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.

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.

Tickled Pink with The Fat Jewish

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography

Yesterday was a Sunday Funday like no other featuring The Fat Jewish, White Girl Rosé, and bottomless bubbles overlooking the best views in the Big D from the WET deck at the W Hotel. Among the partygoers were Kameron Westcott and LeeAnne Locken from Bravo TV's Real Housewives of Dallas and Sybil Summers from AMP 103.7 DFW. The Pink Party was hosted by Social Revolt Agency. Scroll through the gallery above for photos from the event.

RHOD Memes: Season 2, Episode 1

Real Housewives of Dallas kicked off last night for the Season 2 premiere. Below are a couple of memetastic moments from last night's debut episode. I attended a private viewing party at Highland Park Village Theater hosted by LeeAnne Locken and D'Andra Simmons. Among those in attendance were Rich Emberlin, Jeremy Lock, Jane McGarry, Bo Dorton, Caroline Kraddick, Steve Kemble, Jenny Anchondo, Leigh Ann Adam, Dawn and Ryan Neufeld, and Hamilton Sneed. The show trended on Twitter, which was awesome. For those of you who watched... What did you think? Hit up my Instastory in the next 8 hours if you want to see behind-the-scenes-fun from last night's event. 

Real Housewives of Dallas Season Two Taglines Revealed!

The new season of the Real Housewives of Dallas will return to Bravo next Monday, August 14 at 9:00 PM CST. Joining returning Housewives Cary Deuber, Stephanie Hollman, LeeAnne Locken and Brandi Redmond are newbies D’Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott who will bring some new drama to the mix. In anticipation of the upcoming second season, which will include unexpected betrayals and shocking scandals, their new taglines were just revealed. Which is your favorite?

Real Housewives of Dallas Throw Shade Before Season Even Begins

This past Monday night during the Real Housewives of Orange County's Season 10 premiere episode, Bravo released a trailer for the Real Housewives of Dallas, Season 2 and FINALLY gave us an official air date of Monday, August 14, 9:00 PM CST. In addition to revealing the air date, Bravo also confirmed the two new cast mates, D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott by including them in the trailer. The next morning, they released their bios on BravoTV.com. None of this was any secret to readers of this blog since I announced Kam and D'Andra would be joining the cast back in February... but now the rest of the world knows. Once the cat was out of the bag, it didn't take long for the "ladies" to start jockeying for position and throwing massive shade on Twitter. Here's just a taste of what's already occurred and what we can surely expect much more of this season:

Bravo Releases A First Look at Real Housewives of Dallas, Season 2

Saddle up, people. We're hitting the trails once again for Season 2 of Real Housewives of Dallas. Today, Bravo released a sneak peek of what's to come. Frankly, this is one of the tamer moments from this party - heck, from this season even - so I'm surprised they chose this moment to kick off the chatter but... who can say why Bravo does what they do. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  What this clip does confirm is that LeeAnne Locken, Cary Deuber, Brandi Redmond and Stephanie Hollman are back for another season. What it doesn't show were that Season 2's two newest Housewives were also in attendance at Stephanie's Halloween party. Flip through the photo gallery above to see what D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott wore for their RHOD debut. Word on the street is that the new season will launch late Summer/early Fall. At noon today, Bravo released a #BravoSummerSneak on their Facebook Page and had Shahs of Sunset's Mike Shouhed drop that RHOD will follow the Real Housewives of Orange County. "These two shows will definitely be your Monday motivation," claims Mike. I couldn't agree more! After seeing the numbers that Potomac got from following Atlanta in Season One, Bravo is smart to have RHOC be the lead in for Dallas. Are you excited for the drama?! Leave your comments below and sound off!

Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show 2017 Was An Affair of the Heart

photos c/o Daniel Driensky and OSC


The Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show is always one of my favorite events of the year. This year's theme was "Affair of the Heart" and clearly it was for 2017 Chair Heather Randall, who did an amazing job with her committee making this one of the most successful luncheons in its 33 year history, raising $650,000 towards the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to find cures and provide support for patients and families. Through her leadership and the generosity of corporations, donors and patrons, the 2017 luncheon was the second highest grossing luncheon ever! Along with advisory co-chairs, Gina Betts and Michael Flores, and underwriting co-chairs, Daffan Nettle and Yvette Ostolaza, guests enjoyed a not-to-be-missed fashion show produced by the incomparable Jan Strimple with fashions by Highland Park Village. Honored this year were Tracy and Ben Lange as Honorary Chairs. Their son Luke, last year's Spirit of Tom Landry Character Awardee, presented to Bennett Williams, the 2017 recipient. Additionally, honoring Robyn and Don Conlon as the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award for their long time support of LLS and the community was indeed very fitting as they represent hearts of gold. And lastly, LLS acknowledged an amazing gentleman in Charles Young as the Memorial Hero, who fought valiantly against multiple myeloma. His late wife and former luncheon chair, Lillie Young, accepted the award on behalf of her family. Following the fashion show, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and dynamic raffle. In attendance were Doris Jacobs, Hamilton Sneed, Lisa Singleton, Kate Rose Marquez, D'Andra Simmons Lock, Bina Patel, Jane McGarry, Kameron Westcott, and LeeAnne Locken. For more information on how you can help this cause, visit https://www.lls.org/north-texas.

Jeremy Lock Flies Solo With A New Photo Exhibit at JM Gallery

JM Gallery recently launched a solo show of aerial landscapes and portrait photographs from photographer Jeremy Lock. The new exhibition kicked off Friday, March 3 where Lock hosted friends and family. In attendance were Lock's wife, D'Andra Simmons, and several of her Real Housewives of Dallas cast mates: Lee Anne Locken, Rich Emberlin, Dr. Mark and Cary Deuber. I loved that Kate Rose Marquez had her children in tow for a cultural outing, and I also chatted with Hamilton Sneed, JB Hayes, Jane McGarry, Steve Kemble, Chad Collum and a host of other interesting characters.

Bravo Is Banking On D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott To Save RHOD

Let's face it, the first season of Bravo's Real Housewives of Dallas was kind of a disaster. Questionable casting choices, an inexperienced production company, poor editing and a bad time slot all added up to a less than favorable debut for RHOD in the Spring of 2016. By the time the first season was over in May 2016, there were many who said the franchise would never be picked up for a second season. I, for one, never doubted that it would return for the main reason that in the history of the HW series Bravo has never canceled a franchise after one season. Well, except for Washington, D.C. but that was for legal reasons with that whole Salahi affair... What Bravo did, was set about to retool the show and give it the best chance of success the second time around. And one thing that would entail is new cast members. Over the past summer, I think every eligible woman over the age of 35 within 10 miles of Dallas got a call or an email to gage their interest in the show. Out of that group, many had phone interviews with casting and those who fared well advanced on to Skype interviews with the production company. Six women were selected to have video "sizzle reels" made to present to Bravo and in the end, two women were chosen. According to casting, high on Bravo's list was wealth, status and diversity. Well, they got two of the three with their selections. So, let's get ready to welcome Kameron Westcott and D'Andra Simmons to the crazy train, shall we!? Sources tell me that D'Andra will be introduced as LeeAnne Locken's friend and Kam will be brought in as Cary Deuber's friend. The reality is that D'Andra and Kam are great friends in real life and it will be interesting to see if they take their cues from production to play on the teams they've been assigned or rebel to forge their own path.

So, you want the juicy scoop the only I can bring you? Well, here it is:

Standing Strong At PositiviTea

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


PositiviTEA benefitting Legacy Counseling Center took place on Wednesday, November 2nd at the Westin Dallas Hotel co-chaired by Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken and Heidi Dillion. PositiviTEA is Legacy’s way of raising awareness for the number of women in Dallas County living with HIV/AIDS, which currently numbers over 4,000. All proceeds raised through PositiviTEA benefit the Grace Project Conference, the largest conference in the world for living with HIV/AIDS right here in Dallas’ backyard. The conference seeks to support, educate and empower women living with HIV. Among those in attendance were Tina Craig, Jamie O'Banion, Jenny Anchondo, Gina Ginsberg, Carmen Surgent, and Alison Volk. Locken's #RHOD co-stars Brandi Redmond, D'Andra Simmons, and Kameron Westcott were also in attendance. Cameras were rolling so look for this event to be featured on Season Two of the Real Housewives of Dallas next year. 👍🏻

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

Things Got Ruff For The Real Housewives of Dallas At Dear Clark

Photography by Thomas Garza


(Press Release) This past Saturday, Dear Clark Hair Studio celebrated the launch of its new pet shampoo, Woof Wash, with a Pet Party in partnership with the SPCA of Texas for a Pet Party. Hosts LeeAnne Locken and Brandi Redmond of Real Housewives of Dallas washed dogs in exchange for donations to the SPCA of Texas. The SPCA of Texas Mobile Adoptions truck was present to provide on-site adoptions. DJ Jordon Bell set an upbeat vibe while partygoers and their furry friends checked out pet-friendly local vendors at their tents and tables. Vendors included E&B Couture, Oak Clips, Paw Lofts, One Oak Grove, and a dog photobooth provided by Ochoa Photography. Guests enjoyed beer provided by Deep Ellum Brewery, Roots Juices smoothies, Berry Naked popsicles, and catering from Urban Taco. Attendees received pet-themed giveaways bags with items donated by Lucky Dog Barkery, Lucca Bella Doggie Spa, Dee's Doggie Den, Three Dog Bakery, and The Pooch Patio. The SPCA of Texas received a donation of $1400 and five animals found homes at the event. Woof Wash pet shampoo combines the key natural ingredients aloe vera, rose of jericho and sunflower seed oil with PH balancers and conditioners to give pets a clean, soothed and shiny coat. The specially designed essential oil blend leaves pets fantastically fragrant. Woof Wash is available for purchase online and at the Dear Clark Hair Studio.

Save The Date: Legacy Counseling’s PositiviTEA

Legacy Counseling Center invites you to attend PositiviTEA, an afternoon of moving performances, important speakers and delicious refreshments sponsored by Galleria Dallas on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 1:30 – 3:30 PM at The Westin Galleria's San Antonio Room. This year's event will be chaired by RHOD's LeeAnne Locken and Heidi Dillon will serve as the Honorary Chair.

PositiviTEA will feature women from Legacy’s Grace Project, which produces the largest conference for women living with HIV/AIDS in the nation. Fans of RHOD will recall that this is the event where LeeAnne spoke publicly about her troubled past and encouraged those in attendance to share their stories to take away the shame and empower other women. This event is an opportunity to meet some of these incredible women and hear their stories and learn why LeeAnne calls the Grace Project and PositiviTEA “a HUGE part of my heart.” And if I had to put money on it, I would bet that there's a good chance cameras will be rolling at this year's event as well. Just sayin'...

Diane Reeve, featured on Oprah and 20/20, will share her riveting story of the betrayal of love transformed into powerful strength. Legacy Executive Director Melissa Grove will share how “all proceeds from this fully-underwritten event will expand and enable year-round, life changing programming for the Grace Project Program and Conference.” A general admission ticket costs $150, and tables are available starting at $1,500. Tickets and tables at www.legacycares.org or call Angela Huddy at (469) 767-6755.

Reality check on the state of reality TV in Dallas

Bravo debuted two new Housewives franchises in the Spring of 2016: Potomac and Dallas. Nether show had killer ratings but, not only has Potomac been renewed, they just wrapped filming on their second season. Which is making everyone involved more than a little nervous for Dallas, as the fate of our franchise lingers in purgatory. Questionable casting, bad editing decisions and a poor time slot did not help the Real Housewives of Dallas debut season. Over the summer, the production company for RHOD tired frantically to find potential new Housewives to change up the chemistry of the cast and entice Bravo into giving Dallas another shot. From what I've been told, they are looking to add 1-2 new women to change of the chemistry of the cast. Every eligible "housewife" within 10 miles of Dallas got a call, a select group moved on to a Skype interview and six lucky ladies were cherry-picked to film scenes with their families (a few even filmed with current RHOD cast) to create a reel that was shown to Bravo execs.

RHOD's Cary Deuber Comes To The Rescue Of Ailing Airline Passenger

One of the creeds of those working in the medical field is to abide by the Hippocratic Oath - or in the case of a Nurse, the Florence Nightingale Pledge - which in a nutshell means they strive to devote themselves to the care of others. Real Housewives of Dallas star and Registered Nurse, Cary Deuber, lived up to that responsibility when she came to the aid of a passenger who was on a recent flight with the Deubers as they traveled home from a month-long vacation form Zurich, Switzerland. Cary told TMZ that about an hour out from DFW International Airport flight attendants made an announcement asking if there was a doctor or nurse on board that would be willing to help a sick passenger. Cary laughingly said, "...this has happened to me before. This is not the first time. I must have some weird airplane... this is like the third time this has happened so I kinda knew the drill." Without going into detail, Cary said she evaluated the passenger, determined he was stable enough that the plane did not need to reroute to the nearest airport and they finished out their flight with paramedics meeting them at the gate at DFW Airport. It's just never a dull moment for these Housewives... Three cheers to Cary for saving the day!

Andy Cohen Talks About The Possibility Of A Season 2 For The Real Housewives Of Dallas

Andy Cohen and his BFF, Anderson Cooper, are on the road with their AC2 tour this Summer and made a stop in Austin last Saturday. While they were in the vicinity, they called in to talk to the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show for Dish Nation. J-Si started the interview by asking Cohen, "Andy, why didn't you ask Kellie Rasberry to be a Housewife of Dallas?" To which Cohen laughed and said, "You know what... because I didn't want to ruin Kellie Rasberry's life! I wished that I would have thought of it. We're looking around in case we do Season Two. You want to throw your name in the hat?" To which Kellie retorted emphatically, "Andy...NO. I was going to ask you - because we are fans of the show - is there a potential season two of the Real Housewives of Dallas?" Cohen says, "There IS a potential second season of the Real Housewives of Dallas, you bet." When asked about the potential of new cast Cohen said cryptically, "We always shake it up a little bit. Now that the Reunion has aired and all the dust is settling, we're taking a look back and reevaluating and figuring out who we want to keep and who we want to let go."

Drama On (And Off) The Set Of The RHOD Reunion

Touch your mouse to the photo below to scroll through a gallery of photos:
Photos courtesy of Bravo


Before the Bravo even taped one hot minute of the RHOD Reunion special there was drama. Shocking, I know. It's been such a kumbaja season! Initially, the ladies and their spouses/boyfriends were to participate in the reunion but... it seems that a couple of the husband's refused to attend the taping, so Bravo decided that none of the husbands would be a part of the show. Oh, except for Dr. Mark Deuber, because he needed to defend his marriage. Plus there was no way he was going to miss the opportunity to talk fashion with Andy Cohen. I guess I can't blame Bryan Redmond for bowing out. Seems he had chartered a yacht for that week and despite Bravo knowing about their tropical vacation plans well in advance, they scheduled the reunion at the same time forcing them to reschedule their vaca at a very costly fee. Since Rich and Aaron had nothing to defend (except Aaron's choice of hair style) it wasn't deemed important for them to be there. Take that in. Pause a second. Now, imagine how some of the ladies felt about that... And this is how the RHOD reunion kicked off before they had even started packing for the trip. Taping happened in New York City. Seems Andy Cohen was far too busy running the world of reality TV to come to Dallas, so he brought the ladies to him. Which really bites, because I had planned to hang out backstage and be a fly on the wall. Plan thwarted.

Cast of #RHOD Hits The Big Apple For The Season One Reunion

Episode 6 of the Real Housewives of Dallas aired last night giving us a glimpse at Aaron Hendra's concert at the House of Blues, Brandi Redmond's family turmoil over her brother's attempted suicide and a goth State Fair-themed Frito Chili Pie party hosted by Heidi 'Effin Dillon. Click here to read a complete recap of Aaron's Light Up Tomorrow event from last April and see lots of fun photos from the night - it was amazing. Even though we still have 4 more episodes to go, the ladies are already on their way to NYC to film the Season One Reunion with Bravo boss Andy Cohen. Cary and Mark Deuber were the first to hit NYC. The couple flew out Sunday to enjoy the Big Apple for a few days before the reunion films on Wednesday. The couple loaded up on calories at hot spots Eleven Madison Park and Le Bernardin - but have no fear - our darling yogi "crushed it" training with Hilary Writes at Barry's Boot Camp on Monday. I have no doubt that she will look lean and mean for the taping. The rest of the cast flew out today and taping will be a 12-hour marathon session taking place on Wednesday. May the force be with them. Cary and Stephanie are putting their PR firm to work and have them booking press appearances while they are in the Big Apple. Cary visited with Huffington Post today while Stephanie gave an interview to Women's' Health magazine. I've seen the remaining episodes and there is a LOT to be talked about at the reunion. I am fully expecting my phone to blow up tomorrow with texts from the girls about how the taping is going, so stay tuned...

Real Housewives Of Dallas Prep For Season One Reunion

Fans and critics of the Real Housewives of Dallas have been speculating on the life span of the franchise pretty much from the minute casting was announced. The show has hobbled through its first season with lackluster ratings, making a second season seem questionable at this point. Well, I have good news and bad news on this topic. The good news is that a Season One Reunion is taking place! Today, tweets from Tiffany Hendra and LeeAnne Locken confirm what I've been hearing for weeks and Andy Cohen took to Facebook to ask for questions: