September 2010

r ea

s e p t. 2 0 10

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For submission requirements, go to our website under “editorial” or contact ideas@austinwomanmagazine.com. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. For copies of articles, call 512.328.2421.

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5 1 2 . 2 6 3 . 8 2 8 4 • w w w. A u s t i n H e a l t h y D e n t i s t . c o m

o n t h e c ov e r

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lucia athens

Austin’s New Chief Sustainability Officer, Envisions a Greener Austin

When

Austin

City

Manager

Marc Ott began realizing the need to delegate one person to oversee the ever-burgeoning Austin green “basket,” if you will – where all of the many green initiatives underway throughout the city’s varying utilities and neighborhoods could be gathered together and tended to under one watchful, guiding and informed eye; no one could have foreseen how fortuitously the idea for such an appointment would unfold.

The application process for the newly created position of Chief Sustainability Officer at City Hall would be long and deliberate; a carefully considered pouringover of resumes and CVs that would intimidate even the most experienced

headhunter.

But

one stood out.

Sto ry

Christine Cox P h oto g ra p h y

K a r e n M oskow i t z c ov e r c o m p o s i t e

k e ta n pat e l

w w w. austinwomanmaga zine.com 9

contents 09.10

66

12 contributor

54 sustenance

16 creating balance

58 uncorked

marcy goodfliesch reclaiming your life

20 green vision

our future’s so bright

24 green investing grow your money the green way

28 create

24

76

a streetcar named stella

32 green goddesses eco-friendly divas

36 green air

how green is your castle?

40 green building

sustainable austin

44 glow

green is the new black

50 grow

40 10  austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

a potager on your balcony

many shades of green the glass is always greener

62 green careers hottest green jobs around

66 green tips

going green at home + in the garden

76 pets

natural diets for pets

80 weekend

escape to marathon

84 worth

cleaning up your credit score

88 news

Breast Cancer Resource Center Champagne Brunch

90 news

national ovarian cancer coalition 5k run

93 reader rewards 94 aw happenings 96 calendar 98 horoscope

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contributor Marcy Goodfleisch compiled + edited by Casie Latimer Marcy J. Goodfleisch has been a published writer and management and communications professional for more than 25 years.

She has also been the Green columnist for AW for the past three years. Goodfleisch is an adjunct faculty member for the Austin campus of Park University, where she teachp h o t o b y ko r e y h o w e l l es liberal studies and ethics. Goodfleisch has a B.S. in liberal studies from the University of the State of New York Regents College and a M.S. in liberal studies from Excelsior College.

In her private life, she is a board member for Austin Management (which promotes awareness of ethical standards in business practices), has served as a volunteer on a humanitarian mission in Honduras and is active in her local church. A member of American Mensa, she is a classically-trained lyric soprano and her hobbies include travel, piano and painting in oils and acrylics. She is the proud mother of two adult sons and has happily called Austin her home for many years.

How have you “gone green”?

My first big change was becoming a dedicated recycler. I confess that I was a late-bloomer in that area. Now, I keep two trash cans in my kitchen area – one for garbage that can’t be recycled and one for things that can go into the blue Single Stream containers.

Benefitting

Join us for the second annual Stiletto Stampede for the Cure– a high heel dash (100 yards) with the mission to encourage young women and men to know and understand the risks of breast cancer and empower them to prevent the disease through early detection, screening methods, education and overall breast self-awareness.

October 16, 2010 Race Start Time 9:00 AM Hill Country Galleria - 12700 Hill Country Blvd. Bee Cave, TX High Heels 2.5 inches or taller required. 100 yards.

Event heats are not competitions.

For more information, visit

StilettoStampede4theCure.org

12 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

What are two disciplines or habits you encourage others to do?

Pay attention to ozone levels and do what you can to keep the city within federal guidelines. Aside from giving us cleaner air, we risk losing millions of dollars in federal tax support for transportation and other things. Don’t let it happen!

Secondly, as I mentioned above, the Single Stream recycling program is just too easy and available for anyone to avoid participating.

It also helps you find more room in your regular trash bin and you might be able to save money by switching to a smaller container.

What made you go “green”?

Writing the GREEN column for AW, without a doubt, helped convert me. I had always cared about the environment, but in a more passive and less-informed way. I have learned so much from covering various issues and offering tips to readers. hAS the green movement been successful HERE and what areas DO WE need to focus on?

We are definitely considered one of the ‘greener’ pastures to live in, in terms of our overall lifestyle and environmental awareness. I’d love to see the entire community embrace the need to conserve energy (we use zillions of dollars in fuel to cool our buildings, often to unreasonably low temperatures), and in addition to the critical ozone issue, we can work to better preserve our local parklands and ecosystems while still enjoying them for various activities.

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 13

IF YOU’VE NEVER SHOPPED THE LIMITED BEFORE, NOR VISITED US LATELY, YOU’RE IN FOR A PLEASANT SURPRISE. Inspired by the latest runway looks, our ready-to-wear collections are always in style, and suitable for any occasion. From modern suiting and business separates, to event dresses and casual sportswear, our timeless fashion is always trend-right, season after season.

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sep. 2010

exclusive web features GREEN TIPS

Money-Saving Ideas for Greening-Up Your Home from Austin Energy + More!

by Breona Horne

EXPLORE

Tantalizing Tanzania

by Pebbles Wadsworth

Carmina Burana BETWEEN THE COVERS

Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad

by Paul Sweeney

additional web content

8pm | Sept 24, 25 ~ 3pm | Sept 26 The Long Center Choreography: Stephen Mills | Music: Carl Orff Musical Accompaniment by Conspirare and The Austin Symphony

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creating balance

Q+A with Renée

Reclaiming Your Life

Life is a marathon. You can have and be all the things you want to be. Just do it over a lifetime. Don’t try to do them all at once, because you can’t. If you try to, everyone around you will suffer – most of all, you.

– Eunice Kennedy Shriver, activist/philanthropist

I often feel a tightening in my chest this time of year. Every fall, I invariably find myself feeling stressed-out and overcommitted at work, as a caregiver and parent, as a volunteer, from my kid’s school obligations and the list goes on and on. I’d really like for this fall to be different. I have a feeling getting a new iPhone application or taking a time management class won’t do the trick. I’m ready for a real shift and would love to feel more relaxed, easygoing and peaceful.

Any thoughts?

– maggie, 43

A

Bravo Maggie. Kudos for your desire to change! My team and I have coached thousands of clients in the area of life balance and we’ve found it helpful to look at approaching and defining balance as having enough time, energy and resources for those things in life that are most important to you. More of an inside-out approach than an outside-in one.

Picture yourself sitting comfortably on a beautiful, sea-blue, four-legged stool, which completely supports your weight. Each leg of the stool represents a different insight or strategy to help bring more equilibrium and peace to your life. Here they are in a bit more detail: 1. Know your top priorities and effectively manage your energy. What in life is most important to you? Is your energy going toward these top priorities? What is draining you? What is fueling you? Are you comfortable saying “no” and even under-scheduling yourself and your family?

Create a Top Life Priorities list and adhere to it! If it’s not on the list, it’s a “no,” or it’s going to have to wait.

2. Make your self-renewal a priority.

When you begin to attune and respond to your physical/emotional/spiritual desires and needs, you’ll feel more effective, generous and energized and you’ll be setting an example for healthy, balanced living for those around you. Self-care is key to self-preservation.

UPCOMING RENÉE TRUDEAU EVENTS Sept. 9th 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Reclaim Your Life: Strategies for Balance. A FREE interactive life balance teleclass via phone with Renée and Christine Holhlbaum, author of The Power of Slow.

Fall 2010 | Self-Care as a Spiritual Path Women’s Group. A new, 12-week, small, groupcoaching program led by Renée. Very limited space. Email info@Renéetrudeau.com for details.

Register for all events at ReneeTrudeau.com

16 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

By Renée Peterson Trudeau

3. Build a personal support system.

What type of personal and professional support do you need to feel nurtured, emotionally healthy and stress-free? Learn to ask for and receive help. Reevaluate your support needs every three months; these change based on your current life stage. Having a support system while navigating life’s challenges can have a huge impact on how you experience the journey.

4. Be more present in all that you do.

Stress and overwhelm are often brought on by dwelling on the past or living in the future. By spending more time in the moment and focusing on what is most important here and now, you’ll feel calmer and wiser. When we’re living in the present, we experience a greater sense of balance and well being overall. One specific way to be more present is to be mindful of how and when we use technology – especially phones and e-mail. These tools have the tendency to over-activate our thinking.

Maggie, it’s important to realize that you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to how you manage your career and life (even though it may feel at times like you’re in the backseat or even the trunk!) When making changes, it’s good to start with baby steps, be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to receive help from others. I have faith you can do it!

Renée Peterson Trudeau is a nationally-recognized career/life balance coach, speaker and president of Career Strategists. A sought-after media expert, her work has been featured in US News and World Report, Working Mother, Yogi Times, Good Housekeeping, and AARP and she regularly presents life balance workshops for corporations, organizations and at conferences around the world. Trudeau is the author of the award-winning The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life (and two other titles). Thousands of women around the globe are joining and becoming trained to lead self-renewal groups based on the Guide, as a way to enhance balance and well-being in their lives.

ReneeTrudeau.com | CareerStrategists.net.

WEB EXTRA: Visit www.austinwomanmagazine.com to download the entire chapter Reclaim Your Life: Strategies for Balance from The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal by Renée Peterson Trudeau for FREE!

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green

20 green vision

44 glow

24 green investing

50 grow

28 create

54 sustenance

our future’s so bright

grow your money the green way

a streetcar named stella

32 green goddesses eco-friendly divas

36 green air

how green is your castle?

40 green building

sustainable austin

green is the new black

32

a potager on your balcony

many shades of green

58 uncorked

the glass is always greener

62 green careers hottest green jobs around

66 green tips

going green at home + in the garden

50

green VISION

Our Future’s So Bright, We Gotta Wear

Green Shades Want to help create a sustainable future for Austin?

We’ve got advice from the experts.

BY M a r i ly n M c C r a y

Brandi Clark-Burton, Founder of Austin Eco Network For over 10 years, Brandi Clark-Burton has been the powerhouse organizer of all things eco-related. She started Austin Eco Network as Austin’s home for everything green. The list serve became the best way to stay plugged into the local green scene and shared numerous organizational meetings, educational presentations and hundreds of green events every year to raise awareness of green living.

“Austin Eco Network is becoming a not-for-profit organization,” said Clark-Burton. “After serving local businesses, with this structure, we will be able to do so much more. Now we will be able to get grants to advance sustainable initiatives and participate in more educational programs. With a board of directors that features green thought leaders and standing committees, we can have more stakeholders and a bigger impact.”

Robin Rather, Founding Board Member of Liveable City (Rather also served as chair of Save our Springs and vice president of Hill Country Conservancy and is a former AW cover woman.)

“Austin needs more of a sense of urgency about our sustainability as a city and about our own actions. We are too comfortable and take way too much for granted,” said Rather “Our future depends on moving toward a healthier economy, more transportation alternatives, a faster transition to clean energy and more conservation of all kinds. No one else is going to magically do it for us. Our elected leaders are too complacent because WE are too complacent. Focus, focus, focus, friends!”

Liveable City was founded to create a community consensus and promote the quality of life for all of Austin. Liveable City’s program of work for 2010 includes a strong focus on Imagine Austin, the City of Austin’s Comprehensive Plan.

20 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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Susan Rieff,

develop energy efficiency, conservation and demand response, as well

Executive Director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

as options for distributed and renewable power generation,” said

“In response to litigation under the federal endangered species law, and despite intense

Mounge. “Austin’s green energy future will bring an open door policy to the business community, entrepreneurs and consumers, to get involved in the issues that generate, deliver and manage electricity.”

political opposition and funding questions, Aus-

The LCRA protects communities along the Colorado River from

tin and Travis County made a commitment to

flooding and sells wholesale electricity and clean water to more than

preserve nearly 30,000 acres of undeveloped land as the Balcones Can-

one million Texans. It operates a system of parks and nature centers,

yonlands Preserve,” said Rieff.

all without tax money.

“Austin deserves its national reputation for pushing the envelope on building design, energy efficiency and water conservation. Given our explosive growth, we need more of this kind of farsighted thinking.”

The Wildflower Center is leading a national effort to shift conven-

Cheryl Mele, Chief Operating Officer, Austin Energy and Deputy General Manager

tional thinking about landscaping. The Sustainable Sites Initiative, a

Austin Energy is the 9th largest community-

partnership between the Wildflower Center, the U.S. Botanic Garden,

owned electric utility in the nation. Austin En-

and the American Society of Landscape Architects, has developed

ergy has built some of the most successful en-

landscaping guidelines for reducing energy and water use, reducing landfill waste and protecting native species.

ergy efficiency and Green Building programs in the nation and has been #1 in green power sales every year since 2002 – outperforming 850 utility-sponsored green power programs.

Susan Rankin, Executive Director of The Trail Foundation

“Energy efficiency is the green future of Austin,” said Mele. “We aim to avoid the capital investment in a new power plant. It will keep our bills low and the air cleaner. Austin Energy has a plan to save

Since 2003, The Trail Foundation’s mission

800MW (megawatts) by 2020, which is enough electricity to power

has been to protect and enhance the Trail at

600,000 homes, year-round. One of the goals will be a conversion to

Lady Bird Lake. The Trail Foundation will con-

35% renewable energy and mixed resources. One of the best sustain-

tinue planting trees at the Trail for Austin’s fu-

able green energy movements is increasing local rooftop-distributed

ture. The trees diversify the woodlands as well as shade and beautify

solar. Investments in additional wind and utility-scale solar are other

the Trail for the three-to-15,000 people who use the Trail every day of

ways to enhance Austin’s green future.”

the year. The diverse species of trees shelter, feed and attract birds and other wildlife to the ribbon of urban habitat at Lady Bird Lake.

“The Trail is Austin’s most important public space,” said Rankin. “Completing the Trail is an important part of creating a sustainable Austin

Dianna Altenhoff, Executive Director of The Clean Air Force of Central Texas

because alternative transportation is a key component of reducing traf-

The Clean Air Force of Central Texas is the

fic congestion; expanding our bicycle and pedestrian transportation

leading nonprofit in the five-county region dedi-

corridors help protect the environment and our air quality.”

cated to safeguarding and improving air quality.

They coordinate air quality planning and con-

Ti Mounge,

duct educational activities and programs in Central Texas motivating

Demand Management, Analyst Lower Colorado River Authority and Volunteer Board Member of the Texas Solar Energy Society

the citizens, businesses and governments of our five-county region to

“At LCRA, we are working on a 10-year proj-

Action Days is key. Central Texans are encouraged to limit their time

take actions to reduce air pollution to protect public health.

“There are many things that both individuals and businesses can do to help improve our air quality,” said Altenhoff. “Being aware of Ozone

ect, through a series of pilot projects to test ener-

outdoors and alter their daily transportation habits. Our cars and trucks

gy management for wholesale power services that create larger goals

are the largest contributor to the ground-level ozone problem. More im-

for demand management and smart grid technologies. Currently, we

portantly, we must work to improve our air quality to protect the health

work with 43 local utilities and wholesale customers in Central Texas to

of our children, the elderly and those with chronic lung disease.”

22 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Marla Camp, First Chair of Sustainable Food Policy Board for the City of Austin and Travis County and publisher of Edible Austin “Given that the global food chain accounts for roughly one-third of global warming, I believe that how we grow, buy and eat food will hugely determine our green future both around the world and here in Austin,” said Camp.

“Changing the eating habits of individuals to eating more local, sustainably-raised and seasonal food will actually have the greatest impact. Vote with your fork!”

The City of Austin-established Sustainable Food Policy Board plays an advisory role to city and county government to examine broader economic initiatives, efficient models for local food distribution and better access to affordable, healthy food for all Austinites. Edible Aus-

tin’s mission is to help connect and grow the local food community by celebrating local food in Central Texas, season by season.

LEARN MORE: Austin Eco Network austinceonetwork.org

Liveable City

whatisaustin.com

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center wildflower.org

The Trail Foundation thetrailfoundation.org

LCRA

lcra.org

Austin Energy

austinenergy.com

The Clean Air Force of Central Texas cleanairforce.org

Edible Austin

edibleaustin.com

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 23

green investing

Grow your way n e e r g money the Your retirement plan can invest in a greener future for everyone. b y M a r c y G o o d f l e i s c h

W

hether you’re already reaping the

and small. Some of the ways corporations

think twice about converting to hybrid vehi-

benefits of your retirement plan or

fulfill a commitment to the environment are

cles, fluctuations in oil prices in recent years

still working toward those years,

through using recycled or sustainable mate-

have made hybrids a good choice when cor-

you probably have at least some amount of

rials in manufacturing; ensuring that waste

porations replace large fleets of gas-guzzling

money in stocks or other investments. While

materials are disposed of in ways that avoid

trucks or vans. If you invest in a firm using

you’re watching the ups and downs of the

polluting or otherwise harming the environ-

hybrids, you not only contribute toward

stock market, pay some attention to the ap-

ment; paying fair wages to employees and

clean-air initiatives, you may find better bot-

proach companies in which you’ve invested

contract laborers and by contributing to-

tom-line numbers on your quarterly state-

have toward environmental and conservation

ward environmental protection efforts in the

ments.

responsibilities. Targeting eco-friendly in-

areas in which they’re located.

If you’re one of the many people who rely on

vestments is another way you can help trans-

Many companies (such as UPS, after

mutual funds rather than selecting individual

form and protect the planet for your future, as

switching to hybrid vehicles a few years ago)

stocks in which to invest, a bit of research will

well as the future of your children and grand-

have reported benefits such as an improved

help you determine which funds place a prior-

children.

bottom line or increased public approval

ity on the environment and social conscious-

While thinking green was new and trendy

once they’ve adopted greener approaches to

ness. Some mutual funds, such as Green Cen-

just over a decade ago, more and more, it has

their daily business. While gasoline prices

tury Funds, have developed an entire

become a source of pride and even a market-

were low enough during the first part of the

corporate investment philosophy that

ing tool for many corporations, both large

21st century to make corporate executives

embraces the environment.

24 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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A few clicks of your mouse

and ask what they plan to do to

will tell you, however, whether

protect the planet in future

a firm or fund has a planet pro-

years.

tection priority or not. Be as-

According to an article on

sured that any company with a

investopedia.com, socially re-

sizeable focus on the environ-

sponsible investing can include

ment will tout that fact on its

far more than simply choosing

website or as part of its marketing

stocks offered by firms that buy re-

strategy. If a corporation has won an

cycled materials or adopt energy-sav-

award in conservation, or has adopted a

ings strategies. Some investors will avoid

major, corporate-wide, energy-saving strate-

any firm or fund that promotes firearms and

gy, that information will often have considerable

other weapons, casino activities or alcohol and to-

play on its main page, in brochures or in its advertising program.

Perhaps you’ve found good financial success by investing with firms that are not yet part of the green movement. One way to maintain your current investment preferences but diversify a bit into, well, greener pastures, is to choose a fund that includes

bacco. Socially responsible investing would also

Targeting eco-friendly investments is another way you can help transform and protect

extend to an awareness and avoidance of firms that exploit unfair labor practices in our country as well as elsewhere in the global economy.

In earlier decades, eco-awareness often brought to mind the organic movement

the planet for your

and an emphasis on all-cotton clothing and

as other firms with good market histories.

future, as well as the

today can mean a firm has installed wind

Then let fund managers as well as corpo-

future of your children

farms or solar cells to generate its own

rate executives know your thoughts about the environment and social responsibility

and grandchildren.

and reuse what was once waste material.

firms that focus on the environment as well

biodegradable products. Green awareness

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Entire industries are now built around recycled paper products and

original packaging but are recyclable and do not have as harmful an

sustainable building materials.

impact on the environment. Furthermore, cardboard containers are

Some newer industries, though, appear to have created problems

cheaper to produce and can be made from recycled materials.

in protecting the environment at the same time they have added con-

By looking for corporate responses to environmental issues, such

venience to our lives. Only a few decades ago, obsolete computer

as the one made by L’eggs, you can spot firms that demonstrate sen-

components and old cell phones were not major issues for environ-

sitivity to the planet but also have healthy histories with consumers

mentalists because, for the most part, they did not exist in quantities

and the marketplace.

large enough to raise alarm. If you’re considering investments in in-

If your investment choices include firms with extensive overseas

dustries that produce products now seen as a threat to the environ-

or foreign manufacturing activities, check to see if environmental

ment, research what the company is doing to prevent or mitigate

watchdog groups have complained about their employment practic-

harm to the eco-system? Does the firm work to avoid premature ob-

es or their treatment of sensitive eco-systems such as rainforests or

solescence of the features or components it produces? Is there a recy-

watersheds in depressed economic areas. If a mutual funds group

cling program in place that allows consumers to donate older devices

manages these investments, ask the group’s managers to consider

to serve third-world nations or needy people? Are there needless

shifting funds to more responsible corporations. If enough consum-

packaging elements that can be reduced, thereby saving landfill

ers express concern, fund managers and corporate executives will

space?

continue to respond to the growing need to protect the planet and

Some firms have changed with the times in an effort to save the

our environment. As this trend grows, countries in which these firms

environment. L’eggs hosier, for those who were around “back in the

do business will be forced to adopt local regulations that protect the

day,” formerly came in hard plastic containers shaped like eggs. The

environment if they wish to continue being players in the global eco-

containers were cute and often colorful, and the gimmick helped

nomic game.

brand the firm to consumers. But when it realized those cute eggs ultimately added to landfill problems, L’eggs charged its package designers with creating containers that retained the firms branding image but also protected the environment. The result? L’eggs now

MORE INFO investopedia.com/features/green-investing.aspx

come in cardboard containers that somewhat echo the shape of their

conserving water! nable by i a t s u s Help us be more

Mayor Lee Leffingwell

:

g w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 27

create

A Streetcar Named Stella The women of WonderCraft teach Austinites how to roll-up their sleeves and get crafty in the only mobile arts and crafts studio in town.

Beth Hempton, Kimberly Sae-Eua, Beth Albrecht + Jenifer Bryan show off their WonderCraft neckties.

S

ince its launch in 2005, Etsy.com has sparked a revolution in crafting, creating a surge of popularity for all things handmade and turning hobbies into profitable businesses. For those of us whose handpainted coffee mugs at the local pottery store look more kindergarten than masterpiece, it finally made handmade gifts a possibility. Now you can take it one step further and learn how to craft those gifts yourself from a quartet of Etsy experts.

All you have to do is board the WonderCraft.

Four Etsy veterans – Beth Hempton, Jenifer Bryan, Kimberly Sae-Eua and Beth Albrecht – hatched a plan in April 2009 to make crafting more accessible and less intimidating to Austinites. On Aug. 1st, 2009, the WonderCraft, in the guise of a silver Airstream trailer, opened for business – providing classes, events and parties for anyone looking to learn more about handmade arts ranging from rubber stamping to jewelry making to paper products.

What’s even more remarkable about the WonderCraft story is that the four women

28 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

have only known each other since October 2008, when Beth Hempton started Team Etsy Austin, both to create a gateway for online shoppers who prefer to buy local and to build an Austin crafting network. The women, who each have their own individual Etsy storefronts, credit both the site and Team Etsy Austin for improving their own work.

“Etsy’s great for exposure,” said Sae-Eua, who has a corporate background. “I get people contacting me about putting my stuff in their store.”

Bryan added, “I didn’t have the confidence until I started selling on Etsy.”

It was through this local Etsy offshoot that these four crafty ladies first crossed paths. It wasn’t long before they were bouncing a new creative concept off of each other – a physical, shared storefront, in addition to their individual, virtual ones, through which they might be able to spread their love of crafting by teaching.

“After one of the meetings, Jen, Kim and I started talking, in the parking lot actually, about having a boutique and … it all kind of snowballed from there,” said Hempton, who

BY C y n t h i a H o u c h i n + S h e l b y O ’ N e i l l

specializes in graphic design, drawing and bookmaking.

“The classes really came first, and the boutique was secondary,” Bryan, a graduate of Texas State University, said. Not surprising, considering both Hempton and SaeEua are former public school teachers.

Hempton, Bryan and Sae-Eua decided Albrecht would be the perfect addition to their trifecta, and the WonderCraft was born.

“I think four’s a good number because there is a lot to do between promoting, graphic design work, coming up with classes and scheduling the classes, keeping on top of our own financial matters, legal matters, going out to the events, interacting with the people and the teaching,” Hempton said. “I can’t imagine doing it with fewer people.”

The WonderCraft concept traces back to a friend of Bryan’s who was looking to sell a 1978 Airstream trailer. A mobile studio seemed like the perfect vehicle to bring crafting classes and parties to the public, but the trailer required a major reconstruction to turn from

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RV to a business, making it the ultimate craft project. Together, the group worked from the ground up, adding floors, dual-purpose benchseat/cabinet combos for storage, handmade curtains out of old bed sheets and fabric scraps and fully weatherproofing the windows and roof. After starting on July 4, 2009, the WonderCraft opened for business less than a month later in their renovated trailer that also had a shiny new name.

“I wanted to call her ‘Stella’ because I felt like she was bringing you to the stars,“ said Albrecht, who studied fashion design at Parsons.

Even months later, Stella keeps getting new embellishments, like overhead lighting.

“We’re always improving it,” Hempton said. “It’s a work in progress.”

Once Stella was ready for her debut, the WonderCraft ladies put together their very first class schedule, which covered maybe a bit too many different crafts.

“We tried to bite off more than we could chew when we first started,” Bryan said.

“We’ve pared it down and are now offering just a few in-depth ones a month.”

Grassroots marketing helped get the

30 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

WonderCraft off the ground, as well as a little help from the Austin Small Business Center and Austin Babes in Business, a Yahoo!Group 500-strong, started by some ladies in the Austin Craft Mafia in 2003.

“It’s intended to be a networking group; it’s all women and all local, and it tends to be centered around crafty-type businesses,” Sae-Eua said. “One of the things that has been really incredible, in Austin in particular, is that people who normally would be seen as competitors, we tend to partner with, and it works to everyone’s advantage.”

The WonderCraft has also received a boost, both in profile and in karma, through charity work with the Ronald McDonald House Charity Run and the Helping Hand Home for Children.

“They may be simple projects, but by the time they finish, the kids are so excited, and that positive encouragement and the chance to make something they’re proud of is something they don’t always get that often. So, for me, that’s the best feeling ever,” Albrecht said.

In addition to the charity work and the regularly-scheduled classes, the WonderCraft pops up at events around town, like the annual Cherrywood Art Festival, to offer fun and easy crafts, like button making.

Parked behind the Art Pad on Burnet and open publicly as a boutique selling Team Etsy Austin goods since January 2010, The WonderCraft recently sailed across town to set anchor at Starving Art/East Austin Trailer Park and Eatery (E.A.T.), your local foodtrailer-park-slash-artist-studios-and-art-gallery.

So far, the most popular class has been rubber stamp carving, and while adult classes are for ages 12 and up, the WonderCraft can also customize classes for any age group. And better yet, there’s a guarantee: “We promise you’re crafty even if you don’t think you are,” Sae-Eua said.

Want some one-on-one assistance for a craft project?

WonderCraft offers private lessons, or you can get a few buddies together to do a custom class. The ladies of WonderCraft have expertise in just about any crafty topic.

To find out what’s happening in the Austin crafting community, get tips or just find some inspiration for do-ityourself crafting ideas, check out the WonderCraft blog: thewondercraft. blogspot.com/ Check out First Friday on Sept. 3rd at E.A.T. from 12 to 11 p.m. to explore Stella’s treasures plus a new art gallery exhibit at Starving Art. Austin Babes In Business austinbabesinbusiness. blogspot.com WonderCraft is currently located at East Austin Trailer Park and Eatery EastAustinEAT.com 2324 East Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78756 Sat. + Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. thewondercraft.com 512.850.6825 The Art Pad 4520 Burnet Road Austin, Texas 78756 theartpadstudio.com 512.323.0802

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green

green s e s s e d d o G

BY J e n n i f e r S i m o n s o n

One part Mother Earth, one part savvy business owner, these divas of eco-friendly business do more than hug trees.

Amanda Searanke and Nui Organics Do no harm. It is not just Google's mantra, it is also designer Amanda Searanke's. The New Zealand native spent years traveling the world to market products from one country to another. When she landed in Austin, she wanted to start a company using those skills. She combined her love of New Zealand, (and its growing organic wool industry), with baby blankets and thus Nui Organics was born. Baby blankets grew into children's clothes, which have grown into a full clothing line for children up to teenage years.

Nui Organics uses a super-fine, soft wool that erases images of grandma's old scratchy wool sweater. The wool is chemical-free, biodegradable and organic.

Since starting the company five years ago, Searanke has stuck to her belief in doing no harm.

“We are creating a demand for organic wool, which has a low impact on the environment,” she said. “The real cost of an item includes if you are paying for it with your health, your children's health or the health of the environment in 50 years.”

MORE INFO nuiorganics.com

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Perry A and Living Clay Perry A eats dirt. Clay to be exact. Everyday. And

reflux was completely gone,” she said.

she says the healing power of what is essentially vol-

She started the Living Clay Company, which sells

canic ash can replace a medicine cabinet worth of

all natural Calcium Bentonite Clay in powder and liq-

products.

uid forms and in facial masks, lotions, anti-winkle

The 71-year-old grandmother began using clay ex-

cream and more. Then she wrote Living Clay: Nature's

ternally in 1994 as a natural pain reliever on cuts,

Own Miracle Cure Calcium Bentonite Clay, the defini-

burns and toothaches. A few years later, a friend sug-

tive guide to everything you need to know about clay.

gested she drink clay to relieve chronic acid reflux.

The book outlines how to cure more than 100 aliments

She stirred powder clay into her water, took a breath,

by applying clay directly to the skin or ingesting it in

then gulped it down. That is when she became clay's

a liquid or hydrated clay form. Perry A says Clay de-

number one cheerleader. “Three days later, my acid

toxifies the body, helping it heal from the inside out.

MORE INFO livingclayco.com

Heilla Lain, Environmental Lawyer + Backyard Farmer When Heilla Lain needs vegetables for dinner, she sends her husband and two children to the backyard to collect some for her.

summers spent visiting family in Israel.

“We went to the corner market to get whatever was fresh and that is what you ate,” she said. “This

“That is how we divide the labor, they tend to the garden and I cook,” she said.

concept of fresh, local food is so nuevo to us here, but it is the way the rest of the world lives.”

Despite living in the middle of urban Austin, the Lains have a garden in their backyard that produces

With the help of drip irrigation, the family devotes about three hours a week to the garden.

buckets of cucumbers, green peppers, Asian pears,

“We love it. It teaches my kids about food and

squash and cantaloupe. They also have orange, olive,

where it came from and gardening is completely re-

pomegranate and apple trees lining the property.

laxing for my husband,” she said. “His faces lights up

The local, sustainable food movement that has

when he gives me the daily peach report.”

taken hold of Austin reminds Lain of the childhood

Emily Fleming Nash and Emerald City Press Emily Fleming-Nash has spent most of her lifetime

flowers and some Austin-only goodies. Sitting along

living in the Clarksville neighborhood just west of

side ECP's fair trade coffee are TacoDeli breakfast ta-

downtown. After working for more than seven years

cos, Upper Crust Bakery pastries and East Side Pies,

in some of Austin's caffeine institutes such as Jo's and

slices.

Austin Java, she wanted to open a coffee shop that was bikeable and walkable from her ‘hood.

“We try to use as much locally-made, organic and fairly-traded products as possible,” she said.

In March 2008, Emerald City Press opened near

Eco-friendly practices do not stop there. The staff

the corner of 9th St. and N. Lamar Ave. in the old Ritz

built its own recycling center in the back to recycle

Camera drive-through building. “Our family used to

everything that comes through the building. They use

get our film developed there throughout the ‘80s and

eco-friendly paper and to go products from locally-

‘90s,” she said.

owned ABCO Paper and offer fuel effective discounts

Fleming-Nash transformed the camera shop into a one-stop-shop commissary for Austinites. Patrons stop by not just for a cup of joe, but to pick up wine,

34 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

to customers arriving in Priuses, scooters, bikes or on their own two feet.

MORE INFO emeraldcitypress.com

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green air

How Green is Your Castle?

The air in your home can literally kill you. b y M a r c y G o o d f l e i s c h

If you think your safe haven from air pollution and dust is your cool, airconditioned home, think again. Even if you change your air filters every month and regularly vacuum and dust, your family could be exposed to poor indoor air quality from various sources you haven’t considered, or perhaps haven’t yet addressed. According to Austin physician Will Rawlinson, who is board certified in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine, Austin has some unique issues that can create health issues for you and your family.

Getting rid of indoor smoke is his first suggestion to combat the problems.

said, can cause problems such as watery eyes, throat irritation, coughs and shortness of breath.

If you’re using such products, be sure to properly ventilate the area and air out the home to get rid of lingering fumes. Painters and others who work in professions where fumes can be found often use breathing masks to protect themselves from harmful

“Smoking is the number one issue, espe-

switch on your air vent whenever you use

cially for parents with children,” he said.

the shower or take a steamy bubble bath,

Duct cleaning can sometimes help in older

“There’s good evidence that it can contribute

and be sure to wipe down the tub or shower

homes or homes where pets have lived. Raw-

to asthma.” The American Lung Association

walls and mop up any standing water on the

linson says some of his asthma patients have

says asthma affects nearly 23 million Ameri-

floor of the shower. “Squeegees remove a

seen their symptoms reduced by having the

cans, including seven million children. And,

large amount of water,” he said. Some people

built-up dust, pet dander mold and allergens

of course, lung cancer has long been associ-

use towels or highly absorbent cloths or rags

removed from their ductwork.

ated with smoking, including second-hand

and wring them out in the sink. Either solu-

Having your ductwork inspected, ser-

exposure to its harmful effects.

tion will help starve mold spores and keep

viced, repaired or cleaned, may also save

them from growing.

money and fuel costs. Some efficiency and

“Mold is a common issue,” said Rawlinson.

irritants.

“Mostly we see it in people with allergies.”

Rawlinson said mold contributes to a

energy experts recommend duct cleaning as

Bathrooms and laundry rooms are particu-

number of health problems. It can aggravate

a way to save money on heating and cooling

larly susceptible to mold, he said, because

asthma and can cause irritation of the nose

your home. Austin Energy suggests sealing

heat and humidity contribute to its growth.

and eyes. But mold isn’t the only culprit that

attic ducts to prevent them from sucking in

“When it’s wet and hot, it has something to

can send you to the doctor’s office.

attic air (which then has to be heated or

eat.” Since mold thrives from the dampness

“Volatile organic compounds can create

and heat found in most bathrooms, a simple

problems,” said Rawlinson. If you’re a DIY

way to prevent it is to reduce or cut off its

fan and sometimes paint or refinish furni-

quer and varnish, common cleaning

food supply.

ture, take precautions when using lacquer,

materials can harm the air in your

stains or varnish. All of these, Rawlinson

home or create health problems.

“Use that fan!” said Rawlinson. Flip the

36 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

cooled).

As with fume-laden products such as lac-

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You can examine every room in your house to determine how well it supports a good quality of indoor air. Some improvements are simple to make and can make positive impacts – often on areas in which you spend a great deal of time.

“If you’re thinking green, think about cleansers that don’t have a lot of volatile

MORE INFO startsleeping.com epa.gov/iaq/iaqhouse.html lungusa.org

a smoke alarm) will warn you if this silent killer is taking your breath away.

organic compounds,” said Rawlinson, who

As the EAP “Care for your Air” home tour

also cautions to ventilate the area when us-

suggests, you can examine every room in

ing solvents or anything with formalde-

your house to determine how well it sup-

hyde in the ingredients. Environmental en-

ports a good quality of indoor air. Some

thusiasts recommend looking for “green”

improvements are simple to make and can

labeling on commercial products, or con-

make positive impacts – often on areas in

sider homemade cleaning solutions made

which you spend a great deal of time.

of plain white vinegar and water.

“You spend a third of your life in your

Your way of life, such as whether you

bedroom,” said Rawlinson, “if you’re hav-

smoke indoors, use your bathroom fan or

ing problems with your eyes and nose

generate fumes when cleaning can affect

when you wake up, think about what’s

the quality of air in your home. But other

there.”

factors can cause problems as well.

they’re soft and fluffy) can be a problem for

Feather pillows (even though

The Environmental Protection Agency

those with allergies. Adding non-perme-

(EPA) has extensive information on indoor

able covers on mattresses and pillows can

air quality and even has an online tour of

be significantly helpful, he said.

an Indoor AirPLUS home that can help you

The EPA pages on indoor air quality

spot ways to improve your current home, or

suggest keeping pets out of sleeping areas

identify what to look for when buying a

and away from upholstered furniture, car-

new home. Click on http://www.epa.gov/

pets and (surprise!) stuffed toys. That pic-

iaq/iaqhouse.html to see common issues

ture of your baby playing with Fluffy or

you might want to address.

Fido while she holds her favorite stuffed

Rawlinson said homeowners should

bunny might be a cute photo op, but it

make certain fireplaces are sealed, venti-

could be adding to her wheezing at night

lated and well maintained through proper

by introducing pet dander to a cherished

cleaning to prevent smoke from entering

toy she cuddles close to her face during

the living area. And, he said, every home

many of her waking hours.

should have a carbon monoxide alarm.

If you use a pest control service, ask

“Carbon monoxide is a by-product of

what chemicals or agents are used and re-

combustion,” he said, and it can be gener-

quest “green” or non-irritating products if

ated from fireplaces, furnaces and gas ap-

at all possible. And make certain to air the

pliances. An alarm (which is generally as

house out after each treatment. Similarly,

easy to install and as simple to maintain as

chemicals used for gardening and lawn care can find their way into your home through open windows or on shoes that may have tracked through the yard.

With a little time and attention, you and your family can breathe easier in your home.

After all, it’s your castle, isn’t it?

38 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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REVEAL YOUR INNER

BEAUtY WItH A LIttLE OUtSIDE HELP

• • • •

R o b e R t C l e m e n t, m D William GoRman, mD S C o t t H ay D o n , m D FReD WilDeR, mD

3003 Bee Caves Road Suite 203 A u s t i n , Te x a s 7 8 7 4 6 w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 39

green building

Panoramic View of Mueller Development

S u sta i n a b le AUSTIN Because We Can!

b y C h r i s t i n e C o x

H

erein is just a brief but impressive

help guide sustainability efforts influencing

plans, and an onsite composting facility,” says

overview of some of the coolest

the plan’s requirements, so Vittori’s expertise

Vittori. The 700-acre development has 700

projects in town that bring togeth-

was called forth. “I helped to provide a frame-

residences now, but is planning thousands.

er neighborhoods, builders and

work and to structure sustainability commit-

Vittori helped the developers craft a term

people who care about living with – not on –

ments cohesively. The early planning stages,”

called “green urbanism” which emphasizes a

the earth. This is by no means everything go-

remembers Vittori, “focused on landscaping

commitment to density while providing 120

ing on in the city having to do with making

that would be indigenous, sustainable, using

acres of dedicated green space.

our community a little greener, but it touches

only adaptive species.” Every single-family

Chris Krager of KRDB Architects has two

on some pretty interesting initiatives being

home must meet a three-Austin Energy Star

major projects underway that may change

taken on by individuals with a commitment

rating, and multi-family buildings should

the face of housing in this decade. “When real

to a greener, more sustainable world. As

meet the two-star rating. “Every facet of the

estate prices in Austin started escalating six

members of this vibrant community, austin-

Mueller build-out was required to meet a

years ago, we started looking around to find a

woman is proud to highlight the following:

minimum green building or LEED rating,

way to provide affordable design for people,

Gail Vittori, Co-Director for CMPBS, helped

which is a giant step for a master develop-

but we couldn’t find individual lots that were

to design a community in northeast Austin

ment because it influences such a volume of

reasonable; just large chunks of land,” says

that’s gained a lot of acclaim and popularity

construction.” The community maintains

Krager. “So, we put together a project that

locally and nationally. Mueller (pronounced

high-energy performance beyond compliance

would be considered a model prototype to

“Miller”) started in 2004, originally conceived

with code. When building, a high percentage

develop a sustainable, holistic community.”

by Roma Design out of San Francisco (and

of recycled content and low emitting materi-

Hence, SOL was born. The community is lo-

currently being overseen by Jana McCann of

als are used, and the development ties into a

cated east of downtown, and is al-

the McCann Adams firm in Austin) is a Mas-

reclaimed water system through the City of

ready 60% sold. It features net zero

ter Plan community. They needed someone to

Austin. “There is a community garden in the

utilities and all electric homes with

40 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

fall in love with fall

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Deadline to enter is September 26, 2010.

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DCAT-0207_WomensMag_Ad.indd 1

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 41 8/23/10 11:31 AM

Hotel Saint Cecilia

xeriscaping. All residents have been awarded

says Bernhard, a Michigan native who

Alas, old construction can be repur-

a four- or five-Austin Green Energy Star rat-

moved to Austin for its green passion and

posed, renovated and restored in a green,

ing. “We plan to start replicating this in other

love of innovation. Visit www.mamodular.

sustainable fashion, as is evidenced by the

cities,” say Krager. Visit www.solaustin.com

com for details on modular living.

grand and efficient Hotel St. Cecilia in Tra-

for more information on this groundbreaking endeavor.

In another attempt at making a business

vis Heights. Emily Little, lead architect, of

place a green space, Connie Church decid-

ClaytonLevyLittle, says that. “The challenge

Lucy Beggs, architect, worked on the SOL

ed, when her landlord went up again on her

was to transform the site with its center-

project by helping re-purpose an old house

lease in Central Austin, for her business,

piece 1888-vintage Victorian mansion, two

that was on the verge of being torn down.

Needleworks, she would start looking for a

dilapidated post-war bungalows, an old ga-

(The other houses in the development are

place to buy and move her business. “I de-

rage and six magnificent old Live Oaks into

brand new green construction.) “This little

cided to start with new construction, spend

a little oasis away from bustling SoCo. It

old house seemed architecturally uninterest-

more money up front but gain the money

was imperative that we work around the

ing from the exterior, and originally we were

back in the long run,” says Church. So she

grand old Live Oaks,” says Little. “Adhering

going to just have it moved off the land en-

found a lot (quite fortuitously not far from

to the sustainable design principle of adap-

tirely. But when the house mover offered to

her old location) and hired a local residen-

tive re-use, recycle and repurpose, we care-

buy it from us, we realized it must not be so

tial architect, John Chatham, as opposed to

fully renovated the mansion, recognized by

useless. In fact, the interior was full of hart

a commercial architect, because “I wanted

Austin’s Historic Landmark Commission as

pine; so instead, I re-designed it and added

to build something that didn’t look commer-

the Miller-Crockett House.” It was also im-

on.” A huge old oak also had to be considered

cial, even though it’s a zoned light retail lot.

portant that all of the construction was

in the project. It and the now-new house

I didn’t want to go with a commercial archi-

done with the support of the neighborhood

stands there, happy to still be thriving today.

tect that might give it a commercial look; I

residents, who were naturally concerned.

The Ma Modular project is another KRDB

wanted it to fit into the neighborhood.”

“A part of sustainable living is to be sure

efficient living concept entirely, and Amy

Hence, the beautiful craftsman bungalow

that the community at large is invested and

Bernhard has been seeing the project through,

style house that is home to Church’s 13-year-

committed to a vision for each neighbor-

marketing the efficient, earth-friendly modular

old business makes a beautiful addition to

hood. We understood that in this process.”

homes to people who like the idea of hassle-

the neighborhood. It is constructed of long-

Located among the houses of Travis

free, start-to-finish design at an affordable cost.

lasting materials like a metal roof, hardy-

Heights, the design works because the

“They are 1500-to-2000-square-foot homes,

board plank and stonework, craftsman-style

buildings were carefully placed to be unob-

framed in a factory. Before they even leave the

wood windows, and high-grade insulation

trusive, their design deliberately intended

factory, these homes are 84% complete. At

used throughout to ensure energy efficien-

to work with the surroundings, not to over-

$135-to-$150-a-square foot, the homes are af-

cy. “We used many LEED aspects through-

whelm or draw attention. ClaytonLevyLittle

fordable and energy efficient. They are archi-

out,” says Church. Since Church only re-

is an Austin architecture and design/build

tecturally modern, professionally-designed,

cently moved in, she does not plan to get it

firm with an award-winning portfolio of

Five Star Energy homes. “We’d like to grow the

rated. “This decision was economical, as

adaptive re-use and historic preservation

line here in Austin and then start marketing it

well as about keeping my footprint mini-

projects. Visit their site at claytonlevylittle.

in other communities around the U.S., so we’re

mal.” Visit www.theneedleworks.com for

com and also hotelstcecilia.com.

excited to partner with local manufacturers …

more information. It’s worth a visit even if

It’s thrilling to see where Austin is heading,”

you don’t needlepoint!

42 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

GREEN NEWS Driving Clean Across Texas

By Kira Taniguchi

The Drive Clean Across Texas campaign makes it way to Texas every summer to help drivers breathe easy. To reinforce their message, the campaign is putting on a sweepstakes.

Because energy usage spikes every year during the summer and roadtrippers hit the roads, ozone levels increase – along with the temperature.

The partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reminds drivers of the health risks of air pollution.

The campaign offers five cost-saving, no-cost and low-cost tips to Texans to maximize their energy efficiency. They range from carpooling to keeping vehicles maintained properly. Other tips include avoiding idling and driving the speed limit.

The final item on the list is buying a low-emission hybrid vehicle to save money on gas and cut tailpipe emissions. And this year, the campaign is giving away a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which was donated by the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.

For more information on the campaign and to enter the sweepstakes, visit DriveCleanAcrossTexas.org. Enter

TM

online by Sept. 26th for a chance to win.

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m   43

glow

Green Black b y A n d r e a C l a i r e

w e n e h is t

Eco-Friendly Beauty

1.

N

owadays, consumers are spending more and more time

Vapour Beauty is a prestige beauty company revolutionizing

educating themselves on product purchases. With infor-

the luxury beauty market by taking certified organic mineral cos-

mation a click away, comparison shopping, ingredient re-

metics to the next level. Vapour considers its commitment to or-

search and recommendations are aplenty, which adds to the en-

ganic ingredients and sustainable practices the new standard.

couragement of companies to become more socially and sustainably

Specific, certified, organic, botanical infusions with targeted ben-

responsible.

efits are added to provide deep moisture and antioxidant protec-

Beauty is no different. The female consumer now wants to know

tion. Pure mineral pigments are dispersed in the base of the cos-

that their tube of lipstick is not contributing to their carbon foot-

metics, creating a breathable layer that moves with the skin

print. Where was your lipstick made? Where were the ingredients

instead of lying flat and lifeless. (pictured as 1.)

sourced? How is it packaged? With recycling programs, biodegrad-

From the raw materials to the final packaging, each step in the

able containers, organic, fair-trade ingredients, replenished re-

process adheres to responsible practices, including utilizing

sources – beauty has proven it is more than skin deep. I’ve done a

wind power and sourcing recyclable and renewable packag-

little research to help green-up your beauty regimen.

ing materials. vapourbeauty.com

44  austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

dolce . salon

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Josie Maran Cosmetics extends to bio-

Rae Cosmetics, a local favorite, supports

degradable beauty in its packaging. Each

the Clean World Commitment by using

shade comes housed in Josie’s state-of-the-

minimal and recycled packaging whenever

art biodegradable compact. A woman can

possible. Printing of all necessary information

be beautiful inside and out with Josie Ma-

is directly on the product to reduce waste,

ran Cosmetics ... luxury with a conscience

plus all of Rae’s kits with multiple wells can

equals “beauty without the baggage.” All

be reused since the wells are interchange-

Josie Maran products are packaged in glass,

able. Austinites can bring cases back to the

aluminum, plastic or paper and can be re-

store for recycling if you no longer use them

cycled. The outer carton is a 30% post con-

and Rae will give 25 cents each towards your

sumer waste product. (2-4)

next purchase! (7-9) raecosmetics.com

11.

Skin Organics has a lab in Dallas that uses certified organic and fair trade ingredi-

“I want to prove that a cosmetics company

ents. With elegantly-designed packaging

doesn’t have to sacrifice luxury and perfor-

that is completely recyclable, products are

mance in order to create products that are

always paraben-free, cruelty-free and glu-

kind to the natural and social environment.

ten-free! All products except Peppermint

And if we make the world – not to mention

Milk are vegan. (11) skinorganicsaw.com

women’s cheeks and lips – a little rosier

8.

while we’re at it, even better.” – Josie Maran josiemarancosmetics.com

Dermalogica revolutionized the skin care industry when it emerged into the marketplace in 1986 with innovative formulations,

Evie Evan has developed a green-friendly

which excluded common irritants, including

line, the Cleen Mineral line. It is a different kind of mineral makeup as none of it is loose powder. The foundation, concealers and lip-

SD alcohol, lanolin, mineral oil and artificial

7.

colors and fragrances. Dermalogica does not use any artificial colors or fragrances, and has

sticks are creamy, the blush and eye shadows

9.

are pressed; and with pressed shadows you get less flaking, which means a cleaner application. The Cleen Mineral line has a stylish, magnetic, refillable, palette package that is environmentally friendly, allowing you to mix and match your choice of eye shadows and blushes. (5-6) evieevan.com

never tested on animals and never will. Although not advertised, Dermalogica is very particular about only including natural ingre-

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care has always

dients. Plus, the fact that they are in the

maintained a brand mission to serve hu-

USA, for Americans; it’s less of a carbon

manity and the earth, seeing it as a privi-

footprint. (12) dermalogica.com

lege to uphold their founding principles.

Biodynamic and organic farming methods ensure the purest of ingredients available. With socially-responsi-

3.

ble business practices reflecting reverence for all living things –

2.

4.

human, animal and plant – Dr. Hauschka’s reputation for premium products and being globally responsible has put them on the top of A-listers’ must-haves. (10) drhauschka.com

5.

6.

10.

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Just as we work every day to help skin care professionals reach their highest level of success, we also play an active role in our community. The Dermalogica Foundation champions this work by providing support, both financial and volunteer, to local, grassroots organizations that benefit women and children in need, are non-denominational, and are not supported by any other major source of funding.

W3LL People (pronounced “well peo-

Nailing down a difference in the manicure

ple”) is celebrating their second anniversa-

world is Acquarella, a water based, tox-

ry. A cosmetic line based out of Austin, it

in-free and truly safe nail lacquer. Check

certainly has the clout to be a highly suc-

out their website for the great color selec-

cessful beauty brand. Developed by Cos-

tions. (14)

metic Dermatologist Renée Snyder MD,

“Our mission is to provide clients, friends

Treehugger James Walker and Makeup

and family of all ages and gender, who love

Guru Shirley Pinkson (former NARS corpo-

to wear nail polish, a safe, non-toxic, water-

rate leader), together they created the ulti-

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mate in toxin-free, eco-beauty. (13)

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toxin/petroleum/preservative free, 100% premium natural ingredients with a high concentration of organics (60-70%).

“Spread the word about our hippie-tested, diva-approved makeup and the importance of making more mindful choices when it comes to beauty.” w3llpeople.com

14.

• Read ingredient lists and know what you are using • Wherever possible, buy local • Use refillable palettes • Send in feedback – if your favorite beauty product has unnecessary packaging let the company know Beauty has its price, but when it comes to our health and our planet, you just have to decide; at what cost?

To contact or learn more about Andrea Claire, go to andreaclaire.onsugar.com.

13.

48 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

• Use a foundation brush instead of a sponge – better application technique and is reusable for years • Don’t overspend and crowd your vanity with excessive products you will never use

12.

‘Eco-rific tidbits: W3LL People are 100%

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grow

A Potager

b y C l a u d i a A l a r c ó n

On your Balcony

( L- R ) L a v e n d e r , M i n t , T h y m e + O r e g a n o

If you have a tiny patio, balcony or rooftop space, you can grow a container potager – a beautiful edible garden – that will be the talk of the neighborhood.

I

sure to use at least a 20-inch diameter pot for best results,” she adds.

However,

some

common

herbs

like

oregano, basil, thyme, mint, parsley and

n France, the kitchen garden, or potager,

hanging basket. I still grow many things in

chives will grow well in 10-12” pots as long

has long been considered an opportunity

containers because they look nice tucked in

as they are monitored for water needs;

for beauty as well as utility. Plants are

the garden and I can change and replace

anything grown in pots will require more

chosen for edible and ornamental qualities

them seasonally, like flowering annuals, or

water than the same thing planted in the

and planted for practical and aesthetic

bring them in the house during extremely

soil. Water is important when gardening in

reasons, including harvesting fresh fruits

cold winters, like my citrus trees.

containers; too little or too much can both be

and vegetables. But not all of us have a large

“Vegetables grown in a container can be

detrimental to your plants. Make sure your

plot of land, or even a small backyard to plant

just as beautiful as ornamentals. Anything

container has adequate drainage so water

the garden of our dreams. Some, perhaps, live

you can grow in a suburban backyard, you

doesn’t collect at the bottom and rot the

in rental properties where the landlord won’t

can grow in a container – as long as it’s big

roots; and also that it doesn’t dry out too

allow tenants to replace the typical lawn

enough. You are only limited by your

much, especially during hot spells. Make

with kitchen garden beds. In Mexico City,

imagination, sun and container size,” says

sure to read about water needs for each

many people live in apartments, yet gardens

Cecilia Nasti, an accomplished gardener

specific plant.

flourish on every balcony with clay pots and

and journalist, host of KUT radio’s Growing

Soil is of utmost importance in containers.

tin cans filled with bright geraniums,

Concerns for the last 19 years. “Remember

Linda Wall from The Natural Gardener

cascading succulents and medicinal herbs.

that whether you’re growing crops on the

recommends a mix of compost, vermiculite

My first edible garden happened on the

back 40 or on 40 square feet of balcony, if you

and coir fibers based on the formula by

balcony of a tiny efficiency in North Austin,

don’t have a minimum of 6 hours of direct

square-foot gardening pioneer Mel

where I grew herbs and peppers in wooden

sunlight, your edible plants will struggle. If

Bartholomew that they sell by the

vegetable crates and cherry tomatoes in a

you want to grow edibles in containers, make

name of “Square-Foot Garden Soil.”

50 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 51

It is ideal for smaller containers as it’s light

For a striking look, mix herbs, veggies and

cooking Southeast Asian, how about a big

and holds moisture well. “For containers 10

ornamental

container

pot with lemongrass for height, Thai basil,

gallons and bigger, we recommend our Hill

garden. You are going to need to attract

purple shizo or Thai chiles for filling, and

Country Garden Soil – a mix of reclaimed

pollinators to your veggie plants, so brightly-

mint or rau ram, also known as Vietnamese

composted topsoil, composted rice hull,

colored and sweet-scented flowers are

coriander, as the spiller. Linda Wall’s favorite

decomposed granite and a special blend of

important. For best results, chose plants

combinations include feathery dill or fennel

composts,” she adds.

that are well adapted to container growing

surrounded by a variety of red and green

If you want to go low-maintenance and

such as patio tomatoes, dwarf fruit trees and

lettuces, and Swiss chard with pansies in

high-tech, try Earthboxes. These are 29” x

bush varieties of cucumbers, beans and

contrasting colors. “Bush beans are great in

13.5” x 11” patented technology containers

squash. Use various containers of different

containers; I like the purple and yellow ones

that hold three gallons of water and two

shapes, heights and sizes, or large ones for

because you can see them. And I love bok

cubic feet of soil. Carla Crownover from

combining multiple plants with similar

choy, it’s just so pretty!” she adds.

Austin Urban Gardens says: “They are on

sunlight and water needs. Cecilia says:

An important key to success is to know

casters, and can be moved around, in and out

“when planting large containers for form as

what you like and what you will use. Plants,

of the sun or shade, so they are perfect for

well as function, remember these three

especially herbs, need pruning, so adding a

small spaces such as balconies. They have a

words: Thrill, fill and spill. You want a plant

sprig of this or that to enhance everyday

reservoir that holds water so that they are

that offers height, such as a tomato, then you

meals will help your garden thrive. And if

self-watering to some extent. I’ve grown

want to fill around the middle, such as with

you don’t like okra, don’t plant it! The idea is

herbs, tomatoes and peppers in mine, and

basil, and finally something to spill over the

to make your garden rewarding so go for

have clients that have successfully grown

side

as

what you like! Don’t think about it as a chore

cucumbers and watermelon in theirs. You

nasturtiums, which are edible flowers, or

but rather as a relaxing and fun activity to

really can grow anything in them.”

even oregano,” she advices. If you like

complete your day.

52 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

for

flowers

additional

in

your

drama,

such

Resources The Herb Garden Cookbook: The Complete Gardening and Gourmet Guide by Lucinda Hutson. University of Texas

Press; 2nd edition $29.95

Grow Great Grub: Organic Food from Small Spaces by Gayla Trail. Clarkson-Potter, $19.95

Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening by Louise Riotte. Storey

Publishing; 2nd edition, $14.95

The Natural Gardener

8648 Old Bee Caves Road | 288.6113 naturalgardeneraustin.com Seasonal, organically grown herbs, veggies and flowers adapted to our area, plus an excellent selection of seeds, soils, tools and containers.

It’s About Thyme

11726 Manchaca Road | 280.1192 itsaboutthyme.com Locally-owned source for herbs of all kinds; antique roses, native flowering plants and seeds. Also at the Barton Creek Farmers’ Market.

Austin Urban Gardens

2701 Greenlee Drive | 619.7966 austinurbangardens.com Earthboxes; garden planning, installation and maintenance.

A few more tips: • Think about combining plants with different textures, leaf shapes and sizes, and blooming times. Go for single color scheme, or contrast colors such as purple and yellow or red and green.

• Get creative. Inexpensive galvanized tubs and wood barrels are great, but look for containers to reuse like gallon food cans, garage sale finds, wooden wine crates, etc.

Make drainage holes if needed.

• Go vertical. Use a trellis or your balcony’s railing to grow vine veggies like green beans and peas, or ornamental flowers like sweet peas and honeysuckle.

• Add personal touches such as a favorite figurine, a pretty bowl as a bird bath, funky found objects, or anything you like to decorate your tiny garden.

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 53

sustenance

Many Shades of Green b y C l a u d i a A l a r c ó n

Whether it is by growing their own vegetables, composting and recycling, using local ingredients or green building standards, and/or fostering a food culture that is healthy, sustainable and respectful of the environment, Austin restaurants have long been in tune with the green movement. always

local produce and the best quality ingredients. They compost

been a green city, so it’s

food waste and use compostable cups, recycle all bottles and

no surprise that local din-

cans, and offer a 10% discount to people who show up on their

ing establishments have

bike. “People say our products are expensive,” says co-founder

also embraced this grow-

Matt Shook. This is true when you think paying $5.75 for a 14-oz.

ing trend. Early pioneers

glass of juice or smoothie is too much, but where else is that go-

like Mother’s Café and

ing to have the nutritional equivalent of a meal? Take the Thai

Martin Brothers’ – the

Curious, a blend of organic carrot, ginger, beet and cilantro with

Austin

has

Foods

fresh coconut juice, cayenne pepper, lime and Himalayan salt, or

café- paved the way for

the Subliminator: blueberry, cherry, banana, organic apple, raw

popular favorites like Ker-

brown rice protein, spirulina, organic flax oil and organic peanut

original

Whole

bey Lane and later Eastside Café. Inspired by the latter’s fantas-

butter. “They don’t understand that providing the best products

tic organic garden, many restaurants started growing their own

and practicing our green philosophy is expensive. We spend

herbs and produce on premise (Fonda San Miguel, Vespaio,

about $6,000 a year just on recycling and composting!”

Madam Mam’s) or in partnership with local farms (Asti and

After moving to Austin two years ago, Martin Berson, founder

FINO, Wink and Zoot) to use in their recipes. Nowadays, a new

of the popular Houston bar and restaurant Benji’s, dreamed up a

generation of environmentally minded chefs and entrepreneurs

concept of gourmet take-out based on healthy alternatives. His

are broadening the boundaries of what it means to be a “green”

brand-new Snap Kitchen accommodates special diets for the

restaurant in Austin, seeking responsible, sustainable solutions

diabetics, gluten- and dairy-intolerant, training athletes, vegetar-

in their business approach.

ians, vegans, Paleolithic

Founded in 2003 by Matt Shook and Keith Wahrer, Daily

diet followers, and peo-

Juice started as a little shack on Barton Springs Rd. and has

ple

since grown to three locations, including Austin’s first all raw

weight in a controlled,

foods café at the Hyde Park outpost. They not only specialize in

non-dangerous way. Ber-

super-healthy, fresh-pressed juices, special smoothies and whole-

son recruited designer

some snacks; they go above and beyond as purveyors of nutri-

Michael Hsu to give the

tious super-foods in liquid form to balance your body’s health

space a fresh, open look

naturally. Their green philosophy is shared by employees and

that is modern, warm

customers alike, earning them the respect and adoration of hun-

and

dreds of fans. They are dedicated to buying fresh organic and

Chef Ethan Holmes uses

54 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

seeking

energy

to

lose

efficient.

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10640 Park Valley Dr, Bldg A Ste 111, Round Rock

512.248.2200 1401 Medical Pkwy Bldg. B, Cedar Park

512.260.1933

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first-rate ingredients (rather than manufactured artificial sugars,

and 100% of the meat, come

fats, and dairy products) including local bison from Thunderheart

from local farms and produc-

and organic and local produce. His dishes are satisfying and healthy

ers, among them: Thunder-

without sacrificing flavor and quality, proving that “health food” does

heart Bison, Boggy Creek

not have to taste like cardboard. Portions are carefully measured ac-

Farm,

Alexander

Family

cording to specific needs by a registered dietitian who is also on site

Farm,

Richardson

Farms,

for individual consulting and meal planning. To boot, Snap Kitchen

Pure Luck Cheese, Broken

earned a 2-Star Certified Green Restaurant® rating by the Green Res-

Arrow

taurant Association (GRA) within its first month of opening.

Lamb, Water Oak Farm,

Ranch,

Loncito’s

Keeping things simple is another way to minimize waste and

Houston Dairy Maids, Texas

maintain a green attitude. As

Olive Ranch, and Mark Ad-

the name implies, Simplicity

dison Mushrooms. For example, a recent all-local lunch dish fea-

Wine + Eats is championing

tured homemade grilled bread, grilled Texas peaches, and house-

simple principles that are

made prosciutto from Richardson Farms pork. Holmes also planted

helping reduce solid waste,

a garden on the premises. “I have always wanted to garden, but

conserve water and keep

didn’t know much about it,” so regular customer and local garden-

prices low. The comfortable

ing guru John Dromgoole offered his knowledge and supplies so

space is outfitted with furni-

Holmes and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Francisco can use fresh pro-

ture reclaimed from second-

duce from their own garden. On any given day, whatever is ripe and

hand stores and garage sales,

ready, be it tomatoes, melons, peppers, fresh basil, okra or squash,

creating the atmosphere of

makes it to the daily, changing menu. Olivia also recycles all glass,

someone’s living room rather than a snobby wine bar. Their delicious

tin, plastic and cardboard, and the kitchen saves all vegetable

tapas are prepared with seasonal ingredients by Chef Parind Vora of

scraps in 55-gallon containers that get picked up and later returned

Restaurant Jezebel (Simplicity’s big sister restaurant), served in com-

as compost for the garden.

postable dishes with compostable utensils made from corn and bam-

Thanks to these and many other eateries, Austin can enjoy fresh

boo fibers. This reduces water use considerably as they do not have

and delicious food while fostering a growing culture of environmen-

dishes to wash; so if you don’t care for fancy china or Riedel glass-

tal awareness and responsibility. Keep Austin Green!

ware, this is a perfectly fine place for a bite and a drink. They also recycle all wine and beer bottles, so the 200-seat restaurant only produces an average of three bags of trash per week, making them an almost “zero waste” establishment. All of these responsible practices translate into ‘green’ savings for the customer: all tapas are $4.95, including shrimp and grits, mussels marinara and “buffalo”-style calamari with blue cheese remoulade, to name a few. Their ample selection of world wines is priced under $8-per-glass, and their beer selection includes many local choices.

Daily Juice

Snap Kitchen

dailyjuice.org

snapkitchen.com

4500 Duval St. 380.9046 1625 Barton Springs Rd. 480.9501 2307 Lake Austin Blvd. 628.0782

4616 Triangle Ave. 459.9000 1014 W. 6th St. 479.5959

Speaking of local, that is how a popular South Austin restaurant

Simplicity Wine + Eats

chooses to show their green. Olivia is a nationally-acclaimed res-

simplicitywinebar.com

taurant, named by Bon Appetit in 2009 among the Top Ten Best

4801 Burnet Rd. 419.0200

New Restaurants in America. After working in restaurants in Taos and France, Chef/Owner James Holmes understands that local and fresh ingredients are the key to “real cooking” and great food. That’s why an estimated 70% of all produce, cheese, honey and olive oil,

56 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Olivia olivia-austin.com 2043 S. Lamar 804.2700

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w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 57

uncorked

The Glass is

Always

b y C l a u d i a A l a r c ó n

Those of us who care about the products we use and consume are in the habit of reading labels, but when it comes to wine, “green” terminology can be somewhat confusing.

greener...

T

here are a number of terms out there that relate to green prac-

with artificial chemicals lose their natural flavor and their ability to

tices in winemaking, but do we know what they all mean? To

reveal the unique characteristics of the land on which they are

make matters worse, different countries and regulating orga-

grown, known as terroir. Therefore, “green” wines can be more inter-

nizations have different standards for labeling products “organic,”

esting, unique, and flavorful than conventionally produced wines. It

“sustainable” or “biodynamic.”

is no wonder that more and more wineries are signing up for this

The term “organic wine” is actually often misused,

holistic approach to winemaking and vineyard management.

at least in the United States, where the USDA’s

Biodynamic grape growing is based on the work of philosopher

standards for organic certification differ from

and scientist Rudolf Steiner in the 1920’s. The concept behind

those in other wine-producing countries. To be

biodynamics is based on his philosophy that observes the eco-

certified organic, a wine must be made with

logical, “energetic” and spiritual aspects of nature. The farm as

grapes grown in a vineyard that uses organic

a whole is seen as a living organism, with each activity affect-

farming techniques. This means that no chemi-

ing all others. A vineyard that is certified biodynamic by Deme-

cal or artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides are used on the grapes. But the USDA standards also prohibit the use of any additives at the winemaking stage, in-

ter, the certifying body named after the Greek goddess of the harvest, must meet and surpass the standards and regulations for organic certified farming,

cluding added sulfites (all wine contains sulfites that occur

which requires considerable effort and expense,

naturally during fermentation), which are known to enhance a

so many times, these wines are a bit more expen-

wine’s shelf life. As a result, U.S. wineries are often unable or

sive than conventional, mass-produced wines.

unwilling to receive certification for the wine as “organic wine”

But when you are talking about something you

and choose to label the wines as “Made With Certified Organic Grapes,” which contain a small percentage of added sulfites.

“Sustainable farming” is a term for a number of environmentally

drink, why be cheap? We are aware that fresh, organic food is better than junk food, so this is the wine’s equivalent.

friendly and socio-economically responsible practices, including the

As the importance of global warming has increased, another cat-

use of organically grown grapes, energy-efficient methods of wine

egory has emerged in the last two years: carbon-neutral wine. Like

production, water conservation, natural pest and disease manage-

organic and biodynamic wine, making carbon-neutral wine requires

ment, social equality and overall respect for the natural environment.

changes in the vineyard. Carbon neutrality not only affects

Organically grown grapes produce higher quality crops, healthier

processes and equipment used in the vineyard, but how the

vines, and a safer environment for workers. Grapes that are sprayed

wine is packaged and distributed. In September 2006,

58 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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But when you are talking about something you drink, why be cheap? We are aware that fresh, organic food is better than junk food, so this is the wine’s equivalent.

Grove Mills in New Zealand became the

Most wines from Spain, France and Italy,

first carbon-neutral winery, followed by El-

and even Argentina and Chile, are grown

derton Wines of Australia and Backsberg

in the old, traditional way, which we now

Estate in South Africa. In April 2007, Par-

know as sustainable. Vineyards and win-

ducci Winery in Mendocino became the

eries that have been in operation for gener-

first U.S. winery to achieve carbon-neutral

ations haven’t changed their agricultural

status. A pioneer in green winemaking,

methods. So while they may not be USDA

this family-owned and operated company’s

certified organic, a little research and at-

goal is to create quality wines and a health-

tention to the label can let you know if the

ier planet by making wine from locally

wines are made in an environmentally

farmed grapes, recycling 100% of the win-

sound and chemical-free manner. Chile’s

ery waste water via an on-site wetland, us-

Cono Sur switched from conventional agri-

ing sustainable farming practices, utilizing

culture to an integrated vineyard manage-

100% renewable green power and employ-

ment in 1998, using natural alternatives to

ing earth-friendly packaging. “America’s

fertilize, prevent and control pests and dis-

Greenest Winery” received California’s

eases. By 2000 they initiated their organic

highest environmental award, the Gover-

viticultural project within 40 hectares of

nor’s Environmental and Economic Leader-

the Colchagua Valley. In 2003, after the

ship Award in 2007 and 2009 and is a model

necessary 3-year transition period, they

of quality and environmental sustainability for other wineries to follow.

produced their first wine – a Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere – made

One such winery is San Luis

from organically grown grapes,

Obispo’s Tolosa, located be-

certified by BCS Oeko Garan-

tween Santa Barbara and

tie GMBH Germany. Today,

Paso Robles producing mainly

Cono Sur has a total of 300

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,

hectares under this certifica-

and a small amount of Syrah and other small production vari-

Parducci (parducci.com): The entire line is available in Austin; quality wines with a conscience for fair prices, around $10 average. Pictured: Sustainable Red & Sustainable White.

Tolosa (tolosawinery.com): Superb Chardonnay, unoaked and oak-aged, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose and a new Pinot Blanc are available in Austin. $10 - $40. Pictured: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay.

tion, producing 11 varietals for one of the most complete portfolios

etals. All of Tolosa’s Vineyards are SIP (Sus-

in Chile and becoming the first winery in

tainability in Practice) Certified, demon-

South America to achieve a double ISO cer-

strating sustainability practices including

tification for quality assurance procedures

integrated pest management, soil fertility,

and environmental policies. Cono Sur con-

soil moisture and vine health to minimize

tinues to promote the organic wine produc-

the waste of energy and chemical inputs.

tion in Chile “because of the tremendous

They leave wildlife corridors and erosion

benefits organic culture brings to every-

offsets along creeks, with native plants re-

one: the environment, the consumer and

cono sur (conosur.com/en/):

maining in place. All winery waste includ-

the vineyard’s workers.” Their iconic bicy-

ing grape seeds and skins is recycled, com-

cle label is a homage to the dozens of bikes,

posted or otherwise recovered. In August

the preferred medium of transportation of

2009, Tolosa converted to solar electrical

their many workers, which dot their vine-

generation, which will provide the winery’s

yard and wineries.

Widely available in Austin; priced for a budget; many varietals for a variety of palates. Around $8 - $10. Pictured: Cabernet-Carmenere & Chardonnay.

Sustainability in Practice: sipthegoodlife.org

electrical energy for the next 25 years.

60 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Look for the wines in this story at these local retailers.

As always, if you don’t find them, ask them to carry them!

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w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 61

green

green careers Has your job left you feeling out in the cold? A green career may be the hottest thing around.

b y M a r c y G o o d f l e i s c h

I

n our faltering economy, college students

To shift your existing career into a more

bamboo, hemp, cotton and other easy-to-

and those looking for a solution to the tight

environmentally aware job market, examine

grow fibers) or on using green manufactur-

job market might want to examine wheth-

the skills you have and the tools it takes to

ing methods that leave a smaller carbon

accomplish what you do.

footprint on the environment. Perhaps the

er their skills are a good fit for the rapidly growing green segment of the working

Any field that uses chemicals or solvents

management at your current job hasn’t had

world. Almost every career field or industry

probably has greener options to offer cus-

time (or the expertise) to pursue this infor-

needs people who can make the workplace

tomers or consumers. Lawn care specialists,

mation, or perhaps you can become fluent

greener, and make a company more com-

housecleaning services, refinishing and re-

and market yourself to a new employer.

petitive in a world that is ever more con-

modeling firms and many others can convert

Energy-based firms or operations are a

scious of the environment.

to greener materials and advertise them-

fertile area for green careers. Companies

Some careers speak for themselves

selves as being friendly to the environment.

that manufacture solar energy panels, wind

when it comes to keeping it green. Environ-

Do you work in a retail setting? Do some

generators and other products that harvest

mental engineering, for example, says it all,

research on who manufactures greener

energy from sustainable sources all need

right on a business card. But perhaps you

products than those you currently offer and

sales and marketing specialists, accoun-

weren’t lucky enough to ride the green wave

sell yourself to your boss as the in-house ex-

tants, administrative support, engineers,

when it broke onto our shores, and you’re

pert who can help raise his or her stock with

manufacturing support, researchers and

having trouble fitting the square peg of your

customers by making the store a greener

many others in order to maintain

own field into a round hole that screams

place to shop. Many firms pride themselves

their current business and expand

“green” to prospective employers.

on using sustainable materials (such as

into new technologies. Engineering

62 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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degrees, of course, might be simple to trans-

will need people who can create greener

virtually any setting that uses electricity,

late into those settings. But don’t ignore

ways to do things. Firms that currently make

natural gas or water (if you can figure out

crossover careers that can span many indus-

a negative impact on the environment through

what isn’t on that list, please let me know!)

tries and be tweaked a bit to fit the green

farming, mining, industrial waste products or

While some career fields are struggling in

grid on our economic landscape.

the materials used to manufacture an item

the current job market, environmentally

are potential employers for these careers.

savvy workers may find that job opportuni-

If you’re an accountant, learn how to calculate cost-versus-expense margins for

Conservation is another (very broad) con-

ties will grow in coming years. A recent pre-

retrofitting a firm into being greener. Pur-

cern that touches many industries. Forestry,

diction by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

chasing agents can research and learn

wildlife, agricultural and energy conserva-

projects an increase of more than 20% in jobs

about green sources for every possible

tion are but a few of the ways you hear that

for environmental engineers by 2016, and a

piece of equipment or supply chain. Com-

word incorporated into the workplace.

study by the IC2 Institute estimates that

mon office equipment printers and copy

Environmental cleanup is a critical need

more than 100,000 jobs could be added in

machines now have energy ratings that

in many fields. The recent oil leak in the Gulf

Texas by 2020 if an emphasis is placed on

rank their power usage and other features.

of Mexico required hydrologists, petroleum

wind energy in the next decade.

Become the next “green expert” in your of-

engineers, marine biologists, oceanogra-

If your career isn’t going where you want

fice, and it may result in new job responsi-

phers, chemists and many other specialists

it to, take a close look at whether there’s

bilities or a promotion.

in order to solve the problem and address

greener grass on the environmentally aware

damage control.

side of the fence.

The transportation industry is another field ripe for harvesting green career oppor-

Architects and construction engineers

tunities. Learning how to load vehicles to

can be more competitive by learning green

reduce fuel consumption and wear on tires

design strategies, such as the placement of

saves millions of dollars for shipping com-

windows in relation to the pattern of sun-

panies with large fleets. Once vehicles are

light, and which materials are sustainable or

loaded, they’ll need to take the most effi-

provide the best insulation.

cient routes (including those that avoid traf-

Computer specialists and software engi-

fic snarls or construction zones) to add to

neers are needed to design and build prod-

the savings. If your job relates to transpor-

ucts that use less energy (by processing pro-

tation, learn where the green needs are, be-

grams faster) and to develop systems that

come fluent in those areas, and market

monitor energy usage in all types of

yourself as a person who can save money

settings. Energy monitoring, for-

for your employer.

merly the darling of large cor-

Green jobs can be among the most lucra-

porations but seen less often

tive – and the more our planet begins to feel

in smaller businesses or pri-

the environmental pinch, the more that is

vate homes, is now being im-

likely to increase. Wind-energy developers,

plemented in

wind construction project managers and sustainability directors can expect to earn upwards of $100,000, often with bonuses on top of that for meeting or exceeding production goals.

Biologists, geologists, chemists and other science careers are hot in green markets. Any firm that relies on chemicals or materials currently under scrutiny for environmental protection

64 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

MORE INFO greencareersguide.com campusexplorer.com/college-advicetips/2222262A/Top-Paying-Green-Careers

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 65

n e e r g g

green tips

n i o g

&

at home

b y D e s t i n y B e n n e t t + L a u r e n Pf e i ff e r

in the garden

Look for pieces made from sustainable wood, like cork or bamboo, and sustainable fibers such as corn or hemp.

Ensure that furniture made from sustainable wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes responsible environmental management of the world’s forests.

Homegrown food can be healthier for you + it’s also an energy saving way to help the planet and conserve our valuable resources. September is a great month to plant carrots, beets + turnips, as well as other cool-season veggies. Plus maintaining a small veggie patch in your yard is a great way to get the kids invloved.

Take advantage of Austin’s plethora of second-use and consignment shops by using reclaimed materials and antique pieces.

Shop locally and consider home décor options offered in Austin at places such as Elegantly Green Home on South Congress or EcoWise on 110 West Elizabeth.

Teach your little ones eco-friendly habits as well. Eco-tots (ecotots. com) offers a great selection of children’s furniture using real wood and requires no hardware to assemble.

Finally, donate unwanted materials to places such as The ReStore in Austin (re-store. com). Not only can those materials be re-purposed by someone else, there’s a possibility of a tax write-off as well.

It also ensures our seconduse shops maintain their plethora of reclaimed items.

66 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Drenching your lawn in water is not always the best (nor greenest) solution. If your St. Augustine is patchy, it could be poor drainage. Try aerating the spots and spreading a half-inch of compost and cornmeal.

September is also a good time to start your fall lawn fertilization. Much of Austin’s soil is low in iron so using an iron fortified fertilizer may be a good solution.

Prepare flower beds for spring-blooming bulbs in early September. Organic matter and good drainage are a must. This is also a good time to plan your winter annuals, calendula, hollyhock + petunia are a great idea.

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on the cover

68  austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

green Queen

Lucia Athens, Austin’s New Chief Sustainability Officer, Envisions a Greener Austin b y C h r i s t i n e C o x

ph oto g r a ph y by K a r e n M o s k o w i t z

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 69

Austin is already considered one of the “greenest” cities in the nation. Perhaps it’s our collective love of the outdoors and sharing community, our many greenbelts and proximity to the beauty of the Hill Country, or the nationwide highway legacy created by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, which is locally manifested in the Wildflower Center and the establishment of the Lady Bird (Town Lake) Hike and Bike Trail. Or maybe it’s fostered by our entrepreneurial spirit and the influence of countless “green” innovators, thinkers and conservationists – from the blossoming organic and sustainable local farmers and farmers markets, to the founders of the now 30-year-old global Whole Foods grocery, to the many brilliant minds in the worlds of energy, conservation, science, high-tech and architecture at our universities and in industry and government.

So when Austin City Manager Marc Ott began realizing the need to delegate one person to oversee the everburgeoning Austin green “basket,” if you will – where all of the many green initiatives underway throughout the city’s varying utilities and neighborhoods could be gathered together and tended to under one watchful, guiding and informed eye; no one could have foreseen how fortuitously the idea for such an appointment would unfold. The application process for the newly created position of Chief Sustainability Officer at City Hall would be long and deliberate; a carefully considered pouring-over of resumes and CVs that would intimidate even the most experienced headhunter. But one stood out.

70 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Cut to the Pacific Northwest, where it rains as many days as the sun blazes bru-

materials that could affect salmon fisheries.

tally here, and where green initiatives are a part of the daily vernacular, especially in

Lucia helped to put the pieces together that

the city of Seattle. “The two cities are often compared to one another,” says Lucia Athens, formerly a senior sustainable futures strategist with a Seattle architectural

supported the program and was an instrumental guidepost. She was a fabulous bridge between me, as the project director, and the

planning firm. Austin and Seattle were, after all, numbers one and two in the “Best

City of Seattle,” says Vittori, describing a per-

Cities for the Next Decade” Kiplinger Report this year. They are similarly vibrant and

fect example of why Athens will be an im-

innovative communities enjoying continued growth in a slogging economy, and pop-

pactful leader in Austin. “She will bring the

ping out new ideas faster than you can say “right on!” They are places people want

best of two worlds. Because she has a histo-

to live, and if you’re one of the lucky ones, people covet your hometown.

ry here, she understands the heart and soul of Austin. She understands the environmen-

San Antonio native Lucia Athens lived in

volunteer. It was the early ‘80s, she was a

tal challenges we face with high growth and

Seattle, “Austin’s unofficial sister city” as

practicing landscape architect and had be-

brings in a tremendous world view, having

she calls it, for over a decade, working as a

come very active in Austin environmental

been a high level policy person in the city of

leader in sustainable innovations in both

activities,” remembers Vittori. “We found

Seattle and also having been engaged in the

the private and public sectors. A Master’s

ourselves working together on an important

international dialogue regarding policy as a

graduate of UT’s Architecture School, Ath-

public initiative to cancel plans for a munici-

lever for change to bring about transforma-

ens found her way to Seattle for the same

pal solid waste incinerator.” Remember

tion in defining key issues.” Athens is known

reasons she’s returned to her hometown

those days, back when people and communi-

among her colleagues and peers as someone

state. “There are so many exciting things

ties burned their trash? Thankfully, seems

who holds an integrated view that is in-

happening in Seattle all the time,” says Ath-

like a lifetime ago. “Gladly, our work paid off,

formed by spanning from a local to a global

ens, “just like in Austin. People love the out-

the initiative was cancelled.” Athens was ap-

scale. “She knows how to move forward in a

doors and use them, there is a vibrant cul-

pointed to the board of directors for CMPBS

tangible way to get results, because by na-

tural arts community, a lively music scene,

(www.cmpbs.org) where the two were able

ture, she is results-oriented. And results re-

and people see the importance of commu-

to collaborate on several projects relating to

quire an ability to connect people, to define

nity, of looking forward rather than back-

sustainable design and provocative design

problems clearly and unambiguously. She’s

wards.” Sound familiar? “There is no other

approaches. “Lucia is very forward-thinking,”

a natural at that.”

city in the country I’d rather live in than Se-

adds Vittori. Athens was instrumental in the

attle; except Austin. I feel like this job will

landscape design of the internationally-re-

be my ‘natural habitat.’ By that, I mean pub-

nown, sustainable, green-built center locat-

lic service is where I can make the biggest

ed in Northeast Austin. “We stayed in touch

contributions. It’s what I love.”

while she was in Seattle. We are personal

Good thing, because Ott and his team of

friends and colleagues.” Vittori and Athens

reviewers hired 50-year-old Athens to begin

collaborated on the development of the Se-

serving early this month (September 7th, to

attle Justice Center, a very early LEED-certi-

be exact, is her first day) at the pleasure of

fied building. LEED stands for Leadership in

the City Manager, as Austin’s newly-ap-

Energy and Environmental Design, and is a

pointed Chief Sustainability Officer. The

green building standard certification award,

city is abuzz with gleeful anticipation of her

mapped by the USGBC (U.S. Green Building

arrival.

Council) in the late ‘90s.

For one, Gail Vittori, co-director of the

“Lucia also helped to create a project op-

Center for Maximum Potential Building Sys-

portunity with me called An Agenda for

tems and former U.S. Green Building Council

Salmon Friendly Building,” recalls Vittori.

Chair: “I knew Lucia in the early ‘80s when

Yes, in Washington State, their salmon are

she worked with the Center for Maximum

our cattle. “Our focus was on understanding

Potential for Building Systems (CMPBS) as a

building decisions, especially in selecting

L uc ia’s 3rd Birt h d ay In 1963, at Athens’ third birthday party, shown playing with family friends and her brother, Tonio (the second little cowboy) who lives in San Antonio with his family.

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 71

Roots Near and Far Athens attributes her ability to “gather

the environment. To some, he was contro-

gardening and respecting the earth and its

and connect people” and her love for com-

versial, especially 30, 40 years ago. He was

bounty. “My grandfather immigrated from

munity and the earth to several people. “My

even referred to by a conservative journal-

Southern Italy to Ellis Island when he was

mother is a retired librarian and a great fa-

ist once as ‘the guy with the WWII aviator

16. He had a hat business in San Antonio

cilitator. She is always the one who gets the

glasses and the Joe Stalin mustache.’” Ah,

called Paris Hatters and my grandmother’s

family together. She understands and

those were the days. “Through him, I

family had a fruit stand. I spent a lot of time

taught me the value of connecting to the

learned the importance of being a defender

doing cultural activities with them and

neighborhood and to the world as a whole,”

of nature and of our quality of life; they are

learning about gardening, sitting on their

says Athens, whose parents are still living

one and the same.”

front porch watching the world go by.” Her

in San Antonio. “My father was the Sierra

Athens’ family was small (she has one

maternal grandfather worked as a public

Club Chair when I was growing up. Our

brother) but close; her father’s side was Ital-

servant for the city of San Antonio all his

lives were filled with outdoor adventures

ian and Greek, so food, wine and celebra-

life. “He taught us the importance of giving

and marches that raised awareness about

tion were as integral to their lives as

back.” (continued ... p.75)

72 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Green Think Tank

by Athens Create “Complete Streets” • an urban environment that is friendly to pedestrians, bikes, public transit and cars. “We really need to start implementing those into the public design so people feel safer and we have a safer adaptation in the public right of way.”

Create more public transportation nodes • “There needs to be a push to create job and housing balance by creating jobs within neighborhoods, outside of the central city.”

Housing affordability • “Housing is in crisis in this country. We need to build more sustainable, affordable housing with a focus on community.”

Alley Flats Initiative – “This initiative has so much potential. It’s low-profile with a small footprint, and it’s a more intergenerational way of planning communities. We have to find a way to expand that concept, and get it to take.”

(Check it out here thealleyflatinitiative.org)

5

Things I’m Looking Forward To When I Move Back To Austin

1. Going out to hear live music with friends at The Continental Club.

2. Margaritas and mole – although Seattle is a big food town, great Mexican food is hard to find.

3. Sunset picnics at Mt. Bonnell.

4. Boating up Lady Bird Lake to Redbud Isle, bird watching and counting turtles.

5. Spending more time with my family scattered throughout Texas – especially going to my aunt’s log cabin in Comfort.

Convert Coal • “Coal can be converted to natural gas; it’s not that hard, it can be adapted. Keep the facilities up, running, and use natural gas conversion as a much cleaner source. If we do that with renewables like Solar, Wind and Geothermal, we can meld utility frameworks to make them work more effectively. In other countries, alternative energy sources are being leveraged as economic opportunities. We are lagging in the U.S.”

Look, Mom! • “If we put in every building a visible screen that tells you how much energy the building is using at any given moment, it could spur competition to get people to lower their carbon footprint.”

Innovative Financing Strategies • “Let’s make it easier, financially, for people to step up.”

Bar t on Spr ings, 1970 ’s Athens posing at Barton Springs for her friend and photographer, Brenda Laad, when she was a student here at UT

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 73

Five Shifts in Consciousness You Can Make to Help Us Move Toward a More Sustainable Community (by Lucia Athens, assisted by Christine Cox) 1. Sustainability is not some-

children with nature. "Nature deficit dis-

thing we should get behind just

order" is impacting so many children

because it’s a nice thing to do.

because they have never seen stars and

At

have no idea what species are native to

its

core,

sustainability

supports

health, prosperity and a better quality of

their home.

life for everyone, not just non-human species. It includes housing affordability,

4. Community resilience is one

social justice, fair wage jobs, and sup-

of the important things we ac-

porting local businesses.

complish when we embrace sus-

tainability strategies such as wa-

2. We are not separate from

ter reuse, renewable on-site energy

nature; we are a part of it. "The

generation, natural drainage techniques

environment" is not something that

and human-powered forms of transpor-

starts outside the city limits, it is right

tation. When we can meet more of our

here within our community. Our wealth

needs on a smaller scale, without using

and economic prosperity are largely

fossil fuel or connecting to the grid, we

based upon our natural resources. When

are better able to adapt more easily if

we protect these and invest in sustain-

there are utility outages, natural disas-

able practices, not only does nature

ters or extreme weather events.

flourish, we are more economically prosperous. Ecological wealth should be fully

5. Sustainability can be fun! We don't

accounted for in our economic systems.

just have to give things up, we can actu-

ally have more. More health, more choic-

3. When we build our cities and

es, more connections with our neighbor-

homes more greenly, we feed our

hoods. When we slow down a little,

souls. We have become disconnected

whether by growing our own food, rid-

from nature. When we include natural

ing a bike, or volunteering for a local

materials and passive solar or natural

neighborhood project, we begin to see

ventilation into our buildings, it helps

that what matters is not buying more

put us in touch with natural cycles. When

stuff. Happiness comes from creating

we include lots of trees, parks and habi-

strong ties with family, friends, neigh-

tat areas in our cities, it helps connect

bors and the places we call home.

Marc Ott

City Manager Welcomes Athens “It's no secret that sustainability is a core value for this City Council and for this community. Across the organization, we have departments that are doing truly innovative things to help us meet our sustainability goals. The challenge, though, has been that many of these efforts aren't being effectively coordinated across departmental lines. For us to be a leader in sustainability, we have to take a ‘big picture’ view of everything we do, and that's what this position is about. It was clear to me in my conversations with Lucia that she understands that all of our actions are interrelated, and that we have both a need and a responsibility to coordinate them all with sustainability in mind. Lucia not only has an accomplished career advocating for sustainability, she also has the right combination of perspective, leadership and personality to work with all of the players who share an interest in Austin's future. It certainly helps that she knows and understands Austin.”

74 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

A Thriving Partnership

Athens + Corrigan on their wedding day in Alki Beach in Seattle.

While reflecting on her decision to leave a

need is to make sure that we have very clear

city she loves, where her husband, Bill Corri-

goals about where we are going as a city a

gan, a self-professed Northwesterner, works

whole. I’m sure along the way things will

and has roots, Athens is not at all apprehen-

change and adjust, but we are clear about one

sive. “This job is a dream come true for me,”

thing: Austin needs someone who is articu-

she says. “The stars aligned with the perfect

late and can talk to the business community,

position for me in the only other place I would

environmental advocates, politicians and

leave Seattle for. This is where I cut my teeth

neighborhoods. Athens seems to be someone

on sustainability; so now, coming back is as if

who can help us achieve balance in this bur-

I’ve gone full circle. It feels very natural to

geoning arena.”

me.” Corrigan, who will stay behind initially

Athens makes no bones about her excite-

to tie up loose ends with his position at the

ment over this opportunity. “I had a ball from

University of Washington, will become an

the minute I got off the plane when I came

Austin resident with pleasure, he says. An-

for the interview process. Austin is such a

other UT grad, Corrigan is from Ohio. He met

fun, engaging, dynamic community with in-

his wife on a bus. “I saw her one day, we spoke

teresting people everywhere you go! I loved

briefly, and then I kept trying to ride that same

the live music at the airport! The day I got

bus line over and over again so I could run

here, I checked into the Hyatt and walked

into her again and get her number! I finally

across the Congress Avenue [Ann Richards]

saw her, and the rest is . . .” Well, you get it.

Bridge to have dinner at Manuel’s. On my

That was 10 years ago. “I’m so excited for her.

way back to the hotel, I looked up to see per-

This job is a great fit for her and for Austin.

formance artists repelling down the side of

She’s got a lot of energy around this field, and

the building! That’s what’s so great about

is very passionate about it. She gets angry

this town!” Athens will live in Travis Heights

when she should, excited when she should,

temporarily until she and Corrigan can find a

and is able to inspire other people, which I

home, “hopefully in that same area.” Hers

believe is a gift.” Corrigan has three daugh-

will be a one-car family, and Athens plans to

ters (now grown) that he brought to the mar-

use Car2Go and public transportation or her

riage and the couple’s two dogs complete the

bike as often as possible.

family. “I have my own plans for my career

“There has never been a better time for us

and my move to Austin,” says Corrigan. “I’m

to address the challenges we are facing,” she

just thrilled to see Lucia in such a great posi-

says finally. “We have an incredible ability to

tion to make impactful, necessary change.”

reinvent ourselves; the number of federally-

Sue Edwards, Assistant City Manager to

supported programs for green are at an all-

Marc Ott, says that she sees the position as

time high. Sustainability legislation, HUD

not only crucial, but fluid. “We need to be able

and the Department of Transportation and

to pull together in one location all the sustain-

the EPA have all come together to create a

ability projects going on in different parts of

new initiative for sustainable communities.

the city, from the watershed and LCRA to

This signifies that a lot of these organiza-

Austin Energy to neighborhood issues and

tions are realizing the need for collaboration

further. Sometimes, we have so much going

and working together more closely. We can

on; we all go off in different directions with

do the same thing here, in Austin, on the lo-

varying and opposite goals. We decided – like

cal level.” And no doubt, with Athens at the

many other major cities are doing – what we

helm, we will.

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 75

pets

A Tasty Alternative

Natural Diets For Pets

by L aur a Koffler

A

good diet is fundamental to good health. When we eat well, we thrive, and so do our pets. So making sure you provide an appropriate diet for your dog or cat could be

the single most important thing that you can ever do for them.

If the saying “we are what we eat” is true, would you want your pet to be a mix of low-grade, rotten meat scraps, GMO-corn, poultry byproducts and artificial coloring and preservatives? I don’t think so. Yet, sadly, the overwhelming majority of owners provide their animal mascots with a mainstream diet that consists of processed kibble containing all the aforementioned trash. This should come as no surprise. The majority of the human population also eats way too much processed food. And it would be hard to blame us. It’s fast, cheap and convenient. But is it healthy or at least healthy enough? The answer seems evident. While some experts maintain that an animal can do fine, even great, by eating a processed diet, others just seem horrified by the thought of it. With all the pet food recalls that we have seen in recent years, it is understandable to become distrustful and disillusioned with the big commercial pet food companies and their lack of quality. So, as pet owners, what are our other options? High quality commercial food or unconventional diets may be the answer.

Home Cooked Pet owners are often discouraged by some veterinarians to share food leftovers with their pets. They claim that human food could

The decision of what to feed your animal requires careful

cause obesity, diabetes or other health problems. And this is true.

thought. When pondering the idea of switching your animal’s diet

When humans feed indiscriminately, they are not balancing the

to a more natural, less processed one, do your homework and then

ingredients and not studying their animals’ nutritional needs, thus

discuss it with your veterinarian. Offer as much information as

putting their pets’ lives in danger. The home-cooked diet is nothing

possible; things like age, weight, allergies and lifestyle are basic to

like this. Yes, the animals would be fed a meal prepared as you

finding the right dietary choice for your pet. Also, if you are curious

would your own, but using wholesome ingredients and supplements

about a certain type of diet, ask about the pros and cons, experiences

in the right amounts. My teacher and mentor, Dr. Richard Pitcairn

that your vet had in the past with other patients and how to

and his wife Susan, are proponents of this system. You can find

transition your pet from one diet to another.

mouth-watering, tested and proven recipes for dogs and

To put your animal on the path to dietary emancipation, here are some alternatives.

76 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

cats in their book, Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural

Health for Dogs & Cats.

If the saying “we are what we eat” is true, would you want your pet to be a mix of low-grade, rotten meat scraps, GMO-corn, poultry byproducts and artificial coloring and preservatives?

Grain-Free (also called Ancestral) Diet

Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) or Raw Diet

Based on the belief that the modern dog evolved from the wolf,

Like the Ancestral, this system takes its inspiration from the way

this approach calls for a “wolf-in-the-wild” type of diet. Its supporters

animals eat in the wild. For this diet to be successful, animals should

oppose adding any carbohydrates such as oats, rice, wheat, or corn

eat as if they were devouring prey that they had hunted – organ

to the pet’s diet and instead propose a diet of meat with the idea of

meats, bones and all. Proponents claim that this food “is alive with

maximizing protein concentration. Flax seed or sunflower oil, eggs,

enzymes necessary for proper digestion.” All ingredients should be

fruits, sprouts and some veggies make up the ingredients that are

of the highest quality and human grade. Veterinarians caution

added to the protein sources like duck, venison, chicken, turkey or

against bone splinters that can tear the animals’ intestines or

beef. You can find more information or purchase prepared food at

stomach. Also, they warn about parasites or salmonella in the raw

naturapet.com.

meat. If you are interested in trying it, look for more information in

Vegetarian or Vegan Most vegetarians or vegans have chosen this lifestyle for ethical

barfworld.com.

High Quality Commercial

reasons. They care about animals and do not want to cause them pain

If you decide that it is more convenient to stick to a commercial

and suffering. Their position poses a dilemma. As animal lovers they

kibble diet, try to make sure that it is a good quality one that meets

want the best for their pets, but they do not want to sacrifice the lives

the nutritional requirements and, if possible, uses vitamin E or C as

of other animals in the process. Diet is not only a health choice but a

a natural preservative.

Bon appetit!

sentimental, philosophical and even political preference. Literature shows that as omnivores, dogs have been able to lead healthy, long lives with an exclusively vegetarian diet. They achieve their nutritional needs with grains, vegetables and Vitamin B12 supplements. With cats, it’s a different story. These fur balls are probably more sensitive to nutritional deficiencies. Taurine, an amino sulfonic acid only found in meat protein is necessary for cats’ survival because the deficiency is known to cause degeneration of the retina and possible blindness, along with cardiac problems. Vegan diet proponents recommend a vegetarian supplement called Vegecat to help prevent this condition.

If interested, look for supplies at vegepet.com.

78 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

RESOURCES Food for Thought Feed your Pet Right -Marion Nestle and Malden C. Nesheim Vegetarian Cats and Dogs -Peden Dr. Pitcairn‘s Complete Secrets to the Natural Health of Dogs & Cats -Dr. Richard + Susan Pitcairn

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weekend

o t e p a c s E

b y Cl a u d i a Al a r c ó n

Marathon!

Only a six-hour drive – but a world away – is the tiny West Texas town of Marathon, a place that proves great things do come in small packages.

The fountain at the entrance to the gardens.

Photo by Claudia Alarcón

E

ver feel like you really need to run away from it all but don't think you have the time or means to do it? I have the solution: for a quick, inexpensive getaway for any lifestyle, Marathon, TX is the place. After various visits during different times of the year, with different purposes and companions, I feel qualified to tell you that whether you want a romantic weekend of pampering and relaxation, a place to get back to nature, or a wild weekend with the girls, you can do it all in Marathon.

While there are other options for lodging, my favorite is the historic Gage Hotel. It has been a popular destination for many years, and has flourished under the direction of former General Manager Wilma Schindler (now moving to the spa) and Special Events Director Carol Peterson. These

80 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

ladies have implemented lots of improvements and programs: an amazing spa, a recycling program and the gorgeous Gage Gardens. Recently, Alicia Bryan Haynes, daughter of owner J.P. Bryan, took over the hotel’s daily operations and plans to implement many new programs, including nature talks in the gardens, lectures on topics related to the history and culture of the area and other special events. In addition to the hotel's beautifully refurbished rooms, which all include mini-baskets filled with specialty items, there are three private houses decorated in full Western luxury, with every possible amenity and greater privacy. Guests are greeted in the morning with a healthy Continental breakfast, but Johnny B's diner just a block down the street is a must visit if you need something more substantial, like a

down-home chicken fried steak' n eggs.

For active folks wanting a back-to-nature experience, Big Bend National Park is only 40 miles south, offering unmatched opportunities for hiking, biking and backpacking along some of Texas' most spectacular landscapes. After a whole day of serious outdoor exercise, the lovely pool at the Gage is a welcome oasis for a cooling dip and a refreshing beverage. To soothe aching muscles and weary feet, the Desert Moon Spa has all kinds of relaxing and invigorating treatments, but make sure to book them in advance, as their day fills up rather quickly.

For a closer, more relaxed encounter with nature, the 26-acre Gage Gardens filled with plants and trees native to the Chihuahua Desert that bloom throughout the year, are a haven for

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Dance the night away and remember: what happens in Marathon, (hopefully) stays in Marathon! nature lovers. A mile-long walking trail – paved with recycled, crushed glass from the hotel's bar and restaurant – winds around a couple of ponds with waterfalls and fountains. It has become a welcome home for migrating birds and butterflies, especially from late April to early May. About five miles south of town there's a park and pond called the Post, also an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts like my husband and me. Some of the species that visit include aplomado falcons (banded birds released as part of a restoration project), golden eagles, red-tailed and ferruginous hawks, burrowing owls, black-chinned hummingbirds, lark buntings, Scott's and orchard orioles, vermillion and ash-throated flycatchers, cassins, western and tropical kingbirds, and various species of sparrow. Bring your binoculars and a bird book, or check with the Gage for organized bird-watching events in season.

Many weddings and special events take place at the garden, under an enormous iron gazebo with a dance court flanked by

an elegant fountain. In addition, there are edible gardens with seasonal vegetables, herbs, a small vineyard and an orchard featuring apple, apricot, mulberry, peach, pear, pecan, pomegranate and walnut trees.

All produce from the gardens is used in the restaurant’s seasonal recipes. Ms. Haynes recently recruited Kevin Williamson of Ranch 616 fame to recreate a version of the Austin favorite at The Gage in the space formerly occupied by Café Cenizo.

The restaurant underwent a full facelift and now features new staff, a new menu of regional cuisine, and a hipper, younger vibe.

After dinner, you can choose to have a nightcap at the legendary and recently revamped White Buffalo Bar, or pay a visit to the Famous Burro bar & bistro, just across the street. The Burro is frequented by locals, and has a friendly, party atmosphere. Alternately, take a romantic nighttime walk through the gardens. Hidden among the paths is a stone patio with a large firepit and benches around it, in case you want to grab a bottle of wine and cozy-up by the fire with

your sweetie while looking at the amazing starry sky. If you are lucky enough to stay at the Wilson House or Casa Jardín –the two cabins adjacent to the garden – you can also stargaze from your private back yard.

Last time I visited was in late summer, when a girlfriend and I went on what we called our "Thelma and Louise" trip. This would be such a fun thing to do for a bachelorette party group: book your rooms, day spa treatments and dinner, then head to the Burro to party or ask at the Gage to arrange a trip to Railyard Blues in Alpine or Padre's in Marfa if you want live music and a larger, even more festive crowd. Dance the night away and remember: what happens in Marathon, (hopefully) stays in Marathon!

If you go…

Gage Hotel gagehotel.com 102 NW 1st St - Hwy 90 West, Marathon, TX 1.800.844.GAGE

One of the ponds that attract a large number of migrating birds and wildlife.

Photo by Will Larson 82 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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r u o Y p e U r g o c n i S n t a i e d l e C r C

worth

by

K ay S .

B e

ll

If you’ve been managing your credit as closely as you should, you’re paying the price with a lower credit score. But there are ways to raise your ranking.

F

or better, or too often worse, credit rules our lives. We have mortgages. We have car loans. We charge things to put in our houses and keep our auto running.

But we pay a price for our credit.

For some, the price is less, thanks to lower loan interest rates. Oth-

ers, however, end up paying as much in interest as they do for the items they purchase.

Overpayers tend to have bad credit scores. If you’re one of them, it’s possible to improve your creditworthiness.

And if lenders already see you as a good credit risk, the same

cant gets rewarded, too – with better loan terms.

Scores range from 300 to 900 depending on the scoring model. “A year and half ago, 680 was considered a good credit score,” said Borie. “But in today’s economy, most lenders are looking for 720 or

techniques can keep your credit ranking clean.

above.”

Assessing Your Credit Grade

Calculating Your Credit Score

You thought when you graduated, you were done with grades.

Think again.

“Think of a credit report as financial report card,” said Sally Borie, education coordinator with Consumer Credit Counseling Service in Austin. “If you did well in school, you got a high grade. If your finances are OK, then a high credit score reflects that.”

Your credit score number is based in large part on information in your credit reports. Three nationwide bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – track the amount and types of credit you have and your payment habits.

Your credit history, (or how well you pay your bills), is the largest factor in determining your ultimate credit score. It accounts for 35%

Like a scholastic grade, your credit score is a number, a shorthand

of your credit score. A big way to improve your score, said Borie, is to

way for lenders to see what kind of borrower you might be. There are

pay your bills on time. If you do fall behind, try to get current as

several versions of credit scores, said Borie, but most lenders use

quickly as you can.

FICO, the acronym name of Fair Isaac Corp., the company that developed the credit score standard.

Essentially, a higher credit score indicates to a lender that you’re

Another 30% of your credit score comes from how much money you owe. Called utilization, it’s basically a tally of all the credit you have available and how much you’re using. For example, your

a better credit risk, that you’re more likely to pay back a loan. And

combined Visa and Dillard’s cards afford you $10,000 in

just like the “A” students who got to skip some of the basic classes

credit. You’re in debt on both cards to the tune of $8,000.

and go on to more interesting studies, a high-scoring credit appli-

Not so good.

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“Lenders want to see that usage low,” said Borie. “A year or two ago, lenders wanted you to use about 50% of what you had available to

Becoming a Good Credit Risk The bottom line is to be a conscientious

you. Now they like the utilization level at no

credit user. Your credit history, and therefore

more than 30%.”

your credit score, will improve if you pay your

Pay down your debts and don’t charge any more to get your utilization at lender acceptable levels.

bills on time, pay down your credit cards and have a diverse mix of loan types.

Borie also suggests checking your credit re-

Next, in your credit score computation,

port regularly. You can order a free copy annu-

around 15%, is credit history. The longer is bet-

ally from each of the credit bureaus by calling

ter. “Someone who’s had credit for many years

toll-free 877.322.8228 or ordering the reports

and is doing well handling it is a better risk,”

online at annualcreditreport.com.

said Borie.

Your credit score is not part of these reports;

Two other factors account for 10% each.

you must ask specifically for that and it will

Applications for loans or new charge cards

cost you a few bucks. But you can get an idea of

will show up on your credit report and stay

whether your score is generally good or bad by

there for two years. Lenders tend to see these

seeing what’s in your credit report.

as red flags you could be taking on too much debt, said Borie.

Finally, lenders want to see a variety of successfully handled credit in your report. “They want a healthy mix,” said Borie, “a couple of credit cards, some store cards, an auto loan.”

800

If you are about to apply for a loan for a major purchase and want to see your actual credit score, Borie suggests asking your lender what scoring system it checks.

“The lender might consider other factors and the credit score could be only one part if it,”

725

said Borie. “But your score is important, very important, as to whether you’ll get a loan and how much you’ll pay. Make sure you’re looking at the same thing the lender is looking at.”

Get the latest tax tips and news at S. Kay Bell’s blog, Don’t Mess With Taxes (dontmesswithtaxes.typepad.com).

A year or two ago, lenders wanted you to use about 50% of what you had available to you.

Now they like the utilization level at no more than 30%.

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With the See Jane Give! Dinners, I Live Here, I Give Here’s goal is to inspire guests to think more deeply about their own philanthropy and to consequently give for maximum impact in the community.

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w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 87

news

b y K i r a T a n i g u c h i

BCRC Event Reminds Austin Women to Have Courage, Strength and Spirit

C

ourage. Strength. Spirit. These three words compose the theme of this year’s Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas 15th Annual Champagne Brunch and Auction. The event will be held Sept. 26th at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. It is a great way to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to be reminded of the courage, strength and spirit held by those who have been personally affected by breast cancer or those who know someone who has.

Sarah Weddington has been attending the annual brunch and auction for several years. She used to attend with dear friends Molly Ivins (lost to breast cancer in 2007) and Liz Carpenter, (a breast cancer survivor, Carpenter died of natural causes in March of this year). (All three are legendary women of international renown and accomplishment and former AW cover women.) This year, Weddington will put her own personal stamp on the event – as the keynote speaker.

She will join the ranks with women such as Mary Gordon Spence, Rue McClanahan and Jane Brody – some memorable keynote speakers of the past.

“Who exemplifies courage, strength and spirit, any better than Sarah Weddington?” said Barbara Formichelli, director of marketing and events development for the

88 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

BCRC. “She is such a tremendous force in this country for women’s rights and for women’s issues.”

Attorney, professor, legislator and presidential advisor are just some of the many hats Weddington has worn throughout her life. But perhaps one of the most important battles she won, was a far cry from the familiar legal battles she was used to –Weddington is a breast cancer survivor.

A longtime champion of women’s rights and the attorney who successfully argued Roe v. Wade, Weddington has exemplified courage, strength and spirit both in her professional life, and in her battle with breast cancer.

Some of the key topics Weddington will touch upon in her speech are reflections on her own struggle with breast cancer and others it has affected in her personal life. She will also talk about the services provided by the BCRC. Tickets are available now by visiting www. bcrc.org or by calling 512.444.0902. They are $100 per person and sponsorships are also available from $250 - $10,000. Tickets will be available at the door providing they do not sell out before the event. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sip champagne while strolling through the live auction and come with your

pocketbooks full. This year, one of the live auction items is a weekend for two in New York at a private residence. Cap the weekend off with a dinner with Sam Wright, who played Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway.

Every year, Sharon Watkins, the owner of Chez Zee, donates a brunch with a celebrity. This year, the auction item up for grabs is a brunch for nine people, with keynote speaker Sarah Weddington. Other items, including some coveted ACL tickets, will also be up for auction.

Two-time cancer survivor Sarah Lisle will also be on hand to speak at the event in addition to a silent auction. Over 300 items in every category from sports to entertainment, restaurants and art, will be auctioned off. Stephen Moser (of The Austin Chronicle) has called the silent auction “One of the Top 9 Fundraisers of 2009.”

“The brunch will be a time to share courage and strength in the face of difficult diagnoses and challenges. But it is also a time for us to share the spirit of commitment to being sure that those who face such issues do not face them alone,” Weddington said. “Indeed, there are many now who need the services

and the help that BCRC provides.”

MORE INFO bcrc.org

We’ll stop when cancer does.

Austin Race for the Cure® • November 7, 2010 • The Domain 5K Run/Walk • One-Mile Family Walk Registration is open. Visit komenaustin.org to sign up and donate.

Take the 125 Challenge and raise $125 — the average cost of a life-saving mammogram

Series Sponsors

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m 89

news

A

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Holds Annual 5K Balance Run by D e s t i n y bennet t

lthough we women are relatively well educated in checking for symptoms of breast cancer, we are virtually clueless when confronted with the undetectable, and often mistaken, symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is for this reason that ovarian cancer is regarded as the “silent killer” and is the most deadly gynecological cancer diagnosed in women.

However, if left up to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the silence surrounding this fatal disease won’t remain for much longer. The NOCC Austin Chapter 3rd Annual 5K Balance run, which was held at The Domain August 28th in order to usher in September’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, boasted more than 1,000 runners and participants in attendance. The organization strives

Interestingly enough, over 95% of women do report symptoms, which include abdominal pain and discomfort, pelvic and/or abdominal swelling and unexplained changes in bowel habits, but often attribute them to something else. to increase awareness and public education of ovarian cancer.

“NOCC is wonderful because we can talk openly with one another about our own situations, but our purpose, motivation and focus extend well beyond ourselves,” said honorary event chair coordinator Susan Joiner. “We are mission-minded, and that, I am learning, is as satisfying as it is life-giving,” After considering numerous requests, event coordinators permitted pets to participate in this year’s run. As 100% of registration fees and proceeds support the NOCC in their efforts to raise awareness, all participants, tails-and-all, were encouraged to attend.

“Austin is a pet-friendly town and we thought this would be a great way to get the entire family involved,” said Michelle Graham, owner of Bounce, the production and marketing company for the event. “Runners and walkers could bring their pets to the event

90 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

or leave them at home; but either way, each registered pet received a commemorative teal bandana to show their support of NOCC and ovarian cancer awareness.”

While the presence of furry, warm-hearted companions helped to lighten the mood, the statistics surrounding ovarian cancer remain severe. When detected in later stages, the survival rate is as low as 29%. And because many women misdiagnose the symptoms as PMS or indigestion, when medical attention is finally sought, the symptoms have been present for three months or more.

Interestingly enough, over 95% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do report symptoms, which include abdominal pain and discomfort, pelvic and/or abdominal swelling and unexplained changes in bowel

habits, but often attribute them to something else. However, Scott and White Health Plan, who are yearly sponsors of this event, work to reduce the frequency with which these symptoms are mistaken.

“Health and wellness are an essential part of cancer survival, and also the basis of what Scott and White Health Plan strives to provide through our health coverage,” said Scott and White Health Plan regional director of sales and marketing, Davidica Blum. “We are honored to stand behind the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and do our part to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and ultimately increase the number of people who will win the fight against ovarian cancer.”

MORE INFO ovarian.org 1-888-OVARIAN

What did you do today?

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Green Strong Creative Tech

The possibilities are endless with Girl Scouts of Central Texas.

Find out more at www.gsctx.org.

w w w . a u s t i n w o m a n m a g a z i n e . c o m   91

Destination get Smart 2010: Your Journey Begins Here!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Expert Negotiation on your Largest Investment

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Opening Keynote Speaker: Matthew Dowd Closing Keynote Speaker: Stephanie Klein The unemployment rate is almost 10% and the average professional will change jobs over five times in a lifetime.

Navigating your journey can be tricky at best. Join us for interactive breakout sessions designed to inspire, educate and offer tactical approaches to help you move forward with your personal and professional journey.

Let’s Go! Early rEgiSTraTiOn: August 18th - October 1st and space is limited.

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October 22, 2010 The Westin @ The Domain

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BARBARA CHISHOLM Actor, Performer + Stage Legend

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The “After Party” Fashion Show by Macy’s with a Specialty Cocktail Courtesy of Twin Liquors Exclusive Shopping Discounts + Giveaways throughout the Domain Wrap-up Happy Hour at the Westin at the Domain with a Grand Prize Drawing

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aw happenings

TIARA TUESDAY First Tuesday of every month TUesday, september 7 · 6-8pm Launch of our monthly issue silent auction + charity prize giveaway

chez zee | Congress at 6th St

chez zee american bistro

s p o ns o r e d b y :

b e n e fit T in g : American Cancer Society Holiday Shopping Card

Next Month TUesday, oct. 5, 6-8pm @ Garrido’s (downtown)

YOU COULD BE THE NEXT AUSTINWOMAN! Must be a Junior/Senior in high school to enter.

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ANSWER THE FOLLOWING 3 QUESTIONS:

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calendar S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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Jazz Performance By world-renown jazz trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe 7 p.m.

AMOA-Downtown amoa.org

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Gallery Shoal Creek presents PAPER 2 September 2 – October 2 Artist reception Sept. 17 2905 San Gabriel #101 galleryshoalcreek.com/exhibits.html

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Oaxacan Chef Iliana de la Vega to Speak on Colonial Cuisines of Mexico “Foodways of Mexico: The Culinary Birth of a Nation – Gastronomy and the Making of Mexican Identity” 6 - 7 p.m.

Reception to follow 7 - 7:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public Auditorium, Mexican American Cultural Center 601 River Street Sponsored by the Mexican Center of LLILAS, UT at Austin

First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg Nine participating art galleries throughout Fredericksburg remain open until 8 p.m.

All day firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com Rakasa Revue Labor Day Weekend Showcase 7:30 - 9 p.m.

General admission $10 The Gemini Playhouse 5214 Burleson Road #209 rakasarevue.ticketleap.com/sep3/

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5

7 8

Le Garage Boutique Sale September 4-5 September 4: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

September 5: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission is CASH only at the door and in most of the stores/ booths $12-per-person per day; 2-day pass is available for $20 per person Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. legaragesale.net

Austin Shakespeare presents The Tempest September 9 - 26 $16 - $33 The Long Center’s Rollins Studio Theatre Tickets are on sale at

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Keep Austin Beautiful presents Lake Travis Underwater Cleanup 30 volunteers needed To sign up visit KeepAustinBeautiful.org/underwater

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Sabores Autenticos de Mexico Gala Individual tickets $250 For more details visit SaboresTexas.org

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TheLongCenter.Frontgatesolutions.com

austinshakespeare.org

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BCRC presents North by Northwest 11th Anniversary Party Enjoy performances by Jeremy Steding, Will Sexton, Stephen Doster and Redd Volkaert.

6 - 8 p.m.

North by Northwest, 10010 Capital of Texas HWY N $8 suggested donation at the door

Hospice Austin’s Fifth Annual Beauty of Life Fall Fashion Fundraiser 9:30 a.m. - Noon Renaissance Austin Hotel Austin Girls’ Choir presents Enchanted Evening Highland Park Baptist Church 7 p.m.

Wally Workman Gallery presents Leslie Sealey Sept. 11 - 29 Reception Sept 11, 6 - 8 p.m.

1202 West 6th Street wallyworkmangallery.com Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® for Joint Issues 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: $125 AOMA, 2700 W Anderson Lane aoma.edu

Tiara Tuesday 6-8 p.m.

Chez Zee American Bistro 5406 Balcones Dr. Writing Your Life as a Woman Workshop Community Writing Workshop Sept. 8 - 29 $75.00 for a four-week session; $20 per class for drop-ins To register, email: dean@deanlofton.com

The Smile Never Fades 4th Annual Fundraising Gala to raise money for the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas The Long Center 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Full menu posted at thesmileneverfades.eventbrite.com

compil e d + e dit e d by kira taniguc h i

What Women Need To Know About Divorce Second Saturday of each month 8:30a.m. - 12p.m. austindivorceworkshop.com or call 512.732.1244

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Austin Girls’ Choir presents Enchanted Evening Calvary Worship Center 7 p.m.

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Celebrating Survivor Spirit (CSS) An evening dedicated to the survivors of sexual violence to celebrate healing 6 - 9 p.m.

Free admission The Austin Centre, 3809 South 2nd St, A100 SafePlace.org/CSS Self-Defense Seminar Master John Blankenship Noon - 5 p.m. $125 Blankenship Martial Arts / 2108 White Horse Trail Call 512.452.3618 to register or for more information

Global Perspectives on Women’s Rights: How your gender and the place you are born affect your destiny.

Dr. Lynn Prince Cook, Senior Lecturer, University of Kent Mallika Dutt, Founder, Breakthrough St. Edward’s University 7 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

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One World Theatre presents Tommy Emmanuel Sept 16 - 17 7 p.m. $25, $50, $65 7701 Bee Caves Road OneWorldTheatre.org

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Children’s Consignment Sale Next Sale: Sept. 17-19 Palmer Events Center mamacents.com

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Westlake Dermatology Fall Event One-day savings on Botox, fillers, products, and more. 8am-5pm All five our locations (Westlake, North Austin, Lakeway, Round Rock, Marble Falls) Westlakedermatology.com

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The Life of Laura Méndez de Cuenca: A Pioneer in Women’s Rights Dr. Milada Bazant, El Colegio Mexiquense St. Edward’s University 7 p.m.

Mabee Ballrooms A and B, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

23

Conversation: Okay Mountain Artist collective Okay Mountain shares the inspirations for making the New Works video installation 7 p.m.

AMOA-Downtown amoa.org

24

Ballet Austin’s Production of Carmina Burana + Kai with Conspirare and the Austin Symphony Orchestra 8 p.m. (also Sat. 9/25 at 8 p.m. + Sun. 9/26 Matinee at 3 p.m.)

The Long Center Tickets available at balletaustin.org

15th Annual BCRC Champagne Brunch and Auction Featuring keynote speaker Sarah Weddington The Renaissance Hotel Champagne service starts at 10:30 a.m.; brunch and program start at noon Visit bcrc.org/ for tickets Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay 7:15 a.m.

5-person Marathon Relay Race benefiting Junior Achievement Auditorium Shores Registration is online at austinmarathonrelay.com

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Texas Outdoor’s Woman Network (TOWN), Austin Chapter Open to women interested in outdoor activities 6 p.m.

LCRA Red Bud Complex, 3601 Lake Austin Blvd townaustin.org

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Conspirare presents Sing Freedom: African American Spirituals Georgetown; Klett Performing Arts Center 8 - 10 p.m.

Conspirare.org The Heart Gallery Premiere 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Open to the public Tickets $35 in advance until Sept.

3 and $50 until the 30th The Renaissance Austin Hotel, Glass Oaks room heartgallerytexas.com

Submit events:

calendar@austinwomanmagazine.com 96 austinwoman s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010 HILTON AUSTIN / 500 EAST 4TH STREET VIP RECEPTION 5:30 PM / EVENT 6:30 PM / COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Greeks Walking of the Donkeys

by Melissa H.

The goal of Building Bridges is to celebrate the passion, love and great achievements of all artists, including those with disabilities. With more than 100 pieces of professionally framed artwork, numerous exciting auction packages and a plated dinner & awards ceremony, Building Bridges has become a highly anticipated affair. All proceeds will benefit The Arc of the Capital Area, a non-profit dedicated to providing personalized, community-based services that improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers in Central Texas.

To order tickets online, visit www.tinyurl.com/BBRegistration 512.476.7044 | www.arcofthecapitalarea.org

Glow bowling, pool, foosball and glow air hockey tables

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horoscope september 2010 b y D e b o r a h C a r t e r

Aries

• Mar.21-apr.20 If you have stayed on task, you should be sitting on the floor in the middle of your new life, asking yourself, “What have I done?” This is good, this feeling of reckless abandon. You feel free, yet responsible. Be patient now, work on your secret dreams and ideas and wait. This is the month to do your heavy lifting in the day-to-day activities and busy work department. Be humble. Be of service to your community, because that publicminded, self-sacrificing attitude transforms your business. Money isn’t the issue here: It’s all about serving in a big, creative way.

Taurus

• Apr.21-May.21 Friend or groups of friends make a surprising comeback. Do you go play, and blow off the necessary (but possibly) boring busy work you know you have to do? Or, do you let your friends play by themselves and put your nose back to the grindstone? Here is the key to your decision: You need to have fun this month, but the fun must contain elements of the creative, spiritual and transformative. The best effect can be had, if you stay quick and creative, do your work with love, and try to have a good time doing it. The rest will iron itself out.

Gemini

• May.22-June.20 The feeling of “There’s something important I need to do” abates a bit this month. All you Geminis need to slow down in September because everything you want or need lives in your own backyard. Foreign influences come and go, but the rock you want to tie your boat to is your home. Work on the resources you share. Don’t let the outside world infiltrate your bubble. Go outside, light a citronella candle, grab a hose and walk around the perimeter of your house, repeating this mantra: “Everyone and everything is happy in my kingdom.” To yourself, of course.

No matter how many people freak out this month, an equal number admit that they have never been happier in their life. So, what is the answer? This: Create a feeling of joy firmly inside of you and hold it, like you would hold a breath.If anything threatens to destroy your joy, it’s your job to find it again, and no one else’s. Whatever it takes to feel joy, you are under a planetary, moral and spiritual imperative to go after it with all you have. And, you must take good care of those you love. If that sounds airy-fairy and simplistic, it can’t be helped. Just do it. How can you lose?

Cancer

• June.21-July.22 It’s the age old question, “Should I stay or should I go?” Make a list of positives and negatives and you’ll find it’s a draw. So, it isn’t logic that makes your decision for you, it’s intuition. You want a trip.

You need to move. You love staying home (all Cancers do) but the road is calling you. It can be a long flight to some place far away and exotic, or a long drive to some place close and exotic. Or, lots of trips across town. The end result is the same.

Expect it to transform your partnership in some way.

Leo

• July.23-Aug.23 Be very careful with all correspondence this month, Leo. Clear, concise and sunny communications can change your work in a way that dark demands will not. Remember that fly-catching “honey and vinegar” thing your mom always told you? Sweet, cheerful and quick is the way to transform your work and your health, physical and mental. This may also be the month you buy a new car. If you don’t get a new one, detail your old one, or discover public transportation. Or, get a new laptop. Then, write your book, re-organize your website. Get it done by the end of this year. You can do it.

Virgo

• Aug.24-Sept.22 Happy Birthday Virgo! Virgos are in high demand this month, so choose your projects carefully and don’t worry: If you leave one, another will take its place. This is a good money month, too, as long as you stay creative. Expect a surprise in the nature of taxes, insurance, wills, and/or royalties and residuals. It’s the result of an expansion on a past collaboration, and it requires some work on your part, maybe redoing something, but the payoff is worth it. Be your charming self and when at all possible, make your deals in person. No one can resist you this month.

Capricorn

Libra

• Dec.22-Jan.20 I wish all you Capricorns had my cell phone number on speed dial, because I am probably the only person in your world that doesn’t think you’re crazy. I know what’s really going on. You are changing, creating a new paradigm of living and the dust hasn’t settled yet. When it does, (next year), you will have a whole new collection of belief systems. I recommend that you take a long trip this year. Make it a good one. Produce shock and awe within your milieu, find a way to enhance your social standing with a trip. Take photos.

• Sept.23-Oct.22 Don’t bother to refill your Ambien prescription and give in to insomnia. Use September’s sleepdeprived nights to do those detail-oriented things you put off during the day. You have more energy this month, so get out your spreadsheets, (or novel or back taxes), throw them out on the kitchen table and for the next month, do the paperwork you have been putting off all year. Update your iCal and day-planner. Return letters, get packages ready to mail. Organize and update your address book. You can accomplish a lot when you don’t have daily distractions.

Aquarius

Scorpio

• Jan.21-Feb.19 It’s said, “Think globally, act locally,” but this month I want you to do the reverse: “Think locally, act globally.” Connections with places different than where you’re from, or where you live now, bring you energy and excitement. You should also look for ways that you can benefit from corporate involvement, create a scenario for residual and passive income, and grow your web presence. All these things are lucky for you. For instance, this is the year to go back to school, using a grant (someone else’s money) to fund sleep research or conditions of the mind. Like that. You get the picture.

• Oct.23-Nov.21 You often decide on a course of action and continue on past the point a lesser individual would quit. You prefer to operate under the radar and behind the scenes, but his month, that’s a difficult task. You don’t have a qualm about abandoning a previous course and turning in the opposite direction. Don’t worry if a small hiccup makes you pause and reflect. Say “yes” to parties in your honor, friends from the past, and group requests.

Then use any downtime to complete projects you began a while ago. Work late while the world sleeps.

Pisces

Sagittarius

• Feb.20-Mar.20 It’s a real relationship month, and all that it implies.

September is a month for happy couples, but also arguments about money, sharing resources, savings accounts and credit cards. This is also the month where you second-guess your new moneymaking plans. My suggestion is, don’t discard your dreams. Even if you have to pause from moving forward, it’s just a pause for emphasis. So, emphasize your plans and dreams, open up to something new. Be willing to change the way you earn money, your job and what you value, and don’t be afraid – trust your instincts.

• Nov. 22-Dec. 21 If I had a big event to organize this month, you’d be the first person I’d hire to do it. That’s odd, because you are so engrossed in your new career direction that one would wonder at your ability to burn the candle at both ends. Yet, you pull it off.

Home requires attention again and if you must organize another move, so be it. Know that you are on your right path if home feels chaotic, work explodes like a cherry bomb and everyone wants to be your friend. If your work isn’t exploding, you haven’t yet made the important career change.

Contact Deborah @Pink West Hair Studio, Dripping Springs TX • 512.447.2888 • deborah@pinkaustin.com. Read her blog @www.OurVaultedSky.blogspot.com.

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