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Archive for October, 2009

Bakers by the Dozen: Best of Bakeries

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

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Most women would agree there’s absolutely nothing as delicious as dessert. We at CRAVE are no exception! Raspberry tarts, chocolate souffles, seasonal pumpkin-flavored anything… we love it all! So grab some girlfriends and head on over to our favorite dessert destinations owned by fabulous local ladies…

The Bleeding Heart Bakery – Nestled in the north-side’s Roscoe Village neighborhood, The Bleeding Heart Bakery is the ultimate punk pastry experience. Let the “Take A Hike Scone” rock your world or rebel against your diet and indulge in the legendary red velvet cupcakes. If you’re a vegan, vegetarian or anything in between, don’t worry, everything is organic!

Pair Chocolates – Since when is a trip out to the ‘burbs worth it? Since Barrington welcomed Pair Chocolates earlier this year! Drop in and nosh on a handful of Champagne Truffles while sippin’ on some Caribbean Spice European Drinking Chocolate. Looking for a unique venue to host a party? From sophisticated Chocolate Soirees to Children’s Candy-Making Parties, Pair Chocolates offers all sorts of party possibilities!

Sarah’s Pastries and Candies – If you’re a downtown dweller, be sure to pop in to one of these pink and white striped pastry palaces. Sample Sarah’s specialty chocolates or devour one of the signature Black and White Cupcakes. Are you an early bird? Be sure to check out the delectable Prosciutto and Fontina Cheese Brioche or the Creme Fraiche Coffee Cake to break your fast!

Take The Cake – This west-side hot spot is the ultimate stop for a hostess-with-the-mostess or a blushing bride-to-be. Let your guests dig in to a delectable Orange Almond Cake with Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse filling or make your next house party unforgettable and give your guests some Ugly Truffle take-away treats. Too busy to visit the store in person? Don’t worry you can order select items online!

How to Feel like a Million Bucks

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
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…all you have to do is make an appointment! Many of us utilize the relaxation of massage to find our center and re-energize, thus feeling like a million bucks. We make ourselves an appointment on perhaps a monthly basis, all the while also attending our chiropractor and therapy sessions…Well, we have a secret… Nourhy.

Nourhy is a woman that owns a business in Bucktown. Nourhy is fabulous. Nourhy is a Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. Nourhy is a miracle worker. [Nourhy is also a featured CRAVE Chicago entrepreness!] You must meet Nourhy.

If you are feeling fatigued, muscles sore and overall not yourself, we highly recommend you make an appointment to visit with Nourhy at her NOW Studio for holistic healing via specialized techniques in a cozy environment.


NOW Studio is welcoming, friendly and a refuge from the outside world at the very first step you take into the apartment-like quarters. From the first sip of delicious tea, and throughout the time you spend at the NOW Studio with Nourhy, your tensions seem to melt-away…

Ahhhh…

Offering Aromatherapy/Raindrop, Bach Remedies Consult, Craniosacral, Intuitive Insights, Massage, Energy Therapy, Reflexology and more, the only difficulty in making your appointment is in choosing which technique to benefit from. Last Friday we chose massage, a service which is described as such:

With more then 9 years experience, healing aches and pains, my style is somewhat improvisational, utilizing, Deep Relaxation techniques, combining deep tissue with Acupressure, Swedish and Reflexology to suit each individual, so each session is customized for that person. This is not a typical massage session. Helps you feel refreshed, alert and relaxed. Good for head/neck tensions or whatever ails you in general, especially the winter blues. Let your body experience healing on a mindful level.

  • 60 Minutes – $100
  • 90 Minutes – $140

Housecalls are strictly by advance notice and surcharges will apply for travel & parking fees. 1 hr housecall $125 & up

We were more than pleased with my massage… the release of pent-up toxins and re-centering of energies was phenomenal. The highlight was when she applied pressure to one of the big toes, a reflexology technique, and then came the feeling of extreme tingling in the back of the head. Bizarre, but fabulous feeling! Holistic healing has always been an interesting concept, and we appreciate the connection it draws between your body, well-being and soul. The body is a complex thing, a thing that require more than just massage… treat yourself and your body to the marvelousness of Nourhy.

You can book your appointment on her NOW Studio website.

Dollybird Design – Interview with Katie Johansson

Friday, October 9th, 2009

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Ladies of Chicagoland hunt for unique jewelry… this we know. Jewelry offsets the bland black and gray uniform we all wear during Autumn and Winter. Just the right piece can create a world of difference for your ensemble and the vibe that is projected. We search high-and-low for the perfect piece that enhances our spirit and makes us feel like a goddess. This adventure takes us into local boutiques, online and perhaps across country!

Look no further! Dollybird Design satisfies our craving for something unique, gorgeous and wearable daily! The lavish handmade designs adorn our beautiful personalities and create quite a stir!

Metalsmith and Designer, Katie Johansson creates individually handcrafted jewelry based on one of a kind designs. Inventing her own trends, she gets her inspiration from any boulder, crag, crystal, gem, grain, gravel, jewel, metal, mineral, ore, pebble or rock. Her mission is to create Jewelry that is original in form and timesless in style, so that it can be passed on with ages to come.

Lucky for you, Dollybird is co-hosting an event this Saturday, October 10th at The Empty Bottle. Join designer Katie for Bloody Mary’s and Jewelry from 12-4p. For now, learn more about Katie’s inspirations…

People may be surprised to know…
When they find out what the term Dollybird actually means.  The term “dollybird” is rather old fashioned, and was used mainly in the 60′s as a term for a fashionable young girl.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Mother Nature + the World

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Turning your back on your gut. Always believe what your heart tells you first.

What are your most popular products or services?
The Dollybird Arachnid Collection, real cobwebs preserved in glass. The copper dome ring, making metal represent a stone. And All halmarked one of a kind stones.

When life gives you lemons… teach youth about entrepreneurship!

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

CRAVE Chicago is pleased to introduce Lemonade Day: building the American Dream… one lemonade stand at a time.

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We think it’s important to empower and energize local youth and show them that entrepreneurship is a fabulous experience and adventure! Lemonade Day teaches these ideas to youth of many cities via one simple, favorite American past time… a lemonade stand.

Lemonade Day is active in over 15 US cities and is arriving in Chicago this week to teach us how we can participate in this exciting movement! Join CRAVE Chicago in welcoming this spirited team of innovative do-gooders by attending the scheduled Happy Hour on Tues. October 6th at Goose Island or the Luncheon on Wed. October 7th at IIT.

To RSVP for one of the events described above, please explore this link! We hope to see you there!

Totem – Interview with Rhodeshia Nelson

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

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As Totem, in Hinsdale, gears-up to present its Chicago Designer Showcase this weekend (October 2nd through the 4th) featuring cutting edge designs by local emerging talent, we’d love to introduce its fabulous owner Rhodeshia Nelson.

Rho, as her friends call her, is an entrepreness that loves fashion and she’s created a spirited boutique that women of Chicagoland crave! While she will never complain about dressing herself in gorgeous clothing, Rho’s true passion has always been helping others look and feel their best in clothes that embody who they are. In 2005, Rho followed her dreams, ran with that passion, and opened Totem. CRAVE Chicago is thrilled to feature Rho in our first edition CRAVE Chicago guide, and we think you’d like to get to know her too:

People may be surprised to know…
I have a degree in Electrical Engineering. After working in Corporate America for several years, I decided to solve complex equations of a different kind.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
For years, my friends would ask me for fashion advice when putting outfits together for various occasions. I discovered that I LOVED shopping for and dressing other people, and so began the dream of Totem.

What is your indulgence?
Shoes. I have a separate closet just for my shoes, and I’m constantly adding to my collection. You can’t have the perfect dress without the perfect pair of shoes.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
After work, the girls and I like to swing by Vie for one of their yummy cocktails and appetizers. The real key for me is good company, good atmosphere and good wine and I’m happy.