professionals like her a try.

WHAT ARE THREE ADVANTAGES OF HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER?

It can save you money. I work with a lot of the same vendors for all my weddings, so they give me discounts because I bring them so much business and I pass those discounts on to my couples. I also know where to cut costs. For instance, it’s a lot cheaper to get a two-tier cake and one sheet cake for 100 people as opposed to a four-tier cake. That is just one of the many examples of how a wedding planner can recommend ways to save money but still get brides and grooms what they want.

When things go awry – and they will – a good wedding planner will jump in and take care of it. I had a wedding where the cake completely fell 40 minutes before the wedding was to start, so I ran to Wal-Mart – which was the only place available in Scottsburg at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday – and got every cupcake they had and two small round cakes. I stacked the cakes and decorated with what little did not hit the floor of the other cake and all was well. Later in the evening, I heard the guests talking about how delicious the cupcakes were. They had no clue they came from Wal-Mart.

A wedding planner can save brides and grooms a ton of time and stress. I know where to find things, so couples do not have to do hours of research. I know exactly who to call for a vintage ice cream truck or animals for a petting zoo or safari theme wedding. I know who has the best prices on things. I know where to get $7 tablecloths as opposed to the exact same tablecloth that retails for $16 at most places.

A couple will often spend hours playing phone tag with vendors. Sometimes it takes four to five phone calls just to set up one tasting or to find out the venue does not have their date. A lot of people work during the day when the vendors are working, too, so it is hard to plan because when you get off work at 5 p.m., guess what? So do the vendors. Wedding planning is all I do so I am available during the day to make and receive calls.

WHAT DO YOU TELL BRIDES AND GROOMS WHO WORRY ABOUT THE ADDED EXPENSE OF HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER?

Wedding planners can save them more money in the long run and make up for the expense and then some. It is like a car or house insurance: A planner is good to have in case of emergencies on the day of the wedding when anything could happen. This is a safeguard for all the hard-earned money they spend on the wedding. For busy people, I tell them, “Time is money.” Brides and grooms will spend so much time planning the wedding if they do it on their own. Would you rather be working and making money or planning a wedding and not making money?

IF A COUPLE WANTS TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND THE PERSON RIGHT FOR THEM?

Meet with the wedding planner in person and see if you like their energy and personality. You are going to be spending a lot of time with them, so you need to make sure you like them and are on the same page.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE COUPLES ON THE BIG DAY BEFORE THEIR WEDDING STARTS?

I know it breaks tradition to see each other on the wedding day until the wedding starts or the reveal (first look), but I say forget that tradition. This day is so busy and does not stop until it is over. Couples get swept away all day by friends and family, so they hardly get to be together just the two of them. I tell them to meet early for breakfast or fishing (or something you love) and reflect on the months leading up to this day. And, exchange a gift or a note. You will cherish either for many, many years.

I also tell them to not stress if everything does not go as planned. Focus on what really matters and that is the moment you share your vows and promise to always love one another through sickness and health, good times and bad. No one will remember in 30 years that your cake fell or your deejay was 45 minutes late – and if they do, it will be a heck of a story!

SHANNON FEHR

Bliss Events

502.939.6820

blisseventsandco.com

@blissfuleventsandco on Facebook

The Art of Joy

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Extol’s Explorer JD Dotson found a treasure trove of unique items and art in Floyds Knobs and Georgetown

By JD Dotson

There is only one thing better than exploring places I’ve never been and that is discovering treasures in my own backyard. Recently, I found two very different but equally enthralling decor and gift shops – one in Floyds Knobs and the other in Georgetown – that make me want to do a bit of redecorating at home.

The Nest

4781 Paoli Pike

Suite 5

Floyds Knobs

812.704.4070

@thenestconsign on Facebook

The Nest in Floyds Knobs is a carefully-curated consignment store with a range of furniture and decor from antique to modern. Each section of the store is set up as a well-appointed vignette, giving subtle suggestions of what lamp to pair with a loveseat, and what accessories could complement the look of the room. Every inch of the place is well designed by owner Martha Pfau. Walls are covered in art and stained glass, and the cabinets and shelves are full of colorful, unique items. It is a bargain hunter’s dream; well-priced, one-of-a-kind items fill the space. Of course, inventory is always changing and the unique pieces come and go, but I picked out a few of my favorites.

The little Japanese shelf sitters, rice paper frame and decorative fleur-de-lis plate complement each other so well. There is a story there somewhere of travels to far-off lands and thoughts of bringing a bit of the world home.

Figures, $14

Frame, $16

Plate, $24

The stained-glass pieces at The Nest are so beautifully crafted in traditional designs and bright colors, and range in sizes and shapes. This particular piece is a large rectangular 44-inch by 24-inch. I was drawn to the repeating fleur-de-lis pattern and the varying shades of blue against the smoky tan was really striking.

Stained Glass, $320

The square and rectangular dishes caught my eye, the bright colors and pattern would liven up any table and I could leave my usual black dishes in the cabinet. Something about this table service for four makes me want to have a big Italian dinner party, not because the pattern is particularly Italian, but I do make a mean Bolognese. As a side note, my husband Jon really dug the modern, yellow bread box, which had me asking if people really keep bread in a box? But he loved it, and I included it for him.

Ceramic Table Service for Four, $98

Bread Box, $12

The Nest carries a line of printed canvas tote bags and tablet cases with grommets and patches and inspirational sayings that make me want to be a more responsible iPad owner and quit just shoving it naked into my backpack.

Tablet Case, $35

A Room Full of Joy

9585 IN-64

Georgetown

615.948.3962

@a-room-full-of-joy on Facebook

Just up the road in Georgetown, very close to where I grew up, is a place that truly lives up to its name. A Room Full of Joy is exactly what its name implies. As soon as you walk in, you are enveloped in lights and sights and smells and the overwhelming urge to explore every inch of this place. The boutique currently has 13 local vendors – each with a section of the space – but it is so much more than a shop. Owner Joy Burden Simon has designed a site that also houses a space for community events and classes. The day we visited, an essential oils class was taking place in a space that has hosted neighborhood bunco games, jewelry-making classes and keto diet information seminars. There were so many handcrafted things that I loved about A Room Full of Joy, including candles, candy, soaps and jewelry, but here are a few of my absolute favorites.

Just inside the door is a handmade sign for Ruff Stuff. In this case, the name implies something completely different. C.J. Owen’s found objects may have started out “ruff” but are put together so expertly as lamps, sconces, chandeliers and furniture that they are the exact opposite of rough. I am always enamored by anyone who can take an old item and transform its purpose. Ruff Stuff completely blew me away with nearly everything in the booth. The chandelier from a yoke and old Ball jars is beautiful, especially paired with the mule collar lamp and hanging over the upcycled crate island with the utensil handles. It is an amazing skill to turn antiquated objects into modern functional pieces.

Mule Collar Lamp, $150

Yoke Chandelier, $250

Kitchen Island, $150

Vicky’s Country Creations has one of my favorite activities – but on a huge scale. Yahtzee has been turned into Yardzee. Huge dice in a giant bucket has taken my favorite table game to the backyard. The bucket comes with score cards and instructions on Farkle (Yarkle) and Cootie as well.

Yardzee/Yarkle, $30

Another example of an artist reimagining an object’s purpose is Janice Glotzbach. Janice uses utensils, fishing lures and other everyday objects and transforms their function into beautiful, wearable art with the help of wire and beads. My favorite piece stood out instantly but really surprised me when I realized I was looking at a manipulated and bedazzled fork. The former eating utensil had been cut, curled and beaded, taken off the table and ready to be worn around the neck.

Fork Necklace, $18

Work It: How to elevate your office attire

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By Miranda McDonald

Photo by Gretchen Bell

Style mavens in the know are throwing out the stuffy rules of dressing for work and embracing a whole new attitude when it comes to being fashionable yet still business appropriate. Here are a few simple tips for taking your office look from drab to modern and chic.

Chic Socks

Socks can be such a chic accessory during the fall months. Men – and suit-wearing women – can add some serious panache to a suit with a pair of statement socks. Roll up your denim and let a pair of bold socks stick out the top of your boots if you are going for a more business casual look.

Gals can get in on the footwear action by layering dress socks with a favorite set of heels. Don this combo with a pair of cropped trousers or a dress, and you will be quite surprised at how fashionable you feel.

A Statement Piece for Your Suit

When wearing a classic suit for work, adding a statement piece to your ensemble is important. Play – and slay – with colorful patterns and prints on ties, bowties and pocket squares. Hats are also a great accessory to add to the mix.

If you’re into baubles, add a large piece of jewelry or even a jeweled bag to your look. I’m currently enamored with bringing headpieces back into our fashion repertoire (ladies: take note). Elevate a simple suit to the next level by adding a textured headband or embellished barrette. The addition creates the perfect combination of modern and classic styling.

The Perfect Bag is Key

Investing in a bag that is stylish yet functional is imperative. Luckily, there are many stylish options that ensure anyone can find the perfect carryall for business documents and daily must-have items. I suggest purchasing a piece that is neutral in color so that it matches most of your wardrobe. However, neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. Texture and accents are everything. Textured leather and bold accents on bags make a statement while keeping a piece completely functional at the same time.

Transition Your Look

Taking your look from work appropriate to evening chic can be simple. Have a dress you want to wear to the office but are also headed out on the town immediately after work? Simply layer a light sweater or blouse under your favorite frock for the office. Then, remove that extra layer and add a piece of statement jewelry before meeting friends for cocktails when the work day is over. Wearing a suit but want to go casual for an after-work fete or dinner with friends? Bring a pair of jeans and swap out the suit pants for a cool but casual look.

You can find more tips from Stylist Miranda McDonald on her blog, thechicstreet.com.

Dress for Your Success

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Photography by Gretchen Bell

Creative Direction & Styling by Miranda McDonald

Surely, clothes don’t make the man or woman – or do they? A number of recent studies have found donning more formal work attire can lead to increased productivity, heightened attention of how you treat others and more favorable first impressions. The findings only pertain to certain industries – and there’s no denying the benefits of comfort and functionality in apparel – but one thing is clear: You can dress for success and have a bit of fun, too.

Photographer: Gretchen Bell • hernameisgretchen.com

Creative Director and Stylist: Miranda McDonald • TheChicStreet.com

Models: Justin Sinkler and Jessica Malloy

Hair and Makeup: Strandz Salon & Threadz Boutique, 322 Vincennes St. in New Albany • 812.945.5480 • strandzandthreadz.com

BOUTIQUES

Mariposa Consignments, 222 Pearl St. #102 in New Albany • 812.725.8508 • @MariposaConsignments on Facebook

HIM Gentleman’s Boutique, 314 Pearl St. in New Albany • 812.595.7752 • himgb.com

Sapphire on Spring, 326 Spring St. in Jeffersonville • 812.920.0017 • sapphireboutique.com

House of K, 137 E. Market St. in New Albany • 502.640.0049 • @houseofkboutique on Facebook

Dillard’s • Green Tree Mall, 757 E. Lewis and Clark Pkwy in Clarksville • Mall St Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road in Louisville • dillards.com

LOCATIONS

Culbertson Mansion, 914 E. Main St. in New Albany • 812.944.9600 • culbertsonmansionshs@indianamuseum.org

Downtown New Albany • cityofnewalbany.com • developna.org

Bella Roma Italiana Cuisine, 134 E. Market St. in New Albany • 812.725.9495

Double Barrel, 147 E. Main St. in New Albany • @doublebarrel2018 on Facebook

Look 1:

Model Jessica Malloy: Vintage Polka Dot Skirt, $14.98, J.Crew Sweater, $14.99, and Button-down, $8.99, from Mariposa Consignments. Model Justin Sinkler: Stetson Hat, $78; Stitch Note Knit, $59; The Tie Bar Socks, $10; and Paisley & Gray Coat, $180, all from HIM Gentleman’s Boutique. Location: Culbertson Mansion.

Look 2:

Jessica: Vintage Hat, $12.99, and Red Clutch, $14.99, from Mariposa Consignments; Tweed Dress, $85, and Bangles Bracelets, $40, from Sapphire on Spring. Location: Bella Roma Italiana Cuisine.

Look 3:

Jessica: Halston Dress, $48, and Cece Sweater, $79, from Dillard’s; Patent Handbag from Sapphire on Spring, $65; Vintage Tweed Coat, $24.99, from Mariposa Consignments. Location: Downtown New Albany.

Look 4:

Jessica: The Limited Suit, $24.99, and Vintage Headpiece (not for sale), from Mariposa Consignments; and Calvin Klein Blouse, $69.50 from Dillard’s. Justin: Stetson Hat, $78; Mizzen + Main Button-Down, $145; Paisley & Gray Coat, $180; TH Flex Pants, $79; and The Tie Bar Tie, $19, all from HIM Gentleman’s Boutique. Location: Downtown New Albany.

Look 5:

Jessica: Puff Sleeve Blouse, $44, Tuxedo Pants, $77, and Velvet and Jewel Clutch, $65, all from Sapphire on Spring $65; Necklace, $88, and Bracelet, $32, from House of K. Justin: Paisley & Grey Suit Pants, $90; Coat, $180; Mizzen + Main Shirt, $145; The Tie Bar Tie, $20; and Daniel Wellington Watch, $229, all from HIM Gentleman’s Boutique. Location: Double Barrel.

EXIT | October/November 2018

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Photo of Sycamore Springs Park in English, Indiana, by Christian Watson

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” –John Muir

Southern Indiana has no shortage of parks and forests You can find numerous listings and more information at gosoin.com.

ENCOURAGING GRATITUDE THAT LASTS BEYOND THANKSGIVING

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By Farrah Alexander

When I was pregnant with my first, Daniel, I craved Thanksgiving food the entire duration. No pickles and ice cream for me; I wanted mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole. Pumpkin pie visited me in my dreams.

I love Thanksgiving. The decadent food, the time spent with my wonderful family, the pre-meal mimosas, the browsing Black Friday ads – what’s not to love? Hop into your stretchiest stretchy pants and enjoy this beautiful, gluttonous holiday.

But I’ll admit, I often get caught up in the chaos of the holiday and sometimes lose sight of the theme of gratitude. The word “thanks” is in the name of the holiday, after all. It should be easy to remember to remain grateful and express your blessings, but it’s so easy for those ideas to slip away.

It’s hard enough for a grown adult to maintain a sense of gratitude, it’s certainly a challenge for little ones. But teaching your kids to be thankful and express gratitude at Thanksgiving and beyond is a truly worthwhile goal. Grateful kids are happier and even more of a joy to others. (Watch an adult’s face light up when a small child thanks them. It’s impossible not to smile.)

Teaching your children to say, “thank you” when appropriate is a great lesson of course. But it’s really just good manners. Teaching your child to regularly practice gratitude is a philosophy that they can adopt and will serve them well their entire lives.

Farrah’s son Daniel’s first Thanksgiving.

Farrah’s daughter Penelope’s first Thanksgiving.

A kind Walmart employee helps load a minivan full of turkeys headed to New Hope Services.

So, here’s some simple ways to do it:

Expand on your “thank yous.” When you thank someone, add a little something genuine and personal that shows why you’re grateful. For example, say after you cook dinner, your kid says, “thank you.” It’s a nice gesture and you’re glad your kid is being polite. But, what if your kid instead says, “Thank you for making dinner. I know spaghetti’s not your favorite, but it’s my favorite and you make the best spaghetti.” See how genuine that sounds? It’s a great way not only to make the person being thanked feel fantastic, it’s a great way to reflect on gratitude and express why you’re sincerely grateful.
Call out your blessings. If you feel grateful for something, say it out loud in front of your kids. It doesn’t have to be anything huge; any ordinary, seemingly insufficient thing is perfect. If you feel grateful, just say it. Saying things like, “I just love having the opportunity to spend time with you when you get home from school” or “I love when we have dinner together as a family” are simple but meaningful.
Regularly ask your child what they’re grateful for or what their blessings are. It’s a good opportunity for them to reflect on their days and remember how blessed they are. If they’re stumped at first, you can share a few things you’re grateful for and then challenge them to come up with three of their own. It doesn’t have to be profound. If they name three friends at school they have or three of their favorite toys, that’s fine. No wrong answers.
Get into the habit of charitable giving or volunteering if you’re able. You don’t have to give a detailed account of all the ways people across the world suffer, but you don’t have to sugar-coat that people do suffer either. There are countless ways to help and many people in need of help. So, find a way your family can help others. You can make a holiday tradition of volunteering at a local homeless shelter, donating food to a local charity or forgoing some gifts of your own to give to others instead. Get creative!
Turn your gratitude into a festive display for Thanksgiving. I’ve seen some really adorable seasonal crafts perfect for this. You can get a large pumpkin and ask your children what they’re grateful for each day and write it on the pumpkin. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, you have a pumpkin filled with all the many blessings your children are grateful for. You can even have a pumpkin for each child. Then, on Thanksgiving, you can review all the blessings. It could be a meaningful tradition for your family to reflect on the many things you’re thankful for instead of being asked on the spot.
Consistently thank others and encourage your kids to do the same. If anyone does any kind of service for you – holding a door open, serving food at a restaurant, loading your garbage away – be sure to sincerely thank them. You’re not just being polite, you’re showing others respect and dignity. By taking the time to sincerely thank everyone, you’re showing your child that everyone is worthy of your respect.

You’ve probably caught on by now that you are directly involved in all of these suggestions. Kids learn by your example. If they see their parents doing or saying something, they’ll take notice and try to mimic your behavior. (Trust me, I let a minor swear word slip three years ago and my son still brings it up. Kids are sponges.) Plus, let’s be honest, can’t we use a little gratitude in our lives?

Be thankful this Thanksgiving, but be grateful your entire life.