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everything under $100 spring fashion piecesHappy Friday! Do you have any fun weekend plans? Let's talk spring fashion. On an even better note, today’s post is all about affordable and quality pieces. Everything is under $100 and perfect for spring and summer. I’ve included clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. [show_shopthepost_widget id="5173505"]
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The Winnsboro Center for the Arts Festival of Books is a celebration of literature, creativity and community.

ROAD TRIP! Book it to Winnsboro for the town’s Annual Festival of Books

Only 2 hours from DFW, it’s literally the best weekend get-away!

Winnsboro Center for the Arts is excited to announce its 6th Annual Festival of Books on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event allows guests to meet and chat with a number of authors from all over Texas, partake in a novel array of literary activities for all ages and leisurely stroll the picturesque streets of Winnsboro’s downtown Cultural Arts District. The event, on The Bowery in downtown Winnsboro, is FREE for guests and just a quick two-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth.

This year’s event features emcee Michael Guinn, a talented Texas poet, author and actor. Mr. Guinn will lead a captivating workshop on instant poetry followed by an open mic poetry slam where participants can showcase their talents. Guinn, an East Texas native, is a two-time National Poetry Slam finalist, a five-time Austin Poetry Slam winner, six-time Fort Worth Poetry Slam winner and a winner at the Toronto Poetry Slam.

Attendees at the festival will have the chance to peruse and purchase books from a selection of published authors from all over Texas who will be available for signings.

For younger guests, there will be a variety of engaging children’s literacy events to enjoy throughout the day. Activities include arts & crafts, story time and an enrollment station for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Throughout the event, book festival guests can meander in and out of downtown Winnsboro’s nine blocks of unique galleries, delightful restaurants and eclectic shops. Stop in for a morning latte at Backstage Coffee or a full breakfast at Haven’s Café. Do lunch at Barrel House Bar & Grill, Maria’s Taqueria, Sinclair Market or Z’s Main Street. Try one of Winnsboro’s barbeque joints recently featured in Texas Monthly, or if you feel like a cold beer, walk over to Cypress Creek Southern Ales brewery, “just behind the old train depot on the south side of the tracks.”

Pick up some handmade soaps and Texas teas at Elm Street Apothecary and admire stunning estate jewelry at The Edison Exchange. Find incredible art, unique gifts and women’s and men’s apparel for the modern country lifestyle at Modern Country Living. Check out one-of-a-kind treasures at Wood County Antique Mall or stop by the Farmer’s Market for locally grown produce, baked goods, fresh jams and jellies.

“We are excited to bring writers and readers to Winnsboro for a day that will have imaginations soaring and words coming to life,” said Tona Blizzard, Winnsboro Center for the Arts festival chair. “This event is a celebration of literature, creativity and community, and a delight for all ages.”

In 2009, Winnsboro was one of the first Texas towns chosen by the Texas Commission for the Arts (TCA) for its Cultural Arts District pilot program, making it the ideal setting for this annual event. The TCA program supports communities with thriving cultural and artistic resources.

Winnsboro’s Cultural Arts District is anchored by Winnsboro Center for the Arts, whose goal is to bring educational programming, cultural experiences and entertainment to the people of Winnsboro and surrounding East Texas communities. The center is a vibrant venue that hosts concerts, theater productions, art exhibits, classes and workshops, and literary events. Its Bowery Stage has attracted well-known performers such as Michael Martin Murphey and Sara Hickman. Winnsboro is also part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Main Street Texas program which supports the preservation of the town’s unique characteristics.

For more information about the Festival of Books event, visit the website.

ABOUT WINNSBORO CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Winnsboro Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Winnsboro, Texas. As a multi-disciplinary arts center, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas, engaging people in educational programming, cultural experiences, and entertainment.

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Each year, tens of thousands of visitors make the trek to Collin County to visit Southfork Ranch, the iconic Ewing home from the acclaimed Dallas television series. The series is still a global phenomenon having been translated into 55 languages and aired in more than 90 countries. Throughout the year visitors from those counties flock to tour the iconic Ewing mansion.

 

But now, Southfork Ranch has created an on-line store to complement the visitor center’s gift shop, so that guests can get or gift a collection of Southfork and Dallas licensed merchandise.

 

 

 

Shoppers who visit the Ranch Round-up at southforkranch.com/store will find a curated collection of apparel, gifts and housewares starting at just $5. The ranch’s ownership hopes this makes Southfork Ranch accessible to all fans around the world.

 

“Nearly half of the fans who visit Southfork Ranch each year come from other countries,” explains Sean Terry, VP of Entitlements for Centurion American Development Group which owns the iconic destination. “We wanted to make it easy for enthusiasts across the country and around the globe to take a piece of Southfork Ranch home.”

The Southfork Ranch team hopes to add additional merchandise to the store’s collection over time.

 

Visitors to North Texas can tour the mansion made famous by the TV series Dallas. Tours are available beginning at 9:15 each day at 15 minutes past each hour and begin inside the gift shop. Admission for the tour is $20 adults, $16 for seniors 60 or older, $12 for kids 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. Military and first responders receive a 10% discount.

 

 

 

 

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Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. And while it's not really a popular holiday in Mexico, across Texas and much of the U.S. it has become a massive celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. North Texas’ most acclaimed new Mexican-inspired restaurant, Black Agave at Mercer Boardwalk in Farmers Branch, will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a two-day fiesta on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5.

Throughout the weekend bash, Black Agave will offer a full array of cocktail and beer specials. The restaurant’s Frozen Margarita Flight, regularly $15.99, offers servings of Key Lime, Mango, Strawberry and Guava margaritas. For Cinco de Mayo, this flight will be offered for $9.99. Plus, the restaurant’s popular House Margarita will be $5 all weekend, along with Mexican beers Tecate, Victoria and El Jalisco. Guests will enjoy sounds by DJ Leo Mix from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

On Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Black Agave will serve a Cinco de Mayo brunch featuring live mariachi music from Mariachi Arraigo de America from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tunes from DJ Leo Mix from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch favorites include chilaquiles, guisada sopes benedict and torrejas.

 

Black Agave’s smoking sister restaurant Barrel & Bones is joining the party from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday with a food truck full of fun Tex Mex snacks for sale. Featured treats include:

$5 Elotes - tres chiles, cilantro, cotija cheese and Takis, drizzled with crema and chamoy and served on a stick.

$5 Sandia Fria - chilled watermelon on a stick served with Tajin, cotija cheese and mint.

$2 each or 3 for $5 Suadero Street Tacos - –served with onion, cilantro, queso fresco, avocado cream and on a corn tortilla.

The newly remodeled patio at Black Agave is the perfect place to celebrate a fiesta with a few amigos, and the restaurant has recently opened a new patio bar with fun specialty cocktails perfect for Dallas’ patio season.

Black Agave gives guests an elevated, contemporary Mexican dining experience. Black Agave serves beloved heritage recipes with bold flavors created by Chef Thomas Archer, who uses only the highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant also prides itself on its unique cocktail program, with flavors that complement the restaurant’s food.

For more information on and to RSVP, visit https://www.mercerboardwalk.com/cinco-de-mayo.

 

Location

Black Agave Cocina y Cantina

1980 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway

Farmers Branch, Texas 75234

469-850-6501

blackagavetx.com

 

 

About Black Agave

 

Black Agave Cocina y Cantina celebrates a taste of Mexican tradition. Guests will indulge in the vibrant flavors and festive ambience at Black Agave, where every moment becomes a reason to celebrate. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere that captures the essence of Mexican culture, while our authentic and delicious meals take your taste buds on a journey of pure delight. Whether you’re savoring a good day, reconnecting with friends, or bidding farewell to the work week, your perfect celebration starts at our table.

Faith Townsend
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The Richardson Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is putting on a grand Season Finale Concert on April 20th, 2024, at 7:30 P.M., at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, located at 2351 Performance Drive Richardson, Texas 75082. Prices range from $18-$75, and may be purchased on the Eisemann Center’s website eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972-744-4650.

The Season Finale Concert features the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist Anna Geniushene. Anna Geniushene has been called a “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality, and sheer virtuosity” by Musical America. She has released two albums, most recently her 2023 album “Berceuse”, and performs all over the world with highly well-known institutions, major venues and with famous conductors. On April 20th, Geniushene will be performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 on the piano alongside the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. This piece is known for its astonishing virtuoso passages and for being Rachmaninoff ’s best-known melody. The RSO will also be performing Smetana’s Overture to The Bartered Bride and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98, which captures tension between lyrical beauty, intense drama, and subdued melancholy.

This is Maestro Clay Couturiaux’s 12th season with the RSO. Clay brings energy, precision and creativity to every RSO performance. He is also the conductor of the University of North Texas Concert Orchestra and works as the Assistant Director of Orchestral Studies at UNT.  

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Dallas Academy School, nestled in the heart of White Rock Lake, will soon have a new addition to campus. Life-long friends of Head of School, Elizabeth Murski from the Jesuit and Ursuline Class of 1983 have gifted $250,000 towards the creation of a new sensory playground at Dallas Academy in East Dallas. The playground will feature a shade structure, new ground covering, and all new playground equipment, including a special sensory wall for students to enjoy. 

"We are thrilled about the new state-of the art playground and looking forward to having a new fun area where our students can run around and play,” said Elizabeth Murski. "Thanks to the fundraising efforts by high school friends, our students will soon have a safe, shaded and engaging outdoor space to explore.”  

In addition to the playground upgrades, Dallas Academy will be hosting a naming contest for students and staff to participate in. The winning name will be proudly displayed at the entrance of the playground for all to see. 

Construction on the playground is expected to begin during the summer months and is planned to be completed in time for the fall school year. The new sensory playground will provide a valuable resource for students to engage in active play and sensory exploration. 

Founded in 1965, Dallas Academy is the oldest school in Texas to work exclusively with students with learning differences and offers a structured, multisensory program for students to achieve success both in and out of the classroom. Every student on campus is known by all teachers, making it easy for students to be encouraged, praised, and guided toward achieving their goals. 

For more information on the new sensory playground at Dallas Academy, please contact Lisa Loera, Director of Community Relations. 

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Balekian Hayes, PLLC is proud to announce the addition of three distinguished legal professionals to its esteemed team: John H Withers, Jr. joins as Partner, while Emory Osborn and Jennifer Arnold join as Associate Attorneys. Their wealth of experience and dedication to excellence further strengthens the firm's commitment to providing exceptional legal services in family law. 

"We are thrilled to welcome John H Withers, Jr., Emory Osborn, and Jennifer Arnold to our team," said Kris Balekian Hayes, Managing Partner at Balekian Hayes, PLLC. "Their wealth of experience, dedication to excellence, and commitment to serving our clients make them valuable additions to our firm. We look forward to their contributions and are confident that they will help us continue to provide exceptional legal services to our clients."

John H Withers, Jr. – Partner

As a Partner at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, John H Withers, Jr. brings a wealth of experience and expertise in family law and criminal law. A dual board-certified attorney with a distinguished career, John 's commitment to excellence and unwavering advocacy for his clients have earned him recognition as a Super Lawyer and a nomination to Best Lawyers. A native of Dallas, John 's academic journey began at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. Following his undergraduate studies, John  pursued a path of service and leadership by attending the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as part of the U.S. Army Reserve. Upon completing his Basic Course, John H pursued his passion for justice by attending law school at Southern Methodist University. His extensive legal background includes serving as an assistant district attorney and co-founding a successful law firm. John's dedication to serving his community extends beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by his military service and involvement as a member of the State Bar College and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists.

Emory Osborn – Associate Attorney

Emory Osborn joins Balekian Hayes, PLLC as an Associate Attorney with a fervent dedication to the practice of law. Emory's academic journey began at Texas Tech University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her educational background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the societal and legal dynamics within family law. Emory continued her education at Oklahoma City University School of Law, where she excelled academically and demonstrated a strong commitment to service. In her legal practice, Emory provides comprehensive representation to clients facing divorce, child custody, or CPS issues, among others. Her passion for justice and dedication to her clients' well-being make her a compassionate and effective advocate.

Jennifer Arnold – Associate Attorney

Jennifer Arnold brings a unique blend of educational background, professional experience, and personal values to her role as an Associate Attorney at Balekian Hayes, PLLC. With a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in criminology from the University of Oklahoma, Jennifer's background as an elementary school teacher has shaped her into an empathetic and skilled attorney. Her transition to the legal field was driven by a desire to effect positive change on a broader scale, leading her to pursue a juris doctor degree at the Texas A&M University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude with a concentration in estate planning. Jennifer's practice focuses on family law and estate planning, providing personalized legal representation tailored to each client's unique needs. 

As the legal landscape evolves, Balekian Hayes, PLLC remains steadfast in its mission to provide compassionate and effective legal solutions to individuals in Texas for their family law matters. For more information about Balekian Hayes, PLLC and its legal services, please visit https://bh-pllc.com/.

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The awe-inspiring sight of the total eclipse here in Dallas might be a memory, but those amazing eclipse glasses you used don't need to gather dust! Here's the easiest way for you to recycle them and give them a new purpose: donate them!

Why Donate?

By donating your undamaged eclipse glasses, you'll be helping spread the wonder of astronomy to kids around the world! Organizations like Astronomers Without Borders accept donations and ensure the glasses are safe for viewing future eclipses. These glasses will then be given to schools and communities that might not have had access to them during the eclipse.

How to Donate

The good news is donation is simple! All you need to do is make sure your glasses are in good condition – no scratches, rips, or tears that could compromise their effectiveness. Head to your nearest Warby Parker location. They'll collect your glasses and send them on to those who can use them most.

Warby Parker Locations:

  • Warby Parker Henderson Ave.
    • Address: 3010 N. Henderson Ave., Space 100, Dallas, TX 75206
  • Warby Parker NorthPark Center
    • Address: 8687 N. Central Expy., #1816, Dallas, TX 75225
  • Warby Parker Addison
    • Address: 5290 Belt Line Rd., Suite 102B, Addison, TX 75254
  • Warby Parker Allen
    • Address: 858 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen, TX 75013
  • Warby Parker Legacy West 
    • Address: 7701 Windrose Ave., Plano, TX 75024
  • Warby Parker Southlake Town Square
    • Address: 215 Grand Ave., Southlake, TX 76092

Don't miss this chance to turn your eclipse glasses into a tool for future stargazers!

Bonus Tip: While you're at it, you can also check out the next upcoming eclipses https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/. Who knows, maybe you'll plan a trip to see one in person!

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Dallas Arboretum Friends Blooms Dinner From left to right: Barbara Benac, Sabina Carr, Bill Benac

DALLAS, Texas, April 9, 2024—The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held its annual Friends Blooms Dinner on March 27th. This dinner honors Friends of the Arboretum and Caroline Rose Hunt Society patrons, a distinguished group of garden donors who annually support the garden’s ongoing horticulture, education and research efforts.

The evening began with a cocktail hour held in the Entry Plaza where more than 300 friends enjoyed beverages and light bites. Following cocktails, the event moved inside Rosine Hall for a seated dinner served by Gil’s Elegant Catering. Prior to dinner service, Will McDaniel, Dallas Arboretum board chair, and Sabina Carr, Dallas Arboretum president and CEO, welcomed and thanked everyone for supporting the garden and helping it to grow.

Friends of the Arboretum and Caroline Rose Hunt Society members receive benefits above and beyond general membership, including reserved parking, discounts on special event rentals, travel opportunities, elegant dinners in the garden and more.  For more information on these groups, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/support/membership/.

A special thanks to the Friends Blooms Dinner Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor: Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians

Dallas Blooms Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Amegy Bank

Sponsor: CC Young Senior Living, Texas Telcom Credit Union

Media Sponsors: The Dallas Morning News, WFAA, Channel 8

Photo credit: Dallas Arboretum/Steve Foxall

Media contacts:

Terry Lendecker | VP, Marketing | 214.515.6523 | tlendecker@dallasarboretum.org

Juliette Coulter | The Coulter Group | 214.394.5532 | juliette@coultergroup.com

 

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TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 12

Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) announced that FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to Dallas’ Music Hall at Fair Park for a limited two-week engagement from August 6 to August 18 as part of the Germania Insurance Broadway Series presented by Broadway Dallas. Tickets will be available starting Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. from  BroadwayDallas.org. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 214-426-4768 or emailing Groups@BroadwayDallas.org.  

Welcome to musical comedy heaven! The “vivacious and delightfully glitzy” (Vogue) Broadway revival features iconic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” Breaking box office records week after week and receiving unanimous raves on Broadway, this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice. As a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage, everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. The Observer describes the revival as “sparkling and explosively entertaining!”

FUNNY GIRL is directed by Tony® Award winner Michael Mayer (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and features the classic score by Tony, Grammy®, and Academy® Award winner Jule Styne and lyrics by Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Bob Merrill, (comprising additional songs from Styne & Merrill). The original book by Isobel Lennart, from an original story by Miss Lennart, is revised by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots, Newsies).

FUNNY GIRL features choreography by Ellenore Scott (Falsettos); tap choreography by Ayodele Casel; scenic design by Tony Award winner David Zinn (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical); costume design by Tony Award winner Susan Hilferty (Wicked); lighting design by Tony Award winner Kevin Adams (Hedwig and the Angry Inch); sound design by Tony Award winner Brian Ronan (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Cody Spencer; hair and wig design by Campbell Young Associates; music supervision by Emmy Award winner Michael Rafter; casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA, and Jason Thinger, CSA; orchestrations by Chris Walker; dance, vocal, and incidental music arrangements by Alan Williams, and additional arrangements by David Dabbon and Carmel Dean. The associate director is Johanna McKeon; the associate choreographer is Jeffrey Gugliotti; the assistant director is Torya Beard; the assistant tap choreographer is Dre Torres.

The FUNNY GIRL tour stage management team is led by Production Stage Manager Jovon E. Shuck and is supported by Stage Manager Mariah Young and Assistant Stage Manager Rachael Wilkin. The company management team is led by Company Manager Justin Sweeney with Associate Company Manager Ryan Mayfield. The tour music director/conductor is Elaine Davidson.

The Broadway production of FUNNY GIRL began performances at the August Wilson Theatre on March 22, 2022, with the official opening on April 24, 2022, where it continued its record-breaking run through September 3, 2023. Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis, and David Babani together with Gemini Theatrical, Accidental Jacket, and Sony Masterworks Broadway released FUNNY GIRL – New Broadway Cast Recording, which is now available wherever you stream music. Produced by David Caddick and David Lai and featuring the classic score by Jule Styne (music) and Bob Merrill (lyrics), the album is co-produced by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis, David Babani, Michael Mayer, Brian Gillet, Huck Walton, Sean Keller, and Marc Levine. The album is executively produced by Evan McGill and the associate producers are Joanna Drowos, Abby Green, and PickleStar Theatricals.

For more information, visit https://www.funnygirlonbroadway.com
Follow FUNNY GIRL on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FunnyGirlBwy/.
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