BAD HOUSING MARKET NEWS

Of course, our Big Bro D Magazine has a great article this month on the real real estate market in Dallas, how we defy the national trends, how our values are actually going up. I am hearing a mixture of reports from agents–some say January was slow, some say it sizzled. Was talking to builder-developer Diane Cheatham the other day and she said anything inside the loop is hot, and her Urban Reserve is selling. So folks, hang in there. Do we really defy the national trend–lots of people moving here. Or are we, as Allison Di Martino formerly of the DMN used to say, the caboose on the national real estate train?

TIM LOVE AND HIS LOVE SHACK

How much do you love this? I had lunch with Tim Love (chef/owner of Lonesome Dove, Duce, and The White Elephant Saloon) today, and he told me about his latest concept. The Stockyards will be home to a new upscale, roadside burger joint, which will feature hand-cut fries, fresh onion rings, live music, eight beers, 13 wines by the glass, root beer, and a shake of the day. (It’s scheduled to open March 24!) Sounds like it will be worth the drive to Fort Worth; now how will I get back?

HOME, JAMES!

Dallas, you are in for a treat. We got a sneak peek today at the East Hampton’s import, Home, James! and the Travis Walk store has so many wonderful things, it’s hard to focus. Here are some highlights: Georgian and Regency style hand-cut crystal; classic movies playing on the flatscreen; hand-embroidered baby bedding in 12 designs; hand-painted pillows; linen runners, napkins, and placemats; cutout party invitations; and treats for Easter. Each item is well-chosen, and more than 85 percent of the merchandise is manufactured for or exclusive to Home, James! Soon, you’ll be telling your driver in Queen Victoria style, “Take me to ‘Home, James! and don’t spare the horses.’”

AROUND THE TABLE, AROUND THE LAKE

But not yet at Whole Foods Market. Thanks for posting, Paige. I am chairing this Home Tour… is chair a verb? (We’ll have to ask Rob Brinkley.) Tickets are still being created by the talented Ms. Jen Maki and will be out shortly. We have all been hard at work putting this tour together, just ask Peggy (and be prepared to cover your ears) who is coordinating all the homes. In case you’ve wondered why I’ve not been as much of a blog hog as usual, it’s because I’ve been out trolling for dollars: Like most home tours, this one benefits charities: The Stew Pot, The Wilkinson Center, The Museum of Nature and Science, North Dallas Shared Ministries, Edith Cavell Nursing Scholarships, and Historic Aldredge House. Aldredge House at 5500 Swiss Ave. is owned by the Dallas County Medical Alliance, which is the oldest Alliance in the nation–90 years next year. (Note: We workin’ the tour are not that old.) We do good things so y’all should support us. The best is raising money to immunize small children since Texas ranks pretty low in the nation when it comes to childhood immunizations. The good news: It’s getting better, partly because of the Medical Alliance.

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