Mike Modano’s backyard

On Friday we’re shooting Mike Modano’s backyard. I’m kind of nervous and excited about it, because he’s famous. The yard is charming, however. A nice guy named Jarod Cossell brought it to us. Cossell, who owns Earthquake Exteriors (what a name!), worked closely with Mandy Modano (a.k.a. Willa Ford) to design it, and it’s got a definite Italian feel to it, which she loves. Lots of wonderful fountains made from huge urns, and beautiful stone unearthed from a small quarry in Arkansas. You’ll get to see the Modano’s yard, along with the Modanos themselves barbequeing, in our July issue. Mike has promised us some of his favorite recipes. We figure they’ll go something like this,”Put steak on grill.”

We’re game.

Farewell, You Bunch of Pansies

When I lovingly plant pansies each October, I know this day will come. 

After all, They consipire and turn on me every April.  Therefore, I bid my pansies adieu, all 5,000 of them.  I’m making room for a bevy of new spring plantings as we speak.   I have much more room than last year, though.  Sadly, I lost 1600 snapdragons to aphids.  Sound familiar? 

Peacock Alley at Vintage Living

One of our very favorite linen collections is now at Vintage Living in Snider Plaza. Peacock Alley used to be downstairs in our building - very convenient for a little product pick up, then they moved to Postal Way. That’s right, over by the main post office - not so convenient. Love the linens, hate the drive. So, we’re excited to have them in the ‘hood at one of our favorite stores. Check out the trunk show on Friday, May 2, along with new linens from Matteo.

Fete du Muguet at Yves Delorme

That’s Mother’s Day to you, or sort of - the French celebration of spring, the scent of lily-of-the-valley, and the love of children for their mothers. Hello? Are any of my children reading this? Yves Delorme celebrates this special day with gifts of robes, sleepwear, candles, and fragrant soaps. All with a savings of 30%. Which is great, because I don’t know about yours, but my children never have any money.

Pineider Comes to the Nest

The darling Nest is now carrying Italian luxury leather and paper goods maker Pineider, which opened in Florence in 1774. According to Pineider, it “has remained a point of reference for people who love style, beauty and the refined culture of writing.” If you are one of these people, a set that includes clients the Pope and Madonna, then head to the Nest for exquisite writing papers (home stationery at left) and desk sets. Owner Heather Wiese-Alexander’s Snider Plaza store is the only one in the South carrying the goods.

Hello? Is This Thing On….check…check…check…

Since Rebecca said I would blog this morning, here I am. Yes, I am nervous. You know what they say about public speaking, imagine your audience is…naked. That’s what I am doing right now. All of you…in the buff. I feel much better.

Confession? I’m technology-phobic. Check back later today, after I figure out how this new fangled blog machine works. I have to buy some sod, but I’ll be right back. In the meantime, I humbly offer this.

A New Voice On The Block

Amanda Tackett joins D Home in the morning as our newest blogger. You already know her from Amanda’s Dream House. She’s nervous, so help her out. I don’t get why — Amanda is locally famous with a cult following of Dream House groupies and one of the funniest writers in town. She’s got plenty to talk about — she’s doing all the renovations on a fabulous but crumbling 60s era house herself. I can’t wait to see what she blogs about first…

Charles Faudree Book Party

Charles Faudree, the “king of toile,” as Peggy crowned him, is stopping by At My Table on May 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, to sign his newest book, Charles Faudree Country French Florals & Interiors with Toni Garner. Faudree, despite his international clients, is still a Oklahoma man, and like me, a Francophile. At least it seems that way (previous titles: French Country Signature and French Country Living). This book features some variation–Toni Garner, a Tulsa florist who has been named Oklahoma Magazine’s “Best Florist” for 10 years and counting–with the addition of floral.

Everyone Gets Cake

Thursday, May 1, drop by the George Cameron Nash showroom for cake and champagne - it is the showroom’s 21st birthday. And they said it wouldn’t last. At least, there were those who thought that - when George opened in 1986, he had some open stock fabrics, a few pieces of upholstery, borrowed antiques, and a super-abundance of style. The showroom has changed, the style remains the same. Be sure and go upstairs for the latest surprise. P.S. - he always serves good champagne.

Meletio Electric: So Much More Than Just Current Events!

But the Preston/Forest location is shuttering, while Frisco and Harry Hines stores get better and better. Whole story over on DallasDirt.

Donald S. Vogel: A Painter’s Life

Valley House will feature a preview of its founder Donald S. Vogel’s art this Sunday, May 4, 12 - 3. Vogel was one of the innovators of the Dallas art scene, opening the first modern art gallery in 1952 with his wife and then Betty McLean (now Betty Blake.) His primary inspiration was found in the beautiful grounds which is now the gallery and sculpture garden in North Dallas. It’s not exactly the South of France that inspired the French Impressionists, but right now in the spring, you can see the resemblance.

Sabina Braxton Models at Allan Knight

Sorry if you missed the Sabina Fay Braxton trunk show at Allan Knight. Not only did we see some of the most splendid fabrics I’ve ever seen, she very quickly found exquisite coordinating shawls for some of us, here I am hamming it up with Mary Ann Smiley and Harriet Adams - Charlotte Comer and Myrl Talkington were probably laughing at us. We perused volumes of haute couture runways featuring her fabrics used by Lagerfeld, Christian Lacroix, and other names you might recognize. Too bad she couldn’t whip something up for me for the Art Ball on Saturday, rather than the LBD that I wore.

Looking For Young Design Talent?

Are you an interior decorator looking for someone young and eager to work with you? Check out the open house tomorrow night at El Centro College’s department of interior design — you might see the next Julio Quinones or Myrl Talkington there, both alumni.

It’s from 6-8:30 pm Tuesday, April 29 in “C” Building at the corner of Lamar and Main Streets, 3rd floor.

Gone In 40 Days

My friend Jon Verhaeghe who owns Voyager Trading Co., sent me this just now:

Hey Rebecca,

I was hoping you could give me one more plug. We are closing in roughly 40 days and just got our last shipment of furniture. It happens to be from a company called Southcone, which has unfortunately gone out of business. We purchased this container load at a steal b/c of their distressed situation. The factory needed to move their stock stuff in a hurry and it timed out well with our closing. In any event - it is awesome stuff (sold at Robb & Stucky, Mecox, the old Urban Home etc.) and we are selling at near wholesale.

Many of the photos of what we have are on the website - www.voyagertrading.com

Thanks for the last plug - Just so you know, I plug your blog all the time - People listen to me.

Cheers Jon

The $175,000 Bed

This can be yours for a mere $175,000 and is on display right now at William & Wesley, where designer and author Betty Lou Phillips is signing away her newest book. Meantime, go lay on 250 yards of precious Christopher Hyland fabric and look up at the candelier which is not included in the price. (Would it drive you crazy to pay $175K for a bed and then have some naughty couple, ahem, mess it up?)

Ann Sacks Grand Opening

If you haven’t gotten a chance to visit the new Ann Sacks Showroom, here’s your opportunity.  Today is their much delayed grand opening from 6 - 8 at 1616 Oak Lawn Ave. It’s right across from their old showroom that now says LOL on the front. The tile and marble displays are exquisite - it makes you wonder how they come up with some of these new tile concepts. Until you realize, some of these tile designs date back to the Ottoman empire. What changes stays the same, I guess.

Rugs As Jewelry

When I first saw this, I thought it was a piece of jewelry. But it’s a rug. Odegard, which has a beautiful showroom in Dallas, just introduced this amazing carpet at Milan’s furniture fair this month. It’s part of Stephanie Odegard’s Mughal Jewelry Collection, based on ancient Indian jewelry created during the lavish Mughal Empire.

Live It Up

These days we are preoccupied with creating a comfortable house. Two Japanese architects created one that is uncomfortable, even miserable, on purpose. Why? It’s a life or death situation.

April in Paris in Inwood Village

If you haven’t had a chance to sample this, shame on you. Our favorite souffle restaurant Rise No.1, featured in the March DHome and the May DMagazine, is having French accordian music on the patio on Saturday, and, of course, dinner on Friday and Saturday. All part of Inwood Village’s family friendly weekend event, I’m sure there will be music, food and fun everywhere.

Festive Fountain

The fountain at Armstrong and Preston has been revealed after being covered by an outhouse looking structure for a few months. It’s beautiful, shining white with hydrangeas, camellias and white azaleas. But, does anyone else think it looks like a wedding cake?

Get Framed This Weekend

The Latino Cultural Center and Contemporary Culture, Inc. presents a fabulous art framing workshop encouraging the use of art as a teaching tool this Saturday….FREE! (more…)

Cocktails at Alessi Thursday Night

Alessi is having cocktails at its new store Thursday night. If you haven’t been, it’s a cool place. Go to the jump for details. (more…)

Design Divas in Dallas

We’ve got a full week of events at showrooms with very talented women. In order of appearance….. the grand dame of Los Angeles design Sally Sirkin Lewis will be at the J. Robert Scott showroom Wednesday, April 23, 11 - 3 presenting The Golden Collection - 60 fabrics in the warm, golden tones of the Golden State of California. From this understated world of shimmery textures, go to Allan Knight on Thursday, April 24, at 4 for High Tea with Sabina Fay Braxton. Her couture line of hand-painted velvets are so beautiful they will make you cry. Then, head over to William & Wesley at 5:30 to meet author Betty Lou Phillips and one of her fabric inspirations, Seth Pariser of Christopher Hyland. There you will see new textiles from one of the greatest collections of antique French and Italian document fabrics. If this doesn’t fulfill all your fabric needs, I can’t help you.

Botox May Not Be As Safe As We Thought…

For your face, that is. I know this is not directly home-related, but many of us have sought the scalpel or needle to keep our faces and bods as chic as our decor so I found this article very disturbing especially since I’ve had Botox injections – Botox may not be as safe as we thought it was. Don’t freak: the study is not conclusive, but apparently some studies in Italy now show that neurotoxin can spread to the brain. Great: mine needs all the help it can get.

Laura Hunt In Town, About Town

Ran into Laura Hunt today with Luce Churchill (Mrs. Winston Churchill III) at Neimans downtown, wonder what they are up to? Mrs. Churchill is a Belgian-born jewelry designer in from Palm Beach for a few fun days in Dallas.

(Photo credit: Shiny Shots Palm Beach Daily News)