Give

St. Michael Women’s Exchange – Dallas

October 21, 2011

Forget gift wrapping this holiday season.  I just saw the most gorgeous sparkling boxes for about $20 each, already decorated with Christmas trees, jingle bells, snowflakes, etc.  They are more beautiful than any wrapping scenario you can think of, plus you can reuse them year after year, or display them as decorations.  And speaking of decorating, St. Michael Women’s Exchange in Highland Park Village may turn you into one of those crazy, over-the-top decorating types.  I glanced at the Christmas selections.  The trees, the ornaments–all gorgeous.  And so many great gifts for babies, weddings, and more.  Read about how this unique store gives back to the community here.

Picture 94

a look in the window at the glittering boxes

Picture 92

mini Christmas tree with crystals

Location:

More Portland Collection

October 13, 2011

Picture 79

I cannot get enough of this stuff.  Adding this perfect unisex carry-on to my holiday wish list.  Pendleton Portland Collection Harding overnight bag.

iPad Notebook Cover

October 11, 2011

Picture 77

Somehow a catalog from King Ranch Saddle Shop ended up in my mailbox, and this leather iPad cover with notebook and pen holder looks like a perfect gift for a corporate/sporty/or rancher dude.  $156

Tiff’s Treats – Dallas and Austin

September 4, 2011

Be sweet/send sweets. Award-winning Tiff’s Treats offers cookie delivery in Dallas and Austin.  (You can also stop in and enjoy the desserts onsite, including the famous ice cream cookie sandwich that can’t be delivered.)  Special packaging is available with various celebration themes, and there’s even game day options for Longhorn fans.  None of the Dallas teams seem to have made the cut, but for you Austin people, go orange!

Picture 146

Picture 147

Location: ,

Dirt Flowers – Dallas

July 13, 2011

Passed by the lovely new downtown storefront of Dirt Flowers today and fell in love through the window.   I would have taken a photo, but some child I know was not cooperating.  You really need to check it out, but in the meantime, here are a couple of bouquets from their website.  The modern arrangements in the window were of the sunflower and succulent variety.  Looks like a much-needed addition to downtown.  They also do weddings and home arrangements.  And there is a Bishop Arts location.

Picture 122

Picture 121

Location:

Bows and Arrows – Dallas

May 9, 2011

Nothing makes Mother’s Day better than a SWEEP by the Dallas Mavs over the Lakers!  But I also received a very chic bouquet from Greenville Avenue’s hip indie flower and art boutique–Bows and Arrows.  The creations are so good and the prices are very reasonable.  Wed-Sat 11-6.  Here’s a few bouquets from their website:

Picture 67

Picture 77

Picture 78

Location:

Dallas Clayton, Children’s Author

March 28, 2011

Picture 38

Picture 39

I overheard a friend talking about a book signing she went to recently with her 3-year-old daughter and I thought she was talking about some rock star.  The author supposedly arrived an hour late (due to SXSW traffic in route to Dallas from Austin), brought a hippie entourage, did a stage dive into the audience, and after the reading took the crowd to a park across the street where he performed songs from the top of a jungle gym.  Turned out the rock star author wasn’t Keith Richards, it was Dallas Clayton, children’s author, and the signing took place at chic kids’ boutique, Little Bean.  I researched him and asked around, and he does seem to be overflowing with positive energy and somewhat of a rock star, so I am bummed that my daughter and I missed this event.  We did however, pick up copies of both of his books at Little Bean’s shop at the Dallas flea this weekend, and they are absolutely magical and worth the hype. All kids and adults should have them.  An Awesome Book (about dreaming big) and An Awesome Book of Thanks (about being thankful) are available at Little Bean in Dallas or via www.dallasclayton.com.  For each book he sells, he gives one away, like Blake Mycoskie at TOMS, another one of my favorite rock stars.

photos from www.tinydallas.com

A Dog’s Life – “Real Dogs” Wine

March 18, 2011

When our beloved Labrador Genghis was diagnosed with cancer, we hosted a “BarkStrong” party for him.  We really just wanted friends and their dogs to come over for a playdate, but many guests brought bones, biscuits, dog toys and herbal remedies for our ailing guy.  Then there was this one great gift that arrived for us…a bottle of wine with Genghis’ picture on it.  Turns out you can customize bottles of “Real Dogs Rescue Reserve” at www.adogslife.net and a portion of the proceeds goes to rescue dog organizations.  There are other customizable products as well, such as packages of natural dog food and treats.  And yes, they have options for cats too.  I love this.

Picture 83

Uptown Popcorn

February 15, 2011

If you didn’t get enough sweets yesterday–or if you’re trying to get out of the dog house–you might want to check out Uptown Popcorn, the new gourmet popcorn boutique at NorthPark.  We tried the white chocolate cherry flavor and loved every bite.  It was even a big hit with the non-popcorn eaters at our casa, who claimed it was “softer” than other popcorn and therefore did not get stuck in their teeth.  The shop offers a lot of gift options (although I like the chic simplicity of the branded bag) and ships worldwide.  And there are many creative flavors.  If you aren’t in Dallas, shop the website.

Picture 39

Picture 18

S’mores flavor

Location:

Gorgeous Valentine’s Gifts at Grange Hall

February 12, 2011

Guys looking for Valentine’s gifts, I promise you will find something she’ll love at Grange Hall.  They continue to come up with the most creative florals….

IMG_2410

IMG_2411

IMG_2412

IMG_2413

And the jewelry selection is diverse in style and price and it is all undeniably gorgeous!  Flowers and/or jewelry–you can’t go wrong with that–but you’ll also find teas, chocolates, coffee table books, scarves, and unique home accents.

Picture 34

Picture 36

Location:

V.O.D.

Which Wich

Burguesa Burger

Paradise Design Co.

Reeves Design House