Life + Culture

Shining a Light

Carmel Celebrates Its Many Vibrant Cultures Article by Amy Adams When I was a kid, there was a Coca-Cola ad this time of year where people from all walks of life joined hands and harmonized, “I’d like to teach the world to sing.” Though I am no longer under the assumption that a drink or a song can bring world peace, the sentiment has stayed with me. I see it alive and well right here in Carmel. For many locals, the holidays are synonymous with Christkindlmarkt which celebrates the German...

Life + Culture

The Giving Machine

Like Santa's Sleigh, It's Shiny, Red and Full of Gifts Article by Amy Adams The red vending machine is back at Clay Terrace this holiday season, but it doesn't offer drinks, snacks or stocking stuffers. Instead, the Giving Machine provides a convenient way to give to those who need it most.  Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Giving Machines in 106 locations across the world allow people to purchase and donate items ranging from $5 to $250 and from baby items to...

Arts + Culture

Making A List, Checking It Twice

Kits & Kaboodle Shares Award-Winning Toys That Will Be In Santa's Sack This Year Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Brianna Richardson Photography Each year, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association selects finalists for the ASTRA Star Toy Awards, and winners are voted on by neighborhood toy stores, including Carmel’s Kits & Kaboodle. Here, owner Teneen Dobbs’ recommends award-winning toys for babies all the way up to “kidults.”  Air Toobz from Fat Brain Toys —This STEM toy...

Arts + Culture

gift giving: All Wrapped Up!

The Westfield Wrapper Shares Her Gift Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Brianna Richardson Photography Ribbons and bows. Tags and tape. So much goes into wrapping the perfect present.  Amber Blakley should know. She’s been doing it since she was 10.  Growing up in Carmel, Blakley started learning how to wrap gifts as a fifth grader through Hamilton County 4-H.  “Never in that time did I think I’d be doing this as a career,” Blakley says. However, when she found herself without a job...