April • 2010 • CRAVE Amsterdam • Connect. Inspire. Succeed.

Archive for April, 2010

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

Monday, April 26th, 2010

We are all familiar with the old adage of Spring cleaning, but did you know that it doesn’t just apply to your closet? Spring cleaning is also important for our bodies and very helpful in flushing toxins, losing weight and creating increased energy. The best place to start your spring cleaning is with spring eating! Jamie G. Dougherty, owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling, offers us a fresh approach. Spring foods are light, water-logged, and perfect for cleaning out our systems of excess junk. Some of the most popular spring foods include:

Asparagus: High in potassium and folate which aids the cardiovascular system- Roast with olive, sea salt, and pepper with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Artichokes: A good source of iron and calcium- Steam and enjoy with your favorite vinaigrette.

Dandelion Greens: Aid in liver cleansing- Blanch, then sauté with garlic, olive oil, and top with currants and pine nuts.

Green garlic: Delicious young garlic plant that has anti-bacterial properties- A perfect addition to eggs or a frittata.

Radishes: Very high a vitamin C. Eat them raw or dip in hummus or your favorite dressing.

The best place to find spring foods it at your local farmer’s market where vendors will have the freshest produce available. Here is a perfect dish to get your started. Who ever thought spring cleaning could taste so good? Enjoy!

Asparagus and Brown Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Serves 4

For the Dijon vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove or shallot, finely minced or pureed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces and blanched for 3 minutes
Sea salt to taste
2 cups brown rice, freshly made or leftover
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil, taste and adjust seasonings.

2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Add asparagus to the rice and toss together with the Dijon dressing.

4. Add the fresh herb and pumpkin seeds and toss all together. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve.　

To reheat leftover rice: Place cold rice in a small pot with ¼-1/2 cup of water (depending on amount of rice). Bring to medium heat and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until water has evaporated. Remove rice from the heat and mix with your dressing.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at:　www.jamieliving.blogspot.com

Jamie is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Tags: Cleanse, counseling, diet, health, healthy eating, Jamie g. Dougherty, jamieliving, lifestyle, recipe, spring
Posted in Enhance, Interviews, Sip / Savor | No Comments »

Go on Girl, Light Your Fire: The Fire Starter Sessions

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Danielle LaPorte is all about keepin’ it real. She believes in telling it like it is, and is an avid believer in feminine power. Her latest project, “The Fire Starter Sessions” is an e-book for entreprenesses that comes with video and worksheets to help you get the most out of each sizzling session. The root of Danielle’s theory- which every woman can appreciate– is that our actions are driven by desired feelings. What other remarkable wisdom does she have to offer? We asked her a few questions to gain some insight on what really drives her and why her new book is so rockin’.

Once you let Danielle get you jazzed about your own inspiration, you lucky CRAVE ladies can pre-order a copy of the “Fire Starter Sessions” right now! Just click here.

You give people inspiring advice about following their passions in life, what sparked your own “ah-ha” moment?

It was more of a series of soul-sucking moments and gigs than an “a-ha” moment. But it all added up to creative sovereignty. My voice, my time, my way of being of service.

What makes the “Fire Starter Sessions” distinct from other programs for entrepreneurs?

It’s about rocking your revenue streams and doing meaningful things in the world. It’s as much about self-realization as it is about hard core strategy.
Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets. Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…Whether you’re in the early idea phase or a rut, it’s about lighting a fire under your…aspirations.

Summarize your teachings into a motto for how you/to live your life.

Your truth is worth it.

Would you give the same advice to a female business owner as you would give to a male?

Yes. But a woman is more likely to take it.

How would you describe your number one strength?

Deep listening. I also build a mean campfire and write bad poetry – which I consider an endearing strength.

Why do you believe it is that so many people do not choose their career path based on their true passions?

Profoundly wanting to belong. That will never change. On top of that deep driving psychology, we pile on social “norms” like dress codes and executive titles, salary structures, everything the goddamn Jonses are doing, and the popularity contest that is social media itself, and well, it’s the makings of an identity crisis.
If can you tune out the noise of “how-to” and “10 steps” and “proven tactics” you will be able to hear your own spidey senses: genuine, sincere, with great reflexes, and it will tell you that you are the expert on you — and you know what lights your fire.

What has been your most rewarding experience with a client?

One of my favorite results of working with any client is helping them decide what they’re going to STOP doing. It makes me giddy. It often goes like this: I’m going to STOP…being the administrator. Worrying so much. Under-selling myself. Checking Twitter obsessively. Feeling the pressure to be so successful. I’m going to stop using my cousin as my web-designer.

It’s freeing for everyone. And freedom is the best part of being an entrepreneur.

Still want more? Order your very own copy of the complete “Fire Starter Sessions” by clicking here. You can also learn more about all of Danielle’s endeavors on her website, whitehottruth.com.

Tags: Danielle LaPorte, e-book, entrepreness, The Fire Starter Sessions, White Hot Truth
Posted in Business, Interviews | No Comments »

Judith Webber and Catriona Ravelli from ZZP Adviescafé

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Judith Webber and Catriona Ravelli are the entrepreneurs behind the successful ZZP Adviescafé.

ZZP Adviescafé provides advise to self employed professionals on how to brand themselves. They work 1-on-1 and in groups, helping to strengthen their core by finding the answers to 3 main questions:

1) What is your incentive to do what you do

2) What makes you unique

3) Who do you want to work for

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
accessible, energetic, involved

What are your most popular products or services?
Our Happy Hour is by far our most popular service. This is a one hour conversation with one of us on how you can run your business with more focus & warmth by answering one of our 3 main questions.

People may be surprised to know…
that ZZP Adviescafé is not a physical place yet (this is one of our goals for 2010)

What or who inspired you to start your business?
We are both inspired by Martijn Aslander and how he works with ‘waardebepaling achteraf’, a system which forces our clients to think about the value they have experienced by using our services. This tool is also very valuable for us, because of the great feedback we get from our clients.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
We started our business with too many services all at once. Now we advice others to focus on one or two services, no more!

How do you spend your free time?
We both have families (husband and son), so we love to spend time with them in our free time. We both play music and like to be outdoors!

Find them on twitter: CatrionaRavelli ; JudithWebber

and Linkedin: Catriona Ravelli ; Judith Webber

Posted in Style | 2 Comments »

Buzz Party with Toma Haines

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

With Toma Clark Haines from Antiques Diva Shopping Tours in the house the Buzz Party was bound to be a success. She entertained the crowd with precious advice on how to use social media and the free resources on the internet for your own business.

The delicious treats provided by Simone and Brigit from Tien52 in their creative mobile kitchen, the stage was set for another wonderful BUZZ Party for the Amsterdam CRAVE guide. The evening was filled with incredible women from across Amsterdam – chatting each other up and discussing what they so CRAVE about being an entrepreneur in this incredible city. Thank you for enchanting the room with your jolly spirits! As with every BUZZ Party, the women of CRAVE were excited to see the fun and familiar faces, as well as so many new faces that turned up!

We would like to extend another huge thank you to Villa Beehive for letting us use their hip place. A big thank you to Simone and Brigit for the tasty treats – absolutely mouth-watering. And finally, a big thanks to our Toma Clark Haines for sharing her tips with us!

We’re hard at work planning the next BUZZ Party, so stay tuned for the details!

Yours truly,

Athalie Stegeman, Isrid van Geuns and Cristina Stoian.
Check out more pics:

Posted in Events | 2 Comments »

To Create or Not to Create?

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Have you ever been asked, “Are you a creative person?” I have and I always answer “no” because I can’t even print my name straight. To me, “creative” people are my friends in girl scouts that turned the colored pipe-cleaners into a ride at Disneyland, or my friend who paints scenery so amazing you want to jump into the picture.

The idea of “arts & crafts” give me hives; I have always viewed myself as creatively challenged (at least that’s what my second grade teacher called it when she saw the drawing of my house and asked if it was my dog). My Mom and sisters are amazingly gifted, my Mom can look at a lamp shade and think, “That would make an amazing centerpiece for the Cinco de Mayo party,” and it does. My little sister is an architect and shapes the Denver skyline with her genius. My oldest sister busted out four blank canvases recently and whipped up living room art that could be displayed at The Met. I can speak in public no problem, play through on a golf course full of men easy, but put a blank canvas in front of me and I am paralyzed with fear, let alone four.

However, I have learned that “creativity” takes many forms and all of us have some creative gift to offer the world. It’s not really a question to create, but rather a question of whether you will allow yourself to let your creativity flow through you into the world. I have always had a burning desire to make pottery; I would be so Demi Moore in Ghost, but I’m too afraid I wouldn’t even be able to make a cereal bowl. Fear is what stumps our creativity, there’s nothing scarier than putting your creativity out in the world and having a teacher say, “Is that your puppy?”

Creativity is a funny thing! I find myself most creative in the shower or the bathroom…what’s with that? Superman had a phone booth, I have the ladies lounge. At board meetings, I run to the bathroom and always come back with the break through solution to our challenge. My friends now know that when I come back from the restroom and say, “Guess what I was thinking”, they strap in for something amazing. When I have a problem to figure out, I take a shower. There’s something about that water flowing over my brain that interrupts the normal chatter and makes way for a creative breakthrough. I’ve gone through many laptops trying to write this column in the shower!

I have three books in the works, one for business, a funny one with my life stories, and of course a great fiction with a “hoochie” heroine who has a fling with the UPS man. I read a quote recently that I loved, it said, “Good girls want to have fun, bad girls make sure they do!” The leading lady in my novel is one of those bad chicks.

Spring is an amazing time of creation, look around, that dirt pile you’ve been passing along your drive now has a rainbow of colors bursting out of it. The birds are chiming in and adding their song to the season. My neighbor kids drew a cute picture on my car hood in the pollen dust. It’s time to wake up your creative juices and let them fly. Don’t miss a chance to show the world what’s growing under your dirt pile, take a nice long shower and come out and CREATE!

Tags: creation, creativity, Lynn Edwards
Posted in Crack-Up | No Comments »

Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors

Monday, April 19th, 2010

We know that it can be more difficult to stay active and motivated during the dreary winter months, but the long winter days are now behind us and we can finally emerge off the couch from hibernation, watching Sex in the City reruns. Spring has arrived to grant us a long awaited reprieve from winter! The days are growing longer and the sun is more radiant in the sky. As dynamic and motivated women, we, here at CRAVE, enjoy exercising our minds as much as our bodies. Here are some activities for fun in the sun!

Kick a Ball
For those seeking a sport with a competitive edge, kickball is making its way out of the school playgrounds and into competitive leagues. It’s a great alternative to soccer and softball, while still encompassing softball’s similar rules of play. It’s a fun sport to casually play with your gal pals, or if you’re looking to get more involved with your community while having fun, join a league!

Other fun outdoor competitive group activities:
• Badminton
• Capture the Flag
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Beach Volleyball

Strike a Pose
If you’ve had a long day at work stuck sitting behind a desk, yoga is a great form of both mental and physical exercise and is shown to reduce stress! Whether you’re a novice or a budding yogi, yoga offers a wide range of poses for all levels of practice, from a beginner’s Adho Mukha Svanasana (“Downward-Facing Dog”) to an advanced Kapotasana (“King Pigeon Pose”). Now that the warm spring weather is upon us, try practicing yoga outdoors on your porch, at the park, or the beach. The combination of the warmth from the sun and fresh air is both serene and absolutely invigorating!

Paddle Around
Kayaking is a great water sport that really works out the upper body and gets you fabulously toned arms and shoulders! There are six different classifications of kayaking, ranging from the extreme whitewater gut-wrenching rapids (a thrill-seekers dream) to leisurely touring/general recreation. If you don’t feel like tackling on a kayak by yourself, many are built to hold up to three people. So gather some girlfriends and paddle around the lake while enjoying the beautiful nautical scenery.

Other fun outdoor water activities:
• Canoeing
• Paddle-boating
• Swimming

Hide & Seek
Do you CRAVE adventure? We do too! That’s where the sport of Geocaching comes in. Geocaching is a high-tech outdoor sport of treasuring hunting using a GPS device, clues and references to landmarks embedded in riddles or stories. The basic idea is to hide and seek hidden objects in containers (geocaches) and then share your experiences in the logbook and online. There are many variations of geocaches for all levels of adventure seekers. For those who really want a challenge, we hear there is a geocache hidden in Antartica. Happy hunting!

Sprint into Spring
Do you ever get bored with workouts at the gym and feel like a hamster in a wheel on the treadmill? We do! Spring is the start of running season, so lace up those sneakers and head outdoors for a jog. The great thing about running outdoors is you can change your route to keep things interesting. There are also tons of races during running season, ranging from a quick 5K to a full marathon, and many of these races support fundraising for charities. Did we mention that you also get cute t-shirts to show off to your friends?

Tags: activities, badminton, beach volleyball, canoeing, capture the flag, exercise, geocaching, hide and seek, kayaking, kickball, outdoor yoga, outdoors, outside, paddle-boating, race, running, swimming, ultimate frisbee, yoga
Posted in Enhance | No Comments »

Interview with coffee@last

Friday, April 16th, 2010

coffeeatlast by cristina stoian

According to owners Nathalie Bosscha and Marjolein Hartman, coffee@last serves the best coffee, tea, fresh fruit drinks and food.. The first opened store is situated in Amsterdam’s fashion district, on Koningin Wilhelminaplein 60-62, but there are many more to come. Their hope is to set a new standard for quality and ambiance, using both online and offline tools to support their concept.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Stylish. Young. Energetic

What are your most popular products or services?
Our concept revolves around taste. In that sense all our products are popular. Coffee and tea are logically our most popular products. But our fresh fruits, yoghurts and lucious brownies, muffins and sandwiches complete them.

People may be surprised to know…
…that this is just the beginning of the Hartman and Bosscha adventure.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
We inspired each other!

Who is your role model or mentor?
There is not one role model. You always try to get the best out of yourself and keep learning from all the people you meet. The combined experiences of others and ourselves make our mentor.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Accept your short comings and learn to ask for help. That’s why we have now chosen each other as a partner. We are different and accept that from each other. By combining our strenghts we make a perfect team!

How do you spend your free time?
What free time? Next to coffee@last we both run our own business. Marjolein runs several quality cigarshops, Nathalie is an internet and marketing projectmanager. The free time we do have, we spend with our family and friends.

What is your indulgence?
Coffee and cigarettes.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere as long as there is fun, laughter and a relaxing atmosphere!

You can also connect to coffee@last on twitter, facebook or read the latest updates on their website!

Posted in Interviews, Sip / Savor | No Comments »

Firefly Coaching – Igniting Business

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Are you ready to end the struggle to grow your business? Do you want to know how to market your business in a way that doesn’t feel uncomfortable? Would you love to know how to talk about your business so that people really listen? We, at CRAVE are proud to feature the woman entrepreneur Stephanie Ward, a woman every business owner should know. She is a marketing coach who helps passionate small business owners get clear and get clients. She will help you discover how to market your business in a way that feels right for you. On her website, she offers a free special report, 7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time, plus business building tips.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Clarifying. Results-Focused. Vibrant.

What are your most popular products or services?
My one-on-one business growth coaching, it’s all about results!

People may be surprised to know…
That in addition to coaching I’m also an idea machine and come up with fresh ideas for my clients.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Realizing that I was in an unfulfilling job and then searching for, and finding, meaningful work that inspires me.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Every soul on earth who follows their dreams and enjoys life to the fullest.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not having a niche from the very start.

How do you spend your free time?
Traveling with my love, hanging out with friends, listening to music, reading, cooking, enjoying nature, and riding my bicycle.

What is your indulgence?
Sipping champagne in my garden.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Lunch outside on a terrace followed by some shopping.

Connect to Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook.

Posted in Business, Connect, Interviews, KISS | No Comments »