British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley...

Wine and Dine your way through this HOSPITABLE REGION WRITTEN BY ROBYN ROEHM CANNON Growing luscious table fruit has always been a mainstay for farmers in British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan Valley, which lies in the center of the province, with the Vancouver mainland and Fraser Valley on the west and the Rocky Mountains on the east. But this semiarid high-altitude region is also perfect for growing grapes, and...

Owning a Home Essential to the American Dream, Sur...

RISMedia, June 10, 2011—Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream. That’s the key finding of a recent survey of people likely to vote in 2012 that was conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, Va., and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C. “The...

Bringing the Outside In...

No drapes. No blinds. No shades. Look closely at this home and you will soon see that there are no visual barriers between what’s indoors and the great outdoors. A summer home is meant to be enjoyed inside and out. It’s a place for relaxation, where one can escape the everyday routine. This bright and airy waterfront home provides a refuge for the couple who lives there, as well as their extended family. Designers...

Keeping Your Home Cool in the Hot Summer Months...

As the temperature rises, so does the cost of cooling your home, especially if you use an air conditioner. Obviously, the best way to keep your home cool during the summer is to use an air conditioner to keep the temperature down, but there are other options that don’t raise your energy bill quite significantly. Air conditioners may offer tempting temporary relief from summer heat, but they’re a huge environmental no-no....

Creating the Perfect Work-Life Balance...

You can probably recall times when you’ve slogged through time-pressing work projects until midnight or brought your briefcase home to tackle mountains of paperwork during what should be your downtime. When you indulge these habits on occasion, they are rarely harmful to your health. But when they become a regular part of your lifestyle, you can quickly lose hope of maintaining a balance between your work and personal...

Mark Your Calendars! Taste of Dallas is Happening...

Ahhh, take in the pleasing aroma of the Taste of Dallas. Prepare your palate for a weekend of culinary delights from Dallas’ top chefs and most popular restaurants. Sample the menus of restaurants you’ve always wanted to try. Steal a secret or two from top culinary talent at cooking demonstrations. Drink in select wines and learn about the winemaking process or stop by the Taste Tavern to learn how to make a delicious...

Enjoy Jazz in the Atrium on Thursday Nights!...

Thursdays, 6:00–8:00 p.m at the Dallas Museum of Art Enjoy live jazz in the Atrium every Thursday and join us for a casual dinner and cocktails in the Atrium Cafe. Performance included in general admission to the Museum. June 2 Tatiana Mayfield Smooth, refreshing, and unique is how many have described the sound of the Tatiana Mayfield Quintet, led by the 22-year old jazz vocalist from Fort Worth, Texas. 9 Keith Anderson...

Housing Affordability Rises to Record Levels...

RISMedia, May 28 2011—Nationwide housing affordability during the first quarter of 2011 rose to its highest level in the more than 20 years it has been measured, according to National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) data released recently. The HOI indicated that 74.6 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the first quarter of 2011 were affordable to families earning the...

The Essence of Mexico...

I used to think that Tony Bennett’s song about leaving his heart in San Francisco was just that—a song. But that was before I visited Mazatlan, and now I completely understand what he was talking about. Twenty years ago, I left my heart in this charming Mexican city on the Sea of Cortez, and every May since, I’ve returned with my husband, Don, to check on it. When I began my love affair with Mazatlan, Don wasn’t my...

Looking for a Spacious Single Story Home in Addiso...

Coming Soon!! Looking for a spacious single story home in Addison? I’ve got a new listing coming up soon that may be just for you! Centrally located in North Dallas, Addison has the best of everything! It’s near tons of notable Dallas shopping (including the Galleria) and is surrounded by so many great restaurants, you won’t know what to do for dinner! You can easily drive downtown to work or North to...