
Happy Birthdays!
Summer brings fun in the sun, tan lines and a ton of birthdays. I’m pretty sure it’s due to the cold fall weather nine months earlier. It gets chilly, folks curl up and the next summer you’re hiring clowns and ordering birthday cakes.
I just celebrated a “mid-forty” (yeah let’s go with that) milestone and it got me thinking about birthdays. I’ve decided to embrace my age. I’m one year closer to owning my stuff and embracing the wisdom that comes with knowing who you are and who you’re not -like coming to terms with the fact that the last time I was a size 6 was when I was 6 and I’ll never see that number on a clothes tag again. I was inspired when I read this passage recently, ”take kindly the counsel of your years” then realized it was from an online dating site guy who was looking to date women 22-26 years old.
You know that cool Martina McBride song that says, “every laugh line on your face made you who you are today” Well, I have no idea what was so frickin’ funny over the years but I must have had a great time somewhere along the way cause I have the roadmap on my face to prove it!
When you celebrate your 10th birthday you love that Mexican place where you get to wear that huge sombrero, there is all that clapping just for you, and then they light the ice cream on fire. When you turn 36 at that same Mexican place you just want the singing to cease so strangers will stop staring.
My oldest son turned 18 recently. A huge milestone, right? I mean come on, the kid had made it to adulthood, that in itself warranted a fireworks display in both our honors. He was about as excited for his special day as he was his 1st birthday…giving me a blank stare as if to say ”what’s all the hype about woman”? He wore a crazy hat in his 1st birthday picture, now he’s sporting a cap & gown…he still dresses funny in birthday pictures. I was looking forward to MY present. After all, the kid was still breathing even after I had lost him, poisoned him, and made him wear shoes that were 2 sizes too small for a year. What do I win to celebrate that “we” made it 18 yrs?!
When I was 40 I threw myself a big bash with live band and all….I couldn’t believe I had made it that far…and on the way home from the party I bought a huge jar of anti-wrinkle cream.
Let’s hear it for office birthday parties- there’s all that healthy stuff in the break room but on birthday day you bee-line to the conference room and you’re like “happy special day, Dave whatever your last name is from accounting”, thanks for being born, now let’s eat some chocolate cake.
Birthdays are milestones in your life. They are cause for reflection and anticipation. I personally will pour myself a stiff drink, cheers myself and kindly celebrate “the counsel of my years”!

On a sweltering summer day at the ballpark or a friend’s BBQ, nothing is more refreshing than an ice-cold brew. This summer ditch that prissy pink cocktail and back away from the Budweiser. With a little beer savvy you can discover some great brews that will satisfy your taste buds and impress even the guys.
There are 4 main ingredients in beer: grain, yeast, water and hops, but the creativity when it comes to brewing is endless. There are beers with fruit, smoked beers, beer made with chocolate and even beer brewed with bacon. Navigating your way through the numerous types and styles of beer can be daunting, but here are some helpful hints about the most popular styles that can help you choose a winner for your next potluck or outdoor summer event. Who said beer had to be just for the boys? Go ahead, embrace that summer night CRAVING.
India Pale Ale (IPA): This beer has a light pale to golden color. Its crisp bitter flavor is attributed to the high hops and alcohol content which helped preserve the beer during the long journey across the ocean when British brewers began to export to India.
Try: Lagunitas IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Petaluma, CA, 5.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Drink with: Spicy foods like a Thai Yellow Vegetable Curry
Hefeweizen: Perfect for summer, this German style wheat beer is distinguished by fruity notes, cloudy appearance and high carbonation. This beer is usually served with a slice of lemon and its bright flavor is often accented by citrus, banana, clove or nutmeg flavors.
Try: Widmer Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Portland, OR, 4.7% ABV
Drink with: Classic German food such as chicken sausage topped with brown mustard or a salad tossed with candied pecans and feta.
Stout: Familiar to many because of the popularity of Guinness, Stouts have a heavy body and are very dark in color. This beer has a high alcohol content and is often characterized by caramel, coffee, chocolate or even oatmeal flavors.
Try: Chocolate Stout, Rouge Brewery, Portland OR, 6.3% ABV
Eat with: This beer could be a meal in itself, but pairs nicely with desserts like tiramisu.
Pilsner: This all American beer represents nearly 90% of the major beer brands sold in the U.S. Pilsner is golden in color and tends to have a light, clean, drinkable flavor sometimes compared to toast or fresh bread.
Try: Prima Pils, Victory Brewing Company, Downington, PA, 5.3% ABV
Eat with: All American foods like hearty chili or a grilled burger and fries
Brews to CRAVE this summer
Sierra Nevada Summerfest
New Belgium Skinny Dip
Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema
This is by no means a complete list of all the styles out there so experiment, go to a brew festival this summer, and discover which styles and breweries make you CRAVE more. For a fun new adventure, why not grab your beer drinking gal pals and do a brewery tour? Try this for a fun weekend or birthday activity. For more information on beer and the female movers and shakers in the beer industry, check out the Pink Boots Society at pinkbootssociety.org.
*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.
NYC ladies are known for their style. How do you think they always look so chic? The answer is New York City stylists and personal shoppers. We always need help picking out the perfect outfit. Woman-owned businesses are the ones to trust when it comes to your style. Here are some of CRAVE’s favorites:
The Black Dress Traveler (blackdresstraveler.com)
Summer is the time for traveling and we always want to look our best and go to the most fabulous places. Wanda Mann, founder and editor-and-chief of The Black Dress Traveler, can help you with all your travel needs. She can give you information on the best restaurants, where to find the perfect little black dress, or the best destination for a getaway. Wanda is committed to sharing fun and useful information with other women that will inspire them to live life to the fullest. “We all know this journey in life is short. So why not seize those opportunities to live it up and to make a difference? And, wear a great dress!” – Wanda Mann. That’s the attitude and style we CRAVE.
wanda@blackdresstraveler.com
Unique and Chic (unique-chic.com)
Unique and Chic is an image and style-consulting company in which will help you define your style in an elegant and natural manner. We CRAVE a company who wants their clients to feel satisfied. Unique and Chic provides personal attention and have created an important selection of services depending on your needs, such as a accessorizing your outfit for special events, casual wear, brides and bridesmaids, and job interviews. They can also save time for the busy NYC girl by doing the shopping for us. This includes finding the perfect gift for anyone, any occasion!
196 E 75th Street
New York, NY 10021
917-318-5869
Cameo Closets (cameoclosets.onsugar.com)
Cameo Closets is a closet organization and wardrobe styling service for people in need of a wardrobe revival. This company is very unique in that they help you love the clothes you already own! Cameo Closets helps you organize, put outfits together and give you a list of recommendations to complete your “new” outfits. Cameo Closets is also encourages their clients to donate unwanted clothes to Bottomless Closet. This organization gives work clothes to woman who can’t afford them and we CRAVE helping our working sisters.
89 Murray Street
New York, NY 10007
646-797-6262

Over the past few months, the number of people quitting their jobs was greater than the number of people losing their jobs. Savvy quitters build a support network before they take the plunge, and brilliant quitters enlist professional help. Enter: the Certified Career Coach. One part therapist. One part cheerleader. Two parts butt-kicking taskmaster.
Need a solid coach in your corner of the ring? Michelle Ward, Dyana Valentine and Chrissy Scivicque are at the top of their game.
Michelle Ward of When I Grow Up
whenigrowupcoach.com
I’ll admit it — I’m a tad biased in Michelle’s favor. She coached me out of my cubicle doldrums and into freelance bliss, so I owe her my firstborn child. A graduate of NYU / Tisch’s musical theater program and a certified life coach, Michelle brings theatrical flair and a “wagon full of enthusiasm” to every session. She recently raised her rates and is poised to explode, so book a free 30-minute consultation call while you still can.
For a weekly dose of self-exploration, bookmark Michelle’s ongoing blog feature: Tough Question Tuesday.
Dyana Valentine
dyanavalentine.com
Generous. Ambitious. A master of personal marketing. Dyana leads by example, and her clients feel the heat. By her own admission, Ms. Valentine’s coaching style is “not for the weak of heart.” She prides herself on helping self-starters finish what they started, using Community Psychology principles to light the way. As one client put it, “if I had to be shipwrecked on a desert island, I’d want Dyana with me.”
For a no-holds-barred explanation of the power of “no,” check out Dyana’s article on “No-gotiation.”
Chrissy Scivicque of Eat Your Career
eatyourcareer.com
Chrissy serves up a powerhouse combo platter — she’s a certified nutritionist AND an experienced career coach. Yum. As the creator of Office Arrow — a popular resource for administrative professionals — Chrissy has a firsthand grasp on the challenges of running an online business. She’s a clear communicator with a nourishing perspective on life, love and work — and all the snacks in between.
For a trio of tasty coaching treats, download Chrissy Scivicque’s free workbooks on stress management, time management and career reinvention.
ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.
As humans we CRAVE to connect with other people like us. With the internet booming connecting with like minds has become incredibly easy. Whether you use Facebook, Twitter, Personal Blogs, or face-to-face networking, the world of connecting is endless! We absolutely CRAVE these incredible connectors. Follow them. Meet them. LOVE them. We do!
Yolanda Shoshana: The Luscious Lifestyle Diva (lusciouslifestylediva.com)
Looking for a “must follow” on Twitter? Look no further! Yolanda Shoshana delivers not only a plethora of tweets on her Twitter page, but never falls short of being both entertaining and informative. Yolanda is a fabulous entrepreneur and own the company Luscious Lifestyle Diva. One of my favorite things she shares are these “Luscious Tips.” The links lead you to a video of her giving a quick inspiring tip. Not only is Yolanda absolutely inspiring, but her personality is utterly contagious. Follow her on twitter at @Shoshi! Check out today’s Luscious Tip!
Luscious Tip #6: If you think that you can’t, then you must, and if you must, then you can’t.
Merci New York (mercinewyork.blogspot.com)
Providing the best in chic and stylish bridal inspiration, Jackie Weppner of Merci New York is one of our top connectors with her blog to guide New York’s busy bride. From stylized photo shoots to real couple’s photo sessions and weddings to stylish inspiration to get you looking your best. Jackie has been featured on Glamour.com, The Knot New York, Brides.com just to name a few. If you’re in need for some bridal inspiration or just something to tease your style tastes, Merci New York is a must!
Connect with Jackie by subscribing to her blog Merci New York or following her on Twitter (@MerciNYC).
Curtain Up Events (curtainupevents.com)
Running around the city planning some of the most elegant weddings and stunning social events, Danielle Bobish works hard to connect the best vendors in the industry to create grand affairs. Danielle’s creative approach to planning events sets her apart from the rest. Whether she is taking inspiration from theatrical performances or acting as the stage manager for these special events, Danielle focuses on making your event your ultimate curtain call.
Connect with Danielle on Twitter (@curtainupevents), Facebook, The CUE Blog, or at the next CRAVE event. (Hint Hint: She’s also a NY CRAVE city leader. Love her!)

Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style. At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!
What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally. I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer. It’s calming to me.
What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake. Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen. Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.
Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy. When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item. However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.
What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off. A little goes a long way.
What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.
What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be. It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient. As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.
As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually. I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle. Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response. Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.
If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer. Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.
What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life. I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.
Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.
Summer is wedding season and that means many bachelorette parties to go to for us New York girls. Gifts for these soon-to-be brides can be hard to come up with. Everyone wants to get the perfect gift and we CRAVE this list of ideas.
Hanky Panky (hankypanky.com)
What is the number one gift to get a girl for her bachelorette party? Lingerie for the wedding night. We CRAVE Hanky Panky’s large selection of gifts for the bachelorette. They began 30 years ago in New York and still influence trends in lingerie and sleepwear. They pride themselves on providing brilliant solutions for fashion fit issues by remaining dedicated to innovative design, comfort and quality. They have been manufacturing in the New York area since 1977 which is something we CRAVE in a company. Get your girlfriend the perfect gift, she deserves it!
373 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
(212) 725-4996
Helen Julia New York (helenjulia.com)
Girls love candles. Especially ones with smells that we CRAVE! Bachelorette parties can be rough the next morning, so let your bride relax with one of these hand-poured scented soy candles. Each candle inspires distinct moods. These candles include: “I Do” (how perfect!), Prima Donna, Pearl Drop, Pink Diamond, Powder Puff, Terrycloth Robe, Sexy Suede and Soft Mink. Who won’t be able to have fun with names like those?
(718) 619-2267
Poppies and Posies Events (poppiesandposiesevents.com)
The perfect gift from the maid-of honor is a perfect bachelorette party! Poppies and Posies Events can make your bride’s party exactly how she would want it. PPE is co-owned by Sierra and Juliet who have both worked with some big names such as Donald Trump and Martha Stewart. They specialize in flower arrangements that are perfect for any event!
132 W88th St, Apt B
New York, NY 10024
(646) 386-7347

For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.
America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!
Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina
Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.
Ingredients:
1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
ÂĽ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
Âľ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice
Preparation:
Party Sangria- Spain
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 apple diced
1 cup raspberries or strawberries
1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
2 tbsp of sugar
4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
2 shots gin or triple sec
Preparation:
Potato Salad- Germany
Ingredients:
2 pounds red potatoes
ÂĽ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
ÂĽ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Preparation:
Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands
Ingredients
2 tbsp sugar
2 pkg yeast
4 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
½ cup butter softened
10 cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
3 diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
canola oil for frying
Preparation:
*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

Jewelry is considered to be a woman’s best friend. It is there to comfort her, give her the finishing touches in making her a real beauty, and to put a smile on her face. Tanya Brown, founder and designer of Lauren St. Julian’s jewelry, created her company not only to create beautiful pieces of jewelry but to embrace femininity. Inspired by her grandmother and named after her, Lauren St. Julian created her own business during a time when women were only supposed to be housewives. Proving that women can do anything they wish, Tanya wants to spread the word through her jewelry inspiring other women to do the same.
Every women CRAVEs to be beautiful but most importantly, free to do anything she pleases. Find out more about Tanya and her business!
What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
I am a big broadway musical fan. Love the line that Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame says, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death”. It’s all about enjoying life to the fullest and not sitting on the sidelines.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model is my grandmother. She has been an incredibly supportive person who has guided me all my life. That is why the line is dedicated to her , Lauren St. Julian. An amazing woman.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Passionate, beautiful and special like the women who wears Lauren St. Julian.
What’s a place that inspires you and why?
Inspiration can and has come from many things. I find that I can start in one direction with a specific design in mind and the piece itself speaks to me and tells me where to go. Its like it gives birth to another idea. Then I fall in love.
What are your most popular products or services?
The sexy seductress has been a winner right out of the gate.
Followed by the moonstone choker.
What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?
Beauty! The pieces speak for themselves and have been a hit with customers so far. In the beginning just wearing the pieces drew the most comments and questions  and frankly orders.
If you weren’t running this business, what would your life look like?
Frankly if i were not running this business my life would be without passion, it would be without bliss.
The name of my blog is “Single-Bliss“. I recently started using this as a way to test out moderately priced items as well as give gossip and designer sample sale info (just went to a Diane Von Furstenberg sale last week). The earrings posted have been a best seller for gifts for attendants and bridal showers. A few brides have contacted me about special orders too!
What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
A cause I am most passionate about is focusing on children with alcoholic or drug dependent parents. Â A long term goal that I have been working on is to find a way to connect these kids and creative mentors in both the fashion industry and show business but not with the mentors that people automatically think of. For example, getting the support and funding to take a group to a broadway show and then have a costume designer, set director, or make up artist talk about how they got started. Same with fashion industry: Instead of designers (which the public automatically thinks are the only professions in this industry), have production teams, sales, etc.. Talk about how they got into the industry and set up a way that these kids can intern and be mentored. Help them find a way out of their dark world and into a brighter one. My goal is to get this done one day and through my blog and jewelry line. Anything is possible.
Check out more pieces of jewelry at Lauren St. Julian’s website at laurenstjulian.com!

Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.
Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.
Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.
1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.
2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.
3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.
4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.
5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.
6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.
7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!
8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.
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 http://www.jamieliving.blogspot.com/.
Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She 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.
*written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company