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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Tricks of the Trade
When great minds come together, amazing things can happen. When great CRAVE minds come together, amazing things DO happen! Part of our mission – along with being the go-to source for all things fab in your city – is to connect women business-owners to the resources, information, and other like-minded women that will enable their success and growth as professionals. So to offer up some advice and inspiration to all of our hard-working entreprenesses, we’ve got a handful of intelligent lady-experts opening up their book of knowledge for us. Consider it the metaphorical – and less painful form of walking a mile in their fiercely fabulous high-heeled shoes. Read on for each experts’ single most important tip for fellow entreprenesses and their favorite part about working with women in business.
Dawn McCooey- McCooey Consulting Group Inc., Woman’s Enterprise Centre
Must-do: Understand the act and the art of juggling. If you know which balls are rubber and which are glass – you can handle anything.
Love-to-do: As a business advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre, and as a consultant, I love the energy and the synergy of women business owners. I love how they are willing to collaborate and build community.
Carlie Smith- Portobello West
Must-do: Don’t write-off any idea until you’ve looked at it from various perspectives and always run the numbers.
Love-to-do: Female business owners are very supportive of one another and are great at working together to create amazing projects and businesses!
Pauline O’Malley-Â TheRevenueBuilder
Must-do: Without sales, you don’t have a business. As a woman, you have the natural abilities to persuade others to believe in you. Women are the best sales people in the world; they just don’t know it yet!
Heather White-Â 2020 Communications
Must-do: Take action!
Love-to-do: Sitting on the shoulders of my clients and watching them make their dreams come true. Female business owners have high energy and it’s a lot of fun to be around them.
Felicia Lee-Â Ghost CEO Advisor
Must-do: You are not an island – utilize mentors, resources and communities around you to help you build your business.
Love-to-do: Many women entrepreneurs are afraid of sales. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the transformation from fear to embracing to owning the sales process!
Katie Bennett- Double Black Diamond Coaching
Must-do: What separates my clients that get good results from my clients who get great results is commitment. 100% or 0%. There is no wiggle room on true commitment.
Love-to-do: The best part of my job is getting to help people achieve the lives and businesses they have always dreamed of.
Shauna Causey-Â Voluntweetup
Must-do: Test your limits on how generous you can be.
Love-to-do: The best part of my job is that I get to talk about dynamic ideas, inspiring people and worthwhile causes.
Maria Ross-Â Red Slice
Must-do: Make sure you know who your audience is! Get as close to defining your “ideal” customer vs. just your “average” customer.
Love-to-do: Seeing the light go off when they discover what their brand is really all about or who really is their ideal customer.
Andrea Baxter-Â Bratface Marketing
Must-do: There is nothing more beneficial to business women in a small city than to get out there, make yourself aware, and make a name for yourself.
Love-to-do: I would be lying if I didn’t say the freedom it allows me to have my own business.
Q&A with Olivia O’Neal of Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop
Even if we weren’t in love with the baked goods at Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop (which we are), we would still go just for the adorable decor and nostalgic themed-goodies that recall a simpler time. With cupcakes named after Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, and James Brown, the shop is filled with retro nods to the bygone days, including dozens of other old-fashioned treats. We talked to Olivia O’Neal about her business and her favorite Sunday morning indulgences.
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Delicious, indulgent, nostalgic
What are your most popular products or services?
Our Southern Belle (red velvet) cupcakes and Mint Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars.
People may be surprised to know…
that Jack’s Lemon, The Hula and Banana Puddin’ are all named after and inspired by my son.
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Simply put, I love dessert! Â I wanted to create the type of bakery and atmosphere that I would bring my family for a sweet treat!
Who is your role model or mentor?
My father, also a small business owner who raised me as a single parent and sets an excellent example of someone leading a positive and successful business and personal life.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Not following my instincts! Â I’ve learned that you should always trust your inner voice, it will usually lead you down the right path.
What is your indulgence?
Sunday morning mimosas with friends and loved ones.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I love going to House Wine with my girlfriends for an evening of laughter and relaxation.
Hot Days, Cool Shades
The Texas sun is a force to be reckoned with – so much so that sunglasses and other shady accessories are a year round necessity. But in the summertime, it’s truly time to shine with fun styles, whether it’s a pair of sweet vintage rounded shades or super modern aviators with studs. Â We’re also quite fond of dramatic summer hats, especially those floppy straw pieces fit for a sassy Southern belle. Scouring the city, we’ve got three spots that will bring the bling to your already sweltering style.
Adelante (1206 W 38th St)
You’ll have a ball mixing and matching bold colors and patterns at this Austin boutique which has a color palette as eclectic as an art nouveau painter. Carrying everything from retro-inspired tunics to recycled vintage furniture, Adelante is a bit like stepping into the ultra mod yard sale of a Palm Springs glamour girl. Our favorite part about this place is the super cool 1976 Airstream bus that can be rented out for private parties. You’ll be staying cool and looking the part too!
SoLa (815 W 47th St, Ste 100)
Sister-owned boutique SoLa is a warm, homegrown sort of place where a girl can take her boots off and let her hair down. With uniquely feminine clothing, a selection of incredible shoes, and a full collection of accessorizing items, you’ll want to make yourself comfortable as you browse the racks and try on your favorite pieces and sunglasses styles. This boutique has a cozy vintage feel that will make you long for a warm summer night adorned in a white linen blouse and golden baubles that will catch the light of the stars above.
The Garden Room (1601 W 38th St, Ste 5)
This staple among Austin boutiques knows that women dress to stand out, not blend in; and each piece is brought into the store for that very purpose. With colors and patterns designed for the bold at heart, this boutique makes a perfect destination to make your wardrobe match the sunny summer days. Collections come from a mix of designers both local and international and is the only Austin carrier of local design name Yansi Fugel. A trip to The Garden Room is sure to be fruitful each time you step inside.
Dangerous Foods Hiding in Your Pantry
Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.
When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies.
Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models. Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.
Top 5 pantry foods to replace
Bread crumbs
OUT - The packaged stuff. Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents.
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.
Broth
OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock. Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients.
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).
Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays
OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter.
Salad Dressing and Sauces
OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce.
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon.
Vanilla
OUT - Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!
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 G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She 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.
Insight from Makeup Artist, Sheila Patel
Whether it’s just a hint of blush on our cheeks, a swab of lipgloss to our puckers, or a brush of mascara to our batting eyelashes, we all want to look and feel our best! However, with the plethora of make-up options out there, finding the right products can be quite overwhelming…what color foundation to use, what eyeshadows look best on a brown-eyed beauty, liquid eyeliner or pencil??? This is where renowned make-up artist, Sheila Patel comes into the picture. With a trained eye, a steady and skilled hand, she applies the right mixture of shadows and powders…Voila! You have your own customized look. Here is her expert advice and a video featuring the “Artist at Work”, enjoy!
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
My sister in law, Xuan Thu Pham encouraged me to get back to doing something that I have excelled in in the past and all the credit goes to her for my getting back in.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Overscheduling. Earlier on in my career when I just started out, there was a time when I was working continuously from one makeup client to another in a single day. Because I worked with more clients than I could manage in one day, I felt that I did not put in the effort and time that each client deserved. I wanted to give the focus and attention to each person, but with time against me, I was not able to do that. From that experience on, I never did that again. Each customer is special to me and I’ll only work on a client at a time – that is my philosophy.
What is your favorite make-up brand?
I like different makeup brands for different reasons. I use MAC, Shu Uemura, Glauca Rossi, NARS, Makeup Forever, Ben Nye, and Kryolan. In fact, I have so many different brands in my professional makeup toolbox that I can’t name all the brands I enjoy using. Each brand is uniquely used for different purposes and events such as TV or weddings. As an everyday favorite makeup brand, I like Bobbi Brown.
What defines the Bollywood style? Do you think it would cross-over to the U.S.?
I’m glad you asked me this question because so many people have different notions of what the “Bollywood style” is and what it really means. Coming from Mumbai and having worked with Bollywood and MTV – I see the different perceptions of how people view Bollywood. What defines the Bollywood style has more to do with what you see on a film set: the movie scenes, dance scenes, and the ensemble of women who dress up in extravagant attire along with the extravagant makeup to go with it. Bollywood is about glamour, visual performance artistry, and telling a story.
This is why a Bollywood style is not suitable for everyday looks. If you’ve ever seen a wedding scene from a Bollywood film, you’ll notice the rich colors, embroideries, and magnificent jewelry that the women are wearing. Also notice their makeup – it’s created and done up to be very dramatic. When you wear such beautiful clothes, your face is competing with it and pales in comparison to what you’re wearing. That’s why it has to look very dramatic.
I think it the Bollywood look can absolutely cross over to the U.S. if it’s in the wedding space. However, with everyday looks, it might be too much, especially without the costumes. But if you’re up for that look for yourself, why not?
What is your favorite make-up look for spring/summer?
I have this secret passion for the orange and yellow color theme. If it’s done well, it can really work for you. Case in point: you can use a yellow eyeshadow
and apply it over your eyelids. Then use an orange eyeshadow to contour the lids as well as the edges. Next, you can define your eyes with black eyeliner and mascara – and voila. Most people think they can’t use these colors, but you can!
What is the most common make-up mistakes you see people make?
Mismatched foundation has to be the topper on the list. This is the most common mistake I’d like to see people stop making. Coming from an Asian country, there is an obsession to have fair skin. People try to correct that by using light foundation. The end result? Your skin will end up looking grey. Also, some people tend to incorrectly use bronzers or foundation that’s too dark for them, which are really too orange for one’s face. This looks hideous.
A good indicator of using the proper foundation for yourself is to reference it in natural sunlight. Typically, when you buy it in the mall under fluorescent lighting, it’s easy to make the mistake of buying the wrong color for your skintone. What you can do is apply a small amount from the tester on your skin – step outside and see if it matches your skin. Just be true to your skin tone and be proud of your natural beauty.
Visit Sheila Patel at:
Website: sheilapatelsf.com
Blog: bit.ly/MakingFaces
Twitter: bit.ly/cZvamc
Facebook: bit.ly/cKLfS7
YouTube: bit.ly/91hB9F
Q&A with Shirley Pinkson & Renee Snyder of W3LL PEOPLE
We all know that it’s cool to be green – for reasons related to both our personal health, our children’s health, and the health of our planet. Cosmetic Dermatologist, Makeup Guru, and Treehuggers Shirley Pinkson and Renee Snyder are the brains behind Austin’s  own eco-conscious beauty store W3LL PEOPLE™ (215 S. Lamar Blvd.  Suite B). This eco-chic duo describe their business as sexy, toxin-free, and smart, and we have to agree! Not only are the products completely safe, natural,and nutrient-packed to make sure you look your best, they also do the same for the planet! Now that’s the kind of beauty we CRAVE!
What are your most popular products or services?
The W3LL Supernatural,Organic multi-stick, Arcona Peptide Anti-aging Series, Intelligent Nutrients Hair Styling products.
People may be surprised to know…
…the personal care category is not regulated by the FDA. W3LL PEOPLE has assumed responsibility for your health and safety.
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Advanced Performance, Bioavailable Ingredients and Sustainability drive the W3LL PEOPLE mission and everything we do. The integration of these 3 elements create a new standard for beauty.
Who is your role model or mentor?
…what would be the lovechild of Francios Nars and Bono, and Susan Sarandon… what a threesome. Â Too tough to choose.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
There are no mistakes, just hard lessons.  We have discovered that it is hard to be ‘good’.  The availability of natural/biodegradable packaging and  components has certainly been a labor of love.
How do you spend your free time?
At home with my family, muts, and loved one. Â A walk around Townlake is therapy to me first thing in the morning.
What is your indulgence?
Chocolate and peanut butter…and haircuts 
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
House Wine on Josephine offers us a great, low-key spot to talk and sip on great wine. You can sit outside and take in an evening breeze or a good dose of sunshine.
Your Austin picks for:
Best Hair Salon?
Dear Clark in Dallas. Â Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark can work magic on anyone. Not kidding.
Shoes?
Barney Co-op. Â I have a crazy love for boots…all year round, and they have the best selection.
Amazing Fashion?
If it’s black, and fits… I am a happy camper. Blackmail on Congress,and Bows and Arrows on Lamar take care of my dark side.
How to Plan Your Perfect Summer Party with LA Glam
Planning a party can be loads of fun but let’s be totally honest…planning and attending the same party can be tough. That’s why CRAVE asked Christina Murphy, who runs LA Glam Events with her partner Erin Preuss to give us a few pointers. The good news is that with a little planning and creative magic you can host a party everyone (including you) will love!
With the summer party season about to get into full swing starting on Memorial Day Weekend it’s a perfect time to treat your friends to a love-everything-about-summer party that will set the standard for everyone else. (And no, it doesn’t require boatloads of cash or a swank Hampton’s seaside soirees.)
4 easy ways to make your Memorial Day BBQ better than everyone else’s…
1) Invites: Evites are ok, Paperless Post is so cool (but pricey) and so why stick to the norm. A trip to the 99 Cents store will yield a plethora of fun and funky ideas. It’s much less expensive than you would think to send unusual invites and it’s a great way to make your party stand out from the rest. Mix and match and let your imagination run wild. It’s half the fun.
2) Food: it’s sort of crucial to a good party. Nothing is more delicious and easy than good old fashion burgers on the grill and burgers don’t have to boring. Add an array of interesting self-serve toppings like sautéed mushrooms, arugula, bacon, avocado, etc to create a gourmet burger bar. You can even ask people to write down their custom burger, name it and take pictures for your own Burger Hall of Fame.
3) Cocktails: a trip to your local farmers market will start your inner mixologist juices flowing. Take all the favs (fresh squeezed OJ, grapefruit, lemon and lime) throw in some new twists (muddle berries, pineapple or watermelon) and some smoothie-like purees (cantaloupe, honeydew, banana and mango).Use some basic alcohols and set it all out for people to create their own signature cocktail. People love experimenting and the bonus is for the people who are going adult-beverage free they can make a killer virgin version of the same thing.
4) Décor: for some seriously-talented-crafty types décor is a hallmark of their parties. For me, with limited time, décor needs to be simple and accessible. My favorite budget friendly décor item is cotton quilt fabrics. These fabrics are your new, super crafty best friend. You can make awesome mix and match table overlays (most standard fabrics aren’t wide enough for a full table linen) but they make cute overlays either over whatever linens already have or over plain white sheets hemmed to fit your table. Mix patterns and colors to create a really festive look.
The good news is all these projects are relatively easy and don’t require a bunch of time or money. Just give yourself a week to work on your décor projects in the evening and prep your food and juices the morning of your event and you will be able to party-hardy with all your pals!
Putting Your Best Foot (and Hand) Forward
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Remember being little and having your friends over for a girly slumber party? There would be popcorn and music, of course, and usually messy manicures and pedicures with colors like Fire Engine Red and Rosy Posy Pink. Now, even though we’re all grown up, we still CRAVE the simple thrill of having our hands and feet tended to – except we’ve learned to leave the painting and prettying to our trusty esthetician pals. Here are three Austin salons that are proof of how this fun activity has gone from little girl leisure to pure lady luxe.
Pure Nail
http://www.purenaturalnails.com/
2110 S Lamar Blvd
If strong chemicals and abrasive smells are not part of your ideal pampering session, Pure Nail is the environmentally-friendly salon for you. The salon uses only formaldehyde free products and polishes for mani-pedi’s that will have you looking and feeling fresh. How’s that for eco-chic?
Urban Groove Salon
urbangroovesalon.com
4301 W William Cannon Dr
This South Austin salon is everything its name describes, with a setting so modernly sleek, you may find yourself opting for daring turquoise toes or neon nails! The spot is full-service, so after soaking in the luxurious hand spas you can complete your rejuvenation with a facial, brow-shaping, cut, or color.
milk + honey spa
milkandhoneyspa.com
204 Colorado St
milk + honey understands the hectic life of an urban gal, which is why they offer shorter “buff + go” mani’s and pedi’s to give you a quick shine in between meetings. But if you’re looking for the full treatment, there is also the lux version which includes a soak, exfoliant, a warm wrap in essential oils, and a massage.
Planning a Fun in the Sun Picnic
Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors and in the company of great friends and family. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, bring some companions, and take advantage of the sunny warm weather the spring and summer months have to offer with an al fresco dining experience! Don’t sweat, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some fun and fuss-free ideas for planning a picnic in the fresh air and sunshine!
1. Pick a Location:
- At the Park: Whether you’re on a grassy spot in the sunlight or under the shade of a tree, a park is the perfect place to gather for a picnic! If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your beloved pooch at home, there are plenty of pet-friendly parks so you can bring Fido along!
- On a Beach: Sun, surf, and sand is the ideal combination for a picnic on the beach! Just make sure you enjoy each element separately to avoid melted, soggy, or grainy grub.
- At a Drive-In Movie: CRAVing a romantic night with your sweetie? Dinner and a movie underneath a blanket of twinkling nighttime stars is a perfect date night combination. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and candy!
- In Your Backyard: Want to enjoy a meal outside but don’t feel like hauling a basket or cooler full of food around? No problem, a picnic in your backyard can be just as fun and probably less stressful if you happen to forget the napkins!
- On a Roof-top Patio: For those of you dwelling in the concrete jungle, many apartment and condo buildings have a roof-top patio for their residents to enjoy. The only difference? Rather than being surrounded by trees, you have adjacent skyscrapers to provide shade.
2. Picnic Menu Items:
We encourage you to be creative, but to also keep things simple with your picnic menu! Remember, you have to schlep these baskets around with limited heating or cooling available, and food poisoning is never included in the recipe for fun. Pack your picnic baskets with these simple palate pleasers, bon appetit!
- Savor: Definitely use your left-overs when you can! Roasted chicken can be used to make a yummy pasta or Caesar salad. You can also make some simple PB&J or turkey sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to head out. Soft bagels with cream cheese are also a great and effortless menu option. Here are some other easy picnic recipes to consider.
- Sip: Class up your picnic with a bottle of wine to sip while you savor your meal, which is ideal if you’re enjoying a laid-back picnic on your backyard porch. For public parks and beaches, we recommend some bubbly and refreshing sparkling apple cider instead. Lemonade is also the classic beverage of choice for a sunny spring/summer picnic.
- Sweets: You can’t go wrong with brownies and cookies, which are crowd-pleasers for any age. A fresh fruit salad is delicious and nutritious, and also surprisingly portable! We generally don’t recommend packing anything that melts quickly, but if you’re having a backyard picnic you can get away with serving ice cream and popsicles!
3. Picnic Essentials NOT to Forget:
- Sunscreen/sun block: Don’t ruin your outdoor picnic with a painful sunburn, keep yourself sun protected! As the people from the land down under would say, “Slip, Slop, Slap: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.”
- Insect repellant: A good idea if you’re going to be outdoors long enough for the mosquitoes to come out for their own picnic.
- Big quilt/blanket: If you’re going to be dining on the grass, sit on a big quilt or blanket to protect yourself from ants in your pants, or even worse, in your food!
- Eating utensils: Finger food is always fun, but if you plan on serving something that requires a fork, spoon, or knife, eating with your bare hands will get messy and complicated.
- Plastic bag(s): Be considerate of others and the park in which you are enjoying your picnic and clean up any trash or food waste. Also, if your pooch joined you for your picnic, please pick up behind your pawed pal as well.
- Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes: Ahh, germs! Need we say more?
- Entertainment: Don’t dine and dash, stay a while! Bring some playing cards, a Frisbee, or play bocce ball while your tummies digest.
Q&A with the Ladies of Austin Tidbits
Part of being a CRAVE girl means being totally plugged in to the daily goings-on in your city. Luckily, we’ve got the trio of ladies at Austin Tidbits to do the grunt work for us. Run by a dream team of stylish and savvy women, Austin Tidbits is a free bi-weekly editorial e-subscription and website that publishes the latest updates in local fashion, restaurants, and fabulous insider deals for the busy gal about town. We were able to chat with Anne Campbell, Pepper Ammann, and Amy Gabriel about their business and the little indulgences they CRAVE.
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Timely, witty, informative
What are your most popular products or services?
We find that our readers particularly love our editorials that feature new restaurant openings, as well events like trunk shows and cocktail parties.
People may be surprised to know..
That we don’t have an office!
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Pepper: There was no media in Austin that targeted working women in their 20′s and 30′s who want to know what’s going on around town. Being that our target audience typically lives a fast-paced life without a lot of free time, we wanted to make it easy on them to not only be aware of the latest and greatest happenings in our city, but be able to easily locate, pick and choose which events and products they want to try out.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Having a small business is such an incredible learning experience that there are no mistakes, only opportunities to grow and learn for the future.
How do you spend your free time?
Lucky for us, the research we do scouting out new products, shops and restaurants IS our hobby. The more time we spend out and about exploring the city, the more inside scoop we can bring to our readers.
What is your indulgence?
We love to target locally owned businesses, and definitely have a tendency to want to show support by making a purchase. The independent spirit is contagious!
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
As a team, we all love to try new restaurants, spa treatments and hit networking parties and social functions.