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24 Female Entrepreneurs Funded Through FITE!

Friday, August 5th, 2011

CRAVE Toronto, just like The CRAVE Company, is very excited and proud to be a supporter of FITE.  To jump-start our CRAVE lending team and to spread the word about this amazing initiative, CRAVE Toronto partnered with Dermalogica Canada to host a CRAVE Buzz Party.

A number of fabulous ladies joined CRAVE at the Dermalogica Training Center for an awesome skin-care seminar put on by the Dermalogica experts, where we got to test all their beauty goodies.  The ladies also had a chance to nosh on some treats and wine, while learning more about FITE and CRAVE’s latest book, CRAVE Spa.

It was an incredible night that helped us raise enough money to provide full micro-loans to 24 female entrepreneurs in developing countries!  The businesses we provided loans to were as diverse as our own CRAVE entreprenesses, including a cafe, a taxi driver, a beauty salon, and a cattle breeding farm, to name a few.

Thanks to everyone who came out to lend their support to FITE, and especially to Dermalogica who sent us all home with glowing skin!

To learn more about FITE, check out the video below!

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Posted in Put A Twi$t On It! | No Comments »

Tweet to Win: CRAVE Giveaway!

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

We love trying new recipes, new cooking techniques, and new ideas. We do NOT love heading into the kitchen prepared to create a gourmet meal only to find that we are seriously lacking the tools and supplies. Prevent this horrible letdown by participating in a fabulous contest created exclusively for CRAVE followers. In honor of the re-issue of Nina Simonds award winning cookbook, Spoonful of Ginger, she has created fabulous Chinese Cooking Starter Kits. Win one of ten kits that include Spoonful of Ginger and all of the tools necessary to prepare her famous healthy and delicious dishes. All you have to do to enter is follow your CRAVE city of choice and Nina at @SpicesofLife then tweet us a message using the hashtag #SpoonfulContest. Win the contest and your kitchen will be fully stocked so that you can head in on a whim and whip up any of Nina’s healthy and delicious recipes. Still unsure about your skills in the kitchen? Check out this  video of Nina demonstrating just how to use every tool in the kit.

Each winner (there will be 10!) will receive the following prize pack:

· A 14-inch rolled steel, heavy-gauge wok with wooden handles

· A dome lid that fits perfectly in the wok, transforming it into a steamer or braising pan

· A Chinese shovel that is designed to conform to the sides of the wok, making tossing food in the pan a breeze

· A traditional Chinese handled strainer with a mesh wire basket which is used to scoop food out of a pan or hot oil or water and is excellent for holding food to drain

· A steamer rack that fits perfectly in the bottom of a wok or any pan to hold a heatproof plate or bowl that contains the food to be steamed.

· A set of handsome wooden chopsticks

· An autographed copy of the newly reissued, best-selling cookbook Spoonful of Ginger, which won both the James Beard and IACP cookbook award for health
To enter follow CRAVE and @SpicesofLife on Twitter, then tweet us a message using #SpoonfulContest to win! Check out spicesoflife.com to learn more.

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Why You Should Build a Business You “Know”

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

There is a famous adage that new writers should “Write what they know.” The thinking being that your writing will be believable, authentic and that, when you have passion for a subject you know really well, it is much easier for the words to flow.

Same thing with business, in my opinion.

While I’d never discourage someone from starting a business they’ve longed dreamed about, it’s best to build upon what you know – or ensure you get the proper training and education to make it succeed.  Taking calculated risks is one thing: taking risks you don’t have to take is just another way to make things harder on yourself and ensure failure. Many people fantasize about opening a restaurant or bar, but if the only prerequisite you bring to the table is that you like to eat or drink, perhaps you need to do a bit more prep work. Once you get into the brass tacks of running your business, you’ll be hit with enough risks and challenges, so why add to that?

I started Red Slice, my branding and marketing consultancy, after years of experience on both the client and agency sides. I’ve worked for ad and consulting agencies in the past and am familiar with how projects need to be managed, as well as how to gracefully juggle unreasonable client demands with good decisions. I have also been a client myself as a corporate Marketing Director and understand the world from their point of view: tight budgets, multiple approvers, being overwhelmed by a thousand demands. So it was a natural, easy fit for me to flow into my own consulting business and use what I’d learned. I had enough risk on my plate going from a regular salary to entrepreneurship and learning how to run a business: bookkeeping, taxes, legal requirements. Thank Heavens I didn’t also have to learn how to do what I do at the same time! Will I start a completely different business one day? Maybe. But now at least I’ve started down the path of entrepreneurship doing what I know best.

In branding, I teach clients to minimize risk and keep things simple by starting with their strengths. What are you good at and what can you authentically deliver? You may think you want to build a chic, progressive, high-end business because that is “hot” right now, but what if what you’re best at is casual and down-to-earth? There are markets and needs for those types of businesses, too. Brands grounded in truth are much stronger than brands that try to pretend they are something they are not.

Minimize unnecessary risk and play to your strengths. It’s not taking the easy way out: it’s just smart entrepreneurship!

This post was written for The CRAVE Company by Maria Ross. Maria is the founder and chief strategist of Red Slice, a branding and marketing consultancy based in Seattle. She has advised start-ups, solopreneurs, non-profits and even large enterprises such as Microsoft, Discovery Networks and Monster.com on how to craft their brand story to engage, inform and delight customers. Maria is the author of Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget (2010, Norlights Press).

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A Trip to the Circus

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

It’s not every day you get the chance to go to the circus. This weekend I went to the brunch performance of Teatro ZinZanni’s current show “Hearts on Fire”, where it is hard not to feel child-like excitement for such a spectacle. As you walk through the doors, the women in their tassels and men in their top hats instantly set the mood and transport you to a different time.

The whole show is truly packed with talent and pure entertainment. You sit in tables around the theater where the performers move all around you (and sometimes insert innocent visitors in the show whether they are ready or not!), and the entire serving staff is a part of the act. For brunch you are served a four-course meal, and never before have I been so theatrically presented with my salad- it is literally danced around the room!

From beginning to end, the show was visually exciting. There is really no other place to experience this type of show in the city; it is cabaret style entertainment with a sexy edge. I was left drooling over all of the female costumes; especially the intricate peacock feathered ones. Madame ZinZanni, a Grammy Award winning singer, has at least four different costume changes herself throughout the show! The main men in the show were incredibly athletic as they nonchalantly performed amazing stunts in the midst of slightly over-the-top, yet hysterical skits. My personal favorite moment was watching a women practically turn herself into a human slinky as she caught hula hoops on her body that were being tossed from across the room. Yes, that has been added to the bucket list.

As much as CRAVE loves hunting out the hidden boutiques to find that perfect gift, sometimes it is more fun to get all dressed up and treat someone to a night on the town. And a gift idea that works well for your girlfriends, parents, sisters, boyfriends, husbands, or kids? YES please!

You can stop by the 4th floor of Pacific Place to find tickets and gift cards while you are out doing the rest of your downtown shopping!

Pacific Place Twitter: @pacific_place
TZ Twitter: @TZ_Seattle
Pacific Place Facebook: facebook.com/pacificplaceseattle

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Black Friday CRAVE Deals!!

Thursday, November 25th, 2010

Black Friday, as we all know, is THE day to go out and get your shop on! We’re excited to help promote some of our CRAVE Entreprenesses and share with you their Black Friday deals and steals.

Tasty
shoptastyart.com
SALE tables will be filled with lots of discounted local art &beautiful handmade products from 11am-7pm. TRUNK sale for HATS, HATS and more HATS on Wednesday December 1st from 6-9pm only. Local designers bringing trunk loads of new product PLUS, receive 15% OFF store wide savings on everything else sold at TASTY! It’s only one night only so don’t miss out!

Saky Saks
sakysacks.com
Enter special promo code ‘blackfriday’ at checkout for a 25% discount online only.

Sabrina Loves Handbags
sabrinalovesbags.com
Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale: use the promo code THX11 for 40% off entire collection on-line!

Julep Nail Parlor
myjulepshopping.com
Julep Nail Parlor will be selling $130 gift certificates for only $100!  The deal will be available in parlor or online.

Essenza Seattle
essenzaseattle.com
Sale Friday through Sunday only (the weekend after thanksgiving) Les Amis, Denim and cords 30% off! Citizens, Goldsign, Adriano Goldschmied. Essenza childrens collections 30% off ! Tea, petite bateau, Clover.

Sur Flicka
surflicka.com
Sur Flicka will be doing a 25% off promotion 11/26 – 11/28. The discount code is HOLIDAY. Visit their website to take advantage of this great deal!

Laura Bee Designs
laurabeedesigns.com
Laura Bee Designs is offering Double Punches on their Frequent Shopper punch card on Black Friday only. That means you only need to spend $100, instead of the usual $200 to earn $15 in store credit!  Laura Bee Designs will also be gifting free CRAVE guides to the first 20 shoppers who spend $50 or more on Black Friday.

Promesse
shoppromesse.com
Promesse will have champagne & truffles ready for shoppers. They will also be offering a special 10% discount on their CRAVE books!

Blinx
On Saturday 11/27 from 10am-7pm Blinx is having two local jewelry trunk shows (Susan Goodwin from Seattle and Tumbleweeds from Wenatchee) also on that day there will be some fantastic giveaways every hour from their vendors (Big Buddha, Butter, Hanky Panky to name a few) so come ready to Kick Off the Holidays in Style at Blinx on Bainbridge Island.

Endless Knot
Endless Knot is having a storewide sale 11/26-11/29. What’s even better is that 5% of all sales will be donated to Rose of Lima/ Noel House, which is a transitional housing and shelter for homeless women on our Belltown block. People who show or buy the CRAVE book can take an additional 5% off the already discounted prices.

Shot with Love
shotwithlove.com
Receive $100.00 for a $200.00 gift certificate!

Cakespy Shop
cakespy.com
Come in and get 10% off purchases by mentioning CRAVE.

Habitude
habitude.com
Check out their website for great specials!

Banana Blossom Press
bananablossompress.com
Banana Blossom Press will ship for free from November 25-30 with code CRAVESHIP!

Pilates on 10th
pilateson10th.com
Receive 3 Private Lessons for $150 Friday morning through midnight on Sunday night.

Derby Salon
derbysalon.com
Receive a FREE Dermologica Skin Kit ($35 value) with your Better Facial! That’s a 30-day supply of amazing skin care! (while supplies last) Free Spa Ritual mini polish with any manicure ($5 value, while supplies last) 10% off all Coy hair products.10% off all Voluspa candles.

Radiant Med Spa
radiantmedspa.net
Black Friday special- receive 2 IPL photofacial treatments + 2 eye refresh micropeels for $250. ($750 value) *HCG Quick track diet lose 10lbs in 14 days only $75 for the hcg. *Botox fridays 11/unit. Walk in every friday 10-2pm. No appointment needed. Except holidays through December 2010.

Swink Style Bar
swinkstylebar.com
Special ALL day for only 1 day – Black Friday. People can buy gift cards for $50 for $60 worth of products or services. They can use them anytime.

Bella Cupcake Couture
bellacupcakecouture.com
Receive 20% off!

Idawg Clothing
idawgclothing.com
Enjoy 35% off ALL Idawg Clothing dog coats, rain wear and hoodies. In other words, EVERYTHING! Use code: CRAVEIDAWG

Cherry Consignment
cherryconsign.com
30% off EVERYTHING at Cherry Consignment!

Kate Quinn Organics
katequinnorganics.com
Receive 20% off all gift sets
Designs by Mara
designsbymara.net

Designs by Mara is having a Holiday Decor Sale Event! Their Open House Kick-Off hours on November 19th & 20th are, Friday November 19th 4pm till 8pm, Enjoy Wine and Hors d’œuvres. Saturday November 20th 9-5pm, hot cider and snacks. You won’t want to miss out!

Babeland
babeland.com
Save 40% on our most popular toys, available for a limited time only at all Babeland retail stores on Black Friday, November 26. Throughout the day, 4 of our bestselling toys will be drastically reduced: only 50 of each toy will be available on a first-come first serve basis only.

Note: as soon as a new toy goes on sale, the previous toy goes off sale.
On Thanksgiving Weekend (November 27, 28), the fun continues. All retail customers will receive either a free gift or discount with purchase. At Babeland.com, all customers will receive a free gift, the Blueberry Buzz ($30 value) with purchases over $70, as well as free shipping on orders over $50 from November 26-28.

INGRID PAPE-SHELDON Photography
pape-sheldon.com
In Celebration for Black Friday (December 1-2) enjoy a Head and Portrait Special for $125 for your business promotion or as a personal pursuit. Limited times available-  Call today to schedule your session. Included in this special:

  • 15 minute style consultation
  • 20 minute studio sessionWeb gallery of best shots
  • Includes one image of your choice as digital file
  • 10 minutes retouching per final selected image

Dish it up!
dish-it-up.com
Enjoy a 6 piece Wusthof Kitchen Helper Set for only $39.99 Regularly $140- includes come apart shears, bamboo board, peeler, sandwhich spreader, knife sharpener & 4.5″” paring knife. Wutshof Pizza Sets $29.99 Reg $50. includes Wooden Peel & Pizza Cutter.

Vian Hunter House of Fashion
vianhunter.com
Enjoy 20% on any 1 item when you mention CRAVE!

Talk Sporty to Me
talksportytome.com
Black Friday promotions with their new line of greeting cards. You can purchase the entire line of 5 cards for just $15, 10 cards are just $25 and 15 cards are only $30. Talk Sporty will not charge shipping, handling or tax next week either! Items can be purchased online as well!

Fran’s Chocolates
franschocolates.com
Fran’s Chocolates – A Classic Favorite for the holidays. They have been creating award-winning artisan confections in the Northwest for over 28 years. Unveiling new packaging & assortments for all your gifting needs! Located Downtown at 1st and Union, University Village, Old Main Street in Bellevue, and online.

Alki View Massage & Wellness
alkiviewmassage.com
Go in for a full body massage for only $50 if you pay with cash. Must be purchased on Black Friday and can be used within one year.

Alinga Bodywork
alingabodywork.com
Alinga Bodywork will offer 20% off services to Crave peeps until 12/31/10 which includes massage, shiatsu, reiki or bodytalk AND gift certificates.

Happy Hour by Marisa
happyhourbymarisa.com
UNLIMITED small group personal training sessions in DECEMBER for $200 (savings of $40 if you come 3X/week)!
UNLIMITED weekend classes in DECEMBER for $60 (9 classes offered in December)!
Payment must be received in full by Friday, Dec. 3rd (mail in payment, contact Marisa at marisa@happyhourbymarisa.com for address)

Happy shopping everyone!

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Seattle’s Only Eco-Friendly Fashion Show

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

What: Seattle’s Only Eco-Friendly Fashion Show
When: November 11, 2010 7:00 PM
Where:  Herban Feast SODO Park 3200 First Ave S. Seattle, WA 98134

EcoLavish is Seattle’s only eco-friendly fashion show and is back for the 3rd year! This annual event features up-and-coming and established eco-conscious fashion designers from around the Pacific Northwest. The designer line-up includes Cameron Levin Couture, Revival Ink, Vian Hunter, based in Madison Valley, and Twice Blushed, located in Ballard, and jewelry designers: FlutterBudget, Sucree Jewelry, and Word Wise Jewelry.

EcoLavish has graciously offered an exclusive $5 off admission discount to CRAVE, use code ‘CRAVE10′ at checkout. EcoLavish is the last of the annual fashion shows in Seattle until 2011. You won’t want to miss out on this awesome event! Eco-swag bags will be complimentary for the first 50 guests.

Purchase your tickets here.

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The Girl’s Guide to Beer

Monday, July 26th, 2010

On a sweltering summer day at the ballpark or a friend’s BBQ, nothing is more refreshing than an ice-cold brew. This summer ditch that prissy pink cocktail and back away from the Budweiser. With a little beer savvy you can discover some great brews that will satisfy your taste buds and impress even the guys.

There are 4 main ingredients in beer: grain, yeast, water and hops, but the creativity when it comes to brewing is endless. There are beers with fruit, smoked beers, beer made with chocolate and even beer brewed with bacon. Navigating your way through the numerous types and styles of beer can be daunting, but here are some helpful hints about the most popular styles that can help you choose a winner for your next potluck or outdoor summer event. Who said beer had to be just for the boys? Go ahead, embrace that summer night CRAVING.

India Pale Ale (IPA): This beer has a light pale to golden color. Its crisp bitter flavor is attributed to the high hops and alcohol content which helped preserve the beer during the long journey across the ocean when British brewers began to export to India.
Try: Lagunitas IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Petaluma, CA, 5.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Drink with: Spicy foods like a Thai Yellow Vegetable Curry

Hefeweizen: Perfect for summer, this German style wheat beer is distinguished by fruity notes, cloudy appearance and high carbonation. This beer is usually served with a slice of lemon and its bright flavor is often accented by citrus, banana, clove or nutmeg flavors.
Try: Widmer Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Portland, OR, 4.7% ABV
Drink with: Classic German food such as chicken sausage topped with brown mustard or a salad tossed with candied pecans and feta.

Stout: Familiar to many because of the popularity of Guinness, Stouts have a heavy body and are very dark in color. This beer has a high alcohol content and is often characterized by caramel, coffee, chocolate or even oatmeal flavors.
Try: Chocolate Stout, Rouge Brewery, Portland OR, 6.3% ABV
Eat with: This beer could be a meal in itself, but pairs nicely with desserts like tiramisu.

Pilsner: This all American beer represents nearly 90% of the major beer brands sold in the U.S. Pilsner is golden in color and tends to have a light, clean, drinkable flavor sometimes compared to toast or fresh bread.
Try: Prima Pils, Victory Brewing Company, Downington, PA, 5.3% ABV
Eat with: All American foods like hearty chili or a grilled burger and fries

Brews to CRAVE this summer
Sierra Nevada Summerfest
New Belgium Skinny Dip
Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema

This is by no means a complete list of all the styles out there so experiment, go to a brew festival this summer, and discover which styles and breweries make you CRAVE more. For a fun new adventure, why not grab your beer drinking gal pals and do a brewery tour? Try this for a fun weekend or birthday activity. For more information on beer and the female movers and shakers in the beer industry, check out the Pink Boots Society at pinkbootssociety.org.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

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Yes, You Too Can Love Networking

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

CRAVE Seattle is excited to feature Biznik Co-founder Lara Feltin as one of our expert panelists for “Networking IRL (In Real Life)”, this months Business Chat taking place Sunday, July 18th. Lara was recently featured in Seattle Woman Magazine and recognized as a Leader in Seattle’s Social Media Scene. Learn about about what inspired Lara to launch her own business and what fuels her fire. Visit Biznik here!

Why did you decide to launch Biznik in 2005?
In the spring of 2005… I sat my husband of 4 months (Dan McComb) down and asked, “Honey, what are you doing to grow your business?” We were both self-employed, running small indie businesses – and feeling isolated. “Maybe we should try more networking…”

Dan’s response, “Ugh. Do we have to? Networking sucks.” We’ve all had this reaction. When “networking” is synonymous with reciting your elevator pitch to a group of strangers, or collecting anonymous business cards and fending off pushy sales tactics, it *does* suck.

We were craving a community of other business people we could share resources, questions, ideas and collaboration with. We couldn’t find any networking out there that we wanted to be a part of, so we created our own.

Biznik is not a place to find referrals or seek new clients. Biznik is a community of like-minded professional peers where you can build relationships, strengthen your reputation and establish your expertise. In the era of social media, conversations with your peers are as important as conversations with your customers – if not more so. Promotion happens through conversations.

We love that “Business Networking that Doesn’t Suck” is the Biznik motto. What made you decide to move forward with that mantra?
It’s what motivated us to start Biznik in the first place, and it’s kept us true to our path. While “Business Networking That Doesn’t Suck” is our official tagline, we’ve also used: “Going it alone, Together” and “Collaboration Beats Competition”

What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the SBA statistic that 50% of businesses fail in the first 5 years. Building a business by yourself is hard lonely work. Let’s do what we can to keep each other in business!

One way to do that is to stop avoiding other micropreneurs who appear to be doing the same thing as you. If you’re good at what you do and you develop a niche that’s unique to your experiences and talents, your so-called competitors can be viewed as conspirators – some may even become collaborators or partners.

What one business mistake will you never make again?
When I started out as an independent photographer I was scared to reach out to other photographers with questions. I had some strange concept that their experience was a “trade secret”, that they’d view me as competition and wouldn’t want to talk to me. But you can’t build anything in isolation removed from others. You must reach out to others. We must support one another and there’s lots of ways to do that without giving away any of your marketing advantages or trade secrets.

Congrats on your recent feature in Seattle Woman Magazine! How does it feel to be recognized as a Leader in Social Media?
It’s always rewarding to be acknowledged for 5 years of hard work. I wouldn’t have achieved the status of “leader” without the Biznik community’s involvement, and Dan, the cofounder’s, contributions. And I am honored to be counted along side 3 other extraordinary social media mavens. Monica, Shauna and Tracy have done some incredible things with social media that I can learn from.

Networking is so important in business (and in life!). What pointers on Networking in Real Life can you give those of us that are a little bit shy?
Recognize that you have more in common with other small business people than you realize and chances are they’re as shy as you. So be authentic. Come right out and say, “I’m not sure if there’s a right way to approach you…” or “I don’t have anything specific to discuss with you, but I like what you’re doing and I’d like to get to know you.” Then invite them to meet you at a Biznik networking event. Choose one where you can talk to each other, but if you don’t hit if off, the two of you can separate and meet others.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been attending Burning Man since 2001 and I met Dan (my husband) in the local Burning Man scene. We’ve been 7 times and much of the ethos of Biznik is based on our experience participating in a 80-person theme camp that collectively built a number of large scale art installations. In the burner community participation is social capital. There are no spectators and their motto includes, “Radical Participation. Radical Self Reliance. Radical Self Expression.” Biznik is a place for Radical Self Promotion.

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Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style. At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!

What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally. I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer. It’s calming to me.

What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake. Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen. Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.

Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy. When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item. However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.

What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off. A little goes a long way.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.

What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be. It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient. As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.

As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually. I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle. Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response. Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.

If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer. Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.

What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life. I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.

Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.

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World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.

America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!

Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina

Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.

Ingredients:

1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
¾ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor and serve over steak, chicken or fish.

Party Sangria- Spain

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 apple diced
1 cup raspberries or strawberries
1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
2 tbsp of sugar
4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
2 shots gin or triple sec

Preparation:

  1. Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
  2. Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
  3. Chill overnight.
  4. Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.

Potato Salad- Germany

Ingredients:

2 pounds red potatoes
¼ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

  1. Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. Let potatoes cool. Peel potatoes and cut into ¼ inch pieces.
  2. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
  3. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
  4. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands

Ingredients

2 tbsp sugar
2 pkg yeast
4 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
½ cup butter softened
10 cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
3 diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
canola oil for frying

Preparation:

  1. Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
  2. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, add scalded milk, 1 ½ cups warm water, yeast mixture and butter and beat well. Add flower, 1 cup sugar and salt. Mix well. Add diced apple.
  3. Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
  4. In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
  5. Fill a fryer pot with 3-4 inches of canola oil. Heat to 375 degrees and scoop spoonfuls of down into the oil. Turn to ensure even browning.
  6. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm.

*written by Alyssa Goldberg for the CRAVE company. Alyssa is a lover of all things to do with food and travel- check out her blog, WorldSavour by clicking here.

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