A couple of weeks ago I reported about the CRAVE Business Chat. Unfortunately I couldn't make it after all - so I turned to a talented (and personal fave) Seattle lady, massage therapist Carissa Gerard of Clear Awakening, to give the scoop on February's biz chat. Here's what she had to say...


Have you been to a CRAVE business chat yet? If you are even slightly interested in becoming an entrepreneur then you have to attend one of these monthly meetings! The women that attend vary from being in business for years to just thinking about dipping a toe in the water. Either way, you’ll benefit from the stories, information and networking.

The February chat was held at 5 Focus, a holistic fitness center that has five focuses for lifestyle changes: fitness, food, flow, fortitude and follow through. Our speakers were Carrie from Bella Cupcake Couture and Denise from Flaunt Inc. Carrie is a new business owner specializing in gorgeous cupcake wrappers designed to give any cupcake a touch of elegance. Denise is an expert at all things QuickBooks and is able to teach any gal to be number savvy.

I was intrigued with Carrie’s story from the beginning; she received notice that she would be laid off from her long-time corporate banking position and only had seven months to decide what she wanted to do. After weighing her options she decided to follow her passion and go for it! It was inspiring to hear that she paved her way to success by doing her own research and fully embracing the “fake it til you make it” motto. I myself am a self taught entrepreneur and fully relate to stories of steadfast determination no matter what brick walls you may run into.

Just mentioning business finances makes my head spin. Denise made the subject approachable and with Flaunt Inc’s tagline “smart is the new sexy” how could you not want to learn? Five key tips we left with were:

Keep your chart of accounts manageable and simple.

Be current. Set a regular routine of entering in transactions weekly if not daily.

Stay Balanced. Reconcile bank accounts monthly and always know where you are at financially.

You can use QuickBooks for so much more than tracking finances. Stored client info makes easy marketing lists for fliers or event invitations.

Consistency is key. Enter everything the same way every time so you have complete information saving time in the future.

The easiest way to track and become familiar with your finances is to download QuickBooks. Denise says “for the cost of a pair of shoes you can have this reliable financial program”. She also teaches small classes so you can have precise instruction and become a QuickBooks expert yourself.

This was my first CRAVE chat and I am so delighted that I was able to attend. Rather than a formal presentation it was an open discussion where we were able to interact, ask questions and share our own stories and experiences. The discussion was not only informative but inspiring and thought provoking. I will definitely be back next month!


If you haven't already, be sure to connect with Carissa on Twitter @carissang and check out her massage therapy practice, @clearawakening!

As you may already know, the lineup for Sasquatch 2010 was announced last Monday at the Crocodile. Nearly everybody I've chatted with has described the lineup as "epic" or "too great to miss."

That's awesome and while it definitely excites me because Sasquatch itself is too great to miss, I've got to be real; I don't know 90% of the names dropped. I love music and I'm open to every type, but I've never been one to know the names of songs/artists I love. If its outside of MJ, JayZ, or Mariah... I'm lost.

So what's a girl to do? Educate herself, of course!

I've put together a playlist complete with at least one song from every artist/band set to perform at this year's 3-day concert. The line-up list is quite long so I've broken it into two parts. You can expect Part2 to make an appearance later this week.

I'm thinking by the time Memorial Day Weekend arrives, I'll have my stage-strategy mapped and be singing along!




There may be songs that better portray a band/artist. Feel free to reach out and let me know! I'd love to get it added!

Hope you enjoy!

...does that title sound like a heading for a Personals ad? HA!




So, last month I attended my first Crave Business Chat and fell in love! The topic of discussion focused on organizing your time and achieving your goals - the perfect advice for a successful start to 2010.

Every month the chats are mediated by female entrepreneurs, who share their personal experiences and expertise. Getting the opportunity to interact with women from all walks of life, each interested in advancing themselves professionally, was revitalizing, eye-opening, and insightful.

I'm definitely planning on becoming a fixture at these awesome chats and encourage you to attend one!

I hope to see you at tomorrow's chat, when we will discuss how to
"Be Fearless with Your Finances"

Speakers: Carrie Middlemiss of Bella Cupcake Couture and Denise Marinacci of Flaunt-Inc.
Date: Tomorrow! Sunday, February 21st
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: 5 Focus - 1009 8th Ave N, Seattle
Registration: $25.00/pp

See you there!

You've read about SPUN before and now the very lovely Sara Seumae has made it possible to shop and check-out her latest collections ONLINE!

I couldn't be more excited about the launch! Now, instead of patiently waiting for SPUN Warehouse sales, I can get my favorite tanks & T's stat.



Interested in sporting local, organic & quality clothing? Check out the SPUN online shop and save 30% on your entire order by typing "congrats" at checkout.

2009 came and went lightning fast but didn't pass without throwing many punches along the way.

The past six months saw countless challenges and life-changes including unemployment and the ending of a 3.5 year relationship with my college sweetheart/first love.

While it has been all-consuming, I like to think I've finally emerged; now the strongest I've ever been and thankful for the positive additions that 2009 did provide:

new hobby:


A Girl's Guide to Seattle has been one of my favorite/most positive personal endeavors.

new friends:




I met these women in 2009 and I am so grateful. Each of them has motivated, inspired, enlightened, and changed me forever. I am honored to have them in my life.

new job:


I am lucky enough to work for a company that I whole-heartedly believe in and with people that challenge me, teach me, and make me laugh every single day.

family time:


The past year brought the strongest bond I've ever shared with my family - individually & collectively. Though 2009 dealt us our challenges, we've shown we're a unit and a force to be reckoned with.

I'm ready to stand tall to the challenges and bask in the joys of 2010. Its a new year with many new beginnings to celebrate.

You'll be hearing from me much more often - Happy New Year. :)