Get Spring's hottest beauty tips from Dallas' celeb experts on Saturday at Beauty Live at the Galleria

Galleria Dallas’ annual Beauty Live event kicks off FRIDAY NIGHT with a VIP soiree called Pink'd. (Tickets are just $25 and still available!)  Beauty Live is a weekend of events that highlights current beauty trends, national makeup artists, makeovers, giveaways, and a handful of beauty panels so you can take home tips and tricks.

Join me for a Beauty Live Expert Panel at 11 am on Saturday, March 2. You'll get chatter about the latest must-have beauty products and expert tips from Holly Quartaro, Pat Smith, D Magazine's Raya Ramsey, Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken, Joanna Hathcock.... and me!  A $20 ticket will get you a reserved seat at the panel of your choice, plus a gift card. Your ticket cost comes back to you in the form of a $20 gift card that you get to turn around and spend after picking up some great beauty advise and product suggestions. Whoo hoo! Tickets can be purchase at http://beautylive.eventbrite.com/.

Click here to get the low-down on all of Beauty Live's weekend's events from D Magazine.

Oh So Tasty: fullosophie

example of a fullosophie meal delivered right to your door

I was recently approached by a new farm to fork gourmet delivery service called fullosophie.  I was instantly intrigued: 1) because I am in marketing and loved the witty play on syllables in their name (full-ah-so-fee) and 2) I love anyone who will bring food to my door thus making my day infinitely better.

Jess Shain and Tarin Holcomb of fullosophie's mantra is, "Never underestimate the power of a good mimosa, sunshine & life long friendships; it's how fullosophie was born. As a business owner and a lawyer, food and wine enthusiasts and avid runners we saw a need to provide others on-the-go with real, gourmet food that can be on the table in no time at all."

Here's how it works: you visit the website to order your meals online; select from entrees such as Paprika Shrimp or Chicken with Warm Chickpea Salad or Kale & Mixed Green Salad with Raisins, Sunflower Seeds & Goats Cheese.  If you order by 9 am, you receive the meals at your door the very same day (excluding weekends) and delivery is now only $5.00. Or, if you're in the mood to cook, select "DIY" to view the dishes you can make at home. A kit contains all of the ingredients cleaned, prepped and portioned. All you need is your computer to follow instructions and some basic cooking utensils.

It's great to see so many new restaurants and food purveyors offering organic, all-natural foods to an audience clamoring for better options for their families. Kudos to fullospohie, a working Moms new best friend!  To learn more, visit http://www.fullosophie.com/

Disclaimer: Although I did receive complimentary entrees from fullosophie for the purposes of this article, all opinions are 100% my own.

Dress 4 Yellow Patron Party 2013

So many parties, galas, events, shows... It's impossible to attend every fabulous thing I receive an invitation to! So, from time to time, I call in the troops to help me cover the scene. Today, I am pleased to introduce you to a new Contributor for OSC - Dawn Mellon. (More about her at the end of this post...)  Dawn recently attended the Dress 4 Yellow Patron Party and brings us more about this charity's efforts to support cancer research. Here's her recap:

________________________________________

Steve and Lee Nagel with Robert Morris and Rob Sumner of Park Place Motors

The color yellow symbolizes wisdom, attracts people of high intellect and is associated with joy and happiness. Not surprising then, that Steve and Lee Nagel chose this color to represent the non-profit organization they established in 2009, the 4 Yellow Foundation, to benefit local and national cancer programs. Last Thursday, supporters and patrons of the upcoming Dress 4 Yellow Luncheon and Fashion Show, gathered at Park Place Motorcars in Dallas to celebrate the second annual event to be held March 28th at the Adolphus Hotel. Guests enjoyed yellow-themed libations and culinary creations by Chef Tiffany Derry, a member of the Advisory Committee along with last year’s featured designer, Abi Ferrin.

Lee, a cancer survivor herself, thanked the group for their support, noted that the 4 Yellow Foundation has raised more than $1.5 since its inception, and recognized Rob Summer from Park Place Motors who became visibly choked up as he shared his experience with Lance Armstrong, the controversial founder of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Sumner, an avid cyclist himself, fondly recalled the time he spent with Armstrong, before the cyclist was stripped of his Tour de France medals and resigned from the foundation. Also, in attendance were Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Murray, Lesley Atkinson, Bailey Langdon and Geraldine Williams from Cook Children’s Cancer Center, and Colleen O’Farrell from the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the beneficiaries of this year’s luncheon and fashion show.

YTAC hosts Chili Cook-Off and Brings the Heat Against Cancer

(top) Tanner Louis and the Aviators perform | WFAA's Colleen Coyle, Tim Halperin and friends
(bottom) This spunky group won the Team Spirit Award

Young Texans Against Cancer of Dallas hosted it's 1st Annual Chili Cook-off for a Cure on Saturday, February 23, 2013.  Let me just tell you... if you are between the ages of 25 and 35 this is a group you need to get involved with. The beautiful people turned out in full force for this event and it was a social scene!  The cook-off was held at the Foundry Bar, capitalizing on venue's cool outdoor space which was perfect for cooking up some mean chili from teams comprised of YTAC supporters. Over 150 people enjoyed food and offerings from neighboring Chicken Scratch, live music from the Tanner Louis and the Aviators, and cold beer and other beverages to help extinguish the heat from the chili. Colleen Coyle (WFAA's weather gal) totally took credit for the beautiful sunny day and held court at a table of friends that included her boyfriend, American Idol's Tim Halperin.  I was on a team of judges including Chef Tim Byres, Colleen Coyle and Crave DFW's Steven Doyle who got to sample all of the flavorful entries. Well, Steven was supposed to judge but he got caught up on a bus tour and missed all of the fun. Luckily, he showed up right as we were getting ready to announce the winners - because he was in possession of the gift cards that were awarded to the winners!   To learn more about YTAC and their upcoming events, visit http://ytac.org/.

Judging this chili cook-off was a tough job... but someone had to eat it!

Sisterbration SWEET Success kicks off at TOOTSIES on March 7

Oh So Cynthia is happy to support this event as their official Digital Media Partner

TOOTSIES will host Sisterbration’s Sweet Success PREVIEW Party on Thursday, March 7th from 6pm-8pm. Enjoy Elizabeth & James Stock Show, cocktails, light bites inspired by Celebrity Chef & Honorary Sweet Success Chairwoman, Tiffany Derry, raffle and Spring Shopping! Benefiting SISTERBRATION and its programs to prevent childhood obesity among girls raised in the South. SAVE THE DATE for Sweet Success 2013 on Friday, November 1, 2013 at The Adolphus Hotel.

Sisterbration promotes healthy lifestyles by educating women and girls about preventable diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Their approach to women’s health is to raise women’s awareness and help them reduce their risks. With girls, however, they focus their intervention strategies on childhood obesity by inspiring girls to develop positive self-esteem, make healthy food choices and engage in regular physical activity. They believe that every woman – and girl too – deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her full potential and celebrate a life defined by wholeness, wellness, and service. They believe that every woman deserves to celebrate in the face of negativity. Thus, this community of women called Sisterbration is leaving its “heart print” on the lives of women and girls around the globe with programs that span the United States and Africa. Their mission is to educate, empower and enlighten women and girls to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

TOOTSIES is located at 8300 Preston Road #200 Dallas, TX 75225.  RSVP to courtney@franciscoandco.com. Complimentary Valet on Preston Rd. Self-Parking UP Library Parking Garage.

Steve Kemble welcomes GMA's Robin Roberts back in Texas Sass Fab Style

Good Morning America's Robin Roberts underwent a bone marrow transplant to combat MDS, a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome, about 5 months ago and has been on a leave of absence to recover.  Her return to GMA today had an extra special dose of Texas SASS FAB to it.

Steve Kemble is known as “America’s sassiest lifestyle guru” and is a regular on the local media circuit, including Daybreak on WFAA-TV, Channel 8, (which also carries Good Morning America).

Kemble was one of hundreds appearing in New York's Times Square to welcome her back to the air, holding up his larger-than-life replica of the popular Prayer for Protection wristband designed by Roberts’ friends.  WFAA sent Kemble up to NYC to do its part to welcome Robin back. And, let's face it... the national exposure doesn't hurt ratings either.

During the broadcast, GMA's weather man Sam Champion made his way out into the Times Square crowd and chatted up Kemble while he held what he billed as “the world’s largest Robin Roberts Prayer for Protection wristband.”

“That hardest part was getting it through airport security,” Steve told the DMN of the wristband that he fabricated in Dallas.  That's how we do things in Texas folks. Bigger and better. Bigger and better.

Meet jewelry designer SHONA at Neiman Marcus Willow Bend this weekend

Renee Rouleau, Maggie Kipp, Shona Gilbert and Angela
Choquette all wearing SHONA designs

Meet Shona Gilbert of SHŌNA 

at 

Neiman Marcus Willow Bend 

February 22-23 | 10am-5pm 

or  

Neiman Marcus Fort Worth 

February 28 | 10am-5pm

Fresh off a 10-city tour, Dallas-based couture jewelry designer, Shona C. Gilbert will partner with select Neiman Marcus locations to preview her new Spring 2013 Collection.

Forty (40) new pieces have been added to the SHŌNA lines: EDHA, Ayanna, Pebbles, and St. Germain. Fans of SHŌNA‘s statement pieces and bold designs will be clamoring over the additions of gemstones and Keshi Pearl earrings to this new collection.

Featuring handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry using a combination of precious and semiprecious stones, mixed metals and rare vintage materials, couture jewelry line SHŌNA is now available for purchase at Neiman Marcus trunk shows nationwide and on her e-commerce site www.byShona.com.

Save the Date: Spring Fashion Presentation at Last Call Studio on March 12

Join lifestyle blogger Cynthia Smoot of Oh So Cynthia at Last Call Studio in Inwood Village on Tuesday, March 12 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event will feature Cynthia's favorite fashion picks for Spring and guests will enjoy bites, sips and great shopping!  Last Call Studio is offering guests 30% off of any one item durng the event and you will be able to register to win a $50 gift card to Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery!  While there is no cost to attend the event, we do request that you RSVP at http://ohsocynthia.eventbrite.com/ just to let us know you are coming!

I hope to see you there!

Oh So Fabulous: Gehati Jewelry

Diamond Downes

I met Diamond Downes at a Neiman Marcus event recently and was instantly smitten with her charm and style. Not to mention, I was totally coveting the ring/bracelet combo she was wearing. Turns out, it was a piece from her personal collection, Gehati.

Downes is a local designer who incorporates 3 different materials into every piece she designs for Gehati: gold, leather and semi-precious gemstones. "When you wear gold in every day life, it promotes courage and increases power," says Downes.  "Leather is symbolic to the pliability of our lives; bendable but extremely hard to break. The semi-precious stones all have their own spiritual meaning."  Her signature necklace is one that can be worn 4 ways - 5 if you count that you can wrap it around your wrist and wear it as a bracelet.

I asked about the name "Gehati" and Downes laughingly told me it didn't mean anything, she just made it up and thought it sounded cool.  I like her pieces because they are delicate, but still visually interesting. And her price points are affordable, with most of the line under $200.

To see a video interview with Downes and learn more about her story, hop over to DFW Style Daily.  Gehati's fashion accessories can be found locally at Demerara in West Village or you can shop online at http://www.gehati.com/. Click the "Read More" link to jump for photos from Gehati.

James Beard announces Semifinalists for 2013 Awards

Semifinalists were announced today in the 2013 James Beard Awards. Covering all aspects of the industry—from chefs and restaurateurs to cookbook authors and food journalists to restaurant designers and architects and more—the Beard Awards are the highest honor for food and beverage professionals working in North America.

Consider it the Academy Awards for the restaurant industry. The awards are presented each spring at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. Nominees and winners are fêted at a weekend of events in New York City that has become the social and gastronomic highlight of the year.

Congrats to the following for representing Dallas so well!

Outstanding Chef 

Stephan Pyles, Stephan Pyles Restaurant

Outstanding Restauranteur 

Nick Badovines, Flavor Hook, Off-Site Kitchen, Tried & True, etc)

Best Chef: Southwest 

Teiichi Sakurai, Tei An 

Jason Maddy, Oak

Outstanding Bar Program 

The Cedars Social

Outstanding Service 

The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel

Outstanding Wine Program 

Cafe on the Green at the Four Seasons at Las Colinas

Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and continue to emphasize the Foundation’s mission: to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America’s culinary heritage and diversity. Each award category has an individual Awards Committee made up of industry professionals who volunteer their time to oversee the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective Awards program. All award winners receive a certificate and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia. Finalists will be announced March 18 and the winners will be announced on May 3 and 6 in New York City.

Do you agree with these selections? Who got overlooked that should have been nominated?

Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show 2013

(top) Jennifer LeLash, Renee Rouleau, Janet Fresquez, Shay Geyer, Holly Davis, Event Chair Angela Choquette, Brandy Taylor
(bottom) Event Chair Maggie Kipp, Dayna Anderson and Emily Eisenhauer. Photo: Shay Geyer

The Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon & Fashion Show by Stanley Korshak is always one of the leading fund-raising events for North Texas. This event drew an audience of 800+ social and civic leaders in the North Texas region to the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center on Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Event Chairs Angela Choquette, Maggie Kipp & Paige Slates along with Honorary Co-Chairs Myrna and Bob Schlegal led the cause this year to raise critical funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This was one of those all-day affairs that started with a champagne reception at 9:45 am. At 10:30 am, we were herded like well-dressed sheep into the McDermott Performance Hall for the awards presentation and fashion show.  The always energetic FOX 4 anchor Clarice Tinsley kicked things off with a welcome and introduced the diminutive Ellen Terry.  Terry is a real estate power house that is all of 4 feet something and when a handsome lad brought out a box for Terry to stand on to present the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award to Stanley Korshak's Crawford Brock, Tinsley teased her saying, "Ellen, we always love to put you on a pedestal".  Presentation of the Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award was given to adorable teen Joshua Cobler, who had been a bone marrow donor for his little brother and has since gone on to found and edit The Sibling Times, a newsletter intended for the siblings of children with cancer so they know they are not alone.

Dallas Takes on New York Fashion Week

Fashion bloggers Lauren Scruggs, Shannon
Yoachum and Courtney Kerr

Like a Sirens song, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week has an irresistible lure for those who are fashionably minded. Some go to discover trends and get ahead of the curve. Others go to voyeur into the world of the jet-set crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities or meet the designers of the moment.  Whatever the reason, New York Fashion Week is always well represented by Dallas and even a massive snow storm couldn't stop our Texans from taking the Big Apple by storm!

Fashion blogger and Bravo TV star Courtney Kerr took in shows from Herve Leger, Rebecca Minkoff, Carmen Marc Valvo and Nicole Miller to name a few. She also took advantage of being in NYC to visit the Bravo studios, attending a taping of Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live" where she got to hang with Jenny McCarthy.

Fashionistas founder, Heidi Dillon, also headed East for the event spending time with reality villainess Pamela Martin-Duarte of Big Rich Texas. Dillon took in shows from Katya Leonovich and attended "The Reality of Fashion/The Reality of AIDS" benefiting Broadway Cares watching fellow Dallas reality actors Leslie Berkland and Nikki Walker of Big Rich Texas stomp the runway.

Happy (Chinese) New Year!

Dean Fearing, Wolfgang Puck and Stephan Pyles
photo: Stephan Pyles on Twitter

Famed celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, was in Dallas on Wednedsay to celebrate the Chinese New Year at his Dallas restaurant, Five Sixty. Joining Puck at this celebration were chef pals Stephan Pyles, Dean Fearing and Lisa Garza. Puck told the DMN that he was in Dallas because he has so many friends here. The celebrity chef culture is apparently alive and well in Dallas!

FIG Finale VIP Kick-Off 2013

The bi-annual F.I.G. Finale sample sale kicked off with a VIP evening on February 7. I was thrilled to partner with F.I.G. as Cruise Director to host this fabulous soiree.  Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, complimentary valet, and music are all important elements to a successful event. F.I.G. took it over the top and gave shoppers up to 75% off on men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories. Local designers Abi Ferrin, Ashard Richley, Rye 51, Katydid, and Status came out to play.  Sociologie Wines was on hand with tantalizing libations and Blushington provided make-up "touch ups" and handed out gift cards for a future visit.  Here is a taste of the shopping frenzy that occurred. To view many more photos from this event, visit Facebook.

Happy shoppers

(Left) Abi Ferrin was one of many local designer represented at this sale. These 3 lovelies

were manning her booth. (Right) Lacy Ball from PaperCity and WFAA's Colleen Coyle 

Win Tickets to Pink'd with Pat & Emmitt Smith

Pat Smith & Cynthia Smoot

Beauty Live at Galleria Dallas will take place March 2-3 and the event offers a weekend of celebrity appearances, pro stylists, national makeup artists, makeovers and giveaways. Beauty Live showcases all the top trends in beauty with dozens of events and activities. There will be continuous demonstrations on a beauty stage, how-to stations throughout Galleria Dallas for simple beauty secrets and top techniques, in-store events at cosmetics counters, bath shops and beauty shops and more.

This weekend of beauty will kick off with a high-profile VIP par-tay on Friday, March 1 called Pink'd in "The Alley", located near the Grill on the Alley. The soiree will be hosted by Pat & Emmitt Smith and proceeds will benefit Pat's charity Treasure You. Enjoy signature cocktails, bites and Celebrity DJ Brandon Olds spinning. Complimentary valet parking at event entrance. 100% of ticket sales benefit Treasure You, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at http://beautylive.eventbrite.com/


WAIT!  Hold on a second! Before you buy them online... 

The Galleria Dallas has given me TWO tickets to gift to one lucky OSC reader! I am giving you multiple ways to enter to win! The more options you choose, the more entries you get:

DSM flies high with Catch Me If You Can

I was totally born in the wrong era. When it comes to entertainment, give me the 1940's and the golden age of MGM musicals any day. The razzle dazzle, the song and dance, the glitz and glamour. It took you away from your humdrum life for a little while. Today, all we have is drama and horror. Blech!

Thank goodness for Dallas Summer Musicals! Their new season has kicked off with the charming show CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.  You might have caught the film version a few years ago starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

According to the press release, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is based on the hit DreamWorks film and the incredible true story that inspired it.  This high-flying, splashy new Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer — living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. But when Frank’s lies catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Carl chases Frank to the end...and finds something he never expected."

I attended the opening night performance as a guest of DSM last night and LOVED every second of this fast-moving extravaganza. The fact that the show is based on a true story makes it all the more fascinating.  Performances run February 13-24. Tickets start at just $15.00 and can be purchased at online.  There is no nudity or language. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is good clean fun for anyone who loves a great show. Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including a 15 minute intermission).

Oh So Fashionable: BCBG

Today I attended Heartstrings: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 2013 Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show (THAT's a mouthful!) at the Meyerson.  I was thrilled to be seated next to my pal, Jane McGarry, who snapped this photo of the two of us (Sorry Jane! I had to cut you out for this posts purpose!) and posted it to her social channels. Someone on Facebook commented on the photo to let me know that Jordin Sparks had worn this BCBG Elouise Print-Block Sheath dress the night before on Joan River's Fashion Police on E!.  I'm not even going to ask you people to comment and tell me "who wore it best", because I am not a glutton for punishment. Jordin's 20 years my Junior and cute as a button. Let's just say, we each brought something special to the dress and leave it at that... shall we?

Thanks to BCBG for styling me for this event. The Elouise Print-Block Sheath dress and Harlow Leather Envelope Clutch can be purchased at BCBG at NorthPark Center or online.

Queen for a Day with VSA

Oh So Cynthia's editor, Cynthia Smoot, felt right at home sitting on
a throne with a crown perched atop her head

Madonna, Kelly Osbourne, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Maria Shriver and David Beckham are just a few of the very famous stylesetters who regularly adorn themselves with jewelry from Virgins Saints & Angels (VSA). This past week SWAG jewelry store at NorthPark Center hosted an appearance of VSA's founder and designer, Cheryl "Finn" Finnegan and gave those of us addicted to the bling a chance to touch, feel and even wear her latest collection.

Finnegan's anticipated Spring collection was inspired by the ABC show "Once Upon a Time" and features both delicate angelic and edgier gothic pieces for the ABC characters. After years of creating tiaras, the chance to design crowns inspired by these characters was a dream come true for VSA. VSA's first step in the design process was to really imagine these characters...to become the characters. They found that they related equally to both featured women (Snow White and the Evil Queen). The sensitive vulnerability and the bold confidence of the leading ladies are traits juggled constantly in us all. They turned to color, using Swarovski elements to create two collections-- soft pink and pure white to represent Snow and deep red and jet to represent the Queen. These two distinct collections were designed to compliment each other and work seamlessly when layered together.

Meet the broads of The Broadcast

Lisa Pineiro, Pat Smith, Susie Humphreys and Courtney Kerr

What do philanthropist, motivational speaker (and Emmitt Smith's better half) Pat Smith, reality star and fashion blogger Courtney Kerr, and broadcast journalists Lisa Pineiro and Suzie Humphreys have in common? They are co-hosts of a new television show launching on KTXD-TV this February 18 (9:00 am) called D: The Broadcast. Picture "The View" with Susie being Barbara Walters, Courtney as Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Pat as Sherry Sheppard and Lisa as a younger version of Joy Behar.  The show will touch on various lifestyle and "news of the day" related topics. D Magazine's snarky editor, Tim Rogers, has rolled out a series of "interviews" to introduce the ladies. You can check out his posts here.

Late last year, D Magazine announced a partnership with London Broadcasting, which owns KTXD. The station will rebrand itself as D-TV one show at a time. For example, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman and Hillary Kennedy have a show on the station called Texas Living. It will soon be called D Living. Eventually, the station will begin a series of shows that focus on D Magazine features, like its top 10 lists.

Watch Pat, Lisa, Courtney, and Suzie every Monday 9AM CT on KTXD-TV starting February 18th! KTXD is aired by all cable and Satellite providers: Channel 47 on Dish Network, Direct TV, and AT&T Channel 24 and 428 on Time Warner Channel 18 on Verizon Channel 249 on Comcast Xfinity Channel 22 on Charter Communications

Win a free customized case from Casetagram for your mobile device

My case made from 2012 highlights

My obsession with Casetagram is all Lucy Wrubel's fault.  A couple of weeks before Christmas, ShopTalk was asking Dallas noteables what they were buying (or wishing) for the upcoming holiday season. A customized iPhone case from Casetagram was Lucy's pick in the Under $50 category. Well, I am a sucker for anything you can monogram or customize, so once I saw this thing of beauty I couldn't get to my MacBook Pro fast enough to make one for myself.  I love that you can pull photos from Instagram or Facebook and they have many different template designs to choose from.  They make cases for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Samsung Galaxy.  The socially savvy folks at Casetagram asked me if I'd like to spread the love and give one away to one of my readers. Heck yeah! It's Valentine's Day, so let's spread the love around!!!

So here's how you can enter to win a customized case for your very own:

Share an image on Twitter or Instagram that represents what you LOVE about your life. It could be your kid, dog, flower bed, favorite coffee mug, BFF or new car... whatever it is that is putting a smile on your face. You must tag #Casetagram and @OhSoCynthia somewhere in your post to be eligible to win. 

This contest will run from now until Wednesday, February 13, 2013/5PM CST. I will pick one winner from all qualifying entries. The winner will be notified by email, twitter or Instagram (however I can figure out how to find you). Once we have connected, Casetagram will give you a code to go online and create your case.

Ready? Set? Start spreading the LOVE!!!

UPDATE 2/16: 
Congrats to Whitney Starling who was selected from all qualifying entries as the winner in this contest. 

Lone Star Park to hold National Anthem auditions

FOX 4's Fiona Gorostiza sings at Lone Star Park

American Idol.  The Voice.  The X Factor.  There are many shows these days created to give give young talent a chance to be discovered. Well, now you have an opportunity to showcase your pipes right here in your own backyard.

Lone Star Park will host its 17th annual National Anthem auditions on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Soloists, duos, groups, choirs and instrumentalists are invited to try out for a chance to sing the National Anthem during one of Lone Star Park’s 76 live racing dates in 2013.  Contestants will have two minutes to perform their version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" – a cappella for vocalists – and will be judged by Lone Star Park officials.

Aspiring performers are urged to memorize the lyrics, keep their performance under two minutes and be prepared for a sound delay from the public address system. Those chosen to sing the National Anthem on a live race day will be notified by telephone and letter prior to the start of the Spring Thoroughbred season (usually two-to-three weeks after the audition). Each person selected to perform will receive box seats for four to that day’s live racing program.

Walkups are welcome, but performers are encouraged to reserve an appointment by calling Lone Star Park at (972) 263-RACE.  Lone Star Park is located one half-mile north of Interstate 30 off Belt Line Road at 1000 Lone Star Parkway in Grand Prairie – 12 miles west of Dallas and 20 miles east of Fort Worth (enter through Parking Gate 5 and proceed to the Grandstand’s East Gate entrance). For more information, call (972) 263-7223 or log on to LoneStarPark.com.

Winter skin care tips from Renee Rouleau on Access Hollywood

Renee Rouleau and Billy Bush

Dallas-based skin care expert, Renee Rouleau, tackles the beauty issues of some of Hollywood's most beautiful faces. From Jessica Simpson to Sofia Vergara and Demi Lavato to Cynthia Smoot (that's me!) - Renee Rouleau is the go-to expert for keeping skin looking healthy and radiant.

This past Monday, she traveled to Los Angeles to visit the set of Access Hollywood where she gave hosts Billy Bush and Kit Hoover tips on how to keep your skin looking great during the harsh winter weather conditions.

For her big television appearance, Renee gave some love to local designer, Abi Ferrin, wearing the Harper blouse from Ferrin's 2013 Spring Collection.  I love how Dallas is all about supporting their own!

To learn more about products from Renee Rouleau, visit http://www.reneerouleau.com.

 

Click here to view this video segment online

The Reality of Men and Plastic Surgery

Courtney Kerr, Dr. A and Tori Gonzales
stars of Bravo's new "Courtney Loves Dallas"

Today's woman has no problem sharing her plastic surgery experiences with the world. Botox parties are commonplace and med-spa treatments and plastic surgery experiences are shown on many TV shows as a standard form of upkeep among the celebrity set.

But did you know that last year nearly 800,000 men elected to get work done?

I recently ran into cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Adelglass, owner of Skintastic, and we were chatting about our mutual love of reality TV. He told me that he believes there is a correlation between reality TV and the uptick in men’s plastic surgery. And he should know. “Dr. A” (as he’s known) is no stranger to reality TV. Fans have watched him sculpt the faces of the ladies of Big Rich Texas over the past 3 seasons and he is set to make an appearance on Bravo’s Courtney Loves Dallas (coming this May).

According to Dr. A, a recent study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery finds male procedures on the rise, with liposuction, eyelids, and rhinoplasty topping the surge. Yale also did a study that concluded reality TV has a huge influence on plastic surgery, and people who watched more than one reality show (on a regular basis) were three times more likely to have a procedure.  Go figure.

Myles Crosby leaves fame for football

The Dallas Morning News published a story today about Myles Crosby, whom they describe as "a 6-3, 205-pound Colleyville Heritage senior replete with high cheekbones, a chiseled jawline and a head of neatly slicked light brown hair" who burst onto the modeling scene last year.

At 17 he became one of the youngest stars in the industry and posed in Calvin Klein ads for jeans, underwear and the Euphoria fragrance. He has already graced the pages of Esquire, GQ and Vanity Fair.

But that wasn't the story.

The quizzical thing (and subject of the article) is the fact that Crosby is putting all of the fame, world-travel, hot girls and fortune aside to play football for SMU next year. “I’m told I’m so stupid by every single person,” Crosby told the DMN. “That every single person in my shoes should drop out of school now and go make the money.”

Uh, yeah! Especially because SMU doesn't even have a team worth talking about! If it was Michigan or Alabama, maybe I could see it.

What do you think? Has Crosby been tackled one too many times or should he follow his love of the game?

STATUS update is Simply Positive

Sarah Jones of Status and Susan Pielsticker of Simply Positive are Dallas-based designers, who also happen to be best friends. So, naturally, they team up whenever possible for photo shoots, trunk shows and stylings. Last week I experienced one of those pairings when the ladies hosted a small group of clients and friends, including style-setters LeeAnne Locken, Dawn Mellon, Dr. Aneeta Goomar and Janet Fresquez, at a luncheon and fashion show at the Crescent Club.

photos: Thomas Garza Photography

Jones is known for her love of organic fabrics and architectural lines. Jones described her design aesthetic to DFW Style Daily as “Architectural in concept, but flowing in nature. Draping natural fabrics of varying weights creates layered looks you can mix and match to create just the right look for every ‘status’ of your day.”   I was crazy for the metallic fabrics Jones showed and am totally lusting for her metallic draw-sting bottom pant and this easy breezy jersey dress (shown here is a vibrant pink).

Oh So Tasty: Chicken Stuffed Avocado at The People's Last Stand

Last week I was invited to a media lunch to sample the new menu at The People's Last Stand in Mockingbird Station.  People's has been open for a year and until this luncheon, I had never been. Not for any other reason, than it used to be primarily a bar and, well, my hanging out at bar days are kind of far behind me.  The place has a super cool vibe. Lots of couches and club chairs. Very loungey, but it a sophisticated way. There are also many 4-top tables and high-cocktail tables as well, if lounging isn't your thing.

We nibbled on several items, but the standout for me was the Chicken Stuffed Avocado. For $10 you get an entire avocado that's been halved and filled with a mixture of chicken, shallots, garlic, cilantro, lime, Colby and spiced Cheddar cheese. It's served in a shallow bowl that's been prepped with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkled with mustard seeds. It's fresh and light but the mixture is rich and filling. It's a heavenly combination.

Greer Garson Gala kicks off at Private Social

Maggie Kipp, Friends of Greer Garson Honorary Chair Rachel Fresquez
2013 Greer Garson Gala Chair Jennifer LeLash and Friends of Greer Garson Gala Chair Jennifer Buxton

The social set gathered this past Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Private Social to kick off festivities for the upcoming 2013 Greer Garson Gala. Bravo TV's Courtney Kerr, crooner Hunter Sullivan and his beautiful wife Maria, Rick and Janet Fresquez, and Angela Choquette were among those who turned out to support the cause, milling about with curated cocktails and sampling yummy nibbles.

This year's Greer Garson Gala will be held on April 20, 2013 with a theme of "An Evening in Cannes". Proceeds will go to support Women and Infant Services in the Margot Perot Center at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.texashealth.org/greergarsongala

Snoop Dogg to headline Observer's St. Pat's Concert

A few weeks ago, city officials caused quite a commotion when they announced "changes" to the long-standing Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade. Pegasus News reported that "Instead of a beer guzzling party, the focus will be on a family-friendly affair that honors the Irish tradition and the pageantry of the parade. "[The parade] had gotten a little raucous," said Mayor Mike Rawlings.

Whaaaaaaat?!  Family-friendly? It's blasphemy!  Everybody knows this is parade is for grown-ups who want to get drunk and flash people from the floats and park illegally on the M Streets and get towed and puke in someone's yard and mug down with a stranger at the Dubliner. Let these kids have their fun!!

The Dallas Observer gave Rawlings and the city a big fat middle finger today with their announcement that they are bringing Snoop Dogg to the party. The Doggfather will headline the annual Dallas Observer St. Patrick's Day Concert on the afternoon of Saturday, March 16 in the Energy Square Parking Lot after the Greenville Avenue parade. Gates open at noon. Tickets are $15 and go on sale next Friday, February 8 at 10 a.m. But you can get them on Tuesday, February 5, by signing up for their music newsletter.

I worked for the Observer for 12 years and if you ever wondered where I learned my "don't like it... F#*& you" attitude. Now you know. Sometimes... I really miss that place.

The Dallas Zoo is selling Koala Bears for Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, the Dallas Zoo is offering a special koala Adopt-An-Animal package. In addition to the zookeeper’s report, adoption certificate, photo, and Zoo publications throughout the year, recipients of the koala adopt package receive a a small stuffed koala and free tickets to the Zoo. Couples (or parents with children) can make a date of the gift and visit the Zoo to see the koalas and other animals. Did you know that the Dallas Zoo is the only zoo in Texas where people can see koalas!?

Now, this is not the kind of gift I would want from my husband, BUT if you want a gift for your children, a friend or client - it's about the cutest thing ever.  This adorable package is less expensive than a dozen roses, less calories than a box of chocolates, and less mess than a real koala!

The cost for this Aussi-some gift is $50 ($40 for DZS members). Visit DallasZoo.com to place your order. Call 469.554.7449 or email Adopt@DallasZoo.com for details.