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Moss Wellness Spa Launches Discount Summer Menu
Media Contact: Kari Mather
Olson Communications, Inc.
480-368-7999
holly@olsoncomm.com
MOSS WELLNESS SPA LAUNCHES DISCOUNT SUMMER MENU
Natural Sunless Tanning Featured as a Unique Offering to Celebrate the Season
Scottsdale, Ariz. (July 21, 2008) – Moss Wellness Spa, located at the Scottsdale Waterfront, will offer a discounted summer menu of salon services, fitness packages, and massage, facial and body treatments through August 31. The full service spa will showcase the best summer treatments, including a new natural sunless tanning option, for local residents to explore this unique level of pampering known as eco-luxury.
Moss Wellness Spa is the first spa to offer a full range of treatments and services using only top-of-the-line all natural products executed in an environmentally sensitive atmosphere. Founded on the principals of total health and wellbeing, the spa offers an array of services personalized to each guest's needs by a highly experienced staff.
"The summer menu is a great opportunity for Arizona natives to escape the heat locally, while experiencing uniquely natural treatments in a luxurious green environment at a reasonable cost," said Moss Wellness Spa's chief executive officer Stacy Polich.
Moss features products and services that embrace the environment without sacrificing the quality of the experience. With primary classes held in a picturesque movement room, complete with a life-size banyan tree sculpture; yoga, Pilates and body sculpting fitness packages are available for 50 percent less than high season value. A European style hair salon featuring high-end organic products offers services starting at $30, a 10 percent discount off of the full price. The same discount applies for the lushly appointed nail salon with varying treatments from 30 to 60 minutes in length.
Seasonal values are also featured in a wide range of spa offerings such as facials, full body treatments and a number of custom massages. Custom facials, medical grade treatments such as an ormedic facial or custom peel, Lumi-Lift or Mico-Current anti-aging and photo-rejuvenation are offered at a 30 percent discount. Full body treatments such as envelopments, immersions and exfoliates are additionally discounted 30 percent. The Moss signature, therapeutic, Thai and hot stone massages are all available at a 40 percent discount - pricing the luxuriously long 75 minute standard massage at just $96 and 105 minute deluxe massage at $126 per session.
Natural sunless tanning completes the summer menu as a newly introduced 30 minute treatment that is uniquely offered by Moss Wellness Spa. After an exfoliation, the treatment includes a hand application of Liquid Sun® by Vani-T®, a natural tanning product that provides age fighting and skin firming properties. The application strengthens and reinforces skin tone and elasticity by locking in skin hydration while leaving a rich, bronzed tone. The formula is free of alcohol, artificial fragrances or other skin-irritating chemicals. Similar to traditional sunless tanning, the treatment will show visible tanning results within eight hours of application.
Moss Wellness Spa summer menu prices are offered for a limited time and reservations are recommended to guarantee timely service.
Moss Wellness Spa is located at 7135 East Camelback Road, Ste. 240 (above Urban Outfitters) at the Scottsdale Waterfront. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For appointments or more information, call 480-945-6772 or visit www.mossspa.com
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News update: 7-15-08
Conde Nast Closes Golf for Women
Editor Susan Reed Jumps to Winfrey's O Magazine
July 8, 2008 Ad Age Mediaworks
Conde Nast has abruptly ceased publishing Golf for Women magazine. The title's ad pages fell 5.9% last year and newsstand sales fell 12%.
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Washington Post Signals Shift With a New Editor
July, 8, 2008, New York Times
The choice of Marcus W. Brauchli as the new top editor of The Washington Post represents a generational change.
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Hearst Magazines, MSN Cook Up Food Site
July 8, 2008, mediaweek.com
Slated for a fall launch, the site will offer recipes, food- and entertaining-related articles, photos and video
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After record year, Arizona tourism industry faces challenges
July 11, 2008, Phoenix Business Journal
While the Grand Canyon State marked a record year in 2007 for tourism, officials aren't resting on their laurels. Instead, they are developing a committee aimed at outlining sustainability and determining how the tourism industry can adopt eco-friendly practices and systems.
BRIO Tuscan Grille Brings the Taste of Tuscany to Gilbert
BRIO Tuscan Grille Brings the Taste of Tuscany to Gilbert
Opening Marks BRIO's Arizona Debut
"We are excited to debut BRIO at the San Tan Village Mall. BRIO Tuscan Grille will bring the tastes and atmosphere of a Tuscan country villa to the area. It is a great and unique addition to the dining options for Gilbert," says Nicole Roope, Marketing Director for BRIO. The 7,900 square-foot restaurant includes indoor seating for 185 and will feature an exhibition-style kitchen plus an outdoor terrace with seating for 64. BRIO serves lunch, dinner and a special weekend Bellini Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3p.m. Brio kicks up the excitement on weekdays with a specially priced Tuscan Tasters Bar menu and offers two dollars off an array of martinis every Wednesday.
The average check per person is $15.00 for lunch and $24.00 for dinner. Menu selections include: Tuscan-Grilled Pork Chops, Chicken "Under the Brick", Gorgonzola-Crusted Filet, Pollo Al Forno Flatbread, Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno, Gorgonzola-Crusted Lamb Chops, Wood-Grilled Salmon Salad, Pasta BRIO, Garganelli Carbonara, Beef Carpaccio, BRIO Crab Cakes, Steak Bruschetta, Calamari Fritto Misto and Torta di Cioccolata.
Currently, there are more than 25 BRIO Tuscan Grille restaurants across the country. BRIO will be open seven days a week; Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant offers a home and office–catering menu for special events and business occasions. Starting in late June BRIO will take a limited amount of reservations. General Manager, Chris O'Neil and Executive Chef, Bruce Kalman will head the management team.
BRIO (meaning "lively" or "full of life") is a casual, white-tablecloth restaurant serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine. The subtitle, "Tuscan Grille" is descriptive in the menu that features wood-grilled and oven-roasted steaks, chops and seafood, similar to what one would find in an authentic ristorante in Tuscany. BRIO's philosophy is "to eat well, is to live well"; which is why they only use the finest and freshest ingredients. BRIO brings the pleasure of the Tuscan country villa to the American city. BRIO is part of Columbus-based Bravo Development Inc. (BDI). Founded in 1992, BDI currently operates 70 restaurants including BRAVO! Cucina Italiana, BRIO Tuscan Grille and Bon Vie Bistro. Check the website for BRIO locations at www.BrioItalian.com.
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Warmer Temperatures Bring Summer Specials to Fox Restaurant Concepts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Holly Harmon, APR
Olson Communications
480-368-7999
holly@olsoncomm.com
WARMER TEMPERATURES BRING SUMMER SPECIALS TO FOX RESTAURANT CONCEPTS
Bar NoRTH & NoRTH Arrowhead to Also Introduce Year-Long Happy Hour Specials
Scottsdale, Ariz. (July 14, 2008) - As the thermometer rises, Fox Restaurant Concepts is offering summer specials at five of its Valley eateries. Beginning this month and continuing through September 30, 2008, Bloom, NoRTH, Bar NoRTH, The Greene House and Sauce will offer summer wine and meal specials. Additionally, Bar NoRTH in Scottsdale and NoRTH in Glendale introduced their first year-round happy hour specials.
"We started our half off bottle of wine promotion eight years ago at our first restaurant, Wildflower, in Tucson. Our intent was to give something back to our regular guests and thank them for their support," says Sam Fox, president & CEO of Fox Restaurant Concepts. "Over the years, we have expanded this tradition to include Bloom NoRTH, The Greene House and our newest restaurant Bar NoRTH. This is the perfect opportunity for guests to come in and try a great bottle of wine at an outstanding value."
Three days out of the week, Bloom, NoRTH, Bar NoRTH and The Greene House will offer half price bottles of wine on a rotating schedule from an abundant selection. Half price bottles will be offered at The Greene House on Sundays, both NoRTH locations and Bar NoRTH on Mondays and Bloom on Tuesdays. This offer is available all day long and applies to any bottle of red or white wine in stock, including reserves.
Additionally, all five Sauce locations will feature a summer meal special served all day, every day of the week. For just twenty dollars, diners can enjoy one pizza, one salad and two glasses of red or white wine. The majority of the menu is available for the choosing, with the special offer applying to any combination of 11 pizzas valued at $9.50 or less, seven salads and Chianti or Chardonnay wine selections.
Fox Restaurant Concepts is also offering a new happy hour program featuring special prices on select wines, cocktails and appetizers at Bar NoRTH at Kierland Commons and the NoRTH Arrowhead location. The new happy hour menu will be available throughout the year on Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.foxrc.com or contact one of the following restaurants:
Bloom 8877 N. Scottsdale Rd.
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Sauce Phoenix
Sauce Dana Park
Sauce North Scottsdale
Sauce Scottsdale Waterfront
Sauce Norterra 2470 W. Happy Valley Road Phoenix, AZ 85085 623-414-4866 |
NoRTH Glendale The Village at Arrowhead Glendale, AZ 85308
Bar NoRTH Scottsdale 15024 N. Scottsdale Rd.
NoRTH Scottsdale 15024 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 160
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The Greene House Kierland Commons 480-889-9494
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About Fox Restaurant Concepts:
Launched in 1998, Fox Restaurant Concepts is the parent company of eleven unique concepts located in Arizona, Colorado and Texas: BAR NoRTH (Scottsdale); Blanco Tacos + Tequila (Tucson); Bloom (Denver, Scottsdale); Chloe's Corner (Scottsdale); The Greene House (Scottsdale); Olive & Ivy (Scottsdale); Montana Avenue (Tucson); NoRTH (Austin, Denver, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tucson); Sauce (Denver, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson); Wildflower (Tucson); and Zinburger (Tucson). The concepts range from upscale casual and fast casual to mixed food service and retail operations. Fox Restaurant Concepts are all unique and fresh in cuisine, style, service and design and are dedicated to offering the highest quality food, with exceptional service in a stylish and comfortable atmosphere. www.foxrc.com
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TALKING ROCK "ROCKS" FOR WOOFSTOCK!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Holly Harmon, APR
Olson Communications
480-368-7999
TALKING ROCK "ROCKS" FOR WOOFSTOCK!
Prescott Community to Host Dog Friendly Event to Benefit No-Kill Animal Shelter
Prescott, Ariz. (July 3, 2008) – Peace and love as well as paws and tails can all be found at Woofstock, a first-annual event centered around man's best friend. On August 16, Talking Rock, a luxury master planned community in Prescott will host this fun-filled event, which will feature pet adoptions, demonstrations, and a wide variety of dog-friendly vendor booths. All proceeds from Woofstock will benefit the Yavapai Humane Society, a Prescott-based no-kill animal shelter.
"Talking Rock is very dog-friendly community, complete with a large dog park and an extensive trail system. Our residents and their pets enjoy the community so much, we decided to open these amenities to our neighbors for this special event," said Talking Rock general manager, Jim Leisinring. "We are excited to welcome dog-lovers and their four-legged friends to Talking Rock in support of the Yavapai Humane Society."
Woofstock will kick off at 8 a.m. at the Talking Rock dog park with a one hour walk around the community. The festivities will begin at 8:30 am. with various activities including a dog agility demonstration, Frisbee demonstrations by Air Major, a pet look-a-like contest, and a chance to win great raffle prizes. Typically available only to residents of Talking Rock, the Ranch Compound –the community's dining facility, will be serving food and beverages during Woofstock. Admission for Woofstock is $3 for adults, $1 for children under 12, and pets are free, with all proceeds benefiting the Yavapai Humane Society. For more information, visit www.talkingrockranch.com or call 928-858-7032.
About Talking Rock:
Located in a peaceful, rural setting, just minutes from Prescott, Talking Rock is a 3,600-acre private, luxury home community with a casual western lifestyle and the amenities of an exclusive country club. The Jay Morrish-designed 7,350-yard championship golf course intertwines through more than 1,000 acres of preserved open space, presenting residents with the spaciousness of Arizona's high country. Talking Rock offers spacious custom home sites, as well as Ranch Cottages, Ranch Homes and custom homes designed in an authentic ranch style and built by the area's finest craftsmen. Talking Rock is a development of Harvard Investments, a Scottsdale, Ariz. based real estate development company respected for its high quality, residential projects throughout the Southwest. The Talking Rock golf course and Ranch Compound are professionally managed by OB Sports. More information on Talking Rock and Harvard Investments, Inc. can be reached at 877-922-4440 or www.talkingrockranch.com.
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Marabou Wins 2008 Gold Nugget Award for Best Public/Private Recreational Use Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Amanda Fier
Olson Communications
480-368-7999
amanda@olsoncomm.com
Marabou Wins 2008 Gold Nugget Award for Best Public/Private Recreational Use Project
Community earns "Best in the West" for concept that combines ranching, sustainability and luxury
Steamboat Springs, Colo. (July 2, 2008) – The amenity buildings at Marabou, a ranch preservation community in Steamboat Springs, received a Gold Nugget Award for the Best Public/Private Recreational Use Project.
Marabou was recognized June 26 in San Francisco during an awards ceremony, a feature highlight of the 45th annual Pacific Coast Builders Conference. The oldest and largest program of its kind, the Gold Nugget Awards competition honors creative achievements in architectural design and land-use planning for residential, commercial and industrial projects internationally.
The community's recreational facilities comprise 12 amenity buildings that collectively create a social centerpiece. The lineup includes the River House Lodge, Casting Room Theater, Horse Barn, Equestrian Center, Downstream Spa, Outfitter's Cabin, River's Edge Fitness Center; River's Edge Pool, and four Owners' Cabins. For the amenity building project, TCD, Inc. of Steamboat Springs was the builder; Denver-based 4240 Architecture was the architect; Braun Associates of Edwards, Colo. was the land planner; and Elk River Partners, LLC of Steamboat Springs was the developer.
Structures were clustered together in order to achieve these objectives – while also offering a level of convenience for residents and making the most of natural amenities such as sweeping views and the Elk River, a two-plus-mile stretch of which winds through the community.
Amenity buildings – whose electricity is generated by wind – are sumptuously rustic, featuring architectural salvage, solar and a "living roof" with native grasses for insulation and run-off management. The project achieved a Colorado Build Green® average of 140 points per structure (the minimum is 70), with a total community carbon footprint of more than negative one million pounds of carbon emissions per year, a figure determined by third-party Carbon Audit and Carbon Management.
Marabou is a unique ranch preservation community in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Planned for only 62 custom homesteads on 1,717 acres of active ranchland, Marabou remains a working cattle ranch. Residents and their guests can participate, at their discretion, in all aspects of ranching from herding cattle, mending fences and baling hay on the property to caring for the horses that live there. Marabou Master Guides lead this experience in the same way they teach residents to fly fish, mountain bike, downhill and cross country ski, and hike the rolling terrain. The ranch is 1,717 acres, of which 1,325 are preserved as open space forever. Homesteads exceed six acres and are priced from $2.9 million. For more information, contact Due West Land at 970-871-1556, or visit www.MarabouRanch.com.
The Gold Nugget Awards program is the premier event of the annual Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC). Entries come from 14 Western states and from countries all around the world. Gold Nugget winners share one common denominator: excellence and innovation in addressing complex design/build issues. PCBC and BUILDER, a national magazine of the housing industry, sponsor the competition. For more information, visit www.goldnuggetawards.com.
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Talking Rock wins Gold Nugget Grand Award for Best Detached Residential Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Holly Harmon, APR
Olson Communications, Inc.
480-368-7999
holly@olsoncomm.com
TALKING ROCK WINS GOLD NUGGET GRAND AWARD FOR BEST DETACHED RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
Scottsdale, Ariz. (July 2, 2008) – Talking Rock, a luxury master-planned community outside Prescott, Ariz., received a Gold Nugget Grand Award at the 45th annual Pacific Coast Builders Conference last week on June 26, 2008, in San Francisco. The oldest and largest program of its kind, Gold Nuggets honor creative achievements in architectural design and land use planning for residential, commercial and industrial projects internationally.
In total, 520 entries were submitted in various categories, vying for a coveted Gold Nugget Award. Talking Rock bested four finalists to win the Grand Award in the category of Detached Residential Project of the Year. The community also received four awards of merit for the following categories: Best Public/Private Recreational Use Facility, Best Community Site Plan, Best Single Family Detached Home under 2,500 square feet, and Master Planned Community of the Year. The community was designed by award-winning architectural firm, Swaback Partners of Scottsdale, Ariz., with amenity building interiors designed by Swaback Partner's interior design division, Studio V. The community was built by Renaissance Companies and was developed and is owned by Harvard Investments of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The goal of this project was to create a private community with a wide range of lifestyle options for those seeking the best of high country living. More than 1,000 acres of the 3,500 acre community is devoted to open space, leaving open view corridors and spacious homesites. A short drive from Prescott, Ariz., the community offers a remote lifestyle with access to plenty of onsite amenities. Talking Rock's private clubhouse style facility, the Ranch Compound, boasts 32,000 square feet of dining and recreation space, including restaurants, a coffee shop, golf pro shop, and a fitness and spa facility. A Jay Morrish-designed championship golf course spanning 7,350 yards intertwines throughout the property. Additionally, 25 miles of hiking/biking trails connect to nearby preserve land.
Housing options appeal to a variety of buyers, including those seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle or flexibility of a custom-designed home. Talking Rock offers spacious custom homesites, Ranch Homes and Ranch Cottages. The custom homesites range from one half to five acres in size and are priced from the mid $200,000s. Ranch Homes range from 2,400 to 2,800 square feet and are available from the mid $700,000s. Ranch Cottages range from 1,900 to 2,500 square feet and are priced from the mid-$500,000s. Formerly a working cattle ranch, the history of the land is maintained in the traditional ranch architectural themes. Extensive use of stone, wood, and metal are integrated throughout the community and are part of the design guidelines for custom homes.
The Gold Nugget Awards program is the premier event of the annual Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC). Entries come from 14 Western states and from countries all around the world. Gold Nugget winners share one common denominator: excellence and innovation in addressing complex design/build issues. The competition is sponsored by PCBC and BUILDER, a national magazine of the housing industry. For more information, visit www.goldnuggetawards.com.
About Talking Rock:
Located in a peaceful, rural setting, just minutes from Prescott, Talking Rock is a 3,600-acre private, luxury home community with a casual western lifestyle and the amenities of an exclusive country club. The Jay Morrish-designed 7,350-yard championship golf course intertwines through more than 1,000 acres of preserved open space, presenting residents with the spaciousness of Arizona's high country. Talking Rock offers spacious custom home sites, as well as Ranch Cottages, Ranch Homes and custom homes designed in an authentic ranch style and built by the area's finest craftsmen. Talking Rock is a development of Harvard Investments, a Scottsdale, Ariz. based real estate development company respected for its high quality, residential projects throughout the Southwest. The Talking Rock golf course and Ranch Compound are professionally managed by OB Sports. More information on Talking Rock and Harvard Investments, Inc. can be reached at 877-922-4440 or www.talkingrockranch.com.
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News Updates: Happy Reading
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How to Get Your Brand on 'Oprah'
Advertising Age, June 2, 2008
There's No Pay for Play, Per Se; It's Whether She and Producers Like You.
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At Social Site, Only the Businesslike Need Apply
New York Times, June 18, 2008
In the midst of Silicon Valley's recession-proof enthusiasm for community-oriented Web sites, LinkedIn, the most boring of the social networks, is grabbing the spotlight.
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Oregano's Pizza Bistro Inc. is merging with Orlando, Fla.-based Restaurant Acquisition Partners Inc., allowing the Italian restaurant chain to expand to new markets.
Oregano's Pizza founder Mark Russell to shed light on merger
Phoenix Business Journal, June 23, 2008
Oregano's Pizza Bistro expects growth with merger
Phoenix Business Journal, June 20, 2008
The New Trophy Home, Small and Ecological
The New York Times, June 22, 2008.
Homes are a new arena for LEED ratings, environmental badges of honor usually given to commercial buildings.
News update 5-22-08
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Michele Laudig added a new blogger to "Chow Bella":
Allow me to introduce Veggie Girl!
New Times, "Chow Bella," May 20
JetBlue Seeks PR Shop to Help It Out of Toilet
Ad Age, May 19
Bonus Tactics article: Bingo! PR's contribution to buzzwords that have lost their buzz
PR Tactics and The Strategist Online, May 15
Reputation Ideals to Vote By
According to the U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p20-556.pdf), our last presidential election in 2004 brought the highest percentage of American voters to the polls in over a decade. Sixty-four percent of the population felt so strongly about the direction of our country that they ensured their voice was heard by dropping a ballot. Many believe this is in part due to the tragic occurrences on September 11, 2001, as the 2004 election was the first since that fateful date. The reputation of our country was at stake and the voters jumped to the call.
Sixty-four percent is considerable for our nation, but where are the other 36 percent of eligible voters and why aren't these citizens taking a stand? While majority of voters over 55 turn out to the polls, our greatest losses are among the youngest of voters. In 2004, less than half of 18 to 24 year-olds voted. The U.S. Census Bureau blames this on the transient nature of young people. I believe there is much more to this predicament than what's stated in the readings. At a recent PRSA Western District Conference (www.prsa.org) I sat through an "understanding generation Y" session in which college students were asked if they followed this year's election. Their reply was "No, I gave up when they started doing the name calling. It got old, fast."
Being on the cusp of generation Y and X, I feel close to the voter-age-belief difference. There is a sense of patriotic voting responsibility that people gain as they age whether or not they have feelings about how an election is handled publicly. Conversely, the younger an adult is, the stronger their ideals seem to stand in the way of voting. Although I do not condone a lack of voting, I believe that we as a nation have a lesson to learn from this morally construed younger population who really should vote, but don't merely on the basis of the following precedent…
This year's election is far different than 2004 as it brings a new level of history into the fold. Thus far, it is a dynamic three-person operation in which John McCain (www.johnmccain.com), Barack Obama (www.barackobama.com) and Hillary Clinton (www.hillaryclinton.com) are racing to be first while also representing the potential for the first female or minority president.
As exciting as this thought is, it is sadly overshadowed by personal reputation management. The 2008 election has proven to be as low-road campaigning as it gets. I had the opportunity to speak with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley when he came to Phoenix for the Valley Forward Livability Summit (www.valleyforward.org). In a conversation during our meeting, Daley told me that he felt the presidential race is being played unfairly, focusing on the personal lives of the candidates over their professional abilities. He knew one of the candidates closely who he felt was an unjust underdog because the candidate's personal reputation was being attacked.
Never has taking the high road made more sense than during a time of election, yet whether or not it's the case is another story. Despite the fact that reputation management in politics is heightened due to the degree of publicity and vested interest given by the media and public, we can take away some important lessons for our own practices.
- We must take inspiration from our younger generations by being stubborn about the precedent and going with what is right in our professional arena while not getting caught up in the gossip.
- Integrity, tact and humility are natural characteristics we all know to uphold; however, adopting them in practice takes practice.
- Create greatness through leadership in the department of "class."
- And always grace competition with praise as it would not be competition without a degree of warranted awe.
And because I just can't help myself, I leave you with this one voting lesson as well…
Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_w._bush) claims that George W. Bush earned more total votes in 2004 than any other candidate in the history of the U.S. However, during his two terms our president has had both the highest and the lowest domestic Gallup Poll (www.gallup.com) approval ratings of all American presidents, ranging from around 90 percent immediately after the September 11, 2001, attacks, to 28 percent in April of 2008. Falling from American public grace, this is an example of political reputation management gone awry. Much can happen in four years. Now is a time to look the candidate of your choice in the eye and see the validity in what is most important – what ideals you uphold the most as a U.S. citizen.
P.S. VOTE YOUR HEART OUT! (www.rockthevote.org)