WWII Veterans, Holocaust Survivors Share Stories at VE Day Event

Matthew Cobb — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:42:28 -0500

On Wednesday afternoon, a group of about 90 people, which included holocaust survivors and World War II veterans who helped liberate concentration camps, gathered at the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance for an event recognizing the 67th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

VE day, which occurred on May 8, 1945, marks the official end of Adolph Hitler's Third Reich and is when the World War II Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany's armed forces.

At the Dallas Holocaust Museum's event, several local Holocaust survivors and veterans of the war met and were interviewed about their experiences and thoughts about the Holocaust.

Melvin Waters, an 87-year-old World War II veteran who drove ambulances for American Field Services and evacuated prisoners from the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, spoke at the event about his experiences and said the Holocaust shows how "cruel" some people can be to others.

When asked about what lessons should be learned from the Holocaust, Waters said, "We can't let it happen again."

Do You Know What Your Insurance Covers?

BCooper — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:34:25 -0500

The last several days of wind and storms in Dallas have probably sparked a few questions about insurance and coverage for residents in the Park Cities and the surrounding neighborhoods. So, we asked State Farm Agent, Brent Cooper, the following question:

If a tree falls causing damage - who is responsible? Also, is this covered under home owners?

Brent Cooper, State Farm Agent: The owner of the tree is not necessarily responsible if it falls on the neighbor’s property. There has to be some evidence of negligence on the part of the owner of the tree.

Example - You and I live next door to each other. My tree is in bad shape. It’s rotting at the bottom and is top heavy. You come to me because your lawn guy tells you he is concerned that the tree next door is going to fall over on your house. So; you call me, tell me that you have concerns, and I choose to ignore you and don’t want to spend the money cutting my tree down.

Now, wind blows, tree falls down on your house, fence, car, etc. Because I was negligent in not taking care of the rotted tree, my liability insurance from my homeowners should pay for the damage to your property. If, however, none of the negligence issue applies, and the storm blows the tree over on your property, your homeowners insurance is responsible for your damage.

This is hard for some people to understand. I guess they want to exercise THE WIZARD OF OZ clause of the homeowner’s contract. When the twister picked up Auntie Em’s house with Dorothy in it, dropped it on the Wicked Witch of the East - well you know, the Wicked Witch of the West thought it was Dorothy’s fault and wanted retribution, shoes. This makes for a good movie, but doesn't apply to insurance.

Now, if the tree falls over and never hits anything, there is no coverage under homeowners insurance. The exception to that would be if it were hit by lightning. Then it’s covered for removal and a specified value is paid for the tree itself.

So I’ve told you the basics. Here’s where it gets hard. Not every insurance company sells the same contract any more, and therefore, everything I just said might not apply to every reader. For those who may have chosen a “cheaper” homeowners policy, they may not have coverage for the damage to their own home for the tree, and getting some companies to admit liability on the part of their client, is difficult because they are trying to pay less in order to continue to charge “cheaper” rates.

State Farm still offers the comprehensive “all risk” homeowners policy. Our customers can still be surprised when the neighbor’s tree falls on their property and there is no liability, but we will take care of their damages under their own policy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call.

Brent Cooper, Agent
State Farm Insurance
5232 Forest Lane Suite 111
Dallas, TX 75244

214.987.1995
brent@brentcooper.net

Serving the Insurance needs of the Dallas Neighborhoods of University Park, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Oak Cliff, and Coppell.

Top Fashion Designers and Celebrities to Join the Fight Against Cancer at Dress 4 Yellow

Courtnee Lowe — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:33:19 -0600

The 4 Yellow Foundation announces its next step in the fight against cancer: Dress 4 Yellow. Set for April 5^th at the historic Adolphus Hotel, Dress 4 Yellow will raise funds for LIVESTRONG and Cook Children’s Cancer Center by hosting a high-profile fashion show, luncheon and silent auction. After raising more than $850,000 for LIVESTRONG via grassroots fundraising efforts over the last two years, the nonprofit organization is taking a fashion-forward approach to fighting cancer.

Dress 4 Yellow, presented by Park Place Motorcars Dallas, will kick off with a luncheon and presentation by LIVESTRONG founder and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, followed by a runway show featuring designs by more than 20 of the world’s top designers. Each designer will produce a custom-made yellow piece or select a yellow design from archived collections. Confirmed designers include Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Thakoon, Christian Siriano, Zang Toi, Cole Haan, Nike, Oakley, Ruffian, Abi Ferrin, Sachin + Babi, Elie Tahari, David Meister, Rachel Roy, Chadwick Bell, Lela Rose and more. The show will be produced by Bret McKinney, who has been part of the Stanley Korshak team since 2000, and has been the driving force behind the store’s fantastic visual displays, as well as the producer of Texas Ballet Theater, DIFFA/Dallas and Fresh Faces of Fashion.

Several of the looks will be offered for purchase during a live auction immediately following the show. The remaining designs and other high-value items will be up for grabs during the “Yellow Brick Road” silent auction. Hollywood royalty and local celebrities will donate their favorite yellow accessories to be included in the auction. During the event, $100 “Pot of Gold” Chance Drawing tickets can be purchased for an opportunity to win experiences with Tory Burch and Bobbi Brown in New York, TOMS custom shoes in Los Angeles or a VIP shopping trip at Neiman Marcus in Dallas.

“Dress 4 Yellow is designed to inspire and empower those affected by cancer,” Lance Armstrong says. “Through dollars raised, we will increase awareness, provide critical navigation services, fund research and survivorship programs and work to end the stigma of cancer around the globe.”

Individual tickets can be purchased for $250 and tables of 10 are available for $2,000. Those who wish to contribute more to the cause are encouraged to purchase sponsorships ranging in value from $5,000 to $50,000. Advantages to becoming a sponsor include admission to an exclusive preview party and VIP reception, recognition on marketing materials, and VIP seating during the luncheon and fashion show.

Dress 4 Yellow will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 5^th, 2012. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visitwww.dress4yellow.com.

Press Release Courtesy of Dress 4 Yellow.

Did You Get A New Laptop over the Holidays? Bet you don't know this!

BCooper — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:12:29 -0600

Did you know that you can insure your laptop with no deductible between $30 to $60 a year?

If you have ever spilled coffee on your keyboard or dropped your laptop, you will understand the value of having it covered! A little protection goes a long way!

Give me a call or send me an email, we can have it covered quick!

Brent Cooper, Agent
State Farm Insurance
5232 Forest Lane Suite 111
Dallas, TX 75244
214.987.1995
brent@brentcooper.net

Serving the Insurance needs of the Dallas Neighborhoods of University Park, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Oakcliff, and Coppell.

Life Insurance - How to Truly Protect You and Your Family

Brent — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:40:00 -0600

Life is…
By State Farm® Agent Brent Cooper

Life is….spending time with family and friends. Watching a ball game. Lying in a hammock on a Saturday afternoon.

Life can be all of these things and more. Life is happy and sad and all things in between. It’s about living.

But life is also about protecting your family from the unexpected. Life is making sure your family can continue without financial hardship if you are no longer around to help them. One way to do that is to have adequate life insurance coverage on you and your spouse. Life is….being protected with life insurance.

Whether you are the main breadwinner or not, the American Life Insurance Council states you should have five to seven years worth of your salary in coverage. Others increase it to 10 years.

According to LIMRA, 68 million adult Americans have no life insurance. With so many Americans leaving their loved ones financially vulnerable, the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) designated September as Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), a time for the public to take stock of their life insurance needs.

The best way to determine your needs is to begin with calculating what long-term expenses you have that your loved ones would be responsible for if you were not around. Those expenses could include a mortgage, college tuition and everyday items such as food and clothing.

The type of policy you choose is an important decision. Term coverage can be very affordable initially, but premiums may increase over the life of the policy. Permanent policies usually have higher premiums but tend to stay level. How long you need the policy is also important to consider.

A qualified life insurance professional can assist you in your calculations and show you policies that may fit your needs. Life is ever changing. Protecting your family from financial struggles after you are gone is what life insurance is all about.

Brent Cooper, Agent
State Farm Insurance
214 987-1995
brent@brentcooper.net

Serving the Insurance needs of the Dallas Neighborhoods of University Park, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Oakcliff, and Coppell.

UpTown's Dallas Komali Introduces New Casual Mexican Offerings on Lunch Menu

cavalier — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:17:26 -0600

Fresh from appearances in New York City, including preparing a six-course dinner for a packed house of friends, family, New Yorkers and press at the famed James Beard House, Abraham Salum continues to showcase the best of authentic Mexican cuisine at Komali as he expands the restaurant’s lunch offerings to include more soups and salads while adding tacos, tortas, and tostadas and continuing the popular three-course luncheon special comida corrida.

The new menu items can be prepared with grilled snapper, sautéed shrimp, beef tenders, braised pork, or marinated chicken breast and are served with a choice of red rice or potatoes and black beans at a cost of $10-$12.

Introduced during the summer, the well-received Comida Corrida incudes an appetizer, entree and dessert for $14.00 per person.

Komali lunch is served daily, Monday-Saturday, 11:30 am-2:00 pm. Continuing are daily ( 4:30pm-6:30 pm) happy hour specials of $3 off glasses of wine, $.50 off beers, and the signature specialty drinks for $7 each. Award winning mixologist Leann Berry's margaritas and Komali’s big screen TV’s make for great game time watching.

Cited by popular US food writer and critic John Mariani in his recent Esquire Magazine “ Best New Restaurants of 2011” article as one of the top restaurants in the country setting a new contemporary Mexican food trend, Komali is located at 4152 Cole #106.

Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant is open Monday-Saturday, 11:30 am-11:00 pm. Brunch is served Sundays, 10:30 am-3:30 pm. For reservations call 214/252-0200. www.komalirestaurant.com

Don't Miss CityLights 2011 at Main Street Garden in Downtown

Stephen Lu — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:00:00 -0600

It’s going to be a light show of spectacular proportions in downtown Dallas when the city presents its signature holiday event – CityLights – on Saturday, November 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event will take place at Main Street Garden and will feature plenty of fun and entertainment to go with the view

CityLights 2011 is presented by Downtown Dallas, Inc., the city of Dallas, AT&T and multiple other partners. CityLights has increased in its scope and grandeur each year and this year is no different as there will be a special unveiling of a season-long, one-of-a-kind light installation spanning five blocks of Main Street.

CityLights begins with a Holiday Festival that will be open all throughout the event. The festival will feature an outdoor market, face painting, ornament making, foods, music and much more. The light show will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the lighting of Downtown’s 65-foot holiday tree, which is decorated with over 10,000 feet of lights and special effects.

“We couldn’t do this event alone, so we are so grateful for the City of Dallas, AT&T and others for making this event possible,” said John Crawford, President and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc. “There are more surprises in store than ever before – all I can say is be prepared to be showered by lights, wowed by a North Pole visitor descending from the sky and following a brigade of motorized reindeer to the grand finale!”

Kids will also be getting a treat, as Neiman Marcus, one of the partners for CityLights 2011, will be opening their holiday windows on Sunday, November 19, bringing back the popular crawl tubs. Children can physically enter a journey of fantasy and wonder that will dazzle and entertain them.

The event is free and open to the public. Anyone who doesn’t want to deal with parking is recommended to take the DART. Stop at the St. Paul station and CityLights 2011 is only a block away.

Own A House in Park Cities, Preston Hollow or Lakewood? May Want A Home Inventory for Insurance

Brent — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:25:00 -0500

Keep a home inventory
By State Farm® Agent Brent Cooper

This one goes in the category of those things we are planning to do when we get the time - making or updating a home inventory. It may not sound like an exciting activity, but in the event of a calamity such as a fire, burglary, flood or tornado, a current home inventory can save a lot of time, money and frustration in the insurance settlement process.

Take this test. Sit down and try to make a detailed list of what’s in each room of your dwelling. It’s amazingly hard to remember all the “stuff” that accumulates – wall hangings, curtains, cookware, clothing, sports gear, jewelry, knick-knacks, rugs, clocks, etc. Get the picture?

This weekend, go ahead and face the situation. Video or photo each room and list major items on paper. Record brand, model, date and amount of purchase, if possible (serial numbers are important on some items). Also, saving receipts on big-ticket items is always a good idea.

For antiques and jewelry, written descriptions or appraisals are important. Don’t forget the closets, and remember, even your attic may be full of valuables.

Finally, remember to update your inventory every year or so, and keep it in a safe location away from your dwelling. Taking the time to make and update your inventory now, can help you in working with your insurer later and maximizing your recovery should you have the need.

Brent Cooper, Agent
State Farm Insurance
214 987-1995
brent@brentcooper.net

Serving the Insurance needs of the Dallas Neighborhoods of University Park, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Oakcliff, and Coppell.

Is Your Teen Safe Behind the Wheel?

kathywallgbfd773 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:28:00 -0500

Dear Neighbors,

Just a friendly reminder that National Teen Driver Safety Week starts October 16th and goes thru October 22nd 2011. This is the time to talk to your teen about driving behaviors and safety precautions. This is our chance to help save the lives of others and our loved ones.

There are so many distractions when on the road so sit down with your teen this week and start discussing driver safety.

For teen driving questions or other insurance matters feel free to contact me. To find out more about National Driver Safety Week visit www.teendriving.statefarm.com

Best Wishes,

Kathy Leslie Wall
State Farm Insurance Agent

5600 W Lovers Lane, Suite 200
Dallas, Texas 75209
214.350.2692

kathy.wall.gbfd@statefarm.com
http://kathylwall.com

Cathedral of Hope welcomes Rev. Rachel Ciupek-Reed as newest pastor

Stephen Lu — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:19:11 -0500

The Cathedral of Hope, a congregation of the United Church of Christ, is pleased to welcome Reverend Rachel Ciupek-Reed as their new pastor. Rev. Ciupek-Reed’s first Sunday in the pulpit will be on October 9. Be there to greet and welcome her to the neighborhood.

Rev. Ciupek-Reed, though originally born a Texan, joins Cathedral of Hope from Southern California where she served as Senior Pastor of Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church UCC.

“With great joy and celebration, we welcome Rachel Ciupek-Reed to our Cathedral of Hope family,” said Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson, senior pastor of Dallas-based Cathedral of Hope UCC. “Her joy, enthusiasm and deep love for all people will empower our congregation in the Mid-Cities in all areas of faith.”

She graduated with a Master of Divinity degree with an emphasis in Systematic Theology from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA in 2007; she hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from National American University in Denver.

When she was 16 months old, her family moved from Dallas to the jungles of southern Mexico so her parents could truly learn about life as missionaries. Her family eventually moved to North Carolina, and her parents entered seminary. Her mother, father, step-father and grandmother are all ordained American Baptist ministers.

“Mostly, I have a deep desire to serve the community of the Mid-Cities Church with God-given grace and joy in the years to comes,” Ciupek-Reed said.

Apparently Halloween Isn't Just for Kids

pcpsi — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:16:05 -0500

I thought Halloween was just for kids! Since both of my parents work during the day, I have a pet sitter that comes to my house during the week to take me out at lunch time. Today, she is going to be very surprised, because my parents have dressed me up like Simba, from the Lion King. Since she is one of my best friends, I am hoping she takes this off me before my walk (I don’t want my friends down the street to see me in this!).

I realize that I am spoiled, but this is embarrassing! Poodles are an elite breed, and this Halloween dressing up is for cats!

For all my furry friends out there whose parents work, Park Cities Pet Sitter does more than just babysitting when your parents go on trips. They can come over during the day if your parents work. But let them know if they are traveling during Thanksgiving, they should book now!

Although I’m not a fan of my costume, I know my parents do it because they love me. I guess I can grin and bear it!

Love,
Buffy

Need someone to take care of your pet(s) while you are at work or when you are on vacation? Call Park Cities Pet Sitter and we will take extra care of your loved one.

Park Cities Pet Sitter, Inc
214-828-0192
www.pcpsi.com

How to Update Your Look with the Latest Trends in Eyewear

Peter Granoff — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 -0500

Goo Goo Eyes, offering the largest assortment of luxury eyewear in Dallas, added four new collections to their extensive assortment of fashionable and innovative eyewear. Partner's Card is around the corner and it is your opportunity to save 20 percent, while supporting the Family Place. This is the time to update your look!

Fendi
Experience the epitome of luxury with Fendi. Prestigious and elegant details adorn the temples of the frames in this truly gorgeous collection. Temple embellishments include the famous Fendi double F logo or the dramatic buckle which can be found in a variety of settings. Whether the frames are etched, feature cutouts or set with pave stones, the innovation and style from the house of Fendi remains one of the most sought-after brands in the world today. Made in Italy.

Kala
Proudly manufactured in California, Kayla brings a whole lot of fun to the retro trend. The colorful frames are handcrafted from plant-derived Italian acetate that is hypoallergenic and biodegradable. Colorful, fashionable, eco friendly. How very West Coast!

Barton Perreira
This remarkable luxury eyewear brand was created by visionaries Bill Barton and Patty Perreira. Found in only the most exclusive boutiques, this eyewear brand has been embraced by the influential trendsetters in the world. Every aspect of the frame, from design to finish, is touched by the meticulous designers. Handmade by skilled artisans in Japan. Perfection is ensured.

Porsche Design
Pure, precise and legendary. Fundamental, not decorative. Engineered, not just perfectly designed. Luxury as a result of sheer purity. Each object is reduced to it essential function. From that a clean linear shape is derived. The highest optical quality, perfect craftsmanship and extraordinary style; with these characteristics Porsche Design thoroughly redesigns even the most demanding requirements for eyewear. The astonishing lightness and ideal comfort of these Porsche Design frames are bound to impress.

To see more, click here to watch our video of the latest fall trends

4410 Lovers Ln Dallas, Texas 75225
Monday - Saturday 10a - 6p
www.googooeyes.com

Redesigned: Green Living to Participate in Dragon Street Party

Courtnee Lowe — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:42:24 -0500

With its fabulous fine art galleries and sophisticated showrooms, Dragon Street is the place to go in Dallas if you’re looking for unique home furnishings, decorations and more. And this Saturday, October 1^st is the perfect opportunity to visit the hopping street in the Design District. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, the public is invited to “Design on Dragon,” a street-wide party and art/design walk. Guests will be able to sample hors d’oeuvres and sip on drinks while they stroll through the numerous galleries and showrooms that will be open during the event.

While “Design on Dragon” will celebrate its 14^th year this weekend, it will be Green Living’s first time participating in the event. The store, which sells earth-friendly goods for the home and garden, is still relatively new to the area.

In February of 2011, owner Tom Bazzone moved Green Living to its current Design District location from its previous spot in Lakewood. Bazzone, who bought the store from its original owners back in 2008, knew a change in venue and inventory would benefit the business. One of his first decisions was to stop selling apparel and gift-related items.

“People don’t walk around saying ‘Hey, feel this shirt, it’s organic cotton.’ But when people come to your home, you say ‘Hey look at this beautiful floor we just put down, or look at this beautiful color we have on our walls,’ it becomes more socially relevant and creates that buzz,” Bazzone said.

Instead of shoes and t-shirts, Bazzone now stocks the shelves with home improvement products and other goods. Customers can purchase eco-friendly flooring, paint and countertops or quality furniture made from natural materials. There’s still a whole line of housekeeping supplies, gardening materials, kitchen wares, and bed and bath products, too.

Though Bazzone isn’t a native Dallasite (he hails from Boston), he knew right away that the Design District would be an ideal site for the store.

“When you come down to the Design District you are typically thinking about doing something to your home,” he said. “You’re either looking for art or furniture or raw materials for some kind of new or remodel construction. That’s my target customer, someone who just moved into their home and they are thinking about wanting to expand, remodel, redecorate. A lot of people get into the car and come down to the Design District looking for resources, so this is where we belong.”

Bazzone said that despite being a fairly new addition to the area, he has already become very involved with local events, like Saturday’s “Design on Dragon” party, and still manages to attract a variety of customers.

“We want to appeal to everybody,” he said. “Whether the person comes in with the Escalade stretch version, burning gas like it’s going out of style, but really feels passionate about using eco-friendly paint to somebody who is running a community garden in North Oak Cliff and wants to buy organic fertilizers and soil."

Cathedral of Hope lives up to its name with Little Blue Schools mission project

Stephen Lu — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:35:08 -0500

The members of the Cathedral of Hope of the United Church of Christ are doing their best to live up to their church’s name. The church and its members raised nearly $20,000 in one night on Sunday, September 25 for its Little Blue Schools mission project in Reynosa, Mexico.

The Little Blue Schools mission project is located in the Nopalera area of Reynosa, a community of poor residents living along a drainage canal where there is no running water or electricity. The first project completed by the Cathedral of Hope in that area was a 13 x 20 foot room with a tin roof that serves as a school and community center. Since then, 10 additional building projects, such as restroom facilities and meeting rooms, have been completed in Reynosa.

“We’re demonstrating how a community can come together, pool resources and working side-by-side with folks of very different backgrounds, understandings and faith beliefs,” said Reverend Dr. Jo Hudson, senior pastor of The Cathedral of Hope. “We’re out to show Cathedral of Hope’s profound belief that Christianity is a faith of extravagant grace, radical inclusion and relentless compassion.”

The next project that the church is undertaking is the construction of a new kitchen and a school classroom. The logistics of the project, as with all the previous projects, is administered by the Cathedral of Hope Miracles in Mission Ministry.

A large portion of the $20,000 raised on Sunday night came from Skyeward Bound Ranch, a non-profit charitable organization for special needs and terminally ill children. Through its fundraising and charity auctions, the ranch raises hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, enabling multiple camps across the U.S. to sponsor young people as part of its year-round retreat program.

Kid Safety: Park Cities School Days

kathywallgbfd773 — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:51:23 -0500

By Kathy Leslie Wall
State Farm® Agent

As parents we all worry about our children while they are away. From the walk or drive to school and until they get home that afternoon, parents are always thinking about the safety of their child/children.

Whether your child is riding a bike, walking or taking a bus, there are a few simple safety rules you should discuss before your child heads to school.

Riding a bike or walking will give your child a chance to get some exercise during the day. Before your child goes to school, practice safe pedestrian skills and/or provide adult supervision to and from school if possible. Tell your child to:
Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard.
Never cross the street against a light, even if there’s no traffic coming.
Walk your bike through intersections.
Ride or walk with a buddy.
Wear reflective material to be more visible to street traffic.

Taking the bus is a safe mode of transportation. However, according to the National Safety Council, about 9,000 children are injured each year in incidents involving school buses. Surprisingly, these injuries occur as children enter and exit the bus. Review these safety tips with your child:

Have a safe place to wait for the bus, away from traffic and the street.
Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk several giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are away from the bus.
Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
Stay away from the bus until the driver gives a signal that it’s okay to approach.
Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses but not all do.

If you’re driving in a school area or along bus routes, be sure to watch out for children on the streets and sidewalks. Slow down in school areas. Stop at crosswalks and intersections when children are present. Obey all laws regarding school buses. Whether your have a child in school or not, help make sure all school children arrive at school and home safely.

Kathy Leslie Wall
State Farm Insurance Agent

5600 W Lovers Lane, Suite 200
Dallas, Texas 75209
214.350.2692
http://kathylwall.com

kathy.wall.gbfd@statefarm.com

**Photo courtesy of amber.kennedy from flickr

Drug Deaths Outnumber Traffic Fatalities

laura109 — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:54:25 -0500

Since 2009, drugs have overtaken traffic as a cause of accidental deaths. Pills are convenient, but they can also be dangerous. If you don't know they're dangerous, your kids will not know they're dangerous. Kids experiment with alcohol, and their most common source of narcotics is your medicine cabinet. This can be a fatal combination.

Acupuncture can be a great help in managing pain and anxiety. If you or someone you know is dependent on drugs, please contact me about safe, natural, effective, and potentially life-saving alternatives.

Laura Yoo
Licensed Acupuncturist
l aura@activeacu.com

800 N. Bishop Avenue, Suite 1
Dallas, Texas 75208
Visit Bishop Acupuncture Facebook Page

Brent Cooper, State Farm Agent and Park Cities Resident, Answers Our Question about Life Insurance

Brent — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:00:00 -0500

Bubblelife asked State Farm Agent and Park Cities resident, Brent Cooper the following: What are the common misconceptions about life insurance?

Are you financially exposed?
By State Farm® Agent Brent Cooper

Many people realize the need for life insurance, but keep putting it off until it is too late. You may think that life insurance is confusing, expensive and complicated. You may think you don’t know enough to make the right decisions for you and your loved ones. Postponing this decision leaves you and your family exposed financially.

Assumption #1: I’ll always be able to buy life insurance. You could develop a health condition that makes you uninsurable or could make life insurance too costly for you.

Assumption #2: I’ll get life insurance later when I’m older or have a family. Life insurance may be needed at all stages of life. Whether married or single, male or female, with or without children, you may have financial obligations that need to be met. Life insurance provides financial security for you and your loved ones.

Assumption #3: My family and I are covered by the group insurance at work. To meet the future needs of your family, you need to have 7 to 10 times your annual income. Most group term insurance amounts offered by employers won’t meet this need. And, when you don’t work for that employer any longer, you usually lose that coverage

Assumption #4: My husband has life insurance so I don’t need it. Women often live longer than men but not always. There are countless stories of men who had to shoulder the family financial burden along with the emotional burden after their wife passed away.

Assumption #5: My family can cover funeral and burial expenses. Burying a spouse or loved one is the most stressful time in a family’s life. Having life insurance can reduce financial concerns for the family.

Take the time now to review your needs and provide adequately for yourself and your family. For more information, contact an insurance professional.

Brent Cooper, Agent
State Farm Insurance
214 987-1995
brent@brentcooper.net

Serving the Insurance needs of the Dallas Neighborhoods of University Park, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Oakcliff, and Coppell.

Gallery: GLBT community celebrates Dallas Pride Parade

Stephen Lu — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:53:08 -0500

The 28th Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade set off over the weekend in Oak Lawn on Cedar Springs Road and thousands of people showed up to celebrate and support the GLBT community and their 70+ floats. This year's theme was "It Only Gets Better," and if the number of participants in the parade and supporters in the crowd are any indictation, it only will get better in the coming years.

All photos courtesy of William Addington.

Hot New Eyewear Trends for Fall

Peter Granoff — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:37:58 -0500

Retro Lovers Rejoice!

This season brings fresh new looks, colors and updated interpretations of classic favorites. Whether you prefer soft sophisticated looks or bold modern chic, Goo Goo Eyes has you covered.

This fall brings back some of the most famous iconic looks from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. There’s a retro shape for everyone this season!

Steve McQueen’s folding Persol sunglasses are the “king of cool” today. Originally featured in the incredibly hot movie “The Thomas Crown Affair,” the folding Persol frames are just as sexy today. Although we personally prefer the remake with Pierce Brosnan, he, too, looks smoking hot in these sunglasses. Get your man a pair and live the fantasy.

Cat Eyes
Also this season, look for dramatic cat-eyes and funky round frames. From all of the major fashion designers, you’ll find frisky modified cat-eyes and delightfully fun round shapes.

Trims
Luxurious trims on temples are a bit more theatrical this season. You’ll find everything from leather to lace, studs, stones and crystals.

Romantic Encounters
Sheer lace fabrics for women need delicate frames. Soft gentle curves, translucent plastics and thin metals create the perfect soft romantic look. Some of the most striking frames feature lacey metal designs.

Patterns
Stripes, plaids, florals and animal prints dominate this season’s palette. Nothing boring or stuffy here. These all shout, “Hey, look at me!”

Color
Strong colors are everywhere. Bold brights and powerful shades of pale offer all sorts of options. It’s time to move beyond basic black and flirt with a little color. Who knows what might happen?

Urban Chic
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Get the "Inn"side Track on Uptown B&B Owner Andrea Friedheim

Courtnee Lowe — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:08:50 -0500

You might just drive right by it. With its stately white porch and blue siding, it looks like one of the many historic homes nestled in the heart of Uptown Dallas. Even on the inside, with the delicate crown moldings, hardwood floors, and beautifully crafted fireplaces, Bailey’s Uptown Inn is reminiscent of a different era.

But this charming bed and breakfast is actually a fairly new addition to Uptown. Less than a decade ago, 2505 Worthington Street was just an empty lot. And Andrea Friedheim was consumed with her work at Chase Bank. The job kept Friedheim on the road constantly.

“I did a lot of traveling because I had clients all over the southwest and so every time I would travel, if I could find a bed and breakfast to stay in, I would try to stay in one… traveling gets really tiring, staying in a hotel all the time,” she said.

Friedheim developed a fondness for those bed and breakfasts. “To me it’s more intimate… it’s a little bit more homey and comfortable but it still has the conveniences of a hotel,” she said.

In 2003, after years in the banking business, she decided to open her own inn. Friedheim and her father, a now retired real estate developer, began searching for an ideal location.

“We found the neighborhood that we wanted to be in, because not a lot of neighborhoods will allow you to open a bed and breakfast. We looked around Uptown for something to remodel and we couldn’t find anything that would accommodate a lot of bathrooms,” she said. “We found this lot and actually there was nothing on it for 50 years that we could find. “

Within walking distance from a variety of restaurants, spas, and other attractions, the lot they found in Uptown was perfect. It took about nine months for the building to be completed. From the ground up, the inn was a family affair. Friedheim’s father, Joe, served as the general contractor and builder. Her mother, Joyce, lent her expertise as well. The picture-perfect décor looks like it could grace the cover of a home furnishings magazine.

“I guess you could say I had a lot of ‘donated’ furnishings. I had a lot of stuff from my own house, I had furniture from my parents' house because they were moving to a smaller house,” Friedheim said. She taps the magnificent formal dining table, “this was their table. The couches were in my dad’s office so I just had to have stuff recovered or slipcovered. My mom is also a decorator so she made all of the draperies and all of the pillows and bedskirts.”

When she first opened Bailey’s, named after her beloved Labrador Retriever who has since passed, Friedheim continued to work at the bank. As business grew, she slowly began cutting her hours back.

“I just worked until I got busy enough and could quit…being a banker gave me a unique perspective about how to come up with the money…so I was able to do that and I actually lived here and worked for Chase for about 18 months while it was getting up and going. I had a lot of help from my parents, they would help me if I had guests on the weekdays that I needed to feed and had to be at work,” she said.

Today, Friedheim is married with a five-year-old son. Because most of her guests reserve rooms for the weekends, she has time during the week to run a handful of e-commerce websites with her husband. Her parents, who live beside the inn, continue to lend a hand. On this day, her father puttered around the bed and breakfast, putting his handyman skills to work.

“I’ve been able to really narrow it down to the parts I like and focus on visiting with the guests and cooking,” she said.

Although she loves whipping up some scrumptious French toast or a savory southwestern frittata, Friedheim said the best part of being an innkeeper is meeting the guests. Visitors from all over the world and a few celebrities, like Tyne Daly, have slumbered in some of the inn’s comfortable bedrooms.

“I had a whole group from Australia who came for a week to see the Super Bowl,” she said. “I’ve met people from everywhere and I really like visiting with the people that come and even people just from the neighborhood. Hearing everybody’s different life stories is interesting to me, I enjoy it.”

While Friedheim said she didn’t grow up wanting to run a bed and breakfast, she’s glad she found a way to combine some of her favorite things.

“I never had the idea that I wanted to be in hospitality, I just loved staying in inns, I liked meeting the people, I liked decorating, so there are a lot of things about it that I like and I love to cook so that all went together,” she said.

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Get the "Inn"side Track on Uptown B&B Owner Andrea Friedheim