The Holiday Issue
Tis’ the season for finding (making) time for family and friends, giving, receiving, cocktail parties, office parties, charity galas and holiday playlists. It’s busy days trying to keep up in the run-up to the lazy days between Christmas and New Year’s, when hopefully you can carve out quality time with people you love, doing all those things you often wish you could make more time to do. For many of us, current company included, that’s curling up in cozy clothes with a good book. Or, at least one we hope we’ll enjoy.
This holiday issue is packed with recommendations for books, many from our cover stars and The Painted Porch Book Shop co-owners Ryan and Samantha Holiday. In addition to providing book recs – Ryan from the more than a dozen he’s written and Samantha from knowledge gleaned from reading ‘like it’s her job,’ they share some insight on owning a bookstore and more.
We also share a trio of new books from local authors, pages of gift recommendations, tips on hosting a holiday dinner from lifestyle guru Camille Styles and work from artists who took part in Art from the Streets, artwork by unhoused Austinites who have an exhibit annually but whose work can be found year-round. Check out pg. 42 for more.
Wishing each one of you a happy, healthy and fulfilling holiday season full of time for gratitude, reflection, dreaming and relaxing. If you need help tapping in, sign up for one of Ryan Holiday’s Daily Stoic challenges. You can find them at https://dailystoic.com/
Thank you for spending some of your minutes reading these pages.
Cheers,
JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR @AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Vanessa Joy
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Camille Styles
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee Learn
photo credit: Megan Bucknall
OUSEOFMARGO BL A IR HOLIDAYFLORAL
Carly Blair, founder of House of Margo Blair, is responsible for the florals at many posh Austin festivities. She’s also an event planner who excels at making events aesthetically pleasing –often accomplishing this with florals. For the holidays, she says there’s really no right or wrong answer on the type of flower. “Personally, I like to steer clear of the typical holiday flowers as they tend look stiff and rigid, or even worse, ordinary,” she added, “Instead, I like to use the lush, romantic options that— garden roses, ranunculus, and hellebore just to name a few—and then adjust the color palette to suit the holiday décor.”
When ordering flowers she says, “Our flower team can work on the fly, but ordering at least two weeks in advance will allow the time needed to source more custom bloom selections.” Ask about their Margot Minis, they come in a range of sizes and make a perfect hostess gift. https://houseofmargotblair.com/
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
JINGLE JANGLE
The team at The Dead Rabbit, an award-winning pub that also has outposts in NYC and Washington D.C. has brought their Christmas bar pop-up, Jingle Jangle, to their Austin home on E. 6th Street. The pub has transformed into a winter wonderland complete with decor, a dedicated cocktail menu celebrating the best of the holiday season and playlist spotlighting Irish Christmas tracks sure to get you in the spirit.
The Dead Rabbit’s Beverage Director, Aidan Bowie, plays on nostalgia weaving classic Christmas flavors from gingerbread to mulled wine into their holiday cocktail menu. We’re
The Dead Rabbit Austin is a seasonal winter wonderland
told, the flavors lean toward sweet, rich, and candied notes, coupled with a uniquely impressive presentation.”
SOME OF THE SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
• The Gingerbread Man, with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Gingerbread Spices, and Lyle's Golden Syrup.
• Rockin’ Around, with Ketel One Vodka, Pierre Ferrand Curacao, Port, Mulled Wine, Strawberry, and Lime.
• Naughty List, with Slane Irish Whiskey, Dewar’s 12 Scotch, Chocolate, Oats, and Salted Caramel Cream. Served hot.
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CAMILLE STYLES’ HOLIDAY DINNER TABLE
ARTICLE BY CAMILLE STYLES
One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual dinner party that my husband Adam and I host for friends the weekend before Christmas. It’s a tradition we all look forward to, and I cook up a feast—usually some version of my sweet and spicy glazed short ribs, pesto Parmesan potatoes, and my holiday jewels kale salad. We drink champagne by the fire and soak up one more great night of conversation before the year comes to a close.
It always reminds me how much I love hosting intimate dinner parties at home. Cozy nights with our closest friends around the table is my happy place, and sharing food and great conversation during this season forges deep connections.
As the founder of Casa Zuma, a home goods brand with beautiful pieces for the table, it comes as no surprise that I’m passionate about setting a holiday dinner table with place cards, greenery, and candlelight. Handmade ceramic dishes, wood serving boards, and recycled glassware from Casa Zuma always make an appearance, and this year, a stunning evergreen garland takes center stage. Read on for how I’m decking the halls for this year’s dinner party—including my tips on keeping it simple but special so you can enjoy the party as much as your guests!
Create a sense of Hygge
Throughout all of my design work, I’m inspired by the Danish concept of hygge, which describes a sense of coziness and comfort at home. Twinkling candlelight, natural materials, kraft paper gifts, and bowls of pinecones create this sense of warmth on the table, especially against a minimalist backdrop of textured neutrals. My inspiration for a tabletop usually starts with a single element, for this one it’s the evergreen branches and birch bark candles I’m using throughout the table to create a Scandinavian woodland vibe.
Embrace imperfections
Throughout most of the year, I embrace the natural look of our unfinished teak dining table. But for a dinner party, I like to dress up the table with our linen table throw from Casa Zuma that doesn’t fully cover the table—it’s nice to let the beauty of the natural wood show a bit. Don’t stress about getting every last wrinkle out—the beauty of linen is that it’s casually rumpled.
Think beyond the floral centerpiece
My friend Elle Worsham owns Gracious Garlands, and her team create the most beautiful evergreen garlands to hang on the mantel. This year, instead of a floral centerpiece, I’m laying one of the garlands simply down the center of the table. It adds lush texture and acts as a sort of “runner” that doesn’t block conversation the way that a taller floral centerpiece would. Plus, it lasts for weeks, which means that I get to enjoy it throughout the entire holiday season (not just on party night!)
Cast a warm glow
Candlelight is the quickest, most affordable way to give any gathering a magical glow.
When adding tall, sculptural elements like candlesticks to the table, I like to keep things a bit asymmetrical—and for added twinkle I’ll tuck a few votives in the greenery.
Raise a glass
I set this year’s holiday table with our Playa Dinnerware from Casa Zuma. I love that these handmade ceramic plates feel elevated for a dinner party, but they’re also rustic and durable enough to use every night for our casual weeknight dinners. I am not a fan of having “good china” that’s only used for special occasions—I prefer to enjoy my most beautiful things all year long.
A place for everyone
Taking a few minutes to handwrite simple place cards is one of those simple touches that really elevates a table and makes it feel special occasion-worthy. I used simple rectangles of recycled paper, handwrote each guest’s name, and then tucked in a sprig of cedar and a dried orange slice. Don’t worry about perfect penmanship—the imperfect nature of these cards is what makes them feel personal and special.
When you donate at an iconic Salvation Army Red Kettle, you give Central Texas families in crisis a hand up and hope this holiday season.
Visit DoingMostGood.org/Kettles to donate today or give at the next red kettle you see.
HANGING WITH THE HOLIDAYS
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VANESSA JOY
RYAN & SAMANTHA HOLIDAY CULTIVATE THE GIFT OF COMMUNITY IN THE AUSTIN-AREA, AND AMONG THE MILLIONS RYAN REACHES WORLDWIDE DAILY
Ryan Holiday was 19 years old when he dropped out of college at UC Riverside – just after meeting his now-wife Samantha there - to apprentice under Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power He embarked on a career in marketing, as Director of Marketing at American Apparel and then founder of a creative agency, before settling into his current careers as an author, podcaster, philosopher and bookstore owner, one that has culminated in him being referred to as the modern godfather of ancient philosophy.
Ryan is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, The Daily Stoic and The Daily Dad, which have sold millions of copies in thirty languages. His The Daily Stoic emails ‘designed to help you cultivate strength, insight, and wisdom to live your best life’ go to over 300,000 people each day and his podcast of the same name stretches his reach even wider. He hosts a second podcast, The Daily Dad , where Samantha is a frequent guest.
Ryan and Samantha, who often goes by Sam, met 17 years ago and have been married for nine. They live on a ranch outside of Austin with their two sons, 8 and 5 years old - and two donkeys, 15 cows, two rabbits, a tortoise and three toads. Sam says they also share their place with a few animals they don’t own, including a cat, wild boars, deer, turkeys and raccoons – that Sam admits to feeding (we don’t recommend it to others!)
They said they moved to the Austin-area because they lived all over the country, loved New Orleans, loved New York and loved Los Angeles and feel like Austin has a mix of all of those cities. “Sam says they moved to the ranch because, “At some point, we decided that if we were going to live in Texas, we should live in Texas. It's slower. It's quiet, we can see the stars every night. We live on a dirt road--it's like going back in time.“
They also own a perfect little bookstore in Bastrop called The Painted Porch Bookshop. “It was Sam's crazy idea one morning as we sat across the street eating breakfast at Maxine's--a great diner in Bastrop,” Ryan says. “It was probably a crazy idea under normal circumstances, but we bought the buildings and then started construction the first week of March 2020.” He says the most rewarding part about owning the bookstore is that “Almost everything is digital these days. Even most book sales are digital--audiobooks, ebooks and Amazon and it's very rewarding to do something that is physical, that exists. To have a space not just for ourselves but for everyone in town, for people passing through, to be able to display stuff we love and want people to know about.” Sam adds, “Being able to find the right book for someone is just a wonderful feeling.”
Ryan and Sam both have their offices in the same building and and it's where Ryan records his podcasts as well. He says the biggest challenge to owning a bookstore is “It’s the same amount of work as an online business--maybe more--but it's only going to be so big. It's not a way to get rich, that's for sure.”
The couple are also relatively new owners of Bastrop staple Tracy’s Drive-In Grocery, a personal passion of Sam’s. Austin Lifestyle spent an afternoon in Bastrop with the Holidays in the run up for the holidays to learn more about them, their holiday traditions, book recommendations for everyone on your list, and what Ryan has learned that can help you set yourself up for success going into the new year.
RYAN…
YOU HOST A POPULAR PODCAST AND BLOG, WRITE BEST-SELLING BOOKS, DO SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND HAVE A MARKETING CONSULTING COMPANY– AND A BOOKSTORE. WHICH BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY TO DO?
I'm happy to do all of it but you become a writer to write. One of the tricky things about all these technologies and platforms is that they take away from the time you'd get to spend doing the thing you love. I really have to try to stay disciplined or can wake up one day and wonder why I'm not producing pages anymore.
YOU’VE WRITTEN 12 BOOKS, WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS WHEN WRITING A BOOK?
A few crappy pages a day turns into an editable manuscript and eventually an edited manuscript turns into a published book.
DO YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT ONE OR FEW?
I've spent the last five years on a four-book series on the cardinal virtues. I did Courage in 2020, Discipline in 2021, Justice in 2023 and hopefully I will finish Wisdom before the end of the year.
IF PEOPLE WERE GOING TO READ ONE OF YOUR BOOKS, WHICH DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE MOST IMPACTFUL? WHICH ONE SHOULD THEY START WITH?
This is always so hard because you love all of them, and secretly hope your latest is your best, but I think if someone is looking to start with Stoicism, The Daily Stoic or if they're a parent, The Daily Dad
“BOOKS ARE DOORSHAPED PORTALS CARRYING ME ACROSS OCEANS AND CENTURIES, HELPING ME FEEL LESS ALONE.” -MARGARITA ENGLE (THE HOLIDAYS’ FAVORITE QUOTE)
Sam's star embroidered boots from Miron Crosby
GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR, WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS YOU’VE WRITTEN ABOUT THAT PEOPLE CAN DO TO SET THEMSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS TO BE A BETTER VERSION OF THEMSELVES THAN THEY WERE IN 2024?
Every year for Daily Stoic we do a big challenge called New Year New You which is three weeks of Stoic-inspired challenges to kick off the year--and they are challenges, like hard stuff built around Stoic practices. It's something we spend a big chunk of the year working on and have thousands of people participate in from all over the world. Having done it now for six years, I get so much out of it and from the community.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOLIDAY TRADITIONS?
When you have retail businesses, you think about this season a little differently. It's all hands on deck. But, our biggest family
tradition is in November -since we have several birthdays. We get a cake for each party and after everyone has a slice, we go out into the front yard and have a food fight with the rest.
SAMANTHA
WOULD YOU ADD ANYTHING TO HOLIDAY TRADITIONS?
Cutting down a Christmas tree in Elgin and going to look at Christmas lights along the river and to the holiday parade in Bastrop. It's really nostalgic and the whole town turns out for it.
WHAT DREW YOU TO PURCHASE TRACY’S DRIVE-IN GROCERY STORE?
Tracy's has been in the same spot, doing the same thing for almost 80 years. It's not fancy. It's not huge. But it means something to people and it's a place they depend on.
Sylvester Wilson Construction
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TRACY’S?
It embodies everything that's great about a small town. It's connected. It's fun. It's always the home of absurd drama and strong opinions. The coffee is good and the company is better.
YOU’RE HEAD OF OPERATIONS FOR THE BOOKSTORE, THE DAILY STOIC, TRACY’S AND DO SCHOOL DROP OFFS/PICK-UPS EVERY DAY –HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL?
One of these places sells coffee. It's fine.
HOW MUCH DO YOU READ?
Always. It's our job! Thinking about reading that way really helps us prioritize and teach the importance of doing so to our kids.
WHICH OF RYAN’S BOOKS HAVE YOU PERSONALLY FOUND MOST IMPACTFUL?
I live with him, do I also have to read his books?
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT BOOKS TO SELL IN THE BOOKSTORE?
Maybe it's not the best business decision but we only carry books that we like and that we've actually read. A typical bookstore of our size would ordinarily have 4-5 times as many books, but our approach is just have stuff we'd feel confident recommending--books we know people will enjoy. We're not ordering every new title. In fact, we have to do a lot of work to keep some of our older titles in stock because they aren't what publishers always care about.
BOOKS ARE THE BEST GIFTS. WHAT ARE YOUR RECS FOR BOOKS TO BUY THE PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST IN A DOZEN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES.
Person on a self-improvement journey: Robert Greene's Mastery or Meditations
Lover of thrillers: I'd go back to the basics with Agatha Christie or Raymond Chandler (LA Noir mysteries) for traditional books in this category but Tunnel 29 or The Art Thief are two narrative non-fiction that will have readers thriller level stressed.
Lover of historical fiction: Kristin Hannah
For kids: Greeking Out, the Dragon Masters series, Nature's Treasures: Tales of More Than 100 Extraordinary Objects from Nature
For tweens: Hatchet, Percy Jackson, Midnight Children
For teens: The Selection series, Unwind Series and The Hunger Games is still going strong.
Parenting book: Good Inside by Dr Becky Kennedy
Texas book: Goodbye to a River by John Graves
Travel Book: Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of LongTerm World Travel
For runners : What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
Fantasy: Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton
Romance: A Deal with the Bossy Devil by Kyra Parsi and everything Mariana Zapata, Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Fantasy romance: Sarah J Maas, of course, and as a gift there are special editions of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass
There are too many just send people to me!
You can find Sam on Instagram at @paintedporchbookshop Or Email her at @paintedPorchBookshop@gmail.com
Follow Ryan Holiday on Instagram @ryanholiday and @dailystoic and @dailydad. Sign up for his newsletter at DailyStoic.com
The Painted Porch Bookshop 912 Main St, Bastrop, TX 78602
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
LOCAL AUTHORS
As anyone who attended the Texas Book Festival last month knows, Austin is full of incredible writers. Here’s a little bit more about one non-fiction book, one fiction and one children’s book.- that has a great message for adults too!
Hate Follow A Life in Between
By: Calais Zagarow Schroeder
Just after Calais graduated college and started her career in New York City, her 26-year-old sister Briel was diagnosed with Stage III cancer. The next four years, Calais balanced being there for her sister during illness and treatment and her own journey of self-discovery and a new job. Calais’s debut memoir chronicles the human experience of navigating grief and learning to live in the in-between of joy and sorrow, hope and loss.
By: Erin Quinn-Kong
Erin Quinn-Kong’s debut novel gives you an inside look at the not always glamorous or trouble-free life of a fulltime influencer. It’s an exhilarating holiday beach read that will have you tearing through the pages of a story that could happen and will have you wondering who it’s based upon.
Enoughie Buddy Finds His Superpower
By: Andra Liemandt
The Kindness Campaign founder Andra Liemandt has long known the origin story of TKC’s mascot, Enoughie Buddy – she created it! Now, she’s sharing the magic in her debut children’s book where readers learn how Enoughie Buddy became who he is today. The book is available on its own, or as a bundle with an Enoughie Buddy plush toy and/or antennae.
https://www.tkckindness.org/book
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Parker + Scott, Curating a Greener Shopping Experience
Jess and Ian Haisley opened Parker + Scott in July 2022 to create a curated shopping option of products that are better for you and better for the planet.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME PARKER + SCOTT?
The name Parker + Scott is inspired by our two boys, who are stepbrothers, sharing the same first name (Ayden and Aiden). We wanted a name that reflects our family and the close-knit, community-oriented spirit of our store. After we came up with the name, we had a daughter. One day she’ll probably ask why her name isn’t included, so we might need to open another shop named after her!
WHAT LED YOU TO START THE STORE?
The inspiration came from a trip we took to Brighton, England, in 2016. We fell in love with a shop there that was nothing like what we built, but it sparked our own conversations. We have retail backgrounds and we’ve always wanted to create something of our own. Plus, we care deeply about leaving the world a better place for our kids. By helping our community make greener and more
sustainable choices, we believe we can make a small but meaningful impact. We started Parker + Scott to bring a comfortable and curated shopping experience to our Austin neighborhood, where we live and raise our three kids. We wanted to create a store that not only serves the community but is also a part of it, focusing on sustainability and supporting local brands.
I
LOVE HOW SUPPORTIVE YOU
ARE
BRANDS!
OF TEXAS AND WOMEN-OWNED
HOW DO YOU SOURCE MOST OF THE THINGS YOU CARRY?
We focus on sourcing products that are made in Austin and throughout Texas. Supporting women-owned brands and small businesses is a top priority for us. In the year leading up to our opening, we visited numerous markets to meet makers and build strong relationships. Referrals from these makers have been invaluable, allowing us to grow with trusted partners. We’ve also spent countless hours online, scouring the web and Instagram for Texasbased makers and brands. If we can’t find what we need locally, we expand our search to the rest of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and ultimately Europe. Our goal is to offer products that are better for the earth without drastically changing your lifestyle to shop greener.
HOW HAVE YOU PIVOTED, IF YOU HAVE?
While our core values have remained the same, we have continuously adapted to better meet the needs of our customers. Early on, we realized that adding better-foryou snacks alongside our other products helped parents provide healthier options for their kids. This adjustment has been incredibly successful, and our snack selection is now one of our favorite aspects of the shop.
WHAT’S A LONG-TERM GOAL?
We hope to open more stores in Texas to bring sustainable shopping to more communities. Our goal is to make eco-friendly and locally sourced products accessible to as many people as possible, helping to create a greener future for all Texans.
WHAT KIND OF BRANDS/PRODUCTS ARE IN THE REFILL BAR?
Our refill bar features a wide range of eco-friendly home cleaning supplies and personal care products. This includes dish soap, laundry soap, hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, dishwasher tabs, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and more, all from sustainable brands.
JESS AND IAN HAISLEY
IS THE REFILL BAR POPULAR?
Yes, the refill bar has been very popular with our customers. They appreciate the convenience and the opportunity to reduce single-use plastic waste. We see customers come back time and time again to refill the same containers, which is a testament to the success of this initiative. It’s working – together, we’re helping to keep trash out of the ground. Every little bit helps, and our community’s commitment to sustainable practices is truly making a difference.
ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
We are incredibly grateful for the support from our customers and community. At Parker + Scott, we feel fortunate not just to be located in the community but to have been embraced as a part of it. This connection with our customers is deeply important to us, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward.
2113 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757 https://parkerandscott.com/
Creating brighter futures, one student at a time.
Where passionate educators meet ambitious dreamers, from our Consultants to our Team Leads and our entire Cram Crew family.
We’re dedicated to helping students achieve their biggest goals.
www.cramcrew.com
8705 Shoal Creek Blvd #200 Austin, TX 78757 512.297.2001
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL
Fashionable Gifts for the Whole Family
Kids Holiday Pajamas
Tis’ the season for fun, festive pajamas. We love the soft, comfy PJs in cute print sPJs from Chaser and have several in stock to choose from.
Men’s Cardigan
A versatile cardigan is a great layering piece, offering both comfort and style. It’s a wardrobe staple that’s perfect for casual or semi-formal occasions.
A bold and colorful scarf is an accessory that adds personality to any outfit. Fashionable and functional, a fun scarf can elevate and add that pop of color to any outfit.
Holiday Party Dress
Every woman needs a great holiday party dress. Make the ‘what to wear’ question easier for her with this thoughtful gift that will have her counting down the days to wear it New Year’s Eve.
Show you care with a bit of sparkle. A diamond necklace is always a winner. This diamond spike necklace is a great way to add an edge to a timeless piece.
Vibrant Scarf
Diamond Necklace
WE LOVE BOUGIE BAKERIE KANDLES
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
It was love at first sight when this author discovered Boughie Bakerie Kandles at the Spring Pecan Street Festival – first entranced by the sweet aromas coming from the booth, and sold seeing the artistry of the candles.
Krystal Nichols, the owner and creator of Bougie Bakerie Kandles says, “I believe a candle should be more than just a flicker of light—it should be a sensory experience. Inspired by my passion for baking and fragrance, I set out to craft candles that capture the essence of your favorite sweet treats, transforming any space into a cozy haven.”
She adds, “Whether it’s the nostalgia of warm vanilla caramel or the excitement of seasonal favorites like pumpkin spiced latte or pumpkin donut shop, each scent invites you to relax, indulge, and savor life’s little luxuries. At Bougie Bakerie Kandles, we believe in celebrating the sweet moments, one candle at a time.
“Each candle is carefully curated with premium ingredients to ensure a long-lasting burn, delivering more than just fragrance—it’s about turning life’s sweetest moments into everyday luxuries, all from right here in Round Rock, Texas.” https://bougiebakeriekandles.com/
Each Christmas season, City Lifestyle gifts a significant amount to those who could use a little extra support. But we need your help to find them. Do you know someone facing tough times? Your nomination could make all the difference.
Scan below to nominate.
A Creative Approach To The Luxury Market
Unlock exclusive opportunities when you combine the power of Christie’s International Real Estate with the global reach of Christie’s Auction House. Ensure your next transaction is Artfully Aligned.
Local Gift Ideas Holiday 10
Locally-sourced ideas for everyone on your list
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
1. WILLIAM CHRIS VINEYARDS WINEMAKER’S PACKAGE This trio from Texas Hill Country’s best-known vineyard is proof that Texas makes great wines. For an exceptionally special gift, there are a limited number of entire barrels of wine available. https://williamchriswines.com
2. THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL MINT ROLLER
Tap into the power of cold therapy with the most compact, charming, bite-sized ice roller to keep the face tight, save time, and get double the pleasure with an ice rolling side and contouring side. https://shopskinnyconfidential.com
3. KELSEY LEIGH FLOATING DIAMOND NECKLACE
This gift, drilled diamonds suspended from a faceted 18K adjustable bolo chain, will have any recipient floating with joy. It makes a statement on its own or is the perfect layering piece. https://shopkelseyleigh.com/
4. CITY BOOTS: Cowgirl chic is in style every day in Austin and there isn’t a lady who wouldn’t feel good as gold walking around in City Boots 24/7 ankle boot. Check out this Texas-based brand IRL at 3700 1/2 Kerbey Lane. https://cityboots.com
5. INNATE BEAUTY GIFT CARD: Whether the recipient is a novice or veteran to cosmetic medicine, they’re in excellent hands with Dr. Shirat Ling, a board-certified family physician and master at face artistry, rolling back the clock on her patients with a natural touch. https://innatebeauty.com/
6. FERRARI TRENTO: F1 fans can create their own winning moments like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton with this limited-edition replica of the sparkling wine featured on the Formula 1 podium– and available at H-E-B!
7. AUSTINDEEP MASSAGE: Jessica Price opened the first AustinDEEP in Austin more than two decades ago and has perfected the deep tissue massage. A few weeks ago she opened her third location, making her sought-after treatment even more accessible. https://austindeep.com/
8. SUITE FOR CONCERT AT MOODY CENTER
Create a core memory for a special person in your life by buying them a suite to see their favorite musical act with friends and VIP treatment. Secure a suite under the Premium Experience tab at https://moodycenteratx.com/
9. JOY GIFT SHOPPE: From puzzles to rugs, books, cards and clothing, this cute new shop on Kerbey Lane has fun, usually locally-sourced items for everyone on your list. https://joygiftshoppe.com
10. COLORING ATX PAINTING: ColoringATX, aka Avery Price, paints Austin in watercolor. She sells work that includes both iconic and new places around Austin and also offers custom paintings. https://coloringaustin.com
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Biddy Up FEMALE AUCTION BOUTIQUE
CARRIE
FRUGE, ONE HALF OF THE SIREN SISTERS AUCTIONEERS SINCE 2017, HAS GONE SOLO
How did you become an auctioneer?
My sister originally came up with the idea. Together we attended auctioneering school for 80 hours of classes, took the official licensing exam and became professionally licensed auctioneers. I can sell a wide range of items, from livestock to cars, but my true passion lies in giving back to our community.
Why did you go solo?
It was time to adapt to the changing demands of life.
Tell us about BiddyUp?
BiddyUp was launched in August with a fresh focus as a woman-owned auction boutique aimed at revolutionizing charity fundraisers in an inclusive manner. Women are typically underrepresented in auctioneering. According to a 2022 blog post by
“I love being endlessly inspired by non-profits blazing new trails and giving back to the Austin community. It’s like having a front-row seat to everything right in the world.” - Carrie on what she loves about being an auctioneer
the National Auctioneers Association, only 15% of its membership is female.
From my perspective, being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field offers several advantages:
Breaking Stereotypes: My presence challenges the traditional image of leadership in highstakes auctions.
Approachability: I bring a natural sense of empathy, making it easier to relate to a wide range of audiences.
Creating a Modern Positive Example: I aim to demonstrate that women can command attention through confidence and grace rather than dominance.
Have you ever bid on or bought any of the auction packages?
It’s always tempting because the auction packages are so exclusive, stunning, and creative. Once, early in my career, a friend and I split a trip to New York City to attend Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. We had a great time!
How do you prep for an event?
Before each auction, a critical component is learning about the charity. Understanding the mission, the impact and testimonials really empowers me to move our audience to one collective goal.
Plus, the stage is magical with the energy & fun themes. For most of my auctions, I dress to the theme. So, I’ve graced the stage in everything from 1920’s flapper styles to 80’s spandex.
Is being an auctioneer your full-time job?
I’m truly passionate about becoming a full-time auctioneer! However, I currently work in tech. I have a degree in Computer Science and am grateful to be part of a cybersecurity software company.
Learn more at https://www.biddyup.co/
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
Unhoused Austinites Making Beautiful Art
Non-profit Art from the Streets empowers people by providing free art supplies and studio space ARTICLE AND
Given the right tools, support and a safe space, it’s amazing what people can create. Art from the Streets is an Austin-based non-profit doing just that for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The year-round program culminates with an annual show (this year was the 32nd!) but people can visit the studio space on the first Saturday of each month to see and have the option to buy work by some of the artists.
This year’s show had an amazing display of talent that left a lasting impression on this writer, from Hugh Miles magnificent elephants (and passion), Jameson Behrens ability to capture beautiful mountainscapes to Cathy Haynes prolific portfolio of cats, dogs and mixed media flowers to the Austin cityscapes and more by David Dominguez.
You can check out prints for sale and learn more about the artists and organization on @artfromthestreetsaustin on Instagram or artfromthestreets.org
JENNIFER BIRN
Hugh Miles
Jameson Behrens
by Cathy Haynes
