Step Into My Green World, an online green and healthy living platform founded by Sophie Azouaou, has recently launched to provide a national platform that will help readers with green living tips and information on how to lead a healthier life and make a positive impact on our planet.

Sophie’s objective, she says, is “to help you take a green step every day.”

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee welcomed this new green and sustainable platform.

Mayor Ed Lee is a supporter of “Step Into My Green World”

“The launch of ‘Step Into My Green World’ by Sophie Azouaou will allow San Francisco residents greater access to day-to-day tools, practical ideas and tips on how to work harder for a more sustainable and healthier future for the City and for themselves. Thank you Sophie for your continuous efforts and impact in our community,” he said.

Before launching Step Into My Green World, Sophie was the President of SophiSticate Interiors, a prominent design firm in San Francisco.  During her career as a designer she saw the need and demand for Green Design, and even won  the Best of 2012 Houzz award for her green design.

Her background, the need for green living combined with her passion, fueled her to launch Step Into My Green World. Her goal is to share what she knows with the world, that going green is not only important but simple and the healthy way to go.

Sophie will be contributing her green living tips to SFLUXE in the near future.  In the meantime, check out “Step Into My Green World” at stepintomygreenworld.com

Be a fan of Step In My Green World on facebook.
Follow Step In My Green World on Twitter.
Check Step Into My Green World on Pinterest.

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San Francisco green living writer, Sophie Azouaou, recently lead a seminar at the Las Vegas Summer Market on trends in high rise design.  It was very special event this year, as the International Market Centers (IMC) held its first Las Vegas Market as a combined entity.

IMC is now the world’s largest operator of showroom space for the furnishings, home decor and gift industries with its acquisition of several buildings in High Point, N.C. This unites Las Vegas and many of the High Point home furnishings showrooms under one ownership group.

Sophie Azouaou

While attendees sipped award winning R&B Cellars wine and nibbled on Vital Choice Seafood Organic Trail Mix, sponsores from San Francisco were acknowledged as Green experts in their fields.

Here are Sophie’s DO’s at a glance:

• Specific small scale furniture to deal with space limitations in High Rises
• Energy efficient window coverings such as Roller Shades, or Honey Comb shades that are Green assured. Finding Greener alternatives in the shades themselves by opting for organic fabrics.
• Energy efficient appliances: HE washers and dishwashers
• Efficient water usage via low flush toilets, showerheads and faucets
• Indoor air: purifying plants recommended, to complement the decor and purify the air, Low VOC Paint (Volatile Organic Compounds) and organic wall papers  (Mod Green Pod) to avoid toxic gas exposure
• Floors: recycled leather tiles, reclaimed floors or slip resistant recycled glass tiles
• Furniture: sustainable Alder, Bamboo, Rattan or Wicker
• Glass tops: lead free for end, coffee, or DR tables
• Mattresses: 100% wool or soybean based to avoid allergies, asthma. Organic mattress covers reommended for a healthier sleep environment
• Rugs: in natural fibers such as Abaca, Jute, paper, Seagrass or 100% wool to reduce allergies, asthma and chemical exposure via toxic dyes
• Seat fillers and cushioning: Latex or Bio- hybrid foam instead of standard foam
• Upholstery: vegetable leather and natural textiles

Sophie Azouaou with Margaret Casey

All attendees were treated to beautiful samples provided by Earth Friendly Products, Grand Somar Lands’ End, Instone Granite and Marble, Living Tree Community Foods, Shear Miracles By Robyn,100% Pure, SophiSticate Interiors, Suki Skincare and Vital Choice Seafood and Organics.

The seminar was well received. Attendees learned that they did not need to sacrifice comfort and design to lead a Greener and healthier life. They left motivated by the new Green High Rise trends unveiled to them.

The post Green High Rise Trends appeared first on SFLuxe.

Raghu Shivaram, Beth Schnitzer, Willie Brown, Sophie Azouaou

Over $10,000 was recently raised for the Meals on Heels program of San Francisco Lighthouse at a special one-night-only interior design showcase at Adorean Boleancu’s residence at the SOMA Grand.

Guests were ushered through three penthouse apartments, beautifully designed with pieces from Ochi & Company, Fabricut, The Sherill Collection, and DJ Mehler, among others based in the San Francisco Design Center.

After the tour, everyone watched a touching, eye-opening video about life on the streets of San Francisco, and the work that Lighthouse does in alleviating some of the struggles for food and shelter that homeless people face on a daily basis.

The evening was planned by Sophie Azouaou, Eileen Bourgade and Beth Schnitzer (of Spritz Marketing.)  ”The goal of the ShowRise was to show 3 different styles of penthouses with different budgets and functional needs, while raising awareness about San Francisco Lighthouse, and money for a truck to deliver food,” said Sophie Azouaou.

“The money raised at the event is going to be a huge kick-start for the growth of Meals on Heels,” said Rachel Wierenga, fundraising coordinator for San Francisco Lighthouse.

Rachel Wierenga, Olivier Jerphagnon

Guests included Willie Brown Jr., and Sonya Molodetskaya, Alain and Eileen Bourgade with her father Richard Blum, Gayle Evans, Ken and Dorothy Paige, Elizabeth Thieriot with son Josh Horowitz, Derek Holbrook with brother-in-law Ferhat Buyukkokten and wife Alev Buyukkokten, Marilyn and Michael Cabak, Melodie Johnson, Heide Betz and Scotty Morris, Jorge Maumer, Bacca Da Silva, Joel Goodrich, Charleston Pierce, Karen Tamblyn, expectant mother Alexandra Tyndall Downing, and many others, including the evening’s generous sponsors.

But the most memorable folks at the event were without doubt the Gifted Children of the Golden Gate Philharmonic, an amazing group of young violinists who performed throughout the night.

The event was dedicated to the memory of Sophie’s mentor, Bella Farrow, the beloved San Francisco philanthropist and socialite who supported innumerable organizations including St. Francis Hospital, The Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Food and drink sponsors included R&B Cellars, Wente Vineyards, La Boulange, Bisou, Artisana, and the truly special creations of Chef Alain Bourgade.

Derek Holbrook, Alev Buyukkokten, Ferhat Buyukkokten

One of the highlights of the evening was to tour the grand penthouse overlooking City Hall.  Aside from the eye-catching views and decor, guests also viewed stonework from Instone Granite and Marble, quality hardware from Bouvet Hardware of France, tiles from Villeroy & Boch 1748, paint from G&R Paint, crystal faucets from French company THG, New Crypton fabric, state of the art Viking appliances and more.

Ochi Tirta, Sophie Azouaou, Teresa Rodriguez, Philip Reno

Beth Schnitzer, Joel Goodrich, Rachel Rendel, Raghu Shivaram, Kathleen Solmssen

Eileen Bourgade, Richard Blum

Micky Tal, Ellian Raffoul

Gayle Evans, Kathleen Kimura

Dorothy Paige, Mark Calvano, Ben Stewart, Doug Waggener

Fati Farmanfarmaian, Elizabeth Thieriot, Josh Horowitz, Karen Tamblyn

Kevin Brown, Barbara Brown

Maria Ehmer, Natalia Urrutia

Daniel Laury, Sophie Azouaou, Anne Laury

Ross Richardson, Meghan Carozza, Moanalani Jeffrey, Ellian Raffoul

Erick Irigoyen, Jennifer Ratliff, Jesse Celso

Barry Barsamiann, Carol Batte

Sophie Azouaou, Charleston Pierce, Jeff Garner

Cindy Rae, Ochi Tirta, Keiko Carreiro, Daniel Gonzalez

Beth Schnitzer, Liza Zimmerman, Nellie Muganda

Daniel Gonzalez, Rose Garcia

Christian Gardner, Nisreen Gardner, Matt Shaughnessy

Bahya Murad, Russ Naylor, Natalia Urrutia

Ale Gicqueau, Alina Gicqueau

Amelia Cisneros, Wendy Dransfield

Glen Ross, Richard Horne

Dominic Johnson, Kyle Herman

Doug Waggener, Elizabeth Carr, Kim Roberts

Shri Pendakur, Willie Brown

Petra Fant, Jay Doker

Marilyn Cabak, Willie Brown, Michael Cabak

Teri Shaw, Natalia Urrutia, Heidi Pettit

Larry Block, Mark Waggoner

Beth Schnitzer, Sonya Molodetskaya, Clara Shayevich

Teresa Rodriguez, Marius Carluci, Jennifer Fick

Carla Perissinotto, David Rosenberg

Marilyn Cabak, David Pace

Kevin Brown, Barbara Brown, Nourredine Azouaou

Jeff Applebaum, Adrienne Krug

Dorris Mehler, Vanessa Marquez

Valerie Vicente, Barbara Wilson, Nourredine Azouaou

Caroline Behler, Paul Klein

Claudia Estrada, Cesar Angulo

Charo Eisenman, Paul Eisenman

Christina Stokes, Rachel Wierenga

Sophie Azouaou, Ken Paige, Dorothy Paige, Mark Waggoner

Erick Irigoyen, Dinara Seitova

Margaret Mitchell, Ken Henderson

Valerie Sandles, Maritza Gregory, Debbie Scarborough

Alexandra Tyndall Downing, Renee Gold

Caryl Ritter, Roland Petersen

The post SOMA ShowRise Supports SF Lighthouse appeared first on SFLuxe.

“I was introduced to Raphael house in 2006 by Benefit Magazine and City Apartment. They approached me to redesign 2 units for 2 homeless families that graduated from the program. We worked hard to be able to hand the keys to the homeless families the day before Christmas. It was the most meaningful Christmas of my life. ABC 7 aired the story on Christmas day. Since then I became more involved with this amazing organization and I serve on the Board of directors.

Raphael House is unique as it is not only a shelter but it provides after school programs, summer camps and many wonderful activities for the children. Raphael House is also unique in the sense that it goes full circle; once a resident, you will always be part of it,  as we remain in touch with our former residents and make sure they are well back on their feet. We help them find housing, work and get financial stability.

I am so honored to be part of it. We hope many will attend the Benefit Breakfast, during these financial dynamic times we need to generate funds more than ever!

I was recently involved on another project related to RH: I just did a Make Over for a family that graduated from the program.

Again, we are all blessed, taking a little time to help others in need can go a long way.”

The post Sophie Azouaou on Raphael House appeared first on SFLuxe.

San Francisco is a very generous town, with many people giving of their time, their expertise, their name and their money to help those who are less fortunate.

There are few, however, who give all of the above. We were happy to attend a birthday luncheon at Neiman Marcus recently to celebrate one who does: Sophie Azouaou.

Joel Goodrich, Sophie Azouaou and Mark Calvano

Hosted by Joel Goodrich and Mark Calvano, the lunch at the Rotunda was actually one of several events that Sophie’s friends threw in her honor in the last few weeks.

Carolyne Zinko, David Costello, and Clara Shayevich

The outpouring of love and affection for her was really touching, as people recounted the ways she had touched their lives, as well as those who live at the Raphael House.

Anyone who has known Sophie KNOWS that she is absolutely devoted to helping Raphael House. She works tirelessly day and night for the organization, raising awareness and money to keep it going.

Sophie with Linda Felts

A the luncheon, Sophie mentioned that on May 8th, 2008 the Raphael House would be having its annual black tie gala at the Four Seasons. It looks to be its most glamorous function yet, with a top-notch, A-list guest list, and support from major sponsors such as Lufthansa, PG&E, Bloomberg, Salesforce.com and other generous folks. Sophie and Dr. Nourredine Azouaou are even donating wine from Rosenblum Cellars.

Joel Goodrich with Gina Milano

Mireille Schwartz with Cameron Noble

Carolyne Zinko with Harry Denton

Sophie with Janel Andronico of View from the Bay

Harry Denton with Clara Shayevich

• Further Information: Raphael House Annual Gala [raphaelhouse.org]
• Location: Neiman Marcus Rotunda [neimamarcus.com]
• Host: Joel Goodrich [TRI Coldwell Banker]
• Host: Mark Calvano [Berkshire Pacific Ventures]

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