That’s right. Me.I’m a sucker for Bastille Day. I love the nod to France right here in our own Bishop Arts backyard. I can’t help it…I find the drinks divine, the crepes scrumptious, the petanque intriguing. And we haven’t even got to the jaunty berets or the cute striped shirts that folks don (obviously).

Why would so many folks come out on what is usually a sizzling summer day in Texas? Sure, we have a vague, way-back Oak Cliff connection to France with the La Reunion colony. More importantly, our current-day party maven, Amy Cowan, loves an excuse to throw an excellent fete. And what a doozie this one is. For one night only, several local restaurants will be at booths offering French-themed foods. The crepes, by Oak Cliff Creperie, get top billing. Take my advice and arrive early, otherwise, you’ll be in line for hours. Wine and good drinks are always front and center. But what I believe makes the whole thing come together is the petanque court, right in the middle of the action. You can use the "boules" provided and do as the French do.

It really is the best event of the year. Don’t take my word for it, though. Come out and see for yourself. They sell out every year, so you’ll want to reserve your spot at www.bastilleonbishop.com. Fancy glass plus your first drink included. And all the petanque and "oui oui" you can stand. See you there!

xo

I am so honored to be featured on Candy’s Dirt again!  Val and I can’t wait for you all to see this home.

In the mean time enjoy the sneak peaks here:

Flipping Out: Jenni Stolarski’s Latest Oak Cliff Flip is Phenomenal

There’s a fascinating trend we’re seeing in Dallas homes this year, and believe us, it’s a bit surprising. No really, that’s the trend—surprise! Take this beautiful home in the vibrant Briarwood neighborhood. 5011 Purdue loves surprise.

Around each corner, this beautifully updated home enchants with a spiral staircase, a gorgeous wine closet, and a light-loving glass door opening the kitchen to an outdoor oasis. (p.s. You can fall in love with this home in person! It’s open this Sunday—5/4/2014—from 3-5 p.m.)

By this point, you’ve likely seen a photo or two of this renovation that Val is working on in North Oak Cliff.

Here are some from yesterday. The home is about 2 weeks out from completion. But if you’ve ever done any type of home improvement project, you’ll understand how elastic “2 weeks” can be. Really, all that’s left is kitchen counters, exterior work and clean up. Oh, and the 30-odd item punch list. Details.

The house had 3 beds and 1 bath, but it was changed to a 2 bed, 2 bath layout to cater to current living standards. I love the quite street it sits on and its view to the Turner House over the back fence. The front covered porch is pretty large–seems like it will be a great place to sit or entertain.

Despite all the extra hours, hands-on work (like installing bathroom sinks yesterday) and delays, Val has enjoyed this project. We hope whoever buys and lives here, feels the love.

XO.

Jenni Stolarski
Vice President
214.762.9761
Realtor,GREEN
Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Last night we hosted Kings Highway’s First Friday at our house. I think Winnetka Heights and East Kessler have their own versions of this. Perhaps your neighborhood does too…it’s our monthly happy hour that rotates between various neighbor’s homes. It got me to thinking "what makes a neighborhood feel like home?" When Val and I relocated here 10 years ago (zoiks!) from New York City, we moved into the Kings Highway neighborhood. It’s a 40 block area from Davis to Stewart and Tyler to Mary Cliff that was the original Conservation District in Dallas (CD1).

We lived in a duplex, but in time needed our own house. At that moment, the buying conversation went something like this:

me: We can live anywhere in Oak Cliff or Lakewood
Val: (looks at me, as I thinking out loud)
me: No, really just Oak Cliff
Val: (nothing)
me: Well, North Oak Cliff
Val; (blinks)
me: Um, actually Kings Highway is it. Yes we can move anywhere in Kings Highway.
Val: Glad you worked that out for us.

But it brings up questions: What is it that makes a neighborhood special? Likable? Connected? Is it the houses or the people? Is the sidewalks or the events? Is it quarterly meetings or just a unique moment in time?

When we moved here, the neighborhood association was fully formed, but only active about once a year. Rick Garza and other neighbors had brought it together from it’s low point just a decade prior…conserving architecture as well as building neighborhood pride with sign toppers. I started by helping with the events and Val with crime watch and code issues. We saw the potential to get neighbors together more often, as a way to connect, but also as a way to improve safety by knowing who lived nearby. It wasn’t long before we were having a monthly happy hour (First Friday) and adding a park on Edgefield Ave.

Part of what makes Kings Highway special is the blend of people and the variety of architecture. But for me, more than anything, what make me love it, is the willingness of the neighbors to participate. Great folks like Paul Zubiate (who’s leading iBike Rosemont this spring…more on that later) and Amy Cowan (ever heard of Oak Cliff Mardi Gras? Bastille on Bishop? Brew Riot?). And bike-aficionado Jonathan Braddick, as well as Sheriff Lupe Valdez. Not to mention the countless doctors, artists, business owners and other professionals who call Kings Highway home. We are active in Kings Highway and also in the area/city at large. And, as evidenced by last night, we love a party.

So if you live in Kings Highway, good on you! Or if you live elsewhere, I’d love to hear what makes you love your neighborhood . And lastly, if you are reading this and are wishing that you had a better neighborhood, get busy. You are the gateway to a special place.