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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

LA's Consumer Product Events Holiday Gift Expo 2016


Consumer Product Events' Holiday Mini-Gift Expo 2016 at Hotel Le Merigot in Santa Monica.

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund
Among the gift-ideas launches were:
Celeb-Loved Phone Cases, Holiday Awkwardness Ice Breakers as card-games, HGTV's "Design Star" Darlings, Not-So-Fairytale Books, An App That Erases Scary Dark House Fears and Glam Interior Design Pillows.


Consumer Product Events fall presentation served up a roomful of product suggestions for holiday gift guide planning starting Thanksgiving weekend. The anticipated preview was  held at Le Merigot JW Marriott in Santa Monica last September 14th 2016.
Interior designer Josh Johnson's motto is 'Design Your Shine"
The golden long-maned HGTV Design Star's "Sparkle JoshJohnson is based in both West Hollywood and Nashville.
Josh presented his signature reverse-sequin "Sparklicious Pillows, in which a person can draw a name. Other products for the holidays were glitzy home accessories and specialty gifts, along with a collection of decorative drapery panels and accent pillows in luxe velvet, sparkly sheers, and metallic embroidered solids, in which Johnson created with Softline Home Fashions (featured at Walmart). www.softlinehome.com



Josh Johnson Interior Design reverse-sequin pillows
     
(Left) Designer Josh Johnson with author Alison Dutch
 Designer Deborah Lindquist, whose clients range from Rhianna to Pink, showcased her new line of recycled cashmere sweaters and scarves with cat-eyes, including home décor pillows, pop art and dog sweaters, recycled leather handbags and fingerless gloves. Deborah has also a second line called "Green Queen by Deborah Lindquist" which features men's basics in her signature modal and organic cotton women's fabrics.www.greenqueenclothing.com
 Organic fabrics are grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides. Sustainable fabrics implement to earth friendly processing. Up-cycled fabrics are post-consumer items “reincarnated” into new garments. All designs are produced in her Los Angeles studio.
The game Personalogy creates awkward holiday moments for Holidays Parties, First Date Jitter, Family Dinners and Singles looking for Love using provocation as social icebreakers.The game helps overcome nerves by instantly connecting players. The Personalogy Game cards questions:
Which TV show best reflects my current work environment and why?
A.Scandal B.Modern Family C.Saturday Night Live D.Empire E.Parks and Recreation
I have an alter ego, what's the persona and why?
A.Bad Ass and Kicks Butts B.Sassy and Sexy  C.Reckless, Fast and Bold  D.Hilarious and Laugh out loud and funny  D.Fit, Takes no bull, a martial arts expert
The creators of this game are communication experts Michelle Burke and Lilamani de Silva from Interact Games LLC www.PersonalogyGame.com
Just Jan's is fruit spreads, tangerine marmalade and lemon curbs created in the kitchen by Jan Hogrewe which business started in 2012, after twenty years career in the film industry.  
In creating her spreads Jan has been guided by her love of food and ingredients, refusing to compromise on quality or flavor. The result is a line of spreads and curds that are all natural, preservative free, and 14% lower in sugar than traditional jams and jellies. Today Just Jan's features 13 flavors, from sweet to savory, to spicy. The fruit collection includes flavors as Kadota Fig Spread, Organic Strawberry and Seedless Strawberry.
 The savory collection includes Balsamic Onion and Tangerine Sriracha.  The Balsamic Onion can add a touch of flavor and sophistication to your dinner menu or wine tasting. 
Tangerine Sriracha, is a Silver SOFI 2016 winner : A mixture of spicy and sweet, which sauce can be used on everything, avocado, egg, or of course, chicken wings. The Holiday collection includes Cranberry Raspberry Relish and Homestyle Pumpkin Butter.
http://www.justjans.com/blogs/recipes

Switchmate is a lighting control on your phone.It attaches to standard light switches magnetically.Set a timer for your lights or create a schedule when you are away.
Switchmate solves the problem of coming home to a scary dark house, with help of a user-friendly free Smartphone app and a simple-to-install wall switch, that lightens every room of the house before you reach the driveway.www.myswitchmate.com
Thinium Technologies – Inspired by the thinness of a credit card and a desire to say "adios" to cables, Thinium is the skinniest of cell phone chargers. It charges up to two devices at once, using the integrated USB Port. cable-free with the Thinium ReCharge +, a slender, high-density 3000 mAh two-in-one backup battery for Apple (lightning tip) or Micro-USB phones. ReCharge+ batteries have a tucked-in USB cable and retractable AC prongs for wall charging. The ReCharge is found at Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and www. Thinium.com
Wildflower Cases  Wildflower Cases is a women owned and operated iPhone accessories company in Los Angeles, California. Each exclusive and limited edition fashion iPhone accessory is designed by founder Michelle Carlson and her two daughters, Devon and Sydney Carlson. Wildflower represents all of the girls passionately experiencing life with a free spirit and sense of independence, who are able to grow and survive anywhere, and are driven to succeed. 
The Wildflowercases website started after singer Miley Cirus
approached Devon in an LA restaurant asking where to buy their handmade iPhone cases made of fabrics, studs and denim. www.wildflowercases.com
Adventures of Camellia N. by author Debra L. Wideroe 

The first book takes Camellia N. on an exciting journey to the northernmost part of our planet toto discover  the wildlife and natural resources of all seven continents under the sea, and into space. The second book, released fall 2017 will be names Under The Sea, and will tell a story about an underwater expedition.  

The Adventures of Camellia N. is award-winning children's book series for early readers and bedtime explorers. Pint-size Camellia’s nightly dreams take her on magical adventures to all seven continents, under the sea and into space where she learns about and gains appreciation for the environment, wildlife and natural resources.

This nine-part book series not only educates and entertains, but encourages children to become global ambassadors. The Adventures of Camellia N. is the recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Gold Award®www.debbiewideroe.com



Breakaway Matcha's founder Eric Gower explained that the company now offer cold-brew single power packed doses for clarity and hydration mixed in a water bottle.
 It's a green tea from Japan, finely ground, that can be served hot or cold. It was originally served in formal ceremonies in Japan. The distinguishing features are:
No steeping. Matcha isn’t steeped, it’s “eaten.” You simply pour hot water over the powder, froth it (either with a special handheld bamboo whisk or an electric milk frother), and drink the thick tea. 
 It is full of naturally occurring antioxidants and amino acids; roughly 20 times those of regular green tea.The cold brew proportions are 8 ounces of very cold water to 1 gram ( half a teaspoon), and shake. To make 16 ounces of cold brew, use two grams (one teaspoon), and to make a quart, use 4g, or 2 teaspoons. 4 calories per serving and 25 mg of caffeine.
Anam Caras – California-based artist, Colleen Stratton, has developed an alphabet series featuring Gaelic "guardian spirit" fantasy animal letters that can be customized to spell a name or inspiration."My Anamabet Collection for children is a soulful alphabet series featuring the Anam Caras as they offer you their blessings in a short text beneath their portraits. It's soul
whether it’s for yourself, or a family member or friend, an Anamabet print is a unique and thoughtful gift for the ones you love the most".


Consumer Product Events, a sister company of Brown + Dutch Public Relations, Inc. established in 1996. It connects consumer packaged goods with the press who are looking to report about them. Created by a PR veteran whose clients have included ThinkThin nutrition bars, Swatch and Tokyo Coca Cola – CPE is a DIY matchmaker for products and press. CPE is the brainchild of Alyson Dutch, one of the nation's top consumer product PR mavens and author of the PR Handbook for Entrepreneurs.

Friday, November 18, 2016

LA Auto Show 2016 Debuts: November 18-27th 2016

Photos by Karen Ostlund        updated

(November 18 2016) (Photo) The all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV was named Green Car of the Year at the L.A. Auto Show's pre-day November 17th.The award is given every year by the Green Car Journal. The journal said its editors selected the 2017 Bolt EV for its 238-mile zero-emission driving range, stylish design, driving dynamics and suite of advanced and connected technologies.
Green Car Winner Chevrolet Bolt EV

The LA Auto Show® opened its door to the public today at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the show will run thru November 27th 2016.  www.laautoshow.com
More than 50 vehicles were unveiled in front of media, analysts and industry executives during its  pre-days trade show, AutoMobility LATMNovember 14-17, 2016.
SUBARU VIZIV 7 SUV Concept

HONDA All Star 2017 Vehicle
TOYOTA C-HR 2017

 Among the more than 20 world debuts will be introductions by Alfa Romeo, Mazda, MINI, Subaru, Volkswagen and a compact SUV from Jeep. Other reveals confirmed are those from Infiniti, Jaguar Land Rover and smart.  Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan will have multiple reveals, while Porsche has confirmed five debuts.
Volkswagen E Golf
 General Motors (GM) will have multiple global and North American debuts, including two reveals from Chevrolet.  Cadillac's debut lineup will include the Escala concept car, which has only been seen on the Concept Lawn at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
In addition to production and concept vehicles in the luxury and performance segments, this year's unveilings will include a significant showing of SUVs and electric/hybrid options across several makes and models. 
As the automotive industry continues to transform, AutoMobility LA will also serve as a platform for product unveilings and significant announcements focused on technology, including the global premier of Divergent's Blade production vehicle.  Built using Divergent 3D's proprietary platform, the Blade supercar represents the future of automobile manufacturing and will be available to customers in 2017.
Elio Motors EPlus thin, two seats in tandem

Elio Motors, the start-up vehicle company bringing a low-cost, highly fuel efficient commuter vehicle to market, is revealing the E1C (its latest E-Series vehicle), its P5 prototype vehicle and its interactive ePlus display.  With fuel efficiency of up to 84 mpg, the aerodynamic, 2-seater (tandem) has a set base price of $7,300 for non-refundable reservations (up to 65,000 total reservations).
Olli, the world's first self-driving cognitive vehicle designed by Local Motors will also be present. Olli, an on-demand shuttle with capacity for 12, is currently being used on private roads in the Washington, D.C. area and is the first vehicle to utilize the cloud-based cognitive computing capability of IBM Watson Internet of Things to analyze and learn from high volumes of transportation data.
 2016 LA Auto Show  November 18-27 2016 www.laautoshow.com
HYUNDAI IONIQ

 
VOLVO S90 with their trademark The Moose

 
Lincoln Navigator L 2017

SPYKER 2017
 
FORD ECOSPORT

 
JEEP Compass 2017

 
Mitsubishi Outlander 2017


Events and Attractions: 

Saturday, November 19 to November 26

Special Appearances

Nov 19 | Los Angeles Convention Center

Paul Chrzan, LEGO Master Builder
LEGO Porsche 919 Hybrid – South Hall Atrium, 1:00 pm
Join Paul as he explains the process behind creating a full-size LEGO version of Porsche’s Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid race car.

 

Sunday, November 20

Special Appearances

Nov 20 | Los Angeles Convention Center

Austin Rivers, LA Clippers

State Farm – South Hall Atrium, 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

State Farm – West Hall Atrium, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Allan Anderson & Wesley Johnson
Kia – West Hall, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Friday, November 25

Special Appearances

Nov 25 | Los Angeles Convention Center

Dustin Brown, LA Kings

Toyota – South Hall, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Saturday, November 26

Special Appearances

Nov 26 | Los Angeles Convention Center

D’Angelo Russell – LA Lakers

Toyota – South Hall, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
 

Hours & Admissions

Click here to purchase your advance 2016 LA Auto Show tickets
SHOW LOCATION
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Venue/Show Info:
310-444-1850
Ticketing support:
guestservices@axs.com
2016 PUBLIC DAYS: November 18-27, 2016

Opening Day at the LA Auto Show Presented by Los Angeles Magazine
  • Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19
    9 AM – 10 PM
    Note: 7am early entry tickets for Friday, Nov 18 are available for a limited time online only: Buy here
  • Sunday, Nov. 20
    9 AM – 9 PM
  • Monday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Nov. 22
    10 AM – 9 PM
  • Wednesday, Nov. 23
    10 AM – 10 PM
  • Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day)
    9 AM – 6 PM
  • Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26
    9 AM – 10 PM
    Note: 7am early entry tickets for Friday, Nov 25 are available for a limited time online only: Buy here
Sunday, Nov. 27
9 AM – 7 PM

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Recap of Los Angeles 4th Annual WestEdge Design Fair 2016

By Karen Ostlund
Custom designed Schwinn Bicycles at WestEdge Design Fair 2016
 
The Interior Lounge, anchored by Mah Jong sofas from Missoni Home and Roche Bobois, featured Bolon, Farrow & Ball, Vondom, Green River Stone, Smith & Stephan and Matt Gagnon's sculptural installation

 
West Hollywood Design Group Exhibit booth

Appliance brand Alfresco culinary stage

The fourth annual WestEdge Design Fair brought a wealth of design talent and conversation to Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar this November 3-6th. 
The fair kicked off with an Opening Night Party for 1,400 guests who celebrated design while supporting the evening’s beneficiary, Los Angeles Ronald
McDonald House. Sponsored by DCS, Fisher & Paykel, Pez Cantina, Reilly’s Whiskey, Schwinn, Tequilla Arette and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
The festive evening featured a silent auction of more than two dozen, one-of-a-kind Schwinn bicycles, all customized by design luminaries, artists and brands such as Aaron Axelrod, Amy Devers, Bend Goods, Erin Condren, Gregory Siff, Hancock Design, Kelly Edwards, LA Closet Design, LA Galaxy, McGuire Denim, Nicole Facciuto, Peter Gurski, and Portola Paints.
Opening day party
 Proceeds went toward the renovation of the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House’s 75-room facility, which provides accommodation and support to families of seriously ill children. 
 
Throughout the weekend, attendees experienced the latest designs and products from 150+ exhibiting brands. The audience included high-level architects, interior designers, set decorators, educators, art directors, speakers, consumers and members of the press, among others. In addition to riveting displays of design and art, a multitude of panel discussions and intimate conversations offering tips and insights on the industry took place in the Jenn-Air Master Class Studio and Convo by Design Social Lounge. 
Culinary Pavilion, sponsored by Fisher & Paykel
Special highlights included the all-new Culinary Pavilion, sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, where guest chefs hosted continuous live cooking demonstrations and tastings. 
The show also hosted the first-ever Grilling Showdown between appliance brands Alfresco and DCS; Chefs Glenda Galvan-Garcia (for DCS) and Chef Keith Mecutchen (for Alfresco) went head-to-head preparing seasonal Thanksgiving dishes on the grills with Chef Keith Mecutchen being declared the winner. 
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA)’s Picnic By Design provided another charitable element to this year’s show with its live auction of spectacular picnic baskets coupled with an exclusive gathering in the Outdoor Lounge. 
WestEdge Co-Founder Megan Reilly & Troy Hanson
“We had our largest turn-out to date, both from an exhibitor perspective and attendee stand-point,” says WestEdge Co-Founder Megan Reilly. “To us, that indicates the strong enthusiasm for seeing, showcasing and learning about premium, innovative home design.” 

Exhibitor Brenda Houston of Brenda Houston Design seconds this, “As an exhibitor at WestEdge for the past three years, I was thrilled to see the growth of the fair this year. I connected with so many top residential and commercial design firms. The show has evolved so beautifully – it’s the best opportunity to meet West Coast trade and keep in touch with current clients.” 
Jenn-Air built-in refrigerator

Other WestEdge highlights included the popular MADE:MODERN section, sponsored by Design Milk and showcasing more than 40 independent designers and artists; the Outdoor Lounge, outfitted by Roche Bobois; the Interior Lounge, anchored by Mah Jong sofas from Missoni Home and Roche Bobois, and featuring Bolon, Farrow & Ball, Vondom, Green River Stone, Smith & Stephan, and Los Angeles designer Matt Gagnon’s towering Alder wood sculptural installation, which became the central spot for attendees to mingle and gather throughout the weekend. 

“The energy and excitement at WestEdge was omnipresent. We received endless feedback that this year’s fair was the most compelling to date regarding exhibitor diversity and quality, and that our participants engaged top-level architects, designers and homeowners,” says WestEdge Co-Founder Troy Hanson. “We are very much looking forward to expanding the footprint of WestEdge in 2017 following the momentum of this year’s event.” 
Nick Lopez beds
 
Magdalena York Collection

 
Made Modern Section: PRIVEN

2016 show sponsors included Bolon, DCS, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Fisher & Paykel, Jenn-Air, Matt Gagnon Studio, Missoni Home, PEZ Cantina, Roche Bobois, Schwinn Bicycle Company, Snyder Diamond, Southwest Greens, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Wallpaperdirect.
Outdoor Lounge outfitted by Roche Bobois and Southwest Greens

WestEdge is a three-day event that offers the best in modern design, all in an environment designed to engage, entertain and inspire. The fair offers the opportunity to shop from premium home furnishings brands-many new to the West Coast and meet the designers behind thousands of inspiring products. In addition, attendees gain insight from leading names in the design industry with a full series of educational programs and special events. 
Myself at WestEdge photobooth 2016

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

The Amanda Foundation's Bow Wow Halloween 2016 in Beverly Hills


B​ow Wow Beverly Hills ‘A Night in Muttley Carlo’ with James Bone
   Photos by Karen Ostlund
The Amanda Foundation founder Teri Austin with Best Dog Costume contestants October 30 2016

Winner of  Best Costume A Pit Showgirl

Finalist Dog Costume Contest last Sunday October 30 at Via Rodeo 2


The Bow Wow Halloween theme
a dog named James Bone
Last Sunday, Oct. 30th, 2016 The Amanda Foundation celebrated their Annual Halloween-themed fundraiser on Via Rodeo.The event was presented by Bow Wow Beverly Hills with sponsors Tiffany & Co,  Two Rodeo and The Beverly Hills Courier​. ​
2016's theme was "James Bond" and "A Night in Muttley Carlo with the dog James Bone".
                             
A "Sean Collie"
 

A Witch Terrier

 The motto was: "Come as your favorite Bond girl, Bond villain, or your favorite Bond! Are you a Timothy Dachshund? Roger Maltese? Or Sean Collie?


Bow Wow Halloween 2016, on Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills, highlights included Casino Night (roulette, craps and blackjack), a great value silent auction and their annual doggy costume contest, delicious plant-based, cuisine by Crossroads Restaurant, wine and the special Halloween Cocktail "The Moonraker Martini!".

                                                                                                     

Crossroads from West Hollywood menu: Plant-based
Bolognese Lasagna, spiced Chick Peas, Hummus w/Olives, flatbread and
Kali Salad.

Guests played Roulette, Craps and Blackjack outside on Via Rodeo
The Amanda Foundation was founded in 1976, and has rescued and placed thousands of dogs and cats into loving homes. The Amanda Foundation is the only non-profit animal charity in the city of Beverly Hills and the only one in Los Angeles to own and operate a full-service veterinary practice. The Amanda Foundation also runs California's most successful free mobile spay and neuter program. http://amandafoundati on.org/​.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Singer Jenni Rivera's Hologram & 'Dia de Los Muertos' Altars To Remember

Photos by Karen Ostlund
Over 40,000 guests attended This Year's Día de Los Muertos "The Three Of Life" last Saturday October 29th 2016.
Daytime crowd at Hollywood Forever "Day Of Dead 2016"

The event hosted 35 performances, 150 Aztec Dancers, 4 stages, an art exhibit , 100 decorated altars and an unforgettable performance by Latin Grammy Nominee Julieta  Venegas.
The 17th annual Day of the Dead event at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery set the stage for the historical return of the late singer Jenni Rivera who, via hologram, was able to perform once again for her fans and family.

Juan Rivera, Jenni's younger brother, took the stage to reveal the highly anticipated surprise.  Just like he did at every one of her concerts, Juan introduced his sister onstage while admitting he was feeling "very nervous" but excited that his sister would be the first regional Mexican singer and Latin artist to have a hologram.
 Jenni became a star for albums like La Diva En Vivo and produced 15 gold, 15 platinum and 5 double-platinum records. She became later a reality-TV star, businesswoman and activist. Tragically, she died in a plane crash at age 43 on December 9, 2012.

Jenni Riviera as Hologram October 29 2016


Watch Jenni Riviera Hologram:

Aztec Dancers
Ballet dancers
Theatrical Dancers

Images from Hollywood Forever 'Dia de Los Muertos' Best Decorated Altars October 29th 2016:
Altar 4 remembers Mother
 
Altar 9 VOTA Health4All

Altar 39 The Couple
Altar 75 Last Supper
Front entrance Orlando Massacre Victims Altar
Altar 8 Cats that past away
Altar remembers biker and his dog that passed away
'Orlando Massacre' to remember with photos of victims Altar 83
Black Lifes Matter "Tree Of Life" with photos hanging of victims
who died