The City Lifestylist®

They say it's all about location, location, location, and I love that the NY Times had an article today about the place to be seen during Super Bowl XLV is Oak Cliff! The Home Idea Factory has been located in this historic district for over 10 years, and we couldn't agree more. The Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff is truly a neighborhood and we love living and working in this diverse community.

Part of the Lifestylist® movement is about buying local, and there's no better place than in Oak Cliff. Dude Sweet Chocolate is a must visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth - their artisan chocolates are the best I've had anywhere in the world. Great live music? Check out Jack's Backyard - a little bit off the beaten path but still in Oak Cliff. They have a wonderful "backyard" with fire pits where you can enjoy great food and great local musicians in the company of friends. And a little known fact is that they have one of the best brunches in town with bottomless mimosas - the perfect way to start game day!

We will be sharing as many of our local favorites as we can here before the game. If you need a referral just for you, feel free to email our Lifestylist Advisory Services at: info@lifestylist.com

See you at the game!

Part of the Lifestylist® movement is about buying local, and there's no better place than in Oak Cliff. Dude Sweet Chocolate is a must visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth - their artisan chocolates are the best I've had anywhere in the world. Great live music? Check out Jack's Backyard - a little bit off the beaten path but still in Oak Cliff. They have a wonderful "backyard" with fire pits where you can enjoy great food and great local musicians in the company of friends. And a little known fact is that they have one of the best brunches in town with bottomless mimosas - the perfect way to start game day!
We will be sharing as many of our local favorites as we can here before the game. If you need a referral just for you, feel free to email our Lifestylist Advisory Services at: info@lifestylist.com
See you at the game!

There are two things this Lifestylist knows a lot about: North Texas and great food. With Super Bowl XLV happening right here in our own back yard we wanted to give you an insiders guide of great things to do and dine while you are enjoying some Texas hospitality. The places everyone knows about will probably be packed, but there are lots of amazing spots that we normally don't share with "outsiders" so we can be assured of getting our favorite table. I'm going to break the code of silence for this next week because we want you to experience our town like a local.
One of my favorite spots to enjoy the best in southern cuisine while enjoying a great cocktail is Hattie's in the Bishop Arts District. Bishop Arts is about a mile south of downtown Dallas and this quaint area has lots of locally owned restaurants, shops and art galleries that are open late. The people watching is some of the best, too - you never know who will be dining next to you!
Moderately priced, this small, intimate restaurant encourages reservations. Be sure to check out the specials - you won't be disappointed. My favorite appetizer is the fried green tomatoes - if you have never tried them before this is the place!
Try to allow enough time to enjoy a drink at the bar before dinner and say hello to the house mixologist Sam.
Hattie's is open Tues. - Sat. 11:30 - 10pm. Phone: 214-941-7400

There are two things this Lifestylist knows a lot about: North Texas and great food. With Super Bowl XLV happening right here in our own back yard we wanted to give you an insiders guide of great things to do and dine while you are enjoying some Texas hospitality. The places everyone knows about will probably be packed, but there are lots of amazing spots that we normally don't share with "outsiders" so we can be assured of getting our favorite table. I'm going to break the code of silence for this next week because we want you to experience our town like a local.
One of my favorite spots to enjoy the best in southern cuisine while enjoying a great cocktail is Hattie's in the Bishop Arts District. Bishop Arts is about a mile south of downtown Dallas and this quaint area has lots of locally owned restaurants, shops and art galleries that are open late. The people watching is some of the best, too - you never know who will be dining next to you!
Moderately priced, this small, intimate restaurant encourages reservations. Be sure to check out the specials - you won't be disappointed. My favorite appetizer is the fried green tomatoes - if you have never tried them before this is the place!
Try to allow enough time to enjoy a drink at the bar before dinner and say hello to the house mixologist Sam.
Hattie's is open Tues. - Sat. 11:30 - 10pm. Phone: 214-941-7400

Every year Lifestylist Design has put together a list of the top design trends we see moving forward, but this year we are going to do something a little bit different.

One of our favorite editors - Jenny Sullivan with Builder Magazine has put together two great lists - 10 Design Trends for 2011 and 10 Residential Design Trends You Won't See in 2011. We love the fact that Jenny has quoted us about the fact that formal spaces are becoming a thing of the past, and we are looking forward to sharing how our new homeowners Tim and Alison re-purpose these spaces in their new home.

One thing that Jenny mentions that is particularly exciting to me is how positive she is about modular housing. As you know this is something I am especially passionate about, and it's looking like this form of housing is about to become more widely accepted.

I'll be leaving for the International Builders Show in a few days, and I'm looking forward to revealing some of the great ideas we used in The New American Home 2011as well as other ideas and products I'll be able to find and share.

Here's to a great 2011!

It's hard to believe that in a few hours it will be a new year, but I'm ready for it! 2010 was a struggle for many, and I love the fact that each year rings in with it a sense of optimism and hope.
We all make New Years resolutions that we may or may not keep, but this year I'm making one I'm going to work on every day: finding joy. I have so many blessings, and it's important to remember that. This year I'm determined to enjoy each and every minute I get to spend with my kids and grandchildren, enjoy the journeys I get to take whether that's to the local Mexican supermarket or to another country, and to slow down and enjoy my gardens, a spectacular sunset and my family.
I'm also going to make a commitment to help stop suffering and have compassion for all living beings - animals and people alike. We have rescued quite a few animals on our own, and the love they share with me every day makes it all worthwhile.This year I'm going to extend that effort and try to do more.
I also am so lucky to be able to love what I do and be able to make a living doing it. Helping as many people have a safe roof over their heads and a clean bed to sleep in is a purpose that I'll continue to work on. Every day I go past my neighbors new house and know that I helped get them a safe roof over their heads makes it easier for me to sleep as well.
Having a fantastic and successful New Year isn't just about making more money or being more successful, for me it's about finding joy, and appreciating it when I find it.