Kristine Taft Jewelry Offers Laidback California Lux


Fred Segal called. They want 720 hand-made bracelets!! Great news for a new business owner right? The problem – Kristine Taft misread the order. Thinking it was only 90 pieces to be delivered in 7 days she quickly realized it was in fact 720 pieces. Not one to go back on her word, she worked day and night stringing tiny crystals at her Crystal Cove bungalow until she met the order. Welcome to Kristine Taft’s career as a jewelry designer. Kristine Taft’s creations featuring her signature California-luxe style have always been so unique and beautiful that she often times sells pieces right off her neck! Kristine started her business just 8 years ago and as a result of her great success – from high-end boutiques selling her pieces to seeing necklaces from the collection appear on celebrities and on the red carpet – she is now launching her own website so loyal fans of her work and those outside of California can order from her collection or design one-of-a-kind custom pieces.
http://www.kristinetaft.com/


Cultured Travel - Halsea Launches Latest Line of Travel Bags


Newport Beach, CA – Launching her fourth collection of travel bags, Sally Bartz of Halsea, the beach-chic travel accessories company, is proud to announce her latest collection called Little Harbor.

Little Harbor is a fresh take on a coastal classic, inspired by a recent trip to the lakeside town of Harbor Springs, MI. The pattern is a crisp white bamboo lattice print on a kelp green or coffee background. The beautifully detailed bags are trimmed in leather.

The Little Harbor Collection includes the following pieces:
· Roller Suitcase – The cornerstone of the Halsea collection: fits in the overhead compartment for easy traveling. ($335)

· Roller Duffle - Halsea’s largest bag to-date. Great for longer trips, it opens like a doctor’s bag so you can see everything inside and features a retractable pull and plenty of pockets. ($355)

· Large Tote – A very roomy tote perfect for a day at the beach, or the farmers’ market. ($135)

· Wallet Clutch– Looks like a clutch but acts like a wallet. The perfect 2-in-1 piece so you don’t have to pack an extra handbag for evenings. ($88)

· Cosmetic Bag – Plenty of inside pockets to carry a gal’s lotions and potions. ($55)

· Small Make-Up Bag - Small, zip-top case -- perfect to carry just the essentials. ($40)

· Halsea Home – décor items including pillows, table cloths and fabric-by-the-yard are also available in any of the exclusive Halsea patterns.

All styles are made of laminated printed canvas, and feature Halsea’s signature shell-pink satin lining – a feminine touch for sure, but also practical - ensuring that even the smallest accessories are easy to spot. Designed to mix and match, Halsea fabrics coordinate so that fans can expand their collections with the introduction of each new print.

“The Little Harbor print reminds me of the kind of classic seaside elegance where preppy reigns,” Sally mused. “It invokes a time when things took on more meaning the longer you owned them, and the little touches, like needle point pillows, were appreciated. When the highlight of the day was dusk spent with family and friends, sitting on the beach playing cards, telling stories, laughing with the kids.”

About Halsea
After spending the last decade designing accessories for surf apparel giants such as Roxy, Volcom, Modern Amusement and Paul Frank, Sally Bartz started Halsea for gals who want sophisticated, casual beach style. Having created the line based on the laid-back California style of the 1970’s, her days growing up across the street from the beach is often the inspiration behind Halsea products.
Halsea is a beach-chic company that offers travel bags and home accessories. The Halsea Shop is located at 409 31st Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663 and can be reached by calling 949.673.7743.
All Halsea products are available on www.halsea.com

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LOWD SUGA’ JEWELRY DESIGN ANNOUNCES GREEN INITIATIVES




Lowd Suga’ Designer/Owner & Actress Arianne Zucker
Makes a Personal Commitment to Environmentally Friendly Practices Adding a Green Twist to Her Popular Designs




Los Angeles, CA – October 22, 2008 -- Does “going green” have to mean re-usable shopping bags, recycled cans and compost?? NO!! Lowd Suga’ Jewelry Design by Arianne Zucker has unveiled the first of its “green” designs exclusively at http://www.lowdsuga.com/ and is in the process of implementing some exciting changes to the way their jewelry is designed and created in an effort to be more environmentally responsible.

“I personally believe that each individual can be an instrument of change, doing what we can to prevent further damage to the earth and our environment,” says Arianne. “I love creating unique jewelry designs, but I want to do it knowing that as a small business owner, a consumer and citizen of this planet, I am doing it in the most responsible way.”

In addition to diligently researching additional green strategies for the future, Lowd Suga’ is implementing greener business practices today starting with designing jewelry that is inspired by three things – acting locally, reusing and recycling.

What Lowd Suga is doing to reduce its footprint:
The focus of our initial green efforts will be in the following three areas:
Acting locally -- We are focusing on finding materials, stones and vintage pieces for our designs right here in LA.

Re-use – Challenging their creativity and resourcefulness, Lowd Suga’ is constantly looking for ways to repurpose vintage pieces, stones or embellishments for the Lowd Suga collection resulting in limited edition or truly one-of-a-kind pieces due to the nature of the resources.

Recycle – At Lowd Suga’, the goal going forward is to use primarily recycled metals and design pieces that use little or no metal at all. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of this industry, there are new processes being developed to melt down metals that already exist (meaning they were excavated prior to 2008) and reuse the metal source which in turn makes recycling a more feasible solution while also reducing the pollution levels on the environment which Lowd Suga’ is committed to supporting.



Why Jewelry has such a large footprint:
What many consumers may not know is that the excavation of metals is one of the leading sources of pollution on earth and the jewelry industry is one of the major reasons for this excavation. Since most jewelry is made of or with some kind of metal it becomes the responsibility of leaders in the industry to re-evaluate the impact they have on the environment and do what they can to minimize the damage.

From the ground, through the purification and shaping process each individual necklace, earring, bracelet or ring has been down a long road that is wrought with environmental pitfalls. It is for this reason that Lowd Suga’ is committed to changing the way they do business.



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

Halsea's Latest Press


As publicists, it is so exciting when you see all of your hard work pay off. But truly, the most rewarding is to see how the publicity you are getting affects your client's business in a positive light.
Sally Bartz of Halsea is a great example of how we have played a role in growing her brand and business. Here is just a small sampling of her latest press featuring her beach-chic travel bags. http://www.halsea.com/













bettershelter's 12@ELDEN, Steve Jones and the bettershelter green awards


12@ELDEN, the eco-friendly development of 12 homes in Eastside Costa Mesa, is about to officially open.
In time for the opening of 12@ELDEN, bettershelter, the cutting edge development team behind 1.7 Ocean and 12@ELDEN, will be hosting the first annual bettershelter green awards.
Be on the look out for more informaiton about that later. In the meantime, check out the latest press profiling bettershelter's style-maker Steve Jones.





Pixie Dust Decor's DIY Night Light





Home-made gifts and DIY projects are hotter than ever. Pixie Dust Décor, creators of childish-chic children’s décor, bedding and fabric, has seen an influx of orders for their custom textiles that people are turning into fun projects at home. Below are Pixie Dust creator Stacy McCallum's directions for an easy night light that anyone can make.

DIY for You
Night Light Project

Supplies:
Self adhesive night light Hollywood Lights (available at Joann’s)
¼ yard fabric
1 yard trim (ricrac, pom poms and grosgrain work well)
4 clothes pins
fabric glue

Directions:
Using included night light template cut fabric to fit front of night light and adhesive surface
Cut your trim to size. One piece for each side of to frame night light
Using fabric glue dot along edges of night light, adhere trim pieces, use clothes pins to hold trim in place until it driesFor a finished look, overlap trim at corners and adhere to the back side of night lights.

Gifting and Lifestyle Expert Diana Martin Announces Her Picks for the Top Gifts for 2008


Gifting and Lifestyle Expert Diana Martin has just announced her Top 10 gift picks that will be sure winners this holiday season. Trendy yet timeless, each of these gifts is elegant, luxurious and will make a lasting impression on their recipeint.

Martin turned her passion for art and her knowledge of international etiquette into a business of giving. For over 20 years, the CEO’s of household name companies, such as Lexus, Nestle and Kodak, have turned to her when they need to buy meaningful gifts for every occasion, whether the budget is $500 or priceless one-of-a-kind commissions. But, Martin’s primary concern is the psychology of gift-giving – the ways in which the right gift can help build and enhance relationships.

All of the items pictured can be purchased through Diana Martin’s Prezents Inc. – 949.631.2727. Diana will be debuting her newly redesigned website at http://www.dianamartingifts.com/ in the coming weeks, so be sure to check back soon!
For additional product/pricing information or hi-res images, please contact Lauren & Allison @TO Media Co. - 949.722.8488

Steve Jones of bettershelter to be seen on KABC - September 25, 6 & 11 a.m.



Steve Jones, one-half of the visionary team behind cutting-edge real estate development company Bettershelter will make his television debut on LA's KABC (Channel 7) this Thursday, September 25 at 6 & 11 a.m. providing his expertise and insight on how to incorporate Green Design on a Budget into your home. Steve will take KABC reporter Jane Monreal to some of his favorite shopping spots, then to Bettershelter's hot new "Hybrid Housing" development, 12 @ Elden in Costa Mesa to show how going green doesn't have to mean spending a lot of green.

Arianne Zucker, Actress and Lowd Suga' Jewelry Designer Stars in New Web Series "Life in General"


Arianne Zucker, star of NBC's "Days of our Lives" and head designer of Lowd Suga' jewelry has added yet another new project to her list of credits... a web series called "Life in General."

Describing it as not quite a parody of soaps, but with a feel of all the chaos involved “punched up soap opera style”, “Life in General” also stars fellow soap actors, Lindze Leatherman (ex-Georgie, GH), Scott Clifton (ex-Dillon, GH), and John Ingle (Edward, GH; ex-Mickey, Days), as well as accomplished actress, JoBeth Williams whom Arianne couldn’t have been more pleased to work with. “Of course one of my favorite movies was “Poltergeist” growing up and [JoBeth] is lovely and such a hoot. What a funny woman,” she enthused.

“Life in General” is a Strike.Tv production, which was conceived as a place for writers to put their projects up during the writer’s strike earlier this year. A pilot has been shot, but currently viewers can only watch a behind-the-scenes clip of the show. If it gets enough hits, “Life in General” will be picked up and they will continue to shoot one episode a month. To help describe the process web shows must go through, Zucker explained, “It’s almost like you’re going into a room and pitching and hoping that millions of people hit your website rather than just one executive producer or studio saying, ‘Okay we’ll take your show.’”

To check out the behind the scenes clip of “Life in General” (and to help it get picked up), go to Strike.Tv on Vimeo.com. I can tell you that the show looks like a lot of fun and daytime lovers will definitely appreciate the soap-within-a-soap.

Also, check Arianne's complete interview on Soaps.com - http://www.soaps.com/daysofourlives/news/2331/Soapscom_Catches_Up_with_Arianne_Zucker_From_Days_

Cottage Living Photograph's Stacy McCallum of Pixie Dust Decor!


What better way to return from vacation than straight to a photoshoot with the ever-fabulous Shelly Strazis?! She is the master behind a ton of Cottage Living's great photos and an expert at getting the right shot (even if she has to lean out windows, perched in a tree with the sprinklers going off!).
She recently shot Stacy McCallum of Pixie Dust Decor for Cottage Living's inspiring column - Cottage Industry. We'll let you know when it hits newsstands!

2008 Art House - Art of Life Series - Calendar of Events


2008 Art House Comes Alive with the “Art of Life” Series

Daily Lectures and Demonstrations from Artists and Designers on Artful Living
September 13 - 20


The 2008 Art House – “Art of Life” Schedule is as follows:
Saturday, September 13:
11 AM How to Showcase Your Art: From Selection to Display – David E. Kelly, David E. Kelly Interiors
12 PM The Art of Great Sleep: The Craftsmanship of Building a Great Bed – Custom Comfort Mattress
2 PM The Art of Jewelry Design – Mimi Kim, Mimi Kim Jewelry
3 PM The Art of Chocolate – Diana Phillips, Artisan Chocolatier

Sunday, September 14:
11 AM Meet Jessie Godderz of CBS’s Big Brother 10Healthy Living: 101
1 PM The Inspiration Behind Chateau de l'Eau - Michael Schrock (He will also take
people on a behind the scences tour)
2 PM Framing the Piece: Choosing the Correct Frame for your Artwork – David E. Kelly, David E. Kelly Interiors

Wednesday, September 17:
3 PM Tips from an Expert: How to Make Your Photos Look Like a Professional – John L. Blom
4 PM Best of Washington Wines – Hosted by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Thursday, September 18:
10 AM-2 PM Plein Air Artistry – Learn what Plein Air is, meet the artists and watch them create!

Friday, September 19:
1 PM The Art of Jewelry Design – Mimi Kim, Mimi Kim Jewelry
3 PM The Art of Great Sleep: The Craftsmanship of Building a Great Bed – Custom Comfort Mattress
4 PM The Art of the Cocktail – Hosted by Kai Vodka

Saturday, September 20:
12 PM The Art of Chocolate Sculpting - hands on class taught by MJ Lachica of Downey's Artisanal our Chocolate Sculptor
1 PM The Man Behind the Artist: Nathan Fischer’s Personal Stories of Art & Inspiration
2 PM Selecting Gallery Artists: Science, Art and Alchemy – Diana Cook/Diana Ferrone Gallery & Fine Art Consulting


Tickets to the 2008 Art House are $10 per person (Children 12 and under are free) and may be purchased by calling 949.862.1133 and will be available for purchase at the door during the 8-day public tour. For additional information about daily events and the various evening galas held at Art House visit www.OrangeCoastArtHouse.com.

Orange Coast Magazine's Pet Guide on KABC

Jane Monreal of KABC recently went on a tour with Rose Medlock of Orange Coast magazine to visit pet friendly desitinations around Orange County.

Talking about Orange Coast's Pet Guide (August 2008 Issue) and visiting spots like the Wyndham Hotel, The Island Hotel and Three Dog Bakery, Jane also interviewed Len Cain of dogfriendly.com

Check out the whole story here.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=6321413

Terra Tee Project Preview's First Tee-Shirt


Give gifts that give back. Check.
Going green this holiday. Check.

No matter what your check list is this holiday, we thought you would like to get a PREVIEW of the all-new Terra Tee Project.

The Terra Tee Project, an organic T-shirt company with a global mission, will soon announce the debut of its environmentally-minded t-shirt line.

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. The debut collection will feature four t-shirt designs in styles for men and women, one for earth, air (pictured), water and life.

With a hint of retro and a nod to sophisticated artist design, each tee was inspired by California’s miles of picturesque coastline, wild meadows, and blue skies, and will be made right here in the USA of organic cotton.

The product of the long-time dream of a gal-on-the-go and mother of two, the Terra Tee Project was created by Jennifer Capaci as an extension of her commitment to leaving a living legacy for future generations.

Look for the launch of the complete debut collection in early fall.

Top 10 Lux Lifestyle Gifts from TO Media Co Clients


No matter what the occasion from holiday gifts to hostess gifts, who wouldn't want these fabulous items on our Top 10 Luxe Lifestyle Gifts.
Here are the links to Kristine Taft Jewelry, Halsea, Prezents Inc., bettershelter and Land Rover Jaguar Anaheim Hills (Goddess Golf Bags willbe coming soon!):

2008 Art House Presented By Orange Coast Magazine


65 ARTISTS.
29 ROOMS.
1 MAGNIFICENT ART HOUSE.


Celebrate the Art of Living in Orange County


You’ve done the Home Tours and the Open Houses, been through countless showcase homes, but you have never experienced a house like this.

On September 13, 2008, all five senses will come alive when the doors to Château de l’Eau open to reveal the first-ever 2008 Art House presented by Orange Coast, a celebration of art, design and architecture created to embrace and inspire and provide support and funding for local arts education. This unprecedented 8 day event, incorporating five evening soirées, is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Cuvée Estates, Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch, the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation (CUSD), and Orange Coast.

From contemporary art to Plein Air landscapes, fine photography to sculptures, the 2008 Art House will be a comprehensive installation of mediums and techniques used by artists in and around Orange County. Visitors to Art House will have ample opportunity to roam at their leisure and experience original works by such well-known local artists as Nathan Fischer, Susan Marcley, Toni Danchik, and Susan Volpé on display in 29 rooms throughout the expansive Chateau d l’Eau custom built French Chateau, a stunning 8,143-square-foot French chateau-inspired residence conceived by distinguished architect and builder Michael Schrock of Costa Mesa-based Cuvée Estates located behind the gates of Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch, CA.

The 2008 Art House will debut with a VIP Preview Night on September 11, sponsored by Orange Coast magazine and Reality Cares (tickets are $100 and available to the public by calling 949.862.1133) and will then be open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. September 13-20, with the exception of an early close at 2:00 p.m. on September 16 & 18 for private events. Art House will culminate with the ASID Chairs for Charity Event & Auction benefiting Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

With the purchase of a $10 ticket, guests of Art House will support arts education in CUSD schools while at the same time benefiting from it through their participation in the daily seminars and activities. A complete schedule of daily activities will be available at http://www.orangecoastarthouse.com/ starting August 25. Additionally, all the artwork on display at Art House will be available for purchase with a percentage of proceeds going directly to the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation.

Charities benefiting from Art House:
Capistrano Unified School District Foundation – To assist in providing dynamic and inspiring arts education to the more than 50,000 students enrolled in the CUSD as well as supplemental resources for teachers and staff, the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation will receive 100% of proceeds from Art House daily ticket sales, a portion of the proceeds from tickets sold to the VIP Preview Party on September 11, as well as any art sold during Art House.

Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) – ASID Chairs for Charity Event & Auction (Sunday, September 21, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.): One-of-a-kind chairs, designed by members of ASID, will be on display in the Art House throughout the 8 day event, culminating with a silent and live auction on September 21. For tickets to this event, contact the CHOC Foundation at 714.532.8690.

Tickets to the 2008 Art House are $10 per person (Children 12 and under are free) and may be purchased by calling 949.862.1133. For additional information about daily events and the various evening galas held at Art House visit http://www.orangecoastarthouse.com/.

Sprinkle Some Suga This Holiday - Lowd Suga by Arianne Zucker

Looking for great girlfriend gifts? Look no further.

Lowd Suga is fast becoming a celeb favorite cheap-chic jewelry line. Designed and hand-crafted by Days of our Lives star, Arianne Zucker, the line is inspired by life in and around L.A. While all the Lowd Suga’ designs are priced under $100, they pack enough bling to take you from the supermarket to the red carpet and everywhere in between. Here is a link to the Lowd Suga’ line for Holiday 2008, including everything from long chandelier earrings, bold bracelets and delicate necklaces to a men’s collection - http://www.lowdsuga.com/Line-sheet-08.html.