Happy Thanksgiving!

My your day be filled with all the things and people you are thankful for!

I hope to see you tomorrow at the Little Red Studio's Bazaar. Come say "hi" and smell all the yummy things I have been making!

With so many amazing artists in our community here at Little Red Studio, we thought it might be a great idea to let them set up shop on the day after Thanksgiving! So if you love to shop for the holidays but want to avoid the corporate marketing and retail craziness, then consider coming around and seeing the fine art, crafts, jewelry and other handmade gifts on display.

We'll offer a cozy place to hang out, enjoy a dessert and coffee or hot chocolate, and of course shop for something special for yourself or others in your life.

Holiday Bazaar
Friday, November 28th - 12 Noon until 9PM
Hours: 12 Noon until 9PM
Location: 400 Dexter Ave N.
Admission is free

Little Red Day Spa Price List

Day Spa Kit - $50 (Includes scrub, oil, bubble bath, towel, salts, soap & candle.)

Salt Scrub - Large: $15
Small: $5

Massage Oil - Large: $12
Medium: $8
Small: $4

Bubble Bath - Large: $10
Small: $4

Body Mist - $8

Exfoliation Towel - $5

Bath Salts - $12

Soap - $5 per bar

Gift certificates - $80, $150 and up (Includes card and free bar of soap with purchase.)

Limited hours on Thanksgiving Day.

While talking with Courtnee about the Spa's schedule this week, she said:

I will totally do sessions on thanksgiving, too. Actually a session would be really lovely to do on thanksgiving, considering how thankful I am for that place.

So, to break with tradition, we will offer appointments this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. No same day appointments possible, though. Please make sure to call before 7pm Wednesday. After then, I'll be off duty until Friday at noon when I help out at the LRS Holiday Bazaar, or as Jeff has been referring to it, the "bizarre."

And while I echo Courtnee's thankfulness for both LRS and the Day Spa, I am going to enjoy family and friends and food. Whatever you are thankful for, I hope your week is wonderful and relaxing and fun.

Ladies' Spa Night reminder.

Tonight's Ladies' Spa Night is starting at 7pm instead of the usual 6pm. Because of these shortened hours, the entry fee is discounted.

Drop In: 7-9pm
Cost: $10
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

See you tonight!

Victorian Carollers!

One of Little Red Studio's prominent musicians, Heather Ward, is part of The Dickens Carollers, a professional, victorian-costumed Christmas caroling organization, performing in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and throughout the Puget Sound since 1978. Tomorrow starts off their season.

I have to admit, that no matter how many times I hear christmas carols sung in person, it doesn't lessen the joy that wells up inside. (Mind you, I'm not talking about that awful canned stuff that the mall plays during December. Ugggh!) My memory conjures visions and feelings of being crowded around the piano, singing carols at my grandmother's house. No one caring that the piano is a little out of tune or that half the words are garbled because not everyone can see the sheet music. Music has always been a huge part of my personal landscape and family history.

Here is the note that Heather sent out:

It's time for The Dickens Carollers season kick-off concert, which happens next Sunday, the 23rd in Bellevue at 7pm. Yes, it may seem early for Xmas music, but remember we've already been rehearsing since September! For those of us singing full-time, it may be your last chance to chat with us before New Year's Eve, too! And who can resist the appeal of fifty fine singers in Victorian costume coming together to sing the Hallelujah Chorus? I'd love to see you and sing for you, so I hope you get a chance to come out and join us. Beyond that, look for me in my green velvet, bonnet and muff at the mall, Market, or (my favorite) the Sorrento in the coming weeks.

Joyeaux Noel!

Heather Ward

Please go to their website for contact information.

Ladies' Spa Night News.

This coming Monday, November 24th, Ladies' Night is going to be abbreviated in length. There is a special private rental that isn't going to finish until 7pm. So Ladies' Night will be from 7 - 9pm with a discounted price of $10.

Another big change will take place after this Monday. Ladies' Spa Night is going to a once a month schedule and will be held on the first Monday of the month. This means that after November 24th, the next Ladies' Night will be on December 1st. I am hoping that it is the coming holidays that are impacting attendance and once we get into the new year that we will have the interest to extend ladies' Night to more than one night a month.

See you on Monday!

Practitioner changes.

David & Adele, the Tandem Bliss practitioners are no longer doing spa sessions at the Little Red Day Spa. Life has changed for them and I will miss the sweet energy they brought to the spa. I wish them well and will leave the door ajar for them to return, should they so desire. We will still offer the Tandem Bliss spa session, with a few minor adjustments, so if 2 practitioners working on you sounds like the luxury you would like to indulge in, you can give us a call at (206)963-0772 or email Sophia at HengstStudio.com

Coming into the fold is Dion, a wonderful massage therapist who has recently passed his Esthetics. He and I are working closely on designing a new spa session that will incorporate his skills in skin care. Perhaps a spa session that starts with a foot bath and foot massage, progresses to the hot tub for water contact massage, then back to land for a facial and finishing with a fully body salt scrub. More info soon!

A Sensual Repast at the Little Red Day Spa

Friday, November 21st @ 8PM
1506 Franklin Ave E.

As our schedules fill from the final push before year's end, we would like to invite you to take a moment to indulge & pamper yourself before we turn that energy to our loved ones. Our final repast of 2008 will be held on November 21st, 8pm at our day spa. Among other things, our own mezzo soprano diva will have an evening gown painted on her by LRS artist, Zan, during the evening at which point we will be serenaded with a few short opera favorites. Also, the cast of "Menage A Trois" will be joining the festivities late in the evening to celebrate the opening night of their show, making this a repast and a cast party all in one.

Menu

~Smoked Salmon

~Fresh Northwest Oysters

~Herbed Pasta & Mushrooms in Broth

~Spinach, Curry Rice with Pomegranates, Pistachios & Cilantro Yogurt

~Cardamom Pork Loin with Figs

~Flourless Chocolate Tort with Warm Ganache & Hand Made Vanilla Bean Ice Cream


Tickets are $100 per person, which includes all but gratuity. For more information or to purchase tickets please call our office at 206-328-4758.

As a reminder, no spa appointments will be scheduled after 5pm on Friday, November 21st, due to preparations for the Sensual Repast. And since we are talking of the schedule, Mondays and Tuesdays have become very busy days, but Wednesday and Thursday is wide open this week. If you are one of those people you doesn't always know their schedule a week in advance, next day appointments can be had this week.

Voicemail 1, Sophia 0

To the gentleman who called this afternoon about scheduling a couple's spa session, around 4:30pm today, please call again!

You spoke your phone number too fast. I have tried various alternate numbers and can't get through. Please call back and if I don't answer, please say your number slowly.

Thank you!!!!

Little Red Day Spa products for sale!

Many people have asked about buying my salt scrubs and essential oil blends so I am very excited about having some of my hand made spa products available for sale the day after Thanksgiving. The Little Red Studio is having a Holiday Bazaar on Friday, November 28th, at the new gallery located at 400 Dexter Ave. N. from 12pm until 9PM.

Here's what I am going to have out for you to choose from:

~3 different Salt Scrubs, Pomegranate Tangerine, Strawberry Vanilla Ginger and Pear Lemon Rosemary.

~Massage/body oils with various essential oils (blends for sore muscles, relaxing, etc...)

~Bath Salts, my special blend mixed with essential oils and fresh herbs.

~Day Spa Kits, includes salt scrub, bath salts, body/massage oil, bubble bath, hand crafted Soap from Suzanne, a beeswax votive candle and a special treat from Chef Kim.

~Custom essential oil blends for massage oil, perfume, air fresheners, and body mists. (I'll have my aromatherapy kit with me.

If there is anything else that we use in the spa you would be interested in, please send me an email: Sophia at HengstStudio.com.

Holiday Bazaar
Friday, November 28th - 12 Noon until 9PM

With so many amazing artists in our community here at Little Red Studio, we thought it might be a great idea to let them set up shop on the day after Thanksgiving! So if you love to shop for the holidays but want to avoid the corporate marketing and retail craziness, then consider coming around and seeing the fine art, crafts, jewelry and other handmade gifts on display.

We'll offer a cozy place to hang out, enjoy a desset and coffee or hot chocolate, and of course shop for something special for yourself or others in your life.

Hours: 12 Noon until 9PM
Location: 400 Dexter Ave N.
Admission is free

Mmmm... Vanilla!

I splurged and bought fresh vanilla beans. I have never been in possession of such a delectable, potent smelling substance. When I made the change to real vanilla extract after growing up in a family that only used the imitation vanilla extract, I thought that was heavenly. This far surpasses that in aroma.

In honor of these beans, I bought a brand new herb mill. (in reality, it's an electric coffee bean grinder.) After cutting open the pods and scraping out the seeds, I popped the pods into the mill with another whole bean and added them to a strawberry ginger salt scrub. The seeds and one whole other bean chopped up were deposited in a bottle of extra virgin olive oil to make a scented massage oil. Oh my, this is going to be truly decadent.

Two beans I put out to dry and I have yet to decide what to do with the other 5 beans. Do I make more product? Do I cook with them? Can I afford to buy more? Such wonderful dilemmas!

This week at the Day Spa and LRS.

This next week is a busy one! For me, especially, since I am involved with all the entities within the Little Red Studio family.

Tonight, Monday the 10th, is Ladies' Spa Night.

Every Monday!
Drop In: 6-9pm
Cost: $15
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
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 friends to pamper each other. For an extra fee, one can get a short massage during the evening from our massage therapist on staff.

Please call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia @ hengststudio.com for more information.

Tuesday, the 11th, is Art talk Night with Jeff Hengst and Veteran's Day. Join Jeff in the Spa from 7pm -10pm to talk about art, view his paintings and ask him questions.

Friday, the 14th, is an LRS Gold show. This one is very special to me and I will be going as a guest. One of my dearest guests at the spa joined the Little Red Studio last year after. In fact, I wrote a bit about him and his wife here.

Interesting the turn of events that have come to pass since then. He has blossomed in the most intriguing and wonderfully artistic way. He started painting the week after that first visit to the Spa. Joined the troupe, a few months later and started writing poetry soon after that. Now, he has just finished a one act play that will debut at this Gold Show!

I am very proud of him. Please join me this Friday evening to revel in his artistic ventures! Of course, there will be all manner of frolicking and beauty to enjoy in addition to his piece. Doors open at 8:30pm and show starts at 9pm.

Where: 400 Dexter Ave N.
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

Saturday, the 15th, is the opening night of the Obsidian Show. This is the project I have been working on over the summer. I have a relatively accomplished piece for me in that it is the first performance act that I have helped to create that has more than 2 people involved.

This visually captivating show will invite you to taste the many flavors of obsessive love. We'll explore the depths of passion and eroticism, as what truly motivates us - and you - is unmasked before your eyes. The Obsidian Show will exhibit rarely expressed polarities of love's pitch darkness, and its white hot light. Slicing to the core, cleanly, with a slick grace, this mesmerizing show will leave you a just a little off balance.

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 at our offices and gallery at 400 Dexter Ave. N. and we will escort you over to the main space as we prepare to begin the evening.

Where: 400 Dexter Ave N.
How Much: $30
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or reserved by calling (206) 328-4758

And to close out the week, Richard will be hosting Men's Spa Night on Sunday the 16th.

1st and 3rd Sundays!
Drop In: 7- 10pm
Cost: $15
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle
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 friends to pamper each other. For an extra fee, one can get a short massage during the evening from our massage therapist on staff.

Spa Night Tomorrow!

I wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow's Spa Night is an evening open to all genders and persuasions to enjoy the Little Red Day Spa. I will be hosting with yummy eats from Chef Kim.

And if you are so inclined, the Little red studio Poetry Posse is having their weekly open mic in the "Upper Studio" (two doors up the hill from the spa.) Sign up starts at 6:30pm and readings start at 7:01pm. Those just wanting to enjoy the readings are always welcome. After the open mic, feel free to join us at Spa Night!

Open Spa Night - 2nd and 4th Sundays!

7- 10pm
Cost: $20
Little Red Day Spa
1506 Franklin Ave. E. Seattle

This is a catered evening for couples and singles of all genders to pamper themselves or just lounge in the Little Red Studio's spa. There will be massage tables set up, a body mud station, salt scrubs and watsu in the hot tub. A practitioner will be on hand to facilitate use of the equipment and help you feel at home in the spa. Short massages or watsu will be available for an additional fee. Clothing optional.

Please park on the street, leaving the spaces in the parking lot for those with mobility issues.

Call 206-963-0772 or e-mail Sophia@hengststudio.com for more information.

Beautiful music!

The Little Red studio had a new troupe member orientation this evening, and at the same time, rehearsal for the music show, A Night in Venice, was being held. The voices making the music wafting down the hall were sublime. Having that music as our meeting's soft soundtrack was a real treat. Even home now, the sounds are still uplifting me and running through my head.

It's times like these that are truly special, those little pockets of unexpected beauty and art. If you have an evening open, and you enjoy the lushness of modern Italian classical music, consider attending A Night in Venice.

Little Red Studio
A Night in Venice: Concert
Friday, November 7th @ 8PM

Little Red Studio presents A Night in Venice: a concert (and party) of classic Italian music, art, coffee and desserts. The evening will feature acclaimed pianist Arthur Kostuk, Anna Mansbridge and dancers from the Seattle Academy of Baroque Opera, plus arias and madrigals from Little Red Studio vocalists Christina Dietrich and Heather Ward and guests.

400 Dexter Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109
Doors open at 7:30, concert begins at 8:00.
Admission is $20.

Join us for this relaxed and elegant chamber concert and transport your senses to the salons of bella Venezia...

You may reserve tickets by calling (206) 328-4758 or buy them online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Go vote!

I know everyone is talking about it, but this is important. It doesn't matter who you vote for, as long as you think about it and vote your conscience.

Jeff has a policy that politics don't enter into the Little Red Studio and that's a good policy. The only caveat I would add is that it is good to acknowledge that everyone has politics that, like ethics, shape their lives and views of the world. You can't completely escape it, but last night, during Ladies' Spa Night, it was sure nice to have an oasis to relax in, away from all the political talk.

Now please pardon me, I have to get back to reading my voter pamphlet so I can finish voting. KEXP, a local Seattle public radio station, has been playing some very fun music for voting. I'll be taking advantage of the ballot drop boxes as a way to transition myself to the mail in voting. I'm already missing going to the polling place.

Go vote!

Reminders about scheduling.

Email is a great way to start the process of setting up a spa session at the Little Red Day Spa. However, unless you have become a regular at the spa, I will still need to talk with you on the phone to put your session on the schedule. Including your phone number in your email will make the process go faster. I really enjoy using email, but there are often too many things that I need answers to for it to be efficient, especially for first time guests.

Please don't let me put you off from contacting me via email. It's a great way to touch base with someone when I am really busy. if it's a quick question, I can read and type out an email faster than I can check voicemail and call you back.

And since I am on the subject of contacting me, when you call the Day Spa, make sure to leave me a message. When I am in session, I don't answer the phone. so leaving me a message is the best way to get in touch with someone. I keep a little list of calls to be returned by my desk and fit them in all day long until I get back to everyone.

And if you don't like leaving messages, just on principle, do not say to me "Finally! A real person!" when I do have a chance to answer the phone. That is one of my pet peeves. One day, we'll be a big enough business so that I can have someone answer the phones 10am -6pm, every day. Soon, I promise. It's on my list.

While I may have spa sessions that end later in the evening, I do not answer the phone after 7pm. I will also not call you after 7pm unless you specifically say I can in your phone message, or you are calling about a time sensitive issue. And even then, all my customer service training won't permit me to make a business call after 8pm. I grew up working in my family's bookstore so these habits were ingrained at a young age.

Thanks for reading my little house-keeping messages. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!