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Gal’s Best Friend

March 27, 2010 by Suzanne N. | Comments (0)

Sure, every CRAVE girl loves to be pampered now and then, but what about your pup? These Chicago spots know how to show your pet some love!

Specializing in bakery and boutique items for the discerning dog, K9 Cookie Company greets furry guests with free treats! With flavor like bacon, peanut butter, and bar-b-que, your dog is sure to love these cookies! Cant make it to the store, they also deliver! Or establish a monthy order, so your dog is sure not to go without her favorite treat!

Ready for some fun? Take your pooch to a Major League Baseball game at White Sox Dog Day on June 3rd! You and your pet can watch the Sox face off against the Rangers. This event normally sells out, so be sure to purchase tickets early!

Looking to indulge your pup? Stop by the The Downtown Dog! This upscale doggy boutique features a wide variety of pet items from practical to elegant to fanciful, plus a line of tasty gourmet treats. Pooches are welcome to come in and sniff out the goodies. Dogs must be under their owner’s control and leashed.

Every Sunday during the summer months, you and your pooch can a Canine Cruise! Mercury Skyline Cruiseline offers a cruise just for dogs (and their human friends) every Sunday at 10 am July through September. This 90 minute river and lakefront tour highlights beautiful downtown Chicago landmarks. A great opportunity to see Chicago, get out on the water, and spend some time with your pet this summer!

Grant Park Bark Park is located in the famous Grant Park along the lake in Chicago. It is fully fenced and is about 18,000 square feet in size. Here, dogs and roam free all hours of the day!

Looking for a fancy outfit for your pooch? Stop by Pink Poodle Dog Boutique. Here you will find canine tutus, feather boas, tiaras and more! They also offer a wide array of pet grooming services.

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!

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

December 8, 2009 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

CRAVE Chicago Winter Wonderland Shopping Party

December 2, 2009 by Michele K. | Comments (4)

Indulge Your “Holiday Cravings” This Season With
CRAVE ChicagoĘĽs 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, sippinĘĽ and noshinĘĽ 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.

The CRAVE Chicago Guide has arrived!

November 23, 2009 by Michele K. | 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 K. | 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 K. | 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!}

How Much is that Doggy Toy in the Window: Best of Chicago’s Pet Shops

October 21, 2009 by Lindsey | Comments (0)

Love to pamper your pooch or kitty? Need someone else to teach your dog new tricks? Is your pet eco-chic or more outdoorsy? In an urban environment such as Chicago, finding the perfect pet place might be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we did the leg work for you. Here’s some of our favorite finds!

Barker and Meowsky has been working since 1998 to enhance the bond between people and their pets. From Catnip Cigars to eco-friendly finds that reduce your pets carbon paw print, Barker and Meowsky is Lincoln Park’s chicest boutique to meet all your furry friends needs…and wants.

Parker’s Pets in Hyde Park is perfect for our favorite southsiders! They offer high quality products from small, local vendors. Calling all cat lovers, go take a peek at Parker’s Pets enormous selection of kitty merchandise. For owners who don’t want to haul huge bags of food home, don’t worry, they offer same day delivery!

Sit! offers everything from “Charlie Brown” sweaters to preppy plaid collars and is one of Lincoln Square’s newest pet boutiques. Your pup can nosh on a home-baked treat, while you browse the BOMO Bumper Bed selection. Whether your pet requires grooming, aromatherapy, or even a nail polish pawdicure, Sit! gives you a way to let your pet indulge in an affordable spa experience.

Thee Fish Bowl is 45 years young; serving the Evanston neighborhood’s favorite animal’s needs. Every Wednesday at Thee Fish Bowl, pets can have a $10 nail clipping; or stop in Thursday night for “Yappy Hour” where your pup can make a pal, while you talk to a trained professional about socializing your pet.

Wigglyville is a lifestyle boutique that offers sustainable, renewable and regional products. This Boystown hot spot features items from Chicago-based importer Pet Ego, classic pet carriers by Sherpa, and even offers an in-house prescription pick-up program for pets with special needs. Wiggle on over to Wigglyville!