I am totally crushing right now. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to experience several new (to me) Indianapolis businesses, and I’m just simply in love. Like seriously – is there anything better than shopping local?

I didn’t think so.

To preface: no one is paying me to say nice things. I just want to share my favorites with all of you so that you can maybe fall in love too. <3

Happy Friday!

 

1. Retro 101

So, I’m not the most adventurous fashionista in the world. My sisters always say that I buy exactly what the mannequin in wearing… which is completely and totally true. I mean, they’re there for a reason, right? My Stitch Fix obsession has done a lot to get me outside of my box, but nothing could prepare me for the adorable ladies of Retro 101.

Yesterday they (and bestie Kristin) convinced me to buy a jumpsuit. And I kind of love it.

If you’re not familiar with Retro 101, it’s a genius concept. As Indy’s first boutique on wheels, Retro 101 is a school bus (lovingly referred to as Ellie the Bus) full of amazing fashion. They appear at events all over the city, and they always have something different! My jumpsuit is my first purchase, but its sure to not be the last.

Can I pull off a jumpsuit straight from 1983? My husband laughed at me… but I think I’m kind of rocking it. What do you think?

 

2. ReStyled Barn Sale

Where did I find Retro 101? Oh that’s right, at the ah-mazing ReStyled Barn Sale.

I have been to the Barn Sale before, but last night was my first time attending the Pre-Sale Event. Not only did we get first dibs on all the items, but there was a live band, food and wine. Besides my awesome jumpsuit, I came home with this gem from For The Love Of Letters for Dorothy’s room:

The Barn Sale is still going on through this weekend – Friday, June 13 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. If you miss it, you can always visit the ReStyled store in downtown Carmel and get you some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. 😉

 

3. Ardent Owl Photography

Okay, I rave about Cammi of Ardent Owl Photography all the time, but she is so worth it! I recommend her to everyone – as evidenced by the gallery of senior photos on my refrigerator right now.

Cammi has shot our maternity, hospital, and newborn photos, and this weekend she’s shooting our slightly late 6 month photos. I’m so excited to see her ideas, and equally excited to share them all with you!

But for now, here’s some of my favorites from past sessions:

 

4. Joe’s Butcher Shop

We ran around like chickens with our head cut off for the majority of the month of May. Between Courtny’s trip to NYC, my trip to San Francisco, and our trip to Las Vegas, we were home together as a family like… not at all.

So, for our 6 year wedding anniversary, we went low-key. Instead of going out to dinner, I purchased some of the best ribeyes of my life from Joe’s Butcher Shop. As in, I’m still dreaming about these steaks.

The guys at Joe’s were so helpful, and they had so much variety (bacon and tenderloin wrapped filets? I die.), we may just go that route for every future anniversary.

 

5. Indianapolis Indians

I admit, the Indians are definitely not new for me, but that doesn’t make me any less excited for this weekend’s Indy Social Media Mom’s outing to the baseball diamond.

A minor league baseball team isn’t exactly a “local business,” but an Indians game is a perfect local opportunity for a inexpensive date night or family day. In our case this weekend, it’s a double date/Momma’s Night Out. Hallelujah.

Speaking of the Indianapolis Indians, keep an eye on the blog next week. I may or may not have a few tickets to give away to my readers! Hint, hint. Wink, wink. 😉

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What are your favorite local businesses? I’m always looking for new places to shop, dine and do business!