Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Simply Summer Fashionably Fall 2013 featuring Milly

Michelle Smith of Milly
(Press Release)  Co-chairs Beverly Rice and Lisa Bhattacharya welcomed nearly 100 partygoers to this year’s Simply Summer, Fashionably Fall hosted by Neiman Marcus NorthPark and MILLY on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The evening, which benefited Turtle Creek Recovery Center, began with cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and a cool vibe by DJ Andre, as patrons mingled and perused the “MILLY pop-up shop” especially created for the night.

Guests then took their seats along the runway as Warren Wetzel from Neiman Marcus NorthPark welcomed everyone before introducing Turtle Creek Recovery Center executive director John Castaneda.

After thanking the co-chairs and attendees for their support of the agency, Castaneda addressed the importance of the funds raised by the evening to the clients served by TCRC, who suffer from mental illness and addiction.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Diane Does Dallas. One Wrap Dress at a Time.

The enchanting Diane von Fürstenberg made a special appearance at her Highland Park Village boutique this past Saturday for a private shopping event benefiting TwoxTwo.

This Belgium Princess made her mark in the fashion world in her 20's when she created the iconic Wrap Dress. It was the hottest thing around in the 70s, fell out of favor (but not production) in the 80s and made a comeback in new millennium - minus the big wide-winged collar!


Next year, the wrap dress will celebrate it's 40th year in production. Something that's never happened before. Sure, Coco Chanel invented the concept of the little black dress, but it was never about one dress. DVF told me that earlier in her career the wrap dress was something of an albatross around her neck. She wanted to be taken seriously as a designer and not be thought of as just a one-hit-wonder. At the 40-year mark, she now says she is "impressed" and immensely proud of that little dress and all that it has helped create.

"Everywhere I go, people tell me stories about their wrap dress," said DVF.  "How they were wearing it when their lover proposed, that they wore it to their big job interview, to their prom... so many stories! As a part of the 40-year celebration, we have launched a website where women can share their stories and experiences at www.DVFwrapstory.com. "

Of course, I had to ask Diane what she likes about Dallas. "Oh, I love Dallas," she said. " A lot of women in Dallas have bought of wrap dresses. A LOT. The most beautiful women in America are from Dallas! I don't know if it's the beef, the grass, whatever... but they are beautiful. And it's a fun city. The people are always so nice and that makes it a fun place to visit. And I love to eat your Mexican food."  A woman after my own heart...

Friday, October 25, 2013

Pearl Cup Coffee & Sprint ask you to pledge to NEVER text and drive.

(Press Release) Texting while driving is highly dangerous, causing more than 100,000 accidents each year, often causing serious injuries and death. Sprint is partnering with Pearl Cup Coffee on Henderson Ave.’s location on Friday, November 1, to create greater awareness around the risks of texting and driving.

Customers who make a personal pledge to never text and drive will be treated to a complimentary coffee or tea drink of their choice. Called Thanks-A-Latte, this joint Sprint and Peal Cup Coffee event is to make an impact on the driving habits of Dallas residents. In addition to drawing attention to this deadly habit, Sprint will make a donation to the Remember Alex Brown Foundation (RAB), a Texas-based organization dedicated to putting an end to texting and driving. One in three people who see messages about anti-texting while driving say they change their driving habits.

Customers who sign the pledge will receive a voucher for a refresh on their Sprint mobile devices at Sprint’s 5331 E. Mockingbird Lane store. In addition, when customers trade in the voucher, they will receive a $5 gift card to use at the Pearl Cup coffee shop on a later date.

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 1, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Pearl Cup Coffee (Henderson location only), 1900 Henderson Ave., Dallas


Bravo is looking for Dallas Real Estate personalities for Million Dollar Listing Dallas




My good friend, Candy Evans, scooped me on this one! Looks like Million Dollar Listing on Bravo is coming to Dallas/Houston. Maybe they will name the show Million Dollar Listing Texas?

Seems odd they would launch two shows. Maybe they are seeing which city has the best personalities before they decide how to proceed. In which case, like, we are so WINNING!

If you are interested, all of the details are on the flier posted above. Click over to Candy's story for more details!


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Legacy Counseling gives HIV/AIDS patients in North Texas a new place to call home


The mission of Legacy Counseling is to provide affordable and quality mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and special care housing services to people in the North Texas area who are impacted by HIV/AIDS.

They were lucky enough to recently receive a grant that will help them house people in 24 apartments with HIV/AIDS who find themselves homeless after lengthy hospital stays. "This is really needed because we run into this problem frequently. The grant covers a tiny bit of furniture, but nothing else." said Melissa Grove, Executive Director for Legacy Counseling.  But that Melissa is one crafty gal.

There's a difference between a house and a home and Grove dreamed up a households good drive and competition that she called Ready Set Home! to get the other items needed for their first 10 apartments (sheets, frying pans, towels, etc.) and bring out the interior designer in us all.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Frisco's 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House makes an appearance on the Real Housewives of Miami



So, there I am, all curled up my couch watching tonight's episode of Bravo TV's the Real Housewives of Miami (RHoM) when it happened. This week, the diamond-ladden Lea Black leaves Miami with her mini-me clone - no, not her son. I'm talking about overly botoxed, receiver of one-too-many-surgeries cast mate Lisa Hochstein - in tow and they head to Texas so Lea can visit her family.  Imagine my surprise when the gals pull up to a house in the suburbs to have a family dinner and the spread is from 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House in Frisco. You have to be living under a rock to not know that BBQ is hot, hot, hot so it's no surprise that they wanted Lea to have a smoked meat-fest on the show. Heck, they pulled out every other Texas stereotype in the episode: hokey Texas twang, cowboy hats and boots, big hair, etc.  Not only is this my favorite BBQ place - they happen to be a client. Awesome! You gotta love that unpaid product placement in a national TV show. Thanks Bravo!

Oh So Tasty: Savor in Klyde Warren Park



Savor is a modern gastropub located in on the North side of the uber-hip 5.2-acre Klyde Warren Park in Downtown Dallas. I was invited to come experience this new hot spot by Executive Chef John Coleman.  A Boston native, Coleman has spent the bulk of his 23-year culinary career with the luxury hotel chain The Ritz-Carlton as the Director of Food and Beverage, opening hotels across the world from Oman, Japan to Dallas. Now, it's his time to step into the spotlight and do his thing. My favorite thing about Savor isn't the food, but the ambiance. The glass walls and open floor plan provide a spectacular view onto the grounds of the Park.

Courtney Loves Dallas to air on Bravo in December 2013



It was over a year ago that Bravo TV announced that Courtney Kerr, would be spinning off from Most Eligible Dallas and into her own show called Courtney Loves Dallas. CLD was supposed to air on Spring 2014. Then it got pushed to Summer. Then it got pushed to Fall. There were many naysayers in these parts who began whispering that perhaps Courtney wasn't getting a show after all. Maybe Bravo had changed their mind... Well, I am happy to announce that as of last night it is OFFICIAL! Courtney Loves Dallas will launch on December 5, 2013 at 9:00pm.

Bravo's Andy Cohen and Kerr
New York City, September 2013
The announcement Bravo released last August stated, "Breakout star Courtney Kerr of Most Eligible Dallas navigates the lively Dallas social scene with her group of sassy, dynamic friends in this docu-series. Juggling her search for the perfect southern gentleman while trying to make a name for herself in the fashion industry with the growing popularity of her fashion blog, Courtney proves that having it all isn't easy."

Courtney told me that the show will follow her journey as she quits her long-time job at Sunglass Hut as a Regional Manager, moves into a new apartment, seeks to launch a career as a fashion blogger and - oh yes - looks for love in Big D.  Helping her navigate her way through life in Dallas will be bestie Tori Gonzales.

Courtney told me exclusively, "I am so humbled that Bravo would choose to develop a show around me. It's thrilling, but frightening at the same time. In an ensemble cast, if something isn't working you can say 'Oh, maybe they didn't like the chemistry between this person and that person. Or maybe a certain storyline wasn't working'. But for my new show, there is nowhere to hide. It's all eyes on me and that is extremely intimidating!"

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Pat Smith and 25,000 More Race for the Cure

Kitty's Krew waking for Cathy Williamson  |  photo Janie Redfearn

I was motivated to get involved in the 2013 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this year because my friend Cathy Williamson is currently battling breast cancer. She asked me to join her team (Kitty's Krew) and I was thrilled to participate as I lost my maternal grandmother to complications from breast cancer in my 20's and know so many friends who are SURVIVORS of this disease.  And by participate, I mean taking photos and raising money.  My husband gave me so much grief for not actually running in the race, but this diva does not run. Unless it's towards a shoe sale.

Pat Smith and Cynthia Smoot
Honorary chair Pat Smith and Komen Dallas County executive director Jennifer Legere welcomed 25,000 breast cancer survivors, supporters, volunteers and sponsors to the 31st Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at NorthPark Center on Saturday, Oct. 19.


It's hard to believe that the first ever Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held in Dallas in 1983 with only 800 participants. The Race is now Big D’s largest breast cancer fundraiser, providing lifesaving breast health services for uninsured and underinsured residents and cutting-edge research to find the cures.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

You Are Invited: BCBG Pre-Sale Holiday Trend Event


BCBG is holding a Holiday Trend Event that starts on Thursday, Oct 24th to the public, BUT Oh So Cynthia readers can join me on Wednesday, October 23d to get first dibs and SAVE 20% on all the best merchandise! Did I mention there will be champagne and tasty bites?! Le duh! We're VIP baby, that's how we roll! Come by the store inside NorthPark Center between 7-9pm to shop the pre-sale and get first dibs on your sizes. BCBG will ship you what you purchase or you can come back and pick up your purchase at your convenience. It should go without saying, but all the cool kids will be there! I hope to see you at BCBG so we can kickoff the holiday season in STYLE!

WHAT?     BCBG Pre-Sale Holiday Trend Event
WHEN?     Wednesday, October 23, 7-9pm
WHERE?   BCBG at NorthPark Center


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Dallas Children's Theater Gala Goes Cabaret with Carole J. Bufford

Marisa Huckin (Co-Chair), Yvonne Crum (Co-Chair), Ruth Buzzi, Kent Perkins

Carole J. Bufford
(Press Release) On Saturday, October 5th, Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) presented its 21st annual Cabaret Gala. Each year, a Standing-Room-Only audience of DCT supporters, Dallas arts patrons, and civic & social leaders gather in the legendary Venetian Room of The Fairmont Dallas to raise funds for Dallas Children’s Theater.

What could be more fun than sitting at a candle-lit table in the legendary Venetian Room, sipping champagne, and experiencing an intimate performance by one of New York City’s leading cabaret performers!

This year’s Cabaret Star in her Dallas debut was Carole J. Bufford, the 2013 New York Nightlife Award winner. She’s a bright, young, sexy chanteuse that is creating quite a stir in New York at the moment with her performances at The Metropolitan Club, 54 Below, and legendary Town Hall. The New York Times describes her as, “sizzling, dangerous, and funny.” She was a showstopper!

Along with the performance, the annual Gala Raffle includes a fabulous trip for two to New York City with air transportation, deluxe accommodations at The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, and this year, two tickets to the smash Broadway show Kinky Boots, starring Dallas’ own Stark Sands. This year’s Raffle winner was DCT Emeritus Board Member, Emily Jefferson. Leading the charge as Gala Co-Chairs were two community treasures, Yvonne Crum and Marisa Huckin. Both well-known and tireless supporters of DCT, they made it a successful and entertaining evening.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Josh Henderson talks about Duracell Quantum, Survivor and taking it all off

Josh Henderson plays the evil John Ross Ewing III in the hit TV series DALLAS but in real life, this cutie patootie is a Dallas-native with a heart of gold.  Henderson joined Duracell at the Trinity Audubon Center today to present a donation of more than 150,000 new Duracell Quantum batteries to the Texas A&M Forest Service and Dallas Fire Rescue at Trinity River Audubon Center.

Duracell has just launched Quantum, the world’s most advanced and long lasting alkaline battery, and is donating one million of these powerful batteries to first responders across the country who need it most for their life-saving equipment.Supporting first responders hits close to home for Henderson, whose grandfather proudly served with the Dallas Fire Rescue and lost his life in service to our community.

The PR firm hosting today's breakfast gave me 7 minutes (which I referred to as "seven minutes in heaven") all to myself with Henderson to talk about the promotion. Having already seen him chat with Tim Ryan on Fox 4's Good Day earlier that morning, I had already heard his stock answers to the obvious questions, so I decided to spend my time chatting about fun stuff.

Sponsored: The People's Last Halloween Bash




Join CultureMap Nightlife Editor Jonathan Rienstra and The Dallas Diva Farah Fleurima as they host a sinister pre-Halloween evening of decadent complimentary bites, a cauldron of custom cocktails, music by DJ Blake Ward, classic slasher flicks, our favorite fortune teller and more at The People's Last Stan in Mockingbird Station. Two sinfully fabulous prizes will be given for the best costumed guests, so don’t forget the fake blood!


This post was brought to you by Mockingbird Station:





Monday, October 14, 2013

Save the Date: Trend Next on November 23, 2013



Trend Next is holding their second annual fashion show on November 23rd and promises a showcase of eclectic fashions and interior design revealed. The Trend Next event will showcase looks from emerging designers such as Lucy Dang, Jesse Thaxton, Binzario Couture, Shavonne Dorsey, TaTa Jolie and Andre Terry styled by celebrity fashionistas, introduce HGTV designer Hilari Younger's new home interiors line, and feature the culinary talents of top local chefs. 

Cason at Trend Next 2012
photo: C. Rene Designs & Photography
I hope you'll join me as I host this fun and fashionable night in the heart of downtown at the ultra-posh and sleek art gallery Life In Deep Ellum. Joining me will be celebrity guest, HGTV Design Star Hilari Younger who will reveal her new home interiors line.  Although fashion is the main attraction, the purpose of this event has a much deeper significance.

The aim of the event is to create visibility and financial support for the Baylor Health Care System Foundation, while keeping organ donation a relevant conversation. The event, benefiting Baylor Health Care System Foundation is the brainchild of Dallas based fashion entrepreneur and transplant survivor, Shamequia Cason.

"Trend Next features the hottest fashions and interiors born in Dallas and this year, I am looking to expose how the event is shifting into a community recognized organization in support of charity,” said Cason. A recipient of a kidney transplant, Cason suffered from kidney disease for 9 years - 5 of those years was as a dialysis patient - and was featured in Baylor Hospital’s promotional campaigns.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Oh So Adventurous: Traversing the Trinity

Recently, I was invited by the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau to experience Dallas with a group of travel and family writers brought in to explore Dallas attractions. I thought it would be interesting to see how the Dallas CVB presents Dallas to outsiders, so I tagged along for several of their outings.

Out of all of our adventures, the destination I was most excited about was the Trinity Audubon Center.  This place has 5 miles of trails to hike, offers great bird watching (they are on the migratory path for birds' spring and fall journey between Canada and Mexico, Central and South America. You'll see 60 resident species and over 200 migrants), conducts many education classes and offers a place to get in touch with nature.  I like that they have 6 colonies of bee hives - you can taste their local honey - relax in the butterfly garden and watch hummingbirds and butterflies busy at work.

Our group was there to participate in the new "river adventure" program which gives adventurous souls a chance to kayak down the Trinity River. While I love adventure, I hate to sweat. I haven't been to a gym in 15 years, so I was a little apprehensive about how physically rigorous this would be. I am happy to report that I lived to tell this tale with nary a scratch on me.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Steve Kemble Named One of World's Top Ten Best Event Planners

photo: Paul Dyer of VIM Studio
(Press Release) Dallas event planner and “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru,” Steve Kemble, has just been named one of the World’s Top Ten Event Planners in Departures Magazine.

Steve has been the magic behind countless corporate events, weddings and other sassy ventures for more than two decades and dishes out fashion disses at celebrities as a Top Cop for Us Weekly magazine’s Fashion Police. He is well-known in Dallas’s social and philanthropic circles for the amazing events he designs and produces.

Most recently, Steve spoke at Dallas’s VISIONS Women’s Expo – the largest Women’s Expo in the Southwest, hosted DFW Style Daily’s Best Dressed 2013 and in December, and was selected as part of the esteemed panel presenting at the ISS (Inspire Smart Success) Experience in Palm Beach.

Steve shares a few of his most memorable event planning moments in the Departures feature, including a time where he once led a 50,000-guest party in Armenia to celebrate the opening of a new school funded by expats based in Dallas. Unfazed by the fact that there were only three portable toilets in the entire country and he needed at least 300, he shipped them in from Germany.

Please click on the link below to view the article from Departures Magazine. http://www.departures.com/slideshows/worlds-best-event-planners/1


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Bubbly Against Cancer: BubblyQ 2013

YTAC President Catharine Flagg with Dean Fearing
Bubbly Against Cancer
by Jayne Chobot Herring

Beautiful and bubbly 20-30-40-something Dallasites flocked to the Ritz Carlton in Uptown last Thursday night for Bubbly Q, a fundraiser for the Dallas chapter of Young Texans Against Cancer. Suffice it to say, everyone involved in forming the organization and most of those supporting it have been affected by cancer in some way, and their shared passion was apparent.

Everyone who lined up outside of Fearings was gushing about the sold out attendance, the beautiful weather, and how organized the event was. YTAC Dallas president Catherine Flagg was luminous at the entrance as she greeted attendees, happy to introduce everyone around and unequivocally thrilled with the turnout. All of the food smelled divine upon entering as drinks were distributed, photos were snapped, and everyone shared their personal stories about their or their friends/families/coworkers battling, surviving, succumbing. It was a humbling yet inspiring atmosphere…. and so very attractive.

Dallas Designer is looking for a Muse

BuddyLove is looking for a new muse.  The Dallas-based wholesale fashion clothing manufacturer creates a line that is comprised of fashion forward designs with bright colors and on trend clothing designs.  Currently, you can find their pieces in Flirt and La Marque boutiques in Dallas.

As the founder of BuddyLove Showroom, Grayson LyBrand DiFonzo built the BuddyLove Clothing Label as an offering to her clients based on a need for more complete collections for women's apparel.

BuddyLove is more than a label, it’s a lifestyle. They have incorporated their southern style, love of fashion, and industry knowledge to come up with amazing collections that are fresh, new, and on trend every season. BuddyLove clothing is made up of bold prints, beautiful colors and great body styles with a flawless fit, making their label a must have in your closet every season.  BuddyLove is MADE IN THE USA and proud to develop their brand and clothing in Dallas and manufacture in Los Angeles.

This home-grown brand is looking for a new muse to be the face of their brand for the upcoming season. If you think you have what it takes to be the next face of BuddyLove Clothing - read below!




Monday, October 7, 2013

Craft Beer Lovers Unite - It's a Brewvolution!

Scenes from the Big Texas Beer Fest this past April

(Press Release)  Texas Brewvolution Beer Festival is the newest brainchild from organizers of the Big Texas Beer Fest and Untapped festivals.  The two forces have joined together to bring us their latest incarnation for great beers and a well-organized festival. Set to kick off NTX Beer Week, Texas Brewvolution will presumably be the largest collection of Texas craft brewers in one place in North Texas, with 25+ currently arranged. This is the inaugural year for the festival and the 3rd year for NTX Beer Week, formerly known as Dallas Beer Week. Scheduled for November 9 at Dallas’ Fair Park, tickets are on sale now, which expects to draw a select handful of the best breweries from around the world, to serve alongside the 25+ Texas craft brewers.

The Big Big Show films in Big D. Find out how you can be a part of the fun.



I am totally going to date myself here, but raise your hand if you remember The Gong Show. Alright, there are a few of you out there! Well, like all great ideas, this concept is being reborn as “The Big Big Show” and will film right here in Dallas.  Starring Andrew ‘Dice’ Clay (Blue Jasmine, Entourage, Celebrity Apprentice), Tara Reid (Sharknado, American Pie, The Big Lebowski), Tom Green (Freddy Got Fingered, Charlie’s Angels, The Late Show with David Letterman) and Tommy Habeeb (Cheaters, Billionaire’s Car Club, Art of War)

According to the show's website: The amateur performers (with often less than dubious talent) will be either showered with cash, or, should the judges feel so inclined, get to experience the ultimate coup de gras in the form of absurdity ranging from a surprise liquid goo bath to a tomato bombing, and everything in between!

“This reality amateur talent competition pushes the envelope,” says The Big Big Show’s creator and Executive Producer Jim Campbell, “with a wide array of guests from the ridiculous to the ridiculously talented.”

Judges Clay, Reid and Green will decide the fate of each with their own unique brands of silly skill and savvy, while Habeeb accompanies contestants through the process as The Big Big Host. Each episode will feature one grand prize winner who will take home The Big Big Check. Twenty-two one-hour episodes are being produced by THE (Tommy Habeeb Enterprises) and Big Big Show Productions, LLC and will be distributed through American Television Distribution in the US and worldwide. The show will begin filming episodes in Dallas starting October 8 so head on over to the website to find out how to be a part of the live audience or to audition for the show.  Look for The Big Big Show to come to a television screen near you in May 2014.



Fashion Group International Dallas Announces the 2013 Rising Stars

Dera Enochson, Susie Staubmueller, Elizabeth Anyaa, Shay Geyer and Mei-Chun Jau

Last Thursday, Dallas' fashion elite gathered at the Gossip Bar inside the Anatole Hotel where Fashion Group International Dallas (FGI Dallas) announced the 2013 Rising Stars in anticipation of its annual Fashion and Lifestyle Awards, ‘Night of Stars’ gala.

FGI Dallas announced the following Rising Stars honorees:
• Fashion: Elizabeth Anyaa 
• Interior Design: Shay Geyer 
• Accessories: Susie Straubmueller 
• Photography: Mei-Chun Jau 
• Beauty: Dera Enochson 

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Discover the animal in you at Dallas Zoo

Recently, I was invited by the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau to experience Dallas with a group of travel and family writers brought in to explore Dallas attractions. I thought it would be interesting to see how the Dallas CVB presents Dallas to outsiders, so I tagged along for several of their outings.

One of our treks included a trip to the Dallas Zoo. As a Mom, I've taken my son to the zoo a handful of times, but it's been years since I've been there. I tend to think of the zoo as place to entertain little kids but I am thrilled to report that I was proven wrong. The Dallas Zoo is a great venue for adults and children of all ages.

I was struck by the passion zookeepers have for these animals. Our tour guide, Laurie Holloway, spoke of the extreme measures they go to to create a habitat for each animal that is as close to the wild as possible, she spoke about the lengths that zoos around the world go to to track the ancestry of every animal so that when the time comes, they can mate the animals with others best suited to keep their bloodlines pure, and she shared with us the great excitement she and her coworkers take in educating people about the majesty and wonderment of the animal kingdom.  I left the Dallas Zoo with a new-found passion of my own for their work and I can't wait to take my son back so that we can share in the experience together.


The Dallas Zoo has three restaurants on the premises or you can bring in your own cooler and enjoy a meal at one of the many picnic table areas around the park.  The zoo offers many "Keeper Encounters & Trainer Demonstrations" throughout the day.  These sessions allow you to get up-close and personal with many of the animals, ask questions to the zoo keepers and learn something new!  One of my favorite activities was feeding the giraffes at The Diane and Hal Brierley Giraffe Ridge. For $5 you get a handful of romaine lettuce and can gaze eye-to-eye with the tallest animal on land.  Another fun interactive activity is to head to the Bird area and visit the Larikeet Hut. For $2 you'll get a cup of coconut nectar. Enter the bird house and the larikeets will land on you (and I do mean all over you. Your hair, your arms, everywhere!) and drink the nectar from your cup.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Shop for a cure! How Dallas businesses are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2013

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Dallas businesses are getting involved to provide us with fun ways to support breast cancer research, education, screenings and treatment. Here are a few of the ways you can help support this cause:


Buy a pink ribbon cupcake at any Bread Winners location and $1.00 will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Dallas County and help to support breast cancer education, research, screenings and treatment. To find a location nearest you, visit www.breadwinnerscafe.com.

Katydid founder Katy Messersmith Mattox with Fox 4's Heather Hayes at the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure 2012
Katydid Collection is a local clothing company that has a passion for fashion and a huge desire to give back.  Founder Katy Maddox told me, "With a clothing line that focuses on women, it seemed like an appropriate way to not only give back but to help support awareness through design. Since designing the collection, I have been completely overwhelmed by the response to the tees and deeply touched by the stories of survivors, volunteers, friends and family. Just two weeks before the 2009 race, my Aunt Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer – a battle she lost a few years later. In that moment, the cause became deeply personal and I was all the more thankful to play a part. Breast cancer is truly a disease that impacts us all."

Get 20% off + FREE Shipping on any tee from the Katydid Pink Ribbon Collection when you use coupon code “OSC2013” during checkout online. Katydid will also donate 20% of sales to Oh So Cynthia’s Susan G. Komen fundraising team from any Pink Ribbon Tee purchased at Katydid.com today thru October 10. 

Start shopping at http://www.katydidcollection.com/graphic-tees-for-women/designs/pink-ribbon.html?limit=24

DSO is on the GO and headed to Stonebriar Community Church



(Press Release) The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) announces Music Director Jaap van Zweden will conduct the Dallas Symphony in a classical concert on October 13, 2013, at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco. The concert marks Maestro van Zweden's debut on DSO on the GO. Two previous DSO on the GO concerts at Stonebriar Community Church were among the most successful of the fledgling concert series with more than 1,800 people attending each previous performance. In addition to the concert on October 13, the DSO will return to Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco on April 27, 2014.

"DSO on the GO is an important series for us, and I am very happy to be leading our orchestra in its return to Frisco," said Music Director Jaap van Zweden. "The people at Stonebriar [Community] Church have been very warm and welcoming, and I hope people will enjoy our concert very much." The performance will feature Maestro van Zweden leading the DSO in the Fifth Symphony by Tchaikovsky and will showcase Principal Cellist Christopher Adkins performing Prokofiev's Sinfonia Concertante.

"In Psalms, it is written, 'I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.' Performances by the Dallas Symphony are an exciting addition to our music ministry here at Stonebriar, and an integral part of our outreach into Frisco and the surrounding communities and schools," said Don McMinn, Pastor of Worship and Music Ministries at Stonebriar Community Church. "Beautiful music unites family, friends and strangers, and we hope all will join us as Jaap van Zweden makes his debut in our church and in our city."

DSO on the GO was launched in 2012, and will feature the full Dallas Symphony Orchestra playing classical and pops concerts in eight cities and neighborhoods across North Texas during the 2013/14 season. DSO on the GO concerts feature familiar classical pieces and popular light classics with concerto soloists who are principal musicians from the DSO. Single tickets are $19, $29 and $49. Tickets can be purchased by calling 214.692.0203 or by visiting www.DallasSymphony.com.

Why You Need to Visit the State Fair of Texas

Welcome back, Big Tex!

The State Fair of Texas started in 1886 and is still going strong today.  Last year, the Fair ended on a sour note when our beloved Big Tex went up in flames. But, as you can see from the photo above, after spending this past year recuperating at an undisclosed location he is back and better than ever!

I have written about the State Fair of Texas many times. I think it's one of our city's best entertainment offerings and I encourage everyone to go at least once (a year). I usually go 2-3 times a season: We go as a family and do the Midway thing - spending a fortune on games we never win and getting on rides that scare the water out of me - and then my husband and I go back for date night.  We troll all the fried food booths and explore the exhibits that kids hate (who won the blue ribbon for canned foods, shop the Texas store with all of the food products, slowly wander through the automobile building looking at all of the new car models). The State Fair of Texas is currently open and will run through October 20. Find out more at http://www.bigtex.com/sft/.


Here are a few things I love about the Fair:

Dallas Dweller: Gina Ginsburg

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.  I got to know Gina through The Fashionistas and quickly realized this blond bombshell is more than just a pretty face. Here's her story:


Gina Ginsburg




Local Philanthropist and Founder/Owner of The Hair Bar, Gina Ginsburg describes herself as a modern day “Bond Girl turned mom". After graduating Magna cum Laude from Southern Methodist University, she started a new enterprise, and at the age of 24 she sold her first business, Diamond Affairs, a luxury invitation/stationary boutique.

Gina currently serves and has served on numerous boards in Dallas including: the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Zoo, the Frontiers of Flight Museum, New Friends, New Life, the AT&T Center for Performing Arts, the Brinker International Forum, the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee and SLANT 45. She is a founding board member of Heroes for Children, The Fashionistas and the Salvation Army's newest branch Y.E.T.

Gina loves spending time with her two sons, ages 6 and 5, and playing a round of golf with the family, or staying surf side with her husband Scott (more on him here) . Gina currently is Mrs. Dallas competing in the Mrs. Texas America Pageant. The committed volunteer and mother was chosen to compete for the title of Mrs. Texas America from a field of applicants received throughout the area. Gina’s commitment to raising her children with a strong sense of giving back to one’s community through philanthropy and fundraising activities throughout the city were significant in her being chosen for the title of Mrs. Dallas Co.

 “I feel it is my duty to use my talent to raise money for the programs and organizations that I am passionate about,” says Ginsburg. “I teach and instill the desire to give back into our boys, so that they too will follow in my husband and my philanthropic footsteps.” Gina will compete in three categories for the Mrs. Texas title: Personal Interview, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown. Ginsburg will represent Dallas County in competing for the title of Mrs. Texas America on April 2014 at the Corsicana Palace Theater in Corsicana, Texas.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Burgers & Burgundy 2013


Host Chef John Tesar
This past Sunday, the celebrity chefs joined host Chef John Tesar at the estate of Bill and Karen Seanor for the fifth annual Burgers & Burgundy benefitting The Dallas Chapter of DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS). 

Chefs participating in this year’s event included John Tesar (Spoon Bar & Kitchen), Samir Dhurandhar (Nick & Sam’s), Sharon Van Meter (3015 Trinity Groves), Tim Byres (Smoke), Patton Robertson (Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck), Kevin Williamson (Ranch 616), T.J. Legnick (Shinsei), Patrick Russell (Max’s Wine Dive), Brad Phillips (Asador), Blaine Staniford (Grace) and Whole Foods.

CLICK HERE to view fun photos from this event!

Each chef was tasked with the challenge to serve up the best burger sliders and compliment them with the burgundy of their choice. Funds raised from the event will go towards DIFFA/Dallas’s mission of serving those who are affected by AIDS and HIV across North Texas.

Gina Miller leaves CBS. Sports fans mourn.

All good things must come to an end...

Sports anchor Gina Miller announced today that she is parting ways with CBS.  Miller tweeted out the following message today, "After working at CBS11 & TXA21 for more than eight years, I have some exciting news. I am moving on to pursue new entrepreneurial projects that I will share with you in the near future.

I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent working with the dedicated, talented and passionate team at CBS11 & TXA21. They are among the best in the business. Covering sports in Dallas/Fort Worth was my childhood dream and is perhaps one of the greatest jobs in the world. Being a part of your lives every day was an absolute honor. I am living proof that you can do what you love and have fun in the process.

I am as much a fan of our DFW sports teams and personalities today as I was as a 14-year old cheering for them in my living room. We are lucky to work with and root for some of the most talented athletes, coaches and managers you'll ever find. You can always get in touch with me on every social media platform available. I hope to return to a TV near you soon. Until then, please keep in touch."

You can keep up with Gina Miller on Twitter @ThatSportsGirl or follow her blog at http://www.thatsportsgirl.com.