Bread Winners hosts Kidd's Kids Fundraiser on August 6

Coming Soon: Gas Monkey Bar & Grill from our favorite grease monkeys

Eater Dallas is reporting:

A North Dallas auto shop called Gas Monkey Garage that specializes in restoring classic cars to newfound glory is already the subject of a popular Discovery Channel show called Fast 'N Loud, and now there's apparently a themed "state of the art dining and live music venue" called Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill in the works. According to an otherwise bare OpenTable profile, Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill will be located at 10261 Technology Boulevard near I-35 and Northwest Highway (aka Wonderland of Chain Restaurants and Strip Clubs). A help wanted ad on Craigslist purports a chance to join "the fastest growing brand on global television," which naturally has "future plans to launch in other markets."

Stay tuned for updates!

Kidd Kraddick's death mourned by music's biggest stars

In this photo provided by Desiree Cotton Photography, the Kidd Kraddick
in the morning team posed for a photo Saturday in New Orleans.

Around 10:30 tonight, news broke of the untimely death of beloved radio personality David "Kidd" Kraddick from a brain aneurism cardiac arrest* at the age of 53. "He was in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity,” KISS-FM owner Clear Channel said in a news release. "He died doing what he loved..." He is survived by his daughter, Caroline.

Kraddick moved from Florida to Dallas in 1984 and took over the night shift on the newly formatted top-40 station KEGL (The Eagle) and established a following. KEGL changed formats from Top 40 pop/rock to Modern Rock in 1992 and Kraddick was released. After eight months off the air, he was hired to a morning position at Top 40 KHKS-106.1 "Kiss-FM".

Kidd Kraddick in the Morning was born as a local radio program, and has survived through numerous cast changes. The two longest-running cast members are Kellie Rasberry and Big Al Mack.  The show is nationally syndicated in more than 75 markets and the American Forces Radio Network.

In 1991, Kraddick founded the 501(c)3 charity, The Kraddick Foundation, which is dedicated to helping impact the lives of children who have terminal or chronic illnesses or are accident victims. It consists of "Kidd's Kids," which takes a planeload of these children (age 5-11) and their families to Walt Disney World for 5 days every November. In 2010, the charity grew to include "The Glamour Squad" which visits hospitals around the country and provides a day of pampering inside the hospital for teenage girls. Listeners of the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning show donate money one day a year on "Kidd's Kids Day" to help fund these projects.

Oh So Tasty: The Second Floor

The Second Floor Bistro-Bar is an upscale bistro and bar concept inside The Westin Galleria Dallas, and was created in partnership with Chef Scott Gottlich and his sommelier wife, Gina Gottlich.  Executive Chef Daniel Tarasevich has created "indulgent European-American cuisine" designed to satisfy any craving. I was invited over this week to sample a few of the new additions to the menu.  I knew it was going to be a great dinner when the first thing that happened was that the servers came out with trays laden with a variety of cocktails, like the Cucumber Sip pictured above. Dishes sampled include those pictured above, Pork Belly Banh Mi Sliders, Smoked Pork Chop and a delicious Strawberry Shortcake with Cinnamon Ice Cream and fresh berries. One of my favorite bites was the Hudson Valley Foie Gras Mousse, served on brioche toast with strawberry compote and pickled rhubarb. Whether looking for an after-work escape, late-night indulgence or evening out at a trendy locale, The Second Floor Bistro-Bar has many mouth-watering dishes like Dock Confit Pot Pie, Short Rib Meatloaf and Piquillo Pimento Cheese—plus the largest Scotch collection in Dallas.

Chef Tiffany Derry to appear on Bar Rescue

Readers of this blog know that I love reality TV. I find people fascinating and the weirder and more unusual their stories are, the better. From Survivor to Naked & Afraid, Big Rich Texas to Real Housewives, Design Star to Property Brothers - I love it all.

Since I work with restaurants and bars on a daily basis, one show I enjoy is Bar Rescue on Spike TV. Nightlife expert Jon Taffer (think Tony Soprano) travels around the country and employs his expertise to return struggling bars to the cash cows they once were.

Tune in this Sunday at 8PM to see a special appearance from Dallas' own celebrity chef Tiffany Derry! Click the video below to see a sneak peak of the episode.

Oh So Tasty: Fruit Flavored Waters

photo: Kat Robson

The dog days of summer are upon us and I'm doing anything I can to stay cool and hydrated.  During a recent spa visit, I enjoyed a cool glass of cucumber water. It was light, healthy, refreshing and - best of all - it was something I could re-create at home! Slice up about a 1/4 of a cucumber into a pitcher of water, let it chill in the 'fridge and enjoy. It doesn't get much easier than that! Another easy flavor is to do the same thing but with a slice of watermelon. My husband and 13 year old son have also expressed enthusiasm for this new alternative to boring 'ole water. I stumbled across a blog post from Kat Robson with recipes that are a bit more exotic. Her recipes for Minty Cucumber Lime, Strawberry-Lemon Basil, Watermelon Mint and Pineapple-Orange with Ginger have me intrigued.

Do you have a fruit-flavored water recipe that your family loves? I'd love to hear what you are making at home. Leave a comment below to share your recipe or tell me what you think of mine and Kat's!

Dallas Opera partners with local designers to create First Sight

Elizabeth Anyaa, Michael Faircloth, Khanh Nguyen, Abi Ferrin and Nicolas Villalba

(Press Release) The Dallas Opera is excited to introduce a new concept based on the success of last year's FIRST NIGHT. FIRST SIGHT will take place Thursday, October 24, 2013 in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, presented by J.P. Morgan. FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon will feature the work of five outstanding and internationally renowned Dallas-based designers as they showcase their interpretations of the operas that will take center stage next season in addition to fashion designed by ESCADA.

The pre-show reception will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a glamourous high-fashion runway show showcasing Elizabeth Anyaa, Michael Faircloth, Abi Ferrin, Khanh Nguyen and Nicolas Villalba. Following the show, guests will enjoy a luncheon catered by Puck Catering in the C. Vincent Prothro Lobby.  Click here for more information on this event including table/ticket sales.

Dallas Arboretum offers dollar days in August

My little tadpole & friends in 2004

(Press Release) The Dallas Arboretum is offering $1.00 admission every day in August from 9am-5pm while strolling through Summer at the Arboretum featuring the Alice in Wonderland Flower Village and thousands of vibrant colored florals.

If you have young children, my advice is to dress them in their bathing suits for this outing (or they will end up in their skivvies like my son did) because they will end up at the Frog Fountain. And in August... who can blame them!?

Children can learn something new before the school year begins at The Adventures of Great Explorers exhibit with replicas of destinations traveled by Admiral Byrd, Hernan Cortes, Ponce de Leon, Lewis & Clark, Marco Polo and Captain James Cook.  The exhibit will be on display through December 31.

Stop by the Hoffman Family Gift Store to purchase a treat for children, friends and family, or for yourself. The shop is filled with merchandise on each explorer above and Alice in Wonderland.

The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, (214) 515-6500. http://www.dallasarboretum.org/

Friday Night Slides at Hawaiian Falls

Looking for some inexpensive family fun? Check out Friday Night Slides at Hawaiian Falls Waterparks.  Admission is only $5.00 from 8 pm – 10 pm (FREE for Season Passholders) to ride your favorite slides after dark! You can also upgrade your daily ticket for only $5.00 and stay until 10 pm on Fridays.  Buy your season pass today and bring a buddy for FREE to Friday Night Slides with the coupon in your Season Pass booklet. All 5 parks will have Friday Night Slides from now thru August 16. Each park determines which attractions will be lit, so it is best to contact your park to be sure which attractions will be open for Friday Night Slides.

Support Texas farms & ranches by participating in Restaurant Round-Up Week

Restaurant Round-Up is a week-long program presented by The Texas Department of Agriculture to encourage the people of Texas to eat at restaurants that source from Texas farmers and ranchers. Their goal with this program is to promote restaurants that support local food and drink producers, keeping Texans' money and jobs in Texas. From July 22-28, hundreds of GO TEXAN food trucks and restaurants across the state offer Texas food/drink specials (of their choosing and pricing), plus make a small donation to a local food bank.  Participating restaurants in the Dallas area include Batutto Italian Kitchen, Cafe 43 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Chamberlains Steak and Chop House, DISH, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Saint Ann's, SMOKE and more. CLICK HERE to see a complete list of participating restaurants.

Hard Rock Cafe presents rock 'n roll treasures in a new exhibition

Amy Winehouse's dress worn during the Nelson Mandela tribute concert in 2008 

(PRESS RELEASE) Hard Rock Cafe Dallas is giving fans an up-close look at pieces of history from music superstars and legends with the never-before-seen “Treasures of the Hard Rock” traveling memorabilia exhibit. The exhibit features iconic items from two one-of-a-kind collections pulled from Hard Rock’s vault, “Gone Too Soon” and “Music Gives Back.” “Gone Too Soon” pays tribute to music icons whose lives and careers were tragically cut short and features items from contemporary talent, such as a dress worn by Amy Winehouse during a 2008 Nelson Mandela tribute concert and a 90’s stage outfit from Whitney Houston to artifacts from legends of the past, like the John Lennon’s hand-written lyrics to the Beatles classic song “Help” and 1967 Gibson SG Custom played by Jimi Hendrix in concert and on the Dick Cavett Show.

Beach Bling for D'Andra Simmons

Congrats to D'Andra Simmons and Jeremy Lock who got engaged yesterday on the beaches of Rodanthe, NC. 

Simmons is well known in Dallas for her philanthropic work, her sense of high-fashion and her skin-care line Hard Night Good Morning.  She can now add "wife of famous photographer" to her list of achievements.

Lock is the chief photographer for AIRMAN magazine and is a seven time winner of the Military Photographer of the Year award. Lock photographs more than just Air Force Airmen; he also covers the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Special Forces soldiers as they deploy in war. His work has appeared in National Geographic, Time Magazine, the New York Times, LA Times and more.

According to her own website Simmons has been named one of the “10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas in 2008” and named a “Fresh Face of Fashion” by Modern Luxury. She was honored with the “Distinguished Woman” award by Northwood University in 2011. A year later in 2012, she was a winner for People Magazine’s “Real Beauty at Every Age” search. She has graced the covers and inside pages of some of the nation’s favorite magazines such as W Magazine, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, US Weekly, In Touch, Cowboys and Indians, Vanity Fair, and More Magazine in Great Britain. 
Simmons has served on the Advisory Board of Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts, volunteered with the Junior League of Dallas, AIDS Services of Dallas and Cattle Baron’s Ball for the American Cancer Society to name a few.

Best wishes to D'Andra and Jeremy. Watch out Dallas! There's a new power couple on the scene!

Photos: D'Andra Simmons on Facebook.

Sprinkles launches Cupcake ATM

For Sprinkles addicts on the go, swing by the world's first Cupcake ATM! Sprinkles Cupcake ATM is continuously restocked day and night with a variety of freshly baked cupcake flavors and even cupcakes for Fido! Sprinkles Cupcakes is located in Plaza at Preston Center, 4020 Villanova Drive, Dallas, Texas 75225

Komali's new Spicy Pork Ribs will set your mouth (and heart) on fire

Abraham Salum invited me over this week to sample a dish that's new to the menu for Summer.  He and executive chef Anastacia Quinones (AQ) have created Costillas de Puerco - or Spicy Pork Ribs - braised with a pineapple habanero glaze, served with a side of nopal (sautéed cactus) salad and mashed potatoes infused with queso fresco ($22).  AQ told us that what we were eating was the third (and final) rendition of the dish. Customers told her the first two tries weren't "spicy enough".  Well folks, ask and ye shall receive! 

PR maven Martha Tiller thought it would be a wickedly funny idea to have a contest to see who could eat the most of these SPICY ribs. Crave DFW's Steven Doyle wimped out after just one rib. Crave contributor Andrew Chalk and CBS DFW's Robin Everson consumed three. After the first rib all my taste buds were singed off and I was able to wolf down four. But it was Dallas Voice's Arnold Wayne Jones who swept the competition, eating SEVEN ribs. Trust me, that's a feat.  My mouth is still on fire... After the contest, our palates were quenched with some yummy Mexican Ice Creams. I had Corn and Mango. Other flavors include Coconut, Mexican Chocolate, Avocado and Cotija cheese ($9).

Crave DFW reminded me that "Sunday's are Service Industry night at Komali. Bring some proof that you labor for the public in the food industry and your meal will be half price. There are also plenty of cocktail specials mixed up by the very capable bar manager LeeAnn Berry, who also has the usual distinction of making the best margarita in Dallas."

Komali is located at 4152 Cole Ave Dallas, TX 75204, (214) 252-0200, http://www.komalirestaurant.com/

Truck Yard on Lower Greenville is where I'll be parked

Mixologist Emily Perkins with Jason Boso

Jason Boso, Chef and Proprietor of Twisted Root Burger Co. and Tacos and Avocados, hosted a media "hard hat tour" on Tuesday for his newest venture, Truck Yard.  This new food truck park is slated to make its debut sometime mid-to-late August (fingers crossed) on Lower Greenville, right across from Trader Joe's.

Truck Yard will feature rotating food trucks serving lunch and dinner to area diners, as well as a permanent restaurant and bar where Boso will serve cheesesteak sandwiches. Located on a 15,000 square foot lot, the Truck Yard will accommodate four rotating trucks, patio furniture, picnic tables, fire pits and various bar games – as well as plenty of shade trees – giving locals a fun and unique spot to hangout on the popular Greenville strip.

Boso has also announced that he’ll introduce his own restaurant at the park. Converted from a former mechanic’s shed, the 2,000 square foot space will serve thinly sliced ribeye cheesesteaks grilled right in front of customers.  In addition to the food, the restaurant will feature a full bar with 18 mostly-local draft beers and outdoor-friendly cocktails like sangria, mint juleps and margaritas.

Hook ‘em and Fly at the Wyly

Hook ‘em and Fly at the Wyly
by Jayne Herring

There are musicals and plays, shows for children and for adults, contemporary and classic, nostalgic and modern. But sometimes good theater is just good theater, transcending all genres, and all I kept thinking Friday night was that Dallas Theater Center’s show Fly is just damn good theater. This is by no means a review, just a call for Dallas to realize what it has while it has it, before Broadway steals it away, which I very much expect it to do. It is a brand new show, directed by multiple Tony-Award winner Jeffrey Seller and based on the classic J. M. Barrie novel Peter Pan. But lest you think this version is anything like previous adaptations, I assure you it is not.

Discover Lake Living at Long Cove on Cedar Creek Lake

This past weekend I was lucky enough to get to spend a few days at Long Cove.  This paradise is a new, private residential community located just over an hour from Dallas on Cedar Creek Lake built to give North Texas families a close-to-home getaway that promotes an unplugged, relaxing and family-oriented experience.  The developer modeled his vision for this new community after the beach towns of Watercolor and Seaside, Florida and he did an AMAZING job.  Situated on more than six miles of pristine shoreline in Cedar Creek’s deep waters and spanning more than 1,000 acres, the Long Cove property has been untouched for nearly 80 years.

Big Rich Texas star Whitney Whatley gives birth to Rhythm Myer Overbey

Congratulations to Big Rich Texas lovebirds, Whitney Whatley and Brandon "Booger" Overbey. They welcomed their first child into the world around 12:30 pm today. Although the family has been calling her "Baby Mayhem" on social posts for the past nine months, her given name will officially be Rhythm Myer Overbey.  Glamma Bon Blossman has already told me that if it's up to her, the baby will call her "Bon Bon".  She has jokingly said husband Jason Myer's nickname will probably be "Grumpa".  Among the first visitors to welcome Rhythm to the world of reality TV were co-stars Melissa and Maddie Poe.

Meet Kendall and Kylie Jenner at Nordstrom NorthPark Center on August 2

Reality TV darlings Kendall and Kylie Jenner will make an appearance at Nordstrom in NorthPark Center on August 2 from 3:30-5:30PM to debut their exclusive jewelry line called Metal Haven.

The girls have teamed up with Glamhouse in LA, the same company that worked with their sister Kim on her jewelry line, called Belle Noel. Metal Haven will be sold in the teen department in Nordstrom stores nationwide. All jewelry is said to be priced between $19.99-$69.99.

My advice is to get there early. I have feeling there will be loads of teen wannabes on the scene with their Moms who adore them equally but will be saying they are there for their girls. Just sayin'.

Here's a sneak preview of a few of their designs:

Photos: Nick Saglimbeni and Avalicious

Dallas' Jordan Spieth Becomes the Youngest Golfer to Win on the PGA Tour

Jordan Spieth celebrates after winning the John Deere Classic on Sunday.
(Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press / July 14, 2013)

Congrats to Dallas Jesuit and University of Texas alum Jordan Spieth who outlasted David Hearn and Zach Johnson on the fifth hole of a playoff to win the John Deere Classic this past Sunday. At 19 years old, Spieth is the youngest winner on the PGA Tour in 82 years.  To read more about this cutie patootie wunderkind, visit SportsDay DFW.

Dallas Dweller: Lisa Petty

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.

There is a faction of "real" journalists who aren't overly fond of bloggers.  Usually it's because they see bloggers as annoying thorns in their sides contributing to the downfall of journalism in America.  Who knows, they could be right. But you can't stop change and it's always refreshing when you encounter a kindred soul who embraces these new voices to the conversation. Lisa Petty is just such a gal. Not only does she embrace the change, she's joined it - leaving her "real" journalism post at NBC DFW a couple of years ago to launch an online fashion magazine called DFW Style Daily.

Lisa Petty

Lisa Petty
photo Sylvia Elzafon

Petty started her journalism career writing about food for such outlets as the Dallas Observer, but it was fashion that captured her heart.  "In my years of feature and lifestyle reporting in the Metroplex, I became captivated by its emerging fashion culture. From both established and up-and-coming designers based in Dallas, to a shopping scene envied throughout the country, I recognized the need for a daily news source devoted exclusively to local style," says Petty.

"Through a group of expert contributors, DFW Style Daily connects multiple demographics in a single conversation about fashion via original videos, interviews, pictorials, and more. Further, we engage with our audience on a personal level through event hosting and an active social media presence."

"I'm a smart girl, but confidence has often eluded me," muses Petty. "From childhood, though, I recognized my own ability to bloom where I was planted. My large, blended family represents many religions, cultures, and political viewpoints. I've also lived here in Dallas since I was a toddler, growing up as my city also grew at a rapid and fascinating pace. As such, I'll take adaptability over chutzpah any day."

Rapid Fire Q&A with Lisa Petty

Q:  When you need some "me" time, where do you go or what do you do to relax and recharge?
A:  I enjoy cooking, though I tend to set things on fire. Summer cooking suits me well, though, since making salads rarely involves a live flame.

Get a taste of NoLa at The Quarter bar in Uptown

Love New Orleans but can't find the time or money to get there this summer? No worries! For 13 years,  The Quarter bar in Uptown has been serving up a French Quarter-style vibe.  This place is one of my favorite haunts because it makes me feel like I am right there in the Big Easy. Everything you've heard about Uptown douchebaggery? It's not here.  What you will find is a life-sized Connect Four game, rockin' juke box, awesome photo booth, pool table and one of Dallas' best rooftop patios overlooking Downtown Dallas.  They have recently introduced 7 new reasons I will want to check-in there on a regular basis. Check out these French Quarter-inspired cocktails:

VooDoo Queen made with Vodka, Blue Curacao, Razz Berry, & Sweet and Sour 

French Quarter Float made with Coffee Liquor, Irish Cream, & Root Beer

Blue Bayou made with Captain Morgan, Blue Curacao, & Pineapple Juice

Quarter Curse made with Southern Comfort, Razz Berry, & Pineapple Juice

Hurricane made with Light Rum, Meyers Dark Rum, Malibu, Pineapple & Orange Juice, & Cherr
Hand Grenade made with Light Rum, Melon Liquor, & Pineapple Juice

Soco Sazerac made with Southern Comfort, Lemon, Sugar, & Bitters

All cocktails are $6, except the Hurricane which is $8.

Dallas Dweller: Yvonne Crum

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. Yvonne Crum is one of those people that everyone knows and no one ever has anything bad to say about. That's quite a feat in this town. When I approached her about this article, her response was, "I don't sound so interesting... basically I love fashion, fundraising and fun with Samantha (her grand-daughter)!" Well, I disagree. I find her story fascinating, her enthusiasm and energy contagious and am pleased to spotlight her through this feature:

Yvonne Crum

Yvonne and Mayo Crum
photo: Martha Miller

Crum joined Braniff Airlines as a flight attendant in 1964 and retired in 2010 from American Airlines. Her many flights through the friendly skies will live on in infamy as a member of the Flight Attendants Hall of Fame.

After a successful battle with breast cancer, this survivor was determined to make the world a better place. She has lent her fundraising, organizing and motivational skills to many causes in Dallas, serving on boards, chairing luncheons, dinners and galas including Dallas Children's Theater, Mental Health Association, Dallas Summer Musicals, Texas Film Commission, Nexus Recovery Center, National Women's Board, Dallas Museum of Art, Northwood University and the DIFFA Style Council and all totalling over $8 Million in her career.

She has been honored with The Distinguished Woman Award from Northwood University in 2001, the Dallas Historical Society award for Excellence in Volunteering in 2006 and in 2009 she was named Woman of the Year by Les Femmes du Monde. Yvonne received the most prestigious Honorary Doctorate from Northwood University 2009 and most recently was named Mother of the Year for 2013 by Dallas Can! Academy.

Whew. I'm exhausted just typing all of these accolades and efforts out. Can you imagine doing all this stuff?!

Drink over 300 beers at BrewFest

Join the Dallas Observer on Saturday, August 24th in the Dallas Arts District as they celebrate the 3rd Annual Dallas Observer BrewFest. Enjoy sampling over 200 types of beer from around the globe, while listening to live music.

Click here for tickets 

Use the Promo code OHSOCYNTHIA and SAVE $5 off General Admission and $10 off VIP tickets!!

A $35 will get you twelve 2 oz. beer samplings, with additional sampling cards available for purchase for $2 at the event. VIP tickets are $70 and include twelve 2 oz. beer samplings from 200+ beer options PLUS Early Entry into event one hour earlier at 6:00, access to VIP Area with liquor sampling and exclusive catered food.

Food will be available for purchase from: BratHaus, Chili's Bar & Grill, Hacienda on Henderson and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dallas Arts District. Guests must be 21+, with a valid I.D.

Oprah to visit Dallas for Life Class taping on August 29

The DMN reports that Oprah Winfrey will be in Dallas next month to record an episode of her Oprah’s Lifeclass series before a live audience. Winfrey’s taping at 9:00 a.m. Aug. 29 will kick off the three-day MegaFest Christian festival, being organized by Potter’s House pastor T.D. Jakes.  Tickets for the taping in American Airlines Center will be available starting at noon Friday at tdjakes.org/oprahslifeclass.

Oprah’s Lifeclass is broadcast on Winfrey’s Oprah Winfrey Network. Each episode features one expert and encourages “student” interaction on-air, online and through social media to help Winfrey “share principles and tools that can help people live more meaningful and fulfilling lives,” according to a press release from OWN. The Dallas-based episode will be the continuation a two-hour special on fatherless families that first aired in May. Another episode in the series will air Friday. Jakes appeared on Lifeclass before to discuss purposeful living and was also a guest on Winfrey’s show Oprah’s Next Chapter.

Click here to hop over the DMN for more on this event.

Celebrate Julia Child's 101st Birthday at rise nº1

rise nº1 invites you to join them on August 15th from 11am to 2pm in celebration of the 101st birthday of Julia Child, the American chef who made French cuisine accessible and adventurous. Come dressed as Julia and enjoy a Julia-inspired lunch at no charge.  Julia taught us that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn how to fix what went wrong. Cooking can be and should be fun! We have her to thank (or to blame) for the Food Network and "Top Chef," as well as for the fact that every person who graduates from culinary school now harbors the secret conviction that she will wind up a celebrity chef. There has never been, nor will there likely ever be another spirit like Julia Child.

Dallas Cowboys Phil Costa gets engaged to Brooke Hogan

According to Starcasm.net Hulk Hogan's daughter Brooke Hogan has gotten engaged to Dallas Cowboys player Phil Costa. On Saturday night, June 29, Costa got down on one knee in Las Vegas and proposed to Brooke in front of an amazing view including The Paris Hotel’s version of the Eiffel Tower. There’s no word on how long Brooke and Phil have been dating, but since she was dating someone at the beginning of the year, it couldn’t have been very long. Starcasm reports that unfortunately, there is one piece of bad news for the happy couple. Brooke is apparently still married to Bully Ray and having trouble convincing him to sign divorce papers. He claims he still loves her. Hopefully now that she’s engaged, he’ll be considerate and take the necessary steps to end their marriage.  To read more details, click over to http://starcasm.net/archives/228880

Beverly Drive Magazine toasts Shay Geyer

In case you hadn't heard, GrandLuxe magazine recently revamped, rebranded and has been reborn as Beverly Drive Magazine. This glossy monthly has a sleek Town & Country feel and the readers I've spoken to seem pretty pleased with the changes. This month's issue features IBB Design Fine Furniture owner, interior designer, philanthropist and dance mom Shay Geyer on the cover. I attended a happy hour last Thursday to toast the cover gal at IBB Design in Frisco.  Spotted in the crowd were Angela Choquette, Jayne Herring, Rick Fresquez, Cathy Vieth, Kelly Rose, Mary Ellen Hess, WFAA's Good Morning Texas co-host Amy Vanderoef, Karen Lukin and jewelry designer Shona Gilbert.  Shay's darling daughters stole the show by entertaining everyone with their dance moves and charming personalities. Be sure to pick up a copy and check out this fun new addition to the print landscape. Here are some scenes from the event:

Amy Vanderoef and Shay Geyer (photo: Shay Geyer)