Austin Lifestyle Magazine December/January 2014 by Daniel Ramirez

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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014

FEATURES AUSTIN LIFESTYLE

Susan Sarandon 30 Staff Picks: Holiday Gift Guide 60 Holiday Entertaining austinlifestylemagazine.com

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014

DEPARTMENTS AUSTIN LIFESTYLE

10 LETTER FROM THE TEAM

13 THE A* LIFE The best of everything

Austin has to offer

20 A* STYLE FASHION Holiday Fashion with an Edge 24 TRAVEL 26 GOLF 30 A FEW OF OUR

FAVORITE THINGS

Our Staff's Holiday Gift Guide

34 THE DEAN'S LIST 36 BEAUTY 38 EVENTS 68

39 SOCIAL GRACES 44 SOCIAL REGISTER 50 Q&ATX

Independence Brewing

Company 54 COVER STORY

Susan Sarandon

60 HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING 65 ENCORE

Holly Williams

68 ACCIDENTAL EPICUREAN

Clark's Oyster Bar

71 COSMIC CADENCE

Horoscopes for

December & January

72 KEEP AUSTIN WELL

6 austinlifestylemagazine.com

Your guide to

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I ALWAYS MAKE A RECIPE MY OWN.

LE T T ER F ROM T H E T E A M

T H E

PUBLISHER

B E S T

O F

E V E R Y T H I N G

Shawn K. Lively Hollie Kenney

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

RORY PATRICK MCNEILL, SHAWN LIVELY, NANCY MARR AND HAYDEN WALKER.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US, AND WITH THAT COME THE FESTIVITIES.

Austinites are quick to realize that the holiday season is truly about giving. Whether we are practicing the art of giving through fundraising galas like Dell Children’s Storybook Gala or by hosting friends and family for a celebration feast (thanks for the pointers, Suzanne), the message of the holidays is at the forefront of each and every Austinite. As if our schedules aren’t overbooked enough as it is, all of the events going on around our great city make sleep as impossible for adults as for children with sugarplum dreams. Take advantage of the Trail of Lights at Zilker (December 8-22), “A Christmas Story” at ZACH Theatre (through December 27), the Elf Quote-Along at Alamo Drafthouse, The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin, holiday movies at The Paramount or any of the other items on the list that goes on and on (see what I mean by not sleeping?). The holidays also signal the new year, and with it come new beginnings. We are excited as ALM plans to revamp our blog to give you more content as requested (our first order of business with this is an array of gift guides for everyone in your life). You’ll also notice that, in this issue, we added a music spread titled Encore, paying tribute to our home of the Live Music Capital of the World. We’re also working ahead to stay on top of trends like chopping your hair off or hitting the newest restaurant in town (read: Odd Duck, finally!) or catching up with the timeless beauty Susan Sarandon (but I’ll let you get to that on page 54). We’re also the proud big sister of Austin Foodstyle Magazine, whose first issue launched last fall. Needless to say, change is afoot among us here at ALM. But we’re not the only one making changes. Take a look around the city and you’ll notice the skyline is still changing, even more rapidly than before. With growth, there are always some headaches (like traffic on MoPac or the ever-present construction on I-35), but, with the hope of the new year comes a reason to remember that, in Austin, it is usually more good than bad. We’ve said it before, but it’s never been more true: we at Austin Lifestyle Magazine continuously give thanks that we have the privilege to call Austin home and the opportunity to share the secrets (and some not-so-secrets) of this city. On behalf of the staff,

ART & PRODUCTION Kristen Bramblett WEB DESIGN Stone Slade-Wet Media Designs CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Eric Cudak, Arthur Garcia, Lindsay Lipscomb, Jen Daugherty, Judy Horton, Aimee Wenske, Tania Quintanilla, Laura Wilson, Dionne Hiebert, Brian Fitzsimmons, De An Hoeft, Jack Plunkett, Hannah Moore, Jared Tennant, Daniel Ramirez, Kristen Barlowe and Casey Dunn ART DIRECTOR

SALES & MARKETING Social Communications SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING Mike Kordell BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Billie Biggs, and Hollie Kenney MARKETING/PR

For advertising information, please e-mail info@austinlifestylemagazine.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR info@austinlifestylemagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Email us at subscriptions@austinlifestylemagazine.com or subscribe online at austinlifestylemagazine.com JOB INQUIRIES/INTERNS info@austinlifestylemagazine.com Did you just grab the last copy of ALM? Let us know! info@austinlifestylemagazine.com

I’d like to wish you blissful holidays and a happy new year! Amber Groce, Editor-in-Chief & the ALM Team

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PHOTO CREDIT ERIC CUDAK

MIKE KORDELL, KAYLA ELLIOTT, MARIKA FLATT, HOLLIE KENNEY, MARTHA MORALES, AMBER GROCE, EDITH HENRY,

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amber Groce EDITOR Daniel Ramirez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Emily R. Pellerin FASHION EDITOR Edith Henry TRAVEL EDITOR Marika Flatt BEAUT Y EDITOR Rory Patrick McNeill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Putterman, Steve Habel, Kayla Elliott, Christian Ryan Criswell, Mike Kordell, Steve Dean, Amber Groce, Daniel Ramirez and Kelly Benson KEEP AUSTIN WELL Amber Groce, Christian Ryan Criswell and Lisa Talev INTERNS Camille Garcia, Jennifer Putterman and Christian Ryan Criswell

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THE

*LIFE

Noteworthy happenings, reviews and openings that highlight the best of everything Austin has to offer

Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting Seeks Talent in Austin

PHOTO CREDIT ARTHUR GARCIA OF SELECT STUDIOS

BY KAYLA ELLIOTT With the large number of people flocking to Austin for our awesome tacos, great live music and overall enticing culture, there is sure to be no lack of beautiful and talented folks calling Austin home. It makes complete sense why the Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting opened its newest location in our great city in January 2013. Even if you’re not familiar with Page Parkes, you are sure to be familiar with some of the famous faces the company has developed or represented over the years: Alexis Bledel, Brooke Burns, Angelina Jolie and Channing Tatum, just to name a few. As the second oldest and largest model and talent group in Texas, entrepreneur Page Parkes-Eveleth and Rachel Duran opened Page Parkes Corporation to find, develop and represent top talent. The Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting is a training and development service rather than an agency. It is licensed, approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission and has training centers in both Houston and Austin. Page Parkes Management represents over 400 models and actors for magazines, print advertising, runways and commercials. Page Parkes was born in Denton and then moved to Houston, so her Texas roots run deep. She eventually made her way to the American College of Fashion in Europe. She studied in Switzerland, London and Paris and eventually found herself alongside designer Emilio Pucci in Florence. She then found her way back home to Texas where she worked at Michael St. James, a Houston-based modeling school and agency. Two years later, she joined forces with longtime coworker Rachel Duran to open Page Parkes Corporation. Parkes has become known in the industry for finding rare diamonds in the rough. The development, training and management agency for models and actors searches high and low, making sure to look in unsuspecting places like a small town BBQ restaurant to find the kind of talent they know they can train. She often intentionally scouts isolated towns and low-income schools and grants scholarships to young people who may never have a chance to become trained professionally. Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting in Austin not only finds and develops talent, but offers model Image camps for people who want to update their individual style. From modeling to skin care, interviewing to self-image, Page Parkes works with aspiring models and actors to hone them into the talented, confident people they can be. Parkes recently found success on the E! Network show “Scouted.” The show’s success helped prompt the decision to expand to Austin, which will eventually lead to the company’s expanse across the state. “Scouted”

allowed Texas talents and beauties to be recognized on a national scale. Hopefully there is nothing but huge growth and potential for all the talented folks in and around Austin. And if you find yourself wanting to tap into your currently unseen potential, go to Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting to see if you can be discovered too. Check out Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting on their website pageparkescenter.com. ALM

austinlifestylemagazine.com

THE A * LIFE

The Sessions: Keeping Austin's Music Scene Authentic As Austinites, we pride ourselves on many things, not the least of which is our live music scene. “Live music capital of the world” is a moniker that we wear with pride, as evidenced by our regular patronage of hundreds of music venues and numerous annual festivals and support for our musicians with programs like HAAM and AMF. It all lends itself to an authenticity that can seem lost in other music scenes, where too often it feels like there’s a sense of pretentious form over function. In an industry that is becoming increasingly more corporate, there might not be a better example of the fight to maintain authenticity than The Sessions, an Austin-based production company founded by C.J. Vinson and Lauren Bucherie. Their expressed intent is to not only foster a meaningful connection between artists and audiences, but to expose those audiences to new groups, sounds and musical experiences. Born at an open mic night at the Hideout Coffeehouse in April 2009, The Sessions’ humble beginnings in no way foreshadowed the success they have gone on to achieve. Vinson made his way to Austin by way of New York City, where his passion for music was forged on stage. He wrote and performed live three to four nights a week, which exposed him to countless local artists, and he found himself shocked that so many of these talented performers were, as of yet, undiscovered. “As much as I was into my own music, I found myself completely absorbed with other people's

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writing. There are people out there that are lyrical and musical masters, and nobody even knows who they are.” Vinson made what would be a tough call for any performer: realizing he wouldn’t be the next "big thing," he decided to re-focus his energy on discovering someone who would be. Bucherie hails from Las Vegas, where she caught the music bug at a very young age. While not a performer like Vinson, she was always taken with film scores and soundtracks – impressed by their ability to cultivate and stir emotion. “I loved… how their presence affected me in each scene.” When she found out that being a Music Supervisor in film was a legitimate profession, she knew she had found her calling, and it was that which brought her to Austin. Vinson and Bucherie met through the course of their studies at MediaTech Institute and the rest, as they say, is history. In January 2012, The Sessions joined forces with The W Hotel Austin to create Living Room Live, a series of intimate performances held the last Sunday of each month. Staged in the cozy confines of the Living Room Lounge, the performances match the space, and they both align perfectly with the idea that live shows aren’t just to be seen and heard, they’re to be experienced. The series is coming up on its twoyear anniversary and has been such a success that The Sessions have been tapped to produce shows for several other W Hotels around the country, as well as booking talent for The W

Austin’s New Year’s Eve events. Most recently, Bucherie and Vinson teamed up with C3 to create pre-festival content for ACL 2013, and the final products were impressive. The goal was to give fans a view of the artists as they are offstage, and do so in well-known Austin locations: two-stepping at The Broken Spoke with Delta Rae, casual conversation at Auditorium Shores with Local Natives and hanging at the Baylor Art Wall with Desert Noises. For Austinites, this couldn’t get more relatable. The Sessions also hosted The Factory, which ran Saturday and Sunday alongside ACL. An intimate, Warhol-inspired VIP lounge, The Factory staged interviews and performances by a number of artists from the festival as well as local up-and-comers. To see a band perform to 15,000 screaming fans and then to a room of 100 is, in a word, awesome. You can’t download or stream a live musical experience, and sometimes even a live show can leave you a little unfulfilled. The Sessions are reaffirming the authenticity of production in the Austin music scene, and doing so with a stripped-down, understated style that speaks to their love for the experience. Function over form and substance over style; they’re reminding us of Da Vinci’s famous words, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Keep tabs on everything The Sessions are up to (and check out some of the awesome aforementioned content) at thesessions.com. ALM

PHOTO CREDIT LINDSAY LIPSCOMB

BY MIKE KORDELL

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THE A * LIFE

Odd Duck: Simple, Local and Unexpected The wait is over. But the salivating is just beginning. On December 12, Bryce Gilmoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique creation, Odd Duck, opened its doors to begin serving Austinites his remarkable dishes; undeniably a successful truck to brick-and-mortar story. When the trailer set up shop in 2009, Odd Duck: Farm to Trailer was known for serving fresh, local and seasonal dishes to trailer patrons. The farm-to-table idea has now become a casual, 120-seat restaurant featuring an outdoor patio and a beautiful view, overlooking downtown Austin. Gilmore is confident in his work and the one-of-a-kind plates he presents to the Austin community. The Odd Duck brick-and-mortar restaurant will provide lunch, dinner and late night cooking. Menu offerings will feature hyperlocal, seasonal ingredients prepared by the restaurant's wood-fired oven and grill, the same ones used in the trailer, and an extensive in-house bread program. Frequent patrons of the trailer can

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rejoice since many of the typical dishes served at the trailer will carry over to the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever-evolving menu. Offerings like duck eggs and homestead grits could appear on the menu on Monday alongside gulf shrimp and quail, while Tuesday afternoon the main dish could be boar chili and pork belly sliders. Since the ingredients are freshly purchased from neighborhood farmers each morning, the cuisine changes daily and everyone in the kitchen is flexible and creative. The food served at Odd Duck has often been compared to meals delivered by fivestar restaurants, but at half the price. Odd Duck prides itself on simple meals packed with natural, fresh flavor. Bryce insists he does not want to overpower the meat, veggies or cheeses with strong spices since they will already have that smoky taste from the grill. (Cue mouth-watering temptations.) What new ideas can be expected at the restaurant compared to the trailer? Bryce plans on creating two new atmospheres

at the restaurant: late-night and familystyle munching. The infamous pork belly sliders will be offered as usual, but will be one of many menu items that you can eat at two in the afternoon and at two in the morning. Additional menu options like bar snacks and small plates will be available at the restaurant; however, the focus will move from detail-oriented plating to increased attention on flavors and technique. Family-style portions, like large platters, are an easy option to prepare when working out of a restaurant kitchen, rather than a confining trailer. Bryce has considered offering substantial portions, even so far as a whole pig head or whole fish for large parties to share. Word of advice: if you plan on testing this new menu item, prepare your stomach and invite friends. Fly by the new brick-and-mortar this holiday season for some of the freshest eats in Austin at 1201 S. Lamar Boulevard or check out its website oddduckaustin. com. ALM

PHOTOS BY JEN DAUGHERTY

BY JENNIFER PUTTERMAN

austinlifestylemagazine.com

THE A * LIFE NEW BIZ BUZZ

PHOTO COURTESY OF RED CHAIR MARKET

Warming Up Your Winter Collection

Say laV BY CHRISTIAN RYAN CRISWELL Say laV, the popular east side food truck is set to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in January simply titled “laV.” Allison Jenkins, a Texas native, will serve as the executive chef for the French and Mediterranean inspired restaurant utilizing fresh and local farm-to-table ingredients. laV will open for dinner service this winter with a rotating seasonal menu featuring classic items and small plates designed for sharing. The space will showcase a wood burning oven and grill, outdoor patio, and a private dining area in the wine cellar for larger parties. Sommelier and Managing Partner Vilma Mazaite will prepare an extensive wine list with enough variety for every taste preference and budget, offering glasses and bottles ranging from $20-$2,000. A full bar will also be available to enjoy during happy hour in the lounge or with dinner. When you are ready to partake in a tasty dessert, try an order of the infamous sweet potato donut holes, which are fried and then tossed in cinnamon and sugar. During the warmer, summer months, the menu will focus on lighter fare. Chef Jenkins hopes to eventually extend service to include lunch and brunch. laV will accommodate reservations but will also have availability on a walkin basis. The anticipated laV will open just south of the current Say laV trailer, at 7th Street and Comal near downtown Austin. Say laV, which has been open since April, will close and relocate in a location to be determined. Follow laV on Facebook: facebook. com/lavaustin and Twitter: @lavaustin for updates and to save the date for the soft opening and grand opening party in 2014.

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Just because football season is coming to a close does not mean you have to hide your favorite burnt orange dress in the back of your closet. Burnt orange, fortunately, is a color that can and should be worn year-round. Longhorn Fashions opened in August 2010 as a trailer to help Longhorn fans show off their school spirit, as well as their sense of fashion. In May, owner Tessie Watson finally found the perfect space for a storefront. “I worked with a commercial real estate agent and we went back and forth with the property management until August,” Tessie said. “I finally received the lease and the key to the space one week before I was hoping to open (a week before kickoff) so it was a mad rush to get it up! We painted the space, built racks, hung decorations, and turned two existing rooms into dressing.” While the trailer held 2 racks of clothes, the store can now hold 5 plus room for accessories. “You can except to see everything that is on LonghornFashions.com in the store, plus more!” Tessie said. “I try to put everything from the store online, but sometimes items sell quickly in the store before I can take images of them. Probably 20-30% of the inventory in the store isn't online for that reason, so visiting the shop is the best way to see the full selection.” Although the hibernation period is upon us, that is no reason to toss aside your burnt orange attire. Show your support for the Longhorns all year round and wear the colors with pride. V i s i t L o n g h o rn Fa s h i o n s o n l i n e at longhornfashions.com or at 715 W. 23rd St. Suite A2, right in the heart of West Campus!

TESSIE WATSON OWNER

Red Chair Market Delivers Unique Pieces to Austin’s Unique Community BY KAYLA ELLIOTT

PHOTO BY AIMEE WENSKE

PHOTO BY JUDY HORTON

BY JENNIFER PUTTERMAN

Austin has its fair share of quirky shops that offer clothing, housewares, music and furniture. But how can you sell your own unique pieces that have been waiting to find a new home? Where can you find that eclectic turquoise blue loveseat you have been searching for? Welcome to Red Chair Market. Red Chair Market is an online community where buyers and sellers can gather to find and sell the pieces they want. The site is designed to bring together people in central Texas, specifically Austin, to pick up pieces in person. Owner Anita Erickson has a passion for making Red Chair Market a community staple in Austin. She interviews designers and spotlights home tours on the website. Red Chair Market is also looking into hosting their own events to bring together people with like minds in quality and affordable design. The site is easy to manage so you can quickly find types of furniture to browse through whether you are looking for sofas, credenzas or even architectural salvage. The site even offers you the option of setting up alerts so you can be notified if something special you are searching for appears on the site. Many of the pieces for sale also have a link for the storefront if the seller has a shop where you can find them or see other pieces. Their website explains itself perfectly: “Like dating sites, we bring potential mates together.” To find the furniture of your dreams today, visit redchairmarket.com. Like Red Chair Market on Facebook at facebook. com/RedChairMarket, follow them on Twitter and Pinterest at @RedChairMarket, and on Instagram at @RedChairMarketATX.

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T R AV EL

British Columbia, Canada

The Fascinating Neighbor to the North IN THE LAST ISSUE, WE VENTURED INTO THE GREAT NORTHWEST, EXPLORING WASHINGTON. IF YOU ARE FEELING ADVENTUROUS AND HAVE MORE TIME, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ADD BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA TO YOUR ITINERARY. THE EASY ROUTE GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS: FLY INTO SEATTLE, GO NORTH TO CROSS THE BORDER INTO CANADA; VISIT VANCOUVER, WHISTLER, VICTORIA; THEN TAKE THE FERRY DOWN TO THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA AND FLY BACK OUT OF SEATTLE.

BC doesn’t have to mean “before children.” You can easily do British Columbia with kids in tow, and the area provides ample culture and natural beauty. The trip is a great opportunity to expose children to another country. Kids 12 and under do not need a passport if you have a birth certificate (anyone over 12 does require a valid passport.)

VANCOUVER The famed cultural city and location of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver is like the sophisticated big sister with class and style. Vancouver has plenty to offer itself, but is also ideally situated for many day trips venturing into other areas of BC. If you use this as your cheat sheet, you will get a taste of the cosmopolitan city, sweeping mountain views, waterfront relaxation and cultural diversity of Vancouver. STAY

Situated just steps away from attractions such as Granville Island and the waterfront area of Vancouver, the Inn at False Creek was designed to provide efficient lodging in the heart of the city. Guestrooms feature exposed brick with separate sleeping areas and fully-equipped kitchens. I chose this lodging option because it offered a fold-out sofa, two double beds and a kitchenette. Because we were staying in Vancouver for three days with a family, the inn provided a nice option for our visit. EAT

Campagnolo's menu, crafted by Executive Chef Robert Belcham, is simple and authentic, inspired by the Piedmont and Emiglia-Romagna regions of Italy. The sommelier’s expertly-chosen wine list focuses entirely on Italian and BC selections, such as 8th Generation from the Okanagan Valley. The beverage list is balanced with a solid selection of beers, such as R&B Ales, a craft brewery in BC. Campagnolo is warm and bustling, featuring cork floors, tables made of

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recycled butcher blocks, and exposed brick walls. The Crispy Ceci is a unique starter-- chickpeas that are fried with mint & citrus. Campagnolo is known for their specialty pizzas, but don’t miss out on their risotto with peas and parmesan reggiano. Raincity Grill has defined Pacific Northwest cuisine, pioneering the concept of the “100-Mile menu” by showcasing the unique ingredients of the local waters. Start off with Canada’s famous poutine (French fries covered in pork belly, cheese curds and brown gravy) and try their entrees of salmon and fish and chips. Pair those with the local R&B Bohemian lager for a filling and memorable dinner. Located in Stanley Park with towering trees in its backyard and the ocean at its front door, The Teahouse Restaurant boasts a complete “West Coast” experience. Chefs use only the freshest local produce, while the scenic surroundings exude a comfortable, contemporary atmosphere. A former military residence, this attractive restaurant serves up more than a cup of tea. Try the Salt and Pepper Squid with lime aioli and the Pacific Roasted Sablefish for a true oceanic experience. PLAY

The Granville Island Market Tour is a must on your trip. Starting at Edible Canada, a restaurant and store highlighting Canadian foods, the tour provides the opportunity to learn about this popular European market. Housing a diverse array of vendors that include butchers, bakers, fishmongers, cheese specialists, chocolatiers and more, the Granville Island Market is known throughout the province as being the spot for chefs to grab the freshest items. With more than 50 permanent vendors and a constantly rotating roster of farmers and culinary artisans, Granville Island is a true cook’s treasure and a browser’s heaven. Granville Island buzzes with life from dawn to dusk. After your Edible Canada tour, sample house-made beer at the Granville Island Brewing Company, then browse the island’s unique shops, like the Kids Market, and enjoy the free splash pad with waterslide. FlyOver Canada recently opened at Vancouver’s iconic Canada Place. The Disney-like attraction incorporates the latest in virtual flight-ride technology for a breathtaking aerial journey. Strapped in your seat and elevated in front of a screen, guests embark on a virtual 4-D experience across Canada. The adventure showcases a mix of seasons, magnificent landscapes and vibrant colors, all enhanced by wind, scents, mist and sound. Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, is a 1,000-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOURISM VICTORIA

BY MARIKA FLATT

T R AV EL

acre outdoor playground situated in downtown Vancouver (their version of Central Park). From giant cedars around playgrounds, to a paved path around the park, there’s something for everyone in this urban oasis. Second Beach is perfect for families, with its heated, fresh-water pool, playground area and picnic shelters. A scenic 1.5-hour day trip from Vancouver is Whistler, the storied snow village that hosted the skiing events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Experience the Peak2Peak gondola that will take you up Whistler Mountain, then across to Blackcomb Mountain and down again. During the summer, you can watch the daring mountain bikers who utilize the trails in the off-season. After you come back down the mountain, walk through the village and enjoy eating (and drinking) at Whistler Brewhouse where you can munch on salmon chowder and salami pizza while enjoying a beer flight of a 5 Rings IPA (Olympic references all over Whistler) and the Alta Lake Ale.

VICTORIA From Vancouver, drive approximately 20 miles south to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, one of many BC Ferries. After you board (check ferry times online and arrive at least 30 minutes early), enjoy a 1.5-hour ferry trip over to Vancouver Island, where you’ll find the coastal community and province capital of Victoria. Victoria is a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. The city offers visitors an escape from the hurried world and brims with ambience. Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada and is green year-round. This, combined with the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and culture of the capital city, makes for a delightful visit. STAY

There’s one extremely special place to stay in Victoria. Rising regally on Victoria's spectacular Inner Harbor, The Fairmont Empress Hotel showcases the spirit and energy of Victoria in grand style. With her castle-esque beauty, The Fairmont Empress captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era. The Empress truly reigns supreme in the heart of the tourist section of Victoria. The front lawn is buzzing with travelers at all hours of the day. The city streets that sprout from the front of the hotel are lined with busy boutiques and the aqua ferry picks up right in front of the hotel to take you to harbor restaurants. EAT

A local legend, Spinnakers defines the art of combining regional cuisine with hand-crafted beer and is Canada’s oldest licensed brewpub and a pioneer of the micro-brewing renaissance. Spinnakers is loved by both resident and visiting beer aficionados and is a favorite stop on Victoria’s self-guided Ale Trail. Supporting Vancouver Island’s farmers, Spinnakers menu uses almost 100% local product. Try the poutine and gnocci paired with a Northwest Ale or Nutty Brown. Situated in an 1894 heritage landmark building on Victoria's downtown waterfront, Canoe’s award-winning, handcrafted beers are renowned in the Pacific Northwest. Chef Aaron Lawrence creates fresh, island cuisine showcasing local farmers and the ever-changing menu highlights seasonal organics and wild seafood. Make sure to sit on the sunny patio overlooking the marina and try the crispy polenta paired with the Red Canoe Lager or Beaver Brown Ale. PLAY

Likely, the most famous location in Victoria is The Butchart Gardens. In 1904, the concept of The Butchart Gardens began with an effort to beautify a workedout quarry site on the 130-acre estate of Mr. and Mrs. Butchart, pioneers in the manufacture of Portland Cement in Canada. Today, The Butchart Gardens is 55 acres of spectacular display gardens and a National Historic Site of Canada. Open

every day of the year and employing approximately 50 gardeners and 500 total staff, 300,000 new bulbs are planted annually. The gardens added night lighting in 1939 and a hand-carved carousel with a living grass roof in 2009. Beacon Hill Park is Victoria’s beloved park in the heart of the city. The interior of the park boasts manicured flowerbeds, looming trees and bridged streams, and is an ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon. For children, highlights of the park include the graceful peacocks and Children’s Farm. The Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is home to alpacas, a miniature horse and donkey, African pygmy goats, Shetland sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, pot-bellied pigs, finches, ducks, peacocks and chickens. The Royal BC Museum, with a collection of more than 7 million items and 26,000 square feet of indoor exhibits, is the best place to learn the history of British Columbia. Realistic settings bring authentic objects to life in the renowned First Peoples exhibit, Modern History Gallery, 20th Century Gallery and new Natural History Gallery. The Royal BC Museum also includes Thunderbird Park, Mungo Martin House/Wa'waditla, the Netherlands Carillon Tower, BC Archives, native plant gardens, Helmcken House and St. Ann's Schoolhouse. Adults will enjoy browsing for hours, but the interactive exhibits can also captivate kids. Even after spending ten days in BC, we were still only able to see the tip of the iceberg, or province, so to speak. We will definitely return to southwestern Canada to take in more trails and mountains, stare at more waterfalls and, of course, check in on the spectacular culinary scene. I would recommend spending several months charting out your route, making sure your passports are in order and then escape from the Texas heat during the summer months up to BC. You are sure to come home bearing loads of “I Love Canada” gifts, just as I did. FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Inn at False Creek Vancouver innatfalsecreek.com

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub Victoria spinnakers.com

The Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria fairmont.com/empress

Canoe Victoria canoebrewpub.com

Campagnolo Vancouver 604-484-6018 campagnolorestaurant.ca

Edible Canada/Granville Market Tour Vancouver ediblecanada.com

Raincity Grill Vancouver raincitygrill.com

FlyOver Canada Vancouver f lyovercanada.com

The Teahouse Vancouver vancouverdine.com

The Butchart Gardens, Victoria butchartgardens.com

British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. bcferries.com

Royal BC Museum Victoria royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

GOLF

HillCountry Heaven

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOOT RANCH

Boot Ranch Is an Experience as Big and Bold as Texas Itself

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GOLF

BY STEVE HABEL THINGS ARE BIG AND AS BOLD AS TEX AS ITSELF AT BOOT RANCH, AN EXCLUSIVE MULTIGENERATIONAL COMMUNIT Y JUST NORTH OF FREDERICKSBURG ABOUT AN HOUR’S DRIVE FROM AUSTIN.

Beginning with its rolling terrain, continuing in its g rand homesites and its spectacular and opulent community clubhouse, Boot Ranch is all about living life to its fullest. Here, the luxury and inimitabilit y is spiced with 25-mile vistas, relaxing and unforgettable waterfalls and all the things that make the Texas Hill Country so inviting and welcoming. The centerpiece of Boot Ranch is a flawless, 7,135-yard, par-71 golf course designed by PGA Tour professional Hal Sutton. Inspired by the land that Mother Nature provided him, Sutton fashioned a challenging course that’s ranked among the top tracks in Texas and as one of the best in the nation, so much so that it was the real star of the movie “Seven Days in Utopia,” which was filmed on the Boot Ranch property. One of the appeals of Boot Ranch is its largness – there’s more than enough elbow room and remoteness to provide the solitude and big-shouldered feel that defines the Lone Star State’s best qualities. While many golf-course communities can seem over developed or crowded, the two- to 18-acre estate sites at Boot Ranch allow residents to enjoy splendid isolation. There are no homesites on top of neighbors’ homes and the setbacks from the course are expansive, offering privacy for golfers and homeowners. Sutton was one of the original investors in the development of Boot Ranch in 2004 and has returned to the community as it thrives in the post-recession environment. “Boot Ranch is quickly becoming everything I had hoped it would be for everyone that it touches,” Sutton said. “It’s a place where families develop lasting memories, where momentous occasions are celebrated and where our guests dream of returning. Our future here at Boot Ranch is bright, and I look forward to our community working together to build on this foundation.” The club has grown dramatically in the past year and a half, and its development is on pace with the pre-bust numbers and buoyed by the influx of residents involved with the current Texas oil boom. Construction of new homes continues at a strong pace and sales have improved each quarter since the beginning of 2012, as membership has grown from 60 families to more than 150 in that time period. The word “family” is paramount in the Boot Ranch philosophy. All family members, including children, g randchildren and their spouses as well as parents and grandparents, have member privileges under the primary club and community membership. That’s one of the things that sets Boot Ranch apart, and above, other area golf-course communities. The Boot Ranch lifestyle is extended via a huge range of activities and amenities, including the clubhouse village, signature Hill Country dining, Restore Spa, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and trap and skeet shooting, plus its close proximity unique city of Fredericksburg, one of Texas’ true small-town gems. Boot Ranch has, in the past two years, made numerous capital improvements to complement the 55,000-square foot clubhouse, the most recent of which was the opening of the community’s ranch club pavilion and pools in July 2013.

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GOLF

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GOLF

The development boasts spring-fed lakes and streams, rolling topography with expansive hilltop views and a clubhouse village perched some 120 feet above the golf course and surrounding residential community that includes 10 luxury lodge rooms for members and their guests and a well-appointed golf shop. SUTTON’S COURSE IS DEMANDING AND PEERLESS

Boot Ranch has been called the Augusta National of Texas (members get a pair of black alligator cowboy boots in lieu of a green jacket), and has bentgrass greens, a 34-acre four-sided practice area and a threehole short course. Sutton’s course plays through every type of Hill Country terrain, brilliantly showcasing the natural beauty of the area. The course at Boot Ranch gets its bite – it carries a 75.2 rating and a 145 slope – from the need for great approach shots and its challenging putting surfaces. “I spent 180 days designing this course because I was so disgruntled with where architects were taking the game,” Sutton said. “Everything I did was probably bass-ackward from what other people would do.” There's an open side to every green where players have to utilize their ability to chip the ball, and there are as many holes that go left to right as right to left. When teeing it up at Boot Ranch, the golfer must employ every club in the bag and all the shots in his or her repertoire. The course offers 19 golf holes. The 19th hole is named 9 alternate and allows golfers playing only 9 holes to finish back at the clubhouse. The hole is also used as a practice hole. Each par-3 at Boot Ranch is positioned in a different direction, so the golfer is challenged with hitting a tee shot from every wind condition. Seventeen of the course’s 19 holes (there is a 9A, used for nine-hole rounds that end at the clubhouse and for practice) have elevated tee boxes allowing the golfer to enjoy watching drive hang in the air until it lands. The boxes are designed to improve golfers’ swings by encouraging them to transfer their weight to their front foot, a key factor in hitting good golf shots. Boot Ranch’s fairway bunkers let the golfer decide if he or she wants to lay up or go for the putting surface, making that shot the golfer’s decision, not the course designer’s. The track’s greens are flatter than many top-notch golf courses, allowing golfers to be more aggressive on their putts and become more confident with the flatstick. After working their way through two long par-4s (the 479-yard sixth and the 399-yard No. 9) as well as short but demanding 528-yard par-5 eighth, the golfers’ round is in full flight at par-4 10th, whose green is perched to the side of twin, stunning Palo Alto Creek waterfalls. The 10th hole plays down the hill to a wide fairway with a single bunker in the middle of it, and the approach is over the creek. A 230yard tee shot leaves about 130 remaining to the green, which is shallow

and has three distinct plateaus. The best and most confident golfers will go directly for the putting surface off the tee, and getting home in one mighty swing is surely a success to be savored. The challenge is real at Boot Ranch’s 11th, 12th and 13th holes – a stretch that includes a 598-yard par-5, an all-over-water 217-yard par-3 and a 470-yard par-4 that’s the course’s No. 1 handicap. And the closing hole, a long, uphill par-4 that turns left to right, is a testing finish to the round, tempered a bit by the green that sloped from back to front. Just down the hill from the clubhouse and overlooking the first hole are Boot Ranch’s popular Sunday Houses, which are fractional share communities. The development also offers the Overlook Cabins, medium-sized residences intimately scaled for a family getaway/ secondary home or primary home. They are located on one of Boot Ranch’s signature golf holes and some have back-porch views down the 10th fairway at the hole’s 40-foot waterfalls. DINING IS ANOTHER OF BOOT RANCH’S PLEASURES

Boot Ranch’s clubhouse is home to a sumptuous and celebrated restaurant with a well-stocked wine cellar, offering only the very best to those who appreciate fine food and wine. The club’s award-winning Executive Chef, Aaron Staudenmaier delivers acclaimed Hill Country-inspired menus that have members requesting recipes. He caters equally well to well-refined palettes and kids’ mac-n-cheese appetites to keep everyone in the family satisfied. Having cooked at two of the top three restaurants in the country (Mansion on Turtle Creek and The Inn at Little Washing ton), Staudenmaier moved to Hill Country to be closer to the excellent produce he knows from local suppliers. He built the restaurant at Boot Ranch to provide the best of what the region has to offer. Staudenmaier was recognized by Dallas Modern Luxury Magazine in their annual Top Six Chefs in Texas list in July 2013. Boot Ranch’s clubhouse, located at an elevation of 2,000 feet, is an experience all its own and adds to the club’s ambiance of casual elegance. Enormous hand-hewn cedar beams from British Colombia, antler chandeliers and beautif ul Texas art work visually lend themselves to a “special occasion” experience, where members can choose from many intimate, private dining areas. There is really no place like Boot Ranch, from the seclusion of its golf course – all I could hear on the sixth fairway during a round in the summer was the babble of a stream, a chirp of an occasional bird and the beating of my own heart – to the opulence of the clubhouse to the final bite of dessert at a table set and served by Staudenmaier and his staff. It’s hard to imagine life being any finer than a day spent here.

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FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS Hand-picked by our team at Austin Lifestyle Magazine

LISA TALEV

JENNIFER PUTTERMAN

2 5

AMBER GROCE

6 3

1 Vitamix 5200, $449, Vitamix.com. 2 Kindle 3G – Wifi (built-in), $69-$139, Amazon.com. 3 CHANEL Coco Noir EDP Spray, $98, chanel. com. 4 YETI Tundra 45, $329.99, yeticoolers.com. 5 Speculoos Cookie & Cocoa Butter, $3.69, Trader Joe’s Grocery Store. 6 Chocolate Pizazz’s Jingle Bell Pop, $31.95, chocolatepizazz.com

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A F E W OF OU R FAVOR I T E T H ING S

EMILY PELLERIN

KAYLA ELLIOTT

MARIKA FLATT

9 Stella by Stella McCartney Perfume, $50, sephora.com. 10 Free People Bonnor Tall Boot, $208, freepeople.com. 11 Jennifer Adams Home Eternal Sheet Set, $415, jenniferadamshome.com. 12 Gracechip Chicago Laptop Bag, $190, thegraceship.com. 13 Kelly Moore b-Hobo bag, $169, kellymoorebag.com. 14 The Sage Bracelet by A Global Friendship: Making The World A More Beautiful Place, $45, aglobalfriendship.org. 15 Square Wine Tote by Angela & Roi for their Donate by Color Mission, $148, angelaroi.com.

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A F E W OF OU R FAVOR I T E T H ING S

SHAWN LIVELY

DANIEL RAMIREZ

2 5

MIKE KORDELL

4 7

1 Naya Abira Spice Girl Boot, $239, Nordstrom. 2 Lipault Paris Carry on, $189.00, shopbop.com. 3 Limited Edition Yurman Patron Anejo Stopper, $59.99, www.patronspirits.com. 4 Draftmark Hometap System, $49.00, available at Specs. 5 Fan Di Fendi Pour Homme, $59, dillards.com. 6 Da Bears 3-panel snapback baseball cap, $36, goorin.com. 7 Kerouac Duffel overnight bag by Wolf & Maiden, $299, fab.com.

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A F E W OF OU R FAVOR I T E T H ING S

EDITH HENRY

RORY PATRICK MCNEILL

KRISTEN BRAMBLETT

14 12

8 Tam Dao eau de toilette, $120, meccagymandspa.com. 9 PyschoRose by Charla Wood, $300, charlawoodphotography.com. 10 Vintage Golden Enamel Brooch with Silk ribbon bows, $310, etsy.com/shop/ADORNbySamouce. 11 Alice STARLING Eyewear sunglasses, $65, Starlingeyewear.com. 12 OPI Give Me Moor!, $6, svbeautysupplies.com. 13 Home Is Where My Cat Is Screen-print Poster, $30, etsy.com/ shop/FlatRatPress. 14 White Rabbit Cookie Jar, $68, anthropologie.com.

austinlifestylemagazine.com

THE DEAN'S LIST

A Deliciously Different Texas Energy Man

BY STEVE DEAN

ig Red. If you ever wondered where the best soft drinks come from – the answer should always be Texas because so many soft drink brands are headquartered right here in the Lone Star State. Dr. Pepper, Snapple and 7Up are all based in Plano, and one of the fastest growing companies in the category is headquartered right here in Austin. Those who’ve grown up in central Texas know all about the soda named Big Red, those who have not should pop one open and give it a try. The Big Red brand was founded in 1937 and created by Grover C. Thomsen and R.H. Roark in Waco, Texas. Recently, I had a chance to sit down with Thomas Oh, the Chief Marketing Officer at Big Red, Inc. to discuss the newly re-branded soft drink. Upon accepting his position in 2010, Mr. Oh’s challenge was to re-invigorate the brand, get awareness up and get volume way, way up. So what did he do? He did what any self-respecting Colombia grad with an MBA from the Stephen F. Ross School of Business would do: he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. The first course of action was to fully understand the Big Red brand, inside and out, and then understand its historical relationship with consumers. After all, Big Red has a very strong and loyal following and a fanaticism similar to that of Mountain Dew. And, as Thomas learned, that relationship was all about the flavor, which has been described as part bubble gum, part cotton candy, making it sweet enough to stand up to any spicy food combination. This unique flavor paring is what made Big Red wildly popular among the Hispanic community throughout central Texas and those folks consider it to be a real treat at family gatherings and outdoor barbecue events. That popularity quickly spread throughout the non-hispanic market, the rest of the state of Texas and then well into southern Indiana. What was missing, though, was volume, and to move the volume needle, Mr. Oh needed to press down hard on the marketing gas pedal. He needed to broaden the brand by making it more popular and more relevant to more consumers. He started by refreshing the logo and packaging and by honing in on brand new tag-line for the brand: “Deliciously Different”, which came out of a simple consumer insight: consumers could not describe the flavor beyond the fact that it was both “delicious” and “different” from anything else out there. The line actually wrote itself. He then charted a course to make the brand seem bigger than it actually was, in terms of awareness. To do so, he turned to Hollywood and teamed up with 20th Century Fox to cut a deal that would make Big Red the official soft drink of the fifth installment of Die Hard, which

34 austinlifestylemagazine.com

opened in February. Big Red’s fan base of hardworking, blue-collar families, was in perfect alignment with the lead character John McClane, played by Bruce Willis. This first-ever Hollywood tie-in worked so well, Mr. Oh has recently inked a deal with Paramount Pictures as the exclusive beverage of the newest Transformers movie, starring Mark Wahlberg, which launches in June 2014. The results of all of his hard work are starting to pay off. As a brand, Big Red’s growth has out-paced the category for 7 years running. And last year, while the entire category was down 4.1%, Big Red was up 2.1%. That’s what they call a 6-point swing. And those are the kind of numbers that tell you that your marketing efforts are working. Smart marketing has been baked into Thomas Oh’s DNA since his early days at PepsiCo where he helped build powerhouse brands like Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist as well as launch Pepsi’s first energy drink: AMP. But re-launching Big Red is only one project on Thomas Oh’s plate. The other is every bit as exciting. His team is currently barreling forward with the re-launch of another refreshing beverage: HYDRIVE ENERGY WATER, which has been specially formulated to contain all of the energy of a RedBull with the refreshing drinkability of a Vitamin Water -- and all 15.5 ounces contain only 30 calories. High energy, great taste and low calories are exactly what consumers have been asking for. Thomas Oh listened, and now HYDRIVE is poised to deliver the goods to all of the 160 million adults that consume caffeinated beverages every day. Early results for HYDRIVE ENERGY WATER are off the charts in THOMAS OH Texas, with the product now available at Walmart, Target, HEB and next year at all Valero locations. A national rollout is also under way, and if Thomas Oh gets his way, the whole world will soon be powered by HYDRIVE. Understanding consumer trends and capitalizing on opportunities within the beverage market are second nature to Thomas Oh, and that’s why he’s now on The Dean’s List. Steve Dean is the founder of The Dean’s List, and a Creative Director at 160over90, a Branding Agency with offices in Philadelphia, Newport Beach and Gainesville, Florida. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG RED, INC.

PHOTO CREDIT CHARLA WOOD

A* S T Y LE | B E AU T Y

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A* S T Y LE | B E AU T Y

The Long and Short of It BY RORY PATRICK MCNEILL The New Year, 2014, is here – ushering itself in with that single second, looking to see where we have been and what fun will we gallivant into the 365 days to come. The resolution is always to usher in a bolder, brighter life ahead. And what better way to seize the day than by choosing to transform your worldly appearance with a new hair style. I sat down with hair styling expert, Erica Rae, partner at ROAR, to give you the long and/or short of it and to find out why the next year could mean more than just a new look on life.

WHY IS THE NEW YEAR A PERFECT TIME FOR A BIG CHANGE?

PHOTO CREDIT CHARLA WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

The New Year is a time for reflection and the renewing of a connection with who you are and who you want to be. It is a designated time when change seems “meant” to be. And, although the reality of the situation is that we have created a gargantuous celebration for what is just the passing of one day and the birth of another, people freely embrace change at this time. This bold adventure into their own unknown could be the subconscious following a path paved by the “collective consciousness,” or, due to extremely successful marketing of the New Year’s 'brand.' However, whichever reason takes you there, New Year's is the time when change is in the air.

IS THERE A CERTAIN FACE SHAPE THAT ISN'T GOOD FOR SHORT HAIR? There are a vast amount of blogs, articles and opinions out there telling you the face shape for short hair and how to know the true shape of your face. The most important quality I look for when people request for such a drastic change takes place is selfconfidence and a true sense of their own personal style, because once the hair is cut short, they will have short hair for a while. If they are aware of their true beauty and a short stylish cut is what they want, then with that same confidence, a short stylish cut is what

they will get. As far as the cut and face shape go, it is all geometry. The shape of the face and its features talk to me. No matter what their features are, they can be enhanced by far with correct angles and lines. The right cut enhances and defines their ROARgeous look.

WHEN IS IT A BAD TIME TO CHOP YOUR HAIR? Emotional decisions in times of low self-esteem, for myriad reasons, are the seasons when you should just say no. Those are not the times to decide that your hair must go –nor when you just broke up with your babe or beau. Chopping your hair is something you must truly know you want to do and the only justifiable reason is that it is something you are doing for you!

WHAT IS A GREAT REASON TO CHOP YOUR HAIR? "Chopping," is a rather ominous word, like something you heard in a Hollywood slasher movie. Granted, it is true that drastic change, such as going from long to short hair, can be frightening and intimidating, to say the least. However, complacency with your style can be that carnivorous beast that keeps eating away at your chances of discovering all you can be. Psychology tells us that people are driven 600% more by fear of loss rather than by the anticipation of gain. Although that may sound insane, it is true. The big question is, “Is that you?” Do you keep the style you have held on to for years based on irrational fears, though you may have been wanting that short stylish cut? Or do you challenge yourself to climb out of your furnished rut? Then that is the right reason and New Year's is the ideal season. From NYC to LA, to the most fabulous of Austin photo shoots, you can find Erica Rae at ROAR tending to her diverse list of local clients who have experienced her magic and trust her every move. MAKEUP ARTIST: MELISSA FROST STYLING: ERICA RAE

For more beauty tips from Rory McNeill, visit roaraustin.com/rory. austinlifestylemagazine.com

T H E A* L IF E | E V EN T S

DECEMBER 23

Dale Watson & His Lone Stars Continental Club continentalclub.com

JANUARY 18

Josh Ritter (Acoustic) ACL Live at the Moody Theater acl-live.com PHOTO BY LAURA WILSON

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENDAWA

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 23

JANUARY 3 & 4

JANUARY 15

Fitz & the Tantrums ACL Live at the Moody Theater acl-live.com

Dale Watson & His Lone Stars Continental Club continentalclub.com

Blue Man Group The Long Center longcenter.org

Tennis Parish parishaustin.com

DECEMBER 26

JANUARY 6-10

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Frank Erwin Center uterwincenter.com

Austin Free Week Various do512.com/freeweekaustin

DECEMBER 28

JANUARY 9

Public Enemy Mohawk mohawkaustin.com

Grupo Fantasma The Long Center longcenter.org

DECEMBER 12

Dinner & A Show With Michael Kingcaid The Listening Room at Winflo livevibe.ticketbud.com

DECEMBER 14

JDRF Hope for the Holidays Gala Austin Country Club austin.jdrf.org

DECEMBER 30 DECEMBER 16

Exclusive Dinner Party w/ Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson Paramount & State Theatres austintheatre.org

DECEMBER 21

Holiday Kids Camp The North Door ndvenue.com

DECEMBER 22

Elf Quote-Along Alamo Drafthouse Village drafthouse.com

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Willie Nelson & Friends New Years Night One ACL Live at the Moody Theater acl-live.com

JANUARY 10

George Strait (with Jason Aldean) Frank Erwin Center uterwincenter.com

JANUARY 18

Josh Ritter (Acoustic) ACL Live at the Moody Theater acl-live.com

JANUARY 24 - 25

MomCom Westin Austin at the Domain momcomlife.com

JANUARY 26

Jo's 8th Annual Chili Cookoff Hotel San Jose do512.com/venue/hotel-sanjose

JANUARY 30 DECEMBER 31

JANUARY 11

Ryan Bingham EMO's emosaustin.com

The United Sounds of Austin ACL Live at the Moody Theater acl-live.com

Caritas of Austin 50th Anniversary Hotel Ella caritasofaustin.org

DECEMBER 31

JANUARY 14

JANUARY 31

Austin's New Year Auditorium Shores austintexas.gov

Green Day's American Idiot Bass Concert Hall texasperformingarts.org

All You Need Is Love Gala Four Seasons Austin manosdecristo.org

SOCIAL GR ACES ST. JUDES CHILDRENS HOSPITAL P H O T O S BY D I O N N E H I E B E R T

St. Jude's Walk

1 Walkers braving the cold. 2 St. Jude patient family Andrea, patient Rory and Justin Bingham. 3 Members of Team Gymboree. 4 Cheerleaders supporting the walkers. 5 Check presentation - Susannah Causey, Sean Milberger and Minerva Suarez.

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SOCIAL GR ACES JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN PHOTO CREDIT OF JUNIOR LE AGUE OF AUS TIN

A Christmas Affair

1 ACA Chair Holly Mace Massingill, JLA President Kelly Breeden and ACA Chair Elect Tina McCutchin. 2 Deanna Schobey and Mary Dodson. 3 Ice Party catered by Pink Avocado. 4 Lauren Hammer and Elizabeth Ballentine. 5 Meaghann Bradley and Natalie Sheridan. 6 Samantha Bernstein and Blake Sophia Bernstien.

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faMIly HolIday SHowS now on Sale! “I double dog dare ya!”

Visions of pink bunny suits, tongues stuck on flagpoles and pop’s beloved fishnet leg lamp make sugarplum wishes come true in ZacH’s new production perfect for the whole family! by phil Grecian Directed by Dave Steakley based on the film by Jean Shepherd, Leigh brown and bob clark

November 26-December 29 Live On Stage at zach’S Topfer Theatre

Martin burke plays all 37 Characters in...

a clever re-creation of the classic film “it’s a Wonderful Life” starring Martin burke as the entire population of bedford falls in a heartwarming comic romp for all ages! by Steve Murray Directed by richard robichaux

November 20-December 29 zach’s Intimate Whisenhunt Stage All shows: Evenings: 7:30 • Matinees: 2:30 top: Magnus bohls. bottom: Martin burke. photos: Kirktuck.com

SeatS Start at $25. for beSt priceS buy now! zachtheatre.org

512-476-0541 x1

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KELSEY JAMES M A K E U P

A N D

H A I R

K E L S E Y J A M E S . C O M

3404 KERBEY LANE AUSTIN, TX 78703 (512) 659-6328 SOCIALINAUSTINCOM.COM 42 austinlifestylemagazine.com

AN AUSTIN-BASED BOUTIQUE AGENCY, SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIZES IN SOCIAL MEDIA AND ALL ASPECTS OF MODERN PUBLIC RELATIONS. OUR GOAL IS TO COMPLETELY ABSORB THE TIME-CONSUMING TASKS OF SOCIAL MEDIA, PUBLIC RELATIONS, DESIGN, MARKETING AND EVENTS. OUR EXPERTISE ALLOWS THE BUSINESS OWNER TO FOCUS ON THEIR OWN PASSION—RUNNING THEIR BUSINESS.

SOCIAL GR ACES LA DOLCE VITA P H O T O S BY B R I A N F I T Z S I M M O N S

La Dolce Vita 1 William Miller, Kevin Williamson and Katherine Clapner. 2 Jessica Mejia, Keri Dawn Solner, Kevin and Mariesa Osterhaus. 3 Angelo Ciardella, David Heidmann, Frank and Bethany Lef fingwell. 4 Jill Turner, Louis Grachos and Robert Turner. 5 Holland Whiteburch, Julia Clark and Andrea Faye Hyland. 6 Cocktail Lounge.

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SOCIAL REGISTER AUSTIN BAR FOUNDATION

11th Annual Austin Bar Foundation Gala FOUR SEASONS FEBRUARY 1

AUSTIN ADOPTION DAY

In its 12th year, Austin Adoption Day celebrates the adoptions of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. At this year’s event, 47 children were adopted into 28 families. VETERANS FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINICS

The monthly clinics are staffed by attorney volunteers who provide free legal advice to military veterans. PEOPLE’S LAW SCHOOL

Held twice each year, this free event features a variety of basic legal

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classes to help the public learn their legal rights. Topics include family law, immigration rights, criminal law and bankruptcy. JUSTICE MACK KIDD FUND

The Fund provides financial assistance to pay for treatment for attorneys suffering from depression and related illnesses. LEGAL BUILD

A partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Legal Build raises money and recruits volunteers to build an affordable home for a family in need. VOLUNTEER LEGAL SERVICES OF CENTRAL TEXAS

VLS provides legal assistance — through staff attorneys and attorney volunteers — to Central Texans who cannot afford legal services. GRANTS FOR LAW-RELATED ACTIVITIES

The Austin Bar Foundation provides $20,000 annually in grants to various Austin organizations. The 2013 recipients included CASA of Travis County, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts, SAHELI – Asian Family Support Services of Austin, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Help support these special projects during an elegant evening of dinner, music and dancing. Tickets for the 2014 Austin Bar Foundation Gala can be purchased through the Austin Bar website at www.austinbar.org. Table sponsorships can be purchased by contacting Debbie Kelly at Debbie@austinbar.org or 512-472-0279.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AUSTIN BAR ASSOCIATION

On February 1, close to 500 attorneys, judges, family and friends will gather at the Four Seasons for the 11th annual Austin Bar Foundation Gala. Each year, this convivial event raises thousands of dollars for law-related projects in Central Texas. Celebrating the unique style of Austin, this year’s theme is “Austin City Lawyers: Going Local with the Bar.” The décor will feature Austin landmarks and other local items, with the evening culminating in a performance from Austin’s own singer/songwriter Dale Watson. After the silent and live auctions — including a variety of jewelry, wine, services, tickets and vacations — entice dollars from attendees, the best and brightest of the legal profession will be recognized. Pete Winstead of Winstead and Dave Richards of Richards, Rodriguez & Skeith will each be honored with the Distinguished Lawyer Award. The David H. Walter Community Excellence Award will be presented to Andrea Sloan, the Executive Director of the Texas Advocacy Project. Chaired by Laura Merritt of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Shannon Meroney of Aetna, the Austin Bar Foundation Gala raises money for a variety of community projects:

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SOCIAL REGISTER MARATHON KIDS

Marathon Kids: Leaving a Lasting Impact Runners throughout the nation take part in marathons for several reasons; some choose to run as part of a goal and others for better health. For Marathon Kids, an Austin based nonprofit, a marathon is a way to encourage 300,000 elementary aged children throughout the country to live a healthy and active lifestyle, by giving them the opportunity to set a big goal and work hard to achieve it. Entering its 18th year, Marathon Kids continues to provide the tools and support for teachers, here in Austin, and across the country to show students in grades kinder through fifth, the importance of increased physical activity. Each day, over 90,000 Austin-area children run or walk before, during or after school. They track their progress on their Mileage/ Fuel Logs, one quarter-mile at a time, until they’ve reached their goal of completing the 26.2 Mile Challenge. “We believe our organization is vital and truly encourages children to live an active lifestyle,” said Christine Pollei, Executive Director of Marathon Kids. “This program was created to demonstrate the importance of increased physical activity and how to fuel their body.” This past October, over 5,000 Marathon Kids walked through the gates of Mike A. Myers stadium on the University of Texas Campus to celebrate the Austin Kick Off and begin their 26.2 Mile Challenge. Family, teachers and community leaders all turned out to show their support and cheer on the children as they ran their opening lap. This incredibly exciting event was supported by 500 volunteers who began working at 5:00 am to make this a special day for the children and families in attendance. An additional treat this year was the addition of 300 University of Texas student-athletes who ran with the kids, provided encouragement and gave countless high-fives in order to keep them motivated. Also in attendance were Whole Foods Market, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Rogue Running, who have generously sponsored the Austin area program allowing Marathon Kids to provide this opportunity at no cost to the child or the child’s family. “When I was younger, I was one of those [Marathon] Kids out there running,” said student-athlete Ben Johnson. “This program helped me become a Longhorn student-athlete and now I can return the favor by supporting the kids and setting a positive example.”

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In North Austin, Marathon Kids has become an instrumental program at Hill Elementary. After hearing many positive stories, parent and Healthy Lifestyle Committee Chair Dawn Pannell met with the Hill Elementary staff in order to bring the program to the school. The program began slowly during 2012-13 program year, with only 14 children completing the 26.2 Mile Challenge. However, this year more than 300 children have already finished, or are on track to finish, the 26.2 Mile Challenge. “We are so proud of our students for making this commitment,” said Pannell. “With Hill Elementary being academically driven, we wanted to bring that same passion into our school’s community. Marathon Kids has made a big impact.” With successes like Hill Elementary, it is no wonder that when celebrity host Mario Lopez heard of Marathon Kids, he immediately knew he wanted to become involved. The timing was right, as Executive Director Christine Pollei was looking for a spokesperson that could relate to the children. Lopez, noted to be one of the world’s fittest men, understands the importance of regular physical activity. His workouts include running, which has motivated him to cross the finish line of numerous marathons. Lopez can relate to the hard work and dedication required to complete 26.2 miles, making Marathon Kids the ideal organization to support. “Marathon Kids has created a lasting impact for children across the country,” said Lopez. “When I heard of this national program, I knew this was an organization that I wanted to support. Fitness is a key part of my lifestyle and to be given the opportunity to encourage these children is incredibly rewarding.” On February 22, Marathon Kids will host their Austin Finisher Medal Celebration at Burger Activity Center. Family, teachers, community leaders, student-athletes and many volunteers will join the children as they cross the finish line on their 26.2 Mile Challenge. There, they will have learned more than how to live a healthy lifestyle. They will have gained a sense of accomplishment.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARATHON KIDS

BURGER ACTIVITY CENTER FEBRUARY 22

SOCIAL REGISTER DELL CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER

Dell Children's Storybook Gala

PHOTO COURTESY OF DELL CHILDREN'S COUNCIL

AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER JANUARY 25

The Dell Children’s Gala will be held January 25 at the Austin Convention Center. The fundraiser is typically attended by nearly 1,000 of Austin’s elite, and raises over $1 million annually for Dell Children’s Medical Center, which serves children from 46 counties in Central Texas. This year’s black-tie affair has a Storybook message, and will be chaired by Laura and Tommy Craddick, Jr. “This year’s Storybook message is a dedication to the patients’ personal stories and the little miracles that occur every day at Dell Children’s,” said Laura Craddick. The Craddick’s first experience with the hospital was three years ago, after a friend’s child was severely injured in a boating accident on Lake Austin. “I’ll never forget praying for him while he lay unconscious, hoping he would live,” said Laura Craddick. When he finally awoke, he was unable to talk or walk, but after months of therapy, he returned to school laughing, talking and running. “Seeing him today, you would never know that he or his family experienced such tragedy,” said Craddick. The following year, Craddick witnessed another friend’s son with a growing lump on the side of his neck, and was distraught to learn he had an aggressive form of cancer. After months of treatment at the “Dell Hotel,” her son too is now well and in remission. Craddick says the impact of Dell Children’s Medical Center is widespread. “I think every parent has friends who have been at Dell Children’s for varying degrees of illness: concussions, infection, injuries and cancer are just a few of the stories at Dell Children’s.” It’s hard to imagine Austin without a children’s hospital. Yet, the Dell Children’s Medical Center, a world-class Level One Trauma center, opened fewer than six years ago. Last year, there were over 144,000 patient visits, 73,000 emergency room visits and over 8,000 surgeries at Dell Children’s. As Austin continues to grow, so does the need for quality pediatric healthcare. Just this year, the hospital opened its third bed tower, and did so, in part, through the generosity of the community and funds raised through the gala. Craddick says, “The gala is a great and fun way for our community to help support and maintain Dell Children’s Medical Center.” The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by the program and dinner at 8:00 p.m. Each year, the program includes a video presentation of a family who benefited from the Dell Children’s Medical Center care. The program will be followed by entertainment from Blue Finger Disco and a casino lounge. Table décor is provided by David Kurio, one of Austin’s most innovative florists. The party will continue with the 11:00 p.m. afterparty at Trio at the Four Seasons where party guests will kick off their heels and dance to DJ Hear No Evil spinning. Sponsorships start at $2,500 and individual tickets can be purchased for $500. To purchase tickets, visit: www. dellchildrensgala.com.

LAURA AND TOMMY CRADDICK, JR 2013 DELL CHILDREN'S GALA CHAIRS

The Dell Children’s Gala is also hosted by the Dell Children’s Council, a group of 200 couples who create awareness about the hospital’s work and raise funds for continued growth. The Dell Children’s Council members serve on Gala committees, which raise additional funds, such as: The Miracle Book, Kendra Scott for Kids, Raffle and Auction. Last year, Laura Craddick and Mary Miles Temple launched the Kendra Scott for Kids committee with the help of Austin’s own Kendra Scott. The ever-charitable jewelry designer created a line of jewelry in which 100 percent of proceeds benefit Dell Children’s. The line can be purchased from www. kendrascottforkids.org. Since last year, the jewelry has raised over $50,000 for Dell Children’s Medical Center, and continues to be a big hit with sales online and through parties hosted by Council members. The Miracle Book, another Council and Gala fundraiser, is a coffee-table style book with personalized family and business photos that will be unveiled at the Gala. Proceeds from the Miracle Book were in excess of $100,000 this year. A page in the Miracle Book is a donation of $500, and donors receive a complimentary photography session from 10-20 photographers who have agreed to donate their sitting fees to the Miracle Book. Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the only dedicated freestanding pediatric facility in the region. Serving a 46-county area and beyond, Dell Children’s is the premier health care provider for children and adolescents. To learn more, please visit: www.childrensaustin.org.

austinlifestylemagazine.com

PHOTO BY DE ANN HOEFT

Securing the Austin Lifestyle John Dyess and Dyezz Surveillance Keep Austin Safe BY ALM STAFF

Austin Lifestyle Magazine does its best to guard and protect every facet of the Austin Lifestyle. With the rampant growth of the city comes more than a few challenges, including increased traffic, dwindling space and a fear of losing the defining characteristics that most Austinites have come to love and cherish. From fashion to food to scenes, the landscape within the city limits is shifting, and with the changes, there is an increased desire to secure what we have. It is this thought that motivated a young John Dyess, in the days following September 11, 2001, to forge out on his own and begin a security company with the unique character inherent in Austin as part of its DNA. And, like most of the success stories in the city, it began as a complete startup. ". I had no small business loan. I had $400 to start and no backing. I bought one camera and then I bought two and did it out of my garage and my kitchen," Dyess recalls. "I didn't think it would take off," he laughingly admits. "I even spelled the name weird. My last name is spelled differently. I couldn't build a website from that [actual name], so I just put 'Z's in it." From small beginnings came a company, Dyezz Surveillance, that not only secured valuables and protected businesses, but one that grew alongside the city and now protects other businesses like itself – independent, vibrant and distinctly Austin. More than a few of downtown Austin's mainstays are on the client roster, including Austin Lifestyle favorites, Black Sheep Lodge and Hopdoddy. Dyess explains that they garner "about 80% of every restaurant or bar downtown, from your Benji's to your Kung Fu [Saloon] to Imperia, even down to Oilcan Harry's." Dyess fell in love with the city some years ago, opting for Austin as his home base, rather than the sprawling landscapes of Dallas or Houston. “I came to Austin and fell in love with the atmosphere after a couple of weeks. I was about 23 or 24 years old and just fell in love with it,” the entrepreneur gushes. “My kids want to go to UT,” Dyess elaborates. “I feel like I'm at home here.” Needless to say, Austin and the Central Texas area provide a hometown that his family and his company have seen grow in leaps and bounds, as other share his regard for the culture and way of life. Such growth, from his educated perspective,

is already starting to affect the downtown area, though Dyess' efforts have kept theft from rising within their client base. "We're seeing more and more cameras going up in the downtown area, because of the crime. The more we grow, the more drama and more problems we'll find," Dyess reminds Austinites. But his solution is simple and more than reasonably priced, not only working to monitor the site, but the surrounding area, should a client feel the need. With increased surveillance, a passive message is sent by the mere presence of cameras and other Dyezz provisions. Sometimes, that is more than enough of a deterrent. "It's almost an intimidation thing. People see them and think, 'I don't want to get caught on camera, let's go to the next place,'" Dyess explains. "It's just like alarm systems. If someone has an alarm system sign in the yard, a criminal will move on because they don't want to deal with more obstacles." Dyess’ company provides additional services that not only secure, but automate entire establishments, to not only make his client’s possessions and livelihoods safer, but can make them more profitable. “It isn't just about preventing theft. There are climate controls that can be put in place that save money for the owner who can make sure that the A/C isn't set on 62 in the Texas summer all the time.” Electronic monitoring systems tie into fire, climate, lighting and door access, making everything accessible from a control center that is as near as one’s smartphone. One might wonder what the head of a security business does at his own home. To that, Dyess gives two answers. One is personal, as he freely admits a slight embarrassment, saying, “At my house, I have 18 cameras, which I'll admit is a little overdone.” But his second piece of counsel is helpful for all business owners and individual households throughout Austin. “You can get access control keypads,” he explains. “Even the do it yourself stuff works,” Dyess adds, though he admits it isn’t the most secure a site or home can be made. True to both the drive that helped build his company and his ambition to keep Austin safe, as well as ‘weird,” he is quick to express that, “Obviously, an alarm system is the best thing.” Find Dyezz Surveillance online at dyezz.com.

Q &AT X

ndependence Brewing Company was started by husband and wife team Rob and Amy Cartwright in October 2004. Independence Brewing currently boasts a top-notch lineup including Austin Amber, Bootlegger Brown and the ever-sopopular Stash IPA. Amy and Rob gave ALM an inside look into Independence Brewing Company.

What is your process for making your beer? The process begins with milling the blend of malts. This could be a blend of dark malts if we're brewing Bootlegger or Convict Hill, or pale malts if brewing Stash IPA or Independence Pale, or caramel malts for Austin Amber or ESB. The milled malt goes through the auger to the mash tun, where the milled malt mixes with hot water. The hot water extracts the raw sugars from the malt. We begin transferring the liquid to the kettle and spray additional hot water onto the mash (called sparging) to get full extraction out of the malt. We transfer all liquid to the kettle, leaving the malt behind in the mash tun. Then we bring it to a boil. After the boil completes, we whirlpool the beer to collect fine trube in the center of the tank before sending it through the heat exchangers. We run the wort through two heat exchangers to cool off the wort before sending it to the fermenters, where the raw beer interacts with the yeast and fermentation begins. Each batch has data with a temperature log which helps keep track of that particular brew. The hydrometer is one of the most important tools—it tells you how much sugar has been converted to alcohol. After this point, some of our beers are filtered and others are aged for a couple days prior to packaging.

How do you decide what beer to brew? We have a panel that tests brews. The idea behind the brewing panel is to encourage anyone in the brewery to present a beer idea that they have brewed on a small system for others in the brewery to try. That’s how you get the diversity. It’s nice to have multiple palates. My palate has changed over the years—that’s what’s fun. Typically, if someone has invested the time and energy into developing a recipe, the beer tastes good, and the panel accepts the beer. There have been occasions where the pilot beer was not accepted, and so not brewed. There tends not to be a lot of debate as our palettes in the brewery are pretty similar and we know what we like. We advance what we like, and don't ever brew what we don't like or wouldn’t want to drink ourselves. The expansion is rocking! We have excavated the floors, laid drains and made good progress on electrical work. We anticipate the major construction work to be completed by the end of December and for the brew system to be installed the first week of January. The new JV Northwest system has a 60 barrel batch size, and will yield near 60 barrels for beers up to 9.5% ABV. The system includes a mash tun, kettle, whirlpool, hot water tank and cold water tank. We are starting out with two 60 barrel and two 120 barrel fermenters. With these vessels, we’re starting out with 15,000 barrel capacity. We can add fermentation vessels as needed to reach a potential capacity of 100,000 barrels. Realistically, we would likely reach the warehouse space constraints of around 70,000 barrels.

How have the new craft beer laws affected you? It gives us representative rights with clarification and a formalized code. Now we are able to talk about what we are doing and market ourselves. Before, with tastings at the brewery we charged for the glass and gave free samples. We would have liked to be able to sell a six pack, especially for visitors on their way to the airport since we are on the way. Check out Independence Brewing Company during its public hours on Fridays from 4-6pm or the first Saturday of each month for tastings and a tour.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF INDEPENDENCE BREWING COMPANY

How is your expansion coming along?

Q &AT X

INDEPENDENCE

BREWERY BY AMBER GROCE

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The Eternal Allure of

Susan Sarandon BY DANIEL RAMIREZ

austinlifestylemagazine.com

n the magazine industry, penning a celebrity feature from the first person perspective is discouraged. Certainly, there are writers of regard, from globally acclaimed publications, who are given such liberty and allowed to feature their experience with an interviewee or particular setting. In those rare cases, however, it is still more of an exception than the general rule. You don't put 'you' into the story. However, in 1988, like many men of my generation (and countless since), I first became familiar with Susan Sarandon. The unforgettable portrayal of “Baseball” Annie Savoy in Bull Durham does not soon leave one’s memory. The philosophies and theories of Savoy’s character combined perfectly with Sarandon’s charisma and sultry, unmistakable voice, and forged a weakness in me that lingers to this day. And so when the Austin Film Festival saw fit to honor Ms. Sarandon for her lifetime contribution to the craft, it created an opportunity for the most nerve-wracking conversation a humble writer has known. With a lifetime that has known over 40 years in the public eye, Susan Sarandon, the actress, public figure and ageless beauty, made this writer nearly lose every shred of objectivity. How could it be any other way? All of this to say: I spoke with Susan Sarandon and it was a dream that could have only come true through the magic of stage, screen and Austin, Texas. The first few questions fumble out giddily and included a fair share of compliments that border on rampant fandom, all of which Ms. Sarandon graciously endured. Without waiting for some semblance of professionalism to return, she humbly addressed the question of how she has remained the picture of beauty and elegance over decades. “Thank you for that,” she says. “I have really good makeup people.” The daughter of a European father and an Italian mother, Sarandon proudly attributes any mention of beauty to her heritage. “My mom is 91, almost 92 and she's beautiful. I inherited her bone structure, which helped, but not her freckles and really red hair,” she laughingly admits. “Her skin is really fair and mine is more Italian and darker.” Any further discussion on the matter is deflected by Sarandon’s humility. She readily expresses

admiration for her peers both in and out of Hollywood’s spotlight. “I think there's a lot of women my age who don't look the way you thought they would at that point, judging from the previous generation,” she muses. And while genetics contributed their part, she is very forthcoming with observations on how this is possible, combined with critical advice for next generation. “I think everybody's spending more time trying to de-stress and not kill themselves drinking and doing drugs,” she explains. “When younger actresses talk to me, I say, 'first of all, stop smoking cigarettes, it's one of the worst things you can do for your skin.'” Of course, in Los Angeles, one’s looks can only take an actor or actress so far, and talent must endure. She has been a household name since the 1970s, when a series of television appearances and more than a few film roles combined with her star turn in a cult film that still plays weekly in Austin theaters and independent cinemas around the nation to this day. Her fame has grown with every subsequent decade, as she added timeless role after timeless role to her resume. By the 1990s, her role as Louise, of 1991’s Thelma and Louise cemented her position on the Hollywood ‘A-list;’ and by the time she played Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking, the ultimate validation of her passion and talent arrived in the form of a much-coveted golden gentleman named Oscar. It was, in her own admission, one of Sarandon’s favorite roles. “Because I found the book of Dead Man Walking and produced it and worked so hard to get that script and had such a personal relationship over those couple of years it took to finally get it made, that has a lot of resonance for me, in terms of the process,” she states. But if asked to name a favorite role, she will gladly claim a split decision, with very good reason. “Bull Durham was a part that really kind of released me and challenged me because it was bigger than I was and she didn't have to die at the end,” Sarandon jokes. Indeed, more than a few of her characters over the years have met such a tragic end, but one gets a far different sense from her recollection of the Bull Durham production. “[Director] Ron [Shelton] was so passionate and Kevin [Costner] and Tim [Robbins] were

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE FILMS

“I'm either naive or I'm smart in terms of knowing what you can do or can't do to prolong your career, because I haven't done any of the things the way you're supposed to and it's worked for me.”

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES

both so talented,” she says. The role of Annie Savoy, however, had even more intangible benefits. “I remember that as certainly being a breakthrough, personally – not to mention that I had a relationship for twenty-some years and two kids because of that movie.” She and Tim Robbins began a two decade-long relationship in the public eye as a result of that film. Ms. Sarandon has not gone a single year since her two favorite roles without adding at least one major role to her impressive filmography, to which she freely admits an unawareness of how, exactly, this wild rollercoaster led to this point in her life and career. As she explains, “I'm either naive or I'm smart in terms of knowing what you can do or can't do to prolong your career, because I haven't done any of the things the way you're supposed to and it's worked for me.” All modesty aside, her work on the silver screen says otherwise, though the role of superstar actress is not the only role she plays, nor the only reason she won the Austin Film Festival’s equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. Sarandon has not only starred in films, but has produced them as well, all while serving as partner, activist and – in the role that elicits the most joy in her responses – mother. Sarandon’s most famous child, daughter Eva Amurri, has recently emerged as a talented actress in her own right. When asked about guiding her daughter’s career, it evokes an incomparable maternal pride. “Oh my god, I wouldn't even begin to counsel her – no way!” Sarandon exclaims. “All I can say is that I know it sucks when things go wrong. I believe in my kids and their strategies and their will and their passion. I believe they'll figure it out and I'm also a believer in letting them choose their way.” Amurri’s way has recently come full-circle and prompted the young actress to write a sitcom based on the relationship between the two, an endeavor that Sarandon happily endorses and is anxious to see succeed. “Well, I might be living in L.A.,” she reluctantly admits. Avoiding Los Angeles has been one of the keys to Sarandon’s inner peace for some time, though the writing may soon be on the wall for that peace to end. “My daughter just sold a pilot for the two of us that's kind of an exaggerated version of us that was really fun to get together and pitch. It just got picked up by NBC to make the pilot, so we'll see what happens with that – I might end up, against my will, going to live in L.A. for bits of time. But, now that I have two kids out there, I guess it was inevitable.” It is an odd response, to hear a star of Sarandon’s stature eschew the

gravity of Tinseltown, but she openly admits that the limelight doesn’t hold much allure for her beyond the work. Given the ability to pick any role she chooses, her guiding principle is not that of stardom, but of family. Clearly a virtue to Ms. Sarandon, her perspective on continuing a career in show business encompasses both familial responsibility and personal passion, in equal measure. “I am the oldest of nine and that's a financial responsibility and my mom is a financial responsibility and my kids are, also,” she says. “I don't have a high standard of living, except in various real estate things that I've taken on for my kids. So, it wouldn't be hard for me to stop working, but I think it keeps me alive.” Her verve is further illustrated when talk turns to the city of Austin, prompting a singular association for Sarandon – namely, music. When asked about her visit, she exclaims, “I'm hoping to hear some music! I haven't been to Austin in so long, I'm not sure I'll recognize it!" Talk turns to the live music that a high profile star has had the good fortune of witnessing, and she carefully considers her favorite shows, claiming, “LCD Soundsystem's last show was unbelievable for so many reasons. Not only was the music amazing and the guest stars, but the fact that it was the last show was pretty crazy.” The list gets longer and one can only hope that the Live Music Capital can keep up with Sarandon’s expectations, which surely are colored by a few moments of unbelievable access. “I was on stage with Of Montreal and that was fun,” she admits. “And then, years ago, when I was going out with David Bowie, a lot of those shows were pretty amazing. When you're able to be on stage – Oh, my god." The humility, the motherhood and the tangible passions for her craft and for music all paint a very real picture of the superstar. At long last, the conversation relaxed and yet, somehow, my admiration grew further still. Far more than a character on a movie screen, here was a genuine woman of great accomplishment, proving more than worthy of the praise heaped upon her by this writer and the Austin Film Festival. And for any who might consider that this award was accepted as a bookend for her career, Sarandon points to a correction she made of another film festival. “When I received the award from Michael Moore's festival, I said, 'I'm considering this the mid-life achievement award.' So, they re-engraved it,” she says. Needless to say, in so declaring, Sarandon gives voice to this writer’s fondest hope.

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Three Rules To Host By â&#x20AC;&#x201C; From Suzanne Court

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PHOTO BY JARED TENNANT

ictures in magazines and on social media frequently paint pictures of fantastic parties during the holidays. Smiling faces, captured laughter and brilliant decor make the holiday season look like the most well-planned and elegant occasion, making everyone who bears witness wish that they could be a part of something that looks that enjoyable. But when one considers the work that is required of these memorable events, pessimism often makes itself known. How, unless all responsibility is thrown upon a hired staff and months of planning, is someone to create a scene like the ones depicted in the pages of this and so many other magazines? The easy answer is Suzanne Court. The owner of Suzanne Court Catering & Events, showed Austin Lifestyle Magazine precisely how it is done, offering some solutions for anyone throwing a holiday party in the process. To illustrate the ideal, Court decided to celebrate the merry-making season with a casual gettogether to honor her three favorite things: music, food, and people. At the lovely home of Karen Kelly, Austin realtor, Suzanne and friends tried out new holiday recipes, grooving to the tunes of talented local musicians Topaz McGarrigle, Kalu James, Paul Minor, Bruce Smith, Rob Baird and Tony Kamel. Many members of Suzanne's event team attended as guests. To her, the team is more of a family than a company. Luckily for us, she also invited along some clients and friends. Like all of the signature events Suzanne has hosted in the city for the past few years ALM has known her, this easy afternoon had it all: great style, great food, great music and great people. After gushing over the delicious and unique culinary spread outfitted with stylish natural elements like pine cones and antlers, the guests took to Kelly's beautiful backyard for a classic Austin jam-session and songswap. Naturally, one might argue that what is simple for a professional does not translate into ease of execution for a novice. To that, Suzanne provided us with the tenets of throwing an incredible holiday party. All three elements

were in obvious display at her makeshift music festival, and must be foremost in the mind of any host, in order to pull off the perfect party. First, Suzanne explains, you need music. Music makes the party go and can liven up the quiet lulls. Whether it is the perfect playlist or the presence of local musicians â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who are in ready supply in a city like Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the right tunes can define the ambience. Before the party can reach a respectable din, however, it may prove necessary to loosen up the guests. To accomplish this task, Suzanne endorses the most timetested methods. The right beverages in ample supply can make the dullest festivities sparkle. Whether keeping with a theme (hot toddies for a winter party) or playing against type (margaritas in December), the beverages bring good cheer. Suzanne's last piece of counsel on the matter is perhaps the most important, and the one which accurately depicts every picture of every event, party and casual dinner she's ever thrown. The best parties are born of the right guest lists. And while we can't all have a renowned saxophone player like Topaz or wildly underrated lyricist like Kalu James on speed dial, it doesn't take Suzanne's connections to gather the right people together for the right reason. Think of those with whom you want to share memorable evenings alongside and make sure that those people are in attendance, regardless of where obligation might dictate otherwise. Because, what value is a memory that isn't shared or remains unwanted, regardless of how good the food, music or decor is? The food served is negotiable (though she did share the recipe for the Braised Lamb Shanks served on this particular night), the lights and decorations hung simply accentuate these simple guidelines that can make the most of any event. Of course, if all else fails, there is always the option of hiring Court and her team to guarantee that your holiday gathering is unforgettable. And though her experience and talent will accentuate every facet, she will abide by the rules she shared with ALM, first and foremost.

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Red Wine Braised Loncito’s Lamb Shanks With Gremolata Sauce

RECIPE Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Prepare the mirepoix: chop onion, celery & carrots Prepare the bouquet garni: Place thyme, rosemary & bay leaves in a cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine Season the lamb shanks with salt & pepper and sear until brown About 4 minutes on each side and remove shanks from pan

(4 Servings)

Using the same pan, sauté the mirepoix

INGREDIENTS

Add & sauté garlic

4 Lamb Shanks each about 1 ¼ pound

Add red wine & reduce

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Add chicken stock & reduce for ten minutes

Salt & Freshly Groun Pepper

Pour into ovenproof dish and add the Jalapeño & bouquet garni

Mirepoix: 1 Large Chopped Onion 3 Chopped Celery Ribs 3 Peeled & Chopped Carrots

Put lamb in pan, sauce needs to cover all meat Add salt and pepper to braising liquid to taste Cover with foil

4 Cloves of Garlic

4 Cups Chicken stock 2 Jalapeños sliced down the center, not completely cut through Bouquet Garni: 1 Bunch Fresh Thyme 2 Fresh Rosemary Sprigs 6 Bay Leaves

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Cook at 325 degrees for 3 ½ to 4 hours Gremolata Sauce 1 Cup Chopped Parsley 4 Tablespoons Garlic Zest & Juice of 2 Lemons ½ Cup of Olive Oil Salt & Pepper to taste Mix all ingredients and serve room temperature over lamb

PHOTO BY HANNAH MOORE

2 Cups Heavy Red wine

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E NCORE

The Gravity of

Holly Williams

PHOTO AND ARTICLE BY DANIEL RAMIREZ

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E NCORE

With a family name like yours, is the talent in the blood or is it something else? Songwriting was definitely in the blood. Shockingly, I was not around music at all. We went to maybe four shows before I was 20 years old. My dad would not allow us at concerts. He wanted us completely separate from the music business. They were so wild. His concerts were crazy. He would say, ‘I’m not Bocephus, I’m daddy.’ We grew up with my mom in Nashville, very normal – church, field trips and school. Every now and then, we’d get to go to a taping, but I didn’t go to an award show until I was 24, so we were very sheltered from it. Still, I was writing songs when I was eight years old, folders and folders of lyrics and different stories.

When did you know that songwriter’s life was the life for you? I didn’t start playing guitar until I was 18. I was a very late bloomer. And then, I wrote a song and loved it and said, ‘I’m going to be a songwriter. This is done.’ I told my parents and they were a little freaked out at first, but they saw me play in every crappy club at two o’clock in Nashville every day and finally saw that I wanted to do it for real.

How would you categorize your music? Genre-less or Americana [laughs]. If it was 1996, I would say it was

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maybe country, back when they used to play more songwriters. Because of rap and top 40, triple-A [Adult Album Alternative] is more of a rock format. So, whether it’s Lucinda Williams or Brandi Carlile or Patty Griffin, there’s not any place for female singer-songwriters [on radio]. It’s just real-life stories, roots-based. If you come to a show, it’s a songwriter’s show, telling tons of stories. It’s a very personal audience. It’s usually a trio, not a loud band.

How has your family reacted to your success? They’ve been absolutely amazing. My dad’s whole thing, when he saw my lyrics, he said, ‘You’re a real songwriter. I know you have it in you. You can do this. Now, I’m not sure, if I were you, I would ride around in a van for 100 shows.’ He can say that because he’s used to tour buses and jets. He’s so supportive and he knows that I’m doing it the same way that anyone else would do it. I didn’t come to Nashville with a cowboy hat and wanting to sing country songs. I’ve played for years in songwriter venues, just trying to build a fan base and they’ve been amazing and very supportive of me doing it my own way from day one.

What does success look like to you? For me, success looks like filling theaters and having fans hanging on every word and listening to every song, whether it’s a hit single on radio or not. I’m really inspired when I go to shows by people like Jason Isbell or Ryan Adams or Patty [Griffin] or any songwriters that have a fan base, because people come and they are listening for every word and they want every song. The industry that I’m around, living in Nashville, is more about fans coming to shows for one or two songs and then eating popcorn or drinking beer for the rest of the concert. So, for me, it is all about continuing to build this fan base all over the world and having people that really listen.

What music, if not your family’s, led you to this path? I like a lot of country music as much as I love Jay-Z and as much as I love Coldplay and Sigur Ros. I was into that whole Lilith Fair thing when I was teenager. Sarah McLachlan covered a Tom Waits song and then I discovered Tom, and that led me down the road of the John Prines and the Leonard Cohens and Springsteens and all the songwriters from John Martin to Nick Drake to Elliot Smith. Anything that was singer/ songwriter, I just became obsessed with it. For me it’s all about every genre. If it’s good music, it’s good music, whether it’s rap or rock. I just love stories and things that hit you at the heart.

PHOTO CREDIT KRISTIN BARLOWE

There’s a trick to having gravity. It’s an art. To walk into a room and project presence, drawing all eyes and everyone’s immediate regard is a rare thing. Few have a presence that extends beyond mere celebrity and approaches the status of British Royalty. It leaves one to wonder if it is learned and honed, or if it is simply in the blood. Regardless of its origin, the question arose while headed to an interview with Holly Williams during the first weekend of Austin City Limits Music Festival. Coordinating the meeting over the phone, it became instantly laughable when she specified, “I’m the one in the hat, near the airstream.” As if there were any confusion as to where Ms. Williams could be found. She is as striking in appearance as in musical talent (listen to her hit single, “Drinkin’” for proof), and her impossible gravity was already drawing glances from every direction. Luckily, it also commanded all of Austin Lifestyle Magazine’s attention. The daughter of Hank Williams, Jr. and granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr. sat down after her first set and graciously answered a few questions about her life, her tour and her place in a musical royal family.

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2/19/13 2:23 PM

A* TA S T E | ACCI D EN TA L EPI CU R E A N

True To Form It would get old, championing a Larry McGuire restaurant, if only they weren't each so amazing. No offense to many of the other restaurants that have made Austin a culinary capital to rival its live music dominance, but McGuire keeps bringing impeccable quality to the Austin dining scene with the reliability of a metronome. Clark's Oyster Bar, recently celebrating over a year in operation, is proof positive that McGuire's gift for brilliance is not only strong, but appears to never get old. Clark's, which echoes some elements of its South Congress sister, Perla's, is a feast for the eyes from before the moment one enters the building. Located at the corner of Blanco and Sixth Streets, on the edge of the Clarksville area, Clark's didn't only take over the former Portabla location, but changed what was a cramped luncheon spot into a European bistro, rife with bright yellows and whites and accentuated by the colors of the sea and the cerulean glow of aquariums and aquatic life. Communal bar seating lines the left side of the space, giving it a cocktail hour feel, while intimate booths fill the rest of the dining area. Once seated, the voyage begins, as each and every one of Clark's servers is more than adequately educated on all menu items. After a barrage of questions regarding nearly each and every dish, they remain pleasant and do not miss a beat when guiding a guest through the restaurant's offerings. The menu runs the seafood gamut, diverging from the ocean on just a few choice items, such as the club sandwich, hamburger and hanger steak dishes. Of course, the real features of Clark's are the fruits of the sea they have on offer. Their raw bar and oyster selection are not only the pride of the menu, but may well be the pride of Austin. In a town with no coast, it is impressive for Clark's to have the variety of halfshell delights that they make available every day. Sold by the individual oyster, each diner, from oyster-novice to experienced shucker can create a platter that accentuates the strengths and differences of varietal oysters from a variety of famous locales. P.E.I. (Prince Edward Island) oysters make up the bulk of the selection, as one might expect from their legendary status; but it would be a regrettable oversight to ignore the Little Island oysters that hail from Maine or Nova Scotia's Fire Lake oysters. Served with a healthy amount of sides, including horseradish that is ground to order, it is easy to stay rooted solely in the oyster section of the menu for the entirety of the meal, reloading the platter with one's old and new favorites.

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BY DANIEL RAMIREZ

To do so, however, would miss two outstanding dishes that are increasingly rare in Texas, but infinitely rewarding to an adventurous palate. The lobster roll, a Northeastern staple made of lobster meat, shredded vegetables and an aioli all on bread, finds an impressive expression at Clark's. Sitting atop a mountain of the thinnest and lightest fries imaginable, Clark's synergy of pillowy bread and buttery sweet lobster elevates the commonplace sandwich to well beyond the realm of the Maine food truck on the coast and to an inspired dish. Accentuated by a "quick pickle" that chefs claim is the work of mere moments and involves white wine, cannot be overlooked. The dish, as a whole, makes it feel like sacrilege to refer so casually to it as a sandwich or a roll, considering the decadent ingredients and refined execution. Meanwhile, the richest of all Clark's indulgences lies firmly in the traditional peasant dish, Cioppino, a heady and fragrant combination of various fish, shellfish and garlic toast, all resting in a tomato based broth that contains more depth of flavor than words can accurately convey. The seafood used isn't the standard fare, as the scallops and shrimp used in the dish are both oversized and obviously fresh. And while the seafood that rests in the broth is cooked to perfection, it is the broth that has the most lasting impact, all but inviting more garlic toast and spoonfuls to make the experience last as long as possible. While it may be a traditional dish, Clark's version is neither old fashioned nor peasant in nature. No previous McGuire restaurant has lacked for wine list or cocktail selection and, in that regard, Clark's bears the standard well. Alongside the menu's regular cocktails and exceptional wine list, Clark's has a revolving item that is at the discretion of their expert bartenders. However, the Stowaway, an accurately named mix of gin, sparkling orange and St. Germain's elderflower accent with hints of mint, is the most recommended of Clark’s exhaustive choices. In the event that one has enough room to peek at the dessert menu, the Key Lime Tart, an exercise in reconstruction rather than the ever-popular ‘deconstruction’ in modern cuisine, exaggerates its ingredients. Freshly shaved and toasted coconut accents the light merengue and allows the tang of lime to provide the final delight to nearly any diner’s palate. An elegant finish to an elegant dining experience, one would expect no less of a McGuire restaurant, which Clark’s expresses in every detail.

PHOTO CREDIT CASEY DUNN

Clark's Oyster Bar is Yet Another Success for Larry McGuire

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austinlifestylemagazine.com THE BEST OF EVERYTHINGâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ONLINE! View interactive issues online!

Dining/Drink Having doled out our superlative drink in the autumn of 2013, proclaiming Balcones Distilling's product as the best whiskey in the world, it bears repeating. What other bites and sips made our 2013 list for Austinites hungry and thirsty for "The Best of Everything?" Find out as we bounce around the city limits and beyond.

PHOTO BY DANIEL RAMIREZ

Scenes We've been to every party, from Formula 1 soirees to Austin Film Festival socials, and have catalogued the best events of 2013. Let our online guide help you plan a proper social calendar for 2014 and relive some of the best parties that the past year has thrown!

PHOTO BY DANIEL RAMIREZ

PHOTO CREDIT OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN

The Best of 2013 in:

Music Placing the label of "best music" in a city that resets the bar with every passing festival, month and day is quite difficult. But, in a town that has played host to literally thousands of concerts in a calendar year, Austin Lifestyle Magazine is determined to do our best! Check out the bands, shows and spectacles that made our top ten playlist for 2013.

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Travel This year, Austin Lifestyle Magazine literally traveled from coast to coast and nearly from pole to pole. What were our favorite moments and most sublime destinations for the past year? Book your flights now for parts both known and unknown and follow along as our writers recount their best tales from around the globe.

Check out our online photo gallery of events from ALM issue release parties and Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social scene.

COSM IC C ADE NCE

BY K E L LY B E N S O N

HOROSCOPES

December & January We can expect to be a bit more health conscious and more efficient with our time as Mars transits through Virgo. This will dovetail nicely with Venus’ transit in Capricorn (also earth) making us see clearly the direction we want to take our life path. This is an excellent time to build on our current strategies!

ARIES MAR 21—APR 20

LEO JUL 23—AUG 22

You’re taking care of business and thinking about

Your work life is improving as you’re redefining

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23—DEC 21 Matters connected to your estate and your earnings,

your future, Aries. You have a good handle on what

your craft now, Leo. You may attract others to

and how you procure your resources are favored.

you’re capable of and what to push for. Trust your

join forces with you – excellent! Interest in health

Keep an open mind about going into business with

instincts with any important decisions. Use this

matters increase. An attraction to new diets and

a partner as you stand to benefit. You might make some big-ticket purchases related to your home or

time to get others on board with your ideas. Your

health regimes can be of great benefit to you now.

public will see you as capable, trustworthy and

Romances that spark in the office place are likely.

business. Health wise, you will feel an increase in your

approachable, so work with it!

(Just be discreet, you magnanimous Leo, you!)

energy (and this includes your libido)!

TAURUS APR 21—MAY 20

VIRGO AUG 23—SEP 22

CAPRICORN DEC 22—JAN 20

Your world is opening up more, Taurus. There’s

You're feeling more invigorated in everything you do

It would seem that you are becoming a bigger

a good chance that opportunities to travel will

now, Virgo. You want things to run more efficiently,

player on the scene and others are taking note of

present themselves to you. You want to expand your

and that includes your body. As your energy increases,

this, Capricorn! You're willing to stand up for yourself

knowledge base—either through travel, education

so does your sex drive (va va voom)! Get ready for

or something you believe in – this is commendable.

or the expansion of your mind. Interest in new

some romantic overtures and flirtations. This is a

Take advantage of this time to champion a cause or

philosophies, religions, beliefs systems and politics

wonderful time to meet new people and connect

go after what you want. You're not likely to take no

will be top of mind. This is a very inspired time for you!

with those who have like-minded interests.

for an answer now!

GEMINI MAY 21—JUN 21

LIBRA SEP 23—OCT 22

AQUARIUS JAN 21—FEB 19

Relationships are a key focus. The handling of money

Bosses and VIPs are seeing you in a favorable light,

You will be making some key changes to many life

that is jointly held can go well. The same can be said

Libra. This is an excellent time to promote yourself,

areas, but prior to this you need to do a little soul-

for jointly held responsibilities and commitments.

your cause or whatever it is you believe in. Meanwhile

searching. Fortunately, there are people in some

You are likely to see an increase in your wealth and

back at the ranch, your home life is improving big

good positions that are willing to lend you a hand.

your earnings! You’ll benefit from partnerships.

time! Have some fun redecorating or opening up

Colleagues or workmates from your past make

Existing relationships get a breath of fresh air. New

your home and having others over. Connections with

excellent sounding boards and vice versa—you might

relationships that developed now will be highly

family members are sweet and loving.

be an excellent counselor to your friends.

sexual.

SCORPIO OCT 23—NOV 22

PISCES FEB 20—MAR 20

CANCER JUN 22—JUL 22

Get ready for playful invitations from unexpected

Slow things down a bit, Pisces. You can easily get

Romantic relationships, business partnerships and

sources. Exercise your social muscles! Teaming up

caught up in your ideal version of a situation as

close friendships will improve greatly (awe). You're

with associations and groups will be a benefit to you.

you plough full tilt ahead. Don’t lose sight of the

going to be shrewd with regards to how you handle

You’re willing to work hard (with Saturn in your sign)

important details. You're coming into a powerful

your resources now. Whatever you invest—be that

to make some substantial and lasting changes—be

time of extended social groups and interesting

financially, emotionally or energetically—you will

that at work or at home. Key relationships are in a

professional networks. Opportunities to expand on

find these efforts return to you tenfold. Chances to

pivotal stage, so capitalize on this.

creative pursuits with like-minded souls are about

travel with friends and lovers will be enjoyable (get

to take off.

that passport renewed!).

To learn more about Kelly, visit kellybenson.ca austinlifestylemagazine.com

KEEP AUSTIN

WELL YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL EVERY DAY

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL

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PHOTO CREDIT OF DAILY GREENS

K EEP AUS T I N W ELL

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL

Drink Your Vegetables BY AMBER GROCE

With our overachiever schedules and to-die-for food in Austin, how are we supposed to get our daily servings of fruits and vegetables? One Austinite, Shauna Martin, created Daily Greens bottled juice in 2012. Six pounds of produce, equivalent to nine servings of raw fruit and vegetables, are pressed into each and every bottle of Daily Greens. Daily Greens isn’t your typical green juice — the juices include flavor profiles like watercress, fennel, dandelion greens, jalapeno, ginger and vanilla. Daily Greens currently comes in five flavors. Because of its use of cold-pressing technology, Daily Greens have five times the nutrients than standard juicing. The bottled juices also have a 45-day shelf life when refrigerated because of the practice of high pressure processing, which uses high pressure instead of heat to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Daily Greens ingredients are never heated or pureed, which many juice companies practice and which leads to loss of nutrients available for absorption into the body. “I love all of my juices equally and I’m always working diligently to develop the next new flavor,” Shauna said. “My goal is to ensure that everyone has a flavor that they enjoy so that drinking green juice daily is an essential and enjoyable

part of everyone's daily routine.” The flavor that started everything, Purity, was just recently launched to the public. It’s the original recipe that Shauna drank for the seven years after cancer — the "pond water" that everyone made fun of her for. It’s more of a pure green flavor, different from most of the others, and is close to her heart because of the history she's had with it. Shauna was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33 on August 4, 2005. “I will never forget the day my doctor uttered those horrifying words: ‘I am sorry to tell you, but that is a cancer tumor that you have in your left breast.’ In a split second, my life changed forever. I eventually learned that I had Stage II cancer because my cancer had spread from my left breast into the lymph nodes under my arm. "I kept asking myself: ‘How at the age of 33 did I come to have breast cancer?’ I came from a healthy family with no history of cancer. I am very healthy (aside from the breast cancer). I exercise regularly, eat well and have regular checkups. In fact, it was I who first found the lump and had the initiative to go see my gynecologist, after I discontinued breastfeeding my son, Cooper. I immediately sent my sister in to get checked, and she was diagnosed with Stage I breast austinlifestylemagazine.com

K EEP AUS T I N W ELL

Shauna also founded Pink Ribbon Cowgirl, a social network of younger breast cancer survivors committed to helping other young women diagnosed with breast cancer to not just survive, but thrive. “I love that young women who face breast cancer are not alone,” Shauna said. “They have other women to share with and talk to about their common experiences. When I meet a Pink Ribbon Cowgirl for the first time, we immediately share an instant bond knowing that we now belong to the same sisterhood.” You can find Daily Greens all over Austin, including Whole Foods, in.gredients, Thom’s Market and Pure Bikram Yoga. For more information, visit drinkdailygreens.com.

PHOTO CREDIT OF DAILY GREENS

cancer at the same time.” After Shauna went through chemotherapy and in the midst of her multiple surgeries, Kris Carr of Crazy, Sexy Cancer came to Austin to premiere her movie. In the movie, she chronicles her journey to find a cure for her untreatable cancer through raw food and juicing. “I immediately bought the book and read it in one afternoon,” Shauna said. “I remember crying as I read it and came to the realization that there was something that I could actually control in my life that might help me regain my health. That is when I started juicing every day. I believe that my green juice helped boost and repair my immune system which in turn helped me regain my energy and strength.”

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Tis the Season to Be Anxiety Free BY CHRISTIAN RYAN CRISWELL

DR. EUDENE HARRY IS A BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN IN BOTH TRADITIONAL

She is presently the medical director of Oasis Wellness & Rejuvenation Center in Orlando, Florida. Her book, Anxiety 101: The Holistic Approach to Managing Your Anxiety and Taking Back Your Life explores the causes of stress and anxiety disorders and provides information on how to address symptoms in a way that promotes health and well-being. In this fast-paced world, it is easy to become overwhelmed with anxiety or stress and turn to the wrong things to calm our nerves. I spoke with Dr. Harry to learn some of the symptoms of anxiety and helpful ways to manage, especially during this busy holiday season. AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE WITH OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

It’s been shown that junk foods can exacerbate anxiety. People might find themselves wanting to self-medicate. Whether you medicate with food or with alcohol, pay attention to those habits. If you notice it's happening when you’re feeling anxious, that may not be the strategy you want to use, because that could potentially get out of hand. WHAT ARE SOME STEPS TO TAKE TO HELP DEAL WITH THE ANXIETY EXPERIENCED DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE?

In traditional medicine, if someone is experiencing high blood pressure, we assign them a particular medicine for that diagnosis and they’re done. In integrative holistic medicine, we look at the medical causes but also look at this entire person and their environment, lifestyle and belief system. WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS TO LOOK FOR THAT MIGHT MEAN WE ARE EXPERIENCING ANXIETY?

I think we are all very familiar with the sensation of anxiety. It becomes a problem when that fear stops you from doing what you want to do. If you are noticing it starting to interfere with your life quality, then it’s important to realize that you may be having an issue that you need to address.

PHOTO CREDIT DR. EUDENE HARRY

WHAT KIND OF HEALTH ISSUES COULD BE CAUSED BY ANXIETY?

Are you experiencing high blood pressure? Are you nauseous all the time? Pay attention to those things. Anxiety depresses your immune system and could cause you to pick up a cold or upper respiratory infection. It increases cardiovascular disease. The longer you suffer with anxiety the higher the chances of developing episodes of depression. It can increase your risk of things like diabetes and problems managing blood sugar. It definitely makes you eat poorly which then triggers anxiety more.

The holiday season immediately puts expectations on us. We either hope to recreate the perfect holiday or, if we perceive ourselves as having horrible holiday seasons, we go in with that expectation. We want to look at our expectations and realize that we can create our own holiday. The other thing that causes stress during this time is finances. We get into this mode of feeling we need to get bigger and better every year. We put ourselves in this financial situation that is stressful because we may not have the resources to do that. Create a budget and stick with it; be creative! Make it a fun thing to exchange gifts that you’ve made. Make it a fun thing to give to a charity. Giving back and gratitude for what you have has been shown in studies to actually decrease stress levels. The other thing that can stress us out is the need to be in a relationship during the holidays. If you want someone to create that happy feeling for you, just acknowledge that no one can really do that for you and it’s something you can do for yourself. Look at things and activities that make you happy. You can create things that you enjoy doing that can keep your spirits up during the holidays. If you’ve got friends that you enjoy hanging out with, continue to do so. We know that social interactions help us to manage stress better. We get ourselves overwhelmed during the holidays and take on so many tasks; we don’t know how to say no. Take an accurate look at what you are able to do and what you are not able to do, and very politely decline tasks/activities to which you cannot commit.

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL

Staying Happy: Everyday Mental Wellness BY LISA TALEV

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY…AND YET MILLIONS OF AMERICANS EXPERIENCE EXTRA STRESS AND EVEN DEPRESSION OVER THE HOLIDAY

This year I thought it might be nice to explore the topic of happiness: how we can infuse every day with a little more joy and learn to turn our challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. What is true happiness, if we can’t expect to be “happy” all the time? Many contemporary writers talk about happiness as a mindset, which attracts positive circumstances to us. A happy person keeps things in perspective, avoids drama and complaining and understands that both good days and bad days are part of life. While less-happy people tend to bond with friends around complaining and gossip, happy people tend to support and inspire their friends, seek out stimulating new experiences, enjoy alone time to recharge and find the humor in difficult situations. What does it take to rewire your brain, if happiness is not your default setting? I’ve done my best to answer below. So much of the time, the difference between happiness and misery all depends on how well we make peace with our situation.

feeling low: jot down three to 10 things you are profoundly grateful for. The turn-around can be powerful—and immediate.

SEASON.

Your social life can be a source of joy or draining drama. Choose your inner circle wisely. Positive people inspire and support, while negative friends bring you down.

1. KEEP GREAT COMPANY.

Many of the best comedians are people who have known struggle, sadness and even depression. The ability to flip even difficult circumstances into laugh-out-loud humor is a vital life skill—and a gift to share with others. Knowing how to step back and see the humor of your situation is essential to turning it around. If you’re too tired or distrought to find the humor, treat yourself to a silly book, comedy movie or time with a friend who makes you laugh.

2. LAUGHTER: THE BEST MEDICINE.

What you focus on grows. Focus on your failures or all the things you wish you had, and you may as well water all the weeds in your garden while digging up the flowers. It’s normal to have several things in life going right at the same time as several things go wrong. Try taking a gratitude break when you’re

3. GRATITUDE AND MENTAL FOCUS.

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4. TAKE GREAT CARE OF YOUR BODY. Your daily habits strongly influence

brain chemistry and mood. It’s hard to feel truly happy if your body feels sick or your neurochemistry is imbalanced. Research is beginning to show that the neurotransmitters responsible for our mental states are actually produced in the gut—not the brain. Exercising, drinking water, eliminating sugar and processed foods and taking pro-biotics can make as big a difference to mental health as anti-depressant drugs. For women, awareness of where you are in your monthly cycle can be incredibly empowering. You can manage mood swings more easily when you’re aware that they are caused by hormones. If you experience regular PMS, try the app Period Tracker. You’ll start to notice patterns of emotional imbalance that indicate regular dips and surges of sex hormones. Taking the perspective of a scientist observing a subject, you can learn to manage moods, rather than taking sad thoughts and feelings too seriously.

5. CHEMISTRY CHECK.

6. YOU’RE THE ONE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR. Our culture teaches us that we will feel happy and complete when we find someone else “out there” to love us. No wonder so many of us walk around unhappy! Love in the form of a romantic partner is not always available when we crave it. The reality is, only you control how much love you experience at any given moment, regardless of who else may love you. Learn to feel supported, complete and lovable on your own. You’ll likely become more magnetic to others when you show up overflowing with your own authentic, loving energy.

We all know children lack perspective to see the big picture. But did you know most adults’ core beliefs were set by age seven? It is a powerful life skill to observe your thoughts and question them, rather than assuming they are true. There are several amazing books on this subject that can change the way you see your own beliefs: Loving What Is by Byron Katie and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz are perfect additions to any holiday reading list.

7. QUESTION YOUR BELIEFS.