JenLynnArt

Anniversary @ Shinola Hotel

On January 9 we celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. My hubby surprised me by making reservations at the beautiful, newly built, Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. The Shinola luxury brand prides itself on showcasing Detroit artisans — with a swanky MCM cool retro vibe. They are well known for their watches, bicycles, and leather goods. More recently they have branched out to include jewelry and audio equipment such as turntables and speakers.

When you walk into the Shinola hotel their signature scent hits you and you are transported to the 1950s. I could totally see Sinatra hanging out in the corner smoking a cigar or playing the piano. The large sitting lounge is open for anyone at any time. It is like an enormous comfortable living room with multiple couches, wood-burning fireplaces, MCM style furniture, amazing art, turntables and LPs for your enjoyment, complete with awesome coffee table books.

There is a restaurant from which you can order and sit in the comfort of the lounge for a quick bite and a drink before enjoying the theater or going out on the town for the evening. There is also a small speakeasy-type bar hidden away where the millennials love to hang out. Our room came complete with a personal turntable and LPs, Detroit robes, and a mini bar stocked with Detroit products.

Unfortunately, the restaurant was under construction, so we found an alternative just around the corner for dinner, Downtown Louie’s. It was a fabulous choice. The food was outstanding and I had one of the best cocktails of my life: an upscale sidecar, thus began my obsession with the simply classic, yet potent drink! 🙂

House Party

Later in the month we held a small housewarming party with some of our closest friends. We ate, drank too much, danced, played pool and darts, and really enjoyed each other’s company. It was a blast!

Ethan Bday/Dua Lipa/Red Wings

In February we celebrated Ethan’s 15th birthday by pigging out at one of our favorite local restaurants. Later that month the boys went to see Dua Lipa in concert & we were all treated to box seats for a Detroit Red Wings hockey game complements of our incredible realtor Lucine Tarman.