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.

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/.

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

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.
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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.
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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.






Over 75 OC Companies Submit To Become The Recipent of 1st Ever bettershelter green awards

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).

Over 75 have submitted applications to possibly win a bettershelter green award already. 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

The bettershelter green awards winners will be 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) + Steve Jones and Pete Zehnder from bettershelter

To go to the event or get more info, go to: http://www.bettershelter.com/

Terra Collection's First Line - Terra Tee Project - Hits the web!

Check out these following fab bloggers - My It Things, StyleHive and Green Glam Girl - who just recently posted info about Terra Collection's first line of organic T-shirts - Terra Tee Project.




To view the complete line - go to www.terracollection.com

Diana Martin Gifts Launches New Website For Must Have Gifts


For over 20 years, Diana Martin's distinguished clients have trusted her to select a beautiful and meaningful gift for any occasion. With her exquisite taste and sensitivity to a gift’s possible impact, Martin can find a fitting tribute for valued friends, clients and associates.

Beginning November 24, anyone with an eye for style and the desire to gift artfully will have access to Diana’s wealth of expertise through her re-branded company and website at dianamartingifts.com.

“After working with VIPS of world business and celebrities, my goal with the launch of dianamartingifts.com is to be a resource where anyone can choose from a variety of gifts that are inspired by luxury, art and creativity and feel confident in their selection,” says Martin, “My gift collections bring luxury and style to everyday life no matter what the budget.”

Personal Gifting Services
Assisting with personal gifting needs, year-round.

Consulting Services: One-on-one consulting services with Diana Martin
Special Events: Theme development and implementation
Artists Commissions: Specially designed gifts by our internationally renowned artists

Corporate Gifting Services
Assisting your company in recognizing career milestones, employee achievement and showing appreciation and goodwill to colleagues and clients
Consulting Services: Analysis, development and implementation of a variety of corporate incentive programs.
DM Client Cycle Gift Program: A custom designed business support program created to help our clients grow their business.
Special Projects: One-of-a kind gifts or awards for a specific event or project.
Award/Incentive Programs: Custom award design, theme creation, collateral materials and room gifts.
International Gifts: Expertise in international protocols and cultural nuances.
Client Appreciation and Loyalty: Loyalty programs to show appreciation and engender goodwill.
CEO/Board of Director/Executive Events: Mergers and Acquisitions, Holidays, Retreats, CEO/Board Management Transitions, Congratulations, VIP events, Top Secret projects, Retirements, Appreciation, Special gifts for special occasions, One-of-a-kind gifts for those who have everything.
Occasion-marking Gifts: Retirements, Holidays, Grand Openings, Commemorations

About DianaMartinGifts.com
Dianamartingifts.com is a valuable resource for artful gifting with quality and style.

Throughout the site, Diana Martin guests will have the opportunity to shop from the carefully selected Diana Martin Collection of gifts, get all the news about the latest trends straight from the expert herself, and learn how to artfully gift the Diana Martin way.

Additionally, corporate clients will have access to the tools necessary to integrate and manage a successful corporate gifting program with the Diana Martin Client Gift Cycle Program™ - a patented gifting program that can be personalized and managed online at dianamartingifts.com.

Click here to experience the luxury of Diana Martin Gifts – http://www.dianamartingifts.com/

Pixie Dust Decor Launches New Website!

You HAVE to check out the long awaited Pixie Dust Decor website! In addition to the darling decor fabrics for little ones, it features the best in crib bedding, floor pillows (or "poufs" and "tuffets" as designer Stacy McCallum calls them), the softest bibs ever, and more!

Wanted something custom done for your child's space - that is no problem here either. Be on the look out for her new fabric - Chateau Charlotte - soon!

www.pixiedustdecor.com