Blushington is pleased to announce that products from Sara Happ, better known as The Lip Expert, are now available in all locations. Happ created her signature lip scrub in her kitchen after she grew tired of using toothbrushes and wet towels. She had a scrub for pretty much every other part of her body, so why shouldn't she have one for her lips? Like any true girlboss, she turned a great idea into an empire. Her brand doesn't test on animals, is paraben free and uses only the highest grade of essential oils. Their packaging is eco-friendly and products are manufactured in the USA.

Sara Happ offers 3 products to exfoliate, hydrate and add color to your lips.

Step 1: The Lip Scrub to Exfoliate ($22)
The first step to a perfect pout is to prep lips with The Lip Scrub™. Happ's blend of sugar and food-grade essential oils create the perfect formula for a baby smooth pout. Massage The Lip Scrub onto lips using a firm, circular motion for 30 seconds. Eliminates dry, flaky skin, leaving lips ridiculously soft and supple. Wipe away with an Honest Beauty Wipe, tissue or washcloth.

Step 2: The Lip Slip to Restore ($24)
Happ has harnessed the power of detoxifying Bentonite Clay and combined it with self-regenerative stem cell technology of Swertiamarin, sourced from the Himalayas to make the first ever
hydrating Clay Lip Mask! It restores, soothes, hydrates and detoxifies your skin resulting in moisturized skin, a firmer pout, and reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. Slather on The Sweet Clay Lip Mask like frosting and luxuriate in this pink, goopy goodness. It’s a mask, not a lip gloss ... don’t be shy! Leave it on for 2 minutes or more. Wipe away using an Honest Beauty Wipe, warm washcloth or tissue.

Step 3: The Lip Mask to Hydrate ($32)Your lips lack oil glands. The Lip Slip® hydrates without the drying ingredients found in most lip products and brings your skin’s natural color to life. Slather it on like cashmere and for the richest, glossiest hydration imaginable.

The 2018 Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational kicked off on Tuesday, January 23 at the offices of Winstead PC in Downtown Dallas, hosted by Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities (PESC) board member, Mr. Robert McCormick. Emmitt Smith announced this year’s Event Chairs, Janiece Evans-Page, VP President, Global Philanthropy and Sustainability at Fossil Group and Mark Page, President of Operations for AT&T's Chief Data Office. Emmitt then thanked all event sponsors for graciously offering their time and resources to make the 2018 Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational a success. 

The Invitational weekend will once again be presented by Healthcare Highways. The May 4th Friday Night Party is sponsored by Alberstons Tom Thumb and will kick the weekend off at a new location at the Omni Frisco. The evening will begin with a celebrity reception sponsored by Brown–Forman, followed by dinner, a live auction and presentation of the Roger Staubach Award. The Invitational continues on Saturday, May 5th, with an 18-hole charity golf tournament at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney. Guests had the opportunity to hear firsthand from Jhalen Spicer, who shared the life changing experiences he has been afforded through Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities flagship mentoring and leadership development program, TEAM 22. Dallas ISD Deputy Superintendent, Israel Cordero, followed Jhalen to talk about the exponential growth of the annual Back to School program partnership between DISD and Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, the families it serves, and how this event provides much needed services for poor families in a great time of need, helping families that might have to choose between went paying the rent or purchasing new school supplies for their children. He also thanked the charity for donating more than $20k in cash and services to displaced families affected by Hurricane Harvey last year. Lastly, 2017’s Event Chairs Carmeleta and Otis Felton were presented with a plaque of gratitude for their dedication and leadership in 2017. 

Now in its 9th year, the event will again raise funds to support Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, a 501(c)(3) public charity that creates and funds unique educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for underserved children, including an annual Back to School program with Dallas ISD, a grants and scholarships program and Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities flagship leadership development program, TEAM 22. Pat and Emmitt personally mentor this group of high potential, high performing students from the Dallas area through their flagship, hands-on mentoring program. They have worked with two cohorts of ten students for the past seven years, providing them with mentors, cultural and educational opportunities and unique excursions with Pat and Emmitt, volunteerism and scholarships. Tickets for the Friday Night Party begin at $750 and pavilion passes for the Saturday Golf Tournament are $50 each. For ticket and sponsorship details contact Dana Vilardi at dvilardi@ejsmithenterprises.com

On Saturday, November 4, 2017 Unlikely Heroes, a non-profit organization that rescues and restores child victims of slavery worldwide, hosted their 5^th Annual Recognizing Heroes Charity Benefit presented by RE:defined Coffee House and sponsored by COOLA Suncare at the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas. Critically acclaimed comedian Anjelah Johnson (“MADtv”) and television personality and entrepreneur  Savannah Chrisley (“Chrisley Knows Best”) kicked off the night with a fun rendition of “finish that tune” with singer-songwriter, Shane Stevens.  Guests were randomly selected to complete the song lyrics, winning exclusive prizes.  Actress Francia Raisa played along, cheering on the crowd singing and dancing with pal and second mother, Mandy Teefey, to Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time.”  Hosts Savannah and Anjelah introduced event chairs, Kenyon and Katie Coleman.  “Welcome to the Family” said Kenyon and Katie Coleman as they described the established bond the family has created with the girls, Unlikely Heroes and its founder and CEO Erica Greve.  “Erica, thank you for the sacrifice you have made and putting others before yourself, you’re making a difference in the world.”  As she was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation, Greve thanked the crowd for their hospitable support toward the charity benefit and being home for Goldie’s house, their U.S restoration home.

Greve welcomed the first recipient of their 2017 Hero Awards, Francia Raisa, for her tireless work in advancing global human rights and her outstanding efforts to stop human trafficking.  Raisa was welcomed to the stage with a roar of emotion and applause as she thanked Greve for the kind words and being able to be part of such an organization.  Next to the stage, keynote speaker, Dallas native and “13 Reasons Why” producer, Mandy Teefey.  Teefey congratulated Raisa on her commitment to the organization and said “I would especially like to thank you for rescuing without a second thought.”  She further explained her gratitude for Greve and the organization and their relentless work that does not go unnoticed.  Additional recipients included Byron Fassett (Dallas Police Sergeant), Toni McKinley (Director of Therapy, The Refuge DMST), and Shamere McKenzie (CEO of Sun Gate Foundation).  Guests enjoyed an unforgettable night featuring a VIP cocktail reception, silent auction, and live musical performances by Grammy-nominated artist, Vanessa Carlton, Cassadee Pope (winner of “The Voice,” Season 3) and Johnny Manuel (“America’s Got Talent,” Season 12 alum).  The charitable foundation ended the night raising over $600K to open the very first licensed home for trafficked boys in Tijuana, Mexico. www.UnlikelyHeroes.com

The 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs benefitting KidLinks was held on February 27, 2017 at the newly renovated and renamed Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station. This culinary evening was led by Honorary Chairs D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, Event Co-Chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Bonnie & Nathan Shea and Honorary Chef Chair, Salvatore Gisellu with Urban Family Restaurants. The unforgettable night began with an hors d’oeuvres reception featuring Rising Star Chefs: Jan Loov of Texas Spice, Benjamin Maulsby of Happiest Hour, and Juan Orocio of 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. DSQ Electric provided a live musical performance from the balcony in the Stationmasters Lounge lending a romantic flavor to the start of the night.

Guests then entered the ballroom for a seated 4-course dinner prepared tableside by Featured Chefs (see complete list below) and each course of the evening was paired with wine selected by winemaker Willem Johnson of 4R Ranch Vineyards and Winery and a specialty cocktail using luxury cognac Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège crafted by Joshua Hendrix, Hennessy Brand Mixologist. Each of the 24 tables had a designated chef and each chef prepared their own unique menu tableside. Each of the 240 guests truly had a unique experience getting to see their chef in his or her element, preparing a specialty menu just a few feet from where they sat! DSQ Electric played throughout dinner providing guests with a wide array of musical offerings from classical to pop.  Good Morning Texas Co-Host Jane McGarry served as emcee for the evening and even got in on the action when she joined Tim Willett on stage for the culinary experiences live auction. Their job was made easier after guests viewed a beautiful video called “Griffin’s Song”, bringing KidLinks’ work to life through the eyes of one young patient.

The evening concluded with a decadent dessert reception by incredible Pastry Chefs Dunia Borga of LaDuni Baking Studio, Tina Miller of Proper Baking Company, and Tida Pichakron + Gianni Santin of Haute Sweets Patisserie. Attendees left with a custom cookbook featuring recipes from each of the participating chefs. Hamilton A Sneed and the team at HAS Events truly took this evening to new heights, making the 7^th anniversary of Symphony of Chefs exciting for all in attendance. 

The event was made possible in part by Presenting Sponsors: Mason & Allen Custard, Emily & Bruce Robson and Kaari & James Wicklund.  Funds raised from the evening will support KidLinks efforts to provide healing experiences for the special needs of children through the therapeutic power of music - a unique mission that seeks to enrich the lives of children everywhere through songs of health, healing and happiness.

For decades, KidLinks has provided healing experiences for the special needs of children through performing arts and media.   The support of donors has enabled KidLinks’ musicians to perform in hospitals and special care centers across the country, has funded university-level Music Therapy training and has provided free/low cost treatment programs for children in need.  Through Therapeutic Music Entertainment and clinical Music Therapy programming, KidLinks is guaranteeing access to all children of any ability level.  Funds raised go directly to the creation of content for the Hugworks Children’s Network (HCN) – content that can improve the daily experiences of children when they need it most as well as provide educational resources for the adults who care for them. To learn more , visit KidLinks online.

CHEFS by course                                                

HORS D’OUEVRES RECEPTION – RISING STAR CHEFS

Jan Loov, Texas Spice

Benjamin Maulsby, Happiest Hour

Juan Orocio, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery

COURSED DINNER – FEATURED CHEFS

Kevin Ashade, Celebrity Chef

Andrew Bell, Saint Ann’s

Justin Box, The Cedars Social

Richard Chamberlain, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House

Robert James Clifford, Nick & Sam’s

Tiffany Derry, The Cupboard by Tiffany Derry

Fitzgerald Dodd, Celebrity Chef

Francesco Farris, Zio Cecio

Salvatore Gisellu, Urban Family Restaurants

Gorji, Canary by Gorji

Joshua Troy Harmon, Kitchen LTO

Josh Healy, Filament

Chad Houser, Café Momentum

Nick Hurry, Proof+Pantry

Uno Immanivong, Chino Chinatown

John Kleifgen, Nick & Sam’s Park Cities

Dan Landsberg, Dragonfly

Juan Orocio, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery

Ken Patrick, Celebrity Chef

Jared Robinette, Le Bilboquet

Jeramie Robison, Uchi Dallas

Steven Torbron, Asador

Jacob Williamson, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck

Yutaka Yamato, Yutaka Sushi Bistro

DESSERT RECEPTION – PASTRY CHEFS

Duni Borga, LaDuni Latin Cafe

Tina Miller, Proper Baking Company

Tida Pichakron + Gianni Santin, Haute Sweets Patisserie

This June, cousins Gilbert Cuellar, Jr., John Cuellar and Cory Cuellar will extend the boundaries of traditional Tex-Mex and incorporate true Texas flavors with their newest concept, Cuellars’ Fajita Ranch. When asked to describe the concept, the term “Ranch-Mex” is what the Cuellars’ are using - which they define as Texas ranch casual cuisine served in a Hill Country atmosphere. This blend of Texas ranch food and Tex-Mex will allow guests to pair cheese enchiladas with a side of mashed potatoes and cream gravy, or delve into chicken fried steak covered in chile con queso, or create fajitas using fresh vegetables and their choice of sauces.

The Cuellar family is primarily responsible for the popularity of Tex-Mex in America. The family created the El Chico’s brand in the 1940’s and in 1981, Gilbert Cuellar Jr. introduced fajitas to the Dallas market, which soon became a favorite of Ronald Reagan and are now a Tex-Mex staple across the country. In 2013 cousins John Cuellar and Gilbert Cuellar, Jr. opened the award-winning vintage Tex-Mex restaurant, El Corazon de Tejas, in the Bishop Arts district of Oak Cliff and the pair are excited to take the best of what they have created there, infuse the flavors of traditional Texas ranch fare and bring a twist to the traditional fare they helped create.

“Cuellars’ Fajita Ranch is an opportunity to provide diners with the most popular things that I grew up enjoying as a child. Growing up on our family’s ranch in Glen Rose, Texas, my father grilled steaks and chicken and my Mother made chicken fried steak and fried chicken so what Cuellars’ Fajita Ranch does is bring that all together,” says Gilbert Cuellar Jr. “I am not looking to innovate, but rather reflect back on my family’s history with this concept and give guests the opportunity to dine on what my family considers traditional Texas Ranch-Mex cuisine.”

Cuellar plans to delight cocktail lovers with seasonal margaritas, which they serve at  El Corazon de Tejas, using fresh fruits gathered at a local Farmers Market located directly behind the restaurant. Staples like strawberry and mango will be available along with cantaloupe, blackberry or peach – depending on what fruits are in season. Connoisseurs can create their own unique drink by choosing from a list of specialty tequilas and orange liqueurs.

The 6,500 square foot venue is decorated in Hill Country ranch house style with lots of wood features a spacious dining room that will seat 175, a dedicated bar area and a private dining room for up to 25 complete with A/V and a private patio. A 3,000 square foot outdoor patio will open later in the Fall that can hold up to 100 additional guests and feature Mariachi and Texas Country live music.

Cuellars’ Fajita Ranch is located at 3310 North Central Expressway (at Parker) in Plano, Texas, 75074, 972-905-5638.  www.CuellarsFajitaRanch.com is coming soon.