Indianapolis Amy

In the City

I made a promise to myself (a few months back) to break my routine a bit (which I've been doing) and visit downtown Indy/near downtown on a more regular basis.  So here I was in Fountain Square last night.  And, I started thinking there's a lot of places I haven't been to in Fountain Square (my bad!)...for example, New Day Meadery and Pure Eatery (have any of you been?) I plan to be back in Fountain Square soon- so what are some other must sees? Shops, Bars, Restaurants?

p.s.- also I just re-watched the movie Swingers..."You're so money and you don't even know it."  Has anyone taken the swing dance lessons at the Fountain Square Theatre?  I took a few lessons several years ago and thought it sounded pretty fun to check it out again.  Would you recommend it?  Happy Thursday to you:)  -A.

 

In love with Fridays...and the weekend

 

 

There's a new cat... I don't know this cat's name... She lives a few houses down but seems to spend a ton of time in the backyard...she's got a dead serious look, but she's friendly when she's not in bird hunting/stalking mode.

It's the weekend and spring break for a lot of people in town.  What are you up to?  I'm cooking a few things for a birthday party and I'll be watching the U of L/UK game.  I lived in Kentucky for a while and the rivalry between the teams is a fierce one...  Enjoy your weekend and your spring break (if you're off work-- lucky you!).   Need a staycation idea?  How about sushi and a movie or here are a few other Indy staycation ideas. -A.

And more randomness....a bit of pop culture...

Songs in my head

1.  Somebody That I Used to Know (Goyte w/Kimbra)  It's been on the radio a ton this week (WTTS/92.3)... Goyte will be on Saturday Night Live April 14th.  

 2. Hello in There (covered by Natalie Merchant & Michael Stipe w/Billy Bragg).

3. Still the Same (by Bob Seger) Seger's music is one of my go-tos when it's sunny outside- makes me think of taking a road trip.

4. A Taste of Honey (Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass)  after listening to Alec Baldwin interview Herb Alpert (on Here's the Thing) I've been listening to more Herb Alpert tunes...Great interview.

TV/web/other

1.  Downton Arby's this web parody totally cracked me up....    

2.  Anchorman 2 Yes.  I'm so there.

 

Outdoor Type

I've been spending lots of time outdoors lately and I do love being outside.  I'm a bird watcher and I enjoy fishing and boating (um, need a boat, though).    Last weekend I went on a few walks and spent some time at a few of my favorite parks, which I plan to do on a more regular basis.

Having a blah-ish day?  I always feel better after a long walk in the sunshine.  Happy mid-week to you. -A.

 

 

West Park (Carmel)

 

 

 

more West Park

 

 

 

Purple Martin birdhouses at Eagle Creek

 

 

 

fishing at Eagle Creek

 

Finally Friday

 

Ree Drummond (at Kroger at 146th St. & Hazel Dell)

 

Yesterday I went to a Noblesville Kroger to wait in line (4 hours) with several hundred people to get a cookbook signed by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman).  *There were over 600 people there (according to one of the security guards at Kroger).  I saw a few hundred people waiting as I left (there were a few hundred inside too)-- so I'm thinking there could've been about 700-800 total.

I knew there would be a mega crowd to meet her because Indy was one of the only midwest stops on her cookbook tour (besides Columbus, Ohio).

Was it worth waiting in line 4 hours?  Absolutely.  Most definitely.  So what was she like in person?  Ree Drummond is lovely and so charming in person-- very much like the vibe of her website.

She even told Kroger staff that she would stay until everyone who was waiting got their book signed and/or a picture with her...  Very cool. 

p.s. here's a photo I snapped and it looks like I'm standing behind glass- but I'm really behind one of those sample stations (they were passing out samples of food from the cookbook while everyone was waiting).

Now I'm trying to think what I should make from the cookbook.... Hmmmmnnnnn....

While I think about that-- here's a handful of random things that I'm digging... 

Happy weekend! A-

1.  The Shins - I am going crazy for their new song "Simple Song"- here they are playing on Late Show with David Letterman.

2.  Once (the musical) .  If you love the movie-- here's info on the new Broadway musical.  Wish I had tickets like my friend G. does!  (lucky her! & her husband)

3.  Jennifer Lawrence- I haven't read The Hunger Games- but if you haven't seen Jennifer Lawrence's performance as a daughter who goes on a journey through the Ozarks looking for her meth-addicted dad in "Winter's Bone"- you're missing out.  (It's a thriller and there are some harsh scenes-- definitely not recommended for children).

4.  Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival (tonight- March 23rd and tomorrow, March 24th) at the Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana.  Some of the films playing, include "North by Northwest", "Rear Window" and "The Birds."

5.  Mad Men - Sunday March 25th. 2 hours! Go to AMC for everything Mad Men.

6.  March Madness.  My bracket picks have been all over the place (oh well!) & tonight is going to be a fantastic night to watch college ball.

7. Maptotes I definitely want one of these city totes.  Can't decide which one to get... Hmmmn. Maybe Los Angeles.

8.  Blogs I read (west coast)... a few of my favorites:  A Cozy Kitchen (food/recipes), Heart of Light (Lifestyle/DIY), Shutterbean (food, photography, lifestyle).

9.  I stopped in The Fresh Market the other night and they always have the best Easter section-- so cool. 

10.  Joseph Joseph  (kitchen tools and accessories) I love everything about these cooking utensils and accessories (right now I have a veggie peeler and a cutting board).  They're colorful and functional!  You can find them online and at Sur La Table, Amazon and even Home Goods.

11. Do-it-yourself pedicures are so much easier with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish.  The polish dries in 60 seconds. I've got Snappy Sorbet (a peachy orange) on my toes.