CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Summer Treats We CRAVE

June 30, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

We consider summer the season of indulgence, and one thing that we CRAVE is cool and colourful treats!  Summer means access to the freshest fruit and vegetables, iced coffees, ice cream and more.  Gone are the days of chasing down the ice-cream truck (although we still get a tinge of excitement when we hear its music outside our door) and the introduction of some new and sophisticated summer treats to look forward to when the sidewalks begin to sizzle.

BALZAC’S COFFEE -  balzacscoffee.com
We searched high and low for an excuse to begin every summer day with a giant scoop of ice cream, but just couldn’t find one, especially with Balzac’s Coffee right around the corner.  With a location in the Historic Distillery District and another in Liberty Village, Balzac’s has freshly brewed iced coffees to give us our needed jolt of caffeine in the morning, with an icy twist.

MABEL’S BAKERY - mabelsbakery.ca
Mabel’s Bakery & Specialty Foods brings rustic baked goods, home-style prepared foods and local artisan breads and cheeses to Roncesvalles.  We go for the Raspberry Bars.  With only seasonal availability we plan to stuff ourselves full of these wonderful little delights while we can.  We also CRAVE their fresh daily organic soups.

MADELEINES CHERRY PIE AND ICE CREAM - madeleines.ca
Madeleines name is pretty self explanatory.  Known for the best cherry pie in the city (baked from scratch based on an old family recipe), Madeleines is a charming little spot reminiscent of a sweets shop.  We can think of nothing that screams summer more than freshly baked cherry pie filled with local summer-ripened cherries and a big scoop of ice cream… unless, of course, you are eating that pie and ice cream on Madeleines’ quaint garden patio.

Interview with Corrine Anestopoulos of Biko Jewellery

June 25, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

Biko is a “vintage meets modern” jewellery brand possessing a natural, time-worn look with a twist of au courant. Designer Corrine Anestopoulos mixes the curious with the contemporary, combining semi-precious stones with raw materials such as brass, and integrating gold, crystal, pearl and lucite into her original, timeless accessories.  The result is an irregular beauty that can be small and precious, or bold and freeform. 

What are your most popular products or services?
Kaleidoscope, Telescope, Charlie magnifier necklaces- they actually work! Clusters, lockets, movement necklaces- quirky cool.  Leafdrops, vintage glam earrings- sweet, edgy.

People may be surprised to know…
Biko is green.  Most materials used are vintage, dead stock, and re-purposed.  All jewellery is handmade locally in Toronto, with love.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My mom.  She is always eager to assist the research and design process, and her spirited energy is contagious.

How do you spend your free time?
Travelling for inspiration, walking in the sunshine, supporting independent businesses, and appreciating good design.

Visit Biko Jewellery at:

bikodesigns.ca or call 416.895.1071

Do You CRAVE a Summer Bikini Body?

June 24, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

Summer is officially here and with the hot Toronto sun beating down, we know you will be looking forward to escaping to the cottage, pool, or beach.  Time to pull those bikinis out of storage (or a great excuse to purchase a new one) and more importantly- time to get your bod into shape!  Whether you are just beginning a healthier lifestyle, or you’re already a fitness queen, we have found the perfect training spots that you CRAVE!  If you’re tired of that same old jog around the block, step out of your usual fitness routine and try one of these unique workouts.

THE TORONTO NEWSGIRLS BOXING CLUB - torontonewsgirls.com
Are you looking to let loose and let off some steam after a long stressful day of work?   Take a step into the ring and try the boxing classes at The Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club.  This all female club offers boxing classes and coaching for beginners to serious competitors in a safe and positive space.  It’s a killer workout and every girl should know how to throw a mean punch!

THE BIG STRETCH YOGA CENTRE - bigstretchyoga.com
If you are more of a lover than a fighter, then a relaxing yoga class at The Big Stretch is for you!  It’s a small intimate space that offers Hatha Yoga classes to all age groups.  Catering each class to the dynamics of the participants, each student gets the individual focus and help they need from instructors.  Set in a relaxing environment of candles and music, this is the perfect workout for the mellow soul.

DIVA GIRL FITNESS – divagirlfitness.com
Feeling a little flirty and don’t know where to unleash your inner vixen?  Diva Girl Fitness can help.  Dive Girl Fitness created their online community to help women find various sexy dance and fitness-based classes and workshops in their area.  They also provide up-to-date information on exciting dance/fitness trends and exercise tips that lead to a healthier lifestyle.  Check the Divas out to find the next class near your neighbourhood.

Hello, Summer!

June 21, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

How many times a year do we utter the words, “If only there were more hours in the day…”? Well, on the summer solstice, you will get your wish since today, the sun shines longer than any other day of the year. Today of course also marks the official start of summer, and with it, we celebrate all the best things about this much-anticipated season! To welcome the return of flip-flops, barbecue’s, vacations and more, we’ve compiled a list of activities to do in order to take advantage of those extra minutes of sunlight. Grab your friends and family and head out – you won’t want to miss a second of your summer solstice celebration!

A picnic is a simple no-brainer for a summer occasion, but you might decide to get a little creative for the special occasion by coordinating a late-night sunset picnic in your city’s most scenic setting. Bring a playlist of songs with the word “sun” in them to set the right mood.

If you’re an avid outdoors-woman, you’ll want to really maximize your extra minutes of rays! Head out for an evening hike, run, or bike ride and extend it a little longer than usual. You’ll get an extra boost knowing that this is the only night you’ll be able to savor the sunlight during your routine workout.

Spending your solstice doing water activities is an excellent idea if you live near a body of water. Boating, surfing, kayaking, or even just lounging beachside will give you that summer glow you’ve been missing all winter. Plus, watching the sun lower over sparkling waves is a sight that can hardly be beat, and one you’ll want to store in your memory for the next winter.

Say Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball and sends rain instead of shine, well don’t let that stop you from enjoying the spirit of the day. Curling up with a book and hot tea can be relaxing during a summer rainfall or storm especially if enjoyed from a patio or porch. If the day is more gray gloom than thrilling boom, head to your local arboretum or greenhouse to get your tropical nature fix.

Interview with Cassidy Watkins of The HomeBake Pizza Company

June 18, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

You no longer have to hunt down a pizzeria for delicious hand-tossed pizza, just stop by The HomeBake Pizza Company. for fresh made ‘take and bake’ pizza, they deliver too! Food lover and owner, Cassidy Watkins started The HomeBake Pizza Company, which is Toronto’s first ‘take and bake’ pizza shop, specializing in made to order gourmet pizzas from all natural and organic ingredients. Mmmm, delicious and nutritious! HomeBake Pizza turns any home kitchen into a gourmet pizzeria, bon appĂ©tit!

   
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Fresh, delicious, gourmet.

What are your most popular products or services?
Fresh, local, organic toppings and um … pizza!  We also offer spelt and gluten-free options that are very popular with people with diet sensitivities.

People may be surprised to know…
How simple it is to bake one of our pizzas. You don’t need any special tools; we provide everything that’s needed. Oh, and also organic multigrain pizza dough can taste really good!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
A simple desire to have a better option for pizza in the comfort of my own home, and realizing that if I was frustrated with soggy box pizza, others were too.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Anyone who inspires me, who reminds me I can always do more, who brings goodness and fulfillment to the lives of others.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I’m not really one to toot my own horn, which is a challenge because having a new business necessitates you being able to let people know how fantastic your business is.

How do you spend your free time?
Enjoying a quiet late morning breakfast at home, trying not to fall off the pilates machine, and getting dirty doing reno projects with friends.

What is your indulgence?
Why, food of course!  I’m currently in love with my partner’s slow cooked, maple infused bacon. So worth the wait!

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
People are going to think that all I do is eat, but I love getting together over weekend brunch at neighbourhood restaurants, it always feels so decadent.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Balance in all things, and time. Time to re-energize, to seek out inspiration and to fully embrace the rewards working for yourself can bring.
Visit The HomeBake Pizza Company at:

476 Roncesvalles Ave
Toronto, ON, Canada M6R 2G5

Places We CRAVE for Grand Graduation Gifts!

June 17, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

Congratulations Class of 2010! Hats off to all the graduates out there on your amazing accomplishment! Do you have a graduate in your life, who you would like to honor? Shower your graduate with pomp and circumstance with grand graduation gifts from these shops we CRAVE!

DRYSDALE & CO. – www.drysdaleandco.com
Send off your college-bound gal with a super cute, stylish, and sturdy tote bags from Drysdale and Co. We CRAVE their red buffalo checkered notebook shoulder bag for schlepping around a laptop and textbooks. They have a great selection of fun and eclectic totes, stationary, office supplies and home goods, basically everything a college student needs to furnish their dorm room!

The Papery Toronto – www.thepaperytoronto.com
Good-bye high school, hello college! Let’s face it; with their new found sense of independence, it can be difficult for college bound students to keep track of everything that goes on during their long days and nights. Keep your college student on track with a cute and chic Italian leather Filofax personal organizer from The Papery Toronto, so no tests, homework assignments, term papers, and (of course!) parties are missed or forgotten.

Palettera – www.palettera.ca
Send your college-bound student off ready to network with chic and professional custom correspondence cards from Palettera! Personalize it with your college student’s name, phone number, email address, college name, and major. That’s right; sometimes it’s not always about what you know, but who you know! Networking can land your college student that highly envied internship or acquire a mentor in their desired field of work.

Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!

June 14, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

Father’s Day is around the corner and every year its the same. We ponder WHAT to get our dear dads for a gift. We all know that whatever we hand them they’ll be thankful for; but we always want to push the envelope! When we are pressed for time and don’t have the effort left to make something extremely sentimental, here is some advice from your friends at CRAVE on what to do that will make him smile.

Try and remember what your dad is passionate about. Is he an outdoors-man? Cook? Tech-savvy? Music lover? With some passion he has in mind its always easier to direct your gift towards a certain theme and come out successful. It will help you avoid spending hours shopping with no clue of what to get as well as guaranteeing that he will appreciate the gift and the thought you put into it.
If still stuck on where to begin with finding a gift, maybe go in a different direction then a simple gift from the store. Does you’re dad love a certain comedian or band? Grab tickets to a concert.

Dad’s love knowing you want to spend time with them, so if time allows, do an activity that involves doing something together. Time spent is more precious than any other gift money could buy!

Remember first and foremost that its your dad’s day! All that matters truly matters is that you make sure to tell him he’s special and you love him.

Interview with Sandra Tarantino of C1 art space: art shop, art school

June 11, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

Started as a project developed by artist and teacher, Sandra Tarantino, C1 art space has since thrived to become a welcoming community environment! C1 houses a variety of activities, from an art school that accommodates all ages with classes from clay sculpting to painting; to an art gallery showcasing collections of handmade Canadian fine crafts and gifts, artist apparel, and other creative goodies!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Quirky, Humorous, Fun

What are your most popular products or services?
Our art workshops are a favourite, especially silk screening and wheel throwing. People also enjoy lots of handmade gifts including: Julie Moon poppy pins, Avril Loreti napkins, and Yasmine Louis and Ross Bonfanti apparel.

People may be surprised to know…
They can learn to be creative. Our classes are fun and relaxed so it’s easy to learn how to D.I.Y.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
My love of art and teaching have always existed since I was a child. I’ve been planning to do this forever.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My parents, who are immigrants and business owners for 38 years; I learned how to run a business from them.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Taking on too much but this is a hard one not to repeat

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Calmness and happiness, always.

Visit C1 art space: art shop, art school at:

44 Ossington Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6J 2Y7

Cute Children’s Stores We CRAVE

June 9, 2010 by Jennifer L. | Comments (0)

Kids are unique, creative, playful and imaginative. One minute they’re super heroes fighting evil villains, the next minute they’re lava monsters running around in a pit. Their favorite color will be yellow one day and green the next. Let’s face it; kids sometimes live in a world of their own! But when they come back to reality, here are children’s stores we CRAVE for fun finds!

Ella Minnow:     
Feed your child’s imagination with a good book! Heather Kuipers, owner of Ella Minnow, offers a huge selection of quality bedtime story books for tots to the Twilight Saga for teens! Ella Minnow has a super friendly staff and an incredibly charming atmosphere; they even have two cute pet bunnies! Stop by for story time or pick up some books to cozy up with the kids and read!  Check out their selection here.
ella+elliot: 
ella+elliot is the brainchild of Suzanne O’Leary, who brings a modern twist to classic baby furniture, dĂ©cor and accessories. Modern design’s simple and pure aesthetics are inherently childlike and therefore a natural fit for a youngster, which is why all products offered in ella+elliot emphasizes modern design, functionality and sustainability. Check out their cute and modern selection of baby goods here. 
 
Glitter Pie: 
Let your child’s imagination soar at Glitter Pie Art Studio, the creative options are endless! Basically anything can be turned into a piece of artwork. With a love of art and always young at heart, Tiffany Pratt brought her dreams to life when she opened Glitter Pie. They offer a variety of different artistic experiences ranging from beading to watercolor painting.  Jump in, get dirty, be creative, add some glitter to your child’s day! We love that Glitter Pie upcycles, everything from old newspapers to t-shirts have a purpose! Check them out here.

Branding Basics for Small Business New Book By Maria Ross

June 7, 2010 by Jessica C. | Comments (1)

Maria Ross, the brains behind marketing and branding firm, Red Slice, has just wrapped up yet another project. This time in the form of a comprehensive guide to effectively branding your business – any small business, on any budget. Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget will walk you step-by-step through solidifying your core promise, personality and reason for being. We caught up with Maria and asked her a little bit about what inspires her at work and in life! And before we forget, to purchase your copy of Branding Basics go to red-slice.com/branding-basics-book!

When and how did you discover your talent for and love of marketing and strategizing?
I majored in marketing in college, as I’d always had a love for advertising and using communication to evoke emotion. Marketing can be used for so much good in the world: encouraging people to donate time or money, showcasing a worthy cause, inspiring people to be the best they can be. I have always been impressed with a well-turned tagline or a delightful campaign that gives me goosebumps. In the book, I talk about the effect that Nike had on me in the mid-90’s when they launched the “If you let me play” campaign aimed at empowering young girls through athletics. I gained experience across all aspects of marketing over my career and really like the brainstorming and strategy phase the best.

What compelled you to write Branding Basics For Small Business?
I got sick and tired of people undervaluing what a brand could do for them, or thinking that it is just their logo. Brand is so much more than that and when small businesses understand what brand really means – that it is the core promise and value they deliver to customers – they can better connect with customers and drive sales. Brand is expressed not just visually through your logo or colors, but verbally through the messages you use and experientially in how customers (and employees) are treated. I also wrote it because putting together your brand strategy is not rocket science: it just requires answering some key questions and really putting intentional thought into how you present yourself to customers. So I wanted to spread the “brand gospel” to small businesses – many of whom have the nimbleness and passion to create a powerful brand connection with their customers because they are so close to them.

Without giving too much away (we all need to read the book!!), what is the most important step in creating a strong brand strategy?
I would say two of the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to brand strategy are not identifying their target audience in crisp detail, and not telling customers what they want to hear. For target audiences, business owners try to go too broad and end up appealing to no one because their message is so bland and generic. But your brand needs to be relevant in order to meaningfully connect. Secondly, many small businesses talk about themselves by saying “This is what we do” versus taking the customer point of view and saying, “Here’s what you get.” Many small businesses don’t see that they are talking about benefits from their own perspective, not the customer’s.

Your book discusses “how to create an irresistible brand on any budget”…will this really work on ANY budget? What is one important step in reaching out to potential clients/customers on a shoe string budget?
An effective brand is not measured by how much money you have to spend. Every company out there wishes they had more money! I’ve executed against brand strategies with $1000 and $12,000,000. The point is that, by using the process in the book, you can create a strong brand strategy that you then can execute efficiently with whatever budget you have. When you have less budget, it’s even more important to go after the right things or be more creative and a brand strategy helps you do that. Your activities align towards one clear target. Many businesses end up wasting money because they perform “random acts of marketing” that don’t get them anywhere. With a clear brand strategy, you actually save time, money and headache on only investing in the right things that get you ahead.

What is your favorite part about what you do? What keeps you going and gets your juices flowing at work?
I love when I work with a client and see the light go on in their eyes, when they “get” what brand really means and how to apply it. They seem more confident, they are able to clearly cite their elevator pitch. They say things like, “That’s exactly what I want my company to represent! It’s perfect!” Being able to help people deconstruct their brand story and then show them a perfect way to visually or verbally represent it is just amazing.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are NOT working?
I love to write: I write wine and food articles for some online publications. I also love to eat great food with friends, drink wine, hike, read, act in community theatre, watch indie films (I’ve been to Sundance about 5 years in a row!) and go for walks with my husband and our awesome Black Lab mix, Eddie, who we adopted two years ago.

Branding Basics Book Now Available! June 2010 from Maria Ross

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