December 2011 Austin Woman by Austin Woman Magazine

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Contents december

68 On the Cover a glimmer of hope

Photo by Eric Doggett.

Donna Berber and her Austin-based foundation are making a difference, one life at a time. By Carissa Stith / Photographed by Eric Doggett

76 Feature the perfect present The art of choosing gifts, perfected by two Austin shopkeepers. By Molly McManus / Photographed by Caleb Kerr

austinwomanmagazine.com 9

Contents d EC e m b e r

Current Chic The prefect party shoes for a night on the town. on the scene

gourmet

savvy women

20 5 things you must do this month

48 Foodie alert Enjoy Austin’s most leisurely meal at these top four restaurants.

88 you should know Award-winning

50 girl walks into a bar Where to go for a refreshing glass of holiday cheer.

90 all the right questions Financial moves you should make before the end of the year.

54 guilty pleasure Longhorns from Lammes.

92 best kept secret Texas State Capitol’s

26 spotlight event The Nutcracker. 28 philanthropy The Nobelity Project. 30 Horoscopes Happy birthday, Sagittarius. 32 aw Talks with Erin Brockovich.

must list

94 column Deliver good gifts from the heart.

56 fitness All the latest gear for the fitness buff

96 last word All I want for Christmas.

on your list.

60 wellness Tips for preventing the holiday blues.

36 current chic Holiday looks for every party.

opposite sex

giving

80 relationships How to avoid becoming a

44 charity Gifts that give. 46 in the spirit 5 tips for meaninful giving. 10 austinwoman DEC e m b e r 2 0 1 1

annual ornaments.

to your health

34 editor picks

42 ideas Find all your gift needs at ABIA.

wordsmith fosters writers’ mecca in Austin.

one-and-done date.

82 simply irresistible Meet Kirk Wheeler. 84 memo from JB Holidays with the family.

Photo by Eilsa Ferrari.

22 around town

AWMedia

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Co-Founder and Publisher

Melinda Maine Garvey vice president and Co-Publisher

Christopher Garvey Co-Founder

Samantha Stevens Executive Editor

Deborah Hamilton-Lynne Art Director

Victoria Millner assistant art director

Adrienne Rosales marketing and operations director

Dustin Woodhead marketing and operations associate

Marjorie Lee Garretson editor-at-large

Mary Anne Connolly associate editor

Joelle Pearson contributing editor

Julie Tereshchuk copy editor

Chantal Rice Fashion + Style editor

Model depicted

Erika Cerda Contributors

Rudy Arocha, Nicole Carbon, Jill Case, John Croxton, Susie Davis, Eric Doggett, Elisa Ferrari, JB Hager, Chrissie Jarrell, Caleb Kerr, Susan Lahey, Eric Leech, Laura Barnett Lion, Niamh Marnell, Deborah Mastelotto, Molly McManus, Joelle Pearson, Ruth Pennebacker, Sarah Quatrano, Sarah Rigdon, William Russell, Carissa Stith, Natalie Yerkovich Account Executives

Nicole Carbon, Katie Lesnick, Kimberly Sanderson, 512.328.2421 Interns

Audria Choudhury, Jordan Golembeski, Lara Grant, Tram-Anh Huynh, Birdie Michaels, Lucy Nicar, Michelle Nokeo, Sarah Pressley, Aundraya Ruse, William Russell, Frances Shaw, Caroline Strand, Kira Taniguchi Favorite spot out of copies?

512.328.2421 • 1213 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756 austinwomanmagazine.com

Austin Woman Magazine is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc. and is available at more than 1,500 locations across Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved. For submission requirements, contact ideas@austinwomanmagazine.com. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. For copies of articles, call 512.328.2421.

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ook up the word “give” in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and you will learn that not only can “give” be used as a noun and a verb, but the transitive verb alone has 16 definitions. The woman who graces our cover this month had no problem determining her definition of the word “give.” Donna Berber’s life was changed in an instant when she encountered a small boy sitting alone, screaming in pain in a market in Ethiopia. Somehow she instinctively knew that by giving of herself and of her time, talent and treasure, she could change the life of that lonely boy and, in doing so, Donna Berber changed the world, one life at a time. Together with her husband, Philip, she founded A Glimmer of Hope, one of the most efficient and effective foundations in the world, and has taken the meaning of charitable giving to a whole new level. I was extremely touched by Donna’s journey and her story, and began to discuss the meaning of giving with other Austinites. Christy and Turk Pipkin were extremely animated when we discussed their work in Kenya and the Mahiga School with the Nobelity Project. Alex Winkleman danced like a spaniel puppy when she talked to me about her work with Charity Bash and Citizen Generation. Ryan Nail couldn’t wait to take the floor for Austin’s version of Dancing with the Stars, excited about the dancing, but mainly about the people who would benefit from the event. I realized that, indeed, the most passionate gift must come from within. This is true for charitable giving as well as in the effort to select a special gift for a loved one or a colleague. For a gift to resonate, it must come from the heart. Austin is a city that also defines giving in many ways. We love life and the city we call home, and wear our hearts on our sleeves. In the season when our vision turns not only to the sugarplums dancing in our heads, but also to ways to give back, it was not a surprise that one of Austin’s most creative and giving citizens came up with a vision for giving in 2012. In association with AW Media and ATX Man, Roy Spence called for 2012 to be designated the Year of the Giving Man in Austin. (He automatically extended the challenge to women as well). We loved it immediately and jumped on board. The challenge is to choose something you are passionate about and make a pledge to give in 2012. It doesn’t cost a thing and you can define giving for yourself. Be creative: Pledge to give a stranger a smile a day, leave a $20 tip for a $4 lunch just to make some hustling college student’s day. Visit atxman.com/givingmanpledge to post your pledge and see what others have committed to. Next year, we will all be celebrating the Year of the Giving Man and hopefully making it a new holiday tradition. Let’s do it. Let’s define the word “give” in a way that only Austinites can. If the sages are correct, the person who stands the best chance of feeling the difference may be you, for it is in giving that we receive. Happy holidays to you and yours.

deborah hamilton-lynne Executive Editor

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Contributors Unlike other photographers, Eric Doggett didn’t start shooting when he was 3 years old. In fact, he was 33 when he first picked up a camera. After a few years of shooting weddings, Eric moved in to commercial photography, where he now looks for ways to create fun, high-impact images. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Lisa, and their two sons, Brandon and Trevor. You can see his work at doggettstudios.com, and his Christmas card photography at austinchristmascards.com.

Carissa Stith envisioned herself as a writer from a young age. Like most childhood dreams, writing slowly became a second thought as family and friends urged her to focus on a more conventional career path. When she transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, she made the decision to change her major to rhetoric and writing. Today, Carissa is the associate editor and a writer for Horns Illustrated. Her byline has also appeared in ATX Man. This is her first article for Austin Woman.

Caleb Kerr is a photographer and graphic designer with a special love of taking unusual and captivating portraits, and designing minimalistic movie posters. Originally from Philadelphia, Austin became his home in the fall of 2010 and it continually inspires him in all his creative endeavors. He couldn’t be happier living in this beautiful city, surrounded by the friendliest people he’s ever met.

Susie Davis is an author, speaker and radio personality. She has a passion for helping people find joy in their everyday lives. Susie is helplessly addicted to horseback riding and McDonald’s coffee. When she’s not at the barn or in the kitchen, you’re likely to find her blogging about things like her nearly famous buttermilk pie recipe, why being a mom is the best job ever or how to tune in to God by just stepping outside. Susie and her husband, Will Davis, Jr., have three nearly grown children that keep them laughing and humble. Together, Will and Susie founded Austin Christian Fellowship. Read her blog at susiedavis.org.

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WINES · SPIRITS

FINER FOODS

Editor Picks for the Holidays b Austin’s newest way to chill out for the holidays: Get the scoop on the ice rink at the Oasis. b Shop local and Keep Austin Weird: More on the Blue Genie Art Bazaar.

FOOD b Fifth annual Edible Austin Eat Drink Local Week runs Dec. 3 – 10. Get the details and make your reservation. best of the BLOGS b From AW contributor Andrea Claire, Beauty and the Blog: at-home Brazilian blowout. b From AW cover woman and KVUE anchor, Judy Maggio: Remembering Beryl Pickle. A poignant profile of the wife of Congressman Jake Pickle.

DON’T FORGET TO

Breathe

THIS SEASON.

books b Editor’s picks for holiday gift giving for the bibliophile on your list. music b Tune in to the latest holiday CDs. holiday travel b What’s new at ABIA? Tired of circling at the airport searching for your incoming passenger? We’ve got the scoop on the new cell-phone parking lot. the last word b Additional thoughts from Taylor Christman, Kelly Lindner, Amy Lynch, Carrie Scarborough, Tammy Shaklee and Ashley Shew. Please submit your entries for January on the topic of “How you made a fresh start” by Dec. 9 to be considered. PLUS b Complete horoscopes and December calendar.

Spec’s has lower prices on the largest selection of wines in Texas, plus holiday entertaining essentials like aerators, decanters and bar supplies. Our friendly staff will even help you put together a gift basket to wow anyone on your list. CHEERS TO SAVINGS

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on the scene /

5 Things you must do this month

Conspirare Holiday Gala Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at The Long Center Let’s face it; you no longer have visions of sugarplums dancing in your head. Now you dream of hors d’oeuvres paired with fine wines, a luxurious dinner with your peers, entertainment from Grammy nominees and Champagne toasts to cap your nights. Live out your fantasies at the Conspirare Holiday Gala, where you can enjoy either the entire gala package or simply the concert and afterparty. This gift to yourself keeps giving after last call since part of your admission is tax-deductible. Visit the special events section of conspirare.org to review ticket options, or call 512.476.5775.

Handel’s Messiah Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at Riverbend Centre Some holiday traditions have fallen by the wayside (wassailing, fruitcakes, figgy pudding). Thankfully, some remain untouched. Handel’s Messiah, the moving, immortal oratorio that has become a foundation of the holidays, is one such tradition. For one night only, the Austin Symphony will perform the masterwork at Riverbend Centre, a space as visually arresting as Messiah is aurally arresting. This year’s event will feature guest soloists from the choirs of St. David’s Episcopal Church, and benefits the Austin Symphony Orchestra. For tickets, visit austinsymphony.org.

Austin Symphony Sing-a-Long

Flipped ON! Light and Sound Experience

Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at Riverbend Centre

Dec. 15 – 23 at Zilker Park, 6 – 10 p.m. (three shows an hour)

For more than 20 years, families have gathered to join the Austin Symphony and chorus in a sing-a-long concert. This coveted event is free to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets are available Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Symphony Box Office at 1101 Red River St., or at the Washington Carver Museum at 1165 Angelina St. So, if you haven’t put down this magazine and started on your way to the box offices, we suggest doing so tout de suite.

20 austinwoman DEC e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Last year, Austinites were crestfallen by the Trail of Lights’ absence. Award-winning lighting designer Tim Grivas stepped in to rekindle our spirits, creating the Flipped ON! Christmas Light and Sound Experience: a circus-sized tent near the Zilker tree filled with LED lights synchronized to popular tunes. This year, sadly, the Trail has been cancelled yet again for lack of funding, but Flipped ON makes an encore. “Austin is all about innovation, technology, creativity and fun,” producer Jan Bozarth says. “Kids and grownups alike will be amazed by the caliber of the production and delighted with the magic of the experience.” Flipped ON! runs three times every hour, with shows lasting about 12 minutes. This privately funded event remains free, however, be prepared to wait in line. Visit flippedonchristmas.com for more information.

Congress Sing-a-Long and Stroll Dec. 3, 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 p.m. at the Capitol steps John Aielli, the longstanding KUT DJ and Austin Woman favorite, has always been a homespun delight. Each year, we look forward to joining one of the strongest voices in Austin on the steps of the Capitol as he leads the crowd of sweater-swathed citizens in their favorite holiday carols. Aielli is prone to forget words, improvise lyrics and nix songs mid-verse, but somehow, it adds to the charm. Following the carols, Austinites are invited to stroll down Congress Avenue, previewing the latest goods from local merchants and artisans. To read more about the event, visit downtownaustinholidays.com.

on the scene /

around town

Austin childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter gala

Diane Hurst & Irene Williams (Photo by Jimmy Cardenas)

Missy Peoples, Shannon Schmitz, Ronda Gray, Amy Arnold & Andrea Valko (Photo by Robert Godwin)

Sherri West (Photo by Jimmy Cardenas)

austin film festival

Thomas Jane & Peter Weller

Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass

book festival gala

Lisa Loeb & Gail Loeb

22 â&#x20AC;&#x201A; austinwoman DEC e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Barbara Morgan & Jeremiah Jones

safeplace luncheon

Alan Miller, Mary Clare Matthews, Denise Laurienti, Sarah Queen, Tana Petrich & Darryl Tocker

Erin Brockovich & Katie Stolp

on the scene /

around town

mamma jamma ride

Gsd&m 40th anniversary

Charlie Walker, Roy Spence, Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, & Charlie Jones

Champions for children

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on the scene

spotlight event

the nutcracker Presented by Ballet Austin After 49 years of performances, The Nutcracker is still selling out. The ballet, now nearly 120 years old, doesn’t promise anything new; it’s still the same fantastic romance, the same anthropomorphic adventure, the same classic tincture of sugar, snow, Christmas and intrigue. Ballet Austin’s flawless rendition of Tchaikovsky’s opus, like our favorite childhood holiday memory, is something we not only want to relive, we can’t wait to see the light in our children’s eyes when the curtain rises for the first time. Through Dec. 23. Visit balletaustin.org to purchase tickets, or call 512.476.3973.

26 austinwoman DEC e m b e r 2 0 1 1

B For more events, see the complete December calendar at austinwomanmagazine.com.

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on the scene /

philanthropy

Building Hope The Nobelity Project releases its awardwinning documentary DVD and book. By Joelle Pearson In the remote African community of Mahiga, Kenya, there’s an uncommon sight: a high school. Before its recent construction, children didn’t walk to neighboring towns to finish their education. Education was finished by eighth grade. In 2012, Mahiga’s first class will receive their high school diplomas, thanks to Turk and Christy Pipkin, founders and directors of The Nobelity Project. They’ve changed Mahiga’s community—and the outlook of those surrounding it—forever. In their 2011 documentary film, Building Hope, the team chronicles how one town banded together to use funds secured by The Nobelity Project to build the Mahiga Hope High School, which now serves as a model for other Kenyan communities without complete education systems. The film, winner of the South By Southwest 2011 audience award, is available for the first time as a special edition DVD and coffee-table book. “The whole story is much bigger than one movie,” says Turk Pipkin, the photographer and writer of 10 books, including The New York Times bestseller The Tao of Willie, and the director of three feature documentaries. “The Nobelity Project films have taken me to 20 countries to meet with Nobel laureates and other amazing people who are making our world a better place. What I’ve seen and learned from them has inspired my work in Kenya, and has now led to Building Hope, the book.” Dec. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., a special book release party will be held at El Sol y La Luna to celebrate The Nobelity Project’s ongoing accomplishments and past success. Food, drinks and a special concert by Carolyn Wonderland are all included in the price. Turk Pipkin will be present for book signing and a meet-and-greet. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at nobel-

ity.org for $40 or for $50 at the door. The special edition book and DVD set are also available online for $75. For $100, The Nobelity Project will include an event ticket with your purchase. Additional copies of the book will also be available at the party. Discounts for multiple copies are also available: Ten copies for $650 and 20 copies for $1,000. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to support the school programs of The Nobelity Project in the U.S. and Kenya, and 50 percent of the purchase price is tax-deductible.

For six years, The Nobelity Project has built classrooms, libraries, computer labs and clean water systems throughout rural Kenya via its Kenya Schools Fund. Through the Nobelity In Schools program, nobelity. org works with teachers nationwide, engaging students about issues that will affect their futures. Humanitarian efforts such as the Pipkins’ are the most effective way to change the future of Africa, and your financial support is the most effective way to ensure it continues.

Austin Woman Sponsored Events Dancing with the Stars–Austin Dec. 4 at the Hilton Austin’s Grand Ballroom. Reception 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Austin notables pair off with professional dancers for performances and an evening of entertainment. A new group of community members compete in a dance-off for the coveted mirror ball trophy and to raise money for abused children of Austin. Conspirare Holiday Gala Dec. 5 at the Kodosky Donor Lounge, The

28 austinwoman DEC e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Long Center, 5:30 p.m. conspirare.org/events/holidaygala A sparkling evening of food, libations and music to launch the holidays. Patrons will enjoy fine wines, sumptuous dining and the gala-closing performance of Conspirare Christmas, plus a dessert reception with the artists after the concert. Citizen Generation Charity Ladies Dec. 7 at The Austonian, 55th Floor Club Room, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. citizengeneration.org Special guest Meredith Davis of Austin

Beauty Guide joins Citizen Generation for a celebrated evening of philanthropy. Free with donation and RSVP. Benefiting the St. Louis House. eWomen Accelerated Networking Luncheon Dec. 9 at Cool River, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. events.ewomennetwork.com Experience the exciting power of accelerated networking, an eWomenNetwork process that assures you have an opportunity to promote yourself, speak up

for your needs and develop new business alliances and friends. Texas Women in Business Monthly Luncheon Dec. 16 at Shoreline Grill, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. texaswomeninbusiness.com Texas Women in Business is a volunteer organization that focuses on the needs of its members by fostering an environment favorable to the development of all women in business, women-owned businesses, professionals and women in corporations.

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on the scene /

horoscopes

Happy Birthday, Sagittarius Nov. 22–Dec. 21 characteristics It’s often said (by me) that Sagittarians are born with a broken “hold that thought” switch. Every thought has a funny habit of exiting through your mouth with barely a pause. We’ve all been on the receiving end of your bluntness and lack of subtlety. Yet, Sagittarius is the sign of the higher mind, the pursuit of wisdom, generosity of the body and spirit, humor. And, like all fire signs, you have vision. It can be idealistic, but sometimes sort of tactless in execution. A few famous people born around your birthday are Jon Stewart, Anna Nicole Smith, Jimmy Hendrix, Ben Stiller, Mark Twain, Sam Kinison, Jim Morrison, Sarah Silverman, Woody Allen, Bette Midler, Christina Aguilera, Ozzy Osbourne, Tyra Banks...do you see a pattern here? The above-mentioned celebrities are well-known for strong opinions and the guts to speak them out loud. You’re all mostly big-picture people, and you have little patience for details. You can be easily enticed to leave

a project unfinished by the lure of something new. You’re larger than life and value honesty above all, yet you can exaggerate. You’re good with animals, the great outdoors and high concepts. You’re also funny, and the world desperately needs your kind right now. this month Happy birthday! Good thing you’re doing what you love this month because there’s lots to do. It feels like as fate points you in the direction of your job and as you make significant transformations in your work, rewards rush toward you like mosquitos after a deluge. Usually your strength isn’t in details, but you must handle them to be more productive. Write the phrase “details are money” and tape it to your mirror, fridge and car dashboard. Read it over and over (and over). —Deborah Mastelotto, deborah@pinkaustin.com For all horoscopes, visit austinwomanmagazine.com.

Zodiac wheel order Ninth House rules Religion, publishing, education, long trips, large animals Element Fire (action, exploration) Colors Violet, purple, cobalt blue, red, pink Quality Mutable (quick to change your mind) Birthstones Turquoise, topaz, beryl, blue topaz, blue zircon, ruby, lapis lazuli and citrine Key characteristic Freedom-loving, frank (usually very frank), nature-loving Strengths Fearlessness, independence, generosity, philanthropy Challenges Overconfident, crude, inconsistent, short on concentration, boastful Planetary ruler Jupiter

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on the scene /

aw talks with

Erin and Goliath We’re born with all we need to face modern-day giants. By Joelle Pearson

When Erin Brockovich was in high school in 1978, she was voted “least likely to succeed.” By the time I graduated from high school in 2001, she was larger than life. I was introduced to her intrepid, wild story through Steven Soderbergh’s 2000 film, Erin Brockovich. The film was nominated for best picture, Soderbergh was nominated for best director and Julie Roberts won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and BAFTA for best actress in her portrail as Brockovich. Brockovich, who had a cameo appearance, attests the film is 98 percent accurate. Her character seemed so unlikely and, at the same time, so inspiring: a dyslexic pageant queen, penniless and down on her luck, a single mother of three who, without a legal education or financial incentive, was the driving force behind the 32 austinwoman DEC e m b e r 2 0 1 1

largest direct-action lawsuit settlement in U.S. history. After the royalties flooded in, an empowered Brockovich kept moving forward. Her gumption, her ideals, her sassy wit—they seemed almost superhuman. More than anything, Brockovich’s story was proof that determination is our strongest asset. It’s been 10 years since then, and in that time she has won new settlements, written a best-selling memoir, started a consulting firm, worked on a Lifetime series, delivered international lectures and participated in a growing number of worldwide environmental projects. All the while, Brockovich has been devoted to her cardinal pursuit: to be a voice for those not strong enough to speak. This October, Brockovich was the guest speaker for the annual SafePlace Celebration. Before a special screening of her film at the Alamo Drafthouse, Austin Woman magazine sat down with Brockovich. Celebrity status not withstanding, she hasn’t lost her Midwestern roots. She’s sweet, maternal, dedicated as the day she threw herself on the Masry Law Firm’s steps, and as her candy-colored ball gown suggests, still wearing whatever she damned well pleases. AW: As one person, you’ve made significant changes in people’s lives. What’s the first step to organizing and making a difference, for you or for others? EB: Perseverance. I think a lot of people give up because they’ve seen things where people try, and there’s no result, and then the cause gets forgotten. People also anticipate that [their cause is] going to have a large group, or a large movement, and they’re afraid that if it’s not, it’ll dwindle in to nothing. They need to have something my mother taught me. I have dyslexia, and oftentimes I felt dejected, or less than. She used to tell me, “You need to get on that stick-to-itiveness!” I used to think she was crazy, until she read me the definition: The propensity to follow through with a determined manner; dogged persistence born of obligation and stubbornness. When you embark upon a project and are expecting immediate results, don’t stop. Stick-to-itiveness is about developing the habit of perseverance, even when you don’t want to and it would be easier to give up.

Oftentimes, we become our own worst obstacle. AW: As someone without a law degree, what is, or was, the hardest part of your work? EB: Always, it’s being the bearer of bad news. One of the worst meetings I ever had was in Midland, TX. I told the community that the EPA was there, but that wouldn’t change [the situation]. Superman wasn’t coming. The looks on their faces shocked me. They didn’t know who to turn to, or even how to turn to themselves. They thought that an agency, or someone, would oversee them and protect them. And that wasn’t happening. It was startling, and extremely depressing. It would take a lot of work for the community to realize they could help themselves. AW: So, whom do you look to for inspiration or advice? EB: Always, always my mother and my father. They taught me the value of what matters. All of this, all of our money or fame or possessions—when you go, it doesn’t matter. What matters is what you leave behind for others. What matters is our health, our family. It’s a core of morality that we’ve moved away from, and I think all of us, as a society, are watching the destruction. My parents offered that to me. I have other heroes too. One of my greatest is my son, Matthew, who’s coming home from Afghanistan. He’s seen the worst that life has to offer. Very shortly after his deployment, within the first three weeks, his three best friends were killed in company. He was with them when there was nothing but a head and torso left, and still alive, begging, “Please, don’t let me die.” And he comes home, and has so much respect for friendship and family, and just being thankful to be alive. And he pushes forward, and continues to do right, in their honor. AW: Which character trait has made you successful? Your affability? Your stubbornness? Your curiosity? EB: I think it all goes back to that maternal instinct, that hunch. Oftentimes, we’re taught not to listen to that and not believe in it, and I think that’s the worst thing we can do. I talk a lot about common sense, and we hear it thrown around a lot in media, but what does that really mean? It’s a fundamental, core belief about morality and humanity that exists in every one of us. Don’t move away from that. It’s a God-given gift, and it’s the very thing that I listen to when I do my work in communities, or when I raise my family. It’s what I did in Hinkley. People thought that I was crazy, but I saw it. I saw green water, and animals covered in 400 tumors, and dogs running in circles, throwing their heads into trees until they died. And it wasn’t right. So you can’t be afraid to speak up. What’s the worst thing that could happen? I always thought about that in Hinkley. What if I was wrong? So what. I was wrong. But what if I was right? And that time, we were right.

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must list /

editor picks

Must taste Buñelos from 444 Gourmet Creations Brownies and every creed of cookie come with the holiday flood, and even the best are forgettable. Buñuelos, however, are an alluring alternative, dusted with cultural flair: crispy, yeasted dough with a hint of anise is lightly fried and often finished with a thin layer of cinnamon and sugar. 444 Gourmet Creations, which opened a branch in Austin in November, has combined the best of Spanish and Mexican buñuelos. Here, a luxuriously light version of the traditional fritter is available in holiday shapes. The company also offers multiple varieties of attractive gift boxes, sure to be impressionable to the CEO or a globetrotting neighbor. If there’s a Yankee on your list, fear not; 444 Gourmet Creations will also ship anywhere in the United States. Visit their Austin location in Barton Creek Mall, or online at 444gourmetcreations.com.

Must experience

Must Hear

Fourth Annual Urban Farm Bicycle Tour

KGSR Broadcasts, Vol. 19

The smell of the air, the feel of wind, sights flooding your vision like a zoopraxiscope; bike touring is a feast for the senses. Why not, then, combine it with an actual feast? And since we’re in Austin, can we make that local? The Urban Farm Bike Tour is one step ahead of you. It’s a self-guided venture to more than 20 farms throughout Austin, each of which offers chefprepared samplings of their home-grown fare. Bicycle Sport Shop will ensure safe riding with mechanic support along each route, and offer participants a chance to win prizes (including a new Trek!) at every stop. Finish the tour with a community picnic of roast pork and freshly harvested sides. Visit urbanfarmbicycletour.com to register or to see a full list of participating farms.

Has it been 19 years already? KGSR’s Broadcasts feature some of the best bands to come through Austin in the past year, and as a gift, you won’t find anything more uniquely Austin. This year’s two-disc compilation features 41 songs recorded live during the past 12 months in the KGSR Music Lounge, backstage at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, at KGSR’s South By Southwest live broadcast and other venues throughout Austin. The 2011 release includes tracks from Mumford & Sons, Band of Horses, The Head and the Heart, Ray LaMontagne and, of course, Willie. Proceeds will be donated to the SIMS Foundation, which has provided mental health and addiction-recovery services to Austin musicians and their immediate families since 1995. A small portion of the proceeds goes to support the Blues on the Green music series. Visit kgsr.com for details on where to purchase.

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Must Read The Submission by Amy Waldman The first novel from former New York Times reporter and Southeast Asia Bureau chief Amy Waldman had everyone talking at the 2011 Texas Book Festival. The premise: Ten years after the 9/11 attacks, all hell breaks loose when it is revealed that the winning design for the 9/11 memorial comes from a Muslim architect. To complicate matters, his fiercest defender happens to be a 9/11 widow. Mix the media and never-ending news cycles with opportunistic politicians and religious leaders, and you have the makings of a true passion play. “Waldman has antennae well tuned to the media circus. Perhaps it’s her reporter’s skill that makes her so nimble at sketching in characters; she’s a penetrating psychologist, especially for a first novelist. She weaves together a half-dozen stories, from the top to the bottom of New York’s social strata, and keeps them moving briskly forward; you never want to stop reading.” —Craig Seligman, Bloomberg News

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must list /

current chic

Hip for the Holidays Crash the party with the most current looks.

Photos by Caleb Kerr and Elisa Ferrari, ferrariphotography.org

formal

Dolce & Gabbana lace dress, $1,845, Badgley Mischka clip-on earrings, $175, Prada clutch, $470, Christian Louboutin pumps, $695 and Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara, $70, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200.

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must list /

current chic

casual

cocktail

Calvin Klein dress, $178, Enzo Angiolini pumps, $94.95, Kate Spade New York clutch, $155, and Nars Joyous Red lipstick, $24, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500.

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Madewell sweater, $110, skinny cords, $89.50, mohair scarf, $59.50, tote, $98, and leather boots, $298, available at Madewell, 11501 Century Oaks Terrace, 512.821.1593. Rae Icicle Eye Set, $75, available at Rae Cosmetics, 1206 W. 38th St., 512.320. 8732.

must list /

accessories

Putting on the Glitz Trendy slippers perfect for modern-day Cinderellas. Photos by Elisa Ferrari, ferrariphotography.org H Miu Miu Glitter and calf hair pumps, $690, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9722 Great Hills Trail, 512.231.3700.

Stuart Weitzman Outnout heels, $375, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200.

Kate Spade New York Licorice Too heels, $350, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200.

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Kate Spade New York Charm slingbacks, $325, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9722 Great Hills Trail, 512.231.3700.

Ivanka Trump Kyra ankle pumps, $144.95, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500.

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giving /

ideas For Foodies Berdoll’s Pecan Pie. $19.95. Austin Ware-

The Ultimate Last-Minute Shopping Spree

house, Gate 11. Amy’s Ice Cream. Of-

ferings from two pints to six pints freezerpacked to travel and guaranteed to last eight hours. $27 to $38. West Concourse, Gate 12. Salt Lick Bar-B-Que.

A fully cooked brisket in a thermal bag that serves four to six people. $50 to $54. Gift packs of Salt Lick products gift-wrapped. $20. West Concourse,

Find all of your holiday gifts before you board the plane at ABIA. By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne OK, so you waited until the last minute to do your shopping and you have to catch a plane. There is no time to head to the mall, but luckily, it is entirely possible to shop for your complete holiday list at the airport. Austin Woman visited Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and discovered that there are gifts in abundance, many with a distinct Austin flavor. Several will surprise you. So if you are stressed to the max and haven’t found time to shop, just relax. There is an alternative to that $20 tucked in to a card. Once you have successfully completed your shopping spree, enjoy a relaxing massage at Knot Anymore (Gate 13) or grab a cocktail and soak up the live music. (The airport in the Live Music Capital of the World has 15 live shows a week at five different venues.) For information on retail shopping at ABIA, visit ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/

retailshops.htm

Gate 12. Ruta Maya. One pound of Austin’s favorite coffee. $12.99. East Concourse, between Gates 6 and 7.

For the Book Lovers Best sellers and more. Austin Article, Gate 8. Austin Chronicle News, Gate 15. Book People, Gate 11.

Also recommend Music In the Kitchen and ACL 35 Years in Photography at the ACL/Waterloo Records Store, Gate 15.

For the Music Lovers Amazing selection of Austin and Texas music. Austin City Limits/Waterloo Records, Gate 15.

Also, Austin Warehouse District, Gate 11.

ACL 35 Years in Photography at the ACL/ Waterloo Records Store, Gate 15.

42 austinwoman d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

For the Ladies Rumor has it that Lindsay Lohan, flying out after filming Machete, did all of her shopping for her girlfriends at Barton

Springs Dry Goods and Boutique, Gate 18.

Editor’s picks: the copper jewelry and the beautiful velvet bag embellished with real stones, Texas Charm Bracelets, $15. Also, Nature’s Jewelry. Earrings from $15. Beautiful mother of pearl barrette, $27. Stars of Texas, Gate 9. For the Men Gadgets, GPS, cameras. Best Buy Express Kiosk, West Concourse. Longhorn

stuffed animals. The Best Buy kiosk has a Super Mario game. Our favorites for kids were the animal winter hats for $22.99 and the Hugs from Texas stuffed cows with sound for $19.99. Both at Stars

Keep Austin Weird T-shirts for all sizes and ages, mugs, key chains, magnets and shot glasses. West Concourse. Barton Springs Dry Goods, Gate 18. East Concourse. Stars of Texas, Gate 8.

of Texas, Gate 8.

For Fido A burnt orange U.T. Longhorns leash, collar and ID, $37.99. Longhorn jersey, $30. Longhorn Limited, Gate 18.

Don’t Mess With Texas and Republic of Texas Items Austin Warehouse District, Gate 11. don’t mess with texas, Gate 8.

hats, shirts, golf balls, you name it. Longhorn Limited, Gate 18.

Men’s vintage-style airplane hats, T-shirts and jackets from the Red Canoe line. Think old Cessna, Boeing. Very cool. Stars of Texas, Gate 8.

For the Kids Several stores have Texas T-shirts and

Longhorn Limited,Gate 18.

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giving /

charity

Get a Little, Give a Little

Gifts that give are always welcome. By Joelle Pearson Hearts for Haiti B Available at Tesoros Trading Company, tesoros. com/haiti.html Tesoros is the beating heart of “Million Hearts for Haiti,” a program that strives to raise $1 million for the HAND/EYE Fund Artisan Grants for Haiti. Tesoros has donated $80,000 to the fund since its inception, providing rural Haitian artisans with money for raw materials, equipment and marketing assistance. For You: Elegant hand-polished stone hearts, pocket-sized to palm-sized, carved from native soapstone found near the Haitian village of Cormier. For Others: When you make a Million Hearts for Haiti purchase from Tesoros, you help provide income and job preservation for rural artisans, which keeps villagers from relocating to overpopulated areas (such as Port-au-Prince), where limited resources and higher competition often mean even lower wages.

Coco Rocha for Senhoa Available online, senhoa.org Conscious jewelry doesn’t have to mean overly expensive or overly earthy. To prove it, supermodel Coco Rocha has partnered with Senhoa to create an edgy line that combines multicolored Swarovski elements with high-caliber fashion. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry benefit victims of human trafficking, including the exploitation of minors in the fashion industry.

of human trafficking in Cambodia by helping provide income-generating opportunities and social/self-empowerment programming.

Cards of Hope Available at Ten Thousand Villages fundafuture.org/cebu The Alay Kapwa Cooperative helps the poorest of the poor, like those in Cebu City, Philippines, who can’t even afford school. Coop members teach townspeople to craft cards from nearby materials. Proceeds from the sale of those cards go directly toward funding high-school and college scholarships for local children. For You: Intricate cards, now in holiday themes, that exhibit craftsmanship worthy of a wall mount. For Others: Just 50 cards sold will help to send one child to school for a year in Cebu City, and continue the work of the Alay Kapwa Coop.

Gifts that Matter Available online, miraclefoundation.org/ giftsthatmatter

For You: It’s biker chains and crystal spikes mixed with delicate shapes and glistening beads, an eye-catching blend of masculine and feminine for fall and winter.

There are always people on your list who insist they don’t want anything for the holidays. Show them you care by buying Gifts that Matter instead. The organization allows you to purchase items of need for orphaned children in your loved ones’ honor.

For Others: By purchasing this jewelry, you lend your support to countless victims

For You: The foundation takes care of your Christmas card list. For

44 austinwoman d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

each gift you purchase, one card will be sent to a loved one letting them know of the donation made in their honor. For Others: Tangible gifts or services—winter clothing, medical assistance, uniforms, utensils— tailored individually for each child’s unique needs.

Warby Parker Eyewear H Available at Bows + Arrows Boutique, warbyparker.com The company’s founders balked at $300-plus frames, understanding that large industries keep prices artificially high. By eliminating middlemen through direct sales, Warby Parker can offer boutique-quality, custom-fit polarized and prescription eyewear for less than $100 a pair. For You: Modern vintage designs that give Karen Walker and Tom Ford a run for their money. Or for the budding steam punk in you, a whiskey-tinted monocle. For Others: Every pair purchased means a pair donated to one of the millions of citizens in developing areas with little access to vision care, improving their ability to read, work and support their communities.

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giving /

in the spirit

5 Tips for Meaningful Giving

Thoughtful giving leads to fulfillment. By Debbie Johnson Giving seems to reach a fever pitch each year in December. Here are a few tips for making sure you feel fulfilled from your giving. Follow your Passion

Most of us support causes that are near and dear to our hearts. Create a list of causes and think about which of these really peak your interest. If a meaningful change for the better could take place for one of these causes, which one would really make you feel terrific? Push yourself to narrow it down to only a few so that you aren’t spreading your donations and energies too thin. The best satisfaction generally comes from giving to what we care most about. Choose Carefully

Not all organizations are worthy of your hard-earned money or energies. The failure of Family Connections, right here in Austin, due to the executive director’s theft, should make you realize that vetting the organizations that will receive your philanthropy is especially important. Making sure that they are financially stable and well-run are two steps in the right direction. There are many tools to help with this process, including guidestar.org and charitynavigator.org. Decide How You Will Evaluate Your Gift

In some cases, especially for small donations, you may want to make a gift and walk away without any follow-up. In the case of larger gifts and instances in which you are willing to make the time to stay involved, you may want to define a process for evaluating your gift. For example, did the program achieve the

46 austinwoman d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

expected results? What was learned as part of implementing the program? What changes will be made to improve results? Knowing the outcome of your donation will not only enable you to decide whether to give again, but to also feel gratified in closing the loop, good news or bad. Give Joyfully

Most of us approach philanthropy from the viewpoint of scarcity, worrying that we don’t ever have enough so whatever we give needs to be carefully parsed from our seemingly meager resources. In reality, if we look at what we really need and then look at how much could be done with what’s left over, many of us would give joyfully to help those causes that touch our hearts. In the words of Lynne Twist, professional philanthropist, “Money is a current, a carrier, a conduit for our intentions. Money carries the imprimatur of our soul.” Time is Money

Don’t forget that, in many cases, a gift of your time as a volunteer, and especially of a

specific skill such as fundraising, marketing or accounting, may be as welcome as money. A labor of love can be the best way to create a rewarding giving experience.

Many firms today are including a component of philanthropy in their business model so that they give a portion of their revenue or profits to charity. Purchasing from these companies can further leverage your philanthropy: You spend with companies that, in turn, give to good causes. Some great local examples are: Give Realty: Gives 25 percent of real estate commissions to the client’s chosen charity Hotels for Hope: For every hotel room booked, donates $2 to a charity that benefits children Generous Art: Gives 40 percent of profits from art sold to nonprofits Give as You Get: A percentage of items purchased goes to your favorite nonprofit Alt-Creative: Gives 10 percent of profits from custom web projects to nonprofits

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gourmet /

foodie alert

Holiday Brunch

Enjoy Austin’s most leisurely meal at these top four restaurants. Jack Allen’s Kitchen

By Nicole Carbon It’s that time of year to eat, drink and be merry. I can think of no better pastime than to enjoy a leisurely midday meal on a Sunday afternoon with good friends and family in tow. Luckily for us, Austin has its fair share of options for good brunch-time eats and drinks. Here’s a look at the city’s best brunch spots: Jack Allen’s Kitchen This South Austin favorite, located in the Oak Hill neighborhood, is the brainchild of Chef Jack Gilmore, formerly of Z’Tejas fame. Good cooking runs in the blood: His son, Chef Bryce Gilmore, runs the wildly popular Odd Duck Farm to Trailer and the brick-andmortar outpost Barley Swine. Jack Allen’s Kitchen boasts local flavors fresh from the farm with Texas flair. A bountiful brunch-time buffet is abundant with Gilmore’s creations such as the green chile pork and eggs, jalapeño sausage, Mama’s Sunday Chicken and assorted farmfresh salads. Made-to-order eggs, any style, biscuits and gravy, and silver-dollar pancakes round out the menu.

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Haddingtons This American tavern with British influences is turning out brunch like none other in town, and with record numbers to prove it. It may have taken a little while, but Haddingtons found its groove and is in full swing with the inception of its newest chef, Chris Turgeon, aka “CT.” He takes the kitchen reigns from Chefs James Corwell and Zack Northcutt. Chef Turgeon, a Northeastern native with more than 10 years of culinary experience, has overhauled the entire brunch menu with his unique touch. He introduced an artisanal bacon from Tennessee, which alone garners a visit there for a taste. Other not-to-be-missed items include foie gras biscuits and gravy, and the fried chicken eggs benedict. CT’s brunch may just be the best in town. Malaga Situated in the vibrant Second Street District, this Spanish-style tapas and wine bar turns out a mouthwatering brunch. Chef Alejandro Duran puts out an abundant buffet of traditional Spanish dishes accompanied by bottomless mimosas. Offerings include egg dishes such as the revuelto de chorizo, a scrambled-

egg dish with Spanish chorizo, Idiazabel cheese, onions and cilantro; and the casserola de tocino y hongos, a bacon and mushroom soufflé. Dozens of savory appetizer-style dishes like the tapenade, piquillo pepper hummus and the almogrote de alcachofas, a spread of artichoke hearts, spinach, cheese, onions, tomatoes and peppers, beg you to indulge and dine for hours, European-style. South Congress Café When the line spills out the door and on to the sidewalk with wait times nearing the two-hour mark, there’s reason. It may have something to do with the vat of pepper-infused vodka perched on the bar top that is used to make the meanest bloody marys. It may also have to do with its prime location on bustling South Congress Avenue. Come here for the scene, but even more so for the two-sided menu, offering salads, seared diver scallops, smoked brisket hash and everything in between. If classic brunch items are what you’re craving, don’t miss out on the savory eggs benedict, South Congress-style. And for those with a sweet tooth, the carrot cake French toast is sure to satisfy.

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gourmet /

girl walks into a bar

Festive Cocktails

Where to go for a refreshing glass of holiday cheer. By Nicole Carbon The holiday season is upon us and I can think of no better way to bring on the holiday cheer (and beat the holiday blues) than with a festive cocktail in hand. ’Tis the season for family time, a lot of family time. What could be better than all this togetherness? Oh, who are we kidding? You suddenly remind yourself why you choose to live thousands of miles apart. But never fear this time of year; it’s nothing that a cocktail (or two) can’t cure. Here’s a list of where to go for a refreshing glass of holiday cheer:

B Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Winebar This award-winning restaurant and wine bar with two Austin locations offers the area’s best steak, seafood and wine selections. Luckily for us, they also know a thing or two about crafting the perfect cocktail. This year, to bring on the holiday cheer, Fleming’s is serving up the Sparkling Star, created by Maeve Pesquera, director of wine. They keep things fancy and festive by topping off this Champagne cocktail with Chandon Etoile. (Etoile, in French, means star.) If you needed another reason to indulge, Champagne contains trace amounts of lithium, proven to enhance one’s mood and sure to beat those holiday blues.

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Sparkling Star 1/2 ounce Cointreau 1 1/2 ounce pomegranate juice Chandon Etoile Lime twist In a Champagne flute, combine the Cointreau and the chilled pomegranate juice. Top with the Chandon Etoile. Add a long, curly lime twist and serve.

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gourmet /

girl walks into a bar

Four Seasons Hotel austin Each year, the lobby of this iconic hotel, situated on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, transforms itself in to a winter wonderland with its designer decorations, statuesque Christmas tree and renowned gingerbread village. This year, the gingerbread village, led by Executive Pastry Chef Javier Franco, has incorporated Austin icons such as the University of Texas Tower, the Capitol and Frost Bank Tower in to its village of traditional homes. Walk past the display and into the lounge known as “Austin’s Living Room.” Here, they totally understand the stress and toll the holiday season can trigger. Saddle up to the bar for their cure, appropriately named Santa’s Little Helper. The drink is a combination of Christian Brothers Brandy, fresh lemon juice and grenadine handmade by bartender Alan Torres. Served in a martini glass, this holiday pick-me-up is garnished with a brandied cherry.

Santa’s Little Helper 1 1/4 ounces Laird’s Applejack 1 1/4 ounces Courvoisier V.S.O.P. 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice 1/2 ounce Torres’ handmade grenadine Shake ingredients cold and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three Griottine cherries and a twist of lemon.

The Ruby Red 1 1/2 ounces SAVVY Vodka 1 ounce ruby grapefruit juice 1/2 ounce PAMA liqueur 1/2 ounce St. Germain Shake over ice and serve in a martini glass with a grapefruit wedge.

Marker 10 at the Hyatt Regency Austin Just across the way from the Four Seasons Hotel sits this often forgotten hidden gem also situated in a prime location on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The bar, Marker 10, is located just off the lobby of the hotel and its floor-to-ceiling windows offer superb views of the lake and city skyline. Each year, the lobby and bar area gets decked out with holiday flair and they feature live music on weekend nights to keep you and your out-of-town guests entertained. The outdoor area, overlooking the lake, is outfitted with comfy couches and welcoming tables and chairs. On chilly winter nights, cozy up by the fire pits. This year, the Hyatt has partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote Texas citrus, and uses ruby grapefruit to produce a local Texas cocktail, The Ruby Red. Pomegranate liqueur adds just a touch of sweetness and a festive red hue while the fresh grapefruit juice keeps this cocktail crisp and refreshing.

52 austinwoman d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Stunning yet simple gifts for your holiday!

Give Lammes Candies and we’ll...

Feature Presentation

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Enjoy two favorites packed in one box! texas Chewie® Pecan Pralines, cooked to perfection in an old-time copper kettle, have been a customer favorite for over 100 years! longhorns, texas pecans clustered in our signature caramel and smothered in irresistibly smooth chocolate, are the cornerstone of lammes chocolate confections. Create a festive holiday dessert simply by serving your favorite lammes confection in elegant stemware adorned with colorful nuts and fruit.

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gourmet /

guilty pleasure

The Sweet Spot

Austinites flock to this traditional tasty treat. Soft chocolate and butter-rich caramel pecan clusters—some things are just meant to be together. Like you and a 12-ounce box of Longhorns from Lammes Candies. No wonder gifting these little bites of heaven has become one of Austin’s favorite holiday traditions. Available in 12-, 24- and 36-ounce gift boxes. On the run? You can find them at Austin Warehouse District at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Gate 11. Order online at lammes.com or by calling 800.252.1885.

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Bedding Furniture Nursery Design Gifts Registry

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to your health /

fitness

Gifts and Gadgets

Thinksport Insulated Sport Q Bottle

All of the latest gear for the fitness buff on your list.

Healthy hydration is a must for every athlete. Gift this toxin-free, double-walled and insulated beverage bottle. It keeps cold drinks cold without sweating and keeps hot drinks hot without burning your hand. $20. Available at Bettysport, Whole Foods and online at thinksport.co.

By Chrissie Jarrell and Natalie Yerkovich Holiday gift giving is such a great way to support and inspire the fit women in your life. And with New Year’s resolutions right around the corner, everyone appreciates the motivating nudge that fun new fitness gear can bring. Here are a few of our favorite picks for fitness gifts this holiday season. Happy holidays!

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The lunch kit and reusable zip bags are an essential upgrade from disposable plastic baggies. Great for healthy eaters, people with food allergies and go-getters who need to bring food along when they’re out and about. $5 to $25. (AW readers get a special 20-percent discount when they use code BAWOMAN20 at checkout until Dec. 31.) Available online at blueavocado.com.

Jawbone Up

This non-intrusive wristband tracks your daily activity, sleep and meals, inspiring you to live healthier by being more aware of your habits and encouraging you to be fit, rested and eat well. $99. Available online at jawbone.com/up.

Emi-Jay Hair Ties

Q Yurbuds

Music is a big fitness motivator. Ultra soft and comfortable headphones make it a joy to listen to music during long workouts. Yurbuds have a secure fit, never fall out and sound great. $30. Available at Bettysport or online at yurbuds.com.

These unique hair ties make even the messiest post-workout ponytail look cute. Vibrant colors for every style. Great stocking stuffers. $6 for a pack of three. Available online at emi-jay.com.

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MyFitList is giving away some of these fun items during the month of December! Visit us on Facebook (facebook.com/myfitlist) or online at myfitlist.com/blog for more details.

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to your health /

fitness

Q Mosey Weekender Bag Tote your workout gear, yoga mat and more with this functional gym bag from Mosey. It looks stylish and is super functional with lots of pockets and compartments to fit everything you need. $152. Available at Bettysport or moseylife.com.

Austin business

MyFitCard

Support your healthy lifestyle with year-round fitness perks. MyFitCard gives you deals and discounts at your favorite fitness-friendly businesses like training groups, retailers, restaurants and more. $10. Available online Austin business at myfitcard.com.

BandGym This little piece of equipment gives you a total body workout. The resistance bands and core bar do it all, from slimming your waistline to toning your legs and arms. Perfect for anyone who enjoys working out at home or on the road. Plus, it comes with more than 40 workouts and a DVD. $40. Available online at bandgym.com.

Austin business

Oiselle Rundies: Days of the Week Undies for Runners A set of seven cute, comfy and colorful undies for runners. Each pair features a running-inspired print like Long Run, Tempo, Fartlek or Race. Also offers the bonus feature of accountability. $65 for a set of seven. Available at Bettysport or oiselle.com.

SipECup Reusable, washable, eco-friendly and non-toxic. This innovative product helps you stay hydrated on the go. $5 for two. Available at Bettysport, Mellow Johnny’s, Rogue, RunTex and online at thesipecup.com.

58 austinwoman d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

W Road ID “Wrist ID Slim”

RoadID is a wearable ID that is great for everyone, from casual walkers to elite runners and cyclists. Peace of mind is invaluable when your loved ones are out on the road. Seven colors available. $16. Available online at roadid.com.

Trigger Point T Grid and Core Workout Kit This dual-purpose gift delivers a workout and recovery. The Trigger Point Grid Roller and Core Workout DVD strengthen your core muscles while giving you a massage and rolling out muscle kinks. $50 for the set. Available at Bettysport and online at tptherapy.com.

Austin business

Chrissie Jarrell and Natalie Yerkovich, the gals who created myfitlist. com, do the grunt work for you. Well, the organizational grunt work, anyway. They work hard to connect people with the fitness groups, information and resources they need so they can grunt, sweat and tone to achieve their personal goals.

austinwomanmagazine.com 59

to your health /

wellness

Happier Holidays Tips for preventing the holiday blues. By Jill Case For many people, the holidays are a happy time, filled with family and friends. But for others, the holidays can be a time filled with loneliness and stress. Julie Fast, a mental-health expert specializing in bipolar disorder and depression, says the holiday blues can be caused by situational depression brought on by the holiday season, which begins with Thanksgiving and continues through New Year’s Day. The blues can also occur for people who are already suffering from physiological depression. Even people who are busy during the holidays can feel down. “You can have a lot going on: places to go, people to see, and still get depressed over the holidays,” Fast says. What causes the holiday blues? The main causes, according to Fast, are: Loneliness We are surrounded by media messages in print and on TV telling us that everyone is enjoying a perfect holiday with their perfect family in their perfect home. This can serve to make us think we are even more alone, by comparison. Everything from the commercials and Christmas music to the holiday movies may give us the message that everybody is happy except us. “Combine [all the media messages] in this extremely short period of two months, and it’s just an onslaught,” Fast says. Financial Pressure The holidays bring a lot of pressure to shop for the perfect gift. “You might not have the money, or you might find all that shopping overwhelming,” Fast says. “You also might feel this huge amount of pressure to keep up with other family members or other things that are happening around you. The commercials push high-end items as a show of relationship love.” And if you don’t have the money to give expensive gifts, you may feel that you are letting people down.

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Family Dynamics During the rest of the year, you may be able to ignore family dynamics, but during this time of year, you are forced to deal with them. If your family argues or you have baggage from the past, the holidays can be extremely stressful. People believe that the family is so important that they have to be together at this time of year, but it is not necessarily true for everyone. So, how can you prevent the holiday blues from ruining your holidays? Here are Fast’s suggestions: Plan Ahead “Know exactly where you are going to be for Thanksgiv-

ing Day,” Fast suggests. “Know exactly where you are going to be for Christmas Eve and Christmas, and plan now for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. You do not leave anything to chance.” Find people to spend the time with and find something to do. Advance planning is the key. “There’s nothing worse than waiting and having nowhere to go,” Fast says. Even if you are new to an area or just don’t know very many people, you can always find people with whom to spend the time. Fast suggests looking on the

website meetin.org. This local social network provides information about where and how to meet new friends and participate in fun activities, and there is a MeetInAustin group. Don’t Repeat Behaviors and Situations That Have Made you Unhappy in the Past For example, if you have always been unhappy when you spend the holidays with your family, make an alternate plan, or allow your family members to make alternate plans without feeling guilty.

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For example, just have a meal together instead of spending the entire day with family, or consider staying at a hotel instead of with family members so that you can get away from it all when you feel the need. If you are always heavily in debt for months after Christmas, tell your friends and family that you are not planning on exchanging gifts this year, and don’t feel bad about it! There is no rule that gifts must be exchanged. You could also suggest alternate arrangements like a limited gift exchange. Sometimes, the sadness that you are feeling may go beyond the holiday blues. According to Fast, if you have a “profound sense of hopelessness, helplessness or sadness,” what you may be experiencing is physiological depression, and you may want to seek professional help. “The best way to find a therapist, without question, is word of mouth,” Fast suggests. You can also search the web for names and client reviews of therapists. She suggests choosing a therapist that is experienced with the issues you are facing and that you call and interview the therapist before scheduling an appointment. Finally, Fast offers this advice: “Don’t let the holidays control you. You decide what you want your holidays to look like.” Julie Fast is a bipolar-disorder management specialist on sharecare.com, a website created by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz. She is also the author of Get It Done When You’re Depressed, and other books about mental health. For more information about Julie Fast, go to juliefast.com.

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Seasonal Gift Guide The Ultimate Guy Gift BEER BOUQUET The Beer Bouquet is the Ultimate Guy Gift. We create the manliest gift baskets for all the special men on your holiday gift lists! We make it easy for you, simply choose a bucket from over 150 major league teams and themes, make your beer selection from 20+ major brands, and add a customized note. Your Beer Bouquet will be sent and you can rest assured that your husband, boyfriend, friend, business partner, or father will be happily chugging away. 4602 Weletka Dr, #300, Austin, TX 78734 877.SIX.BEER www.beerbouquet.com

Gift Guide

Create the Jewelry you want CEDAR PARK JEWELRY

"RING" in the holidays with gifts from Cedar Park Jewelry. DIAMONDS CUSTOM DESIGNED PIECES PREOWNED ROLEX WATCHES...and MORE !! 601 E. Whitestone Blvd. Suite 112 Cedar Park, TX 512.259.9430 www.cedarparkjewelry.com

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Give a gift as unique as Austin! The PubCrawler can accommodate up to 15 people, with 10 of them providing pedal-power. You're welcome to bring your own canned beer, boxed wine, home brew or pony keg.

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Zerona / Curve Laser Body Contour Treatment $99 (3) Laser Hair Removal Treatments $99 Laser Skin Tightening $199 Spider Vein Removal $199 Revision Rejuvenating Facial $99 Nectifirm and Teamine Revision Combo $99 6001 William Cannon, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78749 512.757.9300 | www.paradisecosmeticmedspa.com

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Gift Guide

Massage MASSAGE HARMONY Massage Harmony is an affordable, upscale massage spa. Packages and gift certificates are available to purchase online. 1206 West 38th Street, Suite 3101, Austin, TX 78756 512.276.2481 4477 South Lamar Blvd, Suite 410, Austin, TX 78745 512.358.9300 3300 Bee Caves Road, Suite 100, Westlake Hills, TX 78746 512.306.0900 www.massageharmony.com

Hot test Christmas In Town! TABU LINGERIE

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Gift Guide

Classic Gift Collection LAMMES CANDIES, SINCE 1885 Holiday Gift Boxes in two sizes filled with some of your favorites: Texas Chewie® Pecan Pralines, Peppermint Kisses, Cherry Cordials, Dark Longhorns, and Habanero Pralines. Our Longhorns are in a specialty gift box that comes standard with a “Happy Holidays” greeting card insert or your personalized message – for free! Visit our Austin area locations: • 5330 Airport Blvd • 38th & Lamar • Barton Creek Mall • Lakeline Mall • 620 & IH35 in Round Rock www.lammes.com 800-252-1885 or in Austin 512.310.2223

Buñuelo

( boon-you-elle-oh) 444 GOURMET CREATIONS A lavishly gift-wrapped indulgence, our Buñuelos are sure to give your loved ones and colleagues the luxuriously sweet treat they deserve. Look for our limited edition Turkey-shaped Buñuelo during the month of November.

The Home of Unique Style and Fashions ROXANN'S SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE www.RoxannsSpecialtyBoutique.com Where you'll find an array of great girlfriend gift ideas. Established in 2008, Roxann’s, is an independent, Austin-based designer fashion boutique that combines cutting-edge style with the imagination and flair to exhibit some of the most desirable clothing and accessories available today.

Located next to Santa Claus at Barton Creek Square Mall, Austin, Texas 512.704.4579 www.444gourmetcreations.com

Ornament Collection

The essence of the boutique is in our quality. We specialize and offer beautiful and timeless clothing and accessories that can be cherished forever – whether it is one of our gorgeous handbags or fashion apparel, each and every item is a sartorial work of art.

KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENT COLLECTION Celebrate the holidays with a special edition ornament from Keep Texas Beautiful. M-F 8 AM – 5:30 PM

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Gift Guide

Highly Seasoned Peanuts

Designer Bags

LORD NUT LEVINGTON

NUO

Lord Nut Levington introduces his new line of highly seasoned peanuts in 5 delicious flavors. These flavors will tickle your taste buds while engaging your mind with the adventurous and, at times, scandalous life of their fictional namesake.

Great gifts to protect your mobile gadgets for fashionista’s on the go! Show your colors with the best in fashion and function from Austin-based Nuo and Project Runway Winner Chloe Dao. Satchel $79.99, Slim Brief $44.99, Attaché $39.99 View entire collection at www.ShopNuo.com

Rebel Mary Spicy Bloody Mary El Cheddarales Jalapeno cheddar Mamma Mia Tomato, garlic and cheese Thai Dyed Thai curry and lemongrass Cinnapplooza Apple, cinnamon and sugar Available at Central Market, Whole Foods and our online store. www.whoislordnut.com

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glimmer

hope OF

By Carissa Stith Photos by Eric Doggett

Donna Berber and her Austin-based foundation are making a difference, one life at a time.

he screams fell and rose with the wind whipping through the marketplace. Even with her senses overloaded from the colors and smells of the large Ethiopian market, she immediately heard the animallike howls. She had never heard such a terrifying sound.

A broken toe and heavy boots weighed down with mud led Donna Berber to the marketplace that day. On a mission to relieve her aching pain, she convinced her colleague to accompany her to the closest shopping bazaar to find a pair of lightweight shoes. She never expected to hear a plea for help that frightened her so much. Nor she did expect it to come from a young man. He sat on the ground with his legs crossed, his body clearly disabled. He screamed continuously without ever forming a word. Berber watched helplessly as people walked by, blatantly ignoring the boy making the animal-like sounds. Overcome with the horror of his reality, she started to walk in the other direction.

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She circled the market and purchased her shoes while the image of the boy lingered in her thoughts. As her compassion trounced her fears, Berber found herself compelled to reach out to the young man. She followed the path back to where the boy resided. Borrowing 10 birr from her colleague, she knelt in front of the boy and extended her hand to give him the money. He never opened his hand to receive the gift; instead he became silent. He gently wrapped his fingers around her wrist and looked at her, a smile forming on his face. The boy never wanted charity. He only yearned for the touch of another human being. And as he looked up in to Berber ’s face, their lives became immediately intertwined.

“I saw the face of God in him,” Berber says. “The moment was so pure and there was so much love through that touch.” And the boy saw the face of his guardian angel. Shunned by his village because of his disabilities, the boy—later nicknamed Sunshine—only received affection from his mother; the community paid little heed to the broken boy. The disabled simply do not survive in their world. In rural Ethiopia, the chances of survival for a baby born with disabilities are slim to none. In fact, only one out of 10 children survive to see

their first birthday, with 46 percent of children younger than the age of 5 dying from diarrhea alone. Contaminated water often opens the door for this illness, along with bronchitis, tonsillitis and deadly malaria. Women travel an estimated 4 miles per day in search of clean water to only fill their heavy jerry cans with dirty water. The lack of fundamental structure and human rights leaves the people of Ethiopia in an extremely impoverished state. The famine of 2011 continues to threaten the livelihood of more than 13 million people. The images and news pouring in from the country serve as reminders to the world that more can be done. The country’s cries for help can no longer be ignored. Fortunately, one woman is listening. It has been said one determined person is all it takes to make a difference in the world. For the people of rural Ethiopia, and for the boy called Sunshine, Berber is the woman who continues to make that difference. During the last decade, her philanthropic work has touched more than 2.5 million lives. Berber, along with her husband, Philip Berber, founded A Glimmer of Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps lift the Ethiopian people from extreme poverty. Founded in early 2000, Glimmer follows an entrepreneurial model that provides clean water, education, basic healthcare and micro-finance loans to the villages of Ethiopia. The couple’s endowment covers all of the organization’s operating expenses, allowing them to apply 100 percent of every dollar donated directly to their projects in the field. For Berber, Glimmer gives more than just water wells and education. The organization fulfilled her yearning to help those in need, a yearning that started many years ago. Berber learned to recognize the pain in others when she was only a child. At the age of 8, she watched her father’s small aircraft crash 100 feet away from where she stood alongside her

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Encouraging Austinites to be the change they want to see in the world. Nonprofit organization A Glimmer of Hope follows an entrepreneurial model that funds clean-water projects, education, basic healthcare and micro-finance loans for rural Ethiopia. The foundation creates a reciprocal relationship between the donor and the community whose model empowers the local Ethiopian people to reach prosperity while giving donors the opportunity to help a cause in a meaningful manner. The people involved with the organization become deeply connected with their efforts, as they see the effect through videos, images, GPS coordinates and success stories. What started as a simple intention to ease the world’s suffering quickly transformed in to a concentrated effort to bring basic human rights to one of the most impoverished places in the world. A Glimmer of Hope is far from your traditional charity. In late 2000, Philip and Donna Berber pledged $100 million in stock from the sale of Philip Berber’s company, Cyber Corp, to create an endowment for the organization. This endowment continues to cover all of Glimmer’s operating expenses. More importantly, the endowment permits the organization to maintain their promise that 100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to Glimmer’s projects in Ethiopia. Every check, dollar bill and credit card payment is sent to the office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where a team of Ethiopian development experts monitors the progress of every project to ensure that they meet the required budget and completion deadline. The Glimmer team stretches every dollar in order to eliminate poverty and illuminate lives.

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Glimmer funds projects based on the needs of the Ethiopian community. By placing their concentration on one village at a time, the foundation is able to build sustainable solutions that lift the people from extreme poverty. Women no longer need to walk for miles to only collect contaminated water to bring back to their families. Children now have the opportunity to learn. Healthcare is a reality. And with the micro-finance loans funded by the organization, women can start profitable businesses that provide for their children. During the last decade, Glimmer has positively impacted more than 2.5 million lives. The foundation has constructed more than 4,000 water projects, 335 school buildings and 170 health facilities, and distributed more than 17,000 micro-finance loans to help those living in rural Ethiopia. The foundation is also making an impact in the Austin community. In 2004, the foundation committed $5 million toward local programs benefiting youth and seniors living in East and South Austin. To date, A Glimmer of Hope Austin has funded more than 70 projects that address the community’s needs for healthcare, education and life skills for those who suffer from social injustice, abandonment and educational disadvantages. A Glimmer of Hope will continue their efforts, both in Austin and Ethiopia, until the disadvantaged reach prosperity. This holiday season, your contributions can make an impact. Twenty dollars will buy a brick to build a school or pay for one person to have clean water for 20 years in Ethiopia. Fifty dollars will provide a student with a new desk. Be the change you want to see in the world. Join A Glimmer of Hope as they change the world, one community at a time. Visit aglimmerofhope.org and aglimmerofhopeaustin.org.

mother and older brother. Her father’s untimely death deeply affected her mother, leading her to a state of illness and unraveling her role as a mother. Her condition ultimately forced Berber and her brother to become independent, even of each other. Only a child, Berber found herself in an isolated and painful environment. Her childhood remains a sensitive subject; the circumstances still weigh heavily on her heart. But with those circumstances came the ability to feel compassion for the suffering, as well as the desire to ease their pain. During her 20s, Berber discovered a world outside of her own. A widespread famine affected the entire country of Ethiopia between 1983 and 1985, leading to the deaths of more than one million people. The British media broke the news of the food shortage, releasing images to their audiences that captured the Ethiopian starvation camps. For the first time, the famine and the devastation became a reality. Sitting in her living room in Northwest London, Berber watched as the pictures of the dying and suffering scrolled across her television screen. “I realized that that reality existed at that moment, at that time,” Berber recalls. “After seeing those images, I could never view things quite the same.” With her perspective of the world completely altered, she found herself unable to respond. She and her husband were newlyweds and not in a position to provide much assistance to the

efforts pushing forward to help the country. Unable to act upon the feelings of compassion stirring inside her, she watched as Irish musician Bob Geldof took charge. “He was the first rock star to really leverage the stage to reach thousands and thousands of people,” Berber says. “He raised millions of dollars through Band Aid [now Live Aid] to put Africa, the poverty, the imbalance and injustice—all of it—on the map. His passion, commitment and sense of justice truly inspired me.” The feelings of compassion never left Berber. They followed her from London to Houston, and then to Austin—moves required by her

husband’s career. As the years progressed and she became more comfortable in her role as a wife and mother, Berber started to contemplate whether her life held more meaning. She loved her husband and her three boys, but the stillness and numbness from everyday life gave rise to a restless stirring inside her. The yearning pulled forward the images of the 1980s famine, opening the door to the next great step in her life. A chance meeting at Central Market started a thread that led her through that door. At the store, Berber ran in to a friend who’d recently adopted two teenage girls from Ethiopia. She quickly learned that Ethiopia remained one of the poorest countries in the world, forcing its people to fight

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for survival against preventable diseases and food shortages. The conversation reignited Berber’s desire to help those in need. The ember flickering inside her quickly turned in to a burning flame as she turned her attention to Ethiopia. And the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Philip Berber had recently sold a small portion of his Internet brokerage company, Cyber Corp, allowing the couple to invest $250,000 and create A Glimmer of Hope. Berber finally found her opportunity to respond. She traveled to the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and met Tameru Abasaba, the liaison officer for all U.S. non-governmental organizations. After several meetings, Abasaba encouraged Berber to schedule a trip to visit Ethiopia. In September 1999, Berber traveled to Addis Ababa, the country’s capital, to research how she could help women and children in need. And for the first time in 15 years, the uneasiness stirring within her started to settle. “I had an overwhelming sense of this is exactly where I needed and wanted to be,” Berber recalls of her first trip. “There was this ease and comfort for me, even amongst the most excruciating poverty and depravation.” She spent 10 days in Ethiopia, traveling throughout the country to gain an understanding of the problem, the people and their spirit. In the period of visiting the embassy and starting Glimmer, Philip Berber sold his company for millions, turning the couple’s initial investment of $250,000 in to much more. After returning from her first trip to Ethiopia, Berber and her husband started to map out the blueprints to ensure their organization used international aid in the most efficient and transparent ways possible. The couple pledged $100 million in stock from the sale of Cyber Corp to create the endowment for the organization. This endowment continues to cover all of Glimmer’s operating expenses, allowing the foundation to allocate every single dollar donated to their projects—more than 5,000 to date. “Glimmer provides this fantastic opportunity for people who want to get engaged and have their involvement matter. Our donors are a part of this journey, for this walk for water, part of that child going to school, because their involvement

is changing lives,” Berber says. “You get to participate in your giving because we provide this 100-percent vehicle where all donation money goes directly to the projects.” Rather than focus on one problem, Glimmer works with one village at a time and scopes projects that provide sustainable solutions for that specific community. The organization’s integrated approach fulfills the people’s basic needs—needs that if remained unfilled would continue to perpetuate poverty. From clean water projects to micro-finance loans, Berber and A Glimmer of Hope continue to radically change lives. A boy called Sunshine can attest to this.

the village viewed as a miracle. She continues to support Sunshine and his mother to this day. Since its founding in 2000, A Glimmer of Hope has constructed more than 4,000 water projects, 335 school buildings and 170 healthcare facilities, as well as distributed more than 17,000 micro-finance loans to aid those living in rural Ethiopia. Glimmer is making an impact here at home as well. The Austin division of the organization focuses on helping young people and seniors suffering from exclusion, social injustice, abandonment and educational disadvantages.

“Apart from his mom, no one ever paid him any respect. It took someone who the village viewed differently to touch him in order for him to be accepted.” -Donna Berber After their initial meeting, Berber returned to Southwestern Ethiopia to locate the boy she lovingly nicknamed Sunshine. She found him, along with his mother, and offered to support them both. On her next visit to Ethiopia, she noticed a change in Sunshine, and how the community perceived him. “His status in the community became completely elevated and all of a sudden, everyone wanted to know Sunshine,” Berber says. “Apart from his mom, no one ever paid him any respect. It took someone who the village viewed differently to touch him in order for him to be accepted.” The boy whose wails once echoed throughout the marketplace now smiles on a consistent basis. A few years ago, Berber returned to Ethiopia and paid a visit to Sunshine and his mother. Berber no longer needed to kneel down to hug the boy. This time, he walked to her. Berber’s compassion and support paved the way for what

In 2004, Glimmer pledged $5 million toward supporting local programs that empower youth and senior adults living in East and South Austin. In 2006, the organization’s impact on the local community earned A Glimmer of Hope Austin the city’s Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation of the Year award from the Austin chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. “I am fortunate to have the greatest team of people in both Austin and Addis Ababa,” Berber says. “I have a crew of people who this work really speaks to them and they give completely of themselves.” Even after 10 years, Berber remains active in the foundation. She visits Ethiopia on at least an annual basis and goes in to the office two to three times a week. And every time she walks through the doors of Glimmer, she becomes instantly re-inspired. Her campaign to ease the world’s suffering continues on, and will continue until every person in rural Ethiopia reaches prosperity. Donna Berber is one person. And she is making a difference, one life at a time.

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perfect the

Present ’Tis the season to drink eggnog, listen to Nat King Cole and shop until you drop. The holidays can be filled with great times,

The art of choosing gifts, perfected by two of Austin’s preeminent shopkeepers.

By molly mcmanus photos by caleb kerr

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good cheer and even better company, but they can also be extremely stressful. When Santa Claus is coming to town, the task of buying presents can loom above your head like a dark rain cloud you just can’t seem to get out from underneath. Questions consume you: What should I get? How much money will I have to spend? Where do I go? So when you find yourself mired in the storm of gift giving, breath, relax, focus and know there’s help for you out there. The first step is to make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for. Write down key characteristics next to each person on your list. Brainstorm words that describe their personality, their taste, what they do for a living and activities they enjoy. By delving deep in to who a person is, you will substantially minimize your work. The second step is to establish your budget. Begin by overestimating what you will spend. You might not want to limit yourself but you also don’t want to break your bank. Have faith that there are always less expensive yet meaningful gifts out there. The third step is to choose three places you will buy all—that’s right—all your gifts. By reducing the number of places you go, the shopping experience seems less ominous and more attainable. Think about how fantastic you will feel leaving a shop with more than half of your gifts purchased, no longer cluttering your mind. The fourth step is to visit The Menagerie and Sanctuary. The women who own these two gift shops are incredibly in touch with the demands of their customers and will undoubtedly find the gift you’re looking for. Although each store has a completely different feel, they share the same idea: It is all about you, the customer, and your intentions for gift giving.

The Menagerie

Vickie Roan of The Menagerie

A beautiful box sits at the foot of Vickie Roan’s desk as I admire The Menagerie’s signature peach packaging with a gold-rimmed butterfly ornament dazzling alongside an effortless bow. “That’s being sent to Laura Bush later today,” explains Roan, owner of The Menagerie, without even batting an eyelash under her circular tortoise-shell glasses. I automatically assume the former first lady is receiving preferential treatment, but Roan goes on to explain that all her gifts are wrapped as such with the special ornament during the holidays, all done at no charge. But wait, it gets better. She’ll even ship it for you—for free. With more than 9,000 items adorning the shelves of The Menagerie and an additional 3,000 square feet of inventory above the store, Roan is a profoundly busy woman. She has owned The Menagerie for 34 years, growing her clientele base, merchandise and overall ideas for business. The Menagerie is a store embodying the celebrations of life. From wedding rings and 21st birthday pearls to christening towels and ceramic urns, Roan has thoughtfully crafted a store that entices the eye and excites you to shop for her unique, valuable and classic products appropriate for every occasion. “We like the experience of shopping,” Roan explains, highlighting an aspect The Menagerie certainly captures in its distinctive essence. Personally, I dread the act of shopping. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy getting new things but the actual act itself exhausts me and I avoid it at all costs. However, as Roan leads me around her immaculate store, I am completely engaged with each item she

presents, asking questions, intrigued by the origin of every gift, comfortable and at ease. Perhaps it is Roan’s presence that calms me. She’s a warm spirit, a Southern lady full of life, making me feel as if I have known her for years. If you’re like me and don’t enjoy the act of shopping, The Menagerie provides an exception, an escape in to Roan’s exquisite and tasteful domain. With a background as a jeweler, Roan has an eye for elegant jewelry and a passion for everything sterling silver, including frames, platters and Bibles.

“I love refurbishing old gems,” Roan demonstrates, reaching for an intricate ring that dates back to the 1920s. But jewelry is only a fraction of The Menagerie’s stock. The store is filled with gifts for everyone: husbands, in-laws, children, friends and coworkers. Although there are expensive items, such as engagement rings and crystal glassware, there are also inexpensive options, such as personalized sayings etched on glass plaques and handcrafted burled wood boxes.

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Roan has an exceptionally loyal customer base, stemming from being a personal shopper prior to opening The Menagerie. These clients not only provided her with the needed foundation to grow her business, but also with The Menagerie’s philosophy of personal relationships being at the forefront.

top picks from vickie roan

The interaction with a patron is of the utmost importance to Roan, getting to know them and what brings them to her store. She believes that this idea of personal connection has been lost in major ways during the years due to technology and increasing web-based communication. Roan is undeniably a people person, able to quickly connect with someone about their wants, needs, desires and ultimately, their lifestyle. Some of her many secrets to The Menagerie’s successful business include asking the right questions to a customer, being well-informed of the product and presenting it in a way that is alluring and captivating.

For friends Christian Tortu forest candle. Great scent and a gift that is universal, disposable and conscious of space. $60

There is an incalculable amount of care put in to the selection of each item that enters the store, with Roan acquiring merchandise from throughout the world. And she’s definitely not the only one calling the shots on what is brought in. Her devoted clientele will come to her, showing her something they may have found in Paris or London, pleading for her to carry it in her store. And she will, usually within a week of the request. The Menagerie takes customer service to a whole new level. You will be taken care of when shopping here and the strain of buying gifts will be significantly diminished. It pays to remember this advice from the lady who’s been in the gift-giving business for more than 30 years. Take your time in finding the perfect gift. Shopping for a loved one should bring you pleasure, an experience to be enjoyed. Always be on the lookout for the perfect gift. When you see it, buy it. Lastly, personalization is always a nice touch. Whether you have a gift embroidered or engraved, or just find something that will really resonate with your recipient, personalization will make them feel special and give the impression that the gift was well thought out, not a last minute purchase.

For the hostess or mother-in-law Fretwork iron candleholder. Great for the entertainer of your friends. Emits an amazing glow great for a mantelpiece or table centerpiece, and is ideal for the holidays. $169

For fiancées, girlfriends or wives Sapphire engagement The Menagerie 1601 W. 38th St., #7 Jefferson Square themenagerie.com, 512.453.4849

or “right hand ring” in 18-karat white gold with 4.04-carat oval Ceylon sapphire and 1.24 carats of diamonds.

sanctuary She was driving back from a wedding with her husband when Hanna Curran was hit with a revelation; one of those ah-ha moments when clarity is achieved, a simple thought that would change her life from that point onward. She was going to open a store. And so began the yearlong process of opening Sanctuary, a modern, indie gift and clothing boutique in Westlake that has now been in business for three and a half years. With sunlight washing through the open space of Sanctuary, bouncing off eclectic jewelry, beaded dresses, amazing photography and hanging artwork, I immediately want to get a closer look. Being the hands-on type, I begin picking up items, examining, flipping through books and imagining to whom I

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might give each piece or where I might put it in my own home. “I need presents for three 3-year-old girls,” explains a customer about the birthday parties her son has recently been invited to as she walks into Curran’s shop. “And inexpensive.” Curran immediately suggests an idea from her collection. The customer, who Curran knows by name, is pleased, exclaiming, “That’s perfect!” and purchases three of them. Self-sufficient, ambitious and upbeat can only begin to describe Curran. At Sanctuary six to seven days a

week, Curran not only owns the store, but is also the only employee. From cleaning, arranging the layout, maintaining her website and selecting the merchandise, Curran literally does it all. At least there won’t be competition for employee of the month. “When I’m not here, I miss it,” admits Curran, a true business owner, dedicated to the growth of Sanctuary, never wanting to become stagnant in what she does. If you don’t think she’s balancing enough, Curran’s 11-month-old baby, Grace, is asleep in a playpen in the corner of the store, quiet as a mouse. I eventually get a glimpse of Grace as she awakes from her nap, ready to help her mom at the register.

Another customer, who Curran also knows by name, holds Grace as a handmade chiffon dress is rung up. Curran seems to know almost everyone who enters her store, proud of the real relationships she has established with her clients. Mothers with babies in tow, people who work nearby and other Westlake residents visit Sanctuary frequently. While the age range varies, the boutique brings in a largely female clientele. However, per Curran’s grandfather’s request, there’s a “boyfriend” chair to accommodate the guy who might begrudgingly come along on the shopping voyage. Most of the items at Sanctuary are from Austin vendors. Curran does most of her purchasing of merchandise through blogs, looking at how an artist presents and packages their product. You will find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that are less traditional gifts. Sanctuary provides a place to think outside the box when it comes to gift giving, with an array of hip, young and diverse options bound to fit what you’re looking for, whether it’s for your mom, a friend who’s having a baby next month, a boyfriend or your sister. In addition, when you shop at Sanctuary, not only are you supporting Curran’s small business, but also all small business owners featured at her store. “I truly love the things that come in here,” Curran describes, also joking that she really has to because if they don’t sell, they may be coming home with her. Nonetheless, Curran makes very conscious choices about what she buys. Will it work in Sanctuary’s space? Is it sellable? Is it a good fit? These questions are also great for customers to ask when searching for that perfect gift. If your token is something that will go in someone’s home, don’t ask yourself if you

like the item or even if they’ll like it, but if it fits with the receiver’s style. If everything in your aunt’s house is gold, why would you buy her a silver candleholder? Love what you buy but make deliberate decisions about those for whom you are purchasing. Serving as your guide, Curran will help you to navigate her store and find the perfect gift. Sanctuary’s youthful, creative vibe will get the gift ball rolling as you wander through its uncommonly cool goodies with a newfound animation and confidence. Getting familiar with these magical and bountiful boutiques gives you a manageable place to start. Keep in mind that the holidays are about Hanna Curran family, honoring old traof Sanctuary ditions and establishing new ones, giving thanks, showing love and most importantly, having fun. Let that translate to the gifts you buy this year, knowing that you have mastered the art of giving so you can fully enjoy that eggnog,

relish the soothingly familiar sounds of Nat and put up your shopped-out feet with well-deserved chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

For the hostess JJ World Studio Austin coasters are fun and funky with great pictures of your favorite places throughout the Live Music Capital of the World. $12 each

top picks from hanna curran For babies, adults and tweens Hooded towels and towel wraps by Doodle Diddles (Sanctuary’s in-house line). Each hooded towel and towel wrap is a full bath towel size, made with modern prints and customized with an initial. $48

For teachers and students Misha Blaise Design key ring and jewelry plaques are art with a purpose. Stay organized while adding a pop of color. $22 to $42

Sanctuary 3663 Bee Caves Rd., sanctuaryhomebathgarden.com 512.329.0507

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opposite sex /

relationships

Seven Deadly First Date Sins How to avoid becoming a perpetual oneand-done date. By Eric Leech This month, I have a couple of bones to pick with you about your dating etiquette. Most of you learned the rules of engagement from the other people you’ve gone out with. However, have you ever considered that there are reasons these people are now your exes? Most of what you’ve learned may be exactly why many of these people are still single. If you have committed any of these seven deadly sins during a first date, you may be on your way to becoming a perpetual ex. Envy: Thou Shall Not Lie to Impress Others The worst offense of any first date is lying. Statistics show that as many as 80 percent of women have lied about their age, weight, job and kids to impress a guy. Just because you’re not all that and a bucket of cheese puffs in one person’s eyes doesn’t mean you won’t be in somebody else’s. Some women fear rejection so much they’d rather pretend to be someone they’re not than risk being turned away for who they really are. Be the person that makes you happy, and if that makes your date happy too, then you’ve just found a man worthy of your time and attention. Sloth: Thou Shall Not Be Lazy in Communication This is the age of computers and convenience. However, some men are still put off by the idea of using devices in place of face-to-face or voice-to-voice contact. This is referring to women who ask a man out, cancel on him, announce lateness or even break up with him via text or e-mail. Any woman who is reliant on texts to give and receive important personal information is throwing up a red flag that she may be lazy in other aspects of her relationships, including her bedroom antics. Pride: Thou Shall Not Date While Dependent on Others There are times when a woman shouldn’t date because she is vulnerable. One of these times is when she is dependent on others to take care of her due to a loss of a job or the death of a husband. She may take a shortcut to regain her independence by hooking up with a man who has more self-sufficiency than he needs. The problem

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with this is that a woman who is now dependent on a man for support will never be his equal. She may eventually resent him for taking care of her. Do yourself, and him, a favor. Regain your independence for yourself before entering back in to the dating pool.

assume your date is feeling the same way, and that’s all you can ask for.

Gluttony: Thou Shall Not Abuse Technology Technology has brought us many self-important women who are just as interested in keeping up with their friends and co-workers via their smart phones as they are in getting to know their dates. The last I checked, dating etiquette was far from dead, which should include a hello, thank you and giving a guy your full attention while he’s speaking.

Wrath: Thou Shall Not Allow Anger or Distrust to Filter in From Past Relationships Expecting all men to be like your ex is a recipe for disaster. Relationships can be dangerous to your heart, but true love can never be achieved without first sharing yourself openly and honestly. This is the Catch 22 of all relationships. In order for them to prosper, you must start each one with a clean slate. This means assuming each guy is not guilty on all accounts of bad relationship practices (until he has been proven otherwise).

Greed: Thou Shall Not Expect Too Much Early On Women get themselves in trouble when they expect too much from a date. They particularly don’t like waiting for all the answers to be unveiled, such as: Does he like me? Are we only hooking up? Does he want children? Which way does he put the toilet paper on the roll? All these questions may be important, but they don’t need to be answered within the first couple dates. Take everything in stride, and focus on enjoying yourself and the company. As long as you feel relaxed and are having a good time, you can

Lust: Thou Shall Not Rush in to Sex Sex is a fundamental desire in intimate relationships, but rushing in to sex too soon can undermine that intimacy, replacing it with lust. A good man may think about sex, and if allowed certain advantages, may even take the initiative. However, he is most likely more enthralled with the chase than the reward. If you give away all your treasure and mystery before he’s had a chance to earn it, it will quickly lose its value on the dating market. As with most things in life, the more he has to work for what he wants, the more he’ll appreciate it once it’s his.

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J C D W V T 9 B I P S R

opposite sex / simply irresistible

Kirk Wheeler The spice of life: food and cycling.

By Molly McManus / Photo by Rudy Arocha It’s date night with Kirk Wheeler and you’re invited. With aromas of cumin, chili powder and cinnamon wafting out of his kitchen, Wheeler prepares an amazing meal—a fusion of Creole and Mexican, his favorite cuisine combination. Afterward, the two of you cycle to a nearby pub to enjoy a couple local draft beers (yours is a Pilsner, his is a Hefeweisen), allowing you to be further seduced by his sleepy eyes and infectiously hearty laugh. While Wheeler embodies a cheerful, welcoming and mellow demeanor, he is also a no-nonsense, do-it-yourself sort of guy. Every aspect of his life screams independence, from his job to his mode of transportation. “Everything is in your hands,” explains 24-year-old Wheeler of his bartending job at the Alamo Drafthouse. That’s one of the many reasons he cycles, carrying the appropriate tools for any problem he may encounter. Last year, Wheeler’s transportation was 100-percent bicycle, representative of a huge trend in Austin. Riding a fixed-gear bike, Wheeler loves the maintained tempo it produces, feeling the beat and rhythm of the ride, a truly spiritual experience with each pedal. Ultimately hoping to open a food cart, Wheeler is infatuated with the idea of being his own boss. In the meantime, he continues to gain necessary experience by cooking and by working in the service industry. Wheeler is absolutely delicious and if you want to ride with him, I’d suggest getting off your diet to enjoy his great food, getting a bike and succumbing to being whisked away by this simply irresistible foodie and cyclist.

Holiday Pork Chops: “Smells like Christmas”* Season some lightly salted chops with black and cayenne pepper (heavier on the cayenne), a dash of nutmeg and a heavy sprinkle of cinnamon. Add sliced apples on top of seasoned pork. Broil for 10 minutes, then flip pork and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and enjoy! *Wheeler never follows a recipe and encourages you to do the same.

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Trust your family’s health to the radiologists at ARA To protect your health, you often need to know more about what’s going on inside your body. That’s where Austin Radiological Association can help. No matter your age, we offer more than a dozen different types of diagnostic exams and screenings to give you the answers you need. From toddlers to grandparents, our experienced team of accredited technologists and board certified radiologists combines the latest technology with the highest quality care. With 15 locations from Georgetown to Cedar Park to San Marcos, it’s easy to get the medical imaging you need. For more information, visit us at www.ausrad.com.

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Happy Holidays with the Family Can a piña colada ever truly replace eggnog? By JB Hager / Photo by Rudy Arocha My wife and I have the same conversation every single holiday season. We make idle threats (to whom, I don’t know) that we are going to pack up and get away during the holiday. We toss out the names of warm, beach-filled places like San Diego, Hawaii or Costa Rica. We paint a picture of our toes in the sand, giant rum drinks in hand, reading a trendy vampire novel, glancing occasionally over our book to see our daughter shredding waves all day. We drift in and out of sleep, only waking up on occasion to drink fresh coconut water or if our daughter wants our undivided attention to thank us for being part of a wonderful, relaxed family. There’s an old saying: “Why does Christmas have to be this time of the year when we are so busy with the holidays?” The holidays are the most chaotic part of our year. Every year, I take off a couple weeks to enjoy some family time. My wife and I are the byproducts of divorced families, but little did we know just how much family time we would get. My parents divorced when I was young, so I was kind of used to the holidays being a world tour: Christmas Eve with one parent and Christmas Day with another. My sisters and I were accustomed to spending Christmas Day at an airport. To this day, when I look at the arrival/departure board, I crave eggnog. My wife’s parents divorced when she was an adult, so she’s not quite as accustomed to going on tour for the holidays. Now that we have a child of our own, our parents expect us to celebrate five times in five different locations in one day. This is a jackpot of gifts for our daughter; every stop means Christmas all over again. Woo hoo! I know what you’re thinking: Why don’t we just invite them all over to our house? It’s miraculous enough for two families to get along; there’s no chance in hell that four are going to get along. You have to consider the fact that each of them has gone before a judge and said, “I want this person legally removed from my life, regardless of the cost, your honor.” To put it in perspective, a small part of me can understand why someone might adopt a pit bull. If a person told

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Now that we have a child of our own, our parents expect us to celebrate five times in five different locations in one day. This is a jackpot of gifts for our daughter; every stop means Christmas all over again. Woo hoo! you they adopted two of them that have a history of fighting each other, you would think they were a moron. Correct? Someone’s leaving bloodied, missing an ear. This is exactly what I have to avoid each and every holiday season. Fruitcake anyone? By the time you read this, two things will have happened. One, my wife and I will have verbalized how we are going to get on a jet going anywhere far, far away, and two, we will have done nothing about it. The notion of us taking off for the holiday seems to ruffle some feathers, mostly from our daughter, who loves multiple celebrations.

The bright side is, neither of us can picture our parents together anyway. Ewwww. We often wonder how and why they got together in the first place. Maybe we’ll celebrate with half of them in June next year, or just get the courage to head to the beach. Then again, can a piña colada ever truly replace eggnog? At least it remains a question up for discussion. JB Hager can be heard as part of the JB and Sandy Morning Show on Mix 94.7 Austin weekdays 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SAVING WITH A SPECIAL $300 HOLIDAY REBATE. For a limited time, when you purchase a qualified natural gas dryer, you can receive a special $300 HOLIDAY REBATE* from the Texas Gas Service Conservation Program. That’s four times the standard rebate amount and reason for extra holiday cheer. This offer is valid for eligible natural gas dryers purchased between November 25, 2011 and December 31, 2011. For details and more money-saving rebates for your home or business, visit www.TexasGasService.com, email Conservation@TexasGasService.com or call us at (512) 370-8243.

*Customer must have dated receipt to receive special holiday rebate. Qualified customers within the Austin, Sunset Valley, Rollingwood, West Lake Hills, Kyle and Cedar Park city limits can receive this incentive for both new installations and replacements in either new or existing homes.

A Christmas Affair Decorations will be available for sale: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 6 PM — 10 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 9 AM — 4 PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 9 AM — 4 PM The Junior League of Austin Headquarters 5416 Parkcrest, Suite 100 (512) 467-8982

25 Years of Keeping Kids Warm Coats for Kids is a community project that collects and distributes winter coats to eligible children and teenagers in Central Texas. Donate Your Coats – Donate Online – Donate Your Time Learn more at www.jlaustin.org

A special thanks to our generous contributors: Texas Fertility Center Thomas Vaughn, M.D., Kaylen Silverberg, M.D., Lisa Hansard, M.D., Natalie Burger, M.D. All My Sons Moving & Storage MAXIMUS, Inc. Operation Warm Bank of America Austin Business Women’s Association Austin Sonic, Inc. Run-Tex Antler Mini Storage Walmart Foundation Tria and Mark Brindley 86 austinwoman d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Del Valle ISD Adopt-A-School Amy & Chris Ellis (Endeavor Real Estate Group) PPD Development, LP St. David's Foundation Texas Disposal Systems - Solid Waste Services Intex Distributing Co. Longhorn Idealease

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you should know

Justine Tal Goldberg Award-winning wordsmith fosters writers’ mecca in Austin. By Niamh Marnell Writing can be a lonely pursuit, but awardwinning writer and entrepreneur Justine Tal Goldberg provides a guiding light and a shoulder to lean on with her successful business, WriteByNight. Goldberg’s brightly decorated and cozy writing center, located in a loft space in East Sixth Street’s IBIZ district, offers writing services for writers who range from novice to pro, and prides itself on providing one-on-one attention. Whether patrons are writing novels, children’s books, non-fiction, magazine articles or poetry, WriteByNight covers it all. The organization provides assistance for every step of the process with educational opportunities, workshops, self-publishing services, events and seminars. The writing center itself, along with its writers’ library, is free and open to the public for reading, writing and socializing with fellow literary folk. With an undergraduate degree in English from Vassar College in New York, and a master’s of fine arts degree in creative writing from Emerson College in Massachusetts, Goldberg has inhabited the world of words for many years. But a penchant for storytelling was really there from the beginning. “There is a video that my family treasures of me at my grandmother’s house in Brooklyn, and I’m sitting on the chair in my nightgown talking to the camera, telling a story. You know, just a silly little girl’s tale. And I’m just weaving the story as I’m talking to the camera,” Goldberg says. “I can’t pinpoint an exact moment [I became a writer], but clearly that sort of narrative drive was always in me.” That drive has taken her far. In addition to her achievement with WriteByNight, Goldberg has worked successfully as a freelance writer for several years. In non-fiction, she writes mostly lifestyle pieces for glossy regional magazines such as Austin Monthly, and she has also been published in The Texas Observer, Publishing Perspectives, The Review Review, and Boston’s Weekly Dig. Goldberg’s

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specialty is her award-winning short fiction, which has been published in literary journals, including Anomalous Press, Whiskey Island and Fringe Magazine. It was a winding path that led her to Austin, and Goldberg is ecstatic that the business has integrated so seamlessly in to the local writing scene. Having created a successful WriteByNight business in Florida with her partner, David Duhr, the pair was seeking a place more personally and culturally simpatico with them. After a brief visit to Austin in 2009, the decision was made. Goldberg, Duhr and WriteByNight made the move just two short months later. “There is a lively, vibrant literary scene—there are lots of writers—here in Austin,” Goldberg says. “So that’s wonderful. It’s a great place for us to be. “Everybody is really, really hungry for what we’re doing. They are really hungry for programming, events, seminars, workshops and literary activities, and they’re hungry for the kind of one-on-one coaching and consultation work that we provide, which says to me that there was a little bit of a hole here.”

Never one to fall victim to complacency, Goldberg continues to innovate in the midst of a thriving business. Writers can look forward to the launch of the organization’s annual writing competition and its online book club, which will operate through the WriteByNight blog. It will also offer a new free service called AccountabiliBuddy, a creative way of partnering together writers who want to be held accountable by each other for producing pages. For more information on upcoming or existing services, visit WriteByNight at writebynight.net.

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savvy woman /

Year-End Financial Cleanup

Independent financial planner and investment advisor Laura Barnett Lion talks about moves you should make before the year ends. By Susan Lahey and Laura Barnett Lion 1. What strategic investment moves should we know about? One important strategy is called tax harvesting, and it’s to offset investment losses through taxes. Let’s say you bought 10 shares of stock at $40 a share and it’s now $20 a share. Unless the stock bounces back, you’re out $2,000. Or, you could sell your stock and claim the loss against a gain on a different stock. So if you made $5,000 on a different stock, you can apply the $2,000 loss and now you only owe taxes on $3,000. Don’t have any stock gains? You can apply the $2,000 to up to $3,000 of earned income. Just be sure you don’t buy back the same stock or a stock that’s too similar within 31 days of selling, or you can lose your tax benefit. And don’t buy a stock that pays a dividend or capital gains at the end of the year, or you’ll have to shell out taxes for that, even though you’ve only held the stock a short time.

all the right questions 2. What tax issues must be addressed by Dec. 31? Any gifting or donations must be done before the year ends. Charitable contributions have to be made prior to year’s end. And if you’re planning to gift to kids or grandkids, you can give $13,000 per person without incurring any gift-tax consequence. 3. Are there any special financial planning strategies to make before Dec. 31? Talk to your CPA before the year ends about any strategies he or she might have for improving your tax position. CPAs can do amazing things like bunching deductions. Let’s say you have a highproperty tax rate but not as high as the standard deduction on your taxes. You can pay the standard deduction one year and the next year pay property taxes in January and again in December, claiming the deduction in the following year. That way you get the best tax break coming and going. Often, you must make these choices by the end of the year, so give your CPA a call. 4. Do you need to revisit your financial plan each year? Yes, and it’s best to do that at the end of the year when many companies offer re-enrollment to benefits plans. Too many people just set their numbers the first year and then forget them. Now is the time to consider the following: Are you happy with how much is being deducted from your paycheck? Could you be putting more in to your retirement account? Do you have leftover funds in a flex spending account that are going to

DEC 3 - 23 ~ LONG CENTER THE 49TH ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF

vanish Jan. 1? Did you drain your emergency fund and need to replenish it? December is a good time to revisit your entire financial plan so that when the new year rolls around, you can start fresh. 5. What about the holidays? Make a holiday spending budget that includes everything from gifts to food and alcohol, party clothes, entertaining, travel. Sometimes when you open the tap at the holidays, it’s easy to just keep spending. Or, if you wait too long, you wind up paying more for items and for shipping than you would have if you had planned and shopped carefully. It’s too late to be an early bird, but you can still make a plan that will save you money. For more information, advice or services, contact Laura Barnett Lion at barnettfinancial.com.

Choreography by Stephen Mills Music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky Musical Accompaniment by Austin Symphony Orchestra

The Nutcracker Austin’s Holiday Tradition

Tickets starting at $15 Visit www.balletaustin.org or call 512.476.2163

This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin's Future and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com

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The Rise School of Austin is a non-profit early childhood and preschool program providing the highest quality educational and services to typically developing children and those with special needs.

Ricci Neer Managing Director 262.757.8277 riccineer@ewomennetwork.com Next Event: Friday, December 9, 2011 Time: 11:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:30pm Place: Cool River 4001 West Parmer Lane Austin, TX 78727

Goddess Atop Capitol With a New Coat of Gold Sale of Texas State Capitol annual ornaments adds vital funds to historic preservation. By Sarah Rigdon Around this time of year, it’s likely that you or someone you love is falling prey to a common affliction that reveals itself in the compulsion to collect every object in sight. Christmas ornament collectors know all the signs. Some have given up on avoiding the triggers. For those collectors, keep your eyes peeled for any of the first five ornaments designed for the Texas State Capitol, which are now out of production and real collectors’ items.

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The first of these was produced in 1996, when Nelda Laney, wife of then-Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Pete Laney, had become just as much of a Capitol fixture as her husband. She made sure a Christmas tree graced the House floor each year, inviting legislators and Capitol employees to bring decorations. One year, a friend gave her a White House ornament to put on the tree. If the History Channel ever makes a documentary about it, this would be a good moment to have a Christmas tree lightbulb light up above her head. Laney came to Shawn Goodnight, who now oversees all online and gift shop sales for the Capitol as the retail director for the State Preservation Board. Without ever having made an ornament or studied design, Laney put together a prototype with the help of a production company. “We put in an order for 5,000, which at the time seemed big,” she says. Total units sold for their first year in production? 14,000. They now sell about 50,000 per year. The proceeds from ornament sales have become a vital revenue source for preservation and education

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projects throughout the Capitol. Perhaps the most notable preservation project was last year’s repainting of the Capitol dome and restoration of the goddess at its top. It also funds all exhibits at the Capitol Visitors Center, visitor brochures and a free curriculum guide for teachers. This year marks the 16th ornament designed for the State Preservation Board. A committee of board members and a design team from ChemArt of Rhode Island, the production company, tour the Capitol building together for inspiration. Board members have been pleased with ChemArt’s ability to translate their ideas in to metal, and gift shop patrons seem to agree. “We always use feedback from our customers,” says Goodnight of the design process. Heads up, ornament collectors: If you or someone you love is looking for a good deal on ornaments or any other items at the gift shop, mark Dec. 1 through 3 on your calendar for 20 percent off everything. The annual sale is the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of December. If you buy 25 of any of the ornaments at any time year-round, you’ll get 20 percent off. For more information, visit texascapitolgiftshop.com.

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personal best

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Thoughtful Gift Giving Deliver good gifts from the heart. By Susie Davis Confession one: Ten years ago, I was that irritating gal who had finished all her holiday shopping by July. And not only that, I always purchased loads of half-off goodies by braving the clearance-hungry crowds on Dec. 26th. Confession two: Last year, I was the woman wandering around the mall two weeks before Christmas with a list of names and sore feet but no good ideas on what to give people. I would look around at the dizzying displays and ask myself the same question for every person on the list: What should I get (insert name here)? This year, things will be different because I had an awakening, an epiphany that helped me see I wasn’t giving meaningful gifts. I was giving more stuff that ended up sitting unused in a closet, more fodder for Goodwill. It happened this summer. I was helping my mom clean out her cabinets. I was deep in the dark recesses of her bathroom vanity when I pulled out several of those “fabulous clearance buys,” dusty with age but sealed tight. As I placed them in the Goodwill bag (along with beautiful 3-year-old unopened soaps and lotions), I thought, “Bless my mother’s soul. Here we are loading her up with clutter. Just more stuff to store, keep up with and eventually agonize about ditching.” If you’re like me and you struggle to give good gifts to the people you love, check out this short list of gift-giving guidelines for the smart girl:

it’s not soap or lotion.) And then be intentional about making it happen. Cease and desist the sloppy gifting. Appreciate. Gift giving is meant to be a form of appreciation. I think somewhere along the way we’ve lost the real meaning of that. Instead of whipping out the credit card, try getting out a pen and paper (a rarity these days), and actually sitting down to write a heartfelt note of appreciation. Spend some time remembering how blessed you’ve been because of your friend, parent or spouse—and let them know about it. Restrict your holiday décor gifting. Even if your friend is a decorating diva, that trinket for the tree will only see the light of day 30 days a year. If you feel the urge to be extra seasonal in your gift giving, why not make a donation to the charity of your friend’s choice each Christmas?

Stop thinking of gift giving as an exercise in spending loads of cash. Some of the best gifts I’ve received have been thoughtful but inexpensive: printed photos of people and things I love, an invitation to happy hour from my husband or a welltimed surprise enchilada dinner delivered from a friend.

Take time. I don’t have to tell you that it’s much easier to buy something, even an expensive something, than taking an afternoon to spend time with someone. But isn’t that what we really want most of all from the people we love— their time and attention? Schedule a holiday walk on Lady Bird Lake with that friend you haven’t had time to see. Take your 4-year-old nephew to Amy’s Ice Cream. Invite your parents over for a simple but delicious homemade meal. Make time to gift people with presence—now. Even though it’s busy. And even though you’re a teensy bit stressed at the thought of it. After the holidays have come and gone, you’ll feel better for time well spent on people you love.

Minimize the closet clutter for others. Instead of guessing what your mom wants, ask her. (I bet

For more good ideas from the heart, visit Susie’s blog at susiedavis.org.

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YOU WANT IT. WE GOT IT.

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Celebrate the holidays with live music from the Austin Symphony

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Enjoy Handel’s Messiah, the free Christmas Sing-Along, or the Music of John Williams this December with your BFFs and your Austin Symphony!

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For tickets and concert information: austinwomanmagazine.com

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the last word /

aw view

Illustration by Sarah Quatrano.

All I Want for Christmas I’ve been reading through many hilarious and some sad accounts of Christmas presents gone wrong: the father who got his newly sophisticated daughter a hideous green pantsuit in the 1970s then asked that she wear it to a gathering, which she did; the traditional parents who gave their gay son macho toys; the dishwashers and other kitchen appliances given to wives, because what else could a woman possibly want? And on and on. Maybe it’s because people never write about the perfect holiday gift they get since tragic and comic shortcomings are always so much more interesting. And who really wants to hear the story of somebody who gets the perfect present that fulfills, that shows them they and their needs are truly understood? I mean, I’d never read it. In fact, I once knew a couple who gave perfect presents. He got her incredible, thoughtful presents for her birthday, Christmas, their anniversary. This meant that she, too—being married to such a gift-giving paragon—had to reciprocate with presents equally brilliant and exquisitely precise. Maybe I only imagined it, but after a year or two, she looked panicked and desperate every time a new gift-giving occasion reared its needy little head. Who wants to fail when the stakes are that high? In my own life, I’ve come to realize I’m impossible to shop for (this is after years of being assured by my husband he still has no idea what on earth to get me). I’m no good as a recipient and I’m equally bad as a present-giver. As a relative or friend, I’ll listen to your troubles, I’ll celebrate your triumphs, I’ll cry with you, I’ll try to make you laugh and have fun. But I’m a total loser when it comes to turning up with the perfect, thoughtful present that shows I’ve been paying attention to, exactly, what it is you like or need.

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“Don’t get me anything,” I told my husband when he asked this year. I meant it. He, fortunately, doesn’t want anything either. We have so much already. And if we need something, we get it for ourselves. If we’re out shopping together, we point and look expectant. This is why our Christmas mornings have evolved to the point of few presents and few surprises. For the most part, we take our semi-adult kids out shopping the day before and have them show us what they’d like. We were always pretty pathetic at wrapping presents anyway, so often, they’re still in sacks from the store. We open them all simultaneously and quickly, exclaiming loudly how surprised we are, hailing, “How could you have known exactly what I want?” You can read this and think we’re lazy, we’re slovenly and we have low expectations. But it works for us. We have fewer you-don’t-understand-me-and-never-will wounds, fewer department-store returns, fewer disappointments on the part of giver and recipient. In essence, what I’ve learned throughout the years is that you’re not going to get the gift that completes you, that makes life worth living. The Lexus with a red bow in the driveway is not going to make an appearance—at least not at our house. Besides, even if it did, how would you top that experience next year? You will also probably find that, even though someone loves you very much, he or she is incapable of divining what it is you need. You’re going to have to tell him what it is—or get it yourself. Even at holiday time, it’s helpful to finally grow up and stop looking for miracles under the tree.

–Ruth Pennebacker

January’s Last Word topic will be “How You’ve Made a Fresh Start.” To be considered, email a 500-word submission to thelastword@awmediainc.com.

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