HOUSE OF LAVANDE TO HOST TRUNK SHOW BY ALAN ANDERSON JEWELRY FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 15 & 16

PALM BEACH (March 14, 2011) – House of Lavande, Palm Beach’s premier vintage couture jewelry boutique has announced an in-store trunk show featuring vintage costume jewelry by Toronto based jewelry designer, Alan Anderson Friday, April 15 through Saturday, April 16, 2011.  Items from the store will be available from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily and will include multitudes of Anderson’s custom pieces including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pins.  Referring to his statement pieces as “vintage infused”, Anderson utilizes unique vintage stones by creating color combos on japanned metal.  The outcome is an esthetic that combines the best of the past with a modern sensibility.  

House of Lavande serves as a museum of wearable art that include pieces spanning from the Victorian Era, through the roaring twenties, the glamorous 1950's, and fast forwarding to the electrifying 80's. Officially launched in 2005, House of Lavande was the brainchild of owner Tracy Smith’s passion for collecting vintage couture jewelry. In addition to housing thousands of pieces in her Palm Beach store, House of Lavande is noted for stylizing clients on a global level where individuals can send wardrobe images to either the store at info@houseoflavande.com or upload images to the House of Lavande website. Jewelry can then be sent directly to the client to finish off the perfect look. 

Among the myriad of House of Lavande celebrity clients, Smith particularly enjoys styling Jessica Alba, Fergie, Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, Jessica Beil, Diane Kruger, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Charlize Theron.

The boutique store located at 340 Royal Poinciana Way houses over 12,000 pieces in its collection with items found by Smith’s worldwide travels combing markets, estate sales, and working with private dealers. To reach the store, please call 561-802-3737 or visit the website at: www.houseoflavande.com.

If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Linda Soper at (561) 835-9057 or email: linda@lindalanemarketing.com

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Photos: Jewelry by Alan Anderson, courtesy House of Lavande

PIONEER OF RESTAURANTS IN WEST PALM BEACH OPENS CHINA BEACH BISTRO

WEST PALM BEACH (March 11, 2O11) — China Beach Bistro, the new restaurant sensation of the Northwood neighborhood in West Palm Beach has opened with great fanfare thanks to TK Kaytmaz, the restauranteur that has brought us Café Centro, Allora, Pizza Luna, and Pescatore.  Known as the “Pioneer of Clematis” for bringing acclaimed restaurants to the downtown, Kaytmaz is now focused on Northwood with his three existing restaurants (Allora, Café Centro, and China Beach Bistro) with plans to roll out a fourth, Mediterranean inspired restaurant, later this spring. 

The local restauranteur has over 35 years in the business and spent nearly a year planning the roll out of China Beach Bistro; which opened in February. With backing from local investors, Roger and Judy Hochstin, Kaytmaz has been committed to creating the first quality Chinese restaurant in the area. He also hired Joe Ng, from New York’s Chinatown Brasserie to come to West Palm to train the new China Beach Bistro staff.

Known as one of the most acclaimed chefs in the country, Ng handpicked nine Asian America Restaurant Association chefs with “best in the industry credentials” to work the kitchen.  Lead by Lawrence Li, the team consists of four main chefs and five assistants specializing in the categories of Dim Sum, barbeque/roasting, and organic foods and sauces. 

With a variety of menu options, Dim Sum by the plate, Sakitini’s with six different Saki choices, and Happy Hour Specials, China Beach Bistro promises to be the new go-to restaurant in West Palm Beach.

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China Beach Bistro is now open for lunch and dinner and also boasts a killer take-out menu.  Free delivery is available in the 33480, 33407 and 33401 zip codes, and the restaurant is available for catering and corporate functions. Bar, indoor and patio seating is available.  China Beach Bistro is located at 407 Northwood Road in West Palm Beach.   

Hours of Operation: Mon-Thurs 11PM – 10PM, Fri-Sat, 11AM – 11PM, Sun 5-10PM. For reservations, please call:  561-833-4242. You can also find China Beach Bistro on the Internet by going to: www.chinabeachbistrowpb.com

If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Linda Soper at (561) 835-9057 or email: linda@lindalanemarketing.com

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7th Annual Polo With Pedro Benefit Celebrates Success for YMCA

WEST PALM BEACH (March 4, 2011) – The Seventh Annual Polo With Pedro event benefitting the YMCA of the Palm Beaches broke records in both attendance and money raised this past Sunday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The event and prior pre-events raised more than $195,000.00 for the YMCA and launched its new capital campaign to build a much-needed replacement preschool building on the grounds of the YMCA in West Palm Beach.

It was a sold-out event for Polo With Pedro with enthusiastic supporters celebrating the best-attended event in its history.  Over 550 people enjoyed brunch, a silent and live auction and after-party, during the Finals of the CV Whitney Cup, hosted by professional polo players Kris Kampsen and Nic Roldan.

“The International Polo Club Palm Beach was honored to be the host venue   benefitting the YMCA of The Palm Beaches and all the lives this group touches in our County,” said International Polo Club President of Operations John Wash.   

Together with Equestrian Sport Productions’ recent “Great Charity Challenge Competition”, where a team of riders, including Olympic medalist McLain Ward competed to bring the YMCA a prize of $100,000, the YMCA has had a record breaking fundraising season.  “A lot of local low income families rely on the YMCA preschool. It is a vital need in the community and right now we cannot provide for them adequately without a building. Our current building was recently condemned. These fundraisers provided an amazing amount of money to kick off our capital campaign for the new building,” said Jacqueline Frost, CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches.

The title sponsor for Polo With Pedro was the Morrison Foundation with Jonathan Cameron-Hayes, H. Loy Anderson III and Marc Ganzi serving as event chairs. Committee members included: Kirsten Braden, John Biondo, Sarah Scheffer Brooke Craig, Frank Frankel, Mike Green, Linda Soper and Arvo Katajisto.

Auction items included: Domodimonti Wines, Canouan Resort, The Breakers Resort, The Ritz Carlton Resort and Eau Spa, Swiss Village Camps, Elite Island Resort, International Polo Club, Chariots of Palm Beach, Maureen Fulgenzi, Frank Frankel.

“The staff of The International Polo Club Catering Company are thrilled to be a part of a record breaking fund raising season for the YMCA. Polo With Pedro has always been a festive occasion and this year’s crowd had more fun than ever.  We look forward to continuing the tradition for years to come,” said International Polo Club Catering President/Owner Aaron Menitoff. 

Pedro G. Morrison was in the prime of his life when he passed away playing polo, the sport in which he loved to play so much.  He was a generous philanthropist and served many years on the board of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches and touched numerous lives through his charitable contributions, most of them geared towards helping children.  The event is a tribute to Pedro that began in 2005 to help continue his legacy of caring about others.

The Edwin W. Brown Family YMCA is a full-service branch YMCA that offers membership and programs to the Palm Beach County community. Located in the heart of West Palm Beach on South Congress Avenue just south of Forest Hill Boulevard, the Brown Family YMCA has 17 acres to include a fitness center, a skate park, Preschool and After School care, racquetball courts, group exercise room, an aquatic center and additional space to develop and enhance to include a lake and ball fields.

Everyday the YMCA serves families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds at their facility. A walk through of the branch may find parents smiling because of their infant’s new aquatic survival skills while seniors chat in the hall after their Silver Sneakers class; a 4 year-old learns a new skill in the Preschool while a pair of friends play racquetball; a teen is being cheered on as he tries a new trick on his skateboard, while an adult is offered a spot in the fitness center. Throughout all of our programming the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are displayed and expected.

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If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Linda Soper at (561) 835-9057 or email: linda@lindalanemareting.com

All Photos by Lucien Capehart Photography:

             

THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDEN ANNOUNCES INSIDE OUT NOW ON EXHIBIT THROUGH APRIL 2, 2011

WEST PALM BEACH (March 4, 2011) – The Ann Norton Sculpture Garden hosted over 200 people for their opening night reception of their exhibit, “Inside Out” Thursday night, March 3 featuring larger-than-life bronze sculptures of ants, warriors, and seedpods created by Susan P. Cochran and photographs taken throughout the National Park System by Frank L. Ruggles. The garden and gallery exhibit will be on display through April 2, 2011.

With an appreciation for insects, horticulture, culture, and movement, Cochran provides a basis for creatively exploring the inhabitants of the undergrowth, movement in her warriors, and beauty in horticulture. Cochran’s bronzes are noted for making us look at things we may have walked right by and take note of what we normally overlook.  Ruggles, now on tour exhibiting his personal works just finished a three-year tour as an official photographer for the National Park Service, where he traveled to all 50 States and over 150 National Parks visiting and hiking for 1,000 days on a 25,000 mile journey to the most beautiful and wondrous places in our country.

“We are delighted to sponsor the ‘Inside Out’ exhibit at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens”, says Jonathan Cameron-Hayes, President of the Gentleman of the Gardens and the presenting sponsor of the exhibit.

Admission costs apply.  If you would like to learn about the exhibit or more information on this topic, please call the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden at: 561.832.5328.  To schedule an interview, please contact Linda Soper at (561) 835-9057 or email: linda@lindalanemarketing.com.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501 (c) (3) operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The gardens are conveniently located at 253 Barcelona Road, at the corner of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, FL. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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1)    Seedpods by Susie Cochran

2)    Yosemite Valley view of Half Dome by Frank Ruggles

MARY ALICE STEPHENSON, RENOUND STYLE EXPERT, TV COMMENTATOR AND FASHION AMBASSADOR FOR MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION COMES TO PALM BEACH

PALM BEACH (March 4, 2011) – Mary Alice Stephenson, one of the world’s most sought-after beauty and style experts and fashion ambassador for Make-A-Wish will be in attendance for the 2^nd annual “A Family Affair” event taking place on the picturesque lawns of the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach this Sunday, March 6, 2011.

Hosted by Ryan and Nicole Munder and Matt and Tracy Smith, this one-of-a-kind afternoon will feature a gourmet picnic, strolling band, silent and live auctions and many children’s activities to raise money that will grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Stephenson is the fashion wish ambassador for Make-A-Wish Foundation, creating unforgettable experiences for scores of wish kids who request modeling and other fashion-related wishes. She has also helped the Foundation secure high-profile media opportunities in publications such as O, The Magazine and TV programs including America’s Next Top Model.

In addition to the Wish Ambassador Council, Stephenson is also a member of the Foundation’s National Advisory Council, a group of high-level executives and influential celebrities who help create awareness and new fundraising opportunities.

Stephenson is highly regarded as the most well-versed and knowledgeable commentator covering the latest trends in fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Stephenson has the distinct ability to analyze trends and contextualize style for the media. Whether backstage reporting from the world’s top runway shows or front-and-center on the red carpet, she entertains and informs audiences with her distinct ability to make fashion understandable and accessible.

Possessing a distinguished reputation and an incisive yet approachable personality, Stephenson is an excellent resource for national and international media. She has served as a fashion and beauty commentator for many networks and shows, including: CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, Showbiz Tonight, American Morning and The Situation Room; MTV,VH1, Oprah, ABC’s Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, Fox News Channel, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, E!, The Style Channel, Associated Press TV and BBC.  

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 64 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 200,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.

If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Linda Soper at (561) 835-9057 or email: linda@lindalanemarketing.com

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