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Slimmer Silhouette invites women who give for a living to also take care of their health in 2010

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Slimmer Silhouette is excited to announce the Perfect 10 Challenge, an engaging health and life-makeover challenge for 2010 that encourages women in leadership positions at charities and non-profit organizations nationwide to champion their cause by taking better care of themselves. In January, ten women will be selected from applicants nationwide to take on the challenge, which includes life coaching, nutrition and fitness coaching, and a weekly Slimmer Silhouette™ body wrap.  The grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyworld, a year’s supply of the body wrap system, a cash prize, a beauty makeover, as well as a donation and valuable exposure for their organization. Total combined value of all prizes is over $22,000.

“The saying goes that the most beautiful women are a ‘Perfect 10,’” said Meggie Hale, founder of Slimmer Silhouette.  “We are searching for the ‘Perfect 10′ women whose giving spirit and internal beauty impact the world in a positive way.  However, they’re often so busy caring for others that proper health, nutrition and external beauty often become secondary priorities. Through the Perfect 10 Challenge, Slimmer Silhouette intends to give back to these women in hopes that they’ll all discover that in taking care of themselves they will have even more to give.”

Slimmer Silhouette encourages members within charities and non-profit organizations nationwide to nominate a woman in a leadership position within their organization whom they feel deserves to be a part of this health and beauty transformation.  Contestants will be selected by the Slimmer Silhouette executive team based upon their application. For more details on this challenge, visit www.perfect10challenge.com.

About Slimmer Silhouette™ Slimmer Body Wrap

Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Slimmer Silhouette was founded by a team of women with combined backgrounds in beauty products and healthcare with passion for helping others. Their collective team desire is to promote a healthy lifestyle and beauty both inside and out. Slimmer Silhouette Slimmer Body Wrap™ offers a cost-effective, spa-quality body wrapping system that sheds inches fast and is made for use at home. Unlike water-loss wraps, their proprietary mineral solution used with special wrapping bandages helps draw out impurities surrounding fat cells, muscle and skin tissue, resulting in compaction of the tissues, the diminished appearance of cellulite, with the added bonus of inch reduction.

For more information about the Slimmer Silhouette home body wrap system, you can visit: www.SlimmerSilhouette.com or to follow the Perfect 10 Challenge visit us on Facebook as Slimmer Silhouette.

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PHOENIX, Ariz. (December 4, 2009) – It happens every year. After over indulging in turkey, mashed potatoes and pies on Thanksgiving and eating leftovers for a week straight, many are suddenly panicked wondering how they’re going to look their best for all those holiday parties. A body wrap is a popular new way to shed inches and impurities fast, but a trip to the spa may not be in their budget this year. As a result, many are turning to do-it-yourself alternatives such as Slimmer Silhouette™ Slimmer Body Wraps which offer a cost-effective, spa-quality body wrapping system that sheds inches fast and is made for use at home.

“Slimmer Silhouette Slimmer Body Wraps mineral-based system is unlike the many dehydrating water-loss wraps on the market,” said Meggie Hale, the founder of Slimmer Silhouette.  “Our high-grade proprietary mineral solution encourages the release of impurities and contaminants that clog pores, build up in the body over time, and distort the body’s appearance.  Our specially formulated mineral solution combined with wrapping bandages draws out impurities surrounding fat cells, muscle and skin tissue, resulting in compaction of the tissues, the diminished appearance of cellulite, and the added bonus of inch reduction.”

Not only does this wrap system offer inch loss, but many Slimmer Silhouette customers also report the following additional health benefits: 

• Tightening and toning of the skin
• Improved body contour and curve definition; lifting thighs, buttocks, breasts
• Minimized appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite
• Softer, smoother skin
• Relief from muscular tension and pressure in the joints
• Improved mental clarity
• Stress relief and relaxation
• More restful sleep

This unique body wrapping system is also a safe alternative to liposuction, far less costly, and requires no subsequent “down time.” The cost effective Slimmer Body Wraps kit includes 12 wraps (several weeks of supplies) and averages $21 per wrap – far less than the cost of a comparable body wrap treatment at a spa or resort.  Also, X percent of December sales will be donated to Toys for Tots, a children’s charity.

“Our team is deeply committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle and beauty both inside and out. While our wraps can help you look fantastic in that party dress by shedding inches, we encourage a holistic approach to looking and feeling one’s best.  That certainly includes good nutrition and exercise with regular wraps,” said Hale. 

For more than three decades Hale has been a leader and visionary, marrying the fields of healing and beauty. Hale has personally reaped the benefits of her wrap system, dropping 6 sizes in less than six weeks, another 6 sizes over time-equaling a total of 12 sizes and is still seeing the inches melt away.

For more information, or to order online, visit: www.SlimmerSilhouette.com.  

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See today’s coverage in the Scottsdale section of the Arizona Republic!

Scottsdale, Ariz. (Nov. 12, 2009) – Privada, the luxury gated enclave in North Scottsdale, is going Green and Solar with all new homes offered in the community. The builder, Monarch Privada Construction, LLC, has made a significant commitment to protecting the planet by building homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than other homes.  In fact, the new homes come with a guarantee of heating and cooling energy usage. Environments for Living®, a third party energy certification program, reports that the homes are up to 71 percent more energy efficient than other new code-compliant homes, and up to 99 percent more energy efficient than the average ten year old home.

 “We have made a considerable commitment to creating a community that is in harmony with the beautiful Sonoran desert at our doorstep,” said Peter Burger, president of Monarch Privada Construction LLC.  “We have scoured the industry for resources to build the most energy efficient homes in the market while minimizing the impact on the environment and on the bank account.”

The new homes at Privada will reduce the carbon footprint by up to 66 percent over other conventional code-compliant homes. A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through such things as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation.

 Additionally Privada is making standard on all new homes a new solar electric system that will deliver up to 65 percent of the home’s energy needs, making them “Near Zero” homes. Echo™ Solar System is a complete photovoltaic solar solution that produces enough electricity to run appliances, heat water for bathing, as well as heat the pool and spa, and even home heating and home cooling. “With Echo, Privada gives the homeowner the power to do it all; the power to save money and secure their energy needs into the future, and the power to conserve the natural beauty of the desert,” said Gordon Handelsman, president of PVT Solar, the provider of the Echo™ Solar System.

All of the new homes are being constructed in association with the City of Scottsdale Advanced Green Building Program.  The homes have also been awarded the Diamond Level, the highest level of achievement from Environments for Living®, a national construction program that looks at the home as a system of systems and helps builders construct homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than conventional code-built homes. Privada is also an APS Energy Star® and Solar Community.

 Specific examples of Privada’s commitment to energy efficiency and green building are:

 ▪ “Near Zero” energy usage

▪ Solar electric system that delivers up to 65% of the home’s energy needs

▪ Insulation and framing techniques that minimize voids

▪ Fresh air delivery system means less dust, fewer odors and remarkably comfortable temperatures

▪ High efficiency HVAC systems with 16-Seer dual stage air conditioning along with 95 percent direct vent furnaces 

▪ Low-E energy efficient wood and aluminum clad windows 

▪ 60 to 70 percent of all exterior walls are double framed and provided for deep recessed windows and added insulation

▪ State of the art insulation systems which provide for an exceptional thermal envelope

▪ High efficiency solar water heaters with recirculation system for quick demand

▪ Low-flow plumbing fixtures

▪ Energy Star front loading washer

▪ Energy efficient dishwasher

▪ Foam roofing system provides for a greater thermal barrier and reduces heating and cooling demand

▪ Over a 30 percent reduction in water consumption compared to other code-compliant homes

▪ Irrigation fertilization systems that reduce water consumption

▪ Smart Irrigation Systems monitor weather conditions

▪ Xeriscape (use of low water consuming plants and gardening practices that support water conservation)

▪ High efficiency pool pump reduces energy by 30 to 90 percent over traditional pool pumps

Resources:

Privada:  PrivadaPinnaclePeak.com

Monarch Privada Construction, LLC:  Monarchllc.com

City of Scottsdale Green Building Program: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/greenbuilding

Environments for Living®: EnvironmentsForLiving.com

PVT Solar: PVTSolar.com

Energy Star®: EnergyStar.gov

Arizona Public Service: aps.com

Media Contact:

Martha Moyer Wagoner, Master Planned Communications, LLC

602.861.8006    martha@masterplannedcommunications.com

All New Holiday Adventure Awaits Families at
The North Pole Experience, Opening this Winter

GREER, Ariz. (October 23, 2009) – Never in the history of the world have children been allowed into Santa’s Workshop– until now.  In fact, nine very lucky Arizona families will be awarded a key to Santa’s Workshop by Santa himself at a special Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, November 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Stuffington Bear Factory in Phoenix. Opening this winter, The North Pole Experience (www.northpoleexperience.com) gives children and their parents, unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Santa’s Workshop– via the quaint White Mountain ski/summer village of Greer, Ariz. 

The special Breakfast with Santa event will offer a light continental breakfast and is free and open to the public.  Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves will visit with guests and welcome family photo opportunities.

Each of the nine Arizona families to be recognized at the event were selected from among the many that answered Santa’s call for help when his reindeer went missing during his vacation in Ariz. this summer. Using the clues posted by Santa’s ELF CSI Unit at www.northpoleexperience.com, each family found one or more of the reindeer located throughout Arizona. 

The winning families are: the Lock family of Phoenix, the Currell family of Show Low, the Hymes family of Phoenix, the Hilton family of Prescott, the Naughton family of Tucson, the Oransky-Betancourt family of Gilbert, the MacAluso family of Phoenix, the Bienz family of Mesa, and the Hazzard family of Mesa.

Following the Breakfast with Santa event, Santa and crew will be heading up to Greer to put finishing touches on his 5,000-square-foot workshop there, which features the elves’ toy factory with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, Santa’s office and state-of-the-art “Naughty or Nice Surveillance” system, and Mrs. Claus’ bakery. 

 When the Workshop opens this winter, visitors to The North Pole Experience will roll up their sleeves to make special toys with the help of Santa and his elves.  After the “work” is done, children will receive a golden key to the Workshop from Santa himself and the adventure will then continue with a peek at Santa’s office, toy museum and the elves’ quarters, followed by cookies and milk and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.

 Greer, Ariz. is located 12 miles from Sunrise Ski Park in the White Mountains.  Admission to The North Pole Experience for adults is $74 and $62 for children (12 and under) and includes a hearty dinner at the historic, award-winning Molly Butler Lodge Restaurant. Overnight cabin packages, which start at $440 for a family of four, include admission to The North Pole Experience, dinner and breakfast at Molly Butler Lodge Restaurant and accommodations at one of Molly’s charming woodland cabins.  Molly’s cabins are situated on large private lots and range in size– sleeping families of four to large family groups of up to 16. 

 The reservation line is 1-888-NPX-SANTA.  For more information, visit www.northpoleexperience.com.

Mesa, Ariz., October 20, 2009 - Clean Air Cab, Arizona’s most environmentally friendly taxicab service, today announced the launch of the very first carbon neutral taxicab service in the state of Arizona. While a Washington D.C. taxicab service was the first in the Nation to have an all green taxi fleet last year, Arizona’s Clean Air Cab is the first all green fleet in Arizona and the Southwest, and will be serving the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area.

While many consumers expect to pay more for green alternatives that benefit the planet, Clean Air Cab rates are slightly less than their competitors.

According to Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, “Phoenix is committed to becoming the first carbon neutral city in the nation. “We have been leaders on sustainability issues for decades and value responsible investments like this one to help us be the best stewards we can be.”

The fleet is composed of 100 percent hybrid vehicles.  The Ford Crown Victoria’s traditionally used by cab companies releases approximately 160% more emissions than the hybrid vehicles used by Clean Air Cab. Clean Air Cab purchases carbon credits to offset their emissions, then goes the extra mile in pursuit of a negative carbon footprint by subsidizing the planting of trees in Brazil rain forests. There is no other cab service in the state that is fully carbon neutral or negative. The company intends to plant 10 trees each month for every cab in service, and has already planted 260 for the month of October.   

“We believe that going green isn’t something you do – it is something you are,” said Steve Lopez, Founder of Clean Air Cab. “Our intention is to take the trendy out of ‘going green’ and deliver a product that allows consumers to be green just by participating.”

Clean Air Cab is opening their hybrid doors to the public on October 20^th, 2009 with 26 cabs and plans to grow their fleet to 200+ cabs. It is estimated that a fleet of 26 traditional taxis would produce approximately 1800 tons of greenhouse gases per year. Clean Air Cab’s fleet of 26 taxis will not produce any [tons of greenhouse gas].

Consumers can book a Clean Air Cab taxi online at www.CleanAirCab.com or by calling 480.777.9777. Service is offered Valley-wide.

What does it mean to be “carbon neutral” and “carbon negative?”

According to Wikipedia, being carbon neutral refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset. Many companies and individuals purchase carbon offsets to diminish their own greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources. With the current trend for companies to become carbon neutral, there is now an emerging trend for some organizations to go beyond this in their sustainability efforts and become carbon negative by offsetting more than 100% of their carbon emissions.

Hope all you “foodies” out there are enjoying Arizona Restaurant Week!!  Well, hold onto your forks, because Marcella’s Italian Kitchen, the latest brainchild of nationally acclaimed restaurateur Cameron Mitchell, opens October 12 …in the new wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The 10,000-square-foot namesake restaurant was inspired by Marcella Libertini, an Italian chef and house manager for the Tuscan villa whom Mitchell met when vacationing with his family in Tuscany a few years ago.

From Marcella’s comfortable, but energetic atmosphere to its service apparel featuring spunky sayings such as “Will Trade Husband for Wine” and “Sprinkle me with Parmesan,” Marcella’s will have guests kicking back, feeling at ease, and absolutely falling in love with their food.

The restaurant is a bustling café, offering all the charm and energy of Italy with a robust, but uncomplicated Chef-driven menu.  Favorites include the fresh made Gnocchi con Bolognese with braised lamb; Ravioli Mezzaluna with goat cheese, Italian bacon and mushrooms; and Marcella’s Lasagna with sweet Italian sausage.  Their extensive pizza list includes favorites such as the Margherita D.O.C. with mozzarella, plum tomato, and sweet basil; and the Sicilian with capacola, salami, meatballs, asiago cheese and red onions. 

For more details or to get an exclusive invite to one of the preview lunches or dinner (Oct 8 &9) email: morgan@kwprgroup.com

Deb, Morgan and I attended Celebrate Your Business conference at US Airways Center yesterday (Friday, Sept. 18).  There were so many highlights; not sure where to start.  Bestselling author and leading social forecaster Patricia Aburdene, the keynote speaker, was absolutely brilliant.  She shared insight on the trends predicted in her latest book, “Megatrends 2010: The Rise of Conscious Capitalism.” 

 Aburdene, along with other local thought leaders, including Greg Peterson of The Urban Farm and Mara DeFilippis, CEO of the Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce addressed a number of ways in which executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals can capitalize on these trends to the benefit of people, planet, and profit. 

 In addition to conscious capitalism, conference speakers covered a wide range of topics, including: gratitude marketing, implementation of green business practices, structuring a company for success, and saving money with sustainable energy and incentives.

 The conference was a carbon neutral event thanks to event sponsor EcoAid, and was produced  by the innovative Namastera, Inc. a Mesa company that educates business leaders and professionals on business trends and the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit).  They provide the proprietary tools and training needed for businesses to implement change and overcome challenges introduced by the current economic climate.  If you weren’t able to make it to Celebrate Your Business this time, be sure to attend their next conference!  We’ll let you know when it’s coming…

Never in the history of the world has Santa admitted children into his workshop– until now.  A magical portal with direct access to the North Pole has just been discovered in the quaint White Mountain ski/summer village of Greer, Ariz.  Hence, beginning this winter, children and their parents will have the unprecedented opportunity to actually visit Santa’s Workshop– via Greer.  In fact, families can make their reservations for The North Pole Experience now at 1-888-NPX-SANTA. 

 The North Pole Experience is guaranteed to be a memorable family adventure, giving children and their parents unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Santa’s Workshop.  With the help of Santa and his elves, children will roll up their sleeves to make toy, get a peek at Santa’s Command Central, check out the elves’ quarters, and enjoy cookies and milk and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.

Cabin packages allow family and friends to stay together and all include a home-cooked dinner and breakfast at the historic Molly Butler Lodge (100 years old in 2010). The lodge features an award-winning restaurant, a full bar, a game room and the second largest stone fireplace in Arizona.

 For more information visit www.NorthPoleExperience.com, or email kelly@kwprgroup.com for press kit.

 The North Pole Experience supports a variety of children’s charities including ChildHelp, Miracle League, and Angel Charities.  If you know of a school or charity that needs support, email kasey@kwprgroup.com to find out about the fundraising opportunities available.