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Archive for July, 2010

Girls Night Out!

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

All of us need a night once in a while to strap on some high heels and hit the town with the girlfriends. And what a better place to do it, but in Hawaii! From fabulous places for food and treats to great places for drinks afterwards, we’ve found places we CRAVE to go for a fabulous time with the gals.

Panya Bakery
This bakery in Honolulu is a hidden gem. Not only do they provide fabulous baked goods for all occasions, they also provide an eclectic bistro and bar inside their doors. Located at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd 2054B, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814; its a place at is fun and convenient. Its ambiance is fun and casual and will have your friends loving the atmosphere!

The Wedding Cafe
For those of you who want your girls-night-out to be full of sweet treats and a fun atmosphere this is the place to be! They provide yummy cupcakes and other small treats, as well as refreshing and unique drinks. This Wedding Cafe is no ordinary eatery however. They not only provide scrumptious treats, but also give you the opportunity to shop in-between! With unique merchandise thats fun for everyone, not just brides-to-be, its a great place to bring some of your close girlfriends for sweets and shopping.

SWAM Shiroma’s Wine and More
This unique and fun place will have you and the girls experiencing something new and exciting. SWAM Wines takes a new approach to promoting wine, spirits, and gifts by focusing on a lifestyle from a new generation. They showcase a unique set of fine wine, spirits, and fashionable accessories to compliment a contemporary lifestyle. They are a fun and different type of outing for you and the girls. To check their location and their next wine tasting event, check out their website!

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Birthday Musings

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010


Happy Birthdays!

Summer brings fun in the sun, tan lines and a ton of birthdays. I’m pretty sure it’s due to the cold fall weather nine months earlier. It gets chilly, folks curl up and the next summer you’re hiring clowns and ordering birthday cakes.

I just celebrated a “mid-forty” (yeah let’s go with that) milestone and it got me thinking about birthdays. I’ve decided to embrace my age. I’m one year closer to owning my stuff and embracing the wisdom that comes with knowing who you are and who you’re not -like coming to terms with the fact that the last time I was a size 6 was when I was 6 and I’ll never see that number on a clothes tag again. I was inspired when I read this passage recently, ”take kindly the counsel of your years” then realized it was from an online dating site guy who was looking to date women 22-26 years old.

You know that cool Martina McBride song that says, “every laugh line on your face made you who you are today” Well, I have no idea what was so frickin’ funny over the years but I must have had a great time somewhere along the way cause I have the roadmap on my face to prove it!

When you celebrate your 10th birthday you love that Mexican place where you get to wear that huge sombrero, there is all that clapping just for you, and then they light the ice cream on fire. When you turn 36 at that same Mexican place you just want the singing to cease so strangers will stop staring.

My oldest son turned 18 recently. A huge milestone, right? I mean come on, the kid had made it to adulthood, that in itself warranted a fireworks display in both our honors. He was about as excited for his special day as he was his 1st birthday…giving me a blank stare as if to say ”what’s all the hype about woman”? He wore a crazy hat in his 1st birthday picture, now he’s sporting a cap & gown…he still dresses funny in birthday pictures. I was looking forward to MY present. After all, the kid was still breathing even after I had lost him, poisoned him, and made him wear shoes that were 2 sizes too small for a year. What do I win to celebrate that “we” made it 18 yrs?!

When I was 40 I threw myself a big bash with live band and all….I couldn’t believe I had made it that far…and on the way home from the party I bought a huge jar of anti-wrinkle cream.

Let’s hear it for office birthday parties- there’s all that healthy stuff in the break room but on birthday day you bee-line to the conference room and you’re like “happy special day, Dave whatever your last name is from accounting”, thanks for being born, now let’s eat some chocolate cake.

Birthdays are milestones in your life. They are cause for reflection and anticipation. I personally will pour myself a stiff drink, cheers myself and kindly celebrate “the counsel of my years”!

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The Girl’s Guide to Beer

Monday, July 26th, 2010

On a sweltering summer day at the ballpark or a friend’s BBQ, nothing is more refreshing than an ice-cold brew. This summer ditch that prissy pink cocktail and back away from the Budweiser. With a little beer savvy you can discover some great brews that will satisfy your taste buds and impress even the guys.

There are 4 main ingredients in beer: grain, yeast, water and hops, but the creativity when it comes to brewing is endless. There are beers with fruit, smoked beers, beer made with chocolate and even beer brewed with bacon. Navigating your way through the numerous types and styles of beer can be daunting, but here are some helpful hints about the most popular styles that can help you choose a winner for your next potluck or outdoor summer event. Who said beer had to be just for the boys? Go ahead, embrace that summer night CRAVING.

India Pale Ale (IPA): This beer has a light pale to golden color. Its crisp bitter flavor is attributed to the high hops and alcohol content which helped preserve the beer during the long journey across the ocean when British brewers began to export to India.
Try: Lagunitas IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Petaluma, CA, 5.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Drink with: Spicy foods like a Thai Yellow Vegetable Curry

Hefeweizen: Perfect for summer, this German style wheat beer is distinguished by fruity notes, cloudy appearance and high carbonation. This beer is usually served with a slice of lemon and its bright flavor is often accented by citrus, banana, clove or nutmeg flavors.
Try: Widmer Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Portland, OR, 4.7% ABV
Drink with: Classic German food such as chicken sausage topped with brown mustard or a salad tossed with candied pecans and feta.

Stout: Familiar to many because of the popularity of Guinness, Stouts have a heavy body and are very dark in color. This beer has a high alcohol content and is often characterized by caramel, coffee, chocolate or even oatmeal flavors.
Try: Chocolate Stout, Rouge Brewery, Portland OR, 6.3% ABV
Eat with: This beer could be a meal in itself, but pairs nicely with desserts like tiramisu.

Pilsner: This all American beer represents nearly 90% of the major beer brands sold in the U.S. Pilsner is golden in color and tends to have a light, clean, drinkable flavor sometimes compared to toast or fresh bread.
Try: Prima Pils, Victory Brewing Company, Downington, PA, 5.3% ABV
Eat with: All American foods like hearty chili or a grilled burger and fries

Brews to CRAVE this summer
Sierra Nevada Summerfest
New Belgium Skinny Dip
Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema

This is by no means a complete list of all the styles out there so experiment, go to a brew festival this summer, and discover which styles and breweries make you CRAVE more. For a fun new adventure, why not grab your beer drinking gal pals and do a brewery tour? Try this for a fun weekend or birthday activity. For more information on beer and the female movers and shakers in the beer industry, check out the Pink Boots Society at pinkbootssociety.org.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

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Bloggers To Watch Out For: Career Coaches

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Over the past few months, the number of people quitting their jobs was greater than the number of people losing their jobs. Savvy quitters build a support network before they take the plunge, and brilliant quitters enlist professional help. Enter: the Certified Career Coach. One part therapist. One part cheerleader. Two parts butt-kicking taskmaster.

Need a solid coach in your corner of the ring? Michelle Ward, Dyana Valentine and Chrissy Scivicque are at the top of their game.

Michelle Ward of When I Grow Up
whenigrowupcoach.com
I’ll admit it — I’m a tad biased in Michelle’s favor. She coached me out of my cubicle doldrums and into freelance bliss, so I owe her my firstborn child. A graduate of NYU / Tisch’s musical theater program and a certified life coach, Michelle brings theatrical flair and a “wagon full of enthusiasm” to every session. She recently raised her rates and is poised to explode, so book a free 30-minute consultation call while you still can.

For a weekly dose of self-exploration, bookmark Michelle’s ongoing blog feature: Tough Question Tuesday.

Dyana Valentine
dyanavalentine.com
Generous. Ambitious. A master of personal marketing. Dyana leads by example, and her clients feel the heat. By her own admission, Ms. Valentine’s coaching style is “not for the weak of heart.” She prides herself on helping self-starters finish what they started, using Community Psychology principles to light the way. As one client put it, “if I had to be shipwrecked on a desert island, I’d want Dyana with me.”

For a no-holds-barred explanation of the power of “no,” check out Dyana’s article on “No-gotiation.”

Chrissy Scivicque of Eat Your Career
eatyourcareer.com
Chrissy serves up a powerhouse combo platter — she’s a certified nutritionist AND an experienced career coach. Yum. As the creator of Office Arrow — a popular resource for administrative professionals — Chrissy has a firsthand grasp on the challenges of running an online business. She’s a clear communicator with a nourishing perspective on life, love and work — and all the snacks in between.

For a trio of tasty coaching treats, download Chrissy Scivicque’s free workbooks on stress management, time management and career reinvention.

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

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Connections Galore!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

From heading up or planning events for your business to where you’re going to relax with friends after the work days over. We have you covered for where to find the best to help with your needs!  We are constantly CRAVEing assistance from professionals that can give us good advice and make each day successful. We have scoured Hawaii and found some women owned businesses that will do just the trick!

Seasons of Life
When planning a big event for work or for personal reasons, you truly want the best. Karine France-Matsumoto has just what you’re looking for. From conception to execution Seasons of Life Wedding and Event Planning partners with you, embracing your visions and personal tastes, making your celebration a reflection of you and your goals.

Honolulu’s Nightlife Diaries
If you don’t know Christa Wittmeir, there’s a major market niche in Hawaii that you don’t yet have access to. Christa not only has her finger on the pulse of Honolulu’s night life, she is a huge part of it! She’s a social media, blogging and marketing guru. If you have questions about the market, nightlife, music, arts, venues, parties, and more she’s the woman to contact!

Eventful
For planning an event large or small, Eventful Coordination & Specialty Services for All Occasions will work to make your event the best that it can be.  They provide you with as much or as little assistance as you require. They can simply help you brainstorm ideas or they can take the reigns and do all of the planning for you. The strive to give personal and customized service in order for you to get the most out of your event or celebration.

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Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style. At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!

What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally. I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer. It’s calming to me.

What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake. Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen. Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.

Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy. When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item. However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.

What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off. A little goes a long way.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.

What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be. It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient. As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.

As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually. I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle. Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response. Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.

If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer. Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.

What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life. I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.

Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.

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World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.

America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!

Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina

Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.

Ingredients:
1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
¾ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients in a food processor and serve over steak, chicken or fish.

    Party Sangria- Spain

    Ingredients:
    1 bottle of red wine
    1 lemon cut into wedges
    1 orange cut into wedges
    1 lime cut into wedges
    1 apple diced
    1 cup raspberries or strawberries
    1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
    2 tbsp of sugar
    4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
    2 shots gin or triple sec

    Preparation:
    Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
    Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
    Chill overnight.
    Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.

      Potato Salad- Germany

      Ingredients:
      2 pounds red potatoes
      ¼ lb bacon cut into small pieces
      ½ medium onion chopped
      1/3 cup cider vinegar
      ¼ cup water
      1 tbsp sugar
      1 tsp salt
      1 tsp mustard
      2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

      Preparation:
      Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. Let potatoes cool. Peel potatoes and cut into ¼ inch pieces.
      Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
      Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
      Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
      Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

        Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands

        Ingredients
        2 tbsp sugar
        2 pkg yeast
        4 cups sugar
        5 eggs
        2 cups scalded milk
        ½ cup butter softened
        10 cups flour
        1 ½ tsp salt
        3 diced Granny Smith apples
        1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
        canola oil for frying

        Preparation:
        Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
        In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, add scalded milk, 1 ½ cups warm water, yeast mixture and butter and beat well. Add flower, 1 cup sugar and salt. Mix well. Add diced apple.
        Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
        In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
        Fill a fryer pot with 3-4 inches of canola oil. Heat to 375 degrees and scoop spoonfuls of down into the oil. Turn to ensure even browning.
        Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm.

          *written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

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          Bride-to-Be Gift Ideas!

          Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

          Its summer! Which means wedding season is in full swing. It includes then, grabbing the gal pals and celebrating your bride-to-be’s last nights before she takes the plunge. We have looked throughout Hawaii and found a couple fabulous places you’ll CRAVE to find creative gifts for your lady.

          The Wedding Cafe
          This is the place your bride-to-be will be dying to go even if she doesn’t know about it yet! It has everything a bride needs to know about planning a wedding. With a new and sweet twist to wedding shopping and planning this store has all that you need. With vender portfolios, how-to guides, insider tips, and wedding workshops they make planning a wedding a treat! Not to mention their store also includes fun things for everyday girls outings. Like savory sandwiches and snacks as well as oh-so-cute accessories and dresses. To see more on all of the amazing services they provide, click here.

          The Red Pineapple
          Here is a gift that would be unique and really simple, especially if you were in a time crunch! They provide gift baskets that will be greatly appreciated by your almost wedded friend. They have beautiful gifts included in the baskets that are sweet and thoughtful. Also! They provide beautiful wedding gifts for your bride-to-be’s wedding party. So, if not planning on getting a basket for her, recommend she look into it herself! They provide lovely gifts that your bride doesn’t have to worry too much over.  To check out more about them, you can visit their website.

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          Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks

          Monday, July 5th, 2010

          Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.

          Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.

          Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.

          1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.

          2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.

          3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.

          4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.

          5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.

          6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.

          7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!

          8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
          So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.

          To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at http://www.jamieliving.blogspot.com/.

          Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

          *written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company

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