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

Who IS that woman wearing the great dress?

April 30, 2010 by Kathy | Comments (0)

Coco Chanel said “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

Those are words that CRAVE women live by and Lisa Rubin is the woman who you can have in your corner as your secret weapon for amazing style and sophistication- no matter how big or small your budget (or your bottom, for that matter!) . “Lisa is part fashion guru, part coach, part therapist” says a long time client. She counts on Lisa to insure she puts her best foot forward in all of her professional meetings as a CFO of a medical device company. “I had the nightmare of going to a warm climate for business after I gained 20 unwanted pounds- I was sure I could not look attractive and confident. Lisa assured me she would find everything I needed to wear from sunup to sundown that would allow me to focus on matters more important than my body image. She absolutely delivered and I felt wonderful the entire trip -PLUS, I can wear all the clothes at home as well!”

This Spring, have you looked into your closet and cringed, looking for the “right” thing to wear? Do you ever buy pieces that you think will look great only to find that you rarely, if ever, feel good when you put them on?   Lisa is the most affordable piece of your wardrobe budget- she is so cost effective you will actually spend LESS when she advises you on what truly works for your lifestyle, budget and body style.

Caught yourself saying “Why does she always look so put together and I don’t?”. In this economy and with our lives and budgets stretched to the max, Lisa provides the most efficient way to get the most out of every piece of clothing in your closet. Busy professionals, new moms, women entering into the workforce again as well as women who have gained/lost significant weight ALL HIRE LISA for her ability to tailor her solutions for each individual.

Lisa Rubin brings 25 years of experience and impeccable taste to each of her clients so they can confidently go about their day in the boardroom, courtroom, client meeting, school or special event.  If you want to be confident that your wardrobe projects the image you intend, Lisa is the woman to work with. For over 20 years, women have counted on Lisa to save them hundreds of dollars, not to mention HOURS as well as anquish, working with them quickly and expertly in determining the best pieces for them.

As you stare into your closet this spring, wondering what to wear to important Spring and Summer events- call Lisa. I guarantee you will be thrilled you did. Don’t you want to be the woman that everyone says “Who IS that woman in the great dress”?

“Fashion passes, style remains”, Coco Chanel.

Lisa Rubin, Wardrobe Consultant
612-747-6695
lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net
2435 Emerald Trail Minnetonka, MN 55305

We Dream of Greens

April 28, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

Every CRAVE girl knows that part of keeping her mind and body happy comes from eating the right stuff. But we also know how hard that can be for the urban gal who juggles a lot more on her plate than just dinner. Luckily, these local entreprenesses have got us covered when it comes to fresh, nutrient-packed meals that will make you forget everything you ever thought you knew about salads. With locally-grown ingredients and creative flavor combinations to shock and awe your taste buds, your figure won’t be the only one paying compliments to the chef.

Birchwood Cafe in the Seward neighborhood is every bit a down-home dining spot, with chefs that put as much attention and care into choosing their ingredients as your mom did. The cafe emphasizes the importance of good, real food which means that the menus are full of local, organic, fair trade, and sustainably grown items that taste as good as they sound. Try this: Wild Acres Smoked Chicken, Grilled Portabellas, Fennel, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Toasted Hazelnuts and Wisconsin Gruyere on Spinach & Arugula with Preserved Lemon & Fennel Pollen Vinaigrette

When you’re especially pressed for time but refuse to pick up your meal through a drive-through window, Yum! Kitchen and Bakery in St. Louis Park is the perfect solution. Order ahead online or by phone for a single lunch or for an upcoming event, or dine inside. The menu boasts a large selection of salads, sandwiches, and of course a full bakery and is a great breakfast spot as well. For lunch or dinner, try this: Pacific Rim Salad with red curry glazed ahi tuna, romaine, pineapple, hearts of palm, red pepper & scallions with coconut dressing.

Cafe Barbette in Uptown is everything an urban girl could CRAVE. With a long list of “best of” accolades, the Twin Cities seems to agree: this little gem of a restaurant is a go-to spot for every occasion from Sunday Brunch to date night to girls night out. The arrival of spring means that Barbette’s quaint patio seating is now open. Grab a friend and an outside table for people-watching, and try their signature French Nicoise Salad: Ahi, sweet peppers, purple potato, shaved fennel, hard boiled egg, green beans, and anchovies.

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.

Q&A with Kate-Madonna of girl.meets.geek

April 23, 2010 by Karina | Comments (1)

Kate-Madonna doesn’t mind being called a geek. In fact, it’s become somewhat of a pen name for this social media maven, ingenious inspirer, and winning wordsmith. For the past eight years, she has spun and cast a wide web across the Twin Cities and beyond, motivating individuals and organizations to unlock and pursue their passions through social media and marketing. With countless speaking engagements, nationally printed articles, and her wildly praised blog girl.meets.geek, we were thrilled just to be able to catch up with her! Here, she discusses her non-conventional approach to goal-setting,  grown-up movie theatres, and how her daughter keeps her focused on what’s most important.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Human. Honest. Connective.

What is something people may be surprised to know about your job…
I consider it after the birth of my daughter to be my life’s greatest work. I’m given a platform to tell people that being authentic is the ticket to sales, success and relationships that MATTER—there’s nothing better than that. My job is something that I’m constantly learning from, and bringing to new levels. I have no business plan: Can you believe that? The moment I make a goal, I feel that I box myself in. I have my guidelines and hopes- and I plan to exceed them all.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I’ve been blogging for almost eight years and dreaming of becoming a writer since I was 7. It wasn’t until last year when I looked around the room of potential job seekers and realized that the dream of wanting to change lives never went away, it just took another form. The business found me, and I’ve never, ever looked back.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My daughter. Hands down this child reminds me of the need to calm down and back away from the computer, or get onto the floor. Routinely you can find me singing along to the animated toys with her in the Target toy aisle. Without her perfect silliness, I’m really nothing. Additionally, there is a a mentor I was given in business years ago who with his wife, have always been there through my greatest failures and successes. Never before have I had someone to look me straight in the eye and say, “Fail Anyway. You’ll learn from it.” Mr. Pollack’s passion for shaping me into who I am really has humbled me to see what I can do to give back.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
As a woman, I’ve undersold who I was to try to play with the bigger players. I found that when I believed in my value, people were often willing to pay more than I imagined for my services because I believed I was worth it. I’ll never doubt my value again.

How do you spend your free time?
It’s split between a new obsession, spin cycling class at Lifetime Fitness, to which I’ve only recently understood the beauty of padded riding pants and cheerfully watching The Wiggles for the 89th time.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
It’s only recently we’ve found the VIP theater at the Mall of America. For a few bucks more than a normal movie you’re served WINE during the movie and no one under 21 is allowed in. This means peaceful enjoyment and couch-like seating. It’s a mecca for me and friends and often, it’s the recipient of the ‘wine giggles’ after our 1/2 glass and another viewing of, “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave stories, passion and everyday miracles. When someone opens up to me, or I’m able to connect with another soul- I’m content. I also crave sinks that do my dishes for me and a preschooler that doesn’t think it’s hilarious to turn off the bathroom light when I’m in the shower, but whatever: little things first, right?

Here comes the sun, here comes the style!

April 21, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

One of our favorite parts of spring – besides warmer weather, the return of the Twins, and fresh flowers all around us – is the chance it gives us to clean out our closets! Because once you’ve rid yourself of that pilly sweater that should have been tossed three seasons ago, you’ll have even more space to fill it with the CRAVE-worthy items of the season. And in the spirit of renewal and rebirth, why not take some chances on your wardrobe selections by picking out something you ordinarily wouldn’t? Try out a new color or different style of jeans; add some fun patterns (polka-dots and florals will be big) or mix up your accessories with some loud statement pieces. Our lovely metropolis has a bevy of boutiques to provide you with the inspiration you’ll CRAVE to complete your new spring look.

If there weren’t already a dozen reasons to visit the historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood in St. Paul, Karma (867 Grand Ave.) is another. Housing an eclectic mix of designers, the store carries heels, handbags, and everything in between. Made for “the modern bohemian”, Karma is both chic and laid-back, but altogether unique.

A long, long time ago, the Twin Cities fashionista would have had to travel long distances to get their designer fix before the season’s end. Now, they go to OPM Boutique (3700 Grand Way). With top designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander McQueen, OPM is not shy about its fashion addiction. But the boutique also carries designers that will cover a range of price points. If you’re curious about the fabulous world of luxury fashion, consider OPM Boutique your gateway spot.

It’s no coincidence this boutique calls itself Covered (1201 Lagoon Ave.), because when it comes to finding you the most flattering pair of jeans in the city, that’s exactly what they’ll do. Located in the heart of Uptown near Lake Calhoun, the shop matches the neighborhood’s laid-back feel to a T. Stop in for a visit, and get yourself fitted; or call ahead to arrange a private shopping party for any type of occasion.

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?

Interview with Inizio’s Patricia Hefferan

April 17, 2010 by Karina | Comments (1)

Nestled in South Minneapolis, Inizio (2309 W. 50th Street) is a true treasure trove, filled to the brim with fun gifts, unique clothing, artisan jewelry, cards, and baby gifts. One can easily find great gifts under $25 for all occasions. Owner Patricia Hefferan has made it a priority to carry local, handmade and recycled merchandise, making for an even more delightful experience for the discerning shopper. We sat down with Patricia to talk about Inizio and the ups and downs of owning your own business.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Sassy, Classy, Unexpected

What are your most popular products or services?
Our unique and unusual collection of artisan jewelry and our eco-friendly assortment of handmade, local, and fair trade products.

People may be surprised to know…
That Inizio means «beginning» in Italian. It was the beginning of a new and exciting venture for me 10 years ago when I started the business.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always had a bit of entrepreneurial spirit in me. It was a goal of mine since high school to have my own business.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have had the good fortune to work with women who have been unwavering in their encouragement and support of me.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Thinking that expansion was a next step to success. After opening and quickly closing a second store, I realized that bigger is not always better.

How do you spend your free time?
Reading, practicing yoga, gardening and spending time with my family.

What is your indulgence?
Vacations, wine, chocolate and sleeping in.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere that invites a few hours of fun and escape.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
More time!! I always want to do more in all aspects of my life. There is so much to experience and enjoy.

MNFashionWeek kicks off with Envision Artopia

April 16, 2010 by Mimi J. | Comments (0)

The fashion forward of the Twin Cities flocked to the Graves 601 hotel last Saturday for Envision Artopia an evening that fused art, music and fashion into one stellar event. What’s more? Three of CRAVE’s own played essential roles in the success of the evening: VimLab Promotions headed the PR, OPM showcased their hottest spring trends, and Cafe Barbette provided a luxury nosh of fresh oysters on the half shell. Naturally I had to go and check it out to give CRAVE readers the scoop on the hottest event in town.

In it’s third year, Envision is a bi-annual fashion event produced by the founders of Ignite Models, Allison Hamzephour and Jessica Cunningham, in conjunction with V2 Nightlife and Futuretime productions. VimLab’s Natalie Auger, who will be featured in the upcoming Minneapolis CRAVE guide, headed the promotions and PR for the event, and attracted the Twin Cities’ most stylish and elite residents to the venue. The new name, Envision Artopia, was inspired by the exciting new addition of creating a mural live during the event by local artists. It was sold at the silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the Young Survival Coalition.

In the packed venue fashionistas clinked glasses and mingled, checking out the art displays, sampling oysters on the half shell from a CRAVE favorite, Cafe Barbette, and sampling a selection of wine and cheese. As people continued to pour in from the gorgeous Spring evening, three hairstylists demonstrated live how to match a model’s hair to a look on the stage.

As the gorgeous and dressed to kill crowd made their way to their seats the fast pace runway show began.We are thrilled to be featuring OPM in our CRAVE guide of Minneapolis and St. Paul and I was so excited to see the fun looks OPM provided for the Envision show. From bold patterned shifts, to structured shoulders, to cut-to-there dresses, they impressed us with their super stylish yet completely wearable selection for spring. Other Twin Cities boutiques, including Bumpershute, Drama, Elsworth Mens, Local Motion, Vstate and Cliche also showed us their best Spring looks on the leggy and edgy Ignite Models.

After the display of trends from the boutiques and a quick intermission to mingle and refill our glasses, local designers Amanda Christine, Arwyn Birch, Jenny Carle, Kjurek Couture, Peloria, Sarah M. Holm, Russell Bourrienne and Rose White had a chance to showcase their work.

With long runways, live music and art installations, a silent auction and a venue packed to the rafters with trend setters from the Twin Cities…it felt like I had been transported out of the Midwest–what a perfect way to celebrate the beginning of Spring and the start of Minnesota Fashion Week!

For more info:

Envision

www.envisionmpls.com

VimLab Promotions Inc.

www.vimlab.com

Barbette

www.barbette.com

OPM

www.opmboutique.com

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