Terra Collection Launches First Line Of Environmentally-Minded Shirts


FROM THE EARTH, FOR THE EARTH
Terra Collection Launches First Line Of Environmentally-Minded Shirts
Costa Mesa, CA – November 18, 2008 -- Terra Collection, an organic T-shirt company with a global mission, is proud to announce the debut of its environmentally-minded t-shirt line – The Terra Tee Project.

With the purchase of each Terra Tee Project t-shirt, 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 features four t-shirt designs in styles for women - one for earth, air, water and life. A men's line is set to follow in early 2009.
Consumers have the option to choose which charity they would like to donate to or let Terra Collection determine the beneficiary. The following charities will be the first of the Terra Tee Project benefactors:

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

With designs inspired by California's miles of picturesque coastline, wild meadows, and blue skies, each t-shirt made right here in the USA of organic cotton is designed to make a statement and feel like your long-time favorite. With a hint of retro and a nod to sophisticated artisan design, a Terra Tee Project tee will be a go-to fashion statement for a night out, a hike in the woods or over your bathing suit when headed to the beach.

"I have been dreaming about this concept for the last three years. Since the birth of my son, I have felt a deepening desire and commitment to protecting the world we all live in." explains Jennifer Capaci, Terra Collection CEO. "This project has become a passion for our whole family. My husband, our friend Sean and I have been working late nights perfecting the designs, lining up the charities and getting the tee shirts to market, and now it has all become a reality. I could not be more excited about this moment."

Available for purchase on http://www.terracollection.com/, the shirts will retail from $59 - $65. Charities who would like to benefit from the Terra Tee Project can also submit their organization for consideration on the website as well.

The product of the long-time dream of a gal-on-the-go and mother of two, the Terra Tee Project line was created by Jennifer Capaci as an extension of her commitment to leaving a living legacy for future generations. The Terra Tee Project line and parent company Terra Collection were named as a nod to Jennifer's husband's Italian heritage with the Italian name for "earth."
http://www.terracollection.com/

Holiday Entertaining on a Budget with KABC

We LOVE Jane Monreal of KABC -- Talk about beautiful, fun and professional. She just came to Orange County to tape a "Holiday Entertaining on a Budget" story with the talented Chef Jamie Gwen and the ever-fabulous Brian Dobbin. Chef Jamie made all of the food while Brian brought to life an article about him and his home entertaining ideas for the holiday in Orange Coast's November issue.

Check out the story here: www.orangecoastmagazine.com

12@ELDEN LAUNCH PARTY + GREEN AWARDS INVITE




Save the date
Thursday, December 4 from 6:00-9:00 pm

Come check out bettershelter's latest "hybrid housing" development - 12@ELDEN in Costa Mesa. Not only are they launching the eco-friendly homes that night, they are also hosting the first-ever bettershelter green awards, celebrating the best of green in Orange County.
Think you are green enough to win? There is still time to enter. Call for entries deadline -- Nov. 18th. Go to www.bettershelter.com to download a form.

Thanksgiving Tabletop Tips by stylemaker Diana Martin


According to gift expert and style maker, Diana Martin the Thanksgiving table this year should be all about embellishments, details and the personal touch. The table is more than just a table. It reflects who we are and how we live. It’s the place we break bread, convene with family and friends, celebrate a holiday, toast life’s most important, as well as most private moments. The table is filled with memories of the past and those to be written in the future. It’s a blank canvas inviting your personal expression and creativity.

Diana Martin’s Tips for a memorable Thanksgiving table:
Votives create intimacy ~ people look best in candlelight. Small votives along the table or scattered will enhance the evening’s warmth, mood and conversation
Add your personal favorites to the table ~ an antique silver cup is ideal to hold flowers or a special paperweight for decoration; small is ok!
Create a table as unique as the moment ~ mix and match traditional place settings with art glass, hammered metal, ceramics. Use different surfaces such as a mirror placemat with linen placemats and cloisonne napkin rings.
Comfort is extremely important, even in the grandest of occasions. Create a sense of real luxury and ease by expressing your personal style with your table setting. Items that appear to be imposing, artificial or impersonal are taboo.
Scent is just as important as the visual. Fresh garden flowers, herbs, branches are just as aromatically enticing as the apple pie or roast turkey in the oven.
Quality wine glasses are a must. Riedel offers a wide variety of precisely engineered glasses for all kinds of wines and spirits in a range of prices.
Think about the tone of the evening and your guest list when creating your table setting
Be organized! When you go to someone’s house and they’re not ready for dinner, it’s stressful. Have the table set and platters out. Think about where the guest will sit. When you are organized, you are more at ease and so will the guests.
When in doubt, less is more! Simple is chic. Remember, it only takes one fabulous thing to make your guests feel great. Make one special drink or cook the juiciest roast turkey.


About the pumpkins pictured:
According to Diana Martin of Diana Martin Gifts, “These are one of my most favorite gifts during the Thanksgiving season,. Pumpkins are symbolic of appreciation, thoughtfulness and abundance. That is why they are traditionally given during Thanksgiving, although pumpkins can be given throughout the year.

These pumpkins are all individually hand-blown by an artist. The stems are metallic in silver and the glass is brilliant, warm and inviting. The craftsmanship is flawless. We have commissioned this artist for several projects. The small range in $300 and the large about $900.”

Enter a World of Comfortable Luxury and Artful Living -- http://www.dianamartingifts.com/

BETTER FOR THE EVIRONMENT. BETTER LIVING.







Green. Sustainable. Re-Use. Recycle. No matter what word you use, the newly released eco-friendly homes at 12@ELDEN (2379 Elden Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627) exemplify 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. 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.”

A community for like-minded people, eastside Costa Mesa’s 12@ELDEN is the latest offering from bettershelter (www.bettershelter.com), the cutting edge development team behind the highly touted, 1.7 Ocean. By mixing green elements into their signature coastal modern aesthetic, 12@ELDEN is an inspired example of smart design coupled with green building techniques and materials, creating a home that is timeless in both design and philosophy.

For the 12 California bungalows on the property, every detail from the building process to the interiors, appliances and grounds were conceived to give home buyers the total green experience including two community organic gardens.

Bettershelter principles Steve Jones and Pete Zehnder, both surf and skate industry veterans, developed 12@ELDEN to give OC’s design savvy buyers a housing option that is both accessible to the beach, promotes the concept of community and embodies the kind of responsible living that most of us aspire to. “12@ELDEN celebrates community and sustainable building practices through thoughtful architecture and landscape design,” says principle Steve Jones. “We all strive to do the right thing; 12@ELDEN moves in the right direction.”

In an effort to minimize the environmental impact of their development, bettershelter maintained the original footprint of the Elden bungalows built in 1963, with each home undergoing a frame-off re-development using environmentally friendly practices and materials. Each home features:
§ Forest Stewardship Council certified flooring or recycled floors
§ Low VOC paint
§ Energy efficient windows and doors
§ Options for solar energy and more.
§ Two bedrooms and one bath
§ Open floor plan
§ Private outdoor spaces
§ Fireplace
§ Garage
§ And more – see attached list.

With lot sizes ranging up to 2000 square feet, each of the homes is approximately 1100 square feet and will start at $529,000. Eight homes have two bedrooms and two baths while four homes have two bedrooms and on bath. There are two models open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

Orange Coast Magazine on KTLA



If you ever have to be at work at 4:00 in the morning, Allie McKay of KTLA is the one you want to be with! Hysterical, right on and a total pro, she got the juice from local psychics on Obama's election, the future of the country and what his first 100 days in office will be.



If you want to find out your future, go to Orange Coast's website for the complete list of Orange County's best psychics. http://www.orangecoastmagazine.com/article2.aspx?id=10846

Ouch! No Gifts! Diana Martin Offers Tips On How To Show Appreciation In Tough Economic Times




With these hard economic times, it more important than ever to show your loved ones and those you work that that you care. Diana Martin of Diana Martin Gifts offers tips and gift ideas on her blog. Gifts like the votives, stationery and throw are among her top picks.
Check out the link here: http://dianamartingifts.blogspot.com/

Diana Martin Gifts Gives Entertaining Tips




Diana Martin, a gift and lifestyle expert, offers the following thoughts and tips on entertaining this holiday season.

A sentimental and traditional setting is given a modern twist with style. It is all about embellishments, details and the personal touch.

The table is more than just a table. It reflects who we are and how we live. It’s the place we break bread, convene with family and friends, celebrate a holiday, toast life’s most important, as well as most private moments. The table is filled with memories of the past and those to be written in the future. It’s a blank canvas inviting your personal expression and creativity.

Diana Martin’s Tips for a memorable holiday table:

Votives create intimacy ~ people look best in candlelight. Small votives along the table or scattered will enhance the evening’s warmth, mood and conversation

Add your personal favorites to the table ~ an antique silver cup is ideal to hold flowers or a special paperweight for decoration; small is ok!

Create a table as unique as the moment ~ mix and match traditional place settings with art glass, hammered metal, ceramics. Use different surfaces such as a mirror placemat with linen placemats and cloisonne napkin rings.

Comfort is extremely important, even in the grandest of occasions. Create a sense of real luxury and ease by expressing your personal style with your table setting. Items that appear to be imposing, artificial or impersonal are taboo.

Scent is just as important as the visual. Fresh garden flowers, herbs, branches are just as aromatically enticing as the apple pie or roast turkey in the oven.

Quality wine glasses are a must. Riedel offers a wide variety of precisely engineered glasses for all kinds of wines and spirits in a range of prices.

Think about the tone of the evening and your guest list when creating your table setting

Be organized! When you go to someone’s house and they’re not ready for dinner, it’s stressful. Have the table set and platters out. Think about where the guest will sit. When you are organized, you are more at ease and so will the guests.

When in doubt, less is more! Simple is chic. Remember, it only takes one fabulous thing to make your guests feel great. Make one special drink or cook the juiciest roast turkey.

bettershelter to host bettershelter green awards

BETTERSHELTER GREEN AWARDS
BETTER IDEAS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

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

Costa Mesa, CA – October 22, 2008–- bettershelter, the cutting edge development team behind the eco-friendly community 12@ELDEN and 1.7 Ocean, has just announced a call for entries for the first ever bettershelter green awards.

Celebrating the greenest of green in Orange County in 2008, winners in each category will be selected by a distinguished jury and 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 an opportunity 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 accepting entries in the following categories:

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

To download an entry form, go to www.bettershelter.com. Deadline for all entries and materials is November 18. To be eligible, all projects must be completed between October 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008.

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. 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”.

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