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February 24, 2006
An experience worth handling
The task was probably not the cleanliest I could have employed the use of my hands, fully cognizant that I had a 6:30 appointment at Eva's Esthetica to receive a manicure, but it was necessary that I lay sod to get the yard looking verdant and healthy for spring.
I had washed my hands prior to entering the day spa, located in The Strand in Mariemont, but there was still thick traces of mud evident in the wrinkles of my skin and soil was caked under my fingernails.
That was no problem, though.
Eva Kielcz, owner of the day spa, had my hands, fingers and nails looking like a baby's with a redolent fragrance of lavender in approximately 30 minutes.
"It is what I do and it is what customers have learned to expect," Eva said.
It may be just me, but when I think of receiving a manicure -- or pedicure, or facial exfoliation, or a paraffin -- I automatically assume these are tasks received by females. But, after receiving a manicure myself I am sold on the idea that men should get into the habit of having their phalanges and toes cleaned regularly.
If for nothing else than to experience how wonderful you feel afterwards.
Eva had me soak my hands in a bowl of tepid soapy water. She then massaged medicated oils into my fingers and atop my nails before clipping my nails and grooming my cuticles.
Then came more oils, moisturizers and massages to my hands.
“I could fall asleep right here,” I said, feeling as though my hands have never been treated so well. They surely have never felt so comfortable and pampered.
“I have many customers who come in here for a manicure or pedicure after a long, hard day, and they just rest their head back and fall asleep,” Eva said, kneading my hands and fingers with hers.
The human hand is fraught with pressure points. When pressed and rubbed and manipulated just right, the sensation reminds you of relaxing in a hot tub with a hundred jetstreams passively running the course of your body.
After implementing the use of several nail and skin utinsels to remove all the specks of grime from my hands (and even more applications of aromatic lotions), Eva unveils an item that looks to me like a crock pot.
It isn’t a crock pot, of course, but it is keeping hot a dense liquid: the paraffin.
“This may feel a little hot, but it will be okay,” Eva says. “I will guide you hands in and out.”
What transpires is like having your hands dipped in magic nectar.
Three times my hands are dipped in the paraffin; after the third dipping, it feels like my hands have been fitted with gloves made from a thick coat of perfumed candle wax.
My only instructions were to not move or wiggle my fingers for four minutes.
In retrospect, that was the hardest part of the entire experience – not wanting to wiggle my fingers. The paraffin needed to completely dry without breaking; it was also collecting dead skin and other unpleasantries from my hands.
After four minutes, Eva slowly peeled away the paraffin, leaving only the smell of lavender and the unmistakable realization that my hands had never felt, or been, so clean in my life.
Although Eva does receive a patronage from a host of male customers, the day spa is largely visited mainly by females.
But it is my contention that every male should make an appointment to receive a manicure ... at least once. You never know, it could lead to a lifelong habit of having your hands treated like royalty.
For more information regarding the day spa or to inquire about setting appointments, visit Eva’s Esthetica at 6824 Wooster Pike or call 527-4770.
Posted by johnston at 05:35 PM
February 22, 2006
Prom season means its time for a dress
It is that special high school time of year: the Prom.
For the females looking for the perfect prom dress, they might want to check out Heidi's Needles and Threads, Inc., located in Mariemont. Heidi's specialized in making, altering and selling dresses, and the prom is no stranger to the tailor.
In fact, Heidi says she can make any dress that a female requests.
"Many people come into my store with four or five pictures of different dresses and say, 'I want this torso, this bottom, these sleeves, and so on," Heidi said, adding she can create a dress from whatever photos a patron may bring in.
And as she should, for making dresses is her novelty.
Some females will find a dress that they really want but it does not fit them. That is no problem either, for Heidi can alter them to fit anyone.
"It doesn't matter, I can always do it," she said.
The bottom line is, if Heidi does not already have a dress for sale that a female may want to wear to her prom, then the perfect dress is only an appointment away.
But the prom is only a few weeks away, so now is the time to be proactive in finding, altering or creating that perfect dress.
Heidi’s Needles & Threads, Inc., is located at 6822 Wooster Pike, behind the Mariemont Inn.
If interested in having a dress made or for home decorating, call 272-2211 to make an appointment.
If you want a dress - anything from wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses or a casual article – altered, just stop in to the store between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday or 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Posted by johnston at 08:02 PM
Flischel studio sale a showcase of local images
There is more to taking good photographs than knowing how to manipulate a camera and utilizing all its functions so as to maximize a subject’s potential.
To be a good photographer means having a good eye; it means knowing the precise time of day to shoot an outdoor picture; it means possessing a finger that can quickly hit the shutter button at the precise time; it means doing your homework well before a picture is actually taken.
It isn’t by accident that a good photographer captures that shadow draping across the body of a statue while its face radiates in the sun’s brilliance; it’s not luck when the robust pinks and violet-blue hues cast by a setting sun are present behind a silhouetted old building.
Whether it’s a skylight, a house, a road sign or a crowd of people, the photographer must be thinking about angles, shadows, lighting and the mood, according to photographer Robert Flischel, who owns Robert A. Flischel Photography in Mariemont.
“It takes a lot of thought,” he said.
Flischel gets inspiration for his photos of Cincinnati by doing quite a bit of walking, searching and scouting areas. For example, one photograph he shot of a University of Cincinnati building took him four weeks of scouting for the right position, phone calls to university officials, numerous follow-ups, and, “... quite a bit of wear and tear on my legs.”
For a closer look at what all the wear and tear has accomplished over the years Flischel and his wife Jacqueline are holding a studio sale for a great many of the photographs, books, vintage posters, paintings, drawing and prints from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 17, to Sunday, March 19.
Suggested prices on the merchandise will be marked but Flischel will be listening to any offers as well.
Twenty percent of the all the proceeds will be donated to The Art League of Cincinnati, a group that documents and restores the art and architectural heritage of Cincinnati’s schools, and the Mariemont Preservation Foundation.
The sale will be at Robert A. Flischel Photography, located at 6820 Wooster Pike, above the Dilly Deli. For more information, call the studio at 271-3113.
Posted by johnston at 07:05 PM
February 21, 2006
The big tube is back
The Big Screen TV is back.
The Dilly Deli has brought back the 57" big screen TV so that villagers and patrions may watch the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic. Oh, and not to mention, the upcoming and very popular NCAA Basketball Tournament in March.
So come on in, try one of the deli's new wines, beers or cheeses and catch up on all the sporting events on a huge stage.
The Dilly Deli is located 6818 Wooster Pike.
Posted by johnston at 01:46 PM
Clear a date for a clearer complexion
Eva's Esthetica has two packages for teenagers just in time for very important moments in their lives: impending spring and the Prom.
For a limited time, teens may receive mini manicures and pedicures with day spa expert Natalie for $53.50. The deal is to help teens afford the professional services so they can look their best for less.
There is also a limited package for teens with problem skin. Eva's is offering a good skin care regiment in the form of a clear-complexion facial that can prevent resolve unflattering skin problems for only $20.
For more questions or to make an appointment, call Eva's Esthetica at 527-4770.
Posted by johnston at 01:30 PM
No smoking at village pub
Southerby’s Pub at The National Exemplar Restaurant is now completely non-smoking.
The small, cozy pub -- located off of the lobby of the Mariemont Inn -- is a popular spot to drink cocktails or have a casual dining experience by a roaring fire.
"We made the decision (for no smoking) to provide a healthier atmosphere for our employees and guests," restaurant spokeswoman Lisa Hopkins said.
Southerby's has been open for approximately 15 years. It is open everyday at 5 p.m. and closes typically at 11 p.m. with exception to Sunday, when it closes at 9 p.m.
Posted by johnston at 01:19 PM
February 14, 2006
Changing of the guard
The Dilly Deli has had a change in the kitchen.
After four and a half years of service, Chef Richard Hargy is no longer preparing meals with the Dilly Deli. But owners Robbie and Chuck Warinner are telling people to fear not because the new chef has made a seamless transition into the kitchen and continues to create tasty dishes.
Sous Chef Eric Vice, who has been working alongside Chef Richard for almost a year, has been promoted to Chef.
"Many former customers of OuterBanks Seafood Market remember Eric as the helpful and knowledgeable 'fish guy' at the Mariemont and Pleasant Ridge OuterBanks locations, but his restaurant experience precedes that," according to the owners. "He was Sous Chef at Ciao Baby in Harpers Point under Chef Tom Milliken (also former OuterBanks 'fish guy', now Chef at Polo Grille). We feel very fortunate to have him on our team."
In other news, the annual Cincinnati International Wine Festival begins in six weeks (March 24 and 25) and the Dilly Deli has tickets to the huge Grand Tastings that take place on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night at the newly expanded and refurbished Cinergy Convention Center downtown.
Tickets to the evening tastings are $65 each, while Saturday afternoon's are $50 each. The Wine Festival has grown to benefit a host of worthy local causes, and a portion of each ticket cost is tax deductible.
The Dilly Deli also has brochures for all the festival events, including the dinners and seminars.
Posted by johnston at 04:51 PM