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Girls’ Night Out!

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

The weekend is finally here and you know exactly what you need.  A girls’ night out! Forget about men tonight, it’s all about us ladies.  We sure know how to party when our best girlfriends are all together.  Here are some places that you will be CRAVE-ing all week:

La Palapa (lapalapa.com)

What says “girls’ night out” more than a margarita?  La Palapa has 10 different fresh fruit flavors of frozen margaritas!  They also have amazing “Mexico City style” food and two locations in NYC.  Margaritte Malfy and Barbara Sibley opened their first restaurant in November 2000.  They are both very experienced in NYC restaurants as well as art.  “A palapa is a palm-thatched shelter on a Mexican beach where you can relax with your feet in the sand looking at the ocean while you sip an ice cold cerveza flavored with lime and salt, and eat a spicy shrimp taco with salsa guajillo.”  Try this place for the perfect girls’ night out.

77 St. Mark’s Place

New York, NY

(212) 777-2537

Cheek to Chic (cheektochic.com)

You love to look your hottest when going out in NYC.  Before that girls’ night out, give Cheek to Chic a call so they can help you get the make-up for any occasion.  Cheek to Chic’s goal is to help women look their up-to-date best. Whether you are a busy businesswoman, a new mom, or a young woman, Cheek to Chic will help you get a handle on the overwhelming beauty industry.  They believe that make-up should be fun so gather up your girlfriends and prepare for your fun night together!

215 West 75th St

New York, NY

(646) 319-6141

Pure Food and Wine (purefoodandwine.com)

Looking for an interesting place to take the ladies?  Try Pure Food and Wine, the wine part will entice most of you because all of their wines are either biodynamic, organic and/or vegan.  The restaurant has been featured twice in New York magazines “Top 100 Restaurants” as well as 5 years in a row on Forbes list of “All Star New York Eateries.”  In the spring and summer, Pure Food and Wine has a private back garden for lunch to start off your girls’ night out.  They also have a great assortment of “pure” cocktails and they are open late so get your party on girls!

54 Irving Place

New York, NY 10003

(212) 477-1010

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Bloggers To Watch Out For: Career Coaches

Monday, July 19th, 2010

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.

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Connectors we CRAVE!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

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!)

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Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Father’s Day is around the corner and every year its the same. We ponder WHAT to get our dear dads for a gift. We all know that whatever we hand them they’ll be thankful for; but we always want to push the envelope! When we are pressed for time and don’t have the effort left to make something extremely sentimental, here is some advice from your friends at CRAVE on what to do that will make him smile.

Try and remember what your dad is passionate about. Is he an outdoors-man? Cook? Tech-savvy? Music lover? With some passion he has in mind its always easier to direct your gift towards a certain theme and come out successful. It will help you avoid spending hours shopping with no clue of what to get as well as guaranteeing that he will appreciate the gift and the thought you put into it.
If still stuck on where to begin with finding a gift, maybe go in a different direction then a simple gift from the store. Does you’re dad love a certain comedian or band? Grab tickets to a concert.

Dad’s love knowing you want to spend time with them, so if time allows, do an activity that involves doing something together. Time spent is more precious than any other gift money could buy!

Remember first and foremost that its your dad’s day! All that matters truly matters is that you make sure to tell him he’s special and you love him.

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It’s World Cup Time!

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Ladies! The World Cup is on this week, so why not throw a fabulous party to celebrate! Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and throwing a party will be just another fun reason to sit around the TV with the gals and drool over men in jerseys.

So what are the three key items necessary for throwing a great party? Friends, food, and some fun drinks. With those elements you’re bound to have fun.

First, lets start off with friends. Invite your best gal pals over (probably 8 to 10 ladies) and ask them to previously pick a team to cheer for. Then suggest they wear the colors of their team to the party. It will add a small hint of competition to the group and keep your ladies having fun screaming for their men during the game.

Second, it may be a soccer party but the snacks don’t have to be the typical game food of chicken wings and burgers. For your ladies, whip up a batch of cupcakes or if in a time crunch grab some from your local grocer and decorate them with the colors of the teams playing. As for the other snacks, everything needs to be decent at room temperature, since once the game starts the attention will be focused more on the TV. Perhaps some bruschetta and caprese salad would be yummy finger food that will leave your guests happy and satisfied. If feeling too crunched for time on the snacky goods, ask your gals to each bring something small and yummy with them when they come. It will help relieve some of the stress and you know then you’ll have plenty of food to go around.

Third, but just as important are those drinks! Decide to make some of your favorite cocktails or bubbly that will keep the girls having fun throughout the game. Perhaps a drink that includes the colors of the teams! Drinks are always fun but no one wants to bust their budget on buying alcohol that not everyone will like, so let your girlfriends know you will be providing some drinks, but suggest they bring more if they have a specific or picky preference.

So no more excuses and procrastinating! You now have all you need for a successful party! All that’s left is letting the gals know and start getting caught up on your knowledge of the teams and the gorgeous men playing. Games start June 11th so get your head in the game and get your party started!

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Tricks of the Trade

Monday, May 31st, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CRAVE Book Featured on the Small Screen

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Click on picture to view video

Just in time for Mother’s Day, our CRAVE guides were featured on Twin Cities Live as the perfect gift for stylish moms everywhere! Watch the clip here and see our lovely books take center-stage!

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It’s Fiesta Time!

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010


Cinco de Mayo is a fun day dedicated to spicy foods, barbequing in the fresh spring weather, and sipping a cocktail while relaxing to upbeat Latin music. Partake in or create Cinco de Mayo activities you CRAVE this year. Gather your girlfriends and samba your way into spring!
If you are in the mood to stay in and avoid Cinco de Mayo craziness, a perfect way to loosen up and still enjoy this festive holiday is to stay in and host your own fiesta! Do your girls CRAVE spicy and authentic Mexican food? Invite everyone over to cook their favorite dish and swap recipes. Meanwhile, sip on fresh home-made margaritas while watching your favorite Selma Hayek films. For a fun activity kids of any age can enjoy, pick up a piñata and see who can collect the most candy.

Getting dolled up and putting on your most festive dress and heels may be the way you want to honor this colorful holiday. Put on that new red lipstick you’ve been dying to use, gather all the girls and jump into a salsa class. Learning this spicy dance together will not only be fun, but you might discover a new favorite way to work out! After the lesson, go to that Mexican restaurant that you can’t get enough of and dance the night away to the live mariachi band.

Whether it be going out to hot spots or mellowing out at home, celebrate however makes you happiest. As you prepare for the night’s festivities, try this enticing, spicy cocktail to liven up your night. Not for the timid taste buds!
SMITTEN

Makes 1 cocktail
1/3 cup fresh ripe watermelon, cut in 1-inch cubes

2 oz Sauza Hornitos Plata Tequila

3/4 oz Monin Organic Agave Syrup

3/4 oz fresh lime juice

2 dashes Tapatio hot sauce
Garnish: half-rim, single “scallop” of kosher salt

Muddle/press watermelon in pint glass with a muddler, being sure to press the melon well to release juices. Measure in tequila, agave syrup and lime juice. Shake in hot sauce—do not over-do it! Fill glass with ice. Cap and shake vigoroulsy. Strain into a martini glass with a partial salt rim.

Find more creative concoctions from Chef Kathy Casey here.

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Bond with these Activites on Mother’s Day

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

It’s that time of year – it’s all about mom. You know as well as we do – with a hectic lifestyle, sometimes traditional alternatives have to do the trick (isn’t it the thought that counts?). But with all that mom has done for you, we’re guessing you probably CRAVE some creative mother/daughter bonding activities this Mother’s Day. So take a break from the craziness of the day to bond with the number one woman in your life. Whether you’re a “like- mother-like-daughter duo” or have completely different tastes, you’re sure to find a fabulous way to celebrate your mom in style with our irresistible options! Get ready to make some memories!

Rediscover Family Recipes
What better way to celebrate the women in your family than with a day dedicated to the culinary queens that have graced your family over the years? We all have recipes stashed away in a drawer in the kitchen that we always talk about with family members during holiday time. How many times have you reminisced about Grandma Marie’s outrageous chicken Marsala or Aunt Susan’s legendary lemon meringue? It’s time to pull out those recipes and cook them up with mom! Be sure to recopy those recipes that are written on paper that is little worse for wear, organize them and swap memories as you savor your hard work. So, if CRAVE something spicy or sweet and want to share special memories of the wonderful women that have paved your way, get cooking with mom. Who knows, you might even make some mother-daughter recipes of your own!

Other ideas for the the crafty mother-daughter duo:

- Organize family photos in scrapbooks or photo albums.
- Transfer old family tapes to DVD.
- Take an art class together.

Mother-Daughter Massage
What better way to say goodbye to stress and pamper the number one woman in your life than with a mother-daughter massage and spa treatment? Sometimes, the unspoken shared moments in life mean the most. With a little time to meditate, make muscles melt and mend your bodies, you and mom will be bonding in no time. Take some time together to choose your lineup of indulgences for the day. Whether you and mom CRAVE some hot stone therapy, aromatherapy or holistic skin care, your Mother’s Day Spa date is sure to be one to remember!

Other options for mothers and daughters looking to chill:

- Take a yoga class together.
- Safely score some rays of sunshine at the beach.
- Pack a picnic lunch and your suits. Find the perfect place to swim, enjoy the water and indulge in some homemade picnic classics!

Generational Clothing Swap:
Admit it – you have always wanted to raid mom’s closet (maybe you already have!) for some of those classy vintage outfits she has saved over the years. She’s probably had her eye on some of yours! Now is your chance to share style secrets that span a few more decades. Spend the days discussing style and sharing trends that have come in and out of both your lives. You might find some similarities you would never suspect – styles always seem to come back! After you swap chic secrets, you might even want to have a generational fashion show. Whatever decade you and mom each CRAVE when it comes to style, the creative possibilities are endless when you put your heads together in the name of fashion!

Alternatives for moms and daughters with fashion in their blood:

- Get out there for some retail therapy, but here’s the catch – pick outfits for each other. You could be pleasantly surprised, or you might be laughing the entire time you’re in the dressing room!
- Score mother-daughter style makeover consultations.
- Go on a fashionable date – check CRAVE and other local listings for fashion shows and other styling events in your city.

No matter what you CRAVE and how you choose to celebrate mom, enjoy your time together. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at CRAVE.

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An interview with Urban Signals

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

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.

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