Author Archive
Friday, December 4th, 2009
For women that love to shop – yes, you! This is the perfect adventure! You Just Shop is Chicago’s premier limo-driven, custom shopping excursion company, designed to deliver you and your friends to the doorsteps of the City’s best boutiques. Started by Nancy Harris, a customer service extraordinaire, You Just Shop is the ideal way to enjoy a fabulous day of shopping with girlfriends whether it be to complete your holiday gift list in a stress-free environment, a bachelorette party excursion, a visit to the Windy City with friends or to celebrate your grandmother’s birthday; You Just Shop offers a specialized shopping excursion {complete with limo service and bubby!} to fit your needs. If that isn’t enough, just having Nancy at your side will inspire you and allow for unique finds to be made throughout Chicago!
Nancy understands that each woman has a desire to be unique and that we all dream about the ‘ideal & perfect’ purchase. She can help you find it! Nancy knows everyone who is anyone in this great City of shopping opportunities and can tailor your shopping excursion to match your every dream ‘find’! Let’s learn more about Nancy…
People may be surprised to know…
that once you venture off Michigan Ave, Chicago has some of the best neighborhood shopping.
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
My love of shopping and fashion were the inspiration behind my business. I wanted to integrate fashion, fun and friends.
How do you spend your free time?
Listening to music, doing yoga, shopping, travel, spending time with family and friends.
What is your indulgence?
Indulging in a massage, pedicure and lounging with a good book at the Peninsula Spa.
Follow Nancy on Twitter and Fan You Just Shop on Facebook
Tags: buying, chicago, gifts, help, shopping, Travel
Posted in Connect, Interviews, Style, Travel | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
Indulge Your “Holiday Cravings” This Season With
CRAVE Chicagoʼs Winter Wonderland Shopping Party
CRAVE Chicago Announces the “Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty”: A Shopping Event Supporting Local Female-owned Businesses and Offering Irresistible Goods and Exciting Entertainment.
CRAVE Chicago announces the “Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty” – a holiday shopping party made up of local female-owned boutiques, designers, and businesses in Chicago, taking place on December 9th (7-10pm) at the fabulous, historic Stan Mansion (2408 North Kedzie). A CRAVEparty is an exclusive, festive, glam-gal gathering for fun, entertainment, personal pampering, sippinʼ and noshinʼ on great food.
Hosted by Nancy Loo and Felicia Joy, amplified by fresh tunes via Toast & Jam DJs and enhanced with amazing raffles throughout the night, the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty will offer Chicagolandʼs ladies and gents (those who dare) the perfect opportunity to enjoy themselves before the hectic holiday season and complete their holiday shopping list in one evening & location. “Winter Wonderland” will offer stylish vendor booths brimming with Chicagoʼs very own in the latest and greatest clothing, jewelry, handbags, girly gifts, delicious treats, fun items for you pets, home decor and so much more – not to mention a fashion show, mini-manicures by Aniko Salon & Spa and enchanting dance performances!
“2009 has been an incredible and exhilarating year for CRAVE Chicago: marking the debut of the CRAVE Chicago guide and my influence on the company. Iʼm thrilled to be working with some of the top local female- owned businesses of Chicago, while creating an unforgettable experience for consumers. The Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty is certainly the big-bang event of the season and marks the end of a marvelous year for CRAVE Chicago. That said, stay tuned to learn about our exciting line-up of events for 2010,” says Michele Kravetz, CRAVE Chicago Coordinator.
Tickets are available for $35 at thecravecompany.com/chicago and will not be sold at the door. First 300 tickets purchased will receive two X-Rated Fusion Liqueur cocktail tickets and a complimentary goody bag brimming with fabulousness! All ticket holders are invited to join us for an after-party at JBar, where we will be treated to a complimentary cocktail and music by KeysnKrates!
Stay tuned to our website for more information and a complete list of participants.
Tags: chicago, enjoy, event, fun, gifts, girlfriends, shopping, spa
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Connect, Details, Enhance, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | 4 Comments »
Friday, November 27th, 2009
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
Tags: @, decor, furniture, home, julia, office, organize, shop, shopping, store
Posted in Abode, Business, Connect, Details, Style, Travel | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
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
Tags: advice, baby, child, childcare, entreprenesses, event, featured, nanny, shopping, sitter
Posted in Moms | No Comments »
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
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.
Tags: book, chicago, guide, shopping
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | 3 Comments »
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
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…
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@WorkDesign
atworkdesign.com
An extra 10% off all purchases |
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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) |
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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! |
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Colori
colorichicago.com
10% off all purchases |
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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 |
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Dilly Lily
dillylily.com
The first 30 ladies to mention CRAVE will be treated to a trio of festive Narcissus paperwhite bulbs
|
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Dollybird Design
dollybirddesign.com
Free shipping for all domestic online sales on the Dollybird Etsy Shop |
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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 |
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Five Accessories
fiveaccessories.com
$5 discount on the Bali Collection wood bracelets; special pricing on the bamboo clutch with gems ($25) |
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Gavin
shopgavin.com
Additional 5% discount on most items |
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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) |
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Kee2Creativity
kee2creativity.com
50% discount on the Cherry Cheeks Collection (including notecards) from 5-10AM |
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Knickers of Glen Ellyn
knickersofglenellyn.blogspot.com
Extra gift…a little something to pamper you during the holiday season |
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The Left Bank
leftbankjewelry.com
All sterling silver monogrammed jewelry and gifts; buy one, get one 1/2 off |
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Lisa Rosen
lisarosen.com
20% discount; be sure to contact Lisa before ordering online and she will apply discount |
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Love, Lulu Mae
lovelulumae.com
Use discount code ‘cravechicago’ for a 15% discount |
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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 |
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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 |
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Name Your Design
nameyourdesign.com
15% discount and a free desk calendar to the first 50 people that use the coupon code “crave”
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Olive Owl Organics
oliveowlorganics.com
Free lip balm for the first 25 customers; buy 3 organic bar soaps and get a fre |
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Noteworthy Notes (offer valid thru Sunday 11/29)
noteworthynotes.com
$50 off an order of $125 or more when using the coupon code ‘crave’ |
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Peek-a-Boutique
peek-a-boutique.com
Be treated to a special gift when mentioning this blog post! |
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Randoons Wearables & Whatnots
randoons.com
15% off your entire purchase, not including sale merchandise |
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Sweet Papier
sweetpapier.com
25% discount on orders placed on black friday with code SWEET |
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Vive la Femme
vivelafemme.com
Free bracelet with clothing purchase (major markdowns already taken!) |
Tags: connections, deals, holidays, sale, shopping, specials
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Details, Enhance, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style | 2 Comments »
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
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!}
Tags: book, guides, manifesto, need to know, shopping, women
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | No Comments »
Friday, November 20th, 2009
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.
Tags: Enhance, friendly, mentor, salon, spa, wellness
Posted in Enhance, Interviews | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
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…
Tags: collaborate, Crave, Enhance, entreprenesses, shopping, team, trunk show
Posted in Enhance, Style | No Comments »
Friday, November 13th, 2009
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}
Tags: Business, chicago, friend, invitations, networking, online, paper, stationary, suburban, suburbs
Posted in Details, Interviews | 1 Comment »
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