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ubizo- A sustainable business event!

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

CRAVE is excited to be supporting this amazing event! Join us at ubizo- a business development think-tank for sustainable businesses and green business leaders. Taking place on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 at the Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street), one-of-a-kind event for sustainable businesses will provide participants with opportunities to work with mentors and peers on business problems & create new strategies for growth in a small group round-table format. It also includes a delicious networking lunch. Walk away with:

Valuable connections with both high-level mentors changemakerstoolbox.com/ubizo/mentor and business leaders
Practical strategies, opportunities and clear action steps
Inspiration to make an even bigger difference with your business
Buzzing enthusiasm from the contagious energy and collective wisdom

To register & learn more: changemakerstoolbox.com/ubizo

Twitter: @ubizovancouver

Tags: Business, ubizo, vancouver events
Posted in Events | No Comments »

Our experience at a Sexual Savant Salon!

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Last month, the CRAVE Team had an opportunity to experience our first “Sexual Savant Salon” hosted by the beautiful Kim Anami from Bodacious Coaching. We ventured out to one of our city’s local gems, Tart Boutique. Tucked away in Granville Island, Tart Boutique is the playhouse to sultry lingerie & sex toys – ultimately allowing us to unleash our inner seductress! Surrounded by beautiful tones of emerald red and immersed in a romantic atmosphere, we were invited to sip on a glass of wine while tasting delectable chocolate which Kim said had a magical power to it.. it was an ayurvedic aphrodisiac! Now, we had never been to a sexual salon before so this terminology appeared to be so foreign to us- Kim says that “The Sexual Savant Salons are a series of hedonistic and informative evenings presented by experts well-versed in the sensual arts. These postmodern salons are a version of the 19th century demimonde that offered a sexually permissive, intellectually adventurous haven from mainstream life.” Kim’s conversation focused on the “Art of Pleasuring a Man”- Imagine a place where inhibitions are left at the door and you can speak freely and ask your most burning questions! This IS exactly what you will receive. Kim gave us some tips on how to really tickle a male’s fancy if you know what we mean and we walked away from the salon learning more then we could have ever imagined! Kim’s knowledge about sex and willingness to share this information makes her THE ultimate know-it-all about everything and anything related to the bedroom-

Interested in learning about the art of pleasuring a man?

Seduction and what makes men tick – emotionally and physically. Fellatio, deep throat and manual techniques and tutelage for bringing him to his knees. How to fall in love with oral sex, access the male G-Spot and harness your fantasies for greater satisfaction. What every lover of men needs to know. Be sure to check out Kim in action!

Friday October 15th, 7 – 9pm. $50- (plus hst) includes aperitifs, aphrodisiac truffles, organic wine and 20% discount on purchases that evening. Click here for more information

Posted in Enhance, Events, Style | No Comments »

Join CRAVE at Crème de la Crème Baby

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

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!

Posted in Events, Moms, Style | 2 Comments »

The Urban Girl’s Manifesto is back!

Monday, July 12th, 2010

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

Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Events, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | 1 Comment »

Grad Shopping Guide 101

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

We’ve all heard the saying, “the tassel’s worth the hassle!” and those of us who have walked across that stage, looking fab in a gown and a cap know that it couldn’t be true-er. And yes, it is that time of the year again – time to be proud and celebrate the favourite graduates in our lives. Their diplomas prove that they have done all the hard work but…what about YOU? Have you begun your journey of finding a gift? Perhaps you have started a potential gift list with a picture frame with a graduate written on it being the first item. Sure, a picture frame will do but your graduate didn’t settle for mediocrity and neither should you! We know it can be stressful, finding that perfect gift for your perfect graduate but don’t you worry, we are offering you Gift Guide 101. Course objective: to help you find a fantastic gift that’ll make your graduate say, “You are the best!” Course material: CRAVE Vancouver; we have found the best boutiques around Vancouver and included all the deets! There is no test (except for the reaction you’ll get!), all you need to do is put your shopping shoes on and get boutiquin’! You will also be a graduate in no time!

Favourite Gifts (#219-123 Carrie Cates Ct)

The name says it all: Favourite Gifts. You’ll find tons of items made by local designers so your graduate can always remember the beautiful Vancouver (and you, of course) wherever life may take her! Everything is one-of-a-kind and unique and it is sure to bring her the attention that she deserves!

Fine Finds (1014 Mainland St)

Whether you are looking for jewelry, clothes, handbags or shoes, Fine Finds has it all. It is like walking into the art classroom with all of the supplies you could possibly need and more! The best part? You don’t even need to know what you are looking for; you are sure to find something at Fine Finds! Don’t forget to pick up a cute card for your graduate here before you leave!

Bella Ceramica (1381 Marine Dr.)

If you can’t find it, then make it! At Bella Ceramica, you can create your own masterpiece; a plate for cookies, a coffee mug that will probably become your graduate’s best friend in times of stress and the list goes on. You can add your own personal touch and make it that much more special. Afraid that you are not artistic enough? Don’t worry, you’ll still get an A+ for effort!

Posted in Details | No Comments »

Hot Summer Nights Event at LYNNSteven Boutique!

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Ladies, listen up! Gastown’s jewel, LYNNSteven Boutique, is hosting a fab party this upcoming Wednesday and you don’t want to miss out! Shop with an exclusive 20% discount at LYNNSteven while enjoying champagne cocktails & appetizers and mini makeovers by BeautyMark!

BeautyMark ,Vancouver’s premier beauty boutique, is thrilled to partner with LYNNsteven for the Hot Summer Nights event on June 9th from 5:30pm – 8:30 pm. To find out the latest & greatest beauty brands, events and exclusive offerings, subscribe to their newsletter before June 9th and you’ll be automatically entered to win a $50 BeautyMark gift card! Just send an email to info@beautymark.ca with LYNNsteven as the subject and you will be entered!

To find out more about Gastown’s hottest fashion boutique, subscribe to their newsletter before June 9th and you’ll be automatically entered to win a $200 LYNNsteven gift card! Just send an email to events@lynnsteven.com with BeautyMark as the subject and you will be entered to win!

Posted in Events, Sip / Savor, Style | No Comments »

Our CRAVE Connection Cafe Goodies!

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

We are pleased to announce details about our outstanding door prizes for tomorrow.. Don’t forget to drop off a business card at our “CRAVE Connection Cafe“! Here is what we have lined up for you! If you want a chance to win any of these amazing prices, don’t forget to sign up for our CRAVE Symposium!

Absolute Confidence: As an empowered confident women, the wonderful Suzanne Fletting will inspire and empower each woman to achieve her greatest potential with a new found purpose and a heightened sense of enthusiasm! A lucky winner will receive A DVD of the High Heel Appeal Class & 1 complimentary pass to the next class!

Fairmont Willow Stream Spa: This spa will help you escape your fast-forward, mad current world and bring you to a quieter place to recover, so you can dive into life again – energized. We will give away 2 gift certificates for a Signature Pedicure!

Keeping Good Employees On Board: Employee Retention Strategies to Navigate Any Economic Storm: Written by our team building mentor, Dawn McCooey, one entrepreness will receive a copy of this must-have guide to create the perfect team!

Lifestyle Selling for Women Workshop: Valued at $395, one entrepreness will attend this workshop on Friday, June 11th. It includes Sales Personality Assessment valued at $175, eTools, a One-to-One Coaching session afterwards and tons of fun with other women entrepreneurs. You will have a chance to meet the wonderful CEO & Founder, Pauline O’Malley, at our event!

The Smart Cookies: A copy of The Smart Cookies’ Guide to Couples and Money: Earn More, Argue Less, Achieve the Life You Want . . . Together- Featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, the New York Times, New York Daily News andMoney Magazine, The Smart Cookies help women take control of their finances, attract more money into their lives and turn their dreams into reality! We are very honored to host Smart Cookies co-founder, Andrea Baxter, at our event!

ING Direct: Since 1996, ING Direct has grown from a mere concept to a global enterprise, with over 20 million customers in nine countries. The Orange Code recounts ING Direct’s intriguing story, explaining the philosophy of its founder Arkadi Kuhlmann.

Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget: Available in June 2010 and written by one of our very own mentors, Maria Ross, one lucky entrepreness will receive a copy of this fabulous book!

Posted in Business, Connect, Details, Style | No Comments »

La Femme- An Event Hosted by Women for Women!

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

We are proud to support an upcoming event hosted by Diamonds In The City & Operation Style coined, La Femme. On April 17th, 2010, put on your party attire and celebrate the work of fabulous women entrepreneurs in the city! A girls-only event, this night will include delectable hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a remarkable opportunity for you to connect and be inspired while having a ton of fun! To register for tickets, email info@diamondsinthecity.ca We look forward to seeing you there!

Behind-the-scenes about this event with host, Vedika Solecki, from Diamonds In The City:

How did you come up with the concept of this event?
My business partner, Carissa, and I have been so fortunate to have some amazing women support us while we were launching our own business! I attend a lot of netoworking events and meet so many people but its rare that everyone can get together all at once- I would like to host this event on a yearly basis! We are hoping to make it bigger and bigger as the years continue.

Who is this event targeted towards?
It is mostly targeted towards women who use the services provided by the vendors. Additionally, we are targeting local Bloggers and any women looking to connect over a glass of wine!

What can one get out of coming to the event?
You will leave knowing some amazing women in business and you will be sure to find your go-to destinations for a haircut or a hot outfit. You will meet a variety of women in business!

Pertinent Details:

What: La Femme – celebrate the work of fabulous women entrepreneurs in the city!
When: April 17th 6pm,-9pm
Where: Jacqueline Conoir Studio (JC Studio)- 46 West 6th Avenue
Register: Email info@diamondsinthecity.ca

Tags: La Femme, Lilli'Q Café and Playhouse
Posted in Events | No Comments »

Feature: Della Optique!

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Della Optique is known for their excellent staff who provide expert assistance in selection from an extensive collection of unique designer eyewear and sunglasses. Glasses are a fashion accessory and reflect your personality! Owner, Della Chow, hails from a family owned business so it only felt natural to start her own business! Getting new glasses and taking care of your eyes should be a fun expereience and Della’s clients leave thinking, “Eye Love it”!

Tips on choosing eyeglasses that flatter!

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. But the truth is your choice of frame reveals so much more about you. Your glasses can transform your entire look. The key to finding the right glasses is to know your face shape. To find out what shape your face is, look at yourself in the mirror and use a lipstick to trace the outline of your face. In general, suitable frames will be opposite in shape to your face shape.

Round shaped face: You will want to choose frames that are wider than they are deep, such as octagonal, which will offset roundness.

Oval shaped face: You can choose anything from rectangular to almond-shaped frames. They will all look great!

Oblong shaped face: Choose frames that have decorative temples that will add width and make your face appear more balanced.

Heart-shaped face: Rimless or light-coloured frames that are wider at the bottom than the top can help balance the shape.

Diamond-shaped face: You can play with your high cheekbones by choosing decorative and cat’s eye frames. For a less dramatic look, an oval or rimless frame will show your high cheekbones as well.

Square shaped face: You tend to have wide chin and cheekbones. Choosing oval or round frames will offset the strong features.

Following these guidelines should give you a pretty good idea of how to choose your eyeglasses. Eyeglasses are such a fashion piece nowadays, that there are frame stylists just like clothing stylists who maybe best to help you if you can’t decide.

Posted in Connect, Style | No Comments »

Feature: LYNNSteven Boutique

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Recently we had a chance to visit Gastown’s newest and hottest gem, LYNNSteven Boutique. Fashionistas, listen up! Long-time Crave supporter and superstar, Nicole Dennis Durnin, has created a one-stop destination for all your fashion needs! We look forward to hosting our monthly Crave Chat at LYNNSteven in March 2010!

What do you love most about opening up your own business?

The pride I feel everyday when I open the door to the boutique and knowing that I made my dream a reality. It may have taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears but I couldn’t be prouder.

What is your best selling line and why?

Right now the best selling line is LINE, a knitwear company based out of Toronto. The quality of the knits and the huge array of styles, there is a piece for everyone, young & old.

What is your favorite spa in town?

Not much time to be hitting the spa’s lately but I love going to Spruce Body Lab. A little infrared sauna and microdermabrasion, which I find the most relaxing thing in the world, strange, I know.

What advice would you give future entrepreneurs?

Trust your instincts, they are usually right. Stick to your vision, don’t let other people tell you what is right for your business. Ask for help when you need it, especially at the beginning. Don’t be afraid to say “no”. Tell everyone that you are starting a business, you just never know who may be able to help you out. Finally, get to know other entrepreneurs, they are in the same boat as you and it is great to listen to their experiences.

Posted in Interviews, Style | No Comments »