Browse

our directory of women-owned businesses

Author Archive

Dangerous Foods Hiding in Your Pantry

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.

When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies.

Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models. Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.

Top 5 pantry foods to replace

Bread crumbs

OUT - The packaged stuff. Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents.
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.

Broth

OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock. Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients.
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).

Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays

OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter.

Salad Dressing and Sauces

OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce.
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon.

Vanilla

OUT
- Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!

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 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.

Interview with Natasha of Byu-ti Salon

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Byu-ti Salon founder Natasha Sunshine knew she wanted to have her own salon by the age of 5. With a mission to not only make people look better, but to feel better on the inside as well, Natasha runs her business with the motto: “Give Goodness”. Find out a little more about Natasha and what she has learned from her business.

What are your most popular products or services?
The service we are most recognized for are our Signature Hair Therapy treatments that are custom-blended for each guests needs. Our number one product is our Bio-Niu vitamins, they grow your hair at warp speed!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Goodness gracious, I opened a ten chair salon with with one stylist (without a clientele) and myself and no marketing plan. Don’t do that!

What is your indulgence?
Reading in bed upon waking, a full bodied glass of red wine, lazy days.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I love hiking with girlfriends. Nature tends to bring our true natures out so it’s a great way to go a little deeper.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I’m not driven necessarily by money but I am driven by lifestyle. I CRAVE freedom, space and time in my schedule. I CRAVE building a business that creates opportunity for it’s employees. I CRAVE travel with family and friends. And I love fine food and clothing and basking in the sunshine.

Check out more details and information about Byu-ti Salon on their website.

How to Plan Your Perfect Summer Party

Friday, May 14th, 2010

 

Planning a party can be loads of fun but let’s be totally honest…planning and attending the same party can be tough. That’s why CRAVE asked Christina Murphy, who runs LA Glam Events with her partner Erin Preuss to give us a few pointers. The good news is that with a little planning and creative magic you can host a party everyone (including you) will love!

With the summer party season about to get into full swing starting on Memorial Day Weekend it’s a perfect time to treat your friends to a love-everything-about-summer party that will set the standard for everyone else. (And no, it doesn’t require boatloads of cash or a swank Hampton’s seaside soirees.)

4 easy ways to make your Memorial Day BBQ better than everyone else’s

1)   Invites: Evites are ok, Paperless Post is so cool (but pricey) and so why stick to the norm. A trip to the 99 Cents store will yield a plethora of fun and funky ideas. It’s much less expensive than you would think to send unusual invites and it’s a great way to make your party stand out from the rest. Mix and match and let your imagination run wild. It’s half the fun.

2)   Food: it’s sort of crucial to a good party. Nothing is more delicious and easy than good old fashion burgers on the grill and burgers don’t have to boring. Add an array of interesting self-serve toppings like sautéed mushrooms, arugula, bacon, avocado, etc to create a gourmet burger bar. You can even ask people to write down their custom burger, name it and take pictures for your own Burger Hall of Fame.

3)   Cocktails: a trip to your local farmers market will start your inner mixologist juices flowing. Take all the favs (fresh squeezed OJ, grapefruit, lemon and lime) throw in some new twists (muddle berries, pineapple or watermelon) and some smoothie-like purees (cantaloupe, honeydew, banana and mango).Use some basic alcohols and set it all out for people to create their own signature cocktail. People love experimenting and the bonus is for the people who are going adult-beverage free they can make a killer virgin version of the same thing.

4)   Décor: for some seriously-talented-crafty types décor is a hallmark of their parties. For me, with limited time, décor needs to be simple and accessible. My favorite budget friendly décor item is cotton quilt fabrics. These fabrics are your new, super crafty best friend. You can make awesome mix and match table overlays (most standard fabrics aren’t wide enough for a full table linen) but they make cute overlays either over whatever linens already have or over plain white sheets hemmed to fit your table. Mix patterns and colors to create a really festive look.

The good news is all these projects are relatively easy and don’t require a bunch of time or money. Just give yourself a week to work on your décor projects in the evening  and prep your food and juices the morning of your event and you will be able to party-hardy with all your pals!

 

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

Monday, April 26th, 2010

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!

Asparagus and Brown Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Serves 4

For the Dijon vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove or shallot, finely minced or pureed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:

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 ¼-1/2 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

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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.

Find Your Inner Peace

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Living in such a bustling city, it sometimes feels like all we are ever doing is trying to keep up with our own schedules. Make it a point to try to slow your life down a bit for a change.  Going through the motions can start to feel robotic, but if you take the time to contemplate your life and your goals you will feel not only more focused but more at peace with where you are now. At CRAVE we believe that there are many different ways to find peace, whether it’s practicing yoga, getting pampered, or re-arranging your living space. Check out our picks for the best places and ways to add a little more zen to your life.

Still Yoga  

At Still Yoga owned Erika Glass, you can practice Anusara Yoga. Anusara means “flowing with grace” or “to follow your heart”, and it is heart-oriented and spiritually inspiring. Erika opened her stuiod with the purpose of creating a place for positive change and health in the community, which sounds to us like a great mission statement. Your body, mind and conscience will thank you for visiting this sustainable studio. Sounds like a great way to start down the path of  finding more peace in your life. Click.

The Painted Nail

Definitely a way to experience some Hollywood glamour, The Painted Nail owned by Katie Cazorla creates an exclusive vibe so that you will feel spoiled and pampered. They offer a VIP mani/pedi cabana which features massage chairs and flat screen TVs so you can feel like a celeb for the day. Beautiful lavender walls and plush, living room style chairs certainly fall under our definition of finding inner peace. Click.

Feng Shui Living

Want to find balance and peace in your life but don’t know where to start? How about letting LA based fen shui expert Jayme Barrett increase the harmony in your abode. Jayme describes feng shui as a practical tool that can have a multitude of positive benefits which can, “restore your health and vitality, create a beautiful and peaceful environment, jump start your career or business, and find your purpose in life”. Still recovering from a bad living situation you had in the past? The art of feng shui can even “cleanse energy from past partner or roommate”. Release control of your current arrangements and allow this ancient art to let the positive energy flow. Click.

Best Places to Sip and Savor with your Girlfriends

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

It’s easy for all of us to get stuck in our weekly routines: go to work, come home and make dinner, relax on the couch, go to bed, repeat. Instead of forcing yourself to wait for the weekend to go out and have fun, why not make it a point to schedule a mid-week rendezvous with the girls to revitalize your energy? Since we all CRAVE a good gab/vent session to relieve some stress,  we have compiled a list of some great places that you and your friends can check out any day of the week and make it your new routine to swap stories while sipping and noshing on some of the city’s finest offerings.

Thyme Cafe & Market, owned by Maire Byrne

With a large selection of fresh, seasonal foods, this market is not only a great place to pick up food to make at home- it also has a great café where you can you choose from some mouthwatering gourmet sandwiches and salads. The grilled salmon salad sounds light and delicious, or indulge in a gruyere grilled cheese. Click.

Jar, owned by Suzanne Tracht

Come to this modern chophouse for Suzpree Little Bites every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night at the bar. This special menu features six small sized selections for only $6-$10! Share several with your pals and have enough cash left over for one of their signature cocktails. We have our sights set on the Sourberry: ketel one citron, muddled straw-berries fresh lemon, and simple syrup. Click.

Huckleberry Café, owned by Zoe Nathan (co-owner along with her husband)

This café offers a large selection of tasty baked goods and savory meals. They also have weekday specials which create a perfect excuse for a mid-week get together. Head over on a Wednesday for a deal on their Deck Oven Pizza, or celebrate Taco Thursday! Click.

 Left Coast Wine Bar & Gallery, owned by Rachelle Ryan

What could be better than a place with wine and live music every night? With a selection of over 400 different wines, make sure you and your friends each try a new one! Come on Tuesday when they offer wine tasting and become more of a connoisseur. Click.

Tips to Jump Start Your Spring Cleaning

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

March is right around the corner, and it’s about this time when New Year’s goals and resolutions fall by the way side as the reality and craziness of the year crank into full swing. With March approaching this also means spring is coming and it’s time for spring cleaning, rearranging and reorganization. At this point in the year it might be handy to have some tips and tricks to help you reorganize for the spring keep you organized in the coming months. So for this week’s “best of” we bring to you the Best of Organization Tips – from a couple of LA’s pro organizers. We hope you walk away with skills to help you achieve functional organization and improve efficiency and “butt-kicking” ability!

dClutterfly

Owner Tracy McCubbin  knows it is easy to get overwhelmed by the clutter in our home or offfice. She has set out on a mission to help you see through your chaos and maintain a more organized environment. She sent us these great tips to jump start your spring cleaning:

-Before you start attacking your closet, know where you plan to donate and give the stuff you don’t want to.  It makes it easier to part with something if you know where it’s going. 

-Just because you paid a lot of money for something doesn’t mean it’s worth keeping.  If you’ve had an article of clothing, pair of shoe, purse for two years and haven’t worn them then chances are you aren’t going to. Accept that it was a mistake and let it go.

-Shoes don’t go from uncomfortable to comfortable.  If they hurt when you bought them, they are going to continue to hurt!

-Keep clothes for the life you live and not the life you think you live.  Everything in your closet should make you happy, not make you feel bad about yourself.  Embrace your style and get rid of the clothes that don’t work.

Want more from tips from Tracy? Click here.

Operation Organization

Owner Katrina Cameron is dedicated to creating positive change in your life, and helping you organize your residential or commercial space. Some of the useful tips from her website include:

-Choose materials that will match your space

-If possible, purchase containers to be on display, in the same color scheme as your current furnishings or accent hardware.

-Color-coordinate when possible, especially when it comes to  your closet.  A closet organized by color will help you save time when deciding what to wear.

-Less is more: The less stuff out in the open you can see, the better.

-Take the time to decorate every room in the house, they all could use a little TLC.

Want more tips from Katrina? Click here.

Best Places to Find Baby Shower Gifts

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

 

For those of us that have not reached the point of motherhood, it can still be fun to pretend for a bit and purchase some super cute baby clothes and accessories!  Go ahead and indulge your maternal instincts and pick out something for one of your friends who is a mommy-to-be! Don’t have a baby shower on your calendar?  Anything that comes in a size that can fit a newborn is bound to be adorable so you are bound to find something you cannot resist- you can save it for a future shower or, who knows, maybe one of your own! We found the spots you must check out for the ultimate in baby glamour.

Jenny Bec’s

Jenny Bec’s is filled with super cute finds for your new tot to wear, as well as toys to play with and baby-safe bubble bath! We love the tiny camouflage socks for newborns and the hooded bath towel to wrap up your water baby. For those that don’t shy away from frills, you will adore the tiny tutu and headband set! Click.

The Little Seed

The Little Seed’s co-founders Soleil Moon Frye and Paige Goldberg Tolmach set out to create a store and website “where parents had the option to purchase stylish organic and eco products exclusively”. In addition to their fabulous products, The Little Seed shopping experience includes an arts and crafts area for little ones and educational seminars for parents! Pick up a brightly colored onesie and organic teether for the new baby and some safe and eco-friendly finger paint for big brother or sister. Click.

Poppy Store

Jenny Belushi and Heather Whitney’s Poppy Store is the perfect destination to spoil a new bundle of love. The luxe knit baby booties are delicate and adorable, and who doesn’t live for itty bitty newborn shoes? The Glamour Shoes in gold or silver are perfect for little ladies while the Infant Supergas (“a tiny version of the classic Italian sneakers”) is great for little boys! Click.

Right Bank Babies

Owner Ellen Uzarowicz named this shop is based on the Right Bank of the Seine River in Paris, the fashion district. It’s no surprise then that the patterned onsies and printed jumpers from Right Bank Babies are some of the most precious baby-wear we have ever laid eyes. Any little man will be dashing in a green plaid wool blazer, and we CRAVE the reversible umbrella skirt for girls. Click.

Let Them Eat Cupcakes

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Okay so we are pretty sure everyone is thoroughly obsessed with cupcakes. There might still be a couple out there thinking, “Cupcakes? Really? I don’t get it!” Well here are a few bakeries that specialize in cupcakes that just might make those few finally “get it” and jump on the cupcake bandwagon!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Cupcake maven Candace Nelson’s Sprinkles had been described by the Los Angeles Times as “the progenitor of the haute cupcake craze”. Sprinkles was the first cupcake bakery in Beverly Hills. Topped with their trademark modern dot, these elegant cakes are in high demand. They have all the usual flavors, as well as sophisticated options such as chai latte and ginger lemon. Sprinkles now offers vegan and gluten free red velvet cupcakes to serve those who usually have to stay away from these small delights! Click

Susie Cakes

You have to love a place where you can buy a whoopie pie! Susan Sarich’s signature frosting filled cupcakes sound like the perfect splurge, the chocolate mint sounds to die for! You can also pick up bite-sized mini cupcakes for a smaller treat…or maybe just as an excuse to try multiple flavors. Click        

Vanilla Bake Shop

Amy Berman has a  sleek and modern design to her cakes, all full of decadent layers and fillings. They have a daily menu of cupcakes as well as a rotating menu for each day of the week. While the individuals are tempting enough…one of their specialties is the impressive cupcake towers holding as many as 175 cupcakes plus 300 cupcake babies! Click

Violet’s Cakes

Denise Weber is living her dream by owning her own cupcake shop. Some of her recipes are based on her grandmother’s classics, and other flavors include: eggnog, snickerdoodle with cinnamon butter crème, French toast, and Elvis (banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting). Her specialty cakes are intricate and show mastery in frosting artistry. She also designs wondrous wedding cakes. Click