Everyone Needs a Night Out!

  Just got back from an awesome evening out in Chelsea.  We started the evening off with a trip to Mule Skinners. 
http://www.muleskinnerboots.com/  


Isn't this beautiful?!

 This is a little shop right on Main.  Bill Conn (the owner) makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door!  It's just as entertaining to chat with Bill as it is to shop for boots!  This is ALWAYS our first stop on a trip to Chelsea!  Handcrafted leather boots are their specialty, but don't overlook Bills own creations, the handmade gun holsters!!  Truly a work of art!  Long story short, we walked out with 2 new pairs of boots, and a pair of sheepskin slippers for me!!  :)  On the walk back to the car, the packages were heavy, but the wallet was light!  Worth every penny.

Enough shopping, the show's about to start!  Headed off to the Purple Rose Theater.
http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/

 Just a block down from Mule Skinners, we met my in laws to see The Purple Rose's latest production, "Corktown".  A story of friendship, romance and organized crime in the "D"!  The show was fantastic!!  I haven't been to a bad show there.  What is the Purple Rose?  A small theater founded by Jeff Daniels.  Chelsea is Daniels' hometown.  Great place for so many reasons. It showcases Michigan playwrights, and actors.  There is NEVER a bad seat!  Five rows on three sides of the stage.  And compared to the cost of seeing a show at the FOX?  Well, there's no comparison!  We can actually afford to bring the kids... and have!  What a great introduction to live theater

 

  
When the show was over, we walked down to The River Gallery.  My father in law moved the car from one lot, to a spot in front of the Gallery.  THIS was an EVENT!  As my husband and I stood and watched, he spent the next (seemingly) 15 minutes perfecting the art of parallel parking!  This also entertained the gals inside the gallery who came out to give some good natured harassment!  I knew then that I liked them!! 
http://chelsearivergallery.com/


Love walking along Main in Chelsea!
 Beautiful old school storefronts.

   The gallery sits right next door to Mule Skinners, convenient, right?  I've stopped in before, they always seem to find the coolest artists to display!  Great gallery, very open, lots of natural light and an inviting staircase.  I know, random, but I really do like a good staircase!  Tonight I was able to linger and chat with the ladies who call River Gallery their own.  Loved the hospitality.  (and the Chardonnay!)  I soo like making new friends!  Thoroughly enjoyed sharing my love of henna with them.  I look forward to making some Chelsea feet pretty for the summer!  Hmmm...I want to move!

 




The only thing that could top off such an enjoyable evening would be dinner at The Common Grill!
http://www.commongrill.com/

My girlfriend Lena and her husband Mike introduced us to The Common Grill several years ago.  Since then, it has become my favorite!!  The Common Grill has a great atmosphere without feeling pretentious.  For the most part, it's dress casual, but you'll feel comfortable in jeans.  The food is great!  Reasonably priced for the quality.  Lots of yummy seafood.  Mark loves the Creme Brulee!!  I hesitate to let Lena know when I've gone without her, because I know she'll say... "I wanted to go!!!  Why didn't you call?!"

  A quiet car ride home with some great jazz on the radio to get us there.  Beautiful theater, food, art, craftsmanship and conversation!  My spirit is renewed!!
  Good night!



 

Henna Party! What's a Henna Party? I Wanna Have a Henna Party...

   Henna has been used for centuries in parts of the world where Henna is commonly grown.  It is native to the middle east and parts of Asia.  The application and use of Henna isn't limited to one religion or group.  It has been used by Jews, Christians, Muslims and others, most often in celebration. 
   We are probably most familiar with "Night of Henna".  This is when an Indian bride is adorned with Henna on the night before her wedding.  I like this tradition!  The bride and her bridal party are all hennaed for the celebration.  The artwork on the bride is typically very ornate, forcing the bride to sit still and relax for quite some time while being pampered.  It also takes a while to dry.  Refreshments would be served.  It was an "old school" girls night out!  It was a time for women to bond and share.  Step away from their busy lives and relax together.  Imagine a spa day with all of your best girlfriends! 

Mandy puts on a GREAT party!  Choosing designs...wine and henna, does it get any better?

...and the food?  AWESOME!

Pretty feet for summer!

   In the West, we put our own spin on things.  Women have always led very busy lives, some things never change!  The balance between work and family isn't easy.  Who doesn't need some pampering and down time with good friends?!  Anytime is a good time to relax, unwind and celebrate!  A Henna party is as much about atmosphere as it is about the Henna.  Incense, candles, and good music add to the experience.  I supply the atmosphere and henna, you supply the friends!  Remember, where there was joy, there was henna!

 

These Aren't Your Mother's Nails!

In addition to being a sign of fertility, hennaed hands were also very practical. Historically, those in agricultural societies would henna the hands, including the nails. Henna has anti~bacterial and anti~fungal properties, as well as being cooling on the skin. The henna stain would protect the nail and cuticle while working the earth.

It is used by Ayurvedic physicians (traditional Indian, holistic practitioners) for skin irritations such as heat rashes, skin allergies and to cool the body during the intense heat of summer. Because of this cooling property, henna leaves and flowers are made into lotions and ointments to be used externally for boils, bruises, and skin inflammations , including sores from leprosy.

In our modern culture, we still paint our nails, but acrylic and lacquer are our adornment of choice! Just recently, my mother had her nails done (tips and all), and developed a fungal infection after visiting a salon new to her. Hmm!!! She should have had them hennaed!

Like so many traditional customs, not only was it beautiful, but functional as well!

Beautiful!!

Not so much!!  lol!

Birthday Henna!

At a Henna party just last weekend, for a group of girls between 14 and 16, I was asked if my Henna was black. Henna should never be black!! Harsh chemicals used to create black henna can have scarring effects on the skin. En-Gedi uses only safe, all natural Henna and essential oils. Read more here...
http://hennatribe.org/ppd.php
That having been said, everyone had a good time.  What a great group of girls!!  Much fun, laughter, and henna!!

The Henna Tent

Ohhh...I think I'm adicted!  It's already 1:30 a.m. and here I am posting!  This is video I shot last year at Lathrup Village's Art in the Park.  It was the debut of the Henna Tent and I was sooo pleased at the way it turned out.  The decor generated much intrest.  No, I wasn't selling pillows, and no, I'm not giving massages!  But it did get them to come in and check it out!  Some people felt so comfortable, they didn't want to leave! I have a few more things to add this year. 
  Maralee Rosemond and her staff at the rec. dept. did a fantastic job!  (As usual)  Maralee is such a pro!  All artists were treated like royalty.  And despite everyone having to break down Sunday afternoon at 1:00, due to a tonado sighting, it really was a good time!  It was great to see everyone dashing around to help fellow crafters and artist get their stuff into the adjacent city hall and under cover.  All soaking wet from rain!

A Work in Progress!

For some time now I have been wanting to blog!  I have my favorite haunts online and have always enjoyed what others have had to share.  I look forward to doing some sharing of my own.  The first step has been learning to navigate my blog and, most importantly, make it feel like a welcome stop!  So, bear with me as I get my feet wet.  Here's to new friends!

Tracy