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

Hello, Summer!

June 21, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

How many times a year do we utter the words, “If only there were more hours in the day…”? Well, on the summer solstice, you will get your wish since today, the sun shines longer than any other day of the year. Today of course also marks the official start of summer, and with it, we celebrate all the best things about this much-anticipated season! To welcome the return of flip-flops, barbecue’s, vacations and more, we’ve compiled a list of activities to do in order to take advantage of those extra minutes of sunlight. Grab your friends and family and head out – you won’t want to miss a second of your summer solstice celebration!

A picnic is a simple no-brainer for a summer occasion, but you might decide to get a little creative for the special occasion by coordinating a late-night sunset picnic in your city’s most scenic setting. Bring a playlist of songs with the word “sun” in them to set the right mood.

If you’re an avid outdoors-woman, you’ll want to really maximize your extra minutes of rays! Head out for an evening hike, run, or bike ride and extend it a little longer than usual. You’ll get an extra boost knowing that this is the only night you’ll be able to savor the sunlight during your routine workout.

Spending your solstice doing water activities is an excellent idea if you live near a body of water. Boating, surfing, kayaking, or even just lounging beachside will give you that summer glow you’ve been missing all winter. Plus, watching the sun lower over sparkling waves is a sight that can hardly be beat, and one you’ll want to store in your memory for the next winter.

Say Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball and sends rain instead of shine, well don’t let that stop you from enjoying the spirit of the day. Curling up with a book and hot tea can be relaxing during a summer rainfall or storm especially if enjoyed from a patio or porch. If the day is more gray gloom than thrilling boom, head to your local arboretum or greenhouse to get your tropical nature fix.

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.

Interview with Milena of Milena’s Boutique

March 26, 2010 by Megan S. | Comments (0)

We CRAVE candles. We love chocolate scented candles, think floral scented candles are fabulous, and lust after sugary candles. Milena Popovich, owner of Milena’s Boutique  loves candles too, but wanted to make candles that are not only yummy, but healthy and eco-friendly. This fabulous entrepreness crafts handmade candles which are made of 100% kosher vegetable soy, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and are biodegradable. The candles go beyond just smelling fantastic; for additional pampering, the vegetable soy can be dabbed on rough areas of the skin as a moisturizer. The luxe items in this boutique feature 200 scents of candles as well as luxe spa products. Let’s thank Milena for creating a candle that is entirely good for you as we talk with her about her boutique.

Tell us about why you decided to create an eco friendly candle.

First and foremost, I am a vegan for health reasons. Thus, I was very concerned about of our environment long before the eco and green awareness. I love candles so I decided to make an eco, one of a kind candle. All of the scents were created in my own private laboratory in Los Angeles, California: a labor of love.

Who do you design these candles for?

I don’t design candles for any special clientele; however, my candles have a special appeal to everyone. Some notable celebrities such as: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, Jane Fonda, Danny Glover, Alicia Keys, and  The Pussycat Dolls continue to buy candles at my store.

People may be surprised to know…

People may be surprised to know that each of my candles is handmade and individually packaged. The candles are made from the finest quality ingredients, and, my candles are the number #1 selling candle at Melina’s Boutique in Japan.

What is your favorite scent you have created?

While working I am constantly thinking of how I can make my customers happy by creating new fragrances for them to enjoy. Since I have created so many scents, I guess I can say that all of the scents are my favorites.

What is your indulgence?

In terms of indulgence, it’s taking time and care in creating the perfect candle for all to enjoy. I crave to be healthy in life, successful in business, and to create the best scented candle in the world.

Find Milena’s Boutique

323.655.9999
8302 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Floral Art: Interview with Jennifer McGarigle

March 19, 2010 by Megan S. | Comments (0)

CRAVE knows that the beauty of floral arrangements can enhance any room. A gift of a custom designed floral arrangement is enough to make any girl feel like a goddess. At Floral Art, located in the heart of Venice, owner Jennifer McGarigle has created a lush flower emporium offering floral arrangements, store installations, event décor, and home furnishings. We love the chic Floral Art signature vases that are paired with each custom designed arrangement. Come celebrate the power of flower as we talk to Jennifer!

What makes a beautiful home?
Flowers!  

What is the most memorable floral arrangement you have received?
A huge bouquet of Sweet Peas my mother picked from the garden, when I was ten.

People may be surprised to know…
Flowers don’t have to be limited to a vase.

What do you think about when you are designing?
The natural shape, color, and innate style of individual flowers and how these characteristics translate to furniture.  I like to think of the inherit, graceful stems of a calla lily, for example, and how their natural shape lends themselves to the vertical design of a bench.

What is your indulgence?
Chairs: I have a fetish for them the way most women do for shoes. When I see one with a specific personality and charm, I can’t resist.

What do you CRAVE in business and in life?
To make beautiful things, work with people I enjoy, travel, and to eat good food.

Find Floral Art

310.392.1633
1338 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice California 90291

Send Your Thanks This Thanksgiving

November 24, 2009 by Gina | Comments (0)

With Thanksgiving around the corner what better way to celebrate then to send out some Thank You cards. Whether you want to say Thanks for the gift, Thanks for being a good friend, or Thanks for the favor, sending a Thank You card is a great way to connect with those who matter to you. Check out these shops for some great Thank You cards and much more.

Made by Jackie (www.etsy.com/shop/madebyjackie) is Jackie’s online cards and gifts shop. All of her cards and gifts are completely handmade with attention to detail and quality. Online you may find cards, gift tags, journals, invitations, notepads, party items, stickers, and many other paper goods. If you don’t see any Thank You cards you like or would like to have some custom made, just contact Jackie and she’ll be happy to make the perfect cards just for you!

Hard Cards (hardcardsrule.com) are hilarious greeting cards designed by Randi Rulayne Picarelli and Stacey Leigh Rifkin. You can shop their cards online or visit a number of local retailers which they have listed on their website. These Thank You cards are out of the ordinary and very “hard”.  I guarantee you’ll get either a laugh or shock out of the recipients of one of these cards.

The Thank You cards at Paper Loop (paper-loop.com ) are cute and really unique. You can shop their online store or email them to find a retailer near you. Paper Loop has colorfully designed cards for birthdays, holidays, thank you, love and everyday. “Paper Loop is 1 part retro, 1 part modern, 100% fun.”

Another great paper store is Soolip Paperie and Press (soolip.com) in West Hollywood. You can shop their beautiful array of cards and paper goods online or in store. Not only do they have Thank You cards but they also offer wedding planning services, gifts, and home décor.

Now that you know where to go to get your cards, start giving THANKS!