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Archive for April, 2010

Interview with BlushPretty’s Stephanie Daga

Friday, April 30th, 2010


We CRAVE BlushPretty’s Stephanie Daga, for her spectacular makeup & hair artistry services! No matter the occasion, whether it is a wedding, graduation, corporate party or just for fun, every woman is left looking and feeling her best! Check out BlushPretty.com for great beauty insight and tips for beauty made easy!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Fresh, beautiful, fun

What are your most popular products or services?
Definitely bridal beauty services and The Beauty Board events. Women love getting primped and pampered, and of course swag bags!

People may be surprised to know…
I took a leap of faith and quit my full-time job without really knowing where BlushPretty would go and without a business plan.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Family. I became an entrepreneur to be at home more and they also inspire me to grow my business continually.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I don’t have either, but I surround myself with other entrepreneurs to keep me motivated. They keep me on my toes.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not having contracts in place. As much as I would like to trust everyone, you have to have your “t’s” crossed.

How do you spend your free time?
With my boys and if they are too busy for me, then I am reading, doing yoga, or sewing.

What is your indulgence?
Purses. Anyone who knows me knows about my passion for purses. I’m also a sucker for Dr. Pepper.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
Any where food is involved.  It’s always a restaurant, and if not a restaurant, the nearest Starbucks or Tim Hortons.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave success, strong and supportive relationships, and a clean home. Yes, a clean home, I work better when the house is tidy.

For appointments or questions, visit  BlushPretty .

Places We CRAVE for a Fresh Salad

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

As we become more active during the sunny spring and summer months we usually CRAVE a light and fresh meal to keep ourselves on the go. Salads are the perfect alternative to a heavy slab of meat and a mound of mashed potatoes. There are so many scrumptious fruits and vegetables during these seasons to make any boring salad fun and festive. Check out these places we CRAVE for a nutritious and delicious salad. Bon appétit!

Fresh: Leading the healthy food movement in the heart of Toronto, Fresh operates responsibly and provides food that is sustainable to a healthy lifestyle. Owner, Ruth Tal, created her menu to cater to both vegetarians and regular eaters so everyone could enjoy fresh, healthy food that was flavorful and festive. The Mega Life salad is anything but bland; pair it with one of her signature vegetable juices for an extra dose of delicious vitamins.

Daily Apple: Located at the North Toronto AppleTree Market, a visit to the Daily Apple is a great way to support locally grown produce while enjoying a fresh salad! Owner, Lesley Stoyan, created a menu that is completely vegan to promote ‘green living’, where food is considered just as important as fitness. Try her Daily Apple & Cucumber salad for a fresh pick-me-up!

Lola’s Commissary: Nestled in a restored Victorian home, Lola’s Commissary is the perfect spot for contemporary dining surrounded by old world charm. Owners and award-winning chefs, Therese DeGrace and Karen Balcom, offer a menu full of delicious comfort food with a twist. Looking for a lighter fare? Try the Santa Fe salad for a hearty and healthy meal.

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

Monday, April 26th, 2010

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 sauté 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!

Asparagus and Brown Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Serves 4

For the Dijon vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove or shallot, finely minced or pureed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:

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 ¼-1/2 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

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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.

Interview with Beaches Bake Shop & Cafe’s Anna Tvinnereim and Rose Hill

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Owners, Anna Tvinnereim and Rose Hills’ Beaches Bake Shop & Café is a neighborhood favorite that offers delicious seasonal treats and authentic Swedish fare that you can’t find anywhere else! Also leading the healthy eating movement, Beaches Bake Shop & Café offers Taste Buddies Cooking Classes for kids, which educates this generation’s youth about healthy eating habits.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Local, Friendly, Warm

What are your most popular products or services?
Healthy and seasonal made-from-scratch soups and salads, delicious quiche, and authentic Swedish cinnamon buns.

People may be surprised to know…
Anna was the head chef of the Swedish Consulate in New York City and has a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Studies from Upsala University in Sweden.

Who is your role model or mentor?
It’s ever-changing, based on who we’re inspired by that day!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not having the guts to commit to a plan that we believed in. As Anna says, “You can’t sell what you don’t have!”

How do you spend your free time?
What free time? Seriously though, being a mom and hanging out with family and friends.

What is your indulgence?
Rose: Curling up with a good book in a quiet house!
Anna: A long run while listening to a podcast.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
We like to explore other vibrant neighbourhoods for relaxation and inspiration.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Success, happiness, and balance between work and home

Visit Beaches Bake Shop & Cafe at:

900 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON, Canada, M4E 1S5

Spring Fashion Trends We CRAVE

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Out with the old, in with the new; spring is here and with it comes spring cleaning and spring fashion! Ladies, have you cleaned out your closet and packed away your winter sweaters yet? Well, now is the time to clear out your winter clutter to make room for new fresh threads and accessories from these spring fashion trends we CRAVE!

• Style: Dresses, all kinds!
• Colors: brights
• Prints & Patterns: minimized tie-dye and florals
• Themes: 1940s and Soft feminine

Girl Friday: Tank dresses, one-shoulder dresses, belted dresses, shift dresses, all kinds of dresses are in for spring! The perfect place to shop for a variety of impeccably fitting dresses is Girl Friday, located in the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy. Every item in both her boutiques is hand-picked by owner and designer, Rebecca Nixon. She stocks her stores with pieces in all price points so whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge, you’ll end up looking fabulous either way. We absolutely love her Spring 2010 Collection’s floral Danielle Dress, which is a perfect combination of feminine and fun!

Sense of Independence: Located on Toronto’s trendy Eglinton West Strip in Forest Hill, Sense of Independence offers the most fashion-forward finds! Owners and sisters, Naomi and Michelle Shamash, constantly travel around Los Angeles, New York, Canada and Europe seeking out the next big thing to bring to their boutique. Fashionistas, check out their boutique for brightly colored blouses and minimized tie-dye tops! The look is euphoric and edgy and very spring CRAVE-worthy!

Pho pa: One of the main themes inspiring designers’ collections in fashion shows, spreads in magazines and pages in catalogs is the timeless 1940s, where renowned designers like Chanel and Dior emerged. We CRAVE fashion from this era because it never goes out of style! We stumbled upon Pho pa, a fabulous boutique owned by Alexia Lewis, located on the Queen West Shopping Strip featuring 1940s inspired dresses and blouses with a contemporary flair from designer Eve Gravel. The result is timeless and trendy, chic and contemporary. There’s nothing faux pas about a perfectly tailored skirt-suit!

To Create or Not to Create?

Monday, April 19th, 2010

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

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?

Interview with Angela Panigas of BerBer Resto.Bar.Lounge

Friday, April 16th, 2010

We CRAVE Angela Panigas’ BerBer Resto.Bar.Lounge as an urban oasis, for its exotic Mediterranean menu, mystical atmosphere, and tantalizing cocktails. Gather your girlfriends for dinner and then dance the night away!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Extravagant, sophisticated, phenomenal.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
My husband’s idea to provide Toronto with unique entertainment venues, influenced by our experiences and ideas gained through our travels.
 
Who is your role model or mentor?
The master, Walter Disney, who created and was the leader in creating extraordinary experiences and memories.
 
 What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
 I do not believe there are any mistakes, only solutions.
 
 How do you spend your free time?
 I love travelling with my husband and my children worldwide, enriching our lives with culture and experiences. 
 
What is your indulgence?
Belgian chocolate, Grand Marnier soufflé, espresso, and prosecco (not necessarily in that order).
 
Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
Unwinding and enjoying cocktails, while upbeat music plays at BerBer Lounge on the weekend after a long week of work.
 
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Happiness, health, personal satisfaction, and success!

Vist BerBer Resto.Bar.Lounge at:

49 Front St East
Toronto, ON, Canada M5E 1B3

Toronto Flower Shops We CRAVE

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Beautiful, delicate, and fragrant, flowers serve many purposes. They are the perfect gift for various occasions, are symbols of affection, grief or apology. Flowers inspire fashion trends and works of art, and are just simply pretty to look at. Brighten up a room or someone’s day with flowers from these local flower shops we CRAVE.

Pink Twig Floral Boutique: Whether you’re looking for a sweet centerpiece for your table or something to grow in your garden and cherish for years to come, Tanya List and Amy Salehs’ Pink Twig Floral Boutique, located in the heart of Little Italy, has it. Their bouquets with pink mini calla lilies are truly works of art! Check out their other beautiful bouquets here.

Stemz: Florists and owners of Stemz, Fiona Liston and Joanne Winkelaar create unique, breathtaking arrangements and displays with creativity and enthusiasm. They also offer workshops so we floral fanatics can learn the techniques behind creating fabulous arrangements. Did we mention that champagne is included in the evening courses? Check out the Stemz School here.

Coriander Girl: Coriander Girl’s owner and sole florist, Alison Westlake creates the perfect balance between a blend of flowers and greenery in all her creations. We also CRAVE Coriander Girl’s luxurious selection of lotions from Ella’s Botanicals, which smell like a fresh spring garden. Visit her shop here.