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Archive for February, 2010

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Interview with Shane and Kristi from Bodycenter Studios

Friday, February 12th, 2010


Bodycenter Studios has been providing the Seattle community with the benefits of Pilates, through the achievement of balanced bodies, improved movement patterns, and an increased level of fitness. “Holistic Pilates” is Bodycenter’s approach, signifying the organic and functional relationship between exercise, daily movement, and the complete well-being of the individual. Bodywork and Physical Therapy services are also offered.

How would you describe your business in three words or less?
Personable. Competent. Valuable.

What are the most popular or best selling products or services?
Private Pilates session and the Group Reformer classes.

People may be surprise to know…
That Bodycenter is the STOTT PILATES certification center for the Northwest training. Many of the best instructors around Seattle and throughout the region started at Bodycenter Studios.

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
A small group of women in the Pilates community shared a common vision for “something better” than what was available in Seattle ten years ago.

Who is your role model?
Sting and Ida Rolf

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
We will be a lot more stringent and creative in the future when making financial allowances for hardship cases.

How do you spend your free time? What is your indulgence?
Free Time: Spending time with family, gardening, knitting, cooking
Indulgence: Facials and lip-gloss

Favorites and why?

Best place for a manicure/pedicure? Frenchy’s – great attention to detail!

Best place to find gifts? Leavenworth, WA – love the drive, love the art

Favorite salon? Red X Hair Salon – great stylists, flexible hours

Best place to buy shoes? Burnt Sugar has very cool styles

Best place to buy clothes? Olivine Attelier in Ballard

Best local designer? Wendy Woldenberg – jewelry designer

Best gym, fitness club? Bodycenter Studios, of course!

Where to find:
NEW LOCATION
4250 8th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107

www.bodycenterstudios.com
Bodycenter Studios on Facebook

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Best of Seattle Cupcakes

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

This week’s Best Of is Cupcake Crazy! Just in time for Valentine’s Day we are featuring the Best of Seattle Cupcakes. Cupcakes are quickly becoming the desert of choice at functions like weddings, birthdays and office parties – and you won’t see us complaining! Everyone has their favorite shop and their favorite flavor (the CRAVEseattle team LOVES Red Velvet) but this week we’ve taken a broad look at everything cupcake in the Seattle area. After all this mouth watering goodness you just might have to run out and try one for yourself.

Cupcake Royale Capitol Hill, Ballard, Madrona and West Seattle
Cupcake Royale has been getting a lot of exciting buzz for the annual appearance of their Deathcake Royale, and this fabulous concoction has it all! With dark chocolate ganache, chocolate cake royale, Stumptown espresso ganache and Theo Chocolate decadence there is a lot to love about this cake. All their flavors are fabulous but this one is available for a limited time only.

Wink Cupcakes Queen Anne
Wink is the newest addition to the Seattle cupcake family. Featuring hand-crafted delicacies made daily with fresh ingredients. Each cake is specially designed to achieve perfect balance between the cake and the icing. With a variety of flavors each cupcake becomes a work of art  with handcrafted flower shaped icing designs and decor. Definitely worth a WINK and a smile!

Bella Cupcake Couture see a complete list of locations online
You’re never fully dressed without a smile – but a cupcake is never fully dressed without a wrapper. Bella Cupcake Couture is “where cupcakes meet fashion” and each wrapper is created to bring a custom look to your party or event. Carrie Middlemiss, owner of Bella Cupcake Couture, will be joining us for the February CRAVEchat and will be sharing her story. Join us and learn more!

Trophy Cupcakes Wallingford, University Village, Bellevue
With adorable packaging Trophy Cupcakes invites you in, and the flavors keep you in and make you come back for more. Trophy is currently featuring their newest creation, a dark chocolate raspberry cupcake which is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Also available just for the holiday are Pink Champagne and Hale’s Chocolate Stout; perfect for him and her but order in advance for the best flavor selection.

With so many fabulous places to choose from it’s easy to find a CRAVEable cupcake near you. The trick will be to eat only one! Bon Apetit!

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11 Ways To Be Single on Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Single, taken, or “it’s complicated”… regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day can frankly be very obnoxious. If you’re with someone, you’re pressured to partake in extravagant displays of lovey-dovey cuteitude against your will. If you’re single, it’s even worse. You’re brutally reminded that those millions of cheesy greeting cards with kissing puppies on the front simply aren’t meant for you. Of course Valentine’s Day isn’t all bad, but it can be tough to go solo on a day when the rest of the world seems madly in love. In an effort to give single gals out there some solace, here’s a smattering of ideas from women (and two men) on what to do on February 14th if you’re single.

  • Get all your single girlfriends together for a fun-filled night of vino and good music… that’s what I’d do. Oh and shopping too (hell make an entire day of it)! -Phaedra, Taken, Los Angles [A Very CRAVE V-Day]
  • Two words: Southern. Comfort. Now you have advice from lady AND gentleman – Corbin, Taken, Washington DC [Best "Drink Your Sorrows Away" V-Day]
  • Celebrate the Chinese New Year! -Jocelyn, Single, Woodinvile [Best V-Day Replacement Holiday]
  • I heard the trick is to not make Valentine’s Day about loving a person you are in a relationship with, but to make it about loving all the people you love. If it isn’t about one person than it can be less disappointing when you spread out the love! – Courtney, Single, Santa Clara [Sweetest V-Day Idea]
  • Remember that it’s easier to be single on Valentine’s Day than stuck in a relationship that’s going nowhere fast. -Mike, Divorced, London [Best V-Day Reality Check]
  • This might be an LA only thing…but going to Disneyland with friends is awesome, as is going to Amoeba Records by yourself. – Natasha, Single, Los Angeles [Most LA V-Day]
  • Offer to babysit for your friends with kids! -Deborah, Taken, Woodinville [Most Charitable V-Day Idea]
  • I loved my single Valentines the best! Having a dinner party (with yummy cocktails) is fun with your single friends, or taking a little trip somewhere- the ocean, a cabin, a movie- with a few friends is wonderful! Just celebrating the people you love is what it’s all about! – Carly, Taken, Camano Island [Best Girlfriends V-Day]
  • If I were single on VDAY I’d go to Vegas for sure. But that’s just me… – Ashley, Taken, Los Angeles [Best V-Day for Ladies on the Prowl]
  • It’s two weeks away…. whose to say you will be single? Also… I hear having a bonfire is great fun… and if things go awry, a fireman comes over to visit – Adrienne, Single, Santa Fe [Hottest V-Day Idea]
  • Valentine’s Day is just another day…I would go to brunch and buy yourself some flowers. – Jess, Taken, San Diego [Best "Celebrate Yourself" V-Day Idea]

So there you have it. Booze, babysitting, brunch or bonfires – whatever you do, you definitely do not need a beau to enjoy your Valentine’s Day this year. Have fun!

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Hit the Slopes at Ski Camps for Girlfriends

Monday, February 8th, 2010

The Groundhog said it all – On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and doomed the rest of us to six more frigid weeks of winter. Rather than crawl under the covers and hibernate ’til spring, why not make the most of the chilliest time of year and go skiing (or snowboarding) with your girlfriends? Take a look at these women-only snow camps and book your long weekend now!

1. ROXY All Star Snow Camps – Whistler Blackcomb
These 2-day snow camps are all about girls, fun, and hitting the slopes! The women-only camps are taught by highly skilled female skiers and riders and give you the opportunity to make friends with other women in the group. ROXY caters to ladies at any level of skiing and snowboarding, from beginner to expert, and they even throw in some prizes to get you motivated to boost your skills! Check the website for rates and dates.

2. Women’s Edge – Aspen Snowmass
Women’s Edge is a 4-day female-centric experience for intermediate to advanced skiers. You’ll spend time getting to know the women in your group while being instructed by female pros and getting treated to a luncheon, lectures, and chances to ski at nearby mountains with skiers in your same skill level. It’s a fun program with chances to build relationships with like-minded women while having a great time! Check out the website here.

3. Women’s Ski Camps – Snowbird
In Snowbird, Utah, these 3-4 day ski camps offer small group sizes and ample one-on-one coaching with women instructors to make for a truly rewarding experience. Intermediate to expert skiers can be accommodated, and the intimate program comes with an optional Meal & Spa Add On with special perks! To see prices and itineraries, check out the Women’s Ski Camps’ website here.

These are a few examples of resorts that currently offer women-only skiing and snowboarding camps. Check out your favorite mountain’s special deals for girls in advance and start planning next year’s wintry adventures now!

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Interview with Jodi Hall from Cupcake Royale

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Now through February 14th, the original Deathcake Royale is back, only at Cupcake Royale. The Deathcake is death-by-chocolate meets Cupcake Roayle, and it’s Seattle’s most lovingly lethal cupcake. Made with Theo Chocolate decadence, Stumptown espresso ganache, and delicious chocolate cake Royale, this sinister chocolate concoction is meant to be shared by lovers and loved by haters. Enjoy!

Cupcake Royale is Seattle’s original cupcake bakery, featuring scratch-baked cupcakes made with premium, all-natural ingredients, and hand-frosted to combine old-fashioned love with gourmet appeal. Cupcake Royale has grown to three locations in some of Seattle’s best neighborhoods, and now can be found at other coffeehouses and premium grocery stores across the Puget Sound area.

How would you describe your business in three words or less?
Fun. Wholesome. Happy.

What are the most popular or best selling products or services?
Dance Party with Holly Hobby is the name of our vanilla butter-cake with pink vanilla buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles. It’s as delicious as it looks, and it makes you feel like you’re celebrating your 9-year birthday party all over again.

People may be surprised to know…
Our cupcakes are made from scratch every day – and that the shelf-life of our cupcakes are the day you buy them, no more. We refuse to add shelf life by adding shortening or unnatural ingredients. Your mother will appreciate this – trust me!

Where is your favorite place to go with girlfriends?
I love to go out for dinner and drinks: Smith Pub & Grub, the Hazelwood Cafe Presse are among my favorites.

Where to find:
West Seattle
4556 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206.932.2971

Madrona
1101 34th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
206.709.4497

Ballard
2052 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
206.782.9557

Capitol Hill
1111 E Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
206.328.6544

www.cupcakeroyale.com

Twitter @cupcakeroyale

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The Paris Haute Couture Shows

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

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!

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Best of 2010 Winter Olympians

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

In a few short weeks thousands of athletes, coaches and fans from around the globe will flock to Vancouver, B.C. for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Athletes will compete for the coveted Olympics medals in sports ranging from figure skating to luge; guts and glory definitely required.  This week we highlight some local Olympians we are proud to call locals. We wish them the best as they compete on behalf of the United States. Go get ‘em girls!

Bree Schaff
Bremerton, WA; Bobsled
Bree Schaaf has been involved with sliding sports since 2002, beginning with skeleton and making the switch to bobsled in 2007. During the 08/09 Season Bree claimed gold, silver and bronze medals on the America’s Cup Circuit.

After finishing first at the 2009 National Championships she earned a spot on the World Cup team. Bree is a graduate from Portland State University, where she played voleyball. Action activities include playing the piano, playing beach volleyball, cooking, sewing, metalworking, and reading. She also volunteers for Stanley Stamm Seattle Children’s Hospital camp.

Karen Thatcher
Blaine, WA; Hockey
As a two-time member of the U.S. Women’s National Team for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Women’s Championship Karen earned gold in the 08/09 season.

Karen has also been a member of the U.S. Women’s Select Team for the Four Nations Cup; the U.S. Women’s Select Team; the U.S. Women’s Under 22 Select Team for the Under-22 Series with Canada and the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. She also played with the Minnesota Whitecaps and helped them earn the Western Women’s Hockey League Championship in 08/09. Off the rink Karen enjoys time with family. In 2006, Karen graduated from Providence with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Best of luck to you from everyone at CRAVEseattle!

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Rachel Ray, I’m no

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

I don’t know if any of you are “culinaryily challenged,” but I sure am. I am obsessed with the Food Channel but don’t cook anything I ever see prepared on there. There is something soothing and brain numbing about watching them create, compete, build absurdly shaped cakes, and whip up mystery ingredients I have never heard of.

How about that Rachel Ray gal? She rocks it every night in less than 30 minutes. The big difference is when I go to my pantry or fridge I don’t conveniently have all the spices and sauces placed by the elves so my 30 minute meal turns into a frustrated 80 minute search for cumin, and a trip to the grocery store. (Consequently, I leave the grocery store with everything BUT cumin and swing through the drive-through window before returning home.)

When I do cook I seem to have portion control issues. I grew up in a big family so I assume spaghetti noodles come in “single serving” bags only. Needless to say, I have a lot of leftovers and anyone who reheats spaghetti noodles knows, they aren’t too tasty.

My Mom is an amazing cook and she knows how to put on a party with picture perfect hors d’oeuvres, now SHE could have her own Food Network show. I think I was busy outside shooting hoop when she was whipping up chef lessons. So the pressure to live up to that is huge. She would bring heaping scrumptious cupcakes to my class parties… with every child’s name monogrammed on them. I am lucky if I can pull off a drive by drop off of Oreos for the school Valentines Day party!

My southern Mother-in-Law once tried to help me out by buying me a southern cookbook. Every dang recipe started with “make a rue”…have you ever tried to make a rue? Well, it’s a special little concoction of flour and butter that you have to try not to burn. I never made a single recipe from that book!

I will have to say I have the “sipping” part of this sip/savor category down pat. Never met a cocktail I didn’t like and they seem to be MUCH easier to make. Although I recently tried a signature cocktail recipe and it actually called for pear sorbet…my Coors Light generally does not come with ice cream and- huge surprise- I didn’t have any pear sorbet in my freezer (unlike Rachel) so I skipped the garnish, the vodka tasted fine without it!

If your idea of comfort food is a large bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos and you don’t own a food processor…you are not alone. Rachel rocks…me, not so much!

* a weekly humor post by Lynn Edwards

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