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

Put A Twi$t On Your Business Model

August 3, 2011 by CRAVE Blogger | Comments (0)

As a business owner I know you are working very hard in your business, serving clients and staying on top over everything else that needs to be managed.

But what if all the hard work you are currently doing is not necessarily the most effective way to grow your business?

A solid business is built around a business model that works. If you think you have a great business model in place then it will only take a few minutes to confirm that this is the case.

If you aren’t quite sure if your business model is functioning optimally, now is the perfect time to give it a quick check-up and find out.

When I talk about your business model I simply mean the way your business makes money. Think about these basic components:

* Your business offer products and services

* You sell them for a certain price

* A certain number of people buy them (once or even better, repeatedly)

* You deliver them in a certain way (in person, electronically, third party, etc.)

Why not revisit your business model to see if there are a few ways you can change it. This doesn’t have to be complicated, simply take a piece of paper and a pen or open a new file on your computer.

Write down all the products and services your business currently offers, the price for each, how many clients you have who purchase each offer and how frequently. Total this up, subtract your costs, and see if this structure is going to bring you the financial results you want.

Now imagine how many different ways you can upgrade your business model to attract more business and leverage what you already have.

Get creative and try out several combinations of products and services. Here are some ideas:

- Perhaps you can add something new, additional revenue streams.

- You can also think about increasing the amount of what you already deliver.

- Or maybe at this point it’s even best to remove a part that isn’t profitable.

- Consider changing the way you deliver your products and services.

- What if you didn’t change a thing except to increase the prices (speaking or pricing, when is that last time you increased the prices for your products and services)?

Let’s use the business model of a consultant as an example.

CURRENT BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting services delivered by the consultant alone

Price: Per hour

Clients: One at a time full time or two to three part-time

Delivery: In person

UPDATED BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting in person delivered by the consultant, additional consultants working for you, speaking, selling intellectual property (an ebook, audio, or other information product)

Price: Consulting per project (and part of the fee for consultants working on behalf of the consultant), speaking per event, intellectual property per item

Clients: Many at one time

Delivery: In person, automated (via the internet)

Are you starting to see the possibilities for your business? Renewing your business model can re-inspire your enthusiasm for what you do as well as increase your desire for marketing your business.

A healthy business model is the foundation for a successful business. Take time to examine your business model and make sure it is the strongest it can be.

With a few simple changes, you will probably make more money and you may even find that you don’t have to work as hard to do so. Now who doesn’t want that!

Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire! Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: fireflycoaching.com.

Suffering from Skin Damage this Summer? Fight it with these Foods!

August 16, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

We all want beautiful skin, especially during the “skin showing” months of summer. So how do we get it without spending a fortune at the Clinique counter? By eating antioxidant rich foods, that’s how. Your skin, just like every other organ in your body, needs antioxidant laden foods to keep it healthy and toxin free. Here are some of the most important foods to eat for beautiful skin. Try to get these delicious foods into your diet as often as possible and I promise you will love the results.

Foods for beautiful skin:

Sunflower seeds, Swiss chard, and almonds- What do they all have in common? Vitamin E! Vitamin E works to protect skin from ultra violet rays and rejuvenate the cells. Sauté swiss chard with garlic and olive oil and top with a mix of toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. Vitamin E never tasted so good!

Cauliflower, walnuts, and cabbage- Did you think wild salmon was the only place to get Omega 3 fatty acids? Well get excited because they are in vegetables too! Omega 3’s are essential in creating beautiful skin for they help maintain cell membranes. It is these membranes that act as barriers for the body, letting water and nutrients in, and keeping toxins out. Make an easy cabbage slaw topped with walnuts then steam cauliflower and serve with a lemon tahini sauce (also packed with Vitamin C). After these two dishes, your skin will be good to go!

Carrots, Kale, and Apricots- Not only are these foods quick and easy to get your hands on, they also serve up a giant does of Vitamin A (aka Beta Carotene). Vitamin A is involved in the repair and growth of body tissues, which is particularly beneficial when dealing with sun damaged skin. Stir-fry carrots and kale with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a great side dish. For the apricots, try throwing them on the grill for a great summer dessert!

Bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries- Loaded with more vitamin C than an orange, these foods work to create collagen in the skin and protect your lovely epidermis from oxidative stress. Best ways to eat them? Grill the peppers and broccoli or eat them raw with hummus. As for strawberries, just pop them in your mouth (or put them in a crisp).

Shitake mushrooms, cod and shrimp- Mushrooms (both shittake and crimini), cod, and shrimp are chock full of selenium, a potent nutrient that promotes skin elasticity and quality. Broil cod with a fresh tomatoes and basil. For the shrimp and mushrooms, toss them into an easy Thai curry. So good!

*This post was written by Jamie Dougherty for the Please feel free to contact Jamie with questions or to share your health, wellness and foodie stories. Email: jamiegd@jamieliving.com Facebook: JAMIE LIVING Twitter:JAMIE LIVING

Back to School-Kid’s Stores

August 5, 2010 by Pansy | Comments (0)

My favorite back to school outfit was a bright blue button-up smock dress with a white collar. It had two big side pockets and an artists brush and painter’s pallette appliqued on the right side. I remember how great I felt when I waltzed into homeroom fashionably late (chaotic carpool) the first day of 4rd grade and whipped out my new pencil holders, erasers, and tablets from my equally cool new backpack. I had the right look and the right tools to get that schoolyear going. But after visiting several boutiques in Austin with back to school in mind, I would love another crack at starting back to school with the even cooler fashions and accessories available today. I could really rock fourth grade!

Since it is stunningly hot here in Austin for back to school, the water bottle is a must. Fortunately, fashionable water bottles are available. PerriBerri has CIGG waterbottles in all colors and are made out of recycled aluminum. Perfect for your new backpack! And who knew that school supplies were now so trendy. Japanese erasers are very cutting edge in all shapes from soccer balls to iced cakes. Tom’s shoes are comfortable, lightweight, machine-washable slip-ons in every color imaginable. When you buy a pair of Tom’s, the proceeds go to buy a pair for an underprivileged child. perriberri.com

Izzy and Ash is for the chic kid. Rock band shirts and graphic tees are great for jazzing up a pair of shorts. Nano and Monster Republic give boys the edgy, LA look: you know, casual, energetic and devilish! The ultra cool backpacks from Dante Beatrix are owls, ladybugs and dinosaurs. Zio Sport is an Austin-based company that makes activewear for kids so comfortable that they never want to stop playing! They offer a great assortment all of which are perfect for the August return to school. izzyandash.com

For the back to preschoolers, Bright Beginnings has nap mats that roll up neatly like a yoga mat. You can buy the matching pillow and lunchbox to go with the mat, too. Personally, I love the wall of socks at Bright Beginnings. It’s such a great time to start off with complete pairs of socks and trendy ones at that. They have backpacks on rollers so you can glide down the hall like on the way to the airport and not have the backache. I especially loved the annual keepsake books they have from preschool to 6th grade. That’s a good way to keep things organized each schoolyear rather than throwing papers into a huge storage box to be gone through “later.” My third grade insider, Allison, tells me the candy wrapper accessories are the IT item. The wrappings from Reese’s, M&M’s and Double Bubble are used for headbands and purses. So so cool. bestdressedkids.com

Trendy Bella Mi has a room dedicated to tweens. Juicy Couture clothes, handbags and jewelry are in great colors. I really wish they had my size in Twirly Girl because the dresses, skirts and leggings were adorable and reversible and all designed to express your inner twirl. They even have the under twirls you wear when you are wearing a skirt or dress but have to do a spontaneous cartwheel or simply twirl. Good thinking! The Lelli Kelly glittered sneakers are fabulous as are the ballet flats and cowboy boots by Willits. Room.it.up has all sizes of brightly colored backpacks and lunchkits. They also carry groovy journals and legal pads. bella-mi.com

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Fashionistas

August 2, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

From runway show recaps to laid-back street looks, the world of fashion blogging is a vibrant virtual scene. It’s not necessarily about the newest, hottest, or spendiest trend — it’s about the textiles, color palettes and silhouettes that make us feel gorgeous.

For a jolt of wardrobe inspiration to pull you through the dog days of summer, bookmark Jazzi McGilbert, Sally McGraw and “Miss” James Kicinski. While their personal styles may diverge, their message is the same: get dressed, and get going!

Jazzi McGilbert of JazziMcG.com

Thrift store scenester? Or haute couture hound? Jazzi McGilbert (aka Jazzi McG) confidently struts straight down the center of the spectrum. Her blog traipses through the world of high fashion, throws the spotlight on intimate “intern confessionals” and shares a few DIY treasures (Alexander Wang sock garters, anyone?). As Jazzi puts it, her mission is to “let everyone know that the fashion industry can be tackled without a trust fund”. Can I get an amen, sister?

Sally McGraw of Already Pretty
Can one personal stylist change the way women view their bodies, and themselves? Sally McGraw thinks so. The lovely McGraw elevates her passion for chic clothing with an outspoken commitment to body acceptance. Blog posts like “What IS Flattering?” provide commonsense insights into topics that have frustrated shoppers since the dawn of time. And her weekly contests and giveaways — which range from cotton scarves to summer frocks to hefty gift cards — are not to be missed.

“Miss” James Kicinski of Bleubird Vintage
Chic baby mama. Vinyl record collector. Frilly knicker designer. Miss James is a retro inspiration — and a drop-dead gorgeous one, at that. In addition to writing about her latest Etsy obsessions and selling dreamy vintage-inspired collections through her online shop, James also blogs over at N.E.E.T. magazine. Best of luck as she stylishly feathers the nest for her new baby (due in July). What a busy little bird!

*This post was written by Alexandra Franzen for the CRAVE company:

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

July 12, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

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.

Best Bachelorette Gifts

July 7, 2010 by Pansy | Comments (0)

The bride is a vision of beauty, romance and joy.   The next chapter of her life and all the expectations that come with it lies happily before her. But, understandably, brides are a delicate breed.  She has the biggest To-Do list she has ever faced in her life!  As a friend of a bride, the perfect gift can make all the difference.   I recently looked around Austin to see what gifts might make the bride feel even more special and loved at this exciting time in her life.

Women know that lovely lingerie can change your life and a visit to Underwear was truly inspiring.  To keep our bride rested, there are silk sleep masks embroidered with “Kiss the Bride” that are delicate but practical.  The French line, Hui, is a creamy lace fabric guaranteed to make you feel elegant.  Stella McCartney has some enticing boudoir pieces and Mary Green has some lovely “something blue” silk panties.  These items are perfect gifts for brides!  Go by Underwear, 916 W. 12th Street. shop-underwear.com

When you walk into Milk + Honey, you instantly relax.  The setting is peaceful and it smells wonderful.  A great gift to ward off any bridezella tendecies is the Milk + Honey Retreat.  This consists of a 60 minute massage with aromotherapy, a 60 minute facial and the lux pedicure/manicure.  The bride gets to visit all 3 areas of the spa and leaves renewed and relaxed.  Bridezella be gone!  Milk + Honey, 204 Colorado Street, milkandhoneyspa.com

Paper Place is an inspiring place to browse for brides.  They have a great selection of picture frames.  Why not frame photos from the different showers and parties as gifts?  And since writing thank you notes becomes a part-time bride for any bride, check out their selection of notecards.  You can also order postcards announcing their new address. Paper Place is at 4001 N. Lamar.  paperplaceaustin.invitations.com

The PJ Shop features women’s loungewear as well as jewelry and clothing.  How perfect to give the bride a new robe to relax in after her latest round of parties!  I love the Plum Pretty Sugar Silk Road Sweet Robe.  So feminine and silky.  Their slippers are so attractive too. Check them out at thepjshop.com

Back Home Furniture is full of unique details for the home.  They have some very chic sofa pillows that would make great gifts for the new home.  Also, their throws come in unusual colors. Walk around and get ideas.  Getting a gift not on their wish list can be a fun surprise when you know the bride and groom’s taste.  backhomefurniture.com

When the bride and groom return from their honeymoon, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a week’s worth of meals lined up for them? Vicki Commiso, Personal Chef and Catering, customizes the menu and delivers it!  How lovely to come home to Lemon Chicken Piccata served over whole wheat noodles, Asparagus with Tomato confit and a green salad with citrus vignette.  They can eat on their new dishes with all their new tableware while being inspired about what to cook starting the next week!  Vicki Commisso, 512-744-5991.

Slip into summer!

June 2, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

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

Hot Days, Cool Shades

May 26, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

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 Touch of Sass’s Currie Bucher

May 7, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

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,  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!  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.  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!  She made me very aware of my blessings and my responsibility to use them to bless others.  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!  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

It’s Fiesta Time!

May 5, 2010 by Tiff | Comments (0)

Cinco de Mayo is a fun day dedicated to spicy foods, barbequing in the fresh spring weather, and sipping a cocktail while relaxing to upbeat Latin music. Partake in or create Cinco de Mayo activities you CRAVE this year. Gather your girlfriends and samba your way into spring!
If you are in the mood to stay in and avoid Cinco de Mayo craziness, a perfect way to loosen up and still enjoy this festive holiday is to stay in and host your own fiesta! Do your girls CRAVE spicy and authentic Mexican food? Invite everyone over to cook their favorite dish and swap recipes. Meanwhile, sip on fresh home-made margaritas while watching your favorite Selma Hayek films. For a fun activity kids of any age can enjoy, pick up a piñata and see who can collect the most candy.

Getting dolled up and putting on your most festive dress and heels may be the way you want to honor this colorful holiday. Put on that new red lipstick you’ve been dying to use, gather all the girls and jump into a salsa class. Learning this spicy dance together will not only be fun, but you might discover a new favorite way to work out! After the lesson, go to that Mexican restaurant that you can’t get enough of and dance the night away to the live mariachi band.

Whether it be going out to hot spots or mellowing out at home, celebrate however makes you happiest. As you prepare for the night’s festivities, try this enticing, spicy cocktail to liven up your night. Not for the timid taste buds!
SMITTEN

Makes 1 cocktail
1/3 cup fresh ripe watermelon, cut in 1-inch cubes

2 oz Sauza Hornitos Plata Tequila

3/4 oz Monin Organic Agave Syrup

3/4 oz fresh lime juice

2 dashes Tapatio hot sauce
Garnish: half-rim, single “scallop” of kosher salt

Muddle/press watermelon in pint glass with a muddler, being sure to press the melon well to release juices. Measure in tequila, agave syrup and lime juice. Shake in hot sauce—do not over-do it! Fill glass with ice. Cap and shake vigoroulsy. Strain into a martini glass with a partial salt rim.

Find more creative concoctions from Chef Kathy Casey here.

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