Austin Woman Magazine
“The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here”. —Robert Ingersol
DECEMBER 2013
11/21/13 5:48 PM
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Contents december
78
On the Cover
sarah evans of well aware Bringing the gift of clean water to Kenya one well at a time. By Shelley Seale
86
Feature
filling your bucket list
Photo by Cody Hamilton.
Avoiding the awful phrase “if only.� By Christian Smith
Contents december
55 on the scene
gourmet
98 grant winner profile
26 5 things
64 entertaining Holiday Cocktail Open
100 Entrepreneur
28 around town
Photos From Austin Events
32 philanthropy Dancing With the Stars 34 spotlight event 36 new year’s eve 38 horoscopes
A Christmas Story
Ring in the New Year in Style
Happy Birthday, Sagittarius!
must list 40 holiday projects DIY or Buy 41 Must read When Will the Heaven Begin?
House
70 Girl walks into a bar
Christmas Cocktails
From
Research to Riches
to your health 73 fitness
Workday Workouts
75 wellness 76 health
Holiday Herbal Remedies
Keeping Children Safe During
the Holidays
opposite sex
46 hostess gifts The Perfect Hostess Gifts
92 memo from JB
style
for Couples
My Idea of a Meaningful Gift
94 Relationships
New Year’s Resolutions
52 what’s in store Embellished Cottage
savvy women
55 FASHION Holiday Sophistication
97 expert opinion Gallery Owner Lisa Russell
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102 All the right questions
104 last word The Things I Want to Do
43 Gifts that give Guilt-Free Shopping
50 Beauty Holiday Noir
Creative
Nina Gordon
on the cover Photo by Cody Hamilton. Hair by April Downs, Avant Salon, avantsalon.com. Makeup by Lauren Lumsden, Rae Cosmetics, 512.320.8732, raecosmetics.com. Styling by Ashley Hargrove, dtkaustinstyling.com. Joie Andoni rabbit fur vest, $798; Alice & Olivia Roney gray sweater, $297; Helmut Lang gray skinny jean, $195; Alberto Fermani velvet fango boot, $475; Alexis Bittar Jardin De Papillon ruthenium and gold labradorite beaded necklace, $245; Alexis Bittar Jardin De Papillon ruthenium & gold labradorite bangle, $145; Alexis Bittar Neo Bohemian large encased lucite bracelet, $195, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com. [This page] On Him: Billy Reid John T check shirt, $185; Billy Reid diamond stitch v-neck sweater, $245, available at Nordstrom, 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy. S., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com. On Her: Topshop embellished floral knit sweater, $92, available at 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy S., 512.691.3500, Mossimo gray skinny jeans, $22, target.com. Mantle decoration courtesy Breed & Company, 718 W. 29th St., 512.474.6679, breedandco.com.
Photo by Annie Ray.
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From the Editor most wonderful time of the year. I love everything about this season: the lights, the carols, the gatherings and, yes, even the fruitcake, eggnog and cheesy holiday sweaters. As the season approaches, I also think of the meaning of joy, love and happiness. Joy to the world and the reasons for the season. I am always cognizant of the meaning behind the tradition of gift giving, and though gold, frankincense and myrrh are not often on my list, I try to be a thoughtful giver, personalizing each gift for the recipient. I also pause to remember that it is by giving of ourselves, our time and our talents that we truly give and make time to honor that tradition as well. In this issue, we bring people, ideas, events and gifts to make your season bright. The joy of something as basic as the gift of clean water is reflected in the face of our cover woman, Sarah Evans. Her story of an ah-ha moment, the realization of her purpose and the founding of Well Aware all exemplify the way in which one person can truly make a difference to so many. Making a difference to the children of Central Texas is also the light in the eyes of Laura and Tommy Craddick, chairs of the 2014 Dell Children’s Gala, as they grace our Style pages. Ben Breedlove’s moving video made just prior to his death went viral and touched people throughout the globe, including Pastor Will Davis Jr., who
reviews the story of When Will the Heaven Begin? When we looked at the best of everything, we thought of making a bucket list and asked intrepid world traveler Christian Smith to share his formula for creating meaningful and personalized journeys. In the Last Word column, Cyndi Samford also shares her thoughts on living a bucket-list lifestyle. We went to the experts, Patti David and Lisa Russell, for advice on purchasing, investing in and enjoying jewelry and art. We have gifts that give, beauty gifts, hostess gifts and two stores with gifts for everyone on your list. JB Hager shares his holiday gifting traditions. Throwing a holiday party? Check out Annette Joseph’s holiday cocktail-party menu and recipes. Meeting friends for a cocktail? Check out the festive offerings from the bartenders at The Four Seasons. Safety is always paramount for an enjoyable holiday season, so we bring you tips for holiday child-proofing and toy safety, as well as the story of Angela Brinkley and Sober Monkeys, founded to provide safe rides. I recently gave myself a gift of an amazing book, The Happiness Hypotheses by Jonathan Haidt. Built on his lectures at the University of Virginia, the book examines 10 great ideas that are universal to diverse religions and cultures in a thought-provoking discussion on the meaning of life and the pursuit
of happiness. It has expanded my ideas of purpose, meaning and happiness, as well as clarified the many definitions of the word “gift.” So I leave you with the gift of a quote that has always been meaningful to me during the holiday season and in contemplation of one year ending and a new beginning: “If you want to be happy, set yourself a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes. Happiness is within you. It comes from doing some certain thing in to which you put all of your thought and energy. If you want to be happy, get enthusiastic about something.” – Dale Carnegie Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays!
deborah hamilton-lynne Editor-in-Chief
DECEMBER Launch Party
PUPPY LOVE
New Year’s Resolutions
Last Chance to RSVP!
AW is looking for photos of your beloved pooch. Cutest dog, sassiest dog, ugliest dog, biggest dog and smallest dog—we want them all. Please send your photos and a few words about why your dog is the best dog in ATX to submissions@awmediainc. com with the words “I Love My Dog” in the subject line.
Please share your New Year’s resolutions with us and we will put them together in a web article to help you connect with other readers with similar goals. Hopefully having your resolutions in print will inspire other readers and strengthen your resolve. Send them to submissions@awmediainc. com with “New Year’s Resolutions 2014” in the subject line.
A Hill Country Holiday, Dec. 3, 6 to 8 p.m., Cierra Interiors at the Hill Country Galleria, 12600 Hill Country Blvd., suite R-140 (across from Whole Foods).
’Tis the season to celebrate the release of Austin Woman and ATX Man magazines’ December and winter issues. The event is free with RSVP, so bring your friends and indulge in complimentary cocktails and treats as you groove to live music, stop by our holiday photo booth and peruse great holiday gift ideas. aw.ticketbud.com/december-launch-party.
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Photo by Korey Howell.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! For me, this is indeed the
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been
Naughty or Nice...
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Contributors CHR IS TIAN SMITH
APR IL DOWNS
SHELLE Y SE ALE
CODY HAMILTON
writer & photographer, “living your bucket list”
Hairstylist “Holiday Sophistication”
cover writer “Sarah evans of well aware”
COVER Photographer, “Sarah evans of well aware”
Page 86
CHRISTIAN SMITH began work
in 1972 as a UCLA administrator, and at age 27, was appointed assistant vice chancellor. In 1991, he relocated to Austin with his wife, Pebbles Wadsworth. After a short stint at UT Austin, he began almost two decades with Travis County, reporting to the Commissioners Court as executive manager, Planning and Budget. He left Travis County in 2011 and now splits his time between Rhode Island, Austin and Malibu, Calif. Why is travel important?
“It forces one to be a young child again, where everything is new and one is seeing or doing something for the first time. It increases the likelihood that one will appreciate our blessings rather than taking our lives for granted. It also fosters greater understanding of other people, from those who are similar, to those who appear to be substantially different.”
Page 55
Having grown up in a family that is very artistic and musical, its no wonder APRIL DOWNS has a creative outlet that continued to find ways to come out. She used to do hair and makeup on her sisters and friends for fun. When she was 26, she decided to make cosmetology her profession. She graduated from the Aveda Institute Austin. Avant is her first salon, and she credits it for helping her grow as an artist, giving her opportunities to work in television, film, hair shows and, of course, on photo shoots with Austin Woman. Is it a challenge to come up with different looks for each shoot?
“Coming up with a different hair style for each look is always a challenge. It’s definitely a team effort from the other artists working on the photo shoots. Together, we create fantastic looks!”
Page 78
Shelley Seale is an Austin-based writer and author who can be found vagabonding around the world when not in ATX. She has written for The Guardian, Travel + Escape and National Geographic, among others. She is a longtime feminist, advocate for cultivating confident young girls and single mother of a daughter herself. What did you learn about the importance of clean water to women in Kenya?
“Like Sarah Evans, I have also been to Kenya. I have walked through slums in Nairobi where there was little evidence of clean water. In rural areas, it is far worse. In many areas of the world, Kenya and beyond, I have watched the women walk for miles, sometimes for days to obtain clean, safe water for their families. Providing this can often mean a huge difference in the lives of these women and their children.”
Page 78
Cody Hamilton is a cross between photographer, retoucher and illustrator. He uses situations, framing and digital editing to create works of art that leave memorable impressions. Hamilton grew up in Wyoming. He graduated from The Art Institute of Colorado, receiving an award for the best portfolio. In addition to honing his portfolio and photography skills, Hamilton stays busy remodeling his house and spending time with his wife and daughter. Cody’s photographs have been featured in Austin Monthly and Tribeza. He has contributed to projects for Southwest Airlines, GSD&M, Door Number 3 and T3. Is it more challenging to shoot with a focus on water?
Yes, especially in the middle of a drought.
have the last word? We love hearing your stories. Send in your submissions for our February Last Word column for a chance to be published. To be considered, email 500 words or less to submissions@awmediainc.com by Jan. 1. February topic: “A dog that changed my life.”
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WHAT A GIRL WANTS Austin Woman’s staff shares their ultimate holiday wish list.
Molly Associate Editor Grand piano, available at straitmusic.com
Niki Art Director Alexander McQueen funnel neck leather jacket, available at alexandermcqueen.com
Jennifer Advertising Designer Dream home, available from Eric Copper, Realtor, ericcopper.com
Kelly Account Executive Diamond studs, available at diamonds-direct.com
Deborah Editor-in-Chief 2014 Jaguar F-Type Roadster, available at jaguaraustin.com
Exotic Collection at jefferson square Ex otic Col l ection 1601 west 38th street, austin, tx 78731
awtw jwe. zf ifnekrcsoolnl escqtui oa nr .ec o m | 5 1 2 . 5 0 2 . 5 8 3 6 1601 west 38th street, austin, tx 78731
Connect with us! find us online at austinwomanmagazine.com Gifts That Give From Laura Craddick, chair of this year’s Dell Children’s Gala, the story behind the Kendra for Kids Collection.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Kendra for Kids collection from Kendra Scott Jewelry benefits the Dell Children’s Hospital. Such beautiful jewelry for a beautiful cause.
Featured event Hooray for Hollywood! AW exclusive interviews with Hollywood insiders Lynda Obst and Callie Khouri, and all the latest from the Austin Film Festival and the Texas Book Festival.
Fridayfaves With the turn of the new year just around the corner, it might be time to look in to a gym that suits your needs. Here are our five favorite Austin gymnasiums.
1 South Congress Athletic Club If you’re looking for a small gym that’s not intimidating and without an overdose of macho testosterone, South Congress Athletic Club is the place for you. socoathleticclub.com
2 Hyde Park Gym This gym is hardcore and meant for serious athletes, but that shouldn’t deter you from looking in to its fitness center. hydeparkgym.com
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24 Austin Woman DECE m BER 2 0 1 3
childrensaustin.org/cmcf/get-involved/annual-giving-programs/ childrens-council/kendra-scottfor-kids
Win this!
A pair of tickets for Opening Night of the Paramount’s Holiday Classic Film Series
Tickets valid for Wednesday, December 4th only. It’s a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m. A Christmas Story at 9:35 p.m. To enter, tweet us at @austinwoman.
3
4
South Austin Gym Although this gym is more expensive than most gyms, this hub of strength and training facility is very much an Austin staple.
Fitness 360 Locally owned and independently operated, Fitness 360 is an innovative concept in the health-club industry, offering 24-hour keycard access to all members. southaustin- fitness360. net gym.com
like us
5 Pure Austin Pure Austin’s mission is to provide an indoor gym for outdoor people: kayaking, paddle boarding, open-water swimming, rock climbing and the latest machines and resistance equipment. pureaustin. com
Can’t get enough of this issue? Check out austinwomanmagazine.com for bonus content, including:
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facebook.com/austinwoman
More DIY or buy projects. Make your own centerpieces, soup, appetizers. More holiday happenings. Things to do during the holidays and they are all FREE! More staff picks. Our favorite books for giving and new holiday CDs. More beauty. Updos for a sophisticated holiday look. Reviews of holiday happenings, films, concerts, theater, dance performances and more.
find us
austinwomanmagazine.com
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on the scene /
5 things
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Five Holiday Shopping Events You Can’t Miss Compiled by Leo B. Carter
1 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar With more than 160 Austin artists under one roof, from handmade jewelry and vividly painted leather shoes, to oneof-a-kind ceramics and brilliantly colored fine art prints of celebrities, this bazaar is a great opportunity to check out some of the most unique products the city has to offer. Twenty-five popular Austin musicians perform throughout the afternoon and evening hours as well. Hot music, fine art, cold beer and one-of-akind gifts—if you’re looking for something off the standard wish list, this is the place. Admission is $7 for adults, free for kids 12 and younger. armadillobazaar.com Nov. 17 – Dec. 24, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Palmer Events Center
2 Trader Joe’s Trader Joe’s has made it to Austin! Looking for an affordable alternative to Whole Foods? Your wishes have been answered. Eating healthy food doesn’t have to break the bank after all. Trader Joe’s caters to all sorts of dietary restrictions and proclivities—vegan, gluten-free, kosher. There’s something for everyone, including the more courageous customers. Rejoice and stock up for holiday parties with Trader Joe’s famous Three-Buck Chuck wines and loads of gourmet cheeses. The first location at 2805 Bee Cave Road in Rollingwood will soon be joined by two new stores on Great Hills Trail in Northwest Austin and downtown near Lamar Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street. traderjoes.com/stores 2805 Bee Cave Road
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Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Nutcracker Ballet
The Trail of Lights
The 13th annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar offers another uniquely Austin way to stuff stockings this Christmas. It showcases more than 130 local artists with meticulously crafted handmade products. Everything from sculptures and photography to jewelry and other accessories produced by local and regional artisans will be on sale. Whether you want serious art or just something cute and kitschy, this is the place to find it. On Mondays, a portion of the proceeds also goes to Make a Wish Central Texas. On Dec. 18, check out blues guitarist Tony Redman’s acoustic set and his cigar-box guitars. Admission and parking are both free. bluegenieartbazaar.com
Ballet Austin’s production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a season must-see, whether you’ve never been or you’re a longtime fan. Nothing shouts Christmas like wooden toy soldiers coming to life and battling an army of gigantic mice for supremacy over the land of sweets. It is also the place to shop for Nutcrackerand dance-related gifts for children of all ages. This exceptional production, with its intricate costumes, fantastical sets and talented dancers, is a treat for all ages. Performance times vary. Tickets range from $12 to $72. balletaustin.org/ atb/nutcracker2013.php
Nothing says “Merry Christmas, Austin” like The Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. The 48th year of this Austin family tradition is bigger and better than ever. There will be food vendors, local musical acts and chances to pick up some unique gifts along the way. Locally made boutique clothing, hammocks and official Trail of Lights merchandise will all be on sale. As you stroll through the kaleidoscopic, neon forest and holiday displays, enjoy everything from barbecue to tapas from some of Austin’s best eateries. Registration for the Trail of Lights 5K will be available Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. austintrailoflights.org.
Dec. 7 – Dec. 23, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., The Long Center
Dec. 8 – Dec. 22, Zilker Park
Nov. 29 – Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Marchesa Hall & Theatre
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FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 9 BASS CONCERT HALL TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 13 AT 10AM Bass Concert Hall Ticket Office & All Texas Box Office Outlets Visit BroadwayInAustin.com or call 512-477-6060 Groups 20+ 877-275-3804
on the scene /
A rou n d t ow n
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Center for Child Protection PlayBingo!
Abby Argo and Debbie Kern
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Patricia Hayes and Michael Torres
Karla Padillo, Amy Roberts, Carrie Pritchard, Sheila Parodi
PlayBingo! photos by Teri Mason Photography
Cindy Fegley, Kat Brooks and Vicki Tatelman
Andy Roddick Foundation Gala Andy Roddick remarks
Happy concertgoers
Elton John performance
Harvey Penick Award Dinner
Teresa Long and Ernest Butler
Virginia and Steve Visser, Caritas of Austin Executive Director Jo Katherine Quinn and Caritas of Austin Board President John Cyrier
Floral arrangements by West Bank Flower Market
Sarah and Ernest Butler recieving the Harvey Penick Award
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Car wash. Yogurt. Deposit check. Pay piano teacher. Deposit Deposit checks checks from from your your living living room. room. Pay Pay aa friend friend from from your your favorite favorite diner. diner. Have Have aa chat chat with with aa banker banker in in Westlake Westlake or or Round Round Rock, Rock, oranywhere oranywhere in in Austin Austin you you happen happen tobe. tobe. And, And, of of course, course, get get cash cash at at your your convenience convenience at at any any one one of of our our Austin Austin area area ATMs. ATMs. On your On your phone, phone, online, online, or or on on the the go go —— it’s it’s all all about about getting getting your your banking banking done. done. Learn Learn more more at at GetBankingDone. GetBankingDone.com com or or stop stop by by your your nearby nearby Wells Fargo Wells Fargo location. location.
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on the scene /
phil a nth ropy
Dancing with the Stars: Austin Edition Austinites boogie down to benefit the Center for Child Protection. By Jacqui Devaney On Dec. 8, 10 philanthropic and daring Austinites will grace the stage at Hilton Austin to show this city how to boogie. Although there will be five teams, there will only be one winner. Each spin, kick, foxtrot and “Ooh! Ahh! How did they do that?” moment will not only wow the crowd, but will also aid the Center for Child Protection. Forget everything you know about the ABC hit series Dancing with the Stars, and get ready to see some of Austin’s favorite people get down. Dancing with the Stars Austin enlists a melting pot of talent, from Mary Herr Tally, retired arts fundraiser and child- and animal-rights advocate, to Doug Guller, CEO at ATX Brands. The remaining eight Austinites involved are Jerry Albright, deputy CIO at Teacher Retirement System of Texas; Abby Argo, Colorguard captain and community volunteer; Jamie Barshop, community advocate and charity fundraiser; Becky Beaver, attorney at law; Kevin Burns, ambassador of The Urban Lifestyle; Will Hardeman, partner, Continental Automotive Group; Katie Jaffe, designer and humanitarian; and Jeff Jumonville, business developer, Dragon Products. The evening is centered on glitz, glamour and entertainment in order to raise funds and awareness. “The subject that the Center for Child Protection deals with is an extremely hard one,” says Alex Winkelman, executive director of Citizen Generation and co-chair for Dancing with the Stars Austin. “Dancing with the Stars not only raises a ton of money for the center, but also creates huge awareness and great relationships for the organization.” While the work the amazing employees do for the Center for Child Protection may not be obviously fabulous, the improvements they are making due to the influx of support from this event certainly are. In Travis County, the
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Center for Child Protection is the only nonprofit involved in the investigation of crimes committed against children, and close to 5,000 services have been provided annually free of charge. The success of Dancing with the Stars Austin has enabled the nonprofit to provide even more additional services to children in need, such as pet therapy, psychiatric services and an interactive ropes course. In additional to the generous support the event provides for the Center for Child Protection, sponsor Lexus of Austin hosts a luxury car raffle extending to the night of the event. The lucky donor holding the golden ticket will get to drive away in the grand prize, a 2013 Lexus ES 300 Hybrid. Second and third place are almost as equally attractive: a $2,500 H-E-B gift card and two round-trip airfare tickets, respectively. Although not everyone will be driving away in a new car or be set with groceries for the next two years, each person is still a winner in their own right. Every raffle ticket sale will pay for five hours of therapy, one hour of translation services and transportation access for children who require medical attention. This year, Dancing with the Stars Austin will go above and beyond any year prior in order to give more. People should be excited about this event, because “Dancing with the Stars Austin is one of the best fundraisers in town,” Winkelman says. “It perfectly matches fabulous people and entertainment with raising a large amount of money for charity.” Let the faint music and rhythmic tapping of heels floating out of the Hilton Austin and on to the streets of our capital be a reminder of the good this event is bestowing on the community and the fun everyone is having while doing it. Tickets are available online at the center’s website or in person at Lexus of Austin, Bartlett’s Restaurant or the Arbor Car Wash Jollyville and Lakeway locations. For more information, visit centerforchildprotection.org.
Sponsored Events TEDxAustinWomen Dec. 5, Ballet Austin, 501 W. Third St. On Dec. 5, 150 of the most influential, passionate and creative men and women will gather at the first-ever TEDxAustinWomen, a local event inspired by TED’s commitment to “ideas worth spreading.” TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an event that brings together the world’s leading thinkers and doers to present and share ideas that matter in any discipline: technology, entertainment, science, humanities, business and development. The TEDxAustinWomen’s thoughtfully curated speakers share a passion for Texas and a passion for empowering women and girls throughout the city. For inquiries about invitations, email info@tedxaustinwomen.com. HEART and Sole Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Indulge yourself for a cause at the seventh annual Heart & Sole luncheon benefiting the Rise School of Austin. Guests will experience an elegant silent auction highlighted by timeless vintage and modern handbags, chic designer shoes and dashing exclusive accessories. A formal luncheon will follow, featuring a select fashion show sponsored by Austin Fashion Week, a platform dedicated to showcasing local talent on the runway. With one-of-a-kind designer bags, deluxe auction items and delightful giveaways, the Rise School of Austin’s Heart & Sole premier fundraising event of the year is one you don’t want to miss. For more information, visit riseschoolaustin.org.
Special Interests: Pregnancy Post partum period Couples counseling Adolescent females ages 15+
Dr. Nadia Bening
Take advantage of online booking
Happy Mental Wellness Center Medical Tower at River Place 6611 River Place Blvd. Suite 203, Austin, Texas 78730, 512-730-0402 happymentalwellness.com
Platinum Top 50 Realtor Awards of Austin Dec. 11, Shoal Crossing, 8611 N. Mopac Expressway
Sponsored events compiled by Katie Paschall.
Join the Platinum Top 50 Realtors of Austin at the 2014 semi-final awards ceremony at Shoal Crossing on Dec. 11. This awards ceremony will recognize 50 successful residential realtors for their outstanding achievements in sales, education, industry participation and civic leadership. For more information, visit platinumtop50.com. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Dec. 17 – Dec. 24, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road Celebrate the holidays Austin-style while listening to friendly local music, savoring fine artistic pieces and sipping cold beer at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar—the place Austin shops for the giving season. From statement-making collectible pieces to modestly priced stocking stuffers, shop ’til you drop for an eclectic array of handmade items from hundreds of local artists. With live, welcoming performances from dusk until dawn, the Armadillo stage showcases many of Austin’s most notable musicians—25 bands during the eight-day show—varying from emerging stars to local legends. Tickets are $7 for a single-day pass, and kids 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit armadillobazaar.com.
Grand Opening December 7-8, 2013
The Thinkery is an evolution of the Austin Children’s Museum, opening at Mueller. It’s Austin’s sparkling new home for “why” and “how.” A place where science and families play side by side. Where people connect with ideas by doing, making and experiencing. It’s a foundry for a new generation of innovators and creative problem solvers. And it’s a heck of a good time. Curious? Great! For more visit thinkeryaustin.org
sp o t ligh t ev ent
quest for the Red Ryder BB Gun A Christmas Story, Nov. 26–Dec. 29, Topfer Theatre This holiday season, follow young Ralphie Parker on his quest for the ever-elusive Red Ryder BB Gun. Adapted from the classic film, A Christmas Story is sure to have visions of pink bunny suits and fishnet leg lamps dancing in your head. Ralphie’s journey through the Christmas blues is a delight for the entire family, and, unlike the BB gun, this story is the gift that keeps on giving, laugh after laugh. The Topfer Theatre has been home to dozens of sold-out performances and myriad brilliant directors. ZACH Theatre has a way of putting on plays that are just as much magic as they are performance. Don’t miss this heartwarming and joyous celebration of childhood come to life on stage. B See the complete December calendar of events at austinwomanmagazine.com.
34 Austin Woman DECE m BER 2 0 1 3
Compiled by Jacqui Devaney.
on the scene /
on the scene /
new y ea r’s eve
Ring in the New Year in Style The top events for welcoming 2014. By Courtney Bell Austin’s New Year The annual New Year’s event at Auditorium Shores is the family celebration of the year. This alcohol-free event is the perfect choice for those looking to celebrate safely. Join other Austinites to commemorate art, film, music and fireworks on the lake. With two stages, there will be a variety of musical stylings to choose from. Headlining the event is Official Texas State Musician Sarah Hickman, as well as the Warren Hood Band, Gina Chavez and The Peterson Brothers. The Clickity Cloggers and the Irish Dance Center will be showing off their eclectic dance moves on the World Stage while The Austin Film Buffet showcases Fantastic Fest, Cine Las Americas and The Jewish Film Festival. Don’t leave early because the fireworks finale starts at 10 p.m. Ring in the new year under the pecan trees, snacking on your favorite treats, listening to live tunes and celebrating the diverse culture of Austin. What could be a better way to welcome 2014?
A FAB Austin New Year’s Eve 2014 Gala Join the LGBT community in celebrating a successful 2013, and cheers to many more milestones in 2014. This fourth annual event at the Hyatt Regency on Town Lake includes a magical night of live music, dancing and Champagne. Dance the night away to the musical talents of Hedda Layne, Ginger Leigh and The Atlantics. Tickets are available online at afabaustin.org.
’Til the Ball Falls Bar Crawl For a wild night of new friends and cocktails at some of Austin’s hottest bars, register with barcrawl.com for a downtown excursion of exploration and drinking ’til the ball drops. Start the year right with this great opportunity to meet new people. Purchase a ticket, meet up with other crawlers at a specific spot and begin your journey to memories and New Year’s Eve partying. Visit newyearsticket.net/austin/newyearseve for tickets.
Mediterranean New Year’s Eve Celebrate 2014 at the largest Mediterranean NYE celebration in Texas. The Omni Hotel South Park hosts an evening of live music, a four-course dinner and live Flamenco show. Hookah bars, belly dancers and Middle Eastern top music hits will spice up your New Year’s Eve at the Omni. The Omni will also offer room rates of $99 for all partygoers. Tickets are available for purchase at medny2013.eventbrite.com.
Willie Nelson and Family: New Year’s Eve Grab your tickets now for two nights of ringing in the new year with Willie and friends. ACL Live at the Moody Theater is teaming up with the W Hotel downtown to bring you VIP-style packages, which include discounted room rates for the evening, tickets to the show and cocktails. Willie will take the stage with The Mavericks on Dec. 30, and Iron & Wine on Dec. 31. Visit acl-live.com/calendar/willienelson-12-30 for tickets or whotelaustin. com/willie for overnight packages.
36 Austin Woman DECE m BER 2 0 1 3
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Happy birthday, Sagittarius! Nov. 22–Dec. 21 Your month: It seems clear that this month is busy, busy, busy for you. You’re finally in the enviable position of being appreciated for your hard work. Now take a look backward: Which things have you put energy in that are just now physically materializing? What previous actions are now obviously significant? Other people’s money is lucky for you. So is working at home alone or with family. But bigger than all that is the importance of relationships for you right now. You just have to take the lead to feel the magic!
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This December brings with it the seeds for a strong belief in a higher power. It’s a well-balanced month with enough crises to keep us on our toes and miraculously, an abundance of intuition, imagination and compassion to handle those crises correctly and at the perfect moment. As a bonus, if we also find ways of helping those in need, if we are sympathetic, emotional and charitable, we attract good luck and satisfaction to us like iron shavings to a magnet. Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 20): The key word this month for you is escapism. You’re like a magpie, grabbing at all the shiny ideas as they whiz by your mind, and you’re too easily derailed from work by the beautiful and numinous. Instead of fighting it, allow yourself the luxury of basking in some real wool gathering and mental and intellectual escapism. Be an artistic and philosophical explorer. Take your mind off your job, and be inspired by the delays and distractions. This could cause problems with your friendships or relationships, but please, try not to overreact. Be empathetic and adaptable. Aquarius (Jan. 21–Feb. 19): There’s an old, famous poem by St. John of the Cross called The Dark Night of the Soul. It’s long and mystical, but the main idea can be explained as “the painful experience that people endure as they seek to grow in spiritual maturity.” Wrestling with your own long-held beliefs on ethics, power, trust and love can be painful and unpleasant, but the journey itself is significant, a step to enlightenment and moments of real happiness. We’re all afraid of something, and the deeper our fears hide in the dark of our unconscious, the more power they hold over us. Bring them out in to the light. Pisces (Feb. 20–March 20): December’s creative energy motivates you if you love your work, or makes you restless if you don’t. 38 Austin Woman DECE m BER 2 0 1 3
You feel creativity buzzing through every cell in your body and you long to use it. If you can put it in to your work, your stock really rises, but if you’re stuck in nonfulfilling work, you will itch to do something—anything—else. You’ll be fidgety and discontent. Use this creative energy to keep up enthusiasm at work. Use the holidays to do some serious thinking, but save your decision making until the end of March. You’ll be better prepared. Aries (March 21–April 20): This month is a quest to learn selfcontrol. While some think about the holidays and getting away from their jobs, you’re perfectly willing to work extra hard on your current professional interests. This month’s energy kicks your ambition in to high gear and gives you the drive to back it up. While everyone else is partying and relaxing, you shine by managing tasks efficiently, leading others and strategically planning your future. But a word to the wise: We support self-help, strong beliefs and deep soul changes, but try not to come on so strong that you seem to intellectually bully the folks you’re trying to help. Taurus (April 21–May 21): December is a sexy, sultry, stimulating month, perfect for romantic escapades and secret trysts. The sexy, secretive nature of December may actually inspire you to jump in and dive deeper with your current partner than you ever have before.
Or, if you find your current stable partnership a little too stable, seek possibly more rewarding connections elsewhere. The operative word here is “possibly” because it’s uncharacteristic for you to take risks with your stability. But your need for deep, emotional and sexual connection is intense. Without it, you feel your relationship and your life is lacking something vital. Gemini (May 22–June 20): You have a larger-than-life presence at work, and it’s a presence you’ve been cultivating for some time. But now that relationships play such an important role in your life, you may notice that your newly realized stardom might be causing a few problems in your relationships. Everyone knows that you’re happiest and more powerful when you’re in a supportive and loving relationship. But if your relationship doesn’t support your essential being, your ambitions are strong enough to work toward achieving them on your own if you have to. Good luck and remember: December is only a month long. Cancer (June 21–July 22): Your career evolution continues! You can safely and explosively break free of whatever piddling limitations to your goals may be left from 2013. You demanded total freedom and autonomy in professional life and you should have it, for the most part. You can’t be told what to do or how to do it, and this month, your instinct to break the rules is stronger than ever. Follow your intuition; it never steers you wrong. You may have experienced a lack of fun earlier this year, so make sure you have lots of outlets to express yourself creatively and that you think outside the box socially. Leo (July 23–Aug. 23): If you’ve ever doubted your strength, when 2013 is over, you’ll never question it again. Your resourcefulness got you this far, but you’ve also met some amazing people who want you to succeed as much as you do. This year wore your last familial nerve, but you’ve never felt such a strong need to put down roots and build a happy home. So when the dust settles in the middle of next year, your throne will rise from the ashes and be exactly where it needs to be. Now pull back a little this month. Give yourself permis-
sion to internalize. Spend some time alone. Dream. Uncharacteristic? Yes, but necessary. Virgo (Aug. 24–Sept. 22): Work/home, home/work. Know it or not, your destiny is linked to harmonious and balanced relationships. Yes, work satisfies your creative urges and it’s been exploding in 2013 like a $100 rocket on New Year’s Eve, but sometimes that same creative work energy keeps you from the mystical relationships you secretly crave. Just try to remind yourself that relationships play an important role in your accomplishments. Socializing brings you in to contact with the right people. Party invites put you on the path of golden opportunities. Relish your down time. Don’t plan your next career move while everyone around you is opening gifts and singing Silent Night. Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Work in 2013 was about expansion, so now it’s time to push your career up a notch or two. Take some risks and break out of your comfort zones; these are the greater-success and higher-income prerequisites. You have to shake things up sometimes to change your perspective and stay creative. But love? This is good advice for your love relationships too. By now you should be clear about boundaries and can get on with creating a healthy relationship for yourself. Face it: You’re simply happier in tandem, but not at the expense of your peace of mind or integrity. Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): You probably started a new chapter of your life this year, even if no one else knows it, so trust that whatever you were passionate about will absolutely become something lasting and beautiful by 2015. But a word to the wise: You want to learn the ultimate deep and meaningful lessons about intimacy? You want a love worthy of the gods? Stick with the relationship you started. December brings a healthy balance between fantasy and reality, so you may just find your way to that elusive Buddhist goal, the middle road. Quit being such a Scorpio. Kick back and enjoy the ride. By Deborah Mastelotto deborah@pinkaustin.com
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H o l i day P r o j e c t s
DIY or Buy: It’s Your Call
Homespun Holiday Wrapping q DIY: A little imagination, brown parcel paper, some twine, muted ribbon and nature-made embellishments are all you need to wrap gifts. Here’s how: Cover your presents in parcel paper, tie with twine or with ribbon in earthy tones. Then, for a burst of color, use floral wire to attach kumquats, holly sprigs or other seasonal greenery or fruits to the packages.
Projects from The Good Housekeeping Christmas Cookbook to make for yourself, or convenient options for purchase. Photos by Rudy Arocha DIY or Buy? Depending on the amount of time you have to devote to holiday activities and decorating, you may enjoy some DIY projects or you may prefer the option and convenience of purchasing the items on these pages. Either way, these projects are guaranteed to make your holiday season merry and bright.
r Buy: Gift-wrapped box from Breed and Company, $7.50, 718 W. 29th St., 512.474.6679 breedandco.com. Mixed Greens Wreath q DIY: This woodsy design, studded with fruit and plants, blends faux and real. From the craft store, purchase a 16-inch grapevine wreath and artificial Granny Smith apples. Use a hot-glue gun to affix the apples, spacing them evenly around the ring. Select an assortment of seasonal flora from the florist or the forest—pinecones, fragrant eucalyptus and juniper—and weave them into the grapevine, filling in the areas between the apples.
q Buy: Magnolia pomegranate wreath from Creekside farms, $89, creeksidefarms.com. TIP: To hang heavier wreaths, you can use a simple nail. Paint it to match the door so you can leave it up year-round. For lighter wreaths, use a stick-on hook from 3M, which won’t damage the door. Reprinted with permission from The Good Housekeeping Christmas Cookbook © 2013 by Hearst Books, an imprint of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
40 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
must list /
M UST RE A D
When Will the Heaven Begin? Ally Breedlove tells the story behind Ben Breedlove’s phenomenal video. By Will Davis Jr. In December 2011, Austinite Ben Breedlove posted a video on YouTube. In it, the smiling 18-year-old held up a handwritten card that simply asked, “Do you believe in angels or God?” On the next card, Breedlove simply stated, “I do.” Breedlove suffered from a severe heart condition and had experienced several near-death experiences. In the video, he described his most recent experience on Dec. 6, 2011, and his vision of heaven that had come with it. It was quite detailed and inspiring. He even confessed in the video that he didn’t want to come back to his life on earth. Breedlove posted that video Dec. 18. He died a week later on Christmas Day. And then the video went viral. His sister, Ally Breedlove, has written a book about his inspiring life, his untimely death and the impact his video has had throughout the world. The book is entitled When Will the Heaven Begin? Last December, and nearly a year to the day after Ben Breedlove’s passing, I sat down with Ally and Ben’s parents, Shawn and Deanne Breedlove, for their first live interview since his death. We all cried. With great poise and a curious sense of joy, the Breedloves talked about the weeks leading up to their son’s death, the terrible scene on Christmas Day when he collapsed in their backyard, and their shock when they not only learned about the video, but also its instant impact throughout the world. In one poignant moment in the interview, Ally Breedlove described a late-night conversation she shared with Ben not long before he died. The family lives on Lake Austin and Ally found Ben sitting alone down by the water. He told her that he’d been coming out there at night because that was where he felt the most peaceful—something like what he had experienced back on Dec. 6. Ally asked her brother if he was glad he woke up from his experience. Ben replied, “I guess,” and then he started to cry. Ben told Ally that he had experienced a peace that he couldn’t describe or match anywhere in this life. He confessed to her that he was sad about having to come back to the pain and stress of living in a broken world. He longed for the home he had found in heaven. And then Ally—the older, wiser sister—said to him, “Ben, I understand that you might not want to be here, but this isn’t our life. Our real life is eternal and that’s God’s gift to us. But this life is a life that we have to live as a gift back to God.” After Ally and Ben both had a moment to catch their breath, Ben responded to
Ally, “I think you’re right. I also think God let me have that vision so I wouldn’t be afraid of dying and so I would know that heaven is worth it.” The Breedloves saw a marked difference in Ben after his Dec. 6 experience. The weeks before had been difficult for Ben. It was obvious that he was stressed and very concerned about his deteriorating condition. But after Dec. 6, everything changed. Ben was lighter, happier and more peaceful. And he was on a new mission to help his family understand the peace and joy he had experienced in his vision of heaven. On Dec. 18, the day Ben posted his video on YouTube, Ben led his family in a devotional. He talked about the verse found in Philippians that reads, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:7). Ben told his family that he now understood what that verse meant, that heaven had a peace that couldn’t be explained or understood, but only experienced. He told them he was praying that somehow they, too, might come to understand that peace. Later that day, Ben went in his room and recorded the video that would be seen throughout the world. At about 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, Deanne Breedlove walked into her kitchen to start preparations for her family’s Christmas dinner. She could hear the laughter coming from her backyard as Ben romped and played with several of their neighbor’s children on their trampoline. She stole a moment to glance out the window. She saw Ben jumping up and down, a huge smile on his face. That was the last time Deanne saw Ben alive. Several hours later, Deanne and Shawn Breedlove walked out of the Emergency Center at Dell Children’s Hospital, something they had done several times before. But this time was different. This time Ben wasn’t with them. Deanne and Shawn made the long and difficult drive back to their home, knowing that they had to tell Ally and Ben’s younger brother, Jake, that Ben was gone. But Deanne had a strange sense of mixed emotions. She was devastated and heartbroken about losing her son, but she also had an unusual sense of peace. She knew that for Ben, heaven had begun. To watch Davis’ interview with the Breedlove family, visit http://acfcommunity. org/media/messages/series/illuminate/light-lifes-darkest-moments/. Will Davis Jr. is the founding pastor of the Austin Christian Fellowship, acfellowship.org.
austinwomanmagazine.com 41
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Guilt-Free Shopping Holiday gifts that give back through charitable contributions. By Courtney Bell KRAMA WHEEL Children in Cambodia cannot attend school without a school uniform, and for many families, this is a cost they cannot spare. Krama Wheel, a scarf company started by local Austinite Roni Sivan aims to provide access to education for Cambodian children while showcasing Cambodian artisans. The idea was sparked by time Sivan spent in the country. Each scarf sold by Krama Wheel is hand-woven in Cambodia’s Takéo province from hand-dyed cotton with hand-knotted ends. For each handmade scarf sold, one weaver receives fair pay and treatment and takes a step forward in providing for her family, and one local seamstress is paid to sew a school uniform for a child in need. Krama Wheel is a movement that educates Cambodia’s children and empowers local workers with proper wages and treatment. Their mission is powerful, their scarves, beautiful. Krama Wheel is investing in the community to create positive change, one scarf at a time. kramawheel.com
MIRACLE FOUNDATION’S GIFTS THAT MATTER There are an overwhelming amount of children in India living in orphanages, deprived of their basic needs. The Miracle Foundation is dedicated to providing for these children and nurturing them in to successful adults. This holiday season, you can purchase a gift that matters through the Miracle Foundation, ranging from school uniforms and school supplies, to dishes, hygiene needs and life-skills education. miraclefoundation.org
OAK This local Austin business is providing ordinary acts of kindness by providing backpacks to at-risk kids nationally and worldwide with the purchase of its products. Two of the founders of the company became passionate about providing a solid educational foundation for children in need when they adopted two children of their own. OAK works with The Neighborhood Kids, a nonprofit organization in Austin, and Africa New Life, a charity organization in Rwanda, to start the school year off right for thousands of students. oaklifestyle.com
NORDSTROM’S GIVING TREE A good pair of shoes can change a child’s life: new tread to gain speed on the playground, a solid foundation to walk to school on and a way to keep their toes warm. Nordstrom is pairing up with Shoes That Fit this holiday season to allow shoppers a convenient way to give back while doing their annual holiday shopping. Shoppers can purchase a ticket from the Giving Tree and in turn, Shoes That Fit will work with more than 200 schools nationwide to identify children in need of new footwear. shoesthatfit.org
austinwomanmagazine.com 43
WORLD VISION SOCO HAMMOCKS You can kick back and give back with a SoCo Hammock, a local Austin company helping to fight poverty with a relaxed approach by partnering with nonprofit organizations throughout the world. These lightweight and compact hammocks make widespread change in the lives of struggling children and their families, with 10 percent of all purchases benefiting nonprofit partners. socohammocks.com
Livestock can provide milk, eggs, meat and means to make a living for people living in destitute rural countries. For your gift giving, consider the untraditional gift of a goat, ducks, chickens or an ox. World Vision gives you the chance to make a difference in a family’s sustainability. Also available are gifts of education, school uniforms, fruit trees and honeybees. worldvision.org
Handmade Expressions By offering everything from bedding to jewelry handmade in India, Handmade Expressions aims to provide stable and fair employment in one of the worst economies in the world. Divided in two teams, one stationed in Austin, and the other in India, this company’s fair-trade products promote community development and social responsibility. handmadeexpressions.net
TEYSHA By traveling the world, the founders of Teysha, a local Austin company, have realized the key to solving poverty abroad is working together as allies. Teysha fosters ideas of empowerment and opportunity to the Kuna people of Panama and Colombia with their handmade mola textiles. These intricate fabrics, inspired by the jungle and its wildlife, take hours to create and Teysha provides these artisans a canvas in the form of shoes. teysha.is
44 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
The Hunger Site Strapped for cash this holiday season? You can do your part in fighting poverty and hunger. The Hunger Site features a yellow button on their homepage. Click it. Voila, you have just donated one cup of food to the cause. You can click once a day, every day. By signing up for The Hunger Site’s email list, they will donate two cups of food to the hungry. In addition to these very easy ways to give back, The Hunger Site provides resources to ongoing petitions to take action in. You can find out how to keep UNICEF funding alive, stop honor killings and support female education, all free of charge. In addition, The Hunger Site features a plethora of fair-trade items for all of your gift-giving needs, with 30 percent of the purchase price donated to their nonprofit partners. thehungersite.greatergood.com
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Castlebaths Lavender Dead Sea Bath Salt Scrub A relaxing treat for the hostess who’s always on the go, this chemical-free, no-addedpreservative scrub will leave your hostess with silky-smooth skin. Starting at $36, available online at castlebaths.com.
LUSH Holiday Know a busy hostess who’s always feeling run down? This energizing orange jelly soap and refreshing, citrus-y ocean salt face and body scrub are sure to give that extra burst of energy she needs this holiday season. ZING! is available at LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, 1012 W. Sixth St.
Soaps to Live By These bright, organic, handcrafted soaps are the perfect gift to brighten up anyone’s day. A gift set of three soaps is $20 at soapstoliveby.com.
46 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
EXIT82ART These stone coasters are decorated with photographs of your favorite Austin hotspots. Perfect for an out-of-towner hostess. You can also have them customized with photos of your choosing to make a unique, specialized gift. $30 for a set of four, available at exit82art.com.
Grow up with good shoes Quality, children’s shoes from around the world. Sizes newborn to Youth 6 2438 W. Anderson Ln. (512) 467-7463 www.kidoshoe.com
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Bedrock For your book-loving hostess, Bedrock by Austin author Britney King has broken the top 50 on Amazon’s best-seller list in both the Romantic Suspense and Suspense categories. A love story at its heart, Bedrock is about the impact seemingly meaningless choices we make can have on our lives. Available at BookPeople.
Austin Cake Ball and Casa Brasil Coffee Gorgeous bite-sized cakes that taste even better than they look. Visit Austin Cake Ball on Burnet Road or in the Domain at Copper Restaurant and Dessert Lounge. What pairs better with cake balls than Casa Brasil Coffee, our own locally roasted-to-order coffee? Available in Austin-area cafes, grocery stores and farmers markets. casabrasil.com
Seda France Inspired by the French tradition of Chinoiserie, this hand-poured candle has a 60-plus hour burn time and is available in a variety of fragrances. The stunning packaging ensures no gift wrapping is needed. $36.95 each at sedafrance.com.
The Vatican: All the Paintings For the art lover, The Vatican: All the Paintings, released in 2013, includes the complete collection of paintings, sculptures, maps and all the other beautiful artwork that is housed in this religious center. Available at BookPeople.
Edward Marc Espresso Beans Put some pep in your hostess’ step with these sweet little treats. Chocolate-covered espresso beans, available for $30 at edwardmarc.com.
Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses and Dulce Vida Tequila Shot glasses made from high-quality food-grade Himalayan pink salt make the perfect pairing to our favorite local, Dulce Vida Tequila. Don’t worry; the award-winning tequila won’t dissolve these naturally anti-bacterial little guys away after one shot! $30 for a set of four shot glasses at uncommongoods.com. Tequila available at your local liquor store or online at dulcevidaspirits.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com 49
style /
B E AUTY
Holiday Noir
Because giving yourself a gift should be black and white. Photo by Rudy Arocha 50   Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
Clockwise from top left: MAC Nocturnals brush set, $49.50, available at MAC Cosmetics, 11600 Century Oaks Terrace, 512.834.0010, maccosmetics.com; Bobbi Brown limited edition brush set, $115; Bobbi Brown Old Hollywood compact, $150; Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum, $110; Chantecaille The Diamond eye trio palette, $60; Jo Malone London travel candle collection, $100, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
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Inspired by French Elegance The Embellished Cottage is an amalgam of home furnishings, gifts and wardrobe accessories. By Jacqui Devaney Photo by Rudy Arocha
Imagine riding a bicycle on a Parisian street lined with cafés and boutique bookshops with a red beret and a basketful of French bread. Meanwhile, in the background, sounds of Buddy Holly and Edith Piaf gently float through the summer air. Now, if you wrap up that warm feeling and put it in to an adorable little house right on Kerbey Lane, you get the Embellished Cottage. The Embellished Cottage is an amalgam of home furnishings, gifts and wardrobe accessories that are inspired by French elegance, vintage and retro eclecticism and shabby chicness. This boutique is a haven for Austinites wanting a curated mix of products that reflect their personal style and fuel their lives’ passions, from fashion to interiors to entertaining. Each room is a perfectly placed medley of one-of-a-kind treasures that impart a sense of beauty and discovery. The sumptuous candles, locally handmade jewelry and perfectly crafted throw pillows are the crème de la crème of gift giving. With a wide variety of plates, silverware and serving dishes, the Embellished Cottage is also a great stop for holiday entertaining tools. Magnifique! The Embellished Cottage, 3703 Kerbey Lane, 512.419.7070.
5
52 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
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style /
HOLIDAY FA SHION
Holiday Sophistication
Take your holiday look from casual to formal with philanthropist Laura Craddick, chair of the Dell Children’s 2014 gala, who models winter trends for holiday outings at the historic Hotel Ella. Photos by Annie Ray. Text by Molly McManus. Styling by Ashley Hargrove, dtkaustin.com. Hair by April Downs, avantsalon.com. Makeup by Lauren Lumsden, raecosmetics.com. Shot on location at Hotel Ella, 1900 Rio Grande St., hotelella.com.
Alice & Olivia black beaded gown, $1,897, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com 55
On Her: Leifsdottir Starlit Stripes dress, $248, available at Anthropologie, 601 N. Lamar Blvd., 512.236.9301; Bracelet by Benolds, 2900 W. Anderson Lane, 512.452.6491, benolds.com. On Him: Z Zegna “City” dark gray suit, $1,295; BOSS by Hugo Boss blue dress shirt, $95; David Donahue polka dot tie, $115, available at Nordstrom, 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy. S., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com.
Laura Craddick Married for 10 years, Laura and Tommy Craddick are dedicated to Austin and philanthropic endeavors, specifically to Dell Children’s Hospital. Their involvement began three years ago after a drunk boater on Lake Austin collided with their friends, causing severe head trauma to the family’s 4-year-old. “When he woke up, he couldn’t walk or talk or do anything. But amazingly, and by the grace of God, he is fully recovered. He is in first grade with my son. You would never know that anything happened. That whole thing showed me the value of the hospital and the care each patient receives,” Laura Craddick says.
56 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
Funds raised at the annual galas have allowed the hospital to open a third bed tower, extending its capacity while also generating more resources and recruiting top-notch doctors. “It’s so important for our entire community to get involved. If it’s not your own child, almost every parent knows someone who’s been to Dell Children’s,” says Craddick, chair of the 2014 Dell Children’s Gala. “It costs a lot of money to maintain it and attract the best doctors and keep building these resources, have more equipment to diagnose and to treat. That’s why we’re involved.”
Hotel Ella In early October, the highly anticipated opening of Austin’s Hotel Ella arrived, following a multi-million dollar restoration of the historic city landmark known as the Goodall Wooten Mansion. The hotel was built in the early 1900s by Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten, and the couple’s contributions to Austin and original antique pieces can be found throughout the hotel. Dr. Wooten was a collector of sculptural and artistic pieces, as well as the founder of the University of Texas at Austin, while his wife, Ella, served as one of Austin’s most respected philanthropists. She was one of the first women to attend UT, and became the first woman to serve on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce. Completed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and designed by Donna Stockton-Hicks, the redesigned hotel features a cabana-lined lap pool with bar access, a wraparound veranda, more than 10 different event spaces, 48 uniquely elegant guestrooms and 10 extraordinary suites, embodying the spirit of modern, sophisticated design, never losing sight of well-preserved grand-mansion elements. Hotel Ella additionally opened Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar, serving seasonal, local, familiar Southern dishes with a gourmet twist from chef and James Beard Foundation member Scott Mechura. For more information, visit hotelella. com or call 512.496.1800.
Miss Wu marled jacquard cocktail dress, $495; Nina Fosetta gold pump, $88.95, available at Nordstrom, 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy. S., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com. Bracelets by Benolds, 2900 W. Anderson Lane, 512.452.6491, benolds.com. Earrings and ring by Kendra Scott, 1400 S. Congress Ave., 512.354.4737, kendrascott.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com 57
Aidan Mattox long sleeve print ball gown, $440; Christian Louboutin black leather slingbacks, $845; Alexander McQueen knuckle-duster snakeskin box clutch, $2,295; Nest black agate spike necklace, $395, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com. Tuxedo, model’s own.
58 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
On Her: Bailey 44 Legacy faux-leather-paneled ponte top, $187; Vince black leather skinny pants, $1,150; Vince black leather and cotton sweater, $445; Christian Louboutin black leather slingbacks, $845; Oscar De La Renta rose earrings, $245, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com. On Him: Zegna dark blue check dress shirt, $345; Prada royal blue crocodile stamped penny driver, $550; Bugatchi blue and pink polka dot socks, $19.75; AG dark wash denim, $185, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com 59
HOLIDAY AT
THE DOMAIN
®
It’s a Family Affair!
Featuring more than 100 stores and restaurants. North Mopac, exit Braker Lane or Burnet Road. Shopping Line 512.795.4230 ®
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS • DILLARD’S • MACY’S • NEIMAN MARCUS • H&M • IPIC THEATERS
S p ec i al P romot i on
Holiday Gift Guide
Fuller, Longer and Darker Lashes The Lash Lounge Austin's premiere eyelash extension company will make you look amazing! We specialize in semi-permanent eyelash extensions, lash & brow tinting, lash perming and permanent makeup. In addition to beauty enhancing services, our lash-loving clients can shop at the trendy boutique and enjoy our exclusive cosmetics line featuring mineral and vitamin enriched products to make The Lash Lounge a one-stop-shop for gifts! thelashlounge.com 512.346.LASH(5274)
Gift Guide
Eco Friendly Cleaning Go Green Clean Less mess = Less stress. Give the gift of a clean house with 10% off a gift card for an eco-friendly cleaning (min 2 hr). gogreencleantx.com
Golden Oil
Coffee Table Book
GreenStar Herbs
Work Standing Up: The Life and Art of Paul Fontaine
This restorative blend of fine, rare botanical oils counteracts signs of aging and skin damage. Promotes healing and diminishes scarring. Minimizes wrinkles and pores. Encourages regeneration. Boosts elasticity and resilience.
"A coffee table book like none other…" "... a gift for book, history, memoir or art lovers." "..when artists read this, they want to go paint!”
Created by Master Herbalist, Trina Shore Sims and presented in a signed, limited-edition, crystal flaçon by Oleg Cassini. greenstarherbs.com 512 301.5069
fontaine.org or 512.415.1744
Black Makeup Washcloths
Gift Baskets
The Turkish Towel Company
Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods Spec's puts it together, you take the credit. Spec’s gift baskets are carefully crafted and full of unique finds that are sure to please anyone on your list. Order up a few baskets and enjoy a stress-free holiday season! Great locations all across the Austin area!
A perfect stocking stuffer or hostess gift! So simple, so practical and so soft, the black makeup washcloths are made of premium Turkish cotton. Don’t let makeup stains ruin another set of towels! Use in your own master bathroom, or put out for guests. Visit TurkishTowelCompany.com
512.366.8260 specsonline.com
Set of six: $55.00 Size: 13” x 13” S p ec i al P romot i on
Gift Guide
Rustic Furniture Cierra Interiors For 25 years Cierra Interiors has offered a wide selection of “Rustic� furniture, accessories & objects de arte from all around the globe. Each with a unique and varied story to tell that will transform your space and tease your senses. cierrainteriors.com
Tasty Gift Baskets austiNuts austiNuts is here to help you with all your holiday gifts. austiNuts has a huge selection of Dry-Roasted Nuts, salty and sweet, spicy and savory, along with chocolates and GoTexan Products. We also ship and deliver. Come see and taste! austinuts.com
Athletic Sweatbands Handana Handana makes wiping sweat away easy. Great stocking stuffer for any athlete! Only $15.99. Various sizes and colors available. Machine washable. myhandana.com or amazon.com.
Meet the Animals Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary Give the gift of wildlife this season! Gift certificates to Austin Zoo are good for admission, birthday parties, animal shows with Safari Greg and our gift shop. 512.288.1490 austinzoo.org
Sterling Silver Bracelet Diamonds Direct A Charles Krypell sterling silver Ivy Bead bracelet featuring a black sapphire accent. Diamonds Direct Austin 11104 Domain Drive Diamonds-Direct.com 512.691.9950 S p ec i a l P ro m ot i o n
gourmet /
enterta ining
Holiday Cocktail Open House Stylish entertaining with ease. Recipes Courtesy of Rizzoli Publishing
Candy Cane Martini
Photos by Deborah Whitlaw Llewelln For your holiday entertaining, Austin Woman has selected this quick and easy open-house gathering. With make-ahead recipes as well as ready-made items, pulling off this gathering will allow you to enjoy the party and wow your guests. Nibble, mingle and break out the festive decorations. Complete instructions and recipes can be found in Picture Perfect Parties by Annette Joseph.
Menu: ✦ Candy Cane Martini ✦ Limoncello Sangria
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Serves 8 Ingredients: 20 ounces (2 1/2 cups) cranberry juice 16 ounces (2 cups) strawberry-flavored vodka 4 ounces (1/2 cup) white crème de menthe 8 mini candy canes, for garnish Directions: In a large pitcher, stir together the cranberry juice, vodka and crème de menthe. Chill in the refrigerator until cold; keep chilled until ready to serve. Just before the party, place martini glasses in the refrigerator to chill. Remove the pitcher from the refrigerator, stir again, then pour into chilled glasses and serve with a candy cane to garnish.
1 small garlic clove, peeled 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/2 cup heavy cream Salt and pepper 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 12 small balls fresh mozzarella (bocconcini), halved 24 6-inch pipettes, available online
Directions: Blanch the basil and parsley in a small pan of Stand Up Salad boiling water for 15 seconds. Remove and shock the herbs in ice water, then drain on paper towels. Lemony Risotto Shrimp Cocktails Place the mayonnaise in the bowl of a food Caprese Salad Poppers Roast Beef with Red Pepper processor fitted with a blade. Grate the garlic with Basil Cream Truffled Popcorn into the mayonnaise using a fine grater or zester, Ingredients: then add the lemon zest and herbs. Process for Salty-Sweet Popcorn 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves 20 seconds, or until the herbs are finely minced. 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley Mini Crepes with Nutella Add the cream, and salt and pepper to taste, and leaves process for 15 seconds. Set aside. On the stem of Mini Pavolas with Strawberry Sauce 1/2 cup mayonnaise each pipette, skewer a tomato half and then a mozzarella half. Dip the end of the pipette into the bowl of Annette Joseph is the Today Show entertaining expert, and man, does she basil cream and squeeze the bulb, know how to throw a party. If you are in to entertaining, this is the go-to drawing the cream into the bulb of resource for the entire year. Joseph makes each party simple and gorthe pipette. Using kitchen shears, geous with step-by-step instructions and delicious recipes, all without clip 3 inches off the end of the breaking the bank. With a year’s worth of parties for special get-togethpipette and place the completed ers, holidays and special occasions, this is the must-buy book for anyone poppers on a tray to serve.
✦ Caprese Salad Poppers with Basil Cream ✦
W Candy Cane Martini
who wants to host stylish gatherings with a sense of ease and flair.
64 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
Caprese Salad Poppers
W Styling Secret from Annette Joseph:
I learned to make this appetizer at the Culinary Institute of America. I’m a sucker for creative presentation and this one, which incorporates serving tricks from molecular gastronomy, is really fun and festive and guests love it. First, you skewer cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls onto a pipette filled with a basil cream sauce. When serving, tell guests that the idea is to place the tomato and mozzarella in your mouth as you squeeze the pipette bulb to release the sauce in your mouth.
Lemony Risotto Shrimp Cocktails Tomato Sauce Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 large ripe tomatoes 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1/4 cup chicken stock
Risotto Ingredients: 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth 1/4 cup lemon-flavored olive oil, preferably O&CO 4 tablespoons butter, divided in half 1 large shallot, chopped 2 cups Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon Risotto Shrimp Cocktails 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Shrimp Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds large shrimp, cleaned, tails left on 1/2 teaspoon salt Directions: For the sauce: Heat the oil in a medium saute pan over low heat, then add the tomatoes and garlic and sweat them for 1 1⁄2 hours, or until the tomatoes are mushy and caramelized. Mash with a fork in the pan, add the chicken broth to thin the sauce and turn the heat to medium. Cook for two minutes then transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, leaving 2 tablespoons sauce in the saute pan to cook with the shrimp.
For the risotto: Combine the 4 cups chicken stock with 2 cups water in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover to keep warm. Heat the lemon oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter has melted, add the shallot and rice. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring until the rice is well coated and begins to sizzle. Ladle 1⁄2 cup of the warm stock into the pan and stir constantly until it is absorbed. Continue to add the warm stock, 1⁄2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed and you have used all the stock, for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is al dente and the risotto is creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the thyme, lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with the salt and pepper, then remove from the heat, cover and let stand while you prepare the shrimp.
austinwomanmagazine.com 65
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Roast Beef with Red Pepper Aioli in Pita Bread
For the shrimp: Heat the oil in the same saute pan in which you cooked the tomato sauce with the reserved 2 tablespoons sauce in the pan, over medium heat. Add the shrimp in four batches and saute until they turn pink, then sprinkle with the salt, remove them from the heat and set aside to assemble the mock cocktails. To assemble the individual servings, place 1 cup of risotto in each of eight glasses, add 2 tablespoons sauce on top, then drape four shrimp around the rim of the glass. Arrange the filled glasses on a platter so that guests may serve themselves.
WR oast Beef with Red Pepper Aioli in Pita Bread
Ingredients: 1 garlic clove, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg yolk 2 teaspoons prepared red pepper pesto 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 package mini pita pockets 1 pound rare roast beef, thinly sliced 1 small head butter lettuce, washed and separated into leaves Decorative toothpicks for securing Directions: Mash the garlic clove and salt together with a fork to form a paste. Set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, red pepper pesto and mustard. In a separate bowl, mix the oils, then pour them into the yolk mixture in a steady stream, whisking constantly. If the aioli separates, add a little more oil and continue to whisk for five to 10 minutes, until it comes together. Whisk in the garlic paste and blend thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. When you are ready to assemble the pitas, use a paring knife to slice a 2-inch opening on top of each mini pita and spread 1 tablespoon of the aioli inside. Stuff a folded slice of beef and a lettuce leaf inside each mini pita and secure with a toothpick.
1 cup whole milk 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter Pinch of salt 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 13-ounce jar Nutella chocolate-hazelnut spread 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar Directions: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter and salt. Using a pastry brush, coat a small crepe with some of the oil and heat over medium heat. (Give the pan a fresh coating of oil after making each crepe.) Spoon 2 tablespoons of the batter into the skillet, coating to form 3-inch round crepes. Make only one crepe at a time. Cook for one minute, or until the crepe bubbles, then turn and cook the other side for one minute, or until golden brown. Stack the finished crepes on an ovenproof plate, cover with aluminum foil and place in a 200-degree oven to keep warm. When you are ready to serve, place 1 teaspoon Nutella in the middle of each crepe, fold the crepe in half and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately.
Mini Crepes with Nutella
Assembly: 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour
Mini Pavlovas with Strawberry Sauce Meringue Ingredients: 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups sugar 8 large egg whites, at room temperature
Strawberry Sauce Ingredients: 1 pint fresh strawberries 1 cup sugar
Whipped Cream Ingredients: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons sugar
austinwomanmagazine.com 67
Anne Marie Bloodgood DANCER • BALLET AUSTIN
Jessica Stephen CROSSFIT COACH
Desiree Ficker PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETE
BEAUTY & PERFORMANCE
NOW YOU CAN HAVE BOTH photo: Lucas Purvis
The heat and perspiration resistant design won’t crease or smear while at work or play.
• 1206 W. 38th Street Austin, TX 70705 • 512.320.8732
We don’t compensate for a kid’s challenges. We conquer them. At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s learning, behavioral or developmental challenge head on — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest social and academic potential. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.
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brainbalancecenters.com
©2013 Brain Balance Centers
Mini Pavlovas For the meringue: Preheat the oven to 225 degrees. Place 18 paper baking cups on a baking sheet. Directions: In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch, vinegar and vanilla and set aside. In the bowl of a standing mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the sugar and egg whites on low speed until combined then increase the speed to high and beat for three to five minutes, until soft peaks form. Add the cornstarch mixture and continue to beat for two minutes, or until the meringue is glossy. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a round tip with the meringue. Place the 18 paper baking cups on a cookie sheet and pipe each cup half full of the meringue. Bake for 45 minutes then set the meringues aside to cool. For the strawberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar and 1⁄4 cup water. Bring to a
How to Make a Holiday Message Garland Materials: 30 4-inch round paper disks, or as many disks as you have letters in your greeting (this banner reads “eat drink and be merry.”) 6 3-inch round paper doilies, or as many disks as you have letters in your greeting 1 sheet of 2-inch stick-on letters 20-inch length of 3⁄4-inch-wide red ribbon Scissors Hole punch Glue to stick the doilies to the disks
boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the strawberries have cooked down. Strain the strawberries through a sieve into a bowl and use a rubber spatula to press on the strawberries, releasing more sauce into the bowl. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. To assemble the pavlovas: Whip the cream with the 2 tablespoons sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment for three to five minutes, or until soft peaks form. Refrigerate covered until you are ready to assemble the desserts. The whipped cream can be made three hours ahead and refrigerated. To assemble the dessert: Use a small spoon to break a small opening in the top of each meringue. Pour 2 teaspoons of the strawberry sauce into the opening and add the strawberry halves and a dollop of the whipped cream, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Directions: Punch two holes in the top of each disk, about 1 1⁄2 inches apart. Apply one letter to each disk to spell out your greeting. Use blank disks for the spaces between words. Before you punch holes in these blank disks, glue a lace doily to one side of the disk. The lace detail will be the front of the blank disk. Lace the ribbon through the letters to form your sentiment, starting and ending with a blank disk. Hang the garland over your buffet table or in your home to greet guests.
austinwomanmagazine.com 69
gourmet /
G i r l Wa l k s I n t o a B a r
Creative Christmas Cocktails Festive drinks from the Four Seasons are sure to become a holiday tradition. I have a soft spot for family traditions. As time has passed and my siblings and I have come of drinking age, these traditions evolved in to the inclusion of drinking really great alcohol with the people I love most. Yes, I still see Santa with my three younger siblings. We hit the lanes on Christmas Eve with a bowling ball in one hand, beer pint in the other. We unwrap matching pajamas the night before Christmas while my mother, who, with Champagne by her side, will never come to terms with her children being grown, attempts to trick us every year: “It’s probably a book!” But enough about my holiday traditions. I’ve discovered the perfect opportunity to provide you with a fun-filled family night with—you guessed it—boozy blends. From now until Jan. 1, 2014, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin is displaying a Dr. Seuss-inspired Whoville winter wonderland in the form of elaborate gingerbread houses designed by their very own team of pastry chefs. From the Grinch’s dwelling on Mt. Crumpet and Cindy Lou Who’s house, to the giant sugary Town Center Christmas tree, the Whoville Village will feature 10 mouth-watering houses made entirely out of edible materials. While you wonder how the Grinch did steal Christmas, pop into the hotel’s Lobby Lounge, also known as “Austin’s Living Room.” Through the end of December, the Four Seasons has concocted three holiday-themed drinks, ideal for sipping as you peruse the gingerbread display. These creative winter cocktails, sure to get you in the holiday spirit with their complexity and innovation, are the distinctively delightful brain children of Four Seasons’ mixologist Travis Tober. As he begins to prepare The Grasshopper v2.1, he sweeps a mint leaf along the rim to release the mint oil, demonstrating the care it takes to elevate a cocktail from good to great. “The grasshopper’s my baby,” he gushes as he
70 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
describes how he took the classic and reinvented it in to a more mature state. “My grandparents would always make these green, fake-looking grasshoppers. It was the worst possible drink ever. Just terrible.” He uses Angel’s Envy bourbon to make the drink “a little more adult, a little more awesome,” and barrel ages that for four weeks along with the natural ingredients of Tempus Fugit’s crème de menthe and crème de cacao. It’s a peppermint patty in a glass and couldn’t be more suitable for a wintery night. “When I barrel age something, it melds the flavors together. Since it has a bit of a kick with the bourbon, it mellows it all out. And the flavor changes—it’s very unique,” Tober says. “It’s got the booze so it’s not as sweet as the old grasshopper was. You can’t slam these,” he warns, offering the Lobby Lounge’s fireplace as the perfect spot to sip. “This is the cocktail you’re going to have while looking at gingerbread houses and say, ‘This is Christmas.’ ” Tober has been with the Four Seasons for two years, creating one-of-a-kind cocktails for both the upstairs Lobby Lounge and TRIO, the hotel’s gourmet basement restaurant that hosts stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and their oasis of a patio garden. Initially having reservations about working for the Four Seasons, Tober has been granted creative freedom to experiment with new drinks, designing a cocktail list that is 100 percent his own. “I ran a gin-and-juice foam special here. I couldn’t believe they let me do it. A total Snoop Dogg reference? Ninety-nine percent of the stuff I throw out there they let me do,” says Tober, geeking out about his next holiday potion—We Three Kings. Utilizing frankincense infused in allspice syrup, Tober had to track down the former ingredient at his favorite herbal hippy trailer 30 minutes outside of Austin. Coming in crystal form, the sap-like frankincense is used by the Chinese for skin care and digestion, but Tober had other plans for the unusual medicinal rock. Add in the Bad Dog Hell Fire & Damnation Bitters, and you’ve got We
Three Kings, a cocktail Baby Jesus himself would have blessed. The third and final holiday cocktail is the Buie Toddy, who’s main feature is the drambuie, which, as Tober describes it, is a “scotch-honey hybrid beast that’s made for a hot toddy,” perfect for those rare Texas days when the temperature dips and all we Austinites crave is warmth, comfort and a stiff drink. Tober’s favorite aspect of his job is introducing his patrons to new ingredients, flavors and liquors. Oftentimes, customers come in and say they don’t like bourbon, or are appalled by his recipes. “If you don’t like it, send it back,” he encourages. All he wants is to open customers’ minds to the realm of possibilities that can be achieved with a little innovation and a lot of boozy spectacle. Departing from the Four Seasons, visions of sugar-plum fairies may be dancing in your head, so make sure to find a safe ride home to your bed. Or instead, have your night cap and allow the Four Seasons to lay you down for a long winter’s nap. In addition to the Whoville Village on display 24 hours a day until Jan. 1, the hotel will host community open houses on Dec. 5 and 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring complimentary hot apple cider and sweet Grinch-themed treats, photos with Santa and opportunities to speak with the hotel’s pastry chefs about gingerbread house facts and fun behind-thescenes details. For more information, visit fourseasons.com/austin. The Four Seasons is located in downtown Austin at 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Austin.
By Molly McManus
Look Your Best for the Holidays! Grasshopper v2.1 ($14) Ingredients: 60 ounces Angel’s Envy Bourbon 30 ounces Tempus Fugit Green Crème de Menthe 30 ounces Crème de Cacao 3/4 ounce Half & Half Mint sprig for garnish Directions: Mix all spirits and barrel age for approximately four weeks. Once ready, shake 3 ounces of the barrel-aged mixture with Half & Half. Strain and serve in a martini glass garnished with a sprig of mint.
We Three Kings
($14)
Ingredients: 2 ounces Tequila Ocho Anejo 1/4 ounce frankincense and allspice-infused syrup 3 dashes Bad Dog Hell Fire & Damnation Bitters 1 dash Angostura Bitters Lime wheel for garnish Brandied cherries for garnish Directions: Combine the first four ingredients in a rocks glass and stir. Pour fresh over new ice and serve on the rocks with a lime wheel speared with brandied cherries.
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to your health /
Give Yourself the
FITNESS
Incorporate Inexpensive Workouts into Your Workday
Gift of Beauty this Holiday Season
Five options to create your own workout circuit. By Kimberly Greene Spending the workday at a desk can make packing on pounds that much easier than it is for those with more physically demanding jobs. It can be difficult to maintain a consistent workout schedule before work or after, but incorporating physical activity in to the workday may be easier (and more costeffective) than you think. Consider these five options to beat the blahs and make workplace exercises a regular part of your routine, and do so affordably. Combine any of these options to create your own workout circuit. r Mini exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and steppers are compact, portable and an easy way to get some aerobic activity right at your desk. They do the job of their full-size counterparts to get your heart rate up while fitting under your desk. You can pedal off calories while fully focusing on your work for a price as low as $35, with high-tech options available at higher costs. r Hand weights and resistance bands are a discreet and affordable way to introduce fitness in to your workday. They can help build muscle tone and target areas you’d like to focus on. Keep them in a desk drawer or cabinet, and do curls between tasks or during the lunch break. r Step boxes may seem a bit outdated, but they are still a great aerobic workout. Getting your heart rate up can fight afternoon fatigue and keep you energized throughout the day. You can find step boxes for as low as $15 and easily bring them to work for midday cardio breaks. For an even more affordable option, use the stairs if your workplace has them. r Exercise ball chairs are a step up from simple exercise balls, as they often come with a base or
Dr. Ruthie Harper specializes in rejuvenation of the face and body WITHOUT SURGERY OR DOWNTIME! back rest. Consider trading your desk chair for one, as long as you’re able to safely balance on the ball. They improve your balance and can even tone core muscles while you sit. Use the fitness ball for wall squats or other workplace exercises. Many can easily be found online within the $50 to $60 range.
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r Jump ropes are not only extremely affordable but also extremely effective. A jump rope workout is still one of the best cardio activities you can do. You can pick one up for less than $10 and either step outside for a quick jump, or if your environment allows, get in an indoor session. Tips courtesy of TOPS Club Inc. TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight-loss support and wellness education organization. Founded more than 65 years ago, TOPS is a nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization. TOPS promotes successful weight management and combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise and wellness information. TOPS also provides a customizable weight-management component to employee wellness programs in the form of on-site weight-loss support chapters at workplaces of all sizes. TOPS has about 150,000 members, male and female, ages 7 and older in thousands of chapters throughout the United States and Canada. For meeting times and locations in the Austin area, visit tops.org.
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Holiday Herbal Remedies Feeling under the weather? The cure may be in your garden, not your medicine cabinet. By Rachel Merriman The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy, but when you’re struck with a cold or too stressed to sleep at night, it’s understandable to seek help from your doctor so you can keep on spreading the holiday cheer. Depending on what ails you, he or she might prescribe a round of antibiotics, anti-anxiety medication or a sleep aid. Generally, these medications are safe, but may have unwanted side effects. According to GreenStar Herbs Owner Trina Sims, herbal remedies are a safe solution for people who need a boost during the busy holiday season. The use of herbs for their medicinal properties dates back to the Paleolithic period, and many forms of traditional medicine such as Ayurveda, Native American Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine are thousands of years old. Naturopathy is a modern, holistic (it takes a whole-body preventative approach rather than a symptom-focused approach) form of medicine that often uses herbal remedies in conjunction with other treatments. Sims practices what she calls Integrated American Herbalism, which uses many of these traditional systems of medicine to formulate an effective remedy for each individual. “Our idea is to see the person in total, not as a circulatory system or a musculoskeletal system, but to see the interplay of each of those systems, and also to see that person in context in their environment— physically, socially, mentally and spiritually. Once we understand what the imbalances are, we can then match them to the benefits of the hundreds of herbs we keep and process here,” Sims explains. Natural remedies experienced resurgence in the 1970s and continue to be popular today, with many people opting to use natural remedies in addition to traditional medicine. There are some studies that indicate using ginger for an upset stomach or kava for anxiety are highly effective. Read on for Sims’ suggestions on how to naturally protect yourself from some of the most common holiday maladies.
WELLNESS
Illness Surely, our No. 1 priority during the holidays is to avoid getting sick. Echinacea is a widely known remedy for cold relief, and we may be tempted to mainline copious amounts of it during the holiday season to avoid getting sick at all. But Sims says that isn’t a good idea, primarily because the when, why and how of using certain herbs is critical to their effectiveness. “There’s a lot of misuse of Echinacea,” Sims says. “What it does is ring the alarm bells [of your immune system], so if we take Echinacea when we’re not fighting something, then we start calling on that immune system as though it’s needed, expending a whole lot of energy for nothing.” Instead, save the Echinacea for when you’re actually sick, and concentrate on strengthening your immune system to protect against illness. For daily immune support, Sims suggests a few herbs that are prominently featured in her frequently requested Immu-Win formula: r “Medicinal mushrooms have very complex molecules, which feed the immune system by allowing it to recognize sophisticated long-chain polysaccharides and proteins,” she says. r “Olive leaf is a broad-spectrum immunostimulant that is not alarming to the system,” she says. If you’re already feeling under the weather, Sims has many specially formulated remedies to help with cold and allergy symptoms: r Quercitin is a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties found in green tea, red wine and berries. “It is highly effective for our local allergies. We offer it in a capsule mixed with vitamin C,” Sims says. r The variety of herbs in Sims’ Cough Quench syrup will help with a cough you can’t shake. “Black elder, both the flower and the berry, is commonly used against coughs and colds. Star anise has an antitussive effect, and the classic wild cherry bark is a natural cough suppressant and expectorant. I also use an herb adapted from traditional Chinese medicine, which is a good pectoral and opens the lungs to ease breathing,” Sims says. Stress Stress is a part of everyday life, but during the holidays, it becomes magnified with the presence of manic shoppers, worse-than-usual traffic and in-laws who overstay their welcome. Sims has formulated a few blends designed to support the nervous system and give you an extra energy boost so you can avoid becoming frazzled and complete your to-do list successfully. r Anxiet-Ease contains Skullcap, a widely used treatment for anxiety that may work by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain. Sims describes the herb as useful for “untying the knot” of troubling emotions, allowing you to move on with your day after a stressful event. It also contains a small amount of Valerian, a mild natural sedative, to “help ease that anxious edge.” r Evening Ease contains herbs to promote relaxation and restful sleep after a stressful day, such as Milky Oat Seed, which Sims says helps to strengthen the my-
elin sheath, the coating around the axon of a neuron. The blend also contains a small amount of the popular Kava root, another mild sedative that was shown in a 2013 study to have beneficial effects on anxiety. r Rose Tonic is Sims’ go-to “maintenance tonic.” As its name suggests, the blend contains Rose Hip, which supports cardiovascular tone and lowers blood pressure. Winter Skin The dry winter weather can have your skin looking less than lustrous when it comes time for family photos and holiday parties. For optimal skin health, Sims recommends concentrating on internal treatments just as much as topical treatments. “The surface of the skin is a reflection of its internal health,” Sims says. “We can’t benefit the health of our skin with just something that sits on the top layer.” r Diatomaceous Earth, which is actually the finely ground skeletons of sea diatoms, contains silica and a multitude of seawater minerals that support our bones and structural tissues. “Our blood plasma and seawater are 94 to 96 percent identical. Our bones, hair, teeth, nails and skin all use these same minerals,” Sims says. r For those struggling with topical cosmetic issues, Sims’ Golden Oil (originally formulated for a client recovering from skin cancer) provides deep hydration and evens skin tone. Tummy Troubles Had too much to eat or drink? Luckily, there are a number of effective herbal remedies for spasms, gas and general relief for any type of stomach upset, all of which are available in GreenStar Herbs’ Tumult Tamer blend: r “Slippery elm is a demulcent, which helps soothe if you’ve eaten a few too-hot chili peppers,” she says. r “Fennel seed is marvelous to cut gas. If you’re in a pinch somewhere and you can get your hands on a few fennel seeds, that will do it.” r “Ginger and peppermint are both anti-spasmodics; they help to stop cramps by regulating spasms in the intestinal tract.” For more information or to schedule a private consultation with Sims, visit greenstarherbs.com. Trina Sims is a lifelong practicing herbalist with more than 40 years of experience. She is a professional member of the American Botanical Council and a Certified Herbal Information Specialist. She is also the first associate member of the Texas Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and currently serves as president of the Texas Chapter of the American Herbalists Guild. To see a list of certified naturopathic doctors practicing in Texas, visit the Texas Association of Naturopathic Doctors website at txand.org.
austinwomanmagazine.com 75
TO YOUR HEALTH /
You Better Watch Out Advice for keeping children safe during the holidays. By Jill Case The holiday season is fun and exciting for families, but the season also brings new hazards. Parents and family members need to be aware of how to select safe toys and how to keep the home safe, as well as how to keep children safe when they go to visit relatives. Austin Woman spoke with Dr. Jessica Morgan and Dr. Suzanne Van Benthuysen (known as Dr. Van), pediatricians at Beewell Pediatrics in Austin to get some important safety tips for this special time of year.
Toyland According to the CDC, in 2009, an estimated 250,100 children ages 15 and younger were sent to the hospital for toy-related injuries. Fortunately, there are many resources available for parents and grandparents that warn of dangerous toys and toy hazards. One important resource is the annual Trouble in Toyland report released annually each November by U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group). Visit uspirg.org or use the mobile phone app—toysafety.mobi—which features an interactive website you can access from your smartphone. You can also call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800.638.2772, or visit cpsc.gov to search for information about specific products.
Beewell Pediatrics’ Tips for Toy Safety: q Follow the toy manufacturer’s age recommendations. They take in to account the safety aspects of the toy, including choking hazards, the physical ability of the child to play with the toy, the ability of the child to understand how to use the toy properly and the needs and interests at various levels of the child’s development. q Check to be certain that toys and toy parts are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking. Avoid toys with smaller, removable parts or stuffed animals with eyes and noses and other parts that are not secured tightly.
76 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
HE A LTH q If you are buying a toy with a string or cord, check to make sure it’s less than 12 inches long. If the string or cord is longer than 12 inches, it poses a strangulation hazard. Even strings and cords tied to pacifiers have been involved in numerous strangulation deaths in young children. q When in doubt, ask someone at the store for assistance. If you have questions about a certain feature that they aren’t able to answer, ask them to take the item out of the box. You can also try calling the manufacturer for more information. q Walkers (the kind that children sit in; not the push toys) are not recommended at any age, as children can accidentally guide them toward stairs and off the edges of decks, causing serious fall injuries. q Rare Earth Magnets and other very strong magnets (these are commonly found as office desk toys, organizational tools or sold as novelty magnets) are very dangerous if swallowed and have been associated with intestinal perforation, which is a surgical emergency. q Button batteries (like the ones found in musical greeting cards) are serious health risks if swallowed. If your child swallows a magnet or battery, or if you even suspect that your child has swallowed one these objects, go to the emergency room immediately. q Check recall lists. Recalls.gov gives recall information for consumer products, foods, medicines and more. You can sign up to receive free monthly email alerts for recent age-selected recalls from safekids.org at safekids.org/recallnews.
There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays During the holiday season, our homes are filled with many new and exciting objects that attract children’s attention. In addition, there are gettogethers with family and friends, creating new and unusual situations that might inadvertently endanger our kids. Morgan and Van Benthuysen say this time of year, they see more scald and burn injuries, with
many of the dangerous situations occurring in the kitchen, which can be a very dangerous place, especially for infants and toddlers.
Beewell Pediatrics’ Tips for Home Safety: q Unless you can watch your child at all times, keep the child out of the kitchen or keep the child secured in a play pen or high chair. q When cooking, turn pot handles away from the counter’s edge so little hands cannot pull the pot and its hot contents down onto themselves. q Keep children away from oven doors and other appliances. q If children are sitting on laps, keep hot drinks, soups, etc., that are on the table out of their reach. q Consider anchoring your Christmas tree to the wall. q Put glass ornaments at the top of the tree where little ones cannot reach them. q Be certain to cover outlets when you unplug the tree or other lit-up Christmas decorations. q Avoid placing candles in places where younger children can reach them or knock them over. q Always store older children’s toys that have small pieces or might be a danger to younger children somewhere where little ones cannot reach them or place safety locks on the storage containers.
To Grandmother’s House We Go Whether you are a parent or a grandparent, there are things to be aware of when grandchildren visit and things that you can do to make the visit a safe experience. When you visit a home that is not child-proofed, you, as the parent, will have to be especially vigilant.
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Beewell Pediatrics’ Tips for Safety Away From Home: q Keep all medications locked up or out of reach of young children. They may mistake them for candy. q Be certain that dangerous chemicals such as cleaners and automotive fluids are stored out of reach or locked up. q Parents should keep the number for Poison Control in their cell phones. If your child ingests any non-food item, including medicines, household cleaners, cosmetics, etc., call 800.222.1222 immediately. q Make sure sleeping arrangements are child-safe. Older cribs manufactured before June 2011 may be drop-side cribs, which have been associated with infant injury and death. Bringing or borrowing a collapsible play yard may be the safest option for your child. (It also avoids offending anyone or hurting their feelings when they offer to let you use an old crib or playpen, which may not be safe.) q Do not use sleep positioners. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages their use. They do not prevent SIDS and have been associated with infant suffocation. q Spring-door stops with rubber tips are choking hazards. (Small children enjoy playing with them and the rubber tips can be pulled off easily.) Inexpensive, one-piece replacements for these tips are available at baby specialty stores and online. The Window Covering Safety Council, which offers free retrofit kits and window-cord safety information, encourages parents and caregivers to follow these basic window-cord safety precautions: q Move all furniture, cribs, beds and climbable surfaces away from windows. q Keep all window cords well out of reach of children. q Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children. q Make sure tasseled pull cords are adjusted to be as short as possible. q Continuous-loop pull cords on draperies and vertical blinds should be pulled tight and anchored to the floor or wall with a tension device. q Be sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement on inner cords on blinds and shades. q To learn more about window-cord safety, or to order free retrofit kits for older window coverings, visit the Window Covering Safety Council’s website at windowcoverings.org or call 800.506.4636. Austin Woman asked Dr. Morgan and Dr. Van what one piece of advice they would give parents for keeping their children safe during the holiday season. Their advice: Watch your kids! No safety measure can take the place of parental or adult supervision. Always monitor your child’s play and intervene if you see them doing something that may be unsafe or can cause injury to themselves or other children.
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From all of us at Austin Woman, have a safe and joyous holiday season! Dr. Jessica Morgan received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin. Dr. Suzanne Van Benthuysen obtained her medical degree from the State University of New York College Medicine, and completed her residency at Stony Brook University Medical Center in New York. Dr. Jessica Morgan and Dr. Suzanne Van Benthuysen are Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Travis County Medical Society. To contact Dr. Morgan and Dr. Van Benthuysen, call 512.225.0766 or visit beewellaustin.com.
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arah Evans of Well Aware Bringing the gift of clean water to Kenya one well at a time.
By Shelley Seale Photos by Cody Hamilton
ATER. It’s one of the most basic elements of life, so much
so that most of us don’t think much about it on a daily basis. We turn on our taps at home and clean, safe water comes pouring out on command. We carry bottles of drinking water, wash our clothes and shampoo our hair and rarely stop to think what an essential gift of life it is and what a miracle it is that it comes to us so readily.
Sarah Evans was once one of those people, never thinking twice about where water was coming from, getting scolded by her father as a kid for filling the bathtub up to the maximum. But in recent years, that has all changed. Today, Evans knows firsthand the value of water—and just how deeply the absence of it affects lives. Born in Australia, Evans moved at the age of 5 to the small, rural town of Crockett in East Texas. “I had a hard time fitting in at first,” she recalls. Eventually, her “foreignness” faded and she began making friends. After high school, Evans came to Austin to attend the University of Texas, where she changed her major several times but eventually graduated with a degree in communications in speech in 1998. From there, it was on to law school at Southern Methodist University on a scholarship. There, she was first introduced to global water issues while clerking for the Environmental Protection Agency. After graduation, Evans got a job providing in-house legal services for a finance company in Dallas. “I was learning a lot about the field, but it was an intense job. I was working all the time. It was just a world that I didn’t feel I belonged in,” she says. She came back to Austin and joined a law firm, but was still disenchanted with the field in general. Evans moved to her father’s general contractor company instead, providing legal work, as well as bringing his business in to the digital age. In short, she was a young woman still trying to figure out where she fit in this world. The answer came in the form of a friend who was trying to raise money to help her father in Kenya because his domestic animals were dying. “I started asking more questions about the problem, and I realized that what they really needed was clean water,” Evans says. The underlying issue was the fact that the livestock were dying from drinking
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Water well for primary and secondary schools in Ndatani, Kenya.
unclean water; avoiding fixing that would just be a band-aid solution. “I was very naive, but I really wanted to help. The more I read about the issue, the more I realized there was such an incredible need there. I said, what we need to do is to build a water well.” Evans had no idea just what that would entail, but she was about to find out. She started raising money for the cause, which she dubbed Well Aware, talking about it to anyone who would listen. “I was learning more about the cause, and getting a little obsessed with figuring out how to help,” Evans says. “It was deflating and illuminating at the same time when I realized how much I didn’t know. It was like a world opened up to me.” Sitting on her living room floor with friends, trying to brainstorm ways to make this happen, the idea of a shower strike came up.
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“I worked from home,” Evans explains, “and my friend said, ‘Sarah, you never shower anyway. Why don’t you go on shower strike to raise money?’ It was kind of a joke, but then we all looked at each other and thought maybe that would work!” Each of them, and whomever they could recruit, would vow not to shower until they had reached $1,000 each in donations for the project. It seemed like a way to equate the first world of plentiful water for all things, to the life-and-death water situation in Kenya. “For the people we are helping, a clean drink of water is a luxury,” Evans says. “A shower is unheard of. It’s the least we can do to skip our showers for a week so that others can survive and thrive.” The group had no idea if it would work, but as Evans says, it turns out the idea was pretty catchy. That first Shower Strike, in 2009, involved 15 strikers and
raised $25,000. It was enough to send Evans to Kenya in January 2010 to drill the first well. It was still her pet project, done on the sidelines while she continued to perform her other work. “I didn’t know it would become something I would devote my life to,” Evans says. But that first trip to Kenya changed everything. “When I was on the ground and met the people, and saw what incredible impact and transformation it was for these people to go from having to drink contaminated, dirty water every day—and walking kilometers to get it—to having plentiful clean water come out of a faucet, getting to witness that and be a part of it transformed me as well.” Evans adds that she felt a lot of pain when she was in Kenya that first time. “It’s hard to be a part of what that reality is for them,” she says. “But it’s what changed me. That’s
Photos by Cody Hudson and Bradley Markham.
Rainwater collection and purification (in partnership with Nobelity Project) in Irbaan, Kenya.
nothing,” Evans says. “I’m so grateful for that enlightenment now, that I got when I realized this was something I would do forever, that it would be my life’s to go through that process of shedding things. It helped me to stay in a place work even though I didn’t know exactly what that would look like.” of gratitude.” A second Shower Strike organized in the summer of 2010 raised a little more Slowly, the sacrifices began to pay off. Well Aware started building technical than $30,000 to build a second well in Kenya that August. Evans admits that in a teams of engineers and hydrogeologists, as well as strengthening the board lot of ways, she was fortunate with the success and relative ease of putting in those of directors. first two wells. “I’m really excited that there’s a heightened awareness of water issues now, but “After the second trip, it was opening my eyes to everything. This work we I worry that it’s a superficial awareness,” she says. “The next step now is to focus wanted to do, there were a lot of problems with it,” she admits. “We had successfulon the process for the long term. We’re always trying to figure out how we can ly drilled the first two wells that had become the foundation for our organization, have better impact.” but we got lucky, honestly. In order to do this work responsibly, I realized it was Evans and her team knew they now had a good model for long-term sustaingoing to take a lot more thought and experience with the communities, as ability, but at the same time, they were looking at all the water-well projects in well as a focus on environmental and technical factors.” Kenya that had failed. They started looking for existing wells and initiatives that She was learning a lot of hard truths about the issue, such as the fact that 60 were good models for rehabilitation, partnering percent of existing water wells in Africa don’t work. with them to not only fix the broken wells, recycle “Everywhere you look, there are broken wells,” We’re always trying to figure out the pumps and the previous resources, but also to Evans says. “There’s a lot to consider for a project how we can have better impact. apply their model of sustainability and success for that’s sustainable, for a well that will last more the long term. than a year.” “You wouldn’t believe the amount of infrastructure that’s just sitting on the Not only had she moved to doing the Well Aware work full time, Evans also ground in Kenya because someone put in a pump that was the wrong size, or they encountered a lot of personal challenges as the work consumed her, personally didn’t set up a local water committee so there was no one afterwards to maintain and financially. She gave up a relationship, and her parents bought her house and the well,” she says. took over the mortgage she could no longer afford. She also sold her car, along Well Aware’s goal is to identify 10 existing projects to partner with for 2014. with many personal belongings, and lived off savings for a while. She reached “We’re launching an initiative that will approach water charity in a completely out to friends, who helped her keep going by donating clothes and other things. different way,” Evans says. “I’m very excited about it because it breaks my heart to Eventually, Evans had to move in with her parents in order to stay afloat. It was see all those wasted resources.” about this time that she also learned she was going to become a single mother. Bringing the community together as part of the project is also a vital part of “2010 is when my life turned upside down,” she says. the mission. But while the problems were difficult, they were also liberating in a way. “We really do want people to know how important the infrastructure is, and “While I was giving up those things, I was also learning how much I didn’t need the partnership with the communities,” she says. them. I mean, I was working in a place like rural Kenya, where the people have
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Pipeline and spring preservation in Tot, Kenya.
How You Can Help
Photo by Wendy Robertson.
Give Water. Donate on a one-time basis or join The Village, a group of committed donors who give monthly. You can also sponsor events or run your own campaign to raise money for Well Aware. Contact julie@wellawareworld.org for more information. Join a Shower Strike. Volunteers throughout the world unite once a year and vow not to shower until they have each raised at least $1,000 toward life-saving water systems in Africa. Shower Strike 2014 is scheduled to launch on World Water Day, March 22. Contact info@wellawareworld.org for more information. Travel to Kenya. Philanthropy, Community, Water Wells & Wildlife will abound next August on a trip that will combine meaningful volunteer work in rural Kenya with an incredible safari adventure. Join Well Aware and JB Journeys for this unique opportunity. For more information, visit wellawareworld.org/getinvolved/voluntourism.
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in 2014. One hundred percent of the group’s donor dollars goes to water Evans felt an incredible connection to the people in Kenya, and, as a new infrastructure. mother, especially with the women. She also discovered that by talking with The organization has also partnered with several other Austin organizations the women without men around, she got a whole new perspective and inforthat work in Kenya, including CTC International and the Nobelity Project. mation she wouldn’t have otherwise. “It’s rare to find partners who value collaboration the way Sarah and the “I really did understand for the first time what you will sacrifice for your Well Aware team does,” says Zane Wilemon of CTC. “I find that extremely kids. And how devastating it would be to not have clean water to give your encouraging when faced with the challenges we see in Kenya.” children,” Evans says. “It was even more personal to me. So on a whole new Nobelity has utilized Well Aware as its water-implementation level, this really felt like my partner for its school locations in Kenya, resulting in happier and path.” It’s not an unsolvable problem; healthier students. That personal connecthe communities have potential “Sarah is as highly committed to bringing a source of clean water tion and partnership model to communities as anyone we have ever seen working in the field,” really informs Well Aware’s says Christy Pipkin, executive director of Nobelity. “Clear standards, fast action, philosophy about its nonprofit work. The model is not one of bringing good research and follow-through make them a high-impact organization and charity to poor communities, but rather one of assisting the communities quality partner.” in their own success. Evans attributes much of her nonprofit’s success to its approach of “you tell “They are really organized and prepared, and they know better than we us,” rather than “we tell you.” She is also proud of the extreme leanness of the do what they need,” Evans says. “It’s not an unsolvable problem; the communiorganization, as well as its transparency. ties have potential, and their own solutions for success if given a few resources. “It keeps us intimate with our projects and able to make tweaks immediateWe’re not saviors. They just need a kick-start, and we get to help.” ly,” she says. “I think we can offer such an amazing donor experience because Well Aware is one of the most efficient water charities, being able to provide we do everything: the fundraising, operations and implementation. This is not water to a community for a decade for only $20. The organization has comvery common in water charities. I’m constantly inspired by the people who pleted 15 water projects in just three and a half years, delivering clean water donate their money and time to Well Aware.” to more than 35,000 people, and is on track to more than double its impact
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Water Facts $1 invested in water and sanitation yields an average of $4 to $5 in increased productivity. (World Health Organization) Diarrhea from unsafe water is the second most common cause of infant death worldwide. A child dies every 20 seconds. Improved sanitation and hygiene in a community reduces deaths by diarrheal disease by up to 64 percent. Reduction in infant mortality statistically increases economic development. Kids lose more than 400 million school days each year due to water-related illness. (United Nations) Women spend an estimated 200 million hours collecting water every day. Mithini is a small village in rural Kenya that is particularly devastated by HIV/AIDS. “There are lots and lots of orphans,” Evans says.
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Filling Your
Bucket List Story and photos
by Christian Smith
Sage advice: avoiding the awful phrase— ‘if only!’ 86 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
Thirty-five years ago, as a young assistant vice chancellor at UCLA, I asked a very wise 80-year-old dean, “What is your secret to happiness?” He replied, “Spend your life avoiding the ‘awful phrase.’ ” I asked, “What’s that phrase?” And he said, “The awful phrase is ‘I wish I had only.’ ” This elder statesman added, “Christian, you are now 30 years old. Spend the rest of your life ensuring that when you are my age, you have only a short list of things you can say ‘I wish I had only.’ ”
And
that is what I have done by prioritizing my time and resources to make sure the awful list is as short as feasible. One challenge is to find the time. That means making your bucket list a high priority in light of other opportunities or obligations. It also may mean forgoing some immediate pleasures to garner the resources necessary to cross off something on your list. Of course, the most important step is to make the list in the first place and spend whatever time you have left on the planet crossing things off it. For me, it was I wish I had only: visited hidden tribes in New Guinea, traveled among the Australian Aborigines, wandered up the Amazon, seen the wildebeest migration in East Africa, sailed along the Croatian coast, sat among the wild chimpanzees near where Jane Goodall walked, driven through the Serengeti plains to observe the lions and giraffes, traveled across the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean on a sailboat, climbed above Maccu Pichu in Peru, surfed in Costa Rica, taken a canoe through Bangkok’s floating markets, toured backstage at the Kirov Ballet in Russia, visited an Agent Orange victim art colony outside Hanoi and stayed at the Posadas of Portugal, among other adventures. And they have all been crossed off. But I still find myself longing to visit other destinations. And for now, Turkey is calling my name. So this spring will find me wandering about the marketplaces of Istanbul and the Turquoise Coast. I realized as a young man that many of the more interesting people I met had traveled off the beaten track. That does not necessarily mean going to exotic third-world countries. It can also mean taking an RV through Blue Highways of the Southwest, camping along the coast of Big Sur or simply getting on a bicycle and taking a long weekend outside of Fredericksburg. As I was contemplating making my awful phrase as short as possible, I considered leaving my job and traveling backpack-style for a year or so, picking up odd jobs along the way to finance the trip. I asked another wise man what he thought about that idea
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and he offered, “Christian, don’t go around the world at one time. Go around it in short little trips, but stack them up over a few decades so it becomes the same thing.” This really is about priorities. As a young man, I created a belief that I could walk away from my job at UCLA, go down to a little fishing village in Mexico or Costa Rica, and live in a hammock with an outhouse nearby for the rest of my days. I made believe that I could do so. While it was a complete and utter fantasy, that type of thinking gave me freedom and an open path to pursue my dreams. It also helped me tolerate any foolishness as I addressed professional challenges, since I made believe there was always a back door. Today, we are blessed with an amazing array of travel resources and advice, from Trip Advisor, to Orbitz, Travelocity, Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO), HomeAway, Conde Naste’s Traveler magazine, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s and Fodor’s Guides, smartertravel.com and on and on. Simply Google “vacation advice” and start wandering through the different websites. Another strategy is to subscribe to the major adventure travel outfits such as Wilderness Travel, Overseas Adventure Travel, Mountain Travel Sobek, National Geographic Expeditions or Journeys International. They all produce very interesting brochures with dozens of adventurous trips throughout the world. Turning those pages will give you more ideas than one person could possibly experience, and most are very well organized for those who would prefer to avoid the risks of independent travel. The resources are certainly there in spades—much more than ever before. All you have to do is start crossing off your list.
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I visited an Aboriginal tribe in Northern Australia for a threeday “mortuary ceremony.” This elder greeted me saying in impeccable Queen’s English, “We Aborigines have been around for 40,000 years, while you have the capacity to destroy the planet with your weapons. Your people have separated nature from religion and then separated those from art, music and culture. We Aborigines have integrated nature, religion, art, music and culture in to a coherent whole. If you simply wish to inspect us as an anthropological curiosity, then please return home. But if you wish to learn from us how to better live as one with the planet, then welcome.”
Being on a safari means being open to serendipity, to discovery and wonder. Here, we see a pride of lions resting after a kill. I was tempted to get out to pet these big cats, as they seemed so sublime and tender. But better judgment fortunately took hold.
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Islam is an important part of life in Mombasa, Kenya. One needs to be respectful when taking photographs of people in this part of the world. Some children are taught to hide their faces when confronted by a visitor with a camera. Here, only one little girl addresses the camera with “Here I am,” while the other two shield their faces.
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In New Guinea, I was struck by the speed with which stoneage cultures have been thrust in to modern times. I met young men who could operate computers but whose fathers were cannibals. While trekking through the New Guinea Highlands, I came upon a village that hosted a meeting of elders to inquire about my life in the U.S. I asked them, “How do you become a chief?” The answer: “We pick our best and brightest.” I was then asked how we picked a chief. Upon explaining democracy, I had a hard time with why we do not necessarily choose our best and brightest as chief.
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While on the island of Lamu, Kenya, in 1986, I saw the influence and evidence of both pop culture and religious fervor. It may be a toss-up as to which is more powerful, the tensions between those who worship Michael Jackson and those who worship the Ayatollah Khomeni. Such tension continues to stretch many cultures. Ironically, Lamu was a center of the Arab slave trade until the early 1900s. From the Kenyan coast, most slaves were ferried to the market of Zanzibar for onward shipment to Arabia, Persia, India and the Caribbean.
Outside of Nairobi lies Giraffe Manor, a most unusual home. It was built in the 1930s and its guests support the Giraffe Center, dedicated to the genetic restoration of the Rothschild Giraffe. Those fortunate to stay here are greeted in the morning by these curious creatures. They insert their enormous heads through the windows, and like dogs, greet visitors with friendly nudges and an occasional lick with their rather formidable tongues. Suffice it to say, giraffes are my wife’s favorite creatures.
In certain Balinese traditions, a new bride goes through a “tooth-filing ceremony” as part of the marriage ceremony. In the Balinese belief system, the ceremony helps people rid themselves of the invisible forces of evil. The two canine teeth are the symbol of lust, greed, anger, confusion and jealousy. Filing the teeth renders someone both more physically and more spiritually beautiful. Here, a new bride has her two front teeth filed with an old, rusty file by a priest in front of women friends, family and observers.
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There is a constant sense of awe when one confronts a lion in his element. They are indeed regal and powerful.
A New Guinea “sing sing� is a special treat. It is an artistic festival among different tribes who sometimes travel across long distances to dance, sing and express their musical talents to one another. The men love to dress up in colorful makeup and clothing. They view their bodies as canvases upon which to express their individuality. Perhaps those of my gender could learn something here.
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memo from jb
My Idea of a Meaningful Gift Or why a pair of leopard geckos said ‘Happy Holidays’ to me. By JB Hager, Photo by Rudy Arocha When the holidays approach, my wife and I head in completely opposite directions. I have my list in hand and head from store to store often not knowing what I am going to purchase until I see it. I need to know that it is just the perfect thing for that friend or loved one in my life. My wife, on the other hand, heads to the spinning rack by the checkout at the grocery store and quickly picks gift cards for everyone on our list. Both of us are convinced that we are using the absolute best approach to holiday shopping and are adamant that the other is wrong. I like the personal gift. She prefers gift cards. You could argue both until you are blue in the face. I feel like my gifts always have a personal meaning to them. My wife contends that most often, I miss that mark entirely, just embarrassing myself, which is a very likely scenario. I tend to think “As seen on TV” gifts are hilarious, like the Snuggie, Hairdini or Lint Lizard. Turns out, they are good for a 20-second laugh, then are most often re-gifted or dropped off at Goodwill. She contends that you can never really know what people want or need. She often reminds me of the time I thought I was so darn cute. It was our first wedding anniversary and I surprised her with an elaborate aquarium with two leopard geckos named Frederick and Hildegard. She also reminds me of how excited I was to show her this gift. In my defense, I also got her a nice watch that she still wears 15 years later, but I honestly thought she would enjoy the pet lizards. I’m convinced she later had a heart-to-heart with her girlfriends about continuing the marriage. My fondest Christmas memories are those from when I was at my grandma’s house in Kansas. We were a typical, large Catholic family; everyone had two planned kids and four to six oopses. It’s because of all those oopses that gathering around the tree and passing out gifts was so wonderful. It was
chaos and it took hours. If I were to rewind my life and all that gift opening led only to gift cards, my wonderful memories would be wiped out with an anticlimactic whaaa, whaaa, whuuu. Just not the same. I can’t imagine all that without the wrapping paper flying in all directions, foam peanuts everywhere and all the kids popping bubble wrap. On the other hand, with my wife’s family, we gather around the Christmas tree. What is normally a huge stack of presents filling up the first level of branches is instead a tiny stack of credit-card-sized envelopes near the base. So sad. With my wife’s family, they are conditioned to act surprised when opening the envelope from Best Buy, The Container Store or Starbucks. They all seem so excited. To me, it seems so anticlimactic. Are they just faking it, I wonder? About three total minutes of exchanging cards, as if it’s a business meeting at a conference table, and it’s over. This is one area my wife and I completely agree to disagree. I will continue to miss the mark with unwanted gifts and a guessing game, as she calls it. She will continue with her meaningless, as I call it, gift-card giving. Frederick and Hildegard have been gone for years now. Perhaps two more? Cheers and happy holidays! JB Hager can be heard as part of the JB and Sandy Morning Show on Mix 94.7 Austin, weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.
“I tend to think ‘As seen on TV’ gifts are hilarious, like the Snuggie, Hairdini or Lint Lizard.”
92 Austin Woman DECEMBER 2 0 1 3
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New Year’s Resolutions for Couples Seven ways to make the coming year together your best ever. By Eric Leech As we peer through that foggy window of holidays to come, remembering those of the past and hopeful of the one to come, there is no better time to start making plans for the new year. When in a new relationship, it is easy to be good to each other. Everything is warm, tingly and exciting. As time wears on, those tingles fizzle, along with the romance, intimacy and communication. It doesn’t have to be that way, which is why I’ve put together seven new year’s resolutions to help put your relationship back on track. 1. Love More I would say no matter how much love you are currently giving and receiving at this very moment, you could probably make room for a little more. Love is the base that supports every couple’s faithfulness, health and strength. What’s more, research suggests that the more love you give, the more love you will receive, simply by promoting the release of the feel-good chemical oxytocin each time you smile, hug or gently lay your hand on your partner. It really won’t take much effort, and the rewards will be infinite! 2. Kiss More It is sometimes difficult to communicate across the borders of love. However, despite whatever issues you may be having with your partner, there is one thing that can almost never be done wrong. I’m talking about a true, heartfelt and passionate kiss. Kissing can stop arguments, create pair bonding and leave your partner wanting more. Studies suggest that a quarter of all couples are dissatisfied with their sex lives, but rather than fretting about the act itself, why not focus on one of its greatest preludes?
3. Incorporate the Rules of Arguing If arguing was easy, we’d all be good at it. There is etiquette to effective arguing, and if you are not aware of the rules, you could be doing more harm than good. A few important points to remember are to start and end every disagreement on a positive note. Use the word “I” rather than “you,” and listen and understand what your partner is saying or asking. You can always ask questions if you don’t understand. There is never a clear winner in any argument; there is only a compromise between what each of you wants and what you are willing to give to get it. 4. Reduce Bad Habits As much as you need to focus on the good in your relationship, sometimes it’s helpful to take a moment to consider some of the bad, such as your own bad habits. Habits such as criticizing, blaming, threatening and bribing can become relationship deal breakers when taken to the extreme. Take some time this holiday season to think about your own hurtful habits and how reducing them could improve your current relationship. 5. Discover the Intimacies Beyond Sex It seems like everywhere you turn there is somebody giving advice on how to turn up the heat in your bedroom, light the fire under a boring partner or change your whole relationship with just a few Kama Sutra positions. Sex may be a great dessert, but there are a number of other intimacies that should be the meat and potatoes of your relationship. This should include emotional/spiritual connection, trust, understanding, vulnerability, apathy and familiarity. Don’t settle for anything less in 2014. 6. Affair-Proof Your Relationship While an affair is never the fault of the victim, there are times when a relationship might have been saved by incorporating a few precautionary roadblocks. I’m referring to such simple actions as wearing your wedding band (encouraging your partner to wear his), focusing on the good in the relationship (rather than doting on the bad) and doing something nice for your guy at least once a day (and he better do the same). 7. Flush the Insecurities of Love In today’s society, everybody is focused on the concept of right versus wrong. If you are not doing it right (good), then you must be doing it wrong (bad). We strive to run our lives as a battle plan, sending our troops into the field as winners, only to retreat when their efforts aren’t successful. Rather than withdrawing from your partner when your efforts aren’t producing the desired result, decline the need to be right, admit you don’t know what you’re doing and ask your partner to tell you what they need from you. In a sense, let your fear of loving your partner in the wrong way be the motivation to love them right!
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Ex pert Opinion
Art for Life: Buying and Collecting 101 Austin gallery owner Lisa Russell on why art matters and how you can get in the game. By Martha Lynn Coon Lisa Russell is a woman who loves her job. As the founder and owner of the Russell Collection, she works hard to bring a spirit of passion and education to the acquisition of fine art. The collection holds more than 100 original works, spanning more than 400 years of art history and including masters such as Rembrandt, Chagall, Picasso and Matisse, as well as contemporary artists. From behind her desk at the Russell Collection, Russell explains the nature of the gallery’s comprehensive services and why the sale of museum-quality art brings her and her clients joy every day. AUSTIN WOMAN: Are there essential things a buyer should look for when purchasing a piece of art? LISA RUSSELL: Beware of pieces being sold on the Internet, making sure that it’s a brick-andmortar place you are buying from and you could walk in their door and take the painting back if it wasn’t what they said it was or it came damaged. There are a lot of fakes out there. Be educated, or have someone educated to help you find the right pieces. And we do that for clients all the time. From start to finish, we walk them all the way through it.
Photo by Darren Carroll.
AW: Do you have specific advice for first-time buyers? LR: I encourage people to gallery hop. I encourage people to go to museums and learn about different artists—contemporary museums, masters' museums—to learn about what different genres of art are out there so they are a little more educated and know what they like. My main advice to any new collector is don’t be intimidated to walk in the gallery. Walk into the gallery, and if you don’t feel good in there, then walk out and go to the next gallery. It’s all about how it makes you feel because that’s part of the process. If you don’t feel right in a gallery, then you’re not going to find the right piece.
AW: What factors affect the price of art? LR: Generally, canvas is more expensive. If you’re using oil paints, or any paint for that matter, it soaks up a lot of paint, whereas work on paper, you don’t use as many materials. So the cost of creating a piece like that is more expensive for the artist. Part of the reason why prices may be higher for one artist versus another is their pedigree, their curriculum vitae, how long they’ve been painting or creating artwork or making sculpture, to how many collectors they have or how many galleries are represented, or where they’re represented. Are they local, regional, national, international? [Whether] they’re museum collected—all of that affects a price. And so the more established they are as an artist, the higher their prices are. AW: Do you have suggestions for starting a collection when money is limited? Does it make sense to buy a print when an original is not financially feasible? LR: It depends on how you define “print.” Would I advise them to buy a poster? No. I can’t afford to buy a Renoir oil, but I certainly can afford to buy a lithograph, which is considered a print, limited edition, usually, sometimes signed and numbered.
That’s why I started with works on paper. I wanted to represent the masters and provide a more economical way of being able to collect those artists. As far as contemporary artists, some of my artists make small pieces that are more economical. Some galleries also offer financing programs, which we do, like 12 months interest-free. Sometimes they offer a layaway, if that will help you. It can be a creative process financially, as well as in the choosing of the art. You just have to ask. AW: In these trying economic times, do you consider art a good investment? LR: I don’t sell art to people because I think it’s a good investment. And I’m not saying it’s a bad investment. I’m just saying that art is not about that. I really hope that people build collections because they love art and love the artist, and believe in the artist that they’re collecting, whether they’re emerging or they’re already dead and famous. I don’t want someone to buy a piece of art because someone’s telling them that it’s a good investment. And I'm not saying it's a bad investment. I want them to buy it becuase it's going to make a difference in their life. In the worst of times in this world, art can change your whole perspective as to how you feel on a daily basis.
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Gr a nt W inner Profile
Along for the Ride Angela Brinkley finds entrepreneurial success with Sober Monkeys. By Stephanie Finger, photo by Rudy Arocha Angela Brinkley, owner of Sober Monkeys and recent recipient of Austin Woman’s Small Business Grant, oozes entrepreneurship. That’s clear from the get-go. We meet at a crowded coffee shop, nestled between throngs of caffeinated Austinites. “This place is always so busy. We used to stop here between rides, before we had so many clients.” I see her mind at work as she notes, “It’s like each seat is a prized piece of real estate.” It’s no wonder Sober Monkeys has gained so much traction: Brinkley sees enterprise in everything. It’s no surprise then to learn that Sober Monkeys, a designated-driver service that gets you and your car home safely, is one among many of Brinkley’s business pursuits. As a personal trainer and dog lover—who glows at the mention of her pup, Pablo—she pours her business acumen and passion in to Brinkley Athletics too. And formerly, there was The Poop Trooper, a pet-wasteremoval service that she sold in 2006. Maybe you’re picking up on a pattern here: Brinkley is driven. She’s eager, enthusiastic, energetic and she attributes her success to what she’s dubbed a “bootstrap business strategy: Run lean and smart,” she explains. Even more, her intentions are altruistic to the core. “My purpose is always making people’s lives easier, more enjoyable,” she says. With Sober Monkeys, in particular, she strives to create, “a safe emotional space. We want our clients to know they are taken care of and they can continue to enjoy themselves without judgment or worry.” Brinkley reveals a grander vision as the conversation progresses. She wants to see a paradigm shift “so that designated-driving services are the norm.” She is adamant about this. “We are de-
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termined to make a strong and solid impact on responsible drinking and driving. The goal is to create a change in thinking based on a service. It’s not every day you can create a company and make a difference with each transaction.” Sober Monkeys, like all of Brinkley’s business endeavors, was borne from a deeply held principle. Growing up, her father worked in pharmaceuticals, so she learned the importance of self-care early. “Yes, I endured relentless years of ‘Kiss me, I don’t smoke!’ stickers and anti-drug campaigns. It worked, though. My body is a temple,” she says. And she wants you to know yours is too. In fact, Sober Monkeys nurtures that notion. “The risk of driving home intoxicated and hurting someone, including yourself, should outweigh the inconvenience of leaving your car to fetch in the morning, but often it doesn’t,” she says. Sober Monkeys is a savvy and sensible solution to this problem, keeping you and your car out of harm's way. Brinkley’s strong sense of purpose pairs well with her entrepreneurial spirit, which she’s harbored since childhood. “I was a competitive tennis player starting at
age 6. Being an entrepreneur is a lot like being a competitive athlete; you’re the one who creates the win,” she notes. Sober Monkeys is definitely a win-win proposition, and Brinkley insists it’s owed to strong connections. “I listen and appreciate my clients. I partner with local bars and restaurants, event planners for special occasions and all kinds of professional associations. Word of mouth among the professional community and our clientele is Sober Monkeys’ strongest asset,” she says. She’s found partnerships particularly important, since she runs Sober Monkeys solo. “It’s difficult to be without a business partner. It takes a lot of focus, but it’s worth it to know you’re creating social change,” she says. Brinkley’s socially conscious service is one we could all make use of. You’ve been there, haven’t you? Your driveway is as empty as your pantry and without your car, tacos are woefully out of reach. Or, there’s the alternative: Your car is parked sloppily out front and you’re thankful, but slightly ashamed too. Brinkley gets it and she’s offering a better option. To take her up on it, visit sobermonkeys.com.
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Take Heart The creativity and passion behind Nina Gordon’s Eastside treasure. By Megan Russell, photos by Elizabeth Shear Take Heart is a small East Austin treasure nestled next to Blue Dahlia Bistro on East 11th Street. The shelves are filled with perfectly placed knickknacks, pottery, vases, skin-care products and anything else you can think of that would add the perfect finishing touch to a home. With such impeccable taste, one would imagine owner Nina Gordon has been in the design business for years. On the contrary; at just two years old, Take Heart is the product of Gordon’s newfound creativity, confidence and passion. Prior to opening her shop, Gordon worked for 14 years as a social worker. While she loved the work, she felt an urge to lead a more artistic life. “I started thinking, I’m 38 and I’m going to be working for another 30 years. Do I want to do social work full time for that long? I was really craving something more creative,” Gordon says, adding that, at the time, she didn’t do anything creative and had always thought of herself as someone who simply appreciated art rather than making it. “There wasn’t some tangible thing that I made, so I said, ‘I’m not creative.’ ” That’s when she picked up Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, and her life changed. The book is essentially a guide to living a creatively fulfilling artistic life. “It helped me identify what my dream jobs were,” Gordon says. “It was almost like going back to childhood.” It turns out Gordon’s dream job was to own a store, but she had a lot of apprehension. “I felt like I could do this. This was in the realm of possibility, although I also felt very afraid, partly because of the financial risk and because I didn’t know what to do to get started,” she admits. After much soul searching, overcoming the fear of leaving her comfort zone and doing her research, she discovered BIG Austin, a nonprofit organization that helps small businesses and those who are interested in starting a small business. Through her course at BIG Austin, she entered an A Plus Federal Credit Union competition and became one of six who won a seven-year interest-free $25,000 business loan.
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However, the financial aspect wasn’t Gordon’s only hurdle to following through with her newfound dream. “I had to overcome not only my fear, but my judgment. I felt a little guilty that I wanted to open a retail store,” Gordon says. “It felt superficial compared to doing social work. In her book, Cameron was very encouraging about not being judgmental about your passion. ‘You’re not doing anybody any favors by doing a job you’re not passionate about.’ ” Once she began following her passion, things started falling in to place. Gordon had always known she wanted to open up the shop on East 11th Street, having a good feeling about the street. And that good feeling was dead on. Shortly after Gordon began taking steps to opening her store, East Austin began to blossom. Take Heart is the embodiment of the eclectic, creative, diverse feel that makes up the once taboo side of town. It’s more than your average storefront on the Eastside. It has a soul to it that is genuine and, as the name implies, heartfelt. Gordon loves a cute aesthetic with a thoughtful message attached. To the Eastside, this little shop has become more than what meets the eye. One of her favorite things about owning the store is the connection she gets to make with the customers and the conversations they have. These conversations inevitably lead to customers wondering about her journey, how she got there and how they can do the same. “I just really want to be encouraging to people. If they have a dream, not to sound hokey, but I totally encourage them to give it a try. I think we limit ourselves by thinking, I can’t do this, but if we actually give it a shot, we might be pleasantly surprised.
This is what I did with Take Heart. If I didn’t take the chance, I would have never been able to see what would have come of it. Don’t be afraid,” Gordon encourages. Gordon trusted herself and followed that urge inside her that wanted more from life. Throughout her journey, she learned to broaden her mind about what creativity is and how a person can be creative. For Gordon, it comes from choosing products and creating a certain feel in her store. That feeling is cozy and charming, fresh and free.
IT’S YOur NIGHT OuT at the Austin Symphony
r How do you select the items you sell at Take Heart? With regard to why I pick the things I pick, it’s very feelingoriented. Sometimes it’s just attention to detail of the product. For example, the self-care items: It’s about the name they give the scent, the quality of the ingredients, the look of the packaging. It’s about a sweetness, simplicity and attention to detail. r How should someone pick items for their home? Try to listen to your feeling about the item you’re looking at to put in to your house. I think sometimes people have a hard time even knowing what they like, so it’s good to get to know yourself. I like feeling comfortable and peacefulness. For me, that comes from cohesion with colors. r What’s the key to gift giving? When someone is hard to buy for, I tend to get them self-care items. Just something special and unique that maybe they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Gordon’s favorite Take Heart products: r Aroma therapy diffuser, $46 rT eacups from Japan that read, “Tell me your story,” $14.50 rT he Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, $17 rW ooden vases by local artist Brian Johnson (Johnson also built most of the shelves in Gordon’s shop.) Petite, $28; small, $48; medium, $68 r Forest Folk dolls, $125 r Embroidered coasters, $14, and hot pads, $45 r Greeting cards, $4.50 rH andmade porcelain jewelry by local artist Zoe Comings. Drop earrings, $42; drop necklace, $52
Let the Austin Symphony be Your Night Out for entertainment. Choose from the ASO’s classical concerts, or take advantage of this Pops Series special: Three pops concerts for as low as $79.* Includes “A Night of the Great American Standards,” “Here to Stay –The Gershwin Experience,” and “Classical Mystery Tour – A Tribute to The Beatles.”
2013–2014 Season PETEr BAY, MuSIC DIrECTOr
*Plus handling fee. All artists, programs and dates are subject to change.
tickets/info (512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org
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A l l T h e R igh t Qu e stions
From Research to Riches
By Carla Avolio with Patti David Are the gemstones of the highest quality? If the piece of jewelry you are considering contains gemstones, do lots of research to make sure those stones are top quality. Any fine gemstone will come with laboratory certifications, which help give you some idea of quality. In the U.S., the most accurate certifications come from the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Diamond certifications grade the color, clarity, cut and carat weight, known as the 4 Cs. Colored stones, however, can be more difficult for novices to assess because there are many more variables to consider. The slightest difference in depth or tone of color makes a huge difference to quality and value. For these reasons, when it comes to gemstones, it’s best to combine information from laboratories with your own research, and to purchase them from someone you trust.
Snake bracelet-watch, 1967 Bulgari Heritage Collection
Are the gemstones rare? The rarity of a stone increases its value, and it is common to see hard-to-find gemstones going for extremely high prices at auction. Take paraiba tourmalines. The Brazilian mines that produced these fantastic neon-blue stones were depleted long ago, so the gems are now quite expensive.
Does the piece have fine craftsmanship? Most of today’s jewelry is mass-produced or made from a mold. Being casted and welded in pre-fabricated settings with significantly less hand-finishing, modern jewelry is made with a lot less time and human labor than in the past. For this reason, jewelry fabricated by master craftsmen using time-intensive goldsmithing techniques—like many vintage pieces— are becoming increasingly rare and valuable. Educating yourself in the different types of casting and fabrication will help you recognize quality craftsmanship, regardless of the era in which it was created.
Who designed the piece? Well-known houses like Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari or Buccellati are known for using excellent craftsmen and quality material, and much of their work has increased in value. Pieces from these houses are generally a good investment, so long as
“Your best bet is to do your homework and find a designer that you like who is selling one-of-a-kind pieces with excellent craftsmanship.”
you can purchase one without overpaying. Original jewelry is also becoming very sellable at auction. Take the famous designer David Yurman. While an average piece of his won’t hold its value, something custom designed will be a very good investment. And you don’t always have to go for big names; collecting from a designer who is not well known but who is selling limited edition, high-quality pieces may also pay dividends down the track.
What is my budget? Although jewelry is generally expensive, it is possible to make a good investment even with a modest budget. Let’s say you have $5,000 to put towards investment jewelry. With that amount of money, your best bet is to do your homework and find a designer that you like who is selling one-of-a-kind pieces with excellent craftsmanship. If your budget allows you to buy a piece with a gemstone, make sure you go for the smaller stone that is better quality, not the larger stone with a flaw. Not only will it be a better investment, you will get much more pleasure from it as an owner.
Do I actually like the piece? It’s important to remember that the value of jewelry is in more than the raw materials and craftsmanship. It’s also in the privilege of ownership. So when you buy jewelry for investment, don’t just store it in the vault. Wear it, but wear it carefully. While it is almost impossible to damage a diamond, you’d be wise to be a little more careful with any other stones. Wearing your jewelry will only increase its value by the enjoyment you gain from having it be part of your life. For more information, visit zoltandavid.com.
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Bulgari photo by Antonio Barrella Studio Orizzonte Roma.
Graduate gemologist Patti David from jewelry house Zoltan David on the essential questions a woman should ask before purchasing jewelry for investment.
Road Trip! What: The Art of Bulgari: La Dolce Vita and Beyond, 1950 – 1990 Where: de Young Museum of the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco When: Opened Sept. 21, 2013. Exhibit runs through Feb. 17, 2014. This exclusive exhibition includes 150 pieces created by renowned Italian jeweler Bulgari during four decades from the 1950s through the 1990s. The exhibition will highlight classic jewelry that defined a pivotal period in Italian design. Bulgari’s successful cultivation of prominent patrons and movie stars like Sophia Loren, Ingrid Bergman and perhaps most notably, Elizabeth Taylor, has long been a key aspect of the jeweler’s reputation, adding to the credibility of the designs and the value of the pieces.
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Talk about investment jewelry, eight of the pieces in the exhibit once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, including an emerald collar, which sold at Christie’s in 2011 for more than $6.5 million, and the sapphire sautoir necklace, which sold in the same Christie’s auction for $5.9 million. A set of platinum and diamond bracelets that once belonged to actress Ellen Barkin is also on view. A girlfriend getaway to the city by the bay is always a good time, and these exclusive and historic jewels are guaranteed to dazzle and impress. For tickets and information, visit deyoungmuseum.org.
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Mirror, 1962 Formerly in the collection of Elizabeth Taylor, Bulgari Heritage Collection
Necklace and pendant earrings, 1967 Formerly in the collection of Mayrink Veiga, Bulgari Heritage Collection
dwconsignment.com 3301 Steck Ave. Suite 100 Austin, TX 78757 512-301-9800 austinwomanmagazine.com 103
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The Things I Want to Do Letting go of the uncontrollable future to live a bucket-list lifestyle. Some of my goals and ambitions are not something I can directly control. I always wanted my annual salary to equal my age, like making $25,000 when I was 25, and $40,000 by the time I turned 40. I wanted to be married to the perfect man and have him raise perfect children with me. Even though I can aspire, I can’t really make any of that happen. The only things I find I can actually achieve are things within myself. I want to take better photos of my family, so I can read magazine articles and how-to tips, and I can practice, practice, practice. I want to photograph a heron in flight, so I can sit on the rocks at Lake Travis at sunset and watch and wait. Even if I don’t get the photograph that I wanted, I spent that time with my family, or alone in nature, and that’s never a bad thing. I want to travel with my girlfriends, even if it’s to places I’ve traveled with my family already. Just seeing the same landmark through my friends’ eyes, and sharing familiar regional foods makes the tourist experience that much bigger because I’ve seen the same place differently now. And there are other places I want to see just for the beauty and the fact that they are so completely different from where I live. I want to watch weavers making textiles near the volcanos in Guatemala. I want to visit 1/3 of the Caribbean nations before I turn 50; there are only 30-something countries represented in the island groups, so 10 different ones seems feasible. I want to sing on the streets in New Orleans’ French Quarter. I want to stand at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge and decide whether I’m brave enough to walk across it. I don’t need to thrill seek for an adrenaline rush. No bungee jumping or sky diving or swimming with sharks for me! But I do keep checking the scuba-cer-
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tification classes offered throughout town and wondering if I’m physically fit enough to pass those classes. I see the different food-and-wine classes offered at Central Market and wonder if I should take those. I look for foreign-language classes, but I just can’t decide which one to learn. In my house, I’ve got “art” made from group painting classes I’ve done, and I think I should do more. Not to mention the volunteering work I could be doing. After working, cooking and cleaning, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the week to do all the extra things I want. You can say I have wanderlust, a desire for self-improvement or that I just stay too busy. I do enjoy lying around, reading and watching TV like everyone else, but there are so many more things I could be doing with that time. Hmm. I wonder what’s on the Travel Channel right now. Maybe one more adventure for the bucket list.
—Cyndi Samford February's Last Word topic will be “A dog that changed my life.” To be considered, email a 500-word submission by Jan. 1 to submissions@awmediainc.com.
Illustration by Sarah Quatrano.
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