Bravo TV adds "Ladies of Dallas" to their lineup

Are you ready for some reality TV news from Bravo TV!? Get ready for some fun and excitement, my loves, because the games are about to begin!! For the past 5 years or so, rumors of a Real Housewives of Dallas has been whispered about but never came to fruition. Today Bravo announced 10 New and 4 Returning Series for the Fall lineup. Could my wildest dreams be coming true? Among the new show announced were this one:

Ladies of Dallas (working title - meaning it could/might/probably will change)

From glamorous galas to scintillating scandals, and supersized spending habits, life in the elite tier of the Dallas social scene is hard to crack, and even harder to maintain. Whether driven by vanity, personal validation, or career advancement, these Lone Star ladies all share the same goal- to climb the social ladder and stay on top.

Produced by Goodbye Pictures with Rich Bye and Andrew Hoegl serving as Executive Producers. 

Oh. Em. Gee. I am literally about to have a heart attack I am so freakin' excited!!! It sounds like Good Christian Bitches mixed with a little Real Housewives and I can. not. WAIT! As Bravo's Andy Cohen loves to say, stay tuned and "Watch what happens!"

photo: Bravo

Oh So Charitable: LLS Introduces Nine Man and Woman of the Year Candidates for 2015

LLS North Texas Man and Woman of the Year 2015 candidates

Nine North Texas Man and Woman of the Year (MWOY) candidates officially launched their 2015 campaigns at a kickoff celebration Thursday night at the Renaissance Hotel near downtown Dallas. The candidates are the first business leaders in North Texas to participate in this new fundraising campaign to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). They will compete against each other in a 10-week fundraising blitz and at the end the male and female candidates that raise the most money will be named the North Texas Man and the Woman of the Year.

~ SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW ~

Many of the candidates were joined by their fundraising campaign managers and teams at the kickoff. This campaign is expected to generate more than $250,000 for LLS in its first year. Former Good Morning Texas co-host Amy Vanderoef served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. This year’s fundraising is in honor of two patient heroes, the 2015 Boy and Girl of the Year: Bennett Williams and Julia Brown. The campaign will conclude with the Grand Finale Gala on May 30th at the Westin Galleria Dallas. "What happens between the kickoff and grand finale is the heart of the race," says Patricia Thomson, Executive Director of the North Texas Chapter. "Throughout the 10 weeks, each candidate will host events and motivate their networks to raise money for blood cancer research. The man and woman who raise the most money will be named as the local Man and Woman of the Year and go on to compete for national honors."

Tony Zazza To Launch Entertainment Podcast March 30

Tony Zazza is one of Dallas' most beloved radio personalities. He started his career at KDMX (then Mix 102.9) back in June on 1998 where he began as a weekend host eventually working his way up to morning host. In 2009, he bounced to KVIL where he hosted the midday show at KVIL before being moved to mornings in January of 2013. In November of 2014, KVIL disbanded the morning show.

So, what's he been up to in the last five months? Apparently creating some great new projects. Zazza will launch a new branch of his brand via podcast this Monday, March 30th.  Zazza Mornings: The Podcast” will deliver a “Daily dose of fun and frivolity” with guest co-hosts each day covering lifestyle, pop culture, local and other entertainment trends. Zazza Mornings: The Podcast” is available via the Podcast App on Apple iPhone (download on Apple's App Store) and also available through the SoundCloud App for other devices such as Android.

He also recently inked a deal to be the host of a new locally-produced television reality series called “Bullies: The Reality Show” where bullies and those being bullied receive help, guidance, and extra surprises from special guests to resolve their pressing problems. More information is available at http://Bullies.TV. Tony told the FWST that "the show has been soliciting stories via its website, and has received several submissions to get it going when it begins filming in late April. There’s not a hard debut date yet, and it will start as a web-only series, although there are hopes that it will be picked up for a broadcast/cable-TV version." Tony is way too cute to be stuck behind a mic in a radio studio so I am thrilled to see him branching out into these new vehicles to show not only his adorable face but his huge charitable heart for others.

Dallas Dweller: Page Parkes-Eveleth

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.

Dallas Dweller: Page Parkes-Eveleth
by Cynthia Smoot

If you have worked in the fashion industry around the South anytime in the last 30 years, you know the legend that is Page Parkes. Page Parkes-Eveleth is the co-owner of Page Parkes Corporation, the largest modeling & acting agency group in the Southwestern United States. Her abilities to find and develop talent led her to be one of the most sought after agents for the fashion and commercial industry worldwide.

Page Parkes Talent is known for developing a few people you might have heard of like Channing Tatum, Brooke Burns, Alexis Bledel and many more. Many of her talents and discoveries have appeared in and graced the covers of Vogue, Seventeen, Glamour, Elle,Teen Vogue, Men's Health, as well as landed many prestigious campaigns like Ralph Lauren, Nike, L'Oreal, Gap, Abercrombie and Fitch.

Page Parkes talented actors have worked in films such as Step Up, The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants 1 & 2, Gilmore Girls and, among many others. Her success got her featured on the E! Channel’s reality television show, Scouted! Page Parkes Corporation is now located in Houston, Dallas and the newest location, Austin Texas.

Page and her brood (2012)

Not only is she a corporate phenomenon, she is mother to 3 children that were adopted from foster care about 10 years ago. "They are biological siblings and our biggest blessing EVER! Adopting my kids at 47 and having the, all arrive on one day was such a joy... crazy... joy."   How does she handle it all? "Staying present and in the moment, yoga, and meditation all help me stay balanced. There is a huge price to pay to be a successful woman. I had a great, long career before the children arrived, so I was ready to be a Mom. I actually enjoy being with them by adjusting my schedule to be home after school.

I feel like God had a plan all along for our family to be created by adoption. As a model and talent agent I had "raised" hundreds of kids and teens over my 34 year career span as an agent. I wanted to really change lives, not just with a movie booking, but a place to sleep, a structure, and a forever home!!" Read more about Page's decision o adopt and how she found her kids at Modeling Mentor.

Oh So Tasty: Brunch at Knife

Chef John Tesar recently launched brunch service at Knife, the critically acclaimed steakhouse located inside The Highland Dallas. The restaurant offers a wide variety of entrees and specialty brunch cocktails every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Recently nominated a third time as a James Beard Best Chef Southwest semifinalist, Tesar designed the menu to include one-of-a-kind dishes highlighting his signature aged meats, along with more traditional brunch favorites. Selections from the award-winning steakhouse's new brunch menu include short rib benedict with braised short rib, toasted english muffin and hollandaise; crispy pork belly hash with a poached egg and roasted potatoes; Marion Cunningham crispy yeast waffles with Applewood-smoked bacon, strawberries and bananas. The menu also features updated classics such as steak and eggs made with 44 Farms flat iron and French toast made with Brioche. I found it very Teasr-ish to have a Bacon Tasting on the menu, which consists of 5 varieties of bacon from pigs around the world and a Ham Tasting, which consists of slices of 5 different kinds of ham accompanied by David Chang's Red-Eye Gravy Mayo.

A special craft cocktail menu is available during brunch hours, featuring Bugs' Reward, a mix of rum, carrot, lemon, maple, egg whites and ginger ale; the Hibiscus Caipirinha featuring cachaca rum, hibiscus and lime; the Green Bloody Mary made with Knife's homemade tomatillo bloody mary base; and more. Guests may enjoy a casual brunch in Knife's dining room with a view of the open kitchen or opt for a more private dining experience on the restaurant's newly renovated patio, where seating is available at three exclusive covered cabanas that seat four people. Knife is also open daily for breakfast 6:30-11 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner 5-11 p.m. Reservations are recommended by calling 214.443.9339. Knife is located inside The Highland Dallas hotel at 5680 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75206.

photos: Kevin Marple

The State Fair of Texas Announces Theme for 2015

(Press Release)  Get your bags packed and your road maps ready – the State Fair of Texas® is just around the corner, bringing you an all-access pass to Texas-sized fun! A celebration of all things Texan, the State Fair encourages visitors to explore the great Lone Star State and all it has to offer. A combination of entertainment, art, agriculture, history and cuisine, the State Fair provides fairgoers with a unique way to experience every aspect of Texas culture, all in one place. With that in mind, the State Fair invites you to grab your family and friends and start planning your trip to the 2015 Fair, themed “Passport to Texas.” This year’s exposition will run Friday, September 25 through Sunday, October 18 at historic Fair Park in Dallas. Following a record-breaking 2014 season, Fair officials look forward to another year of bringing people together in celebration of the big event. Whether you’re from near or far, the State Fair wants to show you the true Texas experience.

“After 128 years of bringing quality entertainment to the community, the State Fair continues to celebrate Texas heritage, including its significant ties to agriculture and education,” explains Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president. “Seeing friends and families come back year after year reminds us that the Fair is more than just an annual event – it is an institution unique to the state of Texas that serves as one of the many special traditions our great state has to offer.”

Although last year’s Fair seems like just yesterday, September will be here before you know it, which means the State Fair of Texas team is already in full planning mode for the 2015 season. Aiming to further “Texify” the fairgrounds, the State Fair began the “Texification” project in 2014 with a series of additions and enhancements, including Texas-themed signage and flags throughout the grounds, as well as all-new Lone Star themed floats and music in the nightly Starlight Parade.

To promote the infinite opportunities for family-friendly fun around the state, the Fair recently launched an “#ExploreTexas” campaign through its email newsletter, with components on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This interactive campaign highlights a wide range of travel destinations throughout the state, as well as their historical significance and cultural attractions. In line with this initiative, and serving as an extension of last year’s “Texification” project, the 2015 theme aims to further support travel and tourism within the state. “Passport to Texas” encourages you to get out and discover some of Texas’ hidden gems while road tripping your way to the State Fair. Serving as a perfect end destination of a cross-country road trip or a trip down the street, the Fair brings people from all over to experience Texas tradition and all it encompasses. Mark your calendars for “Passport to Texas,” where there’s no need to travel abroad to experience culture and history – you can find it right here in the Lone Star State. Big Tex® will be waiting to extend a hearty “Howdy” to each of you when the gates swing open on Friday, September 25. For more information, visit www.bigtex.com 

Cache stores are closing and that means massive savings for you!

Sponsored Post:

Anyone who came of age in the 80s or 90s has probably visited a Cache store for their prom or party dress needs. It was, at one time, the go-to store for some glitz and glam. Times change and Cache has, well, lost its cache in the marketplace and the company is closing its doors. This means there is a systemwide liquidation sale that you can take advantage of! Currently, discounts are 30%-60% off, but will get better as the sale period goes on. Going to prom or need a gown for an upcoming gala? Don't miss out on the opportunity for amazing savings! I have already scoured their website looking for deals and can't wait to get my hands on this gold foil halter maxi dress... You know the drill, the best stuff will go first so stop by a store or head to their website TODAY and check out some great deals on dresses, tops, bottoms and accessories.

Get updates from Cache's social channels: Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter.

This post was brought to you by Cache. While I did receive compensation for authoring this post; product selections, descriptions, and opinions are 100% my own. Interested in a sponsored post or product review? Contact me for rates and details.

Legacy Counseling’s Tea Party Inspires PositiviTEA

Tiffany Hendra with Helen Turner Goldenberg
photo c/o Tiffany Hendra 

Legacy Counseling held its annual PositiviTEA benefitting the Grace Project Conference on Sunday, March 22nd. The sun-drenched, Dallas afternoon completed the perfect afternoon of tea from The Cultured Cup, delicate bites from Eden Café, friends, and most importantly, empowerment. PositiviTEA is Legacy’s way of raising awareness for the number of women in Dallas County living with HIV/AIDS, which currently numbers over 4,000.

This year, Honorary Chair LeeAnne Locken, a local who recognizes the importance of education of HIV/AIDS education for Dallas women, was this year’s PositiviTEA chair. All proceeds raised through PositiviTEA benefit the Grace Project Conference, the largest conference in the world for living with HIV/AIDS right here in Dallas’ backyard. The conference seeks to support, educate and empower women living with HIV.

Melissa Grove, Ron Brady, LeeAnne Locken
photo c/o Legacy Counseling

Mimosas and champagne started off the event as guests, such as Tiffany Hendra, Cary Dueber, Amanda Ward, Erica Annise and Heidi Snadon, arrived followed by beautiful and delicious finger sandwiches hand made by Eden Café and a delicate and simultaneously bold PositiviTEA blend of tea, provided by Dallasite’s favorite, The Cultured Cup. Guests munched on cucumber, pimento cheese, and salmon sandwiches as women impacted from the Grace Project Conference shared how the Grace Project has changed their lives.

As scones and dessert were brought out, Diane Reeve, a woman who led the charge on securing the conviction of a serial HIV/AIDS infector who knowingly gave her and 12 other women HIV, spoke about how the Grace Project leads to an empowering break in the cycle of isolation for many women who realize their positive status. Diane has been featured on 20/20, and Oprah telling her story.

Helen Goldenberg, another Grace Project woman, shared her testimony at the event. Helen, a Dallas native, spoke passionately on why the Grace Project emboldens women to keep going and never give up. Melissa Grove, Executive Director of Legacy Counseling, had this to say about PositiviTEA and the Grace Project: “Many people do not realize that HIV can affect them, this wonderful event is not just a lovely day, but also an eye-opening experience to all who attend.” For $50.00 Legacy will create a scholarship in your name so that a woman with HIV may attend this life-changing conference. For more information about the Grace Project, or for information on how to donate a scholarship, please visit legacygraceproject.org.


Photos may be republished with credit back to the source as "Photos by Cynthia Smoot of OhSoCynthia.com"

Fan Expo Dallas is bringing Stan Lee, Carrie Fisher and other pop culture icons to Dallas May 29-31

Get ready to get your geek on! FAN EXPO DALLAS™ presented by Dallas Comic Con is set to blaze into town May 29 - 31. Stars of the movies, TV shows, comic books and more we all know and love are coming to the Dallas Convention Center for an out-of-this-world fan experience that's 600,000 sq. ft. large and completely legendary. FAN EXPO DALLAS™ is a pop culture convention for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. The three-day extravaganza is packed with exciting family-friendly activities and celebrities. Tens of thousands of fans are expected, many exploring the world of cosplay dressed as their favorite character. Whether in costume or not, fans can meet film and TV stars, collect rare comics, shop for their own lightsaber, participate in Q&A sessions, cheer on their favorite artist in a sketch duel, and find that perfect gift in the exhibitor area. It's fun for fans of all ages (even the ones larger than an Ewok).

2015 Celebrity Guests include:
Stan Lee (legendary Marvel creator of such comic icons as Spider-Man and Hulk)
Carrie Fisher (Star Wars)
Gillian Anderson (X-Files)
Adam West and Burt Ward (Batman)
Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly)
Karen Gillan (Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy)
Morena Baccarin (Homeland, Firefly, Serenity)
Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Serenity, Frozen)
Cary Elwes (Princess Bride)
Laura Vandervoort (V, Bitten, Smallville)
Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf)
Billie Piper (Doctor Who)
Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who)
Karen Gillan (Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy)
Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who, The Hobbit)
Robin Lord Taylor (Gotham)
Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager)
Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D.)

Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202
4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: www.fanexpodallas.com/tickets

Oh So Charitable: Fashion Stars For A Cause 2015

Jon Mellon pulls off the best photo bomb ever at Fashion Stars For A Cause 2015 | photo Danny Campbell

After the death of her oldest son years ago, event founder and gala chair Yvonne Crum, sought a way to bring attention and understanding to the usually taboo subject of suicide. Through the Fashion Stars For A Cause program (formerly known as Fresh Faces of Fashion), she paired the unlikely topics of suicide and fashion together with funds benefiting the North Texas Suicide and Crisis Center. The result of her efforts has been to raise over $1 million dollars over the past 8+ years. On Friday, March 20 supporters of this cause gathered at the Dallas Country Club for the 2nd Annual Fashion Stars For A Cause gala. The evening kicked off in the DCC foyer with guests sipping a trademarked beverage called a Fashion Stars Cocktail made with 1 part vodka, 2 parts Pomegranate juice, 1 part seltzer and a splash of grenadine. Once seated in the ballroom for dinner the Stars were announced in a runway fashion show wearing gowns provided by belk.  A radiantly pregnant Toni Munoz Hunt served as Honorary Chair for 2015 and spitfire Suzie Humphries was the night's emcee. This year's crop of beauties included: Jennifer Fleming, Jamie Fowler, Leah Frazier, Rebecca Hallam, Caroline Harrison, Dr. Naila Malik, Charmaine Marshall, Dawn Mellon, Jessi Moreau, Dawn Neufeld, Melissa Rountree, and Cathy Williamson. Special thanks to my dear friend (and Fashion Star) Dawn Mellon for inviting me to sit at her table. It was my honor to support her, and all of the ladies, and help raise funds for this organization.

LLS is looking for the Man and Woman of the Year

The North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is introducing a new event to the social scene. Man and Woman of the Year (MWOY) will have nine candidates competing against each other in a 10-week fundraising blitz that includes a letter writing campaign, sponsorship, and unique fundraising events.

"Throughout the 10 weeks, each candidate will host events and motivate their networks to raise money for blood cancer research. The man and woman who raise the most money will be named as the local Man and Woman of the Year and go on to compete for national honors." says Patricia Thomson, Executive Director of the LLS North Texas Chapter.

The male and female candidates that raise the most money at the end of the 10-week campaign will be named the North Texas Man and the Woman of the Year. The inaugural MWOY class in North Texas is strong with representatives from a number of different industries and backgrounds based in North Texas.

Furniture 4 Kids: Build It and They Will Come

Furniture 4 Kids took place on February 19th at Sixty Five Hundred on Cedar Springs to raise ends for one of my favorite charities, Vogel Alcove.  Creative teams had been given a plain wooden toy box and challenged to design and create a one-of-a-kind toy box that was judged and auctioned off the night of the event. Guests grazed a room filled with stations from Dallas' hottest restaurants, including Del Frisco's Steak House, Dragonfly from Hotel ZaZa, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Nick & Sam's Steakhouse, Stephan Pyles and Start! Restaurant.  Emcees LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble took over the stage and whipped bidders into a buying frenzy for these amazing one-of-a-kind creations. Bidders could bid to keep or ‘Bid-to-Donate’ to Vogel Alcove. This dynamic duo (along with a fantastic group of sponsors) helped to raise $75,000 for the event. The toy box aspect of this event is entirely fitting since Vogel Alcove is a local organization who's mission is to provide the youngest children of Dallas-area homeless families with the foundation for success.  Private Jet and Zeppelin sponsors enjoyed impeccable cuisine by Celebrity Chef Lisa Garza, Owner-Operator at Sissy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar and Owner-Operator at Lisa Garza Taste Studio.

My Day With Rihanna and Jim Parsons benefiting Minnie's Food Pantry

Jim Parsons and Rihanna at the red carpet premiere of HOME in Plano  |  Photo by Thomas Garza for OhSoCynthia.com

My head is still reeling from the craziness of the last 24 hours.  On Monday, I published a post about Cheryl "Action" Jackson - the angel behind Minnie’s Food Pantry (MFP), a family-run nonprofit that has fed 4 million meals to the Plano community. She found out last week that she had won the "Good Morning America Brings 'Home' to Your Hometown" contest. The prize? A red carpet premiere of the new animated film HOME and a visit from two of the films stars. On March 17, Rihanna and Jim Parsons flew into town and spent the afternoon at MFP with Jackson before heading over to the movie premiere. So, where do I fit into all of this? I got a frantic call from one of Cheryl's friends on Monday night asking if I would be willing to spend the day with Cheryl and help her with her social media for the day. Obviously, she was going to be busy being the star of the show and wouldn't be able to post things for herself, but wanted Minnie's Food Pantry to benefit from the live tweeting/posting. I thought about it for a mili-second and said, "Duh! I am so in!".

Rihanna pledges funds to Minnie's Food Pantry

Every news station in town was camped outside of Minnie's Food Pantry to film the stars arrival but no one was allowed inside the facility for their visit, so I had exclusive access to not only these two mega-stars but was privy to their emotional tour of the place. It was so chaotic and crazy that I will just share some of the highlights with you:

After seeing Cheryl on GMA, an anonymous donor had made a very generous donation to MFP. Cheryl was so excited to show Rihanna and Jim how they had used the funds to stock the pantry with fresh fruits and veggies, milk and cheese and real bacon for their families. Turns out that "anonymous" donor was Rihanna and towards the end of their tour of the facility she was so impressed that she pledged even more money to continue to support their work to feel the hungry of North Texas.

The #SallyNailTour Brings Nail Art and Free Mani's To Dallas March 18-29

The Sally Beauty Mobile Nail Studio is making several stops in locations across the Dallas area starting Wednesday, March 18th through Sunday, March 29th. Visitors will be able to board the truck and receive free professional manicures, check out the newest mani tools (including new try on technology that lets you take a photo and upload it to your social media pages) and more. Even the fanciest mani-fans will find their favorite shade as they select from any of the 750 nail polishes on the “Brilliant Wall of Color.” Tag your posts with #SallyNailTour.

STUDIO STOPS:
Wednesday, March 18, 10am - 4pm: UTA -UC Mall East, 701 S Nedderman Dr ,Arlington, TX 76019
Friday, March 20, 12pm-6pm: Shops at Legacy, 5741 Legacy Dr, Suite 315, Plano, TX 75024
Saturday, March 21, 1pm - 6:30pm: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX 75201
Wednesday, March 25, 10am - 4pm: UNT, 1155 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76203
Friday, March 27, 4pm - 10pm: Shops at Legacy, 5741 Legacy Dr, Suite 315, Plano, TX 75024
Saturday, March 28, 9am - 12pm: 2015 Walk With Me, Globe Life Park, The Ranger Stadium Sunday, March 29, 1pm - 7pm: Good Records Sound Showcase, 1808 Greenville Ave, Dallas, Texas

Oh So Tasty: DISH Preston Hollow

Jumbo scallops with poached egg at DISH

DISH on Cedar Springs is a restaurant best known around town for its bawdy Drag Brunch service (held the last Sunday of every month) so when Tim McEneny, of NL Group (DISH Cedar Springs, Front Room Tavern, Dakota’s) announced that a new location for DISH would be opening at the northwest corner of Hillcrest and Northwest Highway, I was curious how they would fare in the much more conservative neighborhood of Preston Hollow.

DISH was kind enough to invite me over this past week for a dinner service to get a first-hand look (and taste) at the concept. Walk in the door and the first impression is pretty great. The space is beautiful and sleek with a great use of different textures from wood, granite, glass to polished steel and ceramic tiles.  Totaling 5000 square feet, the interior dining room seats 110 guests. The patio seats 34 including the outdoor bar. I particularly loved the long bar that ran along the back wall of the main dining room. The dark wood and leathers combined with the smokey blue upholstery of the chairs gives the place a manly feel that made my husband want to hunker down in our booth and stay for awhile.

Rihanna and Jim Parsons bring red carpet premiere of "Home" to Plano on March 17

Cheryl "Action" Jackson is the angel behind Minnie’s Food Pantry, a family-run nonprofit that has fed 4 million meals to the Plano community. On March 13, Rihanna, Steve Martin and Jim Parsons appeared on “Good Morning America” and informed her that she would get a red carpet premiere of their new animated movie “Home” in her hometown of Plano, Texas. Not surprisingly, Jackson screamed, cried and fanned her face at the news she won the "'GMA' Brings 'Home' to Your Hometown" contest. You can click here to see the whole hilarious ugly cry. LOL. “I just want to say that we are so amazed by the work that you've been doing in your community," Rihanna said. "We are inspired and we're so proud of you." Jackson started the food pantry in Plano in 2008. She named the pantry after her mother, Minnie, and, in the early days, when she donated her own food, had the mission to just serve as many people as she could. “If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one,” Jackson said.

DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox in partnership with Good Morning America invite the public to attend the red carpet event on Tuesday, March 17 at the Cinemark West Plano. The red carpet will open at 4pm and the event will begin at 5pm. While some tickets will be given away, the public at large will primarily be there to cheer on the stars as they walk the red carpet into the theater. It may be the closest you ever get to Rihanna...

WHAT:   "HOME" Red Carpet Premier
WHEN:   March 17, red carpet opens at 4pm, festivities start at 5pm
WHO:     Rhianna, Jim Parsons and contest winner Cheryl "Action" Jackson will make a public red carpet appearance prior to a private screening of the film
WHERE:  Cinemark West Plano, 3800 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX.

Source: GMA on Yahoo

Fashionable Ways To Wear Your Texas Pride

Southerners have an immense amount of pride in our homeland. And no place has more bragging rights of awesomeness than Texas! Take it one step further, and I dare say that Dallas is the coolest city in the state of Texas. That's right, I said it! From our world-class museums to our artistic community, James Beard acclaimed chefs to the plethora of food trucks that roam the streets, designer fashions to unique boutiques, Dallas can lay claim to being the most enviable of all the Texas cities in terms of coolness. (In my opinion...) Fashion brands are taking note and creating stylish ways for Southern Belles to pay homage to our state, towns and even neighborhoods. Here are a few brands leading the pack in terms of wearable chic. And keep in mind that while I am only highlighting 3-4 designs per line there are many more to view, so visit their websites and poke around!

Charlie Southern designs: Great State Texas $32 |  Southern Belles and Cocktails $38  |  Classic Texas State Love $33-36

Charlie Southern is the only brand I am featuring that isn't Dallas-based but they are still in the South, so we'll let it slide... Charlie Southern is an exciting lifestyle line celebrating the people, places and things that make America special. No matter what your geographic location is, Charlie Southern desires to bring all southern enthusiasts together whether you’re blessed to be living in the South or not. Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Charlie Southern was created to present pride-full apparel and accessories that reflect traditions and the love for the beautiful states across America and particularly, the south. Locally, you can find their designs at Riffraff in Plaza at Preston Center. Head to www.shopriffraff.com and take 15% OFF Charlie Southern designs on the website when you use the code OHSOCYNTHIA at checkout. Walk into Riffraff to shop and you can take get 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE IN-STORE PURCHASE when you tell them I sent you. Riffraff is located at 4009 NorthWest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225. Both of these offers will expire April 30, 2015.

House of DIFFA: 25. You have to see it to believe it.

It's hard to put into words the fabulosity that is DIFFA. I always tell people who have never attended this event, "Image a room full of Steve Kemble's..." The mission of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is to raise funds and grant those funds to organizations which fight HIV/AIDS by providing preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, treatment and direct care services for people living with/impacted by HIV/AIDS and that support public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector funds. Known for it's over-the-top fun and fund-raising abilities, their annual black-tie gala makes this event one of THE hottest tickets in town every year. This year I was lucky enough to wear an amazing white jumpsuit designed by the immensely talented Ese Azenabor. I mean, look at it! Ese says her Spring/Summer Collection was inspired by the wives of Henry VIII. I took one look at this jumpsuit and thought, "Where else can you wear an Elvis-inspired jewel encrusted white jumpsuit with a cape than DIFFA?!" And I was right. CultureMap and the Dallas Voice have already been kind enough to feature me in their recaps of the event and my cleavage got its own shoutout on KTXD's The Broadcast. Holla! Click on any image to enlarge them and flip through the galley. It's quite the show...

Fashion Group International of Dallas Announces Rising Stars for 2015

2015 Rising Star for Fashion: Lucy Dang and models in her Spring/Summer Collection

On February 26, Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI of Dallas) hosted its annual Rising Stars event on Galleria Dallas’ iconic ice skating rink. Guests were entertained by runway shows produced by Jan Strimple and Planet Productions throughout the evening featuring Aftershock London, BCBG, BCBGeneration, Belk, Karen Millen, Macy’s and Nordstrom from Galleria Dallas. A finale runway show featuring the fashion nominees and award presentations occurred later in the evening, prior to that award being announced. The highlight of the party were the roaming Fashion Police who were handing out fashion citations. I got one for being "Too Haute". That's what flirting shamelessly with hot male models will get you. Congrats to this year's winners!

The 2015 Rising Stars 

Rising Star of Fashion
Nominees: Lucy Dang, Binzario Couture and Ese Azenabor
WINNER: Lucy Dang

Rising Star of Interior Design
Nominees: Doniphan Moore, Brant McFarlain and Abbe Fenimore
WINNER: Brant McFarlain

 Rising Star of Beauty
Nominees: Curran Dandurand, Tia Pettijohn & Dana Kale and Dr. Naila Malik
WINNER: Dr. Naila Malik

 Rising Star of Photography
Nominees: Kristi and Scot Redman, Brandon Lyon and Hal Samples
WINNER: Brandon Lyon

 Rising Star of Jewelry
Nominees: Shona Gilbert, Megan Thorne and Shoshannah Frank & Casey Melton
WINNER: Megan Thorne

Rising Star of Art
Nominees: Shayema Rahim, Scott Tucker and Jonathan Ramirez.
WINNER: Shayema Rahim

People’s Star Award: Shona Gilbert

Photo Gallery below. Click on any image to enlarge it or to flip through the gallery at full size:

Jane McGarry to replace Amy Vanderoef on Good Morning Texas

Hello GMT viewers! You will be seeing a lot more of Jane McGarry starting March 9th. Photo from Facebook.

I was devastated yesterday when Amy Vanderoef announced she was leaving her long-time post on WFAA's Good Morning Texas. I have gotten to know and love Amy over the past several years and she is every bit as charming as delightful in person as she is on TV. I say that because not everyone is... She has an amazing energy and casual report that makes her very approachable and puts guests at ease. Who on earth could replace her talent?! But today, the sun has come out again! Replacing Amy on the show will be the amazing Jane McGarry! McGarry will join Mike Castellucci and Carrie McClure as co-hosts of WFAA’s “Good Morning Texas” on Monday, March 9. McGarry has worked with the station’s daytime program since 2013, periodically presenting segments, including her “Texas Legends” stories. “I am excited to return to daily local television,” said McGarry, who has worked in the DFW market since the early eighties. “I am grateful for this opportunity to do what I love.” McGarry brings an insightful and in-depth interviewing style to morning television with prominent guests joining her on the set.

Oh So Obsessed: FINELL Handbags

The AXIS bag from FINELL

One of the best things about Fashion X (a 3-day fashion event that launched last fall attempting to answer our need for some sort of Fashion Week), was that it brought the show's creator Matt Swinney into my life. Matt founded Austin Fashion Week and he knows everybody in fashion. Particularly in Texas and he has introduced me to some amazing people, including the delightful Rebecca Finell, creator of Austin-based FINELL.  The modern lifestyle brand just launched its first collection of luxury handbags and small leather goods at shows this past fall and look how incredible her line is! I am completely obsessed! The collection introduced eye-catching geometric silhouettes, drawing from origami to create folding, faceted forms. Crafted of premium leather, the bags are made using a unique process to create rigid yet flexible angular panels. They feature durable microfiber interiors and matte black hardware details. This initial collection offers five bag styles and several accessories, available in a range of neutral colors and a cobalt blue. In addition to handbags, FINELL also plans to show selected samples of a new jewelry collection which will roll out this spring.