WOW!
We went to market this year in the hopes of finding new products that we can leverage for our projects. We were so SUCCESSFUL! And with our economic climate and the negative news that comes at us everyday - market was hopping! The manufacturers were so busy taking orders, we found it hard to get anyone to talk to us about the products. But we were tenacious.
Here are some of the products we fell in love with.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Star Light Lanterns (http://www.starlightlaterns.com/)
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This was just so fun! I love bringing something into my client's homes that has humor or a bit of whimsy. Often times it is subtle - but every time my client looks at it, it makes them smile.
Starlight has several different looks and a few different shapes. This is my favorite, shooting star family. There are also a few pierced metal lanterns. These would be more discreet during the day and add a soft glow in the evenings.
This product was nominated for a ARTS award at the market. Although it didn't win, it is a whimsical way to bring light into your backyard. I love that there are a couple of different heights, so that the options for placement are endless.
NAPKINS
Harvey & Strait ( http//www.harveyandstrait.com ) 
Here's how to make them work for you - I actually don't invest 
too much into our patio umbrella - that way, I can change the color each summer and make it work for me. When summer comes around, we love to have friends over for dinner, let the kids play in the backyard and enjoy good company and a good glass of wine. I'll purchase a new set of patio dinnerware and work with these napkins this summer, and of course, my new umbrella. Besides for those of us with small children, when was the last time you had the luxury of a cloth napkin?
too much into our patio umbrella - that way, I can change the color each summer and make it work for me. When summer comes around, we love to have friends over for dinner, let the kids play in the backyard and enjoy good company and a good glass of wine. I'll purchase a new set of patio dinnerware and work with these napkins this summer, and of course, my new umbrella. Besides for those of us with small children, when was the last time you had the luxury of a cloth napkin?RECYCLED PRODUCTS
Roost Home Furnishings (http://www.roostco.com/)
This line, Roost, is a clean-lined, organic and simple in its design. The line also has a few products made from recycled newspaper, including baskets and my favorite - a dog. Not too large in scale, this dog is reminiscent of the RCA dog and makes quite an interesting accessory in a more urban home. Imagine it next to a black or red lacquer wall. This dog would be the star.
The most exciting aspect of market was that it was busy. Store owners and designers alike where there and they were buying products to sell in their business to you! So hopefully soon, you'll see these at your favorite places to shop for your home - Happy Hunting!
A PLACE TO SLEEP, GOOD FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY
While in Dallas, we stayed at the very dramatic Hotel ZaZa - which has a huge room for todays hotel and a hopping bar - The Dragonfly. Ladies, this is the place to go. There were so many well dressed men in the place - on a Thursday night even!We dined our first night at Avanti Ristorante on McKinney - again, for an economy in a slump - this restaurant was packed. The food was wonderful - we did a DIY tasting menu, sharing a bottle of wine and about four appetizers. The acoustic guitar was a perfect accompainment.
Our Friday night dinner was at The Palomino at The Crescent with friends and colleagues talking about the show and what we saw. I'll admit it. Two days at the show, I was beat!! And when, I'm tired - I go to comfort food. So the baked penne pasta foot the bill.
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