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Get Sweet and Stylish with Andrea Trujillo of A.sweeT.

April 30, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (1)

Andrea Trujillo has always loved candy and fashion.  This queen of style and sweets combines her passion at A.sweeT., her candy & fashion boutique located in Beverly Hills.  At A.sweeT., you’ll find plenty of treats to satisfy that sweet tooth and contemporary designer clothes to satisfy the style in your soul.  In Andrea’s world, “the candy and the clothes inspire each other.”  So head on over to A.sweeT. to find the confectionery chic you CRAVE.  In the meantime, get to know a little bit more about A.sweeT.’s mouthwatering lineup from the fashionable candy queen herself!

What inspired the decor of your shop?

My boutique is not your typical “candy store.” My store is about luxury. Relating to something classic. Attaching to something modern. It’s about finding something that makes you happy…The fixtures and shelves allow all of the products to present themselves with their vibrant colors and attitudes. The store has pops of color in the skylights and accents walls – to compliment the colors of the products we sell.

Desert island, one sweet…what do you choose?

Hmm. Depends on my mood. But, I think I’d have to go with Licorice. Kookabura Strawberry Licorice.

Put a Spring in you Step with These Fresh Salads

April 28, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (1)

It’s spring and everything is green!  With the entire world fresh and flowering, it’s time to add a few sprigs of spring to your own life.  When you CRAVE a little bit of greenery, we’ve got just the places for you.  Check out these LA area salad spots – they’ll always keep you munching and coming back for more.

Beyond the Olive – beyondtheolive.com

What salad wouldn’t be complete without a healthy and delicious dressing?  Crystal Reibel and her husband, Chris, know just how to put those finishing touches on a salad – with olive oil of course!  Crystal and Chris are olive oil connoisseurs and they share their love of these small super fruits from their Pasadena store.  Right now we CRAVE Beyond the Olive Blood Orange olive oil – a tasty and citrusy way to dress any spring mix!

Thyme Cafe and Market – thymecafeandmarket.com

When it’s “thyme” for something tasty and healthy, Maire Byrne and crew bring you the freshest and best in seasonal gourmet foods.  With a marketplace that doubles as a cafe, a catering service and gourmet-to-go, you’re sure to find a delicious dish to satisfy you!  We CRAVE the “Mixed Greens w/ Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Walnuts, Cranberries & Sweet Apple” and the “Curried Chicken Salad w/ Mixed Greens, Papaya, Mango, & Cherry Tomatoes.”  Head on over to Santa Monica and pick the sweetest salad for you!

Street – eatatstreet.com

Susan Feniger knows how to make everyone on the street happy with her selection of tasty global grub at her LA restaurant STREET.  Be sure to check out Susan’s selection of salads that span the globe.  We’re getting hungry just thinking about the Burmese Lettuce Wraps, Graskaas Aged Gouda Salad and the New Jerusalem Bread Salad.  Hit the STREET to find the perfect salad for you!

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

April 26, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

We are all familiar with the old adage of Spring cleaning, but did you know that it doesn’t just apply to your closet? Spring cleaning is also important for our bodies and very helpful in flushing toxins, losing weight and creating increased energy. The best place to start your spring cleaning is with spring eating! Jamie G. Dougherty, owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling, offers us a fresh approach. Spring foods are light, water-logged, and perfect for cleaning out our systems of excess junk. Some of the most popular spring foods include:

Asparagus: High in potassium and folate which aids the cardiovascular system- Roast with olive, sea salt, and pepper with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Artichokes: A good source of iron and calcium- Steam and enjoy with your favorite vinaigrette.

Dandelion Greens: Aid in liver cleansing- Blanch, then sauté with garlic, olive oil, and top with currants and pine nuts.

Green garlic: Delicious young garlic plant that has anti-bacterial properties- A perfect addition to eggs or a frittata.

Radishes: Very high a vitamin C. Eat them raw or dip in hummus or your favorite dressing.

The best place to find spring foods it at your local farmer’s market where vendors will have the freshest produce available. Here is a perfect dish to get your started. Who ever thought spring cleaning could taste so good? Enjoy!

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces and blanched for 3 minutes
Sea salt to taste
2 cups brown rice, freshly made or leftover
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil, taste and adjust seasonings.

2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Add asparagus to the rice and toss together with the Dijon dressing.

4. Add the fresh herb and pumpkin seeds and toss all together. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve.　

To reheat leftover rice: Place cold rice in a small pot with ÂĽ-1/2 cup of water (depending on amount of rice). Bring to medium heat and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until water has evaporated. Remove rice from the heat and mix with your dressing.

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:　www.jamieliving.blogspot.com

Jamie 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.

Go on Girl, Light Your Fire: The Fire Starter Sessions

April 23, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Danielle LaPorte is all about keepin’ it real. She believes in telling it like it is, and is an avid believer in feminine power. Her latest project, “The Fire Starter Sessions” is an e-book for entreprenesses that comes with video and worksheets to help you get the most out of each sizzling session. The root of Danielle’s theory- which every woman can appreciate– is that our actions are driven by desired feelings. What other remarkable wisdom does she have to offer? We asked her a few questions to gain some insight on what really drives her and why her new book is so rockin’.

Once you let Danielle get you jazzed about your own inspiration, you lucky CRAVE ladies can pre-order a copy of the “Fire Starter Sessions” right now! Just click here.

You give people inspiring advice about following their passions in life, what sparked your own “ah-ha” moment?

It was more of a series of soul-sucking moments and gigs than an “a-ha” moment. But it all added up to creative sovereignty. My voice, my time, my way of being of service.

What makes the “Fire Starter Sessions” distinct from other programs for entrepreneurs?

It’s about rocking your revenue streams and doing meaningful things in the world. It’s as much about self-realization as it is about hard core strategy.
Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets. Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…Whether you’re in the early idea phase or a rut, it’s about lighting a fire under your…aspirations.

Summarize your teachings into a motto for how you/to live your life.

Your truth is worth it.

Would you give the same advice to a female business owner as you would give to a male?

Yes. But a woman is more likely to take it.

How would you describe your number one strength?

Deep listening. I also build a mean campfire and write bad poetry – which I consider an endearing strength.

Why do you believe it is that so many people do not choose their career path based on their true passions?

Profoundly wanting to belong. That will never change. On top of that deep driving psychology, we pile on social “norms” like dress codes and executive titles, salary structures, everything the goddamn Jonses are doing, and the popularity contest that is social media itself, and well, it’s the makings of an identity crisis.
If can you tune out the noise of “how-to” and “10 steps” and “proven tactics” you will be able to hear your own spidey senses: genuine, sincere, with great reflexes, and it will tell you that you are the expert on you — and you know what lights your fire.

What has been your most rewarding experience with a client?

One of my favorite results of working with any client is helping them decide what they’re going to STOP doing. It makes me giddy. It often goes like this: I’m going to STOP…being the administrator. Worrying so much. Under-selling myself. Checking Twitter obsessively. Feeling the pressure to be so successful. I’m going to stop using my cousin as my web-designer.

It’s freeing for everyone. And freedom is the best part of being an entrepreneur.

Still want more? Order your very own copy of the complete “Fire Starter Sessions” by clicking here. You can also learn more about all of Danielle’s endeavors on her website, whitehottruth.com.

Celebrate Your Health and the Earth with GreenBeanie!

April 23, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (0)

Caroline Howell of GreenBeanie is dedicated to green.  When you think about going green, you probably think about keeping the Earth healthy.  With GreenBeanie, you can focus on your health too!  Caroline, a green home and lifestyle consultant is passionate about the intricate balance between health and the environment and is dedicated to helping people transform their lives one step and environment at a time, beginning with their own homes.  Caroline urges you to “Put on Your Thinking Cap” – going green can be creative and fun.  We totally CRAVE a consultation right now!  For more information catch Caroline at www.greenbeanie.net.  In the meantime, read on to learn more about this green goddess:

When did you start to “go green?”

I started my “green transformation” about 6 years ago when we moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles and my son and I developed asthma. I found out that a lot of our breathing issues were related to our indoor air quality. My mother passed away from breast cancer in 2003, the year before, and that also inspired me to learn more about the correlation between our health and environment.

Going green for me involved a lot of anxiety in the beginning – I was overwhelmed by the damage to our planet and had a fear of leaving this world in shambles to our children. I channeled by eco-anxiety into my business, GreenBeanie, in order to help other people realize that there are some easy ways to live a greener lifestyle.

How does “going green” affect your health?

“Going green” affects all elements of your health – your environment relates to the air you breathe, the food you eat, what you put on your skin, etc. There are choices that you can make that impact all of those things – and eco-friendly solutions for all of them!

What do you say to people who think making environmentally friendly choices really won’t make much of a difference or is too difficult?

It’s frustrating when you think that your actions are only a “drop in the bucket.” However, it’s critical that we start making these changes AND educating others about them. If everyone starts to make little changes, it really does add up. And, the more we vote with our dollars on green products and choices, the more that big businesses will start listening to us and offering us safer and healthier alternatives.

Can you be green and fashionable or creative at the same time?

Absolutely! One of the most important elements of being green is conservation. So, buying better quality and purchasing less has a lesser impact on the environment. Buying an antique, shopping a flea market or repurposing something that you already have requires – and inspires—creativity. My house is full of hand-me-down furniture and I have a great time recovering and repainting things that make them fit my personal style.

Are there any toxins/health/environmental concerns that would surprise us?

I think people would be surprised to know that the air inside their homes is about 5 times as polluted as the air outside the home – even in Los Angeles. Another scary stat is that the average woman encounters 100 chemicals before breakfast – there are so many hazardous ingredients in our products that we’re not even aware of. A great resource is the Environmental Working Group’s website http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php – check out where your products rank and what they contain.

Anything green you CRAVE?

I CRAVE organic wine from Trader Joes, spring strawberries from the South Pasadena Farmer’s Market and Coyuchi bath towels (they’re organic too).

Score Spring Fashions From These Blissful Boutiques

April 21, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (0)

It’s time to step out of hibernation and score some of the hottest trends in the process.  Whether it’s a cute new suit you’re after, a to-die-for dress or a classy clutch, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your style at these these LA area boutiques.  Read on for some of the looks we CRAVE.  We promise,  these  gorgeous trends are bound to put a spring in your step!

ARCADE - arcadeboutique.com

Since September 2008, ARCADE by Rochelle Gores has been bringing LA fashionistas the finest garb from hard-to-find designers.  Set in a trendy, 18th century European shopping mall “arcade,” be sure to check out haute style from international designers.  We’re totally loving this season’s Mara Hoffman bikinis and racer back cover-up.  What more could a girl want?  Whether you’re looking for the perfect gown for a special night on the town, the sweetest swimsuit on the West coast or something comfy and creative, ARCADE is your go-to.

Beige - beigestore.com

When you hear the word “beige,” what do you think?  You’re probably thinking of a color that isn’t exactly synonymous with style.  We promise, when you walk into this Beige, any preconceived notions you might have about the word and the color will be completely flipped upside-down – in a very good way.  Beige proclaims that “Beige is More Than a Color” and it most certainly is.  Head on over to Beverly Boulevard to score the hottest shoes, handbags and clothes.  We’re super smitten with this season’s homage to the one and only Jackie Kennedy Onassis.  Get your pretty presidential spirit on with ones of Black Halo’s Jackie O dresses in blue or gray.  Which is for you?  Head over to beige to snag the shade that speaks to you!

Ethel - ethelboutique.com

At Ethel, “Clothes are Heaven.”  Take one step in this sassy store and we guarantee you’ll be walking on cloud nine.  With a sizzling selection of clothing, jewelry, handbags and shoes from the season’s hottest designers, what’s not to love?  We’re suckers for the anything but traditional Ts from Stewart Brown and Laurie B.  It may be hard to choose at Ethel, but with the handpicked selections of the season’s most glamorous garments in a  gorgeous gallery, you can’t go wrong – with style or shopping experience.

happy LA – happy-la.com

Step into happy LA “the boutique by the beach” and a burst of sunshine and vitamin D won’t be the only things making you smile.  This new gem of a shop,  or should we say star(fish) of the Pacific shore, boasts a “‘mod beach’”style that will make any beach-going girl beam.  We totally CRAVE the new 5-wrap bracelets in mother of pearl or sodalite stones – they’re the perfect addition to any outfit, weather you’re grabbing a sip with the girls or out on the town in your LBD.  Cruise on over to happy LA today and you’ll be smiling for days to come.

To Create or Not to Create?

April 19, 2010 by Lynn Edwards | Comments (0)

Have you ever been asked, “Are you a creative person?” I have and I always answer “no” because I can’t even print my name straight. To me, “creative” people are my friends in girl scouts that turned the colored pipe-cleaners into a ride at Disneyland, or my friend who paints scenery so amazing you want to jump into the picture.

The idea of “arts & crafts” give me hives; I have always viewed myself as creatively challenged (at least that’s what my second grade teacher called it when she saw the drawing of my house and asked if it was my dog). My Mom and sisters are amazingly gifted, my Mom can look at a lamp shade and think, “That would make an amazing centerpiece for the Cinco de Mayo party,” and it does. My little sister is an architect and shapes the Denver skyline with her genius. My oldest sister busted out four blank canvases recently and whipped up living room art that could be displayed at The Met. I can speak in public no problem, play through on a golf course full of men easy, but put a blank canvas in front of me and I am paralyzed with fear, let alone four.

However, I have learned that “creativity” takes many forms and all of us have some creative gift to offer the world. It’s not really a question to create, but rather a question of whether you will allow yourself to let your creativity flow through you into the world. I have always had a burning desire to make pottery; I would be so Demi Moore in Ghost, but I’m too afraid I wouldn’t even be able to make a cereal bowl. Fear is what stumps our creativity, there’s nothing scarier than putting your creativity out in the world and having a teacher say, “Is that your puppy?”

Creativity is a funny thing! I find myself most creative in the shower or the bathroom…what’s with that? Superman had a phone booth, I have the ladies lounge. At board meetings, I run to the bathroom and always come back with the break through solution to our challenge. My friends now know that when I come back from the restroom and say, “Guess what I was thinking”, they strap in for something amazing. When I have a problem to figure out, I take a shower. There’s something about that water flowing over my brain that interrupts the normal chatter and makes way for a creative breakthrough. I’ve gone through many laptops trying to write this column in the shower!

I have three books in the works, one for business, a funny one with my life stories, and of course a great fiction with a “hoochie” heroine who has a fling with the UPS man. I read a quote recently that I loved, it said, “Good girls want to have fun, bad girls make sure they do!” The leading lady in my novel is one of those bad chicks.

Spring is an amazing time of creation, look around, that dirt pile you’ve been passing along your drive now has a rainbow of colors bursting out of it. The birds are chiming in and adding their song to the season. My neighbor kids drew a cute picture on my car hood in the pollen dust. It’s time to wake up your creative juices and let them fly. Don’t miss a chance to show the world what’s growing under your dirt pile, take a nice long shower and come out and CREATE!

Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors

April 19, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

We know that it can be more difficult to stay active and motivated during the dreary winter months, but the long winter days are now behind us and we can finally emerge off the couch from hibernation, watching Sex in the City reruns. Spring has arrived to grant us a long awaited reprieve from winter! The days are growing longer and the sun is more radiant in the sky. As dynamic and motivated women, we, here at CRAVE, enjoy exercising our minds as much as our bodies. Here are some activities for fun in the sun!

Kick a Ball
For those seeking a sport with a competitive edge, kickball is making its way out of the school playgrounds and into competitive leagues. It’s a great alternative to soccer and softball, while still encompassing softball’s similar rules of play. It’s a fun sport to casually play with your gal pals, or if you’re looking to get more involved with your community while having fun, join a league!

Other fun outdoor competitive group activities:
• Badminton
• Capture the Flag
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Beach Volleyball

Strike a Pose
If you’ve had a long day at work stuck sitting behind a desk, yoga is a great form of both mental and physical exercise and is shown to reduce stress! Whether you’re a novice or a budding yogi, yoga offers a wide range of poses for all levels of practice, from a beginner’s Adho Mukha Svanasana (“Downward-Facing Dog”) to an advanced Kapotasana (“King Pigeon Pose”). Now that the warm spring weather is upon us, try practicing yoga outdoors on your porch, at the park, or the beach. The combination of the warmth from the sun and fresh air is both serene and absolutely invigorating!

Paddle Around
Kayaking is a great water sport that really works out the upper body and gets you fabulously toned arms and shoulders! There are six different classifications of kayaking, ranging from the extreme whitewater gut-wrenching rapids (a thrill-seekers dream) to leisurely touring/general recreation. If you don’t feel like tackling on a kayak by yourself, many are built to hold up to three people. So gather some girlfriends and paddle around the lake while enjoying the beautiful nautical scenery.

Other fun outdoor water activities:
• Canoeing
• Paddle-boating
• Swimming

Hide & Seek
Do you CRAVE adventure? We do too! That’s where the sport of Geocaching comes in. Geocaching is a high-tech outdoor sport of treasuring hunting using a GPS device, clues and references to landmarks embedded in riddles or stories. The basic idea is to hide and seek hidden objects in containers (geocaches) and then share your experiences in the logbook and online. There are many variations of geocaches for all levels of adventure seekers. For those who really want a challenge, we hear there is a geocache hidden in Antartica. Happy hunting!

Sprint into Spring
Do you ever get bored with workouts at the gym and feel like a hamster in a wheel on the treadmill? We do! Spring is the start of running season, so lace up those sneakers and head outdoors for a jog. The great thing about running outdoors is you can change your route to keep things interesting. There are also tons of races during running season, ranging from a quick 5K to a full marathon, and many of these races support fundraising for charities. Did we mention that you also get cute t-shirts to show off to your friends?

Treat the Whole You at The Painted Nail!

April 17, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (1)

Katie Cazorla’s The Painted Nail isn’t just about nails.  It’s about pampering all of you!  Cazorla’s concept nail bar, located in Sherman Oaks is the perfect place for a pedicure or a manicure.  It’s also the perfect place to sit back, savor a sip (all services come with a complimentary cocktail) and relax with the girls.  Whether you CRAVE a nail party with your girlfriends or the hottest custom nail prints, waxing, eyelash extensions or some R & R reflexology, The Painted Nail is your destination.

Katie is thrilled to bring the best in nail service and more. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest from the creative connoisseur – the Boutique & Party Lounge has just been added and the Hair Bar is coming soon!  In the meantime, get familiar with Katie and The Painted Nail.  We’re CRAVING a fab treatment right now:

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Fun, Memorable, Unique.

What are your most popular products or services?
Definitely would have to be the “Ice Cream Sundae Mani/Pedi.”  You can chose Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry! Yummy!  Plus people really like to buy our t-shirts, they are just like James Perse but $24 (Love It)!

People may be surprised to know…
That I was a “Stand-Up Comic” for 10 years before I opened the The Painted Nail

What or who inspires you?
People that come from “nothing to something,” whether it’s big or small.  People who make an impact or become a success story all by working hard without  expecting it to be handed to them. I love a great success story like it’s nobody’s business!

If you could choose only one nail treatment or color what would it be?
Definitely the Sorbet Sugar Mama Pedicure that we do at the nail bar.  I live for this treatment – Hot Soak, Hot Towels, Sugar Scrub, Massage, Glitter Polish in Purple – HEAVEN!

Who is your role model or mentor?
Any women who had a great idea and “WENT FOR IT”! I am so in awe of plenty of people, I could never name just one!

How do you spend your free time?
Thinking what more I can do to make my store better.  Free time makes me nervous – So I guess in my free time I SLEEP.

What is your indulgence?
Love going to Shabu Shabu, love to buy Louboutin’s.  I  love singing and dancing and love DVR Reality Shows,

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I CRAVE people having a better understanding of what I am trying to do with The Painted Nail.  WE deserve a better way of getting our nails done and I want to provide that!  I CRAVE growing and showing that I CAN do this and I am not going anywhere! Bad Economy or Not, I am here to stay and better the “Nail Salon Industry!”

For more information on The Painted Nail visit thepaintednail.com or go check out the latest and greatest in nail fashion in person at 13327 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks.

Bright, Beautiful, Blissful – We’re Craving These Blooms

April 14, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (0)

As hibernation comes to an end, what better way to celebrate the sun than with a bunch of your favorite flowers?  Whether you’re after the perfect peonies for mom, a carnation corsage for your prom-goer, a budding bouquet for that springtime wedding, or a pick-me-up for yourself, Los Angeles is blooming with fantastic flowers.  Be sure to check out these flower shops we CRAVE.  With so many budding options, you’ll be smelling the roses all spring long!

Botany - botanyflowers.com

Their sidewalk shop might be small, but Stacie Rubaum and Stephanie Schur share a space that is blooming with the seasons brightest and most beautiful buds.  The duo’s regulars are testament to the business’s familiar feel and the freshness of the flowers.  If you’re looking for an addition to an outstanding arrangement, be sure to score some gardening tools, candles and lotions.  We’re loving the shop’s ever-so-quaint, cozy vibe!  So head over to Botany and discover the flowers and family for yourself.

Lauryl Lane - wwwlauryllane.com

With her flair for flowers and fashion, Lauryl Lane is sure to set you up with dream flowers for your dream wedding.  Check out Lauryl’s portfolio – we’re daydreaming about the “Anthropologie Ambiance” wedding right now.   This avant-garde designer is renowned for her versatility, attention to detail, vision for creative color-texture combos and love of organic flowers.  With an ability to connect with her clients to bring their floral fantasies to life, you’re sure to find a lifetime worth of memories with Lauryl Lane’s masterpieces.

Stephanie Grace - www.stephaniegrace.com

With the personalized charm and charisma she brings to her vibrant blooming arrangements, Stephanie Grace is sure to make any event – whether it be Valentine’s Day, your wedding day or any other – a day to remember.  With Stephanie Grace, the world of flowers is blossoming with possibilities.  We’re craving her “Rebecca” arrangement right now. Beyond her floral designs, Stephanie Grace applies her vision to entire events as well.  Check out Stephanie’s latest designs, and we guarantee you’ll be floating in flower heaven.

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