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Tis the Season for Holiday Parties…Best of Atlantas’s Places to Find Holiday Attire

December 18, 2009 by Inna | Comments (0)

Tis the season to look fabulous! Looking for a smashing holiday get up? Stop by on of our favorite boutiques to find something unique, chic and affordable to match your style!

Elements of 3
After having to spend all week pent up in an office wearing pantyhose and collars get loose and bring out your sense of style. This store also supports charities like Save the Tata’s so your money will be toward a good cause.
elementsofthree.com
415 Peachtree Parkway
Cumming, GA, 30041

Lavender Boutique
This chic boutique hand selects and buys in limited quantities weekly to ensure that your style is like you, one-of-a-kind! They also support several local clothing and jewelry designers.
lavenderboutique.com
5530 Windward Pkwy Ste 320
Alpharetta, GA 30004

Olive
This independent vintage inspired label offers a collection of sweet, simple dresses and skirts. If you’ve been inspired to create your own outfit contact them about the custom design service. This lets you co-design your wardrobe! Fashion stylist Katriesa Raines can help you design a collection that fits your personality and lifestyle.
olivestyle.com
404-274-5432

Pashmere
Whether you shop online or in one of the two stores, you’ll find everything you need to create the perfect holiday outfit. From tees, accessories, and dresses you’ll come out “smashingly stylish!”
pashmereboutique.com
Locations in: West Village and Buckhead

Sage
In business for more then a decade they have what you call fashion wisdom. You’ll find most of the merchandise is priced under $100 making it affordable for any budget. With several dozen brands to choose from and 5 locations this store can cater to everyone’s tastes.
sageclothing.com
Locations in: East Cobb, Buckhead, Forsyth and Midtown

Best Spots for Indoor Fitness in Atlanta

December 18, 2009 by Inna | Comments (0)

There are many reasons why people, women especially, gain an average of 7-12lbs during the holiday season. The weather is frightful, you’re stressed, overscheduled, and the focal point of most gatherings is centered around food. We throw principles like portion control, and healthy recipe alternatives out the window, then come new years day we look in the mirror and wonder what happened. Well this year is going to be different! We’ve compiled a list of the best indoor fitness facilities in Atlanta that will keep you looking your best so come new years you will feel confident, powerful, and beautiful!

Condition Kettleball Gym (gymcondition.com) – If you have no time to spare this holiday season this is the perfect place to go to get an all in one workout; strength training, flexibility, and cardio. Get in, get out, get it done! Kettleball training is world-renowned for being efficient and effective, allowing you to burn between 600-900 calories in 45min.

Body Awareness Studio (bodyawarenessstudio.com) – In Atlanta since 1993, this studio offers the best of traditional and therapeutic pilates, a great way to melt the holiday stress away by experiencing an “intelligent, thoughtful, whole-body approach to fitness!” The studio features many different fitness systems including Pre-Pilates, GYROTONIC®, Meridian Stretching, Energy Medicine, Qi Gong, Breath Empowerment, 9 Breath Method, Food Healing, and Natural Rhythms.

In Town Pilates Atlanta (intownpilatesatlanta.com) – Whether you like to stick to the basics of are an exercise enthusiast this studio has something just for you. Their services include classically based programs, such as Mat and Tower, as well the original Pilates/Sculpt, Pilates Boot Camp and Tower Stretch.

West Coast Workout by Tammy Stokes (westcoastworkout.com) – Want to feel like a star? Tammy brings the best of Hollywood training to Atlanta! Her 7 signature workouts are functional full body exercises that include heart rate elevation to stimulate your metabolism. You will see extraordinary results in both the way you look and feel! Tammy’s mission is to get you to “live your healthiest life possible,” so whether your 25 or 69 get up and go check out what possibilities are in store for you this holiday season!

Cafe Physique (cafephysique.com) – Even if you’re in a food coma or just too cold to leave the house you no longer have an excuse not to stay in shape. Cafe Physique will send a personal trainer out to your home when it’s most convinent for you!!! No more excuses or procrastinating, specializing in studio and in-home personal training, wellness coaching, private yoga & pilates, and customized healthy nutrition services you have access to the best at your fingertips.

Susie Shina (befitenough.com) – Join Susie and her Fit for Biz Challenge this holiday season! Susie develops programs for mom-entrepreneurs and women alike who want to be fit enough to tackle life and have a great time doing it! Check out her website and see what she has in store for you.

There you have it, there’s something that will fit your lifestyle and personal goals. Don’t forget that staying active isn’t the only key, don’t overexert yourself, relax a little, and don’t forget about portion control. Happy Holidays!

Best Novelty and Gift Shops

December 16, 2009 by Inna | Comments (0)

Making the list, checking it twice… do you still have a couple more stockings to stuff, or do you still need to pick up a white elephant gift for your corporate party? Here a few places where you’ll be able to find the perfect gift!

2 Posh Dames (2poshdames.com) – Let your inner diva shine! Here you will find exquisite gifts. These one-of-a-kind pieces are bound to make anyone feel like divine!

At the Collective (atthecollective.com) – Come here to find unique pieces while supporting local artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs!

Atlanta Consignment Stores (atlantaconsignmentstores.com) – Find great presents without breaking the bank. Cashmere, crystal, and jewels visit one of the many stores and get exactly what you need.

Back by Popular Demand (bbpdconsignment.com) – 5000 square feet and 350 new pieces arriving daily this consignment store is a one stop haven for your gift giving needs.

ecoEmporium (theecoemporium.com) – Who said you cant be “green” and fashionable. Come here to find earth friendly, organic, and non-toxic products with a stylish touch.

Finders Keepers Boutique (fkconsign.com) – Around since 1984 and now a whopping 8500 square feet between the three stores, Finders Keepers sorts through the junk so that you don’t have to.

Gifted! Artist Market & Gift Boutique (giftedmarket.com) – If your looking for a fun shopping experience stop by this store and discover a unique collection of gifts, jewlery, home decor, clothing, garden art and more. This collection of artists and vedors will get your creative juices flowing and help you come up pick the best gifts.

Glory Haus (gloryhaus.com) – This faith based home-decor company offers your art that is inspirational, adorable, and useful! From tiles, frames, decorative boards, and Christmas decorations give a gift that will bring joy all year around.

Nichola (nicholaonline.com) -  Here you will find a unique collection of jewelry and gifts inspired by 40′s and 50′s vintage styles. These styles fuse vintage with a trendy, classic, bohemian twist.

Skin Care Tips From the Experts

December 13, 2009 by Inna | Comments (0)

We have contacted our skin care experts and have compiled a list of recommendations free of charge! Follow these tips year around not just during the winter to ensure that you have vibrant youthful looking skin for years to come!

Polished Beauty Lounge
Selma Welde

Hands can say a lot about you and your age. Two simple things can keep your hands looking young especially in the winter!
Exfoliate: using a sugar scrub with an oil base is perfect for winter because the hydrating oils give you extra protection against the harsh weather.
Moisturize: Make a habit of using hand cream, moisturize as often as possible. After you wash your hands make sure to towel dry and invest in a small size hand cream to keep with you at all times. Moisturize ensures soft, smooth young skin.
When visiting salons: Parrafin Wax is a viable beauty treatment which helps restore moisture to the skin in return making them extra soft. It is a relaxing, healing experience that gives you a softer, more pliable skin.
Simple hand care like this will keep you hands healthy, and glowing for years to come.
We have many different products such as scrubs and moisturizer in the salon that you can purchase and make great stocking stuffers!

4500 West Village Place.
Suite 2005
Smyrna, GA 30080
(678) 213-2999
polishedbeautylounge.com

Sally B’s Skin Yummies
Sally

For winter skin that doesn’t crack from the dry and cold, here are a few tips.
Humidify! – Many of us think that drinking a lot of water will keep our skin dewy and moist but it’s just not that simple. Studies show that the intake of water does not always lead to great skin. However, if you have a humidifier and can get the air that you live and breathe in moist, you will go a lot further towards helping your skin. Put one in your bedroom or whole house. You will be more comfortable and see less dry skin.
Moisturize – The winter months are a great time to put on lotion. Lotions containing butters like Shea Butter, Avocado butter, and cocoa butter, are heavier than some and work hard to form a barrier on the skin. This barrier keeps moisture locked in and prevents the skin from drying out.
Two new favorite ingredients of mine are Tamanu Oil and Marula Oil. Tamanu Oil is an anti-inflammatory. It is used to moisturize, as an anti-itch therapy, for rashes and even wound healing. Marula Oil is a wonderful anti-oxidant and moisturizer. If you are in At The Collective and want to try one of these special oils on your skin, let Sally know. She can bring it out from the lab so you can feel it’s properties. Marula and Tamanu oil are both ingredients in Sally B’s Eco-Body lotion available at the store or online.
If you already suffer from dry or cracked skin, Shea butter is often available with no additives and makes a very effective moisturizer and healer. Sally B’s has Shea Butter Bars which provide Shea Butter in a handy twist up tube so you can apply it directly without getting it on your hands.
For dry lips, use a Lip Balm without Petroleum or mineral oil in it. Instead, try Lip Balms made with Beeswax, or Carneuba Wax and with have organic ingredients. Sally B’s offers several flavors of Lip Balm and many are flavored with essential oils only. These will keep your lips moist and kissable in the winter months!

Follow Sally on Twitter @skinyummies
Find Sally B’s Skin Yummies:
At The Collective (Inman Park)
280 Elizabeth Street
Suite B103
Atlanta, GA 30307

JaLa Designs

Rachel Franco

Rachel swears by these two simple skin care tips!
1. Without fail, remove your makeup and wash your face with a cleanser and a toner each night before you go to bed. It’s easy to get tired and not feel like doing this, but it’s so important. And, before putting your makeup on in the morning, wash your face with a cleanser of your choice as well.
2. Before putting your makeup on, use a facial moisturizer that has a SPF in it (mine has a SPF 15). I’ve been using a moisturizer w/ SPF since I was 16 and I’m convinced this has helped keep my skin looking very young and wrinkle-free.

New Moon Skin Care
Amy Leavell Bransford, licensed esthetician

Everyone’s skin goes through transition as our climate transitions from warmer, humid temps into the colder, drier Winter months. It starts with the weather change outdoors and extends to the switch from AC to heat indoors. Most people start to feel dry and flaky and experience a more dermatitis during the Winter months. I love Dr. Hauschka Rhythmic Night Conditioner which is a monthlong series of ampoules applied nightly during this transition. It is also great to have a Moisturizing Mask and Lip Balm in your beauty bag for the Winter. As always, it’s best to hydrate from within the body so drink plenty of water and make sure that you are taking a great dietary supplement.
Some other tips:
Consult with a licensed aesthetician about what products you should be using. Many people are misinformed about their skin type and are buying the wrong products. Consultations with me are free always. I invite clients to bring in their beauty bag and let me see what is in their arsenal.
Use a cleansing milk daily.
Exfoliate weekly.
Mask weekly.
Moisturize daily.
Get a facial once a month.

new moon skin care
you can find it at The Aviary
{organic beauty collective}
404.375.5457
newmoonskincare.com

Monique Eddleton (esthetician & blogger in Atlanta)
Steamy showers can rob your skin of precious moisture. The steam actually causes you to sweat, which dehydrates the skin. In addition, most soaps and shower gels are made with artifical detergents and surfactants which strip the remaining natural moisturizers from the surface of the skin.
If you must indulge in steamy showers, keep the following tips in mind:
Try to limit your time in the shower to minimize the moisture loss.
Use a cream based cleaner instead of a shower gel. These formulations are usually more moisturizing.
Try to use all-natural soaps and cleansers. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances and detergents that can strip and irritate the skin.
Be sure to re-moisturize directly after your shower. Lightly pat away excess water after shower and apply lotion while the skin is still damp. This will help the lotion to better penetrate the skin.
Make sure you re-hydrate internally by drinking water within 30 minutes of your shower.

Find more skin care tips from Monique at:
RealBeauty101.com
Twitter: @realbeauty101

Thank You Season is here – Find the Best Cards in Atlanta

December 9, 2009 by Inna | Comments (0)

November is a time for umbrellas, turkeys, pumpkin pie and of course thanks! With Thanksgiving around the corner start thinking about who you want to give thanks to. Here are some great places you can pick up a card to show your appreciation, why not even make your own! And, THANK YOU for supporting CRAVE and all the savvy women entrepreneurs out there!

Avie Designs (aviedesigns.com) – Find an Eco friendly paper product to fit all your stationary needs. The team here can even create a personalized card for you.

Linvites Design Studio and Boutique (linvites.com) -  Find an array of options from Linvites original designs, custom design your own, or go with one of the great greeting card lines they carry.

Verdepaperie.com – This online store places an emphasis on creative design and the environment.

Young Blood Gallery and Boutique (youngbloodgallery.com) – This is a center for emerging artists and Do-It-Yourself crafters. You’re bound to find a one of the kind thank you card here or the supplies to create your own masterpiece!

Paper Affair – Fine Stationary (Paperaffair.com) – With 20years of experience, 6 retail stores in Atlanta, and over 100 representatives ready to assist you, finding a thank you card will be easier than saying TURKEY!

Best Pumpkin Treats in Atlanta

December 2, 2009 by Inna | Comments (1)

From a delicate little cupcake to a sizzling hot cup of coffee you can find pumpkin flavored treats in many shapes and sizes but all will equally tantalize your taste buds and bring back memories of holidays past.

Check out these bakeries and cafes next time you CRAVE a pumpkin flavored treat!

ATL Cupcake Factory (theatlantacupcakefactory.com) -  Features weekly flavors so check in frequently to make sure you don’t miss their pumpkin maple delight!

Lenoxcupcakes (Lenoxcupcakes.com) – This gourmet cupcake company makes deliveries throughout metro Atlanta. They have 18 flavors to pick from including Pumpkin Spice!

Great Harvest Bakery (greatharvestatlanta.com) – Everything is made from scratch daily at 4am. They feature different flavors of baked goods everyday of the week so make sure to check their website and stop in for their pumpkin swirl bread, pumpkin tea cake, or pumpkin chocplate chip muffins!

Joli Kobi Cafe & Bakery (jolikobe.com) -  Known for their signature pastries, cakes and breads since 1985 come in and try their pumpkin muffins!

West Egg Cafe (westeggcafe.com) -  A pumpkin spice latte is always a great alternative to baked goods.

If you are still in need of some recipe ideas for thanksgiving here are two sites ( aliciasrecipe & kraftfoods ) where you’ll find 100′s of Pumpkin inspired dishes that will impress any guest.