I Know People.

Over the last few weeks, I've come to the realization that I know a lot of talented people and because of that, I've decided to do an entire post about some of my friends who are creative, smart and just plain awesome at what they do. Maybe I can make this a monthly (bi-monthly?) post where I showcase someone's super fantastic business and try to get them a little bit of exposure. For now, I'll concentrate on some of my favorites:

Let's start with Slice of the 80's (I have to. They are family, ha): Located in Westland, this place is the epitome of good pizza and a fun atmosphere. If you love anything having to do with the 80's, you need to give this restaurant a visit. There is tons of memorabilia and addictive 80's music to keep you occupied while you are waiting for your delicious food and their prices are fantastic. The brain child of 80's fanatic and Bon Jovi obsessive, Adam Matt (with help from my lovely sister, Natalie Proctor) The Slice opened it's doors in August of 2008. Since then, business has been rocking as more and more people have discovered their original taste and super unique creations when it comes to pizzas (most of them 80's themed, of course). My Dad would insist that I recommend The Coney Dog Pizza (his favorite), complete with hot dogs, chili, onions and mustard all on their homemade dough. I love the Greek pizza (with feta cheese, tomato and onion) but the classic Pepperoni and cheese is phenomenal as well. Their menu includes more than just pizzas though, as they have calzones (I love the Italian), bread (the cheese bread is AMAZING), salads and appetizers. And if you love the place as much as I do, you can buy yourself some t-shirts, hats, pens, cups or a few 80's themed buttons. Bottom line is: It's a fun, delicious, affordable place to eat. Order up some food, dudes and then tell me how much you loved it! Also, you can order online, eat in the store or have it delivered. They make it REAL convenient to eat their super yummy food. (By the way, Super Bowl is coming up. Doesn't pizza sound good?)

Location: 34747 Warren Road, Westland MI
Phone: (734)728-1980
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12pm-11pm
           Friday-Saturday 12pm-12am
Website: http://www.sliceofthe80s.com/
Facebook (where they offer lots of specials!): https://www.facebook.com/SliceOfThe80s

Let's talk about photographers now:

I first learned of Sunflower Productions LLC through my friend (and photographer) Craig Hensley. He started working with them about a year ago and I have been obsessed with looking at the pictures they post on Facebook ever since. Their motto is: "Helping You Capture & Preserve Your Beautiful Memories!" and they do just that. They are a local business, trying to work their way up and with having just photographed the North American International Auto Show Preview a couple weeks ago, I'd say they are well on their way. Craig is one of their photographers (and I know first hand what a wonderful photographer he is, as he took Charley's 5yr pictures last year and I am in love with them), along with Benjamin Boice and founder, Dakota Bruce. These guys are talented, let me tell you and so creative. They specialize in all types of photography and would probably be thrilled if you came up with a new idea for them to try. They are constantly running really great specials and were recently selected as winner of WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards 2013 for photography in Livonia, MI. So, if you are recently engaged, pregnant, have a birthday coming up, want to surprise your significant other with some sassy boudoir pictures, need some senior pictures taken or just want to have your photo taken for the heck of it, these are the guys for you. (They even offer photobooths, videography, and hair and makeup, if you are so inclined to try that as well). They are a one stop shop for all your memories so do me (and yourself) a favor and give them a call and like them on Facebook!

Location: 8974 Farmington Road, Livonia MI
Phone: (734)891-5970
Website: http://www.sunflowerproductionsllc.com/home.php
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerProductions

ELY Designs:
Speaking of weddings, birthdays, etc., if you are looking for some invitations, Save The Dates, place cards, thank you cards or need a logo designed for you, my friend Erica is just the person for you! She studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where she got her Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design and she does a phenomenal job. Best of all; she absolutely loves what she does and when you have someone who cares that much and puts that much passion into their work, you know you won't be disappointed with the result. She recently did the invitations (see side photo) for my friend Kat's wedding, along with her place cards and they turned out beautiful. So, if you need some creative, lovely invitations and the like, please contact Erica. She'll take great care of you and I can guarantee that you will be so pleased with the result.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbyely

Wanna talk hair now? Sure you do!
Go see my friend Chrissie Partin at Clover Salon in Plymouth, MI. Chrissie is a Level 1 Hairstylist, Nail Technician and makeup artist and she's also a pretty fabulous person to boot! She loves helping people and making them happy, so becoming a hair stylist was the perfect choice for her. The salon has different specials every month and they also do Groupons every now and then (look for one coming out soon!). Their website will also be adding "How To" videos in the coming months and you can't get more convenient than that. So, if you need your hairs cut or your nails did or your face beautified, go see Chrissie. Not only will she make you gorgeous (or handsome), she will also make you laugh and most likely become your friend because she's that awesome of a person.

Location: 261 N. Main Plymouth, MI
Phone: (734)338-8950
Chrissie's Hours: Tuesday 11-5
                           Weds-Thurs 1-9
                            Friday 9-6
                            Saturday 9-5
Website: http://www.mycloversalon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clover-Salon/209892445692203?fref=ts

In keeping with our pampering theme, if you are in need of a massage, how about you go to my friend, Michelle at S.P.A.C.E Massage Therapy, LLC in Garden City, MI? Michelle is one of the most inspiring, lovely, talented, dedicated people I know. She created S.P.A.C.E with the idea that "what they do as massage therapists creates space within the body." They "help muscles return to a normal state, creating space for healing within." Don't you feel relaxed after just reading that? Imagine what she can do for you when you go see her! They offer a variety of services from Swedish Massage to Refloxology. First time clients are $45 (regular price: $55). So, if you are feeling stressed and warn out, sore or just feel like you deserve a massage, give Michelle a call and like them on Facebook.

Location: 6985 Merriman Rd. Garden City, MI
Phone: (734)507-9991
Hours: Mon-Sat 9-6
           Sundays (call for availability)
Website: http://www.spacemassagetherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPACEmassagetherapy

Those are just a few of my uber talented friends and family. Give them all a call and tell them I sent you. You could even utilize all of them in the same day! Why not? You could start out by having Erica at ELY Designs make you some invitations for a party (it doesn't matter what the party is for. You are an awesome person, have a party for yourself!), then you can go see Michelle at S.P.A.C.E Massage Therapy and have her give you a massage (because party planning can be stressful), followed by getting your haircut and nails done by Chrissie at Clover Salon, then going home to order up some pizza from Slice of The 80's for all of your party guests to enjoy and finally, having Sunflower Productions LLC capture the whole event on film. You will be the coolest person ever and the envy of all your friends... but don't forget to invite me!

(If you would like me to include your business or project in a future post, send me a message and I'll make it happen!) Keep being talented and creative, friends!