Friday, December 19, 2008

Diana Martin Gifts Partners With Chef Adam Navidi


INSPIRED BY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Diana Martin Gifts Partners With Chef Adam Navidi
On Exclusive Line of Cookies + More


Costa Mesa, CA – Gift guru and style expert Diana Martin is proud to announce a partnership with renowned professional chef, Adam Navidi. The exclusive partnership with Chef Adam will provide Diana Martin Gifts clients access to homemade gift items like cookies and other treats, as well as access to Chef Adam for parties and more.

For over 20 years, Diana Martin's distinguished clients have trusted her to select beautiful and meaningful gifts for any occasion. Now she is expanding her services, through strategic partnerships with celebrated colleagues such as Chef Adam, to give clients access to a top shelf personal chef and his creations. While their first collaboration will be an exclusive line of organic cookies inspired by his childhood, Chef Adam and Diana Martin plan to expand their exclusive gourmet food line in the future.

“I love this collaborative alliance with Chef Adam, “Diana continues, “It is the perfect marriage of creativity and art,” says Diana Martin, CEO and founder of Diana Martin Gifts. She continues, “One of my favorite gifts to give anytime of the year is something freshly baked. It gives the feeling of security and warmth. It is exciting to receive a beautiful box filled with oven fresh cookies.

Says Chef Adam, “Diana extends my creativity with her beautiful presentation in boxes that can be used over and over again. They are an excellent way to showcase my home baked cookies.”

Diana Martin and Chef Adam met when they founded the Gracious Living Group in 2006 along with David Rance , offering their collective services, bringing together the best of culinary, tabletop and interior design by industry professionals for any occasion large or small. (http://www.graciouslivinggroup.com/).

The collection of recipes was inspired by cookies baked by his mother and her contemporaries when he was young. The premiere offerings from Chef Adam will be made with the highest quality, organic ingredients and packaged to perfection. The cookies start at $20 for a paisley linen box consisting of 12 organic fig – blood orange-pistachio biscotti. The custom paisley boxes are reusable. The brown sampler box is $50 and contains a collection of 12 biscotti, 6 madelines, 6 rangers and 6 earthquakes. Here is a description of the cookies:

Small Paisley Box ($20)
California Fig-Blood Orange-Pistachio Biscotti Great with some cheese, cup of coffee for breakfast or dessert -- warmed with a bowl of ice cream

Brown Sampler Box ($50)

Assorted Ginger Cookies Here we have taken Fresh Ginger, Organic Cane Sugar and whole wheat to produce delicate and fun ginger bread cookies.Meyer Lemon Madelines These classic cookies are made with fresh meyer lemons
California Chocolate Earthquake Cookies One of the treats the neighborhood Moms would make during the holidaysCalifornia Ranger Cookies Also known as Billy Goats, Ranger cookies are a recipe that every mother knows from memory.

Shop the Entire Collection at http://www.dianamartingifts.com/

About Diana Martin Gifts
Gift guru and style expert, Diana Martin has been the go to gift expert to A-List celebrities, international royalty and Fortune 500 CEO’s for over 20 years.

Diana Martin founded the company in 1988 and has built it into the premiere gift consulting agency in the United States. Creating high-end and often one-of-a-kind gifts for the world’s most recognizable faces Diana Martin Gifts now offers gifts to anyone who appreciates style and the art of gifting through the company website http://www.dianamartingifts.com/.

About Chef Adam Navidi
Having entertained Presidents and A-List Celebrities alike, Chef Adam Navidi has been awarded numerous accolades and honors. Considered one of the next great chefs of California, Chef Adam always presents creative dishes. http://www.chefadamnavidi.com/

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Arianne Zucker's Lowd Suga in Soap Opera Weekly


Still looking for gifts this holiday? Lowd Suga, our favorite line of cheap chic jewelry, was just featured in Soap Opera Weekly's holiday gift guide.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Terra Collection T-shirt Seen On KTLA + Holiday Savings



The Terra Collection's "Life" shirt was recently spotted on KTLA Morning News during a packing segment. Of course you wouldn't want to leave home without it- it might be the softest t-shirt you ever own! To go directly to the LIFE shirt click here. http://www.terracollection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=5


Also Terra Collection is offering a special holiday deal on its first line of tees -- you won't want to miss out. They are offering 25% off through December 31st. Enter the code:holiday



Pixie Dust Decor Relocates to Florida + Launches New Fabric Line


PLAYFULLY CHIC CHILDREN’S LINE PIXIE DUST DÉCOR
RELOCATES HEADQUARTERS TO FLORIDA
+
LAUNCHES A NEW LINE OF FABRIC

Winter Park, FL – Pixie Dust Décor, purveyor of distinctive children’s bedding, custom textiles and décor is proud to announce the relocation of its headquarters from Orange County, California to Winter Park, Florida.

After nearly 3years in Southern California, Pixie Dust Décor founder and designer Stacy McCallum has relocated the headquarters for her textile and décor company to Florida to be able to better service many of her largest accounts which are concentrated in the region and to get a fresh perspective for her designs.

“I believe that Florida is the right place for the Pixie Dust Décor headquarters because it is place that reflects my company’s values – it is playfully chic and traditional with a twist,” says Stacy. “While we have customers and retailers throughout the U.S., the southern markets seem to really embrace and reflect the aesthetic of Pixie Dust Décor and this move will allow us to nurture that connection.”

While Pixie Dust’s headquarters have moved, production of the textiles and fabrication of the Pixie Dust products will remain in California and Iowa respectively. The complete line of Pixie Dust Décor products are made in the USA of the highest quality materials.


About Pixie Dust Décor’s New Fabric – Chateau Charlotte
Chateau Charlotte, the latest designs by Pixie Dust creator Stacy McCallum, provides a playfully chic look with her signature twist on traditional children’s décor.

“Chateau Charlotte is my fantasy fabric collection! This is my version of the quintessential French country home complete with a chandelier, primping peacocks and the sweetest lovebirds circling overhead. Of course we couldn’t stop there. The chateau’s columns were turned into the ideal stripe for the perfect compliment,” says Stacy.

Chateau Charlotte, designed in a pastel palate, will spark the imagination of any child with its images of picturesque estates and gardens surrounded with flowers, and childhood imaginings. In addition to this two coordinating stripes derived from the chateau’s columns compliment and add dimension to décor options when they are combined.

Pixie Dust Décor Textiles:
Structured yet whimsical, the collection of Pixie Dust’s exclusive textile designs features over 15 patterns all on their signature 100% cotton poplin fabric all designed to satisfy Mom’s discriminating eye while providing a comfortable, captivating environment for children. The line includes:

The Jardin Secret collection - Jardin Secret, Jardin Secret Stripe, Aqua Lattice and Melon Lattice - brings the garden spectrum indoors with colors such as Melon, Lime, Aqua and Cocoa while capturing the idealistic beauty of a formal garden through its motifs of antique urns, cameos, wreaths and lattice.
Topiary and coordinating Topiary Stripe in Lemon and Punch Pink, is a bright, colorful take on a classic shape.
Pixie Pagoda - Pixie Dust’s most popular fabric to-date, the Pixie Pagoda patterns are available in Aqua, Lime and Melon and hint at the idea of a land far away with fun places to hide.
Boy’s Toys in Red or Blue and the Boy’s Toys Stripe feature classic toys that play with the idea of mixing the best of the past with the future.

Pixie Dust Décor Products:
Fabric by the yard ($22/yard): All of the fabrics in the collection are available
Custom bedding - Begins at $336 for a duvet and pillow sham set.
Crib Bedding sets ($384): The set features two coordinating Pixie Dust Décor fabrics and includes a slip-covered bumper, dust ruffle, and crib sheet.
Pixie Dust’s most popular product, the floor pillows, include the Pixie Tuffet (36” round; $86) and the Pixie Pouf (22” rounds; $68). Both are great accents to any room and a perfect place for a child to read.
Other popular Pixie Dust Décor items: Blankets (Poplin with plush, $38); Bibs (poplin with plush, $14) and burp cloths (poplin with plush $20 Aprons (Styles and sizes for boys, girls and mom or grandma $24); and more.

About Pixie Dust Décor
Pixie Dust Décor, founded in 2006 by Stacy McCallum, was built on the belief that all children need a space of their own that is both fun and comfortable. This philosophy partnered with the desire for children’s décor that is both stylish and easily maintained, led to the creation of an enchanting line of children’s home décor, accessories and gifts.

Additional information about Pixie Dust Décor and the variety of custom textiles and products being offered is available at pixiedustdecor.com or by calling Townsend Olmstead Media Co. at 949.722.8488.

Hi-resolution products images, samples and swatches will be provided upon request.


# # #

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Diana Martin GIfts Featured in the Orange County Register

Get all the tips you want to know about gift giving this holiday season. Check out this great article in the Orange County Register about Diana Martin Gifts.

DIana Martin Gifts on KTLA with Allie MacKay!

Love. Love. Love Allie MacKay from KTLA.

She was recently spotted talking to Diana Martin of Diana Martin Gifts all morning about gifts, the do's and don't and tricks of the trade. If you want to see one of the segments, check out the link to Allie's story and go to "Gifts"

http://www.ktla.com/alliemackay

For more gift ideas go to www.dianamartingift.com

bettershelter Featured In The Orange County Register

Check out this great article about bettershelter's lastest eco-friendly development -- 12@Elden - that ran in the Orange County Register.
For more info about the homes - www.bettershelter.com

Halsea Loung Pads in LA Confidential's Holiday Gift Guide

You've got to check out the LA Confidential Holiday Gift Guide - it is fabulous. There is something for everyone on your list - or if you shop like me.... one for you. one for me.

Here is a link to the page that features Halsea's lounge pads:

http://www.la-confidential-magazine.com/LAC_HO08_158_HOL002.html

bettershelter green awards Recognize The Greenest in Orange County







BETTERSHELTER GREEN AWARDS
BETTER IDEAS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Bettershelter Recognizes the Greenest of Green in Orange County
With the First-Ever Green Awards – Seven Honored


Costa Mesa, CA – A wishing tree hanging upside down in an interactive art exhibit where guests could place wishes like “wishing for a greener Orange County” was just the start of the first-ever bettershelter green awards. From people to products, Orange County’s Greenest were honored at the event held Thursday, December 4 at 12@ELDEN, the newly released eco-friendly “Hybrid Housing” project (2381 Elden Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627) from bettershelter.

“This is an exciting time for Orange County with so many people doing such positive things. The bettershelter Green Awards is a great way to honor those who have made a difference and we are proud to be in their company,” said Steve Jones, co-founder of bettershelter.

The event, which attracted over 300 people, was a celebration of the commitment to better living, the spirit of community and the individuals, products and companies making a difference in the greater Orange County community for their eco-friendly efforts. From the over 100 applications that were submitted, winners of the awards in each of the seven categories were as follows:




Architecural Design: The CAMP, Shaheen Sadeghi, founder (http://www.labholding.com/)




Interior Design: Path Design, Rachel Hulan (designer) (www.path-design.net)





Landscape Design: LPA, Rick D'Amato, AIA (designer), Kellie Moore (LPA contact) - Environmental Nature Center (project) (www.encenter.org) Retail




Design: Thalia Street Surf Shop (Laguna Beach), Nick Cocores (owner), Jeff Trenschell + Jim Olarte (designers) http://www.thaliasurf.com/thsulabemehe.html




Product: Simple Peace LLC, Deanna Reposa (founder/owner) www.simple-peace.com




Individual: James Pribram (www.ecosurfwarrior.blogspot.com)




Company: Avanti Café Tanya Fuqua (www.avanticafe.com)
All winners accepted recycled trophies made from flea market finds.

The bettershelter green awards winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of experts, including: Greer Wylder, (Greer’s OC, http://greersoc.com/) Stephanie Barger (Earth Resource, http://earthresource.org/), Jeff Harlan (LEED A.P., Sr. Planner, The Planning Center – Costa Mesa), Steve Jones and Pete Zehnder from bettershelter

In addition to the presentation of the green awards, guests were treated to an interactive art exhibit, where they hung wishes on a “wishing tree”, as well as Green-Inspired Art Installations in three of the complex’s garages. While taking in the sights, guests sipped St. Germain cocktails along with gourmet potato chips, rosemary popcorn drizzled with truffle oil from Urban Bake (www.urbanbake.com). Local kids also got into the spirit creating original eco-themed works of art at the educational enrichment center F.Y.I. presenting their own green message. DJ Scotty kept the energy alive with great music all night.

In addition to the bettershelter green awards, the event also marked the opening of 12@ELDEN, bettshelter’s latest cutting edge development. Making living green user-friendly, 12@ELDEN is the combination of today’s green practices and products mixed with the conveniences of modern life resulting in what bettershelter calls “hybrid housing.”


About bettershelter
Bettershelter is a full service development company that focuses on providing unique and affordable housing for those who appreciate architectural design in Orange County. The company’s latest offering 12@ELDEN, exemplifies the best Orange County has to offer when it comes to green construction mixed with design, style and that hard to come by - hip factor.

Diana Martin Gifts Featured in Simply The Best Magazine




The hand hammered water pitcher featured above can be found on her website, where you can find tons of other great gift ideas. Check out their FAB website.



Thursday, December 4, 2008

Lowd Suga Launched Celebrity Collection


LOWD SUGA’ LAUNCHES THE CELEBRITY COLLECTION
Featuring Exclusive “Made for TV” Designs and Red Carpet Looks


Los Angeles, CA – December 4, 2008 -- Lowd Suga’ Jewelry Design by Arianne Zucker is proud to unveil its sweetest collection yet – the Celebrity Collection. With a growing stable of Hollywood’s hottest stars clamoring for her designs, Arianne Zucker’s jewelry designs, inspired by the blue-jean to black tie culture of Los Angeles, are being spotted on the big screen, the small screen and everywhere in between.

The Celebrity Collection is currently comprised of 19 pieces including earrings, bracelets and necklaces made of gold-fill, silver, faux-pearls, Swarovski crystals and shell designed by Arianne specifically for the following:

Arianne’s “Days of our Lives” character “Nicole Kiriakis.” The pot-stirring diva every “Days” fan loves to hate, “Nicole” has a penchant for bold, get-you-noticed accessories.


The drop earrings Arianne donned on the red carpet of the 2008 Daytime Emmy


Awards, as well as pieces worn on-air and on the red carpet by co-stars Rachel Melvin, Nadia Bjorlin and Tamara Braun, among others.


Necklaces and earrings designed for the upcoming feature film “Weather Girl” starring Tricia O’Kelley (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”) for which Lowd Suga’ was selected as the featured accessories designer.


Red Carpet accessories for Leslie Bibb, Emmanuele Chirque and Alison Sweeney.


While the Celebrity Collection is Lowd Suga’s most sophisticated and elaborate collection to date, retail prices for all of these designs remain under $100 making these red-carpet-ready looks a reality even for the gal on a budget! The entire Celebrity Collection is available for purchase at http://www.lowdsuga.com/.

In addition to the celebrities that inspired pieces for the Celebrity Collection, other Lowd Suga’ star-studded fans include Leslie Bibb, Sean Mahon, Alison Sweeney, Naomi Harris, Emmanuele Chirque, Kyle Lowder, director Jennifer Sharp among others.

About Lowd Suga
Lowd Suga’ got its start in 2006 when Arianne Zucker with the help and support of friends and family decided to indulge her sweet tooth and turn her passion for all things sparkling into a business. What began as one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family grew into an online boutique at http://www.lowdsuga.com/ featuring a variety of original designs for men and women and has now moved into select retail boutiques throughout California including Alice’s Attic in Mount Pinos and Tricia’s Boutique in Frazier Park and Randoons in Winnetka, IL. Funky yet feminine, Lowd Suga’s designs can take you from day to evening and everywhere in between. In Fall 2008, Lowd Suga’ debuted it’s “Green Collection” featuring recycled, repurposed and reinvented eco-friendly jewelry.

The complete Lowd Suga’ collection as well as additional information about Lowd Suga’ Jewelry Designs by Arianne Zucker is available at http://www.lowdsuga.com/.

Daily Pilot Features bettershelter on the FRONT Page!

Check out the story here about bettershelter's latest development 12@ELDEN and the company's green awards (which are being held tonight - so be on the look out for the award winners to be announced!).

http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/12/04/topstory/dpt-greenhousing120408.txt

Green One To Watch - Jennifer Capaci of Terra Collection


Looking for inspiring leaders in the green movement? Jennifer Capaci of the newly created Terra Collection is one to watch.


The Terra Collection just launched its first line of eco-friendly t-shirts that give back to charity – The Terra Tee Project. The line was created by Jennifer Capaci as an extension of her commitment to leaving a living legacy for future generations.

About Terra Collection(www.terracollection.com):
The Terra Collection is an Orange County, CA based organic T-shirt company with a global mission. With the purchase of each Terra Tee, a donation will be made to one of several charities dedicated to improving our quality of life on this planet - from cleaning up the air and water to protecting the animals and the earth.

With designs inspired by California’s miles of coastline, wild meadows and blue skies, each t-shirt is designed to make a statement and feel like your long-time favorite. With a hint of retro and a nod to sophisticated artist design, the debut collection features four t-shirt designs for women - one for earth, air, water and life, with a men’s collection slated for early 2009. Buyers can choose which charity they would like to donate to or can let the Terra Tee Project decide.

Terra Tee Project Benefiting Charities:

Earth- Conservation International, Pesticide Action Network of North America, Earth Island Institute, and ForestEthics
Air -Coalition for Clean Air, American Lung Association, Breathe California, and Clean Air Partnership
Water- Surfrider, ReefCheck, Friends of The River, and Water for People
Life – Children’s Hunger Fund, Friends of Animals, African Wildlife Foundation, Operation USA and Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation

StyleCourt Features Ideas from Stacy McCallum of Pixie Dust Decor


Looking for gift wrap inspiration? The ever-fabulous StyleCourt blog wrote about some great gift wrap ideas from Stacy McCallum, fabric designer and owner of Pixie Dust Décor http://www.pixiedustdecor.com/.

Check out the blog here: http://www.stylecourt.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Lowd Suga to be in Soap Opera Digest's Holiday Gift Guide


Arianne Zucker's Lowd Suga jewelry will be included in this year's Holiday Gift Guide. Be on the look out for it!
Fore more holiday gift ideas check out www.lowdsuga.com

BETTERSHELTER GREEN AWARDS


BETTER IDEAS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

First Awards Celebrating The Greenest
People, Products, and Projects In Orange County



Costa Mesa, CA – From people to products, the best of green in Orange County in 2008 will be honored at the the first ever bettershelter green awards. The winners will be announced at an event held in their honor on Thursday, December 4 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place at 12@ELDEN, the newly released eco-friendly “Hybrid Housing” project (2379 Elden Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627).

The bettershelter green awards is for the people, products and companies making an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, define what it is to live green in Orange County and develop products and techniques to change the way people live and think in an effort to be more eco-friendly to be recognized for their efforts and for the difference they are making in the Orange County community. bettershelter will be honoring following categories:

§ interior design
§ landscape design
§ architecture design
§ retail design
§ product
§ individuals
§ companies

Over 75 have submitted applications. Some nominee highlights include the following people and companies: Cadiz Design Studio; Molly Wood Garden Design Thalia Surf , Spencer Brown, James Pribram, 88 Orange, Resurf.org, Earthpack, BuyGreen.com

Event Highlights
Need green inspiration? Guests can participate in an interactive art exhibit where they will be able to write what inspires them about going green.

Temporary art gallery. Several local, up and coming artists (List artists here) will be turning six garages at 12@ELDEN into art exhibits, about the following themes: Air; Earth; Water / Ocean; Recycle / Reuse / Reduce; Nature; A Green Future

Art By Local Kids. Local kids from the educational enrichment center F.Y.I. have created clay art that will also be on display. Each piece carries a theme about the earth and a message about going green from each child.

12@ELDEN Launch. In addition to the bettershelter green awards, this event will also mark the opening of 12@ELDEN, bettshelter’s latest cutting edge development. Making living green user-friendly, 12@ELDEN is the combination of today’s green practices and products mixed with the conveniences of modern life resulting in what bettershelter calls “hybrid housing”.

Food + Fun. The event will also include music, food by local Eastside Costa Mesa restaurants (name them here), and drinks by St. Germain.

The bettershelter green awards winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of experts, including: ??? Greer Wylder, (Greer’s OC, http://greersoc.com/) Stephanie Barger (Earth Resource, http://earthresource.org/), Jeff (The Planning Center, PZ has his info), Steve Jones and Pete Zehnder from bettershelter

About bettershelter
Bettershelter is a full service development company that focuses on providing unique and affordable housing for those who appreciate architectural design in Orange County. The company’s latest offering 12@ELDEN, exemplifies the best Orange County has to offer when it comes to green construction mixed with design, style and that hard to come by - hip factor.

To learn more about the company, which is located in Newport Beach, log on to the website at http://www.bettershelter.com/ or call 323-286-7214.
###

Pixie Dust Décor Introduces the All New Chateau Charlotte Collection



ENTRÉE VOUS
Pixie Dust Décor Introduces the All New
Chateau Charlotte Collection


Enter the childhood home of your dreams with the idyllic and playful Chateau Charlotte textile collection new from Pixie Dust Décor. The latest designs by Pixie Dust creator Stacy McCallum provide a playfully chic look with her signature twist on traditional children’s décor.

McCallum cites her romantic French honeymoon as the inspiration for the latest additions to the Pixie Dust Décor collection. Classic Parisian gardens, jaunts through the Bordeaux countryside and a sweet macaroons palette all come together to invoke the poetic beauty and storybook simplicity of her designs.

“Chateau Charlotte is my fantasy fabric collection! This is my version of the quintessential French country home complete with a chandelier, primping peacocks and the sweetest lovebirds circling overhead. Of course we couldn’t stop there. The chateau’s columns were turned into the ideal stripe for the perfect compliment,” says Stacy.

Chateau Charlotte will spark the imagination of any child with its images of picturesque estates and gardens surrounded with flowers, and childhood imaginings. Chateau Charlotte and surrounding gardens are designed in a pastel palate. In addition to this two coordinating stripes derived from the chateau’s columns compliment and add dimension to décor options when they are combined.

Exclusive Pixie Dust products available in the Chateau Charlotte designs include:
Fabric by the yard
($19/yard): All of the fabrics in the collection are available
Twin bedding - begins at $ 180.00 for a coverlet and pillow sham set. (available through our custom shop)
Crib Bedding sets ($384): The set features three coordinating Pixie Dust Décor fabrics and includes a slip-covered bumper, dust ruffle, and crib sheet. There are currently10 different bedding choices for boys and girls.
Pixie Dust’s most popular product, the floor pillows, include the Pixie Tuffet (36” round; $86) and the Pixie Pouf (22” rounds; $68). Both are great accents to any room and a perfect place for a child to read.
Other popular Pixie Dust Décor items: Blankets (Poplin with plush, $38); Bibs (poplin with plush, $14) and burp cloths (poplin with plush $20); Aprons (Styles and sizes for boys, girls and mom or grandma $24); and more.

Chateau Charlotte, coordinating stripe print round out an already diverse and stylish collection of exclusive prints in the Pixie Dust Décor fabric line. Other styles include:
Jardin Secret, Jardin Secret Stripe, Aqua Lattice and Melon Lattice - in Melon, Lime, Aqua and Cocoa captures the idealistic beauty of a formal garden through its motifs of antique urns, cameos, wreaths and lattice
Topiary and coordinating Topiary Stripe in Lemon and Punch Pink
Pixie Pagoda pattern in Aqua, Lime and Melon
Boy’s Toys in Red or Blue and the Boy’s Toys Stripe
While many of the pixie Dust Décor fabrics mix & match, all of the 100% cotton poplin prints are designed to bring a sense of childish sophistication to any space.

About Pixie Dust Décor
Pixie Dust Décor, founded in 2006 by Stacy McCallum, was built on the belief that all children need a space of their own that is both fun and comfortable. This philosophy partnered with the desire for children’s décor that is both stylish and easily maintained, led to the creation of an enchanting line of children’s home décor, accessories and gifts.
# # #

Additional information about Pixie Dust Décor http://www.pixiedustdecor.com/ or by calling Townsend Olmstead Media Co. at 949.722.8488.

Hi-resolution products images, samples and swatches will be provided upon request.