Real Estate Information

As your busy schedule may take over from time to time, as does ours, you may find yourself in search of the nearest sandy haven with an umbrella and crisp blue seas. Trust us, we feel the same. So, take a break and relax your eyes on these dream-like beach homes that may have you planning your next ocean trip before the day is over. 

Dallas is a city full of a variety of foods, desserts, shops and places to see. With so many options, it can be overwhelming. Don't worry through, we have done most of the work for you. Our team has collaborated to seek out the best cheap eats and treats that Dallas has to offer. 

Velvet Taco - Located on North Henderson and described to be "Life Changing," Velvet Taco prides themselves on their wide variety of street tacos, and other items, made with fresh ingredients. Their hours vary from early in the morning to late at night. (like really late: 5:00 a.m.) 

Truck Yard - Not only is Truck Yard on the map for their fantastic cheese steaks, this spot earned its recognition from the fun and laid back atmosphere that literally is, a truck yard. Food and Brew trucks rotate out constantly so, visitors can experience the best variety Dallas has to offer in both. Located on Sears St. and open daily from 11 a.m to 12 Midnight. 

Flying Horse Cafe - This cafe is the perfect relaxation spot where you can enjoy fantastic coffee, great baked goods, quick snacks and local art. Uniquely located inside the Magnolia Hotel, the Flying Horse Cafe is known for their "Liquid Culture" which is seen in the pride they successfully take in their coffee. 

Keller's Drive In - Located off Northwest Highway, Keller's offers diner style burgers, fries, shakes and more. Since 1963, Keller's has been pleasing dedicated customers. Travel back in time and experience how fast food was served in the 60's. 

Sprinkles - This is a place fabulously made up of cupcakes, ice cream and cupcake topped ice cream. But, that isn't even the best part. You can get a cupcake whenever your heart desires, even if that desire comes at 3:30 a.m.With a cupcake ATM you can buy however many you want. Sprinkles is located in Highland Park Village and the ATM available 24/7.

We hope you enjoy our picks for the best Eats & Treats. If you have any suggestions for some that should be added in an upcoming blog, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to comment below. 

Pastels are soft, colorful and add a twist of spring in whatever room you decide to implement them in. Most would categorize them to only being spring colors but we are all about challenging the norm. Pastels are flexible colors that can be used virtually anywhere in your home at anytime of the year whether it is on the walls, in accents, bedspreads, etc. So, see how to make the most of your home using pastels. 

This space is very ultra-modern yet if you notice pastels have been incorporated into the chair and wall colors. You can do this, without losing the contemporary touch in your home. Also, welcome in spring and summer by a bright bouquet of flowers on any table. 

These pastels are incorporated with soft gray rug and sofa, as well as with wooden accents. The throw pillows, and cushions make for a very visually pleasing pastel living space. Also, notice the greenery really enhances this room. 

Accents in the kitchen are a perfect way to subtlety yet effectively incorporate hints of pastel blues and greens.

Although the only part of this room that is remotely pastel is the headboard and a pillow, we are loving how beautifully those colors stand out in an all white bedroom. 

Even your elegant dining space could use some pastel. It seems like a bold move to incorporate these lavish purple / pink hued chairs. But, in my teams opinion we love taking that extra step to stand out and make an impression. 

No matter the size of your outdoor space, you deserve a backyard fit for Beverly Hills, or something close to that. So, our team has collaborated to search out the most luxurious pools in the smallest of backyards. Get inspired and enjoy! 

Let us guide you straight to inspiration regarding your next bathroom makeover. Everyone knows adding some blue or sandy browns can really make a bathroom look nice. But, how can we achieve that same elegance, with a twist? 

Pops of Pink 

Plant Wallpaper 

Moroccan Tile 

Mint Stripes 

Chic Black 

Shimmery Tile 

Iridescent Tile 

Mellow Yellow 

Peachy Accents 

Lavender 

Each room in your home, including the bathroom, calls for a different lighting touch. But, how will you know the difference between how the kitchen should be lit versus the living room. Our team has studied out the best lighting solutions for each space in your home.

The Kitchen 

Overhead lighting is key in your kitchen. Dimensions is key to this overhead lighting. So, we recommend putting the ceiling lights on a dimmer, and adding lighting under your cabinets as well so when you are cooking your work space is well lit. Over the island, a nice fixture will light up that area, as well. 

Living Room 

Chose a few different corners of the living room to add special lighting to, whether it be over a chair, a place or over the fireplace, this will light up your living room when you want it lit up. Also, we recommend putting overhead bulbs on dimmers. So it can be bright when you need it, and lower when you are trying to relax by the fireplace or the television. 

Dining Room 

The main focus of your dining room , if it is not already, should be the table. Your goal is to make it as well-lit and inviting as possible. So, for this a nice chandelier or lighting fixture over the table will draw family and friends attention to the inviting space where they will enjoy their meal. 

Bedroom 

In the bedroom, lighting should be versatile and always intimate. So, use soft lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. We recommend reading lamps over a chair, small bedside table lamps, or overhead bulbs on a dimmer. 

Bathroom 

Now I am sure you could be thinking, why does lighting in the bathroom even matter? But, just like any other room in your home, the space has incredible potential to go from a regular bathroom to a luxury spa-like oasis. Side lighting around the mirror is extremely important, especially paired with overhead lighting. This will eliminate uncomfortable shadows that you don't necessarily want when you are trying to fix your hair, apply makeup, etc. 

Music festivals have been around for decades, but better yet are becoming more of a fashion statement and a trend than ever. We have come up with a few tips and tricks to bring this creative, artsy and trendy look into your own home. 

1. For Starters, Boho - I know you have most likely heard this term many of times. Brands from Anthropologie to clothes sold at Target are trying to capture this Moroccan styled trend. The public is loving it and even if you aren't a festival- goer personally, you can still embrace the Boho-themed bedroom. 

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2. Greenery  - You can never go wrong with bringing the outdoor feel inside. Festivals are almost always outside so a few real, or artificial plants can add lush, festive vibrancy to any space. 

3. Go BOLD - Bright and captivating colors are EVERYTHING at festivals. From all across the color scheme those who attend festivals focus on sporting the most captivating of colors. 

4. Fringe - From leather vests, to fringe pants, bags and skirts, fringe is hot at festivals and you can bring it into your home with pillows, throw rugs and blankets. It puts a fun twist on any normal household item. 

5. Star-Lit Sky - Pretty much anywhere you attend a large festival is going to be a remote location tucked away in a desert, pasture, open field, etc. One of the best parts about this is that you have an amazing view of the sky. Use twinkle lights to bring this same galaxy to your bedroom. Also, Notice the fringe example in this picture, so fun! 

6. Light Shows Galore - A festival is not only about the music but about your viewing pleasure as well. Bring your own personal light show home, hook up the speaker and play any song you want and some will light up to the beat of your own music. This item, and similar can be found online, or at an electronic store. 

Dallas is a wonderful large city that is full of life and activities we could lose ourselves in. But, when one city offers so many things, it all becomes overwhelming. There is an array of indoor and outdoor activities. 

Lucky for you, our team has composed a short and sweet guide of places you should see and things you should do with your children, in Dallas. Enjoy! 

#1. The Perot Museum of Science and Nature - Although taking your kid to a museum may be one of the last things on the list of their priorities, we suggest giving Perot a try! They offer many compelling exhibits for children and even certain programs where your child can work hand in hand with scientists on experiments. They hold story times, activities late in the evening for children, 3D movies, and much more. To discover all that the Perot Museum is, check out their website: https://www.perotmuseum.org

#2. Highland Park Soda Fountain - Founded in 1912, the Highland Park Soda Fountain is known or serving up the best shakes grilled cheeses and even breakfast items. If you want to give your children the best old fashion dining experience imaginable in the DFW metroplex, we suggest you check out this old fashion restaurant that will bring all of your early 1900's diner fantasies to life. 

#3 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden - Located near the Dallas City Center, the arboretum and botanical gardens are the perfect place to pack a lunch and go for a picnic, see an exhibit, get some exercise in all while stopping to smell the flowers of course. They even offer summer camps for your children and a wide array of child friendly activities. We even recommend you check out the Rory Myers Children's Adventure Garden with your young ones. It was specifically designed to connect your kids with nature, all while having fun at the same time. To watch the video about the Children's adventure garden in particular visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hls5f_DRZRA#action=share​

#4 Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park - Located at one of Dallas' oldest parks, this living history village is full of life, things to do, and is sure to take you back to the 19th century. They have an old school house, a farmstead, and even an old (and interactive) general store. This village really puts on a show with costumed actors, live animals and even reoccurring shows like gunfights and historic reenactments.

#5 Klyde Warren Park - A free 5 acre oasis in one of Dallas' busiest areas. This was put in for the purpose of wanting to draw more foot traffic to this area, and to provide a central place for friends and families to connect. Klyde Warren Park hosts events, live music and even food trucks, for you local foodies. There are even special areas of the park specifically designed for kids, dogs, playing board games, and even a putting green. 

My team and I hope you can enjoy these family outings and all that the Dallas / Ft. Worth metroplex has to offer you.                                                                                           Sincerely,                

Laura Swearingen                   

There has been some buzz in the DFW Metroplex about something called, " Texas Live!" coming to Arlington. But, what exactly is it? Our team has done some research and came up with a summary of what exactly is... Texas Live! 

Well, for starters it is a mixed-use district in Arlington located right next to the Texas Rangers Ballpark. Texas Live! is a 1.25 billion dollar project that will be made up of a stadium, multiple venues featuring dining, entertainment, a hotel and even a convention center.

This project will create 2,000 construction jobs and 1,025 permanent jobs, and will also pay 2 billion in salaries during the first forty years in operation. Texas Live! will also contribute to $100 million dollar output to the city of Arlington and Tarrant county. 

$125 Million will go toward the actual entertainment complex itself and is set to be completed in 2018.

As for the venues and restaurants, you can expect to see Revolver Brewing, Guy! Guy Fieri, Professional Bull Riding, Arlington Backyard, and Live! arena. 

The Cordish construction company broke ground in March and my team is so excited for this fantastic addition to Arlington, we can hardly wait and we hope to see you all there when it is set to open next year!

We all love a comfy living room, a luxurious master bedroom and even an exquisite dream kitchen. But, if there is one thing we here, at the Swearingen Team, love even more, is to be outdoors. 

So, we have discovered a few backyards that deserve to have some light shed on them. Use these pictures to help you create your very own paradise, as well!