Join Me At A Walk In Paris To Raise Funds For Autism Research

At this year's FGI Night of Stars with designers
Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario in a custom
Binzario Couture gown made just for me!

The Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism today announces that it will host its first Fashion Show and Luncheon “A Walk in Paris” on Thursday, April 23 at The Fairmont Hotel Dallas featuring one-of-a-kind gala gowns by Binzario Couture. All proceeds will benefit The Autism Treatment Centers of Texas. During the Vintage, French-inspired fashion show, produced by Jeannette Chivvis with Chivvis Style, guests can expect to swoon over the locally designed, custom gowns by Binzario Couture modeled by some of Dallas' hottest local celebrities and charming philanthropists including Dawn Neufeld, LeeAnne Locken, Dawn Mellon, Lisa Petty, Yvonne Crum, Melissa Rountree and - me!

Attendees also have the opportunity to win a one-of-a-kind Binzario Couture gala gown of their own by entering the raffle. In addition to the gorgeous gowns, the models will be styled in jewelry by Couture Rocks Fine Jewelry and will get to enjoy hearing from special guest WFAA 8, Good Morning Texas’ Host, Carrie McClure.

“My Co-Chair Mary Bentley and I are thrilled about hosting Roundup for Autism’s first ever fashion show and luncheon,” Roundup for Autism Executive Director, Gina Marx said. “We are overwhelmed so far with the support of the DFW community and are so thankful to have Binzario Couture on board to help make this event even more special.” The fashion show and luncheon “A Walk in Paris” is a prelude to Roundup for Autism’s grand two-day fall event, the Pegasus parade and rodeo in the Fort Worth Stockyards, followed the next day by a black-tie gala, the Pegasus Ball, at the Fairmont Hotel Dallas. The fall event is slated for Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19. A pair of tickets to the Pegasus Ball is also being raffled off at the April 23 “A Walk in Paris” fashion luncheon.

PHOTO GALLERY: 2015 Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon & Fashion Show

More than 750 attendees gathered at the Meyerson on February 17 for the 2015 Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Led by Chair Lisa Singleton, Honorary Chair Lynn McBee, Underwriting Chairs Jennifer LeLash and Nikki Webb, Raffle Chair Maggie Kipp and Advisory Chair Carmaleta Whiteley, the team raised more than $505,000 for the North Texas Chapter. The money raised by the luncheon and fashion show will help further the LLS mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To read a complete recap of this event, click here. Below is a gallery of photos from this amazing day. Click to enlarge any image and flip through the gallery.

Oh So Tasty: Public School 214

Public School's House Pepperoni Pizza

Public School 214 recently opened in West Village in Uptown and has a second location in the works for Addison, which will be called Public School 972. See how that works!?  The place is a chef-driven gastropub serving craft beer and delivers, “An Education in the Art of Food & Beer.” They rely heavily on cutesy school-themed slogans. Printed on your to-go bag, for instance, is the slogan "Homework: Incomplete. Finish at home." And the menu looks like a Composition notebook. According to their website, they use only the freshest quality ingredients, sourced from local Farmer’s Markets whenever possible. The eclectic, seasonal menu includes favorites such as the Colorado Lamb Burger (which my husband gives two thumbs way up), Roasted Poblano with Quinoa and their infamous Bacon Cheddar Tots, which (according to them) are a must try!

My husband and I visited Friday for date night and I asked every person we encountered for their personal favorites. The dish that came up over and over was the Chorizo Mac & Cheese made with emmental, cheddar, kale, sea salt, vinegar crunch. I'm glad I listened to the recommendations, because it was one of the highlights of our visit. I envisioned the chorizo being a ground sausage. Instead, it was more like a sliced salami. And the "sea salt and vinegar crunch" was a topping of potato chips.

I would highly recommend the Huntsman Burger made with pure ground chuck, balsamic onions, bibb lettuce, tomato & huntsman cheese (of course, I added the optional thick cut applewood smoked bacon). "Recess" or Happy hour happens at the bar Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., and includes $4 to $7 food specials, $5 wells, $4 to $5 handles, and $10 to $15 half liters of wine. Weekend brunch occurs on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am until 3pm and includes a selection of mimosas, micheladas, and bloody marys, and dishes such as chicken sausage with cheddar grits, stuffed french toast, and eggs Benedict pizza.

Pooch Parade in Peril

The Cedar Springs Merchants Association (CSMA) is desperately seeking sponsors and donors to save one of Dallas most beloved events, the annual Pooch Parade aka Easter in Lee Park. New requirements by the City, including fencing the park perimeter, security, and permits, have driven the cost to produce Easter in Lee Park to a total of $25,000, a level no longer sustainable by the Association itself. In order to achieve CSMA’s goal of keeping the event free to the public, they are asking for the community’s help. “It would be a tragedy to lose this great Easter tradition in Dallas,” stated Alan Pierce, President of the CSMA. “We must ask for help in order to continue it.” CSMA has produced Easter in Lee Park in Dallas since 2011 after the City of Dallas asked for help to continue the event. CSMA took the responsibility of Easter in Lee Park after the Turtle Creek Association changed its spring event date. The CSMA has continued to fund the event even with loss each year. This fund raising campaign is set at $20,000. Due to the time constraints, the campaign must be fully pledged by March 4th. If the full amount of the campaign is not met, the funds are not charged, and the event will be cancelled. Potential sponsors and donors are asked to visit our GoFundMe campaign by going to www.easterinleepark.com.

photo: Easter in Lee Park on Facebook

Oh So Charitable: 2015 Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show

Jennifer LeLash, LeeAnne Locken, Cynthia Smoot, Lisa Singleton, Clarice Tinsley, Maggie Kipp, Kate Rose Marquez, Nikki Reed

More than 750 attendees gathered at the Meyerson on February 17 for the 2015 Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Led by Chair Lisa Singleton, Honorary Chair Lynn McBee, Underwriting Chairs Jennifer LeLash and Nikki Webb, Raffle Chair Maggie Kipp and Advisory Chair Carmaleta Whiteley, the team raised more than $505,000 for the North Texas Chapter. The money raised by the luncheon and fashion show will help further the LLS mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. A number of incredible donors helped LLS achieve its fundraising goal. Nancy C. and Richard Rogers contributed $100,000 as the luncheon’s presenting sponsors and have an LLS research granted named in their honor. Al G. Hill, Jr., American Airlines, Robyn and Don Conlon, Dallas Auction Gallery/Kathi and Scott Shuford, Faye C. Briggs, Mary Kay, Park Place Motorcars Dallas, Ruth Robinson and Family, Trinity Industries and TXU Energy were also top donors.  “The success of this year’s event was a true team effort,” said Lisa Singleton, 2015 Luncheon Chair. “We are fortunate to have such a strong network of donors, past chairs and committee members who come back each year to raise funds for this important cause. It has been my privilege to work with them over this past year.”

Oh So Charitable: 2015 St. Philip's Destiny Awards

Pat Smith gets (and gives) some love from the children of St. Philip's

Yesterday I tagged along with Pat & Emmitt Smith to the St. Philip’s School & Community Center for the 15th Annual Destiny Awards Luncheon held on St. Philip’s campus, located in South Dallas. I love that they held this luncheon for over 500+ in the school gym because it gave attendees an opportunity to see their kids in action: reciting poetry, singing the school anthem and greeting guests. They were darling. You think no one cares about what's happening in South Dallas? Think again, because this was a star-studded affair. The A-listers turned out to support the amazing work that Dr. Terry Flowers is doing with these kids. I spotted Ross Perot and Ross Perot Jr., Mayor Mike Rawlings and his wife Micki, and Roger and Marianne Staubach to name just a few. Mickey and Bill Lively, with Ann and Chris Mahowald were the Event Chairs, while Diane and Daryl Johnston were Honorary Chairs of this inspiring event that raises vital funds to operate St. Philip’s numerous educational and social service programs.  The highlight of the luncheon was having Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer, Emmitt Smith, and his wife, Pat, interviewed on stage by Bill Lively, who spearheaded the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. Lively asked them to share with us the secret to their relationship - which was “God, Family, and Business - in that order.” Together, they steer the companies associated with EJ Smith Enterprises, Pat Smith Enterprises, Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, and Treasure You. The Smith’s leverage their entrepreneurial and philanthropy work to “build bridges to open doors.” I got an Oprah "a-ha!" moment when Emmitt said he had a coach who once told him (and I am paraphrasing), "A dream is only a dream until you write it down. Then it becomes a goal that can become achieved." LOVE THAT! To see more photos from this event, click here.

Oh So Charitable: 6th Annual A Beacon of Hope Luncheon

(Press release) Over 450 people came together to support of Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 6th annual A Beacon of Hope luncheon at the Westin Galleria. Presented by the David B. Miller Family Foundation and chaired by Maloree and Bob Banks, the luncheon featured the daughter and father team of Elizabeth McIngvale-Cegelski and Jim McIngvale as keynote speakers in a dynamic presentation of the compelling story of their family’s journey through years of battling severe mental illness, told from the viewpoints of both parent and child. Master of Ceremonies Terry Bentley Hill welcomed the crowd and shared a personal message of her own story of suicide loss and mental illness in her family, saying she is honored to be a part of this wonderful organization which helps so many. Elizabeth and Jim began their presentation with a snippet of an interview Elizabeth had done over 10 years ago with Barbara Walters on the Today Show, giving the crowd a truthful introduction to her experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As they took turns at the podium relating the horrors and feelings of hopelessness mental illness brought to their family, everyone was drawn into the story of Elizabeth’s rituals and routines, hospitalization and recovery and Jim’s dedication to her, saying her life and determination shows hope and healing really is possible. He said this is the raw reality, that help and hope can lead to peace of mind, challenging everyone to speak out, learn the signs and that the stigma of mental illness can be stamped out with everyone working together.

Last year 5,000 people were reached by the Foundation with personal training. Exciting news for this year: Since the CONTACT Crisis Line has closed, its Teen CONTACT program has been integrated into the Grant Halliburton Foundation’s programming and they have not missed a beat, training over 3,200 students and staff since January 1 of this year, bringing the programs together and moving forward with their mission. The mission of the Grant Halliburton Foundation is to help prevent suicide, promote better mental health and strengthen the network of mental health resources for teens and young adults. For more information, visit the web site at www.GrantHalliburton.org.

photos: Dana Driensky and Daniel Driensky

Header image: Jim McIngvale and his daughter, Elizabeth McIngvale-Cegelski, featured speakers
(Left to right) Barb Farmer, Luncheon Founding Chair; Janette Evans, Ashley Farmer | Maloree and Bob Banks, luncheon chairs |  Diana Weaver, Heidi Perry, raffle winner; Vanita Halliburton, President, Grant Halliburton Foundation 

Academy Award Winning Party Ideas Using M&M'S

Sponsored Post:

The 87th Annual Academy Awards are coming up on Sunday, February 22nd. There are those who will watch The Oscars with baited breath to see what actors, directors, cinematographers and writers will take home honors. And then there are people like me, who have maybe seen two or three of the nominated films and will be watching for an entirely different reason - the OUTFITS!

There will be hits and misses. There will be moments where I gasp in horror (usually at Helena Bonham Carter) and ooh and ahhh in adoration (usually over the likes of Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett). There are always fashion surprises and that's what makes this evening such a fashionistas dream come true!!

While Hollywood's stars will have spent weeks starving themselves, getting facials and meeting with their stylist to find the perfect dress - I will be watching this extravaganza from the comfort of my couch at home, probably in a ratty pair of sweats, with no makeup on eating lots of snacks. I like to live vicariously and let them do all the hard work.

M&M'S® asked me to tell you about ways you could incorporate America's favorite snack into your Oscar watching experience, so here are a few ideas to make your viewing party more enjoyable (even if it's just a party of one). M&M’S® will be commemorating the biggest night in Hollywood by debuting a commercial on national TV that shows M&M’S characters invading the movies. Be sure to watch for it! For those of you who might be fortunate enough to be going to The Oscars, or perhaps a fancy Oscar-watching soiree, I asked Mr. Red what his best red carpet tip was. He sent me a video to share with you:

Here are a few ways you can use M&M'S to make your Academy Awards viewing more enjoyable:

Prepare to be Bowled Over at Bowl & Barrel

Bowl & Barrel's Wagyu Steak & Blue Cheese Sandwich

Bowl & Barrel recently revamped their menu and invited me in to sample their latest culinary creations. Never one to turn down a free meal, I scheduled a date night with my man and we headed over there on Friday night to see what the hullaballoo was about. The German-European infused menu now features an even wider array of smorgas-boards, sausages, exotic shared plates, sandwiches, salads and more, making this boutique bowling venue perfect for parties with friends, fun date nights and adventuresome family outings.  For an appetizer, we loved the Devils On Horseback, which were blue cheese stuffed medjool dates wrapped in bacon ($7) and the Ghost Pepper Peanuts which are dusted in sea salt and chili powder ($3). I really enjoyed the savory Wagyu Steak & Blue Cheese Sandwich and my husband gave the Fish & Chips two thumbs up.

Jeremy Lock Brings Scenes From The Battlefield To One Arts Plaza With The Photographic Series Twenty One

Award winning photojournalist and seven-time Military Photojournalist of the Year, Jeremy Lock, opens his first public photography exhibit in the lobby of One Arts Plaza in Dallas' Arts District on February 10, 2015.

The photographic series Twenty-One is a showcase of Lock’s favorite twenty-one thought-provoking images that encapsulate his twenty-one years of service as a combat photographer. Lock embeds himself into the tragedies, celebrations, and everyday realities of the world around him.

I have gotten to know Jeremy over the past year because he married one of my dear friends, D'Andra Simmons this past February. I'm not sure that this world-traveled, gritty, military photographer fully comprehended what he was getting himself to when he landed one of Dallas' most celebrated beauties and married into one of our city's most influential families. D'Andra has dragged him off the battlefield and onto the red carpet. (chuckle) He's a salt-of-the-earth guy and a brilliant photographer. I am thrilled to spread the word about this exciting opportunity to view some of his works.

The twenty-one images he selected to showcase are powerful, and implore viewers to live and feel those moments just as Lock did when they were captured. "My photographic journey is rooted in my ability to capture the essence and reality of humanity at its finest and at its worst,” says Lock. “I’ve captured everything from the hunt for Osama bin Laden, to the playful nature of our young military who are defending our freedom, and the plight of humans in search of food after the Haiti earthquake disaster.”

Designer Spotlight: Tinsley Radix

On Thursday, January 29, Tinsley Radix hosted its Fall/Winter 2015 Debut Collection at the Chandelier Room produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers with RSC Show Productions. Established in 2013 by Caitlyn Mullanix and Chelsea Brogdon, Tinsley Radix is a custom fashion brand designed by the co-founders of Chantilly Dallas.

Chelsea Brogdon & Caitlyn Mullanix

The Tinsley Radix women will feel fashionable, confident and comfortable in her clothes, which are functional for any occasion. The Tinsley Radix couture line will allow the designers to customize pieces for any woman. Tinsley Radix is heavily influenced by the designers’ experiences growing up in the South (Texas and Georgia) and Southwest (New Mexico). The line incorporates prints and fabrics that reflect these regional influences as well as the experiences had by each designer.

The first Tinsley Radix collection is inspired by the collision of both industrial and elegance. Amy Vanderoef emceed the event, while celebrity DJ Lucy Wrubel provided the soundtrack for the evening. Amber LaFrance, Andre Yabin, Carinthia Kishaba, Chuck Steelman, Holly Haber, John and Amber Kolinofsky, Leah Frazier, Lisa Petty, Linden Wilson and Shannon Yoachum were among those in attendance. Sponsors for the event included Terri Tomlinson, beGlammed, Spanx, Kelly Bains Paper and Uber. To learn more, visit www.tinsleyradix.com.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Show The Love To Patrons Of This Year's 2015 Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show

Maggie Kipp, Jennifer LeLash, Lisa Singleton, Nikki Webb
Photo by Dana Driensky

(Press Release)  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) toasted the top patrons of the upcoming 2015 Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show presented by Nancy C. and Richard Rogers at the Patron Party at the Dallas Auction Gallery on February 5th.

Kathi and Scott Shuford generously opened up the doors to their showroom for over 100 luncheon supporters, with the support of The LeLash Group and Dave Perry Miller, who co-sponsored the event. Event Chair, Lisa Singleton, was joined by her luncheon leadership team to welcome guests for the evening. Honorary Chair Lynn McBee, Underwriting Chairs Jennifer LeLash and Nikki Webb and Raffle Chair Maggie Kipp made the rounds thanking everybody for their generous support of the event.

Several past luncheon chairs including Kate Rose Marquez, Natalie Fogiel Moon and Rainey Fogiel attended the party to celebrate all of the donors, including presenting sponsors Nancy C. and Richard Rogers. Other patrons spotted at the event: Heart of Gold recipient Jennifer Houser, Rachel Michell, Heather Randall, Blake Stephenson, Susie Swanson, Cynthia Smoot, Gloria Wagner Somerville, Dawn Mellon, Kim Alexander, Jan Strimple, Cindy and Steve Rigby, Cynthia Hinojosa and Sidney Tassin.

Dallas Dweller: Joseph Haubert

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces.

Dallas Dweller: Joseph Haubert
by Cynthia Smoot

Joseph Haubert

I am a huge fan of photography and feel that it is a hugely under-rated art form. I love to capture moments and take (almost) all of my own shots for this blog. My grandfather and uncle were amazing amateur photographers so I guess the shutterbug gene runs in my family. I have been following Joseph's posts on Instagram for a while and recently we became Facebook Friends and now we are like total BFF's on social media. I feel that what Joseph Haubert is creating is art - amazing art that captures the beauty of our city. I think his work is so exciting and I am thrilled to introduce him to you today.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. Joseph has always had a creative streak. He started drawing superheroes at the early age of 9. In his teens he designed album art for various bands he enjoyed listening to. Having a love for illustration and design, he went to college for architecture but then changed to graphic design on the recommendation of a professor.

It was actually his work in graphic design that got him into photography. "When I didn’t have the shots I needed for a job, I’d go out there and take them." He photographed models for clothing designers and worked with modeling agencies for lookbooks and magazine editorials. "I felt like I could challenge myself more as an artist if I had the raw world as my pallet, untainted by something as someone’s beauty or fashion style. Just the raw real world. It was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made."

Designer Spotlight: Lucy Dang

Fashion designer Lucy Dang  | photo by Brandon Lyon

Dallas-based fashion designer Lucy Dang has a LOT to celebrate. She got engaged to photographer Brandon Lyon this past October. Then in January, the pair found out they were BOTH nominated for an FGI Rising Star Award which features Dallas’ up-and-coming fashion leaders who are already breaking into national fashion headlines. Lucy was nominated on the fashion category and Brandon in the photography category. Dang recently held a private preview of her Spring Collection at her studio at South Side on Lamar. Among those in attendance were fellow designer Elizabeth Anyaa, stylists Jeanette Chivvas, Dora Chu and Eric Oliver Jr., The Fashionistas' Dan Pritchett, DFW Style Daily's Leah Frazier, Jackson, and Mindy Loll of Savoir Luxe.  Dang's finance, Brandon Lyon, entertained guests by snapping photos. I think he meant it to be like serious headshot sort of thing, only no one was in a serious mood which resulted in some hilarious photos (see photos below). Guests got to view 4 gowns displayed on mannequins that showcased the style and vibe of her new direction. Modern Southern couture is what came to mind when I viewed these Scarlett O'Hara-worthy frocks. Someone hand me mah pearls...  The winners will be announced and the rest of the collection will be unveiled during a runway show at the FGI Rising Star Awards held on Galleria Dallas’ iconic ice skating rink on Thursday, February 26 at 6 p.m. Click the link, buy a ticket and meet me there.

Photography © Esther Huynh 2015. To see more of Esther's photos from this event, click here

Belk Gives Shoppers A Sneak Peek Into Spring Fashion Trends

Belk Galleria Dallas recently hosted its Spring Fashion Tour with Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction. Goldstein unveiled spring’s “Most Wanted” looks for men and women, and highlighted the season’s four Style Statements: Garden Party, Sport Chic, Spare Me and Islander. The looks and accessories showcased designer brands found at Belk such as Trina Turk, Ralph Lauren, Vince Camuto, Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, Pink Tartan and French Connection.  According to Goldstein, this spring, modern, southern style is all about the mix. Whether it’s sleek and edgy, hi-tech casual, exotic details or beautiful botanicals, Belk’s 2015 Spring Style will feature a touch of the unexpected. The look is in the mix and modern, southern style is helping to rewrite the rules. Among those in attendance taking notes were fashion bloggers Stephanie Drenka, Kelly Barnes, Alex Small, Brooke Burnett and Amy Jackson. DFW Daily's Leah Frazier and Amber LaFrance and Galleria's Holly Quartaro also mixed and mingled with local fashionistas, all pf whom are eagerly awaiting Spring's return.

Women’s Most Wanted Spring 2015             2015 Men’s Most Wanted Spring 2015 

Kimono                                                             Updated Polo 

Soft Pants                                                          Shorter Short                                                       

Easy Fit Top                                                      Bold Prints 

Matched Set                                                      Jog Shorts 

Longer Skirt                                                      Athletic-Inspired Knit                             

Jumpsuit                                                            Plaid Sportcoat 

Floral Dress                                                      White Pants 

Statement Earrings                                            Spring Suit 

Glitzy Sandals                                                   Fashion Add-Ons

Look at Me Lips                                               Sneaker-Style Slip Ons  

photo c/o Shana Anderson Photography: Models flank Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, Salem Boohaker, Belk General Manager and Charmaine Marshall, Belk Private Shopper. 

Oh So Tasty: Modmarket

Colorado-based Modmarket is a farm fresh restaurant company that serves delicious, healthy food made from simple, whole ingredients. Their newest location is in the brand spanking new development, Preston Hollow Village, and is one of three farm fresh eateries in the Dallas area and 12 across Colorado and Texas. The restaurant’s seasonally-changing menu includes farm-fresh salads, pizzas made with whole grain dough topped with hand crushed, organic tomatoes, scratch made soups, toasted sandwiches, classic homestyle plates, and breakfast entrees made with cage-free eggs and all-natural nitrate-free breakfast meats. My personal favorites off the menu are the Thai Chicken Sandwich, the Wild Mushroom Pizza and the Superfood Salad. Modmarket provides many gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, and even breaks down the nutritional content of meals on each receipt. Love that!! “Each new restaurant we open furthers our goal of feeding delicious, healthy food to as many people as possible,” explains Modmarket co-founder Anthony Pigliacampo. “It shouldn’t be hard to find great tasting, quality food made with honesty and care, and that is what we serve at Modmarket.” The newest location joins Modmarket Flower Mound (opened Sept. 2014) and Modmarket Plano (opened Oct. 2014) in Texas.  The next Modmarket Texas opening is scheduled for spring 2015 in Southlake at 1161 E. Southlake Blvd. For more information about Modmarket Preston Hollow, visit modmarket.com.

PINSTACK Provides New Option For Family Fun in Dallas

Yesterday I got a sneak peek of PINSTACK, a new state-of-the-art bowling and active entertainment destination in Plano (Tollway and Windhaven). The 50,000 square foot venue is designed with an upscale palate of bold finishes and features a 28 lane bowling experience, ropes course suspended 20 feet above the gaming center, two-story laser tag, bumper cars, LED lit six-lane rock climbing walls, hundreds of interactive games and simulator technology. For those that come with an appetite, a full-service restaurant features a chef-inspired menu of modern American classics, stacked bar and craft cocktails. For those visiting to bowl, the new venue offers elevated, lane-side bites and beverage service from the restaurant, ordered from iPads. The “Bowl Bar,” located right next to the bowling lanes, serves guests 24 beers and six wines on tap, top shelf craft cocktails, and full-service, gourmet coffee and gelato bars. “PINSTACK is a playground for kids and all ages with a chef-inspired restaurant and state-of-the-art entertainment,” says Mark Moore, president and CEO of Entertainment Properties Group. “We’ve designed the venue with moms and dads in mind so that when they come to PINSTACK for an afternoon or evening, they will enjoy themselves just as much as their kids, if not more.” Translation: Moms and Dads can hang out in the bar while the rug rats run wild... I like it.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes. Meet Heroes For Children Founders Larissa Linton And Jenny Dowen

Heroes and Handbags 2012

Not All Heroes Wear Capes
by Alison Weinstein

This year, Heroes for Children turns ten and in March one of our iconic charity events, Heroes and Handbags will move from its historic luncheon to an evening fête in celebration of two awe-inspiring Dallas Moms. Over the last 10 years, Larissa Linton and Jenny Dowen have raised millions through their organization, Heroes for Children, to help Texas families with a child battling cancer. These remarkable women both lost their beautiful young daughters to Acute Myeloid Leukemia; Taylor was just 4 years old and Allie, just 8 months. Out of loss and the deepest kind of love, Larissa and Jenny built an endearing friendship. Together, they recounted the devastating effects of childhood cancer but also the tremendous support they received from the community. Unlike their experiences, however, they each witnessed many other families struggling without the aid and care of others. Because of time away from work, families were having difficulty paying for everyday necessities like clothing and electrical bills. Some even lost their homes. Again with dear friends, Larissa and Jenny resolved that no family in Texas with a child battling cancer would fight alone. In 2004, honoring their girls’ memories, Heroes for Children was born (HFC’s logo is 2 angels joined with a heart).

This Valentine's Day All You Need Is Love. And Jewelry. And Flowers. And a Handbag.

This Valentine's Day, all a girl really wants is love. Ah, but you've probably already deduced that showing your love can be a tricky thing. How does one show their love on Valentine's Day? By jewelry and flowers. Perhaps a great smelling candle or an incredible handbag. Or maybe a fabulous frock followed by a delectable meal. Women aren't really so hard to figure out. All you have to do is put a bit of thought and effort into the whole affair. Heck, I'm even taking the thought out of it for you by linking you directly to some great items below. Pair any of these items with two tickets to 50 Shades of Grey and your holiday will be hot, hot, hot! And if all else fails... take her hand, look deep into her eyes, stroke her cheek and say, "I love you." Works every time. Happy Valentine's Day!