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

Planning a Fun in the Sun Picnic

May 17, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors and in the company of great friends and family. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, bring some companions, and take advantage of the sunny warm weather the spring and summer months have to offer with an al fresco dining experience! Don’t sweat, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some fun and fuss-free ideas for planning a picnic in the fresh air and sunshine!

1. Pick a Location:

• At the Park: Whether you’re on a grassy spot in the sunlight or under the shade of a tree, a park is the perfect place to gather for a picnic! If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your beloved pooch at home, there are plenty of pet-friendly parks so you can bring Fido along!
• On a Beach: Sun, surf, and sand is the ideal combination for a picnic on the beach! Just make sure you enjoy each element separately to avoid melted, soggy, or grainy grub.
• At a Drive-In Movie: CRAVing a romantic night with your sweetie? Dinner and a movie underneath a blanket of twinkling nighttime stars is a perfect date night combination. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and candy!
• In Your Backyard: Want to enjoy a meal outside but don’t feel like hauling a basket or cooler full of food around? No problem, a picnic in your backyard can be just as fun and probably less stressful if you happen to forget the napkins!
• On a Roof-top Patio: For those of you dwelling in the concrete jungle, many apartment and condo buildings have a roof-top patio for their residents to enjoy. The only difference? Rather than being surrounded by trees, you have adjacent skyscrapers to provide shade.

2. Picnic Menu Items:

We encourage you to be creative, but to also keep things simple with your picnic menu! Remember, you have to schlep these baskets around with limited heating or cooling available, and food poisoning is never included in the recipe for fun. Pack your picnic baskets with these simple palate pleasers, bon appetit!

• Savor: Definitely use your left-overs when you can! Roasted chicken can be used to make a yummy pasta or Caesar salad. You can also make some simple PB&J or turkey sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to head out. Soft bagels with cream cheese are also a great and effortless menu option. Here are some other easy picnic recipes to consider.
• Sip: Class up your picnic with a bottle of wine to sip while you savor your meal, which is ideal if you’re enjoying a laid-back picnic on your backyard porch. For public parks and beaches, we recommend some bubbly and refreshing sparkling apple cider instead. Lemonade is also the classic beverage of choice for a sunny spring/summer picnic.
• Sweets: You can’t go wrong with brownies and cookies, which are crowd-pleasers for any age. A fresh fruit salad is delicious and nutritious, and also surprisingly portable! We generally don’t recommend packing anything that melts quickly, but if you’re having a backyard picnic you can get away with serving ice cream and popsicles!

3. Picnic Essentials NOT to Forget:

• Sunscreen/sun block: Don’t ruin your outdoor picnic with a painful sunburn, keep yourself sun protected! As the people from the land down under would say, “Slip, Slop, Slap: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.â€�
• Insect repellant: A good idea if you’re going to be outdoors long enough for the mosquitoes to come out for their own picnic.
• Big quilt/blanket: If you’re going to be dining on the grass, sit on a big quilt or blanket to protect yourself from ants in your pants, or even worse, in your food!
• Eating utensils: Finger food is always fun, but if you plan on serving something that requires a fork, spoon, or knife, eating with your bare hands will get messy and complicated.
• Plastic bag(s): Be considerate of others and the park in which you are enjoying your picnic and clean up any trash or food waste. Also, if your pooch joined you for your picnic, please pick up behind your pawed pal as well.
• Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes: Ahh, germs! Need we say more?
• Entertainment: Don’t dine and dash, stay a while! Bring some playing cards, a Frisbee, or play bocce ball while your tummies digest.

Bond with these Activites on Mother’s Day

May 3, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (0)

It’s that time of year – it’s all about mom. You know as well as we do – with a hectic lifestyle, sometimes traditional alternatives have to do the trick (isn’t it the thought that counts?). But with all that mom has done for you, we’re guessing you probably CRAVE some creative mother/daughter bonding activities this Mother’s Day. So take a break from the craziness of the day to bond with the number one woman in your life. Whether you’re a “like- mother-like-daughter duo” or have completely different tastes, you’re sure to find a fabulous way to celebrate your mom in style with our irresistible options! Get ready to make some memories!

Rediscover Family Recipes
What better way to celebrate the women in your family than with a day dedicated to the culinary queens that have graced your family over the years? We all have recipes stashed away in a drawer in the kitchen that we always talk about with family members during holiday time. How many times have you reminisced about Grandma Marie’s outrageous chicken Marsala or Aunt Susan’s legendary lemon meringue? It’s time to pull out those recipes and cook them up with mom! Be sure to recopy those recipes that are written on paper that is little worse for wear, organize them and swap memories as you savor your hard work. So, if CRAVE something spicy or sweet and want to share special memories of the wonderful women that have paved your way, get cooking with mom. Who knows, you might even make some mother-daughter recipes of your own!

Other ideas for the the crafty mother-daughter duo:

- Organize family photos in scrapbooks or photo albums.
- Transfer old family tapes to DVD.
- Take an art class together.

Mother-Daughter Massage
What better way to say goodbye to stress and pamper the number one woman in your life than with a mother-daughter massage and spa treatment? Sometimes, the unspoken shared moments in life mean the most. With a little time to meditate, make muscles melt and mend your bodies, you and mom will be bonding in no time. Take some time together to choose your lineup of indulgences for the day. Whether you and mom CRAVE some hot stone therapy, aromatherapy or holistic skin care, your Mother’s Day Spa date is sure to be one to remember!

Other options for mothers and daughters looking to chill:

- Take a yoga class together.
- Safely score some rays of sunshine at the beach.
- Pack a picnic lunch and your suits. Find the perfect place to swim, enjoy the water and indulge in some homemade picnic classics!

Generational Clothing Swap:
Admit it – you have always wanted to raid mom’s closet (maybe you already have!) for some of those classy vintage outfits she has saved over the years. She’s probably had her eye on some of yours! Now is your chance to share style secrets that span a few more decades. Spend the days discussing style and sharing trends that have come in and out of both your lives. You might find some similarities you would never suspect – styles always seem to come back! After you swap chic secrets, you might even want to have a generational fashion show. Whatever decade you and mom each CRAVE when it comes to style, the creative possibilities are endless when you put your heads together in the name of fashion!

Alternatives for moms and daughters with fashion in their blood:

- Get out there for some retail therapy, but here’s the catch – pick outfits for each other. You could be pleasantly surprised, or you might be laughing the entire time you’re in the dressing room!
- Score mother-daughter style makeover consultations.
- Go on a fashionable date – check CRAVE and other local listings for fashion shows and other styling events in your city.

No matter what you CRAVE and how you choose to celebrate mom, enjoy your time together. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at CRAVE.

Vosges Haut Chocolat: Interview with Katrina

February 26, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (2)

That’s haut.

Haut-Chocolat, that is, and by haut we mean delicious! Any life experience is instantly made special with an addition of Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Owner/Chocolatier, Katrina Markoff, personally chooses every spice, flower and chocolate that is flown into our Chicago kitchen. Markoff utilizes the original methods of French confectionery artistry which she learned during her training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Having graduated with the Grand Diplôme from Le Cordon Bleu and having worked extensively in France, Spain, Italy, Southeast Asia and Australia her collections of haut-chocolats have great, worldly inspirations. Inspired by her global apprenticeships, Vosges truffles have exotic influences of an “East meets West” theme.

The Vosges Haut-Chocolat mission is to create a luxury chocolate experience rooted in a sensory journey of bringing about awareness to indigenous cultures through the exploration of spices, herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, nuts, chocolate and the obscure. What better way to learn about a culture, person or object than through eating. If we can all embrace the idea of trying something new such as the perplexing oddity of curry and chocolate, we just may come one step closer to bringing peace to the world through chocolate.

Let’s learn more about peace-seeker, Katrina…

People may be surprised to know…
I have my pilot’s license.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
The Nagaland people of India.

How do you spend your free time?
When I have free time, I’ll be riding my horses, planting seeds and going everywhere with my sweet puppies! {Katrina also recently welcomed a new baby into her family, and we’re sure the bundle of joy is keeping her busy!}

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I think it’s great to go for a walk on Devon Street in Chicago, drinking young coconut milk on the street and buying Indian jewelry.

We invite you to join Katrina on her gorgeous (and tasty) blog, Peace, Love + Chocolate.

Spring (Baby) Showers

February 18, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (0)

We all know spring brings showers! So if you are attending a baby shower this month, stop by one of these fabulous Chicago boutiques for chic itsy-bitsy apparel and fun goodies for mom!

Bellybum Boutique This charming boutique, a celebration of mama bellies and baby bums, is a haven dedicated to encouraging new moms to feel beautiful, empowered and comfortable with their new mommy selves. Bellybum Boutique is home to a wide selection of baby accessories, great gifts, chic diaper bags, organic soap, jewelry and maternity clothes plus tons of fun mom-and-baby classes and activities! The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable and all of the products in the store are good for you, good for your baby, and good for the Earth!

Beautiful Beginnings In 1995, sisters Jackie Wilkinson and Debbie Feiler realized their true passion…babies! With 11 children between them, their love for babies does not go unnoticed and they love to help busy moms and moms-to-be! So they opened Beautiful Beginnings, which has since become the trusted consultant to mothers who appreciate the shop’s attention to detail. Located in historic Western Springs and Chicago’s Lincoln Park, Beautiful Beginnings offers a beautiful selection of must-have layette, one-of-a-kind Christening and Bris gowns and gifts, personalized piggy banks, educational and fun toys and a wide selection of books. They also carry classic baby and children’s apparel by Lilly Pulitzer, Florence Eisman, Petit Bateau and many more! All gifts are elegantly wrapped in their exclusive gift-wrap, perfectly finished with a bow!

Peek-a-Boutique Founded by Stacy Weitzman, Peek-a-Boutique is a city-inspired chic baby boutique conveniently located in the ‘burbs. At Peek-a-Boutique you will find unique apparel, accessories and gifts for babies, toddlers and expecting moms plus a selection of adorable gifts for big brothers and sisters. Stacy hand-selects each item in her shop and many of her products come from local artists. Looking for a custom gift? To add that extra special touch you can embroider your favorite blanket, burp cloth set, and more! And Stacy believes presentation is everything – she will be sure to have all your items “gift-ready” before you leave! Stacy’s mission is to ensure a unique shopping experience, friendly customer service, upscale products, a loyal customer following, and a smile on your face as you exit the shop.

Beauty on Call and Glossed & Found: Interview with Stacey

January 22, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (1)

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!

Bellybum Boutique: Interview with Ellen

January 15, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (1)

New moms {and moms-to-be} are rejoicing across Chicagoland! If they’ve discovered Bellybum Boutique, that is. Bellybum Boutique is one of the newest and freshest additions to Chicago’s ‘green baby scene.’ A unique celebration of mamma bellies and baby butts, Bellybum carries designer maternal transition and nursing wear, cloth diapers, organic children’s wear, baby gear, gifts and accessories. More importantly, it is a support center dedicated to providing families with healthy lifestyle options, expert pre and postnatal advice and parenting education & resources. We at CRAVE also dig Bellybum’s enviable calendar of events which includes everything from toddler dance sessions to childbirth classes to potty training, and everything in between! It takes an extremely savvy business lady & mom to develop a unique boutique like this and we’d love to introduce you to one of our favorite entreprenesses, the owner of Bellybum Boutique, Ellen Sternweiler:

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Green, Stylish, Nurturing

What are your most popular products or services?
Designer women’s transition, nursing and children’s wear; cloth diapers, eco-friendly baby gear and accessories; parenting resources, support and classes.

People may be surprised to know…
My degree is in Fine Arts and my favorite past job was working in the scene shop at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere we can be together! Though any place with great sushi and martinis is always a good choice.

Follow Bellybum Boutique on Twitter

A Bright Star has Gone Dim

January 11, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (1)

It is with deep sadness and such shock that I bring you this news tonight…

Last week we lost a treasured member of the CRAVE Chicago community. Meghan Hormann, owner of Backbeat Music Instruction, passed away on January 7, 2010 after a month-long battle for her life. I would like to share with you some thoughts regarding Meghan and the amazing work she believed in… Meghan and I met on Facebook and become fast friends. Her shining personality and radiant warmth added a smile to anyone’s face that knew or met her. The passion she held for her work and bringing music into the lives of every soul was touching and real; Meghan was amazing.

I had the pleasure of spending time with Meghan most recently at the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty on 12/9 where she had a booth, coordinated a performance with two associates and donated gorgeous glass ornaments for the goody bags. All evening, despite the chilly air, Meghan had a huge smile on her face and a spring in her step.

We are extremely sad to have lost such a bright star in our entrepreneurial community.

Be dazzling and watch your man CRAVE your inner model!

January 5, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

Two featured CRAVE entreprenesses are teaming up with one of Chicago’s favorite event planners for a couple of days of fun, sassy photoshoots! After a photoshoot like this, you’ll feel dazzling!!

Spicy, Sexy, Sassy… you choose your style in your “Private Rendezvous” Boudoir Session.

Treat yourself to a glass of bubbly and fine chocolates while a Senior Stylist from Beauty on Call transforms your daily look into a sultry temptress. You will then have a private space for your personal photography session with Prêt a Poser, known for their editorial fashion and wedding photography. Once all the cameras have flashed away, you will be left with a fabulous selection of sexy, romantic images for your special Valentine.

Wednesday, January 20th & Sunday, January 24th
at the Raffaello Hotel
201 E. Delaware Place
Chicago, Illinois 60611
in the Executive Grand Suite
Appointments begin at 2:15pm
Only $525 per girl

Spaces are limited

This great price includes:

* Complete beauty styling, including hair, make-up and false lashes, by a Senior Stylist from Beauty on Call.
* 45 minute photo shoot with Pret a Poser Photography
* Private online gallery of all your images
* Your choice of 1 edited 11×14 professional print, 17×22 pin-up style poster, or $75 credit toward a photography product of your choice.
* Champagne and wine with light accompaniments

Use this link to book your appointment.

PUMP Shoes and Accessories: Interview with Maureen

December 11, 2009 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

Looking for a special shoe that is not on the foot of every other Chicago fashionista? PUMP Shoes and Accessories in Wicker Park is your best bet for a successful shopping trip! Owner and buyer Maureen Longua Bueltmann ensures her boutique is always packed with unique footwear and trendsetting handbags, keeping Pump a stomping ground for urban sophisticates. Maureen showcased her favorite pieces at our recent Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty, and her booth was a hit! Every lady was enamored by everything from sparkly headbands to gorgeous pumps! Let’s learn what makes Maureen so fabulous and unique…

People may be surprised to know…
I quit my job in Marketing to sell shoes at Marshall Field’s so I could learn as much as I could before I opened my shop

What or who inspired you to start your business?
At the time I opened, Wicker Park was void of a fun and feminine shoe store where a girl could take her shoes off and play.  So, 6 years later they are still coming to play.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Playing it too safe.  Our gals count on Pump for fun and fabulous – there’s no room for boring feet here!

What is your indulgence?
I put every display shoe out in my size!

Novelty Nouveau: Best of Chicago Area Novelty Shops

December 9, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (1)

As the holiday season approaches, gift giving adds a bit of extra stress to all of our lives. What’s a good gift for ____? How much money should I spend? Is a gift-card too impersonal? You get the idea. Instead of just grabbing any old thing from a department store, why not try shopping at some of Chicago’s coolest novelty shops? The variety of items offered at these local gems, will not only make shopping easier, but guarantees a uniquely fabulous gift! Here are some of CRAVE’s favorites.

Bramble Know any outdoor enthusiasts or nature-motif lovers? If so, stop by Oak Park’s Bramble for an eclectic mix of nature-inspired gifts and home goods. This treasure trove features everything from French table linens and Japanese ceramic tiles to wearable accessories like scarves and jewelry. It’s the perfect place to buy someone (or yourself) something to bring the garden indoors.

Fly Bird For all things quirky and kitsch, head on out to Fly Bird, Oak Park’s most modern gift shop. From the humorous Ugly Dolls to soy Skeem Candles (the gorgeous holder can be re-used as a drinking glass after the candle has burned out), everything in the this gift shop is meant to peak your curiosities and leave you smiling.

Olive Owl Organics Need something for your eco-friendly friend? Olive Owl in Oak Park offers special natural and organic items that are unique to their store! These products are handmade personally for you and include body care, face scrubs, soaps, lip balms and more! Plan for an extended visit as you’ll also find plenty of home decor, pet goodies, baby items and totes to droll over as well!

Randoons Wearables and Whatnots Get your city style in the burbs! Located in Winnetka, Randoons is a couture cafe inspired by all things both sweet & funky. A walk throughout the cafe will find you admiring everything from fab jeans to luscious soaps, a true treat! There truly is a special gift around every corner…

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