Closed since December 2013 because its business was ruined by construction work on Southeastern Avenue, Purseptions Boutique will celebrate its grand reopening from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday at a new location, 8910 Southeastern Ave.

Owned by Melinda and Bud Reynolds, the ladies shop sells purses, jewelry, sunglasses, apparel and accessories, Miche bags, Wind & Willow Gourmet Dips, some men’s accessories and Indianapolis Colts merchandise. 
Purseptions was launched in April 2004 as an in-home party planning business. After selling products at Old Settlers Day in Wanamaker in June 2007 and having an inspiring conversation with Mayor Greg Ballard, the couple decided to expand their business and moved into a storefront site at 8855 Southeastern.

Purseptions became a well-known store and enjoyed a good trade until the construction resulted in congested traffic and a loss of parking, all of which led to diminished sales in 2012. Similar woes followed in 2013 and resulted in the shop’s closure.

But Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds continued to hold in-home parties and fundraisers for Community Hospitals East and South. They have also held benefits for schools, churches and nursing homes.

And now, 14 months after closing their boutique, the couple are ready to make a go of it again.
As part of their grand opening, several raffles will be held, and gifts will be given away with purchases of $25 or more. Anyone spending $100 will receive a $25 in-store gift certificate.

Last year the Olive Garden unveiled the most significant menu evolution in its history by adding more than 20 items – all prepared with original cooking techniques to accentuate new flavors – that broaden the choice, variety and value offered to guests. The revised menu is designed to appeal to the evolving palates and preferences of guests while providing them with more options to customize their dining experience, whether at lunch or dinner.

Additionally, the Olive Garden has remodeled its Greenwood, Muncie, Anderson, Kokomo, Castleton Square Mall and East Washington Street locations. The restaurants now feature a more open, vibrant and up-to-date design with new artwork, fabrics, lighting, seating, countertops and flooring, as well as a stacked-stone entry tower displaying the new Olive Garden Italian Kitchen logo sign.

Last week my husband, Brett Sawyers,  Southsider Voice Associate Editor Scott Mohr and I were part of a private menu tasting at the Greenwood site.
Brett and Scott’s favorite entree was the salmon bruschetta, a grilled filet topped with fresh tomatoes and basil pesto and served atop a bed of seafood risotto with sautéed shrimp.

My favorites were the roasted tomato caprese salad topper, which featured fresh mozzarella bites, roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, basil, kale and an extra-virgin olive oil drizzle; and the Mediterranean flatbread, a concoction of basil pesto and olive oil, topped with a blend of four Italian cheeses, artichoke hearts, olives, capers, roasted red peppers and garlic. 
I actually fell in love with both.