THE FASHION+LIFESTYLE 2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR THE FOODIE IN THE FAMILY

Written and Compiled by Phillip D. Johnson

French digital company, UNOWHY recently launched “LA TABLETTE QOOQ” in the United States, the first interactive touch-screen tablet made especially for the kitchen and not a moment too soon. Already a sensation in France, the QOOQ CULINARY TABLET transforms the process of at-home cooking through highly interactive content from leading European chefs, helping to simplify meal preparation for culinary experts and novices alike. With a catalog of over 4,000 exclusive recipes from more than 100 of Europe’s most acclaimed chefs, QOOQ provides a step-by-step interactive guide to create delicious appetizers, meals and desserts through real-time HD video, photos and text as tools to guide users.

QOOQ, The First Culinary Tablet Made For The Kitchen Launches In The U.S. New Interactive Tool From France Revolutionizes At-Home Meal Preparation. (PRNewsFoto/UNOWHY)

Unlike other tablet computers, QOOQ is designed to be spill-proof, non-slip, and survive the wear and tear of the kitchen and a touchscreen that is specifically designed to be used in the kitchen, where it resists humidity and heat and can be used risk free with hands covered in flour or fat. (It can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth.) The device offers access to hundreds of ingredient fact sheets and videos demonstrating culinary techniques and its personalized features allow users to input their own favorite recipes and share with friends, create weekly menus and shopping lists, and automatically adjust ingredient quantities. QOOQ is available for purchase in the U.S. for $399 and comes pre-loaded with 1,000 recipes and videos. Users will also be able to purchase additional recipes, individually or in themed recipe packs, or subscriptions for monthly ($9.90/mo.) or yearly ($99.00/mo.) premium access. To learn more, or purchase a QOOQ tablet, please visit, www.qooq.com
ELI ZABAR (www.elizabar.com), the iconic New York City food emporium is stepping it up big time this season with a whole new selection of food gift baskets designed to tempt the palate this holiday season. Guaranteed to impress the most discerning gourmets, ELI ZABAR‘s newest artisanal, organic delicacies arrive straight from their ovens to your door. Each gift is made to order at ELI’S MARKETPLACE and shipped nationally, in time for holiday cheer.

HOLIDAY 2012 GIFT IDEA: JOHNNIE WALKER LAUNCHES THE SPICE ROAD, INSPIRED BY TRAVEL AND MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRAVELLERS

JOHNNIE WALKER has unveiled the first of a portfolio of whiskies that take their inspiration from the travelling heritage of John Walker & Sons. Available only in duty free stores, JOHNNIE WALKER THE SPICE ROAD pays a unique homage to the global travelers of today.

Johnnie Walker Launches The Spice Road

With a tradition of blending a whisky of intriguing complexity, rich flavor and exceptional smoothness, the JOHN WALKER & SONS tradition of blending for big, bold flavor inspired by influences from all over the world is alive and well into the 21st Century. The first three blends in the collection, collectively known as the TRADE ROUTES SERIES (of the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION) are inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes.

NICKELODEON BRINGS BELOVED BEATRIX POTTER BOOK SERIES PETER RABBIT TO TV WITH DEBUT OF NEW HOLIDAY SPECIAL “PETER RABBIT’S CHRISTMAS TALE” FRIDAY, DEC. 14, AT 7 PM (ET/PT)

Peter Rabbit hops on to the TV screen with the premiere of Nickelodeon‘s brand-new primetime holiday special, “Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale,” Friday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT).  Told with humor and heart, the special is a fresh re-imagining of the classic Beatrix Potter children’s books, which have sold over 250 million copies worldwide and been translated into 35 languages. Peter Rabbit is produced in conjunction with Silvergate Media and animated by Brown Bag Films.

Lily Bobtail, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny in the Nickelodeon holiday special, “Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale,” premiering Friday, Dec. 14, at 7pm (ET/PT). (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon)

“Nickelodeon is thrilled to bring this beloved book series to life on TV so kids can experience Peter Rabbit in a whole new way this holiday,” said TERI WEISS, EVP, PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, NICKELODEON PRESCHOOL.  “We have captured the spirit of the Peter Rabbit stories, while modernizing for today’s preschoolers through high-stakes adventures, comedic characters and vibrant CG-animation.”

In “Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale,” Peter Rabbit and his friend BENJAMIN BUNNY take over for Mr. Bouncer when he gets sick and can’t make the important holiday supply delivery. They brave a blizzard and a sneaky fox, Mr. Tod, in order to deliver important gifts and supplies to the residents of the Lake District.  Along the way, Peter and Benjamin meet a new friend, Lily Bobtail.  Inspired by BEATRIX POTTER, Lily is strong, smart, independent, curious, a nature-lover and artist who is just as willful and playful as her male counterparts.

Set in Potter’s treasured LAKE DISTRICT, Peter lives in a world where behind every rock there is a surprise to discover and where dangers (be it a sly fox or bad-tempered badger) lurk around every corner. Peter Rabbit features educational goals that encourage preschoolers to learn problem-solving and interpersonal skills, self-efficacy, resilience, positive re-framing and fostering an interest in and respect for nature.

Nickelodeon’s award-winning website, www.nickjr.com, currently offers parents and preschoolers a sneak peek of the holiday special plus Peter Rabbit coloring pages, stickers and mazes.  On Monday, Dec. 3, nickjr.com will launch “Presents from Peter,” where users will be able to go online every day to unlock a new special gift from Peter Rabbit such as holiday ornaments, holiday cards, activity packs and more.

 

THE DAILY GLOW AWARD WINNERS RECOGNIZING THE MOST INNOVATIVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS OF 2012 ARE ANNOUNCED

DAILY GLOW’S MEDICAL AND BEAUTY EXPERTS NAME 100 STANDOUT PRODUCTS AS BEAUTY INNOVATORS

DAILY GLOW (www.dailyglow.com), the leading online healthy beauty authority, announced the winners of its DAILY GLOW AWARDS honoring products across the beauty spectrum. After in-depth research, testing and analysis of thousands of products, a judging panel of medical and beauty experts named 100 products for their outstanding achievement in innovation, recognizing the most inventive, state-of-the-art and truly original products.  The DAILY GLOW 2012 AWARD winners were announced today in an expansive editorial feature on www.DailyGlow.com/Awards.

Daily Glow (www.DailyGlow.com) provides a smart, fresh perspective on healthy beauty. The popular site and its mobile apps offer credible, solutions-focused tools and information from industry experts, medical doctors, favorite celebrities and celebrity stylists, plus a community of peers. Daily Glow provides information and inspiration for women to look and feel their best from the inside out – every day. This is one of the prestigious brands published by Everyday Health, Inc. The DAILY GLOW AWARDS‘ badge highlights the most innovative beauty products for consumers who want to make healthier choices for their beauty solutions.

MONDO GUERRA OF PROJECT RUNWAY ALL STARS UNVEILS ONE-OF-A-KIND CLOTHING DESIGN IN HONOR OF WORLD AIDS DAY

DRESS INSPIRED BY HIV COMMUNITY AND I DESIGN CAMPAIGN

Fashion designer and Project Runway All Stars winner, MONDO GUERRA, in collaboration with MERCK, unveiled an original dress created by the designer and inspired by the HIV Community. The dress is an embodiment of the Community’s courage and commitment, and was designed to help inspire people living with HIV to have an open dialogue with their doctor – a key component of the I Design campaign that Mondo and Merck have been bringing to the Community this year. The one-of-a-kind dress will be premiered on World AIDS Day, commemorated on the first of December each year, and will be unveiled on the campaign website, www.ProjectIDesign.com.

MERCK WORLD AIDS DAY DRESS: Dress designed by Project Runway All Stars winner Mondo Guerra for World AIDS Day, inspired by his advocacy work through his collaboration with Merck on I Design, an HIV education campaign. (PRNewsFoto/Merck)

I Design is a national HIV education campaign led by Merck and fashion designer Mondo Guerra aimed at helping to empower people living with HIV to have open and meaningful discussions with their doctors about their treatment plan based on their medical and lifestyle needs. 

CALIFORNIA MILK ADVISORY BOARD CELEBRATES THE SEASON’S SMALL BITES TREND WITH BROCHURE SPOTLIGHTING NIBBLES, STARTERS & SMALL PLATES FEATURING CALIFORNIA DAIRY

From mini desserts to single bite appetizers, small plates are hotter than ever–and 2013 food trends reveal that these petite plates are here to stay with a continued evolution of smaller portions being featured at white tablecloth and quick serve restaurants. But this bite-sized trend isn’t just for dining out as more consumers are experimenting with their own small plates at home. The CALIFORNIA MILK ADVISORY BOARD (CMAB) is offering a free consumer brochure with tips and recipes for tapping into this trend for holiday celebrations or every day meals.

“Whether it’s a love for Spanish-style tapas or an interest in eating smaller portions without giving up on taste, we’ve seen a lot of focus around creating mini bites at home on Pinterest and in food and lifestyle magazines. California dairy – everything from cheese to yogurt to ice cream and butter – is the perfect ingredient for making small plates bursting with big flavor,” said JENNIFER GIAMBRONI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CMAB. “Our Nibbles, Starters & Small Plates brochure gives consumers a handful of ideas they can enjoy any time of the year.”

California is the nation’s leading milk producer and also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the REAL CALIFORNIA CHEESE seal. Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are family owned and that means consumers are supporting dairy families when they look for the milk and cheese seals when they shop.

THE FASHION+LIFESTYLE.COM 2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

COMPILED BY PHILLIP D. JOHNSON

This, the first of the FASHION+LIFETSYLE.COM 2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES, is all about the children. These are the toys that were the bestsellers this past year and the ones that are presently selling out everywhere. There’s a toy or tablet here for every child on your Christmas list.

LeapPad2

IT’S THE HOTTEST TOY ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW! The award-winning LeapPad2, from LEAPFROG ENTERPRISES, INC., offers kids more engaging learning experiences than ever before. New features include front-and-back cameras and video recorders, a faster LF 2000 processor, double the on-board memory (4GB) and a longer battery life, all wrapped in a high-tech styled kid-tough tablet design. LEAPPAD2‘s extensive library of hundreds of games, music, videos, eBooks and more are carefully designed and approved by LEAPFROG‘s highly experienced team of educational experts and include a combination of LEAPFROG‘s top quality educational entertainment and engaging content from the biggest names in children’s entertainment. LEAPFROG‘s own learning content is grounded in the latest research and draws on a comprehensive curriculum that covers more

Yummy Gummy Christmas DVD Cover

than 2,500 skills across 100 skill categories. LEAPPAD2 is sold at MSRP $99.99 and is recommended for children 3 to 9 years. The LEAPPAD2 DISNEY PRINCESS BUNDLE is sold at MSRP $129.99. Downloads are priced at MSRP $5.00 and up and game cartridges at MSRP $24.99. New accessories for LeapPad2 include a Video Display Case (MSRP $19.99), Fashion Handbag (MSRP $19.99), Car Adapter (MSRP $14.99), Gel Skins (MSRP $9.99) and much more. An optional recharger pack is also available at MSRP $39.99. LeapPad2 is now available at www.leapfrog.com, online and at major retailers in the U.S., Canada, UK and Ireland

Don’t judge me but I have to say it: I LOVE GUMMIBÄR!  From the moment I received the package of CDs and DVDs in the mail, I have been spellbound by Gummibär and his friend: KALA (a ‘serval cat,’ and the brain in the group), HARRY, the nerdy know-it-all chameleon, and VAM PIRO (a vampire bat with a big problem: He faints at the sight of blood!).

I AM YOUR GUMMY BEAR USA CD COVER

  GUMMIBÄR is a green blue-eyed character that is usually naked except for orange underwear and sneakers and also seems to have been bitten (with a small portion of the upper left ear missing), which may be why he sings about candy. Gummibär represents the child inside of us (much like SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS); and he’s a dancing machine!  He knows how to work that body like no one else! Again, much like the SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS character, there’s an element of adult sarcastic humor mixed in with a kid’s smart-alecky sensibility and I love it all. The theme song (“I am a Gummy Bear”) is like a classic earworm, and the new Christmas DVD, “The Yummy Gummy Search for Santa”, is a new Christmas classic. The cultural references sprinkled throughout the movie are to die for!

The first Gummibär theme song, “I’m a Gummy Bear” (“The Gummy Bear Song”), was produced in Germany in late 2006, and became a regional success as a dance song. The company has since created six additional music videos for a global audience in an increasing number of languages, has recorded additional songs, and Gummibär songs and videos have now been recorded in over 28 languages. They recently announced the addition of party supply products and cookie cutters to the mix, and much more are on the way. For Christmas 2012, check the new Christmas DVD, the CDs (“I am a Gummy Bear”, “Gummibär Christmas Jollies”, “Gummibär: La La Love to Dance”) and the DVD (“The Gummibär Video Collection”). For more information and where-to-buy, visit www.gummibar.net, www.gummibar.net/music/, www.facebook.com/funnygummy, www.gummybearinternational.com/.

HOLIDAY 2012 GIFT IDEA: SARTORI CHEESE ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE DECEMBER RELEASE OF LIMITED EDITION CHEESE GIFT BOX

SARTORI COMPANY announced today that December 1st will be the official release of the first ever “PAOLO SARTORI LIMITED EDITION CHEESE GIFT BOX ($65.99 USD) This highly anticipated offering will include all five of SARTORI‘s 2012 Limited Edition Cheeses: COGNAC BELLAVITANO®, CANNELLA BELLAVITANO™, PEPPERMINT BELLAVITANO, PASTORALE BLEND®, and EXTRA-AGED GOAT CHEESE.

SARTORI COMPANY announced today that December 1st will be the official release of the first ever “PAOLO SARTORI LIMITED EDITION CHEESE GIFT BOX ($65.99 USD) This highly anticipated offering will include all five of SARTORI’s 2012 Limited Edition Cheeses: COGNAC BELLAVITANO®, CANNELLA BELLAVITANO™, PEPPERMINT BELLAVITANO, PASTORALE BLEND®, and EXTRA-AGED GOAT CHEESE.

SIP AND SAVOR THE HOLIDAYS AT KRISPY KREME

FESTIVE HOLIDAY TREATS FROM KRISPY KREME FEATURES NEW GINGERBREAD DOUGHNUT AND RED VELVET LATTE

Unwrap the joy this holiday season with a merry assortment of delicious holiday doughnuts and beverages from KRISPY KREME. SNOWMAN, HOLIDAY SPRINKLES, RED VELVET CAKE and NEW GINGERBREAD CAKE DOUGHNUTS are available now through December 30, 2012 at participating Krispy Kreme US and Canadian locations.

Unwrap the joy this holiday season with a merry assortment of delicious holiday doughnuts and beverages from Krispy Kreme. Snowman, Holiday Sprinkles, Red Velvet Cake and NEW Gingerbread Cake Doughnuts are available now through December 30, 2012 at participating Krispy Kreme US and Canadian locations. (PRNewsFoto/Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation)

“The more the merrier! These delightful holiday treats are perfect for sharing, celebrating and creating joyful memories during this festive season,” says RON RUPOCINSKI, KRISPY KREME CORPORATE CHEF.

2012 WORLD AIDS DAY REPORT: AIDS IS A DEEPLY PERSONAL AS WELL AS SOCIETAL CONCERN FOR YOUNG AMERICANS OF COLOR

SURVEY FINDS BLACK AND LATINO YOUTH “VERY CONCERNED” ABOUT IMPACT OF HIV ON THEMSELVES AND OTHERS THEIR AGE; BLACK YOUTH MOST LIKELY TO BE OFFERED AND TO GET A TEST FOR HIV

Nearly three times as many Black teens and young adults, and twice as many Latino youth, say HIV/AIDS is an issue that concerns them personally as compared to whites the same age, according to a new KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION survey of 15-24 year olds in the United States.

One in two (49%) Black youth say they are “very concerned” personally about HIV/AIDS today, another 21 percent say they are at least “somewhat concerned;” by comparison, only a third of whites express any personal concern (17% “very” and 18% “somewhat”).  Latinos of the same age fall in the middle with 32 percent saying they are “very concerned” personally, and another 16 percent, “somewhat concerned.”

Three in four youth today say HIV/AIDS is a serious issue for their generation (44% “very” and 34% “somewhat”).  As with personal concern, young people of color – those from communities that have been disproportionately affected by the disease – are more likely to see HIV/AIDS as a significant issue for others their age. Twice as many Black (62%) and Latino youth (61%) say HIV/AIDS is “very serious” issue for their generation, as compared with whites of the same age (32%).

ROCKIN’ AROUND THE HOLIDDAY TRIO: DUNKIN’ DONUTS’ NEW TWITTER SWEEPSTAKES CELEBRATES THREE COFFEE FLAVORS THAT BREW HOLIDAY SPIRIT

DUNKIN’ DONUTS RE-BRANDS TWITTER PROFILE PAGE AND HOSTS INTERACTIVE SWEEPSTAKES ALLOWING FANS TO VOTE FOR AND FILL UP HOLIDAY COFFEE FLAVORS IN REAL-TIME

‘Tis the season to celebrate with a WHITE CHOCOLATE, PEPPERMINT MOCHA and GINGERBREAD COFFEE or LATTE at DUNKIN’ DONUTS, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. To celebrate the brand’s newest seasonal beverage flavor WHITE CHOCOLATE, in addition to the return of PEPPERMINT MOCHA and GINGERBREAD COFFEE and lattes, Dunkin’ Donuts has a new way for its Twitter followers to share which flavor brews holiday cheer. Beginning today and continuing through Monday, December 3, Dunkin’ Donuts will host the “FLAVOR-FULL HOLIDDAY COFFEE TWITTER SWEEPSTAKES,” asking followers to share their seasonal flavor preference for a chance to win one of three daily $50 mGifts.

Dunkin’ Donuts Hot Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Dunkin’ Donuts)

THE TOP 2012 SEARCHES FROM BING REVEAL NO ONE CAN KEEP UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS IN BING’S TOP SEARCHES OF 2012

We are now entering the scary period of the year when we will become inundated with year-end lists: The Top Ten Best Movies (Albums, Television Shows, etc.), the Top Ten Worst Movies (Television Shows, et al), The Entertainer of the Year (Entertainment Weekly), The Best New Broadway Musical/Play, The Best Books (and Worst) of the Year (fiction/non-fiction). You get the picture. So I might as well bite the bullet and open the floodgate to what promised to be a torrent of lists of every kind. First out of the gate is BING, MICROSOFT’s answer to GOOGLE (which is the number one search engine on the Net).  As we look back at 2012, Bing searches show it was a year of familiar faces, momentous events and baby fever. While last year people were singing “Baby, baby, baby” with JUSTIN BIEBER as the most-searched person of 2011, 2012 was the year of the real baby, as celebrity births were five of the top 10 celebrity events. From new reality stars such as HONEY BOO BOO to viral hits such as “Gangnam Style” and airwave darlings such as TAYLOR SWIFT, BING captured history through the searches that mark the year’s most fascinating people, sensations and moments in time.

Based on the accumulation of billions of search queries conducted on BING this year, here are the much-anticipated top search lists for the most-searched people, news stories, athletes, musicians, celebrity events, social networks and TV shows. The complete report, including most-searched viral videos, movies, songs, TV personalities and more, is available at http://www.BingTrends.com.

Most-Searched Person of the Year

KIM KARDASHIAN didn’t just keep up with other celebs such as JUSTIN BIEBER (2011’s most-searched person) this year, she left them eating her dust as she took back the top spot. KIM K. was the most-searched person of the year in 2012, regaining the spot she also held in 2010. Her relationship ups and downs, including a new relationship with KANYE WEST, made Kim more interesting than ever. While Justin Bieber fell to the second spot, he still was the MOST-SEARCHED MALE OF THE YEAR and the MOST-SEARCHED MUSICIAN, thanks to the continued support of his many “Beliebers.” Newcomers to the list include RIHANNA, who skyrocketed from No. 20 in 2011 to No. 4 this year; SELENA GOMEZ, who jumped from No. 13 to No. 7; and NICKI MINAJ, who just barely cracked the top 10 at No. 9, up from No. 23 in 2011. MILEY CYRUS made the biggest gain within the top 10 list, jumping from No. 10 to No. 3, likely due to her surprise engagement.

2012 WORLD AIDS DAY REPORT: MORE THAN HALF OF YOUNG HIV-INFECTED AMERICANS ARE NOT AWARE OF THEIR STATUS

TOO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BECOME INFECTED AND FEW ARE TESTED FOR HIV

Young people between the ages of 13 and 24 represent more than a quarter of new HIV infections each year (26 percent) and most of these youth living with HIV (60 percent) are unaware they are infected, according to a VITAL SIGNS REPORT from the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. The most-affected young people are young gay and bisexual men and African-Americans, the report says.

The analysis looks at the latest data on HIV infections, testing, and risk behaviors among young people and was published in advance of WORLD AIDS DAY, Dec. 1.

Overall, an estimated 12,200 new HIV infections occurred in 2010 among young people aged 13-24, with young gay and bisexual men and African-Americans hit harder by HIV than their peers. In 2010, 72 percent of estimated new HIV infections in young people occurred in young men who have sex with men (MSM).  By race/ethnicity, 57 percent of estimated new infections in this age group were in African-Americans.

GIFTS.COM, THE LEADING RESOURCE FOR HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS, ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE SECOND ANNUAL GIFTEE AWARDS

2012’S TOP HOLIDAY GIFTS VOTED BY AMERICAN CONSUMERS

Gifts.com, the most visited gift recommendation site renowned for hand-picked gift ideas and expert advice, announced the winners of the second annual GIFTEE AWARDS, honoring the best gifts of 2012. Winning gifts in this year’s 10 categories were nominated and decided by thousands of public votes. By tapping into the collective conscience of gift givers across the United States, The GIFTEE AWARDS reveal what America really wants for the holidays.

2012 Giftee Awards logo

The categories for the 2012 GIFTEE AWARDS address the most popular and trendy types of gifts that people will be shopping for during the holidays. New categories this year include BEST GIFTS MADE IN THE U.S.A. and BEST ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS. For details on the winners and finalists in all 10 categories please visit the Giftee Awards site at http://giftees.gifts.com/2012/winners.

2(X)IST OPENS POP-UP SHOP TO AID HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF EFFORTS AND BENEFIT AMERICAN RED CROSS

2(X)IST LAUNCHES HOLIDAY POP-UP FOR GIFT GIVING AND GIVING BACK

 

Dedicated to innovation in comfort, fit and style, men’s lifestyle brand, 2(X)IST is giving back to the community this holiday season, launching its first-ever pop-up shop and donating 100% of profits to the AMERICAN RED CROSS IN GREATER NEW YORK to help restore the region and provide for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. As a New York-based company deeply invested in its hometown, 2(X)IST seeks to honor its roots and heighten awareness through the holidays that the effects of the storm are as enduring as they are devastating and will also continue drops of basic essential pieces including the brand’s signature crew-neck t-shirts, long underwear and henleys to those communities hit the hardest. Located at 1411 BROADWAY at 40^TH STREET in New York’s iconic TIMES SQUARE, the shop will be open from November 26^th through December 24^th.

Known for its cutting-edge fashion, contoured shapes, and superior comfort, 2(X)IST creates fashion forward designs to fit men’s lives. Founded in 1991, the company has grown to become an iconic men’s lifestyle brand with a style and fit for every occasion. 2(X)IST leads the evolution of fabrics, materials, and technology to create better fitting underwear, swimwear, apparel, and accessories for fashion-forward, confident, and modern men.

The shop will feature a curated selection from the brand’s holiday collection and signature essentials, as well as a sneak peek of its debut watch collection, available for purchase in Spring 2013. The lines available at the pop-up range from the 2(X)IST ESSENTIAL, comprising 100% cotton everyday basics including the CONTOUR POUCH BRIEF and SLIM-FIT CREW-NECK, to the more holiday festive 2(X)IST TARTAN, a jubilant take on traditional plaid incorporated into signature briefs, trunks, and long underwear. With all prices 25% off MSRP, ranging from $14 for single pieces to $36 for three-packs, and available in a variety of bold color combinations including active green, cobalt and poppy red, there is endless opportunity to give back this holiday season.

DEVIGI LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF HIGH FASHION, HIGH PERFORMANCE FITNESS APPAREL

FITNESS APPAREL LINE DESIGNED TO MAKE WEARERS LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD AND REACH FOR INTENSITY

Lose the frumpy T-shirts and sweatshirts and make room in your closet for DEVIGI, the newest line of high performance, high fashion fitness apparel designed to make women and men look good, feel good and eager to pump up the intensity of any workout. The product line incorporates luxuriously soft fabric made from bamboo, which is naturally antimicrobial, thermal regulating, and UV protecting. It will be available online December 1st at www.devigi.com.

The clothing is comfortable, stylish and flattering, perfect for those who feel their bodies may not be “gym ready” or prefer a more versatile option in fitness apparel. On women, from sizes 0-18, Devigi enhances the right curves while camouflaging others and easily goes from the gym to school pick up.  For men, the bamboo fleece offers a cozy, streamlined fit providing the look of a sweater with the feel of a favorite fleece.  The DEVIGI MEN‘s QUARTER ZIP looks great after the gym, on the green or the 19th hole.  Devigi products are constructed to survive the toughest cross-training class and also look great at the coffee shop.

Devigi has been created by NADINE GELBERG, a Ph.D. in sport technology policy and fitness buff. “Devigi is committed to uniting performance and fashion to deliver the confidence that compels people to kick up their workout.  Devigi does not want people to just do it, but to reach for intensity,” said Dr. Gelberg.

The initial Devigi collection includes:

Women’s Belleco Tops:
Devigi Tanks                                       $38
Devigi Racer Back                             $38
Devigi Cowl Neck Tank                   $38
Devigi Long Sleeve Cowl                $45

Available in rich shades blue, coral and plum

Women’s Intensa Bottoms:
Capri Pants                                          $89
Long Pants                                           $89
Short Pants                                          $89
Available in charcoal gray

Women’s Covers:
Devigi Hoodie                                    $95
Devigi Shrug                                        $95
Available in light and charcoal gray

Men’s Covers:
Quarter Zip Pullover                       $78
Available in a heather charcoal gray

DEVIGI designs and manufacturers fitness apparel that combines style and performance to make its customers feel good and look great. The products drape elegantly across the body, fit and flatter sizes from 0-18 and enhance the right curves while camouflaging others.  In DEVIGI apparel, athletes will have the confidence and energy to reach for intensity in all their workout routines. DEVIGI comes from the universal language Esperanto, meaning “compel” or “drive.”

Devigi Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Devigi)

Additional products, designs, and colors are in the works and Devigi will continue to expand the initial line throughout the first quarter of 2013. All Devigi products are manufactured in Philadelphia. They are machine washable and dryable.  For more information about Devigi, visitwww.devigi.com.

SOURCE: DEVIGI
Web Site: http://www.devigi.com

jcpenney LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE HOLIDAY GIVING TOUR

RETAILER SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER, SURPRISING 12 CITIES WITH ACTS OF GENEROSITY

jcpenney today announced the launch of its nationwide HOLIDAY GIVING TOUR. Beginning on #GivingTuesday, the retailer will embark on a 12-day tour throughout the U.S., carrying out special acts of generosity in a new city each day. From Christmas tree lighting and ice skating to Santas and tobogganing, jcpenney will bring a touch of Christmas cheer to cities across the country through simple, humble acts of generosity that pay homage to classic American holiday traditions.

#GivingTuesday is harnessing the power of social media to create a national movement around the holidays that is dedicated to giving. The #GivingTuesday movement is inspiring people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, to give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and to help create a better world. It will begin with a national day of giving on November 27, 2012. #GivingTuesday is a first-of-its-kind effort to harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners–charities, families, businesses and individuals–to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. For more information, go to www.givingtuesday.org.

(RED) PARTNERS GET BEHIND WORLD AIDS DAY 2012

ICONIC BUILDINGS & LANDMARKS WILL TURN (RED) TO MARK WORLD AIDS DAY  

Turning famous landmarks (RED) on WORLD AIDS DAY has become a bit of a tradition at (RED). And once again, on December 1st, cities around the world will unite and illuminate landmarks (RED) to honor World AIDS Day.  To mark the occasion around the globe, many of the world’s most iconic buildings and best known landmarks will turn (RED) on December 1. Among those showing support for the fight against AIDS are the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, AAMI STADIUM AND THE ARTS CENTRE SPIRE IN MELBOURNE, THE EDF ENERGY LONDON EYE, Cape Town’s TABLE MOUNTAIN, Toronto’s CN TOWER, THE PONTE VECCHIO and PALAZZO VECCHIO in Florence, Dublin’s CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL and THE SOUMAYA MUSEUM in Mexico City.

The Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia goes (RED)

San Francisco City Hall

In addition, New York’s EMPIRE STATE BUILDING and TIMES SQUARE‘s NASDAQ MARKETSITE TOWER and THE STANDARD, HIGH LINE, CITY HALL IN SAN FRANCISCO, The WRIGLEY BUILDING in Chicago, CITY HALL in Atlanta, CITY HALL and WAR MEMORIAL PLAZA (promenade) in Baltimore, over 15 buildings in Providence, including G-TECH and the RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE and the PYLONS at LAX AIRPORT will also all turn (RED). The landmark lightings will help raise awareness and support for our goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015.  The lightings will also bring awareness of the issue to a local level with many individual cities hosting events.

THE GOAL IS SET: AN AIDS-FREE GENERATION BY 2015

While we are all getting ready to celebrate the upcoming holiday with our friends and family, we need to remain cognizant of one very important fact that is both frightening and heartbreaking to our very core: LAST YEAR NEARLY HALF A MILLION BABIES WERE BORN WITH HIV. By 2015, that number could be zero.

This WORLD AIDS DAY – DECEMBER 1st – (RED) www.joinred.com is launching a new campaign that brings light to the important fact that by 2015 we can have a world where virtually no child is born with HIV. With continued funding to organizations like the GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA, we have a chance to work towards a world where the number of babies born with HIV could be zero in 2015 – creating the first AIDS Free Generation in 30 years.

FASHIONPLAYTES UNVEILS TRENDY, FESTIVE HOLIDAY CLOTHING LINE THAT LETS TWEENS SPARKLE AND SHINE

NEW LINE OF SKIRTS, TOPS, DRESSES AND OUTERWEAR READY FOR TWEEN DESIGNERS TO MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT

FASHIONPLAYTES (www.fashionplaytes.com), the first girl-driven fashion and style destination, has announced its fresh and fabulous Holiday Line of designs, fabrics, color and embellishments especially for FPgirls (www.fpgirl.com). The HOLIDAY LINE will empower fashion-forward tweens to create their own signature look for the holidays. The upcoming season presents plenty of opportunities for FPgirls to shine, including school events, cookie decorating parties, piano recitals, and celebrations with family and friends. FPgirls can mix and match tops, skirts, a wrap, dresses, outerwear and accessories for the perfect look for any occasion.

FashionPlaytes’s Holiday Line. (PRNewsFoto/FashionPlaytes)

FPgirl has a wide variety of fun and festive holiday clothing for girls, including skirts, tops, dresses, leggings and outerwear to choose as base garments that can be customized with everything from a shimmering star, a red sequined heart and even an FP wish for holiday peace. From sparkles to plush fabrics with a few animal prints sprinkled in, FPgirls are sure to have the right look for every holiday party and event.

RING IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ROOTS

NEW COOKBOOK FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DIANE MORGAN SERVES UP NEW POTATO AND OTHER ROOT VEGETABLE RECIPE IDEAS

ROOTS: THE DEFINITIVE COMPENDIUM WITH MORE THAN 225 RECIPES by award-winning cookbook author DIANE MORGAN is available now, just in time for the holiday season. Roots is dedicated to Morgan’s love of root vegetables and features a chapter focusing entirely on America’s favorite root vegetable: potatoes.

Roots: The Definitive Compendium with More than 225 Recipes

“When you combine the amazing variety of potatoes available at the market, with how versatile and easy they are to prepare, and then add how nutrient-dense and low in calories potatoes are, you have a real winner in the vegetable family,” Morgan explains.

Nutrient-dense they are: a single, skin-on medium-sized (5.3 ounce) potato has just 110 calories, more potassium than a banana and almost half your daily value of vitamin C (45 percent) and zero fat, sodium or cholesterol.

The United States potato industry was delighted to learn Morgan is a big fan of the spud and asked her to be one of their ambassadors for “Real Moms, Real Meals,” a Facebook community where moms are encouraged to share real dinnertime solutions.

“As a mom of two myself, I am honored to have been selected as a ‘Real Mom’ and look forward to helping many moms become inspired to put a twist on their traditional holiday menus this season,” said Morgan.

As part of the partnership, Morgan shared one of her favorite potato recipes from the new cookbook, SUNEETA’S POTATO CHAAT WITH CILANTRO-MINT CHUTNEY.  Chaat is a traditional Indian dish and perfect for bringing to a holiday gathering or even for serving as a pre-holiday meal appetizer, according to Morgan.

To chat with Morgan live, visit the Potatoes, Taters and Spuds Facebook page on Monday, November 26 at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST. Morgan will make a guest appearance on the U.S. POTATO BOARD’S FACEBOOK PAGE to share some of her new recipes along with make-ahead appetizer ideas and classic holiday fare for those upcoming family gatherings and tree-trimming parties. To join the chat, simply “like” the Potatoes, Taters & Spuds Facebook page and begin posting your questions and comments on the page wall at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST on November 26.

Also live on the POTATOES, TATERS AND SPUDS FACEBOOK PAGE is a “HIP HOLIDAY HOSTESS” sweepstakes in which users are invited to solve puzzles for the chance to win one of three holiday entertaining prize packs.

Visit www.potatogoodness.com for hundreds of healthy and creative potato recipes and to sign-up to receive our weekly recipe email to receive a new recipe in your email in-box each week.

The UNITED STATES POTATO BOARD (USPB) is the nation’s potato marketing and research organization.  Based in Denver, Colorado, the USPB represents more than 2,500 potato growers and handlers across the country and was established in 1971 by a group of potato growers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. Today, as the largest vegetable commodity board, the USPB is proud to be recognized as an innovator in the produce industry and dedicated to positioning potatoes as a nutrition powerhouse—truly, goodness unearthed.

BRITANNICA LAUNCHES ONLINE INFORMATION SOLUTION FOR CLASSROOMS

BRITANNICA SCHOOL, FOR PREK-12, PROVIDES CURRICULUM SUPPORT, LESSONS, HOMEWORK HELP

BRITANNICA DIGITAL LEARNING today announced a comprehensive new online information solution designed for classrooms in grades preK-12. Entitled BRITANNICA SCHOOL, it provides rich multimedia resources for lessons and lesson planning, curriculum support, student and teacher research and homework help.

The Web-based service supersedes BRITANNICA‘s previous school Web site, providing a host of features and benefits the company says make it ideal for the digital classroom and for access by parents and teachers at home.  It includes a wide range of resources such as encyclopedias, journals and periodicals, atlases, primary sources and multimedia linked to Common Core state standards and tailored to the needs of teachers and students.

With content for all grades, BRITANNICA SCHOOL is specially designed to enable students to move to higher or lower reading levels easily and whenever necessary, helping teachers conduct individualized instruction.  It works superbly on any digital device, be it a computer, smartphone or tablet. This is a benefit to schools as they use more mobile devices and students bring their own devices to school.

“We’re right in the middle of today’s digital classroom, with a product that’s sorely needed: a digital knowledge and information solution,” said JORGE CAUZ, PRESIDENT OF ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA, INC. “This new product exemplifies what Britannica is today: focused on the classroom, with innovative digital solutions that make teaching and learning easier and more successful.”

The product also provides an extensive array of high-quality, up-to-date, texts on all subjects needed to fulfill the new COMMON CORE STATE STANDARD TESTS, which enables teachers to build lessons around those standards. More about Britannica School is available on the Britannica Blog.

Free trials are available to schools, districts and consortiums. Interested educators can call 1-800-621-3900 or go to http://info.eb.com/products/britannica-school/ for more information.

BRITANNICA DIGITAL LEARNING (BDL) provides reliable, high-quality classroom products and solutions for educators. BDL is a division of ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA, INC. and is headquartered in Chicago. BDL experts produce curriculum-aligned resources for all ages from preschool to college that make creative and purposeful use of technologies widely used in schools today—such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, smart phones and learner-response devices—making it easier for teachers to teach and for students to learn. Products include BRITANNICA SCHOOL, SMARTMATH, PATHWAYS: SCIENCE, and IMAGE QUEST.

SOURCE: ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA, INC.

http://www.britannica.com

ANNE GEDDES AND UMB CARDPARTNER HAVE JOINED FORCES TO LAUNCH THE ANNE GEDDES VISA® PLATINUM REWARDS CREDIT CARD

ANNE GEDDES and UMB CARDPARTNER have joined forces to launch the ANNE GEDDES VISA® PLATINUM REWARDS CREDIT CARD combining her iconic and beloved imagery on a trusted credit card allowing the consumer to choose a card design that best represents them.

Anne Geddes and UMB CardPartner have joined forces to launch the Anne Geddes Visa(R) Platinum Rewards credit card combining Anne’s iconic and beloved imagery on a trusted credit card allowing the consumer to choose a card design that best represents them. (PRNewsFoto/Anne Geddes)

“Using the Anne Geddes Visa® Platinum Rewards credit card for everyday purchases is an easy way to make a personal statement“, said GARY BROWN COO OF THE GEDDES GROUP.

“We believe the many fans of Anne will be excited to integrate the brands philosophy of ‘Protect. Nurture. Love’ into their daily lives; with five different Anne Geddes images available at launch there is sure to be a card to suit everyone. You can even upload a photograph of your own child onto a custom Anne Geddes card.”

The PLATINUM VISA REWARDS CARD will offer qualified cardholders exceptional benefits including no annual fee*, a low APR* and a powerful rewards program. Cardholders will earn 1 point per dollar on purchases and balance transfers and will earn 2 points for every dollar of billed interest. Rewards points can be redeemed for airline ticket, gift cards, merchandise and more.**

Find out more about the Anne Geddes Visa® Platinum Rewards card at www.annegeddes.com/creditcards.

**  See Rewards Program Rules for more details.

RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS RELEASES FIRST INTERACTIVE COLORING & ACTIVITY BARBIE(TM) APP, BARBIE™ COLOR, SPARKLE AND STYLE

RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS (www.randomhouse.com/kids) announces that BARBIE™ COLOR, SPARKLE AND STYLE FOR IPAD®, its first original coloring and activity app with MATTEL, is now available in the APP STORE™ (www.itunes.com/appstore). The app retails for $4.99, and is on sale now for a special introductory launch price of $1.99.

Random House Children’s Books (www.randomhouse.com/kids) announces that Barbie(TM) Color, Sparkle and Style for iPad(R), its first original coloring

HOLIDAY 2012 GIFT IDEA: GIVE THE GIFT OF PEACE OF MIND FOR THE HOLIDAYS BY PREPARING LOVED ONES WITH STORABLE MEALS FROM EFOODSDIRECT

PAMPER A FAMILY MEMBER YOU LOVE WITH EFOODSDIRECT STORABLE MEAL FAVORITES LIKE BEEF STROGANOFF, CHEESY CHICKEN RICE CASSEROLE, WHITE CHEDDAR PASTA, AND MANY OTHER MOUTH-WATERING CHOICES.

THE GIFT OF EFOODSDIRECT STORABLE MEALS OFFERS DELICIOUS PEACE OF MIND FOR UP TO 25 YEARS.

STEVE SHENK, co-founder of eFoodsDirect, has announced EFOODSDIRECT STORABLE MEALS, a peace-of-mind solution for families that extends beyond the holidays for up to 25 years. eFoodsDirect offers affordable gifts for families including the HOLIDAY SAMPLER GIFT PACK which includes 65 delicious servings of eFoodsDirect‘s most popular meals that are packed in Mylar pouches and shipped in a heavy duty storage bucket. eFoodsDirect offers family meal favorites like Beef Stroganoff, Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole, White Cheddar Pasta, and many other mouth-watering choices and are very affordable to be eaten now at only $0.79 per serving in the HOLIDAY SAMPLER GIFT PACK.

eFoodsDirect. (PRNewsFoto/eFoodsDirect)

Founded by nationally known food-reserve and storable food experts STEVE SHENK and BARBARA ROSSBERG, each with over thirty years of food experience, the company’s goal is to help all American families have delicious, affordable, healthy, storable food insurance from eFoodsDirect. eFoodsDirect is the only company to offer “SERVE TODAY AND STORE FOR TOMORROW” FAMILY FOOD SECURITY PACKS available in a delicious meal assortment of affordable one-month, three-month, six-month and one-year FAMILY FOOD SECURITY PACKS on the eFoodsDirect Website at http://www.efoodsdirect.com.

BUFFETS, INC. GIFT CARD PROGRAM IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING: FREE MEALS WITH $25 GIFT CARD PURCHASES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

BUFFETS, INC.^® and its portfolio of brands is making sure it feels good to give this holiday season.  From Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, guests who purchase a gift card of $25 of value or greater will receive a FREE VIP CARD for a free meal to use for themselves good any time during the month of January 2013.  This special holiday deal positions Buffets portfolio of brands – operating primarily under RYAN’S^®, OLD COUNTRY BUFFET^® and HOMETOWN BUFFET^® – as offering one of the best values for individuals and companies seeking great holiday gift cards for colleagues and family. The special offer is only available for purchase at the company’s 340 family-style buffet restaurants between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve 2012.

BUFFETS, INC. VIP CARD: Purchase a $25 gift card or book a holiday party for 20 or more guests at any of the Buffets, Inc. brands of restaurants, between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, and receive a complimentary VIP Card for a free meal. (PRNewsFoto/Buffets, Inc.)

BUFFETS, INC., the nation’s largest steak-buffet restaurant company, currently operates 350 restaurants in 35 states, comprised of 340 steak-buffet restaurants and 10 TAHOE JOE’S FAMOUS STEAKHOUSE® restaurants.  The restaurants are principally operated under the OLD COUNTRY BUFFET®, HOMETOWN® BUFFET, RYAN’S® and FIRE MOUNTAIN® brands. Buffets employs approximately 18,000 team members and serves approximately 100 million customers annually.

“Our restaurants are known for offering great-tasting food we are all proud to serve to our families, so during the holidays we wanted to make sure everyone shared in the gift,” SAID ALICE CROWDER, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING FOR BUFFETS, INC.  “This way, you can give a gift card to a friend or family member, and come back in January to enjoy a great dinner yourself!”

JAEGER-LECOULTRE INAUGURATES ITS PLACE VENDÔME (FLAGSHIP) BOUTIQUE

On the eve of celebrating the 180TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS MANUFACTURE, JAEGER-LECOULTRE (on November 20^th) invited special guests and fine watchmaking lovers to NO. 7, PLACE VENDÔME to inaugurate their newest brand flagship boutique. The largest JAEGER-LECOULTRE BOUTIQUE in the world, the new flagship boutique heralds a new (company) interior design concept: a warm, luminous space where JAEGER-LECOULTRE will be able to convey at once its past, its present and its future. As one of the greatest international watch manufacturers, the Maison has woven genuine ties with connoisseurs of Fine Watchmaking.

PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 20: View of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique on November 20, 2012 in Paris, . (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Jaeger-LeCoultre)

PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 20: Diane Kruger (C), Guillain Maspetiol (L), Director General France of Jaeger-Le Coultre, and Jerome Lambert, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, prior to cutting the ribbon as they attend Jaeger-LeCoultre Vendome Boutique Opening at Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique on November 20, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/French Select via Getty Images for Jaeger-LeCoultre)

The new boutique, a place of hospitality and of encounters intended for collectors, for brand devotees and for all fine watchmaking connoisseurs, contains a wealth of treasures rarely revealed to the public at large—from the world’s smallest mechanical movement, CALIBRE 101, to the most complicated mechanisms housing up to 1,200 parts.  

TIESTO JOINS WITH (RED) TO ENGAGE THE DANCE MUSIC COMMUNITY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS

Exclusive “DANCE (RED), SAVE LIVES” Compilation Album And Global Live Stream Of STEREOSONIC FESTIVAL Set To Mobilize Dance Music Fans To Help Fight For an AIDS FREE GENERATION By 2015

(RED)™ has announced a collaboration with one of the world’s leading DJs and electronic dance music pioneers, TIESTO.

On November 27, TIESTO will release an exclusive compilation album, DANCE (RED), SAVE LIVES, followed by a GLOBAL LIVESTREAM – powered by YOUTUBE – from Melbourne’s STEREOSONIC FESTIVAL over WORLD AIDS DAY WEEKEND on DECEMBER 1ST AND 2ND.

In addition to being on YouTube, the livestream will be available throughout WORLD AIDS DAY WEEKEND across the web on leading sites such as ROLLING STONE, MASHABLE, HUFFINGTON POST, WIRED, THRILLIST, VEVO. Promotion for the DANCE (RED), SAVE LIVES CAMPAIGN includes a pro bono media campaign by HILL HOLLIDAY, across leading digital platforms, television networks and print publications including TWITTER, IFC, A&E, LOS ANGELES TIMES, AOL and KLOUT.

Speaking about his collaboration with (RED), TIESTO said; “When I went to Africa in 2006, I was struck by the devastating effect of AIDS. Now the world has an incredible chance to make sure that babies are born HIV free by 2015, and the dance community is going to make a lot of noise to help make this happen.”

Tiesto with Bono

(RED) ENLIST NEW PARTNERS TO FIGHT FOR THE END OF AIDS

UNIQUE NEW EXPERIENCES MEAN SHOPPERS CAN “BUY (RED), SAVE LIVES”

On Wednesday, November 21^st, (RED) announced exciting new partnerships with GILT.COM, THE STANDARD HOTELS,

(RED) (RED) LOGO

FATBOY USA and HEAD, bringing further great opportunities for people to “BUY (RED), SAVE LIVES” through unique (RED) branded goods and experiences.

The announcements come as (RED) and its partners mark an important milestone in the fight against AIDS, having generated $200 million for the GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA.

To coincide with the start of the holiday season, the new partnership with Gilt.com (www.gilt.com) will see the launch of the first ever (PRODUCT) ^RED ONLINE BOUTIQUE – www.gilt.com/joinred. Promoted to Gilt members across the WORLDS AIDS DAY weekend, DECEMBER 1^ST and 2^ND, consumers will be able to buy a range of (RED) products in one digital destination. The (PRODUCT) ^RED ONLINE BOUTIQUE will stay live for shoppers through DECEMBER 16^TH.

GBK PRESENTED A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC IN HONOR OF THE 2012 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES & PRESENTERS, NOVEMBER 16TH AND 17TH AT THE ANDAZ WEST HOLLYWOOD

Suite Featured Live Music, Luxury Gifts And An Opportunity To Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Some of the celebrity attendees included Sean Kingston, Aubrey O’Day, Tiny (T.I. & Tiny), Sheila E., BooBoo Stewart and Toni Trucks (Twilight), Backstreet Boys, Carly Steel (AMA’s Red Carpet Host), Jamar Rogers and Chris Mann (The Voice), Johnny Gill and many more.

Aubrey O’Day, Recording Artist/Celebrity Apprentice

  GBK, the luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company, honored the 2012 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES

  AND PRESENTERS at the annual GBK GIFT LOUNGE at the ANDAZ WEST HOLLYWOOD

on November 16th and 17th from 11am to 6pm. Known for creating luxury experiences with a charitable focus, GBK has chosen the AMERICAN RED CROSS and A ROSE OF THANKS as the beneficiaries for the event. GBK and invited guests supported the participating charities in an effort to concentrate fundraising and support for the victims of Hurricane Sandy and its ensuing crisis. GBK will donate 100% of the event proceeds to hurricane relief efforts.

In addition to charitable focus, the lounge featured an eclectic “rocker-chic” atmosphere with gourmet treats, signature cocktails and live music. This year’s lounge showcased several talented musicians including STAZZ, STANDLEY, ANGELYNA MARTINEZ, BRANCHES, DEQN SUE, DJ ETUNES, J-DUB, PULLMAN STANDARD, MIKE BURKE and 10-year-old DJ BABYCHINO, the world’s youngest DJ. Also adding to the fun, ACTION FLIPBOOKS will be on site providing their mobile animated flipbook studio station allowing guests to create their own custom animated video flipbooks to take home.