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

An interview with AWS Nutrition

April 30, 2010 by Kiki | Comments (2)

It’s always great to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, but sometimes all the desired things aren’t so good for you. Amy Shapiro, nutritionist and owner of AWS Nutrition, believes not in a diet, but consuming foods that have beneficial nutrition and incorporating physical exercise on a regular basis. Amy sets good habits for her family and clients, giving helpful tips on how to balance certain foods they eat. Keeping a positive attitude on life, Amy successfully improves the daily routines of those around her and makes sure they live an enjoyable life.

We absolutely CRAVE delicious foods and maintaining great health. See how Amy can inspire you!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?

Live your life, not your diet!

What are your most popular products or services?

My nutrition counseling packages, supermarket tours and pantry makeovers.

Describe your perfect last meal.

Any preparation of fresh, local veggies followed up by warm apple cobbler with a scoop of super creamy vanilla ice cream that I wouldn’t have to share!

People may be surprised to know…

I eat chocolate every day!

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

Anything having to do with children.  As a mom I can’t imagine not trying to make children everywhere happy.

What’s your favorite fashion must-have or must-NOT-have?

I am addicted jeans, expensive shoes (preferably flats since I’m a mom and because I always walk everywhere), anything camouflage and large bags so I can carry my life with me, including healthy snacks!

In 10 years you want to be…

The mom to more children who runs a successful nutrition practice, hopefully not living in the suburbs!

What’s a place that inspires you and why?

The streets of NYC!  Filled with all kinds of people, pulsing with an energetic beat, alive at all hours, how can you not be inspired!  Anything can happen here!

Check out how Amy could help you better your eating styles at awsnutrition.com!

Crisp Salads that we CRAVE

April 28, 2010 by Emily | Comments (0)

As the temperature heats up and the sun beats down our appetites surely change. We are in the midst of spring and summer will be hitting us before you know it, and what can be a more refreshing lunch than a crisp cool salad? You can find a salad almost anywhere in this city, but we CRAVE something unique and exciting to satisfy our hunger.

Here are some of the most CRAVE-able salads that we’ve found in NYC!

Felidia (felidia-nyc.com)

The menu at Felidia reflects an innovative presentation and touch to traditional ingredients and dishes from all over Italy. Though you might not initially think of an Italian restaurant as a “go-to” salad place, but Italians can sure throw together a killer salad. We suggest you check out the Salmone Affumicato on the lunch menu. It is a house-smoked salmon pastrami, potato and egg salad with salmon caviar. This is definitely no everyday salad, and is a great way to throw new flavors into the mix!

243 East 58th Street
New York, NY 10022
212-758-1479

Pure Food and Wine (oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine)

Pure Food and Wine’s raw vegan menu is entirely plant based and does not use any processed ingredients. Though we CRAVE their salad selection, Pure Food and Wine is more than just a salad place. Their menu is constantly changing to bring you the best in the freshest seasonal ingredients. How could we not love a place like this? If you’re looking for a salad that will satisfy way more than your grumbling stomach, check out the Butter Lettuce Caesar Salad with Chocolate Balsamic Reduction. It features a delightful combination of flavors that makes your mouth scream “wow,” and you’re sure to love the avocado lemon caesar dressing.

54 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
212-477-1010

The Spotted Pig (thespottedpig.com)

Though the salads are limited on The Spotted Pig’s menu, there is one that you must try! You might think that a Caesar salad is a Caesar salad, but this is one of the most refreshing salads we’ve had in awhile. Market Greens with Anchovy Dressing and Parmesan—you can’t get much better than that. The best part is, The Spotted Pig strives to use local ingredients whenever possible. We CRAVE supporting our local producers!

314 West 11th Street
New York, NY 10014
212-620-0393

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.

Interview with VertNY

April 23, 2010 by Kiki | Comments (2)

It’s National Green Week and what great way to end it with an interview with VertNY, a landscape design firm dedicating itself to going green. Kristi Stromberg Wright and Martha Desbiens founded their company and is spreading the love all throughout the city with their fine choice in design. From backyards to front porches to roofs, these gals do it all with one mission in mind – to make New York City greener than it has every been before!

It’s not everyday you find a company that is going green and that is why we absolutely CRAVE their efforts!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?

Making ‘green’ beautiful.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Modern.  Fresh.  Green.

What are your most popular products or services?

We’re most often asked to design terrace or backyard gardens, but greenroofs and living walls are really taking off.

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

We’ve been too shy about telling people how excited we are about the work we’re doing.

What’s a place that inspires you and why?

The view from the Empire State Building.  It’s inspiring to imagine the effect greening all of the roofs could have on the city’s attitude and environment.

People may be surprised to know…

New York City offers a tax credit for installing a green roof.

How do you spend your free time?

Out with family in nature.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

Supporting public parks.  They are the living room for the entire city.

Find out more on how these gals are keeping their efforts in staying green at vertny.com!

Top Spring Trends that we CRAVE!

April 21, 2010 by Emily | Comments (0)

With flowers blooming and the lucious green folliage coming back to life, there is no doubt that we have hit spring head on. There are so many things to love about spring from the beautiful flowers to the warming weather and of course the hottest new trends that begin to appear as we swap out our winter wardrobe. Here are some of the hottest spring trends that we find absolutely CRAVE-worthy!

BRIGHT COLORS

Yellow will be most popular color during the springtime and among the favorite colors of 2010. Even though white is the most preferred color for the springtime, yellow will often be seen everywhere.

Mimosa (the orange juice and champagne yellow) was named as the color of the year for 2010 by Pantone, but any shade of yellow is a good bet. You might not prefer to wear a bright yellow color though. In this case, we advise you to look for more subtle shades such as chartreuse or mustard.

In addition to yellow, we’ll also be seeing a varying shades of pink. Pink is always the color that says feminine. This springtime we will see pink in every shade in our cotton-candy to our earrings, from bracelet to hand bags. Pink accessories will be almost everywhere. If you want to have a glamorous look, look for pink handbags and totes in glossy pink patent leather.

Don’t worry about sticking to these two color pallets though. Spice up any neutral outfit with pops of bright color. Accessorizing with chunky bangles or flashy headbands will not only liven up a simple outfit, but will definitely garner compliments on this new spring wardrobe. Accessories is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to transform a wardrobe and try out new trends. No need to splurge on all new clothes when you can update the classics with a few fun pieces.

JEWELRY

Do you have to spend all your money in your saving account to stay trendy? Although budgets are tight nowadays, it doesn’t mean that you need to stop being  fashion conscious.

As you know, jewelry is one of the best ways to stay current with today’s fashion trends. Fashion trends don’t only consist of clothes. Although jewelry is expensive, they are an important part of staying in line with trends. To get the most bang for your buck, it is important to know what the top trends and styles are going to be so you can choose right pieces that will update your style.

You can wear chandelier earrings this year! They are back. They bring with them an instantly feminine and glamorous look to any outfit that you wear them with. You can also pair them with simple jeans, heels, and a T-Shirt for a casual, but glammed up look.

Turquoise jewelry, such as earrings, pendants, necklaces, rings and bracelets are the season’s hottest trends. Blue is the most common and attractive shade in Turquoise. You can pair these pieces with just about anything from crisp white to nice coral tones to browns, blacks, and grays, and it instantly warms up your outfit.

PRINTS

Also a big trend for this spring is the return of the prints. Whether it be floral, geometric, or animal–prints are back, but with a twist.

If you’re looking to to floral, try going for a more abstract look. If the print is more traditional, look for it in a more non-traditional color pallet like black and white or neon colors. Look for florals on flowy materials or on a very structured silhouette. This is an easy way to take the child-like nuances of the floral print and update it for today’s woman.

Geometric and graphic prints bring and exciting element of interest to the simple structured dress. This is a great way to take your favorite shapes and silhouettes and make them utterly unique. Wear this trend with a pair of simple pumps and funky jewelry, and you’ll surely be a trend setter in your circle.

Animal prints seem to always be in the mix of trends in one way or another. This year animal prints are going to be seen in an entirely different way. Instead of throwing on the usual neutral tones that are found in the wild, try animal prints that feature bright splashes of color. Think of a leopard print dress featuring black with splashes of blues, greens, purples, and pinks. We know this might sound wild, but done the right way and this trend can be ultra chic.

Fashion is on our minds, and we CRAVE to know what trends you’ll be trying out or other trends you believe to be on the rise for Spring 2010. Let us know what it is you CRAVE!

Thanks Elle.com and Vogue.com for some help with pinpointing what will be trendsetting for Sping 2010.

To Create or Not to Create?

April 19, 2010 by Lynn Edwards | Comments (2)

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?

An interview with Urban Signals

April 17, 2010 by Kiki | Comments (0)

Have you ever had that feeling like there’s a lump in your throat and you can’t speak when you see someone pass by you but too shy to say hello? Or maybe just a simple staring game that is never ending? Turns out, Aubree Nichols didn’t want anyone to have missed connections when faced with this situation. She created Urban Signals, an app that could be downloaded onto your phone, so that you could see if that person is available and interested in meeting new people.

Everyone CRAVEs a good connection with the person they’re with! Find out more about Aubree and why she started her company.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
I believe that people are meant to be with each other.  Connecting through technology is efficient and purposeful, but humans need in-person interaction and relationships to be happy.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
New Yorkers who post Missed Connections on Craigslist.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Innovative, Spontaneous, Human.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have to say Oprah, for her authenticity and accessibility and my Dad, because he raised 3 girls and is still alive to tell and laugh about it!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
My theme song is Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z with Alicia Keys.

My motto is “Urban Signals is Taking love back to the streets.”

What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?
A few freckles from summer sun, a monster afternoon nap, knowing I did my best, bear hugs from people who know how to bear hug.

What is your indulgence?
A massage, a “no work or no- think about work” day, Votivo candles, fresh flowers, and perfect sun-kissed highlights.

Check out Urban Signals’ website and download the app at urbansignals.net! In this wonderful city, you just might find the right fish in the sea.

Check what the BUZZ is all about!

April 12, 2010 by Emily | Comments (0)

With racks of gorgeous clothes by Jodi Arnold lining the perimeter of the room and delicious treats provided by Erica’s Rugelach, the stage was set for another wonderful BUZZ Party for the NYC CRAVE guide. The evening was filled with incredible women from across NYC – chatting each other up and discussing what they so CRAVE about being an entrepreneur in this incredible city.

As the night went on, clothes were seen flying off the racks and the gals were showing off their purchases to their newly formed friends. As with every BUZZ Party, the women of CRAVE were excited to see the fun and familiar faces, as well as so many new faces that turned up!

We would like to extend another huge thank you to Jodi Arnold and her staff for the use of their boutique and for providing the delicious wine for the evening.  A big thank you to Erica’s Rugalech for the tasty treats – they absolutely mouth-watering.  And finally, a big thanks to our sponsor Urban Signals!
We’re hard at work planning the next BUZZ Party, so stay tuned for the details!
Check out more pics:

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