Halloween Makeup From Decades Past From Blushington

Parties are fun, but a COSTUME party is always my favorite, which makes Halloween the best holiday of the year! I had so much fun Art Directing this segment on Good Morning Texas and helping Blushington show viewers how to create timeless looks from decades of the past. Looks from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s are easy to pull together using items you probably already have around the house. Dash into Party City for a few accessoires and wa-la! Take your concept from good to great with a visit to Blushington. From a hand-jiving Pink Lady to a hippie chick, punk rocker to a superhero, Blushington can help you create the perfect makeup look to top off your outfit and take home first prize at your party. Special thanks to my girl, Leah Frazier, for donning her best Diana Ross wig and shaking her groove thing on today’s segment to help us showcase the 70s. Of course, I nabbed the 80s for myself. Hello! These were my glory years and I love to relive them, even if it’s for just a few hours whenever I can. Blushington has studios in Dallas, New York and Los Angeles. Call or make your appointment online today!

FUN FACT: I got the Lucky Star earring I am wearing on May 4, 1985 at Madonna's "Like A Virgin" concert in Dallas. I can't believe that 30+ years later I haven't lost or broken it. It's one of my prized possessions because it brings back so many fun memories for me. I love pulling it out for occasions like this one!

DIFFA Showcases the Alter Egos of Dallas Society Set

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to attend on of my favorite parties of the year - House of DIFFA. This year's theme was "Alter Ego" and the event was sold-out with an impressive attendance count of nearly 1,600 guests. DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations aiding HIV/AIDS. The Dallas chapter, formed in 1984, is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas that provides funding to local HIV/AIDS Service Organizations within our community. DIFFA/Dallas has granted more than $8 million to 25 frontline HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in North Texas providing direct care to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Highlighting the design community, DIFFA/Dallas hosts multiple events throughout the season. Through your support and generosity, DIFFA/Dallas is able to make a significant impact within our community.

The 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs Gala Goes Global

Scroll through the gallery to view images from this event


The 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs was held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Sixty Five Hundred benefiting KidLinks. The night began with the sounds of Corey Breedlove on guitar during a hors d’oeuvres reception prepared by Chef Partner Justin Yoakum from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Notable guests included Jolie & Bart Humphrey, Carmaleta & Otis Felton, Margo & Bill Goodwin, Dr. Tana Roberts & Tim Roberts, Daffan Nettle, Jeanie & Bert Conly, Karen & Mike Dollar and founding event chairs Bonnie & Nathan Shea. As the dinner bell chimed, 250 guests took their seats in front of the 25 featured dinner chef tables. Co-chairs Vinette & Mike Montgomery and Georgia & Marc Lyons welcomed guests to the 8th annual event before turning the podium over to WFAA’s Good Morning Texas co-host Jane McGarry. After recognizing a host of new and returning sponsors and a few brief remarks about the night it was time for the chefs and guests to enjoy their first course.

Tina Brown Shines Dallas Spotlight On Female Power-Players With Women In The World Salon

Co-hosted by Toyota and legendary journalist, Tina Brown, the Women in the World live event series took to the Dallas stage on Monday, December 4th at the Dallas Museum of Art. The event honored Maxeme Tuchman, CEO and co-creator of the groundbreaking educational app, Caribu, as the newest recipient of Toyota’s Mother of Invention award grant and featured an extraordinary lineup of speakers. With women at the center of our nation’s latest social movements, the salon continued the conversation with remarkable women of impact who are driving change around the U.S. and globe.

KidLinks Announces "Global Fare" theme for the 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs

Photos c/o Thomas Garza


On Wednesday, November 15, KidLinks hosted a kick-off party to launch the 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs event at the estate of Honorary Chair Faye C. Briggs. Guests enjoyed an inspired menu created by Honorary Chef Emeritus, Salvatore Gisellu, Executive Chef of Urban Crust, which included delicious pizza created on-site from a mobile wood-burning pizza oven and a tequila tasting from Tequila Sheela served by founders Sheela Marshall and Natalie Merrick. Good Morning Texas Co-Host Jane McGarry served as emcee for the evening and thanked Symphony of Chefs Founding Event Chairs, Bonnie & Nathan Shea, for underwriting the evening’s Italian-inspired fare from Urban Crust. 2018 Event Co-Chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Vinette & Mike Montgomery were introduced and announced a theme of “global fare” for the 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs event, which will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Sixty Five Hundred.

EXCLUSIVE: Photos from LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin's Engagement Party

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On February 1, 2017, LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin hosted friends and family for an intimate gathering at the Prashe showroom in the Dallas Design District to celebrate their engagement. This party was filmed for the Season 2 finale of the Real Housewives of Dallas - which is why I am just now showing you scenes fro the event. Bravo doesn't like spoilers! Flip through the gallery to see images from the party. Viewers of the show know that LeeAnne grew up spending summers on the carnival circuit, so it was fitting that the party had an (upscale) carnival theme. In attendance to celebrate the couple were "real" friends Heidi Dillon, Steve Kemble, Ken Weber, Shane Walker, Jane McGarry and me, of course. LeeAnne was radiant in a custom dress designed by Dallas-based designer, Nardos Imam. Since this soiree was part of the season finale, it was an all-cast event, which meant that Stephanie Hollman, Brandi Redmond, Cary Deuber, D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott were also milling about - some happier to be there than others. While there were no games to be played by guests, the cast played many. You can see how the soiree played out on the finale episode of #RHOD on Bravo Monday, October 30 at 9:00 PM/CST.

Quick And Easy Recipes From The Unlikeliest Of Chefs

Quick and Easy Recipes from Jane McGarry and Heidi Dillon
as seen of Good Morning Texas

I love food. Especially flavorful food that packs a punch. But that doesn't always lead to the healthiest of choices. I joined my #BFFs Jane McGarry and Heidi Dillon on Good Morning Texas today to watch them prepare their favorite quick-and-easy recipe that not tastes amazing but packs a powerful healthy punch. I helped out with colorful commentary and to taste test. We all have our talents.

Enjoy! - OSC


Jane McGarry's Kale Salad

Ingredients:
1/2 bag Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad
1/2 bunch fresh Lacinato Tuscan  Kale (chopped)
1/2 bunch Red Kale (chopped)
2 thick slices red onion, diced (optional)
Chopped jalapeno to taste (optional)

Toss greens, onion and jalapeno.

Symphony of Chefs 2017 Takes Dining For A Cause To A Whole New Level

photos c/o Thomas Garza


The social season is in full swing and as a result I am so behind in bringing you the scoop from the scene. Better late than never, right. I attended the 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs benefitting KidLinks on February 27, 2017 at the newly renovated and renamed Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station and was so impressed with the spectacular event that Hamilton A Sneed of HAS Events produced. This culinary evening was led by Honorary Chairs D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, Event Co-Chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Bonnie & Nathan Shea and Honorary Chef Chair, Salvatore Gisellu with Urban Family Restaurants. The unforgettable night began with an hors d’oeuvres reception featuring Rising Star Chefs: Jan Loov of Texas Spice, Benjamin Maulsby of Happiest Hour, and Juan Orocio of 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. DSQ Electric provided a live musical performance from the balcony in the Stationmasters Lounge lending a romantic flavor to the start of the night.

Getting Irreverent in Jane McGarry's Stunning New Home

Jane McGarry has graced television screens in North Texas for 20+ years first as the nightly news anchor for NBC and now as co-host of the popular morning show Good Morning Texas on ABC. Her social media followers are privy to her savvy sense of style and amazing shoe collection, but what you might not know is that Jane is an amateur interior decorator who has a keen sense of color and  love of art. Together with her long-time decorator, Ken Blasingame, she has just put the finishing touches on her new Dallas home. "McGarry’s just-the-way-she-wants-it condo is not unlike her on-screen personality—exuberant, accessible, and fearless about bending the rules now and then," says D Home magazine in a new inside peek.

A Night At The Museum Had The Perot Seeking To "Elevate" Fundraising in 2016

photos c/0 Thomas Garza Photography and the Perot Museum


Dancing in the clouds, hot air balloons, flight simulators, hair-raising experiments, dancing birds and floating foods had visitors soaring at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s annual fundraising gala, Night at the Museum: Elevate, on Saturday, Nov. 12. Held on all five levels of the Museum, the nearly sold-out soiree featured “play-and-party” activities, live entertainment, delicious science-infused fare and cocktails from Wolfgang Puck Catering, and dreamy décor that had patrons floating on cloud nine. “From aviation and nature’s beauty, to the future of flight, this year’s Night at the Museum will explore the many interpretations of elevation,” said Dan Kohl, the Perot Museum’s interim chief executive officer. “This event supports our mission to inspire minds through nature and science by allowing us to sponsor community outreach programs, fund research, provide financial assistance for students and bring in traveling exhibitions to our visitors.” An invitation-only VIP pre-party, presented by Highland Capital Management, kicked off the evening and in a nod to the Perot Museum’s fall traveling exhibition, Birds of Paradise, where Earth’s most flirtatious birds are visually displayed in a simulated exotic New Guinea rainforest guests got to witness a live bird show.

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

2016 DIFFA/Dallas Style Council Ambassadors Announced at Burgers & Burgundy

Photos c/o of Shana Anderson and Joseph Brewster


On Friday, October 7, celebrity chefs from across the great state of Texas headed for the Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge for the eighth annual Burgers & Burgundy event hosted by Terri Provencal & Chef John Tesar benefiting DIFFA/ Dallas. Guests mingled on the bridge with the Dallas skyline as their backdrop as they sipped on cocktails and wine, listened to festive live music and sampled a wide variety of mouth-watering burgers created by John Tesar (Knife), Brian Luscher (Luscher’s Red Hots & The Grape), Jermaine Brown (Julia Pearl), Casey Thompson (Celebrity Chef), David Fingerman (Madrina), Sharon Van Meter (3015 at Trinity Groves), Blaine Staniford (Grace), Jacob Williamson (Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck), Rodman Shields (Common Table). Repel the Robot and The Please, Please Me, revved up the crowd with their upbeat songs, and attendees were entertained by local artists. The night also featured a silent auction of restaurant experiences, grills, and two designer dog houses, created by Gensler, this auction directly benefited DIFFA/Dallas.

Cookie Johnson Brings Her Brand of Magic To Dallas With New Book

Photos c/o Jai Carol & Co.


Cookie Johnson and Pat Smith have much in common: they are both married to high-profile athletes (Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Emmitt Smith respectively), they are both deeply connected to their Christianity, they are both Mothers who dote on their children and as of this year... they are both book authors. Cookie and Magic hosted a book party in Los Angeles for Pat earlier this year when she was on tour for her debut tome Second Chances, so when Cookie's book Believing in Magic was recently released Pat couldn't wait to return the favor. In her new memoir, Cookie shares details of her marriage, motherhood, faith, and how an HIV diagnosis twenty-five years ago changed the course of their lives forever. On November 7, 1991, basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson stunned the world with the news that he was HIV-positive. For the millions who watched, his announcement became a pivotal moment not only for the nation, but his family and wife. Twenty-five years later, Cookie Johnson shares her story and the emotional journey that started on that day—from life as a pregnant and joyous newlywed to one filled with the fear that her husband would die, she and her baby would be infected with the virus, and their family would be shunned. Believing in Magic is the story of her marriage to Earvin nearly four decades of loving each other, losing their way, and eventually finding a path they never imagined. November 7, 2016 will mark a quarter-century since the announcement and Cookie is now finally ready to share her full account of the reasons that she stayed and her life with Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

Dallas Zoo To Do Celebrates Silver Safari

Click on the image below to view an album of photos from this event:

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


One of my many happy places around Dallas is the Dallas Zoo. I love being outside and communing with nature, plus there are amazing animals to look at and learn about! So, I always love attending the Zoo's annual fundraiser called Zoo To Do. This year marked their 25th Anniversary and the "Silver Safari" was celebrated in jungle chic style this past Saturday evening. My dates for the evening were WFAA's Good Morning Texas co-hosts Jane McGarry and Alanna Sarabia. Guests strolled through the award-winning Giants of the Savanna exhibit taking in the sights of elephants and giraffes roaming the Savanna and chetahs and lions lounging about as we bid on a vast array of silent auction items. I spotted Don and Barbara Daske (who was this year's Auction Chair), Kent and Tracy Rathbun, Chris and Rachel Trowbridge, Steve and Anne Stodghill song those taking in the sights (and smells). Attendees grazed exquisite dishes from over twenty-five of Dallas’ premier chefs and restaurants and enjoyed interactive animal demonstrations and musical entertainment. One of my favorite parts of this event is getting to get up close and personal with some of the Zoo's residents. This year I got to hold a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (proof in the above photo gallery), feed a giraffe, pet an African Hedgehog, and hold a boa constrictor. So cool. Following dinner, guests moved to the Wilds of Africa plaza for a live auction featuring rare Zoo experiences, travel, and more. The evening culminated with dancing and live music from Party Machine. Event Chairs Hal Brierley, Don Glendenning, and John Levy and Honorary Chair Mary McDermott Cook deserve a round of applause for executing an amazing celebration (and raising a ton of money). www.dallaszoo.com

Oh So Fashionable: Fashion X Dallas 2016

Scroll through the photo gallery for visual delights:

photos by Danielle Ellis, Shana Anderson, Thomas Garza and Todd White

Fashion X Dallas is our version of “fashion week” and features 3 nights of runway shows each Fall. The event was created in 2014 by Matt Swinney, creator of Austin Fashion Week and each night featured at least 9 full runway collections from local DFW-based designers, Season Winners and All Stars from the hit Lifetime Television show Project Runway, and emerging designers from across the globe. FXD also gives opportunities to the youngest of designers through CAPSULE, mini 3-look collections allowing for an accessible runway experience. Finally, over 20 curated Gallery spaces will feature the best in emerging jewelry and accessories designers each night. This September 8-10, Fashion X Dallas returned for its 3rd year and to keep things fresh, the event is adding a new component called "Style Setters". Linda Gray, Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken and Heidi Dillon were selected not only for their iconic style, but also for their tireless work and dedication to nonprofit organizations. Fashion X Dallas donated a portion of all “Style Setter” tickets to each designated nonprofit. I've been a supporter of the event since its inception and can attest that every year, Matt and his team elevate the level of fun and sophistication higher and higher. I encourage you to peruse through this photo gallery of fabulous fashion and save the date for next year's FXD. www.fashionxdallas.com

Dodge for a Cause Raises Funds for Vogel Alcove

Scroll through a gallery of images from this event below:
photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


I recently attended the fourth annual “Dodge for a Cause” dodgeball tournament benefiting the Vogel Alcove, which provides free development services to homeless children in Dallas. The event featured several simultaneous games, all taking place on the floor of the American Airlines Center. To date, more than 30 teams representing some of the city’s most prominent companies have raised over $70,000 to sponsor and play in the round-robin tournament. I was part of the only all-girl team sponsored by Highland Capital Management and led by Carmen Surgent. We didn't win a game, but Team Hot Shots took home the award for Best Dressed for the second year in a row... and that is winning in our book! Gina Ginsburg, Brooke Branigan, Jane McGarry, Donna Richardson, Lindsay Lee McCain, and Claire Kinsey were just a few of my fellow Sporty Spice teammates.

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.

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!?

Top 10 Most Read Posts of 2015

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. This blog is my love letter to the city of Dallas. I LOVE shining a spotlight on the people, places, events and businesses that make it a great place to live, work and raise a family. Because I write about the many faces of Dallas, I'm always curious what people are drawn to. I thought it would be fun to look back at the traffic and see what my most read posts of 2015 were to give me a direction for how to proceed as we enter 2016. Reality TV and celebrity coverage led the pack, which is not that surprising considering that stories about national topics tend to lead to clicks from around the world and not just my usual Dallas-based readers.

So, what topics had readers talking this year?

Top 10 Most Read Posts of 2015

#10: Oh So Artsy: Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots opens at the DMA on November 20
Personally, I am shocked that this post made the top ten. According to the Dallas Museum of Art, Pollock is "the greatest painter this country has ever produced". According to me, his work is complete crap. My philosophy on art is that anything I could create myself - is not art. But, clearly Pollock has his supporters because critics have hailed his work as “sensational," "exhilarating," "genius," “revelatory,” and “revolutionary”.  Is it interest in Pollock's work that led to the large number of clicks on this post or the fact that it was published the same day as my post announcing Bravo's Real Housewives of Dallas? Hmmm. One can only wonder.

#9: Andy Cohen reveals how Ladies of Dallas became Real Housewives of Dallas
In March 2015 Bravo announced that Ladies of Dallas was in the works, which would be a spin-off of their highly successful Ladies of London series. 8 months later, they shocked the world when it was announced that what was in the can would NOW be released as the newest city in the Real Housewives franchise. But why? And how in the world...? On Bravo's Daily Dish web series, Andy Cohen 'splained all...

How Dallas Celebrities Spent Christmas

I woke up this morning with visions of sugarplums still dancing in my head. I love the merriment of Christmas - I celebrate all month along and am always sorry to see it go. So, let's stretch out the season one more day and take a gander at how some of our local celebrities, sports starts and newsmakers spent their holiday.

Christmas dinner at Paula's with our dear friends. Roast pig and cranberry tamales!

A photo posted by Stephan Pyles (@chefpyles) on Dec 25, 2015 at 6:37pm PST

Chef Stephan Pyles spent his Christmas Day with fellow chef Paula Lambert of The Mozzarella Company.

Merry Christmas from me and my new Cappuccino machine! Thanks Santa (mom&dad)!! 🎄🎁🎅☕ pic.twitter.com/tJZ2rVBgiH

— Hannah Kirby (@IamHannahKirby) December 26, 2015

Looks like Hannah Kirby, former contestant on The Voice, got her self a new cappachino machine.

Merry Christmas from the Lowes!

A photo posted by Sean Lowe (@seanloweksu) on Dec 25, 2015 at 8:50am PST