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CRAVEgreen: Green Living Tips from the Pros

April 29, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

With the CRAVEgreen party quickly approaching, we constantly have “green” on the brain. What types of sustainable practices are businesses following? How can we make smart, environmentally conscious choices in our daily lives? Our newfound partnerships with so many eco-friendly businesses inspired us to ask the experts for some advice and tips on what they do in the hopes that it will spur us all to make some changes. To learn more about the CRAVEgreen party on May 11 at Herban Feast  and how to buy tickets, click here.

1) As a green business, what do you do differently?

Karen Whorton- ReUsies

We are very careful about our packaging and don’t have anything unnecessary in that regard– we also try to source our materials locally and have a manufacturer in Seattle (and that is almost unheard of in the textiles industry!)

Kobi Yamada- Compendium Inc.

At Compendium we think green is not just a philosophy; it’s a way of life.  It’s taking action and being part of the solution. It is little things, like subsidizing employee bus passes and using only fuel-efficient hybrid company cars. But it’s also pulling together to do bigger things for our company and our world.  

Michelle Burns- Sugar Sugar

We believe in the saying ‘less is more’.  Body sugaring is our method of choice for hair removal.  This particular practice utilizes only biodegradable ingredients (sugar, lemon juice, water).  There is no need for pellan strips to remove the product or to re-dip throughout the process with wooden sticks thereby naturally reducing waste.

Faith Zelenko and Kristine Hanover- Bambola Beauty  

We also wanted to go one step further than just selling product. We wanted to partner with a non-profit who mission was to promote and further the education of the importance of living an “eco-friendly” lifestyle. A portion of our proceeds go to The Save the Earth Foundation.

Krystal Lechner- Smashing Divas Makeup Artistry 

We care about the client’s needs the most. We provide reusable packaging on some of the Motives Cosmetics products. We educate beauty with care. Your health and inner beauty is affected by the quality of products and how healthy they are. If they’re not good for you, they’re not good for the environment either. Motives is gluten free and paraben free.

2. Do you have any tips for the average person? What do you recommend CRAVE girls do to be more green?

Marisa Lown- The Radical Cupcake

DYOR (Do Your Own Research) – Ever hear something that just seems to good to be true? Well, it might or might not be. That’s why you should always do your own research. “Greenwashing” is the growing practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly just to get you, the consumer, to purchase their products. Leah Dawn- Leah Dawn Design 

I feel a lot more pleasure and inspiration can be found if we have something to aspire towards by imaging something positive and gaining inspiration from this place… we should feel good about the small choices while making a commitment to strive for more as we learn and gain new inspiration.
 

Alex Corcoran- Edible Seattle

CRAVE girls: Always make the local choice! Local foods= small carbon footprint.  Long distance relationship=BIG carbon footprint. DATE LOCAL BOYS AND SAVE THE PLANET!

Tracy Anderson – Tread Light Gifts

It’s not necessary to spend all sorts of money on natural cleaning products.  We personally think a mix of vinegar and water is the best and cheapest cleaning solution.  Mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water, a drop or two of essential oil and you can create your own personal eco-cleaning solution.

Nancy Cole- Shampoo Bar Organic Salon

Read beauty product labels like you do food labels.  Know what is in your products.  Also utilize fresh ingredients from your kitchen.  A great way to cure an itchy scalp is by parting the hair in small sections and applying olive oil with a cotton ball. Smash up a ripe avocado mix with olive oil and a hint of your favorite essential oil and use it as a conditioner.

What are your favorite “green” living secrets? Share with us! We can’t wait for CRAVEgreen, a celebration of all things eco-chic. Come party with us- buy your tickets now!

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

April 26, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

We are all familiar with the old adage of Spring cleaning, but did you know that it doesn’t just apply to your closet? Spring cleaning is also important for our bodies and very helpful in flushing toxins, losing weight and creating increased energy. The best place to start your spring cleaning is with spring eating! Jamie G. Dougherty, owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling, offers us a fresh approach. Spring foods are light, water-logged, and perfect for cleaning out our systems of excess junk. Some of the most popular spring foods include:

Asparagus: High in potassium and folate which aids the cardiovascular system- Roast with olive, sea salt, and pepper with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Artichokes: A good source of iron and calcium- Steam and enjoy with your favorite vinaigrette.

Dandelion Greens: Aid in liver cleansing- Blanch, then sautĂŠ with garlic, olive oil, and top with currants and pine nuts.

Green garlic: Delicious young garlic plant that has anti-bacterial properties- A perfect addition to eggs or a frittata.

Radishes: Very high a vitamin C. Eat them raw or dip in hummus or your favorite dressing.

The best place to find spring foods it at your local farmer’s market where vendors will have the freshest produce available. Here is a perfect dish to get your started. Who ever thought spring cleaning could taste so good? Enjoy!

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces and blanched for 3 minutes
Sea salt to taste
2 cups brown rice, freshly made or leftover
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil, taste and adjust seasonings.

2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Add asparagus to the rice and toss together with the Dijon dressing.

4. Add the fresh herb and pumpkin seeds and toss all together. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve.　

To reheat leftover rice: Place cold rice in a small pot with Âź-1/2 cup of water (depending on amount of rice). Bring to medium heat and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until water has evaporated. Remove rice from the heat and mix with your dressing.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at:　www.jamieliving.blogspot.com

Jamie is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Go on Girl, Light Your Fire: The Fire Starter Sessions

April 23, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

Danielle LaPorte is all about keepin’ it real. She believes in telling it like it is, and is an avid believer in feminine power. Her latest project, “The Fire Starter Sessions” is an e-book for entreprenesses that comes with video and worksheets to help you get the most out of each sizzling session. The root of Danielle’s theory- which every woman can appreciate– is that our actions are driven by desired feelings. What other remarkable wisdom does she have to offer? We asked her a few questions to gain some insight on what really drives her and why her new book is so rockin’.

Once you let Danielle get you jazzed about your own inspiration, you lucky CRAVE ladies can pre-order a copy of the “Fire Starter Sessions” right now! Just click here.

You give people inspiring advice about following their passions in life, what sparked your own “ah-ha” moment?

It was more of a series of soul-sucking moments and gigs than an “a-ha” moment. But it all added up to creative sovereignty. My voice, my time, my way of being of service.

What makes the “Fire Starter Sessions” distinct from other programs for entrepreneurs?

It’s about rocking your revenue streams and doing meaningful things in the world. It’s as much about self-realization as it is about hard core strategy.
Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets. Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…Whether you’re in the early idea phase or a rut, it’s about lighting a fire under your…aspirations.

Summarize your teachings into a motto for how you/to live your life.

Your truth is worth it.

Would you give the same advice to a female business owner as you would give to a male?

Yes. But a woman is more likely to take it.

How would you describe your number one strength?

Deep listening. I also build a mean campfire and write bad poetry – which I consider an endearing strength.

Why do you believe it is that so many people do not choose their career path based on their true passions?

Profoundly wanting to belong. That will never change. On top of that deep driving psychology, we pile on social “norms” like dress codes and executive titles, salary structures, everything the goddamn Jonses are doing, and the popularity contest that is social media itself, and well, it’s the makings of an identity crisis.
If can you tune out the noise of “how-to” and “10 steps” and “proven tactics” you will be able to hear your own spidey senses: genuine, sincere, with great reflexes, and it will tell you that you are the expert on you — and you know what lights your fire.

What has been your most rewarding experience with a client?

One of my favorite results of working with any client is helping them decide what they’re going to STOP doing. It makes me giddy. It often goes like this: I’m going to STOP…being the administrator. Worrying so much. Under-selling myself. Checking Twitter obsessively. Feeling the pressure to be so successful. I’m going to stop using my cousin as my web-designer.

It’s freeing for everyone. And freedom is the best part of being an entrepreneur.

Still want more? Order your very own copy of the complete “Fire Starter Sessions” by clicking here. You can also learn more about all of Danielle’s endeavors on her website, whitehottruth.com.

CRAVEgreen Fashion Preview: The Green Chair Project

April 22, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

We all CRAVE cutting edge fashion, that’s why one of the most highly anticipated parts of our upcoming CRAVEgreen party is the fashion show! This unique haute couture experience will include fashions made of recycled, repurposed and organic materials. A proud participant, The Green Chair Project (TGCP)  is excited to showcase some of their own work along with featuring some of the local designers they work with. TGCP will also have a booth where you can snag some stylish pieces!

The Green Chair Project, created by Seattle artist and craftsperson Carina Manz, came to fruition in January of 2009 after years of various ideas brewing that ultimately culminated into one cohesive mission. Carina combined her lifelong passions of art and craft, salvaging materials, creating, and finding innovative ways to improve our environment and community in the development of the project. The mission of The Green Chair Project is to provide artists with the tools necessary to be successful in one’s craft, while simultaneously encouraging environmental responsibility. 

The multiple facets of The Green Chair Project include- 

• Artist Studios- 5 small studios (built nearly entirely out of salvaged materials!), available for lease to eco-minded creators. 
• Gift Shop- Where both in-house and other local artists sell their eco-friendly, handmade wares.
• Community Workspace- Offering community resources and supplies, and educational workshops that teach DIY techniques in sustainability.

Here is a sneak peak at some local artists  The Green Chair Project will be featuring:

Carisa Burchak
 X Marks the Tot- Designer of “Tee Suits”, onesies with matching hats made from adult size printed t-shirts. Click.  

Tina Witherspoon
glam.spoon- “Bohemian chic for women with tenacity.” Click.

Christina Pezzner
Ricicli- Adorable infant and toddler apparel made with recycled materials, such as found adult apparel that has been gently worn, and is out of style or has a flaw. Click.

Jessica Salazar
Orta Vez- Chic ”dandelion” dresses for young girls, made from pillowcases. Click.

Find The Green Chair Project:
SHOP & STUDIOS: 1001 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA 98105
WEBSITE: Click.
EMAIL: info@thegreenchairproject.com

Join us at CRAVEgreen May 11 at Herban Feast! Find out more and buy your tickets here.

To Create or Not to Create?

April 19, 2010 by Lynn Edwards | Comments (0)

Have you ever been asked, “Are you a creative person?” I have and I always answer “no” because I can’t even print my name straight. To me, “creative” people are my friends in girl scouts that turned the colored pipe-cleaners into a ride at Disneyland, or my friend who paints scenery so amazing you want to jump into the picture.

The idea of “arts & crafts” give me hives; I have always viewed myself as creatively challenged (at least that’s what my second grade teacher called it when she saw the drawing of my house and asked if it was my dog). My Mom and sisters are amazingly gifted, my Mom can look at a lamp shade and think, “That would make an amazing centerpiece for the Cinco de Mayo party,” and it does. My little sister is an architect and shapes the Denver skyline with her genius. My oldest sister busted out four blank canvases recently and whipped up living room art that could be displayed at The Met. I can speak in public no problem, play through on a golf course full of men easy, but put a blank canvas in front of me and I am paralyzed with fear, let alone four.

However, I have learned that “creativity” takes many forms and all of us have some creative gift to offer the world. It’s not really a question to create, but rather a question of whether you will allow yourself to let your creativity flow through you into the world. I have always had a burning desire to make pottery; I would be so Demi Moore in Ghost, but I’m too afraid I wouldn’t even be able to make a cereal bowl. Fear is what stumps our creativity, there’s nothing scarier than putting your creativity out in the world and having a teacher say, “Is that your puppy?”

Creativity is a funny thing! I find myself most creative in the shower or the bathroom…what’s with that? Superman had a phone booth, I have the ladies lounge. At board meetings, I run to the bathroom and always come back with the break through solution to our challenge. My friends now know that when I come back from the restroom and say, “Guess what I was thinking”, they strap in for something amazing. When I have a problem to figure out, I take a shower. There’s something about that water flowing over my brain that interrupts the normal chatter and makes way for a creative breakthrough. I’ve gone through many laptops trying to write this column in the shower!

I have three books in the works, one for business, a funny one with my life stories, and of course a great fiction with a “hoochie” heroine who has a fling with the UPS man. I read a quote recently that I loved, it said, “Good girls want to have fun, bad girls make sure they do!” The leading lady in my novel is one of those bad chicks.

Spring is an amazing time of creation, look around, that dirt pile you’ve been passing along your drive now has a rainbow of colors bursting out of it. The birds are chiming in and adding their song to the season. My neighbor kids drew a cute picture on my car hood in the pollen dust. It’s time to wake up your creative juices and let them fly. Don’t miss a chance to show the world what’s growing under your dirt pile, take a nice long shower and come out and CREATE!

Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors

April 19, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

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?

LUNAFEST: Connecting women through film

April 18, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Here at CRAVE we are constantly looking for opportunities to celebrate outstanding women. We also CRAVE opportunities to bring women together for amazing events and experiences and this month LUNAFEST definitely fits the bill. LUNAFEST is a film festival for women, by women AND all the proceeds raised benefit two wonderful non profits the Breast Cancer Fund and Seattle Reel Grrrls. This CRAVEable event will take place April 20th at the Broadway Performance Hall AND attendees will be eligible for a trip to Costa Rica, a signed Nikki McClure original, gift baskets from Made Housewife Wine and MORE!

About this event:

Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Time: 5:30 – 9:00PM
Location: Broadway Performance Hall; 1625 Broadway Ave, Seattle WA
Register here.

Join us for a ladies night out (and men too) at the Seattle LUNAFEST, hosted by LUNA Bar and the Seattle LUNA Chix. LUNAFEST is a traveling short film festival by, for, and about women. Each ticket sold raises money for the Breast Cancer Fund as well as the local nonprofit Reel Grrls.

Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season. LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. All the participants of Seattle LUNAFEST will have a chance to win a 15 day trip in Costa Rica!! The Seattle 2010 LUNAFEST will begin with a wine and beer reception. The night will also include light appetizers and a chocolate tasting, as well as an amazing raffle thanks to our many great supporters. The first 200 women will receive goody bags stuffed with fabulous prizes!

Come join the fun - register today!

Seattle Food Bloggers Team Up to Benefit Share Our Strength

April 16, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (0)

Some two dozen local food bloggers recruited by “Frantic Foodie” Keren Brown will bake cookies for the Great American Bake Sale this weekend. Proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength, the culinary industry’s fundraiser to help end childhood hunger.

The sale by Seattle food bloggers—one of dozens nationwide—will take place at the Metropolitan Market Uptown on Lower Queen Anne on Saturday morning, April 17^th, from 10 AM until noon.

Among the bloggers donating baked goods are Jesse Oleson of Cakespy.com, Shauna James Ahern from GlutenFreeGirl.Blogspot and many other well-know bloggers. Each participant will have two dozen cookies (and their recipes) for sale at the event.  For a complete list of the food bloggers participating, visit click here.

“Readers and fans will have the opportunity to taste the baked goods from their favorite food blogs,” “We’re thrilled that Metropolitan Market Uptown is offering us the space for this fund-raising event,” Brown, said.

The national effort to involve bloggers in the Great American Bake Sale was spearheaded by Gaby Dalkin, a personal chef in Los Angeles and author of a blog called WhatsGabyCooking.com.

All funds raised through the event support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America by helping fund after-school and summer nutrition programs. “Summer is an especially difficult time, because the children facing hunger in America, nearly 17 million children, will no longer have access to the school-based meals they rely on,” said Bill Shore, executive director of Share Our Strength.

Pertinent Details:
When: April 17, 2010, 10:am -12:pm

Where:
Metropolitan Market Uptown
100 Mercer Street
(free parking available)

What: Cookies, Cakes and baked goods made by Seattle food bloggers
Recipes will be available too.

Why:
Nearly 17 million— almost one in four—children in America face hunger. Despite the good efforts of governments, private-sector institutions and everyday Americans, millions of our children still don’t have daily access to the nutritious meals they need to live active, healthy lives. More information on SOS can be found at Share Our Strength.

Herban Feast: Keepin’ it Green

April 15, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

 

Seattle’s Fabulous Florals

April 15, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

They say that it is better to give than to receive but when it comes to flowers sometimes it’s nice to give AND receive. Mother’s Day is coming up and nothing says “Thank You Mom” like an elegantly arranged bouquet of her favorite flowers. Tis’ the season for summer romance, anniversaries and weddings – all of which require elaborate gestures of floral love. If you are choosing to abstain from the celebration of these floral holidays it is always nice to buy a gorgeous arrangement to celebrate yourself and all your fabulousness. For this week’s Best of Florists & Floral Shops we drafted up a fabulous list of totally CRAVEable fabulous florists. So no matter who you’re giving the flowers too and what they are for one of these shops has a custom arrangement perfect for you!

Maxine’s Floral & Gift – One of the coolest flower shops in Seattle since 1983. The shop is kind of like walking into munchkin land in the Wizard of Oz. People come in just to get their happy fix. Stop by today!

Trudy’s Floral Design – Offering the freshest, most unusual flowers, many of them grown in Trudy’s own garden. Trudy’s Floral Design prides itself on friendly, knowledgeable service. Come in and find exactly what you’re looking for!

Fleurish – When it comes down to it, flowers truly speak for themselves with their own language expressing feelings that one can not find the words for. Fleurish draws you into the beauty that only a flower can communicate to those willing to listen with their eyes.

Willow & Bloom – The top destination for Seattle’s premiere flowers. The classically trained mater designers work to create one-of-a-kind flower or plant arrangements that can easily be paired with their unique gifts and hand-made greeting cards.

Sometimes it’s nice to stop and smell the roses. Stop into one of these amazing florists and celebrate life!

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