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

Feature with Le Petit Spa!

February 26, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (0)



Tucked in on the corner of Alma & Broadway, Le Petit Spa is a must-visit french day spa. Combined with a comfortable atmosphere and top-of-the-line services, CRAVE recommends Nancy Mudford’s creation as one of Vancouver’s best. Nancy is a cheerleader for women in business and is constantly hosting events at her location! Check out our feature with the one and only- Nancy Mudford.

What is the story behind the salon’s name, Le Petit Spa?

I’m from Montreal so the French connection; we also have a smaller spa than average…the average day spa is 6,000sq ft.  I started with 2,340 sq ft.

What makes Le Petit Spa unique?

I focus on education of both the employees and our customers. Constant training means Le Petit Spa’s estheticians are always up to date on the best possible skin care solutions.  We help to empower our clients to find the right solution for their skin.

Tell us about your highly sought out Dermalogica Mircrozone Facial:

This interactive facial is done in a barber style chair, using highly active products and allowing the esthetician to teach you about your skin and the best products for you. A highly popular service revolutionized by Dermalogica, this results oriented service is the best option for a quick skin refresher. Le Petit Spa is Vancouver’s only recognized provider of the Microzone, and we are thrilled to provide this new opportunity that will fit into even the busiest schedule. $45 for the 20 minute treatment.

Peek into the CRAVE Closet

February 25, 2010 by Sarah Clise | Comments (0)


Our very own Melody Biringer had her closet raided! MyCloset.com, a website dedicated to airing people’s dirty laundry (literally), recently featured the CRAVEcompany founder in its scintillating Celebrity Closets installment. Among the hangers and hampers, a myriad of wardrobe gems were unearthed from all over the world. Woolen leg-warmers from Amsterdam, Ilse Jacobsen rain boots from Seattle, a bold purple dress from Vancouver, BC… how can that much cuteness exist in one closet? Lucky for us, Melody divulged a few of her shopping secrets and we can all check out her fashion favorites for ourselves. Below check out some of her most-cherished boutiques.

Moscow (moscowdesign.nl)
Runstraat 8, 1111 AA, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Horseshoe (horseshoeseattle.com)
5344 Ballard Avenue Northwest Seattle, WA 98107

Lambs Ear (lambsearshoes.com)
3516 Fremont Place No.inesgloves.com Seattle, WA 98103

Ines Gloves (inesgloves.com)
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 132 1012 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands

JC Studio (jcstudio.ca)
46 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Y 1K1

sonja | clothes to live in (sonjatacoma.com)
2701 N 21st St, Tacoma, WA 98406

Switch Shoes (switch-shoes.com)
7871 Southwest Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219

For a truly in depth look into the world of women-owned boutiques, check out the CRAVEguide for a city near you. These books are brimming with local women you need to know, whether you want to satisfy a craving for your closet, appetite, business, or piece of mind.

Home is Wherever You Hang Your Hat

February 23, 2010 by Lynn Edwards | Comments (0)



For those of you who have read my Rachel Ray blog you know I’m culinarily challenged, but love those food shows. I’m equally as inept at home design & décor but I love me some Design on a Dime (although I don’t actual DO either). I love the word “home.” I grew up in a small rambler with seven people, one bathroom and no dishwasher, but it was home. My Dad still lives there and it’s amazing how it feels sleeping in that house. It’s awesome when we all go home with our families, the bathroom line is just a little longer now with 23 people. After college I became a vagabond and lived all over the world, followed by 18 years as an army spouse. The Army has this cute little sign that says “Home is where the Army sends you.”

Needless to say, my “home” has been a stinky room the size of a closet, a grass hut in the middle of a rice paddy, an apartment on the 75th floor, a condo near a strip mall, a large sprawling tudor style, and approximately 5000 hotel rooms. I love all that cool stuff you get for your home when you get married but I made a critical mistake and had a really small wedding. Turns out I received three place settings of my formal china. When we’d have another couple over the fourth person had to eat off a plastic power ranger plate. I’m so home décor challenged I have lived for months with no pictures on the wall, have gone 20+ years without buying window treatments and I don’t have more than two bath towels the same color. When people ask me what “theme” I have decorated my homes I answer with a mid-modern century “pot pourri”.

As a joke one year my friends bought me an entire set of holiday plates. I now have salt & pepper shakers with snowmen on them…so stinking cool! I think chicks that wear hats are fashion forward stars, those with holiday-themed china are domestic goddesses….now I’m one. There are some staples I love that seem to make a house a luxurious home…a million pillows on your bed & lots of thread count sheets, a system to organize your plastic wear & lids, real flowers on your kitchen island, and that’s living. Oh, and whoever invented that electric fire place switch needs a raise…big time! I love huge tubs but have spent little time in them. The time I did spend was usually jockeying around to get comfortable around all those hot wheels in there with me. I did build a water feature on my deck once. I loved it, yeah for Lowe’s. I looked like a landscape architect genius just by putting part A into part B and firing up the hose. It was great to fall asleep to but it made me have to get up and pee all night long.

Oprah says make your home an oasis…take a look around and think about what you can do to make your house a little more “homey”…even if it’s just a $2 apple pie scented candle.

Put a Spring in Your Step with these Hot Colors

February 22, 2010 by Madeline C. | Comments (0)



When we think of spring we think of pastels and floral prints, but those just seem a little too passé and boring. What will you be wearing this spring to spice up your wardrobe? Here are some of the color trends that you won’t want to miss out on. Pick up a few bright accessories that are both trendy and timeless.

Turquoise – We’re pretty sure this is on EVERYONE’S hot-list, along with other aqua-colored hues. This vibrant color turns every outfit up a notch, making you just exude that cool confident aura that will make you the center of attention. Splurge on a Jamie Joseph brightly colored stone ring. We love this Sea Blue Chalcedony Ring for a beautiful eye-catcher.

Light Pink – More specifically, champagnes and corals are two “light pinks” that won’t have you gagging on pastel and cotton candy. Champagne is the closest you can get to a nice neutral color while adding a little pop! And for coral, try some of Cara Lyndon’s hairpins, we recommend Coral Wheel . Whether your hair color is light or dark, this feminine flair will turn heads.

Yellow – In every shade and size. Add a dash here or there or a big bright bag to have everyone around you smiling. Evoking sunshine and happiness, everyone could stand to integrate this cheerful color into their wardrobe or even their home. Try a bright throw pillow to add to your living room, we like the yellow Gloria pillow from Henry Road. The great thing about throw pillows is, when spring is over, you can just throw them back into the closet until spring comes again!

Feature with Emelle’s Catering!

February 19, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (1)


Emelle’s Catering is a great combination of caterer meets urban diner. This marvelous cafe serves breakfast & lunch Monday through Friday and they offer catering 24/7! Emelle’s has set the precedent for remarkable service and a delectable cuisine. Mary Lee Newnham, owner of Emelle’s Catering, is proud to state that her mandate is to use only the freshest ingriendents & to create a hospitable ambience!

What was the motivation behind starting your business?

It was the pefect marriage of my business background (BComm & CMA) and culinary creations.

People may be surprised to know…

We are a member of GreekTable Network promoting sustainability in our industry.

How do you spend your free time?

Creating in other mediums- pottery, sewing, & cooking! I love traveling to explore other cuisines & I also spend my time volunteering.

Canada’s Golden Girl!

February 18, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (0)


GO CANADA GO! 

Born and raised in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Maëlle Ricker has made her mark in history! Maëlle is the first Canadian woman to have won GOLD on home turf and we cannot be any happier! As an amazing role model for young female athletes and a true Canadian champion, we would like to extend our heartfelt Congratulations to Maëlle! 


Best of Cupcakes Galore

February 16, 2010 by Kendall Titchener | Comments (2)


When you are in the mood for some treats and down-time from your daily life, take a trip down to any one of these bakeries and you will enter into a magical world filled with fluff, colors, and a whole lotta’ icing! Check out some of our favorite places in town to experience the better things in life- aka: Cupcakes.

Big City Cupcakes: With over 20 locations across British Columbia, this is a one-stop destination in our Big City! Offering a range of delectable goodies combined with top-notch service, Big City Cupcakes is taking over one cupcake at a time! Ask about their “Free” Cupcakes for  Gluten Sensitive and Egg and Dairy Sensitive Diets! 

Butter Baked Goods: Located in Vancouver’s lovely Dunbar area, this family-run business is operated by Rosie Daykin. Known for their oh-so-yummy marshmallows, Butter offers a variety of delicious cupcakes and other baked goods! Flavors include: Chocolate Rasberry, Red Velvet, Chocolate Peanut Butter and the list goes on! Check out this must-visit place for all you Cupcake fanatics! 

Cupcakes : Cupcakes was founded by best friends and business partners Heather White and Lori Joyce. The retro design of the Cupcakes shops is just as sweet as the cupcakes themselves! Cupcakes has six locations ranging from all over Vancouver to White Rock. These treats add a delectable touch to a wedding, business event, or fun night in with the girls!

Tracey Cakes Bakery Café : A local favourite, Tracycakes cupcakes are available in 40 tempting varieties. With cutsie names that describe their character and flavour like Va-Va Vanilla, Smartie Pants, Peppermint Patty and Happy cupcakes, it is no wonder these treats are an Abbotsford and White Rock favourite!

Ooh La La Cupcakes: Located in Victoria, this Parisian-inspired cupcake shop is thoroughly divine. The cupcakes resemble pieces of art so you may be hesitant to take the first bite. But don’t worry, the enticing aroma will seduce you! There’s nothing vanilla about Ooh La La Cupcakes.

A New Twist on the Theme Song

February 15, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)



A Theme Song. Normally when you think of a theme song you think of the first 30 seconds of a TV Show or news broadcast. That annoying thirty second melody that plays over and over in our heads days after we have watched the show. But this week we take a new look at the theme song. We asked around on Twitter and Facebook and came up with a fabulous list of songs people consider their “theme songs” for life.

These are songs that lifts you up and makes you feel good. Songs that starts a fire and keeps you going. Songs that you dance around in your bedroom listening to while you sing into your hair brush. These are the songs that define us. Everyone has one hidden some where inside of them. It might be your phone ring or the song that plays in your headphones while you work out or before a big meeting – whenever you use it and however it makes you feel we thank you all for sharing your themes.

Here is a complete list of the suggested theme songs:

For your listening pleasure go to the complete playlist on the blip.fm page titled CRAVEThemeSongs.

And next time you need a pick me up or inspiration, crank up one of these tunes and sing out – you might be surprised just how good it makes you feel!

Valentine’s Day – Pink Themed Recipes

February 12, 2010 by Madeline C. | Comments (0)


There are so many pros to going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day and we can think of a lot of cons to staying in and cooking. But with the following recipes, staying in and making a home-cooked meal with your sweetheart might just look like the best idea ever!

Rack of Lamb with Herb and Olive Crust
For a pink themed menu, let’s start with a delicious lamb recipe. It comes from Caroline in Chicago’s blog (hwhippedtheblog.com). Our mouths are watering already!

1/3 cup coarsely chopped olives – kalamata, picholine or Manzanilla
1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh thyme
2 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
2 racks of lamb (7-8 ribs each, trimmed or frenched)
salt and pepper
3/6 cups breadcrumbs

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Combine olives, parsley, thyme, garlic and red pepper in a food processor or mortar. Make a rough paste. Stir in mayo. Set aside. Trim lamb so only a thin layer of fat remains. Heat a heavy skillet (NOT a nonstick) over high heat. Season racks with salt and pepper. Set in skillet fat side down and cook for about 2 minutes. Spread breadcrumbs on a plate. Coat the surface of the lamb with the olive paste then dip in the crumbs to coat. Put bone side down in a roasting pan. Cover the bone tips with foil so they don’t burn. Roast until instant read thermometer is 120-125 degrees for rare or 130-135 for medium. It will cook another 5 degrees when out of the oven. Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes. Cut apart between the bones and serve.

Strawberry Cupcakes
Amy Sherman, a San Francisco-based author, writer, and developer of all things food, shares an amazing strawberry cupcake recipe on her blog (cookingwithamy.blogspot.com). Cupcakes and strawberries are the key to any beau’s heart.

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 large egg
6 ounces Dannon® All Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt (or any other fruit flavor of yogurt)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Frosting:
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 fresh strawberries, about 2 Tbsp. mashed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. With an electric hand mixer, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg, Dannon® All Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt and vanilla, blending until smooth.
2. Measure the dry ingredients into the bowl and blend, then fold in the strawberries.
3. Divide the mixture equally between the 12 paper-lined cupcake cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
4. Beat together butter, powdered sugar, and mashed strawberry in medium-size bowl until creamy and smooth. Chill frosting for 15 minutes or until thick. Frost cupcakes with a spatula. Keep cupcakes in the refrigerator loosely covered.
Yield: 12 servings

French Kiss
To accompany your beloved meal (cupcakes are a meal, right?), the Wedding Paper Divas have some suggestions for romantically festive drinks (blog.weddingpaperdivas.com). May we recommend the French Kiss? It’s just the perfect shade of pink to match you cupcakes…we mean cheeks!

Âľ oz Chambord
Âľ oz Peach Schnapps
Âľ oz Vodka
Splash orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice
Serve straight up in a martini glass

The Vancouver Women of 2010

February 11, 2010 by Kendall Titchener | Comments (0)


The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games are almost here. Do you know who will be representing our nation? If not, we’ve decided to enlighten CRAVE Vancouver readers and do a feature on the women of 2010. We have selected some of the Vancouver women who will proudly be representing Canada while they compete on home turf. KNOW who you’re supporting when game time arrives! Add to this list by listing any fabulous athletes below! 

Alexa Loo – Born in Richmond, Loo, a snowboarder, is the first Canadian woman to compete at an Olympic Winter Games in the parallel giant slalom event.  Not only is Loo an incredible athlete, but she is also a member of the AthletesCAN board of Directors. For the International Paralympic Committee, Loo volunteers as a seeing-eye guide. She’s going for GOLD in 2010!

Britt Janyk – Member of the Canadian Alpine women’s Ski Team, Whistlerite Britt Janyk is no doubt ecstatic to compete on the terrain that she calls home. Janyk’s advice to up-and-coming athletes: “Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your accomplishments from time-to-time. Unless you celebrate the process, you’ll never appreciate the product.”

Kristi Richards – Hailing from Summerland, B.C., Kristi is a member of the Canadian World Cup Mogul Team, the 2007 World Champion for women’s moguls and a 2006 Olympian. Kristi is also an avid blogger so fans are able to get unique insight into the life of a Canadian Olympian!

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