DailyCandy Dallas

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

Feel the Merge

2009-11-06T09:30:00Z

Balloga Fitness Class

You’d rather endure a public bikini wax than another press-seeking Speidi episode (unless they fall off a cliff — and die).

But Balloga is one fame-searching name merger we can live with.

Vert now offers the fusion ballet and yoga class. Mavericks dancer (and former Cowboys cheerleader) Lauren Castillo teaches the 45-minute session, which was designed by studio owner Trevor Marum to help improve posture, firm glutes, and tighten core muscles.

Castillo leads the semiprivate (seven peeps max) workout four days a week. Reservations are required, but no previous ballet or yoga experience is.

So you won’t feel like running for the hills.

Available at Vert Fitness & Wellness Center, 1909 North Henderson Avenue (214-883-2468 or vertfit.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Vert Fitness & Wellness Center

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T09:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

And the gold medal goes to …

SHOP
MaryGold Designs
What: The local jewelry line now sells its simple stone necklaces, earrings, and bracelets online.
Why: Get 25 percent off when you use code DAILYCANDY thru Nov. 30.
When: You can’t gold back.
Where: Online at marygolddesigns.com.

SEE
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
What: Shakespeare’s famous play set to current pop tunes and wild dance numbers.
Why: Get 20 percent off tickets with code CANDY.
When: Thru Nov. 22. Tues.-Thurs., 7 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
Where: Dallas Theater Center, 2400 Flora St. Tickets at 214-880-0202 or online at tickets.dallastheatercenter.org.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: New sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: First sale starts Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

BUY (and SUPPORT)
The Art of Skateboarding
What: Two hundred boards pimped out by local hospital patients, clothing designers, and artists are up for auction to benefit Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
Why: Pros entertain on an indoor half-pipe.
When: Sat., 7 p.m.
Where: Janette Kennedy Gallery, 1409 S. Lamar St. (214-428-4848).

LISTEN UP
Home Grown
What: The Dallas Furniture Bank gathers local musical talents, including a hip-hop-trained violinist, to raise money for displaced families.
Why: Strum on.
When: Thurs., 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Rd. (214-466-0600). Tickets at 972-466-0600.

GIVE
Electronics Recycling Drive
What: Drop off your old, obsolete, and broken gadgets for proper recycling.
Why: Free ecofriendly Thanksgiving cooking demos to boot.
When: Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Green Living, 1904 Abrams Pkwy. (214-821-8444).

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of MaryGold Designs

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

What a Ball

2009-11-04T09:30:00Z

Studio 22 Dance Studio Opens

You dream of doing the salsa (and other things) with Derek Hough.

But unless you get dumped on national television or join the Cowboys, you’ll never make the Dancing with the Stars cut.

Tackle Studio 22 instead. The new dancing headquarters is home to many of Dallas’s best instructors/performers (the owners are so good that they flew to L.A. to help Michael Irvin perfect his DWTS moves).

The studio offers both fitness (Zumba, jazz, hip-hop) and competitive classes (rumba, foxtrot, waltz), as well as individual and group sessions (for those who don’t have a partner). Styles range from the fun-filled swing, jive, two-step, and mambo to the ultra-sultry bolero and Argentine tango.

So you can be a total player.

Studio 22: a Ballroom & Social Dance Club, 14902 Preston Road, suite 400 (972-490-0022 or studio22dallas.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Lion’s Gate

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Law Abiding Citizen

2009-11-03T09:30:00Z

Citizen Sweet Bakery Delivery and Catering

You always obey the law — until it comes to sweets. You’d go 60 in a school zone to get the last slice of red velvet.

Leave the driving to Citizen Sweet.

The new biz is like a bakery on wheels, whipping up all-natural cupcakes, muffins, and cookies in an industrial bakery downtown and then delivering them around Dallas.

The perfectly proportioned treats (think four bites for cupcakes) contain no artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, trans fats, or hormones. Flavors are simple but addicting; we could devour an entire box of the dreamy, creamy vanilla cupcakes or double-fudge pecan cookies.

Since the kitchen can make up to 1,000 treats daily, the company caters to big businesses (Neiman’s, Korshak) and special events, as well as individuals.

Just the ticket.

Citizen Sweet (214-802-4131 or citizensweet.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Citizen Sweet

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

It's a Long Story

2009-11-02T09:30:00Z

Lash Allure MD Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer

At 3 a.m., you’ve considered electroshocking your abs, ordered a hands-free blow-dryer, and cried at Proactiv commercials (aw, they can leave the house again!).

But getting past your beauty bullshit radar is much tougher in the light of day.

For your consideration: Dallas-based Beauty Biosciences’s Lash Allure MD.

The little silver tube contains a magical potion (active ingredients, proteins, peptides) that makes lashes and brows grow longer, thicker, and stronger. Clinical trials apparently showed dramatic outcomes (some users even had to trim their fringe) in six weeks.

Unlike competitors, Lash Allure doesn’t use prostaglandins, which can cause skin discoloration. And at around 50 bucks a pop, its price tag is way more reasonable.

Hocus pocus? Maybe.

But hardly an optical illusion.

Available online at lashalluremd.com. DailyCandy readers receive 20 percent off at checkout with code darklash.

Photo: Wade Griffith

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

Table Talk

2009-10-30T08:30:00Z

Last Chance Saloon & Restaurant Opens

When Mom said “last chance,” nothing good was in the cards.

Last Chance Saloon & Restaurant in quaint downtown Plano deals a different hand.

Owners Marc Rutstein and Tony and Roberta Landi are originally from New York, but you can just keep that tucked under your cowboy hat. Their sweet little mom-and-pop bar and resto is countrified with a dark wood interior, three-foot-tall boot-shaped planter, and a TV streaming Rawhide and Bonanza.

On weekends, they host country crooners and NASCAR-watching parties. For grub, they’re all about the simple things like burgers, wings, and cheese fries. We heart the bargain dollar bowl of beans laced with onions and jalapenos. Oh, and Sabrett hot dogs (famous for their natural casing) imported from New York.

No worries: They serve ’em deep-fried.

A spade’s a spade.

Last Chance Saloon & Restaurant, 1410 K Avenue, Plano (469-252-0456 or lastchancesaloontx.com).

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Hey, cupcake.

TASTE
Grandma’s Favorites
What: Society Bakery debuts a cupcake collection inspired by old-school recipes (apple pie, pecan praline, banana pudding).
Why: Flavor savor.
When: Flour o’clock.
Where: 3426 Greenville Ave. (214-827-1411).

SHOP
Judd Waddell Bridal Trunk Show
What: The former Carolina Herrera staffer’s classic gowns debut in Dallas along with a new mother-of-the-occasion dress line.
Why: Go to wed.
When: Fri. & Sat., by appointment.
Where: Patsy’s, 4244 Oak Lawn Ave. (214-528-1227).

MOVE
Sensual Dance Workshop
What: The 30-minute wine social and two-hour sassy moves session are back by popular demand.
Why: Flash dance.
When: Fri., 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Dragon Fire Yoga, 9028 Garland Rd. (214-850-0746). Register online at dragonfireyoga.com.

RELAX
Halcyon Days Salon and Spa
What: Neiman Marcus NorthPark is now home to the holistic, high-end retreat that offers hair care, skin care, and beauty services.
Why: Zen mother.
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 400 NorthPark Center (214-346-0731).

PENCIL IN
Christmas at the White House
What: Dallas author Jennifer Boswell Pickens signs the coffee table book that depicts presidential families from the Kennedys to the Bushes during the holidays.
Why: Be the first lady in line.
When: Thurs., 9-11 a.m. & 3-6 p.m.
Where: Write Selection, 314 Preston Royal Village (214-750-0531).

SEE
Ilori
What: New designer sunglasses boutique makes shade shopping easy thanks to open display cases and visible price tags.
Why: What a bright idea.
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 8687 N. Central Expy. (214-750-6530).

Photo: Courtesy of Society Bakery

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images