The Dallas Opera Provides Affordable Family Fun That Will Last a Lifetime

As a child, my Mother would occasionally drive us into the city to attend a performance by the Dallas Opera. These trips always ended at Swanson's Ice Cream Parlor with massive sundaes.  I'm sure the ice cream has something to do with my fond memories, but it did help me develop a love and appreciation of classical music that I still have today.  Like most children of my generation, I also got an introduction to opera through Looney Tunes. Episodes like Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd reenacting the Barber of Seville or the Marriage of Figaro. And you hear classical music in commercials all the time. It is woven into the fabric of our lives in all kinds of indelible ways.

I am a firm believer that as a parent, you need to expose your children to classical music, opera and all forms of the arts early in life for them to develop a taste for it. You don't just wake up at the age of 35 one day and think, "I think I'll go see an opera."  To assist parent in this mission, the Dallas Opera continues to develop their Family Performance Series.  Here is  list of upcoming performances:

TDO Family Concert
November 10, 2010 and February 2, 2013

This performance will be a parade of opera’s greatest hits. From Mozart to Puccini and Bizet to a TDO favorite, Jake Heggie, opera fans of all ages will get to hear a variety of different types of opera arias and overtures. We bet most you will know from Saturday morning cartoons!  The concert will feature the Dallas Opera Orchestra led by Maestros Christian Capocaccia (November 10, 2012) and Anthony Barrese (February 2, 2013). The lobby will open for fun Family Activities like face painting, craft activities, hands-on opera creation and much more

TDOpage@stage: Jack and the Beanstalk
October 27, 2012 and January 26, 2013

Join TDO at the Winspear Opera House as they explore the world of Jack and the Beanstalk — through TDO’s Kids Book Club in the lobby and a performance of John Davies’ operatic interpretation of the classic children’s tale. It will be an afternoon of imagination and magic beans!
Performances of Jack and the Beanstalk are presented in artistic collaboration with Dallas Children’s Theater.
 

Doctor Miracle
November 10, 2012 and April 27, 2013

A hilarious, fully-staged one-act opera (45-minutes) about a young man’s quest to marry his true love, the mayor’s daughter. He must disguise himself as a servant who makes a “poison” omelet, and as a doctor who saves the family — all for the sake of true love. Will the happy couple get married? Join TDO and find out. This production is in partnership with the SMU Vocal Department and UNT Opera Program. Performances in the Winspear Opera House will feature the TDO Orchestra.

For just $12 a person, you can experience all three different types of opera performances.  Single ticket admission is just $5 a ticket. This is affordable family fun that I strongly endorse! Bravo!

KVIL Hosts Aurora Fundraiser and Dallas Delivers

(left) Ryan and Dawn Neufeld  (right) Jane McGarry and Steve Kemble
Holly Forsythe, LeeAnne Locken, Bill Griffin, Parris Rigby and Gina Noble

I got a call from Gene Gates last Tuesday. He is one half of the adorable The Gene & Julie Show on KVIL 103.7 Lite FM every weekday morning.  Gene & Julie had connected with Megan Saunders, one of the survivors from the Aurora movie massacre.  Megan shared her story on Gene & Julie's radio show via telephone from Colorado.  They were so moved by her struggle and her need to help her community that Gene's call to me went a little something like, "We want to do a fundraiser for those affected by the shootings in Aurora last week. Are you in?" And so began a three day whirlwind off phone calls, emails and postings on social media channels to pull together a benefit.

(left) Gene gates, Matt Nordgren and Julie Gates  (right) Melissa Poe

The first thought was to host a buffet style dinner and charge $50 a ticket. I wasn't so keen on that idea. It was fellow hostesses LeeAnne Locken and Parris Rigby who called Holly Forsythe, owner of Sambuca. Forsythe not only donated her venue in Uptown but offered up hors' de ouvres for guests at no charge.  This is really when things started picking up speed.  David Kiger of Worldwide Express and Bill Griffin of Bill Griffin Real Estate wrote checks to underwrite funds so that all of the proceeds could go to benefit the victims and survivors.  Carter Malouf donated a beautiful pearl necklace for us to raffle off. The whole project just came together seamlessly, with so many offering their resources to help.

Last Thursday, local media like Jane McGarry, Giselle Phelps from CW33, Teresa Frosini from CBS 11 and Danielle Vollmer from CW33's EyeOpener joined us at Sambuca to support and even broadcasted live on site. Bravo TV's Most Eligible stud Matt Nordgren was such a good sport and allowed us to auction off a date with him (raising $500!). And other Dallas starts like former NFL player Ryan Neufeld and his VH1 Football Wives spouse Dawn Neufeld, Steve Kemble and Melissa Poe from Big Rich Texas all showed up to support this cause and helped us promote the event through their social media channels.

Aurora, CO survivor Megan Saunders shows that Dallas helped raise over $12,000

Gene & Julie's goal was to raise $10,000. In the end, we raised over $12,000 that will go to aid the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy. They say everything is bigger and better in Texas - clearly, that includes our hearts and our willingness to help our fellow man.

photos: Bob Manzano

Emmitt Smith to Join Dancing With the Stars All-Star Season

Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke accepting DWTS 2006 trophy

BREAKING NEWS:
Emmitt Smith will join the upcoming season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars All-Star season.

Smith is one of Dallas' favorite sons. The former Dallas Cowboy legend and NFL Hall of Famer is one of the nicest guys I know, a great family man, successful business man, runs a charity and he's also got some smooth moves! Partnered with dancer Cheryl Burke, he won his season of Dancing With the Stars in 2006 and has been a fan favorite ever since.

"I’ve been a competitor all my life and when DWTS called about an All-Stars show, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to showcase my skills on the dance floor again," says Smith.  "Participating in the show will provide a great platform for me to share more about Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, the non-profit that my wife and I run which supports underserved youth, particularly in North Texas. I may be older than the last time I took the dance floor, but I don’t believe I’ve lost a step because I take good care of my body and mind."


Dancing With the Stars All-Stars will debut September 24 on ABC.

New Cast Members Join Big Rich Texas for Season 3

Style Media announced yesterday the renewal of its hit series, “Big Rich Texas,” for a third season. This Fall, they will also expand the franchise to include new series “Big Rich Georgia.” Well, I do declare!

“Big Rich Texas” will pick up where the drama left off with several new mother/daughter teams to stir the pot and attempt to take over as the new queens of Dallas society.

The filming on Season 3 of Big Rich Texas actually started filming a month or so ago.  All I have to say, is GET READY people because there are BIG changes in store for this upcoming season. Now, keep in mind that what I am about to tell you, I am not getting from any official press release. What I reveal below is all gossip and hearsay.  Which is usually a lot more accurate than the official press releases, come to think about it.

So, what bombshells do I have to drop on you?!

 BOMBSHELL #1 

Pamela Martin Duarte is not returning to the show. Pamela was the only original member left from the Dallas Divas and Daughters days from whence this show sprang.

Now, I have heard two different reasons for why she's not returning: a) because the other women on the show banded together and refused to film with her and b) because of the lawsuit she is in with Bonnie, she couldn't film for legal reasons. But, Bonnie's still filming, so that one doesn't hold as much weight with me as the first reason.

Backing up this rumor is this tweet I spotted on July 13 between Pam's daughter, Hannah, and a pal:

So, there you have it.

 BOMBSHELL #2

There will be two new ladies joining the show this season. Their names are Wendy and Cynthia (her Facebook page says Cindy) . The hilarious thing, is that I had two different people ask me if I was the "Cynthia" joining the cast. Ha!  That would be a no way, Jose.  No word on their marital status, although I hear one of them has a Sugar Daddy. Allegedly.

Cynthia/Cindy

Cynthia/Cindy hails from Frisco and has a 15 year old daughter.  She could also be Pamela's sister. Don't you think they look alike?  Wendy lives in Prosper and I heard she's a motivational speaker and real estate attorney. Her daughter Nikki is 23 years old. So, Grace and Maddie get a new friend and Whitney gets a new friend. Everyone's a winner!


BOMBSHELL  Bit of Info #3

In less shocking news, the show has a new Director this season and I am being told that he wants to change the direction of the show and make it more "real". In case you didn't realize, Style Network calls this show a "docu-drama" not a reality show. Meaning this is a soft-scripted show. They give the cast outlines of how they want a scene to go, but let them improvise their own dialog. It will be interesting to see how this new direction plays out.

I gleaned all of this despite the fact that the Network and show's producers have ordered the cast to not speak to me. Silly rabbit, don't you know that you can put a gag order on your stars, but not their friends and family!? And quite frankly, I think I should be shown a little appreciation for being a fan since day one.  If it weren't for people like me continuing to promote your show, it might not be coming back season after season.  Just sayin.

Set your DVR's because “Big Rich Texas” will return on Sunday, October 7 at 8pm ET/PT on Style!

Get Ready for a Shopping Frenzy at f.i.g. Finale August 2-4, 2012

Fashionistas! Style Mavens! Bargain Shoppers! I am talking to YOU!!! Get ready to stampede over to the biggest fashion sale of the year.

FIG Finale is an exclusive sale open to the public where shoppers can find designer deals up to 75% off retail from top stores and brands. FIG Finale features women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories. It is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous esteemed retailers offering designer merchandise at unbeatable prices.

To grab the BEST stuff, you need to pony up and buy the VIP SHOPPING PACKAGE. Held on Thursday, August 2^nd from 6 P.M. – 9 P.M. For $50, VIPs will enjoy the exclusive early access shopping party with complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, live DJ-spun tunes and complimentary valet. VIP night raffles total over $2,500 in FIG Finale products and participating retailer gift cards.

The sale will open to the public Friday, August 4^th from 11 A.M. – 8 P.M. and Saturday, August 4^th from 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. Day passes are $15 each and two-day passes are $20.

“Now in its 7th year, FIG Finale has become the go-to event for every fashion forward Dallasite. The designer sale is a great opportunity for the public to shop for sample sale prices on designer apparel and accessories” said Emma Greathouse, director, FIG. “Shoppers will find something for everyone, from summer sale items to wardrobe staples for every season.”

Some of this year’s designers include Missoni, Seven for All Mankind, Elizabeth Showers, Michael Stars, and Milly as well as many Dallas-based designers and stores including Julep, Harley’s for Men, Cotton Island, The Hip Chick and many more.

The Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG) is a boutique Downtown wholesale venue, open to the trade and showcasing the best in women’s contemporary and bridge sportswear and accessories, as well as better men’s, within a high-design, hospitality-driven environment in the Dallas Arts District. FIG also plays host to the Dallas Art Fair and various chic events with 20,000 fashionable square feet of sleek, contemporary loft space—a blank canvas that can be transformed into the optimal backdrop for limitless events.

FIG Finale is held at the Fashion Industry Gallery at 1807 Ross Ave., Dallas, 75201.
Click here for more information or to purchase tickets. 

Original Penguin Still Has Swagger

Chef Dat and an Original Penguin employee

Blogger Alex Young from Eat. Style. Dallas.

Original Penguin has been around since the mid-1950's. They launched the line with a golf shirt to compete with Lacoste and pitted a cute penguin against the popular alligator.  Their golf shirt added an under-arm "action gusset" and moved the pocket to the right breast to avoid any interference with the swing.   Huge stars like Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer and Frank Sinatra gave the brand "street cred" and thus, an iconic brand was born.

Flash forward several decades and Original Penguin is trying to get that street cred back.  The brand is sold in upscale and mid-priced department stores such as Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Nordstrom, and Urban Outfitters, and in regional boutiques, country clubs, and specialty stores. 

The company also established several standalone boutiques across the nation, which carry clothing by C&C and Levi's jeans as well as Original Penguin apparel.   Original Penguin has a boutique in NorthPark Center and they threw a swanky soiree last week to lure in shoppers by offering specialty Hendricks Gin cocktails from Mixologist Jason Kosmas and bites from Chef David Anthony Temple aka Chef DAT.   I sent my young, hip and newly-married assistant, Brittany Husted to scope out the scene:

Mixologist Jason Komas and guest

North Park is one of my FAVORITE malls so naturally I was thrilled to attend a store opening with deliciously crafted cocktails (all made with Hendricks) and scrumptious bites of food. I also kindly let my husband tag along since the clothing line focused more on guys.

We arrived at Original Penguin, which is located upstairs down from the food court, and were immediately greeted with a 30% off coupon and 3 drink tickets. Now this is my kind of event! While (my husband) Patrick scoped out the latest fashions, I made my way to the cocktails…I know, I always have my priorities in order!  I chatted with Mixologist Jason Kosmas, the Gin guru, about some of his favorite concoctions.All three cocktails that I tasted were delicious but my favorite would have to be the Pickle Martini.

My next stop was the food table where I met Chef Dat with Underground Dinners. There were 3 different “taco” options ranging from Hawaiian Ahi Poke with avocado and jalapeno, Bourbon BBQ Pork with Tequila roasted poblano, and Smoked Eggplant with avocado, peppers, and onions. Can you say YUM!!  After locating Patrick, with an arm full or purchases, we quickly stopped by the DJ table before heading out. So next time you’re shopping at North Park make sure to stop by Original Penguin. Keep it Dapper!

Brittany attended Texas State University where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. Brittany and her husband live in Dallas with their two beautiful children/dogs, Marley and Kona. She currently works at Gangway Advertising as an Account Executive and in her spare time she enjoys her family and friends, traveling, shopping, taking pictures, and trying new restaurants. You can follow her on Twitter @brittanyhusted.

Dine for a Cause at the 3d Annual Feast of St. Martha

There are many people in need of support these days, both emotional and financial. The 3d Annual Feast of St. Martha is a fun way to give back to our community this weekend.

Restaurateurs and service veterans Courtney and Chef/Owner Brian C. Luscher of The Grape on Greenville celebrate the 3rd annual Feast of St. Martha, Friday July 27–Sunday, July 29. 

Honoring St. Martha, the patron saint of servers and cooks, Chef Brian will feature a 3-course set menu nightly (in addition to the full a la carte menu) for $38 per person, $55 with wine pairings.  $5 from each prix-fixe menu will benefit the Stewpot Alliance which was founded to support The Stewpot in downtown Dallas. 

The Stewpot prepares and serves three meals a day for more than 700 individuals, 365 days a year at the City of Dallas’ homeless assistance center’s Second Chance Café located inside The Bridge.   

“This is our way of honoring the tremendous number of volunteers in the kitchen cooking and serving nutritious meals for clients of The Bridge,” says Chef Brian.

 

Reservations are recommended.  Located at 2808 Greenville Avenue, The Grape is open for dinner nightly at 5:30pm and Sunday Brunch.   For reservations call 214-828-1981 or visit the website at www.thegraperestaurant.com.  Complimentary valet parking always provided.

Raise Funds for the Aurora Massacre Victims with KVIL's Gene & Julie Gates

Gene and Julie Gates from KVIL's "The Gene and Julie Show" invite you to join them this Thursday, July 26 at Sambuca in Uptown from 4-7PM for a fundraiser to help the victims of last week's movie theater massacre in which 12 people died and many others were injured.  Joining them will be Megan Saunders.

Megan and 5 of her best friends friends were at the theater that night and sat side-by-side in the fourth row from the front, engrossed in a movie they'd long anticipated, about a superhero facing down evil.  They were there to celebrate Megan's 20th birthday.  Then an emergency exit door burst open, and suddenly evil was no longer the stuff of comic books and summer blockbusters.  It would take only seconds for these childhood friends to realize the horror that was about to unfold.

Megan will share her story with Gene and Julie tomorrow morning on 103.7 Lite FM around 8:25AM.  You can join Gene and Julie, Megan and a host of local celebrities, including Sean Lowe of "The Bachelorette", Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken, Amy Vanderoef and MORE at Sambuca on Thursday evening to help rise funds for her town.

Let's show her that Texans have a heart as big as our state and help raise much needed funds for all of the victims of this senseless crime.

WHEN?    Thursday, July 26, 4-7PM

WHERE?  Sambuca is located at 2120 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201, (214) 744-0820

WHAT?   Sambuca has generously donated complimentary appetizers and will be offering half-priced drinks until 7:00pm.  Thanks to the generous underwriting from Bill Griffin Real Estate Brokerage, ALL MONIES COLLECTED at the door will go directly to COVA, Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (www.coloradocrimevictims.org) which will provide both physical and mental support to the survivors.

COST: $20 suggested donation

Save the Date: Ambassadors of Hope Luncheon featuring Chris Gardner

Vogel Alcove celebrates its 25^th anniversary with the Ambassadors of Hope Awards Luncheon honoring community leaders for years of dedicated service to homeless children. The guest speaker will be Chris Gardner, who was made famous for his inspirational story of overcoming family homelessness. Longtime Vogel Alcove supporter Ebby Halliday is the honorary chair of the luncheon on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 11:00am at the Ritz Carlton, Dallas.

The Ambassadors of Hope Awards will be awarded to members of our community for their service to the homeless children of Vogel Alcove. After the awards, Chris Gardner will take the stage.

Vogel Alcove Director, Karen Hughes with
some of Vogel Alcove's children

Gardner as published his autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, out of a desire to shed light on these universal issues and show they do not have to define you. The book became a New York Times bestseller and later inspired the movie The Pursuit of Happyness. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actor Guild nominations for his performance.

Chairs of the luncheon event are Dawn Budner and Tina Wasserman. Committee members include Regina Bruce, Sheila Chapman, Deborah Gilbert and Julie Vicic.

For those of you not familiar with Vogel Alcove, they provide daycare for homeless children age 6 weeks to 6 years. They work hand-in-hand with many other agencies who provide education and assistance to the parents of these kids. So, while they are getting the counseling they need or taking classes to get back on their feet, Vogel is providing their small children an safe, happy and educational environment. It's one of the most amazing charities. The kids are a delight and I LOVE supporting this organization. 

Tickets to the October 24 event go on sale August 27, 2012.  Table sponsorships are $5,000, $2,500 and $1,500. Single tickets are $125. You can purchase tickets at www.vogelalcove.org/luncheon or call 214.368.8686.

Save the Date: Simply Summer Fashionably Fall

Join Co-Chairs Leigh Bailey, Emily Eisenhauer and Kim Lewis-Gleason on Thursday, September 6th at Neiman Marcus NorthPark for Simply Summer Fashionably Fall benefiting the Turtle Creek Recovery Center during Fashion's Night Out!

You will receive VIP treatment during Fashion's Night Out with a private cocktail reception, Art of Fashion Runway Show and many more fun surprises.  Tickets are available at http://www.tcmanor.org/pages/events - $150 for individual ticket/$250 couple

This is one of MANY events you can experience at NorthPark Center on Fashion's Night Out.  I am thrilled to have partnered with NPC as their "blogger on the scene" and this will definitely be one of my "can't miss" stops on September 6. 

Dallas Reality TV Blogger Gets Press Herself

Write enough about famous people, and you start to become "famous" yourself just for knowing them. Look at Perez Hilton. Today, my love of reality TV landed me in NeighborsGo, the community paper for the Dallas Morning News. I guess I can knock another minute off my 15 minutes of fame. Awesome.

They decided to theme this week's issue, calling it the "Stars Next Door" and sought to interview all the famous reality TV folks that live among us. A reporter first reached out to me for a quote on a story she was working on about Bravo TV's Courtney Kerr from Most Eligible Dallas.  It must have been a slow news week, because a couple of days later another reporter reached out to do a story on me and my love of reality TV.

I guess if you can't get to the actual stars... I'm the next best thing. 
Read all about it at http://neighborsgo.com/blogs/1/85145.

Help Break the World Record for the Largest Shaving Cream Pie Fight

Ready? Set? SPLAT!

Now THIS is what I call family fun!  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents FULLY CHARGED! is arriving to the DFW Metroplex in record setting fashion!  In honor of International Clown Week, The Greatest Show On Earth  invites Dallas/Fort Worth to POWER UP and take part in a Guinness World Records attempt for the largest shaving cream pie fight ever held!

The largest shaving cream pie fight is a new record category, and has a minimum requirement of 684 participants. Ringling Bros. wants to make it 685! How about it, Dallas/Fort Worth? Let’s show everyone how big The Greatest Show on Earth^® does it in Texas!  Bring the kids and come on down to AT&T Plaza in American Airlines Center on July 31 at 6PM.  To register for the event or for more information please visit: www.RinglingPieFight.com

This event will also raise awareness and generate funds for the Funnyatrics Clown Program at Children’s Medical Center and Lewisville Life and Fire Safety Clowns.  To learn more about these two great organizations, go to Beneficiaries. 

Hari Mari Gives You Philanthropic Feet

Hari Mari is a flip flop company started by two Highland Park High School grads, and a St. Mark alumnus. Made for women & men, Hari Mari is a hue-driven and comfort-focused flip flop line, constructed with versatility in mind.  Each pair boasts rich and colorful designs, in tandem with memory foam-lined toe pieces, firm arch supports and soft-squeeze mid-soles, making Hari Mari flip flops an easy fit for wearing on-the-go in the city, at rest on the beach or anywhere in between. 

"When looking for a nice flip flop that offered a little more than your traditional brown or black look proved repeatedly unsuccessful, we decided to develop and create our own line," says Stewart, Hari Mari's founder. "We designed Hari Maris to be crisp, timeless and super comfortable, creating a color-injected line for people on-the-go who want a quality-made flip flop as unique as themselves."

Hari Mari owners (top to bottom) Jeremy Stewart, his wife Lila, and her brother Barrett Horton

Hari Mari donates $3 for every pair of flip flops purchased to help kids with pediatric cancer secure treatments & medicines vital to their fight.  This month, however, the company is donating $6 of every flip flop purchased to Cook Children’s to assist the families and patients served by the hospital’s new cancer center.

Hari Mari Shoes retail for $60 and are available at www.HariMari.com and select independent retailers.  To learn more about Hari Mari or for style inspiration find the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/harimarishoes.

The shoes are in stores throughout Dallas, as well as in Austin, Lubbock, Fort Worth, and various other Texas cities. At the rate they are expanding, they may be in stores across the U.S. within a matter of months.

 

source

Taste of Dallas 2012 provides a weekend of Family Foodie Fun!

Prepare your palate for three days of food, music, art and much more as the 26th Annual Taste of Dallas returns July 13 - July 15 to Fair Park in Dallas. Housed in a 150,000 square foot indoor and air conditioned area, the Taste of Dallas remains DFW’s largest tasting event and will host activities for the entire family.

Enjoy culinary demonstrations from Dallas’ top chefs, a culinary marketplace featuring specialty food items, and a Kids’ Taste Town which includes an interactive petting zoo, kids cooking demos and much more!

Families can sample food from over 60 Dallas restaurants as well as several food trucks, in an all-new feature called Taste Curbside. In addition to food and drinks, Taste of Dallas will offer visitors a taste of the local art and music scene. Guests have the chance to listen to live music at the Taste Music Stage and view new and emerging artists at the Artist and Crafter’s Enclave.

One day admission tickets can be bought at the gate for $8, while children 12 and under get in free with an accompanying parent or guardian. Advanced tickets can be bought at Kroger for $5.

Just for pint-sized foodies, Kids’ Taste Town is an interactive food-themed experience for children of all ages. With more than 70,000 sq. ft., every kid will relish in the wall-to-wall fun of carnival rides, demonstrations, games and activities that can only be found at Taste of Dallas. But that’s not all is the not-to-be-missed The Sweet Factory - a place to eat, taste and experience tasty treats and perhaps learn a little something too!

To sweeten the pot, Taste of Dallas has created a special promotion for families on Friday, July 13 with Family Fun Night! Kids can bring their parents and get them in for free with a true family-centric event in air-conditioning... But it's not just about the food!

Come for the: 

Spectacular midway rides & Fun Zone

Interactive Petting Zoo & Live Animal Shows

Meet & Greets with your favorite characters

Hands on activities, arts & crafts, games and family safety exhibits

Kid's Cooking Demonstrations with chefs!

Watermelon Eating Contest

A portion of the proceeds from the Taste of Dallas benefit the American Heart Association and their mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. For more information, please visit www.tasteofdallas.org. 

Friday, July 13th – 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 14th – 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m .
Sunday, July 15th – 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Fair Park 3600 Grand Avenue Dallas, TX 75210
Admission $8 |  Parking $12
www.tasteofdallas.org

source

Jane McGarry Leaves NBC 5 After 30 Years

Jane McGarry and NBC DFW/Channel 5 announced jointly today that Jane was leaving the station after 30 years on the air.

Causing this decision, was the fact that McGarry was arrested in Dallas County on a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated on May 5, 2011 after being pulled over in a 2007 Porsche in the "early Sunday morning" hours and  failing to signal a lane change in the southbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway.

The state trooper who made the arrest said McGarry refused to take a Breathalyzer test and a mandatory blood sample was taken.

Several hours ago, Jane posted this note on her Facebook Fan Page to her audience:

NBC DFW likewise issued a public statement via their Facebook Page:

I wanted to title this post "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" but that doesn't get you the same impact as the title I chose for people Googling around for info. on this subject...  Jane has been a fixture on the Dallas news scene for THIRTY YEARS.  Her bio on NBC DFW's site tells us that

She joined NBC 5 in 1982 and has held various anchor positions since then. Before coming to NBC 5, McGarry was an anchor/reporter in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She also served as the Illinois News Bureau Chief at WPSD-TV in Paducah, Ky., and was a Reporter/Producer and Host of a Magazine show on WRAJ Radio in Anna, Ill.

Since she began her career in broadcasting, McGarry has won several awards including four-time winner of the "Personality of the Year" award by the American Women in Radio and Television. Jane is also the 2006 recipient of the AWRT national Gracie Award, recognizing the best local news anchor in the country.

Whatever your opinion on the topic is, I can tell you that this mistake doesn't define who Jane is.  She is a talented reporter with many stories left to tell. We have not seen the last of her. Like a phoenix, I am putting my money on the fact that she will be reborn from the ashes of this situation and rise higher than before. I for one, can't wait to see her next act.

You can keep up with Jane on Twitter at https://twitter.com/thejanemcgarry.

Dallas Dweller: Shona Gilbert

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces and this week, I want to introduce you to a jeweler who's fame is on the rise. Her line has recently been picked up by Neiman Marcus and she's set to rock the accessory world with her innovative creations:

Shona Gilbert

I first met Shona Gilbert at an event at TOOTSIES this past Spring. She was there with a mutual friend, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, who introduced us. The first thought that ran through my head as we were being introduced was that she had on the most amazing jewelry. As I'm thinking this thought, Rhonda says to me, "Shona is a jewelry designer. Her pieces are in the Dallas Museum of Art's gift shop for the Gaultier exhibit." Well, there you go!  After 5 minutes of talking to her, I was captivated by her bohemian spirit and charming style. I hope you enjoy getting to know her through this article.

Shona Gilbert (photo: Thomas Garza Photography)

Nuts About Jewelry? Then You'll Love Jewelry Nut Auctions

Co-founders, Meredith Miner & Victoria Wise
(photo by Jill Johnson)

I am going to break my policy about only covering Dallas-based people-places-events because I have found a company so spectacular it is worth bending the rules to bring you this story. 

Let's journey over to Fort Worth for a visit...

The concept for Jewelry Nut Auctions was dreamed up by two busy Moms with a passion for jewelry over a play-date.  Co-founders Meredith Miner and Victoria Wise offer "of the moment" jewelry from top designers or inspired by them at pocketbook friendly prices.

They feature a limited number of selected pieces ready for purchase to the fastest bidder through their Facebook Fan Page.  They've racked up over 19,000 Fans since September 2011 - clearly these ladies understand how to reach busy Fashionistas through social media!! 

So, here's how it works:

1) Find them on Facebook and LIKE their Fan Page.
2) Click the REGISTER tab and fill out your info.
3) Visit them on Facebook every Monday and Thursday evening at 8PM
4) They will post photos of jewelry and accessories, giving you the price and how many of that item are available.
5) If you want to buy it, you COMMENT on the post and say "Sold!" And leave your PayPal email address.
6) They will post a list of all winners at the end of the night and invoice you through PayPal
7) shipping is FREE!

Every auction features different items, so no auction is ever the same! Here is a sampling of items offered in tonight's auction:

Sand Dollar Tote ($19) Turquoise and gold necklace ($58)

White Enamel Necklace ($19) Green Watch ($23)

Most items are under $50. So, grab a glass of wine, pull up to your computer and start refreshing the page to buy, buy, BUY!!!

Happy shopping!

Save the Date: Dallas Children’s Theater’s 20th Annual Cabaret Gala

WHO?   Dallas Children’s Theater’s 20th Annual Cabaret Gala starring Emily Bergl

WHEN?   October 6, 2012 

WHERE?  The Venetian Room, The Fairmont Dallas, 8:30 pm

WHAT?  The Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) Cabaret Gala celebrates 20 years and proudly presents one of the most popular fundraising evenings in Dallas!   DCT’s 2012 Cabaret Star, Emily Bergl, may be best known for her turn as Beth Young on “Desperate Housewives” and numerous roles in film and television.  She has been the toast of New York this past season and was recently invited to bring her acclaimed cabaret act to The Carlyle.  Described by The New York Times as “Incandescent… a gust of fresh air that could knock you off your feet.”

DCT’s Special 20th Anniversary Gala Leading Ladies: Ruth Buzzi, Yvonne Crum, Caroline Rose Hunt, Carolyn Lupton, Jill Rowlett and Dee Wyly.

2012 Gala Chair: Yvonne Crum

For table sponsorships, tickets or underwriting opportunities contact Artie Olaisen, 214-978-0110 ext. 155 or artie.olaisen@dct.org.

JR Ewing loves veggies because of Nancy Addison

The Healthy Vegetarian and Recipe Book is a new cookbook that landed on my desk from a local gal gone vegetarian.  The tome includes over 115 simple gourmet recipes (46 are easy, scrumptious, raw food recipes), from how to choose the best sea salt to the truth about “Folk Recipes” that kept our great grandparents living long lives.

“I have put my heart and soul into this book,” says Addison.  “I’ve included all of my best information on health, food, shopping, water, healing and recipes that I’ve collected over the last 27 years.  It is easy to understand and a great resource for anyone who is looking to live a healthier lifestyle.”  

Nancy Addison grew up in Dallas with four siblings and an assortment of pets that included dogs, cats, chickens ducks and rabbits.  Her parents taught them the joys of growing your own vegetables and Addison spent many a hour weeding the family garden and helping her Mother create dishes and drinks made from the bounty their little garden provided. It was her lifelong struggle with anemia, a caffeine "addiction" and a bout with carpal tunnel syndrome that turned her to the world of vegetarian eating looking for solutions to her health issues. That was in 1987 and she never looked back. 

Larry Hagman with Addison on the set of DALLAS

Larry Hagman, the actor best known for his ruthless character J.R. Ewing, was recently filming the television series DALLAS when he asked Addison to be his personal chef, and as a result, his nutrition counselor.  Hagman’s health was in decline due to his battle with cancer and diabetes and the strain of daily filming.  During the five months of shooting, Nancy became more than just a nutrition counselor and chef, but also a friend.

“After eating Nancy’s food for only five days, my blood sugar and my blood pressure were at the most optimum levels, on a consistent basis, for the first time in 16 years,” Hagman said.  “Nancy knows what she’s talking about.  When I first started eating vegetarian food, I was hungry all the time.  Then I met Nancy and started eating her delicious food.  Within the first week, I could feel the effect of healthy food and healthy living and I am embracing the vegetable world.  I have more energy than I ever had and I feel great.  She opened my eyes to a different world.” 

The press release I received with the book claims, "Addison’s book isn’t just for people who want to be healthy vegetarians.  Much of the book has important health information and recipes for anyone who wants to regenerate their health, reverse aging, lose weight, and look younger.  Addison’s book is for anyone who wants to lead a healthy lifestyle.  Even someone who shies away from anything green can benefit from reading this book. Addison’s stories make her book entertaining while providing beneficial health information.  Each delicious recipe provides guidance for optimal health."

Hmmm. We'll see about that. I have a serious addiction to meat, but I look forward to trying out some of these recipes.

For more information and to purchase How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian – The Healthy Vegetarian Guide and Recipe Book for $29.97, please visit www.organichealthylifestyle.com

You can find Nancy on Facebook, YouTube and follow her on Twitter.

Casting Call: The Voice

NBC will be holding auditions for next season's The Voice at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas on July 28 and 29, 2012.

They are looking for solo artists and duos that perform all types of music: pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, alternative, latin, country, blues, indie. They want to know your story and why you are "The Voice". To audition you must be a legal resident of the United States, be 15 years of age or older, and meet all other eligibility requirements (see them here).

The Irving Convention Center is located at 500 W. Las Colinas Boulevard.  If you're unable to attend an Open Call Audition, you can always audition by video tape (learn more about that here).

Happy Independence Day!

Kaboom Town 2012

Happy Independence Day! If you are still looking for something fun and patriotic to do today, check out my list of fun activities happening all over the Dallas area. From parade to picnics to fireworks, there are amazing fun-filled family opportunities everywhere!

Last night, I attended Kaboom Town in Addison, one of the country's largest fireworks shows. I was lucky enough to attend as an invited guest of the Town of Addison so I had parking spot and a table for the evening. This was a huge perk because every year they get a crowd of around 500,000 people! All of Addison Circle is turned into a mini-State Fair with fried foods, exotic drinks, kids activities and live music. And then there are the fireworks! They simulcast their show with music from Jack FM 100.3 and it is awesome!

The one flaw is getting out of there. They really need to work on their exit plan because it took us almost an hour to get from Addison Circle to the Tollway. This would normally take 3 minutes.  They had Keller Springs and Westgrove blocked. WHY!? This drastically slowed down traffic and although I am sure they there is a reason, it made no sense to us as we were stuck in that nightmarish traffic jam.  It really almost ruined the evening it was so unpleasant.  if you go next year, my advice is plan to stay after the fireworks and enjoy the live music concert. Or have a hotel room and don't try to leave the area.  Fortunately, the kids had their iPhones and they just played games on their mobile devices.

Whatever you are doing today, I hope you will take a moment to pause and reflect on what this day is really about. Look around and give silent thanks to whomever you worship for giving you a life of freedom and opportuntiy in one of the greatest Country's in the world. July 4th is always one of my favorite holidays and  I am thankful for the many personal freedoms I enjoy!!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

See Dallas Landmarks Made from LEGOS at the Galleria Dallas

I am always looking for something fun to do with my son and whether you are a child or just a child at heart, Galleria Dallas brings a smile of delight as it launches DALLAS CITYSCAPE, an engaging and whimsical view of Dallas as created entirely of toy building blocks. Why they aren't saying LEGOS I don't know. It's made of LEGOS.

Old Red Courthouse

More than 2.5 million blocks will be used to build over a dozen memorable Dallas landmarks including:

•American Airlines Center and Victory Plaza
•AT&T Performing Arts District
•Trammell Crow Center
•Crow Collection of Asian Art
•Hyatt Reunion Hotel, Reunion Tower and Union Station
•And a 15’ replica of Galleria Dallas itself!

After strolling through the amazing exhibit, which includes a spectacular toy speedway complete with moving vehicles, families can enjoy interactive play at special building stations. DALLAS CITYSCAPE benefits East Dallas Community Schools, a nonprofit organization that operates early childhood learning centers with programs to meet the needs of children from birth to age nine.

American Airlines Center & Victory Plaza

WHEN:   
July 1 – Labor Day, September 3, 2012
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday, Noon. – 6 p.m.

WHERE:  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway (I-635 at North Dallas Tollway), Dallas, Texas 75240.  Level I near Grand Luxe Cafe

TICKETS:     $5 for adults and children ages 2 and up.  Children’s ticket includes a special prize!

Save the Date: Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala featuring Yo-Yo Ma

Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Opening Night Gala will take place on September 8, 2012 and is the premier black (or white) tie event that kicks off the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s 2012-2013 season. Jennifer and Coley Clark will Chair this year's soiree with The Honorable Dan and Stacey Branch serving as Honorary Gala Chairs.  

They have their work cut out for them because last year's event was pretty fantastic! 
 

The evening will begin with a chic cocktail reception followed by an exquisite 3-course seated dinner. After dinner, guests will enjoy a concert from internationally-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Music Director Jaap van Zweden will conduct the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The program will include Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 From the New World and Yo-Yo Ma performing the Schumann Cello Concerto. Maestro van Zweden was recently named 2012 Conductor of the Year by Musical America for his critically acclaimed work with the DSO and as guest conductor with some of the nation's most esteemed orchestras. He returns for his 5th season as Music Director to lead the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in the opening night of the Texas Instruments Classical Series.

Yo-Yo Ma

After dinner (this is the part of the night where all the cool kids come in), the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall opens for the exclusive Gala concert followed by the amazing Gala After-Party to bring the evening to an unforgettable close.  The delicious Anna-Sophia van Zweden will once again take charge of this portion of the evening, serving as Chair for the after-party with help from Katherine Perot Reeves and Eric Reeves as Honorary Chairs.  The exciting After-Party experience features desserts and savories, specialty cocktails, live music and dancing to tunes spun by DJ Lucy Wrubel.

Gala tickets: Tables of 10 start at $10,000 and single full gala tickets start at $1,250 each. They include the cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, a sumptuous seated dinner, the DSO Gala concert and the Gala After-Party experience.

Concert/After-Party Tickets: Single concert/After-Party tickets are priced at $150-$500, depending on seating location and includes concert and admission to the After-Party that includes desserts, savories, open bar, live music and dancing to tunes spun by DJ Lucy Wrubel.

For more info, call 214.692.0203 or RSVP@dalsym.com

Casting Call: Southern Belles Needed For New Reality TV Show

One of my favorite Southern Belles, Miss Ashley Kelly from The A List: Dallas, is moving from being in front of the camera to behind the scenes and will be producing for a new reality show! She sent me the following press release:

The ULTIMATE Southern Bell
Miss Scarlett O'Hara

Casting Call!  We are casting for a tv show about fabulous southern Dallas women! This is for a major network!

Requirements:
Any age, must have big personality. If you think you could have your own TV show, here's your chance to pitch to a major network! We want YOU and your story!

Send an email to bigcastingdallas@gmail.com
with:

• a recent headshot (does NOT have to be professional, it's just for identification
• ONLY)
• a couple sentences about why you would be great for a tv show
• your availability for an on camera interview in Dallas on July 13 and July 14

We will send you a confirmation email with your on-camera interview time and instructions for parking.

“The closer to Jesus, the better we like it.”
~Paula Deen on Southern hair

And if you get cast on the show, you need to let me know IMMEDIATELY so I can add you to my list of reality star BFF's to talk about... Just sayin'.