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

Riad Med Spa-Awh!

February 16, 2011 by Colleen | Comments (0)

With the weather warming up (slightly) and gusts of April air teasing our toes, one cannot wait to slip out of socks and into a bubbly basin of warm blue-tinted water–yeah, yeah another “to-do” on your list of many, but “tis the season” (and about time) you cleaned your nail beds, focused on a facial….a back treatment… all your waxings…and while your at it, detox in a sauna! Spring/Summer 2011 is here (soon) and you best be ready!

Now, getting yourself out of the office or the laundry room is one thing–finding the perfect spa to retreat to ( for just a day) is something completely different. That is why today’s blog is dedicated to Riad Med Spa, located at 193 College Street. This Moroccan gem offers great services to refresh your tired limbs and rejuvenation well, pretty much anything! Craving a little more? Riad Med Spa offers a selections of cheese and fruit trays, even a full lunch can be provided at an additional price (must be ordered in advance). This unique spa offers fabulous spa services that are sure to leave you fully satisfied and most likely…wanting more!

Check out Riad Med Spa on the web: www.riadspa.ca

or visit…

193 College Street Unit 200, second level

647-350-7423

info@ riadspa.ca

Watch out Toronto, there’s a new kid in town!

November 24, 2010 by Colleen | Comments (0)

Watch out, there’s a new kid in town! Only 4 months old and already rockin’ the scene, Devlish Angelz is the city’s go-to kiddies clothing boutique! Devlish Angelz is already in full swing dressing and accessorizing Toronto’s busiest babies and hippest tots. Owner, Jaclyn Baynham is the trendsetter and enterpreness behind Devlish Angelz, scouring out the best of all designer brands to offer to her customers. Trendy mommy’s now have a local spot to shop for their trendy babies- sorry moms, nothing bigger than a kid’s size 16…but you can always match their closet with yours! Jaclyn carries all the brands active mom’s love, like Converse, Bench and Diesel!

Located in the heart of Yorkville, Devlish Angelz naturally fits in, offering friendly and current knowledge of fashion and the seasons must-haves (for your child, remember!) Jaclyn knows what her customers want- from a weekend on the slopes to a busy day full of play dates, Devlish Angelz has your snow bunnies and social babes in mind. Their ever-changing stock of the sassiest snowsuits, coolest JOE Jeans, and cute jumpers are sure to impress!

My most recent visit to the boutique had me smiling from entrance to exit; it was so enjoyable just browsing the latest apparel available for the girly fashionista’s and little dudes of the city. Just when I thought the clothing couldn’t be topped, I checked out the wide selection of accessories ranging from socks to sunglasses to little lip balms! Even if you don’t have children of your own, Devlish Angelz is the perfect spot to shop for any little love in your life.

Jaclyn has been the focus of tons of local media attention, from magazine spreads to TV news; her consistent social networking skills have paid off. With her new website, online store, facebook page, and daily twitter updates, her growing business continues to thrive! Be sure to visit Devlish Angelz this Saturday between 10am-6pm for a special “Angelz  Xmas Wish” event.

Devlish Angelz

Jaclyn Baynham

45 Avenue Road, Yorkville

Toronto

T: 647 344 5400

E: info@devlishangelz.ca

From haute couture to ready-to-wear, Sew Be It Studio has you covered!

November 19, 2010 by Colleen | Comments (1)

There is something special in the act of creating. Anything really, whether it’s making homemade jam, a birthday card, or your first snowman of the season, everyone knows bursts of creativity and energy are best shared with others. That’s why Toronto’s Fashionistas and chic entrepreness’ Lindsey Wise and Dilys Tong decided to spread their passion for fashion and talent in sewing and open a studio/workshop. Sew Be It Studio/Workshop offers teens, tweens (and yes, older ladies as well) a fashion infused approached to sewing and design. The studio offers an environment where you are able learn and grow from experts in the industry while advancing your skills and producing beautiful, unique apparel. Sew Be It Studio is super chic and super professional- being fully equipped with the best of the best, there is no extra cost for students to utilize the machines and tools needed to design their collections- after all, you do have deadlines!

And what about their classes? Sew Be It Studio’s classes are not only approved by George Brown College for their cutting edge approach, these ladies bring in high quality instruction from industry working professionals such as Carrie Russell, who specializes in luxury lingerie design, to Darci Cheyne who has worked on productions like Lord of the Rings and Hairspray! So, gather your gals (or should I say “co-designers”) and choose from over 15 classes and workshops that suit your interest; From beginners fun to filling out your fashion school application this female owned and fully operated fashion house has your wants and needs covered, literally!

Be sure to check out their daily news, designs and workshop classes by clicking here…

Or stop by for a visit at one of their two locations:

Sew Be It Studio

2156 Yonge Street

Toronto, Ontario

416-481-7784

Sew Be It Girl

282 Eglinton Ave West

Toronto, Ontario

647-347-6353

Directors:
Dilys Tong,  dilys@sewbeitstudio.com
Lindsey Wise, lindsey@sewbeitstudio.com

The Zest of Life!

November 9, 2010 by Colleen | Comments (0)

Now that you and your families’ back to (insert noun) stress  is over and routine has returned, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about (and booking) your holiday photos- no, this isn’t a prank! Halloween has come and gone and winter is now knocking on your door– traditions, celebrations, and new endeavors deserve to be preserved! Don’t wait till the last minute and be caught in line at the photo booth, book your session with a pro.

At our latest CRAVE Shopping Event, Mary from Lemon Fresh Designs Photography was the creative talent capturing our female entrepreneurs in action.  Mary specializes in everything from baby to business photography and captured our female vendors beautifully and candidly while they did what they do best; networking, selling, and connecting with their clients. Mary believes in capturing natural moments, so whatever your theme is or whatever outfit you want to wear, it adds to the charm. Mary’s professionalism, charisma and creative spirit gives her photography edge, leaving you with stylish and memorable images that reflect the real you!  Contact Lemon Fresh Designs here and capture your moments!

email: mary@lemonfreshdesigns.com

twitter: @lemonfrshdesign

Back to School Shopping in Style

August 4, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

It pains us deeply to write this blog post and we apologize for it now, but the sad truth is that summer is quickly coming to an end.  With only one month left of summer vacation it is time to start getting the kids ready for school.  We all know that as much as we would love to be spending our free time soaking up the last few rays of the summer sun instead of back to school shopping, the stress of leaving it to the last minute is not worth it.  That’s why we have put together a list of some great shops to find goodies and clothing for the kids before the first class bell rings.  These fantastic places almost make it excusable to be indoors in August.

ELLA MINNOW CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE -  ellaminnow.ca
Prepare early for the unavoidable procrastination that is book reports.  Ella Minnow has a huge selection of books catering to toddlers all the way to teens.  They also offer online shopping, so you can enjoy your last month of summer vacation without the hassle of shopping in store (although we would never turn down a chance to shop).   While you’re buying books for the school year, why not pick up an extra one and have your kid do some reading this summer too?

LITTLE ONES -  littleones.ca
My mother used to be impressed if I made it out of the house fully dressed and not covered in half of my breakfast, let alone in designer duds.  Times have changed.  Little Ones is Toronto’s premier kid’s clothing boutique offering brand name designer children’s clothing from across Europe and North America.  If you have a trendy little one who loves to be ahead of the fashion game, this is the store for them!

KIDS AT HOME -  kidsathome.com
Children’s tastes change as quickly as they grow, and their bedrooms always mirror this.  Kids At Home offers the most eclectic collection of cool furnishings, bedding, and accessories for kids of all sizes.  Help your kids express their creative side designing the bedroom or playroom of their dreams.

Planning a Fun in the Sun Picnic

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

Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors and in the company of great friends and family. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, bring some companions, and take advantage of the sunny warm weather the spring and summer months have to offer with an al fresco dining experience! Don’t sweat, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some fun and fuss-free ideas for planning a picnic in the fresh air and sunshine!

1. Pick a Location:

• At the Park: Whether you’re on a grassy spot in the sunlight or under the shade of a tree, a park is the perfect place to gather for a picnic! If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your beloved pooch at home, there are plenty of pet-friendly parks so you can bring Fido along!
• On a Beach: Sun, surf, and sand is the ideal combination for a picnic on the beach! Just make sure you enjoy each element separately to avoid melted, soggy, or grainy grub.
• At a Drive-In Movie: CRAVing a romantic night with your sweetie? Dinner and a movie underneath a blanket of twinkling nighttime stars is a perfect date night combination. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and candy!
• In Your Backyard: Want to enjoy a meal outside but don’t feel like hauling a basket or cooler full of food around? No problem, a picnic in your backyard can be just as fun and probably less stressful if you happen to forget the napkins!
• On a Roof-top Patio: For those of you dwelling in the concrete jungle, many apartment and condo buildings have a roof-top patio for their residents to enjoy. The only difference? Rather than being surrounded by trees, you have adjacent skyscrapers to provide shade.

2. Picnic Menu Items:

We encourage you to be creative, but to also keep things simple with your picnic menu! Remember, you have to schlep these baskets around with limited heating or cooling available, and food poisoning is never included in the recipe for fun. Pack your picnic baskets with these simple palate pleasers, bon appetit!

• Savor: Definitely use your left-overs when you can! Roasted chicken can be used to make a yummy pasta or Caesar salad. You can also make some simple PB&J or turkey sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to head out. Soft bagels with cream cheese are also a great and effortless menu option. Here are some other easy picnic recipes to consider.
• Sip: Class up your picnic with a bottle of wine to sip while you savor your meal, which is ideal if you’re enjoying a laid-back picnic on your backyard porch. For public parks and beaches, we recommend some bubbly and refreshing sparkling apple cider instead. Lemonade is also the classic beverage of choice for a sunny spring/summer picnic.
• Sweets: You can’t go wrong with brownies and cookies, which are crowd-pleasers for any age. A fresh fruit salad is delicious and nutritious, and also surprisingly portable! We generally don’t recommend packing anything that melts quickly, but if you’re having a backyard picnic you can get away with serving ice cream and popsicles!

3. Picnic Essentials NOT to Forget:

• Sunscreen/sun block: Don’t ruin your outdoor picnic with a painful sunburn, keep yourself sun protected! As the people from the land down under would say, “Slip, Slop, Slap: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.”
• Insect repellant: A good idea if you’re going to be outdoors long enough for the mosquitoes to come out for their own picnic.
• Big quilt/blanket: If you’re going to be dining on the grass, sit on a big quilt or blanket to protect yourself from ants in your pants, or even worse, in your food!
• Eating utensils: Finger food is always fun, but if you plan on serving something that requires a fork, spoon, or knife, eating with your bare hands will get messy and complicated.
• Plastic bag(s): Be considerate of others and the park in which you are enjoying your picnic and clean up any trash or food waste. Also, if your pooch joined you for your picnic, please pick up behind your pawed pal as well.
• Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes: Ahh, germs! Need we say more?
• Entertainment: Don’t dine and dash, stay a while! Bring some playing cards, a Frisbee, or play bocce ball while your tummies digest.

Bond with these Activites on Mother’s Day

May 3, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (0)

It’s that time of year – it’s all about mom. You know as well as we do – with a hectic lifestyle, sometimes traditional alternatives have to do the trick (isn’t it the thought that counts?). But with all that mom has done for you, we’re guessing you probably CRAVE some creative mother/daughter bonding activities this Mother’s Day. So take a break from the craziness of the day to bond with the number one woman in your life. Whether you’re a “like- mother-like-daughter duo” or have completely different tastes, you’re sure to find a fabulous way to celebrate your mom in style with our irresistible options! Get ready to make some memories!

Rediscover Family Recipes
What better way to celebrate the women in your family than with a day dedicated to the culinary queens that have graced your family over the years? We all have recipes stashed away in a drawer in the kitchen that we always talk about with family members during holiday time. How many times have you reminisced about Grandma Marie’s outrageous chicken Marsala or Aunt Susan’s legendary lemon meringue? It’s time to pull out those recipes and cook them up with mom! Be sure to recopy those recipes that are written on paper that is little worse for wear, organize them and swap memories as you savor your hard work. So, if CRAVE something spicy or sweet and want to share special memories of the wonderful women that have paved your way, get cooking with mom. Who knows, you might even make some mother-daughter recipes of your own!

Other ideas for the the crafty mother-daughter duo:

- Organize family photos in scrapbooks or photo albums.
- Transfer old family tapes to DVD.
- Take an art class together.

Mother-Daughter Massage
What better way to say goodbye to stress and pamper the number one woman in your life than with a mother-daughter massage and spa treatment? Sometimes, the unspoken shared moments in life mean the most. With a little time to meditate, make muscles melt and mend your bodies, you and mom will be bonding in no time. Take some time together to choose your lineup of indulgences for the day. Whether you and mom CRAVE some hot stone therapy, aromatherapy or holistic skin care, your Mother’s Day Spa date is sure to be one to remember!

Other options for mothers and daughters looking to chill:

- Take a yoga class together.
- Safely score some rays of sunshine at the beach.
- Pack a picnic lunch and your suits. Find the perfect place to swim, enjoy the water and indulge in some homemade picnic classics!

Generational Clothing Swap:
Admit it – you have always wanted to raid mom’s closet (maybe you already have!) for some of those classy vintage outfits she has saved over the years. She’s probably had her eye on some of yours! Now is your chance to share style secrets that span a few more decades. Spend the days discussing style and sharing trends that have come in and out of both your lives. You might find some similarities you would never suspect – styles always seem to come back! After you swap chic secrets, you might even want to have a generational fashion show. Whatever decade you and mom each CRAVE when it comes to style, the creative possibilities are endless when you put your heads together in the name of fashion!

Alternatives for moms and daughters with fashion in their blood:

- Get out there for some retail therapy, but here’s the catch – pick outfits for each other. You could be pleasantly surprised, or you might be laughing the entire time you’re in the dressing room!
- Score mother-daughter style makeover consultations.
- Go on a fashionable date – check CRAVE and other local listings for fashion shows and other styling events in your city.

No matter what you CRAVE and how you choose to celebrate mom, enjoy your time together. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at CRAVE.

Go Ga Ga for Babies in Toronto!

February 17, 2010 by Melisa M. | Comments (0)

At some point everyone needs to find a baby gift for a shower, and often times it’s last minute. If you’re looking for something really special we’ve found some stores for you to browse that are really worth a look.

My Bump
944 Kingston Road
416.698.6625
mybumpmaternity.com

My Bump provides you with an inviting comfortable atmosphere to ensure an easy shopping experience. They have searched long and hard for the finest of designers and gifts so you don’t have to. My Bump has a wide variety of maternity gifts, perfect for the expectant mother. If you know the mother well enough you can get her fashionable maternity clothes or you can get her anything for the baby from baby body foam to a changing mat to a variety of adorable baby blankets. You can even get her a hooter hider to breast feed in public after the baby arrives. There are also a lot of great sale items and if you’re not sure what to get her you can purchase a gift certificate.

Kids at Home
2086 Queen St. E
416.698.9726
kidsathome.com

If you’d like to go a slightly different route than the typical baby shower gifts like new baby supplies or new mother gifts you can try looking at Kids at Home. Kids at Home is the perfect place to find unique decorating pieces for the new baby’s room, like beautiful lights, adorable art and even rugs. They also sell impressive furniture if you’re looking to buy a more important gift and they also carry a lot of toys, baby clothes and traditional baby shower gifts. When you give your great gift from Kids at Home you can remind the new mother that their website has some really helpful tips for decorating the new bundle’s bedroom. Kids at Home is must see if you’re searching for a classy baby shower gift.

Baby on Board Apparel
416.829.2459
babyonboardapparel.com

The founder, Ali McEwen has this to say about BOBA; “I was visiting Brooklyn and stumbled upon this amazing t-shirt shop. In a brief conversation with the gentleman who was working the shop that day I blurted out the idea of blasting an ultrasound picture across a maternity tee.  And from that random thought I realized my calling to develop cool, fashion forward maternity tees that can be worn during pregnancy and after. My tees are a custom pattern and were developed through fit samples and listening to what felt good on the pregnant women.” BOBA is an online store that sells comfortable maternity t-shirts with unique designs that say things like “Made with love,” Signed, sealed, delivered” and “Baby Buddha.” This is a good place to look for a humorous, but also handy gift for an expectant mother to wear something comfortable during this undoubtedly uncomfortable time.

I hope this helps in your search for the perfect baby shower gift!

Witness the Fitness – Tips for the New Year

January 13, 2010 by Melisa M. | Comments (0)

Getting fit can be one of the most challenging tasks you face because it affects every other choice you make each day. Do I take the elevator or the stairs? Do I choose the cookie or the apple? Not only does it take constant will power, it also requires knowledge of your body and what is good for it. Here are a few tips from personal trainers in the Toronto area who are helping women every day to get to the shape they’d like to be.

Davelle Morrison and Funk Roberts, personal trainers from Fit Firm ‘n Fab: Fitness, Nutrition and Wellness for Women have some great tips to offer you to stay in shape.

1. Work some aerobic exercise into your life, it will reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the world’s largest killer, claiming 17.1 million lives a year. It involves the heart or blood vessels, affecting the lungs, the brain, the kidneys or other parts of the body. If you gradually work up to a cardiovascular session every other day that lasts 20-30 minutes, you will achieve the maximum benefits. Your session should include a five minute warm up and cool down, therefore, prior to exercise, the body can adjust slowly from rest to exercise and after your body can gradually recover.

2. Meditating for at least 10 minutes in the morning can help to reduce stress levels. What she recommends that you do to fight stress in your life is to find a quiet place in your home, sit cross legged on a pillow with your hands on your knees, palms facing upward with your index finger and thumb touching, close your eyes and inhale and exhale. It’s an ancient practice called meditation and its’ really quite simple. You don’t need a special course or a special place, just yourself. You already possess all the tools that you need.

3. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. It can help you to lose weight. According to Women’s Health, people who slept at least 7 hours a night were less likely to put on weight than those who didn’t. Sleep loss has been shown to affect the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that regulates appetite. People who do not get enough sleep may feel hungry throughout the day and crave sugary foods during the afternoon. How can you enjoy a better night’s sleep? Add a yoga class into your workout routine. Yoga’s soothing poses and breathing will help give you a good night’s sleep.

Kaleena, a Toronto area personal trainer, says that Yoga will also improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination and the more you improve the better you can get into poses and learn about the way your body works and moves. But you don’t always have time in your day to work around a class schedule at the gym. Kaleena has some useful advice for home Yoga.

1. Practice!: If you are serious about strengthening your yoga routine it’s essential that you practice for at least 20 minutes two to three times a week. This is primarily important for muscle memory and retaining achieved flexibility. It’s important to build momentum with any exercise routine.

2. Listen/Read: Whether you learn yoga from a DVD, book or online it’s helpful to constantly review your material. Even basic poses such as the warrior or strength exercises like the squat need constant form reviews to be perfect. If you practice yoga to a DVD listen to instructions carefully, as the most subtle movement or placement in yoga can make a world of difference. Practicing on your own requires more in depth research and persistence to make the most of your sessions. She also finds it to be extremely helpful to watch videos online from yoga blogs, YouTube and podcasts.

3. Hire a home yoga teacher: It’s a great idea to hire a yoga instructor periodically. A teacher will help to correct form and to make sure you are on the right track. She would recommend seeking extra help every other month or so. About a week before your session, start to write down any questions or concerns that come to mind during your practice to make the most out of a professionally trained yoga teacher.

We hope this leaves you with the inspiration you need to getting on the path of good health in 2010.

Gift Guide: Check Out Pistachio for Eco-friendly Stocking Stuffers.

December 9, 2009 by Carlie S. | Comments (0)

With a never-ending shopping list, a little help from a reliable shop can get you through the holidays. If you are shopping for eco-passionate family and friends we highly recommend visiting Pistachio in Eglinton or Yorkdale. Pistachio is about creating, using, and reusing things intelligently, about wasting less, and about putting good things into and onto our bodies.

If you’re playing Santa this year and stuffing the stockings - here are a few suggestions to keep them smiling on Christmas morning for less than $10 each!

For the Best Friend:
DIRT “Best Friend” Soy Tea Light
John Masters Travel Body Milk and Body Wash
Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Moisture Stick
Eco Tools Bamboo Bathing Puff
Matchstick Garden – Mixed Herbs

For the Boyfriend/Husband:
TAZA Chocolate Mexicano Disc in Chili
Owl Recycled Leather Bookmark in cocoa
Seracon Mini Plant-a-Tree kit
Eco-Tools Loofah Back Brush

For the Little One:
Toy Maker of Lunenburg Wooden yo-yo
Aladine Mini Wooden Rubber Stamps and Non-toxic Ink Pads
Semaki and Bird Recycled Mini Farm Animal Note Pads
Mary’s Softdough – Scented Natural Play Dough
Crank Mouse Flashlight
Hammonds Cherry All-Natural Twirl Pop

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