Back Talk Far North Dallas

This weekend: Arapho Fall Festival and Parkhill garage sale

You've likely noticed the dip in the temperature, and if you're anything like me, that puts you in an autumn state of mind. If you feel like digging out the sweater and sipping some cider, head to the Fall Festival at Arapaho United Methodist Church this Saturday, Oct. 18, between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be all sorts of baked goodies, food, a craft fair, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting, carnival-style games and prizes, and a bounce house. Admission is $5 at the door, but that gets you a wristband that's good for all the activities all day.

Or, if you'd rather make the most of that weather by hitting up the neighborhood garage sale circuit, you could head over to Parkhill Junior High. That's where the PTA will be putting on one massive garage sale going on all day. There will be all sorts of trash-to-treasure finds, as well as some crafts, and of course, plenty of good bargain deals.

Cottonwood Art Festival

If you've driven down Belt Line anytime in the past few days, you've probably spotted the colorful flags at Cottonwood Park going up. If that weren't reminder enough, consider this your official notice: the Cottonwood Art Festival kicks off this Friday, Oct. 4.
If you've never been, you should. There will be more than 800 artists selling their work there, so whether you like those Pollock-esque conceptual pieces, or you prefer the pastel wildflower scenes, there's something up your alley. Plus there's all sorts of unique crafts, sculptures, vases, candles, etc. There will also be live music, tons of hands-on messy fun for the kiddos, and dogs are welcome, too. Last year I sampled the deep fried cheese cake which tasted a lot better than it sounds (think canoli), but I was sad to see it's not coming back this year. Oh well. I guess I'll have to settle for the old fashioned corndog and a frozen lemonade. And unlike a lot of other festivals in our neighborhood, there is no charge to get into this one.

New Sprouts opens in Far North Dallas

The new Sprouts off Coit and Campbell has officially opened. If you haven't been there yet, you should. There are tons of great grand opening specials, like two cartons of berries for $4, and three bottles of wine for $10 (Hey, when else can you restock your entire wine rack for just $20?).
The grocery store specializes in healthy food, and I did spot a lot of organic items--but what really impressed me was the in-store nutrition center. There are sprawling rows of vitamins, herbs, supplements, and health books. There's also an information desk, in case you need help deciphering the difference between B-12 and Beta-Carotene. And there are weekly free health seminars and classes, too. Just check the Web site for more details.

North Haven Gardens' Salsa Sunday this weekend

This month Advocate brought you a peak into this year's First Men's Garden Club Show at North Haven Gardens. Now, the garden center is getting ready to host another event, only this one will likely appeal more to your inner chef.
Salsa Sunday is a chance for you to whip up your meanest batch of homemade salsa, and see how it stacks up to other varieties in the neighborhood.
Aside from bragging rights, you could win $100 North Haven gift card for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place.
Oh, and creativity is strongly encouraged, so it you want to do something fancy like a mango-jicama mix, go for it. If want to enter, get all the rules and details online.

Neighborhood deals: Free classes at Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma

I’ve never attended any of the free culinary demonstrations at Williams-Sonoma or decorating classes at Pottery Barn, but I’ve always wanted to. I guess I’m hesitant because I feel like it will be more of a sales pitch for their products than beneficial instruction.

The culinary demonstrations sound interesting, though — and yummy. Coming up this week are perfect piña coladas and simple summer desserts. The store is also offering technique classes, which I couldn’t find online, but an e-mail I received says that the classes coming up are “Extreme Ice Cream” on Sunday, June 29, and “Pizza” on Sunday, July 13. In Pottery Barn, this week’s decorating class topic is outdoor entertaining, and next week’s is mixing patterns and colors.

You can attend any of these classes at either the Knox-Henderson, NorthPark Center or Galleria locations — schedules are the same at each store. You simply need to RSVP because class sizes are limited.

The Pillow Bar: customize your own pillow

Chances are, if you have kids then you are familiar with Build-a-Bear, a shop that lets you create a stuffed animal that you customize with little t-shirts and hats. Yes, adorable, I know.
Now there's something similar for adults: The Pillow Bar lets you create your own perfect pillow.
You can choose from five pillow sizes, then fill it according to how firm you like your pillows, and then add embroidery or a scent (like lavender).
These free-standing kiosks are typically in high-end linen boutiques. Check Peacock Alley and The Linen Boutique for locations near us.

Wellness Expo & EarthFest in Addison this weekend

If you're interested in learning more about alternative medicine or ways to go green, you might want to check out the Wellness Expo & EarthFest at the Addison Conference Center this weekend.
You can sign up for a reflexology session, hear a talk about Chinese detox and cleansing, or shop for essential oils believed to have some healing powers. Or if that's not your cup of tea, you can get some ideas about how to make your home green without breaking the bank, or find out what local businesses are also eco-friendly. Check out the event's website for ticket prices and a detailed schedule.

North Dallas Young Life's flower sale

The folks at Rubials and Young Life are teaming up for a spring flower sale. They're offering begonias, caladiums, geraniums, impatiens, and petunias – just to name a few of the plants.
Young Life will get half of every dollar sold. If you'd like to spruce up your yard while helping some neighborhood kids attend summer camp in the process, here's how the sale works:
Download and print a plant order form. (plant_order_form.doc). Then write a check payable to Young Life. Mail your form and check to the North Dallas Young Life office no later than Tuesday, March 27.
On Saturday, April 5, swing by Royal Lane Baptist Church between 10 a.m. and noon. A crew there will load your plants into your car for you.
If you have any questions, contact Nora Meier.