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

24 Female Entrepreneurs Funded Through FITE!

August 5, 2011 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

CRAVE Toronto, just like The CRAVE Company, is very excited and proud to be a supporter of FITE.  To jump-start our CRAVE lending team and to spread the word about this amazing initiative, CRAVE Toronto partnered with Dermalogica Canada to host a CRAVE Buzz Party.

A number of fabulous ladies joined CRAVE at the Dermalogica Training Center for an awesome skin-care seminar put on by the Dermalogica experts, where we got to test all their beauty goodies.  The ladies also had a chance to nosh on some treats and wine, while learning more about FITE and CRAVE’s latest book, CRAVE Spa.

It was an incredible night that helped us raise enough money to provide full micro-loans to 24 female entrepreneurs in developing countries!  The businesses we provided loans to were as diverse as our own CRAVE entreprenesses, including a cafe, a taxi driver, a beauty salon, and a cattle breeding farm, to name a few.

Thanks to everyone who came out to lend their support to FITE, and especially to Dermalogica who sent us all home with glowing skin!

To learn more about FITE, check out the video below!

Embrace Your Inner Goddess

May 27, 2011 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

As  business women, we often compromise our strengths and passions for the sake of sticking with the status quo.  Baljit Rayat from Lotus Destiny was doing exactly that until she took the leap of faith and moved from Toronto to Vancouver to follow her passion – to recover the power, gifts, and talents of women in the name of self-empowerment.

Baljit believes every woman can blossom into their highest potential by tapping into their existing goddess power. With telecalls and Akashic readings, Lotus Destiny offers the programs and services that will facilitate every woman into living the healthier, happier, and more joyful life that we all CRAVE. The 8-week Awaken Your Goddess Within Program starting on June 20th provides the tools needed to achieve your goals, heal and strengthen relationships, and radiate the confidence every entrepreness should have! To learn more, we spoke to Baljit herself about Lotus Destiny. Here’s what she has to say:

What inspired you to open Lotus Destiny?
By learning Akashic record readings I was learning to follow my full purpose and tune into understanding it as something that one cannot deny. The more that I was avoiding where my passion laid, the more conflicted situations and chaos were coming into my life at my current job, and that was a sign that I really needed to leave.  It took a lot of courage. The first year is always about creating a foundation for your business, and with hard work and passionate drive, your life takes a rewarding turn for the best, and for me it came in the form of Lotus Destiny.

What do you find is different between the one-on-one vs. the group coaching?
One on one works, but with one session every 5 or so months, just as in any type of coaching, it is always easier to revert back to your old ways of thinking. With an 8 week, 6 month, or 12 month program people are provided with consistency and hide less from whatever they are resisting. It allows them to let go of whatever it is that they are holding onto for so long and provides a “safe container” for them to understand themselves and embrace their inner strengths.

What is most rewarding about aligning to your soul’s purpose?
Happiness. For me, I find happiness when I hear the success stories of my clients. I had a woman in her 50’s who had a “coming out of a closet” moment when she discovered that she was an artist. She opened up her own art business and says she feels she’s reached her true potential and happiness, and that is by far the most rewarding feeling.

Three words you live by?
Let go, receive.

What do you CRAVE?
Abundance.

_________________
written by Ronak Samadi

Why You Should Build a Business You “Know”

January 5, 2011 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

There is a famous adage that new writers should “Write what they know.” The thinking being that your writing will be believable, authentic and that, when you have passion for a subject you know really well, it is much easier for the words to flow.

Same thing with business, in my opinion.

While I’d never discourage someone from starting a business they’ve longed dreamed about, it’s best to build upon what you know – or ensure you get the proper training and education to make it succeed.  Taking calculated risks is one thing: taking risks you don’t have to take is just another way to make things harder on yourself and ensure failure. Many people fantasize about opening a restaurant or bar, but if the only prerequisite you bring to the table is that you like to eat or drink, perhaps you need to do a bit more prep work. Once you get into the brass tacks of running your business, you’ll be hit with enough risks and challenges, so why add to that?

I started Red Slice, my branding and marketing consultancy, after years of experience on both the client and agency sides. I’ve worked for ad and consulting agencies in the past and am familiar with how projects need to be managed, as well as how to gracefully juggle unreasonable client demands with good decisions. I have also been a client myself as a corporate Marketing Director and understand the world from their point of view: tight budgets, multiple approvers, being overwhelmed by a thousand demands. So it was a natural, easy fit for me to flow into my own consulting business and use what I’d learned. I had enough risk on my plate going from a regular salary to entrepreneurship and learning how to run a business: bookkeeping, taxes, legal requirements. Thank Heavens I didn’t also have to learn how to do what I do at the same time! Will I start a completely different business one day? Maybe. But now at least I’ve started down the path of entrepreneurship doing what I know best.

In branding, I teach clients to minimize risk and keep things simple by starting with their strengths. What are you good at and what can you authentically deliver? You may think you want to build a chic, progressive, high-end business because that is “hot” right now, but what if what you’re best at is casual and down-to-earth? There are markets and needs for those types of businesses, too. Brands grounded in truth are much stronger than brands that try to pretend they are something they are not.

Minimize unnecessary risk and play to your strengths. It’s not taking the easy way out: it’s just smart entrepreneurship!

This post was written for The CRAVE Company by Maria Ross. Maria is the founder and chief strategist of Red Slice, a branding and marketing consultancy based in Seattle. She has advised start-ups, solopreneurs, non-profits and even large enterprises such as Microsoft, Discovery Networks and Monster.com on how to craft their brand story to engage, inform and delight customers. Maria is the author of Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget (2010, Norlights Press).

The Girl’s Guide to Beer

July 26, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

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.

Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

July 12, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

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.

World Cup Celebration: Indulge in Global Treats

July 8, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

For weeks we have been huddled around the television, sometimes at ungodly hours of the morning, to watch beautiful men from around the world kick around a soccer ball and compete for the coveted World Cup. Whether you have followed the sport for years or just recently discovered what terms like “off-sides” or “stoppage time” mean, it is truly amazing how soccer can bring entire nations together for a common goal.

America’s run has ended, but there are some amazing teams that have risen to the top of the competition! Gather your friends together and indulge in these fun recipes perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck that are inspired by the stand out teams of the 2010 World Cup!

Chimichurri Steak- Uruguay/ Argentina

Chimichurri is a sauce from South America and is served in countries like Uruguay and Argentina over steak and chicken.

Ingredients:

1 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley
ÂĽ cup packed fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves peeled
Âľ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
a pinch of salt and pepper
a squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients in a food processor and serve over steak, chicken or fish.

Party Sangria- Spain

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 apple diced
1 cup raspberries or strawberries
1 small can of diced pineapples with juice
2 tbsp of sugar
4 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda
2 shots gin or triple sec

Preparation:

1. Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, oranges and lime into the wine.
2. Toss in the fruit wedges and add pineapple, apples sugar and gin.
3. Chill overnight.
4. Add ginger ale or soda, berries and ice just before serving.

Potato Salad- Germany

Ingredients:

2 pounds red potatoes
ÂĽ lb bacon cut into small pieces
½ medium onion chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
ÂĽ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

1. Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. Let potatoes cool. Peel potatoes and cut into ÂĽ inch pieces.
2. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp and set aside.
3. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender.
4. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard in a large bowl. Toss in potatoes and bacon and mix until well coated.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Oliebollen (Apple Fritters)- Netherlands

Ingredients

2 tbsp sugar
2 pkg yeast
4 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 cups scalded milk
½ cup butter softened
10 cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
3 diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup raisins pinch of cinnamon
canola oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Dissolve 2 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand while preparing dough.
2. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, add scalded milk, 1 ½ cups warm water, yeast mixture and butter and beat well. Add flower, 1 cup sugar and salt. Mix well. Add diced apple.
3. Let dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
4. In a separate bowl mix 3 cups sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
5. Fill a fryer pot with 3-4 inches of canola oil. Heat to 375 degrees and scoop spoonfuls of down into the oil. Turn to ensure even browning.
6. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm.

*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.

Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks

July 5, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.

Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.

Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.

1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.

2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.

3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.

4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.

5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.

6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.

7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!

8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at http://www.jamieliving.blogspot.com/.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

*written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company

CRAVE Symposium Mentors Offer Some Insight

May 26, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

The CRAVE Symposium is quickly approaching and we cannot wait for this year’s All Day Think-Tank Extravaganza! We have some fabulous experts lined up to provide expert advice to all you hardworking entreprenesses. Before you meet them at our “Un-Conference” on May 31st, we thought we would provide you with a taste of insight from a few of our mentors. Still haven’t purchased your ticket for the Symposium? Click here to learn more about the day and secure your spot.

We asked our experts to answer the following questions:
1). Describe your business in one sentence.
2). What is one tip you would give to entreprenesses?
3). What is the best part of your job/why do you enjoy working with female business owners?

Dawn McCooey- McCooey Consulting Group Inc., Woman’s Enterprise Centre
1. McCooey Consulting Group Inc. is about people and the power to change, empowering people, empowering teams.
2. Understand the act and the art of juggling. If you know which balls are rubber and which are glass – you can handle anything.
3.  As a business advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre, and as a consultant, I love the energy and the synergy of women business owners. I love how they are willing to collaborate and build community.

Carlie Smith- Portobello West
1. Portobello West is a monthly fashion and art market that features independent artists and designers.
2. Don’t write-off any idea until you’ve looked at it from various perspectives and always run the numbers.
3. Female business owners are very supportive of one another and are great at working together to create amazing projects and businesses!

Pauline O’Malley- TheRevenueBuilder
1. “Lifestyle Selling for Women – How to sell more in less time and enjoy life!” celebrates the uniqueness of women and recognizes the role that gender plays in all business transactions.
2. Without sales, you don’t have a business. As a woman, you have the natural abilities to persuade others to believe in you.
3. Women are the best sales people in the world; they just don’t know it yet!

Heather White- 2020 Communications
1. We systemize the business development efforts in a company to build strong visibility, credibility and profitability for their business
2. Take action!
3. Sitting on the shoulders of my clients and watching them make their dreams come true. Female business owners have high energy and it’s a lot of fun to be around them.

Felicia Lee- Ghost CEO Advisor
1. We specialize in working with women entrepreneurs to grow revenues through systematizing sales, marketing, and business development.
2. You are not an island – utilize mentors, resources and communities around you to help you build your business.
3. Many women entrepreneurs are afraid of sales.  It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the transformation from fear to embracing to owning the sales process!

Katie Bennett- Double Black Diamond Coaching
1. Double Black Diamond Coaching works with small business owners and leaders who dare to be great.
2. What separates my clients that get good results from my clients who get great results is commitment.  100% or 0%. There is no wiggle room on true commitment.
3. The best part of my job is getting to help people achieve the lives and businesses they have always dreamed of.

Shauna Causey- Voluntweetup
1. I help non-profits with social media, communication, PR, project management and events and I help businesses with cause marketing.
2. Test your limits on how generous you can be.
3. The best part of my job is that I get to talk about dynamic ideas, inspiring people and worthwhile causes.

Maria Ross- Red Slice
1. Red Slice offers branding and marketing consulting to help businesses tell their story and engage, inform and delight their customers.
2. Make sure you know who your audience is! Get as close to defining your “ideal” customer vs. just your “average” customer.
3. Seeing the light go off when they discover what their brand is really all about or who really is their ideal customer.

Andrea Baxter- Bratface Marketing
1. Bratface Marketing is a boutique marketing focusing specifically on branding, strategy, traditional marketing, online marketing and social media.
2. There is nothing more beneficial to business women in a small city than to get out there, make yourself aware, and make a name for yourself.
3. I would be lying if I didn’t say the freedom it allows me to have my own business.

Huge thanks to all of our amazing CRAVE Symposium sponsors: ING DIRECT, Women’s Enterprise Centre, biznik, First Services Hospitality!

Dangerous Foods Hiding in Your Pantry

May 24, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.

When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies.

Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models. Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.

Top 5 pantry foods to replace

Bread crumbs

OUT - The packaged stuff. Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents.
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.

Broth

OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock. Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients.
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).

Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays

OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter.

Salad Dressing and Sauces

OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce.
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon.

Vanilla

OUT - Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at www.jamieliving.blogspot.com.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

How to Plan Your Perfect Summer Party with LA Glam

May 20, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Planning a party can be loads of fun but let’s be totally honest…planning and attending the same party can be tough. That’s why CRAVE asked Christina Murphy, who runs LA Glam Events with her partner Erin Preuss to give us a few pointers. The good news is that with a little planning and creative magic you can host a party everyone (including you) will love!

With the summer party season about to get into full swing starting on Memorial Day Weekend it’s a perfect time to treat your friends to a love-everything-about-summer party that will set the standard for everyone else. (And no, it doesn’t require boatloads of cash or a swank Hampton’s seaside soirees.)

4 easy ways to make your Memorial Day BBQ better than everyone else’s…

1) Invites: Evites are ok, Paperless Post is so cool (but pricey) and so why stick to the norm. A trip to the 99 Cents store will yield a plethora of fun and funky ideas. It’s much less expensive than you would think to send unusual invites and it’s a great way to make your party stand out from the rest. Mix and match and let your imagination run wild. It’s half the fun.

2) Food: it’s sort of crucial to a good party. Nothing is more delicious and easy than good old fashion burgers on the grill and burgers don’t have to boring. Add an array of interesting self-serve toppings like sautéed mushrooms, arugula, bacon, avocado, etc to create a gourmet burger bar. You can even ask people to write down their custom burger, name it and take pictures for your own Burger Hall of Fame.

3) Cocktails: a trip to your local farmers market will start your inner mixologist juices flowing. Take all the favs (fresh squeezed OJ, grapefruit, lemon and lime) throw in some new twists (muddle berries, pineapple or watermelon) and some smoothie-like purees (cantaloupe, honeydew, banana and mango).Use some basic alcohols and set it all out for people to create their own signature cocktail. People love experimenting and the bonus is for the people who are going adult-beverage free they can make a killer virgin version of the same thing.

4) Décor: for some seriously-talented-crafty types décor is a hallmark of their parties. For me, with limited time, décor needs to be simple and accessible. My favorite budget friendly décor item is cotton quilt fabrics. These fabrics are your new, super crafty best friend. You can make awesome mix and match table overlays (most standard fabrics aren’t wide enough for a full table linen) but they make cute overlays either over whatever linens already have or over plain white sheets hemmed to fit your table. Mix patterns and colors to create a really festive look.

The good news is all these projects are relatively easy and don’t require a bunch of time or money. Just give yourself a week to work on your décor projects in the evening and prep your food and juices the morning of your event and you will be able to party-hardy with all your pals!

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