WHOLE FOODS = WHOLE SPA AND WHOLE EVERYTHING

Methinks I leaked this to you earlier, but the new Whole Foods at Preston and Forest promises to be what I have long thought all grocery shopping superstores shoud be–a one-stop stop for groceries, toiletries, home supplies, and now manicures, facials, pedicures, and massage. (Nice try: Wal-Mart and Target tried to be all to everyone as well, but instead of a soothing spa they have those noisy kids departments which I am of course so over. So over.) In any case, all Whole Foods needs to add now is a place to refuel, postage center, and gift wrap services, and they will have created the perfect environment, kind of like that town on The Truman Show that turned out to be Seaside, Fla.

Oh wait, this paradise is only 1 mile from my home…so I can walk over, do everything, and get some exercise. Okay, never mind the re-fueling….
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STEPHANIE ANNE’S DILEMMA

Stephanie Anne was one of Dallas’ poshest stores for children until about a year ago, when owner Stephanie Anne tossed it all out and started over selling adult-sized furniture and home accessories. Who knew growing up would be so hard? Manager Vince Maggio never imagined so. Everyone still wants baby gear, he says, despite the chic displays of Venetian glass lamps, handblown crystal, and stacks of to-die-for gold and platinum encrusted plates. As I looked on one day last week, there were two frustrating phone calls and three walk-ins, all baby-besotted customers who wouldn’t take no for an answer. Maggio is patient, but there are limits. “It’s sad,” he said, sighing.

KIRKLAND’S HOME PROMOTIONS

Think of it as Project Runway for your walls. This is the last week of Kirkland Home’s “next great American artist” contest. Submit your artwork and it may be chosen for nationwide reproduction and a $5,000 prize.

But the home store has some other promotions going on, too. Like their world’s largest pillow fight attempt in Grapevine this past Saturday.

Alas, I’m told that thunderstorms kept the pillows at bay. Curses to Texas weather! Always ruining the fun!
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W. LOVERS ACCIDENT

Here’s a helpful link: Dallas Traffic Map. It updates all the Dallas road alerts/incidents/advisories in real time. Makes and models of cars not included.

LOVERS ACCIDENT

Here’s what a blog reader reports on that Lover’s accident:

I understand that it was an accident involving at least one very expensive, posh car. The shopkeeper I talked to said that the insurance folks were there. Now that’s got to be one very important client for those insurance dudes to show up so promptly. Unfortunately, we don’t know the make of the car or other details.

Yeah, I’d like to know what insurance company shows up at the scene that fast.

LOVERS LANE FIRE?

I just got in from Lovers Lane, having noted about two or three fire engines right in front of what appeared to be Dallas City Market and Briggs Freeman above it. This just west of the Tollway. Miraculously, I avoided too much of a traffic jam, as I have work to do…anyone know what’s going on out there?

PALOMAR: THE 1ST ART HOTEL?

Just got off the phone with Ariana Hajibashi-Martin over at PR firm McCrory & Associates who told me a bit about The Palomar ribbon cutting this Thursday. Going to find out more later, but this is hotel management company Kimpton’s first Texas location, and it will be “the first hotel dedicated to the arts.” (pic is of Palomar guest room)

Apparently the theme of the hotel is “art in motion,” and they’ve partnered with places like Stanley Korshak, the symphony, and other art groups in town to hold events to feature local artists’ work.

PR stuff after jump.
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FYI: TREC MEETING TONIGHT

Good thing this building has elevators and thus, elevator gossip, or I never would’ve known about this TREC event tonight.

Fireside Chat - Dallas: “Where we were, where we are, and where we are going”
Description: A discussion with Wick Allison, D Magazine, Editor & Publisher….blah, blah, blah….Come hear what the always-entertaining Wick Allison has to say about the past, present and future of our great city.

If you’re interested in attending, info after jump. (blahs added by me)
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LOOKING FOR A STEAL? TRY ‘ART HEIST’

If so, you’re going to want to hit the Emergency Artist Support League’s Art Heist on Sept. 30. Donate $200 to help out an artist in need and be guaranteed to walk away with a piece of original art, selected from 150 submissions. Or just have a couple of drinks and a night o’ fun for $25. Buy tickets online or at Barry Whistler, Craighead-Green, Conduit, and William Campbell galaries. More info in jump.
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