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Planning Your Special Day

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Weddings are fun, memorable and romantic, but with so many details involved in making a wedding uniquely suited for you and your fiancé, planning them can be tough – but somebody’s gotta do it! So if you need a little behind-the-scenes magic for your memorable evening, call one of our favorite wedding planners!

Joyce Westin Dunne Weddings Since 1989 , the weddings of Joyce Westin Dunne have set a new standard in elegant perfection. She entered the wedding consultant business from a successful career in the fashion industry. This experience provides Joyce with a unique perspective and a collection of talented vendors. She has close working relationships with Chicago’s finest venues and private clubs, including The University Club, The Chicago Club, The Drake Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton and Lake Forest Academy. Joyce’s wedding planning expertise has been featured in Modern Bride, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Sun Times. Joyce has produced wedding ranging in size from intimate gatherings to large formal affairs of 600. She partners with her brides through every step of the planning process, maintaining close contact through meetings, phone, fax and email. With an understated, elegant style, she helps create truly remarkable weeding experiences.

Engaging Events by Ali From a small cocktail reception to a lavish black-tie dance, Engaging Events plans beautifully orchestrated weddings. Ali’s organization skills, negotiation savvy, and appreciation for the “art” of customer service have been invaluable in working with vendors, staying within a budget, and creating beautiful, flawless events for clients. Ali is a certified Professional Bridal Consultant™ with the Association of Bridal Consultants. Ali has been quoted in Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, The Chicago Sun-Times, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Modern Bride Chicago and Chicago Social Brides. She has also appeared on the Channel 7 and Channel 2 newscasts in Chicago and was recently featured in Chicago’s “Daily Candy” as one of the top wedding vendors in Chicago. For Ali, no occasion is too large or too small; she treats each event with care, respect, professionalism, and conscientious commitment to excellence.

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CRAVE up your St. Patrick’s Day

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow and whether you are of Irish heritage or not, it is a great excuse to dress up in green, drink Guinness and eat corned beef and cabbage. In case the traditional Irish feast isn’t your thing we have come up with a few cool ways that you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your girlfriends. So grab your green, your “Kiss Me I’m Irish” sticker and a few gal pals and celebrate with us! Erin Go Bragh!

Coordinate a cocktail party with you gal pals using this fabulous party guide from Girlfriend Celebrations. Get cocktail creative with green drinks that aren’t beer. Pair these with fabulous green snacks and appetizers. Finish off the Irish ambiance by playing Celtic music in the background. As a fun party activity everyone can plant individual clovers and each guest can take home a pot to remind them of their fabulous friends.

Not into food and games? Coordinate a gift exchange with girlfriends and require that everyone purchase something that is authentically Irish. Set a spending limit so everyone gets something fun.

This year the holiday is celebrated on a Wednesday so if you aren’t in to going out and partying hard consider spending a night in watching movies. Use food coloring to dye your popcorn green and pop in a Irish “chick-flick” like PS I Love You, Tristan and Isolde , or Leap Year. All St. Patrick’s Day rules still apply so make sure your PJ’s are green!

If you want to go all out and spend the night on the town check out this fabulous St. Patrick’s Day event guide and find out what fun St. Patty’s festivities are happening in your area.

We wish you the “luck o’ the Irish” this year as you celebrate with friends. And no matter where or how you celebrate remember the old Irish adage “Before you call for one for the road be sure you know the road.” Slàinte

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The Best Movies to Watch with Your Girlfriends

Monday, March 1st, 2010

What would we do without our girlfriends? They keep us sane when things get crazy, offer a shoulder to cry on when things get tough, encourage us to buy those shoes we just can’t live without, pig out on junk food with us after a bad breakup, and always, always make us laugh. One of our favorite things to do with our best gal pals is to pile onto the couch with plenty of buttered popcorn and indulge in a chick-flick movie-fest. Check out our picks for the movies to watch with your best girlfriends and start planning your next girl’s night in!

Beaches
Grab your tissues for this one. Its a tear-jerker but its also the story of a friendship that lasts a lifetime – CC and Hilary were totally BFF.

Thelma and Louise
Two best friends on a wild adventure, together until the end, and Brad Pitt? Sign us up!

Steel Magnolias
This one is another sob-story, but we love the story of this group of women who are there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs.

Bridget Jones’ Diary
Because Bridget’s kooky antics make us laugh every time and remind us everyone does silly things from time to time.

Fried Green Tomatoes
A testament to the strength of a woman and what she’ll do for her friends.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Because we all love Audrey Hepburn and we all have a little bit of Miss Holly Golightly in us.

Grease
A true guilty pleasure that we love to sing along to with our girls – a definite pick-me-up.

Sixteen Candles
Because we swoon over Jake Ryan and every girl’s high-school fantasy come true, every time we see it.

Dirty Dancing
Another guilty pleasure and classic that we know by heart and can watch with our girlfriends, time and time again.

Mean Girls
It may not be might not be your typical girl-power, female bonding kind of movie, but we all learn a lesson in the end – to support the women in our lives. Plus, its hilarious.

We could go on and on, but we’ll stop here and let you start planning which flicks to view at your next girl’s night. Hooray for girlfriends!

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Though you can’t change the economy, you can change your career

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Though you can’t change the economy, you can change your career! This is why Girl on Top’s Nicole Williams has partnered with Plan B to bring women of the Chicago area a night of top-level networking not to be missed. Held at the prestigious Hotel Allegro, guests who RSVP will receive a VIP pass to the event which includes:

  • Chatting up women in the area you need to have on speed dial
  • Free cocktails and desserts
  • Complimentary career advice from Nicole Williams

Date February 17, 2010
Location The Hotel Allegro at 171 West Randolph Street in Chicago
Time 6-8pm

To RSVP, send an email to RSVP@nicolewilliams.com with you and your guests’ names.

About Nicole Career expert and best selling author Nicole Williams is re-defining the world of work—making it glamorous, entertaining and relevant to modern women. Nicole founded WORKS by Nicole Williams in 2006 with the vision of building the first media and content company focused on career development specifically for the highly dynamic and powerful market of young professional women. Her website, Nicolewilliams.com, is the go-to destination site for modern working women.

Nicole is the author of two bestselling books; Wildly Sophisticated: A Bold New Attitude for Career Success (2004) and Earn What You’re Worth (2005), published by Penguin Group Inc. Her latest book Girl on Top, for which she partnered with The Limited on a successful nationwide experiential event tour, was published in Fall 2009.

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11 Ways To Be Single on Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Single, taken, or “it’s complicated”… regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day can frankly be very obnoxious. If you’re with someone, you’re pressured to partake in extravagant displays of lovey-dovey cuteitude against your will. If you’re single, it’s even worse. You’re brutally reminded that those millions of cheesy greeting cards with kissing puppies on the front simply aren’t meant for you. Of course Valentine’s Day isn’t all bad, but it can be tough to go solo on a day when the rest of the world seems madly in love. In an effort to give single gals out there some solace, here’s a smattering of ideas from women (and two men) on what to do on February 14th if you’re single.

  • Get all your single girlfriends together for a fun-filled night of vino and good music… that’s what I’d do. Oh and shopping too (hell make an entire day of it)! -Phaedra, Taken, Los Angles [A Very CRAVE V-Day]
  • Two words: Southern. Comfort. Now you have advice from lady AND gentleman – Corbin, Taken, Washington DC [Best "Drink Your Sorrows Away" V-Day]
  • Celebrate the Chinese New Year! -Jocelyn, Single, Woodinvile [Best V-Day Replacement Holiday]
  • I heard the trick is to not make Valentine’s Day about loving a person you are in a relationship with, but to make it about loving all the people you love. If it isn’t about one person than it can be less disappointing when you spread out the love! – Courtney, Single, Santa Clara [Sweetest V-Day Idea]
  • Remember that it’s easier to be single on Valentine’s Day than stuck in a relationship that’s going nowhere fast. -Mike, Divorced, London [Best V-Day Reality Check]
  • This might be an LA only thing…but going to Disneyland with friends is awesome, as is going to Amoeba Records by yourself. – Natasha, Single, Los Angeles [Most LA V-Day]
  • Offer to babysit for your friends with kids! -Deborah, Taken, Woodinville [Most Charitable V-Day Idea]
  • I loved my single Valentines the best! Having a dinner party (with yummy cocktails) is fun with your single friends, or taking a little trip somewhere- the ocean, a cabin, a movie- with a few friends is wonderful! Just celebrating the people you love is what it’s all about! – Carly, Taken, Camano Island [Best Girlfriends V-Day]
  • If I were single on VDAY I’d go to Vegas for sure. But that’s just me… – Ashley, Taken, Los Angeles [Best V-Day for Ladies on the Prowl]
  • It’s two weeks away…. whose to say you will be single? Also… I hear having a bonfire is great fun… and if things go awry, a fireman comes over to visit – Adrienne, Single, Santa Fe [Hottest V-Day Idea]
  • Valentine’s Day is just another day…I would go to brunch and buy yourself some flowers. – Jess, Taken, San Diego [Best "Celebrate Yourself" V-Day Idea]

So there you have it. Booze, babysitting, brunch or bonfires – whatever you do, you definitely do not need a beau to enjoy your Valentine’s Day this year. Have fun!

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Beauty on Call and Glossed & Found: Interview with Stacey

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Stacey Roney is the girl to know. After spending five minutes with her you’ll realize if you want to feel hip, look amazing and be a part of everything that is going on in and around the city, you need to add Stacey to your rolodex. Stacey broke away from the typical corporate day when she began Beauty on Call, a freelance company offering on-location beauty & spa services. Beauty on Call is every girl’s dream source to magnificent make-up, spa parties and seminars.

Once you’re beautified, it’s time to make use of lookin’ good! Stacey developed Glossed & Found as a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog {and vlog} that can’t be missed! Glossed & Found offers insight into spectacular events, exclusive celebrity interviews and spotlights on emerging Chicago designers. The Glossed & Found weekly e-newsletter is one of our favorites!

Let’s learn more about Stacey, founder of these two amazing companies…

People may be surprised to know…
Although I am considered a beauty expert in the industry, I am the worst makeup artist!  I am great at finding and managing top artists and have extensive product knowledge, but you don’t want me doing your makeup!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was previously a cosmetic buyer for Nordstrom and saw a void in the industry, so I started the first staffing agency in the country focused on beauty.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Trying to do everything myself!  I’ve since hired amazing people who help handle the day to day responsiblities so that I can focus on the bigger picture.

What is your indulgence?
Taking a nap.  With 3 kids under 3, it doesn’t happen very often.  Come to think of it, it never happens!

We are excited to announce Beauty on Call and Glossed & Found are partnering with CRAVE on our Beauty & Wellness event in April 2010!

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Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | 1 Comment »

Chicago’s Best Places to Experience the Holidays

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

xmass

During the holidays, money is always a little bit tight, but just because you’re a bit short on cash doesn’t mean you can’t partake in all the holiday fun that Chicago has to offer. Here are some of the CRAVE ladies’ favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit, without breaking the bank.

Christkindlemarket Festival From delicious German food to handmade Christmas ornaments, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket Festival brings the charm of Germany to this midwestern metropolis. The market is directly in front of the Daley Plaza, making it the perfect pit stop during your holiday festivities. Enjoy the live music while you mingle with vendors and find some special gifts for the people you love.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Make sure to swing by the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights before it disappears on January 3rd. The air is filled with Christmas tunes, the smell of popcorn and the zoo is completely illuminated with brightly colored lights. Watch ice sculptors create masterpieces, take a photo with Santa Claus or just check out the animals. Everything is both fun and free.

Millennium Park Round-up a group of gal pals or your significant other and head on down to the Loop. Throw on a pair of skates and take a few laps around Millennium Park’s outdoor ice rink. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the city’s skyscrapers and Michigan Avenue’s splendor. The best part is it’s free if you have your own skates! Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture the moment.

Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest Sometimes it’s fun to be a tourist, especially during the holiday season. With over 750,000 lights, 25,000 ornaments and over 1oo fully decorated trees, Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest is the ideal spot to savor the last few days of December. Take a stroll down the pier or indulge in the restaurants and shopping.

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First Look at the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty!

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Thanks to Nancy Loo for contributing these first looks at last night’s Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty! Stay tuned for a heck of a lot more photography from our fabulous event. Kudos to all who came out, despite the real winter wonderland that was coming down upon us!

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic
Share photos on twitter with Twitpic
Share photos on twitter with Twitpic

Posted in Connect, Style | 2 Comments »

Last chance to get tickets to tomorrow’s Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Registration closes 12/9 at 10AM!
CRAVE Chicago Winter Wonderland Party

WHAT: Join your girlfriends for a captivating evening of opulence and magical events!

WHEN: Wednesday, December 9th, 7-10pm

WHERE: The Historic Stan Mansion at 2408 N Kedzie in Chicago – Click here for directions.

BUY TICKETS

{Must be 21 and over to attend. Ticket non-transferable.}
{Tickets will NOT be sold at the door; please purchase online.}

With one ticket, you are treated to:

  • 2 premium cocktails during the event
  • 3 fashion shows
  • 1 Second City act
  • 2 dance performances
  • cupcakes & goodies by Luscious Layers & Chocolate Gourmet
  • music by Toast & Jam DJ Company
  • fabulous shopping with local businesses (see the CRAVE website to find out who’s in!)
  • a chance to win many amazing raffle prizes for restaurants, clothing and more; all valued over $50
  • FREE PARKING
  • 1 after-party cocktail at Jbar

All registered guests of the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty are invited to join us at the after-party hosted by Jbar where you will be treated to a complimentary CRAVE cocktail and a special performance by KeysNKrates!

Baby, it’s cold outside! Join the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty on December 9th to find your perfect holiday ensemble from one of Chicago’s most fabulous boutiques, all of which will be under one roof!
No need to travel from boutique-to-boutique, we have them all here! A CRAVEparty is an exclusive, festive, glam-gal gathering of fun, entertainment, personal pampering, and sippin’ and noshin’ on great food.

FASHION & SIPS
Take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to view the season’s chicest fashions from Chicagoland’s favorite boutiques, while enjoying gratis treats & sips!

SPA & SOOTHE
Indulge in complimentary mini-spa services to soothe your holiday-time stresses!

GIFTS GALORE
Don’t be greedy! Shop for some fabulous gifts for those special people in your life!

AND MORE…

  • Enjoy yourself by sipping something delicious, getting a mini-manicure courtesy of Aniko Salon & Spa, and shopping for your glamorous holidaytime ensemble, all while viewing a fab fashion show and other entertaining acts, including a dance performance by Intrigue and a musical performance by Backbeat Music Instruction.
  • Our Hostesses with the Mostess are Nancy Loo and Felicia Joy!
  • Be dazzled by the most gorgeous jewelry this city’s designers have to offer.
  • Dance to tunes via Toast & Jam while sipping sparkling beverages from Solixir and Dry Soda.
  • Bring your girlfriends to this one-of-a-kind event and we’ll see you off in high spirits… with a great goody bag in tow!
  • Discover yourself with intuitive card readings by Nourhy.
  • Nosh on amazing treats, including Chocolate Gourmet’s Chocolate Gourmet‘s delish cookies!
  • Be enthralled by the endless holiday gift options for kids, pets, and everyone else on your list!
  • Indulge in intuitive Toe Readings offered by Rhanda; an Indian tradition for emotional healing.
  • Enter in one of many great raffles throughout the night, including gift certificates to some of our fave local restaurants, and a chance to win a tour and tasting for 10 at The Lynfred Winery!


 SPONSORS

CRAVE Chicago

ART of imagination

Chicagonista
DRY Soda

Robyn Rachel Photography

Simply Perfect

Solixir

Stan Mansion

Toast & Jam

Allstate Vehicle Vibes

X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
Let’s see how many tweets we can create; please use the hashtag #craveparty when tweeting about this event. Thank you!

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Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | No Comments »

You Just Shop: Interview with Nancy

Friday, December 4th, 2009

youjustshop

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

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Posted in Connect, Interviews, Style, Travel | 1 Comment »

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