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Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors

Monday, April 19th, 2010


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?

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Portland Events For Living La Vida Loca

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010


Weekly meetings, hourly coffee, Blackberry checks by the minute … you ladies make playing Super Woman look effortless, and as fellow females-on-the-go, we understand how unavoidable getting addicted to a good routine is. They keep us on track and our sanity intact, nothing wrong with that! However, on the flipside of these rock star routines is a world of spontaneity, which is just as essential to staying sane. So this week we are sharing some of Portland’s upcoming events to help you start living la vida loca (even if only for the weekend). Let these unusual additions to your days release you from your routine and bring you a well deserved departure from the daily grind!

Red Dress Party
As the annual charitable Red Dress Party celebrates its 10th year anniversary, 2010’s “RedRum” themed event has become a much-anticipated evening. Inspired by The Shinning, the Bison Building will be transformed into a scene from this epic horror film set in the Timberline Lodge, complete with an outdoor hedge maze. While this event may sound slightly spooky, there is plenty of fun to be had amidst the thriller of a theme. DJ Tronic, Tahoe Jackson, and DJ Harmonix will play mixes on two dance floors, and food, beverages, and special red cocktails will be provided for all red-dressed guests to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased here and are $50 each for general admission, and $125 for VIP accommodations.

Cirque du Soleil KOOZA
Much like the unassuming wanderer in the opening act of this spectacular show, guests of KOOZA are immediately thrust into the vibrant world of impossible human strength, and agility, watching as the arts of acrobatics and clowning are displayed just a few arm-lengths away. KOOZA astounds and charms all at once; and in a generation of entertainment largely predicated on computer graphics and digital animation, this spectacular show is truly a testament to the natural human wonders that still remain and entertain. Watching the genuine excitement and thrill on the faces of the performers is a sweet addition the elaborately organized show that displays the ability of the actors to embody their given characters as they invite you to venture inside their fictional kingdom that beckons with a zany allure.

Filmed By Bike Film Festival
This is an event for bike and film enthusiasts alike, as devotees of both pastimes come together to celebrate at this annual weekend-long independent film festival. Throughout the year, bike-themed film submissions are made from all over the world, and are eventually narrowed down to an elite selection of the top thirty films. The festival kicks off with the raucous New Belgium Street Party on Friday night, as the road is closed down and filled to the brim with DJ’s, beer, over $4000 in raffle prizes (presented by Sock Dreams), and bike lovers reveling in the culture of their most beloved activity. The event is cash only and guaranteed to be a blast whether or not you get around on two wheels or four! Tickets for the shows are available here.

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Celebrate Earth Day April 22

Monday, April 12th, 2010

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

Use reusable totes

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

Eat food

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

Green your gardening

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

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

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Best of Portland: Best Wedding & Event Planner Blogs

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Whether it’s cotton-tailed cupcakes at an annual Easter brunch, or homemade wine charms at your girlfriend’s dinner party; at some point we’ve all found ourselves envious of the creativity of others. But who has the energy to compete for originality points when time is precious and inspiration is elusive? Now you do! We’ve rounded up the best of Portland’s wedding and event planning blogs to help you put together your most sensational soirées. Below are the modern day cheat sheets to the most current information on themes, vendors, music, food, favors, and more! With the help of these experts, you’re sure to throw one unforgettable fete!

Little Black Book Vendor Blog
As part of Style Me Pretty, a style-centric wedding resource for modern brides, the Little Black Book Vendor Blog provides a perfect source of inspiration for brides-to-be. The weddings featured here are charming and unique, sharing the experiences of the brides and grooms (from the proposal to the wedding cake) in their own words. This space allows the newlyweds to share the details of their days and the resources they used to arrive at their finalized themes, menus, locations, etc. The photos included are beautifully shot and make viewers feel as if they are joining in on the intimate moments shared between couples, families, and friends. The details captured of centerpieces, gowns, and table dressings provide great insight and easy access to vendor information for those hoping to put on similar events. Vendors involved in each wedding are named in the post, and those that are members of Style Me Pretty’s ‘little black book’ (a thoroughly edited list of SMP approved vendors) are given special mention, ensuring reputable recommendations to readers.

Geranium Lake Flowers
Primarily comprised of posts by owner Kim Foren, the Geranium Lake Flowers Blog is reflective of the creative spirit this multi-talented owner. Originally trained as a fine art painter, Kim transitioned into the flower and events business sixteen years ago, bringing along her enthusiasm for innovation and creativity. After achieving incredible success with high profile clients and accolades from nearly every Portland publication, Kim decided to share her talent with a wider audience through her blog. Readers can find tons of great information here, pertaining to all kinds of lifestyle and events topics. Posts include information about upcoming trends (i.e broach bouquets, and chandeliers), as well as venue recommendations (reception sites, spas for rest and relaxation, etc…), photographers to note, and amazingly inventive DIY projects like onion peel egg dying, and plush pumpkin place card holders. The posts are fun to read and easy to follow with beautiful photography and detailed instructions.

Swanky Tables
Annette Warnick is one of our favorite women to work with here at CRAVE Portland. We love her commitment to furnishing stylish events and her unique creative visions (can you say Holiday Cravings Party 2009?), and she shares her fantastic talent with readers through her blog for Swanky Tables. Here, Annette shares photos from recent events, inspiration gained everywhere from shower curtains to patio furniture, and recipes for do-it-yourself drinks and dishes. Annette is truly an innovator and shares so much of her creative genius through her blog. Not only are special events, but also everyday life, enriched through the insight shared here by Annette. Check out this fun blog for all sorts of event inspirations!

HI-FI Weddings
Music plays a huge role in weddings, from walking down the aisle to rocking out at the reception, but arranging the perfect playlist is no easy task. This is where the HI-FI Weddings Blog comes to the rescue. Built upon the submissions of those who have already tied the knot, HI-FI’s blog is comprised of love stories and playlists submitted by countless couples. Brides and grooms-to-be may find this blog helpful in seeking out perfect playlists from couples with similar tastes in tunes, and can even listen to many of the recommended songs through the blog. Playlists are accompanied by pictures and descriptions from the couples, making this the perfect solution to the usual menace of mix-making.

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Add More ~ing To Your Life

Monday, March 29th, 2010

In her debut book, Add More ~ing To Your Life, motivational speaker and life coach Gabrielle Bernstein takes readers on a fun and fulfilling journey to happiness in 30 days. She promotes writing, meditation, and movement as ways to combat ego and release romantic illusions. For every goal in her book, she lays out an Equation with multiple steps packed with reflection and perspective. Some of her unique blues-blasting concepts include compiling a Compassion List, creating a Personal-Shift Statement, and ceasing to Future Trip. By the end of the book she’s created an arsenal of happiness-promoting exercises to conquer negative thinking and create personal change. Read on to learn more about this gifted guru and what she craves.

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
Expect Miracles

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I was ever given was from my mother when she told me that meditation would guide me to serenity.

In a past life you were…
A preacher in South America.

How do you get ready to write?
I clean my desk. Then I meditate. Following my meditation I write an outline. I’m a mess without an outline. I turn off my phone and I unplug the Internet. Then I start writing.

What’s a place that inspires you and why?
 The place where I’m most inspired is in Abadiania Brazil. I travel to Abadiania, the home of psychic surgeon and spiritual healer John of God. When I am in Brazil with John of God and his team of mediums I feel my strongest sense of inspiration.

What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?
 My authenticity. What you see is what you get.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
 I feel deeply connected to helping people overcome addiction and more specifically the issue of teenage suicide due to prescription drugs. I am a recovering drug addict and I am very transparent about my sobriety in order to help others recover. I plan to write a book on overcoming addiction in all areas of life.

What makes you laugh so hard you cry?
So many things. I don’t know where to begin…

In 10 years you want to be…
In 10 years I plan to be known as the messenger for happiness for the next generation. I will have a television show and several published books. I will be a mother and dwell in New York City and in a warm weather climate.

Describe yourself in 5 words.
I am spirited, loquacious, alive, connected, love

* This publication was sent to the CRAVEcompany for review

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Staff Insight: Beauty Secrets

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Whoever said “beauty is only skin deep” hasn’t been where we’ve been, and experienced what we have with some of the most fab health & beauty products and services in town. Taking care of yourself does wonders for both mind and body. Maybe it starts with long luscious lashes and ends with our favorite fitness class, but at the end of the day, we’ve tried what works and we’re here to share it with you! Take a look at several of our CRAVE Portland staff’s very own beauty secrets. And yes! Many of them you can find locally and in your brick & mortar beauty store or salon.

Sexy Hair, Powder Play: This is my favorite quick fix on-the-go product. The fastest, easiest way to get volume in 13 seconds! Easy to travel through TSA, too — it’s POWDER, baby!

John at Urbaca Salon: John is so amazing. I plan for a living and cater to clients, so the last thing I want to do is plan anything for myself! Jon knows what looks good on me, my face structure and style – I just sit and relax while he does the work.

I Luv Lashes: Michelle makes me feel sexy and beautiful with my long lashes! Very affordable with flexible scheduling, which works great with my busy life.

Bask Tanning Salon: It’s my lifesaver. I’m heading to Belize soon – and my pretty, white tush hasn’t seen the sun in ages. Bask has great tanning services, so I can get a quick base AND a beautiful, even spray tan at a very reasonable price before bearing my bikini. Located in John’s Landing, off of Macadam. Staff is nice too!

Kiehl’s Moisturizing Foundation: I love how quick and easy this is…  It has amazing coverage that blends well with any of my skin tones (no matter what time of year), and a little goes a long way. It also has SPF! Available at Kiehl’s store on NW 23rd.

Portland Team Fitness: I believe beauty and fitness go hand-in-hand – BUT, just because I believe this does not mean that I follow it as often as I should. Nonetheless, when I feel like whipping my butt back into shape I head here. The classes are fun and energetic (super for people with ADD like me) and Alayne is a great teacher. She will work with your body to help you achieve your personal fitness goals.

Epionce skincare: I’ve been using this skincare line for nearly two years and my skin loves me for it. In return, I get radiant and healthy skin that functions at its best. Get a complimentary skin consultation and learn more about Epionce at Teko Skincare Studio on NW Marshall Street between 11th & 12th Avenue.

Christian, my hairstylist! Long hair or short hair, I’ve done it all and I’ve rarely had a bad hair day since coming to Christian. Find master hairstylist Christian at Rock Paper Scissors on 4422 SE Hawthorne (503) 863-4819.

LiLash eyelash stimulator: This easy to use, magic-in-a-tube eyelash growth stimulator gives me long, natural lashes. No prescription, extensions or heavy mascara to deal with! It applies like a clear liquid eyeliner. One tube will last you more than 6 months! Available at Teko Skincare.

Urban Waxx Salon: I absolutely fell in LOVE with this waxing studio from my first visit. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and they make you feel right at home so you forget the pain of your bikini wax! Urban Waxx is located at 1036 NW 18th Avenue.

Top Ten Nail Salon: I’m never disappointed when I get a manicure or a pedicure here. High quality is consistent at an affordable price and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. Located at 3415 SE Hawthorne.

Acupuncturist Warren Trumbo L.Ac: Beauty comes from within, and acupuncture can help enhance your overall well-being so you not only look healthier, but most importantly feel healthier too. Warren creates a calm, soothing environment to naturally guide you on a healthy journey to wellness. His clinic is located at 2216 Southeast 50th Avenue, (503) 234-2539‎.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray: This product adds the perfect amount of volume to my hair. I spray it evenly through before blow drying and the results are instantaneous. The volume stays all day without any of the usual crispy, sticky messes of regular hairsprays. Bumble and Bumble products are sold at Ziva Salon 610 NW 23rd Avenue.

Two Faced Shadow Insurance: I love to experiment with different eye shadows, but I quickly got tired of feeling like my effort and investment were wasted when the shadow disappeared by mid-day. Two Faced Shadow Insurance changed everything. This silicone-based primer makes blending eye shadows effortless and keeps them in place all day! Shadow Insurance can be found at Beautyfirst at 1407 NE Lloyd Center and larger retailers like Nordstrom and Sephora.

Creative Nail Design Air Dry Topcoat: I got this top coat on a whim one day and absolutely fell in love. The thick formula goes on streaky and in a matter of moments, melds together to form an impossibly glossy barrier of protection for your favorite polish. This top coat makes my at-home manicures look professional, and keeps chips at bay for almost two weeks. Best of all, I can skip protecting my nails while texting, typing, and digging around in my purse. Find CND Air Dry Topcoat at Kalista Salon & Spa 805 NW Glisan Street.

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Arch Rival Brow Defining Kit by BeingTRUE Cosmetics

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Each time I meet someone, I notice three revealing beauty deets: teeth, nails, and eyebrows.

My best friend in the bathroom is Tweezerman, and the time I spend on my eyebrows is blissful and therapeutic. As a male, it is equally important to have a groomed, clean face to present to the world, but my eyebrows are not overdone or glam-y. The women of my office keep asking me about my eyebrow maintenance, so I introduced them to Archrival by Being True Cosmetics ($55).

This brow defining kit has all the primping essentials for the perfect brow; minus the tweezers. The kit comes with a brow defining compact, brow brush, and a finishing gel. Eyebrow definition is a three-C process. First, you CUSTOMIZE with brow definer, which is a tinted brow wax used as a base for sparse areas and two pigments to match your shade. Next, you CREATE, with the brush, precision placement of the eyebrow hairs. To finish, you CONTROL with the botanical gel to hold stray hairs in place. The instructions are simple to follow and the procedure is comparable to spa services. Being True Cosmetics is a spa line that started in 2004 with a holistic approach to beauty and health targeted to the age group 16-60. This is a fabulous product for people wanting spa treatment, but with at-home prices and privacy.

BeingTRUE Cosmetics and TRUE Makeup Artistry services are available at Urbaca Salon (120 NW 9th, Suite 101 in the Pearl District) as well as 7+ Portland-area salons.

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Best of Portland: Local Bloggers

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

They’ve all got something to say, whether about fashion, travel, business, or writing itself! Make sure you don’t sleep on some of the savviest and resourceful female bloggers, right from the Portland community!

The Neat Sheet
Produced by writer/editor Karen Vitt, The Neat Sheet is designed as a local shopping and fashion news “blogazine,” providing stylish Portland women a trustworthy, comprehensive and advertorial-free daily hot list of NEAT things to buy, wear, try and do in Portland and beyond! Karen has covered fashion, shopping, style and culture in her hometown of Portland for more than 10 years, writing for print and web publications including Lucky Magazine, The Oregonian, Willamette Week, Women’s Wire (iVillage), Oregon Bride and many others.

Chic Steals
Check out Chic Steals for daily advice on how to look like a million bucks, without actually doing so. Shoes, dresses, accessories, fashion shows and more, writer Carly covers it all. On Chic Steals, expect to find dead-on look alikes of runway styles for a much more favorable price!

Ann Schilling
As many of us are small business owners and entrepreneurs, we are all faced with the need to master social media marketing and SEO. Ann Schilling, an SEO and Social Media Marketing Consultant, gives advice on these topics through her blog, as well on developing small businesses in general. She has been a practicing Senior Technical Writer, Writer, Poet and Travel Writer for over 12 years. Ann continues to write and has recently fallen in love with creating videos as well. Check out her blog here.

Shopping’s My Cardio
A daily guide dedicated to making life a little more stylish. Whether they’re talking fashion, trends, beauty, home design, reading or random finds, it’s always about what’s beautiful, chic or just fun to have in your life! Editor and founder Becki Singer is a reformed attorney and devoted fashion addict currently living in Portland. She’s written for other publications such as Diablo magazine, Oregon Home, The Daily Obsession, Mankind Magazine, Luxaholics, Design Sponge, and more!

Golden Wordsmith
Kerri Buckley is a freelance writer, poet and artist. She has written articles for numerous publications, including The Oregonian,Portland Family Magazine, and Rochester Woman. Kerri had also been writing weekly columns on art, culture, weddings, beauty and dining for Meredith’s (FOX TV) online city newspaper at LivePDX.com, the Portland Lit Club. Additionally, she hosts and produces the Literary Cafe Radio Show through prx.org. Clearly, Kerri has something to say and many people like to hear it.

She had been recognized for her literary skills this past November when she was awarded first place for poetry in the Inland Empire California Writer’s Club’s (IECWC) Annual Poetry Contest for her poem, “The Man from San Jose.” Her website includes a blog and collection of her writings, whether poems or essays. Kerri also teaches writing classes around Portland. For those of who enjoy using words like paints to create a vision, Kerri is an excellent resource for inspiration and technique!

The Proprietress
Kate Fulford provides inspiration and retail knowledge for the savvy entrepreneur. A former boutique owner in San Francisco, Kate moved to Portland and blogs as The Proprietress, providing other boutique owners with resources and suggestions for creating a wonderful shopping experience for their customers.

Ruba
Writer Erin is a community manager for Ruba, a virtual travel and tour review site. She is constantly updating about hot spots in the U.S., abroad, and all kinds of fun-facts that will help you find a new adventure, whether it’s a new city, mountain or restaurant.

Written by Katerina & Cecilia.

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Best of Portland: Best Places for Inner Peace

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Good afternoon, Portland! For most of us, it’s another exciting, but busy day with meetings and deadlines … but don’t forget to take a breather at some point. There are many unique spots in Portland that would help to revitalize! Take a look.

Aequis Spa
422 NW 13th Ave.
(503) 223-7847

Founded by Megan Klein in 2000, Aequis Spa began as a mere idea with a small hot tub, and expanded to an all-encompassing health and relaxation spa in the Pearl. Megan has grown into what seems to be a master of her field, having gained a variety of experiences through Tony Robbins’ spa, Namale Spa, in Fiji, and is regularly being recruited for new projects. “Every guest of Aequis is honored as a sacred individual.” This draws out their approach to each client and the quality of their services. Aequis is not just a business; it is a sanctuary and a refuge in the heart of the city. In contrast to other spas, Aequis provides unique, rare offerings, including various world therapies and wellness rituals, hand and foot ‘cures,’ couple’s retreat, and special events, along with intricate massage rituals, including ayurveda, facials and beauty care. Aequis has continuously won awards of “Best Spa,” “Best Facial,” and “Best Massage” over the years. Check out their website for full listings and details.

The DragonTree: A Holistic Day Spa
2768 NW Thurman Street
(503) 221-4123

Described as small and warm, DragonTree compliments other local spas nicely. Founded by Briana Borten in 2003, DragonTree is interesting in how it focuses not on any one given visit, but on your overall journey towards balance and rejuvenation, and serves as a resource for tools and education in self-maintenance and healing techniques. So you will get more than a massage or a facial; you will walk out with ways to continue your journey towards wellness independently. DragonTree provides a variety of services ranging from skin care and waxing to massages, acupuncture, spas and ayurveda.

Bagby Hot Springs
Estacada, OR

Don’t forget to take advantage of Oregon’s natural wonders as well as our local businesses! We are lucky to live in the midst of mountains, rivers, forests and…. hot tubs? Yup! Check out Bagby Hot Springs in Estacada, OR. You’ll drive through green valleys and scenic views of Mount Hood, park your car, take an easy 3-mile hike past a 50 foot waterfall, and reach a cabin with hollowed-out cedar logs serving as 8-foot-long bathtubs. It’s open all year. Best part? It’s cheap! There is a Northwest Forest Pass fee of $5, or $30 per season.

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Celebrating Women’s History Month

Monday, March 8th, 2010


Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? Women’s History Month can be traced back to 1911 when the first International Women’s Day was celebrated. But it didn’t become a month long celebration until 1987. The popularity of women’s history celebrations continues to spread as more people are becoming aware of the contributions of women and girls. A President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women in History in America recently sponsored hearings in many parts of the country. The Women’s Progress Commission will soon conduct hearings to promote interest in preserving areas that are relevant in American women’s history. Some of the groups promoting this interest are state historical societies, women’s organizations, and groups such as the Girl Scouts of the USA. CRAVE would like to celebrate Women’s History month by selecting five women who have made a positive impact in the last ten years.

Hillary Clinton
During the last decade, she was First Lady, Senator, serious presidential candidate of a major political party, and Secretary of State, First former First Lady to hold major elective office, January 2001 (Senator from New York); first woman candidate for U.S. president to almost win a nomination from a major political party (declared candidacy January 2007, conceded June 2008) and first former First Lady to serve in the cabinet, in her capacity of U.S. Secretary of State, confirmed January 2009. All of this after her presidential husband cheated on her for the whole world to see. Need I say more?

Oprah Winfrey
Oprah was the first black billionaire, as reported by Forbes in April 2004. Although she is not in politics or changing laws, her power and conviction is known the world over. She has used her power again and again to shed light on good causes on everything from women who are sold into slavery to animal cruelty. Her latest endeavor is getting people to stop talking and texting on the phone while driving. She puts massive amounts of money into charitable causes and her show is now approaching an unbelievable 25 year run. In 2009 she announced that the The Oprah Winfrey Show will end in 2011. It’s hard to find a woman who doesn’t know who she is.

Melinda Gates
Melinda Gates is the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is the largest transparently operated private foundation in the world. The foundation is “driven by the interests and passions of the Gates family.” The primary aims of the foundation are, globally, to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty, and in America, to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology. The foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, has an endowment of US$35.1 billion as of October 1, 2008. The scale of the foundation and the way it seeks to apply business techniques to giving makes it one of the leaders in the philanthrocapitalism revolution in global philanthropy. In 2007 its founders were ranked as the second most generous philanthropists in America. Bill and Melinda were also named Time magazine’s Persons of the Year in December 2005.

Michelle Obama
Because Michelle is the first African American first lady and the first wife of an African American President, she has an influence and gets attention that prior first ladies may not have received. Michelle represents the loving, working mother who came from difficult circumstances, had the opportunity to attend an Ivy League school, and achieve great things in the causes that she’s taken on as a lawyer, and now, as a first lady. Even her fashion sense is turning heads because she tends to wear little known designers, giving them well-deserved attention, instead of going for the more typical pricier names that everyone would expect. When Michelle decided to grow a vegetable garden outside the White-House, all of a sudden it was all the rage. Right now she is taking on reducing childhood obesity and encouraging children to have a healthy active lifestyle.

Ellen DeGeneres
Though it is easy to argue that Ellen doesn’t have half the achievements under her belt as any of the rest of these women do, her talk show and her name have become so synonymous with positivity and acceptance, it seems that laughter really is the best medicine. Besides being widely adored and accepted as an openly gay woman, Ellen and her talk show have won the daytime Emmy for Best Talk Show and talk show host 4 years in a row and the show averages about 3.0 million viewers per episode, according to daytime television ratings, which makes it one of the highest-viewed daytime shows. The refreshing style of her humor and the unyielding extent of her kindness make her a stand out woman of the last decade.

Information from wikipedia.com.

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