Greetings Money Saving Lords and Ladies who have wandered into the Queendom thanks to today’s Doing Indy with The Queen of Free piece in the Indianapolis Star. {Read it online here}. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Here’s an extended version of my favorite people, places, and things in Indy along with the links to find them!
Introduction: Hi my name is Cherie Lowe and I have an alter ego. I think everyone should. I’ve long been addicted to getting something for nothing. In August of 2008, I adopted the alter ego, Queenoffree.net – to share freebies, strategies for everyday saving, & inspiration to those pursuing a debt free life. From 2008-2012, I shared our family’s personal “debt slaying journey.” The Royal Family paid off a whopping $127,482.30 {go ahead & rub your eyes, but you read it correctly} & are now officially debt free. I believe that something can come from nothing & that there’s always a way to simplify your life & budget.
Favorite Weekend Ritual: Saturdays are generally jam packed with activities for the Princesses {aged 10 and 5} but if I can sneak in a nice run for myself and a cup of coffee or loose leaf tea with the King of Free, I’m in seventh heaven. I’m crushing on His Place Coffee and Ice Cream on the southside right now {Cinnamon Plum Tea, FTW! and Krazy Kookie Dough Blue Bell Ice Cream if the run was really long}. Every Sunday AM after my segment on WTHR Weekend Sunrise, I race to hear the 8 AM church bells at St. John’s on Capitol Street before heading off to church at Stones Crossing Church in Greenwood. We never miss and love our community.
Best Local Band to See Live: Easy – Silver from the Flames. Don’t let their youthful appearance deceive you. This band is wicked talented. I’ll be honest that usually I’m more of the acoustic type but their sound rocks and they’re simply a thrill to watch. Plus the lyrics are clean so I have no problems letting my 10 year old jam along, too.
Best Place to Browse or Shop: I just stumbled upon Homespun Indy in Irvington and can’t wait to go back! The one-of-a-kind hand crafted artisan items are awesome. But more than likely, I’ll be couponing at Super Target, cruising the clearance at DSW {while collecting reward points of course!} or on the prowl for deals at Greenwood Park Mall. It may seem low brow, but it’s just how I roll.
Your “death row” meal: EEP this is soooo difficult. While I don’t get there often, I do dream about the Honey Pecan Chicken at Piper’s Cafe {Plus the teacup bread is to die for so I guess appropriate for death row}. Honorable mentions go to the Hoity Toity at Creation Cafe, the guacamole at Adobo, and the biscuits and gravy at Peppy’s Grill in Fountain Square.
Best Place to take out-of-town visitors to show off what’s uniquely Indianapolis: The Downtown White River Canal is so beautiful and gives outsiders a glimpse of our city that folks rarely see. Plus it’s a great place for families to run and play together and there’s always something going on during the spring and summer months {usually all for free!}.
Favorite Local Watering Hole: I’ll be honest, I’m more likely to hit Happy Hour for half-priced apps than drinks. That being said, the best deal going is Mesh on Mass’ $2 Bar Menu. High end cuisine, low cost. Plus, you can bounce next door to the Flying Cupcake for dessert. That’s right, I’ll take cupcakes over the bar scene any night.
Best Thing Going on In Your Neighborhood Right Now: Honestly, it’s the people I know and love looking to change the world. There are so many do-gooders crammed into Indianapolis that it makes my head spin, my heart explode, & if I weren’t careful with our finances would empty all of our accounts. From places like my church community to organizations like Second Helpings, Good News Ministries, Wheeler Mission, & more, I can’t help but have hope for the future.
Favorite Place to Go for Creative Inspiration: I love anywhere I can “hear” the voices of history {no extra voices in my head, I promise}. So some of my favorite creative haunts have historical ties. The Indiana State Museum and the Indiana History Center both give me that fix, but standing in front of the old school card catalog at the Indiana State Library is one of my very favorite places in all of Indianapolis. I also LOVE the Fountain Square Theatre building!
Best Place to Take the Kids for Fun: The Indiana Experience at the Indiana History Center is amazing! With You Are There exhibits that are always changing, easy to find coupons and deals, the opportunity to interact and restore real historical documents in the history lab, and the beautiful building itself, we always all have a great time {without dropping a wad of cash}. It’s probably one of the best kept secrets of the city for families. A close second is the Family Experience at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. From an actual stage coach to a sod house replica, there’s plenty of hands on fun for families.
Next on Your Indianapolis Bucket List: I’ve always wanted to go to the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and even though I’ve lived in Indiana for 36 years, I’ve never been to the Indy 500 {*gasp*!}. Also, I’d love to try Harry & Izzy’s & go on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city afterward!
If you’re new to the site, I’d highly recommend a Video Royal Tour of the Queen of Free Site. If you’re interested in having me speak to your company, group, or organization, check out the Speaking Tracks I’m pleased to offer. Interested in some money saving tips and debt slaying inspiration? Check out some of the Top Posts that I’ve written over the last 5 years. Want to see some of the articles where our story has been featured? Check out Royal Publications & Appearances. Need to contact me with a follow up question? Contact the Queen will point you in the right direction. Want to see cute pictures of my kids? The Royal Family will give you a glimpse into our world.
I’d love to connect with you, too. Follow me on Twitter. Join the Court of the Queen of Free on Facebook. Pin it up all frugal style on Pinterest with me.
Welcome to our Fairy Tale. We can’t wait to hear yours.
I saw your pretty face when I opened up my Thursday paper! Congrats!!