Living Beautifully at the Intersection of Creativity + Joy
Hello my friends!
Welcome to the Style issue of Mount Clemens City Lifestyle, where we celebrate the artistry and creativity that define our community. The stories and photos within capture the joy of living beautifully.
Our cover story takes you on a tour of the newly remodeled Chaos Studio Salon + Spa, a haven of rustic bohemian chic. Owner Jenn Magri's curated space showcases her unique style: whimsy and elegance coexisting in perfect harmony. From the limewashed stone exterior to the handcrafted decor, every detail highlights Jenn's passion for design, and her commitment to creating a sanctuary of style-rific serenity.
What would autumn be without the cultural crescendo of the year, ArtParty at the Anton Art Center? This gala is more than an event; it's a celebration of the artistic spirit that defines Macomb County. We cordially invite you to an evening of dazzling art, culinary delights, stylish attire, and live music. Don't miss the annual night our community unites in its desire to support the life-affirming impact of the arts.
I had the pleasure of staying at Indiana's French Lick Resort, the subject of our Luxury Vacation Destination article. From the moment I stepped into the opulent lobby with its gold leaf moldings and sparkling chandeliers, I was transported to a world of grandeur and elegance. It's an experience I hope transfers to you as you read. A note to aficionados of Mount Clemens history: French Link Resort also has a Bath Era past.
Finally, if you're hosting a fall gathering this month, you'll impress your guests with our ways to Dress Up Your Drink and take your mixology to the next level.
As we chronicle the creativity and elegance that shape our town’s unique aesthetic, may these pages inspire you to embrace your own personal style, and find joy in your unique self-expression. Here’s to elevating your life with grace, sophistication, and a touch of glamour.
With warm regards,
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kevin Shea | kevinshea56@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cate Marian, Michelle Moody
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Michelle Moody
KIMBERLY JANOWICZ, PUBLISHER @MOUNTCLEMENSCITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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inside the issue
French Lick Resort offers experiences for all types of travelers Featured 12 18 24 30
ArtParty’s ‘Starry Night’
You, dear reader, are cordially invited to this star-studded event
Dress Up Your Drink
These beautiful beverages are sure to turn heads
Tour Chaos’s Whimsical Flow
Inside the new Chaos Studio Salon + Spa’s remarkable renovation
Luxury Travel Destination
This lively and intricate mural, which graces a wall of the new Chaos Studio Salon + Spa building, was hand-drawn and painted by Chaos owner Jenn Magri.
Kevin Shea
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Wade, Alex, and Jeff warmly welcome guests to the 2024 Crocker House Garden Walk Tour. 2: St.
Catholic Church Garden Club.
Leslie, Carolyn, Michael, Judy, Theresa, and Linda. 3: Vibrant dahlias flourish at the foot of the St. Peter statue. 4: Hall of Famers Boni and Ray Trahan, past winners of Grand Yard of the Year. 5: Aaron Werthmann and his beloved dog Bentley enjoy the cool shade of his maple tree. 6: Mary and John Honsel’s backyard: a perfect retreat for dinner, Tigers games, and blooming bliss. 7: Blending hues of pink and purple, this hydrangea graces the garden with vibrant, serene beauty.
Peter’s
L-R:
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8: Concrete bird bath graces a shade garden, nestled amidst lush ferns for a tranquil retreat. 9: Jennifer and Emily cultivate a garden blending edibles, medicines, and beauty for a holistic touch. 10: Nonna’s Garden: Paul Palazzolo’s 1970’s multi-tiered oasis with a bridge, crafted for his wife, Mary. 11: Three weathered birdhouses on a garden bench create a charming, rustic vignette of nature’s serenity. 12: Enchanting mosaic gazing ball with glass butterflies adds whimsical charm to any garden space. 13: Michael Bewley and Denise Winter’s backyard blooms with stone pathways, wildflowers, lilies, and red crocosmia. 14: Beloved by pollinators, Black-eyed Susans make this urban garden glow with their golden-yellow beauty. Photography by Kimberly Janowicz
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ARTPARTY’S ‘STARRY NIGHT’
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA
YOU, DEAR READER, ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THIS STAR-STUDDED EVENT
Connoisseurs of culture, you are cordially invited to the highlight of Macomb County’s social calendar, a night of art, food, and fun: the 33rd annual ArtParty at the Anton Art Center, sponsored by First State Bank.
ArtParty 2024 will leave you starry-eyed, with a celestial theme and an array of artistic and culinary experiences.
The evening kicks off with ‘Taste of Macomb County:' you'll sample delicious dishes from the area's top restaurants and caterers. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves a good meal, this is your chance to indulge in the finest local flavors.
CONTINUED >
Culinary delights are just the beginning. As the night unfolds, you’ll witness muralist Chazz Originalz turn a blank canvas into a vibrant work of art before your very eyes, creating a mural from scratch in a captivating live demonstration.
Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations will provide the music. Denise says ArtParty is unique because of the warmth of its organizers. “It’s hard in my business to find people so friendly and hospitable,” she says. “Mount Clemens folks are trying to build long-lasting connections.”
ArtParty's theme for 2024 is ‘Starry Night,’ inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic painting and augmented by Axalta’s Automotive Color of the Year, a dynamic black with flecks of light blue and silver serendipitously named ‘Starry Night.’ It’s perfect for showing off your on-theme attire under the moonlit sky. Perhaps an outfit that glitters like the stars above?
Adding prestige to the gala is Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, ArtParty’s Honorary Chair. Mark says he looks forward to ArtParty every year. “Sometimes you go to events where you feel, ‘Can we just get this over with?’” Mark remarks. “This one, you don’t leave until the lights are turned off and you’re shooed out of the place.”
Expect more than just food and music—the constellation of events includes other live art demonstrations, interactive activities and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from ArtParty provide local artists with opportunities to promote and sell their works, fund art classes, and support outreach programs across Macomb County, all in support of the Anton’s mission: to provide access to experiences that enrich all people through creative expression.
“ArtParty helps us share the important role art plays in our community,” says Matt Matthews, executive director of the Art Center.
“First State Bank’s mission is to help the communities we serve thrive,” adds First State Bank’s CMO Amy Persyn. “Art Party is a great way for us to support the arts, and everyone benefits.”
Join us as the stars align for an unforgettable evening of creativity and community.
ArtParty is Thursday, September 19 from 6-9 p.m. For tickets visit theartcenter.org/artparty
Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations will return to rock the dance floor
Honorary Chair Mark Hackel
About ArtParty:
“I’ve gone every year. I love being around excitement and energy, and boy, ArtParty certainly has a lot. It’s a great time.”
About being the Honorary Chair:
“The one thing I remember most as a police officer is that mindset of ‘How do I make somebody feel better about my presence than they ever anticipated prior to my arrival?’
So being the person that makes sure people are having a good time, that’s my sweet spot.”
About Van Gogh:
“My wife and I went to the Van Gogh display at the DIA and I was fascinated. He just did what he liked to do, wasn’t doing it for fame or money. He felt that he had a purpose.”
YOUR DRINK DRESS UP
THESE BEAUTIFUL BEVERAGES ARE SURE TO TURN HEADS
BLUE MARTINI WITH FLORAL ICE CUBES
BOLD COLORS Fresh florals. An eye-catching shimmer. The perfect embellishment. We’re talking cocktails, not the catwalk. But like fashion, the art of mixology is full of ways to push the limits with creative twists on classic recipes, and unique adornments guaranteed to turn heads. There’s no reason your personal style can’t extend to the drink in your hand, and this botanical beverage is bound to taste as delicious as it looks.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 ounces Absolut Citron
• 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao
• 1/2 ounce lemonade
• 1 ounce Sprite
• Edible flowers such as rose, lavender, hibiscus and nasturtiums
DIRECTIONS:
Pour Sprite into ice cube trays and add edible flower combinations. Let freeze overnight.
Combine Absolut Citron, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.
Allow ice cubes to melt, gradually filling the glass with Sprite and garnishing the drink with beautiful botanicals.
ARTICLE BY CATE MARIAN
FIG + THYME
SPARKLING LEMONADE
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
• thyme simple syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 bunch thyme
• 2 fresh figs
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce thyme syrup
• 3/4 ounce Sprite
In a small saucepan, simmer sugar, water and thyme leaves over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the thyme infuse into the syrup for at least 10 minutes.
For the cocktail, muddle figs and lemon juice in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, 3/4 of the thyme syrup and Sprite. Stir and garnish with fig and a sprig of thyme.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 ounces premium vodka
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 2 ounces purple shimmery liqueur
• Blackberry vodka
• Moscato wine
• Luster petal dust
• Sugar syrup (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine blackberry vodka, moscato wine and pinch of luster petal dust to make purple shimmery liqueur. Adjust proportions depending on flavor preferences. Add sugar syrup to make it sweeter if desired.
Pour vodka, shimmery liqueur and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake well and pour into glass over ice.
PURPLE KISS
PASSION FRUIT
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 tablespoons passion fruit
• 6-8 mint leaves, chopped, plus 2-3 small sprigs
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 ounce club soda
DIRECTIONS:
Muddle passion fruit, mint leaves, sugar and lime juice in bottom of glass.
Fill with crushed ice.
Finish with club soda and stir.
Garnish with slice of passion fruit, pineapple and mint sprigs.
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Whimsical TOUR CHAOS’S FLOW
Inside the new Chaos Studio Salon + Spa’s remarkable renovation
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KEVIN SHEA
Exposed beams, a distressed cinderblock wall, a handcarved mosaic steer head: Jenn Magri's brand-new home for Chaos Studio Salon + Spa is a marvelous mélange of her rustic bohemian design sensibilities. Jenn, who received an art scholarship in college, was very intentional about her design choices.
"I wanted something whimsical in every room," she says. "But it's very hard to do that and still have a good flow in all the spaces. I'm real big on fluid flow in design."
What overall vibe was Jenn going for with her choices?
"A sisterhood," Jenn answers. "Chaos is all about the experience. That’s what sets us apart."
LOBBY: "'Black Betty,' the custom steer head by Skull Bliss, is one of the first things I bought for the new building. She's named after my dad's favorite karaoke song. Betty's the centerpiece when people walk in. She's all handcrafted. Somebody actually carved out both horns and put all those beautiful mosaic pieces on by hand. I stare at it daily."
LASH ROOM: "I had them demo all the drop-ceilings. That opened up this room so much more. Shiplap wood on the ceiling from Tkalcac Lumber sawmill, basket-weave chair rail, and swan wallpaper that looks like eyelashes. Furnishings are vintage, from stores around here. That gets lots of reactions from the vintage store owners when they come: ‘Oh, that’s from my place!’”
FLOOR: "At the last salon, we really wanted to do stamped concrete, but we couldn't. I had them put green accents into the grey color. We’ll never have to change it—it's super-durable, it doesn't stain, it's easy to clean, it's not slippery.
"The bolt in the flooring represents empowerment. A big part of what we do here is empower women to feel better about themselves."
COLOR BAR: The highlight of this area is a functional garage door, which retracts to let in sunshine and fresh air. "Every chance we get, we have it open," Jenn says. “Clients just love sitting there. It's everyone's favorite seat in the house."
POWDER ROOM: "Everybody who comes in uses the bathroom, so the powder room was super-important to me. The black wildflower wallpaper is from Spoonflower—it makes you never want to leave the place. And the paint under the chair rail is a really freaking cool dark green—'Jasper' from Sherwin-Williams.”
WASH HOUSE: "Spoonflower wallpaper is on the ceiling here, so when you're getting shampooed you see the sky and waves. Custom sliding doors from that same sawmill, with handles from Australia, completely section this area off. There's different music in here, the bubble light from Wayfair: it's quiet and tranquil. People love the head massage, so I wanted a sanctuary atmosphere.”
Chaos client Melissa Smiglewski, getting her hair washed, adds, "The music with the waves, I feel relaxed. I can almost see the waves moving. I love it!”
EXTERIOR: "We limewashed the stone. My dad thought I was nuts. So I said, ‘I’m gonna do it myself,’ and he was like, ‘God, no, I'll get the scaffold.’ At night, all lit up, it’s stunning."
Chaos's hairstyles are stunning too. Taleya Kelly has been a Chaos hair and lashes client for eight years. Her striking raspberry locks are Jenn’s handiwork.
"Jenn and I like to mix it up, do fun things," Taleya says. "I've had pretty much every color under the sun, and I've never left here unhappy."
Taleya's current red is a far cry from her summer color.
"For summer, my hair was almost black—a really dark, dark burgundy. When I showed her I wanted light strawberry blonde, we didn't know if we could get it this light. It took two appointments, and even the in-between color I loved, but today it turned out perfectly. This is exactly what I wanted."
"The way you feel here," Jenn says, "it’s unexplainable. You've got to come in and see for yourself. My manager does tons of tours daily, and we're getting 80 new clients a month. It’s unbelievable!"
To experience the new Chaos Studio Salon + Spa, book online at chaosstudiosalon.com
Luxury Vacation Destination
French Lick Resort Offers Experiences for All Types of Travelers
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE MOODY
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AND BY MICHELLE
If you’re searching for a new destination for a weekend escape, we’ve found the perfect luxury, midwest vacation spot. Nestled in the Indiana hills of the Hoosier National Forest is the historic French Lick Resort.
The resort is home to two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels, the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. Both are the epitome of classic elegance and sophistication, paired with modern amenities. The French Lick Springs Hotel features stunning murals and historic photographs that capture its rich history, dating back to 1845. The West Baden Springs Hotel is best recognized for its stunning domed atrium, which serves as both a focal point and gathering spot for hotel guests.
The French Lick Resort has something to please every type of vacationer.
MOODY
FAMILY FUN
SPORTS ENTHUSIAST
French Lick is a golf lover’s paradise. The resort boasts 45 holes of picturesque and legendary golf with three highly acclaimed courses designed by Donald Ross, Pete Dye and Tom Bendelow.
Saddle up and enjoy a trail ride through the scenic woods on one of the stable’s statuesque horses. If you have little ones in your party, pony rides are also available.
For the sharpshooters, their sporting clays allow guests to try a different type of outdoor sporting challenge.
There are activities for all ages to enjoy in and near the resort. Families can bowl on one of their six lanes or play one of the many lawn games available. An outdoor activity perfect for all ages is FootGolf, which combines soccer with golf. Each player kicks the ball to the pin in this unique, family-friendly game.
Just ten minutes away is the Wilstem Wildlife Park. This animal encounter experience allows visitors to feed animals like emu, alpaca, eland, llamas and more right from their car. The drive also takes visitors past zebras, Asian elephants and bison. Visitors can pay a small extra charge to have a photo taken with a grizzly bear, feed a giraffe or pet a kangaroo. We recommend a four-wheel drive vehicle for this tour.
MUSIC LOVER
Music abounds at the resort. The West Baden Springs Hotel features live music in the atrium every evening, ranging from piano soloists to jazz trios. Throughout the summer and early fall, there is live music nightly on the front lawn of the French Lick Springs Hotel. National headliners also perform at the resort throughout the year.
RELAXATION
If you prefer a more relaxing vacation, you’ll find ample opportunities to unwind at French Lick. The resort features two luxurious spas, offering a full range of services to rejuvenate the mind and body. Enjoy a soak in the legendary Pluto mineral bath, relax with a sacred stone massage or turn back the clock with one of their signature facials.
The hotels also feature four heated pools, both indoors and outdoors, and two hot tubs, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
Nature enthusiasts can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or on ten miles of scenic trails. Plaques displaying stories of historic events that occurred at the resort are located along many of the trails.
FOR THE FOODIE
The resort features ten restaurants ranging from fine dining to a casual pizzeria. One of their claims to fame is that tomato juice was first served at the hotel when they ran out of orange juice and needed a quick alternative to serve. The neighboring communities of French Lick and West Baden Springs also offer a variety of food and dining options.
If bourbon is your drink of choice, take the bourbon tour. This self-paced tour guides visitors to six locations across the resort, each offering a bourbon-based food or drink item. Just off the main property is the French Lick Winery. Enjoy a tasting to sample from the dozens of locally made wines before purchasing some to take home.
MUCH MORE
This is just some of what can be found at the French Lick Resort. Other unique features include trolley rides, historical tours, carriage rides, surrey cart rentals and train rides. The resort even has a full casino and conference center. So, as you finalize your summer and fall travel plans, consider a visit to French Lick Resort. FrenchLick.com
