JULIO QUINONES

Decorator Julio Quinones, known for his trademark use of the Greek key design, says he has had it up to here with the classic motif. “No more! It’s over! I just got back from vacation in Athens, and I’m sick to death of the Greek key,” he told me today at lunch at Arcodoro, where D Home hosted a kickoff for our upcoming Tour of Homes. Instead, he was inspired by the vivid colors that the Athenians use to paint their front doors. “I took hundreds of pictures of doors,” he said.

TAOS MEMENTOS

Know what I got from Christine’s holiday, Peggy? Me neither. My wife usually bakes for my friends up at work on their birthdays. Consider your name off the list, Christine. I’ll be pouting in the corner if anyone should need me.

TAOS: WHAT A SHOPPING DESTINATION

I imagine that many of you have been teary this past week, missing my posts. (No? Well, I flatter myself.) Whether you noticed or not, I was on a holiday in the rugged and snowy (it’s true, I saw the fall’s first snow!) New Mexico mountains. Monday en route to Albuquerque, we stopped in Taos for lunch and a bit of shopping. Incredible! If you haven’t been lately, prepare to be impressed. There are still about 100 great art galleries, unique eateries, and the world’s best small independent bookstore, Moby Dickens. But there are two places: must-sees, really…
(more…)

CRAFTY CONTESTS AND CLASSES

For those of you not hung-over, Make in State-Thomas offers classes in home decor and floral design, among others subjects. Crafty readers out there, check out their site at here.

(Don’t forget Make’s Urban Bazaar, Sept. 29-Oct. 1; times on web site, location: 2632 Thomas Avenue @ Boll. If we have weather like this past weekend’s, it’ll be the perfect excuse to stroll outside.)

And quickly, blog Decor8 and Fabulous Stationary are holding a contest for the best workspace, so if you love where you work, send in a pic. Contest ends the 28th, so hurry. Deets after jump.
(more…)

RE: THANKSGIVING DINNER

So, it was the champagne that made my feet stick to the floor this morning. I just thought someone had been seriously tasting the punch. Roger, your things will be returned, I don’t want you to have a beating. But, I do kind of like the zester, it goes with my juicer.

THANKSGIVING DINNER II

We looked exactly like that Norman Rockwell picture of family holiday perfection! I even wore my apron which alas, I think is also at your house, Peggy, along with my “bottle” of Hannah’s brew. Let’s do it again on Halloween and practice opening champagne bottles…if Hannah makes more “brew.”
(P.S. Peggy, thanks for everything!)

CULINARY CONNECTION’S ITALIAN DINNER

Is everyone feeling a little jealous of our D Home feast? Well, I have an analgesic. How does a little Italian sound? Culinary Connection, a favorite gift and entertaining shop at the Shops at Legacy, is hosting an Italian night, featuring a Vietri trunk show, other Italian ceramics such as Arte Italica, and Italian cookbooks. Oh, and perhaps the most important part, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Stop by Saturday, Sept. 30, from 4-9 p.m. You might even snag the door prize, a Vietri holiday antipasto dish. RSVP: pam@culinaryconnectiongifts.com. It should be a buona sera.

RE: HOLIDAY DINNER WITH STYLE

Yes, quite a party, Peggy. But we’ll have to watch Hannah next time. A novice when it comes to opening champagne bottles, Hannah sent the cork buzzing by her Botticelli-like face as half the contents of the bottle erupted onto the counter and floor. Ah, good times.

Oh yeah, I left my zester and holder at your house. And when I say mine, I mean my wife, Kimberly’s. And when I say I need it back, I mean help me avoid a serious beating.

HOLIDAY DINNER WITH STYLE

Well, not exactly like this, but D Home editors celebrated an early holiday dinner at my house yesterday–we’ll share our favorite recipes in the next issue. Some great food, and a lot of laughs, perhaps helped along by Hannah’s famous Artillery Punch–check with me for a recipe. The best by far was having my house styled by Leslie Murphy. I highly recommend it if you are sick to death of your house and want a new look–all with your own stuff. With the purchase of two lamps and two architectural prints, I have a new home.

HOME SALES

At first glance, this report makes you wonder what all the hoopla about declining home sales is about. However, when you check out my column in the next issue of D Home, you’ll see why builder’s homes are moving. Still, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio continue to defy the downward trend–sales are up in those cities, as are home prices compared to one year ago. (Note–I’ve copied some of the report in the jump, to save you lots o’ clicking…)
(more…)

MITCHELL RASANSKY

Thank God we have you, Paige. The editorial staff was busy cooking this afternoon…. you’ll soon see why. So here we all go into the kitchen and what happens? Mitchell Rasansky for mayor? I wrote a story about him years ago and reported on his garage. He collects sports cars and car memorabilia for a hobby, and what a garage it was–not a three or even five car but a seven-plus! (Maybe we can find a link.) And then, we share some very great friends with the Rasanskys who have given me insight into his more human side. More on that later–the dishes await me!

MAYORAL CANDIDATES DISCUSSED AT TREC

It’s official: Dallas has lost its collective mind.

At TREC event yesterday, Wick said that Mitch Rasansky is currently at the top of the mayoral race polls.

MITCH RASANSKY?!

Apparently it’s true.

Uh, did she say DON HILL!?

Lest we forget, we are talking about one man who dressed up as a vampire and publicly ridiculed a boy scout (he’s a regular Shecky Greene, that Rasansky) and another whose office was raided by the FBI in June.

Either way it’s a crapshoot for Dallas. In fact, it’s just like Vegas! An adrenaline-pumping, sick-from-weak-drinks, “you-didn’t-tell-her-your-real-name, did-you? DID-YOU!? Go-back-in-there-and-give-her-another-name-right-now. How?-I-don’t-know how.-LIE!” Vegas.

And who doesn’t love that Vegas?
(more…)

ELEANOR MOWERY SHEETS

Did you know that Eleanor Mowery Sheets has been Coldwell Banker’s agent No. 1 in the world for four years. And No. 1 in the nation and Dallas as well for six years. Apparently, she did $165 million last year mainly in Preston Hollow and The Park Cities, this info all from Keith Nix.

Dang. I’m in the wrong business.

HOW DALLAS RATES

TREC met last night at the delectable restaurant Tucker (tip: best pizza in Dallas) where Wick Allison served as the evening’s speaker. And although I have heard the story of Themistocles many times over, it was his talk on present-day Dallas I found especially interesting. Wick’s report was that out of 25 major metropolitan cities, Dallas falls at the very bottom of the heap in regard to citizen tax burden. “Dallas is under-taxed,” he said.

So I went digging for a bit more info and found…well, you’ll just have to go to the jump to find out.
(more…)

WHO’S DESIGNING THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES?

A source with Ritz-Carlton told me today that the hotel giant is in the final discussions to have Sherry Hayslip design the interiors for some of the residences in the project’s first phase (sorry–already sold out). My source couldn’t confirm that it was a go, but all signs point to Hayslip working her magic. I’ll keep you informed, gentle reader.

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….
(more…)

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!
(more…)

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.
(more…)

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)
(more…)

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.
(more…)

A LAMP TO LIGHT MY WAY

I am having trouble getting photos to the blog today, which is no big surprise to anyone who knows my tech skills are those of a toddler. Maybe I need a lamp to light my way. And I could get one free if I go up to Antique Stop tomorrow where Cindy Gee of Lampe Berger is making a special appearance and giving away one free Lampe Berger every two hours.

Anyone who knows Lampe Berger knows I’m messing with you, as my kids say. You don’t light the way with these pups, you cleanse the air of nasty smells. Lampe Bergers were developed for use in French hospitals before the development of antibiotics (and compulsive hygiene) when hospitals were the last places you wanted to go when sick because, in fact, they were swarming with flies, germs, infection, rotted flesh–okay, you get it. So if a Lampe Berger could cleanse that air, nothing in your powder room could be worse….
(more…)