The Cast of #RHOD Hits Hollywood

The ladies of Real Housewives of Dallas have just boarded a plane to Los Angeles for a West Coast media blitz. Over the next few days they will be batting their fake eyelashes and dropping their best Southern drawls to charm La-La-Land media. They have lots of segments booked on national TV shows and a fun dinner planned with Real Housewives of New York "sorority sisters" Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley and newbie Julianne "Jules" Wainstein! Follow me on Twitter for live updates or check back on the blog for updates on their adventures!

To read more about the Real Housewives of Dallas, CLICK HERE!

Young Friends of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Host Cactus and Clovers 2016

photos: John “Doc” Strange


Young Friends of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) hosted its 13th Annual Fundraiser “Cactus and Clovers” at Chicken Scratch/The Foundry on Thursday, March 17. Chaired by Perri Brighiu, Kaleta Johnson, and Peyton Riley, the Texasthemed St. Patrick’s Day concert benefit featured live music by The Ray Johnston Band from Austin, delectable drinks and barbecue, dancing, and a silent auction. Young Friends of RMHD, an auxiliary organization of 300 Dallas professionals aging from 24-35, lend their visibility and efforts to help raise funds to support the 1,800 families who stay in the House while their children are receiving treatment for illnesses or injuries at Dallas hospitals. Established in 1981, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 36,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. For more information, please contact Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354, or visit www.rmhdallas.org.

Real Housewives of Dallas Taglines Revealed

Taglines for the Real Housewives of Dallas were released today and it revealed several interesting facts! For starters, the ladies are holding stars. No shocker here. Atlanta holds a peach, Beverly Hills holds diamonds, New York holds an apple. A star is a natural choice for Texas, considering we ARE the Lone Star state! The most anticipation from fans is always over what the ladies tag lines will be, so without further ado:

Brandy Redmond quips, "I was a Cowboys cheerleader. In Dallas, I'm never on the sidelines."
Tiffany Hendra purrs, "I came home to Dallas to shine my light... not fight."
Cary Deuber exclaims, "I'm not a trophy wife, I'm a lifetime achievement award!"
Stephanie Hollman says, "I'm the girl next door, if you live in a big 'ole mansion."
LeeAnne Locken fires off, "I grew up a carnie kid, play games with me you're gonna pay."

What do you think of the opener and the ladies taglines? I hope everyone is as EXCITED as I am for the show! Set your DVRs for Monday, April 11 at 9PM CST for the debut of The Real Housewives of Dallas!

To read more about the Real Housewives of Dallas, CLICK HERE!

An Inside Look At Mrs. & Mr. Smith

photos: Cynthia Smoot and Jai Carol and Co


On Saturday, March 26, 2016, Pat & Emmitt Smith held a private viewing party at their North Dallas home for the premiere of Mrs. & Mr. Smith, their one-hour special on OWN TV. The episode followed Pat's journey as she wrangles 5 kids, a superstar husband and, like every woman in America, struggles to not lose herself in the process. We learned about Pat's commitment to faith and philanthropy and see how she's making a difference in the world through her charities, Treasure You and Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. Depending on ratings and social buzz, the pilot could be turned into a reality series. Fingers crossed, Pat. I'd love to see more of your journey! To learn more about Pat Smith, visit http://patsmithenterprises.com.

Empty Bowls Feeds and Fulfills

On March 11, samplings from North Texas’ finest restaurants and handcrafted bowls from some of the area’s potters, wood turners and glass artists were featured at this year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser. Hosted by Kroger, the 17th annual event featured more than 20 restaurants eager to feed those in attendance. Guests enjoyed lunch at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, while supporting the North Texas Food Bank. In addition to soup and other bowl friendly fare from 20 of North Texas’ finest restaurants, attendees could select a handcrafted bowl from some of Texas’ finest artists as a memento of the day. Participating restaurants included Blue Mesa Grill, Celebration Market and Restaurant, Dining at the Meyerson, Empire Baking Co., Kroger, Low Country Quisine, McAlister’s Deli, Meso Maya, Mi Cocina, Mozzarella Company, NTFB Community Kitchen, Panera Bread, Royal Cup Coffee, Snappy Salads, SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, Tejano Brothers, True Food Kitchen, Urban Crust, and Wolfgang Puck Catering. The Dallas Empty Bowls event was created more than fifteen years ago by local potters, John and Darlene Williams, and has become a community staple - raising $161,121 for the North Texas Food Bank. Preliminary results from this year's event indicate that there was a nearly 30% increase in revenue over last year, an incredible feat for the North Texas Food Bank and all those who assisted in making this another remarkable event. The funds raised will provide access to more than 600,000 meals for those in need. All proceeds benefited the North Texas Food Bank. ntfb.org/emptybowls

Dallas Jewelry Designer To Launch Social Media Campaign To Promote Female Empowerment

Dallas jewelry designer Radhika Zaveri is launching “WHY NOT?” a social media campaign to promote female empowerment at a fashion show on Thursday, March 31. The Sukan fashion show will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 6610 Aberdeen Avenue in Dallas. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the campaign and Sukan’s mission to empower female artisans in India.

"The idea for this campaign came from my 12 year old son, Zubin. Our jewelry is a keepsake and can be passed on to daughters with a message on women's empowerment, making it a beautiful gift for life." says Zaveri. "Likewise, the conversation between mother/daughter is a life long message passed down to kids as they prepare to challenge gender expectations of life for themselves and others. The fact that my son came up with the idea is even more remarkable since while being a boy (and only child with no sisters), he appreciates the need for female empowerment - that is what really touches me."

Participants will be challenged to develop creative Instagram messages that question gender expectations, write them on a visible part of their body making it a personal commitment and post them to Instagram using the hashtag “#sukanwhynot?” and tag friends to join in by posting their own messages. The “WHY NOT?” campaign will run through May 8, when 10 participants will be randomly selected to receive a Sukan gift card.

Sukan is a modern luxury jewelry collection designed by Zaveri. All of the pieces are hand crafted by female artisans living in India. “At Sukan, modern female empowerment means being who you are and being financially independent,” explained Zaveri. “That is why all of our jewelry is made by female artisans in India. We want to help transform the lives of those artisans by making them less reliant on others for finances.” For further information, please visit www.sukanjewelry.com.

Symphony of Chefs Funds New Hugworks Children’s Network

photos c/o of Larry Sengbush


KidLinks hosted its sixth annual “Symphony of Chefs” fine dining event on Monday, February 29th at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Approximately 200 attendees experienced an evening of fine dining with renowned local chefs as they each prepared a five-course dinner tableside. Attendees also experienced an intimate musical performance by the Dallas Electric String Quartet. “Symphony of Chefs was a resounding success this year thanks to our amazing chefs, including Chef Dean Fearing, who all donated their time and talent to our cause,” says Diana Crawford, CEO of KidLinks. “But what made this year extra special was our ability to announce that, thanks to the money raised at last year’s Symphony of Chefs, we’ve been able to launch Hugworks Children’s Network in record time.”   The music and the messages lovingly created by KidLinks over the years take on new life and meaning as part of an entertainment service accessible via the internet. Hugworks Children’s Network gives hospitalized children the ability to enjoy – free-of-charge –positive, original content developed specifically to ease fears prior to admission, provide comfort while hospitalized, and inspire long after discharge.

Beauty Live 2016 Showcases Olympians, Real Housewives, Beauty Brandsand More April 9-10

Every year, thousands of women join together at Galleria Dallas for Beauty Live, the largest consumer beauty event in the Southwest. This year, the event is April 9-10, and new this year, tickets are not required for the onstage expert sessions. Fashion and figure skating icon Johnny Weir will be onsite at Galleria Dallas on Sunday, April 10 to dish on his fashion secrets with Steve Kemble and to skate for fans! In addition to onstage sessions, there are fun, free experiences around every corner. Dozens of beauty experts populate Beauty Stops throughout the center, where you can experience the latest smoky eye or glam lip, enjoy bang trims and braids at the TONI&GUY Braid Bar, experience hand massages and much more – all for free! The Beauty Hub is your destination for great information and experiences, including learning selfie tips from Dallas’ top beauty experts. Throughout the center, guests will enjoy fun, free entertainment including live DJ’s, a glam photo booth, and palm and lip readings where shoppers will be presented a special nail polish selected based upon the results. Complete session details can be found below or by visiting www.galleriadallas.com/beautylive.

Oh So Tasty: Biergarten

photos c/o Biergarten


Biergarten on Lamar opened last November and this past week, I finally got around to a visit to check out this modern take on the classic German-style beer garden. After visiting several German-style beer gardens around the world, Nick & Sam's owner, Joseph Palladino, had an a-ha moment and realized that this was a concept lacking in Dallas. Following two years of intensive research and planning, and several trips to Europe to find the perfect beers and brats, Biergarten was born. Located steps from the Convention Center, Biergarten is the perfect place for conventioneers to relax, roll up their sleeves and do business, but it's also a great destination for Dallas residents and Downtown professionals. The stylish German bar and restaurant outside the entrance to the Omni Dallas Hotel features a wraparound patio facing Dallas’ thriving downtown. An authentic German atmosphere greets every guest, and the menu beckons with such signature items as pastrami, baked pretzels, bratwurst and knockwurst. It features an ivy-covered outside patio and a timeless interior design with white brick, light woods and a warm, casual setting.

Biergarten has a great new special happening this month called ‘Mocktoberfest’ - because why wait until the fall to put on your Lederhosen and fill up your stein? You’ll want to raise a stein to this deal, which includes one mini burger slider, one mini schnitzel slider, one mini brat and two sides (cole slaw and Joe’s potato salad), PLUS a 16 oz. Oktoberfest beer in a souvenir Paulaner Okto mug…all for just $15 through March 31. “For a city that appreciates great food and beer, Mocktoberfest gives us an exciting opportunity to showcase our authentic German menu,” said Executive Chef Angelo Landi of Biergarten, located just outside the entrance to the Omni Dallas Hotel. “Biergarten is the closest you can get to Germany without leaving Dallas.” Biergarten is located at 665 S Lamar St #1, Dallas, TX 75202.(214) 303-1880, http://biergartenonlamar.com

Junior League Embraces To Dallas With Love

Christie Carter, Bonner Allen, Meredith Camp, Susan Jenevein, Meredith Mosley, Julie Bagley. Photo by Dana Driensky

The Junior League of Dallas hosted the 54th Annual Ball, presented by Sewell, Saturday, February 20, 2016, in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. This year’s theme, To Dallas With Love, was inspired by James Bond and embraced the hard work of JLD members, who together serve as secret agents throughout the community. Ashley Allen served as ball chair and honorary ball chair was Debbie Oates.  Among those in attendance were Junior League of Dallas President Meredith Mosley, Matt Mosley, Marcus Allen, Junior League of Dallas President-Elect Bonner Allen, Ball Chair-Elect Isabell Novakov, Ashlee and Trey Weidner, Past President Christie Carter, Past President Julie Bagley, Past President Susan Wells Jenevein, Melissa and Steve Cooksey, Catherine and Stephen Tolerico, Emily Eisenhauer, Darryl Freling, Joanna Clarke, Julie O’Conner, David Sparkman, Greg Nieberding, Susan and Dean McSherry, Trisha Cunningham and Andy Smith. Tom Addis Productions created the exciting 007 evening, which also featured a big board silent auction. Three entertainers were featured throughout the evening. Dallas-based singer/songwriter/band leader Hunter Sullivan and his trio kicked off the evening at the Major Donor Reception, underwritten by PlainsCapital Bank. Guests purchased keys to open the box containing an 18- karat yellow gold and diamond flower pendant with 0.43 carats total weight of fancy yellow diamonds and 0.50-carat round brilliant cut white diamond, compliments of William Noble Rare Jewels. During dinner, guests enjoyed the sounds of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra, a 35-piece orchestra comprised of professional wind, brass and percussion players. Following dinner, patrons were on their feet dancing to the upbeat, high-energy music from Think Big Party with the Bulletproof Brass Band. For more information, please visit www.jld.net.

Join Me for Rock Stars, Housewives and Cocktails at KVIL Runway 1037

Fashion. Food. Rock Stars. Real Housewives. Cocktails and more cocktails. This year's KVIL Runway 1037 event (formerly Wine and Dine) set for March 31 is poised to be one of the season's can't miss evenings. Take the glitz and glamour of New York Fashion Week, the fanfare of Bravo’s Project Runway, mix it together with the nostalgia of MTV’s Fashionably Loud and “KVIL RUNWAY 1037” is born! CBS Radio is bringing a classic high fashion event to one of the country’s biggest metro areas where it belongs, Dallas Texas. Complete with the best of DFW’s local designers, runway show, cocktails, gourmet bites and special musical guests, “KVIL Runway 1037” will usher in a new era in high fashion and will put the Dallas Metroplex on display as the high fashion capital that it has become. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kvil-runway-1037-tickets-21021312311. I hope to see you there!

Summer Read: Beloved Over All by Plano's Irene Sandell

With Summer fast approaching, I thought I'd share a great new read out by a local author. Irene Sandell’s award winning novels combine her love of Texas history with her passion for writing. The Plano author books that tell the heartfelt stories of her people woven into true places and events. She has just released her fourth novel, Beloved Over All.  For me, Sandell is more than just an author, she is one of my Mother's dearest childhood friends and my namesake! Readers know her as Irene Sandell but her friends and family know her as Cindy Sandell.

All of her books have a common theme - and that is a love for Texas. I asked Sandell where her fascination with Texas history came from. "Texas has such a rich and varied history. From the Native American cultures, to Spanish and French explorers, to the waves of immigrants from the United States and Europe, there is hardly an event in our American experience that has not been played out in Texas in some way. And of course, the history of Texas is my field of study, so I am drawn to those stories."

Her latest novel, Beloved Over All, is set in the tumultuous years following the American Civil War when frontier settlers were thrown up against the Native American tribes of the Western Plains of Texas. "My inspiration for this book came from the collection of personal stories handed down through families that I have been told over the years, as well as stories I had found through research, all tales of the courage and daring of those early pioneers. All my characters and events in the book are based on true accounts. What I think might be unexpected by the reader is the humanity of my characters and how they still resonate today. Beloved Over All is a saga of the daring and passion of the soldiers, hunters, cowboys and settlers who tamed the Texas plains, and the central character of the novel is a young mother, Stella Carter, whose unwavering love for her child sustains her through great hardship. Her passion and her reactions to events is a timeless story of great courage, and readers today can identify with these same emotions."

Irene has been recognized as a finalist for the WILLA Literary Award for two of her novels, River Of The Arms of God (2009) and The House On Swiss Avenue (2013). In 2014, she was named Southwest Author of the Year by the Duncanville Library Association, and she has received several other regional awards. Sandell will be speaking in the Aldredge House Speaker Series at the Swiss Avenue Historic Home Tour on Saturday, May 7, 2:00 p.m., and she will also be signing books during the weekend festival. Her books are available on www.amazon.com/author/irenesandell www.nook.com or www.irenesandell.com.

FGI Dallas Celebrates Local Rising Stars of 2016

photos c/o Gregory Martin and QC Cong


Fashion Group International of Dallas is part of Fashion Group International, Inc., a global, non-profit, professional organization with more than 6,000 members representing all areas of the fashion industry. Fashion Group International, Inc. provides a high-profile forum to promote the fashion business by hosting events that educate and facilitate the exchange of ideas by giving back to the community. On Tuesday, March 8 at Galleria Dallas,Fashion Group International Dallas (FGI of Dallas) celebrated Dallas’ most notable young talent in the world of fashion, art and design. The event kicked off with a fashion show produced by Jan Strimple, featuring pieces from the three fashion nominees and event sponsors: Banana Republic, Belk, Rangler, Express, BCBGeneration and Club Monaco. Event chair and owner of Couture Rocks, Carinthia Kishaba, introduced the night’s emcee Courtney Kerr. After weeks of voting, the 2016 Rising Star winners were announced. The big winners of the night were:

• Accessories: handbag designer, Allison Mitchell 
• Art: La Toya Jones 
• Fashion: Binzario Couture - Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario 
• Interior Design: James “JT” Turner 
• Make-Up Artistry: Shane Monden 
• Photography: Jason Fitzgerald 
• People’s Star Award: bowtie designer, Jeremy M. Calhoun

Following the presentation, guests celebrated in the “alley” where the “fashion police” gave fashion citations and restaurants from Galleria Dallas provided the food. Austin Cocktails provided the beverages for the event. For more information about FGI Dallas visit http://dallas.fgi.org/.

Roma's Celebrates National Artichoke Day on March 16

Roma's is celebrating National Artichoke Day with items such as Chicken Capri and Fried Artichokes 

Every day is a new reason to celebrate something and today, March 16, the nation will celebrate National Artichoke Day! According to Greek mythology, Zeus can be credited for creating the artichoke. After being rejected by a beautiful woman, Zeus got angry and turned her into a thorny and difficult thistle. According to folk lore, artichokes are tough on the outside and soft on the inside, and well equipped to play the game of hard-to-get, but their history as an aphrodisiac is mostly due to legend. Another artichoke tidbit is that Catherine de Medici, known for her insatiable appetite for both food and romance, brought artichokes to France when she married Henry II in the 16th century. In the 17th century, French writer and sexologist Dr. Nicolas Venette, documented that Swedish women who were feeling neglected in the bedroom would serve their husbands artichokes in an attempt to increase their desire and stamina. Whether or not you believe in the romantic properties of the artichoke, eating one certainly can't hurt. Studies show that they are packed with healthy antioxidants and are mighty delicious too! A medium sized globe artichoke is fat free and has only 25 calories. And lastly, did you know that the artichoke is a variety of a thistle? Why no, I did not. So many reason's to celebrate this succulent veggie!

Create a new Texas burger for McDonald's and win $5000

Now through March 27, customers may visit www.mcdburgershowdown.com to create their own personalized burger for a chance to win $5,000! McDonald's surveyed Texans across the state to hear what they’d like to taste on their “Texas” burger to help them come up with the tastiest ingredients.

Guests may choose from current McDonald’s items and some new, unique additions. North Texans may select up to 10 toppings, condiments and flavors, name their burger and share it on social media. Voting will take place April 2 – 15.

The winning burger will be announced in June 2016 and will then be available at all participating McDonald’s restaurants throughout the state of Texas.

Ba da da da da. I'm loving it.

Dallas Designer Esé Azénabor Is Poised To Become Fashion's Next Big Thing

Tammy Franklin, Vivica A. Fox, Natasha Hastings, Pat Smith

Meet the woman is is poised to become fashion's next big thing: Esé Azénabor. Hailing from a family who considered fashion design more of a hobby than a career, Azénabor initially had to sweep her creative urges under the rug. The Azénabor name was grounded in the fields of medicine, law, and engineering, and Esé, in turn, attended the University of Windsor in Windsor in Ontario, Canada, and majored in accounting. A move to Dallas followed to pursue a Master’s Degree at Southern Methodist University. It was in Dallas that Esé began to follow her dreams and started designed handmade dresses for herself, friends and family. In 2012, without any financial assistance, this self-taught designer traded predictable college life for the wild world of fashion with the launch of her self-titled ready-to-wear line. At her sewing machine, she conceptualized her fascination for heavy hand beading, crocheted lace, exquisite fabrics and embroidery. Inspired by a combination of vintage, African, Egyptian, and contemporary European influences, she merged cultures to create her debut of her Haute-Couture and Ready-to-wear luxurious collection. Esé Azénabor has now debuted five collections including her Fall/Winter 2015 collection inspired by Henry VIII as well as her Spring/Summer 2016 Collection with the theme of The Garden of Eden during New York’s Fashion Week and proved herself to definitely be one to watch in seasons to come. Esé Azénabor’s designs are inspired by the arts and her culture. They are daring, luxurious, extravagant, and shows her artistic side through her beading and attention to detail.

16th Annual Destiny Awards Receives An Amazing Match For St. Philip’s School & Community Center

photos c/o St. Philip’s School and Community Center


The 16th Annual Destiny Awards Luncheon garnered historical success with a match donation of $250,000 from Gradus for St. Philip’s School and Community Center. The event raised more than $900,000 on Friday, March 4. Over 700 guests attended the monumental luncheon this year where St. Philip’s also celebrated it’s 70th year of ministry, education and service in the South Dallas community. The event featured a moderated interview of Oscar nominated, Emmy, Tony and SAG award winning Viola Davis by WFAA reporter Rebecca Lopez. Ms. Davis captivated and inspired guests with her message as she described her path to success out of abject poverty “My passion was bigger than my circumstances,” Ms. Davis stated. This year’s Honorary Chairs were Pat and Emmitt Smith, the two were 2015 Destiny Award Luncheon keynote speakers. Longtime friends, supporters and board members, Sherrelle Evans-Jones and Paula Mitchell, were the Event Co-Chairs. Abigail and Todd Williams received the first Humanitarian Award, which recognizes exceptional work toward bridging relationships between diverse communities. The two are both phenomenal educational philanthropists in the DFW metroplex. St. Philip’s Alumni and current student at Uplift Williams Predatory School, Alexander Huerta presented the inaugural award.  St. Philip’s School & Community Center St. Philip’s is a private Christian school in southern Dallas serving over 200 students PreK2 to 6th grade (2-12) and a multi-faceted community center providing numerous athletic, educational and social services to approximately 3,000 children, youth and adults annually. For more information on St. Philip’s School & Community Center, visit www.stphilips1600.org.

State Fair of Texas Announces Agriculture Theme For 2016

Even the most casual reader of this blog knows of my obsession with the State Fair of Texas. From it's vast fried food options to the countless blue-ribbon contests they hold to the Midway rides, you just cannot beat the Fair for a day of fun (and people-watching). The countdown to fun has officially begun – only 200 days until the State Fair of Texas® begins its annual 24-day run. With agriculture, education and community involvement at the heart of every decision, the State Fair passionately pursues opportunities to expand and build upon its mission.

This year the State Fair of Texas celebrates 130 years of history with the city of Dallas and the great Lone Star State. Originally established as a livestock exposition back in 1886, it is without question that the Fair has deep roots in agriculture. In honor of its history, the Fair constantly strives to promote agricultural education and aims to further support this initiative through its 2016 event, themed “Celebrating Texas Agriculture.” This year’s exposition will run Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 23 at historic Fair Park in Dallas.

House Of Blues Unveils A New Look For The Foundation Room

photos c/o House of Blues


Founded in 1992, House of Blues currently operates in eleven cities throughout the United States and form the country’s pre-eminent group of intimate music venues. Each venue features state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom designed environments aimed to bring fans as close as possible to the artists. Every location’s restaurant and bar is adorned with signature original folk-art – part of the world’s largest collection – combined with the House of Blues legendary hospitality and tantalizing cuisine. The crown jewel of any HOB location is their Foundation Room. Members receive access to pre-sale tickets at House of Blues and other Dallas music venues with premium seat locations. Priority entrance and personal concierge service are among some of the VIP membership amenities together with a robust loyalty program with rewards that include an artist meet and greet. Located within the historic White Swan Building, the Foundation Room in Dallas has recently been redesigned and poised as a public, upscale nightlife destination centrally located in the heart of Downtown Dallas. The refresh features exotic Moroccan-inspired décor, intuitive lighting and audio systems, an elevated nightlife atmosphere, newly added craft cocktails utilizing seasonal ingredients, a modernized lounge menu, and an outdoor space filled with plush seating overlooking the Dallas skyline. To learn more, visit http://www.houseofblues.com/dallas/fr.

Dallas Zoo Gives New Home to 5 Elephants Rescued From Swaziland, Africa

This past Friday, the Dallas Zoo and two partners successfully completed a rescue mission to relocate 17 elephants from drought-stricken Swaziland, Africa, to new homes in the U.S. The five elephants that will call Dallas home – four females and one male – arrived on a special charter flight, then were whisked to the Zoo under armed escort by the Fort Worth SWAT team and Dallas Police officers. All 17 elephants came through their travels well, eating, drinking and sleeping aboard the charter flight, which arrived just after midnight at Fort Worth’s Alliance Airport. The five new Dallas Zoo residents disembarked for the final leg of their journey beginning just after 8 a.m., and are now becoming acclimated to their new, state-of-the-art elephant habitat. The Dallas Zoo is already home to a geriatric female herd of four, fondly known as the “Golden Girls.” The new elephants do not yet have names. After a 30-day quarantine period, they will begin introductions to the Golden Girls. Guests won’t be able to see the new additions until keepers are sure they have settled in well. The photo above is the first of the new rescue elephants, who (according to the Dallas Zoo's Instagram post) "bounced right into his new indoor quarters and grabbed a big mouthful of alfalfa after getting off of the charter flight from Swaziland. He explored a bit, then curled up on a big white sandpile for a nap. We know he's going to love the log wall, where he can strip bark to his heart's content!"

Attitudes & Attire Launches "Boots to Heels" To Aid Female Veterans

photos c/o Marcus Lopez Photography


Attitudes & Attire® Celebrates 20 Years With Luncheon and Fashion Show
by Dawn Mellon


Sometimes, I think the reference to our city as "Big D" is code for Big Drama. Other days, I think it stands for Big Dreams. Case in point: Attitudes & Attire, a local non-profit agency that's has been turning women's dreams into reality for 20 years. In celebration of its Platinum anniversary, the annual Attitudes & Attire Luncheon and Fashion Show held last week at the Dallas Market Center focused on Boots to Heels, a program aimed at helping female veterans in their journey toward self-sufficiency and stability in civilian life. In fact, the fashion show models included former clients of Boots To Heels who represented three branches of the U.S. Military - Army, Navy and Air Force - and who proudly waved an American flag as they commanded the runway sporting looks from Eileen Fischer and the Attitudes & Attire Boutique. The 20th Anniversary Luncheon and Fashion Show featured fashions from the Attitudes & Attire® boutique and designer Eileen Fisher. An outfit, donated by acclaimed business woman, the late Ebby Halliday, was modeled in this year’s fashion show. She had worn the signature suit at many Attitudes & Attire® events to bring the agency good luck.

Mesquite-based Pickle Juice Company caters to the “pickleback” shot trend

Mesquite-based Pickle Juice Company are the creators of a unique sports drink formula that replenishes electrolytes and relieves muscle cramps. Their latest product, the Pickle Juice Chaser, targets the bar and beverage industry, specifically catering to the “pickleback” shot trend, but includes the same benefits and ingredients as the brand’s other sports beverages and shots. Thrillist recently published an article titled "11 Things You Didn't Know About Picklebacks" that's a fun read if this concept intrigues you. “Many bartenders pour pickle brine straight from the jar so with ease of use, demand and volume in mind, we developed a bottle that would more effectively fit into a bar well or rail.” says Filip Keuppens, director of sales and marketing for The Pickle Juice Company. Traditionally, the “pickleback” is a shot of pickle brine that is preceded by a shot of whiskey. The sweet-and-sour nature of the brine is said to neutralize the burn of the alcohol, and the salt acting as a masking ingredient to counteract the harsh taste of the spirit. The acetic acid present in the brine through the vinegar is an antidiuretic that contains electrolytes and absorbs salt, also making the formula a hangover cure that restores hydration to the body. Pickle Juice Chaser has the added benefit of providing 10 times more electrolytes along with vitamins, potassium and zinc.

Here are four classic cocktails that you can try:

Heroes for Children Raises $35,000 at Heroes and Handbags Kickoff Party

 

photos c/o Heroes For Children

Heroes for Children – a unique nonprofit that provides financial and social assistance to families with children battling cancer – hosted the Heroes and Handbags Underwriting & Live Auction Party on Feb. 25, 2016, at the home of honorary chair Lisa Cooley, raising $35,000 and kicking off the main event to be held April 8 at the Ritz Carlton. More than 70 guests enjoyed bites and bubbles as they bid on hot items including the Bragging Rights package featuring four Dallas Cowboys Founders Club stadium suite tickets, helmets autographed by Troy Aikman and Drew Brees, a football autographed by Emmitt Smith, a remote-controlled Telluride 4x4 truck from Traxxas, a custom suit from Suitsupply and a Capital Grille gift certificate. The 11th Annual Heroes & Handbags auction – chaired by Dawn Greiner, Julianna Leblanc and honorary chair Lisa Cooley – benefits Heroes for Children’s mission to advocate for and provide financial and social assistance to families with children (0 – 22 years of age) battling cancer. More than 500 guests peruse a silent auction of new, vintage and luxury handbags and accessories followed by a seated brunch. This year’s event will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, located at 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, Texas 75201. Individual tickets begin at $250 and tables range from $2,500 – $10,000. For more information about the event and tickets, please visit www.heroesforchildren.org/dallashandbags.

New Friends New Life announces the 2016 ProtectHer Honorees for 13th Annual WINGS Luncheon

New Friends New Life (NFNL), a nonprofit that restores and empowers formerly trafficked teen girls and sexually exploited women and children, has announced its 2016 ProtectHer Award recipients. U.S. Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Representative Ted Poe; The 2015 Texas Legislative Session; and Advocate Libby Spears, Playground Curriculum will be honored at the April 14 New Friends New Life WINGS Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, for their visionary guidance and leadership in protecting the rights of women and girls. The luncheon, featuring Amal Clooney as headliner, is chaired by The Honorable Jeanne Phillips and Honorary Co-Chairs Laura Bush, Ruth Altshuler, Caren Prothro and Annette Simmons. Tickets for the 13th Annual WINGS luncheon available from $200; sponsorships also available. For more information, visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org or call (214)965-0935.

2016 Accessible Luxury Gets Progressive

photos c/o Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children


The 2016 Accessible Luxury fashion event benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) held a progressive kickoff party last week at Highland Park Village. The event began at Royal Blue Grocery and progressed to Blue Mercury, Filson, Roberta Roller Rabbit and Trina Turk. Cocktails and small bites were served. Guests included members of the 2016 Accessible Luxury Host Committee, sponsors, staff and friends. Accessible Luxury is a fashion-focused event taking place on Friday, April 15 at Park Place Premier Collection. It was created to showcase Dallas retailers and bring together individuals with a fashion interest within a vibrant atmosphere. Confirmed retailers for the Accessible Luxury Fashion Show include: Alice and Olivia, Anne Fontaine, Bandier, Beretta, Escada, Filson, Mizzen+Main, Roberta Roller Rabbit and Trina Turk. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.accessibleluxury.org.

Casting Call: Crossroads of Life

There's a new reality show in development and producers are looking for people who are quickly approaching a major crossroads in their lives and need to make a difficult decision. They are interested in all sorts of stories as long as the stakes are real and high.  Here are a few examples:

• My best friend asked me to be her surrogate - should I do it? 
• We love our big-city careers, but want to raise our children with small-town values. Should we leave our careers and move to give our kids a "better" life? 
• Our (adopted) son/daughter wants to find his/her biological parents. We know the circumstances and are afraid it will crush our child. What should we do? 
• My partner and I have been together for XX years and still love each other... but we've started to want some significantly different things (kids, moving, financial decisions etc.) - do we move on and chase our personal dreams or sacrifice those dreams for love? 
• I want to get a plastic surgery makeover - including down there. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Would it be the best - or worst - decision I could make for my sex life?!? 

Ultimately, those selected for filming will be paired with a group of individuals who have each already faced that decision - and are living with the outcomes. They will offer their points of view and advice to help our cast weigh their options and make an informed decision for the next step in their life. If you are interested, email you name, phone number and a paragraph explaining your situation along with 2 recent photographs to casting@itvstudios.com. You must be 21 or older to apply.

Two Snaps For The Pin Show 2016

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


The Pin Show 2016 at The Bomb Factory presented a diverse and dynamic runway fashion show to a sold-out crowd on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Participating designers joined this year's show from all over Texas - Denton, Houston, Austin, Brownsville, etc. This year, The Pin Show featured two spotlight veteran designers, Jesse Thaxton of Melancholic Design and Charlotte Elliott of Yomono, who curated their own lines by creatively working with our professional teams on music, hair, makeup and stylists, to feature 15-20 looks each, rather than the 6-10 each designer traditionally shows. Designers this year also featured more menswear and plus-size pieces than has been seen in the past. Featured designers included Kathleen Care Jewelry, Tissu, Indigo 1745, Betty Bohling, and Flawless Honey. Entertainment included Zhora and Friends, and an amazing aerial performer and lively dancers. The crowd roared when Sam Lao, LEV, Ronnie Heart, Dezi 5 and special guest Sarah Jaffe took the stage with their host, Zhora. www.thepinshow.com