The Splash Media studio was incredibly impressive and Renay was a gracious host. The interview ended up being quick and easy and the video turned out great! Take a minute to watch it and remember back to the beginning days of LowerOakLawn.com and think about how far we’ve come since then! Couldn’t have done it without you!

Thank you to Renay and Splash Media for having me!

Source: Splash Cast Blog, SplashCast: Social Media Marketing And The Lower Oak Lawn Story

Helping you halt your hoarding tendencies is Green Living in the Dallas Design District. This Saturday, January 28 from noon to 5pm they will be hosting their quarterly E-Waste Collection drive, collecting your old electronics and sending them to greener pastures. All electronics collected will be recycled and put back into the manufacturing process to make new products instead of being dumped in landfills.

As a reward for being green, Green Living will offer 10% off anything in their showroom when you recycle. Also, Velvit Oil, Safecoat, and other furniture finishes will be offered at a whopping 50% off.

For more information on what types of electronics you can bring, visit this helpful E-waste flyer at Green-Living.com.

Custom Couture Engraved Wedding Invitation by Bell'Invito

Job seekers, take note! Bell’Invito, the Design District’s favorite stationary and custom letterpress company, is now hiring for an account manager position to focus on the Dallas/Fort Worth market. A great opportunity to work with a quickly growing market and pedal pretty paper like this >> sounds just too good to be true!

DFW Account Manager, Bell’Invito

Bell’Invito is looking for a smart, driven, polished individual who is willing and eager to learn about how our company works to make the best stationery product offered.

The environment is fast-paced and challenging. Problem solving skills are admired and expect ambition should be second nature. If the shoe fits, call the studio for an appointment at (214) 741-1717, or email your resume to Robyn Wise, Director of Business Development, at robyn@bellinvito.com.

Know someone perfect for the position? Please send them a like to this post!

Sales Associate, Minolochi

Promemoria Dallas showroom at Minolochi, a high-end, luxury Italian showroom in the Dallas Design District is seeking a full-time, professional sales associate. We are considering candidates that meet the following qualifications:

• Sales experience in the furniture industry
• Strong understanding of high-end clientele and luxury goods
• Interior Design experience or background is a PLUS!
• Confident with a professional sales attitude
• Proficient computer skills
• Honest and reliable with the ability to work with others as a team
• Drug and background check will be performed before any new hires

Though sales experience is preferred, we will also consider candidates who have a background interior design.

If you are interested in filling this position, please send your resume to inquiry@minolochi.com.

Get updates on job opportunities in the Dallas Design District by joining the Lower Oak Lawn LinkedIn Group!

Jennifer shared her favorite thing about the holidays, saying, “One of my favorite December traditions in Dallas is having holiday cocktails with friends at the Library Bar in the Warwick Melrose Hotel. The bar always has a fabulous crooner at the piano. It’s so cozy and inviting – the perfect place for gathering together, kicking back in a leather chair with a hot toddy or something sparkling.”

Great idea, right?! And right now the Library Bar is helping you warm up with one of their December seasonal specialties. For only $7 each, sip on the scrumptious Baked Apple Pie Cocktail, with Malibu Coconut Rum, apple pucker liqueur, topped off with apple juice, shaken and served straight up with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry. Or savor the Ginger Man Cocktail ,with Level Vodka, Dekuyper’s cinnamon and buttershots schnapps, shaken with Bailey’s Irish Cream and served straight up with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry. Don’t these look delicious?

With only two days left to do your Christmas shopping, Jennifer has come up with a great gift list, which includes perfect ideas for everything from stocking stuffers to “The Big One.” Check it out!

1. Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers // Jan Showers
I have a copy personalized to me by Jan that I will treasure always!

2. Set of 24 Mini Croissants // Williams Sonoma
Yummy!!!! A little taste of Paris on Christmas morning!

3. Ambition vase // JANUS et Cie
Glazed porcelain in white. Available in 3 sizes.

4. Alexander Girard Wooden Dolls // Design Within Reach
Collectable and addictive!

5. Jo Malone Candles // Available online or at Neiman Marcus & Nordstrom locations
Lime Basil & Mandarin is my favorite.

6. Kelly Wearstler Dinnerware “Mulholland Collection” place settings & gold charger // Dahlgren Duck

“My favorite Christmas tradition includes a nighttime horse-drawn sleigh ride through Old Montreal, under piles of fox fur with a thermos of hot mulled wine, sharing time and music with family and friends. “I also love to visit anywhere in NYC in December — particularly the gourmet department at Bergdorf’s!”

We wish Russell safe travels this Christmas and I hope you can find some last minute gift inspiration from his gift guide!

1. Baccarat “Mille Nuits” Flutes // Baccarat Crystal (To the Trade) // Baker, Knapp & Tubbs
In addition to our multiple furniture and accessory lines, Baker, Knapp & Tubbs showroom in the Dallas Design Center represents Baccarat crystal to the trade. We have incredible pieces on display or to order for all lighting, tabletop and accessories from the venerable French company.

2. Louxor stopper clear crystal // Baccarat Crystal (To the Trade) // Baker, Knapp & Tubbs
Items like gift-boxed crystal decanter stoppers and other gifts from Baccarat can been seen in the showroom and at their website, www.baccarat.com.

3. Jimmy Candle // JimmyCandle.com
Another year-round favorite is Jimmy Candles, but particularly at Christmas, when the unique and well-balanced combinations of exotic oils formulated with soy wax are spectacular.

4. Eighteen karat white gold Tahitian black pearl and pave diamond ring // Finishing Touches by Francie
Jewelry from Francie Runmark at her Finishing Touches office in Preston Center make perfect gifts at any time, but her signature of quality around the holidays is always appreciated. I find incredible selections, including custom creations, at every price point.

When I asked Chris his favorite part of the holiday season, he gave a warm and thoughtful response. ”This time of year it is always good to take an inventory on what you are thankful for. I guess what I’m most thankful for is my wife and four children. I’m so blessed with family and to be married to my best friend is truly a joy. This time of year it is easy to get caught up in what to expect under the Christmas tree or what is this going to cost but I think the Christmas season is best suited to give thanks for the things that money cant buy namely friends, family and a home.”

Chris included with his gift guide a few images from his recent buying trip to England, which will arrive at the showroom in early January. I wanted to make sure you saw these so I put them first! Keep reading for Chris’s gift guide.

Chris’s gift guide picks come with his stamp of approval. “These are all products that I like and use frequently,” Chris told me.

1. Medium Duffle Bag // www.flson.com
Filson has the best clothes for the individual who like to be outdoors.

2. Become an Organ Donor // TaylorsGift.org
In the spirit of giving you can make a donation to TG or become and become an organ donor.

3. Sutton Seasonings // SuttonsSeasonings.com
Local interior designer Peggy Shelmire developed and sells this great salt mix.

4. Ptarmigan Gentleman’s Knife // Ptarmigan
One of the best places for bespoke shotguns and clothes.

5. CFO Disc Drag Fly Fishing Reel // www.orvis.com
Fly fishing outfitter Orvis is a favorite of mine.

6. Foul Weather Fly Fishing Vest // www.flson.com

7. Macbook Pro // Apple
Anything from the Apple store is cool!

1. Laura Lee Clark Custom Design Pillows // Laura Lee Clark Design
A favorite spot on Doug’s shopping map is Laura Lee Clark Design. Inside, you will find something for everyone on your list. From artwork and candles, to amazing furniture and home accents, Laura Lee Clark Design is where to go for the hard-to-buy-for friend. Pictured: Red Nizam Pillow, Lavender Higgins Pillow, Red Hollywood Pillow

2. 1940′s Latticino Murano & Nickel Vanity Mirror, attributed to Venini // John Gregory Studio
If Doug isn’t busy planning an event, then he’s busy re-designing his home and/or office. One of his first stops is John Gregory Studio, which offers gorgeous antiques and interior decoration. This vanity mirror is the perfect addition to any dressing room.

3. Kevin Box Sculpture “Rock Paper Scissors” // Craighead Green Gallery
Doug loves this modern, light-filled art gallery, featuring contemporary and abstract art. Representing over 40 artists of all mediums, Craighead Green Gallery is a must see for any art lover.

4. Bella Throw // Peacock Alley
With Doug’s busy schedule, downtime is spent relaxing and rejuvenating. “Everyone simply must have exquisite bedding and linens,” Doug offers. The place to go is Peacock Alley. The Bella Throw is a must-have for any bed.

5. Archibald Highback Chair // Scott + Cooner
Can’t find Doug? Look no further than Scott + Cooner. Guaranteed you will find him perusing this modern & contemporary furniture showroom, making out his wish list.

There are many things I love most this time of year. The family traditions, the ski vacation to Colorado, and time spent with family, but what I am most fond of is the almost palpable spirit and energy that is felt during the holiday season. People just seem happier. It’s a wonderful time to reflect upon all the good things I’ve been given throughout the year and the hope that I feel for the upcoming new year.

Philanthropy is so important to me, so I have to include one or two of the organizations most dear to my heart.

1. Compassion International
I have ten beautiful sponsored children all over the globe. We write letters back and forth to each other on average of about one every 2-3 months. This is a Christian advocacy organization that provides children thru sponsorship healthcare, education, food and love.

2. Homeless “Foody Bags” (as I like to call them)
Take brown paper lunch sacks and fill them with nonperishable food items such as crackers, protein bars, fruit gummies, etc. Staple them closed and seal with a small tag that has something inspirational written on it, like “You Matter!”, then pass them out to homeless people you encounter. Instead of giving a hand out, you are giving them something to eat and an uplifting word. I typically make a dozen or so bags and keep them in my car so I always have something on hand. You never know how far a simple gesture like this can go with someone who might just be down on their luck.

3. Heifer International
This is a really amazing opportunity to help families escape poverty by giving them a hands up, not a hand out.  Thru the use of “living loans” you can provide the chance for an individual to generate income in sustainable ways.

4. Conrad shades // E.C. Dicken
Available thru the E.C. Dicken showroom in the Design District, Conrad shades are one of my favorite things that I recommend to any client I work with that is in need of window coverings. Their beauty and quality is unsurpassed and their designs work with any style and aesthetic. I especially love to use them in conjunction with other drapery treatments. This would be a great husband/wife gift!

5. Electronic Reader // Apple, Barnes & Noble or Amazon
It took me a while to become a fan, and I actually returned my first Kindle, but once I purchased an iPad and started reading my books on it, I never went back. I am an avid reader and frequently went on vacation with anywhere from 6-10 books with me. Having an E-reader is so much easier than carrying a small library of books and I have found that I actually read more.

6. Wrap Bracelets // Chan Lulu
Of course, I have to include a little bling for the season. I love to wear wrap bracelets and this year I am buying all my lady friends and family members one. One of my favorite designers is Chan Luu.

Last, but certainly not least, is the “Beauty Bag.” Each year I compile a small sampling of my favorite beauty and skin care products and put them in a small basket or bag to give as gifts to my closest girlfriends. My staple items are:

1. DiorShow mascara

2. Crème de la mer hand and face cream

3. Aquaphor ointment 

4. L’oreal naturales concealer

Photos via SpenceSmith.com, Matter in Action

The Poggenpohl employee’s favorite thing about the holidays is friends and family coming together to celebrate. “I also love getting friends together, grabbing some hot chocolate and looking at Christmas lights!”

So what is on Jennifer’s Christmas list this year? “I, of course, think that the best gift would be a Poggenpohl kitchen,” Jennifer explains. “As one of my clients said today, buying a Poggenpohl kitchen for my wife would make up for a lot of my mistakes and cover a few future ones!”

Check out Jennifer’s other holiday gift suggestions below!

1. Letterpress holiday cards // Paper Source
This year I couldn’t resist putting people on the naughty list, so these were my cards.

2. LYS Candle Holders // Mody & Mody
I love these candle holders from B&B!

3. Designer Silicone iPhone 4 Case + Other Stocking Stuffers // The Container Store
For small gifts The Container Store stocking stuffers are pretty great.

4. Michael Kors iPhone Wristlet // Nordstrom
Often I want to leave my purse at home when I go out but an Iphone is too bulky for my back pocket. Problem solved!

5. NM Chocolate Chip Cookies // Neiman Marcus
My first job out of school was store planner for Neiman Marcus. There I learned that everyone loves cookies for Christmas…especially NM cookies! I still buy these as host gifts.