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Archive for the ‘Style’ Category

Put A Twi$t On Your Business Model

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

As a business owner I know you are working very hard in your business, serving clients and staying on top over everything else that needs to be managed.

But what if all the hard work you are currently doing is not necessarily the most effective way to grow your business?

A solid business is built around a business model that works. If you think you have a great business model in place then it will only take a few minutes to confirm that this is the case.

If you aren’t quite sure if your business model is functioning optimally, now is the perfect time to give it a quick check-up and find out.

When I talk about your business model I simply mean the way your business makes money. Think about these basic components:

* Your business offer products and services

* You sell them for a certain price

* A certain number of people buy them (once or even better, repeatedly)

* You deliver them in a certain way (in person, electronically, third party, etc.)

Why not revisit your business model to see if there are a few ways you can change it. This doesn’t have to be complicated, simply take a piece of paper and a pen or open a new file on your computer.

Write down all the products and services your business currently offers, the price for each, how many clients you have who purchase each offer and how frequently. Total this up, subtract your costs, and see if this structure is going to bring you the financial results you want.

Now imagine how many different ways you can upgrade your business model to attract more business and leverage what you already have.

Get creative and try out several combinations of products and services. Here are some ideas:

- Perhaps you can add something new, additional revenue streams.

- You can also think about increasing the amount of what you already deliver.

- Or maybe at this point it’s even best to remove a part that isn’t profitable.

- Consider changing the way you deliver your products and services.

- What if you didn’t change a thing except to increase the prices (speaking or pricing, when is that last time you increased the prices for your products and services)?

Let’s use the business model of a consultant as an example.

CURRENT BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting services delivered by the consultant alone

Price: Per hour

Clients: One at a time full time or two to three part-time

Delivery: In person

UPDATED BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting in person delivered by the consultant, additional consultants working for you, speaking, selling intellectual property (an ebook, audio, or other information product)

Price: Consulting per project (and part of the fee for consultants working on behalf of the consultant), speaking per event, intellectual property per item

Clients: Many at one time

Delivery: In person, automated (via the internet)

Are you starting to see the possibilities for your business? Renewing your business model can re-inspire your enthusiasm for what you do as well as increase your desire for marketing your business.

A healthy business model is the foundation for a successful business. Take time to examine your business model and make sure it is the strongest it can be.

With a few simple changes, you will probably make more money and you may even find that you don’t have to work as hard to do so. Now who doesn’t want that!

Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire! Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: fireflycoaching.com.

Changing Up the Interiors of Your Home? We Know Who to Call!

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

When it comes to deciding we want to re-do or re-decorate our homes, we instantly flinch because we know how large of a project it can easily become. From finding the right builder, to the right interior decorator, and then to deciding the right decor itself; the load can sometimes have you throwing your hands up in surrender. But CRAVE says, “Fear not!” We have found exactly who you need to help with your next home project. Big or small, they have exactly what you’ll need and love for your next home change.

PMI Builders
The most crucial part of rebuilding is finding the people who will do the job right the first time. Precise Measurements Inc,  is a unique and small team who specialize in kitchen and bath renovations as well as residential additions/alterations. Don’t let their small size fool you, with their small company they are able to maintain exceptional craftsmanship and superior customer relations. They keep a genuine concern for customer satisfaction with minimal interruption to their living environment which to them is a very important element contributing to an overall positive experience.

Shari Saiki
When taking on the challenge of recreating the essence and feel of a room, Shari Saiki Design Studio is who you need to call. “Atmosphere and Inspiration” is the design philosophy of award winning interior designer, Shari Saiki. Her designs are inspired by a passion for Architecture and respect of history resulting in balanced environments of comfort and elegance.

Fishcake
Showcasing fresh furnishings, accessories and art for the contemporary home; Fishcake provides a unique home furnishing and gallery experience. For designers and shoppers looking for that special piece; Fishcake has just what you need to complete your ideal feel perfectly.

Suffering from Skin Damage this Summer? Fight it with these Foods!

Monday, August 16th, 2010


We all want beautiful skin, especially during the “skin showing” months of summer. So how do we get it without spending a fortune at the Clinique counter? By eating antioxidant rich foods, that’s how. Your skin, just like every other organ in your body, needs antioxidant laden foods to keep it healthy and toxin free. Here are some of the most important foods to eat for beautiful skin. Try to get these delicious foods into your diet as often as possible and I promise you will love the results.

Foods for beautiful skin:

Sunflower seeds, Swiss chard, and almonds- What do they all have in common? Vitamin E! Vitamin E works to protect skin from ultra violet rays and rejuvenate the cells. Sauté swiss chard with garlic and olive oil and top with a mix of toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. Vitamin E never tasted so good!

Cauliflower, walnuts, and cabbage- Did you think wild salmon was the only place to get Omega 3 fatty acids? Well get excited because they are in vegetables too! Omega 3’s are essential in creating beautiful skin for they help maintain cell membranes. It is these membranes that act as barriers for the body, letting water and nutrients in, and keeping toxins out. Make an easy cabbage slaw topped with walnuts then steam cauliflower and serve with a lemon tahini sauce (also packed with Vitamin C). After these two dishes, your skin will be good to go!

Carrots, Kale, and Apricots- Not only are these foods quick and easy to get your hands on, they also serve up a giant does of Vitamin A (aka Beta Carotene). Vitamin A is involved in the repair and growth of body tissues, which is particularly beneficial when dealing with sun damaged skin. Stir-fry carrots and kale with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a great side dish. For the apricots, try throwing them on the grill for a great summer dessert!

Bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries- Loaded with more vitamin C than an orange, these foods work to create collagen in the skin and protect your lovely epidermis from oxidative stress. Best ways to eat them? Grill the peppers and broccoli or eat them raw with hummus. As for strawberries, just pop them in your mouth (or put them in a crisp).

Shitake mushrooms, cod and shrimp- Mushrooms (both shittake and crimini), cod, and shrimp are chock full of selenium, a potent nutrient that promotes skin elasticity and quality. Broil cod with a fresh tomatoes and basil. For the shrimp and mushrooms, toss them into an easy Thai curry. So good!

*This post was written by Jamie Dougherty for the Please feel free to contact Jamie with questions or to share your health, wellness and foodie stories. Email: jamiegd@jamieliving.com Facebook: JAMIE LIVING Twitter:JAMIE LIVING

Five Fabulous Trends for Fall!

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Here in Hawaii we have great boutiques that are ready for the upcoming season. Fall is almost here which means time to grab the new must haves for fall! From the outfits, shoes, to accessories; they have everything you need to look your best.

1. Tops to compliment a great pair of skinny jeans is what Bamboo Sky does best. They have fashion forward colors and designs that are aching to be worn this fall. Each is unique and flattering, leaving you with a great new addition to your closet.

2. Next on our list for fall must-haves is a neutral colored jacket for the cooler weather. We are loving this cropped shrug jacket from Jessica’s Traveling Boutique. It will be a staple for your wardrobe that you could either dress up or dress down easily. Unique and fun it will leave you feeling comfortable and confident.

3. We are CRAVEing the dresses offered at Mu’umu’u Heaven. Not only are they designed right here in Hawaii, with styles changing to the different seasons; they are also doing good things for our planet! Each dress is a one of a kind and hand crafted out of vintage Hawaiian mu’umu’u.

4. For this fall exaggerated jewelry is a must. We found some fabulous necklaces and earrings at Olive Boutique. From light and flirty earrings to daring necklaces, this boutique has great jewelry to compliment our wardrobe.

5. What else to top off your next outfit, but with a great pair of shoes. For this fall season we are loving Seastar 8.4.23‘s metallic gold sneakers. They will compliment a diverse amount of outfits in anyones closet, and leave you looking fashion forward.

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Fashionistas

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

From runway show recaps to laid-back street looks, the world of fashion blogging is a vibrant virtual scene. It’s not necessarily about the newest, hottest, or spendiest trend — it’s about the textiles, color palettes and silhouettes that make us feel gorgeous.

For a jolt of wardrobe inspiration to pull you through the dog days of summer, bookmark Jazzi McGilbert, Sally McGraw and “Miss” James Kicinski. While their personal styles may diverge, their message is the same: get dressed, and get going!

Jazzi McGilbert of JazziMcG.com

Thrift store scenester? Or haute couture hound? Jazzi McGilbert (aka Jazzi McG) confidently struts straight down the center of the spectrum. Her blog traipses through the world of high fashion, throws the spotlight on intimate “intern confessionals” and shares a few DIY treasures (Alexander Wang sock garters, anyone?). As Jazzi puts it, her mission is to “let everyone know that the fashion industry can be tackled without a trust fund”. Can I get an amen, sister?

Sally McGraw of Already Pretty
Can one personal stylist change the way women view their bodies, and themselves? Sally McGraw thinks so. The lovely McGraw elevates her passion for chic clothing with an outspoken commitment to body acceptance. Blog posts like “What IS Flattering?” provide commonsense insights into topics that have frustrated shoppers since the dawn of time. And her weekly contests and giveaways — which range from cotton scarves to summer frocks to hefty gift cards — are not to be missed.

“Miss” James Kicinski of Bleubird Vintage
Chic baby mama. Vinyl record collector. Frilly knicker designer. Miss James is a retro inspiration — and a drop-dead gorgeous one, at that. In addition to writing about her latest Etsy obsessions and selling dreamy vintage-inspired collections through her online shop, James also blogs over at N.E.E.T. magazine. Best of luck as she stylishly feathers the nest for her new baby (due in July). What a busy little bird!

*This post was written by Alexandra Franzen for the CRAVE company:

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Beat the Summer Heat with a Tasty Treat!

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010


The city is beautiful this summer! Which leaves no need for excuses when going and grabbing some delicious treats to make your day that much sweeter. We’ve searched Hawaii and found some perfect places to satisfy your sweet tooth. You’re taste buds will CRAVE these tasty treats and have you running to the shop nearest you!

A Cake Life
This specializes in creating unique, custom cakes for all your occasions.  Their company is based in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu.  Whether you’re planning a Wedding or 1st Birthday party, Graduation party or celebrating your Anniversary, A Cake Life has the perfect dessert for you! Its a delicious work of art that will definitely sweeten your day.

Cake Couture Cupcakes
These will definitely be a sweet treat to beat the summer heat. Located in Honolulu, their cupcakes are freshly baked from scratch everyday, using only the finest ingredients and topped with a variety of luscious buttercreams and frostings, and decorated with delectable adornment. For more information on them and their services click here.

Cake Envy
These gourmet cheesecakes are hand-made right in Honolulu Hawaii, using only the finest ingredients. They don’t even bake them until you order so it is fresh and creamy every time. Try one and you’ll find why these cheesecakes have been called “the best in the world”! These delicious cheesecakes will be perfect for your next sunny day outing! Check out more information on them here.