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Hello, Summer!

Monday, June 21st, 2010

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

Friday, June 18th, 2010

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!

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

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

Q&A with Christy Butler of Jewell Magazine

Friday, June 11th, 2010

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.

cityjewell.com

Slip into summer!

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

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

Tricks of the Trade

Monday, May 31st, 2010

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- 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- 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- 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- 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- 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- 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

Friday, May 28th, 2010

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!  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!  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

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

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.  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.

Q&A with Shirley Pinkson & Renee Snyder of W3LL PEOPLE

Friday, May 21st, 2010

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.  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.  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.  Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark can work magic on anyone. Not kidding.

Shoes?

Barney Co-op.  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.

Putting Your Best Foot (and Hand) Forward

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

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.