Invest in Your Nest: Full Steam Ahead

After Shot.

Sometimes a simple repair can lead to a full remodeling job, as in the case of my own guest bathroom, which doubles as a steam shower, and was the most popular bathroom in the house for family members and our guests.

So when it came time to fix a small leak in the shower, I decided it was time to Invest in My Nest, with full steam ahead to give this bathroom the makeover it deserved!

Designer Wendy Prather of Lemire Design was the first to take a look at the room. “We knew that the plain vanity, dated faux painting, and little shower door had to go. In my mind, I wanted to go with a darker, sassy look instead of the neutrals. Wendy agreed and the transformation was started.”

The Carlini bathroom "before" the remodel.

The room was gutted and the opening to the shower was widened by 12 inches, which gave the shower a surprisingly larger look. It also exposed the back wall of the shower, suddenly making it a focal point and in need of something dramatic. We chose a tile pattern (Architectual Brick and Tile) made up of shimmery bronzes with random highlights of silver. It certainly made a statement and we decided on a glass door to show off the new wall of tile.

A strip of the same tile wrapped around the rest of the bathroom, topped with a unique black-bronze chair rail, custom flooring and ceramic tile all in the same hues (The Tile shop) really blended together filling out the rest of the bathroom.

Every project of redecorating can have it challenges and ours came in the tile selection, which came from three different stores with three different grouts. It took some work to make it all blend.

The plain white vanity was replaced with a sleek black cabinet (Zinn Kitchens, Inc.) topped with an exotic stone called Black Thunder (Stone Spectrum). A partially recessed Kohler glass bowl and a Pfister waterfall faucet (Fergusons) brought it all together.

The strip lighting and mirror were replaced with a framed backlit mirror (Glassworks by Design) and two chocolate colored crystal pendants that I found on the internet. A bronze shimmery faux finish (Faux painting by Lisa)was added to the walls and a silvery sparkle to the ceiling completing this steamy oasis ready for all to enjoy.

I did add a warming system to the floor so we wouldn’t get cold fee when it comes time to do the next remodeling project!

If you have a remodeling project in your home, let me know so we can follow your progress, too.

A Haunting Good Time Like No Other

If you’re looking for a good scare on Halloween, there’s a new haunted house in town. But be warned, they take their scares seriously.

The Corpse Manor opens this month in the Post Road Recreation Center just south of Pendleton Pike. But this is more than a haunted house put together just for Halloween. This is a professional theatrical production featuring real actors and actresses working for one common goal — to SCARE you. There are three haunted attractions in one, each with their own unique theme and staff. There’s the Corpse Manor, an old manor built on a graveyard with its foundation made of dispirited tombstones. You have the chance to visit the home of Lord Henry Calvert, who has been dealing with strange happenings at his manor since the day he moved in.

You may experience some of those strange happenings when you visit, and you may find that some of the spirits from the dead souls have never left! You be the judge. The floors are uneven, the rooms are in disarray and the hallways are very narrow, so there’s not much room to get away when something creepy comes at you and, yes, something creepy will!

There’s also an attraction called Night Shadows, which is simply a play on our biggest fear – fear of the dark. A haunted trail awaits visitors next door called Sinister Woods – a wooded lot with no place to hide.

Owners Dan Justus and Bob Kints have traveled the country checking out some of the best haunted houses and are excited to open the Post Road attraction. “It is actually a year round facility,” says Dan. “The recreation center has go-cart racing year round and haunted laser tag through the fall.”

Bob says they worked hard to put this production together. “We made a scary production with professional actors from Footlight Musicals. This is the real deal. These people know how to scare!”

So this year when making your list of haunted houses to check out, don’t forget to include the Corpse Manor, Night Shadows and Sinister Woods, all at 4700 N. Post Road located at the Post Road Recreation Center, where you can find fun and snacks … that is, if you have an appetite left after visiting the haunted attractions!

For more information, go to www.corpsemanor.com. Tickets are $20 for all three attractions.

Sweet Dreams with the Carmel ‘CakeZen’

CakeZen owner Jama Finney says that baking cakes takes her to "a happy place."

So you want to have your cake and eat it too? Well, of course you do … especially if it is a sugary sweet creation from CakeZen. However, these cakes are more like works of art and you may be afraid to take a bite!

“I hear that all the time,” says CakeZen owner Jama Finney. “But, I tell my customers that these cakes are made to be eaten, so go ahead take a bite!”

Finney is a master cake maker who grew up baking Jiffy box mix cakes with her grandmother. She’s been whipping up sweet creations for special occasions for the past seven years while in culinary school, and more recently found kitchen space in the heart of the Carmel Arts & Design District to open “CakeZen.”

“I named my business CakeZen because baking and decorating cakes takes me to my happy place!” laughs Kinney.

Finney’s cakes are made with all natural ingredients and real butter. Her sweet creations are stacked, tiered, spray painted, air brushed and adorned with unique fondant work and gumpaste flowers. “Each cake is designed specifically to the client’s vision,” says Jama. “No two cakes will ever be alike.”

Finney created this 25th anniversary cake for the Indianapolis Zoobilation.

Her edible delights come in a variety of gourmet flavors and fillings, such as wedding white cake scented with citrus zest and filled with vanilla bean buttercream. Her cakes start at around $200 and go up, depending on size and decorations. On the day I met Jama, she was delivering the Indianapolis Zoo’s 25th anniversary celebration cake. The cake weighed 35 pounds and took over seven hours to complete.

Finney lives in Fishers with her husband and two boys, who sometimes help with the cake business. “My 5-year-old likes to bake and my husband helps carry the cakes,” says Jama. “Sometimes the delivery is the most challenging part of the job!” She recalls one difficult delivery in Seattle where she had to hang onto the cake herself in the back of the delivery truck while the driver maneuvered the steep, hilly roads.

So if you have visions of a fancy cake for your next special occasion dancing in your head, call CakeZen for a consultation. Jama tackles only a few projects at a time since so much attention to detail is needed for each cake.

You can reach Jama Finney at CakeZen at 317-721-2253 and you can go to www.cakezen.com for more information. Sweet dreams!

Invest in Your Nest – Spring Windows

Drapery artist Christine Bruce.

Finally, it is time to throw up the shades and let the sunshine in! Spring is here and among other things, it is time to take a good look at the windows in your home.

First, check for any needed window repairs and don’t forget to check your screens. You will need them soon to let in the fresh air after a winter of closed windows and doors.

Once your windows and screens are in good shape, you may want to consider tinting your windows as the spring sunshine pours in.

“It’s a great way to cut the sun’s glare, save on energy costs and protect your furniture and carpet from fading,” says James Gadient of Jag Window Tinting. “It doesn’t really darken a room as some might think. In fact, we have some window films that are clear, yet still filter out the dangerous UV rays while letting the light shine through.”

The federal government has also recognized window film as a way to cut energy costs, allowing certain films to qualify for tax credit opportunities just like new windows or a new furnace, and that offer has been extended through 2011.

Once your windows are ready for spring, it may be a good time to invest in your nest by adding window treatments to update a room in your home.

James Gadient of Jag Window Tinting

“Window treatments are the icing on the cake,” says seamstress and drapery artist Christine Bruce. “You wouldn’t want your cake without icing, so it is the same with your windows!” Christine – who claims she has never met a window she couldn’t dress — recently “dressed” a dining room window in a Geist home adding a touch of elegance for an upated look.

“The room had just one very large window, so I chose floor to ceiling panels for either side of the window,” says Christine.

Using a popular trend of mixing and matching drapery fabrics, Christine chose an embossed silk at the top, with a checked gabardine in the center and a balloon silk treatment at the bottom to add fullness to the long drapery panels. She purchased one curtain rod and cut it in half for either side of the window, adding finials at the ends for a whole new sophisticated look for the dining room.

Doggie crates deserve curtains, too!

Oh, and in this home, the doggie crate also got a quick makeover. Using leftover material from the drapery job (as Christine often does), she “dressed” the dog crate to hide the metal and help “Fido” welcome spring as well!

For more information, call Christine Bruce at 317-507-0714.

Invest in Your Nest: A Kitchen, Hearth Makeover

Decorative painter Lisa Yoder applies Venetian plaster to the Mellow family's fireplace.

Home is where the hearth is … and that is exactly why the Mellow family set out to warm up their hearth room and kitchen in their Geist home.

The hearth room was beautiful with wood floors, earth tone walls and a large bank of windows where natural light poured into the room. The floor to ceiling white fireplace was the focal point of the room and the family wanted to warm it up a little more.

“I was planning on replacing the neutral marble around the opening of the fireplace with a darker, richer looking marble,” says Ellen Mellow. “But then I learned it could be painted, and that became another option.”

Decorative painter Lisa Yoder, who was coordinating the kitchen/hearth makeover, pitched the idea to the Mellow family. “I explained to Ellen that we could use a product called Venetian plaster around the hearth,” says Lisa. “It is a thick product that is applied with a trowel and will end up looking like real marble at a fraction of the cost!”

They agreed on the Venetian plaster finish and work was started in the kitchen. The hood over the cooktop stove was painted distressed black along with the kitchen island. During the drying time, Lisa primed the original marble tiles, then applied the first layer of Venetian plaster around the hearth.

The cabinets in the kitchen were in good shape, with just a few worn areas. Furniture Fix, LLC, which specializes in restoring wood cabinetry and furniture, erased the scratches and dents and restained some worn spots and trim pieces. A finishing spray was applied at the end for a protective coating with a low sheen.

A tile backsplash was added behind the cooktop and under the newly painted black hood. The work breathed new life into the kitchen for an updated, fresh look.

Back in the hearth room another layer of Venetian plaster was applied and the marble look was starting to appear. The color, which can be tinted to match the room perfectly, was added the next day. The final step was a finishing spray for a protective, durable finish.

Faux finishes have come a long way since the do it yourself sponge painting kits you could buy in a store. Today, you can get the look of real stone, real brick and even marble with decorative finishes.

“You can achieve the look and feel of what you want with much less down time,” says Lisa. “And in the end, it costs less than replacing with the real thing.”

For a few hundred dollars instead of thousands, the marble hearth was transformed, along with the hood and island in the kitchen. The cabinets were enhanced for under $500.

The result is a little added sizzle to the kitchen and a spark added to the hearth room to keep things warm and cozy on those cold snowy winter nights!

Before (click to enlarge)

After (click to enlarge)

Kitchen makeover, before.

Kitchen makeover: after.

Carmel Entrepeneurs Ready for the Holidays

Carmel entrepreneur Anne White sells her wares at Holiday Mart.

Carmel and Geist women entrepreneurs Anne White and Holly Kirsch kicked off the holiday season with a booth at Holiday Mart this year. They have now have taken their home business to the storefronts of Carmel’s Clay Terrace and the Fashion Mall for the big shopping season ahead!

Their specialty line, AH Collection, features clothing, jewelry and more. What are some hot items for the holidays so far this year?

When is comes to accessories, scarves are still popular, especially anything sparkly or plaid. Statement necklaces and bib necklaces (very embellished) are big as well, and so are long chains in silver, gold, and gunmetal. Metallic handbags and croc cell phone holders make great holiday gifts and sequence jackets are big for holiday parties.

“Of course, anything horseshoe–crystal clear or blue jewelry, belts, apparel, or hats to cheer on our 10-0 Colts are very hot right now, “ says White.

You can find the AH Collection storefronts this holiday season at the Fashion Mall Keystone Crossing next to Restoration Hardware and next to Kirkland’s at Clay Terrace beginning Friday Nov 27th through Christmas Eve during regular mall hours. For more information or to shop the boutiques, please contact Anne White at anne@ahcollection.com (Carmel) or Holly Kirsh holly@ahcollection.com (Geist).

Z’s More Than Just Good Food

Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse Manager Kathryn Hanson on the patio.

You may know the spot, the restaurant visible along I-465 W as you head toward Castleton. If you’ve lived here a while, you’ll remember it was once the Tijuana Yacht Club. We discovered a new place to dine in this same unique location. It’s called Z’s Oyster Bar and Steakhouse, and if you haven’t been there yet, put it on your list of places to go as it is well worth the trip.

Owner Mehrzad Sharbaiani opened Z’s at 6220 Castleway West Drive (off 82nd and Knue Road) in November of 2007, but it could be one of Indy’s best kept secrets. We dropped in to check them out just for you.

Z’s menu features Prime Midwestern Beef, seafood that is flown in fresh daily from as far away as Hawaii, oysters from the Pacific Northwest and some homemade desserts.

When it comes to oysters, Manager Kathryn Hanson says they serve the best of the best. “We serve a variety of oysters from the small ones that are kinda sweet, to the large briny ones that are like a mouthful of saltwater.” says Hanson.

We began with the oyster sampler featuring three different kinds of oysters served on ice with a champagne raspberry vinaigrette. They were indeed fresh and wonderful. The cornmeal dusted fried oysters served in a whimsical paper cone were “light and not greasy.”

One of the menu favorites,the Washington salad, served with a variety of greens, apple slices, crumbled blue cheese and a raspberry-walnut vinaigrette was fabulous.

Our dining experience was worth the trip as all the menu items we sampled were very tasty. Adding to our experience is the view that comes with dining at Z’s. Imagine a 6,000 square foot outdoor patio with a soothing waterside view for every table. It’s hard to believe you’re sitting in the heart of Castleton! The patio’s sunset view prompted the “one of the most romantic restaurants” award.

Inside, you’ll find there’s more good seating choices at Z’s from the spacious, formal dining room with an exotic saltwater aquarium, to the “rat pack” inspired lounge. We loved the beautiful granite topped bar, which is perfect for nightly flights to discover new oysters and wine. And speaking of wine, Z’s have over 400 wines in their wine cellar. It’s no wonder they have claimed the Wine Spectator’s “award of excellence” year after year.

If you’re looking for a new “favorite spot,” Z’s has a lot more to offer than just good food. Keep them in mind for the next special occasion, business meeting or just a fun night out. If you’re looking for more, they’ve recently added live music on Thursday nights with half price drink and food specials.

Z’s Oyster and Steakhouse delivers a fun and enjoyable dining experience for lunch and dinner. From A to Z, this restaurant has it covered!

Carmel Plastic Surgeon Opens Wellness Center

Winslow Facial Plastic Surgery has a new home in Carmel. The pyramid style, Asian-themed building along 116th Street, just west of Keystone Avenue, is now home to a full-service wellness center—the Winslow Facial Plastic Surgery and Fusion Spa.

During their four years in their previous location at 755 West Carmel Drive, Dr. Catherine Winslow and her staff began running out of room and were literally “stepping over each other the last two years!”

While researching options for additional space, Winslow soon realized there was a need for a one-stop spot where customers could get everything they need under one roof.  Their new location at 2000 E. 116th Street provides just that!

Exclusive water based therapy with warm jets at the new Fusion Spa at Winslow Plastic Surgery Center in Carmel.

The Winslow Facial Plastic Surgery and Fusion Spa offers all facial, cosmetic and reconstructive services such as rhinoplasty, otoplasty (ear surgery that can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear), facelifts, eyelifts and contour threadlifts. There’s also a number of injectables such as Restylane, Botox, Juvederm and a fairly new filler called Evolence.

The Fusion spa offers micropeels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, waxing, spray tans and special services such as the Dermalife Multi-Sensory Spa for water therapy and the Winslow Signature Bamboo Facial which actually incorporates the use of warmed bamboo pieces specifically designed for the face.

“Bamboo has long been known for its healing effects,” says Winslow. “We try to use it in the treatments when possible.”

There’s also a winding bamboo path through the lobby flanked by cushy leather chairs and Asian teapots. The Asian theme continues throughout the spa with special acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbal medicine. The spa also sells Latisse for the eyelashes and Lumicell Touch for cellulite treatment.

Winslow’s Fusion Spa also offers spa parties, teen treatments and bridal activities. They carry they own line of prescription creams called Mineralogie which is a mineral based make-up with SPF 26 available in custom colors. Plans are also being made for a pilates studio on the first floor.

Dr. Catherine Winslow started her medical career at the Indiana University School of Medicine and completed an Otolaryngology residency at the University of Colorado. Winslow achieved the highest board score in the nation and was awarded the Torchbearer Award by the State of Indiana in recognition for her contributions to the field of medicine.

Carmel, enjoy this new wellness center! For more information about services, visit Dr. Winslow’s website at indyface.com or call Winslow Facial Plastic Surgery and Fusion Spa at (317) 814-1104.