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Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks

July 5, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (1)

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

Planning a Fun in the Sun Picnic

May 17, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors and in the company of great friends and family. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, bring some companions, and take advantage of the sunny warm weather the spring and summer months have to offer with an al fresco dining experience! Don’t sweat, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some fun and fuss-free ideas for planning a picnic in the fresh air and sunshine!

1. Pick a Location:

• At the Park: Whether you’re on a grassy spot in the sunlight or under the shade of a tree, a park is the perfect place to gather for a picnic! If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your beloved pooch at home, there are plenty of pet-friendly parks so you can bring Fido along!
• On a Beach: Sun, surf, and sand is the ideal combination for a picnic on the beach! Just make sure you enjoy each element separately to avoid melted, soggy, or grainy grub.
• At a Drive-In Movie: CRAVing a romantic night with your sweetie? Dinner and a movie underneath a blanket of twinkling nighttime stars is a perfect date night combination. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and candy!
• In Your Backyard: Want to enjoy a meal outside but don’t feel like hauling a basket or cooler full of food around? No problem, a picnic in your backyard can be just as fun and probably less stressful if you happen to forget the napkins!
• On a Roof-top Patio: For those of you dwelling in the concrete jungle, many apartment and condo buildings have a roof-top patio for their residents to enjoy. The only difference? Rather than being surrounded by trees, you have adjacent skyscrapers to provide shade.

2. Picnic Menu Items:

We encourage you to be creative, but to also keep things simple with your picnic menu! Remember, you have to schlep these baskets around with limited heating or cooling available, and food poisoning is never included in the recipe for fun. Pack your picnic baskets with these simple palate pleasers, bon appetit!

• Savor: Definitely use your left-overs when you can! Roasted chicken can be used to make a yummy pasta or Caesar salad. You can also make some simple PB&J or turkey sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to head out. Soft bagels with cream cheese are also a great and effortless menu option. Here are some other easy picnic recipes to consider.
• Sip: Class up your picnic with a bottle of wine to sip while you savor your meal, which is ideal if you’re enjoying a laid-back picnic on your backyard porch. For public parks and beaches, we recommend some bubbly and refreshing sparkling apple cider instead. Lemonade is also the classic beverage of choice for a sunny spring/summer picnic.
• Sweets: You can’t go wrong with brownies and cookies, which are crowd-pleasers for any age. A fresh fruit salad is delicious and nutritious, and also surprisingly portable! We generally don’t recommend packing anything that melts quickly, but if you’re having a backyard picnic you can get away with serving ice cream and popsicles!

3. Picnic Essentials NOT to Forget:

• Sunscreen/sun block: Don’t ruin your outdoor picnic with a painful sunburn, keep yourself sun protected! As the people from the land down under would say, “Slip, Slop, Slap: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.”
• Insect repellant: A good idea if you’re going to be outdoors long enough for the mosquitoes to come out for their own picnic.
• Big quilt/blanket: If you’re going to be dining on the grass, sit on a big quilt or blanket to protect yourself from ants in your pants, or even worse, in your food!
• Eating utensils: Finger food is always fun, but if you plan on serving something that requires a fork, spoon, or knife, eating with your bare hands will get messy and complicated.
• Plastic bag(s): Be considerate of others and the park in which you are enjoying your picnic and clean up any trash or food waste. Also, if your pooch joined you for your picnic, please pick up behind your pawed pal as well.
• Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes: Ahh, germs! Need we say more?
• Entertainment: Don’t dine and dash, stay a while! Bring some playing cards, a Frisbee, or play bocce ball while your tummies digest.

Hit the Slopes at Ski Camps for Girlfriends

February 8, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (1)

The Groundhog said it all – On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and doomed the rest of us to six more frigid weeks of winter. Rather than crawl under the covers and hibernate ’til spring, why not make the most of the chilliest time of year and go skiing (or snowboarding) with your girlfriends? Take a look at these women-only snow camps and book your long weekend now!

1. ROXY All Star Snow Camps – Whistler Blackcomb
These 2-day snow camps are all about girls, fun, and hitting the slopes! The women-only camps are taught by highly skilled female skiers and riders and give you the opportunity to make friends with other women in the group. ROXY caters to ladies at any level of skiing and snowboarding, from beginner to expert, and they even throw in some prizes to get you motivated to boost your skills! Check the website for rates and dates.

2. Women’s Edge – Aspen Snowmass
Women’s Edge is a 4-day female-centric experience for intermediate to advanced skiers. You’ll spend time getting to know the women in your group while being instructed by female pros and getting treated to a luncheon, lectures, and chances to ski at nearby mountains with skiers in your same skill level. It’s a fun program with chances to build relationships with like-minded women while having a great time! Check out the website here.

3. Women’s Ski Camps – Snowbird
In Snowbird, Utah, these 3-4 day ski camps offer small group sizes and ample one-on-one coaching with women instructors to make for a truly rewarding experience. Intermediate to expert skiers can be accommodated, and the intimate program comes with an optional Meal & Spa Add On with special perks! To see prices and itineraries, check out the Women’s Ski Camps’ website here.

These are a few examples of resorts that currently offer women-only skiing and snowboarding camps. Check out your favorite mountain’s special deals for girls in advance and start planning next year’s wintry adventures now!

Interview with Andrea Martins of Expat Women

February 5, 2010 by Madeline C. | Comments (0)

Andrea Martins may be Australian but that certainly hasn’t defined her. From where she travels to the company she keeps, she is a world-class CRAVE gal. No matter where she goes, she finds comfort in her friends and relationships. Through her experiences, she has created a massive website full of useful tips and stories for women living abroad, ExpatWomen.com

Why did you initially go abroad?
Once upon a time, my husband followed me on a domestic move for my career. So then it was my turn to follow him. We went to Jakarta, Indonesia (3 years), the Mexico City, Mexico (4 years), and then we retreated to the beach in Australia (2.5 years), before moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (6 months ago).

What is the hardest part of living away from your home country? What is the best part?
The hardest part is always missing friends and family back home, especially when you miss special occasions—birthdays, weddings, illnesses, etc. The best part is all the new friends you meet, from all over the world, who all have so many exciting stories to share with you from their own adventures abroad!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was desperately searching for a product or business idea that excited me and that I believed in. When I shared the idea of a global website for expatriate women with a friend living in Mexico with me at the time, she loved the concept so much that we inspired each other to make this dream a reality. In doing so, together we made the business concept even bigger and it’s this later concept that you see today in ExpatWomen.com

How do you spend your free time?
Swimming, Going out with friends. Sleeping.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? What is your favorite place to live/travel?
My favorite place to go would be the Balinese-style spa near me for that much-needed fortnightly massage! My favorite place to travel would be any beach with crystal clear water. My favorite place to live changes every week!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
More time—for myself, to spend with my husband, to hang out with my girlfriends, to sleep, and to pursue my other fantastic business ideas!

People may be surprised to know…
That I attended the then President of Mexico’s (Vicente Fox) daughter’s wedding in Mexico in 2006

A+ Accommodations: AirBnB.com

November 16, 2009 by Jessica P. | Comments (0)

Finding killer airfares to exotic locales is easy, but securing last minute accommodations can be totally stressful.  Thankfully, AirBnB exists.  From treehouses in Paris, to luxe LA penthouses and Italian villas, this site offers it all at shockingly low prices.

Airbnb.com is the “Ebay for space.”  This amazing online marketplace allows anyone from private residents to commercial properties to rent out their extra space. The reputation-based site allows for user reviews, verification, and online transactions, for which Airbnb takes a commission. As of July, 2009, the San Francisco-based company had listings in over 1070 cities in 76 countries.

Grab your girls and book your fall fiesta now!

Have you ever used this site?  Please share experiences here.

Washington Surf Staycation

July 13, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Urban beauties, we all know that many are pinching pennies this summer to save money in this economy. That doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself to a summer vacation! How about a staycation right here in your home of Washington State?

Ladies, we are blessed with a beach right next door. Let’s use this gift of the ocean to our benefit and try something new this summer. Westport, Washington is a small town on the Washington Coast that is known for its surfing scene. CRAVE urges you to activate your inner urges to stand up on a surf board and ride those waves!

It is necessary for the urban girl to look fabulous while ripping those Washington swells. Outfit yourself stylishly at West Seattle’s Coastal Surf Boutique. Specializing in sportswear, accessories, and swimwear, Coastal carries fun styles to make you look your best on the beach. Brands such as Reef, Ezekiel, Von Zipper, RVCA, O’Neil, & Raisins Swim Wear are sure to give your beautiful bod a boost.

Sarah & Christy, owners of Coastal are two surfers that were motivated to bring the coast to the city. “We wanted to create a place where people could find the cute clothes and lifestyle of the boardsports industry without an intimidating environment.”

Check out Westport, Washington for details on the surf town to-do’s and visit Coastal Surf Boutique for fantastic beach finds. Be sure to ask owners Sarah & Christy about their favorite surfing gear. They may even give you a few tips on how to stand up on that board.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways

June 17, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (2)

Finding the time to plan and take a trip with your girlfriends can be difficult, and sometimes we need a little extra help. That reason was the inspiration behind Lisa Kasanicky’s (lisa.kasanicky.com) latest book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways”. With crash courses in travel planning, packing advice, and great deals and specials, Lisa has given women the help they need to get away from it all.

What kinds of facts and advice can we expect from your new book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways?
The underlying message of the book is to “Just Go!” This country is peppered with tons of wonderful places for a memorable and fun getaway but the fact is that we often don’t take the time we need. A girlfriends getaway is a way to unwind, reconnect and be yourself. That said, the book has about 65 specific destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada including where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Each chapter has a theme — shopping, adventure trips, volunteer vacations, cultural excursions and of course, one seriously fat chapter on spas — so that you can skip right to the type of destination you want and get to the business of planning your getaway. Because of my own beauty product addiction, you’ll also find a guide to pre-trip beauty and my list of must-haves for keeping fresh and pretty on the go. And lots of advice on packing! One suitcase filled just with shoes is a no-no these days! The book is also sprinkled with “chick wit” advice from other female travelers.

What would be your ideal spa getaway with your girlfriends?
Like most women, I would be happy with a day trip to a local spa but if I were to throw caution to the wind, I would teleport me and my girls to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Breathtaking. I like beach trips anywhere actually because you can usually find a place to rent with a full kitchen so you can save on meals and they’re a good choice for a diverse group. Of course, Las Vegas, New York City and Los Angeles are all places you could go back dozens of times and experience something new each visit.

Any advice for those busy women who can’t find the time to plan a vacation with the girls?
First, you can find the time. You’ve earned it. Second, if you delegate the planning tasks than the burden of won’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Get the girls together for cocktails or start an online group (I like TripWiser.com and ImIn.com) and nail down what everybody wants to do, budgets and expectations. Then, divide up the planning tasks in a way that best suits each traveler’s time and skills. Make it fun and give each girl a title such as the Entertainment Diva, Secretary of Expense and so on. Plan your trip far enough in advance so that everyone has adequate time to clear their schedules and plan the details in a less hurried pace.

What are your plans/dreams/aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future are simple: Breathe more and travel more. I plan through as many means possible to continue to spread the message that the spa experience is not just a luxury set aside for a lucky few and is instead, the soul’s requirement for a life in check.

San Fran Girl Guide: Marina District

June 5, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (1)

Maria Ross, the brand builder and marketing diva behind Red Slice LLC, recently gave us some hot tips on how to spend a fab day in San Francisco.

Guide to Chestnut Street via chestnutshop.com
Chestnut Street is composed of an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, coffee houses and services. While sophisticated in nature, the street has a distinctive neighborhood feel. The street is usually bustling with people meeting for coffee, shopping for trendy clothes, running errands or meeting for lunch or dinner. If you live in the neighborhood you would find that you probably wouldn’t have to ever go off the street to do your shopping or find every service that you might require in your daily business.

1. Start your day off right with a quick trip to Heaven Day Spa (2209 Chestnut St.). Indulge with the “Little Piece Of Heaven Package” which includes a 30-min facial, 30-min massage, and 30-min salt glow treatment.

2. Hit up Dragon Well (2142 Chestnut St. at Pierce) for a light and flavorful lunch made with fresh, quality raw materials. The restaurant offers a stylish decor and comfy, no-hassles ambiance. Walk through the red (for good luck) front door and you’re in a clean, light-filled space that’s easy on both the eyes and the nerves.

3. Burn off those lingering lunch calories shopping! Check out:
• Two Skirts (2124 Chestnut St.) features sexy shoes and a wide mix of trendy clothing for day, night, travel and special occasions.
• Rabat (2080 Chestnut St.) stocks smokin’ footwear and quality clothing lines like Nanette Lepore and Betsey Johnson.
• Y&I (2101 Chestnut St.) is known for its hip, casual, fun & flirty assortment of denim, dresses, tops, tees and jewelry.
• Smash Shoes (2030 Chestnut St.) will give your Visa a workout with irresistible, quality wares from Sigerson Morrison, Sergio Rossi, Taxto, Alexander McQueen for Puma, and much, much more.

4. Stop in Kara’s Cupcakes (3249 Scott St.) for a sweet, mini, before dinner treat! The moist carrot cupcake with a silky soft cream cheese frosting is delicious… and contains veggies (sort of).

5. Wind down with a low key dinner. Pizza fans and wine aficionados alike visit A16 (2355 Chestnut St.) with similar intentions: to enjoy the flavors of Italy’s soulful south.

Love the Marina area? Tell us your fav shops and eats.

Memorable Memorial Day Getaways

May 22, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Memorable last-minute Memorial Day getaways near West Coast CRAVE cities.

1. Yakima Valley, Washington’s premium wine region features small family operations where unpretentious hospitality is the norm. Comprehensive winery info here. Memorable home bases for your wine touring adventures: Hillcrest Farm Guest Cottages and A Touch of Europe B&B and Fine Dining.

2. Near Nelson, British Columbia lies Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat an ‘invitation into the soul of British Columbia’s Kootenay Region.’ The captivating landscape provides a true escape from everyday life. Guests reside in fully-furnished yurts, warm, circular structures with all the comforts of home. Blueridge Retreat yoga classes are held in the studio yurt, around the serenity pond, or down at the beach.

3. Just 30 miles north of downtown Portland, enjoy family friendly fun in Scappoose & St. Helens. Explore the Historic Riverfront District in Olde Towne St. Helens, rent kayaks, and wander the eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants of the area near the Columbia River. Read an excellent weekend itinerary from traveloregon.com here.

4. San Fran residents, rent a convertable and head south for a luxe girlfriend getaway. LA’s Palomar Hotel offers a fab “summer playground package” that includes deluxe accommodations, $25 dining credit, In-room movie and popcorn delivered right to your door, summer sangria at their hosted wine hour, and afternoon ice cream pops in the hotel lobby.

Plan a Day of Boutiquing and Noshing in Austin’s SoCo Neighborhood

April 24, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (2)

Entrepreness, stylish Austin resident, and hot tipper Kerry Rupp of Holiday Golightly gave us the lowdown on how to spend a perfect girlfriend getaway day in her beloved city.

Guide to the SoCo ‘hood via Small Planet
It may be hard for visitors to Austin’s vibrant, creative and hip neighborhood known as SoCo to believe, but just a few years ago South Congress Avenue was a little seedy, a place where businesses had slumped and a couple of motels rented rooms by the hour. The days of headlines about naughty state legislators out on the town caught up in police sweeps are long gone. Now those restored South Congress motels are likely to be renting rooms to high tech execs and movie stars.

1. Start out your day at Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa (1400 S Congress Ave)
We recommend the 4-hour Persephone-Rebirth package which includes a Lymphatic Drainage Massage, a Rebalancing Paprika Facial, Custom Blend Pedicure and White Flower Scalp Treatment and Blow Dry. Heaven!

2. For a casual lunch, try Enoteca (1610 S Congress Ave)
You’ll find bona fide antipasti and salads, wood-fired pizzas, pastas from light to robust, amazing entrees, self-indulgent desserts and pastries, and a nice assortment of wines and cocktails.

3. Time for some cardio! Go boutiquing at:

Maya Star (1508 S Congress Ave) for fabulous baubles and flirty frocks.

Y&I (1113 S Congress Ave) for adorable, affordable finds.

Hovercraft (1115 S Congress Ave) stocks quality, hip, and timeless wares.

Parts & Labour (1604 S Congress Ave) has something for everyone—boys, babies and you!

4. Phew… Nosh time? Luckily Uchi is nearby (801 S Lamar Blvd).
Fresh is this sushi restaurant’s middle name. They maintain close relationships with local farmers and fly in seafood every day from the Tsukiji market in Tokyo. The essence of Japanese cuisine is the ingredients; at Uchi they prepare their dishes using innovative food combinations for one of the most unique dining experiences in Austin.

5. Final indulgence… dessert (s’mores!!) and eye candy (sculpture) at La Dee Dah (1311 S 1st St) in the Austin Trailer Park Eatery.

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