Details...it's coming up quickly!

Gypsy Soiree is more than just a magical night out. 

It's all about giving less-fortunate people a hand UP...a bit of hope...some good fortune.

This idea started three years ago when Taylor and I attended a gypsy-themed party and thought it was such a fun idea we wanted to have our own.  As the planning began, we thought "ok, well why don't we do something with this party?"  

Since gypsies of lore are typically homeless, and we had a connection to someone who works with homeless people in the metro area, we decided to make it into a charity event.

The "vendors" at Gypsy Soiree donate their time and talents (reiki, massage, henna, fire dancing, photographer, etc).  Gypsy guests participate in their booths by giving a monetary donation, which goes to  Project Elf Minneapolis.  

Guests are also asked to bring a physical donation for Project Elf (here's a list of Donation Ideas with a link to a printable list at the bottom of the page, and yes, gently-used clothing in all sizes is fine as long as it's something you would want to receive. Please, no out-of-style clothes with rips, stains, etc.).  

Guests also bring either a dessert or appetizer (be creative and go beyond the deli's veggie tray!) to share.  We provide beverages and all the details for the magic to happen.

New this year will be a hair and makeup area where you can get a little more "gypsified" should you choose, and a small marketplace with unique items you might want to purchase for yourself. 

If you haven't been to one of the first two Gypsy Soirees, be sure to check out the photos from last year.  

This year we're starting a little earlier at 5 pm, so you have more time in the daylight to participate in the booths, poke around and discover all the creative details before it gets dark and the magic lights up the night.

Fire!!!

If you were at the first Gypsy Soiree, you'll remember our FABULOUS fire dancer, Scarlette Revolver.  

Well...she's returning this year and I couldn't be more excited!

She did an incredible job entertaining us.  Fire dancing will start when it gets dark, usually around 7:30-8:00.

Excited??

I love running into people who are planning to attend this year's Gypsy Soiree II and hearing how excited they are for it, especially if they came last year and have a clue what to expect again. And those who have just seen photos of last year's event...expect it to be a  magical evening!

There are a few things to keep in mind.

Please remember to bring:  

• An appetizer or dessert - we'll supply drinks
• Your donation for the homeless shelter (click here DONATIONS for ideas) and 
• Some cash if you want to participate in the massage, reiki or henna booths (no set fee, just your donation amount).
• INSPHYRE PERFORMANCE will be here giving us fabulous fire dancing entertainment.  They've charged us a small fee, so donations will first go towards covering party expenses. However, it's a whole lot less than what they normally charge and they're mostly donating their time and talent to help support the cause, so there will be a "tip bucket" out for them also.

If you're planning to camp, come early to set up your tent/camper. The party "officially" starts at 6pm, but you can arrive any time after 4:00 to set up.  You might want to bring something extra to share for breakfast too, last year we all just gathered at the tables outside in the morning and sat there waking up, enjoying breakfast, coffee and conversation for a while.

If you're driving from the Twin Cities, expect about an hour drive to get here from downtown.  If you're mapping our address, it's 16717 261st  Ave., Big Lake, MN. The easiest directions from the cities would be to take 94 West to Rogers, take the Hwy 101 towards Elk River exit (heads north).  Stay on 101, which magically changes into Hwy 169.  Just stay on it all the way through Elk River (about 8 miles north of Rogers).  Keep going to Zimmerman (another 8-9 miles).  You'll come to the one stop light in Zimmerman where you will turn left (Co. Rd. 4/Fremont Ave/261st Ave. - yeah, you're in the country!).  Continue on that road for 5 miles, you will see a sign for Jct. Co. Rd. 15 (DO NOT TURN but slow down!).  Our house is right past that (3rd driveway) and there will be Gypsy Flags on the mailbox.  Park where you can.

Carpooling is encouraged!

I'm constantly checking the weather forecast at this point (rain is not allowed!), and it looks like it might be chilly, so dress accordingly.

It looks like we're doubling last year's attendance, and that's fabulous!  

Don't be shy!

I just tagged pretty much every one invited on Facebook, hopefully so you would respond to the invitation with either a "yes, I'm IN" or a "no" (insert sad face here). There are a few components of the party where we really need an estimate of attendees (like drinks, and party favors).

Don't be shy about coming, and don't be shy about bringing a friend along if you need/want to!  Last year we had only one person show up in normal clothes, and she was promptly "gypsified!"  It's all about having a fun, magical evening just surrounded by wonderful women.  

You really WILL be glad you came!

If you're not sure what to wear, something as simple as a flowy skirt and top is good enough!  Pile on the jewelry too.  Want some inspiration?  My Gypsy Soiree Pinterest board has plenty of ideas. Just click here:  Gypsy Soiree  If you scroll down far enough you'll see photos of last year's party, and this year's will be bigger and better.

Hope to see you there, it's just four weeks away!

Pushing the Envelope!

So Taylor has worked her magic and secured a magnificent GROUP of fire dancers for this year's Soiree!!  Can you believe it?!  Yes, a group of dancers!

Insphyre Performance has agreed to come and perform for us, and said "I don't know who you had last year but I guarantee we will push the envelope!"

Ho-ly smokes!  Because they're very generously donating their time and talent, we will have a tip bucket out if you feel so inclined, and I'm thinking everyone will be so inclined.

Are you getting excited...'cause I can hardly wait!

Oh, and go "like" 'em on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/InsphyrePerformance