Meet the Bossticks
MOLDING
photo credit: Megan Bucknall
The Thankful Issue
I’m always thankful when this season comes around – the fall fashion with its leather and layers, the cooling weather and the holiday parties with friends, family and community.
It’s a busy time of year, one where we often need to consciously take a step back, take a breath and reflect on all the good things we have in our life. It’s a time to, as our cover girl Lauryn Bosstick says and I often repeat during my daily workouts – reframe I ‘have’ to do into I ‘get’ to do. It makes a difference.
Lauryn is full of advice you can incorporate into your own life, from mouth tape (which she repeatedly says has been life-changing, in the best way), to face rolling, reading and always learning and leveling up. She had so many great tips we saved the beauty advice to share in our January wellness issue. In this one, that accompanies a photo shoot shot at The Commodore Perry Estate, you’ll also read about her love story with Dear Media owner Michael Bosstick – who she met when she was 12-years-old! – and why they chose to make Austin their base of operations.
We also talk to the owners of Tacodeli who are celebrating 25 years in business making fresh food, we talk to AustinDEEP owner Jessica Price (who opens her third location this month, her 22nd year in business) about why a deep massage like the one she’s mastered is good for you both mentally and physically and The Road founder Brooke Taylor pens a guest column on ways to feel gratitude when you’re having trouble tapping into flow.
There’s all that and more packed in this month’s pages. I hope you enjoy! Cheers,
JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR
PS: November 13 is World Kindness Day. Check out The Kindness Campaign’s website to see what they’re doing and how you can help spread kindness with them. We’d love to see how your giving back during this especially philanthropic time of year. Tag us in photos on @austinlifestylemagazine and we’ll share some ways you suggest people get involved with giving back!
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Brooke Taylor, Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Brittany Dawn Short
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
TRONA’S
COCKTAIL Melona
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
You can try to recreate the recipe yourself… but it may be easier to make a reservation and get the password to this Oaxaca/Japanese boutique-style cocktail bar.
MELONA RECIPE:
• 1.5oz Daiyame 25 Shochu
• .75oz Tamarind-infused Ancho Reyes
Chile Liqueur
• .5oz Cantaloupe Cordial
• scant .25oz Three Pepper Agave Reduction
• 1oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Combine ingredients in a shaking tin. Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Double strain through a fine strainer into a coupe glass. Garnish with a speared tamarind fruit leather.
Trona: 1812 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
Make a reservation at (512) 999-7961 or resy.com
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Thankful for Lewis & LeRoy
They scratched the 7-year itch and now have a bigger space with more to love
They sunset their acclaimed food truck where barbecue fans had been cueing up for hours since 2017, but Lewis & LeRoy’s first brick-and-mortar is thriving in South Austin. Helmed by Evan and Lindsey LeRoy and Sawyer and Nathan Lewis, the concept builds on the foundation that its food truck created with additional space for beer and wine, packaged barbecue goods, merch and more.
Staying true to pitmaster/co-owner/Chef Evan’s dedication to responsible sourcing from Texas ranches, the restaurant continues to focus on butchery and whole animal utilization. He says, “The menu aims to push the boundaries of barbecue as a method, introducing old-school cuts like chuck steak and flatiron in new-school ways.” The expanded menu includes starters & sharables, handhelds as well as additional sides and desserts.
Located at 5621 Emerald Forest Drive Find them on Instagram @LeRoyandLewis or www.leroyandlewisbbq.com
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
MEET THE BOSSTICKS
The entrepreneurial grade-school sweethearts on their lasting relationship, rituals, routines, building businesses, Austin & more
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY BRITTANY DAWN SHORT
Lauryn and Michael Bosstick work hard and selfcare harder. They’re both entrepreneurs and CEOs, creating separately – Lauryn with The Skinny Confidential blog, book, podcast and products, Michael with the podcast network Dear Media, which hosts over 70 primarily female-facing podcasts. Together, they co-host popular podcast Him and Her. They met as kids in California and now live in Austin with their two children, Zaza, 4 and Townes, 2.
The Bossticks are voracious learners adept at implementing much of what they learn into their lives, and interested people are often interesting, so our conversation was much more extensive than could fit in these pages. Below is an introduction, check out their podcast and follow them on social media for more.
WHAT LED YOU TO MOVE TO AUSTIN?
Lauryn: We were after a more serene, tranquil lifestyle. After having our first baby, we decided to do an overhaul of our life and health. Moving to Austin helped us set these new goals in motion, and it was the BEST decision.
We wanted to create a sanctuary and have more outside activities for our kids. Austin has a high vibration where we could focus on being well. Once we moved we built a custom show studio for our podcast and got back to the simpler things in life.
YOU SEEM EXTRAORDINARILY DISCIPLINED, WITH BOTH WORK AND SELF-CARE, HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN THAT WAY?
Lauryn: In my head there’s a method to my madness and I thrive on organized chaos. If I could relate to one Disney character it would be Merlin in The Sword and the Stone when all the potions and lotions are exploding and there’s stuff everywhere, but there’s a method to what he’s doing. That’s me to a tee. There’s a very relaxed side of me in my personal life, but when it comes to work and wellness I am like a blood-hound and super disciplined. Execution is my favorite word, I thrive while executing. The discipline is like a brick house. I lay the foundation with our businesses, then add layers with fitness and weightlifting, hot/cold therapy,
drinking electrolytes every morning, reading, setting boundaries with my phone and it all kind of ties in together.
Every single minute of my life is examined and I take inventory to see where I can be better. I don’t always get it right, but discipline is really important in the recipe for success.
Michael: I’ve always been disciplined with things I’m interested in and a complete disaster with things that don’t catch my interest. If I believe something is important, I will apply extreme discipline, but if it’s something I don’t find interesting I can be undisciplined. Luckily, I find the line of work I am in and self-care to be very interesting.
WERE YOU ENTREPRENEURIAL AS A CHILD?
Lauryn: Yes, incredibly. The word was not what it is now, so it was very confusing to a lot of my teachers when I was younger. I wish there were classes geared toward entrepreneurs. I would’ve loved to have had a business fair where I could’ve shared goods and made my own custom store.
Creating things from scratch is something I’ve always loved. From lemonade stands to embroidery stands, I’d get my Dad to go to Home Depot so I could build my own shops and I’d always sell more than lemonade and bracelets. I’d decorate and merchandise my stands to always upsell my customers. My parents were both entrepreneurial. They let me try anything I wanted to pursue. Looking back on it, every single thing led to this life as an entrepreneur.
DO YOU HAVE A GRATITUDE PRACTICE?
Lauryn: Every day before I start work I write in my planner to set the tone of the day. I used to do this on a sheet of paper until the team and I created our own The Skinny Confidential planner with specific prompts. From the music and podcast you’re listening to, to the intention of the day, to goals and to-dos it has a space for every little detail of your day - one of which is gratefuls. I write down three things I’m grateful for and it can be super small and specific or something big. This very much helps the brain shift to what you ‘have’ opposed to what you ‘have not.’
Another thing that’s been really helpful for me is waking up and instantly thinking of things I ‘get’ to do.
CONTINUED >
It’s so common to wake up and dread the tasks ahead of us, but trying to reframe it from what you ‘have’ to do, to what you ‘get’ to do, has been really helpful.
Michael: I thank God every day for my health, wife, children, and family. I think how lucky I am to have all of them in my life and I remind myself every day that they are the most important thing. We spend so much time worrying and stressing over the stuff that doesn’t matter. I always try to put into context the stuff that does. You can always build another business, or earn another buck, but the other things are irreplaceable.
HOW DID YOU MEET AND END UP TOGETHER?
Lauryn: We met when we were 12 on the playground at school. He and I ‘dated’ from 12 to 15 and we had a very intense connection at a young age. I can’t explain it. It was a very mature connection for two people who were so young. We broke up and dated other people but we always stayed friends. We just had an intense chemistry from the second we met.
We got back together toward the end of college and once that happened, we were inseparable. We really like being around each other and don’t spend much time apart. He’s someone I’m in a comfortable silence with all the time.
We love to read, we love business, we love to constantly evolve. As a friend, Michael is a person who is always evolving and it’s easy to be friends with someone like that because through every season he’s constantly pushing himself to be better, so he never really flatlines. He’s always expanding his knowledge and I like that in a friend. I just love his brain so much.
He’s smart, clever, crafty and he’s scrappy, resourceful and well-read. I’ll always remember when we first started dating and went to sushi for a date night. He started talking about the history of salt because he’d read a book about how salt was one of the world’s first currencies. He told me this whole history and there was so much depth to his explanation. I thought ‘Wow, this guy is so interesting AND THIS IS WHO I NEED TO MARRY!”
DO YOU HAVE ANY RULES YOU THINK HELP CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP?
Lauryn: After you’re with someone for so long you know them so well, that there’s this certain finesse you need to have. You know what makes them tick, you know what calms them down, and you know how to push their buttons. Don’t push the buttons. Ha!
It’s important to each have your own things going on but have the same common goal. Michael and I have monthly check-ins where we make sure we’re on track and want the same things for the year, month, even week ahead. Michael and I also recover very quickly after a fight and don’t let it linger. We never let resentment build.
Lauryn has an elaborate beauty routine that includes many tools she created herself - including this The Skinny
Confidential Le Spoon Body Sculptor
Our relationship isn’t perfect- we totally get on each other’s nerves like every couple. However, navigating the show together has been crazy and like 800 hours of therapy. We get to hear each other’s thoughts, but also outside perspectives.
Michael also lets me be 100% myself which is something that I need. My past relationships failed because I was always being put in a box and Michael lets me roam free and be me. That’s a big part of a relationship.
Michael: Trust, we trust each other. We know we are working on building a life together and that we are pushing the same boulder up the same hill. We spend a ton of time talking about what we want specifically, down to the minor details, to make sure we are aligned. We spend time making sure we do. We put our family first above our ventures or platforms. And we’re best friends. If you can find a partner who is your best friend first a lot can grow from there.
THE HIM & HER SHOW STARTED IN 2017. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT PODCASTING?
Lauryn: The art of being able to mold the conversation in a way that benefits the audience. Having conversations with range, making people laugh and making people question their opinions.
EVERYTHING YOU BOTH DO SEEMS TO SUCCEED IN SPADES – WHICH I DON’T THINK IS LUCK. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE RECIPE FOR YOUR SUCCESS?
Lauryn: That’s very sweet to say but it’s not entirely the case. There have been a lot of things that have not gone how I wanted them to over the years. That’s part of the gig though. You throw yourself out there, pivot, evolve and grow.
With the product line, I’ve had 13 years of talking to the audience every day, so the products we launch are very thought out. There is a lot of collaboration with the community, they’re instrumental in the brand’s success.
With the show, we didn’t make a dime for 3 years. But we showed up every week, 2 or 3 times a week, and kept going even when it felt like we weren’t progressing the way we wanted to. We also have an incredible team. People are there to work and that’s a big part of the recipe.
Another ingredient to our success is that we are purposeful with time. I’m constantly learning and being curious about things that could make me and my business better. Every day I try to consume information to level up. Right now I’m reading Blockbusters: Hit-making, Risk-taking and the Big Business of Entertainment by iconic Harvard professor, Anita Elberse.
HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A MOTHER YOURSELF?
Lauryn: Completely. I’m an absolute savage with my time. Commiting to things has to be worth being away from my kids for, so I say no a lot and I’m constantly learning the art of presence. My home life is very simple and it’s important for me to maintain that. My kids don’t care what I do for work, and it’s humbling and refreshing. When I’m with them, everything is about them.
I’ve also taken a step back in a lot of ways and let my team do their jobs. Going from a team of one to a team of 20 is a shift, so I’ve taken my hand out of a lot of cookie jars, so to speak.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT LIFE IN AUSTIN?
Lauryn: I find Austin to be calming and grounding. It has such a nice energy and there’s not a lot of chaos. It’s the perfect spot to travel from too, right in the middle!
Michael: We love that it’s a capital city with small-town vibes. We love nature and the ability to get outside and be active. We love the food. We have yet to have a bad meal here. The people are great and welcoming. It’s calm and peaceful with a community of people who also want to get stuff done. We love that our children are safe here and that they can play outside regularly. We have also fallen in love with the time zone. On the West Coast we always felt behind.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THANKSGIVING?
Michael: This year we’re going to visit family in San Diego. We grew up there and haven’t been back for Thanksgiving for three years. My mom misses her grandkids, if we don’t go visit this year, I’ll be in trouble.
QUICK FIRE
IF TRAPPED ON A DESERT ISLAND YOU’D BRING THESE 5 THINGS:
Lauryn: Mouth tape (it’s changed my life), Mold-free coffee (and raw milk), Kindle loaded with all my favorite books, The Skinny Confidential Caffeinated SPF and travel roller and Lineage Provisions meat sticks- 60 grams of protein and full of organs like liver, which is such an underrated beauty hack.
Michael: Kindle, a rifle, a water filter, a solar charger and a satellite phone with built in GPS.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER?
Lauryn: To learn quicker would be cool, and to freeze time.
Michael: Teleportation, to save time.
I’D STILL LIKE TO…
Lauryn: Write more books, create more fresh products, host more live events to meet the community, interview compelling guests for the show, and spend more time being present with my family.
Michael: Travel to Japan and spend some time wandering around with no real plan.
YOUR HAPPY PLACE?
Lauryn: In my sauna, walking in nature with my kids, margaritas on the boat with my husband, interviewing, and creating new, innovative products.
Michael: Anywhere with my children and wife.
FAVORITE BOOK?
Lauryn: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. And I just finished The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne and I loved it. Currently reading Lucille Ball’s autobiography and it’s fascinating.
Michael: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. For fans… my son’s middle name is Call.
BEST ADVICE RECEIVED?
Lauryn: “Your opinion of yourself becomes your reality. If you have all these doubts, then no one will believe in you and everything will go wrong. If you think the opposite, the opposite will happen, it’s that simple.” - said by 50 Cent to author Robert Green in The 50th Law
Michael: Find the right girl and the rest will work out well. Pick the wrong one and your problems will exponentially grow.
W AYSTOEXPERI ENCEGRATITUD
In Chinese medicine, there is an inseparable link between body and mind. Each organ is host to its own emotions and how we experience them. With spiritual and mental proclivities - the liver is linked with anger or irritability, the kidneys with fear, the lungs with grief, the heart with joy, and so on. When harmonized, we’re able to experience emotions, transmute them, and regain balance. This doesn’t mean we’ll not be sad, have grief, or get angry, the key is to have the emotions move through. This is reflected in a key mantra from Chinese medicine - where there is flow, there is no dis-ease. If emotions become stuck, we have stagnation in associated organ systems and experience the ensuing effects on our health and well-being.
The easiest way to reach this state of flow is to get unstuck by consciously focusing on gratitude, shifting our perspective, filling a gap where perhaps we feel lack or fear and release dis-ease. Tapping into gratitude often involves taking a pen to paper or taking a walk in nature. Studies note we feel better with this regular practice.
The Road founder Brooke Taylor shares a path to tapping into flow & the glow of gratitude – even when it feels distant
ARTICLE BY BROOKE TAYLOR
In alignment with Chinese medicine philosophies, my friend and mentor Rick Carson, author of Taming Your Gremlin®, notes gratitude is not an attitude (he is not a fan of platitudes, they don’t always work), rather, we should seek the experience of gratitude, how it feels at a cellular level, in the center of your chest, your heart chakra. This requires opening your heart and realizing what is available to you.
One of the ‘Vital Substances’ in Chinese Medicine is called ‘Shen’. Shen represents our deepest self-awareness, lives in the heart, and is reflected in the vibrance in the eyes. When we experience gratitude, we are deeply appreciating that we are here, that we have this body, this life, to experience the sunset, the breeze, the grass under our feet, the smell of flowers or the comfort of a pet or loved one. It’s being grateful for what’s present before us in the moment.
Chinese medicine as a practice has so many tools to help those feeling stuck and unable to shift their emotions when feeling grateful might feel out of reach. We can transform stagnation through movement practices like Tai Chi or Qi Gong, custom herbal remedies, guided stretching for meridians, esoteric acupuncture patterns, and more, all of which we offer and see work their magic at The Road. We assist in returning harmony to the affected organ systems so you can find the space to breathe deeply and fully experience moments of gratitude.
Find Brooke at The Road at https://www. thisistheroad.com/ 4130 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 111, Austin, TX 78759
THANK YOUR BODY
Benefits of a real deep tissue massage, from Jessica Price, the masseuse who’s perfected it
Jessica Price opened her first AUSTINDEEP in 2002 at 25-years-old. Ever since the innovative entrepreneur has been helping people feel better and live deeper, more fulfilling lives day in and day out. Her brand of deep massage is so popular she opened a school, DEEPACADEMY, to specifically teach it. Now, she’s adding to locations downtown and in Tarrytown, with a third location opening this month, just down the street from The Barton Creek Country Club. We know our bodies thank us for the relaxation we get from massages, but we reached out to Jessica for additional benefits of a deep tissue massage, done right.
1. Releases Deep Tension and Stress
At AUSTINDEEP, we meet you where your fascia is, helping release built-up tension and stress. This results in a deeper sense of relaxation, allowing your body to reset and restore balance.
2. Get Unstuck and Move Freely
Our therapeutic approach works with your fascia to melt away tension, improve circulation, and get movement flowing again. You’ll feel lighter, more energized, and free to move with ease.
3. Improved Mind/Body Connection
By working through deep layers of fascia, there’s improved body awareness. You’ll move smarter, feel more aligned, and let go of stress like never before.
4. Feel Better & Move Better
A fascia-focused technique reduces inflammation, relieves chronic stiffness, and eases joint pain. It’s not just about momentary relief, but long-lasting wellness—what we call DEEP. Done Right.
5. Detox, Reset, and Recharge
Our method stimulates lymphatic drainage, promoting natural detoxification and leaving you refreshed. It’s whole-body renewal.
6. Unlocks Your Inner Calm
Activates the vagus nerve, enhancing your body’s ability to handle stress. You’ll feel more grounded, resilient and ready to face life with calm and clarity.
7. Recover Faster, Perform Better
Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to move better deep tissue massage helps speed recovery and boosts flexibility. You’ll feel stronger and more agile.
Find the AUSTINDEEP location closest to you at https:// austindeep.com/
Tacodeli Celebrates 25 Years
We chat with the owners of the Austin-born Tacodeli on the milestone anniversary
Founder and chef Roberto Espinosa opened the first Tacodeli on Spyglass Drive on November 8, 1999. In 2000, fellow University of Texas graduate Eric Wilkerson joined as a co-founder. Today, they have 14 locations across their home city of Austin, Dallas, and Houston, their latest a standalone Tacodeli on South Lamar.
Eric: Whatever side of the counter you’re on - our staff and our guests have both made the past 25 years what it is. I’m also proud of our sourcing and the emergence of farm-to-table relationships with farmers and ranchers that have come from our intention behind that.
Since day one everything at Tacodeli has been made from scratch and you still won’t find a fryer in their kitchen. And, while they have long-term plans to perhaps one day expand nationally, they say for now, they’re trying to make the Texas location the best they can be. Here’s more from Roberto and Eric reflecting on the last couple of decades evolution with a nod to the future.
CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YEARS! WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN THE LAST 25 YEARS?
Roberto: It’s such a great community that we’ve built, not only within our restaurants and our teams, but also within the cities that we have Tacodelis.
WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES TACODELI HAS FACED OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS?
Roberto: That’s an easy one. The pandemic. We’re still in the midst of challenging times because of the effects of that. The dynamic between the consumer and restaurants has changed to a large degree. We now have a much better online ordering experience, and we’ve worked hard on improving the overall guest experience as well. We expanded our operating hours and added our daily specials back on the menu. We’re proud that we’ve been able to evolve in many ways.
We're so thankful to serve in the communities we’re in for as long as we have - Roberto “
Eric and Roberto
Roberto at the original location
Tacodeli co-owners Roberto Espinosa and Eric Wilkerson
The original Tacodeli
HOW ARE TACODELI’S RETAIL SALSAS AND QUESOS DOING?
Roberto: We’re in several retail stores, including nationwide in Whole Foods. Whole Foods was the first big retailer to take a chance on us several years ago, they gave us an opportunity to package our salsas and grow from there. We’re also in HEBs across Texas and launching in Kroger stores across Texas early next year, with more coming soon. We’re seeing the packaged goods sector of the business grow and it’s really exciting, we’re continuing to put more attention into it and it’s been a great adventure.
IS EVERYTHING AT TACODELI STILL MADE FROM SCRATCH?
Roberto: F yeah! Since day one, and we are so proud of that commitment! We’re very strong believers of doing everything from scratch and we’ll never compromise that. It’s a pride thing but it’s also a quality thing.
Eric: We eat Tacodeli every day unless we’re out of town, seriously! Even after 25 years, it’s food that I crave.
HOW OFTEN ARE YOU IN A TACODELI DAY-TO-DAY?
Roberto: At least five days a week, maybe more.
Eric: You can take the guy out of the restaurant, but you can’t take the restaurant out of the guy. It’s in our DNA, old habits die hard. We love seeing our regulars that have become friends over the years, it’s like having our own Cheers neighborhood spot.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS A TACODELI TACO APART?
Roberto: We started in Austin in 1999 out of a desire to do something cool and fun, and we were able to evolve based on being born out of true passion.
Eric: There’s risk of sounding cliche, but a lot of the feedback we get from the guests is that you can’t find food like this. It’s unique, approachable, and we did it from our heart. To quote Jerry Garcia: “You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only one who does what you do.”
ANY ADVICE FOR A RESTAURANTEUR JUST STARTING OUT?
Roberto: Stay true to yourself. No lie, it’s a lot of work and sacrifice. So be prepared, but it’s worth it.
Eric: Work really, really, really hard. Don’t give up and don’t compromise on your beliefs. You will inevitably hit obstacles. Don’t sacrifice your core values, lead by example, surround yourself with smart, ambitious people. Then get up the next day and do it again.
ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
Eric: One word comes to mind: gratitude. Across the spectrum from team, guests, vendors, partners, farmers, and everyone in-between.
THE REAL ESTATE AGENT HAS A PASSION FOR HISTORIC HOMES
Hannah Allen’s Selling Homes with History
Hannah Allen
“
Everyone loves a good story! And when stories can be traced with photographs and memorabilia, that makes them all the more exciting.
Twelve Rivers real estate agent Hannah Allen grew up in “The Concord House,” a 1924 build in Waco, Texas her parents turned into a bed & breakfast when she was eight-years-old and still own and run it today. In a chat with Austin Lifestyle, she shared, “We also owned the house next door, another historic property, and it was my job to dust everything in both homes on a weekly basis. As a child, I vowed to never live in an old home again, so it’s funny that my career has led me to work in them frequently.”
Hannah’s interest in older and historic buildings grew when she was in middle school. She says, “There was one building in particular that caught my attention in downtown Waco. It was called “The Stratton Building.” At the time it sat vacant and I had dreams of renovating it. It has since been revived. She says people often gravitate towards home with history because “Everyone loves a good story! And when stories can be traced with photographs and memorabilia, that makes them all the more exciting.” And, although she enjoys selling historic homes, she doesn’t stay in the niche exclusively, sharing, “I mainly focus on central Austin and downtown, so that could include anything from a bungalow in Clarksville, a modern high-rise downtown, or a gorgeous new construction home in Zilker.
Her favorite part is the people regardless of the property she’s selling. “I grew up in a family of artists, so naturally I’m attracted to design and architecture. However, the relationships I build with clients are
what makes being a realtor the most interesting. I truly care about everyone I work with, and building long-lasting, deep friendships is always the goal,” she says. And she’s a good friend to have! The Texas native has been in Austin for 15 years. She says, “I’ve seen its landscape, personality, and energy move and morph many times over. I, for one, love the changes being made though, as it all feeds into a more vibrant and interesting growing city and place to live,” adding, “I’m fortunate to have an incredible network here. I love being a connector for people I know. If you’re selling, I have a buyer. If you’re buying, I have a property! And trust that anything else you may need, I also have that in my tool belt!”
One property she’s particularly excited about right now is at 109 E 10th Street (pictured). She says, “It’s truly a one-of-one property. It was built in 1876 by the Wooten family and has stood the test of time as more modern buildings have sprung up all around it. It has so much charm and character.” The 4,914 square foot property was renovated in 1961 and has previously been a doctor’s office, bookstore, architectural firm’s office, law office and personal residence. “If only those walls could talk, I’m sure they’d tell some incredible and interesting stories!”
If you are interested in learning more about the property, you can reach Hannah at hannahallen@ twelveriversreality.com, and you can follow her on Instagram @hannnahtwelvesrivers for listings, buying advice, trends, and more.
Iskra’s SPRINKLE
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANES MEDIA GROUP
Michelle Patisserie
Iskra and her CakeTini
Iskra Lawrence is an illustrious lifestyle influencer (with over 5,500,000 people who follow her on Instagram to see a peak into her life, likes, and dislikes) and an entrepreneur who owns popular bodycare brand Saltair. As of September, when she welcomed daughter Prima with partner Philip Payne, she’s also a mama of two. The couple also share four-year-old son Alpha. Iskra invited Austin Lifestyle inside her baby sprinkle at Lodgewell’s Falling Leaves house just prior to Prima’s arrival and it was a picture perfect party, brought to life with Iskra’s impressive group of girlfriends and several amazing Austin-based vendors.
“Austin has become my home even though I’m from across the pond because I’ve found the most incredible village of women here who uplift me, inspire me and let me know I’m
not alone. This party was so special because it allowed me to get together and celebrate womanhood before I welcome my daughter into the world and I’m honored she has so many incredible role models all around her.“
Iskra is hands-on in everything she does and worked with Sara Roessler of Elaine Events on every detail to create a fun, sweet, intentional and unforgettable soiree where guests saw their favorite photos hand-drawn in real-time by Avery Miller of A Curtis Creations, indulged in make-your-own cakes at a CakeTini Bar, wrote heartfelt messages at a note-writing station from Bao Bei Body, enjoyed an English tea party of tiny sandwiches and pastries from Michelle Patisseri, made their own floral bouquets courtesy of Verbena Florist Design, took photos beneath a balloon arch from Pop and Drop and filled pink Dagne Dover reusable grocery bags with treats to take home including products
from clean fragrance brand Phlur, hair accessories from TELETIES and of course, goodies from Saltair.
YOU CAN CONNECT WITH THE VENDORS TO PLAN YOUR OWN PARTY HERE:
Planning and Design: Elain Events @elaineeventstx
Florals: Verbena Floral design @verbena_floral_design
Venue: Lodgewell @lodgewell Artist: A Curtis Creations @a.curtiscreations
Tea and Pastries: Michelle Patisserie @michellespatisserie
Balloon arch: Pop and Drop @popanddroptx
Paper goods: 26 Pressed @26pressed
Rentals: Monarch Event Rentals @monarcheventatx
Cake bar: CakeTini Bar @ caketinibar.co
Gift bag table
Amber Lee Diamond, Iskra, Juliann Faucette and Lorin Peters
A Curtis Creations
Holiday Looks for the Whole Family
The holiday season is the perfect time to elevate your wardrobe with chic and festive looks for the whole family. For women, a simple chic silhouette dress offers timeless elegance—perfect for any holiday gathering. Pair it with statement jewelry for added fun. Want to stand out even more? Opt for a dazzling sequin dress that brings the right amount of sparkle to the celebration. Men can embrace the season with a classic black velvet blazer—an ideal combination of sophistication and style. Pair it with tailored trousers for a polished holiday look. For kids, it’s all about sparkles and shine! A fun, festive sparkly skirt is sure to make them feel special, perfect for family photos and holiday festivities alike. This season is all about mixing classic elegance with a touch of holiday glam for the entire family. Make yourholiday parties even more fun with these staple holiday pieces.
A little satin and sequins will have you sharply dressed for the season
dip -giving
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
garlic herb feta dip
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
fig & honey brie
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
directions:
Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions:
Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
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NOVEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 3RD
The Contemporary Austin’s Very Rary event
Laguna Gloria: 3809 West 35th Street | 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
The Very ‘Rary is an all-ages annual celebration on the grounds of Laguna Gloria featuring hands-on artmaking activities and immersive experiences with local artists and entertainers. Funds raised by The Very ‘Rary help support the museum’s award-winning K-12 arts education programs, fostering social and emotional learning and cultivating the earliest seeds of a lifelong love of the arts. https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/
NOVEMBER 13TH
World Kindness Day with The Kindness Campaign
Austin | 12:00 PM
The Kindness Campaign is planning to distribute Kindness Boxes and more for World Kindness Day. Check out their website at https://www. tkckindness.org/world-kindnessday to see how you can help if you're interested in getting involved in spreading kindness - on World Kindness Day, or any day!
NOVEMBER 16TH
The Texas Book Festival
Texas Capitol Building: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 | 10:00 AM
The annual literary gestival will feature more than 275 writers across all genres and include marquee names like Matthew McConaughey and Malcolm Gladwell. The State Capitol
and Congress Avenue will once again serve as the backdrop, as the Festival welcomes book lovers from across Texas to celebrate literature through conversations that inspire imagination, empathy, and joy. Learn more at https://texasbookfestival.org/
NOVEMBER 17TH
Mac N' Cheese Festival
Star Hill Ranch: 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd, Bee Cave, TX 78738 | 11:00 AM
Get ready to savor the cheesiest event of the year, with the highly anticipated return of the seventh annual Austin Mac & Grilled Cheese Fest. The day will be filled with imaginative and mouthwatering mac-n-cheese, grilled cheese and sweet treats from over 20 local chefs, food trucks, and eateries. Find more info here: https://www. macncheesetour.com/
NOVEMBER 18TH
Andy Roddick
Foundation Gala
ACL Live at The Moody Theater | 6:00 PM
The gala hosted by Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker features a cocktail reception, live auction, dinner and live performance by Big Boi. The evening celebrates the work of the Andy Roddick Foundation which helps keep kids learning so they can succeed —especially during times when statistics show they’re typically most at risk and falling behind. Learn more at www.andyroddickfoundation.org
Want to be featured?
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AUSTIN
FAVORITE things 5
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
1. MISSION:VIVERE: Emmer & Rye Hospitality partner Tavel Bristol-Joseph lost his brother-in-law Anthony to cancer this year, but his memory lives on in Vivere (meaning ‘to live’ in Italian), the foundation Anthony and his family started to provide support for our military. https:// www.missionvivere.com/
2. THE TRADITION CHEESECAKE: The Upside Down Honey Cheesecake at The Tradition, a new restaurant at the Hyatt Centric serving American cuisine, is like a deconstructed cheesecake – creamy deliciousness surrounded by honeycomb pieces and berries.
3.BELVER ESTHETIC STUDIO: Owner Katya Khayutin is passionate about preventative, non-invasive skincare and getting a facial massage from her during one of their signature facials was nothing short of bliss. https://www.belverstudio.com/
4. OKO: New restaurant in the former location of Ah Sing Den bar serving up Filipino cuisine. Until World Kindness Day November 13, checks can be rounded up to include donations to The Kindness Campaign! https://okoaustin.com/
5. HOUSE OF MARGOT BLAIR: A hospitality brand founded by Carly Blair that encompasses full-service event production, executive concierge services, fabulous florals, curated gifting and more. https://houseofmargotblair.com
Carly Blair, the mastermind behind House of Margot Blair
The cheesecake we may make a tradition
OKO's kitchen is led by Chef Harold Villarosa
Katya, the magical owner and aesthetician at BelVer
Anthony and his family
The holidays shine brightly for some, but not everyone shares in the same warmth. Together, we can make the season brighter for families in need.
To find out how you can help Central Texans in need this Christmas, scan the QR code or visit doingmostgood.org/Angel
