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

Add More ~ing To Your Life

March 29, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

In her debut book, Add More ~ing To Your Life, motivational speaker and life coach Gabrielle Bernstein takes readers on a fun and fulfilling journey to happiness in 30 days. She promotes writing, meditation, and movement as ways to combat ego and release romantic illusions. For every goal in her book, she lays out an Equation with multiple steps packed with reflection and perspective. Some of her unique blues-blasting concepts include compiling a Compassion List, creating a Personal-Shift Statement, and ceasing to Future Trip. By the end of the book she’s created an arsenal of happiness-promoting exercises to conquer negative thinking and create personal change. Read on to learn more about this gifted guru and what she craves.

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
Expect Miracles

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I was ever given was from my mother when she told me that meditation would guide me to serenity.

In a past life you were…
A preacher in South America.

How do you get ready to write?
I clean my desk. Then I meditate. Following my meditation I write an outline. I’m a mess without an outline. I turn off my phone and I unplug the Internet. Then I start writing.

What’s a place that inspires you and why?
The place where I’m most inspired is in Abadiania Brazil. I travel to Abadiania, the home of psychic surgeon and spiritual healer John of God. When I am in Brazil with John of God and his team of mediums I feel my strongest sense of inspiration.

What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?
My authenticity. What you see is what you get.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
I feel deeply connected to helping people overcome addiction and more specifically the issue of teenage suicide due to prescription drugs. I am a recovering drug addict and I am very transparent about my sobriety in order to help others recover. I plan to write a book on overcoming addiction in all areas of life.

What makes you laugh so hard you cry?
So many things. I don’t know where to begin…

In 10 years you want to be…
In 10 years I plan to be known as the messenger for happiness for the next generation. I will have a television show and several published books. I will be a mother and dwell in New York City and in a warm weather climate.

Describe yourself in 5 words.
I am spirited, loquacious, alive, connected, love

* This publication was sent to the CRAVEcompany for review

Peek into the CRAVE Closet

February 25, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

Our very own Melody Biringer had her closet raided! MyCloset.com, a website dedicated to airing people’s dirty laundry (literally), recently featured the CRAVEcompany founder in its scintillating Celebrity Closets installment. Among the hangers and hampers, a myriad of wardrobe gems were unearthed from all over the world. Woolen leg-warmers from Amsterdam, Ilse Jacobsen rain boots from Seattle, a bold purple dress from Vancouver, BC… how can that much cuteness exist in one closet? Lucky for us, Melody divulged a few of her shopping secrets and we can all check out her fashion favorites for ourselves. Below check out some of her most-cherished boutiques.

Moscow (moscowdesign.nl)
Runstraat 8, 1111 AA, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Horseshoe (horseshoeseattle.com)
5344 Ballard Avenue Northwest Seattle, WA 98107

Lambs Ear (lambsearshoes.com)
3516 Fremont Place No.inesgloves.com Seattle, WA 98103

Ines Gloves (inesgloves.com)
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 132 1012 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands

JC Studio (jcstudio.ca)
46 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Y 1K1

sonja | clothes to live in (sonjatacoma.com)
2701 N 21st St, Tacoma, WA 98406

Switch Shoes (switch-shoes.com)
7871 Southwest Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219

For a truly in depth look into the world of women-owned boutiques, check out the CRAVEguide for a city near you. These books are brimming with local women you need to know, whether you want to satisfy a craving for your closet, appetite, business, or piece of mind.

CRAVE-able Cupcakes in Hawaii

February 10, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

Frosting and sprinkles and smiles – oh my! Cupcakes are becoming a must-have morsel these days, and we know where to find the most decadent, mouth-watering confections hidden around Honolulu. Below are two local shops that produce original, delicious, and truly CRAVE-worthy cupcakes.

Cake Couture Cupcakes (cakecouture.com)
820 West Hind Drive #112, Honolulu 96821
Founded in 2007 by wedding cake baker Carmen Emerson-Bass, Cake Couture began as a small shop whose popularity exploded along with the cupcake craze sweeping the nation. With Classic, Gourmet, and Mini confections in flavors like Orange Creamsicle, Chai Spice, and Mocha, these cupcakes sell out fast! It’s not a bad idea to get there early or call ahead and make sure your favorites are still available.

Hokulani Bake Shop (hokulanibakeshop.com)
500 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 4-B, Honolulu 96813
Husband and wife duo, Tushar and Ana Dubey, infuse their made-from-scratch cupcakes with loads of local flavor! If you’re in the mood for unique and delicious island-inspired morsels, try the Strawberry Guava or Lilikoi with Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Or, if you really want to indulge, bite into a luxurious Waialua Chocolate Fudge Cupcake filled with fudge made from the rarest chocolate in the entire world (it’s from the north shore of Oahu)!

These are just two of what is sure to be many more local cupcakeries near you.  As the obsession for these sweet treats grows, we’ll keep you posted on the newest Hawaiian hot spots!

11 Ways To Be Single on Valentine’s Day

February 9, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

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.

• 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!

Hit the Slopes at Ski Camps for Girlfriends

February 8, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

The Groundhog said it all – On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and doomed the rest of us to six more frigid weeks of winter. Rather than crawl under the covers and hibernate ’til spring, why not make the most of the chilliest time of year and go skiing (or snowboarding) with your girlfriends? Take a look at these women-only snow camps and book your long weekend now!

1. ROXY All Star Snow Camps – Whistler Blackcomb
These 2-day snow camps are all about girls, fun, and hitting the slopes! The women-only camps are taught by highly skilled female skiers and riders and give you the opportunity to make friends with other women in the group. ROXY caters to ladies at any level of skiing and snowboarding, from beginner to expert, and they even throw in some prizes to get you motivated to boost your skills! Check the website for rates and dates.

2. Women’s Edge – Aspen Snowmass
Women’s Edge is a 4-day female-centric experience for intermediate to advanced skiers. You’ll spend time getting to know the women in your group while being instructed by female pros and getting treated to a luncheon, lectures, and chances to ski at nearby mountains with skiers in your same skill level. It’s a fun program with chances to build relationships with like-minded women while having a great time! Check out the website here.

3. Women’s Ski Camps – Snowbird
In Snowbird, Utah, these 3-4 day ski camps offer small group sizes and ample one-on-one coaching with women instructors to make for a truly rewarding experience. Intermediate to expert skiers can be accommodated, and the intimate program comes with an optional Meal & Spa Add On with special perks! To see prices and itineraries, check out the Women’s Ski Camps’ website here.

These are a few examples of resorts that currently offer women-only skiing and snowboarding camps. Check out your favorite mountain’s special deals for girls in advance and start planning next year’s wintry adventures now!

South Side Splurge: Fun in Maui with Your Girlfriends

February 2, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

Craving some quality time with your friends? Take a little road trip to Maui’s southern tip for an afternoon of relaxing fun with the girls. Start by pampering your bodies, then head to The Shops at Wailea for a little retail therapy, and round out the day with some fresh, delicious comfort food.

Lily Moon Salon
300 Ohukai #319, Kihei, Hi

While Lily Moon Salon specializes in services for weddings, owner Gina Carter offers haircuts, facials, manicures and more for ladies not heading down the aisle any time soon. Treat yourselves to a one hour pedicure complete with a sugar and coconut oil treatment, slough, massage, and exfoliation. You won’t want to leave!

Enchantress Boutique
3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI

Now that you’re feeling blissed out and rejuvenated, how about a new outfit from Enchantress Boutique to compliment the mood? You’ll think you’ve crossed to the other side of the looking glass when you step inside Britta Alexandra and Judith Carroll’s whimsical yet oh-so-fashion-forward boutique. Don’t miss Fifi & Bootzie next door – also owned by Alexandra and Carroll, its focus is more on accessories and home embellishments than clothes but it maintains the same magical ambiance.

Joe’s
131 Wailea Ike Place, Wailea, HI

Top Chef Bev Gannon’s elegant eatery features food that makes you feel good. Set atop a hill overlooking the Wailea Tennis Club, Joe’s (named after her husband) is frequented by locals and celebrities alike both for the phenomenal dishes and the unparalleled ocean view. Fresh seafood and succulent meats make for a simple, well-rounded menu, and the martinis are truly top-notch! A perfect spot for dinner with the girls.

After a day like this, your nails, wardrobe, and belly will be thanking you. And so will your friends for suggesting a day that satisfies so many cravings. Have fun!

Lookin’ Hot in Honolulu

February 2, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

Whatever your style, you deserve to look your best. As spring approaches and you think about giving your wardrobe a boost, head to Honolulu. Hawaii’s fashion capital is full of style-savvy gals dedicated to providing you with the outfits of your dreams. Below are just a few examples of women-owned boutiques and brands around town that you’re sure to love.

Valerie Joseph Boutique
valeriejoseph.com
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. #1254, Honolulu HI, 96814

Feminine, flirty, and friendly to your wallet, Valerie Ragaza-Miao’s boutique is located in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Cute party dresses and snazzy accessories abound. Sparkles and bright colors will have you leaving your shopping trip feeling like a princess. (Don’t miss Valerie’s new doggie couture line: Canine Chic.)

Fighting Eel
fightingeel.com

Started by local designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung, Fighting Eel is a clothing line that prides itself on a stunning combination of simplicity and sensuality. Their collections can be found in boutiques and on retail websites throughout the United States as well as in several shops right in Honolulu. Sexy yet soft and feminine, Fighting Eel’s designs are total confidence-boosters!

Fashionista’s Market
fashionistasmarket.com
1185 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813

Fashionista’s Market hosts designer sample sale events with discounts of 50-80% off – who can beat that? Founded by local sisters, Alyssa and Emi, this boutique is a gem and it sounds like their parties are a lot of fun! With a constantly changing inventory of the very latest fashions, no two sales are ever the same.

Alliway
alliway.com
1050 Ala Moana Blvd, Ste 1620, Honolulu, HI 96814

A transplant from San Francisco, Allison Kim Czerniak founded Alliway in 2000. Now her eclectic and colorful jewelry collections can be found in retail locations all over the country, while also brightening up her funky shop in Honolulu’s Ward Warehouse. Along with Alli’s beautiful jewelry, Alliway carries unique handbags, fun gifts, and pretty stationary.

With so many great shops in town, it’s understandable if you’re craving some retail therapy. Now perhaps you have some ideas of where to go to get your fashion-fix in Honolulu. Shop on, ladies!