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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Sweeten Your Summer
Summer is full of childhood memories of popsicles by the pool, ice cream cones melting down your arm while you lick it as fast as you can and s’mores around the campfire. Maybe our tastes have developed from way back then (or maybe not), but a summer treat is still a great recharger when it is sweltering outside! Even if you haven’t been to yoga and pilates in a few weeks, you deserve a sweet treat just for hanging in there during these dog days of summer in Minneapolis. We’ve been on the search for some summer treats and are excited about what we found!
Birchwood Café
Pie, me oh my, we love pie! The desserts from Tracy Singleton’s Birchwood Café will satisfy your craving for the goodies your mom used to make. Chocolate banana cream pie, key lime pie, carrot cake, fruit cobbler- you may want to come with friends so you don’t have to choose just one! Don’t forget to make it a la mode, or maybe even through a root beer float into the mix. Click here.
Cake Eater Bakery
At the Cake Eater Bakery, owners/bakers Sheela Namakkal and Emily Moore Harris have an extensive collection of cupcake flavors with classics like chocolate with vanilla buttercream all the way to baklava and mojito (yes, these are still cupcake flavors). Other bakery items include muffins, cookies and great scone flavors including orange date and chipotle cheddar which are, in their own words, “warm like a hug”. Click here.
Salty Tart
Let’s face it, if we could live on bread alone-and not feel guilty about it- we would! At Salty Tart, they believe if not just bread, a gal can live on bread and pastries. The artisan sweet and savory options from Michelle Gayer definitely leave our mouths watering. Can’t plan an expensive trip to France this summer? Pick up a freshly baked cream-filled brioche, caramelized onion and goat cheese tart, a crème fraiche filled cake, or a rustic baguette and picnic in the park while you whisk yourself away with each bite. Click here.
America, It’s Your Birthday!
Let’s face it, we CRAVE any excuse to get together and throw a party with our best friends. What better reason than for a birthday? Happy Birthday America! Since every birthday should involved presents- why not think of some ways you and your friends can give back to your community to commemorate the occasion? Check in with local organizations who do volunteer work. Maybe you can spend the afternoon helping clean up a park, planting some trees, or participating in a food drive.
After a day of doing something good for your country, you can feel good about having a little fun at night for yourself! Get your friends together, nosh on some festive treats and try to catch a glimpse of your local fireworks show. Here are some recipes to inspire your celebration:
This first recipe is from a chef bloggess we adore, CakeSpy!
Hartford Election Day Cupcakes: This spicecake is light but flavorful; all your friends will love munching on these treats which you can decorate in red, white and blue.
Dry ingredients:
- 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
- 5 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon potato starch
- 1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
- Pinch of allspice
- Pinch of salt
- 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda
Wet ingredients:
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) butter, melted
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon rum
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Old-Fashioned Milk Buttercream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sip
While you are savouring some cupcakes, it is likely you will want something to sip as well. Here is a great list we found that lists five different themed cocktails: click. Are you adventurous? You have to try the first drink on the list- it includes jalapeno or Serrano peppers to add a little fire to your night. Prefer something a little sweeter to sip? Strawberry schnapps will be a key (red) ingredient for you. To give any red drinks a patriotic vibe try garnish with blueberries, blackberries or just throw in a blue straw!
Bring Out the Bikinis!
Even though summer just began a few days ago, chances are you’ve been thinking about your bikini bod for months! Here are some city spots where you can find some of the best, most original ways of whipping yourself into shape while also having a blast.
Tiger Athletics (see website for locations)
If you’re someone who thrives from intense, no-excuses type of training, this Twin Cities gym will provide the perfect dose of discipline to help you attain your fitness goals. Check out their Summer Athletic Camps for youth and adults to get your outdoor workouts in while the sun is still shining.
tigerathletics.com
Studio Cates (118.5 Chestnut St E)
This Stillwater studio is a favorite for many reasons, but especially for the wide range of heart-pumping, sweat-inducing classes they offer. Purchase a single class pass or packages of five, ten, or fifteen and take part in yoga sessions, pilates courses, body ballet, and bollywood-themed classes.
studiocates.net
Sigh Yoga + Boutique (612 W 54th St)
To really give your body a treat that it will thank you for, head to this Minneapolis yoga spot. Some of the best Twin Cities yoga teachers will train you in a variety of styles and levels, encouraging the exercise of both mind and body together. You’ll love the spa atmosphere after a strenuous session, and your body will love the attention too.
sighyoga.com
Hello, Summer!
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.
Q&A with Heather Peterson of Bread Art
Bread Art is a family owned and operated bakery that creates all of their outrageously delicious products from scratch in the store. With a bevy of goodies to tempt us, this Bayport bakery serves up handmade breads, pastries, cakes, pies, and other seasonal treats daily. Right now, Heather Peterson and her crew are taking advantage of the summer’s rhubarb selection, tossing them into perfect pies, chewy cookies, and delectable bars frosted with cream cheese. Aren’t you glad that whole ‘no-carbs’ business went out of style?
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Scrumptious, Tempting, Fresh
What are your most popular products or services?
We are best known for our amazing artisan breads and incredible pastries.
People may be surprised to know…
We have a full line of spectacular desserts and we do wedding cakes!
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not asking enough questions and just assuming that the other person has my best interest at heart.
How do you spend your free time?
With my family, especially watching my boy’s sporting events.
What is your indulgence?
A good book and a quiet moment.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
We love to go to The Good Earth and just sit and talk.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave peace and satisfaction. When all is said and done I want to be able to say «Life was good and I did great!
Bread Art
110 3rd St N
Bayport, MN 55003
breadart.biz
Hats Off, Celebrations On!
Each spring, we celebrate the return of backyard barbeque’s, the blossoming of hydrangea’s, and the accomplishments of the thousands upon thousands of spankin-new grads. We all know it’s not exactly smooth sailing out there for our latest diploma holders; but we want to do all we can to ensure the departure from school and foray into the working world is at least a little bit brighter (a little sparkle goes a long way). We’ve surveyed the land in search of all the elements that make up a great grad gift: utility, novelty, and FUN! Here are the unique shops and services we found, sure to be the second best thing your grad receives – next to that hard-earned diploma. And of course, all the shops feature one great gift for the future entreprenesses of the Twin Cities – the CRAVE Guidebook!
Cooks of Crocus Hill
Now that your graduate has exited university life, she won’t be able to rely on the quick, easy option of her student cafeteria for food. Why not celebrate her new freedom and independence with a crash course in culinary creations? This has an added bonus if your graduate happens to be moving back in with you, because you’ll have someone to cook you four-star meals!
cooksofcrocushill.com
The Life Styled
Every new college grad encounters the same dilemma upon entering the professional workforce: how to make the transition from sweatpants and sneakers to tailored suits and pumps. There is no better way to get your graduate off on the right well-heeled foot than with an image consulting session from the fashion-forward expert Catherine Sheppard. Oh, the places she’ll go in that perfect interview ensemble!
thelifestyled.com
RedStamp.com
Once the commencement speeches have ended, and the caps have been tossed, a graduate will need a way to stay in touch with her wide circle of friends and professors. Sure, she’s got Facebook but a handwritten note can say a lot more these days and can be especially noticeable to professional contacts and potential employers. Personalized stationery might be the ideal gift for your technologically-overworked grad, and you’ll find it in droves at RedStamp.com along with business cards, address stamps, and other modern correspondence tools.
redstamp.com
Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!
Father’s Day is around the corner and every year its the same. We ponder WHAT to get our dear dads for a gift. We all know that whatever we hand them they’ll be thankful for; but we always want to push the envelope! When we are pressed for time and don’t have the effort left to make something extremely sentimental, here is some advice from your friends at CRAVE on what to do that will make him smile.
Try and remember what your dad is passionate about. Is he an outdoors-man? Cook? Tech-savvy? Music lover? With some passion he has in mind its always easier to direct your gift towards a certain theme and come out successful. It will help you avoid spending hours shopping with no clue of what to get as well as guaranteeing that he will appreciate the gift and the thought you put into it.
If still stuck on where to begin with finding a gift, maybe go in a different direction then a simple gift from the store. Does you’re dad love a certain comedian or band? Grab tickets to a concert.
Dad’s love knowing you want to spend time with them, so if time allows, do an activity that involves doing something together. Time spent is more precious than any other gift money could buy!
Remember first and foremost that its your dad’s day! All that matters truly matters is that you make sure to tell him he’s special and you love him.
Q&A with Amy Zaroff of Amy Zaroff Events and Design
Amy Zaroff knows how to throw a good party – in fact, she makes her living doing it! From corporate parties, to birthday bashes, wedding soirees, and everything in between, Amy and her team cover all the bases to make sure the party takes place seamlessly. No detail is every overlooked and special touches are the norm, which makes each party a truly incredible event. We were able to chat with Amy about what inspired her business and her favorite things to do when she’s not planning the next big bash!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
My family has inspired me to follow my entrepreneurial goals and stay focused to achieve my personal best.
People may be surprised to know…
I started my career in television production, went on to own a restaurant with my husband and decided to pursue event planning to combine the best of both of those worlds.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My grandfather. He always said «at the end of the day, all you have is your name.»
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not being part of a business peer group early in my career.
Now that I am, I have expanded my potential in more ways than I could ever imagine. Having smart women from different backgrounds around you as you navigate your business allows you to bounce ideas off of women who have made the same decisions, choices and mistakes as you have.
How do you spend your free time?
My free time is spent enjoying life with my husband and two sons.
What is your indulgence?
The Wine Country — great food, amazing wine and the best spa treatments possible.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere…having free time to spend with my girlfriends is a luxury!
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave the knowledge that all of my hard work will continue to make me feel fulfilled and that my family will know that everything I do, I do for them.
Amy Zaroff Events + Design
7179 Washington Avenue South
Edina, Minnesota 55439
amyzaroff.com
Baby, take a bow!
The more we have gotten to meet our lovely CRAVE counterparts around town – and around the country – the more we find out that CRAVE women are all truly kids at heart. From the bright red high heels we wear, to the colorful creativity infused into our projects and businesses, it’s almost like the real-life version of playing ‘grown-up’. At least, on the really challenging days, that’s how we like to think of it! Whether or not you’re shopping with a child in mind or simply indulging your own inner kid, we think you’ll adore these terrific shops featuring play toys, itty bitty clothes, and things that make you “ooh” and “ahh” with a wistful nostalgia.
Bananas for Kids (1157 E Wayzata Blvd)
This Wayzata shop is a favorite among locals for so many reasons, including their beautifully-made and unique clothing options for newborns, boys, and girls. Sheila Vaccaro opened the store in 1978, and since then, has expanded her carefully selected stock to include both local and European designers and artisans. The retro Euro-style bathing tub makes for a terrific baby gift!
bananasforkids.com
Red Rover Kids (214 Main St S)
Not only does this boutique’s name conjure up memories of playground fun, so do the cheerfully fun products they carry. We could keep ourselves busy for hours in the rows of super-cute sneakers, tricycles, and beautiful books on display in this downtown Stillwater store. With the sturdy hardwood floors, you may be tempted to try out the tricycle. But please, leave the tricks for the kids!
redroverkids.com
Blooma (various locations, see website for addresses)
This may be a spot you’ll visit before you begin the shopping for your little one: a yoga studio with classes designed especially for expecting parents. Blooma’s three Twin Cities’ locations offer pre and post-natal classes, family yoga, childbirth education, and even provide on-side child-care during many classes. It will be just the remedy you need after that bout on the monkey bars.
blooma.com
Bloggers To Watch Out For
These days, blogs are a dime a dozen. Any two-bit hack with a dial-up connection can spout nonsense into the infinite Inter-void — and they do. But here in the Twin Cities, a few talented lady-bloggers rise above the rabble. Add a trio of quality content to your blogroll with Yes & Yes, Twelve22 and The Daily Whip.
Sarah Von Bargen of Yes & Yes
yesandyes.org
Sarah Von Bargen — or “Sarah Von,” as she’s known in the blogosphere — is one sassy dame. With plucky wit, a smidge of snark and a healthy respect for girly baubles, she offers insightful tips on dirt-cheap travel, break-up survival and non-traditional career trajectories. Her “True Stories” series — first-person perspectives from people with extraordinary life experiences — is not to be missed. She’s also one of the most prolific bloggers in the Twin Cities, with new posts every single morning, a spin-off clothing and accessory shop and a gorgeous line of calendars and “karma cards.”
Anna Torborg of Twelve22
twelve22.org
Visiting Twelve22 is like sinking into your favorite auntie’s rocking chair with a mug of chamomile tea. Anna Torborg takes readers on a gentle amble through her daily activities: thrift-store shopping, sewing, baking and tending to her feline companions, Beany and Birdie. Her photographs are crisp, airy and 100% original — she never uses stock photography. Loyal readers rejoice in her gardening and running tips, as well as her craft tutorials and downloadable DIY paper house models. Skip the Xanax and settle into one of Ms. Torborg’s blissful recaps of domestic life in fair Minneapolis.
Erika Lyremark of The Daily Whip
dailywhip.com
Feisty, ferocious and unapologetic, exotic dancer-turned-career coach Erika Lyremark cracks and sizzles with daily whips of wisdom. Part traditional blog and part Twitter-esque stream of consciousness, Erika’s daily questions, quotations and commands are designed to spark rapid-fire action. Primarily a platform for her one-on-one coaching business, Erika’s blog is a destination for entrepreneurial spirits who want the straight dope — minus the hippie-dippie fluff.
ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a freelance copywriter specializing in resume design, public broadcasting and corporate branding — with a kick. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.
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