WINDFALLS

CHECK OUT THIS STORE

If you’ve been to the new Dallas Public Library, you’ve undoubtedly noticed its obvious improvements – ritzy computer card catalogs, sculptures you can check out, outdoor reading terraces. But in the midst of all its visual splendor, you might have overlooked the library’s obscure but nonetheless outstanding bookstore. The bookstore was patterned after New York’s Museum of Modern Art bookstore, with hopes that it will attract a following of its own. As a member of the Museum Store Association, the Dallas Public Library bookstore receives items from major museums such as the MOMA, the Whitney, the J. Paul Getty, the Smithsonian, the Amon Carter and, of course, the DMFA. The bookstore has even begun to produce a few items of its own (several postcards and a small jigsaw puzzle). The goal of the bookstore, manager June Leftwich says, is to offer high-quality products (all related to books, the library or collections) at affordable prices. So far, the bookstore’s hottest-selling item has been an attractive wooden poster hanger ($4. 50) that Leftwich originally bought only to display posters (most of which cost between $5 and $10). The only books sold in the bookstore are those that have been published by the Dallas Public Library or have been autographed by visiting authors. All proceeds go to the library endowment fund. The Dallas Public Library Bookstore. 1515 Young St. 749-4398. Mon-Sat 9-5.

ALL

MIXED UP

This is not your basic blender; nor is it a mere mixer. It is, however, both. The latest innovation in food-processing, the Braun Minipimer ($35) can whip up everything from soups to sauces to milkshakes. It can even be used directly on the stove. The deluxe Minipimer ($70) comes with large and small mixing beakers, a strainer, a whisk attachment, a spatula and a wall holder that holds both the Minipimer and its cord. Available at S. Vogue. 4121 Lomo Alto. 522-9260. Mon-Thur 10-7, Fri 10-9, Sat 10-6.

EAR DECO



These intriguing studies in geometry are more of an art form than simple ear adornments. Jewelry designer Shirley Drevich of Cambridge, Massachusetts, says the earrings, which are made of silver inlaid with colored epoxy resin, are worked in series, using fixed geometric frames of silver with various interior juxtapositions of line and color. Drevich begins with a clear epoxy resin, which she then mixes into dramatic geometric shapes and color combinations (perhaps black mixed with hot-pink or cool turquoise with deep violet). The prices range from about $40-$170. Earrings by Shirley Drevich are available at Human Arts, the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh, Suite 150. 748-3948. Mon-Sat 10-5: 30.



CLOSET MASTER



Most of us never intend to be slobs; it just works out that way. You start with what you think is a fairly well organized closet; then add a tiny -but growing – pile of dirty clothes here, a forgotten shoe box there. Pretty soon your tidy space spells m-e-s-s. You can (and may) simply close the door and ignore the situation. But Neil Baiter, creator of Closet Master, has a better idea: Reorganize. In a matter of hours (about three for a 9-foot-long closet), Neil can rebuild the inside of your closet, adding wooden compartments for whatever your closet needs. The average cost for rebuilding is approximately $275; free in-home estimates are available. Closet Master. 750-9379.



FRENCH FIREWORKS



Fourth of July celebrations are easy enough to find; just walk out your front door and you’ll probably be able to see -or at least hear -the traditional holiday festivities commencing. But what about July Fourteenth, another momentous occasion? Also known as Bastille Day, July 14th is France’s independence day, which occurred July 14, 1789, when an armed mob of Parisians captured the Bastille (a French prison) during the French revolution. The Tasting Room, a local wine shop, has planned a weekend celebration (July 17 and 18) commemorating the national French holiday. The store will be patriotically regaled in the red, white and blue tricolor of France and will feature French wines, breads and cheeses at special prices. A complimentary tasting of selected French wines is also scheduled for 2: 30 p. m. July 18. The Tasting Room. 5717 W. Lovers Lane. 350-5686. Bastille Day activities: July 17, 10-6; July 18, 1-5.