Spooktacular Halloween Sightings

When I was little, Christmas was always my favorite holiday. A mountain of candy vs. a mountain of presents? There was really no contest. But as I've gotten old... I mean older... I have come to appreciate the fun and festive nature of Halloween. Apparently, I am not alone because many of Dallas' famous faces donned alternate personalities and persona's over the Halloween weekend. Here are a few of my favorites:

Dallas Cowboys rookie players visited a middle school in Arlington on Monday. Photo: Dallas Cowboys

5th Annual Wade’s Weekend Has NFL Players Promoting Childhood Education

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

photos Iman Jones


The weekend of April 22-23, NFL celebrity athletes, including Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, joined 12-year NFL veteran and former Houston Texans Pro Bowler Wade Smith in his home city for The Wade Smith Foundation’s (WSF) 5th Annual Wade’s Weekend. The weekend featured WSF’s most popular program “Reading with the Pros” at 3 RISD elementary schools, a friendly tournament and celebration at TopGolf Dallas, and a free cheer and football clinic at Lake Highlands High School, where Wade Smith himself attended. The weekend kicked off Friday morning with “Reading with the Pros” at Audelia Creek Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Elementary and Wallace Elementary, where professional athletes and local celebrities hosted assemblies and read favorite children’s books to classrooms of first and second graders. Celebrity readers included NFL veterans Akin Ayodele (Dallas Cowboys), Nic Harris (Buffalo Bills), David Hunter (Houston Texans), Dante Wesley (Carolina Panthers), Shaun Smith (New Orleans Saints), Bethel Johnson (Houston Texans), WNBA Dallas Wings coach Bridget Pettis and K104 radio personalities Lady Jade and Cat Daddy. On Friday evening, Topgolf Dallas welcomed the celebrity athletes and general public to “Smitty and Friends Charity Topgolf Tournament” to benefit The Wade Smith Foundation’s annual scholarship fund, Smitty’s Scholars. Additional attendees included Dallas Cowboys Tyler Clutts and fitness guru Donna Richardson.

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.

Dallas Cowboys End Season With Support From Famous Fans

The Cowboys were 4-11 heading into today's final game of the season against the Washington Redskins. According to USA Today, "They’ve played seven games at home at AT&T Stadium (today was their eighth) but haven’t won one since the opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 13. Alabama has played at Jerry Jones’ house twice this season and won both games — its opener against Wisconsin and the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Eve against Michigan State. So when you think about it, the Crimson Tide is more successful in the Cowboys’ stadium than the Cowboys." OUCH. The Dallas Cowboys may have had one of their worst seasons in recent memory but that didn't stop Dallas' famous faces from turning out to support America's Team at Sunday's game against longtime rival, the Washington Redskins.

How Dallas' Famous Faces Celebrated New Years Eve

Proving like they are just like us - only richer and usually better dressed - Dallas celebrities, sports stars and media journalists brought in the New Year like most of us... with friends, food and a whole lotta booze. I hope that wherever you were and whatever you did, you ended 2015 and started the new year surrounded by family, friends and a whole lotta love. Happy New Year everybody!!

Today our Rookie Club teamed up with @DoGoodLiveWell to deliver food & spread cheer at a local senior facility. pic.twitter.com/guHPoJ79y5

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 28, 2015

Kicking off the New Years festivities a few days early, the Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club teamed up with Do Good. Live Well to deliver food & spread cheer at a local senior facility.

We made it!!! Bon Voyage!! 🛳 pic.twitter.com/0nR5JtxSCp

— Melissa Rycroft (@MelissaRycroft) December 28, 2015

Well, @tonydovolani, looks a little different than the last time we did this...but not too shabby!! 😉 pic.twitter.com/72oqRGLSxM

— Melissa Rycroft (@MelissaRycroft) December 31, 2015

Melissa Rycroft (The Bachelor and Dancing With The Stars) headed off with her family on a Disney Cruise to bring in the New Year, proving that the happiest place on earth is anywhere your family is! And how cute is she with that baby bump!?

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.”

Touch your mouse below to scroll through images from this event:

Photos by Rhiannon Lee

Dez Bryant Breaks The Internet

In the fourth quarter of today's Cowboys-Packers playoff game - with the score sitting at 21/26 and Cowboy dreams on the line - wide receiver Dez Bryant went up and grabbed a phenomenal catch on 4th & 2. Sporting News said, "This is the stuff dramas are made of. Only it wasn't a catch. The ball comes out slightly after he hits the ground, and it was in the hands of the officials at that point. Somewhere you never want to leave the fate of the game." As everyone knows by now, the call was reversed. The Cowboys lost the game. And the internet went crazy. Some called it karma for last weekend's game against Detroit. Below are some notable Dallas celebs who showed love for Bryant and the Cowboys:

Selena Gomez to perform at Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show

The Dallas Cowboys announced yesterday that North Texas' own Selena Gomez will be the halftime performer of the Thanksgiving Day game. The Cowboys will host the Oakland Raiders in the annual Thanksgiving Day football game on November 28, 2013 in AT&T Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

“I’m so excited to be here,” Gomez said at the announcement Sunday of her halftime show at AT&T Stadium, which will kick off the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign. “I’m from Texas, so I’m a little nervous, I’m not going to lie. But I’m very honored and I hope that we come — me, my dancers and my band — and we give Texas a really good show and I make them proud.”

Gomez, who is from Grand Prairie, started her career on Barney and Friends, before she was discovered by Disney. She is probably best known for her role in Wizards of Waverly Place, where she played a feisty wizard named Alex. She's probably best known for the fact that she used to date Justin Bieber.

Dallas Cowboys Phil Costa gets engaged to Brooke Hogan

According to Starcasm.net Hulk Hogan's daughter Brooke Hogan has gotten engaged to Dallas Cowboys player Phil Costa. On Saturday night, June 29, Costa got down on one knee in Las Vegas and proposed to Brooke in front of an amazing view including The Paris Hotel’s version of the Eiffel Tower. There’s no word on how long Brooke and Phil have been dating, but since she was dating someone at the beginning of the year, it couldn’t have been very long. Starcasm reports that unfortunately, there is one piece of bad news for the happy couple. Brooke is apparently still married to Bully Ray and having trouble convincing him to sign divorce papers. He claims he still loves her. Hopefully now that she’s engaged, he’ll be considerate and take the necessary steps to end their marriage.  To read more details, click over to http://starcasm.net/archives/228880

Travis Frederick will shave his beard for the love of Texas BBQ on May 30

Join Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick at 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House on May 30 to see him shave off that famous beard – all for the love of Texas BBQ. Earlier this month, Travis Frederick appeared on the Elf and Slater Show on 105.3 The Fan to talk about coming to play for the Dallas Cowboys. During that interview Frederick was asked what he thought about Texas BBQ. His response was, “I’d say brisket is probably my favorite. Ribs are also delicious. The problem with the ribs is they get all in your beard and everything. It takes too much work to keep yourself clean.”

On May 30, Travis Frederick will join The Ben and Skin Show from 105.3 The Fan at 3 Stacks Smoke and Tap House. Floyd’s 99 Barber Shop will ceremoniously shave off his beard and then Travis will be served a Texas-sized BBQ meal by 3 Stacks Pitmaster, Trace “The Rib Whisperer” Arnold. The Ben and Skin Show will be airing LIVE at 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House from 2-6 PM. The shaving ceremony and rib dinner will occur between 4:30-5 PM.

Cowboy fans are welcome to come and observe! Travis would also like to encourage fans to bring by donations of clothing, supplies and non-perishable food items for tornado relief efforts. 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House, in conjunction with Apple Moving, will be delivering all donations.

WHAT: Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick shaves his beard
WHEN: May 30, 4:30-5PM
WHERE: 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House is located at 4226 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034, www.3stacksbbq.com

Emmitt Smith to Join Dancing With the Stars All-Star Season

Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke accepting DWTS 2006 trophy

BREAKING NEWS:
Emmitt Smith will join the upcoming season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars All-Star season.

Smith is one of Dallas' favorite sons. The former Dallas Cowboy legend and NFL Hall of Famer is one of the nicest guys I know, a great family man, successful business man, runs a charity and he's also got some smooth moves! Partnered with dancer Cheryl Burke, he won his season of Dancing With the Stars in 2006 and has been a fan favorite ever since.

"I’ve been a competitor all my life and when DWTS called about an All-Stars show, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to showcase my skills on the dance floor again," says Smith.  "Participating in the show will provide a great platform for me to share more about Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, the non-profit that my wife and I run which supports underserved youth, particularly in North Texas. I may be older than the last time I took the dance floor, but I don’t believe I’ve lost a step because I take good care of my body and mind."


Dancing With the Stars All-Stars will debut September 24 on ABC.

Behind the scenes with CMT's "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team"

There are a handful of iconic images that come to mind when you say the word DALLAS: Southfork Ranch, Big Tex at the State Fair, cowboy boots, the Dallas Cowboys... and of course, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.  CMT has spent the last six years documenting the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders tryouts in a reality series called Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.

Back for a seventh season, I was invited to attend a rehearsal and check out what goes into filming this show.  I was going to be in Vail for this opportunity, but fortunately for me, Brittany Husted was eager to fill in for me. Seems her Mama was an infamous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader back in the day, so who better to take the lead on this one!? Here's her report:

CMT was on location at Gilley’s in Dallas to get some footage for the upcoming Season 7 of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, and guess who got to be right in the middle of all the action? Yep, that’s right…yours truly! I got to kick off the evening by interviewing 5 cheerleaders: 2 alumni and 3 “newbies”.  I’m not going to lie, I was pretty intimidated by these fabulously fit chicks, but they were all super nice and did I say…FABULOUS!

I asked the girls to tell me a little about the whole process of becoming a cheerleader and let me say, it ain’t a piece of cake! Over 400 girls will begin this process.  They get one minute of improv dancing to impress the judges and get to the next round. After several grueling practices, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Director Kelli Finglass and highly acclaimed choreographer Judy Trammel make cuts and narrow it down to 42 girls. I asked if there were lots of cat fights with so many girls vying for thee coveted spots and they said, “No, not really. We are all one big family and we have the utmost respect for each other. This process actually brings us closer together and we develop really strong bonds.” 

I wanted to know what they did during their downtown and Brittany, one of the alumni cheerleaders, filled me in, “We really don’t have any downtime. When we are not practicing, we are either going to school or working - which is a requirement for all cheerleaders.”

Trammel and Finglass

After my interview with the girls I went to the next room to meet with the infamous coaches, Kelli and Judy. Now I know I said I was intimidated before, but now I was just plain scared! I have seen Kelli and Judy on TV and they are pretty fierce, but lucky for me the cameras hadn’t started rolling yet.

I asked them what their favorite part of creating the team was, and both agreed that it was being able to mentor the girls and watch them evolve in to strong, determined, confident women. Kelli and Judy also both agreed that the hardest part was cutting girls from the roster. “You never want to be the one responsible for crushing someone’s lifelong dream.”

I had time for one more question before the girls came out for practice so I made sure it was a good one. “What kinds of drama can we expect from Season 7?”   Their response was, “Well, you’ll have to wait and see!”

When the interviews were complete I got to sit back, relax, and watch some of the routines being performed. Little did I know that I would be completely exhausted after watching their performances. I never knew dancing and smiling required so much effort! Keep your eyes open for Season 7 and maybe you will even get a quick glimpse of me!

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Season 7 will debut September 27, 2012on CMT.

Click here to see a gallery of photos from this event on Facebook.  Photos: Shana Anderson

Brittany attended Texas State University where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. Brittany and her husband live in Dallas with their two beautiful children/dogs, Marley and Kona. She currently works at Gangway Advertising as an Account Executive and in her spare time she enjoys her family and friends, traveling, shopping, taking pictures, and trying new restaurants. You can follow her on Twitter @brittanyhusted.

Taste of the NFL 2012: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party

CBS 11 Anchor Tracy Kornet, Former Dallas Cowboys Running
Back Preston Pearson & CBS 11’s Gina Miller

Former Dallas Cowboy Chad Hennings joined an all-star roster of hosts, including Chef Kent Rathbun of Abacus, Dallas Cowboy DeMarcus Ware #94, and Cowboys legend Preston Pearson for 2012’s Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party benefiting the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB).

Foodies and football fans huddled up at the Omni Hotel's Trinity Ballroom to take a bite out of childhood hunger at the eighth annual “party with a purpose,” aiming to raise its one-millionth dollar in 2012.

This year’s Tailgate Party had all the ingredients of a winning evening, including:  20 gourmet food stations from chefs representing some of DFW’s hottest restaurants and purveyors (see list below); Current and former Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; Live music by Emerald City and a silent and live auction.

“I am proud to Co-Chair this winning team, and to support this great event as it looks to raise its one millionth dollar in 2012 to feed North Texas kids in need,” said Chad Hennings, former Dallas Cowboy #95.

Live auction with Auctioneer and Chef Kent Rathbun of Abacus with his kids

The following star chefs took time out from their own kitchens to participate:

• Kent Rathbun – Kent Rathbun Concepts: Abacus, Jasper’s, Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, & KB’s WoodFire Grill
• Sean Merchant – Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Omni Dallas Hotel
• Jake Law & Sarah Katherine Francis – Cavallini Coffee & Tea
• Graham Dodds – Central 214, Hotel Palomar Dallas
• David Holben – Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
• Bronwen Weber – Frosted Art Bakery & Studio
• Matt McCallister – FT 33
• Orazio LaManna – Legends Hospitality, Cowboys Stadium
• Anthony Bombaci – Nana, Hilton Anatole Hotel
• Rodman Shields – Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse
• James Williams – North Texas Food Bank, Community Kitchen
• Leslie Beach – The Owner’s Box, Omni Dallas Hotel
• James Johnson – Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
• The Saxton Group – Pinkberry
• Jaime Corona – Place at Perry’s
• Tiffany Derry – Private Social
• Shuji Sugawara – Shinsei
• James Mockerman – Sullivan’s Steakhouse
• Gilbert Garza – Suze Restaurant
• TJ Lengnick – Whiskey Cake
• Daniel Nemec – Woodfire by Kirby’s (Dallas) & Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse (Southlake)

Sue Calvery with Dallas Cowboys Coach Rob Ryan

“This fun evening has become a springtime tradition, and we are grateful to be on the receiving end of the enormous generosity of our amazing hosts, a great lineup of talented chefs and dedicated sponsors,” said Jan Pruitt, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank.  “You are helping to elevate the issue of hunger as our organization works to raise funds to provide healthier, more nutritious options to families in need of food assistance.”

All event proceeds will go towards supporting NTFB’s children’s programs including: the Food 4 Kids backpack, Kids Cafe and pantry programs, which aim to tackle childhood hunger here in North Texas.

Under the Big Top: Children's Cancer Fund Luncheon & Fashion Show 2012

The 24th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting Children’s Cancer Fund was held at the Hilton Anatole on May 2, 2012.  "Cancer.  It is a word that can change your life in an instant," said Co-Chair Keyea Webster.  Many in the audience could relate to that statement.   Webster, along with fellow Co-Chair Lori Buschel, introduced the day's event and rallied the troops to "dig deep" for the cause.

The fashion show, produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers, featured children undergoing treatment for cancer at Children’s Medical Center Dallas escorted down the runway by sponsors and celebrity guests such as Demarcus Ware, Mike Modano, the Dallas SWAT Team, Pat Smith, Scott Murray, Rudy Gatlin, Olympic medalist Mitch Gaylord and many more. The show was packed with energy and smiles, and these children really captured your heart.

Troy Aikman, Cynthia Smoot and Roger Staubach. Photo courtesy of Elite Appliance.

Honorary Co-Chairs, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, were gracious hosts, posing for photos and signing endless sports memorabilia. I was kicking myself that it hadn't occurred to me to bring something to get signed for my son. Oh well, there's always next year!  Dr. Steven Skapek spoke on behalf of the doctors, nurses and other providers who treat cancer at Children's Medical Center and said their dedication, along with the support of the Children's Cancer Fund, has helped cure more than two-thirds of children with cancer today. However, the work is far from complete, he said.  Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eagar from Fox 4 News did a fantastic job of emceeing the event.  The grand celebrity finale walk was Tony Romo and Jason Whitten who were met with cheers from the audience.

(top left) Mike Modano and Matt Nordgren  (top right) Clarice Tinsley, Steve Eager and children
(bottom left) Country music legend Rudy Gatlin with patient (bottom right) Shirin Askari with Megan Saustad

Founded 30 years ago by a group of local parents whose children were being treated for cancer at Children's Medical Center, Children's Cancer Fund has become one of the nation's leading fundraising groups in support of local research for the treatment and prevention of childhood cancers. Among the programs supported by the fund are the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Children's Medical Center and the Children's Cancer Fund Comprehensive Center for Research in Pediatric Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, which is gaining a national reputation for its work in eradicating childhood cancers. In 2002, the fund initiated funding for a full-time Child Life Assistant at Children's Medical Center's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders to help better serve its outpatient clients.

The Dallas Cowboy Trilogy that almost was...

Do you want the Good News or the Bad News about yesterday?

The good news, was that my Dad and his fiance, Patricia, came up to watch Little Man's football game. We went out to brunch before the game and had a great visit. The weather was FANTASTIC. I could have stayed outside all day. Oh wait, I did.

The other good news was that we were playing my FAVORITE game of the whole season. Daryl Johnston's team. I don't care about their players... I'm talking about the chance to stare at the most gorgeous man on the planet for a whole hour. I was pumped! Plus, it was going to complete my Dallas Cowboy Trilogy. Two weeks ago, we had Troy Aikman on our sidelines. Last week, we played next to Jerry Jones. And this week was going to give me my Daryl Johnston sighting.

The bad news... We got to the field, only to discover that Daryl Johnston WASN'T THERE. I guess he was traveling for work or something. Such a bummer.

Look at the middle of this photograph and see this monster they had Little Man lined up against. He was a good foot and a half taller than my baby. I told him to just put his helmet in his stomach and try and knock the wind out of him.

We ended the day with a baseball game later in the day and dinner with friends. A super fun, fantastic day. Now... on to Sunday!

Orange Crush lives up to their name...

What a beautiful day for football! Little Man's Orange Crush took the field today against the Gators. And Crush them we did: 19-0. Sweeeeet victory.

And look who was out scouting our team... former Dallas Cowboy quarterback and FOX sportscaster, Troy Aikman. He must be helping Jerry Jones scout for the Cowboys 2020 roster... Nah, really he was there because he is friends with one of the coaches on the opposing team we were playing. And because Daryl Johnston's son's team was playing on the field after us. At least, that's what I heard.

Randy's parents came up this weekend to visit. Not only did they get to see Troy, but they got to see their Grandson play a great game. Next on the list... nap.

Football game? Where's my lipstick!

The highlight of my son's football season every year (for me) is the week we play against the team coached by former Dallas Cowboy, Daryl Johnston. It has nothing to do with how good his team has or his coaching ability... It has everything to do with the fact that I just enjoy looking at him. I have said it here before and I will say it again... He is gorgeous. And I am not the only Mom who actually brushes her hair and wears something nicer than sweats for this game either. They won't admit it, but they are doing the same thing I am. Oogling and drooling.
We won, by the way. So take that former Dallas Cowboy professional football player! Ha!


Just for grins, here's some action shots of the boy.

All work and lots of fun!

Last night, my magazine held a quarterly Happy Hour at a new restaurant in North Dallas called Go Fish Ocean Club. I have no idea how the food was - because I was talking non-stop for the two hours I was there and never got to take a bite of anything that was being passed around. But the place was beautiful.

Our March cover girl and local living legend, Ebby Halliday was our guest of honor. What an amazing woman. She is a Dallas icon and real estate mogul. 98 years old and still goes to work every day. Her secret to staying young? She told last night's crowd, "I don't drink. I don't smoke. And I will never retire." She's a little bity thing, all of 5 foot tall but what a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. It was an honor to meet her.
The other thrill of the night was talking to Daryl Johnston. He has a third-grade son and so do I. We played his flag-football team last season (as I talked about here) so we had that to talk about. He was so nice and, my God, is he GORGEOUS in person.
I walked up to him and introduced myself and after a minute of chit-chat I said, "So, what are you doing now?" And he says, "Well, I'm doing some broadcasting". The very minute I said it I could have killed myself. I mean, DUH, he's my favorite sportscaster on Fox. Such an idiot. But he was lovely and I was thrilled he came.

The party was a great success and I think everyone had a wonderful time. I came home and was so exhausted from the night that I went to bed at 9:00 pm. Now, it's 5:00 am and I am wide awake. Lovely. Have a great day everyone!

Should this flag fly?

My friends over at FrontBurner posted this story on Friday. Boy oh boy, are people passionate about two things: the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas flag.

I dunno. I'd buy it.