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Bring Out the Bikinis!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

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

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Hello, Summer!

Monday, June 21st, 2010

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.


(more…)

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Q&A with Heather Peterson of Bread Art

Friday, June 18th, 2010

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

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Hats Off, Celebrations On!

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

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

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Q&A with Amy Zaroff of Amy Zaroff Events and Design

Friday, June 11th, 2010

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

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Baby, take a bow!

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

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

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Slip into Summer!

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Women are known to be particular when it comes to certain things: our morning latte’s (must be piping hot), our toilet seats (must be down), our fabric softeners (must be REALLY soft), and our shoes, which must be not only amazing but able to stick with us as we jaunt, jog, and journey around town. As one of the few things that can inspire either rapturous joy or sorrowful pain (goodbye four-inch heels with no support), picking out the right pair can be a daunting task. Luckily, our city is full of women who understand the importance of a good shoe and have made it their business to offer up the best of the best to the rest of us. Here are a few of our favorite spots to find your perfect pair – or pairs – in which to take on the city in full force!

Pumpz & Company (3335 Galleria)
 This Galleria shop is well-known for its up-to-the-minute styles and selection which include not only incredible footwear but gorgeous handbags and other accessories. With enough unique designer force to knock your socks off, don’t be surprised if your friends can’t stop staring toward the ground! We are especially fans of the Doris Espadrille for a classic summer shoe with a cool modern twist.
http://www.pumpzco.com/

Side Door LTD. (647 East Lake Street)
 Nestled in the heart of Wayzata, this boutique is a hidden gem that draws us to Lake Minnetonka almost as much as the lake itself! With an exceptional array of shoes to fit the mood and feet of every lady, we can’t stay away from this sweet shop especially with the summery selection of strappy sandals and fabulous flats.
http://www.facebook.com/sidedoorboutique

Stella (216 S Main St)
 This sassy, trendy boutique is definitely the toast of Stillwater when it comes to the latest and greatest fashion items – and its shoes are no exception. From pop-colored heels to subtle sneakers and flip-flops, this little shop is worth the trip! We promise you won’t find yourself complaining as you stroll adorable downtown Seattle in your new kicks.
www.stellastillwater.com

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Tricks of the Trade

Monday, May 31st, 2010

When great minds come together, amazing things can happen. When great CRAVE minds come together, amazing things DO happen! Part of our mission – along with being the go-to source for all things fab in your city – is to connect women business-owners to the resources, information, and other like-minded women that will enable their success and growth as professionals. So to offer up some advice and inspiration to all of our hard-working entreprenesses, we’ve got a handful of intelligent lady-experts opening up their book of knowledge for us. Consider it the metaphorical – and less painful form of walking a mile in their fiercely fabulous high-heeled shoes. Read on for each experts’ single most important tip for fellow entreprenesses and their favorite part about working with women in business.

Dawn McCooey- McCooey Consulting Group Inc., Woman’s Enterprise Centre
Must-do: Understand the act and the art of juggling. If you know which balls are rubber and which are glass – you can handle anything.
Love-to-do: As a business advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre, and as a consultant, I love the energy and the synergy of women business owners. I love how they are willing to collaborate and build community.

Carlie Smith- Portobello West
Must-do: Don’t write-off any idea until you’ve looked at it from various perspectives and always run the numbers.
Love-to-do: Female business owners are very supportive of one another and are great at working together to create amazing projects and businesses!

Pauline O’Malley- TheRevenueBuilder
Must-do: Without sales, you don’t have a business. As a woman, you have the natural abilities to persuade others to believe in you. Women are the best sales people in the world; they just don’t know it yet!

Heather White- 2020 Communications
Must-do: Take action!
Love-to-do: Sitting on the shoulders of my clients and watching them make their dreams come true. Female business owners have high energy and it’s a lot of fun to be around them.

Felicia Lee- Ghost CEO Advisor
Must-do: You are not an island – utilize mentors, resources and communities around you to help you build your business.
Love-to-do: Many women entrepreneurs are afraid of sales.  It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the transformation from fear to embracing to owning the sales process!

Katie Bennett- Double Black Diamond Coaching
Must-do: What separates my clients that get good results from my clients who get great results is commitment.  100% or 0%. There is no wiggle room on true commitment.
Love-to-do: The best part of my job is getting to help people achieve the lives and businesses they have always dreamed of.

Shauna Causey- Voluntweetup
Must-do: Test your limits on how generous you can be.
Love-to-do: The best part of my job is that I get to talk about dynamic ideas, inspiring people and worthwhile causes.

Maria Ross- Red Slice
Must-do: Make sure you know who your audience is! Get as close to defining your “ideal” customer vs. just your “average” customer.
Love-to-do: Seeing the light go off when they discover what their brand is really all about or who really is their ideal customer.

Andrea Baxter- Bratface Marketing
Must-do: There is nothing more beneficial to business women in a small city than to get out there, make yourself aware, and make a name for yourself.
Love-to-do: I would be lying if I didn’t say the freedom it allows me to have my own business.

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Q&A with Kristi Berkvam Stratton of Hunt & Gather

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Kristi Berkvam Stratton knows a ‘good find’ in the antique world. Her Xerxes Avenue boutique is full of them! In case images of musty smells and cobwebs come to mind at hearing the words “antique store”, don’t worry. This isn’t your grandmother’s shop. Hunt & Gather is a stylish hodgepodge of vintage magic, mixing retro and rustic, classic and mod. We had a quick chat with Kristi about the perks of being a business owner, and what an antique shop owner likes to do for fun (hint: it has something to do with antiques!)

How would you desribe your business in three adjectives?

Fresh, edited, fanci-free!

What is something people may be surprised to know about your job?

I cannot wait to walk in the door on a daily basis.

What or who inspired your business?

One hundred percent: my husband and my parents.

Who is your role model or mentor?

All of the creative peeps at Hunt & Gather…we have the best crew in town!

What business mistakes have you made that you will not repeat?

Doubling your monthly expenses, something always comes up.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?

Antique shows/flea markets….digging anywhere…blackbird for happy hour.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?

Finding “my prize” for my home or to resell.

Hunt & Gather
4944 Xerxes Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
www.huntandgatherantiques.com

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Sunny days are here to stay!

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Minnesota summers are made for trips to the lake, lazy picnics at the park, and happy hours on your favorite bar’s patio. And the one item that is essential for each of these sunshine-filled outings? Sunglasses! From va-va vintage oval shapes to sporty aviators to glitzy-glammed frames, there is a style to make every girl shine. But don’t forget other goodies like cheery parasols, glam-girl hats, and head-turning hairbands. We’ve scoured the streets of our city to find you some of the best spots to find the accessories you’ll be CRAVEing all summer long! And don’t forget to pick up a newly-released CRAVE MSP Guidebook at each stop!

Ladyslipper Boutique (4940 France Ave)
Named after the delicate state flower of Minnesota, this boutique on 50th and France definitely makes a local girl proud. With a mix of classic and up-and-coming designers, the owners have created a gorgeous space filled with goods for every price range. The boutique is known for its amazing assortment of shoes, but the little extras carry their own chic touches as well. Bright and bold headbands and hats add a perfect pop to a classic white tee with pedal-pusher jeans.

Dichotomy (611 E. Lake Street)
While this Wayzata boutique carries a little bit of everything, its penchant for the rare and unique will make you feel like you stepped into someone’s closet. Browsing the racks and displays, you’ll find dresses in darling summer prints, stunning silk scarves, and gorgeous cloth bags perfect for toting your beach towel and flip flops. With an ever-changing selection of items, this little gem is a place that always keeps us coming back for more.

Melly (3327 Galleria)
If you don’t enter this store in a bright mood, we would put bets down that you’ll leave with one – and a sunny summer item to match! A Lilly Pullitzer Via Store, this Galleria boutique features an abundance of designers and items that make us feel warmer all winter long. Take advantage of the summer months to show off your legs in a knee-skimming bohemian-inspired tunic or add shimmer to your evening attire with a clutch in golden sand shades.

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