CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Meet Holland Muscio of Balloonacy

November 10, 2010 by Laura Scholz | Comments (2)

For over 25 years, the balloon, floral and decor experts at Balloonacy have been decorating metro Atlanta…and beyond!  From birthday parties and Bar Mitzvahs to cocktail soirees, large Galas and weddings, Balloonacy provides décor for all types of events.  Give them a call today, Balloonacy wants to help make your next event POP!

Balloonacy was recently awarded third place in the tabletop centerpiece competition at FLOAT, a balloon artist convention!  With a “Sweet Sixteen” theme, Balloonacy chose a Monster Truck themed Sweet Sixteen piece showing the judges just how creative they can be.  Congratulations!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Fun, Colorful, Creative

What are your most popular products or services?
Our balloons!  All of our decor is customized for your event!

People may be surprised to know…
I have to utilize those seemigly useless math classes from school almost daily including algebra, geometry, chemistry & physics!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
The previous Balloonacy owners!  I started helping them to make extra money, then I apprenticed with them and fell in love with the world of latex!

Who is your role model or mentor?
The women who take on the role of President of the Junior League of Atlanta. An amazing undertaking. Professionally I admire Maxine Burton,owner of burton+Burton one of the largest Balloon and gift importers/distributors (and based in Athens!).

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Saying yes to a design a customer wants when in my heart I know its not going to live up to my standards.

How do you spend your free time?
What is that?

What is your indulgence?
Good glass of wine and artisan cheeses.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere theres a patio and cold adult beverages!

The Weekly CRAVE-ing: November 3-6

November 4, 2010 by Laura Scholz | Comments (0)

Can you believe it’s already November?   Don’t forget to  “fall forward” on Saturday night, then take advantage of the extra hour at one of these fabulous events!

Get your ‘Stash On
With the new chill in the air, we are all looking for that extra little bit of warmth. What better way to celebrate bundling up than with a “Mustache Party” at the High Museum of Art. This Friday, November 5th, at 8pm all are invited to show off their real or fake mustaches–ladies included. The event will feature live music, cold beer, and a mustache contest prior to a special viewing of the movie “The Mustache” as 10pm on Sifly Piazza. So get growing and buy your ticket now to show off you best facial hair creation!

Chomp & Stomp
No, this has nothing to do with any gators…here its all about the Chili. This Saturday, November 6th, Stomp on over to Cabbagetown to chow down on some of the most CRAVE-able Chili in town. The Chomp & Stomp Chili Cook-off & Festival will run from 11am to 6pm but get there EARLY because there will be some serious cooking going down and samples won’t last all day.

The Decatur Wine Festival
Metro Atlanta’s largest outdoor wine festival, this year’s Decatur Wine Festival will feature organic & sustainably produced wines along with over 350 other domestic and international selections. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited to only 2,000 people, so make sure you are on the list for this once a year event that is sure to be a tasty time!

Art in the Park
Chastainn Park is opening its gates to stimulate your senses with a two-day outdoor event focused on the visual arts. This Saturday & Sunday at the Chastain Park Arts Festival there will be free admission, art, entertainment, and food for all. With the goals of giving back to the community and creating a festival for the artists by the artists, this event is sure to be show with something for everyone. So whether you are looking to get your Christmas shopping started a little early or just want to enjoy a nice day out with your family, The Chastain Park Arts Festival is the great way to enjoy that little bit of outdoor weather we have left!

Dia de Los Muertos
Literally translated, “Day of the Dead,” Atlanta will celebrate the holiday for the very first time this Sunday at the opulent Atlantic Station. From 12pm-5pm on November 7th, Atlanta Day of The Dead will work to educated, entertain, and interact with all who attend this free celebration. The event will feature delcious Latino cuisine, live performances by local and national artists, a much more. Head on out to make this event one that people will CRAVE for years to come!

Canvas & Cocktails
Who says you can’t drink & paint? At Creatively Yours, that is exactly what they want you to do! If fall is becoming just a little too chilly for you, then park yourself inside the Creatively Yours studio in Brookhaven and enjoy some good old Pinot & Painting with your very best girlfriends. You provide the drinks & snacks to nosh on, and the studio will provide the paint and instructions. No matter what your skill level or artistic ability, everyone can create something uniquely theirs to proudly display in any room at home. Schedules are released at the beginning of every month, so pick your painting today and sign up right away!

The Weekly CRAVE-ing: Halloween Style

October 29, 2010 by Laura Scholz | Comments (0)

The scariest day of the year is almost upon us. Have you decided how to join in  on all the boos & screams?? If not, here are some of the most fabulous Halloween treasures happening around the city of Atlanta this weekend. You are sure to find something to fill that horrific CRAVE-ing for a little scare!

A Ghostly Tour
Take a stroll around the lovely railroad town of Norcross and encounter some of the “Southern Spirits” still there today. This marks the last weekend for the 2010 season of the Norcross Ghost Tour. With a round for kids starting at 7pm and an adult showing beginning at 8 or 9pm, the Norcross Ghost Tour will give you insight into some of the most infamous murders and spine-tingling mysterys in the area. Whether you decide to start your Halloween weekend off with a BOO! or end it with a scream, this ghostly time is sure to be a scare!

Big Wicked
$5,000 & a costume contest. Almost sounds too good to be true, right? Well its not if you show up for Q100′s Big Wicked 2010 this Friday beginning at 9pm. The annual event will be held at Compound in Atlanta and features a costume contest, psychics, and plam readings for all attendees. Get tickets here, dress to impress, and who knows, you may just walk home with $5,000 in your pocket.

Boos & Brews
Are you looking for a scary good time? Then dress up in your best costume and head on over to the SweetWater Brewery this Saturday from 9pm-1am for Boos & Brews presented by Full Pint Productions. For the frighteningly low price of $30 you can get into the brewery, take home a souvenir pint glass, and sample a hearty amount of SweetWater brews. There will be entertainment galore to help kick off the Halloween celebration right, so get your tickets before its too late!

Feeling Fabulous & Fancy
Get lost in a magical world of masquerades and cocktails. The Fabulous Fox Theater is hosting an Evening of Elegance this October 30th from 8pm-midnight  at the Atlanta Halloween Ball. There will be endless cocktails, light hors d’ouevres, comedy, music, dancing, and more. This event is truly one to dress up for, so ladies pick out your best gowns, men iron up your tuxedos, and everyone be sure to get your masquerade mask to add onto the mystery. Tickets can be purchased here with all proceeds going to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

How to Solve a Murder Mystery
There’s been a Murder at Dracula’s Castle and Dad’s Garage is here to solve it! In honor of the true Halloween Holiday, Z Gillispie and some of the best improvisers around will put on a showing of “Murder at Dracula’s Castle: A Very Special Sir John Holmes Murder Mystery.” So skip the trick-or-treating this October 31st and head out to Dad’s Garage at 8pm for a riot of a show, complete with 3 seat packages…Just Seats, Seats + 2 Drinks, or Fancy Pants Seats + 3 Drinks. Pick your poison and the laughs will be provided for a night of scary fun!

We are CRAVE-ing Indigo Bath & Body

July 2, 2010 by Laura Scholz | Comments (0)

Are you CRAVE-ing some pampering this summer?? Then look no further than Indigo Bath & Body, Atlanta’s own bath and body apothecary.  Using nature’s abundance with a twist of imagination to indulge your senses and pamper your skin.  It’s not your ordinary lavender soap!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
indulgent, sustainable, addictive

What are your most popular products or services?
Our most popular products are our indulgent shea butter enriched soaps.

People may be surprised to know…
Many of our soap ingredients come right from our local farmer’s markets.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
My fascination began as a little girl growing up in northwestern Pennsylvania, I remember sitting in the garden with my Grandmother, while she told me about the plants that she grew, and why she grew them. As I grew up, my curiosity with both chemistry and natural pharmacology continued.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My grandmother and mother.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Some of my toughest decisions have come from trying to do everything myself.

How do you spend your free time?
Playing in the garden and with my family.

What is your indulgence?
Taking a bath with something new and reading a book until the water runs cold!

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
My favorite place to go is to the drive in for some old classic monster movies.

Hello, Summer!

June 21, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

How many times a year do we utter the words, “If only there were more hours in the day…”? Well, on the summer solstice, you will get your wish since today, the sun shines longer than any other day of the year. Today of course also marks the official start of summer, and with it, we celebrate all the best things about this much-anticipated season! To welcome the return of flip-flops, barbecue’s, vacations and more, we’ve compiled a list of activities to do in order to take advantage of those extra minutes of sunlight. Grab your friends and family and head out – you won’t want to miss a second of your summer solstice celebration!

A picnic is a simple no-brainer for a summer occasion, but you might decide to get a little creative for the special occasion by coordinating a late-night sunset picnic in your city’s most scenic setting. Bring a playlist of songs with the word “sun” in them to set the right mood.

If you’re an avid outdoors-woman, you’ll want to really maximize your extra minutes of rays! Head out for an evening hike, run, or bike ride and extend it a little longer than usual. You’ll get an extra boost knowing that this is the only night you’ll be able to savor the sunlight during your routine workout.

Spending your solstice doing water activities is an excellent idea if you live near a body of water. Boating, surfing, kayaking, or even just lounging beachside will give you that summer glow you’ve been missing all winter. Plus, watching the sun lower over sparkling waves is a sight that can hardly be beat, and one you’ll want to store in your memory for the next winter.

Say Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball and sends rain instead of shine, well don’t let that stop you from enjoying the spirit of the day. Curling up with a book and hot tea can be relaxing during a summer rainfall or storm especially if enjoyed from a patio or porch. If the day is more gray gloom than thrilling boom, head to your local arboretum or greenhouse to get your tropical nature fix.

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!

Black Friday Steals and Deals – Atlanta

November 23, 2009 by Inna | Comments (0)

Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. This year, instead of struggling your way through the hordes at big retail stores, go to places that will give you special attention and prices! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite businesses that will be having sales and even featuring discounts especially for CRAVE readers. Happy holidays!

At the Collective Located in Inman Park 280 Elizabeth Street, Suite B103 atthecollective.com The first 50 buyers will be offered a choice of artwork from a fabulous grab bag. Come early to get the best pick from Hand Made and Fair Trade items from contributing artists and Sally B’s Skin Yummies.

Beauty by Alethea Tuxedo Atrium 3833 Roswell Rd., Suite 116 beautybyalethea.com Will be offering $50 off of your first Radio Frequency Body Contouring/Cellulite Treatment as well as off of their Famous Refresh Laser Facial. Gift Certificates are $100 for a $150 value!

Felted Heart 405 Sinclair Ave. NE feltedheart.com 10% discount at the Beehive Co-Op on any Felted heart items when you mention CRAVE.

Finders Keepers fkconsign.com All 3 stores are having a sale: Visit site for locations Boutique: 30% off the entire store Fashions: 40% off all jackets and blazers and coats Furnishings: 25% off all holiday decor and decorations In addition if you are wearing all black, you get an additional 5% off your total purchase!

Indigo Bath and Body indigobathandbody.com Free gift and free shipping for the first 100 customers who enter CRAVE in their shopping cart.

JaLa Designs LLC jala-designs.com Free shipping until December 16th (using UPS Ground and discounted at checkout) Extended return policy (returns up until Jan. 15th) Please use link above.

Karmic Kookies karmickookies.com 10% off all orders on Black Friday.

CLAMIK Beautique Castleberry Hill 238 Walker St. @ Fair St. Unit#3 lamik-beauty.com 20% off makeup and facial care products & eyelash services the entire day when they mention CRAVE.

Mama Bath & Body loveyourmama.com Store will be closed thanksgiving weekend but check out their great online special! Free shipping on purchases over $50, and 15% off purchases over $100.

Meringue 1393 N Highland Ave NE meringueboutique.net 25% off the whole store (excluding already marked down merchandise)!

Mickey Lynn Designs mickeylynndesigns.com On the website or in store, promo code CRAVE will take $10 off their purchase.

Miss Pickles Press misspicklespress.com Good for 10% off any custom stationery order ordered on Black Friday. The discount code will be CRAVE.

Nichola nicholaonline.com 5% discount on orders placed through our website on Black Friday only.

Oana Hogrefe Photography shutterview.com Make your money go 50% further on Black Friday! Buy a photography gift certificate, for you or as a gift, and get 50% more than what you pay. for. For example, get $300 worth of photography for only $200! Available in any amount. These are redeemable towards any sessions or products and expire May 31st 2010. Contact Oana at oana@shutterview.com and mention the passcode “crave black”, and the dollar amount you would like to purchase.

Pashmere 4600 West Village Place Suite 3001, Smryna, Ga 30080 pashmereboutique.com Opens early From 9am-1pm everything will be 40% off and all ready marked down items will be 70% off. From 1-4pm everything will be 30% off and all ready marked down items will be 70% off. From 4-7:30 everything 20% all ready marked down items will be 70% off.

Proud Working Mommy proudworkingmommy.com 15% off on Black Friday.

Scrapbook Mamma scrapbookmamma.com 10% discount on any size Custom Photo book to anyone who mentions CRAVE and a FREE Slideshow of the photos used in their photo book. >Additionally will be offering a 20% discount on the 2nd ,3rd or 4th copy of the same book.

Stylish Consignments 5514 Lawrenceville Hwy Suite E Lilburn, GA 30047 stylishconsignments.com Will be offering our “BREAKFAST, BOWS, & BLACK 8 BALLS” promo for Black Friday. Why Wait until Black Friday? Save all week at Stylish Consignments! EVERYTHING IS ON SALE!Save 10-75% Off Nov 24th-27th On Name Brands including Ann Taylor, INC, Ellen Tracy, bebe, Guess, Chico’s, Banana Republic, Adrianna Papell, Jones New York and More! Ladies Juniors-Curvatious! Enjoy Free Breakfast, Bows, and Black 8 Balls Tuesday thru Friday Only. Let the Black Ball Determine your Extra Luck! Come Eat, Be Merry, And Save at Stylish Consignments.

Sunny’s Hair and Wigs 2295 Peachtree Road NE sunnyshair.com Friday Nov 27th from 12pm-7pm, the Atlanta store will feature a 10% off any purchase when mentioning CRAVE at checkout. Online they will offer a Black Monday special for CRAVE readers. When you enter Crave10 at checkout you will receive 10% off all orders plus a free CRAVE goodie sample bag of our favorite holiday products! This offer is valid until Dec. 1st.

West Coast Workout 175 Mt Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA westcoastworkout.com Will be giving a 10% discount on any fitness class package for those who mention CRAVE.

Also check out @craveatlanta for more deals look for #cravedeals

* the CRAVE company is not responsible for any changes and variations with these discounts and deals

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