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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.

World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

July 8, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

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
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
¾ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation:

1. 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:

1. Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
2. Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
3. Chill overnight.
4. Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.

Potato Salad- Germany

Ingredients:

2 pounds red potatoes
¼ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

1. 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 ¼ inch pieces.
2. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
3. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
4. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
5. 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:

1. Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
2. 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.
3. Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
4. In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
5. 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.
6. 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.

America, It’s Your Birthday!

June 28, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

 

Let’s face it, we CRAVE any excuse to get together and throw a party with our best friends. What better reason than for a birthday? Happy Birthday America! Since every birthday should involved presents- why not think of some ways you and your friends can give back to your community to commemorate the occasion? Check in with local organizations who do volunteer work. Maybe you can spend the afternoon helping clean up a park, planting some trees, or participating in a food drive.

After a day of doing something good for your country, you can feel good about having a little fun at night for yourself! Get your friends together, nosh on some festive treats and try to catch a glimpse of your local fireworks show. Here are some recipes to inspire your celebration:

This first recipe is from a chef bloggess we adore, CakeSpy!

Hartford Election Day Cupcakes: This spicecake is light but flavorful; all your friends will love munching on these treats which you can decorate in red, white and blue.

Dry ingredients:

• 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
• 5 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon potato starch
• 1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon  nutmeg, freshly grated
• Pinch of allspice
• Pinch of salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda

 Wet ingredients:

• 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) butter, melted
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon rum
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 egg yolk

 Old-Fashioned Milk Buttercream

• 1 cup milk
• 2 ounces (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Sip

While you are savouring some cupcakes, it is likely you will want something to sip as well. Here is a great list we found that lists five different themed cocktails: click.  Are you adventurous? You have to try the first drink on the list- it includes jalapeno or Serrano peppers to add a little fire to your night. Prefer something a little sweeter to sip? Strawberry schnapps will be a key (red) ingredient for you. To give any red drinks a patriotic vibe try garnish with blueberries, blackberries or just throw in a blue straw!

Girl on Top – Book Tour Hits Your Area!

November 3, 2009 by Lilla | Comments (0)

In Girl on Top, career expert Nicole Williams takes 20 tried-and-true dating rules every CRAVE girl knows (and have probably used) such as “Play Hard to Get” and “Don’t Give Away the Milk for Free”—and shows you how to put them to use when the object of your affection is your job. With her ingenious approach—taking the tactics used to land a man and applying them to your career—you’ll be able to handle any work situation and come out on top. Finally, the advice no one else has been willing to tell you, right at your fingertips!

About the Author:
Nicole Williams, the original Girl on Top, is your tell it-like-it-is big sister who happens to be an expert in all things career. As a best selling author and founder of WORKS by Nicole Williams, she has re-defined the world of work—making it glamorous, relevant, and get this—fun!—to modern women who refuse to settle for a less-than-thrilling career. Get more of her advice at nicolewilliams.com.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

11/04 Santa Clara – 2855 Steven’s Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara
11/06 Seattle – 315 S. Center, Seattle
11/09 Vancouver – 788 Robson St., Vancouver
11/11 Minneapolis – 60 West Broadway, Bloomington
11/13 Chicago – 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
11/17 Boston – 1245 Worcester Road, Natick
11/18 Boston – 250 Granite St., Braintree
11/20 Cherry Hill – 502 Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
11/23 Washington DC – 1100 South Hayes St., Arlington
11/25 Toronto

Country Living in the Heart of Seattle

July 20, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

There is something so soothing, so refreshing, about life lived in the country. Riding a horse through a field, gardening on an expanse of land, dipping your toes in a fresh stream—one is given the opportunity to experience the peace of fresh air.

Nestled in the heart of Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle lies a store of this raw nature. After entering through the doors of the Noble Horse Gallery (214 1st Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98124), one does indeed “enter into another world”.

Soothing music plays in the background, aesthetically appealing art lines the walls, and quality clothing & accessories fill the store. Heather, owner of Noble Horse, is a horse lover inspired by the elegant nature of equestrian fashions. She aims to provide the urban woman with “timeless, lady-like” garments. The Noble Horse Gallery will dress you in exquisite jackets, Parisian riding boots, English-made gloves, and leather belts imported from Spain. Heather treats her clients like royalty, encouraging them to a lifestyle of elegance and sophistication.

Take a trip into the peaceful essence of Noble Horse Gallery and walk away with a quality product that you will not find anywhere else in the city of Seattle.

Noble Horse Gallery is a participant in CRAVE summer dreams Party August 19th at Teatro ZinZanni’s Spiegeltent.

Launching a Fashion Label in a Recession?

July 17, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

As a new company with a limited budget, it’s understandable that you’re tempted to pinch pennies at the expense of your brand image. Maybe you’ve been putting off certain branding and marketing expenditures. And it’s no wonder—the recent down-ward economic trend has even established luxury brands feeling the pain. In the meantime, retailers are thinking harder about which lines they’re going to carry, as they only have so much money in their buying budget and want nothing but the most value for their dollar. Some are feeling risk averse and may focus strictly on tried and true brands—ones they know they can sell because of a strong emotional connection with their customer and a strong track record. Where does that leave you? As a new brand, you’ll be scrutinized on a microscopic level. Image is everything in this business. If your branding and packaging efforts so far look relatively unprofessional compared to established brands, buyers at market will doubt the quality of your product. Will the product last? Will people be returning it? Buyers may even doubt your ability to deliver the product. And that makes them less likely to take a risk on you and fax in that order.

As a new label just going to market for the first time, how do you convince retail buyers that you are a strong investment? Aside from having a killer line, you need certain sales and marketing tools that are expected when doing business in the fashion world, and your branding, packaging, marketing, and sales efforts have to look as professional, pulled-together, and as crave-worthy as the big boys. And, yes, you can even get it done on a budget. Find consultants who are as passionate about launching your brand as you are. Extra credit? Show retailers that you are committed to helping them sell their line by providing them with sales tools to help them get their customers passionate about your brand. Many fabulous brands have been launched in a down-turn. With a little creativity and a lot of hard work, you’ll be unstoppable. I wish you the best of luck and smashing success!

Giannina Granata Silverman is a branding expert focusing on consumer products in the fashion, health and beauty, food, and entertainment markets. For more brand image advice geared toward start-up fashion businesses, please check out her blog.

Want to hear more? Join us this Sunday for our monthly Coffee Chat our speakers will be Giannina Granata Silverman and Juliet Sander, the topic is: Make it Happen: Strategies for Launching and Growing a Fabulous Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle or Retail Business. Click here to learn more.

Yaletown Summer Shopathon

July 15, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Head down to Yaletown, Vancouver BC, for a day of fabulous shopping! Gather your besties and join us for six hours of summer fashions, wicked discounts and specials from over 40 stores, awesome prizes, cool cocktails and drinks, and of course, free swag, just like the celebs.

Where: Yaletown, Vancouver BC
When: Friday, July 17th, 3pm-9pm
Admission: Free, please rsvp yaletown@thestylespy.com

Beyond the Boa: Seattle’s Largest Bachelorette Party

June 2, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Make history by being a part of Beyond the Boa: Seattle’s Largest Bachelorette Party. And it’s not just any bachelorette party, it’s the new definition of a bachelorette party – where it’s all about creating memories with your girls that you’ll cherish forever, not memories that you won’t remember. CRAVE is excited to be part of this fun girlfirend event, make sure to find us at the event!

Sponsored by A Grand Wedding.com and the Alexis Hotel, your $20 ticket ($25 at the door) includes cocktails, appetizers, mini-spa treatments, private suite tours, psychic readings by chocolate, two DJs and dance floors and a fabulous Swag Bag; plus the chance to win designer purses, one-of-a-kind jewelry, private photo shoots, exclusive spa packages, and once in a lifetime experiences with your girls.

Bid on high-end items in the silent auction (benefiting Brides Against Breast Cancer) or try your luck in the raffle; or shop for celebrity style clutches, scarves, sunglasses and snag some professional beauty products or last-minute wedding items. With over $200 of free products and services right when you walk in the door, ditch Happy Hour for three blissful hours at A Grand Wedding’s Beyond the Boa.

Pertinent Details:
When: Thursday, June 4th, 6-9pm
Where: Alexis Hotel
Tickets: click here

PDXtravaganza – CRAVE Portland Book Launch Party

May 15, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Our crush is growing… the CRAVE Portland book launch was a blast! DJ Anjali energized the crowd, as did the delicious treats from DRY Soda, Truffle, Mother’s Bistro, Dream Dinners, and Bliss. Relish Design’s sleek space and gorgeous wares reminded us that the addition of one stellar accessory can drastically affect a room (and your mood). View some of the photos below, and check out the rest here.

Click here to learn where you can buy the book.

Sneak Peek – CRAVE Portland Book

May 8, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Join CRAVE and on May 11th at Relish to celebrate the launch of CRAVE Portland The Urban Girl’s Manifesto. Sip DRY Soda and nosh on treats from: Truffle, Mother’s Bistro, Dream Dinners, and Bliss Cupcakes. Be the first to check out the book!

Event Details
Where: Relish Design
When: Monday, May 11th 7-9pm
Click here to RSVP.

Here is a sneak peek from her interview with Krista Colvin from Organize in Style, one of the many amazing gals featured in the book:

How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Functional. Fabulous. Sassy.

What are the most popular or best selling products or services?
Speaking engagements, The Organize in Style Consultation, and The Shebang VIP membership.

People may be surprised to know…
I’m a piler. I’m equal right brain/left brain, and I’ve been known to lock my keys in the car now and then.

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
I got antsy being a stay at home mom and turned my ‘domestic diva’ leave from teaching high school into a business helping women keep it together at home and in the office.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Erma Bombeck sprinkled with a little Martha glitter.

How do you spend your free time?
If I’m not at the park with the kidlets, I’m connecting with old friends or drinking coffee with girls.

What is your indulgence?
Coffee, a pair of sassy shoes, and reading a book with my toes in the sand.

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