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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
The Best Movies to Watch with Your Girlfriends
What would we do without our girlfriends? They keep us sane when things get crazy, offer a shoulder to cry on when things get tough, encourage us to buy those shoes we just can’t live without, pig out on junk food with us after a bad breakup, and always, always make us laugh. One of our favorite things to do with our best gal pals is to pile onto the couch with plenty of buttered popcorn and indulge in a chick-flick movie-fest. Check out our picks for the movies to watch with your best girlfriends and start planning your next girl’s night in!
Beaches
Grab your tissues for this one. Its a tear-jerker but its also the story of a friendship that lasts a lifetime – CC and Hilary were totally BFF.
Thelma and Louise
Two best friends on a wild adventure, together until the end, and Brad Pitt? Sign us up!
Steel Magnolias
This one is another sob-story, but we love the story of this group of women who are there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs.
Bridget Jones’ Diary
Because Bridget’s kooky antics make us laugh every time and remind us everyone does silly things from time to time.
Fried Green Tomatoes
A testament to the strength of a woman and what she’ll do for her friends.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Because we all love Audrey Hepburn and we all have a little bit of Miss Holly Golightly in us.
Grease
A true guilty pleasure that we love to sing along to with our girls – a definite pick-me-up.
Sixteen Candles
Because we swoon over Jake Ryan and every girl’s high-school fantasy come true, every time we see it.
Dirty Dancing
Another guilty pleasure and classic that we know by heart and can watch with our girlfriends, time and time again.
Mean Girls
It may not be might not be your typical girl-power, female bonding kind of movie, but we all learn a lesson in the end – to support the women in our lives. Plus, its hilarious.
We could go on and on, but we’ll stop here and let you start planning which flicks to view at your next girl’s night. Hooray for girlfriends!
An Interview with Jillian Wright of Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa
Jillian Wright has dedicated her life to the pursuit of healthy, gorgeous skin. Over the last decade as a clinical aesthetician and spa owner, she has based her aesthetic practice on a trilogy combining her heart, mind and hands. Jillian believes that successful skincare practices need this exact recipe to deliver superior facial and massage treatments. Jillian and her staff offer an array of skin and body therapies that are corrective yet, pampering in nature. Her mantra is that skin therapy is successfully delivered by achieving soft, strong, well-balanced, nourished skin – entrust your skin to her and we’re sure you’ll be pleased. Learn more about Jillian below…
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Innovative, results-oriented, downhome-luxe
What are your most popular products or services?
Microdermabrasion, LED, Microcurrent Lifting, acne treatments, pigmentation treatments, therapeutic massage and waxing services.
People may be surprised to know…
I funded the spa 11 years ago on my credit cards!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
My father inspired me indirectly throughout my childhood. He moved here from Germany at 18, learned English and became a professional photographer. He has been working now for 40 years.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Dawn Gantt from Bioelements. Her wealth of aesthetic knowledge is awe-inspiring. My secret role model is Erica Gragg who founded Escape to Shape. She combines travel, fitness, culture and spa services and brings her guests to unique locations all over the world. She’s my hero!
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Bigger isn’t always better. A smaller, more controlled environment allows for better service, more creativity, superior therapists and refined hospitality.
How do you spend your free time?
I have two small children so most of my time is spent with them – going to the park, bowling, exploring Manhattan, going to the zoo, trying new restaurants and playing. If I’m on my own, I love hiking, getting pedicures, going to the movies, cooking, reading and wine tasting.
What is your indulgence?
When I think of indulgence, I think of two ways to enjoy life. The first is at the Plaza Hotel, drinking Krug Rose and enjoying caviar. The second would be a retreat with Escape to Shape.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I love going to dinner at least once a month. We usually pick a tapas restaurant like Pipa to catch up with each other.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
In business I CRAVE a well-balanced environment for my staff and clients that isn’t stagnant and is backed by honesty, loyalty and trust. In life, I CRAVE living life outside the lines with new cultures, adventure and always pushing my emotional and spiritual well-being for greater balance and wisdom.
Visit www.jillianwrightclinicalskinspa.com
The Paris Haute Couture Shows
The Paris Haute Couture fashion shows are unlike any other fashion experience you have ever had, seen or heard of. True to what couture is, this kind of fashion is definitely one-of-a-kind. Showcasing their spring and summer couture collections, the French designers filled the runways with whimsical, wonderful and weird creations this season. There was bizarre head-wear at Jean Paul Gaultier (shocking, right?), Lady-Gaga-inspired hairdo’s at Chanel, and clothes with a strong space-age feel at Armani Prive.
Like Hilary Alexander, fashion director of The Daily Telegraph in London, says, the couture shows are a “laboratory of dreams”. Made to fit exactly to the wearers specifications, these one-off creations aren’t something you will see another girl at the club wearing – they are far from anything worn in everyday life. True haute couture is art. Its the kind of clothing that makes for a lush, other-worldly Vogue fashion spread. Its usually impractical and at prices that rival a small house or car, its the best kind of fashion fantasy.
This season, Chanel seemed to be channeling the great Lady Gaga with hairdo’s resembling giant bows or ears, but their colorful collection had us drooling from start to finish. Actually, it seemed like everyone was feeling the Lady Gaga vibe on the catwalks this season. The Jean Paul Gaultier headpieces looked like something we might see Ms. Gaga sporting at the next awards show, and a balloon bubble dress from Armani Prive looked like something she might rock down a red carpet any day now. If not Lady Gaga, then the architectural, space-agey dresses from Armani would definitely look fabulous on any future astronaut/fashionista. Finally, the pieces at Stephane Rolland were escapism and futuristic fashion-as-artwork at its best with laser cut Plexiglass forming coils and crenelations on shoulders and pockets.
Across the board, this year’s couture shows were all about pastel colors and Lady Gaga-inspired style. Haute couture may not be made for a trip to the grocery store, or even your next birthday party, but the shows are spectacular and the pieces are a work of art in themselves. Vive la Haute Couture!
An Interview with Tamiko Hargrove of Helen Julia
After growing up in a household full of inspiration, and learning what fashion really was through her style icons, her mother and grandmother, Tamiko Hardgrove developed a desire to make people both look and feel good. Combining her creativity and flare for crafts and fashion, Tamiko developed a line of scented candles called Helen Julia that can give any overworked, tired and stressed out mom and business woman the feeling of peace in a hectic world. With unique scents like Terrycloth Robe, Sexy Suede and Soft Mink, she has created a business and product that provide inspiration and beauty to many!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Luxury. Classic. Natural.
What are your most popular products or services?
Our most popular products are our hand-poured beautifully packaged scented soy candles. A particular best-seller is our Cashmere Cloud Soy Candle scented in Amber, Jasmine and Musk.
People may be surprised to know…
The name Helen Julia was inspired by my grandmothers; Helen and Julia.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
Having a passion for both beauty and candles, I had no luck finding great scents combined with beautiful packaging. Therefore, I was forced to create my own. And thus, Helen Julia was born!
Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model is my grandmother, Julia Annette. I am blessed to be able to listen to her wisdom on life. Grandma knows best… “When you receive love, you give love.” -Julia Annette
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Saying “No” to a project that I thought wouldn’t be worth my time. Turns out, I should have said “Yes”. It was worth my time to work on a celebrity client’s candles. The client wasn’t revealed until after I said “No”.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time with my family. My two year old niece is the cutest to watch as she explores and discovers what she’s capable of doing.
What is your indulgence?
My indulgence is shopping at my favorite apparel store for new designs (hopefully on sale).
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
My favorite place to go with girlfriends is Sunday brunch. There are so many great places in NYC. We just have to pick one on a nice early afternoon for girlie chat!
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave being happy doing what I love! Life is short and I intend to make it sweet!
Favorite Places:
Soho Sanctuary Day Spa (the eucalyptus sauna is heavenly!), Hotel Gansevoort Spa for a mani and pedi, and Soho House to end the day for an upscale social scene.
Favorite Things:
My blackberry – I never leave home without it, my Louis Vuitton Speedy (my quick grab and go bag), Ugg boots because they are the most comfy to run errands in, and my black leggings that are super comfy to wear with my Uggs.
Visit on the Web: helenjulia.com
An Interview with Gillian Rose of Color Our World
Color makes the world go ’round…or at least it does for us – and for Gillian C. Rose, an interior and color designer, and owner of Color Our World. Using a unique blend of color psychology and an exquisite color palette, Gillian and Color Our World will create YOU, in COLOR. She will make the rooms of your home represent you. Her patented process delves into the hows and whys, through personality and color, to create the surroundings that you want to be immersed in, everyday. As Gillian says, its your space, your colors and your feeling of well-being. Below, a few tips and tidbits from the queen of color herself.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Enlightening, harmonious and beautifying.
What are your most popular products or services?
Paint colors that create a sense of well being and reflect who they are created for.
People may be surprised to know…
Pale colors are not actually soothing or relaxing.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
9/11 made me delve into what I have to offer people – and that’s COLOR!
Who is your role model or mentor?
Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not marketing enough.
How do you spend your free time?
Going to museums. Relaxing over a home made meal with friends.
What is your indulgence?
Vintage colored glass.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Bringing the perfect color to each & every person. Becoming an international company. Finding my soulmate.
Favorite Places: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sculpture Garden; Georgica Beach, East Hampton; Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.
Favorite Things: Vintage Murano Glass; Lafco Peony Candle – Powder Room; Colors.
Advice for Women Starting their Own Business: Nurture every relationship.
Interview with Jordan Veatch-Goffi from Doce Vida Fitness
Jordan Veatch-Goffi is the designer and founder of Doce Vida Fitness, a line of exercise apparel aimed at making every woman feel amazing about herself and her body – no matter her shape or size. Doce Vida is a Brazilian inspired athletic line that exemplifies a culture where women are passionate, vibrant, self-assured and sexy. An avid athlete that has completed triathlons, and regularly does yoga, pilates and tennis, Jordan found that most clothes were built with smaller women in mind. So, Jordan decided to put her retail and fitness background together and launched Doce Vida – a fashionable yet functional athletic line.
What is Your Story?
I am no stranger to the retail world. My dad was high up in the Nike Latin America ranks, and I grew up with an insider’s knowledge of sports retail. I started with San Francisco-based Gap’s prestigious retail merchandising program run by the company VP’s. There, I learned merchandising, planning, production and marketing. But I realized that I wanted to bring together all of my passions and strengths.
I’m an athlete: triathlons, Pilates, yoga, tennis…and I found that most clothes are built with smaller women in mind. So, I decided to put my retail and fitness background together and I launched Doce Vida.
What is Your Most Popular Product?
Our Paraty Pant is our most popular item in our collection. The boot-cut styling fits snugly over your legs and flares fashionably at the hem. Sitting low on the hips, the wide waistband flatters your tummy line.
Who or what inspired you to start your business?
I was raised in a very athletic family who basically lived in workout clothes. However, I never felt they fit my body well. That really inspired me to create a line that flattered a woman’s body, and after 5 years in the corporate world, I decided to combine my fashion and fitness background to design workout apparel that did just that. I believe every woman should feel confidant in her body and I wanted to help create this confidence that I saw so many women wearing baggy workout clothes, missing.
Who is your role model or mentor?
I grew up in a family business – both of my parents are entrepreneurs, so they inspire me to follow my dreams.
What business mistake have you made that you will never make again?
We trusted too many people with our website design and we had to start from scratch twice. Now we know to have more up-front conversations before turning over the reigns.
What is your indulgence?
Dessert. I love sweets!
What do you CRAVE? In business?
I crave for all women to experience the difference Doce Vida makes in their workouts. I love hearing from happy customers about how Doce Vida makes them feel.
In life?
To always be healthy and be surrounded by positive people.
How do you spend your free time?
Running your own business, there is not much time for free time, but when we have the opportunity to take time for ourselves, I like to find fun recipes to prepare, walk through the city to soak it all in, and spend time with friends.
What is your favorite thing to do with girlfriends?
Find a new restaurant to try and catch up over martinis.
Kick It Into High Gear: Fitness for the New Year
Yes, we realize that we are already half-way through January, but we are just starting to get back on the exercise bandwagon after taking an extended break for the holiday season. And, if you are anything like us, we need something to jump-start our fitness routine if we are ever going to lose the “Holiday Five” that we’ve gained since Thanksgiving. Check out some great tips from local personal trainers below and get moving!
Natasha Linton (natashalinton.com)
Natasha Linton is a New York City based fitness professional certified by the International Sports Sciences Association and holds several other certifications in health & fitness promotion as well, and she has enough great workout ideas to keep us busy for years – at least. Not to mention, she turned us on to our new favorite workout anthem – “Naked” by Holliwoodz. Check out her tips:
1. Keep Moving – If your goal is to burn fat and drop pant sizes limit your rest periods in between each exercise of your workout. Instead of watching the clock between exercises for those 30 seconds of nothing,perform overall conditioning exercises such as jumping jacks, jump rope, step ups and mountain climbers. These are guaranteed to make your heart pump and your waistline smaller. This especially works if you want to drop those holiday pounds quickly.
2. Consistency is Key – Once a week of anything isn’t going to cut it. If you pick up a new DVD or decide to try a new workout from a magazine, don’t expect a huge change in your body after two times. Spend more time during the week with that activity. For better results mix these new activities in with your current program and alternate days.
3. Get on your feet – Step away from the weight machines! For optimal results stand up and lift free weights. Standing and lifting weights forces you to work more body parts at once. Combine weight training with cardio and you’ll like the end results after a few weeks.
Debi Silber – The Mojo Coach (themojocoach.com)
As a personal trainer and registered dietitian, Debi definitely has the tricks to help us get our mojo back after the holidays when we are feeling sluggish and out of shape. Everyone knows you need to workout and eat right, but how do you make healthy eating choices when you are eating out? Just ask Debi:
1. Look for healthy menu words like baked, grilled, roasted, poached and seared. Avoid anything with words like fried, breaded, buttered, crispy or cheesy. Also, most pastas and entrees made with red sauce are going to be a healthier option than other sauces.
2. Restaurant portions can be huge – and twice the amount we even need to eat. So, cut it in half and save half the entree for a doggie bag.
3. If you can, slow down while you are eating. Your body doesn’t register that its full for twenty minutes, so take your time and savor every bite! It will keep you from eating more than you need to.
4. When you’re done, push your plate out of reach or put your napkin over it, to keep from continuing to pick at your meal.
Armed with these tips for healthy eating when you go out, and how to kick up your workout a notch so you can get rid of those post-holiday pounds, we wish you a happy and healthy year!