Oh So Tasty: Ida Claire

So, here's the thing. My general rule is that this blog is about Dallas and the people, places and events that make Dallas such an amazing city to live in. Plano, Mesquite, Addison, Frisco, and Garland may be suburbs of Dallas - but they are not Dallas. And since I am only one person and this blog is not my full-time job, I've had to circle the wagons (so to speak) and set some geographical boundaries because there is only so much that one person can physically do. However, occasionally I make an exception to the rule, and such an exception was recently made when I received an invitation from Ida Claire on Beltline Road in Addison.

Touch your mouse to the image below to flip through a delicious slideshow:

some photos c/o Ida Claire

First off, can we just all acknowledge that Ida Claire is about the cutest name in the history of names. I am a total sucker for anything paying homage to Southern culture and the fun play on the classic Southern saying of "I declare" was too adorable to resist. Ida Claire is a one-off owned by Fork It Over Restaurants, the group that brought us Whiskey Cake in Plano, the Ranch at Las Colinas and Twin Peaks. The website explains that Ida Claire is "South of Ordinary" and that diners can expect an intriguing, southern-inspired destination for relaxing suppers, slow weekend brunching or a meeting hub for business lunches and happy hour. They claim that Southern hospitality is not something one does, it's the way one is. It's an attitude and way of life that is engrained in Southerners that makes people sincerely welcomed. I couldn't agree more!

Center for BrainHealth Celebrates Groundbreaking of Brain Performance Institute

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Photos by Grant Miller and Kristina Bowman


On Wednesday morning, October 14, more than 200 supporters and stakeholders gathered in a 40 x 130 foot air-conditioned tent located in the future location of the Center for BrainHealth’s brain gym, the Brain Performance Institute. The now empty parking lot adjacent to the Center for BrainHealth headquarters will be transformed into a gorgeous 62,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. Among those in attendance for the presentation and remarks were former NFL players Chad Hennings and Daryl “Moose” Johnston, Jennifer Clifford, Brent Christopher, John McStay, Lyda Hill, Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD., Nancy and Randy Bess, Paul Divis, Emy Lou and Jerry Baldridge, T. Boone Pickens, Randa Safady, PhD., Carter Tolleson, John Tolleson, Nancy and Robert Wilbur, Diane and Scott Sealy, Mary McDermott Cook, Kay Hammond, Sue and Pryor Blackwell, and Minnie and Bill Caruth III.  The groundbreaking moment was met with a standing ovation and cheers. Immediately following the program, guests filed to the back of the tent where a reception outfitted with mini construction cones, dump trucks and loaders awaited them. The Center for BrainHealth® at The University of Texas at Dallas is a scientific research institute committed to understanding, protecting, healing and enhancing the brain. With more than 75 fully funded research projects, scientific exploration at the Center for BrainHealth is leading edge, innovative, improving lives today and translating groundbreaking discoveries into practical clinical application. Cognitive neuroscience experts at the Center for BrainHealth® and its Brain Performance Institute™ are dedicated to developing and delivering effective, evidence-based protocols to build brain resilience, achieve brain regeneration, reverse losses in cognitive capacity and train the brain to maximize performance in people of all ages and stages. For more information, visit www.centerforbrainhealth.org.

Oh So Tasty: Brunch at Clark Food & Wine Co.

Shrimp & Grits at Clark Food & Wine Co.

Clark Food & Wine Co. is not only a labor of love for Randall Warder and his wife, Courtney, but also is a tribute to the woman who started it all: Warder's mom, Dianne, who encouraged her son's love of cooking from a young age. "Clark" is her maiden name, so it is both a nod to her and is a classic strong name that exudes America and "Main Street, USA." I do love a man that loves his Mama...

I was recently invited in for brunch and spent an enjoyable hour over mimosas with Mr. Warder visiting about the explosion in growth on Lower Greenville. Brunch includes favorites such as Hash & Eggs, made with a delicious signature smoked brisket hash with poached eggs, cilantro Hollandaise and toasted baquette, and the Smoked Fried Chicken, which is a smoked 1/2 chicken with sage breading, biscuits and pepper cream gravy and the ever-popular Shrimp & Grits.

Smoked Fried Chicken at Clark Food & Wine Co.

The menu at Clark Food & Wine Co. isn't fancy, but is approachable and fun, designed for everyday dining, not just special occasions. "It is your joint, your place to go and be known and enjoy," Warder said. Diners will find themselves presented with a cacophony of well-curated choices (you really can't go wrong here), allowing guests to customize their meals by selecting something sumptuous from the jars, small plates, boards, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and smoked meats that are a signature of Clark Food & Wine Co.

The service at Clark Food & Wine Co. features that Texas southern hospitality that's genuine, friendly, attentive but not at all smothering. The space itself invites its guests in without pretense or gimmick. Clean and simple, not overly decorated, and featuring natural light and materials like reclaimed wood and concrete. Large rolls of butcher paper hang from the walls, advertising fresh daily specials. Art on the walls is available for purchase from local Texas artists, including Melissa Ellis, whose modern canvases add just the right touch of color. The weathered, aged feeling extends to the bar, where rustic iron elements blend nicely into the natural space and the hand-crafted cocktails feel organic and right at home.

Clark Food & Wine Co. is located at 1920 Greenville Ave. in Dallas, Texas (really) and can be reached at 214.515.5500. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and brunch and is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. For more information, please visit www.clarkfoodandwine.com.

Shhh. I have a fashion secret and its name is Clothes Circuit

 

My friend, Samantha Stewart, has a great fashion blog called Style of Sam. I love that she's a working Mom with a toddler but still manages to look stylish - like, all the time. I was struck by an article she wrote several months ago on "investment dressing". The concept is to add a couple of designer items to your wardrobe each season to start to build the foundation of a quality wardrobe instead of just mass consuming inexpensive, trend pieces. That post was the inspiration for a segment we did today on WFAA's Good Morning Texas with Jane McGarry.  A few key wardrobe pieces we touched on that constitute a great investment piece were the cashmere sweater, a sweater dress, a great pair of boots, a designer handbag, a little black dress and a fur coat/jacket. Designer/luxury brands use a higher quality of fabrication so they last longer and the fit is amazing. And when you feel good, you exude a confidence that is contagious! Yes, it is true that you have to pay for luxury, but never fear! The secret to acquiring an amazing wardrobe on any budget is to shop consignment! I partnered with Clothes Circuit to show how these looks were completely attainable. For example? The Chanel boots Sam wore retailed for $1000, but at Clothes Circuit? They can be yours for $319. The little black dress LeeAnne wore is from Ellie Tahari (one of my favorite brands) and retailed for $495. At Clothes Circuit? This frock is only $49. And the black Prada trousers I am wearing in this segment retail for $500 but I bought them at Clothes Circuit for $57. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? Prada pants for $57 dollars!! It is crazy good!!

I am completely conflicted to share this information with you because I am truly giving away my best fashion secret... If, like me, you have champagne tastes on a beer budget you need to get in your car right now and start driving to Clothes Circuit. You will thank me. Profusely. Clothes Circuit is located at 6105 Sherry Lane (off of Preston Center) Dallas, TX 75225. www.clothescircuit.com 

This post was brought to you by Clothes Circuit. 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.

Casting Call: Food Network Star

One of Food Network’s most iconic shows, Food Network Star, is currently casting for season 12 and will be holding an open casting call in Dallas on Saturday, November 7th. They are looking "for those with a captivating personality who believe they’re at the top of the culinary game and want to inspire a Food Network audience through their passion for food and cooking."

Open Casting Call Date: Saturday, November 7th, 2015*
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: The Westin Dallas Park Central, 12720 Merit Drive, Dallas, TX 75251
Please visit www.FoodNetwork.com/Casting for additional information and to RSVP for this casting

*If you cannot make it to this event, check out where else we will be, or submit an application online!

Trace Adkins Headlines Carnival's Cowboy Ultimate Fan Fest

Carnival Cruise Line provided a day of gridiron-inspired fun at the Ultimate Cowboys Fan Fest held this weekend at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. More than 6,000 fans enjoyed a full schedule of activities, capped off by a free concert by country superstar Trace Adkins who treated fans to an hour-long performance of his biggest hits. Darren Woodson, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys, served as emcee for the event, which also included appearances by the Cowboys’ mascot Rowdy, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers and Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Drumline. Attendees took part in games that brought Carnival’s unique cruise experience to life, with mini-golf, a bean bag toss, ping pong, an inflatable slide shaped like the line’s iconic funnel, face-painting and a re-creation of the Football Academy training camp. Carnival also provided fans a taste of its onboard food and beverage offerings with a mocktail station featuring refreshing beverages inspired by the Caribbean-themed RedFrog Pub and BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery. Throughout the day, contestants were chosen at random and given the chance to compete in a football toss against the perennial all-star Woodson. At the top of every hour, one lucky attendee was chosen to win a Carnival cruise giveaway. For additional information and reservations for Carnival Cruise Line, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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photos provided by Carnival Cruise Line

Traffic LA Introduces Germany's Boulezar to Dallas

On Thursday, October 8th, Dallas style and social influencers attended the U.S. launch of international clothing brand, Boulezar. Hosted by Jessica Nowitzki and Anna-Sophia van Zweden at Traffic LA at The Joule, guests shopped to the beats of DJ Ralph Will, sipped Veev cocktails, and enjoyed bites by The Joule. Boulezar founder, Sebastian Kaiser describes the brand as a luxury casual wear brand known for its expert tailoring and utilization of premium fabrics. “True luxury - in my eyes - lies in the renunciation of the unnecessary, in true quality, fairness and the focus on the essential." mused Kaiser. At the event, Guests included: Tim Headington, Dirk Nowitzki, Brandon Carr, Chandler Parsons, Melissa Rountree, Heidi Dillon, LeeAnne Locken, Devin Harris, Zaza and Tina Pachulia, Dawn Mellon, Dwight Powell, John Jenkins, Justin Anderson, Kyle Noonan, Melbourne and Jamie O’Banion, and Joyce Goss. A portion of proceeds from the evening benefited the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas. The un-official after party happened next door at The Joule's new restaurant, Americano, which had opened that night. Thanks to CultureMap and the Dallas Observer for noting that my presence there made this night eminently more cool.

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Photos by Shana Anderson

Survivor's Jeff Probst To Host Organ Donation Fundraiser Benefiting Taylor's Gift

Jeff Probst 

Taylor’s Gift Foundation will be holding their inaugural “Outlive Yourself” Awards and fundraising event on November 5, 2015, at 3015 at Trinity Groves. The event will be held to honor those who are making a lasting difference in their community and the lives of others. Taylor’s Gift is a non-profit organization dedicated to the life-saving effort of increasing organ donor registrations and financially assist families touched by organ donation.

The foundation has consistently encouraged supporters to “Outlive Yourself” ever since they were founded in 2010. What does it mean to “Outlive Yourself?” It’s a spirit of giving and a mindset of going above and beyond for others and living selflessly. Taylor’s Gift encourages being an organ donor to be part of how you can Outlive Yourself. The Outlive Yourself awards will be hosted by Celebrity and Taylor’s Gift spokesperson, Jeff Probst, host of the CBS reality TV show, Survivor.

Probst will also serve as Honorary Chair alongside event chair, Kate Dorff. Dorff is a passionate supporter of organ donation; her sister, Abbye, received a heart transplant in April 2013, at the age of 26. Dorff’s grandmother was also a liver transplant recipient in 1994, and because of the selfless act of an organ donor, she was given another 17 years of life. Dorff has vowed to honor these two donors, their families and their selfless acts through supporting organizations like Taylor’s Gift. Karen Borta, CBS DFW News Anchor will be in attendance as the media host. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://blog.taylorsgift.org/event/2015awards

Aurora 2015 Dazzles and Delights 50K Plus

For one night, every two years, AURORA turns downtown Dallas into an open-air, urban playground of new media art: light, video, sound, performance, and projection on an unprecedented scale. Aurora’s aim is to liberate art from space and disciplinary confines, involving the general public and the international arts community in an inclusive and larger cultural conversation about artistic experience. This year, crowds attending Aurora-Powered by Reliant in the Dallas Arts District set a new record for attendance. Early estimates indicate 50,000 people poured into downtown to take in the expansive light, sound, performance and new media event that stretched across the 68-acre district. This year’s event featured 80 international, national and local artists. The 19-block Dallas Arts District was divided into sections, curated by six renowned artists. One section included art created by the talented students at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, whose campus sits in the district. Among the major installations was a new version of the video projection by German artist Leo Kuelbs and the artist collective 3_search. To the voice of an opera singer performing below, the images projected onto the Wyly Theatre made the cube-shaped building appear to contort, rise, and fall. At nearby mixed-use, high-rise One Arts Plaza, artist Memo Atkin projected a series of beams two miles into the sky, which created music when the lasers crossed and amazed the audience below. And a few blocks away, visitors could walk down “Memory Lane,” a long line of projected images of Dallas in the last century, provided by people from across North Texas.

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photos by Stevan Koye, Nathanael Rehlander and Carter Rose


This year’s Aurora included installations at a number of neighboring cultural and commercial institutions including the Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas Museum of Art, Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas City Performance Hall, Klyde Warren Park, Trammel Crow Center and the new HALL Arts. Installations were also created in the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, St. Paul’s Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church.

St. Jude Soars At Sponsor Party For Evening Under the Stars

St. Jude Evening Under the Stars is quickly approaching, and to thank the sponsors who are making this event possible, Margo and Jim Keyes held an intimate party at their airplane hanger on Thursday, Oct. 8. Evening Under the Stars co-chairs, Holly and Doug Brooks, thanked the sponsors and shared remarks as attendees enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres and pizza from Urban Crust. Later, guests listened as Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, M.D., from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital explained the importance of the sponsors' support toward research at the hospital. Many St. Jude supporters attended the party - including Dan and Lydia Novakov, Scott Murray, George and Marian Bryan, and Alan and Pennie Marshall. The St. Jude Evening Under the Stars party will be held on October 24 in the Omni Dallas Ballroom, with proceeds supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Tickets can be purchased online at, stjude.org/dallasevents.

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photos by Kristina Bowman

This year’s annual Evening Under the Stars Party & St. Jude Golf Classic will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Monday, Oct. 26, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Holly and Doug Brooks are co-chairing the event and David Feherty – former professional golfer, writer and broadcaster for the Golf Channel – will emcee the gala. The gala will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Omni Dallas Hotel and include a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, entertainment by Dallas String Quartet Electric, and both live and silent auctions. Several big-ticket items will be auctioned off at the event, including two tickets to the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, a private sailboat getaway through the British Virgin Islands and a private dinner at the home of four-time James Beard Award-nominated chef and restaurateur Kent Rathbun. The Golf Classic includes tee times at 8:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, at the Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco. Golfers will play in a scramble format on the 18-hole course. Individual tickets for the gala are $250 and $500 for the golf tournament. For more information about registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit, stjude.org/dallasevents

4th Annual John Wayne Film Festival Raises Funds For Cancer Research

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photos Shana Anderson

The 4th Annual John Wayne Film Festival set Dallas abuzz September 24th through 27th, keeping the legendary film star’s legacy alive by supporting the fight against cancer. The talent and charisma that John Wayne embodied was represented all about town through the presence of Wayne family members, including Patrick Wayne, Melinda Wayne-Munoz, Ethan Wayne, Marisa Wayne, Anita Swift, Jennifer Wayne, and Matthew Munoz. The festival kicked off on Thursday, September 24th, with the Wayne family and Festival Chairs Kara and Randall Goss, taking part in an Art Walk through Highland Park Village’s Beretta Gallery, St. Johns, Billy Reid, A-K-R-I-S, Carolina Herrera, and LAFCO New York. The family and chairs viewed the work of famous celebrity photographer John R. Hamilton at each participating store before attending the VIP screening of The Shootist at Highland Park Village Theatre. A VIP dinner and auction was held at host committee member’s Alberto and Vivian Lomabrdi’s Highland Park Village restaurant Bistro 31, and was attended by Wayne family members, festival chairs, and sponsors. John Wayne memorabilia and other impressive items such as an image of Wayne in The Searchers from the John R. Hamilton Collection, an image of John Wayne by pop artist DeVon, a John Wayne .45 pistol and custom case by America Remembers, a John Wayne guitar and case by ASG, and a diamond dust painting of Grace Kelly by Russell Young were auctioned off by auction sponsor Heritage Auctions. The night ended with a toe tapping, hand clapping performance by Wayne’s singer-songwriter granddaughter, Jennifer Wayne and Runaway June.

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Break Ground on STEM Center of Excellence

Technology continues to dominate much of our daily lives, but where is the female equivalent of Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg? According to Forbes, the problem starts as early as grade school. Young girls are rarely encouraged to pursue math and science, which is problematic considering studies show a lack of belief in intellectual growth can actually inhibit it. In addition, there exists an unconscious bias that science and math are typically “male” fields while humanities and arts are primarily “female” fields, and these stereotypes further inhibit girls’ likelihood of cultivating an interest in math and science. Popular culture plays a role, as well. Girls grow up seeing women in powerful positions as doctors and lawyers on TV, but the media continues to promote stereotypes when it comes to programmers, often portraying them as geeky men.

On September 24, the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) broke ground on Phase One of the first ever STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Whispering Cedars to encourage girls in North Texas to think outside of the traditional female roles. Located in South Dallas, the STEM Center of Excellence will be a living laboratory where girls in kindergarten through 12th grades can explore science, technology, engineering and math programs, activities and careers in a unique, girl-centered outdoor leadership environment. Construction has started on Phase One which includes The Rees-Jones Welcome Center and The Hoglund Foundation Girl Program Center. “We are so grateful to the numerous donors who are committed in investing in girls,” said Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. “We are committed to providing a 21st century facility and program that will provide the leadership skills, experiences, mentors and encouragement that girls need to increase their interest in STEM. Ultimately more girls in the STEM workforce pipeline is good for our entire community.”

GlassesShop Makes Optical Style Affordable

Wearing my new GlassesShop frames on a night out with
Heidi Dillon

Are you in the market for new prescription eyeglasses? Readers of this blog know I have champagne tastes on a beer budget, so when I got my recent prescription update there was no way I was going to one of the many high-priced optical boutiques for new frames. I was in the market for cheap glasses. Because style can be affordable!

I was invited to check out GlassesShop and was amazed by the incredible variety of shapes, sizes and colors they have available. You can upload a photo of yourself or take a new one using your computer's webcam and try on styles until you find the one that you feel is perfect for you! I don't think I saw any pair of frames over $40. You can also get prescription sunglasses at GlassesShop.

They currently have a campaign called First Pair of Glasses Free, which means all the new customers can have a pair of free glasses (except shipping and handling fee). Now THAT'S a great deal! Want another great deal? Use the coupon code GSHOT50 and take 50% off on eyeglasses and sunglasses with free lenses (sale frames excluded).Visit http://www.glassesshop.com/ today!

This post was brought to you by GlassesShop. 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.

Charles Haley Scores at 31st Annual CARE Breakfast

Charles Haley and Highland Park High School Football Team Captains at the 31st Annual CARE Breakfast

(Press Release) On Monday, October 5, 2015, CARE (Chemical Awareness Resources & Education) held its 31st Annual Breakfast at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Approximately 550 guests attended the breakfast featuring 2015 NFL Hall of Fame inductee and former Dallas Cowboys player, Defensive end/Linebacker Charles Haley, Honorary Co-chairs Natalie and Mike McGuire, and Master of Ceremonies Scott Murray. Together, they helped raise an impressive $238,000 for CARE and the crucial assistance they provide for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol dependencies. Prior to the Breakfast, Haley hosted “Huddle With Haley” with more than 100 local high school and college students. Teams in attendance included Hillcrest High School, Highland Park High School, Paul Quinn College, Pinkston High School, W.T. White High School and Woodrow Wilson High School. Students huddled around Haley as he shared his journey with bipolar disorder and drug abuse. He also shared a message of inspiration and dedication with the student-­‐athletes, reminding them: “No matter what you’re going through, where you live, you have to dream big.”

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Photos by Rhiannon Lee

7th Annual Burgers & Burgundy benefitting DIFFA/Dallas Sizzles

Chef John Tesar and Honorary Chair Terri Provencal 

Celebrity Chef John Tesar hosted Burgers & Burgundy, benefitting DIFFA/Dallas (The Dallas Chapter of Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) at the Gardens of the Seanor Estate on Friday, October 2, 2015. This year, Tesar kicked it up a notch by inviting some of his friends from cities across the U.S. including Los Angeles, Denver and Waltham, to cook with him at the event. Each nationally renowned chef was tasked with the challenge to serve up the best burger sliders and complement them with the burgundy of their choice. Some of the chefs participating in this year’s event were, John Tesar (Knife, Dallas) Blaine Staniford (Grace, Fort Worth) Matt McCallister (FT33, Dallas) Kevin Williamson (Ranch 616, Austin) Kris Morningstar (Terrine Restaurant, Los Angeles) Justin Bronson (Old Major, Denver) Tre Wilcox (Cooking Concepts by Tre Wilcox, Dallas) Joshua Smith (Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions, Waltham, MA) Jason Campbell (Whole Foods, Dallas) Brian Luscher (The Grape, Dallas) Sharon Van Meter (3015 at Trinity Groves, Dallas) Samir Dhurandhar (Nick & Sam’s, Dallas). This year’s Event Chair, Olivia Zokai, was joined by long-time supporter and Honorary Chair Terri Provencal at this annual event.

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Photos by Rhi Lee

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Announces Honorary Chairs of the 2016 Fashion Show & Luncheon

Carmaleta Whiteley, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Myrna Schlegel, Krystal Schlegel, Kari Kloewer, Karen Dealy 

There was standing room only at The Residences at The Stoneleigh on October 1 as Carmaleta Whiteley, chair of the 2016 Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon “Twenty-Five Years of Giving” announced Myrna Schlegel and her daughters, Kimberly Whitman, Kari Kloewer and Krystal Schlegel, as honorary chairs of next year's 2016 Fashion Show & Luncheon to be held on Monday, May 2 event at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Carmaleta recognized Women’s Auxiliary president, Karen Dealy, announcing that this year celebrates the Auxiliary’s 25th anniversary. A very special thank you went to Mehrdad Moayedi, owner of The Residences at The Stoneleigh, for his generosity in sponsoring the evening’s event, and to graphic artist Lynn Dealey, for her logo and invitation designs. Major Barbara Rich, Associate DFW Metroplex Commander for The Salvation Army, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, saying The Salvation Army houses up to 1,000 people each night and their supporter’s donations and considerations are crucial to The Salvation Army’s mission. The Salvation Army’s DFW Metroplex Commander, Major Jonathan Rich, then led the group in a prayer of gratefulness and service.

Click below to scroll through the slideshow of images from this event:


photos Daniel Drensky


At the event, the morning will begin with a reception and silent auction with some one-of-a-kind items and packages exclusive to this very popular happening. Guests will be dazzled by the floral designs sponsored by Heritage Auctions and find fabulous buys while shopping in the Chic Boutique sponsored by Tootsies. Ron Corning of WFAA TV Channel 8 will have everyone entertained as the emcee. The exciting runway presentation is produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple. There will be a presentation and a few surprises mingled in, followed by a fabulous luncheon. Oh So Cynthia is proud to be the official blog sponsor for this event. Tickets are available beginning at $500. For more information on the Fashion Show & Luncheon or Women’s Auxiliary membership, visit the website at http://www.sawadallas.org.

Casting Call: The Amazing Race

CBS 11 will host an open casting call for “The Amazing Race” on Friday, October 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Prestige Ford, 3601 South Shiloh Road (just off of Interstate-635 at Garland Road) in Garland. Prospective teams of two will record a short (up to one minute in length) video to be submitted to the show’s casting directors for consideration.

To be eligible, both team members must:
— Be 21 years or older at the time of application.
— Be United States citizens and be living in the United States.
— Be in excellent physical and mental health and be willing to undertake physical and psychological examinations.
— Be willing to authorize producers to conduct a background check.

Beyond these basic qualifications and any additional qualifications set forth in the application, the producers are looking for a diverse group of men and women who represent a broad cross-section of American society.

Contestants will be selected based upon having the following traits:
— Strong-willed
— Outgoing
— Adventurous
— Physically and mentally adept
— Adaptable to new environments
— Interesting lifestyles, backgrounds and personalities

Click here for more information about “The Amazing Race” casting process.

photo c/o CBS

Forty Five Ten kicks off Art For Advocacy with Donald Robertson and Linda Rodin

Linda Rodin, Brian Bolke, Donald Robertson

Art for Advocacy kicked-off its annual auction event at Forty Five Ten on Thursday, September 24th. Store owner Brian Bolke welcomed celebrated artist Donald Robertson and Linda Rodin, the famed stylist and founder of Rodin Olio Lusso. Event Chairs Paige and John Slates were joined by Art Chairs Holly Johnson and Cris Worley, Friday Roundup Chair Nancy Cohen Israel, Christen and Derek Wilson, John Erdos, Heidi Dillon, Lael Brodsky, Gina Ginsberg, Lisa Moore, Lynn McBee, Jamie and Melbourne O’Banion, Jennie Reeves, Claire Emanuelson, Shelle and Michael Sills, Muffin Lemak and a host of other Dallas socials. Donald Robertson, known for his cheeky illustrations and almost cult-worthy Instagram account (@drawbertson) signed his latest children’s book, Mitford at the Fashion Zoo and revealed his design for “Chic Dallas Ladies”- Forty Five Ten’s Fall campaign with illustrations of some of Dallas’ most fashionable women on Forty Five Ten shopping bags. His work is also featured in the store’s Fall catalog, windows and in-store displays. Linda Rodin shared her new Facial Cleansing Powder and limited edition holiday products with her devoted fans. Ten percent of the evening’s sales benefited the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

Britt Harless Debuts New Nature Inspired BAHZ Jewelry Collection

Britt Harless’s creations are proof that it’s possible to turn even the most devastating circumstances into something truly beautiful. Two years ago, Harless’s best friend passed away suddenly, leaving behind Harless’s two teenage goddaughters. Her father had a second stroke, and she became his main caregiver. Then, her 9-year old dog got cancer and died. She didn’t just feel sad, she felt helpless. When Harless was at her lowest, she would go outside and study the oak trees in her backyard. Nature was a balm to her soul as she studied the curves of the bare trees in the deepest Dallas winter. 

“The ebbs and flows of branches knotting in different directions were so gorgeous. I started paying more attention to the natural patterns and textures all around me, and it turned my heart to more hopeful, positive thinking. Even when the trees were bare, they still represented strength, nurture, protection, and resilience. Their stoic, imperfect beauty was stunning. Inspired by their message of annual renewal, I started to sketch again, and once I started I couldn’t stop. I found my way back to a central creative passion that I had left behind years ago, and that led to BAHZ,” said Harless, who made the name from her initials. This new BAHZ collection sprouted from those sketches and is an artistic interpretation of both the oak trees in her yard and the driftwood branches Harless’s mother would collect when she was growing up.

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman Publishes Monograms For The Home

Maggie Kipp, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Ann Marie Marthens, Julie Clancy, Jamie O'Banion & Nancy Gopez

Reese Witherspoon once famously said, "My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it's not moving, monogram it." This is a motto that most Southern women live by so it's no surprise that the first printing of Kimberly Schlegel Whitman's seventh book, Monograms For The Home: The Art of Marking Your Mark - which debuted September 1 - quickly sold out and the publisher has already ordered its second printing. On September 11, FGI of Dallas and IBB Design in Frisco hosted a luncheon to celebrate one of Dallas most beloved and accomplished women. Whitman is a Southern Living editor at large, TV host, author, wife/Mother and all-around amazing friend. She's the kind of gal you just love to root for and I couldn't be more pleased to call her a friend.

Junior League of Dallas Announces Theme for 54th Annual Dallas Ball

(Press release) On September 22, 2015, Junior League of Dallas (JLD) members, sponsors and donors gathered at Museum Tower for the highly anticipated announcement of the theme and entertainment for the 54th Annual Junior League of Dallas Ball, presented by Sewell, set for Saturday, February 20, 2016, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. JLD Ball Chair Ashley Allen, along with Honorary Ball Chair Debbie Oates, revealed the theme, To Dallas With Love, which is inspired by James Bond. Tom Addis Productions will bring James Bond to life for guests and create the exciting 007 inspired evening, which will also feature a fantastic big board silent auction.

This year, the annual JLD Ball will feature three entertainers throughout the evening. Dallas-based singer/songwriter/band leader Hunter Sullivan and his trio will kick things off during the VIP sponsor reception. Together, they have built a solid reputation as the go-to source for authentic presentation of the best in Great American Songbook, classic pop and romantic ballads. During dinner, guests will enjoy the sounds of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra, a 35-piece orchestra comprised of professional wind, brass and percussion players. Following dinner, patrons will be on their feet and out on the dance floor with the upbeat, high-energy music from Think Big Party with the Bulletproof Brass Band.  For individual tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.jld.net or contact the JLD Development Office at 214-357-8822, ext. 118, for more information.


Photo: Junior League of Dallas Honorary Ball Chair Debbie Oates and Junior League of Dallas Ball Chair Ashley Allen. Photographer: Rhi Lee

Bottega Veneta Hosts TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation

(Press release) Bottega Veneta at NorthPark Center recently hosted a champagne reception on September 23 for TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation in recognition of NorthPark50: Fifty Years of Giving. TeamConnor is the legacy of eight-year-old Connor Cruse of Frisco who lost his four-year battle with neuroblastoma in 2009. TeamConnor has awarded $1.7 Million in funding for childhood cancer research and patient programs across the country since 2008. “Bottega Veneta has been a wonderful partner,” said Jamie Singer, TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation executive director. “In addition to a generous donation to fight childhood cancer, even brought in special butterfly-themed items in honor of our organization’s logo. And we can’t say enough about the support we’ve received from NorthPark Center.” NorthPark Center is helping with the underwriting of art boxes that TeamConnor donates for Stem Cell Transplant patients at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD) at Children’s Health in Dallas. Each art box contains carefully selected art and music materials that reflect the individual interests of the Patient. When a child undergoes a stem cell transplant, they have to be in isolation for 30 – 90 days. The art boxes are individually prepared with the child’s interests and hobbies in mind. An art box might include several games and art projects and books to engage the child and take his or her mind off their treatment for even a short time.