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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Sweet Treats in an Austin Summer
A Texas summer is full of childhood memories of popsicles by the pool, ice cream cones melting down your arm while you lick it as fast as you can and som’mores around the campfire. Maybe our tastes have developed from way back then but a summer treat is still a great recharger when it is 100 degrees outside! Even if you haven’t run around Town Lake, biked Southwest Parkway or been to yoga and pilates in a few weeks, you deserve a sweet treat just for hanging in there during these dog days of summer in Austin. I’ve been on the search for some summer treats and am excited about what I found!
Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop feels familiar and smells delicious when you walk in the door. The floor is black and white checkered and there are colorful aprons hanging on the wall. In the display case, the Pineapple Upside Up Cupcake with a cherry on top was alluring as was the Ginger Cookie cupcake. The summer bestseller there is the Marilyn Monroe, a swirly blonde cupcake with buttercream frosting that melts in your mouth. It is the original blonde bombshell! Go find your summer favorite at Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, 1905 S. 1st Street, sugarmamasbakeshop.com
The Snack Bar adjoins the historic Austin Motel on South Congress. Dessert is available all day long even as they are a diner by day and lounge by night. And they have great coffees to go with your dessert. The Rosewater Cake is exceptional. It is a 4-layer cake with pistachio and cream cheese icing. My favorite is the Black and Tan which is a dark chocolate brownie and peanut butter blondie heated then served with Blue Bell Ice Cream. I love blonde brownies and this is even better with the addition of the peanut butter. Try it! The Snack Bar is at 1224 South Congress, snackbaraustin.com
Cutie Pies is the hot pink trailer at 1600 South Congress. Jaynie Buckingham, the pie maker, wears a tierra for good reason: Southern Living magazine just named her Buttermilk Pie ’the best pie in the south.’ It is fabulous, too, creamy but not too sweet. Jaynie says the Texas Twister pie is an Austin favorite these days. It’s white chocolate with coconut pecan. She is at her trailer Wednesdays through Sundays until she runs out of pie. cutiepiewagon.com
I can’t talk about desserts without mentioning the great crop of Fredricksburg peaches this year! They are so sweet and juicy. This is the best crop they have had in five years. Thursday through Sundays, Fredricksburg Peaches has a trailer right next to Cutie Pies so get a box and make a cobbler, or slice and add to your Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla or just sit in the shade and eat one. It’s summer and you deserve a treat!
America, It’s Your Birthday!
Let’s face it, we CRAVE any excuse to get together and throw a party with our best friends. What better reason than for a birthday? Happy Birthday America! Since every birthday should involved presents- why not think of some ways you and your friends can give back to your community to commemorate the occasion? Check in with local organizations who do volunteer work. Maybe you can spend the afternoon helping clean up a park, planting some trees, or participating in a food drive.
After a day of doing something good for your country, you can feel good about having a little fun at night for yourself! Get your friends together, nosh on some festive treats and try to catch a glimpse of your local fireworks show. Here are some recipes to inspire your celebration:
This first recipe is from a chef bloggess we adore, CakeSpy!
Hartford Election Day Cupcakes: This spicecake is light but flavorful; all your friends will love munching on these treats which you can decorate in red, white and blue.
Dry ingredients:
- 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
- 5 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon potato starch
- 1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
- Pinch of allspice
- Pinch of salt
- 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda
Wet ingredients:
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) butter, melted
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon rum
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Old-Fashioned Milk Buttercream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sip
While you are savouring some cupcakes, it is likely you will want something to sip as well. Here is a great list we found that lists five different themed cocktails: click. Are you adventurous? You have to try the first drink on the list- it includes jalapeno or Serrano peppers to add a little fire to your night. Prefer something a little sweeter to sip? Strawberry schnapps will be a key (red) ingredient for you. To give any red drinks a patriotic vibe try garnish with blueberries, blackberries or just throw in a blue straw!
Hello, Summer!
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.
Q&A with Patsy Woods Martin of I Live Here, I Give Here
I Live Here, I Give Here is an organization with real down-home, local roots. With the desire to ignite personal philanthropy right here in the community, Patsy Woods Martin began the movement and has been working to raise public awareness about the local needs of Central Texas communities as well as how philanthropy can meet those needs. We love everything about this campaign, especially that it combines the best resources and talent from right here to build stronger and more engaged communities. Here, we chat with Patsy about the motivation behind ILHIGH and what she considers her favorite indulgence.
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
innovative; motivating; educational
What are your most popular products or services?
See Jane Give! dinners to inspire thoughtful philanthropy among Central Texas Women
Community Needs Spotlight Panel Discussions focusing on a new issue facing our community each month.
People may be surprised to know…
When it comes to percentage of disposable income dedicated to charitable giving, Austin ranks 48th out of the largest 50 cities in the USA
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Central Texas is a caring community with many needs going unmet. While we rank in the top 10% of large US cities when it comes to sharing our time and expertise as volunteers, we rank in the bottom 10% when it comes to sharing our financial resources. We can do better!
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Assuming everyone is as collaborative as we are.
How do you spend your free time?
Outdoors-exercising, working in my gardens.
What is your indulgence?
A great massage. Free time alone at home.
Become involved with I Live Here, I Give Here by clicking here.
Hats Off, Celebrations On!
Each spring, we celebrate the return of backyard barbeque’s, the blossoming of hydrangea’s, and the accomplishments of the thousands upon thousands of spankin-new grads. We all know it’s not exactly smooth sailing out there for our latest diploma holders; but we want to do all we can to ensure the departure from school and foray into the working world is at least a little bit brighter (a little sparkle goes a long way). We’ve surveyed the land in search of all the elements that make up a great grad gift: utility, novelty, and FUN! Here are the unique shops and services we found, sure to be the second best thing your grad receives – next to that hard-earned diploma. And of course, all the shops feature one great gift for the future entreprenesses of Austin – the CRAVE Guidebook!
Barron Image Consulting (11801 Pleasant Panorama View, Ste A)
Every new college grad encounters the same dilemma upon entering the professional workforce: how to make the transition from sweatpants and sneakers to tailored suits and pumps. What better way to get your graduate off on the right well-heeled foot than with an image consulting session from Austin’s trusted expert Cindy Barron. Oh, the places you’ll go, in that perfect pair of trousers!
barronimageconsulting.com
Holiday Golightly (online)
If your graduate is like most, chances are the only places they have been able to experience in the past few months are their tiny studio apartment, the library, and their student cafeteria! A post-graduation getaway is definitely in order, and this Austin agency is the way to go with dozens of package deals pre-planned so that the only thing she’ll need to think about is which bikini to pack.
holidaygolightly.com
Paper Place (4001 N Lamar, Ste 540)
Once the commencement parties have ended, and the caps have been tossed, a graduate will need a way to stay in touch with her wide circle of friends and professors. Sure, she’s got Facebook but a handwritten note says a lot more these days. Personalized stationery might be the ideal gift for your technologically-overworked grad which you’ll find in droves at Paper Place, along with photo frames, albums, and other gifts to commemorate the occasion.
paperplaceaustin.invitations.com
Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!
Father’s Day is around the corner and every year its the same. We ponder WHAT to get our dear dads for a gift. We all know that whatever we hand them they’ll be thankful for; but we always want to push the envelope! When we are pressed for time and don’t have the effort left to make something extremely sentimental, here is some advice from your friends at CRAVE on what to do that will make him smile.
Try and remember what your dad is passionate about. Is he an outdoors-man? Cook? Tech-savvy? Music lover? With some passion he has in mind its always easier to direct your gift towards a certain theme and come out successful. It will help you avoid spending hours shopping with no clue of what to get as well as guaranteeing that he will appreciate the gift and the thought you put into it.
If still stuck on where to begin with finding a gift, maybe go in a different direction then a simple gift from the store. Does you’re dad love a certain comedian or band? Grab tickets to a concert.
Dad’s love knowing you want to spend time with them, so if time allows, do an activity that involves doing something together. Time spent is more precious than any other gift money could buy!
Remember first and foremost that its your dad’s day! All that matters truly matters is that you make sure to tell him he’s special and you love him.
Q&A with Christy Butler of Jewell Magazine
A comprehensive guide to eating and shopping local in Austin, Jewell Magazine represents what is unique to our city. With beautiful and informative editorial on boutiques, local designers, fashion, eateries and city happenings Jewell is 100% engaged in the core of Austin business. Every season Jewell brings a fresh prospective on EATING and SHOPPING local. Here, we chat with proprietor and editor, Christy Butler about everything from her professional inspirations to the joys of afternoon margaritas!
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Soul searching for my “dream job” inspired me to combine my expertise and experience with the two things I love most: shopping and eating!
People may be surprised to know…
I have been an editor since I was 17 years old. I moved to Austin after obtaining my Journalism degree from Ohio State University.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Jewell is named after my grandmother, Janet Jewell. She instilled the confidence in me to achieve anything I set my mind to.
How do you spend your free time?
I cherish free time hiking in the greenbelt or swimming in the springs. I also enjoy whipping up something special in the kitchen.
What is your indulgence?
I love to indulge in sleeping in and afternoon margaritas!
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I love to bounce all over town enjoying boutique and restaurant events. I have made so many amazing friends that way.
Branding Basics for Small Business New Book By Maria Ross
Maria Ross, the brains behind marketing and branding firm, Red Slice, has just wrapped up yet another project. This time in the form of a comprehensive guide to effectively branding your business – any small business, on any budget. Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget will walk you step-by-step through solidifying your core promise, personality and reason for being. We caught up with Maria and asked her a little bit about what inspires her at work and in life! And before we forget, to purchase your copy of Branding Basics go to red-slice.com/branding-basics-book!
When and how did you discover your talent for and love of marketing and strategizing?
I majored in marketing in college, as I’d always had a love for advertising and using communication to evoke emotion. Marketing can be used for so much good in the world: encouraging people to donate time or money, showcasing a worthy cause, inspiring people to be the best they can be. I have always been impressed with a well-turned tagline or a delightful campaign that gives me goosebumps. In the book, I talk about the effect that Nike had on me in the mid-90’s when they launched the “If you let me play” campaign aimed at empowering young girls through athletics. I gained experience across all aspects of marketing over my career and really like the brainstorming and strategy phase the best.
What compelled you to write Branding Basics For Small Business?
I got sick and tired of people undervaluing what a brand could do for them, or thinking that it is just their logo. Brand is so much more than that and when small businesses understand what brand really means – that it is the core promise and value they deliver to customers – they can better connect with customers and drive sales. Brand is expressed not just visually through your logo or colors, but verbally through the messages you use and experientially in how customers (and employees) are treated. I also wrote it because putting together your brand strategy is not rocket science: it just requires answering some key questions and really putting intentional thought into how you present yourself to customers. So I wanted to spread the “brand gospel” to small businesses – many of whom have the nimbleness and passion to create a powerful brand connection with their customers because they are so close to them.
Without giving too much away (we all need to read the book!!), what is the most important step in creating a strong brand strategy?
I would say two of the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to brand strategy are not identifying their target audience in crisp detail, and not telling customers what they want to hear. For target audiences, business owners try to go too broad and end up appealing to no one because their message is so bland and generic. But your brand needs to be relevant in order to meaningfully connect. Secondly, many small businesses talk about themselves by saying “This is what we do” versus taking the customer point of view and saying, “Here’s what you get.” Many small businesses don’t see that they are talking about benefits from their own perspective, not the customer’s.
Your book discusses “how to create an irresistible brand on any budget”…will this really work on ANY budget? What is one important step in reaching out to potential clients/customers on a shoe string budget?
An effective brand is not measured by how much money you have to spend. Every company out there wishes they had more money! I’ve executed against brand strategies with $1000 and $12,000,000. The point is that, by using the process in the book, you can create a strong brand strategy that you then can execute efficiently with whatever budget you have. When you have less budget, it’s even more important to go after the right things or be more creative and a brand strategy helps you do that. Your activities align towards one clear target. Many businesses end up wasting money because they perform “random acts of marketing” that don’t get them anywhere. With a clear brand strategy, you actually save time, money and headache on only investing in the right things that get you ahead.
What is your favorite part about what you do? What keeps you going and gets your juices flowing at work?
I love when I work with a client and see the light go on in their eyes, when they “get” what brand really means and how to apply it. They seem more confident, they are able to clearly cite their elevator pitch. They say things like, “That’s exactly what I want my company to represent! It’s perfect!” Being able to help people deconstruct their brand story and then show them a perfect way to visually or verbally represent it is just amazing.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are NOT working?
I love to write: I write wine and food articles for some online publications. I also love to eat great food with friends, drink wine, hike, read, act in community theatre, watch indie films (I’ve been to Sundance about 5 years in a row!) and go for walks with my husband and our awesome Black Lab mix, Eddie, who we adopted two years ago.
Branding Basics Book Now Available! June 2010 from Maria Ross
It’s World Cup Time!
Ladies! The World Cup is on this week, so why not throw a fabulous party to celebrate! Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and throwing a party will be just another fun reason to sit around the TV with the gals and drool over men in jerseys.
So what are the three key items necessary for throwing a great party? Friends, food, and some fun drinks. With those elements you’re bound to have fun.
First, lets start off with friends. Invite your best gal pals over (probably 8 to 10 ladies) and ask them to previously pick a team to cheer for. Then suggest they wear the colors of their team to the party. It will add a small hint of competition to the group and keep your ladies having fun screaming for their men during the game.
Second, it may be a soccer party but the snacks don’t have to be the typical game food of chicken wings and burgers. For your ladies, whip up a batch of cupcakes or if in a time crunch grab some from your local grocer and decorate them with the colors of the teams playing. As for the other snacks, everything needs to be decent at room temperature, since once the game starts the attention will be focused more on the TV. Perhaps some bruschetta and caprese salad would be yummy finger food that will leave your guests happy and satisfied. If feeling too crunched for time on the snacky goods, ask your gals to each bring something small and yummy with them when they come. It will help relieve some of the stress and you know then you’ll have plenty of food to go around.
Third, but just as important are those drinks! Decide to make some of your favorite cocktails or bubbly that will keep the girls having fun throughout the game. Perhaps a drink that includes the colors of the teams! Drinks are always fun but no one wants to bust their budget on buying alcohol that not everyone will like, so let your girlfriends know you will be providing some drinks, but suggest they bring more if they have a specific or picky preference.
So no more excuses and procrastinating! You now have all you need for a successful party! All that’s left is letting the gals know and start getting caught up on your knowledge of the teams and the gorgeous men playing. Games start June 11th so get your head in the game and get your party started!
Slip into summer!
Women are known to be particular when it comes to certain things: our morning latte’s (must be piping hot), our toilet seats (must be down), our fabric softeners (must be REALLY soft), and our shoes, which must be not only amazing but able to stick with us as we jaunt, jog, and journey around town. As one of the few things that can inspire either rapturous joy or sorrowful pain (goodbye four-inch heels with no support), picking out the right pair can be a daunting task. Luckily, our city is full of women who understand the importance of a good shoe and have made it their business to offer up the best of the best to the rest of us. Here are a few of our favorite spots to find your perfect pair – or pairs – in which to take on the city in full force!
Bettysport (916 A. West 12th Street)
For those occasions when your shoe choice is less about height and more about might, Bettysport is your go-to source for atheltic footwear, apparel, and accessories. The store carries a wide array of brands that will carry you from your morning jog, to the office, to your afternoon errands and back home again. And since the CRAVE woman is synonomous with “on-the-go”, we can’t think of a more perfect place to find the shoes that will go everywhere we do.
www.bettysport.com
Girl Next Door (250 W 2nd St)
We’re not sure what exactly inspired the name of this adorably chic boutique, but based on our knowledge, we might recommend changing it to the Glamorous, Ultra Cool Girl Next Door. Self-proclaimed shoe addicts, the two store owners make sure the shelves are stocked with a continuously evolving selection of sexy, sassy foot fashion to provide the perfect accompaniment to its equally stylish clothing. It won’t be hard to be the coolest girl on the block with a pair of peep-toe strappy heels from this boutique.
www.girlnd.com
The Garden Room (1601 W 38th St, Ste 5)
Fun and fresh is what this Austin staple is all about; with fashions made for women who want to stand out.Vibrant patterns and gorgeous textures can be found among the shoe selection here and you’ll find their appreciation for the details a breath of fresh air. Slip into a pair of aged leather flats and get ready to step into your next summer adventure.
www.gardenroomboutique.com