HALLOWEEN PARTY SUCCESS

Super-successful Halloween party in our ‘hood tonight, thanks to Darryl and Diane Johnstone for hosting it AND creating a hayride wagon that pulled all the kiddos around to trick-or-treat. We also created a super-scary haunted house which I will give tips on next year… Dr. Death was a huge hit… excuse me, time to go pick up the brains I left at the Johnstons… or maybe with the people who thought that someone in our neighborhood had moved out of their house and donated it for the annual Halloween haunted house.

I HEART EBAY

Ebay titles usually go something like this, “Vintage sculpture, Rare” or “Regency side chairs, Nice.”

Which is why I laughed out loud when I saw this. Thank you, Tulsa!

CHI OMEGA CHRISTMAS

Starts tomorrow. And yes, I realize that I am jumping around a little between holidays. Still, with more than 150 booths and items ranging from antiques and linens to art and fashion, you should be able to cross a few names of your list early. And this kind of shopping just feels good; spend money in the name of the Booker T. Washington School, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and more. For what time and where, go here. Three cheers for the cardinal and straw. (It’s true, I am a Chi O.)

PUMPKIN CARVING

I bought a pumpkin this year, but a neighborhood cat has been eating it, so it’s unlikely that I’ll follow Loyd’s suggestion to eat it myself. If you, too, didn’t make it around to participating in the seasonal carving tradition, carve your own here. No messy pulp either. Happy halloween.

UNUSUAL SIGHTINGS AT MARTY WALKER GALLERY

There are two exhibits at the Marty Walker Gallery–a video installation by Frances Bagley and a new set of works by Andrew Bennett (shown “Call It Nirvana”). Bennett’s show, “Erased Paisley,” showcases his designs (many soot and epoxy on aluminum), which are based on patterns derived from 17th century Mughal art and Western fashion of the late 1960s counterculture. Quite an unlikely pair of influences but very cool. Now through Nov. 25.

ANASAZI AND MCMANSION CONNECTION

Okay, I got the strangest press release today.

Bryce A. Weigand, FAIA, Park Cities resident and principal at Good Fulton & Farrell Architects, will lead discussion of the Anasazi at the 67th Annual Texas Society of Architects (TSA) Convention in Dallas on Sat Nov 4, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Pretty straight forward, right? So why on earth did the release bring up McMansions?
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DALLAS ART NEEDS YOUR VOTE

Don’t worry, this will only be a brief political detour. Next week (Nov. 7) on your general election ballot, you will also be faced with the 2006 Capital Bond Program. If you value Dallas’ cultural assets, then vote yes. For more reasons why, jump.
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FUSION DECOR

Design Tex, long the staple of contract designers has added a collection of prints and wovens for the residential market. But the coolest thing they introduced at Neocon are fusion arhictectural panels–polyester resin panels fused around standard elements like grass or leaves, or you can choose your own. You know those old roses you’ve been saving from senior prom? Now you can create a wall or vanity top using these panels–ah, sweet memories.

REDNECK RIVIERA OR EMERALD COA$T?

Well, this is interesting:

“I own three properties in Panama City Beach including River Camps by St. Joe. Shop it, it is amazing. The airport will force feed the great northwest of Florida to explode in the next 10 years.

Time cures all pain, especially in real estate.”

RE: NO. 1 REAL ESTATE MARKET

Panama City is the No. 1 real estate market in the country?!? Panama City? CNN Money is ridiculous. There’s no way in hell I’m buying property in the Redneck Riviera. Why? Well, here are some song lyrics about the area by Tom T. Hall:

Gulf Shores up through Apalachicola
They got beaches of the whitest sand
Nobody cares if gramma’s got a tattoo
Or Bubba’s got a hot wing in his hand

J. CALDWELL

I swear my husband plans trips to save himself money–like this week of Partner’s Card when life is meant to be one big huge spending spree. I cannot make it, but you can: Head over to J. Caldwell at Debris Antiques, 1205 Slocum St. where Jo Anne and Mike will fete you as well as treat you to a trunk show by Christina Cottingham Jewelry on Thursday afternoon–to die for! Partner’s Card honored.

Guess this year I won’t get a call from MasterCard wondering why my card is in use 24/7…

NO. 1 REAL ESTATE MARKET IN COUNTRY

Is where I’m going this weekend. Panama City, Florida. That’s where CNN Money claims you can pick up an average home for a hefty 72 percent gain in five years. Actually, we are flying in to Fort Walton Beach, staying at Watercolor to tour St. Joe properties. I keep trying to convince my husband this is a good investment; he thinks Florida is going to wash away. We hope to meet up with friends in Panama City, the hottest real estate market in the country. They moved there for peace and quiet and now say the place is a madhouse!

I’ll keep my eyes peeled and keep you posted.

ADLER’S TOTALLY PSYC’D

Ladies, ladies, ladies, I am headed to the fabulous Parker Palm Springs this weekend to experience their brand-spanking new Camp PSYC, 4-night, 3-day “camp sessions” filled with summer camp fun for adults hiking, yoga, nap time, and s’mores (with cocktails) around the campfire.

Interesting to Dallas for three reasons, one being this question: Is the high-profile interior designer-hotel the “new black?” I need your thoughts and feedback.
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DOMESTIC DIVA STEWART IN BIG D

Why anyone would want to be known as a “domestic diva” is beyond me, but thus has been anointed Martha Stewart. Have her sign a copy of her newest Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook at Sur la Table on Travis Street on Nov. 11.

Um…Homekeeping Handbook? Do not, under any circumstances, buy this book for me, ever. Seriously, shoot me first. Seriously.

REALTY AMERICA BOYS AT THE PALOMAR

Just had lunch at Central 214 with Jeff Berry and Kip Sowden of Realty America Group.

The guys told me they started their first biz together at age 10, charging people to drive them in a purloined golf cart to their cars at the Byron Nelson. Nowadays the Palomar isn’t even “our biggest or even our best deal but… it’s a fun deal.”

Read on for why Emerging Trends in Real Estate is wrong about Dallas.
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HONORING EDNA ZALE

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Edna Zale, the Zale family and Jewish Family Service are hosting a unique exhibit of her needlepoint, art, and holiday tablescapes (created by 12 local designers). Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Arlington Hall at Lee Park, 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd.

FIENDISH FUN

Just a few Halloween-themed ideas–I’m in the mood after Paige’s horror film post–tomorrow night, 6-9 p.m., stop by State Street Spirits in Uptown (spirits, get it?) for a tasting of Jack’s pumpkin spice ale or Skyy spiced vodka. Or head to the dining room of Hotel St. Germain for a multi-course dinner and have your cards read by an authentic tarot card reader. Call for reservations. Or last one, celebrate fall’s favorite plant at the Great Pumpkin Festival (shown) at the Arboretum.

AMERICAN DREAM AND HALLOWEEN

It’s the day before Halloween so here’s something spooky to ponder. From Psycho to Amityville Horror to Poltergeist to The Shining to Rebecca, American horror films have one thing in common: home ownership. It’s truly a nightmare.

Hit jump if you’re interested.
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RE: THE MANSION

Facelift or not, Todd, the Mansion is on Partner’s Card. 20 percent off, I’m there.

SHOWROOM BAD MANNERS

Any designer in this part of the country knows that David Sutherland has been the exclusive rep for J. Robert Scott for oh, about 25 years. Imagine his surprise when a leasing agreement between JRS and the Design Center came to him by mistake, apparently the deal had been done months before. Yes, they are opening their own showroom in the old Decorators’ Walk space in the Dallas Design Center–just hadn’t bothered to notify David in hopes they could finish their space before telling him. Shame on you, Sally, and shame on the leasing agent who went behind the back of one of her major tenants.

ST. LOUIS WINS WORLD SERIES OF CRIME

Rejoice! Dallas has finally dropped off the list! Welcome St. Louis. Have fun with your new ranking.

RE: ZIPPING UP ZILLOW

Candy, I don’t see the problem. I mean, who wouldn’t trust home “Zestimates” from Zillow? Zrazy!

STEVE BROWN’S REAL ESTATE INVESTORS

Steve Brown takes issue with the annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate report which concludes Texas (except for Austin) is not a good place for real estate investment. Of course it’s a wonderful place for real estate investment, and I know a lot of people who have made a ton of money on it here. But the national “experts,” who compare us to places like LA, NYC, and DC, send people with investment dollars to both coasts and the capital.

Dallas has some serious problems that may contribute to giving out-of-state investors the heebie-jeebies:
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ROAD KILL? WALL ART IN TEXAS!

Loved this piece in the NYT.

RITZ GOES INTERNATIONAL

(Part II of Oct. 27 post.) And so when I saw The International Building in the rear of our limo, knew where we were. Not at Love Field or DFW, but in the coolest part of the new Design District. The Ritz had set up a double buffet spread by Dean Fearing–Lobster Bisque, Short Rib Quesadillas, Wild Mushroom Salad on one, Cowboy Shrimp, Glazed Tenderloin, Red Snapper on the other. Desserts followed McDonald’s performance, a flowing bar, and two encores. The Ritz marketing budget according to one buyer: $2 million.

Who was there?
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