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

Love is in the Air at Guild

February 14, 2011 by Danielle N. | Comments (0)

Love was in the air this past weekend at Guild for their ‘Second Saturday Event’ and trunk show. I could feel the love as I walked around this charming shop full of timeless antiques and new treasures. Guild is full of sweet gifts that are the perfect treat to any of your friends- or yourself!
It is no secret in the cities how amazing Guild Collective is! This past year Guild was voted “Best of the Best Curated Shop 2010” by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and a “Best of the Twin Cities’ shop by Minnesota Monthly.  With a collection of local artists, designers, stylists, photographers and retailers, this Saint Louis Park store is really a one stop shop for all of your gifts.

The Collective is divided out between different vendors and artists, but the open floor plan allows to you to seamlessly browse between them. As I made my way around Guild with storeowner Pam Mondale, I could see the time and passion that not only went into choosing which items will be featured, but by the local collectors and artists as well.

Nothing beats a gift with a great story! What I loved about Guild is that the vendors all carried a unique story of how their product or collection came to be. Whether it is MaverickJune pillows that are made from 100% post consumer felt or custom shirts made by retired NFL quarterback Alial Fital, Guild has a gift for each of your Valentines. A gift from Guild is stylish, unique and heartfelt; which is what any friend would love!
Guild Collective is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11AM-6PM. For more information on their collective talent or find out about upcoming events check out Guild’s website.

CRAVE Women Chosen as the Best!

September 26, 2010 by Danielle N. | Comments (1)

Minnesota Monthly

In 2010′s September issue of Minnesota Monthly, many of our CRAVE businesses are featured as the “Best of the Cities”. We were so excited to see all of our fabulous women and their businesses in this magazine. Both CRAVE and our readers know that these ladies rock, and now the rest of the Cities have caught onto our favorite shops around town. Pick up a copy of the Minnesota Monthly to see the full “Best of the Cities” article and see all of these fabulous businesses:

Sweets Bakeshop

The magazine lists Ly lo and Krista Steinbach’s bakery as the go-to place for the “Best Macaroons” in all of the Cities!

2042 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, 651-340-7138, sweetsbakeshop.com

Salty Tart

Referred to as the “Savory Pastry”, Michelle Gayer’s shop is recognized for its array of treats, including those that are unconventional but delicious.

920 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-874-9206 saltytart.com

Joynoëlle

Known for her beautiful and thoughtful designs, Joy Teiken is praised as the “Dress Designer”.

312 W. 42nd St., Mpls., 612-209-7822, Joynoelle.com

StormSister Spatique

Hailed as the “Beauty Crusader”, Becky Strum knows her stuff when it comes to the best eco-friendly and effective beauty products on the market!

635 S Smith Ave., St. Paul, 612-716-5480, stormsister.biz

I Like You

The magazine guarantees you will find something you like in Sara Sweet and Angela Scandin’s shop, or be inspired to make something in their classes!

501 First Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-208-0249, ilikeyouonline.com

Picky Girl

Titled the “Women’s Boutique” in the Cities, Elisabeth Varshese is thanked for her great boutique and fabulous taste in fashion.

949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, pickygirlmn.com

L’atelier Boutique

Amanda Kautt’s shop is titled the “Bridal Boutique” of the cities and is recommended as the ultimate bridal experience.

493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492, lateliercouturebridal.com

La Petite Parfumerie

Diana, Jennifer and Sally own this shop chosen as choice “Perfume Shop”. But don’t let the name fool you! This shop carries beauty products, accessories and handbags as well.

287 Water St., Ste 100, Excelsior, 952-475-2212, lapetitparfumerie.com

Guild

Winning the award as best “New Shop” this year is Pam Mondale’s boutique. Guild offers a great selection of vintage and new home furnishings, clothing and jewelry.

4414 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-378-1815, guildcollective.wordpress.com

Mpls St. Paul Magazine Shops

Our CRAVE shops were also chosen by Mpls St. Paul magazine to be featured in Shops magazine. Mpls St. Paul magazine produced Shops as a guide to the best places in the cities, and as to no surprise this guide was FILLED with CRAVE ladies! This is an exclusive magazine that can not be bought on newsstands, only subscribers received it. Congratulations to all 36 of the CRAVE businesses that are featured in this issue!

Arafina, Collaborations Boutique, Covered, Ditchotomy, JoynoĂ«lle, Karma, Martin’s, OPM Boutique, Picky Girl, L’atelier Couture Bridal Boutique, Posh Bridal Couture, Melly, Stella, The Bungalow, Max’s, Blooma, Sigh Yoga and Boutique, Art of Optiks, Jaide: A Salon & Boutique, La Petite Parfumerie, StormSister Spatique, Bananas For Kids, Red Rover Kids, Bibelot, Inizo, Patina, Coca and Fig, Just Truffles, Local D’Lish, Russel + Hazel, Casa Verde, Euronest, Interior Motive, Maison Galleria, Victory, and Petunia’s.

Minnesota Monthly: http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/

Mpls St. Paul Magazine: mspmag.com

Celebrate Bastille Day at the Corner of Selby and Snelling!

July 12, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (0)

Grab a baguette, a beret and your girlfriends and hit the shops. Vive La France!

When: Saturday, July 17th, 12:00pm to 5:00pm (rain or shine)
Where: Shops at the at the Corner of Selby and Snelling
Participating shops include:

Allee. metro chic
A Michele
Everyday People
Flirt Boutique
Heddy Freddy
Initially Yours
LULA
Patina
Tennis on Selby
The Drawbridge
Two Smart Cookies

Pick up a ‘Bastille Day’ postcard at any of the shops in the coming weeks or on the day of the event and collect stamps by visiting all eleven boutiques. Turn in your card with your best contact info, and enter to win a $500.00 shopping spree on the corner!

…look for French goodies, alley vendors and afternoon fun! See you there!

Bloggers To Watch Out For

June 8, 2010 by Alexandra Franzen | Comments (0)

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.

Q&A with Kristi Berkvam Stratton of Hunt & Gather

May 28, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

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

Celebrating women and mothers with Fleurish!

May 6, 2010 by Jennifer S. | Comments (0)

I cherish my mother and sister. They are the ones I turn to first with any important or exciting news–the ones who rejoice or cry with me and lend their ears and support to all my endeavors. Each year as Mother’s Day comes around I always wonder how I can honor my mother in a way that lets her know how wonderful she truly is. I want to get her something unique, something that she wouldn’t buy herself. This year I was thrilled to learn that Fleurish, a custom gift basket and stationary store in Wayzata is hosting an event this Thursday through Saturday to celebrate the special women and mothers in our lives.

Fleurish carries a wonderful selection of baby items, gourmet foods, bath products, purses, tote bags, stationary, invitations and thank you cards–many of which are locally made or sourced. They even do monograms! Create a custom-made gift basket filled with all your mom’s favorite things, add in some new items to try and you know you’ll be giving her a gift she’ll remember forever. What better way to show your love and appreciation to the most special woman in your life? While you’re there, pick up items for all the showers, weddings and graduations coming up this Spring and Summer. Fleurish carries the best shower gifts and beautiful cards! Even more exciting, there will be a special gift of chocolate bark with a purchase of $50 or more.

Fleurish is offering a very special deal. During this sale you can pre-order a Minneapolis/St. Paul CRAVE book for $19.95! If you pre-order, you will be sure to have one in hand as soon as they are available.

To go:

Open Thursday and Friday from 10-5, and Saturday from 10-2.

www.fleurishllp.com

240 Minnetonka Ave South

Wayzata, MN 55391

952-476-2296

5 Myths About Stillwater We Simply Must Crack!

May 5, 2010 by Kathy | Comments (5)

Come on over to Stillwater and visit some of the most fashion-forward, innovative and savvy businesses in all of the Twin Cities. There are so many fabulous women owned businesses in downtown Stillwater you can make a full day or weekend out of your visit. It’s a perfect getaway for Mother’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, or just a sunny spring Saturday!

I am here to debunk any and all myths about Stillwater AND give you the hottest tips on where to go when you visit! (I will write more about the shops in my next Stillwater blog—this is to just get you there!)

1. “It’s all antiques”
From one end of Main Street to the other, Stillwater boasts shops filled with the latest fashion (Collaborations 129 1/2 Main St S, and Stella), fitness/yoga (Studio Cates), a trend-setting salon (Monde), gourmet restaurants (Savories), sophisticated home decor (Alfresco, Interior Motive, and Maison Galleria), an adorable yarn shop (Darn Knit Anyway) a charming kids store (Red Rover Kids), not to mention the perfect stop for coffee and a scone (Supreme Bean Expresso Cafe – 402 Main St N).  And that’s just Main Street!

2. “There’s no parking”
Rubbish! I have been to Stillwater three times just since December, and every time I find plenty of on-street parking! If you are planning a visit, call any of the local shop owners and they will happily suggest the closest FREE parking lot!

3. “Traffic problems”
I zoomed right into Stillwater without incident nor traffic every time. But here is an inside scoop: Follow signs on Hwy 36 and Take Cty Rd. 15/Manning to Cty Rd 12/Myrtle and zip on down—lickety split!

4. “It’s full of tourists!”
Are you a tourist if you live in Excelsior and shop on Grand? No! It’s metro shoppers who know Stillwater is THE place to shop for fabulous finds! My good friend and fashion maven (and her husband!) drive into Stillwater from Minneapolis once every 6 weeks just to get their hair cut! They make an event of it by grabbing a bite to eat and doing a bit of shopping too. Would they do that for the past 8 years if it wasn’t a fun way to spend an evening?

5. “It’s expensive!”
NO WAY! I bought a fantastic designer dress at Collaborations that was under $50! Fashion forward design, fabulous fit, wool/cashmere, no tailoring necessary. Simply perfect. Looks like I bought it in the Oval Room but I supported a local designer AND shop owner! Many of these shop owners travel around the country to buy lines that big box stores do not carry. As you shop the marvelous stores in Stillwater, remember that your purchases send money back into the community. 76 cents for every dollar spent goes back into the community when you shop local versus 46 cents when you shop big department stores and ZERO when you shop online!

Don’t forget to meander around Stillwater and find more great shops tucked away: Camrose Hill Flowers is a must stop, simply to check out their incredibly charming space—it feels like you’re in a 100-year-old English mansion! Bring home fresh flowers grown on a local farm, too.

Down the road a bit is THE BEST stop for all your summer picnic goodies. Heather at Bread Art makes everything herself from artisan breads to cookies, pies to pastries. They look and taste so yummy that you’ll want to throw a backyard party! Scratch baking never tasted so good!

If that is not enough incentive, right next door is La Cocinita Restaurante where Angelina boasts award winning salsa and scrumptious homemade Mexican dishes that must be accompanied by her delicious margaritas! We came for lunch and were tempted to just stay through dinner because the hospitality and the food was so warm and welcoming.

So come visit Stillwater in the next few weeks. You will be so happy you did! We promise!

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.

Twin Cities’ Awesome Spring Blossoms

April 14, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

Now that spring is in full bloom, luckily for us, so are the flowers! And following another seemingly endless Minnesota winter, we couldn’t be more thankful to see these lovely bursts of color popping up around town. To help draw out the season’s dramatic arrival are some of the most CRAVE-worthy flower shops in the area. We’ve asked our trusted CRAVE readers to share their go-to spots for the most perfect petals in the city. From beautiful bouquets for Mom to big-day blossoms for the bride, these ladies have got it all covered.

In the middle of historic downtown Stillwater sits Camrose Hill Flowers, a shop that resembles a magical garden oasis more than any modern-day flower boutique. Inspired by the fresh elegance found in nature, owner Cindie Sinclair created a home for her shop on top of a hill overlooking rolling farm fields and old barns, which she has since converted into decadent gardens and workshops. Her floral designs are without a doubt driven by her proximity to nature but lend themselves to occasions and venues both intimate and grand. The picturesque setting provides a romantic backdrop for weddings, and Cindie has created space for every moment of the big day; including a cottage for dressing, a gazebo for the ceremony, and a pavilion well-suited for a rustic, cozy reception. But even if your floral needs are no more extravagant than a simple, fresh-from-the-garden bouquet, it’s definitely worth the trip!

The studio of Summer Harsh specializes in floral arrangements that aren’t simply arrangements but “botanical artistry”. To see what that means, you’ll need to witness her work firsthand. With extensive design experience and rows of professional accolades under her belt, Summer is known for providing high-end creations to a wide range of clients and price ranges. While she mostly handles weddings and other special events; she has recently begun bringing her exquisitely detailed designs into private homes working personally with the host/hostess to artfully incorporate a theme into the house’s present decor and accessories. With that kind of service and aesthetic precision, we are already thinking of when to have our next party at home – perhaps an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch?

Jackie Just of Just Bloomed knows the key to producing the perfect bridal bouquet lies in the personal touches that can be seamlessly, yet geniously incorporated: a piece of their mother’s wedding gown on the handle, their great-grandmother’s broach nestled between some calla lillies, even initials or a special inscription sewn into the ribbon of a bridesmaid’s bouquet. Since deciding to turn her life-long obsession with flowers into a career in 2004, Jackie has kept herself attuned to the latest trends in floral designs while simultaneously infusing her easy elegance into each arrangement. With a unique approach to identifying her client’s vision and personalizing the details for all types of occasions, it’s no wonder she has quickly become an established presence on the Twin Cities floral scene.

Camrose Hill Flowers
233 South 2nd Street
Stillwater, MN 55082

Summer Harsh Botanicals

http://summerharshbotanicalartistry.com

Just Bloomed
5255 Chicago Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55417

Celebrate Earth Day April 22

April 12, 2010 by Melisa M. | Comments (0)

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment, held on April 22. It is celebrated in many countries and has been receiving added attention in current years with the newfound popularity of going green and our increased consciousness of how we are harming the planet. As active motivated women, we, here at CRAVE, think Earth day is a wonderful chance to help women discover new ways to help our earth and conserve it for generations to come. The Nature Conservancy has some wonderful tips to do just that, pertaining to activities a lot of women deal with in their everyday lives.

Use reusable totes

You can help save oceans when you use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags. Sure, it’s a small step — but it can make a big difference in the health of our oceans. Unfortunately, 90 percent of the debris that washes up from our oceans are man-made and shouldn’t be there. Most of it has – unfortunately – come to be expected: derelict fishing equipment, disposable plastic bottles, plastic bags, cigarette butts, bits of unidentifiable plastic, Styrofoam. To help encourage others, share where you take reusable bags or where you’ve found your favorite tote.

Eat food

Just like you, conservationists, fishermen, chefs and consumers are working together to find new ways of living off our oceans and waters while keeping nature healthy. In a day and age when many of us “harvest” most of our meals by filling a grocery cart or skimming a menu, it can be easy to overlook nature’s role in putting food on our tables. This is especially true when it comes to seafood. For centuries, the oceans’ bounty seemed inexhaustible. Now, as scientists unravel the intricate relationships between fish and the vast lands below the water’s surface, we’re gaining a clearer picture of how humans have altered our oceans’ ability to provide for us. The Conservancy is tackling the problems by working with communities to restore degraded habitats and rebuild depleted fisheries. But sustainability also depends on how fish are brought to market. A service called FishPhone is Blue Ocean’s sustainable seafood text messaging service that instantly puts sustainable seafood information at your fingertips. To find out about your seafood choice, text 30644 with the message FISH and the name of the fish in question. They’ll text you back with their assessment and better alternatives to fish with significant environmental concerns.

Green your gardening

Even while you’re gardening in your very own backyard, you can make a big difference in the health of the ocean. Fertilizers and other chemicals used in conventional gardening are washed into watersheds and eventually to sea, where they can harm coral reefs and other marine life. To help cut back on pollution, go native! Native plants require much less water and fertilizer than non-native plants do. Make your own compost! Composting kitchen scraps is a great way to create (free!) all-natural fertilizer. Set your mower to a cutting height of 2”-3” — which will eliminate undesirable weedy plants. Don’t rake your clippings; leave them behind as fertilizer. You can even try square-foot gardening. This method uses 90% less water and 95% fewer seeds than a traditional backyard garden and requires no chemicals!

You can find all the details on these tips and plenty more at earthday.nature.org

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