NOT YOUR MOTHER’S ETHAN ALLEN

If there is an award for Best Morph, I would give it to Ethan Allen. I was raised with furniture from EA and the word “fresh” does not come to mind. Fast forward 30 years, and EA is producing some of best-looking work around and the word “fresh” does come to mind. DHome is partnering with EA in a city-wide open house at their three locations: in Dallas at 13920 N. Dallas Parkway; in Frisco at 2100 Parkwood Blvd.; and in Lewisville at 2521 Stemmons Freeway. Saturday, February 4, that’s three days from now, between 10 and 6 p.m. They will have their “New Classics” collection and refreshments and a sweet raffle. Drop by!

“ONCE IT HITS YOUR LIPS IT’S SO GOOD”

Run, don’t walk, to Grange Hall. For all the great home accessories? Nope. The great candles, soaps, and jewelry? Three more swings, three more misses. All those things are great, but get moving for the bags of Liquid Salted Caramel balls by L’artisan du Chocolat, a London-based company that uses all natural ingredients (and very little sugar) to bring out the varied and subtle, but amazing, flavors of the cocoa bean. The balls in question are petite powdered pebbles of perfection. The slightly bitter flavor of the cocoa powder gives way to the creamy chocolate shell, which then erupts into gooey, delicious caramel. In short: It’s a little piece of heaven right there on Travis Street. I’m sure they aren’t good for the hips, but I told you to run there, didn’t I?

WASH ‘N WEAR

Six good reasons to use Capel rug’s new line of outdoor rugs inside:

1. They cost between $19-$999
2. They can be washed and hosed off outside
3. They are pet proof and kid proof
4. They are reversible
5. They are colorfast and mildew resistant.
6. They are beautiful

Capel Rugs, the 89-year-old North Carolina based rug company which has opened a 22,000 square ft showroom in Dallas, is producing beautifully woven outdoor rugs that are ideal for high traffic areas indoors.

A few years ago, Sunbrella, available at David Sutherland Showroom, was among the first outdoor fabrics to look beautiful and elegant enough to use as upholstery and draperies indoors. Capel seems to be among the first to lead the way with pretty rugs that last, no matter how brutal the conditions inside.

I LOVE RATTAN

This weather just makes me feel like having a garden party (no teenagers) and this good-looking outdoor furniture caught my eye. Guess where you can buy it? Go ahead, guess? (You won’t believe your eyes…)

MANGO MADNESS

If you’re looking to transform your backyard into a tropical getaway, check out the sale at Big Mango Trading Company. Very cool patio furniture, planters, and Indonesian oddities for not a lot of cash.

WARNING: TAX DAY

The tax man cometh to get your house if you do not pay your taxes by tomorrow!!!

TO MARKET, TO MARKET TO DRINK A VAT OF GIN

Anyone who has motored past the Dallas Market Center during the past week has surmised that the January Super Market has been in full swing. And anyone who was out on the town this past Saturday night (that would be me) now knows that those Market kids know how to have a good time. Oak Lawn was awash with vodka-soaked out-of-towners, and I had ringside seats to the delicious debauchery. Some observations:

1) Martinis and cosmos were the drinks of choice followed quickly by Midori kamikaze shots. Followed quickly by much heaving.
2) Yes, black is slimming. Head-to-toe black is just unimaginative. I expect more.
3) Louisianna women can hold their liquor and cut a mean Cotton-eyed Joe.
4) Accessory of choice for Californians: bottled water and a bored-of-it-all, forced smile. (Lighten up and have a drink. Sheesh.)
5) Song that made the kids wave their hands in the air like they just don’t care: “Hung Up” by Madonna. Naturally.
6) Surprise of the night: Arizona ladies are really strong. (Don’t ask. I’ll show you the bruises later.)

Market might be a boon for our local economy but it’s even better for our nightlife. I’m still recovering. Can’t wait for the gift show in late March. I’ll start drying out my liver.

THE BUBBLE BUILDERS

It is not in my nature to be critical, but I disagree with Danielle DiMartino, business columnist for the Dallas Depressing News…I mean Morning News… a bright writer and fellow Columbia grad. She wrote a column Jan. 26 titled “Builders should study data – carefully”. Her point – builders are living in la la land, ignoring the signs of a cooling housing market.
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GET THEE TO KNOX STREET

As many of you know, D Home’s palatial world headquarters are just around the corner from Knox Street. And as many of my friends know, I am Knox Street’s whore. Can’t help it. I love me some Forty Five Ten and Restoration Hardware. That said, I noticed a bevy of bargains on my last sojourn (that would be today). So here they are:

Into the Garden: Patio and lawn furniture sale
Rose Tree: 20% off linens
Restoration Hardware: Annual bath event (20% off regular prices)
Z Gallerie: A sale of some sort that I’m sure involves all things fur-trimmed, feathered, and faux French
Bodum: 50% off tabletop, cookware, and cool coffee stuff
Smith & Hawken: Indoor garden event (indoor plants on sale)

Wow. As my Aunt Evie used to say, “Now that’s a whole lotta sugah.” Enjoy and spend freely!

FIRST HOME

I got a charming little flip book from FedExKinko’s marked “Design Ideas” this morning, appropriately enough in a Fed Ex package. Since the words design and Fed Ex and Kinko’s have never, to my knowledge, ever been uttered together before now, I was intrigued. People have been using Kinko’s for seat-of the-pants decorating all this time anyway, so it was nice of them to notice and help us out.

Here’s some ideas of what Kinko’s will help you make: a wall mural from preprinted images with adhesive backing; oversized art from your own photos; update your kitchen with backsplashes made from images of fruits or herbs on canvas, covered in vinyl, or put adhesive panels on cabinet doors, and make sturdy vinyl floor tiles for the bathroom or kitchen. Put vinyl tiles on a shower curtain, around the tub, or around the mirror. Use their collection of copy right approved images, or bring your own copy right approved ones.

Yes, adhering vinyl things to the walls and floors can be tacky. But it’s up to you not to allow this to happen. Use nice images, and decorate sparingly. Use it where appropriate — a child’s room or bath, a kitchen that needs re-doing but you don’t have the money yet.

DOG DAYS OF JANUARY

Some of us will be crying this Sunday–our first football-free Sunday in months. But it’ll be easy to turn that frown upside down. Go visit The Crow Collection of Asian Art. The friendly, and free, museum is teaming up with The Association of Chinese Professionals, DFW to offer a free festival in celebration of the Chinese New Year. The fun starts at 12 p.m. and culminates with a Dragon Parade and Lion Dance at 4 p.m.

Added bonus: If you were born 12 years ago (or 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 years ago), then you’re a dog. Not literally, but this is your year–the year of the dog. No word on whether you get special prizes at the festival, but I doubt it. You’re not that special.

SHOPPING THE CLIFF

A D Home fanatic contacted me yesterday, asking the following question:

I’m looking at buying a house, and it looks like the cool ones I’m interested in are all in Kessler Park. But is there anything to do over there?

I always love this question. For some reason, crossing the Trinity River equals an exodus of Moses-like proportions. All will be happy to know that North Oak Cliff is only 10 minutes from Uptown, Downtown, and Oak Lawn. And within the neighborhood itself, there’s plenty of places to sip, sup, and shop. The Bishop Arts District features plenty of funky shops, including art galleries and vintage finds. Jefferson Boulevard is an amazing strip of hispanic-owned boutiques and stores. And just west lies two burgeoning entertainment districts, one of which promises to house a performing arts space, jazz club, and restaurants. Plus, you get rolling hills, wooded terrain, and a diverse population. Okay. Enough Oak Cliff ego boosts today. To discover more, go here and here.

PERFORMING ARTS CHAIRS

The architect for the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, the venerable Norman Foster has specified Walter Knoll chairs from Scott + Cooner for the box seats. No picture yet of the chair, but what a compliment!

RE: YUM, YUM

I don’t want to belabor a point, but when readers keep writing in, I feel compelled to respond. Along those lines, a kind-hearted reader (and fellow “Chef of the Month” attendee) pointed out the critical fact that chef Bondy let us in on one of her favorite recipes–and it’s cereal, people. That’s right!

She takes her favorite flakes (Balance, I think), puts in a little skim milk, and then nukes it to create an almost oatmeal-like consistency. She tops it off with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or other fresh berries. So, before you make fun of a cereal-making managing editor, perhaps you should look in the mirror! And while you do that, think of Joanne Bondy, the famous Dallas chef, as she makes her own cereal.

Thanks for writing in, everyone. I feel at peace now

PORTABELLO ‘SHROOMS

Can anybody figure out that I have finally finished my writing duties? Had to muster much self discipline to keep my fingers off the BLOG keys… or maybe it was Roger’s threat to dump squirrels in my yard… hey guys, what do you call those South Asian places where they raise snakes again? (I’m still shuddering.)
OK, I heard from a very reliable source that owners/buyers from Portabello Road in London (where all the neat antiques are to be found) have been known to purchase their merchandise from Slocum Street Dallas and then ship it across the sea, only to re-sell it at their prices in their showrooms. To quote my (un-named, he fears the Brits) source: “If the merchandise from Slocum Street is good enough for the Queen, then I’m sure it will suffice and surpass the taste of the most finicky in Dallas.”

BURSTING THE BUBBLE???

I uncovered a few facts that shed more light on our poufy Real Estate bubble:
Independant contractors all: There are now more than 2.6 million Real Estate licensees in the U.S., according to figures from the Association of Real Estate Law Officials
Call it a NonPayment: The average down payment on a home was just 2% of the home’s purchase price in 2005, and 43% of first time home buyers in 2005 used no down payment at all to help purchase their home! That was up significantly from 2003 where 28% of first time home buyers used no down payment at all…..(Source: National Association of Realtors)

RE: YUM, YUM

A blog reader with excellent taste in men wrote in to defend her actions at last night’s Chef of the Month extravaganza at Whole Foods.

You have many talents, [Roger], but I think we all know by now that cooking isn’t one of them. But you definitely make the best bowl of cereal I can ever remember eating.

That’s right, I’m talented. Don’t hate the player, hate the cereal….Look’s like Chex’s back on the menu, boys!

RE: DARK AND LUSCIOUS

Sure, Roger. Like I see you offering up any goodies from Joanne Bondy last night. Tell you what: you bring the Cheerios and I’ll bring the Chantico. Par-tay!

RE: DARK AND LUSCIOUS

Todd, several of us in the editorial department don’t quite understand all this “drinking chocolate” nonsense you speak of. How do you get the bars into the cups, for instance? Perhaps you could be generous offer up examples of this madness so we could see (and taste) for ourselves…

COLOR TRENDS 06

The Color Marketing Group, hosted by Sherwin Williams, gave their color prognosis for the year last night at Vu Imports, 1615 Dragon St.–a charming showroom featuring Asian and Indian imports. Color forecasting is not just a bunch of people sitting around saying, “Blue, it’s blue this year,” but experts considering all venues from cars to vegetables, economic considerations, and even weather. Here goes…

“Orange is the color that makes everything feel new.” But more earthy this year.
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DARK AND LUSCIOUS (YEAH, BABY!)

Last winter, drinking chocolates were all the rage. Starbucks introduced its Chantico. (”A drinkable dessert with an intense, full-bodied chocolate flavor and silky, rich texture,” says the coffee purveyor. Lordy. Now that’s some sultry writing.) Apparently, the dessert drink’s popularity is still steamy. The Cultured Cup hosts a tasting and historical look at drinking chocolates at Southern Methodist University on Feb. 9 at 7p.m. And if you want to serve up some bubbly cacao at home, check out Williams-Sonoma’s new Mauviel hot chocolate pot. It’s copper. It’s cool. And quite handsome. For more copper cookware, The Whimsey Shoppe is also a boffo boutique.

YUM, YUM

“He can cook a really good bowl of cereal.” That’s what my wife had the nerve–no, the audacity–to tell the very charming D Home Chef of the Month Joanne Bondy of famed Ciudad at last night’s “Evening with Joanne Bondy” at Whole Foods.

The truth of the matter is, I can cut up fruits and vegetables, too, and Bondy offered a great tip for those sticky pineapple scraps I toss after cutting up my pointy, tasty friend. Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in two quarts of water. Toss in your pineapple top (or bottom, or sides) and set it in the fridge for three days. Pull it out, remove the scraps, and what do you have? Aqua Fresca–a lightly sweet treat that I can’t wait to try with my famed Honey Nut Cheerios a la Roger.

SING IN THE RAIN

I noticed that no one seemed to mind getting wet last weekend. No one rushed from parking lots into stores to avoid the drops, and I even saw a few adults right along side their children splashing in the puddles near my house. Let’s hope everyone gets a chance to do that again this weekend.

But if you’re like my puddle-splashing friends, perhaps you’ll be willing to head out to Cedar Ridge Preserve, which is run by Audubon Dallas. Biologist Dr. Marcy Brown Marsden will lead you on a 90-minute expedition in search of wintering sparrows (you know, those brown little guys that all look the same to the untrained eye). It all starts at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday with a light breakfast and a primer on our feathered friends. Full details can be found at the link above. But take my advice: Brave the rain (if we’re lucky enough to get any), take your kids, and do some learning this weekend. And if you see a puddle, by all means, splash away.

SOME SPICY EMAILS

I wish everyone could accommodate my shopping needs like El Paso Import Company. Periodically, I get emails from the McKinney Avenue retailer, informing me of their latest finds — with photos no less. I don’t shop there often. But one such email led me to a wonderful rustic Indian cabinet that I use as a printer stand in my home office. Retailers take note: this is smart marketing. To sign up for the email, visit El Paso’s Knox/Henderson location.

BIG PAT ON THE BACK FOR D HOME!

Everyone knows that D Home is my fifth child and that mothers always brag about their children. So indulge me. For magazine editors, the National Magazine Award is the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. The Emmy. The Big One. Every magazine in the country vies for the prize, from Sports Ilustrated to W to Vanity Fair. This year, in what can only be interpreted as a nod to D Home’s stature, I was asked to judge the first-round of entries. To quote D Magazine publisher Wick Allison, “man, they never asked me to do that.” It’s a big deal. Go D Home!