Nothing Ordinary: from the Market to the Mansion
At this point, Summer is in full swing, the hot weather is consistent, and it’s prime time for new adventures! The thing about seeking out new adventures is that I crave versatility. Let’s be real, I can’t even wear the same hairstyle for any specific length of time, nor do I have a burning desire to revisit the same vacation spots, much less seek out typical run-of-the-mill activities. Because of this, I’m in the flow of regularly attracting exciting and fun-filled activities towards me. So without hesitation, I accepted the invite to the Trap House, Rose Mansion, and welcomed a meaningful Monday afternoon at a Tea House.
Not your average market
While I had a great time at the Trap Market by Enjoilux, you may not believe this, but I was June-2019-years-old when I learned what a Trap anything is. In conversation with my very awesome, highly educated, and socially aware daughter, I nonchalantly mentioned that I’d be going with my two girlfriends to a Trap Market event in Brooklyn. The sheer look of panic and dread that overcame her immediately gave me cause for concern. She blurted out, “Mom, do you know what that is?” I wanted to lie, but I didn’t, and I confessed that I didn’t read the information about the event, but that it’ll be a fun and informative networking event with fellow entrepreneurs. Somehow she remained confused and shared that the places where people sell and purchase drugs is called a trap house. Now, my face was riddled with embarrassment and disbelief! At this point, I reached for the email and the flyer to relieve our curiosity. Whew!! Thankfully, my respectable character made a quick comeback after we both did what I should have done first: familiarize myself with what it is I would be attending. With a clear conscience and anticipation to learn more, my two girlfriends and I took ourselves over the bridge into hip-hop culture infused, Brooklyn to see about this Trap Market.
We pulled up and the entire situation was LIT! Everyone’s energy was up and I particularly liked that there was a nice mix of both men and women attendees primed to celebrate the grind. After stopping to hear the panel of all male entrepreneurs moderated by the super dope Thembisa Mshaka, I immediately took delight in the two rooms of shopping with black small business entrepreneurs. However, before hitting my shopping stride, we were offered complimentary cocktails from Exotic Mixers, Inc. and delicious food samples from Trap Eats. With all the food, drinks, shopping, and gems from the panelists, I was absolutely captivated by this unique blend of trap-themed ambiance with fun, food, and networking opportunities to compliment it. We enjoyed supporting many of the businesses and I even found a company, Shamelessly Different, that has outfits to enhance my extra personality and style. I’m not sure about you and your girls, but with us it always turns into a photo shoot! The Trap Market had us covered with a staged area and fun props. You’re encouraged to be on the lookout for next year’s Trap Market!
Nothing expected about this room
Persian Rose tea being poured at the Rittenhouse
Pinkies up! It’s so cool to see where you end up when you’re open. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been slowly exploring and becoming more familiar with what Philadelphia has to offer. Interestingly enough, after seeking to find somewhere in the city to have an experience where the ambiance is quiet and the bites are exquisite, I settled on making a reservation for afternoon tea at the Cassett Tea Room inside the Rittenhouse Hotel. We pulled up to the valet and when I looked over a picturesque park right next door to the hotel made for a lively backdrop. From one backdrop to the next, we encountered an ornate flower wall inside the entryway that screamed, “take a picture in front of me” as we tried to shuffle pass. Somehow, there was a reassuring calmness and level of sophistication present that made us feel like we were in for a special treat. Once inside, the airy, well lit tea room was not crowded and we were seated with a clear view of the garden. I think next time, I’d enjoy sitting outside to enjoy the afternoon tea in the garden for a change of scenery.
Honestly, the hardest part about the entire day was trying to select just one tea from their menu because each tea description exceeded the last. Since I’m no stranger to afternoon tea, I understand that it’s rooted in English tradition, a complete experience, and meant to be taken slow savoring the moment from start to finish. As the afternoon continued, I enjoyed impeccable service and a wide array of gluten free treats all while sipping on their very popular Persian Rose tea that captures the flavor of both cardamom and rose petals deliciously. With each course, I sat impressed by the tea house’s ability to accommodate both a wheat allergy and a dairy free diet without compromising the delectable tea time I’m accustomed to. Their selection of savory and sweet tea sandwiches are served as expected on a three tier platter that is whisked away only after consuming the last bite. Now, we were prepared to be graced with a plate of mouth watering miniature, fresh baked treats. I’m actually still daydreaming about the sparkly, purple cheesecake and the white chocolate mousse with fresh fruit and edible gold shavings. Needless to say, the three hours served as an opportunity for excellent conversation, relaxation, and my favorite- luxuriating!
Nothing mediocre about this mansion
Rosé all Day...Rosé & Tacos...you name it, my friends and I did that and more at the Rosé Wine Mansion in New York City. I had heard of the Rosé Wine Mansion just last year and all the fun pictures intrigued me. There was an incredible amount of hype surrounding the mansion and I must say, it did not disappoint! Turns out, it’s a wine lover’s and creative enthusiast’s playground with just the right amount of education to keep you wanting more. The completely pink themed mansion lives up to its description as a wine bar + amusement park + museum of science for wine because that’s exactly what you can expect inside. The interactive art exhibits throughout lend themselves to capturing the most fun pictures I’ve taken in a long time. I’m actually not surprised that the pictures get more fun because we were sipping wine along the way. Ranging from extravagant art installations, handmade textiles, murals, 3D floor paintings, and staged props for creating a vibrant atmosphere, the creators truly understand the superficial need for an obscene amount of selfies and priceless pictures to memorialize just how important it is for all of us to capture what it looks like when you’re living your best life. Creatively themed rooms made it impossible to pick a favorite, but I absolutely love the flower garden and 3D floor painting of a dock surrounded by water. By the time we made it to the final floor of the mansion, I was ready for a bite to eat and a seat to come down off the high of being overly stimulated by art, wine, laughs, and fast-paced photo-ops. Well the smart folks at Rosé Wine Mansion knew that, and we found ourselves in the heart of a bustling and artsy food court with the option to purchase frosé, tacos, and you guessed it take additional pictures! We took full advantage of just about every option and consumed yummy tacos, frosé (frozen Rosé), and I even had an outfit change for a last hurrah at capturing memories of such a festive experience.
It’s extraordinary to me that in 2019 we can indulge in a redefined idea of the Trap Market and mansion as well as enjoy completely gluten free delights during afternoon tea. I really like how these three activities push past the norm and reject the ordinary all while captivating the varied parts of me.
Leave a comment below and tell me how you are stepping out of the norm this Summer as you live your best EXTRA life?