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

Spa Cravings: Build Massage, Manis, and Facials into Your Routine

September 29, 2008 by Amanda | Comments (0)

I’ve gotta confess, I’ve got a “CRUSH” on spa treatments. Taking time out of my busy life to get pampered decreases my stress and boosts my morale. I schedule a 1½ -hour massage at my house every three weeks. It’s the perfect indulgence, because I get my massage at 8pm, a couple of hours before I go to bed. Afterwards, I’m completely relaxed, and I hang out on the couch until bedtime.

Here’s my typical spa regimen:

Massage: once every three weeks
Pedicure: once every six weeks
Facial: once every three months (My friends swear by facials. They wine-and-dine you, and rub your hands and feet while they apply the mask. My goal is to get a facial once a month.)
Manicure: twice a year (I’m not really a mani- kind of girl; my nails get trashed throughout the day so I just get a buff)

Some of my favorite spa places to visit in Seattle are:

Alki View Massage
They’ve got twins who do a tandem massage on both sides of your body at one time. They’re so in-sync it’s almost scary.

Julep Nail Parlor
These girls are total germaphobes, in the best possible way! They sterilize all of their metal implements in the same kind of high temperature autoclaves used in hospitals and dentist’s offices. Anything they can’t sterilize gets packed up in a cheerful bag for you to take home and reuse to maintain your manicure or pedicure between visits.

If you’ve never tried a spa treatment, I encourage you pick one and try one it on for size. Or come to our next CRAVEparty (click here to find out when and where), where you can sample foot treatments and neck massages along with your friends. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll realize that it’s not only well worth the money, but it may save your sanity.

Make a point to build a mini-indulgence into your routine. If you’re looking to get the biggest bang for your buck (my strategy), go for a massage. Whatever you pick, I know you’re gonna love it.

Your turn: What spa treatment do you want to try?

Craving Girl Time? Spend a Day Exploring Bellevue’s Boutiques

September 26, 2008 by Amanda | Comments (0)

When was the last time you and your best friends spent a fun girlfriend day together?

Can’t remember? Then you’re definitely in need of some retail therapy. Bellevue is just the place to find something new; something a little funkier than at your average retail establishment. And we’re making it easy for you to find those gems. All you have to do is set a date, print this mini travel guide, stuff it in your handbag, and head for the Eastside!

1. There’s nothing better than a luxurious spa visit. We suggest starting out your day at Aviva Holistic Skin Spa (136 102nd Ave SE Suite 104, Bellevue; 425.454.2374). Here you can kick off your shoes (literally!), and choose between facials, peels, massages, manicures, and/or pedicures. Shira Paul and her staff will pamper you and send you out the door more than ready to head to your next destination. *Be sure to call ahead to make reservations and check hours of operation.

2. La Ree Boutique is just around the corner (11 103rd Ave NE Bellevue; 425.453.7868) and is full of fashion fun! Featuring samples from around the world, La Ree offers a ton of brand names, jewelry, handbags (handbags!), and designer gift items.

Getting hungry? Shira Paul from Aviva Holistic Skin Spa recommends the following hot spots for lunch — all within walking distance:

** Bis On Main: offers a unique blend of Italian, French, and American dishes. (10213 Main St. Bellevue, WA 98004; 425.455.2033). Bis specializes in upscale, high end dining for ladies who “do lunch.”

** Belle Pastry (10246 A Main Street, Bellevue; 425.289.0015): Authentic French pastry shop serving up scrumptiously European goodies, sandwiches, coffee, and soupe du jour!

** 520 Bar & Grill (10146 Main Street, Bellevue; 425.450.0520): For a more casual, yet quaint experience, try the 520. Of particular interest is their to-die-for-patio seating, with a view of Olde Bellevue.

After lunch, it’s time get back to the business of shopping.

3. Posh On Main (10245 Main Street Suite 103 Bellevue; 425.454.2022) could very well be the shoe store of your dreams. Angela Self regularly stocks new designs from Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen, making her elegant, charming, and delightfully upscale shop one not to miss. Did we mention this is a SHOE store?

4. Finish up your perfect day at Fran’s Chocolates (10036 Main Street Bellevue; 425.453.1698). It’s specialty chocolates – what else do we need to say???

If you could add one more must-do to this “girlfriend day in downtown Bellevue” itinerary, what would it be?

“Innovative Connections” – Friendship Cravings

September 24, 2008 by Amanda | Comments (11)

When was the last time you connected with friends while satisfying some of your cravings?

For most of us, it’s been far too long.

The fact is, women crave friendships; we thrive on hanging out with one another. Why not create an excuse to get together, while providing opportunities to shop, and pamper ourselves at the same time?

For us at CRAVE, it’s all about connections – communication and other relational linkings between women.

With that in mind, we’re gonna dish about all kinds of fun stuff here on the CRAVEcrush blog: beauty, fashion, relaxation, adventure, exercise.

You’ll hear from like-minded women, many of whom offer products, services, and, most of all—fun—that you and your girlfriends can take advantage of while fulfilling your craving for friendship and connections.

Let’s start dishing right here; right now. When was the last time you connected with a friend—just to hang out and have fun together? ‘Fess up in the Comments area of this post. Don’t be shy; we’re in this together!