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

LifeStyle Physical Therapy & Balance Center – Interview with Michele

October 30, 2009 by Michele | Comments (3)

Michele Kehrer, owner of Lifestyle Physical Therapy & Balance Center, is an entrepreness that enhances the life of everyone around her. Her innovative work energizes even the most discouraged patient; after a few minutes with Michele, we at CRAVE Chicago were walking with a bit more spring in our step!  LifeStyle Physical Therapy & Balance Center is a unique physical therapy clinic providing all of the traditional physical therapy and comprehensive evaluation and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders.  The center’s success rates are unprecedented, over 90% of our patients experience a marked decrease in symptoms within four to eight weeks.

Let’s learn more about this fabulous life enhancer…

What are your most popular products or services?
Physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance disorders

People may be surprised to know…
I am a two time breast cancer survivor.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I remember being 5 or 6 years old knowing I wanted to open my own business.  After college, I assisted in opening several physical therapy clinics and decided I could do this better on my own.

How do you spend your free time?
Running.  Volunteering for my favorite charities, Imerman angels and Bright Pink.  Providing volunteer physical therapy/athletic training services for a local high school.

What is your indulgence?
Champagne and cheese with friends

Follow Michele on Twitter

Fab Fall Workouts: Best of Indoor Fitness

October 28, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (0)

In the summer, no workout is more satisfying than going for a run along the scenic Lake Michigan path. However, as the winter blues start to set in, it’s more difficult to find the motivation to workout. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean giving up on your fitness goals. We here at CRAVE have done the leg work and researched some of the most fun ways to keep in shape while enjoying the cozy comforts of the indoors. Check out some of our faves…

The Dailey Method – Located among trendy Bucktown shops, this fantastic fitness studio combines ballet barre work, core conditioning, stretching and orthopedic exercises. Combining these unique exercises works on toning and strengthening the body, while blasting away fat and increasing flexibility. Still not sure you have the time to workout? No fear, all classes at The Dailey Method are under an hour, and they even have a Kids Room available so your little ones can have some fun while you exercise.

Harmony Mind Body and Fitness – Stop in this Lincoln Park fitness sanctuary, where the focus is not only on fitness, but finding a meaningful connection between mind and body. Exercise moves inspired by yoga, tai chi, dance and swimming help the body and mind sync together to achieve the maximum fitness experience. Don’t like working out solo? Grab a friend and take advantage of Harmony Body’s Duets Sessions for almost half the price!

Flirty Girl Fitness – Wander over to the West Loop and check out this women-only workout facility which feels more like a high-end social club. Boasting both a liquor license and mani-pedi stations, it’s not only a gym but also a perfect place to unwind and socialize after a long days work. With over 100 entertaining classes, such as Abs and Booty, Video Vixen and Hottie Body Boxing, your workout routine at Firty Girl Fitness will never be boring. Need a place to host a bachelorette party? Take the ladies here for a fun, pink feather-boa wearin’ good time.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio – If the thought of hopping on an elliptical for an hour makes you cringe, try spicing up your workout at this River North dance mecca. Whether you’re a beginner or the next Ginger Rogers, Arthur Murray Dance Studio has something to fit every skill level. Dance genres range anywhere from classics like the Waltz and Fox Trot to the more sexy Salsa and Argentine Tango. Looking for something a little less serious? Kick up your cowboy boots and try some Western moves or find your disco diva and do the Hustle!

Swing by the CRAVE Book Launch Party, November 16 at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Mix, Mingle and even watch a dance demonstration by some of your future instructors.

Beauty and the Breast with ChickChat

October 27, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

CRAVE Chicago is pleased to introduce a great networking group: ChickChat. ChickChat is a friend that is all about meeting new people, trying out new products, making business connections or just learning something new. ChickChat has asked we share with you their upcoming event called “Beauty & the Breast” which is going-on Wednesday night!

Date:	Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Time:	6:00pm – 8:30pm
Location:	Soulistic Studio Spa
Street:	805 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Suite 200
City/Town:	Chicago, IL

The evening will include presentations by Soulistic practitioners (Pilates, Acupuncture, Aryuveda), Northwestern Hospital, “The Living Breast” Art Exhibit, Life Coach Lara Van der Ploeg, ROW (Recovery on Water) and Wildflowers Lingerie who will be providing expert bra fittings. Lingerie and jewelry on sale at the event. Wine provided by Alexandria Nicole Cellars. Specialty cocktail: The Pink Martini, sponsored by SKYY Vodka. Light munchies will be provided by Kyu Sushi and Martini Park.

Tickets: $20 online/$30 at door
{There will be lots of amazing door prizes!}

The Art of Design at Susan Fredman Design Group

October 27, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

To celebrate CRAVE Chicago featured entrepreness Susan Fredman’s one year anniversary of opening the Susan Fredman At Home in the City store, we are joining the store and CS Interiors for an evening of artistic expression! This Thursday, October 29th from 5-8PM, we will be joining fellow sponsors Asher Neiman Gallery, Chicago News Gallery, CS Interiors, Juicy Wine Company, Marwen Inspiration Art Opportunity, Rockit Bar & Grill, Shift Art Callery and all of you fans of art & design on the first floor of 350 West Erie to toast the Susan Fredman Design Group on a fabulous first year!

During the event, celebrators are invited to enjoy a special preview collection from renowned artists such as Tracy Silva Barbosa, Marie Burke, Diane Dammeyer, Floyd Gompf, Judith Kruger, Gina Novendstern, Norbert Shimkus and Teri Tito! What a treat!

A portion of the requested $5 donation and all art sales will benefit the Marwen Inspiration Art Opportunity: a non-profit dedicated to inspiring under served young people through the visual arts. 

Maxine Salon – Interview with Maxine

October 23, 2009 by Michele | Comments (1)

Maxine Kroll was the hostess with the mostess this week as she volunteered her space for our CRAVEchat and indulged all of the attendees with flutes of bubbly, a glorious goody bag and a beautiful charm. Something tells us this is typical Maxine. She’s just that fabulous! Maxine is the owner of Maxine Salon, a top Chicago salon just steps away from Michigan Avenue. The salon is progressive and chic, with a first-rate reputation and a friendly, nurturing staff. Upon entering Maxine Salon, you are swept into a world friendliness & pampering… in a beautifully fresh setting. We thought you’d like to get to know Maxine a bit more intimately, and learn what it is that makes her as fabulous as she is…

People may be surprised to know…
I live above the store, really.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My husband who never stops believing in tomorrows.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not trusting my gut.

How do you spend your free time?
Escaping to Cabo San Lucas.

What is your indulgence?
Yoga, as many days a week as I can fit it in.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
On my balcony overlooking the Rush Street buzz.

Find out more about Maxine on her blog or by following her on twitter!

Inside Scoop: What you missed at this month’s CRAVE Chat

October 22, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

We all had a marvelous time at the October CRAVE Chat yesterday! Learning to flirt with words proved to be a popular chat topic as we sold-out of space with 30 fabulous entreprenesses joining us to learn from our two experts Laurie Ann Plax of Audience and Christine Sisson of Words on Design & Style. The group mingled, sipped bubbly courtesy of hostess with the mostess Maxine of Maxine Salon, noshed on truffles provided by Pair Chocolates, were energized by a powerful message via the chat and connected for some impressive empowering!

[video of our fave chat photos]

If you missed this month’s chat, we’ll share the deets on the top tips with you. Perhaps these will be of assistance to you on your quest to engage and captivate your audience…

• Don’t use marketing lingo.
• Be consistent with your tone. Who are you? What image do you want to exemplify?
• Content is king!
• Engage the group. A one way conversation is never interesting. It’s not always about you.
• Help promote other company’s events, etc. That’s the fast way to make friends!
• Personalization and segmentation is never going to go by the wayside!
• You are your brand; and therefore you are the influence to your audience. Be you!
  

You will also find additional tips as they were twittered from the floor via #cravechat. Keep that in mind for the future, too! By the way, retweets getcha bonus points! Thanks all!

Announcing Open House & Reception at One Mind, Body & Being

October 21, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

We at CRAVE Chicago are pleased to offer this reminder to attend tonight’s Open House & Reception at One Mind, Body & Being! Stop by for music by Matty, wine & cheese….

Date:	Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Time:	5:30pm – 8:00pm
Location:	One Mind, Body & Being
Street:	2035 W Wabansia
City/Town:	Chicago, IL

One Mind, Body & Being is dedicated to making exercise affordable at $199/month for UNLIMITED mat-based classes.

How Much is that Doggy Toy in the Window: Best of Chicago’s Pet Shops

October 21, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (0)

Love to pamper your pooch or kitty? Need someone else to teach your dog new tricks? Is your pet eco-chic or more outdoorsy? In an urban environment such as Chicago, finding the perfect pet place might be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we did the leg work for you. Here’s some of our favorite finds!

Barker and Meowsky has been working since 1998 to enhance the bond between people and their pets. From Catnip Cigars to eco-friendly finds that reduce your pets carbon paw print, Barker and Meowsky is Lincoln Park’s chicest boutique to meet all your furry friends needs…and wants.

Parker’s Pets in Hyde Park is perfect for our favorite southsiders! They offer high quality products from small, local vendors. Calling all cat lovers, go take a peek at Parker’s Pets enormous selection of kitty merchandise. For owners who don’t want to haul huge bags of food home, don’t worry, they offer same day delivery!

Sit! offers everything from “Charlie Brown” sweaters to preppy plaid collars and is one of Lincoln Square’s newest pet boutiques. Your pup can nosh on a home-baked treat, while you browse the BOMO Bumper Bed selection. Whether your pet requires grooming, aromatherapy, or even a nail polish pawdicure, Sit! gives you a way to let your pet indulge in an affordable spa experience.

Thee Fish Bowl is 45 years young; serving the Evanston neighborhood’s favorite animal’s needs. Every Wednesday at Thee Fish Bowl, pets can have a $10 nail clipping; or stop in Thursday night for “Yappy Hour” where your pup can make a pal, while you talk to a trained professional about socializing your pet.

Wigglyville is a lifestyle boutique that offers sustainable, renewable and regional products. This Boystown hot spot features items from Chicago-based importer Pet Ego, classic pet carriers by Sherpa, and even offers an in-house prescription pick-up program for pets with special needs. Wiggle on over to Wigglyville!

Looking forward to tomorrow’s CRAVE Chat!

October 20, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

Do you CRAVE more opportunities to network with each other as well as spend more time with our entrepreness intelligentsia? After all, we are a community of intuitive, resourceful, passionate, business-savvy, adventuresome mavens! We will be hosting intimate, informal discussions on the third Wednesday of every month from 2–4pm. These chats will take place at a different venue each month, and will be initially focused on our monthly business topic; however we will boldly go wherever the conversation takes us!

About this Coffee Chat:

Topic: Flirting with Words

• Learn secrets on writing captivating copy for your website, blog, ads and more
• Discover what Cosmo can teach you about headlines that work hard but look sexy
• Check out examples of brilliant writing “dos” – and a few disastrous “don’ts”
• Get advice on how to craft enticing Twitter and Facebook updates

To RSVP, and for more information about our two fabulous expert speakers, please visit this site.

Aniko Salon & Spa – Interview with Marti Goyal

October 16, 2009 by Michele | Comments (1)

Marti Goyal, owner of  Aniko Salon & Spa, is fast becoming the gal to know in the South Loop and across Chicagoland! While Aniko is known as the place to enhance your look and indulge yourself in a lavish experience of pampering, Marti has a reputation all her own! While her clientele is blissfully relaxin’, Marti is energizing her fabulous staff and connecting women-owned local businesses across the City. This entrepreness has a passion for primpin’ and splurging on her clients with fantastic deals each month! What’s better than that?

Go to Aniko and experience bliss… in the meantime, learn a bit more about Marti.

What are your most popular products or services?
Our most popular services are the Aniko Massage, Spa Facial, and our famous Haute Haircut. In terms of products, Redken Hair Care and Bioelements Skin Care are flying off the shelves daily! I’m constantly reordering!

People may be surprised to know…
Before I opened Aniko I had no previous experience in the salon and spa industry.

How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time with my family and friends, attending social events, giving back to the community, and traveling.

What is your indulgence?
I love CUPCAKES and Tory Burch sandals!

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
We love to go to Quartino and Hub 51.

CRAVE Chicago is honored to announce Aniko Salon & Spa is participating in our upcoming Winter Wonderland Party!

Next Page »