Monday, June 30, 2008

A New Week Starts...

What an incredible weekend, weather and other wise! I went to the Pride Parade yesterday and rode with the "Dykes on Bike" contingent to start the parade. It was a lot of fun, especially since we started the parade, that meant I could go watch the rest of the floats and enjoy the parade as well as be in it!

I am doing my best not to complain about the heat. Luckily, coming to work is a blessing. The Spa is so nice in the summer. Since it is located under the freeway, sun doesn't hit the side of the building until late in the afternoon, so it stays comfortably cool until the evening. I still actually run the heat a little in the morning for the first appointment so it's a cozy temperature. Another reason to like coming to work.

This week is shaping up to be fairly busy between here and LRS. Tonight is Ladies' Night at the Spa. I am turning the hot tub down a bit. However, it heats up fast and if people want to have a hot soak, it will be easy to accommodate to the room's tastes. As usual, I will be here from 7pm until 10pm. Cost is $10 to get in an I have a limited number of spots for short massages for an additional $10.

Saturday the 5th at 9pm is the last Psychedelic Show at LRS. This is an wonderful show with an amazing closing aerials act by Beverly Rose, lead instructor of Versatile Arts. You can get your tickets online or call (206)328-4758 for reservations to pay at the door.

Sunday the 6th is Men's Spa Night with Richard Jessup. Please remember to email him your reservations for a short watsu or shiatsu session, otherwise, drop in between 7pm and 10pm for $10.

Friday, June 27, 2008

An LRS show for music Lovers!

In two weeks, on July 11th, Little Red Studio presents A Night In Paris: A concert (and party) of 19th and 20th century French music, art, coffee and desserts.

The program will feature acclaimed pianist Arthur Kostuk and Little Red Studio's own Christina Dietrich, as well as other special guest artists. Kostuk will play works by Chopin, Debussy and Cesar Franck. Dietrich will sing French torch songs by Kosma, Piaf, Brel and Monnot, and arias by Massenet, Bizet, and Delibes.

Doors open at 7:30 pm. Concert begins at 8:00 pm. Admission is $20. Desserts are complimentary and made especially for this evening by Chef Kim. Espresso service and no host wine bar.

Enjoy a relaxed and yet elegant evening of great French modern classics and a salon-like atmosphere.

Where: 750 Harrison Street

How Much: $20

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

For a truly decadent evening, consider scheduling a spa session before the show.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

New Seasonal Spa Session

We've turned down the heat in the hot tub to a pleasant 97 degrees, and made the spa into an adaptable oasis, suitable for Seattle summers. Even on the hottest days, the Spa stays cool and it's amazing how refreshing floating in the hot tub is when the water is just a few degrees cooler than body temperature.

I present our new seasonal offering!

Summer Breeze Spa Session

Feel yourself uplifted by the light scent of Peppermint while getting your feet washed and rubbed in a warm foot bath. A quick shower to get you ready to be floated into oblivion in our spacious hot tub. All your stress and worries are drained away by the swirling water and your attentive practitioner. After being deposited back on dry land, you'll enjoy a hot oil body treatment, breezily scented with Rosemary, Lavender and Sage. Fresh Pineapple Sea Salt scrub will enliven your skin, which you will shower off in our custom shower, emerging refreshed and rejuvenated.
Singles or Couples: 90 minutes - $150. 120 minutes - $200.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Yay for sun!


Sorry the updates have been a little sparse. I have been enjoying the sun now that it is finally here.

Last Sunday we had our 2nd Couples' Spa Night. Due to the turn-out, I am going to be asking for reservations from this point on. I am a little embarrassed to say that I didn't have enough food on hand. I will be taking reservations until 5pm the day of the Couples' Night. This will ensure that I have plenty of time should a last minute shopping trip be necessary, yet still allow people to be impulsive about their evening plans.

Reservations for Couples' Spa Night on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month can be made via email (Sophia at HengstStudio.com) or by leaving a message at (206)963-0772. Thank you for your understanding and working with the new system.

**Photo by Jodeen Vance

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Couples' Spa Night tomorrow!

Couples' Spa Night - 2nd and 4th Sundays!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $25 per couple
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. I will be present to make you feel welcome and facilitate use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your beloved to pamper each other. I can also teach you how to do some basic Watsu so you can float your partner.

Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information. No reservations required at this time.

In the meantime, I hope you are getting a chance to check out the Fremont Solstice Fair. I just spent the morning watching the parade and having a grand time with friends.

Friday, June 20, 2008

A small taste.

Here is a quick and dirty video of part of our dress rehearsal we did this week for this Saturday's coming White Show at the Little Red Studio. It's always so helpful to be able to see an act on video when you are working on it. I thought it would be fun to share, as I have tried to explain to various people what kind I performance I do at the Studio. I think this can give an idea of the performance, though it doesn't give away any of the surprises.

Oh, and we kinda had to be bad with the music. The LRS band, Red Delicious, weren't available to help us out with the music on the video. (Key band members missing.) So that's why we went with Henry Connick, Jr's version of "Swinging on a Star." He does a nice job, but Heather, our singer is infinitely better in that her voice matches the feel of our piece so perfectly. For the music alone you should come to the show on Saturday. Hopefully, we will get that music track swapped out soon.



When: Saturday, June 21st
Where: 750 Harrison Street
How Much: $30
More Info & Reservations: (206) 328-4758
Tickets online: Brown Paper Tickets

Thursday, June 19, 2008

The Next Couples' Night

This Sunday, June 22nd, will be our second Couples' Spa Night. One thing I hadn't thought through was the fact that we only have 8 robes at the Spa, and we sometimes have more than 8 people at our open Spa Nights. I would suggest that if you are planning on attending Couples' Night and prefer to wear a robe, rather than go nude, that you bring a robe. Of course, if you forget, don't worry about it. There are towels aplenty to go around.

(Which reminds me, during clothing optional events, hygienic etiquette dictates sitting on a towel rather than directly on furniture.)

I got a copy of a lovely email from a gentleman who attended last Couples' Night and then wrote about it to an email list. He graciously gave me permission to share it.

It was a wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating experience. It was everything we needed; warm, inviting, decadent and soothing.

Really, this is a wonderful way to unwind from a busy weekend and set yourself up for a good night's sleep before returning to your regular weekly grind.

I highly recommend it. We are definitely returning.


Date: Sunday, 6/22/08 (every 2nd and 4th Sunday)
Cost: $10
Location: 1506 Franklin Ave. E
Hours: 7pm - 10pm, drop in, no reservations necessary

Call 206-963-0772 for information or directions.
Please park on the street, as there is limited parking in our lot.
We would like to reserve that parking for guests with mobility issues.
( Do not park within the yellow lines.)

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Mud Bath Vs. Mud Treatments

Our Mud Body Treatment goes by the name Sculptural Clay Spa Session. There is no pool of mud in the Spa. Sorry. It's a very decadent treatment, but a pool of hot mud, bubbling ceaselessly, while person after person gets in and out of the it is not going to happen until Jeff gives me a Spa Lackey.

The biggest reason we do out mud sessions the way we do is because of the premise that art and the creative process are healing and rejuvenating. When a couple comes in and chooses a session with clay, I always encourage them to apply the clay to each other. (As opposed to having the clay massaged in my a practitioner separately.) We get the shower set up with the warm, scented clay is close at hand. A few painter's tarps and then let them go at it! It has an amazingly gentle texture and feels wonderful when you embrace and slide over another clay covered person. Yes, I have tried it. I love that I have to do so much product testing here at the spa.

The clay we use is bought from Seattle Pottery Supply and we blend in our own essential oils. Since we began the Sculptural Clay sessions, we have tried a few different types and styles of clay and slip, looking for that perfect texture. Engaging the staff at Seattle Pottery Supply usually made the selection process much more interesting. Every time I get a new staff person helping me, we always have to go through the same conversation that starts "You're going to do *what* with it?!" It's quite fun to explain and I always end up getting more information of different styles to try. At the moment, we have settled on using the Sun Ya casting slip, which is a soft gray color with smooth texture.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Enjoying the Sun.

Today the sun was wonderful and warm. I took advantage of the extra hour before the start of Ladies' Spa Night to go once around Green Lake and sit in the park eating ice cream.

Just want to put my two cents in to remind everyone to take care of their skin in the sunnier weather. Start out with small doses of sunshine to give your skin a chance to produce melanin, your body's natural sunscreen. My tactic for protecting my skin at the beginning of the summer is to go without sunscreen lotion for the first 15-30 minutes and then apply liberally if I stay out in the sun. That way my body builds it's own resistance to UV rays without burning. Now, my skin is olive toned, and I have rarely endured a sunburn, as I tan easily and quickly. If you have paler skin, then this routine probably will not work for you at all.

Another factor to be aware of is whether you are taking any medications that affect your skin's reaction to UV exposure. There are some medications that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make sure to do a quick check of any herbs or other supplements you are taking, too. A great reference guide (besides MedicalNet.com)is the book Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch.

Remember to have fun!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Men's Night Tonight!

After you enjoy the sun today, make sure to relax at the Little Red Day Spa with Richard from 7-10pm. Every 1st and 3rd Sunday evening you can spend $10 to soak and scrub your way to relaxation. Short watsu and shiatsu sessions available for an addition fee.

Info: Call Richard directly at (206)370-0423
Cost: $10
Location: 1506 Franklin Ave. E
Hours: 7pm - 10pm, drop in, no reservations necessary
Call 206-963-0772 for information or directions.
Please park on the street, as there is limited parking in our lot.
We would like to reserve that parking for guests with mobility issues.
( Do not park within the yellow lines.)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

LRS Gold Show this Friday

Featuring the Spa's own Courtnee doing aerials!

Our classic show at The Little Red Studio is a intimate, interactive theatrical event with an erotic theme held at our sumptuous venue here in Seattle.

The performances you will see at the Gold Show are created and performed by members of our Troupe and brought together in one rehearsal the evening before the show. Always creative, often amazing - you'll love the surprises that await!

A no-host wine bar will be supplied by Serafina Restaurant.

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 at our offices and gallery at 406 Dexter Ave. N. and we will escort you over to the main space as we prepare to begin the evening.

Where: 750 Harrison Street

How Much: $30

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

For Readers and Booklovers

I grew up working in my mother's bookstore. A nice family run business where us kids were paid in books. (And if I was really careful and didn't bend the spine, I could borrow a book from time to time!) As you can guess, I have always been a voracious reader.

Today, I received and invite from one of my spa practitioners to join Good Reads. I just spent the last 2 hours searching around, reading reviews and entering my favorite books. Maybe not directly spa related, but definitely arts related. Enjoy, but don't say I didn't warn you!

Monday, June 9, 2008



Ta da! The new salt scrub is fresh Pineapple with essential oils of Eucalyptus and Myrrh. It smells quite summery. I am hoping that by surrounding myself with all these summer smells will hold me over until the weather notices what month it is.

This was much trickier than I thought, coming up with a blend with pineapple as the base. I had a few ideas and it turned out that none of them smelled even remotely pleasant. Having invited a few extra noses over while I was making the scrub turned out to be an even better idea than I had thought. Not only was I able to enjoy some grand company, one of my guests really made the contribution to the blend that made it sing. Ben, the current host of Little Red Studio's Sunday Poetry Open Mic, almost badgered me to try combining the Eucalyptus with the pineapple. The combination didn't sound appealing, but I have learned from experience that might not matter.

Up to the time that I encouraged Ben to sniff his way through my collection of essential oils, I had settled on using Myrrh. It was nice paired with the pineapple, but not spectacular. Adding the Eucalyptus into the mix catapulted the aroma into the realm of the spectacular.

The new scrub was very well received at yesterday's Couple's Night. Ladies, you get your chance to indulge tonight! Remember, Ladies' Spa Night begins at it's new time of 7pm. Hopefully, you will have some sunshine to enjoy before coming to visit. Remember, cost is $10, with short massages available for an extra fee. Clay, Salt scrub and hot tub will be ready and waiting for you to drop in between 7 and 10pm.

Call (206)9630772, check the website or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com for more information.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Couples' Spa Night is Tonight!

Grab your sweetie and come by the Little Red Day Spa to soak and relax from 7pm - 10pm. We will have massage tables set up, the hot tub open and the new salt scrub flavor will be unveiled, too!

Cost: $25 per couple (no singles)
Where: Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle, WA

Go to our website for more details. or call me at (206)963-0772.

Oh, and if you are an artist with erotic themed works, consider submitting to “Summers Heat.” This show is the first annual show of its kind in Everett. The organizer wanted to give novice artists a chance to explore and create this kind of art and have somewhere to show it.

Show Dates: Saturday, August 2nd, 5:00 – 10:00 PM (Opening party.)
Sunday August 3rd from 1:00 till 5:00

For more information please contact
Event Curator: Shana at: sirens.cove@gmail.com

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Little Red Studio's The Psychedelic Show -Tonight!

Our third themed LRS show takes us into the realm of the Psychedelic...and we're not just talking tie-dye! This show will take you on a journey of transformation and transcendence, exploration and self-discovery...all while entertaining you with the sexiest performers in town. Visionary artwork, psychedelic music, blacklight body painting, yoga, dance, aerials, and the most far-out dessert piece we've ever done - all of this and more awaits you at the LRS Psychedelic show.

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 at our offices and gallery at 406 Dexter Ave. N. and we will escort you over to the main space as we prepare to begin the evening.

Where: 750 Harrison Street

How Much: $30

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

Friday, June 6, 2008

New things all the time.

The scented massage oil has been changed to Rosemary, Lavender and Sage. It's very light and breezy smelling. I thought that a fitting summer scent.

And if you saw my last post about the casting call for Little Red Studio's Erotic Shorts, you just may see me there. Kerry, LRS' Theatrical Director talked me into reading for a part. I think I need to go lie down. The thought of acting is a bit overwhelming. I guess I shouldn't have said never, eh?

I'm off to eat fabulous BBQ over at the Harrison St. venue. I stopped by earlier today and Chef Kim informed me that he is making more food than they had reservations for, so come on down if you are looking for good food and good art tonight! Starts at 8pm and goes until 1am. Hope to see you there!

Ever wanted to act? Or be part of LRS?

The Little Red Studio will be holding auditions for our next production of Erotic Shorts from noon to 4pm this Sunday, June 8th.

Erotic Shorts, as you may know from past incarnations, is a collection of short erotic plays put together for a 3 night run. This particular production will take place on July 25, 26 and 27th at 9PM.


Auditions will be held on Sunday, June 8th from 12-4pm at 750 Harrison Street and on Wednesday, June 11th from 7-10pm at 750 Harrison Street. You do not need to attend both auditions.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the scripts.

Rehearsal schedules will be scheduled with the director, based on cast and space availability.

If you're interested in auditioning for this fun show, please call (206) 328-4758 or email Kerry at HengstStudio.com for more information.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Couple's Spa Night is this Sunday, the 8th!

The Little Red Day Spa is now offering a Couples' Spa Night hosted by Sophia, every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

These nights are designed to be a casual and social evening. There will be a practitioner present to make you feel welcome and facilitate use of the spa's equipment. There will be areas set up for clay, salt scrubs and massage for you and your sweetie to pamper each other. During the last part of the evening, there will be short lessons on how to float your partner

Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information. No reservations required at this time.

Cost: $25 per couple (no singles)
Time: 7pm - 10pm, drop in
Location: 1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle (map)

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

"Break the Mold" - White Linen BBQ & Open Mic Friday the 6th at 8pm

This Friday, after I close up shop at the Spa, I'll be heading over to the Harrison St. space to join in the fun. (I do have a few Friday evening appointments available.) Mmmmm, making art and enjoying good food. Should be a good combination.

A few years ago, I helped Jeff cast sculptures for the Seattle Erotic art Festival's Auction dinner center pieces. It was surprisingly easy and fun. I am excited to get a chance to be a part of an venerated art tradition.

Hope to see you there!

~~~~~~
Jeff and Chef Kim are working together to create a very unique early summer event. On Friday June 6th Jeff will be setting molds and casting in concrete and plaster some of his favorite cast sculptures. During the evening these molds will be opened and re-cast. You can even roll up your sleeves and help.

While the new sculptures are being revealed, Chef Kim will be preparing a high end Bar-B-Que. The menu will include: BBQ Chicken & Pork Spare Ribs in a classic tangy sauce, Corn on the Cobb, Grilled Vegetable Salad, Black Bean Chipotle Salad, Fresh Fruit, Corn Bread, and an Ice Cream Sunday Bar.

Many of the Little Red Studio troupe will be on hand to perform at the Open Mic segments of the evening and you are welcome to join in as well. There will also be dancing and great desserts until late.

No Host Wine/Beer Bar

The sculptures that are made that day will all be for sale. Our goal is to sell everything we cast!

Date:
Friday, June 06, 2008 8:00 PM

Location:
Little Red Studio
750 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109

Info and Reservations:
(206) 328-4758

Online Tickets:
Brown Paper Tickets

maybe a product line?

Jeff had a great meeting with the reps of LuLu's Raw Chocolate Alchemy recently. There is some talk about carrying their product line at the spa. They gave us a jar of Luscious Body Butter as a sample and I am going to have it available for use this Sunday during the Couple's Spa night. The price for using it is giving me explicit feedback regarding it's smell, texture, and taste.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Trying something new.

I was contacted by the people at MyMoodMaker.com about becoming a part of their networking site. I am going to be completely honest with you in that I am a little wary of giving them a whole hearted endorsement. However, their goal is admirable: to provide "good info and useful products ranging from spicy to mild, that help women meet the challenge of obtaining a satisfying sex life."

So please consider this a "hey, go check it out, you might find something you like there" type of endorsement. When you sign up, let them know you found out about them through the Little Red Day Spa. Also, let me know what you think of them.

Here's a little more about them.

MyMoodMaker.com is dedicated to supporting busy women as they try to find the time and energy to get in the mood for intimacy. As a female owned and operated organization, Mood Maker recognizes the challenges and distractions women face when attempting to maintain rewarding intimate relationships. We provide fast and easy access to material that will stimulate your mind and encourage your passionate side. Modern women can struggle with balancing work, family and romance. Often there seems to be no time or energy for sexual desire in our relationships.

Monday, June 2, 2008

too much to do!

A lot is going on at the Little Red Studio right now, and I have to admit that it is cutting into my time here at the spa. Good thing my boss owns both of these ventures I am involved in. He understands sometimes one has to supersede the other.

Men's Night was full to bursting last night! This evening is now so popular that Richard is going to be asking for reservations from anyone who wants a watsu or shiatsu session during the evening. You can call him at (206) 370-0423 or email him at jessupdances at netzero.net. He also has an email list, so if you contact him, please be sure to give him your info so you can get more direct information about future Men's Nights. Remember, Men's Spa Night is the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 7pm - 10pm. The cost is $10 and mini Shiatsu sessions are an additional fee.

Effective next Monday, June 9th, Ladies' Night will begin at 7pm. Everything else will be the same; cost is $10, mini massages are an extra fee, and women can drop-in until 10pm. Enjoy the long days!

Ok, back to the grind! I got 2 lovely, ripe pineapples that need my attention.