Re: Designer’s Bill of Rights

Peggy, Michelle is one of the most talented designers I know. Problem is, everyone wants something for nothing these days, which I cannot figure out given the trillions of dollars floating around. Maybe do what Moulton-Brown told us today they do: just say no. “We do not discount. Discounts are for discounters.” End of story.

Candy’s Letter To Steve Brown

Dear Steve,

I read your piece in Friday’s paper. It took me all weekend to gather my five thousand thoughts. Wow, so Realtors are getting creative in their attempts to move properties? More than just a sign in the yard? They are throwing parties with food, wine, maybe even models showing off great jewelry?
Gosh, Steve, you’d better sit down. Maybe grab a drink because I have something to tell you: this is old news. For years, in fact ever since Dallas Realtors ceased to be bored housewives in St. Johns suits with a lot of selling chutzpah, the shining stars of Dallas Real Estate have been grabbing the limelight by wining and dining both clients and other Realtors. Honey, that’s how Dallas sells dirt….

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Designers’ Bill of Rights

Do we need a Designers’ Bill of Rights? I’ve heard so many horror stories about how clients feel they own the designer once they are hired - they are indentured servants that can’t leave town without the approval of the client. Michele Nussbaumer, the brilliant merchandising talent behind Ceylon et Cie, laments that some of her clients hire her, and then don’t want her to say she did the job. They want to take credit. “Oh this? I just threw it together last week.” Come on, it looks easy, but like any gift, it takes talent. Any thoughts?

50 Years of Eero Saarinen

Todd Johnson forwarded this image from Design Within Reach celebrating 50 years since the design of the original iconic Saarinen table.He said it made his mouth water. Mine, too, especially since my new 48″ table in due in from Smink this week.

Re: Overhyped Organics

That is what I call senseless regression.  I guess you can build a case against anything.  Like the bloggist who discovered a miniscule error in a NASA report - that made absolutely no difference and took over the headlines for days.

Learn to be WaterWise

Learn how to keep your garden green and save water at same time by attending the Xeriscape Gardening Seminars hosted by the City of Dallas Water Utilities on September 8th at Mountain View College.

Water-wise gardening – also known as Xeriscape – saves water, time and money. One of the main principles of Xeriscape is the use of plants that are native or adapted to the region. They can take the heat and require less water and maintenance, so they are perfect for gardens in North Texas.

The two seminars to be held on September 8 at Mountain View College are “Xeriscape Landscape Design 101” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and “Fantastic Plants for North Texas” from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The seminars will be held in the Performance Hall in the east building, middle level at Mountain View College located at 4849 W. Illinois Avenue.

Interested persons may register online at www.savedallaswater.com/contact.htm or call the Water Conservation hotline at (214) 670-3155. Bonnie Reese of Beautiful Landscapes will be leading the seminars. Information about Ms. Reese can be found at www.beautifullandscapes.net.

Briggs Freeman Opens International Service

Briggs Freeman has announced a new division– Briggs Freeman International – serving executives and their families moving into and out of the Dallas area. The announcement was made by Robbie Briggs and his partner, Charles Freeman. Ginny Logan, CRP GMS, senior vice president for the firm, has been named the division head for Briggs Freeman International.

Oak Cliff Merchantile Reopens

Hooray! News from Henry Branstetter:

Hey Paige, hope you are well! We are ready to open the store again! I’m so excited. We are at 700 W. Davis, phone is the same (214 948 8080). We will be open Wednesday from 10-6, Thursday from 10-6, Friday 10-3 and Saturday from 10-6. I will probably add Sunday in the spring and carry plants and pots and fountains since we have such a big yard out back. We still have architectural pieces, and antique furniture but have also added some new gift items as well. Have you noticed the building? We have worked on it all summer, painting, scraping, and cleaning and are really proud of the building.

Be sure and stop by and be wowed.

Organic, Local, Pesticide-Free Living: Overhyped?

“Imagine a world in which all food is organic and local, air is free of industrial pollution, and physical exercise guaranteed. Sound idyllic?” Spiked Mag has other ideas.