BODY DESIGN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS AS PREMIERE ATHLETIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

Long Term Success of Clients Fuels Owner Susan Tobiessen

Newport Beach, CA -- Body Design, Newport Beach's premiere athletic, wellness, Pilates and Gyrotonic center for women, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Specializing in individually designed fitness programs that bring professional attention to each client’s physical fitness needs, Body Design started in 1986 and has built an extensive and devoted clientele, while offering the best equipment and trainers the fitness industry has to offer.


Over the years, Body Design has grown in size and in the programs and amenities it offers, but the original goal of partnering with clients to help them obtain personal success has remained the same and is the core reason the fitness facility is so successful. Body Design got its start in 1986 on Pacific Coast Highway across from the Balboa Bay Club, moving to Newport Center Drive, next to the Newport Sports Museum, in 2000 to expand its growing business. Ready to expand their amenities and services yet again, Body Design moved in 2005 to its current location in the penthouse suite above Edwards Cinemas’ Big Newport Theaters with more than 6,400 square feet and panoramic ocean views.

“Since 1986, it has been our goal to provide a safe, healthy and positive environment, while empowering clients by giving them the knowledge and support to achieve their personal health and fitness goals,” says owner Susan Tobiessen. “We value our long term relationships with clients and feel blessed to have been in the fitness and health business for so long can see the difference we have made in our client’s lives over the last 25 years.”

With a loyal following throughout Orange County, Body Design boasts several clients that have been working out at the gym for the full 25 years. For those who have been frequenting the gym for decades, it has become almost like a private club full of support and camaraderie, and for many is their favorite part of the day.

Under the direction of Susan Tobiessen, the full-service athletic and wellness center boasts a stress-free atmosphere that allows clients to work out in a friendly, spa-like environment, and individually designed programs. The athletic and wellness center offers the following services and more:

• Pilates

• GYROTONIC®

• Weight Training

• Physical Therapy

• Fitness Classes

• Massage Therapy

• Spa Services, including Therapeutic Body Treatments, Skin Care and Endermologie

# # #

Personal training. Personal attention.

210 Newport Center Drive, Ste 3, Newport Beach, CA 92660
phone: 949.719.2600
fax: 949.719.2626

getfit@bodydesignonline.com

Tech + Gadget Geeks GO Crazy For Blacktop 360's Party Hub


In the last few days, Tech and Gadget Geeks have been posting stories about the
Blacktop 360 Party Hub Grill Fryer....Here are some of them:


http://uncrate.com/stuff/blacktop-360-grill-fryer/


http://gizmodo.com/5858472/this-deep+frying-portable-grill-is-a-jack-of-all-noms

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/11/party-hub-outdoor-grill-with-deep-fat-fryer/

http://onespot.wsj.com/technology/2011/11/11/16778/the-blacktop-360-is-like-a-portable-fast

http://www.geekosystem.com/portable-grill-deep-fryer-blacktop-360/

http://geeks.thedailywh.at/2011/11/11/combination-grill-and-deep-fat-fryer-of-the-day/

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/11/the-blacktop-36.php

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/party-hub-blacktop-360-fryer-cooks-pretty-much-anything-13-11-2011/

http://crnchy.com/stuff/blacktop-360-grill-fryer-time-to-get-cooking/

http://design.kitchensatlanta.com/2011/11/blacktop-360-portable-fryer-and-grill/

http://www.ohgizmo.com/2011/11/11/this-now-this-is-a-grill/

http://www.kitchencontraptions.com/archives/038958.php

http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2011/11/always-be-covering-le-gril-what-the-hell-is-that.html

http://www.neatorama.com/2011/11/11/deep-frying-portable-grill/

http://newshubtoday.net/?p=107464&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ridiculous-party-hub-lets-you-cook-grill-and-deep-fry-outdoors

http://www.thatsnerdalicious.com/cooking-gadgets/the-blacktop-360-is-the-swiss-army-knife-of-portable-grills/

http://www.plunderguide.com/blacktop-360-grill/

http://www.gadgetking.com/2011/11/11/bravo-sports-149186-blacktop-360-premium-party-hub-grill-blackblue/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/lifestyle/ridiculous-party-hub-lets-you-cook-grill-and-deep-fry-outdoors/

http://www.gizmodiva.com/home_improvement/blacktop-360-grill-fryer-is-for-the-hungry-hound.php?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blacktop-360-grill-fryer-is-for-the-hungry-hound

http://www.theportlandegotist.com/news/national/2011/november/11/blacktop-360-product-commercial-its-kinda-insane-so-insane-it-might-w

http://snackattacktme.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/blacktop-360-party-hub-grill-fryer/

http://richvibe.com/gear/blacktop-360-grill-fryer/

http://itlounge.eu/party-hub-blacktop-360-fryer-cooks-pretty-much-anything/

http://elitechoice.org/2011/11/14/the-blacktop-360-portable-grill/

Bravo Sports Top Holiday Gifts For Kids On The GO

Seeing double? We at Bravo Sports Corp., global leader in the recreational and sporting goods markets, hope so!


The new technology has allowed us to create a skateboard with two graphics in one, the Dual Vision 31” Skateboards ($29) for the first time this holiday. Other firsts this holiday include Pulse’s first electronic scooter ever, the Pulse Charger Electric ($99), which is available in various colors, as well as the new Pulse Omega Scooter ($44), which is the Pulse brand’s first scooter geared for younger kids (5+)with this oversized wheels and deck brake.

Two fans favorites are also going to be big this holiday with the younger set. Kids learning skateboard tricks can try them out on the Tony Hawk Kickflipper ($19) while movie fans of Spiderman can ride on 28”Spiderman Skateboards ($24).

No matter what the other fads during the holidays, there is one thing that remains the same. Kids still love outdoor toys they can ride. 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™, Birdhouse™, Darkstar™, Kryptonics™, Hyper™, Blacktop 360™ and Variflex™ to go along with industry leading licenses with outstanding partners like Nickelodeon, Mattel, Cartoon Network and Disney, Bravo consistently seeks to exceed the expectations of its consumers and customers alike.



20TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT PLAYHOUSE® AWARD WIINERS ANNOUNCED

Irvine, CA -- Project Playhouse®, the signature annual fundraiser benefitting HomeAid OC, a nonprofit organization benefiting homeless families in Southern California, has announced this year’s award winning playhouses for 2011.  The 20th Anniversary fantasy playhouses are currently on display at the Edwards Court at Irvine Spectrum Center® through November 11. Project Playhouse Village is open Fridays 12-4, Saturday and Sunday 12-6. Tickets for these dates are $2, children 3 and under are free. www.projectplayhouse.org.

Little Diamond Head by Nicholson Companies -WINNER, GRAND AWARD – BEST IN SHOW. BEST INTERIOR DESIGN AND THE KERMIT DORIUS AWARD – BEST ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Sir Lyon’s Castle by William Lyon Homes – WINNER, THE IMAGINATION AWARD


Tradepartners® Tribute in honor of Chuck Dreyer by Shea Homes – WINNER, GRAND AWARD RUNNER UP AND BEST CRAFTSMAN AWARD


Over the Rainbow Cottage by Team HomeAid – WINNER, BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN


For a chance to take a playhouse home, tickets for the 20th Anniversary Celebration, held on November 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Club, are $275 per person and can be purchased online at projectplayhouse.org. Guests will enjoy the spirited live auction, fine dining, and silent auction as well as a performance by Super Diamond, the ever-popular Neil Diamond cover band. The evening will also be a tribute to General William Lyon for his 20 years of dedication to HomeAid.

Pre-bidding for the playhouses will be hosted at www.FRE.com/HomeAid  beginning on October 7 at 5 pm through November 11 at 12 noon. Pictures and complete descriptions of each of the award winning entries are also available on the website.

Visitors to the Project Playhouse village throughout the month of October will also have a chance to purchase tickets for an opportunity drawing to win HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover. The opportunity drawing package, valued at $33,000, includes KitchenAid Stainless Steel Appliances donated by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Custom Cabinetry by Hartmark Cabinet Design and Manufacturing and Countertops by Famosa Tile and installation by Epic Stone. Tickets to enter the opportunity drawing can be purchased for $5 each. The winner will be announced at the 20th Anniversary Project Playhouse Celebration. Entrants do not need to be present to win.

Since its debut nearly two decades ago, Project Playhouse has captivated millions of visitors, raised a total of $5.8 million and enlisted more than 10,000 volunteers. The result — 47 housing developments and 1,000 beds, providing 4.2 million bed nights over the last 22 years and 386,535 bed nights in 2010 serving victims of domestic violence, abused children and homeless families.

ABOUT HOMEAID OC
HomeAid Orange County is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, with a mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless men, women and children can rebuild their lives.

Since 1989, HomeAid OC has raised millions of dollars and created partnerships between residential builders and county service providers to achieve a common goal. The total project value of HomeAid OC is an estimated $57,643,176 and three new developments are currently in progress with an estimated value of $9,020,260. The mission continues and HomeAid remains committed to changing lives and inspiring hope in those who need it most. For more information, please visit http://www.homeaidoc.org/.

Vonny Casserole Carrier Giving Back to Feeding America

Los Angeles, CA – Vonny, a tote and accessories designer that mixes Southern hospitality with LA style, is proud to announce its campaign to give 5% of its sales of the popular Casserole Carrier on http://www.vonny.com/  from Nov. 1, 2011 through Feb. 28. 2012 to Feeding America, whose mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. http://www.feedingamerica.org/


Vonny has found success with its line of “fashion for your food” totes by combining style and function when it comes to carrying favorite dishes to family parties, tailgate gatherings and holiday get-togethers. “As family and friends take their favorite dishes to holiday and New Years parties or as they celebrate Valentine’s Day,” says designer Vonny Faucheux. “it is important for us as a company to remember those who need the comfort of a good meal and food on the table. That is why we wanted to give back to Feeding America.”

The Vonny Casserole Carrier has been one of the company’s most popular products, thanks to features in the media such, as the Today Show and Live With Regis and Kelly. Vonny just expanded the line to carry six prints in the casserole carrier including, Magnolia, bright yellow flowers on a pink background; St. Charles, yellow, pink and green stripes; Mardi Gras, colorful dots; Black and White Bohemian, a graphic black and white floral pattern; Carnival (retro red and white sunbursts); and Orange Daiquiri, a colorful striped pattern.

More about the Vonny Casserole Carrier:
Available for $48, the casserole carrier is the perfect way to tote your favorite dish to gatherings, family and tailgate parties and potluck dinners with friends. Completely insulated to maintain food’s temperature whether hot or cold, the vonny Casserole Carrier is made with a laminated printed canvas exterior for easy maintenance and a bright colored interior designed to fit a standard 9x13 dish generously. It also features an exterior pocket large enough to hold your serving utensils, an interior pocket for hot/cold packs and a convenient Velcro handle. Available at http://www.vonny.com/

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Orange County Register Writes About Project Playhouse

Roxanne Hack of the Orange County Register just wrote about this year's Project Playhouse at The Irvine Spectrum.  So this weekend I took one of my kids to check out the finished project since the last time we posted a story, it was on installation day. 

The home builders behind each playhouse are so creative and the finished product is inspiring. Below are some of our shots of the playhouses: Little Diamond Head by Nicholson Companies, TradePartners Tribute in honor of Chuck Dreyer by Shea Homes, Over the Rainbow Cottage by Team HomeAid and Sir Lyon's Castle. 

Sir Lyon's Castle:







Little Diamond Head:





Trade Partner's Tribute:






Over The Rainbow (sorry that I don't have any interior shots - they all turned out blurry for some reason!):





NINE ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN CREATE A HOT SPOT TO SHOP WHILE BUILDING BRANDS

What happens when nine women pool their resources and creative genius? One hot spot to shop for gifts, fashion, décor, beauty and accessories.


Nine women, most of whom were friends already, joined together one year ago to create their own shopping center by rehabing a building that had been sitting vacant for nearly five years and turned it into one of Orange County’s hottest shopping spots (as named by local lifestyle guide

Orange Coast Magazine). The Cove, a hip and newly re-purposed shopping destination on Newport Beach’s Mariner’s Mile, is home to local designers and lifestyle and retail brands focused on women, children, home décor, jewelry, beauty and fashion, including: Blend, Clarity RX Skin Wellness Boutique, Laura Matthews Designs, Little Relics, Little Stylings, MerMade Designs, Posey Couture, Studio Fringe, and The Hat Loft.

For jewelry and accessories designers like Laura Matthews, Caitlin Whelan (she’s only 20 years old!), and Paige Van Rensselaer-Kunkle is was a chance to have a shop to showcase their creations. For others like Beth Zehnder and Amy Rosten, opening a shop at The Cove fulfilled a lifetime dream of owning their own retail store. For Karla Keane, Merideth Fleener and Pam Terry, they already had established, successful businesses for years but wanted a headquarters and storefront that could be open to the public.

There is something for everyone at The Cove from fashionistas and beauty product addicts to gals-on-the-go, aspiring interior designers and the stylish, eco-responsible kid.

 
Blend (Beth Zehnder) – Contemporary women’s clothing with a focus on easy to wear weekday to weekend clothes for the gal on the go. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blend/160278977347077  


Clarity RX Skin Wellness Boutique (Karla Keene) - Skin wellness boutique featuring the owner’s unique, patented line of high quality cosmeceuticals, which have been formulated for results-driven benefits to the skin, resulting in a smooth, youthful, supple, toned and radiant appearance. http://www.clarityrxskinwellnessboutique.com/

Laura Matthews Designs (Laura Matthews) – Original, handmade jewelry with a funky edge, designer handbags, belts and accessories. http://www.facebook.com/pages/laura-matthews-designs/117112398324097

Little Relics (Caitlin and Donna Whelan) - Antique Jewelry and Found Objects; based jewelry line Of recycled repurposed antique pieces. http://www.littlerelicsjewelrystudio.bigcartel.com/

Little Stylings (Melinda Hovee-Harlan). Newborn - 16 years plus maternity, Little Stylings is a high end children’s consignment for moms to be economical, fashionable, and live a little lighter on the planet. http://www.facebook.com/pages/LITTLE-STYLINGS/186104404941

MerMade Designs (Merideth Fleener) – Sea inspired home décor and gifts - Coral, seashells, handmade treasures. http://mermadedesigns.com/merdesigns/index.asp

Posey Couture (Paige Van Rensselaer-Kunkle) – Pearls, Vintage & "Haute" Costume Jewelry, Sugar Factory Couture Lollipops, and all things bling. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Posey-Couture/110345382327146

Studio Fringe (Pam Terry) – A full service interior design studio, unique linen pillow collection, home furnishings, fine art and textiles. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-fringe/158949867496990

The Hat Loft (Amy Rosten) – Designer hats, caps and fine millinery. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hat-Loft/102818689797486


Project Playhouse Installs The Playhouse Village & Gets Ready For The Open House on October 8

After working all night to install the Project Playhouse Village...

Good Day LA arrived as the sun was coming up.
Then truck loads of flowers, plants and trees came to transform the playhouses.  And as we speak, the details are being installed and finished. I can't wait for the final reveal but in the meantime, here is a sneak peak!  





20TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT PLAYHOUSE® VILLAGE TO OPEN ON OCTOBER 8



A KID-SIZE BEACH COTTAGE, CASTLE, FARMHOUSE AND TUSCAN VILLA
FOR AUCTION

Visitors to Project Playhouse® Village Located at Irvine Spectrum Center® Edwards Court Can Enter to Win HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover Opportunity Drawing

Irvine, CA -- Project Playhouse®, the signature annual fundraiser benefitting HomeAid OC, a nonprofit organization benefiting homeless families in Southern California, is set to celebrate its 20th Anniversary by unveiling the 2011 collection of fantasy playhouses at the Open House on Saturday, October 8 between 12noon-6pm at the Edwards Court at Irvine Spectrum Center®. www.projectplayhouse.org.

On October 8 only, visitors to the Project Playhouse® Village will have the opportunity to go inside the playhouses, receive goodies bags, samples from Rubio’s and experience the creative and inspiring kid-size homes first hand along with face painters and balloon twisters. Tickets are $10, children 3 and under are free. Following the Open House, the playhouse village will be on display and available to tour on Fridays 12-4, Saturday and Sunday 12-6 through November 11. Tickets for these dates are $2, children 3 and under are free.

Visitors to the Project Playhouse village throughout the month of October will also have a chance to purchase tickets for an opportunity drawing to win HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover. The opportunity drawing package, valued at $33,000, includes KitchenAid Stainless Steel Appliances donated by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Custom Cabinetry by Hartmark Cabinet Design and Manufacturing and Countertops by Famosa Tile and installation by Epic Stone. Tickets to enter the opportunity drawing can be purchased for $5 each. The winner will be announced at the 20th Anniversary Project Playhouse Celebration. Entrants do not need to be present to win.

Dedicated home builders throughout Orange County have donated their talents and resources to construct these imaginative playhouses with working electrical systems, flat screen televisions, and state-of-the-art video game systems. The 2011Project Playhouse® Village will include:

Little Diamond Head by Nicholson Companies
Aloha! Step into the style of Hawaii and let stories of wind, waves and adventure inspire the spirit of your Keiki (child). Bright and beachy within, your keiki is sure to be entertained with images of the surf and sand. Complete with an accompanying deck to enjoy lazy days hangin’ in the hammock and Tiki torches to excite the night. Features include: Disappearing Walls of Pocketing Glass Doors, Hardwood Flooring, Beamed Ceiling, Built-In Entertainment Wall, Flat Screen TV, DVD Player, Grass Cloth Covered Walls, Black Walnut Hanging lamp, Custom Designer Furnishings, and Removable Exterior Decking.

Tradepartners® Tribute in honor of Chuck Dreyer by Shea Homes
Get a little taste of Italy with this lovely Tuscan style playhouse built by Shea Homes in partnership with Tradepartners. The playhouse is a tribute to Chuck Dryer who was our auctioneer for many years and passed away in December 2010. Let your kids curl up next to a warm stone fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. The little home also has a porch where children can play games or just sit and relax. Features include: open beam ceilings, wood floors, granite countertops, and a tile roof.

Over the Rainbow Cottage by Team HomeAid
Captivate yourself in the Land of Oz from the outside in with this magical playhouse inspired by the famous farmhouse that fell on the Wicked Witch of the East. Designed and crafted to be a comfortable retreat for your friends made out of tin, straw or fur, this playhouse features a loft, table and chairs, custom window seat, hand painted mural, window treatments, games, books and costumes so everyone can play out their favorite fantasy. The exterior siding is reclaimed barn wood from the Midwest, perhaps even Kansas, with three porches and a rooster weathervane.

Sir Lyon’s Castle by William Lyon Homes
Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there was a mighty fortress big enough to protect and shelter an entire kingdom…. Inspired by the castle lore of yester year, William Lyon Homes, Inc. has designed a playhouse that will captivate children and adults with the essence of royalty. Every little detail embraces the stately atmosphere within. It’s the ultimate space for your budding knights and princesses. Features include: elegant counter tops, a working sink with an attractive rustic faucet, dynamic wood beam ceilings, enchanting light fixtures and charming custom crafted woodwork and cabinetry. A Flat screen TV with DVD and an indoor/outdoor speaker system provide hours of entertainment, while the majestic thrones and electric fireplace invite the young royals to unwind. William Lyon Homes is proud to be participating in its 20th Annual Project Playhouse.

For a chance to take a playhouse home, tickets for the 20th Anniversary Celebration, held on November 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Club, are $275 per person and can be purchased online at projectplayhouse.org. Guests will enjoy the spirited live auction, fine dining, and silent auction as well as a performance by Super Diamond, the ever-popular Neil Diamond cover band. The evening will also be a tribute to General William Lyon for his 20 years of dedication to HomeAid.

Pre-bidding for the playhouses will be hosted at www.FRE.com/HomeAid beginning on October 7 at 5 pm through November 11 at 12 noon.

Since its debut nearly two decades ago, Project Playhouse has captivated millions of visitors, raised a total of $5.8 million and enlisted more than 10,000 volunteers. The result — 47 housing developments and 1,000 beds, providing 4.2 million bed nights over the last 22 years and 386,535 bed nights in 2010 serving victims of domestic violence, abused children and homeless families.