GUILTY PLEASURES -- Spring Awakening Rocks the OC



The Tony Award-Winning HIT musical Spring Awakening is making it's Orange County debut at the Orange County Performing Arts Center this month and I, for one, cannot wait to see it!

In celebration of its debut, following a performance of the show, BRAVO! Young Professionals for The Center - a support group of the Orange County Performing Arts Center - is hosting a Spring Awakening Cast Party in conjunction with Sports Club/LA on Thursday, November 19. (see invite for details) Bravo members and invited guests will be rocking out and sipping Stella Artois and cocktails from Skyy Vodka while mixing and mingling with the all-star cast of this incredible show.

Click here to get a sneak preview of the show and listen to the soundtrack- http://www.springawakening.com/home.php

To get more information about BRAVO! or the Spring Awakening Cast Party and Show, please contact Rachel Scandling at the OCPAC - 714.556.2122, x4259 or email her at rscandling@ocpac.org.

O-Mama Joins the Momversation!




What do your kids have in common with Michael Jackson? Are your kids overscheduled and stressed out? Are you sprinting from school to practice to tutors to meetings to shoveling dinner in the car to bed only to do it all again the next day??? Two Opinionated Mama's shared their opinions on this overachieving and completely unrewarding social phenomenon rampant amongst American families today in the news blog on O-Mama.com and as guest bloggers on Momversations.com.




Thanks to Momversations for the great opportunity! Click here to read the whole story...
http://www.o-mama.com/articles/view/i-ll-be-there-an-opinionated-mom-s-perspective-on-the-scary-life-of-michael-jackson

TOMS Shoes on CNBC's The Entrepreneurs Tonight


M daughter loves TOMS Shoes.

We even went to an event to buy her a pair and a pair for our son, who at the time was only 9months old. It just so happened that Blake, the founder of TOMS, was at the event. My daughter was SOOOO excited to meet him, she had him sign her new TOMS and our baby's new TOMS - just like a celebrity.

You've got to love a business success story that gets 10 year old girls thinking you - the entrepreneur - are a true celebrity.

To see more on TOMS Shoes' success story - check out tonight's CNBC's "The Entrepreneurs" 10pm eastern. http://www.cnbc.com/id/26565293


PS - SHHH. Don't tell.

Our daughter will be getting a new pair of TOMS for Christmas as we try to help Casey Cochran of the Green Guide Network put 1000 pairs of TOMS shoes on kids in need. He will be running the Santa Barbara Marathon barefoot to raise awareness.

A NEW KIND OF FOOTPRINT




Green Guide Network CEO Casey Cochran to Run the Santa Barbara Marathon Barefoot In Support of TOMS Shoes Mission to Raise Money and Awareness of Children’s Need for Footwear for Worldwide



Laguna Beach, CA -- Casey’s feet have already logged over 75 miles in 3 different states in three months. He has been hit by a Hummer, gotten stares from people, and his feet hurt but nothing is deterring him from running a marathon barefoot for a good cause.

As a regular supporter of sustainability initiatives worldwide CEO and Founder of the Green Guide Network, Casey Cochran will be running the Santa Barbara Marathon (December 6) barefoot in support of TOMS Shoes’ mission. His barefoot efforts will help to raise awareness and provide shoes to children in need worldwide with the goal of improving their health, education and quality of life.

“It’s been an interesting process – the idea came to me running one evening on the beach. I wanted to do something that raise awareness for a genuine charity as well as challenge myself personally.”

Casey’s goal is to put over 1000 pairs of shoes on kids feet worldwide and is now collecting sponsors and donations. Those interested in supporting his quest, can donate to the cause two different ways:


1) Buy a pair of shoes on TOMSshoes.com (using Casey’s link: http://www.tomsshoes.com/default.asp?aid=4xxx&linkID=4xxx) for yourself or a friend. TOMS will then give a pair of new shoes to a child in need on your behalf. TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.


2) Donate any amount of money at http://www.friendsoftoms.org/ that will go directly to Friends of TOMS, a non-profit dedicated to eradicating Podoconiosis, a debilitating disease that plagues those who walk barefoot in silica-rich soil. Podo is 100% preventable just by wearing shoes! TOMS gives shoes to children in Ethiopia weekly to prevent the spread of Podo. Be sure to enter “Casey Cochran” in the “In Honor Of” field on the Friends of TOMS donation page, so Casey can keep track of donations.


The Santa Barbara Marathon will be Casey’s 4th marathon bid but first barefoot attempt. Anyone interested in sponsoring Casey in this effort should contact: Casey@greenguidenetwork.com


ABOUT CASEY COCHRAN
Casey Cochran doesn’t wear socks. (Saving himself gallons of water each year.)
He also doesn’t buy new furniture, new clothes or pay over $10 a month in electricity bills. Thanks to his commitment to living green, he has learned to be creative, innovative and economical when it comes to life’s necessities and luxuries.



An avid climber and music enthusiast, he travels frequently and his signature style is so right on, that he was just recognized by Orange Coast magazine as an 2009 OC LOOK honoree, a list of Orange County’s most stylish people.


After a beginning his career in advertising, then transitioning to real estate, Casey found his calling when he launched the OC Green Guide in 2006. What began as a list of his own personal favorite local “green” resources, markets, products and events soon expanded with the help of friends and colleagues. In 2009, the OC Green Guide became the Green Guide Network and Casey’s full time job.


Says Casey, “Whether due to necessity or by design, the people I've met in other parts of the world seem to consume less and care about their environment more and are just generally better informed. My goal in establishing and expanding the Green Guide Network is to create a tool that can spark that kind of awareness at a very local, grassroots level and help change the mindset of people in the cities we come to.”


As one who practices what he preaches, Casey is often turned to as a green expert by the media with features in Orange Coast magazine, Greer’s OC, the Orange County Register, Treehugger.com and the Sierra Club.


ABOUT THE GREEN GUIDE NETWORK
The Green Guide Network’s grassroots, ultra-local perspective provides specific, up-to-the-minute info on the latest green initiatives, people, products and organizations in each city, including: Environmental Organizations & Events; Local Farmers Markets & Natural Foods Restaurants; Outdoor Sports & Activities; Recycling Centers; Natural Health; Fitness & Body Care; Transportation; Kids, Pets & Family; and Green Homes & Gardens.


The Green Guide Network is for people looking for honest information about eco-friendly products and services in their local area, as well as information on how to live a greener life including: Daily news briefs on eco-focused businesses; Living green tips; Direct links to many green and health-oriented businesses;A live forum to chat freely with the GGN community; FREE weekly paperless newsletter and a nationwide Green Job Board, which is updated daily. http://www.greenguidenetwork.com/


ABOUT TOMS SHOES
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. To date, TOMS has given over 150,000 pairs* of shoes to children around the world. TOMS’ goal is to give 300,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need in 2009 – but with recent successes, TOMS is hopeful of giving even more.
*As of August 1, 2009

OC DESIGNER TAG SALE THIS SATURDAY!


Some of our favorite OC Designers and friends from the 2009 ASID Design Tour including Natalie Umbert, Rick Campos, Jolene Ballard, Amanda Malson, Steve Jones and many, many more have teamed up with some of their fab LA counterparts to bring you the FIRST OC Designer Tag Sale.



With NOTHING OVER $200, you will be able to find some fantastic pieces for unbelievable prices. And, the mini-consult you can get from the participating designers is your Gift With Purchase!

Check out the write up from Lisa Boone @ the LA TIMES -- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2009/10/the-deal-designer-tag-sale-saturday-in-costa-mesa-.html

GREAT DEALS FROM GREAT DESIGNERS, who could ask for more!! Shop early and pass the word!!

atelier natalie umbert To Particpate in High End Designer Tag Sale


Photos of the studio at atelier natalie umbert

HIGH-END DESIGNER TAG SALE
Saturday, October 24, 10am-2pm
466 East 18th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Vanessa Squared Productions, founded by interior designer Vanessa De Vargas and design editor Vanessa Kogevinas, is proud to present our second HIGH-END DESIGNER TAG SALE SHOPPING EVENT in conjunction with Amanda Malson and Jolene Ballard of Domicile Interior Design.

The Designer Tag Sale is an upscale interior designer yard/tag sale hosted by Keri Shrimpton that will feature over ten of Orange County and Los Angeles' top designers selling items from their personal inventories including small furniture such as side-tables, lamps, rugs, pillows, art, accessories and more at incredibly low prices! At our tag sales nothing is over $200, and prices run as low as $5. Lots of holiday gift potential!!

Domino and Sunset magazines recently held similar successful events.

The following interior designers are confirmed: Vanessa De Vargas of Turquoise, Jolene Ballard and Amanda Malson of Domicile Interior Design, Zak Graff of Barclay Butera, Lindsey Dann of Former Furniture, Krista Ewart of Krista Ewart Design, Natalie Umbert of Atelier Natalie Umbert, Rick Campos of Christopher Tracy Interiors, Steve Jones of Better Shelter, Keri Shrimpton of Keri Shrimpton Design, Krista Browne of Krista Browne Designs, Dianne Kraus of Green Tangerine, and Sabina Vavra of Madison West Interiors.

Vendors include Happy Mundane, m[E] Material Environment, Richie Design, The Red Velvet Company, SMARTY, and Yelp will participate as a media sponsor.

The Designer Tag Sale also features mini-consultations and appraisals by designers, a silent auction, a raffle and more. Entertainment includes a bar, light passed appetizers and beauty treatments.

Gift bags are offered to the first thirty attendees including gift certificates, coupons, and other fun items. Any left-over designer inventory is donated to The Sheepfold (a women with children’s shelter). Entry fee is $10. Cash only; designers will not have credit card capabilities.

We greatly look forward to your participation and support!

Casey Cochran of the Green Guide Network Voted One of The Most Stylish in Orange County

Casey Cochran, CEO and Founder of the Green Guide Network, is not only living green, running a national green resouce guide, helping others find green jobs, and training to run the Santa Barbara Marathon barefoot to raise money to help TOMS Shoes give shoes to kids in need, he is also now known for his "Sustainably Stylish" look.

Orange Coast magazine recently named him of the 15 most stylish in Orange County. Congrats!



Halsea For M-Edge Kindle Jackets Debuts + in 944

The new, super cute Halsea for M-Edge Kindle Jacket is now available to the public! Go to Halsea http://www.halsea.com/kindles.html or M-Edge www.buymedge.com to get yours now!



Thanks 944 for showcasing the Kindle Cover in your "Prep's Cool" article!

More about the Halsea for M-Edge Kindle Jacket...

AMAZON KINDLE GOES BEACH-CHIC WITH NEW ‘HALSEA FOR M-EDGE’ JACKETS


M-Edge announces partnership with Halsea, bringing a selection of beach-inspired patterns to its hit line of Kindle jackets

ODENTON, Md., (BUSINESS WIRE) – M-Edge Accessories – the leading provider of accessories for eReaders – announced today a new partnership with California-based accessories designer Sally Bartz of Halsea, a beach-chic travel bag and accessories company. M-Edge is launching a new, high-end line of protective Kindle covers featuring Halsea’s colorful beach-inspired fabrics and designs.

The Halsea for M-Edge Kindle jackets retail for $69.99, but are currently on sale for $59.99 for a limited time. The jackets are available in two patterns: Little Harbor, a classic lattice print with a bamboo twist in Kelp Green, Coffee Brown, and Navy Blue; and Boat Canyon, a charming pattern of crabs climbing on tangled rope available in Ocean Teal and Bonfire Brown. The Halsea for M-Edge covers will protect Kindle from damage while the colorful ocean-inspired patterns lend a beach-y tone to the beautifully constructed styles.

For M-Edge, the partnership was borne of the desire to diversify their standard line of protective leather Kindle covers into different materials and patterns. To that end, M-Edge CEO Patrick Mish looked no further than his own home for inspiration. His wife, a big fan of Halsea’s beach-inspired line of luxe luggage and stylish accessories, knew the prints would appeal to the sophisticated tastes of Kindlers.

“The Halsea for M-Edge jackets are guaranteed to make a splash in the Kindle accessories market,” says M-Edge CEO Patrick Mish. “With the Halsea for M-Edge jackets, we are proving our commitment to provide Kindle users with trendsetting, fashion-forward designs to outfit their devices. Halsea’s casual luxury mixed with the functionality of each of Sally’s designs is right in tune with the needs of the Kindle and M-Edge consumer, and we are thrilled with the results of our collaboration.”

For Halsea designer Sally Bartz, adding the Halsea for M-Edge Kindle jacket adds a new dimension to her line of travel bags and accessories, which features several styles in patterns and colors that mix and match.

“Having spent a lifetime at the beach, I know the first thing I throw into my beach bag or take on vacation is a great book. The partnership with M-Edge to design a cover for the increasingly popular Kindle is an organic extension of my current line and has given me an opportunity to bring the easy sophistication of Halsea to a cutting-edge industry,” says Bartz. “There are so many Kindlers who use their devices as a leisure activity or a vacation accessory and they deserve to transfer some of that ‘vacation style’ to outfitting their device.”

Timeless and brilliantly functional, every Halsea for M-Edge Kindle jacket is constructed of a laminated canvas with finishing touches of leather on the exterior, and a front flap that closes securely as well as folds back for easy reading via a hidden magnetic closure. The jacket’s interior is made of lush brown synthetic microsuede and includes a side pocket for storage of papers as well as a smaller business card pocket and pen loop. Kindle is held in place via a sturdy four-point mounting system made of soft brown leather. The jacket is also compatible with M-Edge’s innovative e-Luminator2 booklight, for use when reading in low-light environments.

About M-Edge Accessories, LLC
Founded in 2006 as an answer to the growing market for eReader accessories, M-Edge Accessories is a privately-held company headquartered in Odenton, Maryland. Over the past three years, M-Edge's product line has grown to include several lines of jackets for the most popular eBook devices on the market, including Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader, iRex DR1000, and Bookeen Cybook. M-Edge strives to continually develop inventive and stylish products to enhance the eReading experience all while providing superior customer service. The company has seen its jackets featured in O, The Oprah Magazine and People, among others, and continues to lead the market in cutting edge eReader accessories.

About Halsea
After more than a decade spent designing accessories for surf apparel giants such as Roxy, Volcom, and Paul Frank, Sally Bartz created Halsea in 2004 for women who embrace laid-back luxury and travel in style. The California 1970’s inspired line offers a wide selection of travel bags and essentials from roller duffels and suitcases to totes, cosmetic bags and clutch wallets available in each of Halsea’s four coordinating colorful, beach-inspired prints. Halsea’s travel bags and accessories have been spotted on TV from “How I Met Your Mother” to “Today” and “Good Morning America,” in magazines such as Coastal Living, Real Simple, Elle Accessories and many others, as well as on the arm of gals-on-the-go from Coast to Coast. Halsea also has celebrity fans including Jenna Fisher, Alison Sweeney, Vanessa Hudgens, among others. The complete Halsea collection is currently available to view and to purchase on the web at http://www.halsea.com/.

Amazon and Kindle are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Halsea for M-Edge and M-Edge e-Luminator are trademarks of M-Edge Accessories, LLC. All other brands and products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

SOURCE: M-Edge Accessories, LLC M-Edge Accessories, LLC Devon MishVice President, Public Relations & Marketing714.322.3097devonmish@buymedge.com For Halsea:Lauren Townsend/Allison OlmsteadTownsend Olmstead Media Co.lauren@tomediaco.com/allison@tomediaco.com949.722.8488http://www.tomediaco.com/

Meet the Newest Member of our Team...ALICIA TOWNSEND

Formerly our intern extraordinaire, Alicia Townsend now rejoins the TO Media Co. team as an Event Specialist, focused on creating media events and celebrations that bring the lifestyle brands and products represented by TO Media to life. Alicia is a creative and savvy event coordinator, who specializes in event celebrations of all kinds with experience planning and executing weddings, personal celebrations, and corporate functions throughout California.

Alicia has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from St. Mary’s College of California. Through her creativity, professionalism and attention to detail, Alicia has created lasting relationships with her clients while achieving their visions. Alicia’s passion for style and design translates into her event planning as she draws inspiration from legends such as Coco Chanel and Dolce & Gabana as well as cutting-edge contemporary designers and visionaries including Abigail Lorick, Philip Lim and Christian Loubitan.
They grow up so fast, I tell you...
WELCOME ALICIA!!
L&A


The Barefoot Marathon Runner- Casey Cochran of the Green Guide Marathon


These are Casey Cochran's feet.
Casey, the founder of the Green Guide Network, just told us that he is planning to run the Santa Barbara Marathon barefoot to raise money for kids who need shoes. Yes - Barefoot for all 26 miles! Crazy, amazing and noble. Gotta love the guy!
Over the next two months we will fill you in on all the details including the "how to donate" information.

Natalie Umbert + Romantic Homes Photo Shoot




Romantic Homes magazine was looking for houses for their COLOR issue. Natalie Umbert's home was so perfect for the story we had to pitch it! Editorial Director Jacqueline deMontravel, who had the one the cutest pair of shoes that I have seen lately, did an amazing job. I can't wait to see her home in print! Look for it on news stands in March.
Enjoy the snapshots I took of Natalie's place and the very grainy (Sorry!) photo of the two New Yorkers -Jacqueline and Natalie.




Bravo Sports Hits the Beach!!!

Congratulations to Tony, Barbara and the rest of the Bravo Sports team on this exciting new venture!! We love the new product (and so do our dermatologists!!)! Can't wait to hit the beach with you!!
BRAVO SPORTS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SEABREEZE PRODUCTS

Sporting Goods Leader Adds Seabreeze Products’ Beach Pockets® and
Beach Pockets® Umbrella to Its Expanding Outdoor Recreation Catalog






Santa Fe Springs, CA – September 22, 2009 -- Bravo Sports, a global leader in the outdoor recreation and sporting goods markets is proud to announce its exclusive partnership with Seabreeze Products. Effective immediately, Bravo Sports will manufacture and distribute Beach Pockets® and the Beach Pockets® Umbrella, Seabreeze Products’ most innovative and top-selling products.

In an exclusive licensing deal brokered between Bravo Sports CEO Tony Armand and Seabreeze Products founder and CEO, Barbara Bigford, Bravo Sports has licensed the patents and obtained the rights to manufacture and distribute Beach Pockets® and the Beach Pockets Umbrella® worldwide. This partnership marks Bravo Sports’ first foray into the beach equipment and accessories market as well as the culmination of nearly a decade of milestones for Seabreeze Products.

Says Armand, “Beach Pockets® and the Beach Pockets Umbrella® are high-quality products that integrate seamlessly into our expanding line of outdoor recreation necessities which already includes many consumer favorite brands such as Quik Shade, Moto Shade, Shade Tech, Quik Shade Décor, and Quik Chair. This partnership provides an incredible entrée into the beach equipment market as well as the opportunity to grow the Beach Pockets® brand through our extensive network of retailers. We look forward to working with Barbara to continue to fulfill her vision for the brand and build on her incredible success.”

"I am delighted with our association with Bravo,” adds Bigford. “Our major product, ‘Beach Pockets®,’ has become a standard for beach umbrellas nationwide by providing protection not only from the sun but also from the dangers of wind-blown umbrellas. The addition of the Seabreeze product line to Bravo’s catalog, with their world-wide distribution channels, will provide an excellent growth opportunity for both companies."

An easy to use product to stop your umbrella from blowing away, Beach Pockets® and the Beach Pockets® Umbrella were created by medical professional, artist and mother of three turned entrepreneur, Barbara Bigford. Patented by Bigford in 2002, Beach Pockets® are designed with three lightweight, collapsible pockets which attach to the umbrella pole via a bracket and retention screw. Just attach Beach Pockets® to the pole, fill the three pockets with sand and then pour the sand back out when you are ready to leave and you’ll never be chasing your umbrella down the beach again!

The Beach Pockets® Umbrella - dubbed “The Million Dollar Umbrella” by Marketwatch - comes with the coordinating Beach Pockets® and features skin-smart fabric that is SPF 50 or SPF 35. Currently available in 7 colors and styles with more options to come, Beach Pockets® can also be attached to the top of the umbrella to hold and protect personal items. Beach Pockets® retail for $19.95 and the Beach Pockets® Umbrella is available for $29.95 - $69.95 depending on fabric and design.

ABOUT SEABREEZE PRODUCTS, INC.
Seabreeze Products, Inc. an emerging manufacturer and distributor of its patented product, Beach Pockets®, has been in business since late 2002, although December 31, 2004 marked its first full year of operations. Over the last two years Seabreeze Products, Inc has grown over 400%. With exponential growth and media exposure including The Beach Pockets® Umbrella being named as the Best Summer Gadget on The View with Barbara Walters, a feature story on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, presentations on QVC, Celebrity Gift to the 2008 Golden Globes and countless newspaper articles around the country, Seabreeze Products, Inc is a real success story.
http://www.beachpockets.com/


ABOUT BRAVO SPORTS
Bravo Sports, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California, is a global leader in the recreational and sporting goods markets. With offices, factories and warehouses in the United States, Italy, Thailand and China, the Company’s operations truly span the globe. Since 1965, Bravo has provided the highest quality and most innovative products to sports and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. With a stable of market-leading brands including Pulse™, Quik Shade™, Moto Shade™, Airzone™, Tony Hawk™, World Industries™, Kryptonics™, Hyper™ and Variflex™ to go along with industry leading licenses with outstanding partners like Nickelodeon, Mattel and Disney, Bravo consistently seeks to exceed the expectations of its consumers and customers alike. At Bravo, the goal is simple – to create simply the best products for price in the world.
http://www.bravosportscorp.com/

Green Guide Network Interviews Mike Einziger of Incubus

Casey Cochran founder of the Green Guide Network just posted an interview with Mike Einziger of Incubus.

Below is a small portion from the interview. To read the full article, click here: http://www.greenguidenetwork.com/interview-detail/Interview-with-Mike-Einziger-of--Incubus-23/

Sep 17 09

Interview with Mike Einziger of Incubus

The California-based, five-piece Incubus, well-known for hit singles that include "Pardon Me," "Drive," "Nice to Know You," and "Wish You Were Here" has been touring this summer to promote their latest compilation "Monuments and Melodies" released June 16. The two-CD set features previously released singles as well as a collection of rarities, B-sides and never released tracks.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with the group's guitarist Mike Einziger at the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco. He spoke candidly about his thoughts on the environment, the group's non-profit The Make Yourself Foundation (MYF), as well as his experiences as a student at Harvard University where he's currently enrolled.

GGN: Since Incubus launched the Make Yourself Foundation (MYF) in 2003 as a non-profit organization, you've raised more than $1.2 million to date and funded a variety of worthwhile causes including Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay, Save the Music and Operation Smile, how often do you guys actually link up and talk about which causes to fund?

Mike: We usually talk about which causes to fund when we're on the road touring. It's pretty open, everyone makes suggestions and if someone hears about an organization that could possibly benefit from MYF then we check it out. We don't really have a set schedule for talking about these things.

www.greenguidenetwork.com