Four Seasons Resort & Club: The Perfect North Texas Staycation

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The Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas wants you to “Celebrate Texas” in a unique way that combines Texas and fun for a perfect recipe for summer. From kid’s summer camps to an All-American Independence Celebration, you won’t want to miss out on your perfect Dallas getaway packed full of events for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

I am a big proponent of the "staycation" and the Independence Day holiday provides the perfect opportunity to pack up the family and enjoy a leisurely weekend of fun-in-the-sun time without having to go too far away from your own home.

I love this holiday because it's laid back, fun and offers the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your friends and loved ones. I mean, is there anything more American than hot dogs and fireworks!? This year, you'll find me at the Four Seasons Resort & Club in Las Colinas over Independence Day Weekend. I will be the one lounging poolside sipping on a Pina Colada.

If you'd like to join my family for a great weekend, here's what you can expect to enjoy:

Dodge For A Cause 2015

The 4th annual Dodge For A Cause Tournament benefitting Vogel Alcove was held at American Airlines Center last week. Presented by Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, the 5 D's of this dodge ball tournament were: Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive & Donate. Teams played for the "Stanley Cup of Dodgeball", the John T. O'Connor Commemorative Cup of Excellence for Achievement in Dodge Ball. Co-Chairs, Banks Bruce, David Gail, Dilen Kumar and Charles Persons led 26 teams in a rousing evening of competitive & physical fun for a cause.

Mayor Mike Rawlings with Team Hot Shots

I was on the only all-girls team, representing Highland Capital, led by our Captain Carmen Surgent. I'm sure it won't shock you to read that we were the absolute worst team on the court. But we looked amazing. Carmen had coordinated our outfits: white Tees emblazoned with "Hot Shots" on the front in hot pink, black tutu skirts and hot pink knee socks.

You know how athletes wear eye black under their eyes to intimidate their opponents? Well, we had silver sparkle stripes under our eyes to DAZZLE our opponents. It didn't help us win, but we did get flirted with quite a bit and lots of guys wanted selfies with our group.

Not only were we the worst team in the tournament, I will admit I was probably the worst player. I couldn't even hit Mayor Mike Rawlings when he was standing still. I was just pitiful... The silver lining of the night was that we won a trophy for being Best Dressed and that was really the award we cared about - so we were WINNERS!!!!

For 27 years, Vogel Alcove has provided free, quality child development services for Dallas’ youngest victims of poverty: homeless children six weeks to five years old. Vogel Alcove is the only comprehensive early childhood education program in the city of Dallas whose primary focus is to provide free childcare and case management for children and their families referred by 21 local emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, housing programs and organizations that serve homeless families. Learn more about how your company can participate in next year's tournament and help support Vogel Alcove by visiting https://www.vogelalcove.org/dodgeforacause

Oh So Tasty: Freixenet Sparkling Summer Cocktails

You can never go wrong with a glass of champagne or cava. It makes any event more festive - even if it's just a Monday dinner at home! Freixenet is a great everyday option to put some sparkle into your glass and they sent me a couple of fun cocktail recipes to share with you. Put some POP into your summer with these festive cocktails! Cheers!

Fizzy Summer Sorbet 

Ingredients:
Raspberry Sorbet (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh Raspberries
Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut cava

Directions:
Grab your favorite glass or plastic Champagne coupes, add a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet and fill the flute with Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut. Top off with fresh raspberries.

Sparkling Sangria 

Ingredients
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 orange quarter
1 lime quarter
1/2 oz. orange liqueur
1/2 oz. Spanish brandy
3-4 oz. Freixenet Carta Nevada cava (chilled)
2 oz. lemon-lime soda (chilled)
1 maraschino cherry

Directions: Muddle fruit slices in a shaker cup with simple syrup. Add liqueur and brandy with ice. Shake, then strain into a cocktail glass. Add soda and top off with cava. Drop in cherry or secure to an orange wedge using a toothpick, to decorate the rim. Pair with spicy guacamole for a fiery kick!

Oh So Tasty: Brunch at Truck Yard

One of my favorite places to kick back and enjoy time with friends & family is Truck Yard on Lower Greenville. I love it because it's not your typical fancy-pants Dallas eatery, but feels more like an Austin escape complete with shade trees and redneck-chic decor.  This is a place where film flops and cut-off shorts are de rigueur and dogs are the accessory of choice. Plus, where else in town can you find a treehouse bar? Uh, yeah. You read that right. Truck Yard boasts an elevated treehouse bar where the main attraction is carbonated, bottled cocktails available and amazing people-watching.

Truck Yard recently started serving my favorite meal - BRUNCH - from 10am until 2pm each Sunday. Food will come courtesy of three brunch trucks serving a variety of mid-morning fare like eggs, bacon, brisket hash and chicken and waffles. And for a special treat, Hypnotics Donuts is onsite providing their delicious and creative donut holes.

Aside from the regular beers and cocktails, the bar features a brunch punch crafted by mixologist Emily Perkins. Made with cava (Spanish sparkling wine), Remy V, Cointreau Camomille, grapefruit juice and lemons, this concoction comes in a communal bowl large enough to serve five to 10 people, which works out great since all your friends will want to join you!

The Truck Yard is located at 5624 Sears Street, Dallas, TX 75206. http://texastruckyard.com/

Staples Main Street Tour Travels to Dallas to Thank Small Business Customers

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Staples Guy and Small Planet Bikes Manager Jordan Mieth

The Power of One to Make More Happen
Staples Main Street Tour travels to Dallas to thank small business customers

Staples Guy surprises Dallas
small business customers 

If you asked me to describe myself, one of the things I would say, is that I am a small business owner. There are a lot of pros to owning your own business. For instance, I get to have Pajama Day whenever I feel like it. And I feel like it a lot. But there is also a lot of responsibility and not a lot of resources or support. When the printer quits working, there is no one to call to come fix it. You just have to pull out the manual and figure it out.

As much as I love owning my own business, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and undervalued. Which is why I was thrilled to partner with Staples this week when they came to town on a mission to show some of their small business clients that they have a big place in their hearts.

There are almost 28 million small businesses in the USA and currently, over 50% of the working population (120 million individuals) works in a small business. The definition of a “small business” is a company that has 1 to less than 500 employees. But don’t let the term “small” fool you into thinking that the impact these companies has on our economy is tiny. Although, we are “small” individually, small businesses have generated over 65% of the net new jobs since 1995. Staples realizes that small business, is actually big business.

Staples Guy surprises Annette Daffron, owner of Zola's Everyday Vintage

A few days ago I met up with Staples Guy and we spent an afternoon popping in to visit some of their loyal small business customers and thank them for what they do for the local economy and show them how Staples appreciates them. Guy presented each business with a huge basket of goodies that contained coffee, staples (duh!), cleaning supplies, an Easy button and a Staples gift card to help them in their endeavors this Summer. We had a great time touring Bishop Arts and visiting Zola’s Everyday Vintage, Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ, Small Planet Bikes, Smile Embassy and Hattie’s. It was a joy to watch them dive into those gift baskets and feel appreciated. I hope that you will make a thoughtful effort to choose to support small businesses. Big or small, Staples wants to see businesses #MakeMoreHappen for everyone. And that’s a campaign I can heartily endorse.

Source: Forbes

This post was brought to you by Staples. 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 for your brand or event? Contact me for rates and details.

Wolfgang Puck Catering Takes Your Event Over-The-Top And Out Of This World

Dallas is a city of one-upmanship. "I'll see your million and raise you two!" says one event chair to the next. A charity can never rest on their fundraising laurels and the forever goal is to top whatever you just did. There is also very much a mentality of "been there/done that" among guests so an event chair has to constantly be creative to out-do what has been done to keep corporate sponsors re'upping and people buying tickets and bidding on auction items. So, to future event chairs I say, "Let me introduce you to Wolfgang Puck Catering." They recently hosted a dinner that was the third in a series of food symposia evenings. This one was designed to "demystify the art of food presentation". The plan was for guests to learn basic principles of plating through a fun hands-on activity. We started at the Nasher Sculpture Center for mocktails and a "plating workshop" where we had a brief dissuasion on the art of cake decorating. The Nasher has always offered their venue up for wedding receptions but it's just this summer that they are now allowing the actual wedding ceremony on-site as well! The individual cake set-up is a creative idea for a wedding reception or other event so each guest got to try out their skills by decorating their own cake using edible flowers, fresh fruits and a variety of candies. It was tons of fun and we all had fun trying to outdo each other with our ideas and skills. Our cakes were boxed up and transported to our next destination as a take-home gift.

Oh, Yappy Day! Paws Cause Celebrates 20 Years of Fund-Raising Fun for the SPCA

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Jan Rees-Jones with Jocelyn White, SPCA of Texas Board Chair

On Sunday, June 14, the SPCA of Texas held the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Paws Cause at the SPCA of Texas’ Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center and brought more than 300 animal lovers together to benefit the SPCA of Texas’ Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair. The event attendees were welcomed with elegantly tropical décor, beautiful sunshine, bright flowers and puppies galore. Inside, guests enjoyed gourmet burger sliders and a mashed potato bar, imbibed luscious libations--including the signature Whiskerita and the Tailwagging Rum Punch, danced the night away to classic rock hits played by The British are Coming, took part in the Bone Appetite drawing and had their pictures snapped at a fun photo booth. The Silent Auction tempted attendees with fine art, spa treatments, pet care products, travel packages, delicious wines, fine jewelry and more. Celebrity Chef Blythe Beck offered a very special silent auction package that included five-course chef tasting dinner for eight. Attendees included hosts Phyllis and CJ Comu, Presenting Sponsor Russell E. Dealey, Jan Rees-Jones, Steve Kemble, Ellen and Don Winspear, Diane and Hal Brierley, Gwen and Leldon Echols, Marsha and Richard Gray, Mary and Skip Trimble, Hillary Hurst and Mark Schwarz, Rich Emberlin, LeeAnne Locken, Mary Spencer, Holly Forsythe, Katy Murray, Celebrity Chef Blythe Beck and SPCA of Texas President James Bias. These much-needed funds will help provide more than 11,000 free and low cost surgeries and 15,000 health and wellness treatments in 2015. All proceeds from the Paws Cause event benefit the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair and fund spay and neuter efforts in the Dallas community. The compassionate, mission-minded volunteers of Paws Cause have been assisting the SPCA of Texas for a total of more than 20 years, and their work has saved thousands of lives.

Oh So Tasty: Taqueria La Ventana

Taqueria La Ventana is a funky, fast-casual taqueria concept offering everyday Mexican street food. Designed as a Mexico City taqueria, the interiors feature an eclectic, funky and colorful design that when complemented by the traditional street style fare, transporting you south-of-the-border through a culinary and cultural experience. Taqueria La Ventana currently has two locations: one in downtown Dallas adjacent to Meso Maya and a brand new spot that just opened in May in Addison on Beltline Road. Last week, I was invited to pay a visit to their newest Addison location and give you my thoughts on the place.

The Addison site is a little confusing because it shares a building with another Firebird Restaurant Group concept, Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar.  While there is a sign facing Beltline Rd, the main entrance is on the side street where you park. Enter the restaurant and place your order at the counter. They will give you a card with a Mexican name on it (see photo). When your order is ready, they will announce the name on your card over the loud speaker and you can go back to fetch your fare.

There are many different meats and fillings for burritos, bowls and the famous authentic Taqueria La Ventana Mexican street tacos, which are served on homemade white corn tortillas made fresh daily by the restaurant. The expanded menu in Addison includes: Bistek (steak), Suadero (beef), Carnitas (shredded pork), Pastor (shaved pork), Pollo (chicken), Barbacoa (beef), Camaron (shrimp), Pescado (fish), Calabacitas (veggie) and Machaca Con Huevo (shredded beef with egg). In addition to mouth-watering street tacos, the restaurant also offers Ensaladas Frescas, salads created from a combination of fresh mixed field greens, iceberg lettuce, sweet tomatoes, candied peanuts garapiñados, avocado and fresco cheese topped with charred cilantro vinaigrette and a protein of your choice. I highly recommend the salad. And I'm not even a salad person. Those candied peanuts are amazing!  Savory sides including Elote, Charro Beans, Arroz and Calabacita are also available. Lastly, satisfy a sweet tooth with tantalizing Churros con Cajeta or Crispy Bread Pudding. With more choices for eating, come more choices for drinking. The Addison location of Taqueria La Ventana boasts a full premium bar. Enjoy margaritas, both domestic and Mexican craft cervezas, Mexican sodas and juices, or whatever sounds good.

Dallas Summer Musicals presents Cinderella through June 21, 2015

Dallas Summer Musicals is currently presenting Cinderella at the Music Hall at Fair Park. I asked Dawn Neufeld and her "mini-me" to experience the stage version of this classic tale and report back. She shares their experience in this post:

Cinderella Continues To Enchant 
by Dawn Neufeld

Summer. Trying to keep the kiddos busy and entertained can be a little overwhelming, but it’s also the perfect time for a little mother-daughter bonding. My mini-me Bryn and I had the perfect opportunity for some girl time this week – we took in dinner and a show at Music Hall at Fair Park. And it was magical. I grew up believing in fairytales. The story of the little cinder girl who cleaned by day and met her Prince Charming by night was always one of my favorites.

I couldn’t wait to take Bryn to see the musical version of the story and watch the fairytale come to life in the Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Cinderella presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The show was wonderful. The lively music, flying fairy godmother and Cinderella’s stunning gown transformations were captivating. But be prepared – this musical version of the classic story deviates from the one your kiddos are familiar with so you may need to tell them to use their imaginations. And good thing the kids are out of school – the 7:30 p.m. start time means the show doesn’t wrap up until around 10:00 p.m. Mini-me started dozing off during the last couple of scenes at the end of the show. The late start time did allow some wonderful bonding moments.

Oh So Tasty: Kent Rathbun's Hickory

I have a confession to make. Last night I broke my own rules and went to Plano for a media event. PLANO! Regular readers of this site will understand why this is shocking, because normally I wouldn't leave the Dallas city limits. Not because there aren't fun things happening or amazing places to visit in the suburbs but because Dallas is a big city and I am only one person, so I made a "rule" a long time ago that I only write about events/people/venues that are in Dallas. Not Frisco. Not Plano. Not Southlake. Not Garland. DALLAS. But every now and again, an invitation comes across my desk that is worth breaking the rules for. Last night was one of them. What was the draw? To quote Eater Dallas, "Iron Chef-slaying, yellow Porsche-driving chef and restaurateur Kent Rathbun has added a new restaurant to his empire: Specializing in burgers and barbecue, Hickory is considerably more casual than Abacus or Jasper's — with a lower price point to match." It wasn't the restaurant in and of itself that lured me out of my comfort zone, it was my admiration and adoration of Rathbun. (The fact that his publicist was smart enough to hire a party bus to transport all of us from Abacus where we started for cocktails, up to Hickory didn't hurt either.)

Summer Gardening Tips and Trends from Wave Petunias

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Wave® Petunias recently asked me to host a gardening event with them to celebrate the arrival of Summer. On May 28, media, gardening lovers and social influencers gathered at Calloway's Nursery on Greenville Ave. for a fun evening of sips & bites and a few lessons on how to improve our gardening skills from Wave's Claire Watson. Wave is celebrating its twentieth anniversary of providing gardeners with the very best in easy spreading and bright, bold colors for their gardens with the addition of several new varieties. This year, Wave is introducing Tidal Wave® Red Velour to garden centers nationwide. Tidal Wave Red Velour is the latest All America Selections Winner; ideally suited to larger spaces, the flowers add dramatic color and texture to any landscape. As a category innovator, Wave aspires to help people create gardens that will ‘wow’ the neighborhood. “We’re thankful to be going on 20 years of helping people add color and flair to their gardens,” said Claire Watson, product marketing manager for Wave. “From our award-winning varieties, to our array of options, to our decorating tips and tools, we want to inspire people to get creative and colorful with their gardens.” Wave helps make it easier for homeowners to be bold and fearless when dressing their gardens for the season. Wave’s vibrant flowers easily spread to create a vivid blanket of stand-out color. The five series of Wave petunias offer dramatic color, exceptionally long bloom time, and fantastic mounding and trailing habits for garden beds and containers. Wow your neighbors with remarkable colors that will spice up any yard.

Jude Connally Proves That You Don't Have To Sacrifice Style for Comfort

Jude Connally with Cynthia Smoot

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting designer Jude Connally at a trunk show at St. Bernard Sports in Inwood Village. I fell madly in love with her easy to wear, stylish designs. Her modern collection features lively prints paired with soft silhouettes that balance simplicity with sophistication and comfort with luxury. The line ranges from dresses to skorts to pants and tops.

All of her garments are manufactured right here in the U.S.A. on a luxurious, easy-to-care for fabrics (Nylon/Spandex). No dry cleaning necessary; just wash and wear. It’s really that simple. I made the comment to her that I see so many women running around town in yoga pants and T-shirts because they want to be comfortable - but it's not that cute. "That's one of the main reasons I started the line," she claimed excitedly. "You can look great and still maintain comfort."

Can I get a hallelujah!?

Connally believes that, “Every woman has a unique inner spirit that makes her naturally attractive” and she has designed her dresses so that each woman who puts one on will feel her spirit shine. A Jude Connally dress quietly reminds you that you’re beautiful both inside and out, and nothing is more attractive than a woman who believes in her own beauty. A woman who feels good about herself and her style exudes a positive vibe that’s contagious. Jude Connally is on a mission to spread those good feelings to all women, one dress at a time. Whether you need a little pick-me-up or you’re walking on sunshine, Jude wants you to live life to the fullest and feel amazing while doing so.  Jude Connally is available locally at St. Bernard Sports in Inwood Village, 5570 W Lovers Ln, Ste #388, Dallas, TX. 75209. (214) 357-9700. You can also shop her complete collection online and get FREE shipping on your orders when you visit http://judeconnally.com.

7 Tips for Better Brows from Claria Renee Beauty

Claria Renee Beauty is a luxury brow studio and product line run by Claria Nieves. She recently invited me in to visit her salon and visit about the benefits of brow beauty. I accepted, not because I have bushy, over-grown brows but because I have the opposite problem. As a child of the 70s/80s, I came of age in an era where thin brows were in and over-plucking was common. The problem is that once you hit your 40s, your hair growth slows and those brows not only don't grow back as fully, they start to thin. So, I was curious as to what Claria would have to say about how to regenerate brow growth or see if she could give me any tips to give the illusion of a fuller brow without it looking too drawn in and fake.

A before and after photo from Claria Renee Beauty from Facebook 

7 Tips for Better Brows from Claria Renee Beauty

1. Do NOT pluck your grays. Plucking them will leave open gaps in your brow line that will then have to be filled in and look unnatural. Better to leave the natural hair where it is and just tint it. 
2. Wondering if your brows should match your hair color? If you have dark hair, your brows should be a shade lighter. Blonde or lighter hair? Then take your brows a shade darker. They should never match exactly. 
3. If your brows have started to thin, rub Castor Oil on them at night. The acts as a growth agent and will work as well, if not better, than some of those pricey salon products you might have seen pitched.
4. Use a highlighting shadow right under the brow to make them look fuller and make your eyes pop more
5. Always brush your brows upwards, never down - even at the ends. This makes the hairs stand up making them look fuller. 
6. Shadow is preferable to a brow pencil. It will look softer and more natural. Get a good brow brush, place some shadow at the bottom of your brow and move upward, using soft strokes
7. Use a brow gel to finish off the look. Just like you would use a styling product in your hair. A brow gel will keep your brows lifted and in place throughout the day.

Not only did I love how my brows looked after Claria got her hands on them, the entire appointment took 19 minutes and brow maintenance is an affordable $35. You gotta love that! Claria Renee Beauty is located at 4503 Travis Street above Cafe Madrid. To make an appointment, contact Claria at claria@lashmaxx.com or call (214) 564-4237.

Flower Mound's Kaylee Rutland Wants to be Nashville's Next Big Star

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Kaylee at a recent performance at The Terrace at Market Street in Flower Mound

Kaylee Rutland is a 19-year old contemporary Country singer from Flower Mound, Texas (Flo Mo, as she calls it) who is quickly building a strong following and gaining traction in the music industry. "When I was eight years old, singing with the church kid’s choir, I was given a solo in the Christmas musical," says Rutland. "It was that moment standing on the stage before God, my family and everyone else that I knew music would become my life." Rutland loves to write her own music and takes inspiration from her family and the people she encounters. "That’s what I love most about country music – it’s all about the stories. My daily inspirations come from God, my family and friends, what I have, what I don’t have and what I dream of. " She is currently enrolled at college in Nashville, TN. where she hopes to be discovered but you can discover here for yourself when she performs at The Aardvark in Fort Worth, TX on Saturday, June 13th from 8:30-10:00pm. On Sunday, June 14th, she'll be live at Levitt Pavilion' in Arlington, TX from 8:00-9:30pm. Learn more about Kaylee by visiting http://kayleerutland.com.

Enjoy Kaylee's newest release Good Day To Get Gone:

See Kaylee Rutland perform LIVE:

Saturday, June 13 (8:30-10p)

The Aardvark is located at 2905 W Berry St, Fort Worth, TX 76109. http://the-aardvark.com

Sunday, June 14 (8-9:30p)

Levitt Pavilion is located in Founders Plaza at 100 W. Abram St. on the corner of Abram and Center streets, directly across Abram Street from City Hall.http://levittpavilionarlington.org

This post was brought to you by Kaylee Rutland. 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 for your brand or event? Contact me for rates and details.

Dallas Dweller: LeeAnne Locken

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. LeeAnne Locken is a controversial figure who's beloved by many for her charitable works and engaging personality and snubbed by many who feel she's a little too "real" for their taste. I love the fact that, love her or hate her, she's real. Bravo, LeeAnne!

Dallas Dweller: LeeAnne Locken

by Cynthia Smoot

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil? LeeAnne Locken tries. She really tries. |  photo Thomas Garza

In a 2014 interview D Magazine said, "If you know LeeAnne Locken, you know a short title doesn’t cover her accurately. If you don’t, let’s go with her Twitter summary: TV personality, actress, emcee, inspirational speaker, reality star, author. It’s all true... You can’t miss her at an event: she’s either emceeing the thing or competing for an unofficial most glitz and glam award with Steve Kemble. She’s also an inspiration guru who has released a book based on her uplifting Facebook posts. Plus, she’s gorgeous with an infectious laugh." LA (as she will be referred to from here on out) is one of my dearest friends and I am almost embarrassed that it's taken me thing long to do a proper article spotlighting her fabulousness.

From "She's Got The Look"
photo TV Land (2009)

In 2009, LA competed in Season 2 of a reality show called She's Got The Look. Her appearance on this show took place long before I knew her and until recently, I had never seen the program. In preparation for this article, I went to her Vimeo page and watched her entire season. I was struck by what Sean Patterson, President of Wilhelmina Modeling, said about LA's audition in the premiere episode, "That big personality may work for you in your life, but as a model, if you've got a personality that's too big - you're gonna annoy the hell out of people." LA retorts, "It's my defense... I've had to be that tough person for a really long time." And as she walks out of the room, Patterson mutters under his breath, "Well... that's Dallas." "Boy," I thought, "This guy is GOOD.  He nailed her in less than a hot minute."

This conversation is a reoccurring theme in LA's life. There are many in the ladies-who-lunch crowd tend to say she's too pretty, too loud, has too much personality. She's just.. too much. This bigness makes her an easy target for jealousy and ridicule from some, and on the flip side, makes her adored by many. And what I love most about LA is that she wouldn't have it any other way. "My grandmother used to tell me that most people live quiet lives of desperation and the reason they watch TV or go to the movies is to escape the boredom and monotony of their lives. To that I say, get up off the couch and create some magic! The world's full of excitement and opportunity... if you want it."

Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Smashes Fundraising Goal Bringingin $1.2 Million

T

I feel lucky to call Pat Smith a friend. I am even luckier that earlier this year, she hired me to join her team and my agency now handles social media marketing for Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. Working for Pat is what I would imagine it's like to work with Oprah. You hold hands and pray before you begin business meetings, you hug and say "I love you" - a lot, you leave every encounter with them inspired and motivated and there are lots of teary moments when you witness the impact their work has on our community. It's a pretty sweet gig. The culmination of all these efforts roll into their annual fundraiser, held every May. This was my first year to work on the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational weekend, presented by SoftLayer, which commenced on Friday, May 8th, with a celebrity reception, red carpet entry, dinner and live auction party at the Omni Hotel Dallas and continued on Saturday, May 9th, with 18-hole charity golf tournament at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney. This year's event chairs were Sarah and Jud Chapin and honorary chairs were Matrice and Ron Kirk. This event is work - a whole lotta work and I have to say, I have the easiest job out of everyone. I get to hang out with the celebrities, capture the fun moments and push them out through their social channels. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that people pay me to do this...

Aaron Hendra Lights Up Tomorrow at the House of Blues

Touch your mouse to the photo below to scroll through a gallery of photos from this event:

photos: Bob Manzano and Thomas Garza


The Aaron Hendra Project and fashion designer Abi Ferrin joined creative forces to present a benefit concert and fashion presentation on May 19th at the House of Blues Foundation Room. I met Aaron and his wife Tiffany through a mutual friend in December of 2013, right after they moved to Dallas from Los Angeles. Tiffany has become one of my besties (and was the subject of last week's Dallas Dweller feature) and had given me his latest CD, Octobersong, months ago - but I had never heard him play live until this evening. And what a treat it was! The Aaron Hendra Project is the musical odyssey of Australian born singer/songwriter Aaron Hendra and superstar drummer Gigi Gonaway who has performed with Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Steve Winwood.

Never let it be said I am not fun at a party...
Cynthia Smoot and Tiffany Hendra

The show gave attendees the opportunity to experience an intimate concert from Australia’s newest import to Dallas and view a live fashion presentation from the Abi Ferrin Collection. "The opportunity to combine my music with fashions by designer Abi Ferrin for a global cause was a dream come true,” said Aaron Hendra. “Working with Abi, who has a heart for similar causes, brought greater reach and added an element of glamour to the event. Funds raised from this "Light Up Tomorrow" event will be used to build state-of-the-art off grid solar farms in the various East African orphanages, schools and facilities built by our friend Sam Childers, the Machine Gun Preacher, through the Angels for East Africa organization."

With a message, voice and sound that is fresh yet authentic and heartfelt, guests like Heidi Dillon, Candy Smith, Shona Gilbert, Cary Dueber, Courtney Rider and Angela Choquette were enthralled with the band’s adult contemporary sound combined with the visual aspect of beautiful fashions of Abi Ferrin. “I was thrilled to present the newest Abi Ferrin creations at Aaron Hendra's concert. This collaboration meant so much because we can both use our gifts to raise money and awareness for the beautiful children in Peru and Africa that mean so much to Aaron and my team,” said Ferrin. Abi's charity choice was Niños Del Sol, a home for orphaned and abandoned children in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru. The highlight of the night for me was having Aaron dedicate my favorite song, "Fire" to me. It's very exciting to get a shout out from the stage (See photo below)! You can learn more about The Aaron Hendra Project at www.AaronHendra.com or check out their CD on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/octobersong/id848829974.

My hair and makeup c/o La Bichette. 
Dress is from Hunter Bell at Haven Boutique in Uptown. 

SPCA Celebrates 20 Years of Paws Cause on June 14

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Paws Cause is a group of volunteers who raise funds to support the SPCA of Texas’ Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair in South Dallas by supporting the clinic’s efforts to reduce the number of unwanted animals and assist people in caring for their beloved pets. You can “lend a paw” to this important effort by purchasing tickets and attending the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Paws Cause to be held on Sunday, June 14th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center. You know I am all about partying for a cause and this is a great one! Guests will enjoy strolling bites by Food Glorious Food, purr-fect cocktails by Carlo Barone with One Bar USA and Justin Erickson with Patrón Spirits, dancing and live music by The British Are Coming. If they sound familiar, it's probably because they play a regular set at The Mansion. Although they do play Beatles tunes, they are not a Beatles cover band (which is what I assumed). They play all the famous British band classics that will have your toes tapping and your booty shaking: everything from Elton John to the Kinks to the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart. The annual event will also feature the famous “Bone Appetit” restaurant drawing and an irresistible silent auction.

Paws Cause 2015 Chair Phyllis Comu

The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas. The non-profit organization operates two shelters and three spay/neuter clinics located in Dallas and McKinney, and maintains a team of six animal cruelty investigators to respond to thousands of calls in eight North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other humane organization. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home.

Attire is summer cocktail, and complimentary valet parking will be available. Ticket prices are $150, and all money raised through Paws Cause 2015 will go directly to the SPCA of Texas’ Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic to help provide more than 11,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and 15,000 health and wellness treatments in 2015. For more information, visit www.pawscausedallas.org.

This post was brought to you by the SPCA of Texas. 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 for your brand or event? Contact me for rates and details.