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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
South Surrey’s Local Gem: Belle’s Country Market
Located at 3208 140 Street, in the Crescent Beach area of South Surrey, Belle’s Country Market is an exceedingly charming local gem. Mother, and entrepreneur Leslee Kerfoot brilliantly created a community centre when she opened the doors of Belle’s. Belle’s boasts the best of many worlds – a cafe, market, restaurant and live entertainment centre. With such a dynamic appeal,  it really is no wonder that Belle’s is able to successfully attract an array people from within and outside of the community. Belle’s truly has what many of us crave – a vibrant neighbourhood venue with a welcoming, comfortable feel. Leslee has truly created an  ideal  neighbourhood quarter  to  connect with family and friends. Below, Leslee shares some advice, and inspiration with the CRAVE community.
Inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
I had worked in the Corporate world of Keg and Spectra (Bread Garden, Milestones, Boathouse) as VP Marketing and HR and had done all that I wanted to do in that world.  I always wanted to have my own business where I could be “hands on” and creative. I also wanted a business closer to home where my children were. So I packed in the Corporate World and started “Belle’s” – 2 blocks from home. I started the business and also bought the real estate where my business sits, so I am my own landlord too!!
What do you love most about your job?
The people. I love my customers – they are all from my neighbourhood – just fantastic people who really care about supporting a local business.  I also love my staff. It’s a real neighbourhood place where everyone knows each other and it makes it a joy to come to work!  I also love the flexibility I have in my job now that I am out of the corporate world. I can do whatever I want – introduce a new product in a day that used to take a year of meetings in the corporate world! I also have had more flexibility and time with my family.
Other than all kinds of great food, not much. I am very happy with my business and my life!!  I do look forward to retirement when I can hand my business off to my children and travel the world!
Advice for future entreprenesses?
If you are going to start your own business be sure that you are passionate about what you are doing. You have to love it, because it is a lot of time and energy having your own business. It takes years to build a successful business so you have to have stamina.  Make sure you surround yourself with good people – people that are different from you with different strengths and talents. Be positive, never stop creating.
All about the Brows: Bombay Brow Bar
It’s not just another beauty bar… it’s a BROW bar. Never heard of a brow before? It’s because Bombay Brow Bar is the first and the only in Vancouver. At Bombay Brow Bar, it is all about the brows and nothing else. We treat ourselves to mani’s and pedi’s but too often, we seem to forget about our brows…until they get too grown out and are in serious need of plucking and shaping – let’s face it, who has time to pluck them all the time? Thank goodness for Bombay Brow Bar who understands our laziness. Walk in and relax and in less than 20 minutes, you will walk out with the most perfect pair of eyebrows. So what’s the story behind this ingeniousness? Let’s find out!
What inspired you to open Bombay Brow Bar?
A over-zealous brow obsession, hatred for bad eyebrows and evil eyebrow doers, a desire to make people feel good about themselves, and my passion for everything and anything beauty and business
Since you are located in Yaletown, you work with other women owned businesses. How does collaborating with one another benefit your business?  What advice do you have for other business owners regarding collaboration?
I totally believe that collaboration is the key to success! By supporting and promoting one another, we`ve been able to share and grow our businesses. Not only do our clients find it super cool that we work together, but it’s great to be able to work with a neighbourhood team that supports you! Collaborating also allows us to share marketing ideas and promotions, as well as lessons learned.  Thank goodness for that!
Advice for other business owners would be look for strategic collaborations instead of being a lone wolf. Not only does it helps to build your reputation, and your customer base, but it also helps to develop your business/personal network. I heart our Yaletown beauty team!
What do you love most about opening your own business?
Everything! I love being a boss, a BBB team member, a brow promoter, and a brow-builder. I love making our browtemptresses (aka clients) look and feel beautiful. We`re building a super-obsessed brow community!! It’s also great to be working with my sister Amy Minhas, co-founder of BBB and sister-in-law Reena Mehroke, General Brow Manager.
How does social media impacted your business?
Social media has been awesome for our business! It lets us connect directly with our brow temptresses to show them how much we care about them and their brows! For example, we love hearing from our clients, chatting with them, giving them brow advice, and sharing quirky things with them.
Birthday Musings
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
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.
Feature with Candeo Weddings!
Latin for “shine, gleam, glow, sparkle” Candeo (can-DAY-oh)  is manifested by the minds of Ashley Burnstad and Dawn Barrett. The ladies of Candeo Weddings help couples to craft their romantic visions into reality. And whether you have been planning your wedding since you were seven, or you’re completely and utterly overwhelmed by the idea of planning such a momentous event, Candeo is sincerely in-tune with your needs. What makes Candeo Weddings unique is the pairs’ ability to create a CUSTOM wedding tailored specifically to you. Ashley and Dawn’s intentions are precisely outlined in their mission statement – “let us work on the details, while you work on creating the memories.” We caught up with these multi-tasking mavens to learn how and why they do what they do! Â
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?Â
We have both been intrigued by and committed to wedding planning because it piqued our interest as something that is based equally on design and creativity as it is on organization and attention to detail. As we began to collaborate with one-another as business partners, we quickly realized that we had the same ambitions and goals. We began by brainstorming our idea of a perfect wedding planning company, and Candeo was born! We wanted it to be centred on what we would look for as brides: fresh ideas, stunning execution and highly-personalized service.
What do you love most about your job and why?
Honestly, the romance of it all. The ability to bring to life everything that a couple envisions for the wedding day is more rewarding than we ever imagined. Our job is to share the most special moments of someone’s life – we think that’s pretty amazing.
What do you CRAVE?
To be the number one boutique wedding planning company in Vancouver, based solely on personal experiences by our clients and word of mouth. To make every wedding that we are a part of perfectly memorable and fabulous. And chocolate.
SPOTTED: the best social mediarites to keep you updated!
Apparently, if you are from the Upper East Side, you’ve got Gossip Girl to keep you connected to the “scandalous lives of the Manhattan’s elite.” But let’s face it: you are most likely not from the Upper East Side and when it comes down to it, who really cares about the Serena’s and the Blaire’s of the world? If you are anything like me, I’m sure you want the good stuff: the best shopping deals and the hottest spots in town. Wouldn’t life be great if you could stay connected by getting notified of the latest happenings in our very own city of Vancouver? Well, stop wishing my friends because we have our own version of social mediarites who will keep you updated on the best shops, events and everything else in between!
If you are in need of some retail therapy, make sure to check out Vancouver Vitamin Daily. It features everything from the “Latest Steals & Deals” to the coolest shops under every category imaginable. Doctor’s order: Sign up for Vitamin Daily and start getting your daily dose of Vancouver today!
Everything about Vancouver that you need to know in one spot! You can count on her to let you know about the hottest shows and festivals, cool things to do around town and even about the history of Vancouver. Her blog posts will make you feel like a tourist in your very own city. Make sure to enter her contests as well!
Check out the latest fashion and beauty items (and of course the deets on where you can find such essentials!) at TheStyleSpy.com. There are pictures and even videos so you know exactly what to look for. With the help of The Style Spy, you can start looking better than Serena and Blaire.
With these social mediarites, who needs Gossip Girl?
Until next time, xoxo CRAVE Vancouver.
Bloggers To Watch Out For: Career Coaches
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.
Join CRAVE at Crème de la Crème Baby
CountDown Events is proud to present the first annual Crème de la Crème Baby, an exclusive event for discerning parents, showcasing the most luxurious products and services for little ones and their marvelous mommie. Presented by the producers of the most opulent event of the year, Crème de la Crème Baby is an equally lavish affair, with a focus on mommies-to-be, new moms and their beautiful bundles of joy! Vancouver’s top purveyors for all things baby who have been hand-selected based on their demonstrated passion and excellence will be exhibiting the very best the industry has to officer in a chic yet family-friendly atmosphere!
Crème de la Crème baby will be held this upcoming Saturday July 17th, 2010 at the Roundhouse Community Centre, in the heart of Yaletown Vancouver. The show hours will run from 11am-4pm. Dora and Diego will be making a guest appearance from 12pm-3pm! CRAVE looks forward to supporting this event and we are excited to snap pics with Dora and Diego! Stay tuned!
We are excited to announce that we are giving away tickets to our CRAVE Readers! If you would like a chance to “win” a ticket for the event, please post a comment on “What is the best part about being a mommie?”? You will be notified via email by Friday July 16th at 5pm if you have won!
The Urban Girl’s Manifesto is back!
Attention to all the chic, savvy and stylish women in Vancouver! We at CRAVE Vancouver are proud to announce that the newest edition of our Vancouver guidebook will be hitting shelves soon (Fall 2010 to be exact). For those of you who don’t know, CRAVE Vancouver is much more than a guidebook. CRAVE Vancouver, also known as “The Urban Girl’s Manifesto”, is a savvy one of a kind lifestyle guide devoted entirely to the most prominent local businesses, owned by women. Punctuated with descriptive text and photos full of colorful energy and stylish spark, reading CRAVE is like opening a door to your very own party and fashion show. With only the best of the best and nothing less, the third edition of the CRAVE Vancouver guidebook promises to exceed and go “to infinity and beyond” your expectations! We can’t wait (really we can’t!)  to announce the newest additions to the 3rd edition of our Vancouver guide:
- CRAVE guides are officially going green! All of our books are now locally printed, FSC certified and printed with soy ink on elemental chlorine-free paper with 10% recycled material.
- A brand new “Intellegensia” section will be added. This section includes business-to-business service providers such as Marketing Consultants, Public Relations Specialists, Lawyers, Graphic Designers and much more!
- Two words: CRAVE Savings. Now, each guidebook will come fully equipped with an entire page of exclusive discount offers from various businesses featured in the guidebook (who doesn’t crave to save?!)
With such great additions to the guidebook we can barely contain our excitement. And now that you’ve had a little sneak peek on what’s to come, we hope you’re just as excited as us here at CRAVE Vancouver. Remember, the CRAVE guide is always on the hunt for chic, stylish and inspirational women in business. If you or someone you know fits the bill, please don’t hesitate to contact us at arpen@craveparty.com
Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle
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.
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