As someone who lives “across the bridge”, I’m stoked about all of the activity that is starting to happen over here!  Just on the other side of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, there is building and planning taking place that will eventually result in an area that is very Austin-esque…you know…cool and unique!

Phil Romano, a well-known Dallas restauranteur, snapped up many of the existing buildings at the base of the bridge with plans to turn this area into “Foodie Heaven” with incubator restaurants with a mix of unique retail shops, a concert venue and much more, called Trinity Groves!

One location that is currently under construction is Sharon Van Meter’s, of the multi-purpose kitchen and event venue previously on McKinney just south of Knox – Milestone Culinary Arts Center, Beignet Bridge Club.  I love the play on the “bridge” that she’s chosen for the name!  Since she studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, I’m sure that the beignets will be delicious!  She’ll be serving breakfast and a light lunch.  Adjacent to the “Bridge Club” will be a “clubby bar” (according to Crave DFW), called The Santuary.  With plans to open at the end of the year, the interior of the bar will resemble a high-end hotel lobby with art work on the wall for sale.

Those of you that may have seen the large, now open air, building on the right just after you cross the bridge, may be curious what this is going to be…  This is where many of the restaurants and retail, and an amphitheatre will be located.  There will be a huge area for dining and entertaining large crowds!

Other things to look for expect?  A city park, the extension of the Katy Trail, Babb Brother BBQ and Blues (which will house another venue for concerts), Four Corners Brewing Company (logo and construction picture above), and more.  Oh…and the best part?  NO CHAINS of any kind allowed!  Only original concepts are invited to this party!!

One of the first events scheduled for this area will take place Sept. 15.  Originally held in Uptown, Dallas Untapped is moving to Trinity Groves in order to have enough room for the 50+ breweries and 120+ brews scheduled to take part in this festival featuring Indie brews and Indie music.  Find ticket information here.

Bridge to nowhere?  …I don’t think so…

It’s been a slim week in blog-ville for me, friends,  as it’s been one of those weeks where life threw some unexpected events my way…But I did manage to capture a few interesting bits that you might find interesting…

This mosaic stone walkway is almost too pretty to step on, right?

Trash to treasure hacks

Top 10 reads

12 yr old talking to his 32 yr old self

Prada’s Parallel Universe campaign (via)

Isn’t it about time for a watermelon margarita?

What have you found that’s interesting this week?  Any great plans for the weekend?

I’m swooning over this Etsy shop‘s vintage Swedish botanicals!

…signed and numbered…be still my heart!

Find them all at The Mysterious Vintage Emporium.

It’s the best time of the year to eat tomatoes and my basil is growing on my deck, and that’s why I love this quick and easy recipe, found at How Sweet It Is, to whip up quickly for an impromptu gathering this summer!

All you need are three ingredients!  Mozzarella, basil and tomatoes…all fresh!  If you live in the Dallas area, I recommend picking up Paula Lamber’s Mozzarella Co. fresh mozzarella at Eatzi’s!  Check here to see if there are stores close to you that carry this locally-made cheese.  It’s the best!

Using fresh basil is also key!  If you have sun in your yard, you should buy a couple of basil plants and watch it flourish!  It’s a fast growing herb that you’ll enjoy throughout the summer for making pesto and this yummy dip!

Hot Caprese Dip

serves 2-4

10 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes

2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced

3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or about 1 tablespoon dried) + more for garnish

Preheat oven to 375.

Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with crackers or melba toasts.

Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

images and recipe via

What’s your favorite easy recipe to make during the summer?  What do you make with your fresh herbs?

OK…I still have not planted herbs for my deck.  Perhaps I’ll get it done this weekend.  I wish I had these natural twig herb markers to make my pots a bit more special.

Make your city better.  The Urban Etiquette Project

Helen Lang’s fun alphabet posters make me happy.

More ways to say good-bye to a child…or anyone, for that matter…

One of each, please!

Cheese plate markers for your party.

This rustic chocolate pie is beautiful and sounds delicious!

I had a great time at the Grand Opening celebration of Jonathan Adler‘s new Dallas store!  You must check it out soon!  It’s so happy!

image via housesgardenpeople

image via

Happy Friday, everyone!  The weather has been “California-like” this week in Dallas!  My plans this weekend are to spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy it before the Texas heat begins to burn!

image via

I love planting herbs this time of year.  In the past I’ve stacked terra cotta pots for herb and flower gardens, but I’m loving the look of these galvanized buckets for a more industrial look.  Perhaps this year’s basil will get a new look for it’s home!

image via

I really want to do a pallet garden like this one that’s been pinned on Pinterest a bagillion times!  If you have any old wooden pallets in the Dallas area and want to get rid of them, give me a shout!

OK…I’ve decided to try a new Friday series and I would welcome your feedback.  During my romp around the web during the week, I find many exceptional things that I don’t share, simply because I don’t have time to put together a complete post, so I thought I would share several links that I feel are highlights from my web travels…

This sweet kitty is ready to come to your defense!

I’m swooning over Eden & Eden’s vintage folk cushions!

Wallpaper that looks like scrap wood  - Check out a similar look on the walls of Highland Park Village’s new Five and Ten

Could possibly be the perfect dress for this spring and summer

Anyone care to join me at this retreat?

Hmmm…Where shall we brunch in Paris?

Easy changes for less toxins in your home!

It’s on!  Cover the night today! 

Let me know what you think about the quick links and if it’s something you like, I’ll continue every Friday…

Have a great weekend, ya’ll!  XO!

Never underestimate the power of a great industrial find!  All it takes is a little imagination and you can have an interesting focal point on the cheap!  I’ve learned to keep my eyes open when driving around…you’ll be amazed at what people are willing to give you for free or very little money.  The rustier the better!

Here’s a little industrial inspiration to get you started!

via AMradio

via AMradio

via Remodelista

via houzz

via aftonbladet

via atelierjoya

via gatheringspriggs

via curatedstyle

via 2.bp

pinned here

via remodelista

via atypicala

Speaking of industrial…here’s a sneak peak at a couple of carts that will be at the next Stash sale!  I’ll be sure to give you the scoop on the dates later, but…for now, I think I’ll use these to display some pretty Spring flowers!

What’s your best industrial find?  Would you put something that was rusty in your home?

I found a new little gem in West Dallas while I attended the Margaret Hunt Hill bridge celebration on Saturday!

The Workroom is a curated collection of floral, arts, whimsical crafts and antiques put together by artist and designer, Nick Troilo and Jim Wright.  Starting with the colorful front porch, the atmosphere invites you to hang out for a while.

Inside is one amazing vignette after the other and packed full of unique finds, succulents and floral.  This space is much bigger than it appears from the outside!  Here’s a peak at what I found inside…

An amazing collection of globes was just one of the collections I found inside…

vintage planters with succulents…

a huge industrial gear…

textiles…

a great mosaic wall installation…

vintage finds…

a checkout counter where eye-candy abounds…

The side room will be used as an art gallery and a chic space for special events…

They also have limited edition Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge t-shirts!  Get yours before they’re gone!

When you make your way across the bridge look for The Workroom just a few blocks down on the left at 422 Singleton Blvd.  Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6pm, or by appointment.  Be sure to follow them on Facebook here.

What’s your favorite spot on the West side?  Have you ever been to the West side of Dallas?

It’s cold outside!  Be good to your birds of prey…

Fly-through bird feeder

Duo Modern Hanging Bird Feeder

Barcelona Bird Feeder by Monique Engelund

Grab the kids and make your own bird feeder with a painted coffee can, plastic lid and string!

These feeders are made from old glass shades.  Find the easy tutorial here.

Most everything becomes lovely when you add a pretty ribbon!  Roll a toilet paper roll in peanut butter, cover with seeds, add a sweet ribbon and your  birds will love you!

Find this tutorial here.

If you’re a real bird lover, you’ll want to whip up these bird cookies from Imagine Childhood...

Would you make your birds cookies?

Here’s your chance to step inside some of Dallas most beautiful modern homes!

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