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Archive for July, 2010

Interview With Robyn Berman of Bergo Designs

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Robyn Berman owns not just one, but two successful businesses in the Distillery District- Bergo Designs and Corktown Designs.  Bergo Designs is a gallery of industrial designs that is unique, modern, and stylish.  No knockoffs here!  Bergo features award-winning designs from around the world, including: Alessi, George Jensen, Stelton, Menu, Umbra, and Koziol among others.  You’ll find a wide range of designs for jewelry, watches, gifts, housewares, and Canadian-made furniture, not to mention a gift for every age and budget.

What are your most popular products or services?
Ethanol stainless steel fireplaces, lucite vases, The Ex knife block, Govino plastic wine glasses, Kikkerland head scratchers, Chilewich placemats and floor rugs, Peugot wine decanters, and Bodum glassware.

What or Who inspired you to start your business?
My husband.  He strongly encouraged me to expand Corktown Designs, my first shop, which offers primarily handmade jewelry.  I came up with Bergo and decided to keep them as two separate stores.

People may be surprised to know…
That Bergo Designs is a sole-proprietorship, and that I travel constantly around the world to hand-pick each item that is sold in the store.

What is your indulgence?
Soma chocolate.

Visit Bergo Designs at:

55 Mill Street, Building 47a
Toronto, ON 416.861.1821

CRAVE’s Favourites for a Ladies Night Out

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

We know our CRAVE ladies are a busy group of females.  Running a business is hard work and sometimes all-consuming.  That’s why this post calls on the old adage “work hard, play harder”.  To us, there is no better way to de-stress than with a ladies night out.  Just a few hours on the town with best friends can melt away weeks of stress and recharge your batteries.  We’ve put together a list of some great spots to spend your evening out.

EMBRUJO FLAMENCO TAPAS RESTAURANT -  embrujoflamenco.com
Looking for a great meal to share and some spicy entertainment?  We love Embrujo Flamenco.  Enjoy the regional cuisines of Spain, based on centuries of traditional cooking and hundreds of regional recipes using natural ingredients such as olive oil, lots of seafood, vegetables, game, veal, ham, and sausages to name a few.  All served as tapas, these dishes are created to be shared around the table.  Not only do they have great food, but Wednesday through Sunday they also offer free Flamenco shows while dining.

THE 10 SPOT BEAUTY BAR -  the10spot.com
Sometimes after a long week (or weeks) no matter how much you want to just let loose for a night on the town with your girlfriends, you just can’t find the energy to get dolled up and dance the night away.  That is why we love the 10 Spot.  They are open late – until 10pm Thursday to Saturday and until 8pm the rest of the week.  This is the perfect way to spend a lazy evening with your girls.  They even book private parties specifically for a girl’s night out.

BERBER LOUNGE -  berberlounge.ca
The BerBer Lounge is the perfect place for a light dinner, drinks and a night of dancing with your ladies.  Enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine while surrounded by artisanal hand-made luxuries transported back from the winding alleys of the Moroccan Medinas.  Stay after dinner for drinks and a night of dancing as a DJ takes over and transforms the Lounge into a Front Street hot-spot.

Birthday Musings

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010


Happy Birthdays!

Summer brings fun in the sun, tan lines and a ton of birthdays. I’m pretty sure it’s due to the cold fall weather nine months earlier. It gets chilly, folks curl up and the next summer you’re hiring clowns and ordering birthday cakes.

I just celebrated a “mid-forty” (yeah let’s go with that) milestone and it got me thinking about birthdays. I’ve decided to embrace my age. I’m one year closer to owning my stuff and embracing the wisdom that comes with knowing who you are and who you’re not -like coming to terms with the fact that the last time I was a size 6 was when I was 6 and I’ll never see that number on a clothes tag again. I was inspired when I read this passage recently, ”take kindly the counsel of your years” then realized it was from an online dating site guy who was looking to date women 22-26 years old.

You know that cool Martina McBride song that says, “every laugh line on your face made you who you are today” Well, I have no idea what was so frickin’ funny over the years but I must have had a great time somewhere along the way cause I have the roadmap on my face to prove it!

When you celebrate your 10th birthday you love that Mexican place where you get to wear that huge sombrero, there is all that clapping just for you, and then they light the ice cream on fire. When you turn 36 at that same Mexican place you just want the singing to cease so strangers will stop staring.

My oldest son turned 18 recently. A huge milestone, right? I mean come on, the kid had made it to adulthood, that in itself warranted a fireworks display in both our honors. He was about as excited for his special day as he was his 1st birthday…giving me a blank stare as if to say ”what’s all the hype about woman”? He wore a crazy hat in his 1st birthday picture, now he’s sporting a cap & gown…he still dresses funny in birthday pictures. I was looking forward to MY present. After all, the kid was still breathing even after I had lost him, poisoned him, and made him wear shoes that were 2 sizes too small for a year. What do I win to celebrate that “we” made it 18 yrs?!

When I was 40 I threw myself a big bash with live band and all….I couldn’t believe I had made it that far…and on the way home from the party I bought a huge jar of anti-wrinkle cream.

Let’s hear it for office birthday parties- there’s all that healthy stuff in the break room but on birthday day you bee-line to the conference room and you’re like “happy special day, Dave whatever your last name is from accounting”, thanks for being born, now let’s eat some chocolate cake.

Birthdays are milestones in your life. They are cause for reflection and anticipation. I personally will pour myself a stiff drink, cheers myself and kindly celebrate “the counsel of my years”!

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.

Interview With Jessica Gilbank of Ms. Lube by Mechanchik Inc.

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Talk about defying stereotypes and breaking molds - Ms. Lube by Mechanchik Inc. is the first and so far only all female automotive repair facility in North America.  They perform all services required by your car and treat their customers with the utmost respect and appreciation.  Their all female staff is both knowledgeable and friendly and are there to serve you and your vehicle’s best interests.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Vivacious. Professional. Committed.

What or Who inspired you to start your business?
Poor automotive repair experiences and the commitment to making the experience less overwhelming and frustrating for all consumers.

People may be surprised to know…
We are the first all female owned and operated auto repair facility in North America.

How do you spend your free time?
What free time?!

Who is your role model or mentor?
All women everywhere inspire me.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girldirends?
Anywhere, as long as we’re together we have a great time!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I CRAVE making a difference in society’s perception of the ‘old way’ of things… More female mechanics, doctors, lawyers, accountants, CEOs, etc… That’s the goal – Change is good!

Visit Ms. Lube at:

499 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2P8

Toronto Stylists and Personal Shoppers We CRAVE

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

One thing CRAVE entreprenesses are known for is their love of fashion and impeccable personal style.  But every now and then, even the most stylish women can use a little help finding the perfect outfit or proper fit and cut to suit their body.  It also might be you just want to revamp your personal image or maybe you have your personal style defined but just don’t have the time – GASP! – to shop. That’s why we have put together a list of some of the best Stylists, Image Consultants and Personal Shoppers in Toronto for the CRAVE lady on-the-go.

PERSONAL POWER IMAGE CONSULTING-  personalpowerimage.com
Personal Power Image Consulting offers a large array of services ranging from personal, online, socializing and corporate.  International Image Consultant Christie Ressel has delivered over 150 lectures across North America on topics ranging from women’s empowerment, etiquette, image, and credibility, and much more. Coming this fall, she will also be teaching image consulting at George Brown College in Toronto.  Whether you are looking for the colour palette that suits you best or need a boost in self confidence, Personal Power Image can help.

ZAYNA MOSAM IMAGE CONSULTING -  zmimage.com
Zayna Mosam Image Consulting helps you to optimize visual communication with your wardrobe, grooming, poise and body language and saves you time and money by helping you recognize the perfect garments for your body and what to look for when shopping.  Zayna Mosam also specializes in behavior and communication skills including increasing communication efficacy and managing your lifestyle and creating opportunities.  Zayna practices a holistic form of image consulting that emphasizes both mind and body. Clients enjoy the opportunity to combine outer transformation with personal development.

JULIA HUGHES AGENCY -  juliahughesagency.com
Julia Hughes Agency is what every CRAVE woman on-the-go has been waiting for.  Julia Hughes offers personal shopping and gift purchasing, but for those, who like us, always have time to shop, the agency also offers personal concierge services.  When life gets a little too crazy you can turn to Julia Hughes to act as your body double (don’t want to stand in line to pay that parking ticket?) or for hosting services, visitor arrangements, executive concierge services, home set-up and relocation and many other services when you just don’t have the time.

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Career Coaches

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Over the past few months, the number of people quitting their jobs was greater than the number of people losing their jobs. Savvy quitters build a support network before they take the plunge, and brilliant quitters enlist professional help. Enter: the Certified Career Coach. One part therapist. One part cheerleader. Two parts butt-kicking taskmaster.

Need a solid coach in your corner of the ring? Michelle Ward, Dyana Valentine and Chrissy Scivicque are at the top of their game.

Michelle Ward of When I Grow Up
whenigrowupcoach.com
I’ll admit it — I’m a tad biased in Michelle’s favor. She coached me out of my cubicle doldrums and into freelance bliss, so I owe her my firstborn child. A graduate of NYU / Tisch’s musical theater program and a certified life coach, Michelle brings theatrical flair and a “wagon full of enthusiasm” to every session. She recently raised her rates and is poised to explode, so book a free 30-minute consultation call while you still can.

For a weekly dose of self-exploration, bookmark Michelle’s ongoing blog feature: Tough Question Tuesday.

Dyana Valentine
dyanavalentine.com

Generous. Ambitious. A master of personal marketing. Dyana leads by example, and her clients feel the heat. By her own admission, Ms. Valentine’s coaching style is “not for the weak of heart.” She prides herself on helping self-starters finish what they started, using Community Psychology principles to light the way. As one client put it, “if I had to be shipwrecked on a desert island, I’d want Dyana with me.”

For a no-holds-barred explanation of the power of “no,” check out Dyana’s article on “No-gotiation.”

Chrissy Scivicque of Eat Your Career
eatyourcareer.com
Chrissy serves up a powerhouse combo platter — she’s a certified nutritionist AND an experienced career coach. Yum. As the creator of Office Arrow — a popular resource for administrative professionals — Chrissy has a firsthand grasp on the challenges of running an online business. She’s a clear communicator with a nourishing perspective on life, love and work — and all the snacks in between.

For a trio of tasty coaching treats, download Chrissy Scivicque’s free workbooks on stress management, time management and career reinvention.

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

Interview with Sandra Tarantino of C1 art space

Friday, July 16th, 2010

C1 art space, open since November 2004, is a project developed by artist /teacher Sandra Tarantino and her husband artist Ross Bonfanti. C1 art space houses a variety of activities from art shop to art school, with the aim of being a welcoming community environment. The art shop showcases an assortment of handmade Canadian fine craft, gift items, artist apparel and more.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Visit C1 art space at:

44 Ossington Avenue
Toronto, ON, Canada M6J 2Y7

Toronto’s Networking Gurus

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

With the web taking over, we live in a society in which it is impossible to not be connected.  The challenge though is connecting with the right people or standing out when anyone and everyone has a blog.  Knowing the right people can help.  Networking is key, and some of us are not as naturally good at it as others.  Fortunately, many of those social butterflies use their networking prowess to help connect others with the appropriate people that can advance careers, drive sales, or take your business to the next level.  We’ve put together a list of a few of Toronto’s best connectors who have dedicated their careers to bringing others together or have that certain je ne sais quoi that has helped their hosted events or blog stand out amongst the rest.

HEYDOYOU -  yvonnekai.blogspot.com
HeyDoYou described as for the “cute, clever, and connected” is a lifestyle blog that started in 2007 in Toronto, Canada. Its love affair with special events, beauty products, street fashion, international trends and shiny gadgets yield over 40,000 readers per month. The Los Angeles extension began Summer of 2009 and continues to be a portal for social media and word of mouth marketing.  Follow these ladies to find out about the events you need to be at, the products you need to be wearing, and the people you need to know.

THE SOCIETY -  thesocietytoronto.com
The Society states their mission as: To make culture a relevant and affordable luxury.  A cool and modern version of a private members-only club, The Society delivers a calendar of unique Socials and Cultural Encounters that challenge, excite and renew their members affinity for the arts, culture and entertainment.  Their events always make headlines and are THE place to meet the young and prominent from a wide range of industries.

SPROUTER -  sprouter.com
Sprouter facilitates networking and collaboration between entrepreneurs globally. Providing a platform for users to connect with other innovators, entrepreneurs can expand their networks to include fellow entrepreneurs and startups with similar interests and goals. By answering the question “What are you working on?” in 140 characters or less entrepreneurs can discover and join events in their local areas, start discussions and follow topics of relevance to their business.  Signing up for an account is easy and free and can open the door to endless possibilities and new business connections.

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.