ABSOLUTE LIVING

Welcome to Absolute Living Magazine!

Twenty years ago, Joe and Kathy Lazzara took a bet on the future of Carmel, opening Joe’s Butcher Shop when the Arts & Design District was still a blueprint and a construction zone. Today, that gamble has transformed into a Main Street anchor and a cornerstone of the local economy.

What truly sets the shop apart, however, is its heart. Two decades into the journey, Joe's continues to measure its ultimate success not by the volume at the counter, but by its unwavering commitment to the community it serves.

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LATEST

Breaking Trends & Fresh Stories You Need to Know

Sweet Season

DeBrand Fine Chocolates in the Shops at River Crossing has always been a destination, but summer brings a few extra reasons to stop in. On hot days, the housemade ice cream takes center stage, whether in a chocolate-dipped cone or by the scoop, served with a thick shell of real milk or dark chocolate.
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June 23, 2026

Savor the Summer

Summer in Central Indiana has a way of making everything feel a little more alive. The evenings stretch longer, the patios fill up, and suddenly there’s nowhere else you’d rather be than outside with a good drink and even better company.
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June 17, 2026

Rooted in Something Real

This month, we spoke with licensed therapist Jessica Jones, who built Root & Branch Therapy in Carmel on the simple but powerful idea that real change starts beneath the surface.
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June 10, 2026

FOOD AND DRINKS

Discover the Best Eats in Town

Savor
The Summer

This summer the flavors are bold, the patios are buzzing, and local dining has never looked better. Josephine brings Parisian-inspired elegance to downtown Carmel, while Juniper on Main serves up Southern coastal charm with every bite. At Lone Pine, thoughtful technique and modern steakhouse style take center stage, and Verde spices things up with vibrant dishes and a brand-new location in Greenwood. Grindstone on the Monon celebrates an expanded patio with seasonal flavors and a spirited Tito’s Bartender Battle. Whether you’re brunching, bar-hopping or dining under the stars, these local favorites make it easy to savor the season.
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TRAVEL

Exploring the Best Destinations Near & Far

Breaking Away

For the perfect spring getaway, find a place that suits your style. The six destinations we bring you here have something for everyone and are anything but typical. Continue...

Plan a Lakeside Adventure

When Eva Tomlinson started baking to accommodate a gluten intolerance several years ago, she realized gluten-free could be good. She began by testing recipes, adapting family favorites and developing her own flour, Continue...

Fun Adventures, Near & Far

This season, find a far-flung adventure that will (nearly) take your breath away. Continue...

Experience the best of Indianapolis—discover it with Absolute Living Magazine!

ABOUT US

Absolute Living Magazine stands as the only local publication dedicated to personal growth, engaging readers on every aspect of daily living — from beauty and style to food, health, home, and community service. Through dynamic and compelling profiles of local people, places, and events, we aim to inspire, motivate, and empower our readers to live their best, most fulfilling lives every day and in every way.