LeeAnne Locken To Visit Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen On May 2

Cecily Strong and LeeAnne Locken will appear on Watch What Happens Live on Monday, May 2

I've said it before. There are two measures of success when it comes to the hierarchy on a Bravo reality TV show: One, is the seating order at the shows reunion episode. The most important characters are seated closest to Andy Cohen. The further away from him you are on the couch, the least impact Bravo feels you had on the season. The other, is getting invited to appear on Andy's nightly talk show Watch What Happens Live to represent your series. Brandi Redmond was the first Real Housewife of Dallas to sit on the WWHL clubhouse. Last week, Cary Deuber and her "magical junk" got to take a seat. And next up in the Watch What Happens Live clubhouse will be LeeAnne Locken!  Joining LeeAnne and Andy Cohen will be Cecily Strong from Saturday Night Live. I wonder if she will do an impression of LeeAnne? LeeAnne's boyfriend, Rich Emberlin, and I are going along for the ride so stay tuned for some behind-the-scenes pics!

TLC’S SAY YES TO THE PROM MAKES DREAMS COME TRUE FOR DESERVING STUDENTS IN DALLAS

photos c/o Discovery Communications


(Press Release) TLC’s SAY YES TO THE PROM initiative brought prom perfection to deserving high school students in Dallas on Monday, April 18 in partnership with AT&T®, People Magazine, Sherri Hill, and JCPenney, among other premier lifestyle brands. Designed to remove the financial burden of prom while building self-confidence among its participants, the event welcomed more than 50 high school students to the Westin Dallas Downtown for a day of mentoring and makeovers. Monte Durham, fashion director and star of TLC’s SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA, was onsite as host to guide students in selecting from over 2,000 donated dresses and tuxedo rentals as well as a wide range of accessories and shoes. Paired with a mentor turned style advisor for the day, each student was treated to custom tailoring services, full hair and makeup and one-on-one style sessions with Monte. A red-carpet, runway reveal show included remarks from Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa that wrapped up the day, giving participants the chance to show off their new prom-ready looks. In addition to the full day of mentoring and head-to-toe makeovers, Chief Advancement Officer for the Dallas County Community College District and Executive Director of the DCCCD Foundation Pyeper Wilkins announced that every qualified participant in the program would receive free tuition to earn an Associate’s Degree at one of eight community colleges in Dallas County Community College District.

SAVE THE DATE: The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon, May 2

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon is always on my list of "can't miss" events. For months Event Chair Carmaleta Whiteley and Honorary Chairs: Myrna Schlegel, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Kari Schlegel Kloewer, and Krystal Schlegel have been coordinating worker bees to tirelessly buzz about town hounding local fashionistas to delve into their closets and donate gently used luxury goods for the cause.

On May 2, the day will start with a Chic Boutique at 10AM where attendees can shop for a cause and recessionistas (like me) can find amazing deals on beautiful designer clothes and accessories. At 11:30, guests will sit down for lunch and enjoy a stunning fashion show produced by Jan Strimple. Strimple tells me that an emerald satin Scaasi gown had been donated to the event but it screamed 80's. Her creative gears started turning and she was struck with a brilliant idea. "The emerald satin was so stunning I wanted to breathe new life into it and give it another round of partying for a purpose! Nardos Imam of Nardos Design re-mastered the dress into a cocktail top and it will walk in the show. Very reflective of the unique spirit of this luncheon!"

Look for this Scaasi/Nardos Imam collaboration on the runway

The live auction promises to be exciting this year with a fabulous package being offered by Darren "The Royal Chef" McGrady. This auction item is for Dinner for ten (10) people in your own home prepared by Darren McGrady, Owner of Eating Royally, Personal Chef Service, Fine Dining and Events of Dallas, Texas. McGrady was chef to Queen Elizabeth for eleven years and then spent four years as personal chef to Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry. He has cooked for five US Presidents and is author of “Eating Royally, recipes and remembrances from a palace kitchen”

Darren will come to your home and prepare appetizers and a THREE course dinner for 10 people consisting of “royal favorite” dishes, each with their own anecdotes. After dinner he will join you and your guests and share stories and answer questions on the fifteen years he spent with the royal family. Whoever wins this, will you please invite me to this dinner?! It sounds divine! Another exciting entry will come from artist Rolando Diaz who will paint live during lunch and have his creation auctioned off immediately afterwards.

Oh So Cynthia is honored to be the official blog sponsor for this year's event. For more information, visit http://www.salvationarmydfw.org/events/2016/fashion-show--luncheon

Real Housewives of Dallas Memes From Episode 3: Making Frenemies (April 25, 2016)

Tonight, the Real Housewives of Dallas kicked off with Tiffany visiting Cary’s couture closet to tape a vlog segment for her web series, Sanctuary of Style. During the course of the afternoon, Tiffany discovers a shocking revelation about Mark - he's a flaming Metrosexual who not only loves to cook but also buys all of Cary's clothes and knows a thing or two about clothing construction and textile design. Brandi dealt with fallout from Bryan after her alcohol-infused episode at a male strip club (now she knows how he feels when he gets accosted after a boys night out at The Lodge) and LeeAnne invited Stephanie and Cary to lunch at Bread Winners in Inwood Village (despite the exterior shot of the Uptown location) to address Brandi’s behavior at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where this blog got a MAJOR shoutout. Holla! Don't worry, Harvey Levin, I think your job at TMZ is perfectly safe. Finally, Brandi's Mom (Jana Nace) shared a family secret that causes Brandi to question everything she thought she knew about her grandfather. Here's a meme-tactic recap (in no particular order) and a video clip of my moment of glory courtesy of Stephanie Hollman:

NSYNC's Lance Bass Visits Dallas To Promote Earth Day 2016

I happened to be on the set of Good Morning Texas today with a client, when I ran into former NSYNC band member, Lance Bass! He's in town to promote Earth Day and he was kind enough to give me a few minutes to chat about why he was here (watch the video above).

Earth Day Tx has partnered with the LA-based Environmental Media Association (EMA) to launch a brand new fundraising gala and film series at Earth Day Texas 2016. EMA, pronounced “Emma,” believes that through television, film, and music, the entertainment community has the power to influence the environmental awareness of millions of people.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on environmental education and awareness, Earth Day Texas has created the world’s largest annual forum for sharing the latest initiatives, discoveries, research, innovations, policies, products, and corporate practices that are reshaping our world.

This three-day free event is being held April 22-24 to celebrate progress, hope, and innovation and is the largest event in the world of its kind. Earth Day Texas brings together environmental organizations, businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, speakers, interactive programming, and subject matter experts. Attendees will also enjoy numerous outdoor experiences, including live music, sustainable beer and food pavilions, electric bike test tracks, and family activities. Earth Day Texas creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for thought and experiential learning while encouraging attendees to be the change they wish to see in the world. Visit http://earthdaytx.org/event-schedule/ for a schedule of events.

WNBA Takes Flight With Dallas Wings

photos c/o Dallas Wings

WNBA Takes Flight With Dallas Wings
by Shamequia Cason-Callahan

Historical, Dominant, Breaking Boundaries and all things affiliated with the Women's National BasketBall Association (WNBA) speaks to “Girl Power”. Dallas has provided us with yet, another reason to watch sports religiously, eat concession foods and schedule family outings. The Dallas Wings will be the first professional women’s basketball team, since the Dallas Diamonds during the 1970’s. There are plenty of reasons to be enthusiastic for the city, the Dallas Wings and the many individuals that will benefit from witnessing positive role models within the Metroplex. “The roster we brought in is going to bring competitive edge as we begin our training camp in the next couple of months”, said Dallas Wings Head Coach, Fred Williams.

Cary Deuber To Visit Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen On April 25

There are two measures of success when it comes to the hierarchy on a Bravo reality TV show: One, is the seating order at the show's reunion episode. The most important characters are seated closest to Andy Cohen. The further away from him you are on the couch, the least impact Bravo feels you had on the season. The other, is getting invited to appear on Andy's nightly talk show Watch What Happens Live to represent your series. Brandi Redmond was the first Real Housewife of Dallas to sit on the WWHL clubhouse and do shots with Shep Rose from Southern Charm and guest bartender Lady Bunny. Looks like Cary Deuber's "magical junk" has cast a spell on Cohen and she will be the next #RHOD Housewife to jet to NYC making an appearance on WWHL this Monday, April 25.

Tune in to Bravo at 9:00 PM CST on Monday for episode three. (Click here for a sneak peek!) We will see Tiffany featuring Cary’s couture closet in her web series, Sanctuary of Style, and discovering a shocking revelation about Mark. Brandi will deals with fallout from Bryan after her alcohol-infused episode at a male strip club and LeeAnne will invite Stephanie and Cary to lunch to address Brandi’s behavior at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Finally, Brandi’s mother shares a family secret causing Brandi to question everything she thought she knew about her grandfather. When episode three is over STAY TUNED for Cary's appearance on WWHL at 10:00 PM CST. My prediction is that she will wear Roberto Cavalli and they will discuss her magical junk. I can't wait!

Alyssa Milano Honored at 2nd Annual UNICEF Children First Gala in Dallas

(Press Release) On Friday evening, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF hosted the 2nd annual Children’s First: An Evening with UNICEF gala at Sixty Five Hundred in Dallas, Texas, which raised funds to support UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives. The event honored actress Alyssa Milano with the Spirit of Compassion Award for her work in support of children throughout 13 years as a UNICEF Ambassador. “I’m truly grateful to be part of this special family making a difference for our world’s children. I say family, because to me, that’s what UNICEF is: a global family... Becoming a mother has only intensified the pride I feel for this organization. No parent should ever have to go through the pain and suffering of losing their child to preventable causes. I hope that my dedication to UNICEF one day inspires my own children to take action and live a life that focuses on giving.” said Alyssa Milano. Pier 1 Imports also received the UNICEF Children First Award, accepted by President and CEO Alex W. Smith, for their 31-year commitment to raising funds and awareness for the organization, while Sterling McDavid, UNICEF Next Generation National Development Committee Chair, was presented with the inaugural NextGen Champion for Children Award, for her dedication to helping children globally. Over the course of the evening, guests enjoyed a performance by country singer Sara Evans, a seated dinner and a live auction presented by Louis Murad. More than 330 guests attended the gala hosted by Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers raising over $730,000 in support of UNICEF’s work. Notable attendees included actress Naomie Harris, event Co-Chairs Joyce Goss and Jessica Nowitzki with Dallas Chair, Let us Learn’s Serena Simmons Connelly as well as leadership committee members Catie Enrico, Sheryl Maas, Selwyn Rayzor, Leigh Rinearson, Gowri Sharma and D’Andra Simmons.


Photo: U.S. Fund for UNICEF Co-Chair/Southwest Regional Board Vice Chair Joyce Goss, UNICEF Co-Chair Jessica Nowitzki, UNICEF Ambassador and recipient of the 'Spirit of Compassion' award Alyssa Milano and U.S. Fund for UNICEF Southwest Regional Board Chair Selwyn Rayzor at the Children First. An Evening With UNICEF on April 15, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for U.S. Fund for UNICEF)

What Does A Town Do When A #RHOD Housewife Insults Your City? THIS.

The first episode of the Real Housewives of Dallas which aired April 11 had Housewife Cary Deuber hosting a benefit at her home where the childish behavior of fellow Housewives, Brandi Redmond and Stephanie Hollman, irritated the charitably minded LeeAnne Locken causing her to utter under her breath (to me, I might add) "It's a little Plano in here." The episode ended with a blow up between LeeAnne and Brandi over what's valuable in the charity world. This argument will set the tone for the rest of the season. But there was another blow up that you might have missed... and this one took place on social media over LeeAnne's comment about Plano. Watch the clip below. The Plano comment happens about 1:00 into the scene:

Shopping For A Cause At Heroes And Handbags 2016

photos c/o Heroes For Children


(Press Release) Heroes for Children, a unique nonprofit organization that provides financial and social assistance to families with a child battling cancer, hosted the 11th annual Heroes and Handbags designer handbag auction and brunch on Friday, April 8, 2016, at The Ritz Carlton – Dallas. More than 430 guests were in attendance and raised $264,605 for Heroes for Children. At this year’s Heroes and Handbags event, chairs Dawn Greiner and Julianna LeBlanc planned a beautiful brunch featuring more than 150 designer handbags available for auction from designers like Chloé, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and many more. Guests also bid on a bag for a hero, providing the moms, grandparents or special caregivers of children battling cancer with a handbag filled with gift certificates and wish list items to help make their lives easier. Heroes for Children is a unique nonprofit organization that provides social and financial assistance to families with a child battling cancer. Since 2005, Heroes for Children has helped alleviate families’ worries, giving them comfort and a brief respite from the everyday challenges of fighting cancer and care giving. Since its inception, more than $5 million has been given to 4,200 families in need. The next event hosted by Heroes for Children is the annual summer golf tournament scheduled for June 17, 2016, at TopGolf Allen. Guests of all ages are invited to join Heroes for Children to sip drinks, savor tasty bites and participate in a chance to win awards, raffles and prizes during three hours of TopGolf play. To learn more, please visit www.heroesforchildren.org.

Real Housewives of Dallas Memes From Episode 2: Mad As a Hatter (April 18, 2016)

In the Real Housewives of Dallas Episode 2 titled Mad As A Hatter,  LeeAnne enlists the help of a Benzario Couture to create an extravagant hat for the Dallas Arboretum's annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, one of the most coveted events on the Dallas social calendar. Brandi struggles with her husband Bryan’s constant business travel as she hosts a birthday party for her mother. Elsewhere, Tiffany and Aaron go house hunting with Tiffany's pal Cortney Bailey, despite Aaron’s reservations about setting down roots in Dallas. Later, Stephanie and Cary are dragged deeper into Brandi’s conflict with LeeAnne when Brandi arrives to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party donning a hat decorated with fake poop. Want more information on what really went down at Mad Hatters, CLICK HERE to read my post after last year's shit storm.

Here is a recap of my favorite moments from #RHOS Episode 2, presented in meme-tasctic style:

AIDS Services of Dallas Parties For A Cause. Because You Only Live Twice.

Photos c/o Gregory Martin 


(Press release) Only David Nelson and his creative team could make a casual-chic affaire go glam without a tie. The eleventh annual No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party for AIDS Services of Dallas, presented by Purple Foundation, went Bond-chic at The Frontiers of Flight Museum on April 9 with the theme You Only Live Twice to celebrate the non-profit’s long history of providing a second chance at life for its residents. The event raised over $150,000 and is still collecting donations. No Tie Chair David Nelson and Honorary Chairs Angel and Marie Reyes greeted the 1,500 guests who indulged in lavish cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates and pies from some of the city’s finest eateries, such as Apples and Onions, Dallas Affaires Cake Co, Daisy Cakes, Uncle Willie’s Pies, and Frosted Art Bakery & Studio, among many others, and the signature Reyka Double Bond cocktail proved popular at the bars. Upon arrival, one might have caught a glimpse of the stunning Deanna Cahill poised on top of a cupcake platform dressed in her Bond-girl finest of all black leather. She and husband Rob Cahill and Alika Ray produced a surprise dance performance by the Dallas Cowboy R&B dance team set to Madonna’s Die Another Day.

Dallas Non-Profits Sound Off On The Conversation About Charity On The Real Housewives Of Dallas

In last Monday's debut episode of the Real Housewives of Dallas, we saw two of the shows stars go head to head over what it means to be of value in the Dallas charity world. Brandi Redmond declared that if you can't write a big check, you just need to stay home and that spending money on food and drinks for Kickoff Parties and such is a waste of cash. Housewife LeeAnne Locken argued that the donation of her time and talents were just as valuable as money. "In Dallas, you can play in charity in a lot of different way, says Locken during an interview scene in episode one of RHOD. My way is not so much writing the big checks. I volunteer There's little things that need to be done. Who's going to provide the champagne? Who's going to provide the tables? Who's going to provide the venue? Well, guess what. Those are all the phone calls I make." Episode One ended in an angry standoff at the O.K. Corral over the topic. The Dallas charity circuit is already a nervous wreck about how this show is going to portray their efforts and I knew this episode would have tongues wagging. As a publicist by profession, I contend that any press is good press. It's all in how you spin it. So, I decided to spin it and use the spotlight given to the Dallas non-profit world as an opportunity for a productive conversation. Personally, I think that they are both right. Someone very wise once told me that there are three "T's" in the charity world: those who give of their Time, their Talents and their Treasures ($$$) and that all three are valuable in different ways. I reached out to all of the charities that you will see featured on #RHOD this season (and a few others) and asked them to weigh in on the debate. This post is rather lengthy, but I wanted to give every organization who took the time to respond a voice in this article. Read on...

Dallas Designer Shows Venetian Dream Collection To Benefit Terminally Ill Mothers

photos c/o Thomas Garza and Bob Manzano


(Press Release) On March 29, the Ally’s Wish Boots and Blessings Gala host committee and local designer Esé Azénabor welcomed more than 125 guests to the gorgeous home of honorary chair Tricia Sims for an evening of fashion and philanthropy. “A Venetian Dream,” was the collaboration of Ally’s Wish and local designer, Esé Azénabor that commenced the countdown to the Flower Mound-based organization’s second annual gala to be held at Gilley’s Dallas on April 30, 2016. After enjoying sweet treats by The Jenny Layne Bakery and sips courtesy of Sweet Beat Vodka and Community Beer, the glamorous Gina Ginsburg, Ken Weber, Chuck Steelman, Melissa Rountree, Dawn Mellon, and Allison Mitchell took their seats. All eyes turned to Mistress of Ceremonies, Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken and gala chair Laura Downing who thanked sponsors before introducing Ally’s Wish president, Missy Phipps. Inspired by the loss of their dear friend, Allyson Hendrickson, to ovarian cancer, Missy Phipps, Holly Reed, Melissa Cary and Heather Bryan founded Ally’s Wish to grant a last wish to young mothers battling terminal illnesses. In just two years, the women have raised more than $150,000 and granted wishes like helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon and adventures swimming with dolphins to sixteen mothers.

Local Celebs Strut The Runway For the SPCA of Texas

 

photos c/o Kristina Bowman Photography


Canine couture met feline fashion at Project Ruffway, presented by the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas, benefiting the SPCA of Texas, on Saturday, April 2. I was unable to attend this purr-featly fabulous event, but in a press recap I was told that co-chairs Betsy Orton and Brian Walker, along with Honorary Chair, Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, celebrated the special bond between people and pets at the gorgeously over-the-top event. Steve Kemble, Master of Ceremonies, graced the catwalk as local celebs and influencer models strutted their stuff with well-dressed doggies on their arms. Most of the dogs were up for adoption at the SPCA of Texas, while others were already pampered pets. Guests hobnobbed with the adoptable dogs and cats in the adoption lobby of the ever-stunning Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center as they sipped wine, bubbly and the evening’s signature drink, the Cat’s Meow (a delightfully purple concoction of Equality Vodka, white cranberry juice, pineapple juice and raspberry Schnapps with a lime garnish). Noshes included savory and sweet delights from Bolsa Mercado, Mattito’s Tex-Mex, Steel Restaurant & Lounge and MLJ Catering. The funds raised from Project Ruffway will provide for a new Emergency Rescue Vehicle for the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit at the SPCA of Texas.

Trinity Trust Hosts Texas-Style Round Up To Benefit Trinity River Corridor Project

The Trinity Trust Foundation supports the City of Dallas by raising private funds for amenities for the Trinity River Corridor Project. Donations from the private sector add features such as the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and Margaret McDermott Bridge, Continental Avenue Bridge, Trinity Lakes, Trinity Forest Spine Trail, and more.  A few weeks ago, 60 Rat Pack and River Rats members headed out to the Texas Horse Park for The Trinity Trust’s Texas-style “Round Up” fundraiser. I was unable to attend, but in a press release I was sent, the event was described thusly:

Local Baker Audrey McGinnis Competes On The Food Network's Spring Baking Championship

Today, I am talking about a reality TV show - that is NOT Real Housewives of Dallas! Dallas provides Hollywood with a hotbed of talent for reality and competition TV shows and the latest resident to tale the plunge is local baker, Audrey McGinnis, who is competing in a new show on Food Network called Spring Baking Championship.  Audrey is the owner of Every Girl Gourmet, which creates a fun and interactive an interactive cooking experience. Her website explains that as the party host, you get to pick which appetizer, main course and dessert menu you want to learn how to cook and Every Girl Gourmet will do the shopping, prep-work, and clean-up while you relax, enjoy a glass of wine or fun cocktail, and learn step-by-step how to make an impressive 3 course meal. At the end of the evening you’ll have a great experience with friends and delicious food, a recipe card with detailed instructions on how to recreate your meal, and the confidence in knowing that “Every Girl (or Guy)” can create a gourmet meal. Her goal is to show you that you don’t have to be a trained chef to experiment and enjoy the process of cooking. But enough about that... back to the show.

Photos: #RHOD Dallas Watch Party With LeeAnne Locken and Tiffany Hendra

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


KVIL hosted a Dallas watch party for the debut episode of the Real Housewives of Dallas on Monday, April 11, 2016 at their CBS Studios. ‪#‎RHOD‬ stars LeeAnne Locken and Tiffany Hendra posed for photos with fans and gave commentary during the commercial breaks. Among those in attendance were Ken Weber, Allison Mitchell, Jeremy Locke, D'Andra Simmons, Heidi Dillon and Dawn Mellon. Tune in to Bravo every Monday night at 9:00PM CST to watch the RHOD and join me on twitter at www.twitter.com/ohsocynthia as I live tweet every episode. It will be meme-tastic! To read more inside scoop on the cast from the Dallas blogger who knows them best, click HERE.

Real Housewives of Dallas Memes From Episode 1: Everything’s Bigger In Dallas (April 11, 2016)

The ladies of Real Housewives of Dallas gave us internet GOLD in last night's debut episode. There were many nuggets of wisdom that they dropped on us (and each other) and Madonna would even say they "gave good face." According to the Bravo press release, "Everything’s bigger in Dallas - the egos, the attitudes, and the bank accounts. Cary hosted a benefit at her home where inappropriate behavior by best friends Brandi and Stephanie raised the ire of social maven, LeeAnne. Later, tensions boiled over at a prestigious charity event as Stephanie was dragged into a feud between Brandi and LeeAnne. Meanwhile, LeeAnne’s best friend, Tiffany, questioned whether her recent move back to Dallas from Los Angeles was the right decision for her and her rocker husband, Aaron."  We saw Tiffany and LeeAnne visit Vintage Martini on Henderson Ave, and Tiffany and Aaron had coffee at The Pantry before going guitar shopping at The Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney, TX.

Here are some of my favorite moments from last night's debut episode:

Dallas Cowboys' Brandon Carr Hosts Fashionable Event at Traffic LA For His Carr Cares Foundation

photos c/o Shana Anderson


On Thursday, March 24th, Dallas Cowboys' Brandon Carr hosted a private shopping event at Traffic LA at The Joule. Traffic LA donated 10 percent of proceeds through the weekend to the Carr Cares Foundation. At the event, guests sipped cocktails and enjoyed bites by The Joule. Guests included: Brandon and Shatory Carr, Susie Straubmueller, Katina and Greg Anderson, Morris Claiborne, Tyler Patmon, Jonika Nix, Michael Tregoning, Karina Salmeron, Kyle Noonan, Tim Headington, and Michael and Sara Moldovan. The Carr Cares Foundation was founded by Brandon Carr to inspire young students to become proficient readers by providing learning tools and resources to help them reach their full potential. In addition to the Carr Cares literacy initiatives, the Foundation also encourages students to live a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness and balanced nutrition. For more information visit www.carrcares.org.

How To Throw The Perfect #RHOD Watch Party (Tips & Recipes)

There is no doubt that in homes across the city, Dallasites will be gathering together to watch the premier of the Real Housewives of Dallas on Monday, April 11. Steve Kemble is known as "America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru" and he's offering OSC readers his expert advice on how to throw a SassFab RHOD party with a dose of Southern hospitality!

"Ask your guests to dress Cowboy and Cowgirl Chic! Think sexy western style leather boots, boho chic maxi dresses, American Indian turquoise jewelry and more!" gushes Kemble. "If anything goes wrong, or anyone offends you during the party, the correct way to throw 'shade' is to simply say, 'Bless Your Heart.' In the South that’s pretty much how we politely say 'Bye, Felicia!' For your fabulous affair, I suggest you recommend everyone arrive via limo, UBER, or horseback! In true Housewives fashion, flipping furniture and glass tossing should be considered acceptable! When the Housewives entertain, they always have an array of delectable delights to nosh on. I suggest some fabulous hors d'oeuvres. In Dallas, we love our Margaritas so for your party I have developed five specialty Margaritas, one for each of the Dallas Housewives. No Dallas party is complete without a…SPECIALTY COCKTAIL!!" For more expert lifestyle/party advice and celeb gossip, keep us with Steve at http://www.stevekemble.com.

The Brandi 
A Dallas Cowboy Blue Blueberry Margarita

Ingredients:
¼ cup fresh blueberries
1 oz (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
4 oz ( ½ cup ) reposado or añejo tequila
1 ½ oz (3 tablespoons)
Simple Syrup
Few dashes orange bitters
Ice
Kosher or sea salt for rimming the glass

Instructions:
1. Rub the rime of two rocks or margarita glasses with a lime wedge. Swirl the rims through a small pile of kosher or sea salt to salt them. Add ice cubes to the glasses. 2. In a cocktail shaker muddle the blueberries and lime juice until the blueberries are pulverized. Add the tequila, Simple Syrup, bitters and a handful of ice to the shaker. Add a leftover rind or two from the limes. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, and then strain into the salted glasses.

Brandi Redmond To Visit Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen On April 11

I know you all have your DVRs set for Monday, April 11, 9:00 PM CST for the premiere of the Real Housewives of Dallas. It's been a hot topic of debate among fans (and the Housewives) as to whom would be the first to be granted an audience with the King of Bravo, Andy Cohen on his nightly talk show. The cat is out of the bag... Stay tuned to Watch What Happenes Live immediately after the episode to see Housewife Brandi Redmond chat it up with Cohen and Southern Charm's Shep Rose!

Real Housewives of Dallas Cast Party

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On Tuesday, April 5, Bravo threw a swanky sneak peek soiree at the Chandelier Room in the Design District to introduce the ladies of the Real Housewives of Dallas to Dallas media. Oh So Cynthia Editor, Cynthia Smoot, was on the red carpet with Jane McGarry to interview the cast of the show for Good Morning Texas on WFAA/ABC. All of my favorite local media VIPs were there including Lauren Przybyl from FOX's Good Day Dallas, FOX's Jenny Anchondo, Dish Nation and KISS FM's Kellie Rasberry, and CultureMap's Dawn Neufeld. Guests sipped and noshed and also got to watch the first episode of the show, which was met with much laughter and applause. The general consensus among those who were there? We have a hit on our hands, people. Tune in to the premiere on #RHOD on Monday, April 11 at 9PM CST.

Save The Date: Accessible Luxury

Accessible Luxury is now in its seventh year benefiting the patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Join event chairmen Emily and Buck Branson and honorary chairmen Tia and Kelly Kraft on April 15 for signature cocktails, gourmet bites, runway fashions and a late night dance party. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions and sports injuries, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay.  Your attendance at this event helps to fund their work! This year's exciting offerings will include:

Dwell with Dignity Hosts Thrift Studio 2016

photos c/o Lance Selgo at Unique Exposure Photography


A home is more than four walls and a roof. A home is a haven, a place to feel safe and secure. It’s a place to thrive, revive and grow. Dwell with Dignity’s annual Thrift Studio pop-up shop is an opportunity to celebrate beauty and creativity while helping others come home — in the truest sense of the word. A fabulous cast of interior designers creates stunning vignettes using items from Dwell with Dignity’s warehouse as well as pieces from their own inventory or decor they’ve acquired through industry connections. Each item from these vignettes is available for sale beginning at the Preview Party and during the pop-up shop’s 30-day run, taking place April 8 – May 7. The event kicks off with a Preview Party where attendees can purchase items before the shop opens to the public. The Preview Party is set for April 7 and the honorary chair is Ben Collins of Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams and the co-hosts are Holly Hutchinson, Tess Hutchinson Merriman and Rachel Hutchinson. Proceeds from the event go to support Dwell with Dignity’s mission to help families break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by creating beautiful home environments, where families go from surviving to thriving. The goal is to bring good design to those less fortunate, inspiring them to maintain a standard of living they can be proud of.

It's A Texas Takeover When The Ladies of #RHOD Hit NBC Universal SummerPress Day

When Bravo told the ladies of #RHOD that they were going to Los Angeles for a "press tour", I'm not sure that any of them really understood the magnitude of the visit. Sure, they got to visit Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight. And yes, it was thrilling for them to dine with the Dorina Medley, Ramona Singer and newbie Jules Wainstein from the Real Housewives of New York. But the real excitement came on the final day of their trip when they participated in NBC Universal's Summer Press Day. This is an EVENT where NBC (and it's affiliate stations, like Bravo and E!) trot out all of the stars in shows for the upcoming season and media depends upon them like vultures on prey to interview them about their shows. The event was held at the Four Seasons Westlake, Westlake Village, California. The ladies participated in a panel discussion in the hotel's ballroom and then they turned on the charm in the Four Seasons gardens for a Lawn Party where they mixed and mingled with media and the stars of shows like Shahs of Sunset, Southern Charm and the Real Housewives of New York and Atlanta. Tune in on Monday, April 11 at 9PM CST for the premiere of RHOD!

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

Houlihan's Wants You To Get #Inspiralized About Clean Eating

Houlihan's recently invited me to stop by and check out their new Inspiralized menu. So, I met up with my friend and expert foodie, Chef Tiffany Derry, to give it a whirl and see if the entrees lived up to the hype. The Inspiralized mission is to eat deliciously and creatively by transforming vegetables into noodles and making dishes that are clean-eating friendly. Ali Maffucci created Inspiralized after tasting a pasta dish made with zucchini ‘noodles’ formed with a spiralizer. Inspired, Ali began experimenting at home with this revolutionary kitchen tool. Today, Ali has a popular blog and social media following; a New York times best-selling cookbook; her own branded spiralizer and is often featured in cooking and lifestyle publications and events with partners like Williams-Sonoma and Barnes & Noble. Ali has chosen Houlihan’s to be her partner in exposing others to this healthier, delicious way of eating. There are currently 3 menu items to select from:

Real Housewives Face-off: Dallas vs New York in LA

The ladies of RHOD with Entertainment Tonight reporter (and Dallas native) Brice Sander

Over the last few days the ladies of Real Housewives of Dallas have been batting their fake eyelashes and using their best Southern drawls to charm West Coast national media. Yesterday was their first big media blitz and they hit Entertainment Tonight for a Fabeook Live Q&A, Access Hollywood and then topped off the night with a fun dinner with Real Housewives of New York "sorority sisters" Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley and newbie Julianne "Jules" Wainstein (who were in LA to promote the new season of RHONY). You can follow along via their social posts below. Bravo's RHOD will premiere Monday, April 11 at 9PM CST.

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