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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Risk Taking: Should You Dare?
We’re ringing in the new year at CRAVE with a question for all you women business owners out there… Do you dare? Is 2011 going to be a year of taking risks with your business, holding back, or a combination of both? To help you strategize, we are dedicating the month of January to the pros and cons of risk-taking across the board. Our business chat and blog entries will be brimming with juicy stories of risks gone right or wrong as well as advice from our CRAVE experts on when to know to take a leap of faith or to simply sit back and let life fall into place.
We knew this would be a hot topic when Melody wanted to know what her Facebook followers ask themselves before taking a risk and got SO many amazing responses. Check them out and prepare yourself for an exciting month of risks and rewards!
What do you ask yourself before you take a risk?
Just curious? before you take a risk? a leap to something new? start a new project? WHAT DO YOU ASK YOURSELF? do you write down the pros and cons? do you just do it and ask why later? how long do you ponder? do you end up jumping? or do nothing? tell me!!! what is your risk taking style?
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Suzette Sommer Oh… wow. What is a “risk?” That is one four-letter word that I have seemingly never known. |
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Sydney Chavez I ask myself what I would lose if I didn’t take the leap. |
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Nicole Francois before i take a risk i ask myself: why i am interested in taking the risk, what i hope to gain from it, what the result will be and who’s going to be with me? then, i outline my plan and jump! |
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Maria Ross Before I take a risk I ask myself if I will regret it more if I don’t take it than if I do. I weigh pros and cons, seek advice from those I trust….and then go with my gut! At a certain point, if it feels right, all the data in the world doesn’t matter. |
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Sonja Silver The first thing I ask is “what is the worst thing that can happen”? If I can live with the answer, I go for it. The biggest risk is to not take one! |
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Elise Kloter same here, Sonia…puts the scary stuff in perspective |
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Melody Biringer lovin all you risk takers….keep it coming! as i get older i seem to take risks slower and more cautious. i want to be naive again! |
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Lauren Bacon These days, more and more I check in with my gut. I highly recommend a little book called “Make Light Work” by Kate Sutherland that has helped me enormously with listening to my intuition. (It’s cool and non-flaky, I promise.) |
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Michelle Michael what’s the reward…? is it personal or financial? maybe a little of both. go for it, and surround yourself with those that support your dream! |
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Lyndi Thompson My first thought: Risks can often be re-labeled as adventures. I tend to dismiss risks that I don’t feel I have good access to supportive people around me. However, most of the time I can find at least two people. I try imagine best and worst case scenario, while always keeping in mind I know I make pretty good decisions and in the end things always end up OK. |
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Mary Boisselle I usually don’t ask any questions…I trust my intuition then I take a huge leap and bungie jump off the bridge or I don’t. There is a reason why opportunities come, so I can find the gem inside, whether it’s a pearl or a piece of glass. |
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Larisa Goldin I try to check in with my guidance. i believe that risks are just opportunities in disguise, the only question is whether they are part of the intended path or are a test (a distraction). So based on what I get back from my inner guidance (does it feel right?) I take the risk or not. |
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Rupa Wickrama Feelings of Anxiety = don’t take it. Feelings of Anticipation or Excitement = this warrants further exploration! |
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Sydney Chavez I CRAVE Risk Taking. : ) |
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Traci Barnum Jump and figure everything else out later. Unless of course, you have a really smart husband who demands that you make a plan before you jump and break into your retirement fund for that risk. It’s a great balance. : ) |
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Carrie McIlveen Middlemiss It’s typically a gut feeling. I usually think it through and if it still feels right I go for it. Especially if it is something I’ll enjoy and it makes money. |
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Jennifer Saphier Whitman I have to step away from the decision for a few days. It always pops back into my head while I am doing other things during the day. If every time the idea pops up I get a sick feeling, I know it isn’t the right choice. If I get excited every time I think about it, it is a definite go! |
We hope these comments get you thinking about your own risk-tasking strategies for the year and that you’ll stay tuned to our blog over the next month and share your own daring deeds in the comments! And of course, have a Happy New Year from CRAVE!
Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle
Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style. At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!
What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally. I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer. It’s calming to me.
What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake. Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen. Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.
Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy. When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item. However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.
What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off. A little goes a long way.
What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.
What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be. It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient. As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.
As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually. I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle. Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response. Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.
If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer. Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.
What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life. I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.
Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.
World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats
For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.
America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!
Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina
Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.
Ingredients:
1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
ÂĽ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
Âľ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice
Preparation:
- Mix all ingredients in a food processor and serve over steak, chicken or fish.
Party Sangria- Spain
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 apple diced
1 cup raspberries or strawberries
1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
2 tbsp of sugar
4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
2 shots gin or triple sec
Preparation:
- Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
- Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
- Chill overnight.
- Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.
Potato Salad- Germany
Ingredients:
2 pounds red potatoes
ÂĽ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
ÂĽ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Preparation:
- Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. Let potatoes cool. Peel potatoes and cut into ÂĽ inch pieces.
- Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
- Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
- Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands
Ingredients
2 tbsp sugar
2 pkg yeast
4 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
½ cup butter softened
10 cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
3 diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
canola oil for frying
Preparation:
- Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
- In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, add scalded milk, 1 ½ cups warm water, yeast mixture and butter and beat well. Add flower, 1 cup sugar and salt. Mix well. Add diced apple.
- Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
- Fill a fryer pot with 3-4 inches of canola oil. Heat to 375 degrees and scoop spoonfuls of down into the oil. Turn to ensure even browning.
- Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm.
*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.
Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks
Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.
Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.
Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.
1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.
2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.
3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.
4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.
5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.
6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.
7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!
8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.
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 http://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.
*written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company
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!
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.
Q&A with Touch of Sass’s Currie Bucher
Here at CRAVE, we are all about style and sass, and Currie Bucher’s injects an enticing amount of both into her Austin accessory boutique. From belts to bags, fedoras to fancy jewels, the shop has got everything a fashionista needs to turn her look from just-ok to can’t-look-away! We chatted with Currie about being an entrepreness and why her mom is her role model. And in honor of moms everywhere, Touch of Sass will be holding a trunk show from 1-4, Â featuring local jewelry designer Sarah Briggs, where you can pick up an extra something special for your one-of-a-kind Mom.
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Stylish, Sophisticated, Sassy
What are your most popular products or services?
With so many fabulous things, it’s almost impossible to choose, but the ever-popular Tano handbags in the yummiest colors are simply divine.
People may be surprised to know…
That at Touch of Sass you make money when you spend money! Â For every $700 spent in the store, customers get a $50 gift card!
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
I wanted to provide people a place to find great accessories and gifts at reasonable prices. Â Although I certainly enjoy my little luxuries, there’s nothing better than a great find at a great price!
Who is your role model or mentor?
My Mama! Â She made me very aware of my blessings and my responsibility to use them to bless others. Â That’s the inspiration behind our “Share the Sass” program where we donate 10% of our monthly Sassy Hour profits to a different local charity.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Trying to be like someone else! Instead, I’ve learned to be a better me!
How do you spend your free time?
Traveling, cooking, reading, writing and spending time with my favorite people – my husband and my girlfriends!
What is your indulgence?
Wine! There’s nothing I love more than perusing a dusty bottle shop for a new label.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
My house! Â There is nothing I love more than cooking a selection of my favorite comfort foods, opening up some delicious wine and having girl talk around our outdoor fire!
Touch of Sass
500 North Lamar
Suite 170
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 478-SASS
http://www.touchofsass.net/home.asp