Oh So Techy: 5miles Hits Dallas

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On the set of Good Morning Texas with Shannon Powell Hart to talk about 5miles App

I visited the set of Good Morning Texas on Tuesday to share a new discovery with their audience. In case you missed the segment, I thought I'd share it here as well! 5miles allows users to buy and sell items and services with their smart phone. Users can snap a photo, enter a text or voice description, and sell to thousands of potential buyers within seconds. 5miles uses a phone's location to reach a multitude of buyers and sellers in an immediate area. Introduced in 2014, 5miles today has two million active users and facilitates $100 million in transactions within the local economy. The app, which is totally free for both buyers and sellers, has a visual design similar to Pinterest, allowing users to browse images of items sorted by what’s closest to them or search and filter for specific items or services. Safer to use than Craigslist, 5miles provides user ratings and Facebook and phone verification to help users feel confident that they are trading with real people, not scammers. The company’s “Awesome Experience” team checks every item to ensure it matches strict safety guidelines. 5miles customers now can use the app to find local providers of services such as housekeeping and lawn care. In addition, the app also helps users tap into available housing and jobs in their area. To learn more about 5miles, visit 5milesapp.com, or go to the App Store or Google Play to download the app for iPhone or Android devices.

 

This post was brought to you by 5miles app. 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.

No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party Announces Bond-Inspired Theme for 2016 Event

Susan Friedman, Don Neubauer, Deanna Cahill, David Nelson, Darlene Smith

(Press release) Among spectacular chandeliers, luxury Italian furniture, and a full-size red horse lamp at Scott + Cooner Showroom, No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, benefiting AIDS Services of Dallas, hosted its kick-off reception to announce exciting details about the main event, and to get the party and fundraising season started! Now in its eleventh year, the 2016 No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, presented by the Purple Foundation, returns to its humble beginning and foundation: life. Themed “You Only Live Twice,” inspired by the James Bond film and Nancy Sinatra song by the same name, the much-anticipated event celebrates ASD’s mission and journey over the last 25+ years to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Hosted by No Tie Chair David Nelson, ASD’s largest fundraiser begins with a dinner hosted at various homes throughout DFW. An expected 1,500+ attendees then unite and feast on desserts and cocktails, DJ and dancing, live and silent auctions, and surprise performances throughout the magical evening. The 2016 No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, presented by Purple Foundation, will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Frontiers of Flight Museum (6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75209). Tickets are $150 for VIP tickets and $75 for general admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.notiedinner.org.

Pictured (left to right) James Shackelford, Kristi Holman | Jeff Mokry, John Micheal Scurio | Joe Pacetti, Tricia Sims

photos by Sergio Delgado 

Venny Etienne Reflects On His Recent Study Abroad Trip To Paris

For many, Paris is a dream destination. For recent Wade College graduate (class Salutatorian no less!) and emerging fashion designer Venny Etienne, the dream became a "life changing" reality after a sports bomber jacket and tailored pants, inspired by athletic shoes translated into ready-to-wear concepts, garnered him the top prize in the Fashion Group International Scholarship Competition. Etienne had entered the prestigious competition twice before but always left empty-handed. The third time was a charm with him taking home three prizes – a cash scholarship and two grand prizes – for the FGI’s Best of Sewing Award resulting in an industrial sewing machine plus the coveted FGI Paris American Academy Couture Award. This past June 30, Etienne packed his bags and headed to the fashion capital of the world for an all-expenses-paid, study-abroad program.

On his time at the FGI Paris American Academy Etienne muses, "The professors at the school have 20+ years’ experience in haute couture - working for houses such as Nina Ricci and Christian Dior just to name a few. My professor, Xavier Brisoux, was chief in pushing me outside of the box. I knew to leave whatever ego or knowledge I had of fashion at the doorstep in Dallas and come to Paris with a clean slate to learn. There were many times I would have a one-on-one session with my professor about an inspiration idea, and he would know how to take it 3-4 steps deeper. Seeing his process of how he dissects a concept to its core was beyond belief to me. He would be able to connect nature with science to pop culture and join it all back to the inspiration. Witnessing this had me reflect on my own design process and how all along, I’ve only touched the surface of a concept.

IBB Designs Hosts Seller Soiree Benefiting Partners Card

Beth Rafferty, Brooklyn Geyer, Jaylie Geyer, Shay Geyer and Brian Geyer | Photo by George Fiala

Savvy shoppers around Dallas are all too familiar with Partners Card. It's the signature fundraiser for Dallas’ largest domestic violence agency, The Family Place. 100% of your Partners Card purchase goes directly to supporting survivors of family violence. You know how I love to shop for a cause! Approximately 100 guests gathered together for a Seller Soirée hosted by Shay Geyer and Beth Rafferty on September 9, 2015 at IBB Design Fine Furnishings in celebration of Partners Card 2015. The Family Place, along with Co-Chairs Melissa Boler, Debbie Munir and Ashlee Weidner and Honorary Chair Rhonda Sargent Chambers, welcomed card sellers, sponsors, retailers and friends for an evening filled with festive hors d’oeuvres, sips, shopping and door prize drawings. Co-­Chairs Melissa, Debbie and Ashlee led the remarks, reminding everyone to please mark their calendars and purchase their $70 card for the annual shopping fundraiser, presented by Bank of Texas, set for October 30 through November 8, 2015.

Bank of Texas Senior Vice President and Manager of Commercial Banking Mandy Austin also addressed the group and thanked The Family Place for its wonderful, long-lasting partnership. This year will mark Bank of Texas’ seventh year as presenting sponsor of Partners Card. The Family Place Chief Executive Officer Paige Flink concluded by thanking all those who have contributed to making Partners Card the largest fundraiser for The Family Place. In addition, she shared The Family Place’s latest fundraising goals, motivated card sellers to go beyond previous accomplishments and invited others to join in promoting and selling cards for one of the most popular shopping events in the Dallas Metroplex. Guests included: Nancy Scripps, John Mazey, Brian Geyer, Eric White, Sharon Jett, Brandy Taylor, Michael Munir, Michele and Mickey Munir, Maggie Kipp, Quitman Stephens, Katie Hunzinger, Melissa and Jeff Cameron, Diane Hopson and Kathryn Henry. To learn more about Partners Car or purchase one for this year, visit http://www.familyplace.org/partners-card/home.

Salvation Army Announces Carmaleta Whiteley as 2016 Luncheon Chair

Slated for Monday, May 2, 2016 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will celebrate its 25th year of service to our community during their annual Fashion Show & Luncheon with a theme of "Twenty-Five Years of Giving." Chairing the event will be well-known Dallas community leader, Carmaleta Whiteley.  “It is truly an honor to chair this premier event, especially during the Auxiliary’s 25th year,” Whiteley said. “We are kicking-off on October 1st with a celebration hosted by The Residences at The Stoneleigh where the honorary chairs will be announced and more surprises will be revealed.”  begins with a reception, silent auction with some one-of-a-kind items and packages exclusive to this event, and shopping in the Chic Boutique, followed by a runway presentation produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple. Ron Corning of WFAA TV Channel 8 will have everyone entertained as the emcee. There will be a presentation and a few surprises mingled in, followed by a fabulous luncheon.

Carmaleta Whiteley

Karen Dealy, president of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, encourages everyone to visit the website and discover the many opportunities and benefits of Auxiliary membership saying “We support the work of The Salvation Army through many volunteer activities: Back to School, Angel Tree and Kettles at NorthPark, Santa Sacks, and our annual Fashion Show and Luncheon.

 The Auxiliary’s community service projects enrich the lives of those less fortunate, from serving meals at Carr P. Collins Social Service Center to celebrating sobriety at the Adult Rehabilitation Center. Our volunteer efforts support the Community Centers of the Army who provide a variety of services to help those in need in their communities: children, teens, adults, seniors and the ill.” 

Fashion Show & Luncheon sponsorships and underwriting are available. Tickets begin with a limited number available at $250. Then tickets begin at $500. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

For more information on the Fashion Show & Luncheon or Auxiliary membership, visit the website at http://www.sawadallas.org, fb:SAWADallas FashionShow , call 214-637-8121 or email dfw.auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org

Oh So Tasty: Brunch at Souk in Trinity Groves

Moroccan Pancakes, Chocolate Bar, Moroccan Monte Cristo at Souk

When I think of Morocco, I see bright colors swirling around the hips of sexy belly dancers and smell sensuous spices in my mind. Souk has done a great job of transporting the look of a Moroccan Bistro and Bazaar directly from the Atlas Mountains to Dallas' newest dining and entertainment destination, Trinity Groves. When it comes to my thoughts on a restaurant, I care as much about the ambiance as I do the food. I want it all - a complete experience. Souk at Trinity Groves provides ambiance, great people-watching and a delectable menu, in spades. Now you can enjoy some sexiness over breakfast because Souk recently launched a new brunch menu and it is TO. DIE. FOR.  Carnivores will go crazy for the Steak & Eggs entree using Filet Mignon Beef Kabob pieces over a think slice of toast topped with an over-easy egg with Paprika roasted potatoes. If you are into sweets try the Moroccan Monte Cristo - their take on French Toast - which tastes like Funnel Cake stuffed with Mascarpone Cheese topped with honey, orange blossom, fresh berries and pistachios. Another favorite was the Moroccan Pancake made with Msemen bread (which has the consistency of a thick, chewy tortilla), Mascarpone Cheese, mixed berries, toasted almonds and Argon honey Syrup. Wash it down with a carafe of mimosas for $10. You can choose from Orange, Pomegranate or Apricot juice. The brunch menu is served noon to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Kingsford and Chris Lilly Preach #BBQDiplomacy This Tailgate Season

Cynthia Smoot, Chris Lilly

Kingsford charcoal wants fans to set aside their differences this season and gather round the grill with football friends and foes. They gathered sports fans, social influencers and media at JerryWorld (otherwise known as AT&T Stadium) for a #BBQDiplomacy tailgate party on September 5th before the Alabama vs. Wisconsin game to spread the word that it’s time to calm down on the conference vs. conference chatter and break brisket together.

Feeding the hungry masses was Chris Lilly, head chef of the award-winning Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q Competition Cooking Team, which has amassed four World Barbecue Grand Championships and 12 world titles at Memphis in May, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and Jack Daniels World Barbecue Championship -- the most recent at the 2014 Memphis in May competition (Grand Champion and first place in pork shoulder) and the 2011 Jack Daniels World Barbecue Championship (Awarded Reserve Grand Champions).

Barbecue has always brought people together with the sights, sounds and smells that can only be created by charcoal and that’s why this season Kingsford is encouraging football and barbecue fans alike to keep their friends close and rivals closer by tweeting @Kingsford using #BBQDiplomacy.

Here are a few of Chris Lilly's secret recipes to ensure a kick-ass tailgate party:

Planet Blue Hosts A Summer Soiree To Benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

(Press Release) Twenty years after opening their first store in Malibu, Planet Blue is still celebrated as the original purveyor of the beachy boho aesthetic and remains an enclave for celebrities and in-the-know locals. On Thursday, August 27th Planet Blue Dallas hosted a Dallas Summer Soiree in celebration and gratitutde for the amazing support from the Dallas community. A portion of the proceeds went to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Over 200 guests attended the event, which took place at Planet Blue's Henderson location and guests responded positively to the support efforts for St Jude's Hospital. In addition, guests were excited by the special appearance by WildFox founder Kim Gordon who flew out to Dallas for the occasion. Planet Blue's neighboring Mesero restaurant provided small bites that included brisket nachitos, fresh ceviche, chips and guacamole and refreshing margaritas.‪ ‬Guests also lined up to try craft cocktails from Austin's Cocktails that included a Vodkarita garnished with lime and jalapeño, Cucumber Vodka Mojitos and Tea Twisters garnished with fresh lemon. Adding to the boho vibe, Dallas' Dear Clark salon provided a complementary braid bar and shoppers enjoyed live music from local Dallas band, Robert Cody Maxwell and The Gentlemen Vain. To top off the festivities guests were encouraged to visit the photobus outside provided by ThePhotoBusDFW. To learn more about Planet Blue, visit http://www.shopplanetblue.com.

Here are some scenes from the event courtesy of Bob Manzano Photography:

Fashion Stars For A Cause Brings Dallas Influencers Together For Suicide Prevention

Margie Wright, Terry Bentley Hill

After the death of her oldest son years ago, Fashion Stars For A Cause 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 has paired the unlikely topics of suicide and fashion together with funds benefiting the North Texas Suicide and Crisis Center.

“We’ve raised $1.8 million in the past nine years to help save lives and provide hope for those whose lives have been impacted by suicide,” said Crum. “Our Fashion Stars are committed to helping us surpass the $2 million mark this year."

Fashion Stars for a Cause just announced the 2015 ambassadors who will champion this year's gala. These 12 women represent a diverse group of interests, backgrounds and professions and are committed to raising awareness and critical funds for Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas. This year’s Fashion Stars are: Sherice Lynette Brown, Francis Harrison Brito, Laura Fedock, Laurie Graham, Gina Marx, Kristy J. Morgan, Shelley Herrera-O’Neal, Shayema Rahim, Whitney Roberts-Kutch, Bridget Sommerlatte, Carmen Surgent and Amanda Ward. Serving as Honorary Chairs are Terry Bentley Hill and her husband Tom Krampitz.

5 Things To Know About Five Creeks Tavern

Five Creeks Tavern

Five Creeks Tavern is the newest addition to Highland Park Village. The restaurant was created by Ben Ralston and Buddy Cramer, the minds behind Katy Trail Ice House, Katy Trail Ice House Outpost, Bandito’s Tex-Mex and KT Burger. This new concept opened September 1 and features a wide selection of wines, beer on tap and cocktails served alongside Neopolitan pizzas, paninis and pastas and other Italian dishes. I stopped by last Friday to check out the place and here are 5 things I came away with (good and bad):

1) Five Creeks Tavern is a much needed casual dining experience in Highland Park Village (which has gotten a little too fancy pants for their own good in recent years, in my opinion).  The place basically looks like a nice sports bar. Lots of dark wood, booths and TVs. I am confused, however, by the sports photos in the bar area and the brightly colored paintings of Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen in the other room. Huh? It looks like Ben & Buddy decorated and that's not a good thing.

Oh So Artsy: Treasures from the House of Alba at SMU's Meadows Museum

Pierre Auguste Renoir (French, 1841-1919),
Girl with Hat with Cherries, 1880.
Oil on canvas. Colección Duques de Alba

Treasures from the House of Alba: 500 Years of Art and Collecting will open at the SMU Meadows Museum on September 11 and will display some of the finest examples from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries up to the end of the twentieth century, in a display of continuity unparalleled by other large European collections.

For more than five hundred years, the Alba family has formed part of the most important aristocratic lineages in Europe, not only because of its military, political, and social significance, but also due to the relevance of its cultural patronage and its art collecting.  This exhibition displays a broad selection of works by Van Gogh, Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt, Renoir, Sargent, and many more.

The exhibit features 140 palace objects—including the personal papers of Christopher Columbus and 19th-century furniture created for Napoleon III—that tell the story of Europe, most of which have never been seen outside of Spain. The exhibition features paintings, illuminated manuscripts, books, historic documents, antiquities, prints, sculpture, drawings, and other objects.

Join me on September 12 for a healthy dose of fashionable ESTEEM

Courtney Kerr & Cynthia Smoot from ESTEEM 2013

YOU ARE INVITED to the 6th annual ESTEEM fashion show on Saturday, September 12 at Tootsies.

This event is a celebration of positive body image and self-esteem. local celebrities will join girls and women, of all ages and sizes, to embrace healthy, balanced lifestyles and self-acceptance. By helping to increase awareness about the importance of positive body image, ESTEEM encourages people to love themselves while striving to live a healthy life-style.

KISS FM Co-Host, Kellie Rasberry and her daughter Emma Kelly will serve as the ESTEEM’s 2015 Co-Chairs with Yvonne Crum serving as the ESTEEM’s 2015 Honorary Chairman. Former WFAA Newscaster, Gloria Campos will serve as this year’s emcee for the fashion show coordinated by Producer Rhonda Sargent Chambers.

LeeAnne Locken & Cynthia Smoot from ESTEEm 2013

This year’s fashion show will feature fall looks by TOOTSIES and modeled by local influencers and celebrities including Kim & Sawyer Bannister, Anne Besser, Yvonne & Samantha Crum, Holly & Landry Davis, Maya Delgado, Pam & Bridget Frank, Nancy Gopez, Tiffany Hendra, Jackson, Hilary Kennedy, Maisey Ann Martinez, Dawn Mellon, Scott Murray, Dawn & Bryn Neufeld, Jamie, Aubrey & Grace O’Banion, Jennifer, Morgan & Taylor Passanante, Lisa Petty, Holly, Sophia, Sara & Emily Quartaro, Whitney Roberts-Kutch, Sunie & Stylles Solomon, Blake & Cate Stephenson, Carolyn Tillery, Amy Vanderoef, Gary Walden, Jocelyn White and me!

Registration & Refreshments begin at 10:30a.m. with the fashion show presentation beginning at 10:45a.m. 10% of all shopping sales will benefit The Elisa Project. VIP Seating is $75 with Students and Standing Room Only tickets available for $20. Fashion Show tickets may be purchased at http://theelisaproject.causedrive.com/ or call 214.369.5222. Tootsies is located at 8300 Preston Road #200 Dallas, TX 75225.

“It’s A Jungle Out There” Benefit Gave Fans a Chance to Meet and Compete Alongside Former Survivor Players and Reality Stars

Stars of competition and reality TV gathered on August 29 for the first annual It's A Jungle Out There benefit.  (back row) Carolyn “Mama C” Rivera, Tyler Fredrickson, Max Dawson, Jake Pavelka, Cory Shivar, Uchenna Agu, Alex Stein, Keith Nale, Joe Anglim, Mike Holloay, April Lewis (front row) Jenn Brown, Kelly Shinn, Missy Payne, Baylor Wilson, Sierra Dawn Thomas, Brandy Goddard, Natalie Anderson, Jodi Wincheski

Missy Payne, Cynthia Smoot. Thanks to Level 3 Active 
for providing me the perfect dress to wear to this event!

Highland Park native, Missy Payne, star of Survivor San Juan del Sur/Season 29, hosted the inaugural “It’s A Jungle Out There” benefit on Saturday, August 29 at Lofty Spaces. The evening began with a VIP/Sponsor reception with all of the celebrities and lots of creepy crawly things and furry animals brought in by CritterMan.

Everyone then moved into the main space for dinner, several rowdy performances from talented teens from area Performing Arts High Schools, competitive club cheerleading and dance programs, and acrobatic troupes and finally a live auction. Among the items up for grabs were tickets to attend the live finale where the next winner of Survivor, Season 31 will be named.

This event was a competition/reality TV fan's fantasy come true with players from Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Dancing With The Stars, and more in attendance. Following the dinner and main stage entertainment, the party moved outside where celebrities competed in challenges (similar to the challenges seen on Survivor) while party patrons place bets on teams to win. Guests had a chance to buy into these challenges and compete alongside the celebrities. Those who thought this was light-hearted fun were in for a surprise. These celebs meant business. When bragging rights are on the line, competition and reality TV stars stop up! Participating in the challenges were:

The Society Diaries (Sept/Oct 15) Accessory Concierge, The Rustic and Joseph Haubert

Among my many projects, I am a Contributor for The Society Diaries, a bi-monthly publication that is distributed all across the great state of Texas. I mean, who else know more about what makes Dallas fabulous than me!? In every issue I get an entire page to spotlight the restaurants, fashion designers and retail stores that I think are worthy of a Texas-sized spotlight. In the September/October issue I am talking about brunch service at The Rustic. You've got to order the Bloody Mary and drink it through a sausage straw. It's so redneck and Texan - I love it! Shop affordable trends in jewelry at Accessory Concierge's new boutique on Lovers Lane and follow the amazing photography of my pal, Joseph Haubert @WhateverYouAre on Instagram. He will make you fall in love with Dallas over and over and over with every post.

The Society Diaries provides a dynamic insider’s view of the bold lifestyle and exciting personality of Texas. They highlight the best of People, Parties, Culture, Travel, Design, Philanthropy, Entertaining, and beyond and bring their sophisticated readers the very best the world has to offer. Through high-profile events and their strategic distribution partners, the magazine is read by a captive audience of influential socialites, celebrities, business owners and trendsetters. Each issue of The Society Diaries is proudly displayed in the most luxurious hotels, spas, retail points, and residences across Texas.

See below for a list of Dallas distribution spots:

Beer! Brauts! Polka! Get Ready For Addison Oktoberfest 2015

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Beer! Brauts! Polka! For nearly three decades, the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich has been held in Addison. This year, over 70,000 fans will come together September 17-20, 2015 to share a love of polka, German food and, of course, the same Paulaner Bier that will be served at Bavaria’s favorite festival. Named one of the country’s most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations by Forbes and USA Today, Addison Oktoberfest features four days of family-oriented entertainment. German entertainers in authentic costumes perform traditional Bavarian folk dances, schuhplattling, oompah music, sing-a-longs, yodels and more. A special “Oktoberfest” Paulaner Bier is served along with several types of German sausage, sauerkraut, strudel, giant pretzels and more. There are carnival rides, midway games, children’s entertainment and activities and a 5K run and 1 mile fun run benefiting Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. The Munich Evergreens from Germany return to headline the entertainment line-up, along with Grammy-award winning polka legends Brave Combo and dozens of authentic German entertainers.  Guests can register to dine at the Chamberlain’s Brau Haus for a full service dining experience featuring an exclusive menu at www.addisonoktoberfest.com.