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Six Social Media Marketing “Musts” (or you’re destined to bust)

September 1, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (4)

Some companies see Social Media marketing the way Paris Hilton sees “bling.” A bright, shiny, sparkly new distraction that has people fixated on something they just HAVE to have. But why? Because Social Media and viral marketing are buzz words being thrown around throughout the media with the promise of “FREE” marketing.

Here’s where many businesses fall short. Simply having a presence on Social Media won’t ensure your business will thrive. In fact, if your business or product sucks, or if you treat your clients or employees badly, Social Media will be your worst enemy.

Save yourself and your business. Follow these six “MUSTS” or you’re destined to bust.

1. You MUST begin with a strategy.
Set out benchmarks on what you want to achieve before you begin. As the Cheshire Cat remarked to Alice In Wonderland,  “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there”.

2. You MUST integrate your Social Media marketing plan across all departments.
From sales to operations, from the Chief Cook to the Bottle Washer, every person who works for your company is a representative of your brand. Make sure that all departments are aligned and educated with your Social Media policy so messaging is consistent and customer service is paramount.

3. You MUST listen first.
Are people talking about your business/industry? What are they saying? Where are they spending their time online? You can’t solve your clients’ problems if you don’t know where they are and what they want.

4. You MUST reply when it’s appropriate.
The primary strength of Social Media is the engagement factor. Gone are the days when you would send one message to many people. You are now empowered with having a dialogue with your customers and acknowledging that they are important to you.

When people provide you with feedback (good or bad), THANK them. Negative feedback can be tough to take, but there may be an opportunity to learn from what they are sharing. Travelocity has thousands of reviews; both good and bad. People will ultimately decide for themselves, but how you handle the negative responses will speak volumes.

5. You MUST give more than you receive.
You want to be considered the expert in your industry so you have to start by providing insider tips, tricks and information. On Twitter, the rule of thumb is 70/20/10 = 70% sharing relevant information, 20% sharing someone else’s information (i.e. re-tweet) and 10% should be self-promotion. Be sure to post regularly and authentically to build trust.

6. You MUST build relationships built on quality, not quantity.
This is one of the biggest areas for “shiny object syndrome”. Having thousands of followers or fans doesn’t amount to anything if they don’t convert into sales. Ten loyal high paying customers are better than a thousand followers who don’t buy a thing.

Social Media marketing is really quite simple. Behave online the way you would in person. Introduce yourself, listen to the needs of your client, provide value, build trust and provide excellent customer service.

And stay away from bright, shiny objects. Especially if you can’t tell a diamond from a Cubic Zirconia.

__________

*This post was written for the CRAVE company by Leslie Hughes, the principal of an Ontario-based PR and Social Media Marketing firm called PUNCH!media.

Visit her website here: http://www.punchmedia.ca

3 Sites You Must Visit Before Hitting the Beauty Counter

August 30, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (1)

Cosmetic companies have a brilliant knack for pushing all the right vanity buttons to make us CRAVE their products. Beautiful textures, packaging, fragrances, colors and alluring promises keep us buying new products in hopes of finding “the miracle” line-eraser, face lifter, or glow enhancer. 99.9% of these claims are exaggerated at best. While we might know that on a deeper level, it’s hard to resist when they pull out the “before and after” photos and pretty glass jars with cursive font.

Don’t give in, ladies! You work hard for the money, so take a moment before you buy that $100 cream and put in some due diligence. That way you won’t end up wasting money on empty promises from a tube or jar. There are several helpful reference websites where you can research specific products before you enter the gauntlet of the cosmetic department to help you make better, informed purchases.

MakeUpAlley - makeupalley.com

This is one of the most comprehensive makeup and cosmetic review sites on the web. You can view ratings and reviews from women of all skin types and tones for just about any product currently on the market. You can search reviews by general category (e.g. blushes, sunscreens), by brand, or by specific product name. I’ve found this to be the most helpful reference for determining how a product stands up to its claims because the information is based on literally thousands of women’s personal experiences with products.

Beautypedia - beautypedia.com

Here you’ll find priceless information about the root of nearly every skin issue and how to effectively treat it. The site also has an ingredients dictionary, so you can find out, for example, what the ubiquitous dimethicone really is and what it does. Perhaps the most helpful resource on the site is the encyclopedia itself where you’ll find reviews of hair, makeup and skin products from every major beauty line from the perspective of their chemical composition versus the product claims. While the encyclopedia is subscription based, the $4.95 cost could help save you from wasting much more money on poor products.

Skin Deep - cosmeticsdatabase.com

For those among us who want to know how the chemicals in products affect our bodies, and which of those chemicals to avoid for their potential adverse health effects, this site is for you. Not only does the site grade products on the level of impact they may have on our skin and bodies, it also shares which companies carry “green” policies and which do or not test on animals. The consumer information found therein can help us to buy products from beauty companies that support healthier and greener options.

Hopefully these resources provide some insight, but we can’t be good all the time. If you do find yourself in a beauty aisle on a whim and are seduced into buying a beautiful looking cream that turns out to disappoint you, don’t be shy about contacting the maker and asking for a refund. Your buying power speaks volumes, so help make companies accountable for the products and claims they make.

*This post was written for the CRAVE company by Melanie Tremblay, founder of Vancouver-based Mink Makeup and Hair.

Visit Melanie’s website here: minkmakeupart.com

Top 5 Things No Kitchen Should Be Without

August 27, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (1)

Whether you are in your first apartment or creating a kitchen fit for a master chef, there are some things that are absolute essentials when it comes to stocking a kitchen. This guide to “must have” kitchen items can help you navigate your way through the world of kitchen supplies and determine which gadgets you cannot do without.

A Chef’s Knife
Forget about the cheap 10 piece knife sets. The price tag makes these tempting, but they are junk, and there is no need for that many knives anyway.  If you are going to splurge on one thing for your kitchen, this is where to do it. Knives come in all shapes and sizes, so it is best to do some research but investing in at least one quality knife you will use often is a smart move. A Chef’s Knife, also known as a French knife, usually has about an 8 steel inch blade, although smaller versions are available. This general utility knife can be used for just about everything from chopping vegetables, to mincing herbs and cutting meat. Look for a knife with a sturdy handle and slightly curved blade that feels balanced in your hand and consider purchasing a sharpener to keep the blade from dulling.

Cutting Board
Having a large sturdy surface for cutting and chopping is crucial in a kitchen. There is no need to spend loads of money on anything super fancy. Cutting boards come in a variety a materials, the most common being plastic or wood. Plastic cutting boards are easily washed in the dishwasher and the non-porous surface prevents juice from vegetables or meat from seeping into or staining the board. Wood cutting boards however, are sturdier and will not dull sharp knives as quickly as plastic or glass. A large wood board when displayed on a counter top can also serve as a decorative item and add to the charm of your kitchen.

Large Skillet
This is the most important pan in your kitchen. Good for cooking just about everything, a nice skillet is worth saving up for. Choosing from the options available can be confusing. Stainless steel pans are durable and great for searing meat but not a great choice for eggs or other items that tend to stick to the bottom. Steel pans do not conduct heat evenly, so if you decide on this variety look for a large stainless steel pan with a heavy bottom coated with aluminum or copper for even heat conduction. Cast Iron pans are strong and economical but more difficult to care for. Non-stick pans are great for frying eggs and making pancakes, but Teflon and similar non-stick materials can pose a health risk if the chemical coating scratches or flakes off into food.

Good Corkscrew
If you have ever bought a nice bottle of wine and tried to open it, just to have the cork split then you will understand why this item is on the list. Solid screw types tend to split the cork leaving you to pick the remainder of the cork out of your wine glass. Save yourself the embarrassment of this happening at a nice dinner party and get a quality sturdy corkscrew. There is no need to spend big bucks on deluxe gadgets. The waiter’s key style corkscrew is a simple, inexpensive, no-frills corkscrew used by waiters in restaurants. The waiter’s key has a fold out blade to remove the foil from the top of the cork and a simple lever design that will get the job done.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil can be drizzled on salads, used to sauté vegetables, and for dipping bread. Extra-virgin olive oil, as opposed to other varieties is produced without any chemical treatment and is considered to have a superior taste. Keep a bottle on hand for a quick appetizer of bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar or drizzle some over some fresh tomatoes and basil. Apart from being delicious, extra-virgin olive oil has some great health benefits as well.  Extra-virgin olive oil has high levels of monounsaturated fat and antioxidants which help prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and may help prevent colon and breast cancer.

What to Skip:
Save your money and skip on any goofy cooking contraptions.  There are kitchen gadgets for just about everything, most of which are absolutely unnecessary. They are often more trouble than they are worth and inevitably end up collecting dust on a shelf. Save the money and pass on the quesadilla maker, food scale, crème brulee torch or anything sold on late night infomercials. If you are equipped with the basic items listed above then you will be able to accomplish anything in the kitchen that you put your mind to.

*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.

Interview with the Fabulous Allison Maslan!

August 17, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (3)

CRAVE ladies, meet Allison Maslan. She is the CEO of Allison Maslan International and President of Blast Off! Life and Business Coaching. She is a highly acclaimed author and an international motivational speaker. Allison has a vibrant array of successful businesses to her credit and has assisted thousands of her clients in attaining a new level in their lives by helping them identify and reach their personal and professional goals. We caught up with this busy and successful woman to ask her a few questions we were just CRAVEing to know!

What would you say is the best advice for readers in your new book, Blast Off! The Surefire Plan to Launch your Dreams Into Reality?
I give so much life and business advice in Blast Off! However, I feel the most important advice is to act now on your dreams and goals. Otherwise you will be having the same conversation with yourself in six months or even six years. You see, our dreams are mere fantasy until we put them into action. So point your head toward your Big Picture Visions and take small steps toward them every single day. Do not listen to anyone that tells you it cannot be done. Before you know it, your dream will be glowing in the palm of your hands.

What is the best piece of advice you could give about running a business?
Best entrepreneurial advice: Never take no for an answer. When you hit a wall, get resourceful and find another pathway. Make a right or left turn, build a bridge, whatever you need to do to make it work… but never, ever accept that there is no option. The more creative are, the more secret doorways you will find.

What inspired you to write your book?
I am an entrepreneur and lover of business. I am woman, mother and lover of life. Over the past several years I built nine of my own companies, and as a strategic coach and a homeopathic physician, I have helped thousands launch a life and business experience they can feel passionate about. I feel now that its time to share my success system with as many people as possible. Every time I hear from a reader telling me that Blast Off! has changed their lives, my whole being smiles. That is what it is all about.

You are currently touring the country to promote your book, which cities can we expect you to be going?
So far I have been to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Dallas and San Francisco. Next, I will be in Chicago Aug. 25-28. I am doing a book signing at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at The Book Cellar, located at 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave. I am also presenting a High-Octane Mastermind Gathering at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at The Motel Bar in Chicago. This year I will also be heading to Salt Lake, Vegas, Portland, and New York. All if this information is on my Rocket Tour page on my website.

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

August 16, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

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 CRAVE company. 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

Girls Retweet

August 3, 2010 by Lynn Edwards | Comments (0)

In this crazy wired-world, we all need to get away, unplug, recharge but man it’s tough to make that happen! Good thing we have those friends that make us make it a priority, they do all the planning and we just have to show up (easier said than done). Getting ready to get away is so much work, but when you get there…it’s way worth it!

I was lucky enough to be invited to a girls’ retweet recently and the goal was to get away and spend some focused time on projects that were never getting done for one reason or 50 other reasons. We went to a beach house and upon arrival realized our fancy phones didn’t have service. After a collective high-pitched horror scream heard around the world, we settled into the idea of enjoying the next 4 days being off the grid, getting things done (we had wi-fi at least whew) and connecting the old-fashioned way.

It was a rough detox, complete with shakes, the DT’s and blank stares at our phones just freaking over what was going on in the wired-world without us…OMG what WOULD we be missing?!

We quickly filled that void with chocolate, red wine and walks on the beach. We found our shoulders sinking back down from our ears (with the help of the massage therapist we brought with us) and the swelling in our thumbs going down. We were so happy to let our 10,000 words a day flow as opposed to being corralled to 140 characters in a text or tweet.

Of course the walks on the beach were still captured on our fancy phones for posting later to prove how much fun we had. It made me think of that age old questions, “If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it does it make a noise?” I wondered, “If we walk on the beach and have fun, but don’t take a pic and post it to Facebook did we actually have fun?”

Disconnecting was a challenge, we have all become so dependent on that mobile phone crack. But what a fabulous experience…we slept in, we created amazing things (yes on our laptops), we sat by a fire pit and told stories and made s’mores. We belly laughed, we talked about boys (some 4 yrs. old and some 40), we breathed in the fresh salt air and we ate…holy cow we ate and it was great! And not a #4 from the drive-thru window but homemade grandma recipes of chicken verde and snack bars…like the good old days!

Let’s be clear…I have a foot firmly planted in both camps. I love me some texting but I also love making memories in person (a dying art). I love the tools that allow you to be connected 24/7, heck Facebook allows me to attend my high school reunion, daily, without having to buy a cocktail dress or loss 20 lbs. But I worry that my kids couldn’t keep track of their shoes from day to day but they haven’t misplaced their phones in five years. Are they so wired and dependent that they won’t know how to play capture the flag without that tech appendage?

I challenge all of you to go rogue…try it, disconnect and in that space you may realize how great it is to really connect, maybe even at a fabulous girls retweet!

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Fashionistas

August 2, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

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.

Birthday Musings

July 28, 2010 by Lynn Edwards | Comments (0)

Happy Birthdays!

Summer brings fun in the sun, tan lines and a ton of birthdays. I’m pretty sure it’s due to the cold fall weather nine months earlier. It gets chilly, folks curl up and the next summer you’re hiring clowns and ordering birthday cakes.

I just celebrated a “mid-forty” (yeah let’s go with that) milestone and it got me thinking about birthdays. I’ve decided to embrace my age. I’m one year closer to owning my stuff and embracing the wisdom that comes with knowing who you are and who you’re not -like coming to terms with the fact that the last time I was a size 6 was when I was 6 and I’ll never see that number on a clothes tag again. I was inspired when I read this passage recently, ”take kindly the counsel of your years” then realized it was from an online dating site guy who was looking to date women 22-26 years old.

You know that cool Martina McBride song that says, “every laugh line on your face made you who you are today” Well, I have no idea what was so frickin’ funny over the years but I must have had a great time somewhere along the way cause I have the roadmap on my face to prove it!

When you celebrate your 10th birthday you love that Mexican place where you get to wear that huge sombrero, there is all that clapping just for you, and then they light the ice cream on fire. When you turn 36 at that same Mexican place you just want the singing to cease so strangers will stop staring.

My oldest son turned 18 recently. A huge milestone, right? I mean come on, the kid had made it to adulthood, that in itself warranted a fireworks display in both our honors. He was about as excited for his special day as he was his 1st birthday…giving me a blank stare as if to say ”what’s all the hype about woman”? He wore a crazy hat in his 1st birthday picture, now he’s sporting a cap & gown…he still dresses funny in birthday pictures. I was looking forward to MY present. After all, the kid was still breathing even after I had lost him, poisoned him, and made him wear shoes that were 2 sizes too small for a year. What do I win to celebrate that “we” made it 18 yrs?!

When I was 40 I threw myself a big bash with live band and all….I couldn’t believe I had made it that far…and on the way home from the party I bought a huge jar of anti-wrinkle cream.

Let’s hear it for office birthday parties- there’s all that healthy stuff in the break room but on birthday day you bee-line to the conference room and you’re like “happy special day, Dave whatever your last name is from accounting”, thanks for being born, now let’s eat some chocolate cake.

Birthdays are milestones in your life. They are cause for reflection and anticipation. I personally will pour myself a stiff drink, cheers myself and kindly celebrate “the counsel of my years”!

The Girl’s Guide to Beer

July 26, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

On a sweltering summer day at the ballpark or a friend’s BBQ, nothing is more refreshing than an ice-cold brew. This summer ditch that prissy pink cocktail and back away from the Budweiser. With a little beer savvy you can discover some great brews that will satisfy your taste buds and impress even the guys.

There are 4 main ingredients in beer: grain, yeast, water and hops, but the creativity when it comes to brewing is endless. There are beers with fruit, smoked beers, beer made with chocolate and even beer brewed with bacon. Navigating your way through the numerous types and styles of beer can be daunting, but here are some helpful hints about the most popular styles that can help you choose a winner for your next potluck or outdoor summer event. Who said beer had to be just for the boys? Go ahead, embrace that summer night CRAVING.

India Pale Ale (IPA): This beer has a light pale to golden color. Its crisp bitter flavor is attributed to the high hops and alcohol content which helped preserve the beer during the long journey across the ocean when British brewers began to export to India.
Try: Lagunitas IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Petaluma, CA, 5.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Drink with: Spicy foods like a Thai Yellow Vegetable Curry

Hefeweizen: Perfect for summer, this German style wheat beer is distinguished by fruity notes, cloudy appearance and high carbonation. This beer is usually served with a slice of lemon and its bright flavor is often accented by citrus, banana, clove or nutmeg flavors.
Try: Widmer Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Portland, OR, 4.7% ABV
Drink with: Classic German food such as chicken sausage topped with brown mustard or a salad tossed with candied pecans and feta.

Stout: Familiar to many because of the popularity of Guinness, Stouts have a heavy body and are very dark in color. This beer has a high alcohol content and is often characterized by caramel, coffee, chocolate or even oatmeal flavors.
Try: Chocolate Stout, Rouge Brewery, Portland OR, 6.3% ABV
Eat with: This beer could be a meal in itself, but pairs nicely with desserts like tiramisu.

Pilsner: This all American beer represents nearly 90% of the major beer brands sold in the U.S. Pilsner is golden in color and tends to have a light, clean, drinkable flavor sometimes compared to toast or fresh bread.
Try: Prima Pils, Victory Brewing Company, Downington, PA, 5.3% ABV
Eat with: All American foods like hearty chili or a grilled burger and fries

Brews to CRAVE this summer
Sierra Nevada Summerfest
New Belgium Skinny Dip
Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema

This is by no means a complete list of all the styles out there so experiment, go to a brew festival this summer, and discover which styles and breweries make you CRAVE more. For a fun new adventure, why not grab your beer drinking gal pals and do a brewery tour? Try this for a fun weekend or birthday activity. For more information on beer and the female movers and shakers in the beer industry, check out the Pink Boots Society at pinkbootssociety.org.

*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.

World Savour: New Guest Blogger Alyssa Goldberg

July 22, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

CRAVE’s newest guest blogger, Alyssa Goldberg, shares her daily stories on her own blog, WorldSavour. Alyssa loves food: cooking it, growing it, buying it, and eating it, but has never received any culinary training. She is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, where she studied Communication and International Studies. Alyssa will be blogging for CRAVE about her post-graduate adventures with food, cooking, travel and life.

What inspired you to start blogging?
I began blogging around a year ago. At the time I had recently developed a love for cooking, traveling and exploring foods from around the world and started blogging as a way for me to document my trip a Brazil and my adventures in cooking. I really just blog as a sort of online diary and to keep track of my recipes, but I am so thrilled that people actually enjoy reading what I have to say. I hope people find inspiration in my blog to try new recipes and explore flavors and cuisines from around the world.

What is the best part about using social media?
I love realizing that people really care about what I have to say, that people care enough to read my blog and try my recipes. In social media you do not have to own a newspaper or be a famous journalist to make a difference and that is pretty amazing.

What is your dream job?
Earning a living writing about food or travel would be amazing, but I have dreamed of starting my own PR or marketing agency specializing in restaurants and chefs. Sometimes I daydream about going to culinary school but I think my cooking will have to stay a hobby.

We know you love trying new recipes- what is the best and the worst you have made?
One of my favorite recipes is veggie enchiladas. They are incredibly easy to make so it is really nothing to brag about, but I love Mexican food and these enchiladas turned out absolutely delicious. As for the worst dish, there is always some trial and error in cooking and I am sure I have made some pretty nasty food but I don’t think my friends and boyfriend who taste my creations would ever actually tell me if something I made was horrible.

Where do you most want to travel to?
Next on my list is Spain.  I am planning on traveling to Barcelona  within the next year, but I have been dying to go to Italy, eat gelato every day and pizza straight from Sicily- even if I come back to the states 15 pounds heavier than when I left.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My mom and my friends who inspire me everyday.

What do you CRAVE?
I grew up in San Diego but now live in Seattle so most days I CRAVE sunshine, but besides the sun I CRAVE a great book and funfetti cupcakes.

To keep tabs on Alyssa’s latest cooking creations, follow her blog: WorldSavour

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