New Year. New Direction.

Hello friends! Well, 2020 was one hell of a year wasn't it... and as we move into 2021 I have decided to make some changes to the way I communicate with you all. I started this blog in 2008 when my son was 8 years old. None of my family lives in Dallas, so I thought a blog would be a fun way to share stories of what our family was doing and where we were going to stay connected. It was an unexpected surprise that I also found was a community of people who were also first-time parents, exploring this city, wanting to know more about Dallas and how we were experiencing it. 

And thus Oh So Cynthia was born. 

A few years later, when my son entered Middle School, he made it quite clear that he was not down with me sharing photos and stories about him on the internet. So, I decided to turn the camera around and instead of having the focus being on my family, decided to spotlight where I went, what I saw, and who I met. And that's really when this thing took off.

In the last few years, I have been doing more and more freelance writing for newspapers and publications, and using their audience as a way to spread my love of Dallas even further. Today, I am the Dallas Editor for Society Texas magazine. Each issue gives readers a dynamic insider’s view of the bold lifestyle and exciting personality of Texas targeting the most influential demographic. Published bi-monthly, each issue of Society Texas is proudly displayed in the most luxurious residences, hotels, spas, and retail points across Texas. In every issue, I share Dallas' hottest events and coolest people with readers throughout the state of Texas and feature three restaurants or bars in the magazine SAVOR feature. I am also a regular Contributor to Dallas Hotel Magazine, the definitive guide for discerning visitors to Big D. And most recently, I have partnered with the Katy Trail Weekly newspaper as their Society Editor to revamp their Scene Around Town feature and shine a spotlight on nonprofits and the volunteers that give back to our city.

Katy Trail Weekly's "Scene Around Town" feature

Did I mention that all of this is outside of my "real" job as a Partner and Publicist at Gangway Advertising? Google "woman who wears many hats" and you'll see a picture of me. LOL. In a constant attempt to better balance all of the balls I am juggling, I have decided to redirect my attention away from this website. I hope that we can stay connected through my social media channels. You can find me on Instagram, Clubhouse, Twitter, and Facebook. You can continue to learn more about Dallas through the articles published in all of the publications I just mentioned above, and read original blog posts on my NEW website at CynthiaSmoot.com.

I hope that 2021 brings you health, happiness and a damn vaccine shot so we can all get back to enjoying life! Peace out. ✌

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Stimulates the Imagination

Doniphan Moore's Dressing Suite at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House (Photographed by Douglas Friedman)

The inaugural Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas opens to the public on Friday, September 25th at 5828 Woodland Drive in Old Preston Hollow’s Historic Woodland Estates neighborhood. The house showcases the creativity and design expertise of twenty-seven of the nation’s most acclaimed interior designers, architects, and artists. Each designer was given approximately seven weeks to transform their assigned space in the home. In-person tickets can be purchased for Friday, September 25th – Sunday, October 25th, 2020, Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Cost is $40 and tickets must be purchased online before you enter the Show House.  For the next month, design lovers from around the nation, visitors, and locals will have the opportunity to tour the completed Show House.  For the first time ever, the Show House will offer a 3D virtual video tour for those who are not able to attend in person. Visits to the house must be booked in advance to ensure proper social distancing and the wearing of face masks is required for all visitors. 

   

The Show House, which is also held annually in New York City and Palm Beach, doubles as the nation’s leading design event of the year and Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club’s top fundraiser. For nearly half a century, top interior designers have come together in raising more than $25 million for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club of New York, which provides young people with educational and developmental programs in the city. The Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas will also benefit local charity Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit agency dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty, and The Crystal Charity Ball, another Dallas-based organization whose mission is to aid, support and make contributions to children's charities in Dallas County.

Top Three Tips For A Great Stay At La Cantera Resort & Spa

For the last 20 years, I have had the pleasure to visit the beautiful city of San Antonio several times a year to visit family, but it wasn't until 3-4 years ago that I discovered La Cantera Resort and Spa. That discovery has been a game-changer and it's now one of my favorite places to visit for a relaxing weekend getaway or holiday vacation. 

Their website says it best, "Wood beams, a roaring stone fireplace in the lobby, and soaring Texas views all come together in La Cantera Resort & Spa. Inspired by the world-famous King Ranch in South Texas, the lobby décor is a nod to the ranch’s “Big House.” Rustic furnishings, warm colors, and the spirit of hospitality all harken to the legacy of the “Big House.” 

Overlooking 550 acres of The Texas Hill Country, La Cantera is where sophistication meets relaxation. From the 25,000 sq. ft destination spa, Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, to two championship golf courses, guests can immerse themselves in the San Antonio scenery.  Having stayed at the resort several times, I thought I'd do you a solid and share a few tips and tricks I've learned along the way to give you the BEST experience possible:

Shoebacca Donates $50,000 of Sportwear to Give Boost To Those Seeking Recovery From Addiction

Irving-based Shoebacca recently donated 400 pairs of shoes, 170 pairs of socks, 150 pairs of men’s underwear and 514 pieces of apparel totaling $50,000 in value to Dallas 24 Hour Club. PlainsCapital Bank Executive Vice President, Joe Pitch, is a Board Member for The 24, recently assisted Shoebacca with some banking services. “They were appreciative of the work I had done and inquired if there was something they could do in return. Knowing they had made donations to various charities in the past, I mentioned that Dallas 24 Hour Club could always use shoes and would be grateful for any inventory they could spare. The owners Marc and Robert Schlachter, along with son Ryan and his assistant Ellen, surprised us with this incredibly generous and thoughtful gift of shoes, socks and clothes.” 

Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs Celebrates National Tattoo Day

National Tattoo Day is celebrated on July 17th to recognize the history, culture, and artists dedicated to etching ink permanently on the skin. How far will consumers go to pay tribute to the brands they love? Apparently, pretty far. When Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs discovered that Double Wide Bar in Deep Ellum had not one, but TWO bartenders, with corny dog tattoos they knew they had to do something fun to celebrate it. Enjoy the video tribute below! 

 

"Anyone who knows me knows that I love corny dogs more than any other food. The only reason I even go to the State Fair of Texas is to get my Fletcher's fix. It's like Christmas Day for me!" said Mike Trujillo."I got a Mr. Corny tattoo because I've eaten corn dogs all over the country and Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs are the best." 

Darren Woodson Helps Rainbow Days Tackle Virtual Fundraiser

2020 Pot of Gold Virtual Event featuring Darren Woodson

A big congrats to Rainbow Days for exceeding its fundraising goal and raising $52,086 through their recent virtual event thanks to donations and silent auction bidding. The 2020 Pot of Gold Virtual Event, which featured keynote speaker Darren Woodson and was streamed on June 25 for a social media audience of hundreds of supporters. Woodson inspired the audience by telling his own personal life story, which highlighted the importance of positive mentors in a child’s life. The virtual event also included remarks from Rainbow Days CEO Tiffany Beaudine as well as moving program testimonials featuring children, youth and other partners who have benefited from Rainbow Days’ work in the community. If you missed it live, don't worry! You can view a replay of the event on YouTube at https://youtu.be/nGxSBQSqGPQ