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

@WorkDesign: Interview with Julia

November 27, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

Style with purpose. This does sum-up the amazing selection of items found inside @WorkDesign, located in Forest Park. @WorkDesign offers workspace furnishings, products and supplies for the home. A one-stop resource for people who want to seamlessly integrate their work and life, and who believe that great design is a lifestyle essential. Julia Archer, owner of @WorkDesign, provides all of the necessary tools to beautifully assist in creating environments that positively impact people’s lives. Her eye for effortless style and impeccable design are what make this store something special, and her positive nature is what keep her clients coming back for more; though we must mention most of the items carried in the store are exclusive to @WorkDesign… another testament to how Julia creates an opportunity for your space to be special. Let’s learn a bit more about Julia and where she derives her inspiration…

People may be surprised to know…
That we offer not just new lines of furnishings but provide lifestyle products such a coats made of Tyvek, felt slippers. We also bring in vintage product solutions to bring an eclectic style to our offering.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Store owners such as Larry at Scout and Robin Richman because of their uncompromised taste and point of view.

How do you spend your free time?
Flea Markets and spending time with my husband.

What is your indulgence?
Cappuccinos and the New York Times

…for all of you city-dwellers reading this post, get out and find new hidden gems like @WorkDesign! Not all great things are found within the city-limits; sometimes you need to take yourself on a little adventure… even just 15 minutes west.

Follow Julia on Twitter

Two featured CRAVE Chicago entreprenesses get together and offer an amazing evening

November 24, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

On December 3, two CRAVE featured entreprenesses invite you to an evening that will bring new meaning to holiday cheer!  K Grace Childcare and Beautiful Beginnings have come together to offer fabulous deals that will take you through this holiday season in a perpetual state of joy!

What:  Cocktail Party and Holiday Shopping
Date:  Thursday, December 3
Time:  5-7pm
Location:  Beautiful Beginnings, 1840 N. Clybourn

K Grace will be offering $100 off of their Application Fee and Beautiful Beginnings will be offering 50% off of everything in the store (excluding furniture and layette).

Attend holiday parties, take a much needed break from the chaos, and start the New Year off without a worry – because K Grace will take care of all of your childcare needs!  This event will not only provide answers to any of your childcare questions, but it will also allow for you to meet a number of the sitters.  Those who have yet to use K Grace will quickly come to see just how high their standards are!

Beautiful Beginnings is the perfect place to complete your holiday shopping. With gift options galore – all at an unprecedented 50% off – we suggest that you arrive right on time ready to shop.

As if such deals weren’t enough, they will be serving delicious food and delightful drinks. All in attendance will also receive a goodie bag and will be entered for a chance to win a free K Grace Application Fee ($300) and a Classic Kids Sitting ($295).

Don’t miss it!

RSVP to K Grace by Monday, November 30th
Phone 773.649.9149 or Email clientservices@kgracechildcare.com

The CRAVE Chicago Guide has arrived!

November 23, 2009 by Michele | Comments (3)

The long-awaited CRAVE Chicago guide has arrived!

The CRAVE Chicago guide is a savvy, quality-of-lifestyle book devoted entirely to the best local businesses, owned by women. Featuring over 100 women you need to know, CRAVE Chicago directs you to top boutiques, spas, cafes, stylists, fitness studios, and more, and will introduce you to the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises. At these locales, creativity, quality, innovation, and customer service are paramount. Not only is CRAVE Chicago an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s a directory for those who recognize, and value the contributions that spirited businesswomen make to our city.

Pick up your guide at any of these featured retailers, at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.com.

Black Friday Specials for CRAVE Chicago Blog Readers

November 23, 2009 by Michele | Comments (2)

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner?! While each of us is dreaming of indulging in a delicious feast, thousands of people are also preparing to storm the streets on Black Friday for holiday deals. We want to be sure you find your treasures at the best prices! Typically, to get the absolute best deal, you have to know someone or have the inside scoop… Consider CRAVE that connection!

The following businesses are already offering amazing deals for Black Friday and have decided to offer a special CRAVE deal only for you! Just mention CRAVE and be exclusively treated to…

	@WorkDesign atworkdesign.com An extra 10% off all purchases
	Aniko Salon and Spa anikosalonspa.com Buy 1 get 1/2 OFF one service valued over $60; Buy $100 Gift Certificate for only $50 or $50 Gift Certificate for only for $25; Fusion Manicure & Pedicure Combo for $50 , 45min Massage for $50 and 45min Mini-Spa Facial for $50 (First time guests only)
	Baubo’s Garden baubosgarden.com Additional 5% discount in-store; a 20% discount coupon will be emailed to you for a future purchase, if you refer a friend!
	Colori colorichicago.com 10% off all purchases
	The Denim Lounge madisonandfriends.com/denimlounge Bring in one old, clean pair of jeans to recycle and receive a 35% discount on one pair of jeans
	Dilly Lily dillylily.com The first 30 ladies to mention CRAVE will be treated to a trio of festive Narcissus paperwhite bulbs
	Dollybird Design dollybirddesign.com Free shipping for all domestic online sales on the Dollybird Etsy Shop
	Elizabeth Grace on Saturday! elizabethgrace.com 15% discount on all custom holiday card orders (it’s not too late!) and pick-a-card gift certificate surprise with any $50 purchase
	Five Accessories fiveaccessories.com $5 discount on the Bali Collection wood bracelets; special pricing on the bamboo clutch with gems ($25)
	Gavin shopgavin.com Additional 5% discount on most items
	Innovative Orthodontic orthocenters.org $500 off a complete set of braces or invisilign (not to be combined with any other offer or discounted insurance plan)
	Kee2Creativity kee2creativity.com 50% discount on the Cherry Cheeks Collection (including notecards) from 5-10AM
	Knickers of Glen Ellyn knickersofglenellyn.blogspot.com Extra gift…a little something to pamper you during the holiday season
	The Left Bank leftbankjewelry.com All sterling silver monogrammed jewelry and gifts; buy one, get one 1/2 off
	Lisa Rosen lisarosen.com 20% discount; be sure to contact Lisa before ordering online and she will apply discount
	Love, Lulu Mae lovelulumae.com Use discount code ‘cravechicago’ for a 15% discount
	M.Go Fashion Salon mgofashion.com $30 Manicure & Pedicure and $30 No Chip Manicures, and all boutique merchandise will be 35% off from 12PM – 5PM
	Madison and Friends madisonandfriends.com Bring in one old, clean pair of jeans to recycle and receive a 35% discount on one pair of jeans
	Name Your Design nameyourdesign.com 15% discount and a free desk calendar to the first 50 people that use the coupon code “crave”
	Olive Owl Organics oliveowlorganics.com Free lip balm for the first 25 customers; buy 3 organic bar soaps and get a fre
	Noteworthy Notes (offer valid thru Sunday 11/29) noteworthynotes.com $50 off an order of $125 or more when using the coupon code ‘crave’
	Peek-a-Boutique peek-a-boutique.com Be treated to a special gift when mentioning this blog post!
	Randoons Wearables & Whatnots randoons.com 15% off your entire purchase, not including sale merchandise
	Sweet Papier sweetpapier.com 25% discount on orders placed on black friday with code SWEET
	Vive la Femme vivelafemme.com Free bracelet with clothing purchase (major markdowns already taken!)

CRAVE Chicago Book Launch Party

November 21, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

On Monday, November 16th CRAVE Chicago celebrated the upcoming arrival of it’s 1st edition CRAVE Manifesto!

Some photos from the book launch party

The CRAVE Chicago Manifesto is a savvy, quality-of-lifestyle book devoted entirely to the best local businesses, owned by women. Featuring over 100 women you need to know, CRAVE Chicago directs you to top boutiques, spas, cafes, stylists, fitness studios, and more, and will introduce you to the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises. At these locales, creativity, quality, innovation, and customer service are paramount. Not only is CRAVE Chicago an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s a directory for those who recognize, and value the contributions that spirited businesswomen make to our city.

• Profiles of more than 125 businesswomen you need to know in the Chicagoland area
• Features independent businesses unique to Chicagoland and some that have expanded internationally

Reading each CRAVE manifesto {we’re international, by the way!} is like opening a door to your very own party and fashion show. A CRAVE manifesto is an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town and celebrate the contributions that spirited business women make to our community, introducing you to the 100+ insightful, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises.

You can pick one up at any of these woman-owned businesses! {Arriving in stores this week!}

Ruby Room: Interview with Kate

November 20, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

This week Kate Leydon, owner of Ruby Room, was the gracious hostess of our monthly CRAVEchat. It was a fabulous event, as dictated by the peaceful & inspiring surrounding that is Ruby Room. Kate began Ruby Room as a healing sanctuary in 2002 and it now is composed of a salon, spa, two distinctive boutiques, overnight guest rooms, a product line and e-store. Ruby Room is known to positively affect the energy and spirit of those who know it by providing & recommending quality services and products that promote healing & beauty from the inside out. Some people call Ruby Room magical, Kate calls it The Style of Wellness™. Let’s learn what else Kate finds enchanting…

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
To leave a beauty mark on the face of the wellness industry through our commitment to healing, energy and all things positive.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Horst Rechelbacher

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Trying to do and be all things to all people.

How do you spend your free time?
Enjoying my family, yoga, rest.

What is your indulgence?
Dining out, crystals, jewelry & purses.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Janes Restaurant

Follow Ruby Room on Twitter.

Pick Your Pumpkin : Best of Chicago’s Pumpkin Treats

November 19, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (0)

‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin. When the weather starts to change so do our cravings, and one of the most satisfying fall flavors starts in the pumpkin patch. From pumpkin focused entrees to pumpkin-laced dessert, here are some of the CRAVE Chicago suggested places to get your favorite flavor fix.

Chilam Balam – Grab some girlfriends and head on over to Chilam Balam, a Mexican restaurant, which focuses on sharing plates and group dining. Make sure to save room for dessert. Their sinfully delicious Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake is topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and a dainty scoop of ice cream. Yummy!

Honey – For a taste of fall, head on out to the Glen Ellyn ‘Burbs and try Honey’s Pumpkin Tea Bread. If you’re more of a cupcake gal, be sure not to miss their Pumpkin Cupcakes slathered with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. There’s nothing like sugary goodness to beat those impending winter blues!

Mana Food Bar – Wander over to Wicker Park’s Mana Food Bar for the latest in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Get your pumpkin fix with the Tomato Pumpkin Ravioli, which is smothered in a decadent sage cream sauce. The perfect autumn-inspired entree!

NAHA – Downtown dwellers should make sure to stop by NAHA, a restaurant famous for everything from their burgers topped with manchego cheese and heirloom tomatoes to corn polenta sprinkled with truffles and parsley root. After you indulge in an entree, make sure to finish it off with a a fall favorite called the Autumn Sundae: pumpkin ice cream topped with seasonal berries.

Nightwood – If you find yourself in the Pilsen area, be sure to check out Nightwood. What could be a more perfect end to a savory meal than a scoop (or two) of their seasonal pumpkin spiced gelato? Nothing. The cold texture of the gelato melts with the warm spiced pumpkin flavor to create a satisfying sweet treat.

Show us your Trunks!

November 17, 2009 by Michele | Comments (0)

We absolutely love to hear that two fabulous featured CRAVE entreprenesses are collaborating to create an event that invites Chicagoland’s women to enhance their well-being while indulging in something new & fun for their closets!  We are so looking forward to this trunk show…

Sweet Papier: Interview with Danette

November 13, 2009 by Michele | Comments (1)

We at CRAVE are so happy to be surrounded by women entrepreneurs like Danette, owner of Sweet Papier. Her presence at our monthly CRAVEchat events and the love she shows the group of women that make-up CRAVE is always inspiring. It should be no surprise that her business is just as lovely & inspiring as it’s owner.

Sweet Papier is a charming little on-line paper bakery specializing in the scrumptious design of invitations, announcements, note cards and party favors for baby, wedding, party and holiday.  Not only are the designs sweet on the eyes and impressive to the recipients, the message behind the business is sweet too! Danette mixes eco-friendly papers into the product line and gives back 10% of Sweet Papier’s earnings to organizations working to eradicate poverty around the globe. Let’s learn what else makes Danette as sweet as can be…

People may be surprised to know…
That when they purchase our sweet paper things, they are helping to feed the hungry in parts of Africa and the Philippines.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to model for my daughter that you should follow your heart to do what you love even if it involves risk and uncertainty.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model + mentor is a girlfriend of mine who inspires me daily to be a better wife and mother.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Losing site of networking opportunities and missing the opportunity to meet and learn from other small business owners.

Follow Sweet Papier on Twitter.

{we also mentioned Sweet Papier in this CRAVE blog post}

Communicate Creatively : Best of Thank-You Cards

November 12, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (3)

In a world where convenience is key and everything is done via the internet, paper seems to be disappearing faster than you can say Google. However, there’s a resurgence of people who want to keep personality in communication. Handwritten thank-you notes are on the rise. Thank goodness! Here are CRAVE’s favorite places to help keep your paper personal.

Anjenu From the electric bamboo-green walls to the funky handmade greeting cards, everything about Anjenu screams fun. This Wicker Park gem is known for their vibrant hued paper and custom stationery. Like being eco-chic? Invitations can be pressed in soy ink and their handmade paper is embedded with sweet basil seeds, so the recipient can grow their own garden.

Elizabeth Grace Are you a designer label junkie? Swing by Lincoln Park’s Elizabeth Grace for high-end stationery from designers such as Kate Spade and Crane & Co. and wedding invitations by Vera Wang! Known for impeccable taste and design savvy, this paper palace will leave nothing to be desired. So Chicago chic!

Kee2Creativity Are you more of an online shopper? If so, try Kee2Creativity for all of your personalized paper needs. Along with the convenience factor, this internet boutique boasts a signature line of cheeky stationary and modern invitations. Want something extremely unique? They’ve done everything from credit card shaped invites for a Mall Madness themed party to luggage tag save the dates for a destination wedding!

Noteworthy Stop by Noteworthy, a stationery store known for custom cards, invitations, and even personalized stamps and labels. From funky bold prints to classically chic patterns, there’s something to meet every customer’s idea of perfection. If you tend to be a procrastinator, don’t worry, they print a number of in-house items, which can be ready in two business days!

Sweet Papier If you’re looking for fresh baked paper goodies, check out Naperville’s Sweet Papier. This paper kitchen cooks up invitations for baby showers, weddings and parties using environmentally-friendly papers and yummy custom colors, like papaya, poppy and strawberry. Their designs are hand-illustrated, cut and assembled on-site, and feature european-style envelopes and custom embellishments.

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