DYE IT

Pink, that is. That reminds me of a consumer complaint we encountered years ago when I worked for WBBM-TV’s (Chicago) consumer reporting section: A viewer had paid to have a whole house full of carpet dyed this atrocious blue and wrote in to complain that the dye rubbed off on everything…furniture, clothing, even the pets. I recall thinking even in my innocent youth….
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JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME

A moving sale at Nova Collection on Slocum Street… 50 percent off holiday and mega markdowns on other decorative goodies….moving on up, not to the east side, but to The International Building. Like just about everyone. Hurry–sale started Nov. 28…
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HOT PINK OBSESSION

Okay, D Home interior gurus, I have a mission for you.

I first saw it at The Parker Palm Springs Very Peri boutique by Jonathan Adler. Then I saw it in the Vogue Living spread on Amanda Brooks. What is it? HOT PINK CARPET, and I want it. Nay, readers. I assure you, I NEED it.

So anyone know somewhere out there other than Stark ($$$) where I can get it?

DOGS ON LEASH–YES!

Paige, I always have mine on a leash in the car. Part of it is that with so many, I have to, or else. Family confession time: We do have a “problem” with our Doodle that we are working through with the help of counselor. The poodle in her (Golden/Poodle mix, they should be called Goodles) makes her very protective of her home and pack, and she is terrible about lunging at runners. (Roger, earmuffs.) Once she even tried to nip at a young boy’s shirt, and our law student daughter tells me she is a lawsuit waiting to happen. So that pup is ALWAYS on a leash, the moment she gets out any door leading to anywhere but our backyard, if even for five minutes.

SPEAKING OF DOGS…

Got this message from my homeowner association via e-mail blast (see jump).

We know about Roger’s story, and it seems like Dallas is having a rash of dog attacks lately. (Here’s what the postal workers think about dog attacks. They’re the most likely to get bitten).

But question for you guys: A leash on a dog in a car? Sometimes I take Petey straight from the garage to the car, go on my errand, then he’s back in the house. I have to say I don’t always leash him if I think he’ll just be in the car. Something to consider–God knows I don’t have the extra dough for a lawsuit.
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PETROPOLITAN: BUT NOT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Five, Peggy–that’s how many dogs reside under our roof currently. (Am I nuts?) Three are mine, two are my “grand-pets,” and of the five, two are rescues. Every scrap of kibble is welcome–we buy it by the truck load. I’ll pop those pups in the Expedition and line up for treats on Saturday morn. All our dogs are poster pups in the Paws Cause 2007 calendar, though none could make the actual event two weeks ago.

I’m glad you mentioned this, Peggy, because holidays are a time when a lot of families think they should give a child a pet for Christmas. Actually, dog experts say giving a dog as a gift at Christmastime is the WORST thing to do and almost always guarantees training fiasco…
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ANOTHER WOW AT VICTORY

So, how did I miss the news that One Victory Park (the site of the future Haynes and Boone offices), a contemporary 20-story, 456,000-square-foot building, has been pre-certified as Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)? Translated: Hillwood has its act together on the environmentally friendly construction front. Silver LEED certification represents one of the most stringent levels of sustainable building possible. It guarantees that just about every aspect of the building will adhere to green guidelines, including interior air quality, energy efficiency, water usage, recycling, and materials. That’s BIG news.

FOR THE URBAN ANIMAL

Finally, The Petropolitan offers what we all need - Zen Pen - a full service pet spa. Gives Downward Dog a whole new meeting. Be one of the first 200 at the grand opening Saturday, and you get a doggie, I mean, gift bag. The number of guests isn’t limited so I guess you can take your whole menagerie. Although, Candy, your car might get awfully crowded - how many dogs do you have?

NEIMAN MARCUS PINK KITCHENWARE AT TUESDAY MORNING

Paige, your flower power toaster made me think about the marked-down pink kitchen tools I saw at Tuesday Morning in Preston Center last week. They are probably all those yummy looking pink things that I swore would be the next big trend in kitchens last year. Pink. For while it was everywhere — Neiman Marcus, Sur La Table, etc. Then it vanished, for obvious reasons.

SITE FOR LIGHTING

Hey all you mad web surfers - what is the best site for modern lighting?

PLINTH AND CHINTZ GIFT GUIDE

Those gabby girls over at Plinth and Chintz have posted their favorite design-oriented websites for gift giving (hit jump for list if you don’t want to register at P&C). Anybody else loving the flower power toaster from Pylones-usa.com?
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CURRENT ENERGY OPENING PARTY

Diving temperatures and wind didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiastic crowd at Current Energy’s opening party last night. Where did all these green folks come from? If the turnout is any indication of environmental appreciation, things are looking up. Among the crowd were several Hillwood developers, Rusty Rose and of course, the never at home chic. This hip crowd was hovering around the Solio solar energy charger - one of the coolest things around and a contender for top 2006 holiday gift. This gadget fans out to harness enough solar energy to power things like iPods and cell phones. And, check this out - Current Energy is sponsoring a promotion to send them to our soldiers in Iraq. For more info on that look here.

CLOSE TO HOME

Were you even aware there is a White Rock Lake Museum? At the Bath House Cultural Center, no less, on Lawther Drive. In keeping with the spirit of serenity amid shopping frenzy, check out John Sealander’s show about finding inspiration and beauty right under your nose. And if you haven’t been to White Rock Lake lately, go–well, maybe not today, but soon. And while you’re at it, pick up some trash. For the love of the lake.

AIA’S WINTERY MINX

The Architecture Forum lecture at the DMA with Jeremy Harris, the former mayor of Honolulu, offered some pretty staggering statistics. For those interested, hit jump.

If not, click the link for a lovely warm fuzzy on our icky, cold day: the 2006 AIA 25-Year Award for E. Fay Jones’ Thorncrown Chapel, a lovely church built without cutting down any trees and on a budget of $180,000. Think of it as a wintery minx on this day of wintery mix.
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BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

I was with Cherri Oakley today, who told me she has lunch tomorrow with the Morton’s Steakhouse peep from Chicago and she is worried about this weather. As a Chicago-born girl, I told her, they are going to get here and see the snow (or tinges of it) and go, big deal. We Chicagoans are used to troublesome weather and you just get up, go out, and carry on! But I did spend the day protecting all the plants now nestled in our $200 Flowerhouse greenhouse.
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RE: TILLMAN’S ROADHOUSE

I agree, Paige, that the talent at Tillman’s is top class. And I’ve seen a sample menu. Looks delicious. (Who doesn’t love them some truffled popcorn for a free starter? Beats chips and salsa.) But for those of us who live in the OC, we’ll miss the old Tillman’s Corner a little. Ricky Tillman was a pioneer. He and his wife opened their Bishop Arts restaurant back when nothing was going on in the famed entertainment district. Now eateries like Hattie’s, Veracruz, and the newly open Cafe Madrid entice diners to traverse the murky Trinity for fine cuisine in Da Hood. Ricky has passed away but his wife Sara keeps the legacy going. It looks like her and Todd will have a hit on their hands. But I can’t help but be just a little sad for the old Corner. Sniff.

TILLMAN’S ROADHOUSE

Just got off the phone with Todd Fiscus who told me all about his new restaurant (so new they don’t move the furniture in until Thurs!) and let me tell you, this is going to be something to crow about! Hit jump for the scoop.
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PA RUM PUM PUM RUMTOPF

For the girl who has everything, bet she won’t have this. Rumtopf Pots are filled with seasonal fresh fruits, rum or brandy, and sugar to ferment for 3 months. After fermentation, you’ve got a healthy little compote for desserts and champagne (recipe here). It’s the gift that keeps on giving. No, literally: it’s, like, three months later and it’s still giving. Cool!

WHAT’S YOUR LOT SIZE, BABY

So I’m reading the good ole PCP when I happen upon Merritt Patterson’s column “So You Want to Move to the Bubble”.

She writes: “You must know your lot size and be ready to compare it to others. You should also know about “the station wagon man” that lives at Purdue and Dickens and be able to give an educated guess as to what his pie-shaped lot would go for.”

Anybody from outside the Park Cities know their lot size by heart? I can barely remember my own address, so I’m out. And what’s the story on the station wagon man?

RE: ART THERAPY

What is it about the cropped image that makes it even more interesting? OK, those weren’t my words, but theirs, and I second the thought!

Also interesting: Chow.com’s “Fork on the Left, Knife on the Floor,” where four designers have reinterpreted the classic place setting. It should give you tons of great ideas for your holiday dinner parties! My favorite? Hard to pick. But Jason Miller’s tiny mariachi is pretty dern cute. Check it out.

GLOBAL WARMING CASE IN COURT TODAY

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments today over one of the largest environmental cases in recent history. The pivotal question being answered is, can the government regulate producers of greenhouse gases? Obviously, energy producing states like Texas, and law makers who support Bush, would vote no. Many others, including the majority in 15 states, vehemently disagree. Should be an interesting day in court…. If the federal government rules in favor of more stringent regulation, there will be huge ripples down the CO2 emissions chain, including potential impact for homebuilders. Recent numbers released by the USGBC show that the byproducts of residential construction are large contributors to the emissions/global warming problem.

RE: STORM YARD PREP

I checked with the Master Gardener hotline 214-904-3050, and they agree with the advice that was on the front page of the Dallas Morning News this morning. Well watered yards and well mulched potted plants should weather this cold snap very well. The ground is still warm enough to prevent any freeze damage - jut make sure your yard isn’t dry.

RE: GREENDIMES

Hey Paige - Don’t you love it when Daily Candy sends out info that is actually worthwhile? I get so irritated with the advertising they now allow to be sent to subscribers… However, GreenDimes is really a great organization - serious about doing the right thing. I encourage everyone to check it out!

ART THERAPY

Escape from the mall Friday, and check out Janaki Lennie’s ethereal oil paintings at Holly Johnson Gallery. This work, aptly named “Breathing Space”, has to be the polar opposite of crowds, bright lights, and too many Christmas carols. Namaste.

DALLAS ARCHITECTURE FORUM *TONIGHT*

If you’re feeling a little washed out & need something to spark your imagination (what? The inflatables aren’t working?), stop by the Dallas Architecture Forum tonight for a speech from scientist turned public servant Jeremy Harris, advocate of urban environmental issues, former mayor of Honolulu, & author of Honolulu: The Sustainable Rebirth of an American City. I’ll be there with bells on! And don’t worry if you’re not an architect- I can barely tie my own shoes and I still love these lectures.

Tonight, 7PM (6PM reception)
Horchow Auditorium
Dallas Museum of Art