Casa Forma Short Listed for the International Design and Architecture Awards for 2012

Posted on September 14, 2012 by admin

(PRWEB) August 23, 2012

Casa Forma the London based interior and architectural design firm has been short listed for the International Design and Architecture Awards for 2012 to be held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, on Friday 28th September 2012.

The International Design and Architecture Awards are acclaimed in the interior design industry because firms are short listed by industry professionals then it is up to potential clients to decide on the winner. This is a great measure of both creativity and commercial appeal of our projects. says Faiza Seth (CEO of Casa Forma).

The International Design (ID&A) & Architecture Awards, are hosted by design et al, a leading UK interior design magazine. At design et al, their aim is to commend design, recognize talent, create opportunities and quite simply to offer inspiration. The ID&A Awards offer a number of different categories covering residential architecture, interior design and product design and to meet the demand of their clients, more categories have, again, been added to the schedule.

What makes these awards different to other design awards?

Like all design et al awards, The International Design & Architecture Awards are not judged by a panel. Short listed entries are presented online, and voting is open to industry professionals along with their readers, clients and the general public to be the judge of each and every award. The judges are also potential future clients.

Focusing on the residential sector, these awards celebrate the best in design, looking for outstanding architecture, interior design and product designs.

The ID&A Awards offers a number of award categories and Casa Forma has been short listed in five of these categories :

Category 1 – Residential

Okuma Announces World Debut of New, 5-Axis High-Speed Horizontal Machining Center at IMTS 2012

Posted on September 11, 2012 by admin

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) August 14, 2012

Okuma America Corporation, a world leader in CNC machine tools, today announced the world debut of the MU-10000H, a new 5-axis, high-speed, horizontal machining center, to be shown for the first time at IMTS 2012 (Okuma Booth S-8500). The MU-10000H is Okumas largest and most agile CNC machine designed for ultra-challenging applications for aerospace machining, heavy equipment and other large parts.

This workhorse 5-axis CNC machine delivers high torque and high-speed machining along with Okumas renowned high standards of design stability and accuracy. It provides users with a high-performance, long-lasting, and efficient horizontal machining center. Built on Okumas exclusive Thermo-Friendly Concept, the machine can run from a cold start because it resists thermal deformation, minimizing thermal growth.

Key Features of the MU-10000H:

Seven Directions Custom Tours Presents Summer 2012 Getaways Ideas for Shorter Vacations

Posted on September 9, 2012 by admin

Santa Fe, New Mexico (PRWEB) June 12, 2012

Seven Directions Custom Tours offers captivating ideas to overcome both the constraints created by the economy and the shrinking free time most travelers encounter. The new line of getaways was initially inspired by the exciting transit of Venus that happened on June 5th.

These days when time is short or budgets are smaller finding meaningful vacations can be challenging. Nevertheless, for travelers looking for an empowering experience there are several opportunities offering an intense and involving travel adventure.

An Astronomy Tour under the Dark Skies of the Southwest takes immediately in an outwardly space. The sky this year is hip and trendy. Thanks to the spectacular annular solar eclipse and the enchanting transit of Venus gazing at the sky has become more popular and consequently the interest in astronomy.

The skies of Arizona and New Mexico are generally pollution-free, also free of interfering lights during the dark hours. This explains the presence of so many observatories in both territories. Therefore a well balanced program between day-time immersions in the stunning natural settings of the Southwest and night-time sky observations can easily carry away from the daily routine lifting the spirit and opening the mind.

Spirituality and Sacred Places Journeys can be shaped to different pursuits. People interested in architecture and history of churches and places of devotion can find reasons for inspiration in the 17th and 18th century Mission Churches of New Mexico and Southern Arizona. Others may prefer a deeper experience by partaking in spiritual ceremonies and select the spiritual path offered by ancient civilizations. Or, simply, one can fully enjoy the beauty of nature while doing some yoga in a pristine surrounding.

Creative Hands-On Experiences allows immersing oneself in the culture of a place and get totally absorbed by crafting his or her own inspirations in a kind of meditative exercise. Bread making in a horno, painting, farming, writing, dancing, photographing, the choice of arts or crafts is endless. The result of such an experience is priceless.

Seven Directions has developed over the years customized experiences for its many different clients requirements and dreams. No program is the same because every person has a different dream for a special vacation.

For further information and media inquiries: Patrizia Antonicelli Tel.505.820.3305

About Seven Directions Tours:

Seven Directions | Cultural and Sustainable Tours has established itself as one of the finest sustainable tour operators in the Southwest. They facilitate exceptional tours that create a memorable and authentic experience that is relaxing and profound in every respect. Seven Directions Tours caters to a wide-ranging audience that seeks a hands-on experience by putting them in touch with the landscape and the people. Clients learn salient information in the comfort of a tour they can customize. Seven Directions Tours can accommodate large and small groups, and individuals. They also specialize in Fly & Drive programs that clients can take on by themselves. To learn more about Seven Directions visit them at http://www.sevendirections.net

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PureCostumes.com Nearly Doubles 2012 Halloween Costumes Catalog by Working with Five New Manufacturers

Posted on September 8, 2012 by admin

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 14, 2012

Pure Costumes, an online Halloween costumes and accessories store with exponential growth for the past couple of years, is continuing to grow its 2012 Halloween costumes catalog. By adding five new manufacturers onto the online retailers list of partners, PureCostumes.com now offers nearly double the number of products it offered last year. With well over 3,000 costumes, wigs and accessories, PureCostumes.com is ready to take on the upcoming Halloween season.

The newly added manufacturers include Elope, Escante, Paper Magic Group, Rasta Imposta, and RG Costumes. Covering everything from family-friendly children’s costumes to adult humor and sexy costumes, Pure Costumes not only increased its number of products, but also widened its catalog to offer more variety. The products from these manufacturers also vary widely in pricing, allowing PureCostumes.com to expand its target market. Through careful deliberation and strategic planning, Pure Costumes is confident that these new additions are the perfect complement to its existing product catalog from 2011.

In addition to adding products from five new manufacturers, PureCostumes.com has also added new products from many of its existing partners, such as California Costume Collections, Disguise, Fun World, Leg Avenue and Rubies. By striving to bring more selection and variety to its customers each year, PureCostumes.com has been successful in keeping up with changing trends. As many industry leaders would agree, Halloween costume trends can vary greatly from year to year depending on influences from pop culture and current events. By having fresh items every year, PureCostumes.com is able to attract returning customers as well as new customers.

About Pure Costumes

Pure Costumes is one of the Halloween industry’s most popular online retailers. Available year-round, the website carries a large selection of Halloween costumes for adults, plus size adults, toddlers, children, teens and pre-teens/tweens. Along with costumes, the online retailer also offers an impressive catalog of costume accessories, wigs, masks, and shoes. Pure Costumes prides itself on its excellent customer service and extensive experience in the industry. Its goal is to bring to its customers the best online Halloween costumes shopping experience possible. As a site with one of the highest return customers year after year, Pure Costumes takes pride in being an industry leader. More information can be found at http://www.purecostumes.com.

Children’s Clothing Fall 2012 Trend Outlook for Girl’s Clothes

Posted on September 8, 2012 by admin

Fort Worth, TX (PRWEB) July 31, 2012

“Fall is our favorite time of year…and there are so many wonderful trends for girls clothing this season,” said Mary Gallina, President & GMM of blueturtlekids.com — children’s clothing retailer. “Fall 2012 was so bountiful trendwise…it was hard to select just a few, however our team edited down, so that moms and their daughters can navigate the wonderful world of children’s clothing this Fall.”

Children’s ClothingTrend Outlook for Girls Clothes–Fall 2012

BOLD PRINTSThe prints have it…this year, all collections of girls clothing have very bold and vivid prints. Don’t shy away from having too much. From florals to geometrics…bold prints are the way to go.

TRUE BLUEBright blue, bold blue, blue and blue. Blue is the color of the season in vibrant hues. Especially when contrasted with neutrals or black.

SPARKLE AND SHINEShiny metallics are in. Look for bright shades of bold colors like fuschia and cobalt sparkly accents. Everyone could use a little something shiny in their wardrobe this season.

EMBELLISHMENTSNovelty rules the roost this year in girls clothing this Fall. From ruched fabrics to embrodiery, woven ribbons, lace trims, fabric flowers and applique…interesting fancy embellishments are prevalent in much of the girls outfits this Fall.

FUTURISTIC PRINTSClassic prints are giving way to futuristic prints of circles, geometric graphics and Jane Jetson-esque just plain ‘Fun’ prints. Every little girls wardrobe, needs just one piece this season. A little goes a long way!

POLKA, POLKA, POLKADots that is! Polka dots are hot and everywhere this season in fun colors, whimisical shapes. A must have this season!

APPLIQUECute and adorable, applique is everywhere this season on girls clothes. The pant, the sleeve, the bodice. We are seeing it two ways….monochromatic–matching the fabric and contrasting to add a pop of color and another layer of detail.

Since its founding in 2002, blueturtlekids.com has featured some of the finest children’s clothing for boys and girls including brand names: Mis-Tee-V-Us, Mulberribush, Zaza Couture, Peaches n’ Cream, Twirls and Twigs, Skivvydoodles, Sara’s Prints pajamas, Sage and Lilly, Baby Lulu, Wes and Willy, and many other wonderful brands.

Blueturtlekids.com prides itself on finding unique, comfortable and colorful clothing that both boys and girls enjoy wearing due to their fun designs, easy on/off styling and super-soft fabrics. Best of all, blueturtlekids.com allows customers to shop quickly and efficiently 24 hours a day/7 days a week, with detailed service and attention paid to every order.

While your kids are still kids, blueturtlekids.com will help dress them in comfortable, stylish, unique clothing for everyday and special occasions…especially this Fall 2012.

Passive House Retreat Wins 2012 EcoHome Design Award

Posted on August 19, 2012 by admin

Boston, MA (PRWEB) July 25, 2012

The Passive House Retreat, a modern green home by ZeroEnergy Design and AEDI Construction, received a Grand Award in the 2012 EcoHome Design Awards hosted by Hanleywood’s EcoHome Magazine. Aligned with the magazines philosophy, the award recognizes homes constructed using sustainable building practices and demonstrating innovative design and thoughtful use of site and materials.

EcoHome Design Award issue: http://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=118562&page=1

The new vacation residence located in a beautiful community on the New England coast features high performance and efficient use of space in a small package. The home is LEED Gold & Energy Star certified, built to the Passive House standard, and consumes only one tenth of the energy for heating compared to a similar new home built to code.

ZeroEnergy Design created a sleek, simple, gable roofed structure, and proposed the Passive House standard, which is a building performance standard that yields an extremely low-energy home. A combination of exceptional insulation, air sealing, high performance windows, and solar gain reduces the heating requirements to a fraction of a typical home, and uses only a very small heating system. The homeowners, whose extended families owned large, drafty, energy inefficient homes, immediately understood that the Passive House standard would provide both the energy savings and the increased comfort. They now enjoy a space with no wintertime drafts and very constant temperature throughout the home.

The Passive House Retreat is an example our firm’s ongoing commitment to pair a simple appealing aesthetic with exceptional energy performance said Stephanie Horowitz, AIA CPHC, Managing Director of ZeroEnergy Design.

The key project team members include ZeroEnergy Design for green architecture, Passive House consulting and mechanical design, and AEDI Construction for general contracting.

About ZED:

ZeroEnergy Design is a green architecture, mechanical design and energy consulting firm specializing in new construction and major renovations. The distinct union of great design and energy performance is enabled by a multidisciplinary team whose expertise spans architecture, mechanical engineering and finance. This integrated design approach makes ZED uniquely equipped to originate designs that are tailored to a clients requirements, environmental ideology, and unique sense of style.

http://www.ZeroEnergy.com

EcoClean Selects Austin Film Society as August 2012 PROPS Recipient

Posted on August 18, 2012 by admin

Austin, TX (PRWEB) August 02, 2012

EcoClean proudly announces its twelfth PROPS program partner, The Austin Film Society. Starting August 1st, and every Wednesday in August, 5% of all sales at EcoClean will be donated to AFS. Individuals can make a difference for the future of film in Austin by patronizing EcoClean any Wednesday this month.

EcoClean is an Austin dry cleaning alternative business committed to community involvement. PROPS is EcoCleans non-profit partner program designed to create positive change in the environment and social fabric of Austin. Each month they partner with a local organization that is making a difference in our community. The program has raised over $ 4,200 for local non-profits and organizations in the last eleven months.

The PROPS program not only recognizes the people and organizations making a difference in Austin, it also gives our customers the ability to contribute every week. We commit to giving the 5%, but its up to our customers and the community members who hear about the program to come in with their cleaning to make a difference and ultimately increase the donation you know, its a community effort, says EcoClean manager Kerstin Shoberg.

AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY — their tag line says it all: MAKE WATCH LOVE FILM. AFS is a non-profit organization that promotes the appreciation of film and supports creative media production. AFS achieves its mission by exhibiting rarely seen films, providing financial support to regional filmmakers, offering film education programs to youth and adults, and attracting creative media productions to Austin and other locations throughout Texas.

What began in 1985 as a small group of cinephiles getting together to watch and discuss independent under-distributed films has become a powerhouse of support for film and digital projects. They work with all budget levels and types of productions: feature film, television, commercials, music video, and digital video. Their credits include TRUE GRIT, GRINDHOUSE, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, SECONDHAND LIONS, THE LIFE OF DAVID GALE, PREDATORS, THE LYING GAME, MACHETE and MISS CONGENIALITY. They have also hosted photo shoots for Entertainment Weekly, Texas Monthly, and NBC Universal and hosted commercial productions for Bud Light, Nike, L’Oreal, and Hallmark.

The newly renovated Austin Studios, a twenty acre film production facility operated by the Austin Film Society, features five wireless stages, a state of the art digital infrastructure and 10,000 square feet of production office space.

The caliber of film production happening right here in Austin is truly something to be proud of and something that wouldnt be happening without the vision and drive of Austin Film Society. Since 1996 the Austin Film Society has awarded over $ 1 million in cash, goods and services to over 300 film and video projects.

More about EcoClean:

In February of this year, the EPA classified the chemical used in 70% of dry cleaning, Perc, as a likely human carcinogen. Perc is also the primary contaminant in over half of our countrys Superfund sites (hazardous waste sites on the EPAs National Priority List based on potential health impact). Despite its catastrophic environmental impact and health concerns, Perc continues to be the main chemical used in most dry cleaning.

EcoClean is an eco-friendly garment cleaner, and its professional wet cleaning is considered by the EPA to be the safest alternative to dry cleaning. We are here at the cutting edge of the dry-cleaning revolution, says Shoberg, there is absolutely no reason to keep using petroleum solvents to clean clothes. The risks are too high.

EcoClean professionally cleans clothing, household, and commercial items using their safe and sustainable process. Beyond providing a safe alternative to dry cleaning, EcoClean prides itself on high touch customer service, hand pressing of every garment, 24 hour turn around and free delivery to door or desk to over 400 Austin addresses and growing.

Established in 1996, EcoClean is a member of both the Austin Independent Business Association (AIBA) and Austin EcoNetwork. For more information visit http://www.ecocleanaustin.com and @ecocleanaustin. Or go old school and visit 2915 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78705 or call: (512) 236-8645

Previous PROPS recipients include Austin Pets Alive, Sustainable Food Center, Project Transitions, Theatre Action Project, Hill Country Conservancy, SafePlace, Austin Lyric Opera, Save Our Springs (SOS) Alliance, The Colorado River Foundation, and Keep Austin Beautiful (KAB), and KOOP Community Radio.

“We’re excited to partner with EcoClean, a wonderful local business that believes in supporting area nonprofits,” said Ann Welch, Director of Development for AFS. “We hope AFS members and EcoClean customers get to know more about the great work that both organizations are doing in our community.”

Austinites are encouraged to bring garments and household cleaning into EcoClean any Wednesday to ensure 5% of your bill will go to a deserving charity. In August, 5% of all Wednesday sales go to Austin Film Society. Future month PROPS partners will be announced over time.

New 2012 Wholesale Distribution Economic Reports Forecast Distribution Industry Growth of 6.8% in 2012; Data Available for 19 Sectors

Posted on August 14, 2012 by admin

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) July 20, 2012

The 2012 Wholesale Distribution Economic Reportsthe seventh edition of this annual economic data reference guide include industry statistics, trend analysis, benchmarking data and forecasts for 19 sectors in the distribution industry, including industrial (http://www.mdm.com/2012-wholesale-distribution-economic-reports–industrial-distributors/PARAMS/product/734); hardware, plumbing and heating equipment/supplies (http://www.mdm.com/2012-wholesale-distribution-economic-reports–hardware–plumbing—heating-equipment-supplies-wholesalers/PARAMS/product/733); building materials and construction; electrical and electronics; and grocery and foodservice.

The wholesale distribution industry continued to grow faster than the overall U.S. economy in 2011, said Tom Gale, president of Industrial Market Information and publisher of Modern Distribution Management, which published the reports. Aggregate revenues of wholesaler-distributors increased by 9.3 percentage points more than nominal U.S. Gross Domestic Product, reflecting rebounding sales of a smaller base following the recession.

The fastest rate of growth in 2011 for wholesale distribution was in Oil and Gas Products, due to increased investment in shale formations; when accounting for inflation, real revenues in this sector actually decreased however. Industrial distributors saw the largest real rate of growth, with sales up 15.3% in 2011. MDM forecasts all wholesale distribution sectors will grow in 2012.

Total wholesale distributors sector revenues in 2010 were up 12.8 percent from 2009.

Visit http://www.mdm.com/store/product/category/111/Market-Economic-Data/RPARAMS/taxonomyId/81 to view all available distribution sector reports, also ideal for manufacturers and service providers conducting market research on the wholesale distribution channel. All 19 market reports are available for purchase in the 2012 Wholesale Distribution Economic Factbook, which also includes information on the overall industry. Order the Factbook at http://www.mdm.com/factbook.

These reports allow you to plan strategically for the year ahead with accurate current and forward-looking data on your wholesale distribution line of trade, Gale said. For example, learn how much sales and sales per employee have changed in your line of trade; how much weekly earnings have changed; which niches are producing the highest and lowest gross margins; how many companies are competing in your niches, and more.

These distribution sector reports, delivered in downloadable pdf, are invaluable resources for detailed distribution channel benchmarking data if you are managing, selling to or investing in a wholesale distribution company. The Wholesale Distribution Economic Reports use data from the most recent U.S. Annual Wholesale Trade Survey and reflect March 2012 government data revisions.

The 2012 Wholesale Distribution Economic Reports supply:

Leading Home Staging Certification Course Comes to Dallas, TX August 6 10th, 2012

Posted on August 8, 2012 by admin

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) July 17, 2012

Kim Kapellusch, Owner and Founder of The Academy of Home Staging is proud to announce, the industrys leading home staging certification training program is coming to Dallas, TX, and will be taught by Dallas own Michelle Lynne.

Kapellusch, a busy and successful Los Angeles Home Stager says, I am thrilled to announce the expansion of The Academy of Home Staging into the Dallas market and the addition of Michelle Lynne to our team of Certified Trainers. She continued, Michelle has tremendous talent, knowledge and experience to share with her students. She brings high energy and enthusiasm to all that she does and makes the learning experience enjoyable and exciting for all who attend her class.

Michelle Lynne, owner and founder of by Michelle Lynne http://www.bymichellelynne.com/ , Dallas premier resource for home staging, organizing & design has joined The Academy of Home Staging team as certified trainer for its Dallas location. Michelle Lynne is a member of the Texas Association of Interior Design, the Real Estate Staging Association, and the National Association of Professional Organizers. She has achieved her RESA-Pro designation, held the position of Vice President of her local RESA chapter, is one of the founders of Showings to Closings, a monthly seminar given to Dallas area real estate agents, and is also a RESA Approved Instructor, providing course instruction for MCE credits to Texas real estate agents.

There has never been a better time to become a Certified Home Stager.

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Tag Archives: 2012