How to be Socially Savvy

Speaker Joy Weaver is coming to the F.I.G. on Aug. 6 to teach all the socially inept (or just plain awkward) Dallasites just how to be savvy on the social circuit.

Actually, this class isn’t just for the wallflowers but for social divas as well:

With her high-energy and fun style, Joy will polish our social skills and help take our corporate business successes to a new level.

For reservations and/or information, call 214-634-0204.

Re: Pole’lates

Been there, done that.

Last Saturday, for a certain Homes and Estates editor’s bachlorette party, nine of us pulled up in a limo to a little red door on Lower Greenville. Yes, it was just a little sketchy, but so worth it.

The Girls Room was a blast. For an hour, we learned how to twist, spin, and maneuver like a … well, pro. No clothes came off, no trashy dance moves done, it was all about having fun and getting an amazing workout (I’m still sore).

Remember in elementary school when you would spend hours spinning around the horizontal bars? Same thing, only the bars are vertical.

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose

I just received a nice package from Equinox Fitness Club that includes a yoga mat, yoga T-shirt, yoga poses on cards, and a pamphlet about the new fitness center.

Think they are offering yoga classes?

To promote Equinox’s move into a Highland Park location and a Preston Hollow location, complimentary yoga classes are taking place at the W Dallas-Victory on Saturday mornings in August and September, promising a relaxing start to the day with views from the 16th floor.

Although it’s hard to wake up for a 7 a.m. class on the weekend, I may have to check it out. I’m really interested in trying the “lord of the dance pose” and “warrior II.” I really wanted to try what the chic in the photo is doing, but there wasn’t a yoga card for that one.

Classes are 7 a.m. - 8 a.m; Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 RSVP.01521@whotels.com

FATP Brings in the Big Names (Again)

Famous faces will once again hit the runways of Dallas for NorthPark’s Fashion at the Park, Oct. 10-16.

Among them, Italian designer Roberto Cavalli, who said that Dallas women “represent the perfect client, and it’s always a pleasure to meet with them.”

That’s quite a compliment.

And yes, the photo is Cavalli with the Spice Girls. Got to love Posh.

Random Act of Kindness

As I sit at DFW Airport, awaiting my flight with my seven-year-old daughter to North Carolina to visit relatives and have a “Daddy-Daughter” weekend, we grabbed a delicious, healthy (read “greasy, chewy”) Pizza Hut pizza.  But the good news is that a lovely young lady sitting next to us had ordered a McDonald’s Happy Meal (presumably for the small portions) and graciously offered my daughter the toy that came with it.  Even though my daughter is beyond the intended age for the toy, it made her day and got our trip off to a good start.

True Southern Women are Rolling in Their Graves Right Now

So I finally made it to the Screen Door restaurant, night one of two. Everything was great, except for one (big?) thing.

The problem wasn’t the Southern appetizers- the brisket biscuits and seasoned shrimp were flavorful and disappeared in a hurry. The problem wasn’t the decor- the spacious but quaint dinning room decorated in greens, browns, and ivory will be a future power-lunch spot. The problem wasn’t the tart-but-not-too-tart lemon drop martini- it was great.

No, the problem arose in the restaurant’s much talked about “drink of the true Southern woman,” the mint julep.

When it was served, it looked like a winner in its silver tumbler (like those served at the Kentucky Derby) and crushed ice with the perfect garnishing of mint. However, the first taste - (more…)

Wasting No Time

So how is the food at the Screen Door in One Arts Plaza?

The recently opened restaurant is hopping right into the social scene by hosting various cocktail parties for local philanthropic groups. Tuesday is “Mint Juleps and Martinis” for KidneyTexas followed by Wednesday’s “Afternoon Tea” for Art for the Bridge.

Are the mint juleps worth a try?

Cuban’s Castle Crumbles

While Merritt was touring Amarillo, Mike Modano and Mark Cuban brought down the house (of sand) at The Palladium Friday night. The hosts of the Reebok 2008 Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game decided to play in the sandbox during the pre-game party.  Their playful roughhousing turned into a tumble off the chillOUT sand castle. While I was busy capturing the Kodak moment, Mike’s wife, Mandy (aka Willa Ford), was quick to clean off her sand covered man.

An Overheardian told me the next evening’s post-game fireworks were better than most he had seen on the 4th.  It makes me wonder, where are the best 4th of July fireworks in Dallas? Overheardians, share the scoop. The time to light up the night sky is here!Â

Who’s Up For Lunch?

So I went to have a quick lunch at the Nasher Sculpture Center last week, and it was wonderful. For the first time, the Nasher is doing a summer lunch deal that allows free access into the museum to have lunch in Café Nasher by Wolfgang Puck. The food was great (I’ve been craving the warm spinach and goat cheese salad ever since) and nothing beats a relaxing lunch in the garden surrounded by masterpieces.

However, this experience will only be offered until July 31. After that, visitors must pay to enter.

Stud Muffin

This was too good for me to pass up.

I headed out to Highland Park Village to ask shoppers their favorite Fourth of July traditions (check out the society page in next week’s Park Cities People). After speaking with a few women, I came across Barton, a native Dallasite and big time Dallas Country Club member.

Jump for a photo of Barton The Stud. (more…)

D Mag Throws Real Estate Agent Shindig and I Hear a New Theory on the Bush’s New Home

My D Magazine brethren were gracious enough to invite me to last night’s Best Real Estate Agents of 2008 party to celebrate this year’s list of the best agents in town, (more…)

But Does It Have a Diamond Pistol?

There is an article in the NYT today about the Beretta store on Madison Ave. Sure, the one in New York might be three stories with framed limited-edition paintings, but does it have a diamond pistol like our Highland Park Village gallery? Does it host the city’s social elite for an evening of scotch and hors d’oeuvres? Does it have the same local prestige that send men and women flocking to it for gifts?

It seems to me the charm of the Dallas gallery outshines the grandeur of the New York store.

Jewelry and Puppies- How Can You Refuse?

It’s going to be an afternoon of champagne and sweets this Sunday as Naomi Fine Jewelry Lounge in Preston Center and the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas throw a party benefiting man’s best friend.

Sugar n’ Paws will be a treat for humans and canines alike as eight Dallas pastry chefs - such as Nonna and The Grape - create oodles of pastries as guests sip cocktails and check out sparkling jewels.

One lucky guest will even win the raffle item : the “Dog Bone” necklace in white gold and pave’ diamonds and diamond earrings with “PuppyBone” diamond dangles (pictured).

Chillout With Celebrities

A great opportunity to spot celebrities in the contest Merritt mentioned here, is at next Friday’s chillOUT at The Palladium.  Lifehouse will provide a special unplugged acoustical performance while celebrities and athletes like Geoff and George Stults, Sam Page, Bryan Greenberg Mike Modano, Jason Terry, and DeMarcus Ware mix and mingle with guests. Auction items include autographed memorabilia from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Ted Williams, Babe Ruth and others, packages such as a meet and greet with Derek Jeter and his two seats to a Yankee game, along with other great gift items.  Derek Jeter’s package is a definite eye catcher.  Contact Lara Beth Seager lbseager@heroesbaseball.org to purchase tickets for this VIP event.

chillOUT is the pre-cursor to the Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game on June 28. Saturday’s activities include be a tailgater, home run derby, and celebrity baseball game followed by a fireworks show.  A fun-filled family event with another opportunity for celebrity sightings. Ticket prices start at $5.

Is It Already That Time of the Year?

Patrizio’s Bellini Fest is about to be underway.

The $1 bellini is returning to HP Village’s beloved Patrizio Restaurant on July 1 for the entire month.

Anyone need a happy hour companion?

Build-Your-Own Perfect Wedding For Less (or Free)

Weddings can get extremely expensive. From the flower to the venue to the food and rehearsal dinner, your big day can cost more than just a pretty penny.

Young couples who are running to the alter this season should check out all the great possibilities for fabulous (and free) wedding giveaways.

If elegance and old-world glamour is the way you envisioned your big day, stop by (more…)

Overheard Where?

See if you can guess where these Overheardian bloggers (Kersten, Charles, and Merritt) ate a power dinner last Friday night? Also present (but not pictured, so as to maintain their innocence) were Kersten’s and Charles’ spouses. Merritt’s spouse said he couldn’t make it, but this is being investigated.

Important blog business was, of course, discussed.

Just How Good is an Eleven Dollar Burger?

I’m not sure, but I will definitely find out as the new Burger Bar inside the Zodiac Restaurant in Neiman Marcus NorthPark is opened and ready to serve the seriously hungry shopper.

With an array of burger choices, from veggie to salmon to Kobe beef, diners can enjoy the calorie-filled lunch while watching a flat-screen t.v. streaming the latest runway shows. Doesn’t something about that seem cruel?

Clean Sweep

I did it.

After complaining about leaf blowers, and recognizing that my own lawn service uses them, I called the owner yesterday and asked him to stop using them when they mow my yard. The conversation was amusing.

The very polite man said, “Okay, we’ll just run them on low, not [and here he imitated the screechingly high noise of a leaf blower].”

(more…)

Fortune Says Travel to Uptown

Fortune magazine just named Uptown’s Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa as one of the world’s 33 top new business traveler hotels. Winners were selected based on location, decor and amenities. Overheardians advise the Stoneleigh is also a new spot for celeb sighting, especially in their restaurant, Bolla. The only other Texas hotel to make Fortune’s list is Hotel ZaZa in Houston.

A few hundred lucky Dallasites will be invited to check out the rooms and Penthouse when the Stoneleigh hosts their grand opening soirees, yes plural!, at the end of the month.

More Romance for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

I stopped by the 2008 DSO AT&T Gala launch party on Wednesday at the Meadows Museum. It was the a calm evening with cocktails, appetizers, music, and the usual Parkies and Preston Hollow[ies] patrons of the arts.

However, things picked up when committee members took hold of the crowd to announce plans for the upcoming event: The 2008 gala will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, with the theme (more…)

Overheardian Spies on Celebrity

From an airborne Overheardian, via Merritt:

Overheardian on American Airlines flight 759 scheduled to arrive DFW at 7:10 p.m. from NYC sends this:

“On flight from New York with Ms. Simpson.  She’s scrolling thru pictures on her phone.  Head down in hand.  Doesn’t look happy.  Saw pic of Tony Romo on screen.”

Re: One of my Craigslisters Makes Contact

Wow, I got an email from “Eva” this morning, too!  And how’s this for irony?  She didn’t like my post referencing prostitution, thinking it inappropriate.  Actually, I didn’t mention prostitution, although it could be interpreted that way.  I was writing more of “exotic dancers.”

Love is in the Air

Yesterday, flying out of the San Diego airport, I became aware of a phenomenon that has become the stuff of urban legend.

(more…)

My Beautiful (Slightly Altered) Mommy

Thinking about having plastic surgery but afraid your child might not understand? Miami cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer has considered the issue.

Once mommy is home and the child sees that mommy is bandaged and bruised, they can become even more worried and inquisitive. Finally, when the bandages come off and mommy looks somewhat different, their confusion may lead to responses that adults may find inappropriate or hard to understand.

So the doc penned a sweet little tale, My Beautiful Mommy, to help kiddos through the dark days after mommy comes home looking like someone else. I’m thinking it would sell like crazy if displayed at the Highland Park Village Tom Thumb checkout.

ABCNews reveals my favorite part.

“Why are you going to look different?” asks the daughter of her mother in the car ride back from the doctor’s office.

“Not just different, my dear — prettier!” exclaims the mother.