Windfalls

Silver Bugs

Helen Bransford, a jewelry maker who lives and works in New York, has achieved a big reputation and following for her handmade sterling silver pieces. Her current work includes this charming bumblebee ring, $30, and a charming series of flower pieces like the dogwood blossom necklace, $125, or a single blossom, $25, to wear on a ribbon or chain. Another piece in this group is a small pansy, $18, which could also be worn on a chain or wire bracelet, $13. In a completely different vein, she made a silver pacifier which was originally done for a friend who was trying to stop smoking. It was an instant hit. For $50 you can have the ultimate baby present – born with a silver pacifier etc. etc.

Available only at Collections, a specialty shop which has a nice selection of very well priced sportswear, dresses and accessories. #71 Highland Park Village, 528-8030. Open Mon. -Sat. 10-6.

Baba Originals, Inc.

Baba, a talented designer and delightful person, has recently moved her successful custom shop to Dallas from New York where she was well known for her classic clothes for women done in superb fabrics. The line includes a complete range from daytime dresses to lavish evening creations. Obviously, custom work is expensive. A daytime dress starts at $195 but it is one of a kind, fits to perfection and you choose the fabric from the large selection, many are imports.

In addition, this spring she will show a small boutique line priced around $100 that includes dresses, pantsuits and simple long dresses for evening in a 6-16 size range. Many of the fabrics are from her custom line. There are also some great hand-crocheted dresses and skirts in this group. Stop by 2618 Cedar Springs (at Carlisle) 741-6227.

Services Unlimited

Suppose you take off for the weekend to unwind and need someone to come in Saturday to feed the dog, clean the house, buy the groceries, get the car washed, pick up some theater tickets, fetch the cleaning and pick you up from the airport. Services Unlimited, a new personal service agency can do it all. Or any other package of services that you dream up to save your time and energy. Personnel are screened and bonded and fees vary depending on time and services involved. Call Juliette LaMarche, Services Unlimited, 361-4367.

Seasonal Colour

Iceland poppies, English daisies, wall flowers and apricot pan-sies -fabulous stuff but not the usual garden fare in Dallas until recently. All these bedding plants and more are available in 2 1/4″ starter pots or by the flat at Seasonal Colour, 4439 Lovers Lane. John Morelock, who does the planning and buying for his shop is interested in unusual plants in the garden. But only the unusual plants that will grow in our climate. And he tries to educate his customers along those lines. He’s helpful, knowledgeable and talking with him is a rare treat if gardening is your big interest. The shop also stocks some gardening supplies and indoor plants in all sizes. Hours are from 9: 30-5: 30 Monday through Saturday. Phone 526-9800.

Cow Catcher

A nifty specialty food store that carries fine wines, meats and cheeses, plus a nice selection of prepared food for parties. The store itself is charming with details like Mexican tile, skylights, hanging baskets and pretty landscaping. Specialties include a long list of California and imported wines, cut-to-order meats such as veal, all kinds of steaks and New Zealand lamb. The prepared-to-go list includes goodies like quiche, pate (chicken, veal or lamb), cheese and meat trays and barbecued or teriaki finger ribs. Located next door to the Railhead Restaurant at Park Lane and Twin Hills which is right off Central Expressway. Open Mon. -Fri. 10-8, Sat. 10-6. Delivery service on orders over $15. Phone 691-8186. Credit cards, BA/ MC/ AE.

Goolagong Swing-Along

A great chance to learn more about tennis from one of the pros; a clinic with Australia’s Evonne Goolagong, courtesy of The 1975 Virginia Slims of Dallas Women’s Professional Tennis Tournament presented by the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation. The clinic is free and open to the public and will be held on Saturday, March 22 at Samuell-Grand Recreation Center from 10 a. m. til noon. Get there on time because the clinic is popular and draws a good crowd.

Back to the tournament. The dates are March 17-23 at Moody Coliseum. Thirty-two top tennis stars will compete for the coveted Brinker Trophy. Tickets may be purchased from Mrs. Jack McCarter, 3501 Centenary in Dallas or after March 1 through Preston Ticket Agency, Sears and Titches.

Proceeds from the event go to the Maureen Connolly Brinker Foundation which sponsors many fine projects to help to train and encourage young players, including the National Junior Tennis League which brings a summer tennis program to underprivileged youth in West Dallas.

Dallas Source Book

An excellent and comprehensive guide to our urban resources – organizations, agencies, services and businesses. The authors, Janice Gallagher and Lois Haight, call it a “survival catalog” for maintaining sanity and health in the city. It’s subtitled “getting more out of the city than it gets out of you. “

You may not feel that desperate about living here. Yet. But the book is a time saver and well worth the $2 price tag for the information it contains.

There is a large consumer section, for example. Five pages of where to take your particular gripes. And on page 16 the little known fact that Dallas Power & Light sells odd-size light bulbs. In addition, the authors devoted an entire section to women’s needs and call it “Womanpower. ” There is also full information on Politics and the Law and Back to School. One hundred and twenty-four pages of well organized, well indexed information. Order by mail ($2. 45) from P. O. Box 3712, Dallas, 75208 or in most bookstores.