Articles for January 30th, 2008
Poundbury Correcton
If you want to check out Prince Charles’ planned community, Poundbury, I’ve corrected the link in this post and below in the original one. Forgot the “d” in Pound.
New at Mecox
Nothing gets stale at Mecox Gardens - they get in new shipments every week of both reproduction items and one of a kind. Which means, you need to go often to snag a cool chair like this. Normally, wing chairs are a little stuffy, but in this color, it is anything but. Speaking of new, the whole editorial staff and has been happily scouring Dallas for the newest, best, and most stylish products you can imagine. Coming to you in the March/April DHome, I promise, you will see something you can’t live without.
Top Design Casting Call
When I’m not reading Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, I am watching reality television programs. (Did anyone see Real Housewives of Orange County reunion show? So. Good.) Project Runway? Amazing. Top Chef? Obsessed. The point is, I love me some Bravo (and MTV. And Vh-1.) I’m constantly trying to figure out the proper venue for my reality television debut. (If only I were a celebrity, Celebrity Rehab would be ideal.) Sadly, I don’t have the talent for Top Design, but maybe you do. If so, head directly to the Dallas Market Center for an open casting call on Feb 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. If you make the cut, rest assured, I’ll be watching.
Powerful organic cleaner?
In Real Simple’s current issue, readers recommend great household products. One woman’s suggestion interested me: Shaklee’s Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate. While most of my own cleaning products are green (thanks to Loyd’s prodding and a college-age sister who got me a great retail discount on Mrs Meyers stuff), I still can’t seem to part with my 409 or Kaboom. There’s just nothing else quite like them. But this might be my answer. Apparently it’s strong enough to remove hair dye and other tough stains (I’ll leave the other, grosser suggestions of what it cleans up to them). I’ll try it and report back.
Waterworks News
I’m sort of in a funk, friends. I’m super late with copy, and I can’t seem to write. My inbox is full of Valentine’s Day fare, and I have no special someone. I want to cry, but instead I will post about a different kind of Waterworks—the good kind. The showroom has added two new fancy fixtures. Who wouldn’t want to luxuriate in the Candide bathtub which is said to be “inspired by the graceful beauty of a French copper boat tub”? Then there’s the Demi Lune, an “heirloom piece inspired by half-round tables of the Federal period of the early 1800s.” I feel better already.
Clyde and Betsy Jackson with Prince Charles
Park Cities residents Clyde and Betsy Jackson were among 15 American developers and wives invited by Prince Charles to share ideas on sustainable, planned communities, such as the one the prince developed himself, called Poundbury. During their stay, the Jacksons toured Poundbury (the photo shows Betsy and Clyde Jackson talking with the prince while touring the town), which is in Dorset. Clyde says he’s using many of the prince’s ideas in a planned, self-sustaining community called The Tribute, under construction now near Little Elm. As in Poundbury, the Tribute will even have its own schools. Says Clyde: “We had lots of one on one conversations. He is very passionate about good design, sustainable development and proper architecture. His eyes really light up when he talks about it.” I talked to Betsy briefly before she left, and learned that the prince preferred his guests to dress simply, and via the palace had instructed the women not to wear jewelry except for a strand of simple pearls and a wedding ring. They were also instructed to wear suits. I thought this was interesting. Americans, no doubt, tend to overdress on such occasions. 
Benjamin Moore’s “Green” Aura Paint
Finally, a high-performance, low VOC paint! Translated: this is a super premium, beautiful paint with minimal environmental impact. Most paints give off high levels of VOC’s - airborne contaminants that are toxic and contribute to ozone levels. Benjamin Moore’s Aura uses waterbourne colorants that eliminate the problem. In addition, Aura is self-priming and only one coat is generally needed. Over 144 gorgeous new colors have been created for this line, but all 3,000 Benjamin Moore colors are available in this eco-friendly formulation. I am rushing over to the Benjamin Moore store on West Lover’s Lane to pick up a sample and will post my “review” after the weekend. (Oh, how I adore painting!)
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