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FEATURES
46
Robert Earl Keen How Texas Sounds 28 Surreal Tropicana 52 The Center of the Festival Universe Texas Lifestyle Magazine 5
CONTENTS 52
10 LETTER FROM THE TEAM 13 LIVING TEXAS 28 MODE TEXANA | FASHION
Surreal Tropicana
34 BEAUTY 36 FALL FINDS 39 SOCIAL GRACES 42 TEXAS SOCIETY 46 THE SOUND OF THE STATE 28
Robert Earl Keen
52 THE LIVE FESTIVAL
CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
The Evolution of Austin
58 JET SETTER - GATEWAY
CANYONS
62 JET SETTER - NEWPORT
BEACH
67 ROAD TRIP MOTHER/ 13
DAUGHTER DAY
AT THE DOMAIN
69 CALENDAR 70 BOOK REVIEWS 74 A BETTER TEXAN
Char-Grilled Louisiana Oysters with Bacon-Anchovy Butter
When it comes to our seafood —
IT’S THE WATER, THAT MAKES
YOUR MOUTH WATER
That’s right, the reason that Louisiana Seafood is the best in the world is the water. Our shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish are thriving in fisheries where nutrient-rich freshwater mixes with the crystal clear Gulf water to produce a one-of-a-kind environment. One taste and you know it’s Louisiana seafood — fresher, sweeter and more delicious. Pick Louisiana Seafood to make every dish perfect. This recipe, stories and more at LouisianaSeafood.com
Demand It.
Enjoy the good life with Notorious Pink, a rosé made from the finest 100% Grenache from the South of France. Blush pink in color, floral, citrus and red fruit aromas combine with a crisp and refreshing mineral character.
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© 2014 IMPORTED BY BH GROUP USA IMPORTS, MANHASSET, NY
texaslifestylemag.com
TEXAS LIFESTYLE | LETTER FROM THE TEAM
T E X AS L
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PUBLISHERS Shawn
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K Lively and Doug Flatt
EDI TOR I A L T E A M Amber Groce CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Ramirez FASHION EDITOR Edith Henry TRAVEL EDITOR Marika Flatt BEAUT Y EDITOR Rory Patrick McNeill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kayla Elliott, Analise Flatt, Marika Flatt, Rebecca Gamache, Amber Groce, Jessica Newman, Winter Page, Mike Kordell and Daniel Ramirez EDITOR-IN - CHIEF
A RT & PRODUC T ION Walker
WEB DESIGN Hayden
Darren Carroll, David Depuma, Mark Guerra, Christina Harding, James Headrick, Becky Kittleman, Jack Plunkett, Userofreality, David Weaver, and Daniel Ramirez
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
...including our coverage! Speaking on behalf of the team at Texas Lifestyle Magazine, we are so excited about our expansion from Austin Lifestyle Magazine. We will be able to give you a statewide view of luxury lifestyle. We will be bringing you coverage as big as Texas. We’ve also grown our online magazine (www.texaslifestylemag.com) to give you more as you wait for the next print issue. Check out the Living Texas pages for news and openings in the 4 major metro-areas plus other jewels around the state. We’re all about showing you how to live big. Bringing you ideas to live your life to the fullest, we’ve added additional travel features: Jet Setter, which will take you out of the state and Road Tripping, which looks closer to home. This month's Road Trip will cover Texas travels, starting with Lone Star Court and the Domain in Austin. We are encouraging you to put a little gravel in your travel and enjoy the many fabulous experiences around the state of Texas. We’ll be roaming far and wide to bring you the best ideas for road tripping. And, in addition to that, you can continue to enjoy our Jet Setter features, suggesting destinations around the world. And, as our cover Texan says, "The road goes on forever, and the party never ends." Amber Groce Editor-in-Chief
10 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
SA L ES & M A R K ET ING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Billie
Biggs and Lisa Garza
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EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS
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LIVING
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LIVING TEXAS AUSTIN PAGE 14 NET-WORK DO HO SUH - THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY ARTIST & LEHMANN MAUPIN, NEW YORK & HONG KONG
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 13
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUFALINA
LIVING TEXAS | AUSTIN
THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN CONTINUES TO WOW AUSTIN RESIDENTS AND VISITORS By Kayla Elliott The Contemporary Austin is an entirely new museum with two distinct sites in Austin: The Jones Center in downtown Austin and the lakeside nature experience at Laguna Gloria. The museum recently took on a new mission, a new director and a recent grant of $9 million to develop the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria. The Contemporary Austin has quickly become recognized by artists, donors, and art lovers from around the world as a leader in contemporary art. The new reputation has brought on striking new exhibitions with works by some of the most significant artists working today, site-specific commissions and installations, and new works of art added to the museum’s growing sculpture collection. You won’t experience contemporary art like this at any other city in Texas. It has quickly become a major destination for contemporary art in Texas with works of art, installations and performances. The Jones Center is a downtown building designed in 2008 by Lewis Tsurumaki. Laguna Gloria is 12 acres of woods, meadows, and shoreline at 1916 Driscoll Villa and offers art-in-nature experiences to visitors. This fall, The Contemporary Austin is presenting the work of one of the most influential contemporary artists in the world right now, Korean artist Do Ho Suh. This show is the artist’s first large solo show in the U.S. in a decade. The work on view at the Jones Center is made from a large-scale reproduction
14 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
of the artist’s New York apartment. Made from colored, translucent fabric and metal armature, the jewel-like reproductions of appliances and fixtures explore what constitutes a “home”. The Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria will feature Do Ho Suh’s Net-Work which will drape across the grounds of Laguna Gloria and possibly into Lake Austin. The piece is constructed of thousands of gold and silver figurines joined together to make one piece that glimmers and moves in the wind. It represents fishing nets the artist remembers from small villages in Korea. October 16 will bring Laguna Gloria’s most anticipated nights out: La Dolce Vita. Chefs from all over Austin convene in the Marcus Sculpture Park to raise funds for the museum’s educational outreach programs that serve more than 8,000 children each year. Along with the fall exhibitions, there are several public programs that will take place to introduce new visitors to The Contemporary. The LA-based experimental music group Lucky Dragons and the Rooftop Architecture film series downtown are both set to occur. Book events partnered with the University of Texas Press, the Good Taste Series with Edible Austin and more will allow new audiences to explore all the wonder The Contemporary Austin has to offer. THECONTEMPORARYAUSTIN.ORG | 3 CAMPUSES | AUSTIN
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 15
LIVING TEXAS | AUSTIN
shine local By Jessica Newman “I am my customer,” Mary Ray boasts. Like you, she wants to invest in forever pieces that are classic, timeless, and not too trendy. That is why Mary Ray creates jewelry with herself in mind. What would make her happy? What shopping experience does she enjoy? Her most popular item – one that has been carefully crafted down to every detail like matching the filing to the curve of your finger - is the organic circle pave diamond ring. The collection is inspired by negative space, silhouettes, and skin baring through metal. It is the ring that started Mary Ray. Mary studied interior design and, by chance, worked on a set design project in LA, where she discovered she preferred working with her hands. She began by taking workshops in the area and then enrolled in a metal arts program at The Revere Academy in San Francisco. A year after the academy, Mary started her company. Today, she has a studio in Austin, a city she calls home with her husband and two year old son. All of Mary Ray’s jewelry is made out of recycled gold, white gold, and sterling silver, as well as conflict-free diamonds. She designs every piece and is involved in the process from start to finish. A believer that metalwork should conform to the movement of the body, every piece Mary makes she wears first to make sure it compliments the finger and hangs right on the ear or neck. Otherwise, she will go back to the drawing board and occasionally melt pieces down to start over. When trying on Mary Ray Jewelry in person, you will not be surprised by the quality of work. Mary’s detailed effort to make comfortable, every day pieces is part of her line’s appeal. All of this craft is getting noticed. Recently, Sandra Bullock purchased the triple wavy pave diamond ring she had long coveted. Mary exclaims she is still shocked but honored that such a well-known, talented person is wearing her work. Currently, Mary is working on establishing her collection and hopes to be a part of more trunk shows to interact with people. Besides working more with stones in the future, she would love to be able to hand-make pieces unique to a customer, as well. Mary is designing an engagement ring for her friend and general manager at Uchi, where you may find Mary and her husband on date nights chowing on sushi. Mary adores Austin for how its residents support their local businesses. Asked to brag about her jewelry, Mary instead promotes supporting anyone in the community. Creating a connection to the greater community is her favorite part of any transaction. She likes shopping By George, who happily carries her merchandise and Kick Pleat. And you might find her outdoors with her son at Zilker or at Josephine House, championing Austin businesses. . MARYRAYJEWELRY.COM | STATEWIDE LOCATIONS | AUSTIN
16 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
LIVING TEXAS | AUSTIN
ii
i am my customer.
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PHOTO CREDIT: BECKY KITTLEMAN
LIVING TEXAS | DALLAS/FORT WORTH
THE ETHIC & SELECTIONS LYFE KITCHEN PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY LYFE KITCHEN
LYFE KITCHEN OPENS IN SEVERAL DALLAS LOCATIONS By Kayla Elliott LYFE Kitchen has landed in Dallas, opening with three locations from which to make healthy choices that are also delicious. LYFE (which means Love Your Food Everyday) opened their first restaurant in Palo Alto, CA in 2011. They opened a place that reflects values toward health, community and sustainability. Using their “sixth sense” of the highest standard of environmental responsibility, they aim to be an inspiration to their clientele. Chef Art Smith and Chef Tal Ronnen designed a menu that fits every “LYFE”style: flexitarian, locavore, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an extensive beverage menu. In the restaurants themselves, the full ingredient list, as well as calorie, sodium and nut allergy information is displayed. Quality ingredients are all you’ll see at LYFE Kitchen. The menu is comprised of minimally processed and naturally enhanced food of the highest quality. Their food is free of preservatives and additives, but they liberally use spices and herbs to showcase amazing ingredients. In addition, LYFE makes their restaurants out of recycled or repurposed
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SQUASH LEMONGRASS SOUP AT LYFE KITCHEN PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY LYFE KITCHEN
materials. Oven hoods are made of 80% recycled stainless steel and their dining area uses bamboo table tops, recyclable aluminum chairs, community tabletops made from renewable forestry and other renewable or sustainable appointments. " We can do a lot more than serve our communities great food. That’s why each of our restaurants is involved with local charities, like building parks and donating meals to area food programs." There is always a little more that each of us can do to improve either ourselves or our environment. With LYFE Kitchen, Dallas residents can now do both at the same time. LYFEKITCHEN.COM | VARIOUS LOCATIONS | DALLAS
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Unofficial birthplace of the annual
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There’s a reason groups of women flock to Fredericksburg. Actually, there are several. On-and-off Main Street shops full of couture, modern and vintage home dÊcor, art galleries and more are only the beginning. Relaxing spa treatments. Delectable gourmet cuisine. Sweet creations from our bakeries and award-winning wineries to tour. Live music and spectacular views from one of our 350+ Hill Country B&Bs, guesthouses or inns. One tip: Save room for memories! VisitFredericksburgTX.com | 866 997 3600
LIVING TEXAS | DALLAS/FORT WORTH
WILL CHURCHILL & CORRIE WATSON OWNERS/ FRANK KENT MOTOR COMPANY PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY FRANK KENT MOTOR COMPANY
MERGING AUTO REPAIR WITH LIBATIONS By Amber Groce Will Churchill and Corrie Watson , the owners of Frank Kent Motor Co., purchased an 8,000 square-foot property on the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Adams Street in Fort Worth’s trendy Near Southside district last year. After putting in $2 million into the property, in June, they opened an upscale wine bar and specialty retail shop paired with an automotive drop-off service center: Kent & Co. Wines. The concept of Kent & Co. Wines blends fine automobiles and vino for a truly unique experience, one that has yet to be seen anywhere in the U.S. As a nod to the Frank Kent Motor brand, the space will showcase a rotating collection of their hottest new and classic cars—similar to an art installation. Jones Baker Architects designed the bar around an industrialchic vision that features all real wood, concrete floors, custom steel and a 1,500-bottle wine cellar.
20 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
The multi-functional spot serves wine, beer, non-alcoholic mocktails, appetizers, snacks and desserts. Magnolia Cheese Company, Stir Crazy Baked Goods, Melt Ice Creams, Vending Nut Co. and Twin Creeks Café contribute to the menu. Kent & Co. Wines houses eight wines and eight beers (including local Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. and Revolver Brewing) on tap and boasts a 1,500-bottle wine cellar. Have a big car repair issue and you’ll be there all day? You can buy wine by the bottle, too! It is also familyfriendly and dog-friendly. There will be a service drop-off, as well as valet parking available Wednesday through Saturday.
KCOWINES.COM | 1101 WEST MAGNOLIA | FORT WORTH
familiar?
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 21
LIVING TEXAS | HOUSTON
PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF HUGO'S RESTAURANT
HUGO'S CELEBRATION By Amber Groce Recently celebrating its 12th anniversary in July, Hugo’s Restaurant has made a tradition of serving the hungry and discerning diners in Houston authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Hugo Ortega, executive chef/co-owner of Hugo’s and Backstreet Cafe is a three-time finalist for James Beard Foundation Awards. After you’ve handed your keys off to valet (complimentary while dining), you are welcome to step into the casa and relax. You are invited, almost instantly, to feel right at home with the yellow high-back chairs and copper tables – the perfect mix of classic Mexico and modern Westheimer Houston. Start off with a margarita or go for an authentic taste of Mexico with a Paloma de Pina. The Paloma de Pina is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky and salty. The combination of Mezcal, grilled pineapple, lime housemade pineapple soda and hibiscus salt open your palate for the foodie fiesta. For starters, check out the Sopecitos – a true sampler of all things good from Hugo’s. This dish highlights three proteins paired with three housemade sauces: duck with mole poblano, carnitas with salsa Mexicana and cabrito
22 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
with salsa habanero. If you can’t choose your entrée right away, this is a great starting point. If you already know what you’re ordering, snack on Lechón: braised tender suckling pig with crisp skin served with habanero salsa and tortillas for rolling. Now that you’ve had a little taste of everything, you can pick and choose your favorite flavors for your entrée. Need more mole sauce? Go for the Costillas de Res con Torta de Mole – braised short ribs served with savory mole poblano cornbread and sautéed greens. Craving something from the sea? The Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (shrimp sautéed in lime garlic oil and served with arroz blanco and ensalada de nopales) is a lighter option that is still packed with flavor. Looking for a classic? Chiles Rellenos is the way to go. The dishes are authentic, the atmosphere is comfortable and the cuisine is second to none. Make your travel plans now to visit Old Mexico, without packing your passport. HUGOSRESTAURANT.NET | 1600 WESTHEIMER | HOUSTON
LIVING TEXAS | HOUSTON
PHOTO CREDIT: USEROFREALITY
BIG YOGA, BIGGER AND BETTER By Jessica Newman Big Yoga stays true to the phrase: Everything is bigger (and better) in Texas. By practicing Baptiste yoga, the studio encourages you to live big. Big Yoga is a hub for yogis in Houston as it incorporates practice and workshops, a retail shop and a Big & Juicy juice bar. The space is full of energy. Chalkboard walls have colorful words of inspiration. The big studio is saturated in pink paint and benefits from a large glass window facing Allen Parkway. Baptiste yoga encourages an energetic practice resulting in body strength and empowerment. Pop in for a Powerful Flow class, a rapid vinyasa yoga heated to about 90 degrees, to experience an energetic practice that will leave you feeling revitalized. Power Yoga is an hour-long class with a vibrant Big Yoga instructor and assistant to help with poses. Afterwards, feel the effects of your practice in Shavasana and receive the calming benefits of a cool lavender towel placed on your eyes. Take part in additional workshops and activities. Test the waters with Big SUP yoga, paddleboard style, on Lake 288 in Houston or a trip to Galveston. Use BOGA yoga paddleboards specifically designed to enhance your practice
as they provide maximum balance and stability. Children can practice and say “om,” too. A separate studio room for kids is used for daily yoga practice and birthday bashes. All ages can participate in a variety of classes like storytime yoga or art and yoga. For your yogi splurges, browse Lululemon and Spiritual Gangster products in the shop, along with yoga books like “Happy Yoga.” Big & Juicy offers a plethora of juices and smoothies. At a steep price, be sure to order a drink before your class to save 25 cents! The bartenders will have your chaturanga cowabunga or other drink ready for you when you leave class. Along with practice, Big Yoga is committed to service within the community and the world. One Powerful Flow class each month donates all proceeds to a charity of the month. To serve your community firsthand, volunteer at Big Yoga as part of the energy exchange program. Exchange service hours or chores for free classes. BIGYOGAHOUSTON.COM | 3115 ALLEN PKWY | HOUSTON
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 23
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER
LIVING TEXAS | STATEWIDE
PLOTTING THE RIGHT COURSE By Rebecca Gamache
On 155 acres in Houston near Memorial Park sits the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. The Houston Arboretum plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city where development threatens their survival. On August 9, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center hosted an Arboretum at Night event: Wine, Cheese and Bats. The event invited Dr. Cullen Geiselman to discuss the world’s bat species, their habitats and life histories including the eight bat species found in the Houston area. After the discussion, guests strolled on a ‘bat walk’ of the Arboretum grounds that spotlighted and detected the resident bats using an ultrasonic bat detector, all while enjoying wine and cheese. Beyond events like the night of the bat, the Arboretum hosts events with younger audiences in mind. Every Monday morning, beginning in September and running through May, the center also offers Tyke Hikes. Geared toward toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years (with their adult companions), the program invites young guests to join naturalist Naletta Galbraith for a nature story reading and stroller-friendly hike on the Arboretum trails. Trail topics include hummingbirds, worms and raccoons.
In February 2013, Melinda Jones opened Read Between The Lines in Houston, a greeting card line playing off fun phrases not found in Hallmark cards. “I wanted to create paper goods that would speak to the feelings you have about events and the people involved, rather than focusing on the events themselves,” Melinda said. “The whole reason you're pumped for someone's life event is because it's an occasion to celebrate what they mean to you, and the amazing role they play in your life and in this world. That's what the cake and candles are really about. Amazingness.” The simple design with bold, metallic lettering focuses on the catchy phrase, which is the whole point of a greeting card, right? Melinda’s favorite cards are “Hello, My Hallelujah” and “I Love Your Hair ,Will You Marry Me.” “'Hello, My Hallelujah' came to me when I thought about what words would first pop out of my mouth, whisper-like, when something I've prayed about, worked and/or wished for like crazy, comes true. It's about boys and babies and adventures of all kinds. 'I Love Your Hair, Will You Marry Me' speaks to the fact that sometimes, very simple-seeming things can lead us to grand conclusions that seem simultaneously perfect and preposterous - and how fun that kind of experience is. It's also about the mysterious reality that one physical feature - eyes! hair! - can leave you bereft of all rational thought. The fact that this print is often used in marriage proposals makes me tear up - tear UP! - with happiness! “ The witty lines also dabble in philanthropy. A portion of the proceeds of each Read Between The Lines sales goes to Mana Nutrition and Rolling Dog Farm. You can find Read Between The Lines’ products in boutiques throughout Texas.
New to the world of niche social media is Austin-based SocialPutts, an online community connecting golfers to courses and other golfers. Created by Art Faccone of Round Rock, TX, this Facebook-like platform utilizes notifications, quick communication, discounts and offers, to bring more golfers out onto the course. “Sometimes, you find yourself with a couple hours available and you’re out and about and you want to play golf at a certain course,” Faccone said. “With SocialPutts, in a few seconds, you can send out an invitation and see if you have a foursome to play.” “I only had a handful of guys to play golf with and it takes a minor miracle and the stars to align for all of us to get together and play,” Faccone said. “I was looking for more guys like us to play, so that’s where this started.” Once a profile has been created, the user can connect to other golfers by asking them to be a buddy or add their favorite golf courses to their favorites list. This allows the golfer to invite buddies of their same caliber to play a quick round at a local course or the golf course to directly send offers or discounts to get people playing. SocialPutts has impacted the way courses get in touch with their golfers, making the process of getting out onto the course just a click away. “It’s really changing the way courses reach folks and it’s making golf much more accessible to players throughout their normal day-to-day lives instead of making it an event that you plan weeks in advance,” explains Faccone. Planning a game of golf will be even easier as SocialPutts is expected to expand to a new mobile app, using text messaging and notifications to let users know if they are invited to a round of golf or if their favorite courses have a last-minute special going on. “No matter where you are or whatever you’re doing, the app will allow you to invite folks and receive invitations just like a notification,” Faccone said.
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WINE, CHEESE AND BATS, OH MY! By Amber Groce
24 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
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PEARL SNAP By Amber Groce Originally home of Pearl Brewing Company, Pearl is now a culinary and cultural destination in San Antonio. The old brewery is inactive, but not for long. The most recent update to this community was the announcement of a new boutique hotel opening next year where the old brewery stood. Hotel Emma, the new Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property, is named in honor of Emma Koehler, wife of Pearl Brewery founder Otto Koehler. Emma Koehler kept Pearl open during prohibition even as other breweries were forced to close. Steven André, former general manager of Hutton Hotel in Nashville and Hotel Derek in Houston, will manage the 146-room hotel while John Brand will serve as executive chef and culinary director. Pearl also boasts a powerful line-up of restaurants. Pearl’s first bar, Blue Box, features drinks hand-crafted by an in-house mixologist and offers a modern approach to drinks and design. Grab some traditional Texas BBQ at The Granary or Italian fare from Il Sogno Osteria. The newest tenant is Bakery Lorraine, a San Antonio staple with delightful macarons and pastries.
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Every Saturday, All Pearl Farmers Market is host to vendors located within 150-mile radius of San Antonio that provide fresh, local and seasonal products that they themselves planted, raised and harvested. Retail options at Pearl include clothing, fitness and home goods. Ladies can grab an outfit at Adelante and stop by Leighelena for jewelry. Guys can peruse Dos Carolinas for the perfect handmade Guayabera – the traditional Latin summer shirt. Get your biking fix at Bike World or attend a fitness class at The Synergy Studio. Pick up tableware from Melissa Guerra’s Latin Kitchen Market or fair trade home décor from Ten Thousand Villages. Get lost in a book at The Twig Book Shop. Pearl hosts several events throughout the year, including the 5th Annual Tamales! Holiday Festival in December. The festival is centered around San Antonio's tradition with tamales, culture, music and fun for the whole family. ATPEARL.COM | 303 PEARL PKWY #300 | SAN ANTONIO
LIVING TEXAS | SAN ANTONIO
OMNI SAN ANTONIO LAUNCHES AQUATICA SUITE By Marika Flatt What will they think of next? It’s a question we ask about technology, kids’ games and music; but rarely do we ask that question about hotels. Omni San Antonio at the Colonnade is stretching into new frontiers with the development of their theme suites—just for kids! Omni has teamed up with SeaWorld® and The Art Institute of San Antonio to design two suites, each with a specific theme for the younger set. The new Aquatica suite is a regular sized hotel room, adjoining to a king suite (king bed, bath and living room area with a fold-out couch). This set-up allows for parents to enjoy a comfortable king bed, two others can share the fold-out couch, and the Aquatica suite can sleep two to three kids (three if you request a roll-away). The Aquatica room features two single beds, which are appropriately adorned with all things aqua: sea-themed bedding, plus ample sea creature pillows and stuffed animals. Other amenities of this room include: two flatscreen televisions, one for TV or movies and the other for the Wii U GamePad and PlayStation 4, a library of kids’ movies, books, games, a bubble chair, a pair of stingray beanbags and – wait for it – a double-sided aquarium (one side faces the bedroom and the other faces the bathroom.) If you can tear the kids away from the game system long enough, the family can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Bolo’s. Kids will love starting off the day getting to choose from an ample array of breakfast treats: an omelette bar to a fruit bar and a host of other selections,
such as pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy and cereal and pastry bars. The only thing that can compete with a Playstation in a hotel is an indoor and outdoor pool. Kids can play basketball, volleyball and swim until their hearts’ content, while mom and dad lounge poolside with a cold beverage. If you need another reason to visit San Antonio for an overnight stay, spend a day at Six Flags’ Fiesta Texas theme park, just five miles from the Omni. Aim to get there around the time they open, 10:30 am, and pack a backpack with some water bottles, snacks and plenty of sunscreen. Wear swimsuits under your clothes and enjoy the waterpark (open from 12-7 p.m.) at no additional charge(check website for calendar). If you can keep your kids from wanting to return to the hotel to play games in their super-cool Aquatica suite, you can stay at the park until 9 pm and see the nightly laser light show. The Aquatica suite at the Omni San Antonio, paired with a day at Fiesta Texas, is just about as good as it gets for kids in Texas. They’ll surely want you to make this trip an annual tradition. Rates for the suites range from $359 to $499, and include daily breakfast for the whole family. For additional information or to book the suite, please visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Travelers can also follow Omni Hotels & Resorts at Facebook.com/OmniHotels and Twitter.com/ OmniHotels. OMNIHOTELS.COM | 9821 COLONNADE BLVD | SAN ANTONIO
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 27
JUMPSUIT Luxe Apothetique EARRINGS/RING Stylist's Own NECKLACES Luxe Apothetique/Langford Market ARM CUFF Langford Market
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, EDITOR: EDITH HENRY, EDITHHENRY.COM, THE DRAGONFLY AGENCY, HEYMAN TALENT PHOTOGRAPHER: MARK GUERRA, MARKGUERRA.COM ILLUSTRATION ARTIST: ALEXIS ALVAREZ, ALEXISBEATRIZALVAREZ.COM STYLIST: ALLI ROSE HANSEN, ARHSTYLES.COM STYLIST ASST: CHEDASIA THOMPSON MAKEUP/HAIR: KELSEY JAMES, KELSEYJAMES.COM MODEL: OLIVIA JORDAN, HEYMAN TALENT
Let your summer vacation to the tropics linger by letting it inspire your summer-to-fall transitional wardrobe. Summer may be gone, but the heat hasn’t, so don’t put away those bright colors and crochet tops just yet! Jumpsuits and maxi-skirts make for great transitional pieces, while bright two-piece sets keep things cool and classic. Going back to work? Throw on a foliage print suit. Your incredible summer can OUTFIT last forever through your style. Lala BRACELET Jeannie Vianney
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SUIT Zara TOP Langford Market NECKLACE Urban Outfitters BAG/RING Luxe Apothetique
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 29
TOP/SKIRT/ARM CUFF Langford Market EARRINGS/RING Stylist's Own NECKLACES/BAG Luxe Apothetique
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OUTFIT Lala NECKLACE AND BRACELET Frankie Handbags
DRESS Luxe Apothetique
DRESS Urban Outfitters
EARRINGS Johnathan Huo
TOP Luxe Apothetique
NECKLACES/BRACELET Luxe Apothetique
EARRINGS Langford Market
SHOES Stylist's Own
NECKLACES/BRACELET Luxe Apothetique BAG Zink Collection SHOES Stylist's Own
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ALL PIECES FROM NEIMAN MARCUS TOP Clover Canyon BOTTOM Clover Canyon EARRINGS Alexis Bittar NECKLACE Alexis Bittar BRACELETS Alexis Bittar SHOES Pour La Vitoire
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TEXAS LIFESTYLE | BEAUTY
WHEN THIN IS NOT IN... By Rory Patrick McNeill
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TEXAS LIFESTYLE | BEAUTY
THE HAIR TOSS. A timeless symbol of fabulously healthy hair. Does your hair toss consist of swaying the locks on your head, or has it become the ritual of using a lint brush to remove the hair from your clothes? You are not alone. About two-thirds of women experience hair loss at some time in their lives. Hair loss, oftentimes, has a far greater impact on a woman’s psyche than a man’s. Thinning hair is more socially acceptable for men to sport. They have the luxury of deciding to shave it off, ala Bruce Willis. So, what now for a woman to do to reclaim that amazing tossable man (if you’re a man, you can follow these guidelines too)? We must first get to the 'root ' of the problem. IS IT TEMPORARY? Was there a specif ic event that triggered the thinning? Childbirth, a period of intense stress or high fever can manifest as excessive (more than 100 hairs a day), and sudden, all over thinning. If a blood test traces your shedding to a thyroid imbalance, endocrine disorder, dietary deficiency, or specific medication, your locks will likely return to their former glory once trauma passes and balance is restored in the body.
Polyphenols to help sustain the scalp's micro-circulation, allowing expedition of carrying delivery. Essential fatty acids complete nourishment. A fabulous daily boost for hair. MAGIC LASER : HAIRMAX LASER COMB This is one of several over-the-counter handheld lasers marketed for hair growth… but it's the only one with FDA approval. Simply glide the comb over your scalp for 10-15 minutes, three times a week. Studies show that after six months, new hair growth is evident in about 25 percent of cases. Shed some light on it. PLUMP IT UP: Nothing satisfies the broken spirit of limp hair like the perfect styling product, Densi Recharge. For years, Kerastase has been tweaking new and rare ingredients in hopes of changing the way your hair behaves with a simple blow dry. This advanced treatment mousse instantly densifies without weight. Bounce without the typical sticky-tack of a traditional mousse. Hair is boosted with radiant shine and suppleness.
IS IT CHRONIC? The most common cause of female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, a genetic condition in which new hair shafts grow in progressively thinner over time. Women usually notice a wider part and gradual reduction in overall volume, often with a concentrated thinning at the crown. The condition can begin any time after puberty but often becomes noticeable during and after menopause, when it's compounded by hormonal shifts.
FULL OF LIFE: Extensions are a natural fit to instantly bring fullness to lifeless hair. So often the problem with hair extensions is that they can add additional stress to existing hair, further complicating the issue. New technology has arrived, allowing faster application and zero hair damage. Ultratress tape-in extensions can be applied in under an hour and last up to six weeks. This quick technique allows for a significantly less expensive procedure with fresh hair delivered every time.
Having researched and worked with various hair products over two decades in my professional styling career, I feel that I have come up with a worthwhile list to reclaim the toss followed by the over-the-shoulder flip. I recommend combining some of them together based on what works for you. I know these will help you on your journey back in time to a truly tossable do.
SCALP RENEWAL: The scalp is one of the most undercared for areas of our entire body. Keep a friendly environment for hair with Scalp Renewal, a professional treatment by Nioxin. This anti-aging treatment helps regenerate and revitalize scalp skin through exfoliation, creating a healthy environment for hair to grow and eliminating follicle clogging debris from the surface. Flakes are banished along with pollutants, and circulation increases. Hair growth has its maximum potential.
INSIDE OUT - DENSI-RECHARGE: We all know our outside selves are a reflection of inner chemistry. Therefore, it is only natural to start preventing hair loss with a quality supplement that addresses all of the needs for healthy hair growth. Kerastase’s proprietary formula densif ies hair with Taurine, Green Tea, and Grape Seed
And for an additional treat- you are what you eat and so it goes for your hair. Here is some delicious good-for-your-hair fare: Organic Brown Rice – I recommend that you purchase Lundberg Farms as it is free of metals. Then, there are olives, grapefruit, eggs, kale, swiss chard, chia seeds, figs, and red cabbage. Toss all that in a haircare salad and eat that up or eat them on their own. Now, toss your locks all you want with your rejuvenated hair.
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FALL FINDS
A Few of Our Favorite Things For Fall 2014
By Marika Flatt
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5 1. Diviine ModesTee’s swim collection, Divinita Sole, $99, diviinemodestee.com. 2. Lojel Wave Polycarbonate 30-inch Upright Spinner Suitcase, $279.99, overstock.com. 3. Alegria Pretty Baby Clog, $130, alegriashoes.com. 4. Under Armor Marbella Black Shield Sunglasses, $65 - $105, underarmour.com | various. 5. Marika workout wear [Black & white tank and matching capris, $50 each] [orange/pink tank, $55], marika.com.
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JUST FOR KICKS Shoes for Active Texas Lives
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7 6 A. Aetrex Bungee Boots in Mochaberry, $130, aetrex.com. B. Justin Boots Bent Rail Collection, $186, justinboots.com. C. Mizuno Wave Rider 17, $115, mizunorunning.com. D. Brooks Transcend running shoe, $160, brooksrunning.com/transcend. 6. Turnstone’s Buoy in Picasso Blue, $215, myturnstone.com. 7. WorkFit-P adjustable laptop stand, $299, apple.com | amazon.com.
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SOCIAL GRACES | AUSTIN
OPEN DOOR FALL FETE FUNDRAISER Saturday, September 20 | Blackheart | Contributed by Open Door Preschools Since its inception in 1975, Open Door Preschools has embodied key values that have helped shape today’s Austin community. The embrace of diversity, the passion for education, and the respect for those who may have more or less are central to Open Door’s mission. Every day, Open Door provides an environment where children can be themselves while receiving an enriched education. Our children are accepted from a broad spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds, varied levels of developmental abilities and multiple ethnicities. Our program is a leader in early childhood education and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our community of supporters has helped us to create a culture-rich, state-of-the-art learning environment that we welcome you to join. We invite you to step back in time with us to 1930’s Paris for La Vie En Rose—our 2014 Fall Fête fundraiser—on Saturday, September 20th. Located
at The Black Heart, one of Austin’s most hip spaces on bustling Rainey Street, La Vie En Rose will feature live entertainment, an inspired art gallery, a silent auction featuring unique finds and other fun surprises. It’s sure to be an evening of fabulous food and drink set amongst 1930’s-meets-2014 fun. This year, we are also delighted to be honoring Julia Spann and Gail Susholtz. Both of these former Open Door parents are remarkable community advocates that embody the spirit of our mission and enhance our community. We hope you will support Open Door by becoming a sponsor of La Vie en Rose. Your partnership helps ensure that Open Door remains accessible to families with limited resources and special needs. We believe that instilling key values in our students today is essential to creating an Austin community we can be proud of 20 years from now. FACEBOOK.COM/OPENDOORPRESCHOOLS
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SOCIAL GRACES | SAN ANTONIO
TONI AND RICHARD GOLDSMITH HONOREES
6TH ANNUAL STARRY NIGHT CAMP GALA Saturday, September 13 | San Antonio Country Club | Contributed By CAMP Please save the date and plan to join Children’s Association for Maximum Potential on the evening of September 13, 2014, as the San Antonio community celebrates and honors local philanthropists and civic leaders, Toni and Richard Goldsmith, during the 6th Annual Starry Night CAMP Gala. The Goldsmiths have a long and extraordinary history of serving those in need in our community and have been friends of Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) for many years. This year, CAMP proudly celebrates its 35th anniversary. Started in 1979 as a weekend camp, CAMP has grown to nine, 6-day summer sessions – plus additional programming year-round - serving over 1,000 individuals with special needs annually. With a 1:1 CAMPer-to-counselor ratio and a full volunteer medical staff, CAMP is able to serve individuals with medical,
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developmental, and intellectual disabilities – even those with diagnoses so severe that they are turned away from most other special needs camps. Past honorees include: Harvey Najim (2013), Berto & Tammy Guerra (2012), Gordon & Maggie Hartman (2011), Charlie & Cathy Amato (2010) and Josue & Patty Robles (2009). We sincerely hope that you will mark your calendar to join us on September 13th at the San Antonio Country Club, as we honor two incredible people who continue to do so much for our community. To learn more about CAMP, contact CAMP’s Event Manager Nancy Gerson by phone at (210) 671-7955, by emailing nancy.gerson@campcamp.org or by visiting the website. CAMPCAMP.ORG
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SOCIAL GRACES | DALLAS
ROSS AND KARA MILLER, CINDY AND SCOTT COLLIER EVENT CO-CHAIRMEN
CITY SQUARE'S A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Saturday, September 6 | AT&T Performing Arts Center | Contributed by CitySquare CitySquare’s annual fall fundraiser, A Night to Remember, presented by South Bay Partners LTD, continues its tradition of performances by legends and superstars. This year, Aretha Franklin adds to the list of past appearances by entertainment greats like B.B. King, Steve Martin, Clint Back, Patti LaBelle, Bill Cosby, Jay Leno, Lyle Lovett and Diana Ross. The undisputed Queen of Soul will perform Saturday night, September 6 at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in downtown Dallas with proceeds from the event benefiting CitySquare’s poverty-fighting programs. Co-chairmen of the event are Cindy and Scott Collier and Kara and Ross Miller. The couples have co-chaired A Night to Remember for three years running and are promising the biggest and best A Night to Remember yet. After successes with Lyle Lovett in 2012 and Diana Ross in 2013, the question was, “Who for 2014?” Answer: Aretha! Honorary chairmen of the event are philanthropists Annette Simmons and daughter Amy Simmons. Last year, a dinner for major sponsors was added to A Night to Remember. The candlelight dinner at The Winspear Opera House prior to the concert features Wolfgang Puck fare and adds a special touch to complete a very special evening. For over 25 years, CitySquare has addressed the root causes of poverty by working together with the people they serve. Originally started as the Central Dallas Food Pantry in East Dallas, CitySquare has now grown to be one of the largest, most effective social services organizations in Texas. CitySquare fights poverty through service, advocacy and friendship with programs that feed the hungry, heal the sick, house the homeless and renew hope. CitySquare’s Food on the Move program feeds kids likely to miss meals in the absence of school lunch programs during the summer and after school
during the academic year. Currently serving communities in Dallas, Houston, Waco and Austin, Food on the Move is expected to provide over 1 million meals next summer. Hailed by The U.S. Department of Agriculture as a model for the rest of the nation, Food on the Move received the Governors Volunteer Award for Community Leadership in 2013. CitySquare has programs to address the root causes of poverty and to change the trajectory of people’s lives. Over 15,000 households in South and East Dallas rely on CitySquare’s Food Pantry. CitySquare’s Community Health Services (CHS) serve as the “medical home” to over 2,000 patients, providing accessible, affordable preventative health care, including pharmacy benefits, to uninsured, low-income patients in Dallas. CitySquare also provides permanent housing for low income and formerly homeless families and individuals, along with programs and services to help them move forward as productive citizens. The organization addresses legal, educational, employment and community empowerment needs, as well as advocating for policy change. CitySquare’s new Opportunity Center located in one of Dallas’ poorest areas is “a 'one-stop shop' of opportunity and new possibilities for all who come through our doors,” says Larry James, President and CEO of CitySquare, who firmly believes that permanence and a sense of well-being can be the catalyst to repairing and rebuilding seemingly lost lives. The Center will be home to numerous social services as well as CitySquare’s food distribution center and will serve as a community touch-point for people looking to improve their conditions. A Night to Remember is CitySquare’s largest annual fundraiser. For sponsorship and ticket information go to www.citysquare.org/respect. CITYSQUARE.ORG/RESPECT | 214.823.8710 | DALLAS
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TEXAS SOCIETY | FORT WORTH
HIGH HEELS & HOT MEALS
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6. 1. Cynthia Terry, Melanie Reiter, Kathy Wolfe, Brenda Rios, Robin Ponitz. 2. Shawna Duckworth, April Gwin, Yvonne Collins, Elizabeth Falconer, Rosie Vann-Dalton, Whitney Cardwell, Sande Brandt, Michele Hahnfeld, Valerie Freeman, Heidi Schutts. 3. Juliette Turner, Janine Turner, Janice Gauntt. 4. Erica Phemister, James Lemons. 5. Jamie DePuma, Janet Hodges. 6. Mary Palko, Dionne Bagsby, Elaine Petrus. 7. Colt Cantrell, Ryan Pipkin, Ivan Morehead, Tom Stuhs, Charlie Gelineau.
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PHOTO CREDIT: DAVID DEPUMA
TEXAS SOCIETY | AUSTIN
MAKE A WISH OVER THE EDGE
1. Team HomeAway - Ronda Stahl, Matt Laessig, Charles Wagner. 2. Austin Business Journal Editor Colin Pope. 3. Proud supporters meet with Wish Kid Angelina and Wish Kid Aaliyah. 4. KVUE Reporter Tina Shively.
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVID WEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY
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TEXAS SOCIETY | AUSTIN
2014 CONCORDIA EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP GALA
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1. Concordia team. 2. Keri Bellacosa, emcee, Elizabeth Christian PR 3. Keith Weiser, immediate past board chair; Tom Cedel, past president and EIL honoree; Don Christian, chief executive officer. 4. Tom Stacy, Former EIL honoree, and his wife, Melinda. 5. Tom Cedel, past president and EIL honoree, his wife Penny and family.
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PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES HEADRICK
TEXAS SOCIETY | AUSTIN
2014 BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA - CENTRAL TEXAS ICE BALL
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1. Conie and Bill Nelson. 2. Andrea and Cas Campaigne. 3. Nad and Elizabeth Elias. 4. Keri Bellacosa, Lauren Petrowski and Erica Brenne. 5. Bill Blackstone and Rachel Simpson, Jared and Lindsay Toren, Dan and Lisa Graham.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISTINA HARDING
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R .E.K . A N D T H E
S T A
SOU N D OF T H E
A T E
By Daniel Ramirez By Daniel Ramirez
PHOTO CREDIT: ALL PHOTOS - DARREN CARROLL
TEXAS LIFESTYLE | COVER FEATURE
"All you have to do is say the name, Robert Earl Keen, to a native Texan – or even one who has called the state their home for more than a few years – and a curious thing begins to happen."
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For nearly every person asked, a smile will make its way across their face, and they’ll likely have a tale to tell about a time that they saw Keen play a rowdy set at some seedy dive bar on a legendary night. Maybe they’ll even talk of a random road trip that involved more than a few repeats of a particularly fitting Keen classic that all in the vehicle were singing along with by the time they woefully switched to the next track. It is a fantastic and strange phenomenon, and it does speak volumes beyond the borders of the great State of Texas, but within the borders – from Orange to Anthony and Kerrick to Brownsville – it thunders. If Texas, itself, has a sound, it has to be the sound of Robert Earl Keen. A native Texan, Keen’s origins are well known. Raised near Houston, educated at Texas A&M University and becoming a fixture on the honky tonk circuit of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Robert Earl Keen hasn’t spent too much of his life outside the Texas borders. He proudly claims the prideful state and has served as an unofficial emissary of what can only be called Texas Country to the rest of the nation and the world. Gaining popularity in that era, alongside contemporaries like Lyle Lovett, whom he has shared the stage with on more than a few occasions, and Townes Van Zandt, Keen distinguished himself from his peers as devoutly and unapologetically Texan. His sound carries with it both the plains and the pines and his role is not lost on him. “I have a responsibility to carry on some of the feeling and the heartbeat, some of the traditions and myths and characteristics of Texas,” Keen explained from his home in Kerville. Asked about his role in championing a distinctly Texas voice in all of his music, he can’t manage to keep his enthusiasm down when he’s called an ambassador of Texas. “I like my version of Texas and I like my version of the Texas story,” he says. “I do fill that role and I think I fill it well.”
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TEXAS LIFESTYLE | COVER FEATURE To the unfamiliar, or to those who discount country music in general, the phrase, “Texas Country” may not carry much meaning. But to Robert Earl Keen, it is unmistakable and essential. “People enjoy writing songs and singing about these iconic places across the state,” Keen states, “all the way from Gruene Hall to Boquillas, the Panhandle, all of these different sections that make up the state are unique and rich in history.” As for why the specific brand of the art form persists, he happily elaborates, “I think no one in this state – when they talk about writing a song or singing songs to people – no one ever tires of hearing how great these things are.” Though familiarity with the many distinct regions of Texas might color Keen’s lyrics, it is the presence of good, old-fashioned Texas pride that shines most brightly in his demeanor, his stage presence and in his very blood. But it wasn’t without intent. In the early part of his career, he carried a banner for Texas country that shaped how he would not only move forward, but how his influence would spread. “I was sort of the gatekeeper for this kind of music in the state for several years, and that’s why I got a lot of attention, because there wasn’t anything like me in Nashville, and there wasn’t anything like me in the state,” he admits. His fellow Texans, Lovett and Van Zandt, opted for big band and folk
"People enjoy writing songs and singing about these iconic places across the state." influences, respectively, which offered Keen the opportunity to help define the genre. Many who have come after him, such as Pat Green or Randy Rogers, owe a great deal of credit to Keen, for tilling the ground for their creative endeavors to bloom. Most of them, Keen recalls, were in the front row for sets throughout his career. “I found a niche that worked very well and then I saw many of these faces – before they ever played music – at my concerts,” he admits. “And then when these different bands started popping up, I was very aware, because I was there, carrying the torch.” That torch was set to burning within him, not only by the state he was born in, but by the music that was catching fire throughout the 1970s Houston music scene. By the middle of the decade, folk music had given way to electric and disco, but country music was still going strong on celebrated stages like Gilley’s and Liberty Hall. Combined with the country music and popular music heavyweights of the time, the environment fostered Keen’s distinct sound. “Willie Nelson was a great influence on me; the British band, Cream, was a great influence on me,” he cites. But, digging further into how his style came about, there appear some undiscovered gems – uncelebrated names that reveal just how deep Robert Earl Keen dove into the scene. “Some folk people in Houston, Texas – Shake Russell and John Vandiver – were a huge influence on me. I don’t know if I borrowed so much from them, but they inspired me. They were so accessible.” These aren’t household names, to be certain, but within the music industry, they command much respect. And they warrant much more than respect from Keen, himself. “Shake [Russell] wrote great songs and had just a wonderful, I don’t know, aura of compassion,” the man recalls. “And then,” he adds, “John Vandiver was just an explosive performer. I’d never seen anybody before and haven’t seen anybody since with such an incredible love for the stage and love for the people that he was playing for – and I saw him play to like 10 people.”
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Echoing a thought that could easily apply to Robert Earl Keen himself, he reminisces about these two formative influences and their love for an audience of any size. “It didn’t matter if it was 10 or 10,000 [listening], those people inspired me,” he said. Their example stuck, as anyone who’s seen Keen live can attest. It isn’t just about his roots or his lyrics. There is an energy he puts into every single set that is unmatched. Weaving deftly between story and song, high tempo and reflective bridge, he wears every bit of his infinite influences on his chest like a badge, even if there are a few unexpected contributors to his musical DNA. Asked about whether he draws from only the classics, Keen confesses his tastes continue to evolve. “I love Sade,” he explains, “and I don’t think there’s anything I can borrow from her. I’m nothing like her in any way, but I certainly love that smooth, very stripped down lyric that she creates. And, of course, her voice is just riveting.” It would be more surprising, given the context of his catalogue, save for the fact that, in representing Texas, Keen readily admits that while he loves his given role in the musical pantheon, his aspirations for a legacy stretch much further. It’s such a raw and startling study, to see a prototypical good-timing honky-tonk regular be so thoughtful about his art – an art he longs to share with all who want to learn. When asked whether he’d like to be seen as a great artist or a great Texas artist, he is quick to respond. “I would prefer to be seen as a great artist. I certainly welcome and embrace the Texas artist thing. But I don’t think it is going to be up to me to decide.” And his study fortifies his goals, noting, “I do think in terms of art and music far beyond the borders of Texas. I love classical music. Brahms, Mozart, Vivaldi, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky – I love all the pre-20th century classical music. I have a love/hate relationship with 20th century classical music and I don’t know anything about 21st century classical music.” Perhaps it is this encyclopedic knowledge that distinguishes his sound and endears him to so many Texans. In his songs, you hear everything from Dylan and Van Zandt’s storytelling to the rowdy and bawdy grit that made the Rolling Stones famous. But if you listen closely, you’ll hear something even deeper. “All of those years, I’ve always been influenced by book writers,” Keen proudly states. “One of my favorites – Larry Brown from Oxford, Mississippi – when I read one of his books, I tried to write songs that mirrored that feel, that pitch, that dense, super colorful way that he could write.” Clearly, it all worked. What Larry Brown may be to Oxford and Larry McMurtry is to the West, Keen is to Texas. And, in a passive recognition of that fact, he’s never spent a terribly long time away from his home state unless he’s on tour. Still, he did flirt with another infamous music region for a while. “I did live in Nashville for two years, so I know what it’s like to live outside of the state,” he explains. But his heart resides in the Lone Star State. “What keeps me here is that I’ve created a really great home here in Kerrville, Texas. I love Kerrville.” Simply put, whether answering questions and engaging in conversation during an interview or captivating an audience from the stage, Robert Earl Keen is not just a definitive Texan, he is Texas, through and through. Asked to explain Texas to someone unfamiliar with the state, Keen delivers more than just the answer one would expect, but the answer this state deserves. “I think playing them a song – and I have some that would be appropriate and well rounded enough – that would be the answer. I would talk about how much I love this state – how beautiful it is; how the people are the friendliest people on Earth, and then I’d say, ‘I’ve got a song here, and I’m going to play it for you.’” Texas could hardly ask for a better ambassador. TLM
"I was sort of the gatekeep er for this kind of music in the state for severa l yea r s." -Robert Earl Keen
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HOW THE LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD BECAME A CULTURAL EPICENTER
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AUSTIN
It wasn’t what one would call a big bang, by any definition.
A three-day event, held over four days – because inviting Austin club owners to sacrifice a Friday night was far too much to ask, so there were no Friday events – welcomed a few hundred attendees to a handful of venues. They came to watch a host of scheduled bands of little renown, along with some space in the schedule for unsigned bands at each venue. They came, drawn by a similar desire to play with other musicians who shared their passion for the craft. The "Live Music Capital of the World" is the city they all adopted, eschewing the rough and tumble streets of 1980s Los Angeles or the already homogenizing scene in Nashville. And, in 1987, they gave birth to a monster they had no idea would grow, not only in number of bands and number of attendees, but would grow in influence within the city, spawning countless gatherings of creative minds, whether in a musical capacity or not. In retrospect, they could never have imagined the effect their little upstart gathering would have on a city that was, at best, a well kept secret in the late 1980s. They called it, simply, South By Southwest; and it changed everything, setting into motion the events that would eventually turn Austin into much more than a "Live Music Capital." SXSW paved the way for Austin to host countless festivals in the realms of music, film, comedy, books and food, along with a multiple-day celebration for every subgenre.
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The notion of gathering a host of like-minded enthusiasts of cultural arts in a environment that is both fiercely independent and eternally laid back at the same time was too much for other festivals to ignore. Now, the list of festivals hosted within an hour of downtown Austin covers almost every week of a calendar: Rodeo Austin, Urban Music Festival, Louisiana Swamp Thing, Art City Austin, Old Settler's Music Festival, Reggae Festival, Psych Fest, Chaos In Tejas, Pachanga Music Festival and many more make week-to-week scheduling – and more than a little of daily traffic planning – challenging for residents of Austin, as well as for its many visitors, who help double the population within the city limits during peak festival days. It is fair to say that few, if any, other regions can claim as many festivals in a given year as Austin calls its own. It is as though being the “Live Music Capital” weren’t enough, the city seemed dedicated to having a larger influence, a greater magnetism for the innovators and creatives that helped to make Austin what it has become. The city can now, as a result of a small group of dedicated individuals in 1987, and countless similar dedicated groups since that day, proclaim something more. Austin is the Live Festival Center of the Universe. And Texas Lifestyle has your survival guide to some of its best and brightest offerings.
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST march
There is no substitute for South By Southwest. There really aren't any imitators, and with an estimated economic impact of over $300 million, it doesn't look as though its unparalleled growth will ever cease. In 2014 alone, the festival that once spanned less than 10 venues and entertained around 700 guests welcomed over 130,000 people to the city to 100 venues over 13 days to see over 2,000 live acts, as well as films and an interactive conference that, over the past few years, surpassed the drawing power of the music. It owns Austin for its two-week duration, closing streets, transforming every significant space into a venue and the downtown itself into a completely different metropolitan area. From Barton Springs Road to 15th Street and bound by MoPac and Interstate 35, the signs should rightly display a different city name, as the area becomes SXSW, TX: population 1,000,000 and growing. Without a doubt, for its entire duration, SXSW is a cultural phenomenon, closing down entire industries and even giving birth to festivals within the festival. Apple brought its globally renowned iTunes Music Festival to SXSW this past year, presenting the attendees with Coldplay, London Grammar, Soundgarden and Imagine Dragons. Following suit, nearly every corporate sponsor with their finger on the pulse of culture has a presence at the conference, and all clamor for the attention, endorsement and free advertising from the modern day word-of-mouth that is social media, a significant part of which was launched at SXSW, itself. The conference has seen the emergence of Twitter in 2007; the stateside ascendance of Adele in 2008, when she shared a venue with a capacity of 450 with Bon Iver and Vampire Weekend; the US premiere of Academy Award winner, The Hurt Locker; and keynote speeches from notable people from Johnny Cash (1994) to Lady Gaga (2014). And, with each year, SXSW continues to prove itself as the best festival ticket money can buy.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANIEL RAMIREZ Texas Lifestyle Magazine 53
TEXAS LIFESTYLE | FEATURE
FANTASTIC FEST september
PHOTO CREDIT: DANIEL RAMIREZ
FUN FUN FUN FEST november
Every family has an odd duck, a tougher kid or more independent spirit. Brooding, reckless and fiercely rebellious, these family members carry with them an attitude of defiance and self-reliance that elicits both pride and not a small amount of fear. Still, they are usually inspired and inspiring, all the same; and they remain very much a part of the family, carrying traits and characteristics that make them inseparable from the blood ties that bind them. This, then, is the perfect metaphor for Fun Fun Fun Fest. The youngest of all the major festivals in Austin, Fun Fun Fun Fest has been growing steadily since its inaugural year in 2006, and has recently reached adolescence, moving from its smaller and more intimate venue at Waterloo Park to the more prominent lawn of Auditorium Shores, right along the Congress Avenue Bridge. The festival, since its inception, has remained dedicated to hip hop, punk, metal and rock, often featuring bands that might not be invited to the larger festivals. These bands are often scheduled alongside the musical pioneers that inspired them, as Fun Fun Fun Fest organizers have a notorious habit of reuniting bands to play exclusively for their festival. It is clearly a labor of love for all involved, as well as an experimental canvas that is rarely the same from year to year. The young and independent are often more willing to take risks and try something new, and Fun Fun Fun Fest is no different in that regard. Dual stages with alternating bands, the incorporation of comedy acts to the schedule, a skate and BMX showcase and the emergence of the Taco Cannon (indeed, it is precisely what it sounds like, as a Gatling gun-like cannon shoots wrapped tacos into the air for gathered crowds to catch) are just a few of the innovations that festival organizers have tried to keep the festival fresh, vibrant and utterly unique. Their efforts have worked very well, and it is impossible to mistake this festival for any other in the nation. The ticket for Fun Fun Fun Fest isn’t so much a ticket as it is a badge of honor, to be worn proudly on a jean jacket or affixed to a longboard.
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Like any of the films promoted within its schedule, Fantastic Fest is like some manner of monster, crawling from a swamp or pouring forth from some alien craft. Now celebrating one decade of unparalleled programming and events, the festival, the brainchild of mad scientist Tim League, notable film blogger Harry Knowles and a couple of other genre film fanatics, has become the largest genrespecific film festival in the nation. The focus, according to League himself, is on films that feature science fiction, horror, fantasy and anything awesome. There is no proper way to introduce a festival-goer to the sort of monster that Fantastic Fest has become, as film debates become literal boxing matches between well-versed film enthusiasts, day adventures involve staged zombie hunts with live ammunition used on a designed obstacle course and the likelihood of a pyrotechnic explosion of some sort during the festival is nearly guaranteed. But the festival isn’t all fun and games, and its organizers are shrewd in curating what all the festival presents to attendees, and more and more films are finding their world premiere at Fantastic Fest. There Will Be Blood, Red, and Frankenweenie all made their debuts at Fantastic Fest. And the festival is the only place known where a secret screening might be anything from Pan’s Labyrinth to Gravity. League promises that this, the 10th year of Fantastic Fest, will be more fantastic than ever, stating, “With the resonance of a round number anniversary, all reasonable fetters are discarded. In 2014, we are taking no prisoners. This festival is going to set new boundaries of decadence, destruction and debauchery." The ticket, now a difficult one to get, is equivalent to a lottery ticket, with all the mystery, anticipation and potential awe-inspiring amazement in store. In a word, the festival truly lives up to its name and is, in all things, fantastic.
PHOTO CREDIT: JACK PLUNKETT
LIVING TEXAS AUSTIN
PHOTO CREDIT: JACK PLUNKETT
AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL october
Quietly and without as much fanfare as its sibling events, the Austin Film Festival, which began and remains a “writer’s film festival,” has grown to become one of the premiere festivals for modern and emerging voices. Choosing to focus on the craft of screenwriting, rather than showy spectacle, the festival, held every October for the past 21 years, draws a far different caliber of talent from the industry than even the indie-film darlings like Sundance or Toronto International Festival. Championed by film industry giants like Robert Rodriguez and Shane Black, the festival celebrates the storytelling aspect of filmmaking to such a degree that, at times, it could hardly be called a film festival, since the showcases feature media for all possible outlets. Television, short films and even classic films all can find an audience during the festival, so long as they are telling a good story. Festgoers can get direct coaching and panel discussions from most, if not all who present a film at AFF, making it so much more intimate than the promotional machine that most film festivals tend to favor. Alongside the indie-film features and documentaries one would expect from almost any film festival, Austin Film Festival has grown to incorporate more and more regional and world premieres, and brings a very significant collection of Hollywood A-listers to Austin for a chance to relax, sit in the audience with the fans and remember what it was like to fall in love with movies and the stories they tell. The ticket, a fraction of the cost of similar festivals, is clearly the best value.
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 55
LIVING TEXAS AUSTIN
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS FESTIVAL october
It’s hard to believe that one could call the Austin City Limits Music Festival the elder statesman of the Austin festival scene. Perhaps more than any festival, this now week-long celebration of music that happens every autumn has grown to define what it means to attend a festival in Austin. For over a decade, music fans and festival enthusiasts alike have enjoyed attending a music festival that features headlining bands and up-and-coming music industry darlings, all held in the heart of a vibrant and relentlessly creative city. Zilker Park, Austin’s downtown jewel, annually transforms itself from the dog-friendly city park with a view of the ever-changing skyline, into a multiplestage amusement park of music showcases. Consider it Texas’ own brand of larger events like Bonnaroo or Coachella. The festival, born out of the love for music shared by both C3 Productions and the historic television show, “Austin City Limits,” has managed to never be able to keep up with an unquenchable demand for its offerings, ever since 2002. From its humble beginnings as a two-day event, the fest has expanded to two three-day weekends, filling the days between with other sponsored showcases that not only happen at venues within the city limits, but take advantage of band tour schedules and fandom in Dallas and Houston to host satellite events throughout the week in those towns. And, even though a flood in 2013 forced organizers to cancel the final day of the fest, it didn’t dampen the musicians’ spirits, nor the fans’ enthusiasm, as impromptu pop-up shows littered the city as soon as the rain subsided. This festival, despite the enormity of SXSW’s influence and attendance, is what people think of when they consider festivals in Austin. The ticket, simply put, is golden and has been for over a decade. TLM
PHOTO CREDIT: DANIEL RAMIREZ 56 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
IS FOR CANYONS GATEWAY CANYONS RESORT DISCOVERY & CURIOSITY AT ITS BEST
By Marika Flatt
58 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
TEXAS LIFESTYLE | JET SETTER
Travel is about discovering new places, customs, food, and cultures. Discovery is deeply seated in curiosity. Therefore, based on these two truths, wouldn’t it be great to take a trip curated by the King of Curiosity himself, John Hendricks, the founder of the Discovery Channel? Hendricks created Gateway Canyons Resort in the red mountain region of Gateway, Colorado, and invites you to do just that- come explore at his playground. Gateway, as west as you can get in Colorado before spilling over into Utah, is approximately one hour from Grand Junction, where the nearest airport can be found. Hendricks grew up hearing his dad talk about his favorite place on earth--the red mountains of the Southwest. So, when he spotted a large ranch for sale in the Wall Street Journal, situated beneath the convergence of five red canyons of Gateway, he bought the ranch and proceeded to turn it into an adventure traveler’s paradise.
You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Gateway Canyons Resort (GCR); however, there are plenty of them that flock to this mountain climbing & biking haven. The resort has been designed with these important aspects in mind: provide a luxurious, yet comfortable, resort tucked into the majestic beauty of the mountains, and offer savory culinary creations, resources for guests to get out and explore, and amenities to pamper them when they come back from a day of exciting excursions. At GCR, you’ll find some of the typical amenities of an upscale resort, such as a day spa, gorgeous pool areas, and delicious restaurants. However, you will also find some extremely unique draws. The two most thrilling facets of GCR stem from Hendricks’ love of cars. I’m not a car enthusiast, but I was revved up by these experiences.
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 59
the thrill of this extreme off-road navigation alongside one of their experienced instructors (one of which is John Hendricks’ son.)
THE GATEWAY AUTO MUSEUM
THE DRIVEN EXPERIENCE We’re not talking about your typical car rental situation here. The Driven Experience offers a fleet of high-octane luxury driving machines for your exploration pleasure. GCR is perfectly situated on the Unaweep/ Tabeguache Colorado Scenic Byway and The Driven Experience exists to give guests the ride of their lives. Some of the cars you can choose from include: a flashy Bentley Continental GT convertible, a sporty neon Jeep Wrangler, a sleek Porche 911 Carrera Coupe and an enviable Ford Mustang GT convertible. You have the option of a halfday drive around the canyons, a full day excursion whereby you can take the 2-hour breathtaking drive to Telluride and back, or you can choose to have your carriage for two full days before it turns into a pumpkin. The other option under The Driven Experience umbrella is the Pro-Baja Truck Experience. You can choose to train and drive the racing truck yourself or you can participate in the ride-along instructional experience where you get
60 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Admittedly, after looking at the resort’s website, I had not taken Hendricks’ prized auto museum seriously. However, after walking through the doors of this magnificent collection, I was spellbound. Visitors are treated to the most impressive display of automobiles, all completely restored, refurbished and returned to their original glory. Hendricks’ personal collection showcases the history of cars from the early 20th Century (highlighted by the 1906 Cadillac H Coupe) all the way up to his 2006 Ford Mustang ‘Stallion’ Custom. Guests can “ooh and aah,” but cannot touch the multi-million dollar collection of cars. The grandeur of the collection encourages visitors to imagine the days gone by. The museum includes six themed galleries, including the Hollywood collection. The Gateway Auto Museum is another experience you won’t find anywhere else. Other discoveries the resort encourages you to make while visiting GCR include: ATV, a private air tour over the red mountains, mountain biking on miles of trails, horseback riding, mountain climbing on world-class mountains or just jump on a cruiser bike to explore the area.
CASITAS Hendricks has a reputation for continually building additional, and better, accommodations on the resort property. He launched GCR with a set of rooms,
called the Kiva Lodge. Then, he added a section of rooms called Kayenta in 2005. In 2012, the Kayenta Lodge was gutted and remodeled after only 7 years. Seven casitas were added in 2012. Each casita houses two units and these “little homes” are luxurious. You enter into a living room with a large dining table. The living room’s foldout sofa makes the casita large enough to house two couples or a family and there’s also a guest bathroom. The bedroom is spacious and leads into a large bathroom with a walk-in closet. The casita’s outdoor features really impress. Guests have a fully enclosed outdoor shower off the bathroom and the back patio features a private hot tub on one end and a fire pit on the other; perfectly inviting during the canyon’s cool nights.
CULINARY CREATIVITY The closest town to Gateway is an hour away. Therefore, you don’t really have an option to eat offsite. When this is the case, you want the resort to have plenty of choices to please the palette. GCR’s fine dining restaurant, Entrada (which means “beginning”), is the perfect place to begin your adventurous day. You can enjoy an omelet, Eggs Benny (benedict) or a cowboy breakfast full of eggs, meat & biscuits. The hash browns that accompany most breakfast choices are delicious, and order a side of berries for a refreshing start. At dinner, you can enjoy a multi-course meal in an uber-relaxed setting. The Broiled Colorado Striped Bass and pork tenderloin prove to be wise choices. A side of three-cheese grits is also a nice addition. And, you can top off the evening with a chocolate dessert paired with a robust red wine. Paradox Grill is the other restaurant open for lunch and dinner. More of a sports bar environment, Paradox features the largest plate of nachos I’ve ever
seen, a robust green chili chili, and other game-stopping appetizers and entrees. I recommend pairing your meal with a local beer (from the brewing company located in Grand Junction), the Kannah Creek Amber Ale. After your meal, you can go upstairs to the “gamery” and play shuffleboard, pool or darts.
R&R It’s not all about pushing your body to the limits at GCR. They encourage plenty of relaxation, too. The pool area near the casitas encompasses two pools, two Jacuzzis and plenty of cabanas. Also, at 8 p.m. each night, The Discovery HD Theatre shows the founder’s collection of films (some of Hendricks’ favorite documentaries that have aired on his Discovery Channel). But, possibly the best place for R&R exists at The Spa at Gateway Canyons. Guests can fully separate themselves from city life while getting treatments like the Native Desert Sage massage, the Blooming Cactus Body Ritual or a Moroccan Oil Scalp Treatment. During the Cloudless Complexion facial, you have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into controlling breakouts of any form. And, after a manicure or pedicure, you are able to take the small bottle of polish with you to aid in any touch-ups you might need later. What a treat to be able to experience Gateway Canyons Resort and watch the vivid colors bleeding through the canyons while seeing the snow-capped mountains of Utah just over the horizon. John Hendricks’ hope is that you will “fall in love with the majestic beauty and history of the area” as he and his family have. He personally invites you to explore, discover and, most importantly, breathe. Visit gatewaycanyons.com for more information. TLM
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 61
THE REAL
ORANGE COUNTY
By Amber Groce
TEXAS LIFESTYLE | JET SETTER
We’ve all seen the reality shows based in California: Laguna Beach, The O.C. and The Real Housewives of Orange County to name a few. What is California life really like? Surf’s up, so head on out to the West Coast, specifically Newport Beach, to find out.
STAY If you fly into John Wayne Airport (Orange County), take the 20-minute drive down to The Resort at Pelican Hill. This five-star resort houses six dining options, including Andrea, which offers house made pasta. You can relax with a spa treatment (we recommend the Body Gelato, a seasonal body scrub) or go for a round of golf on the two Pacific Ocean-view courses designed by Tom Fazio. The resort offers several daily activities like bocce ball, beach hikes and fitness classes. Pelican Hill offers three options for lodging: bungalow guest rooms at the resort, bungalow suites and villas. With a fireplace (it turns off on its own so you
can fall asleep without worrying), 15’ ceilings, a patio overlooking the Pacific and a modern touch on decor, the bungalows are a perfect couple’s getaway. If you’re travelling with family, opt for a villa. With the villa, you have the option of a two-, three- or four-bedroom abode, all of which include platinum amenities like around-the-clock butler service, gourmet kitchens and 24/7 staff including a personal chef upon request to prepare a customized meal for the family. The Coliseum Pool, designed after Rome’s famed Colosseum, is perfectly circular and 136 feet in diameter. It is one of the world’s largest circular pools with an ocean view and its radiant blue bottom created by 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles. The furnished cabanas at the Coliseum Pool are suite-like with technology upgrades like Bose audio systems and flat-screen HDTVs. The cabanas have 12-foot ceilings, dining tables, chaise lounges and draping curtains for privacy - perfect for an afternoon by the pool. FOR RESORT INFO, CHECK OUT THE ONLINE MAGAZINE AT TEX ASLIFEST YLE MAG .COM/PE LICANHILL
texaslifestylemag.com 6
PLAY If you need to have a shopping fix, head to Fashion Island. This upscale outdoor mall houses well-known shops like Kate Spade New York, Lululemon and even Orange County's sole Neiman Marcus. Be sure to check out a few of the boutiques-style shops, too. Brandy Melville boasts bohemian apparel to sport on the beach. Guys can check out Gary’s, a family-owned local men’s boutique featuring Ermenegildo Zegna and Brunello Cucinelli. Pick up sweet shopping snacks from Gelato Paradiso or ‘Lette Macarons. Since you’re at the coast, a beach visit is a must. Head down to Crystal Cove State Park (if you stay at The Resort at Pelican Hill, you can catch a complimentary coach there and back). It’s foggy in the early mornings, but it usually burns off by mid-morning. You can look at aquatic life in the tidepools. If you want to go a little deeper, skin diving and scuba diving are available. Surfing is also a must in California, but make sure to bring a wetsuit to fight off the chilly Pacific water. Bring your tennis shoes for a quick run or hike along the trails. If you're looking for a day trip, take the 10-minute cruise down PCH to Laguna Beach. This small town has avenues of boutiques for ladies & men’s clothing (we recommend starting on Forest Avenue). Peruse local art galleries like Kush Fine Art and The Signature Gallery. Before you head back, take a stroll along the beach to get a glimpse of Seal Rock. Make sure to look back toward land to see the beautifully-tiered community. If it’s not hazy, stay for the Pacific sunset.
EAT If you decide to take a day trip to Laguna, stop at 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar when you need a break from shopping. Grab a seat at the bar to get away or a table on the patio perfect for people watching. Share the Cracklin’ Shrimp (with a sweet and sour chili plum sauce) and go on the lighter side with a 230 Caesar with grilled chicken. If you’re craving something more, try the Crispy Fish Tacos or Fried Eggplant Sandwich. Back in Newport, while Javier's and Fig & Olive are widely known staples, check out Oak Grill at Island Hotel for something new and fresh. Recently renovated, this local hot spot blends California style cuisine with a southern flare from Executive Chef Marc Johnson. Start with the Grilled Calamari - it’s paired with Spanish chorizo that makes for a fun flavor combination. You can’t go wrong with the Braised Short Ribs served with blue corn grits to make a colorful dish. Finish off the meal with Warm Pineapple Butter Cake and a port fireside. If you decide to stay at Pelican Hill, Andrea is the choice for dinner. Keeping with the Italian atmosphere, Andrea's signature dish is the pasta made in house daily. We recommend 7-Year-Barrel-Aged Acquerello Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms. Prepared tableside in a wheel of cheese (yes, you heard right), this decadent dish is one not to miss. Add an appetizer like the melt-in-your-mouth scallops or grilled octopus and a glass of wine and you have a well-rounded Italian meal. Buon appetito! TLM
Dinner is ready on time? Surely, you’re joking!
It’s no joke. Meals ready on time, everytime. (And don’t call me Shirley)
TM
ROAD TRIP | AUSTIN
SHE SAID SHE SAID Mother/Daughter Day at Austin's Domain By Marika Flatt
Every city in Texas has an ideal location for a mother/daughter day, and in Austin, it’s at The Domain, where mom & daughter can find shopping, dining and entertainment all day long. It’s literally one-stop shopping! Of course, The Domain is full of retail options galore, such as H&M, Forever 21, Bath & Body Works—the list goes on. But there’s so much more to The Domain. Here’s my recipe for the perfect Mother/Daughter Day at The Domain. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE TO STAY, VISIT OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE AT TEXASLIFESTYLEMAG.COM/LONESTAR
RELAX Start your day at Spa Reveil, located in the heart of The Domain. The spa, which has been in existence for five years, recommends appointments (especially on weekends) but will accept drop-ins if there’s availability. Both of you can start with a Face Express, a 30-minute organic facial ($70) that cleans and revitalizes, and includes a neck & shoulder massage. Then, move on to a 30-minute Spa Manicure ($35), followed by a 50-minute Spa Pedicure ($65). You’ll love that you can have all of this relaxation done in a ½ day or less and still have time for so much more!
DINE After your spa experience, walk right next door to have lunch at Kona Grill. With their Hawaiian-themed menu, you can choose dishes that are healthy and light (so as not to feel bogged down by a heavy meal.) I recommend starting with the Spinach & Artichoke dip, then sharing a Pepperoni flatbread
THE YOUTH PERSPECTIVE By Analise Flatt When you think of The Domain, do you think of a mall or do you think of that along with a movie theatre, spa, restaurants and a hotel? This is what I call a staycation. The Domain is actually huge! One of my favorite places is Spa Reveil. This spa has the best facials (it was my first facial, but it was still my favorite). They also have pretty amazing manipedi’s. So, if you need or want a relaxing spa day, then Spa Reveil is a good option. After your spa day – if you’re a shopper – you can shop a little or a lot. When your stomach starts to rumble, you should stop by Kona Grill. While most of the dishes are amazing, I suggest the pepperoni f latbread for your entrée because it was more than enough to serve as a whole meal. If your chosen entree doesn’t spill into your dessert reserves, and you’re a chocolate fan, you HAVE to order the fudge brownie. The brownie, which must be chocolate heaven, prompts one to fall in love immediately. Once you've had your f ill and shopped till you drop, you should head to the iPic movie theatre for the best movie experience ever! The recliners are impossibly comfortable and every seat has a blanket, so you won’t get cold. The food is also really good. Keeping with a food theme, I suggest ordering yet another pepperoni dish and recommend the pepperoni pizza. When the long day at The Domain over, should you want a cute, rustic place to stay, you should stay at Lone Star Court. This motel is so adorable. This place makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the country. What a fun day for a daughter with her mom!
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 67
ROAD TRIP | AUSTIN
Cosmetic and Holistic Dentistry
and the Miso-Sake sea bass. And, of course, a mother-daughter lunch would not be complete without ample sweet desserts. Take turns dipping into the Ultimate Fudge Brownie and the seasonal Macadamia Nut Pie.
CHILL After you’ve shopped and are ready to drop, finish your day off with an iPic movie experience. Not your typical theater, at iPic you can play pool and enjoy drinks in the lobby while you wait for your movie. When you enter the theater, you’ll melt into your soft recliner, which comes complete with a blanket (and pillow, upon request.) I love that there’s a special place to stow your purse or bags and it’s completely normal to kick off your shoes. Mom can enjoy a house chardonnay (or a cocktail) while daughter enjoys a soda, and share some scrumptious and unhealthy mozzarella sticks, followed by a sandwich, salad, tacos or a pizza. The iPic mode of seeing a movie will truly spoil you from wanting to go to a regular theater. Make time to enjoy this special time with your daughter. They grow up so fast and these memories will last a lifetime. TLM
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TEXAS LIFESTYLE | CALENDAR
SEP
6
NO LIMITS CITYFEST DISCOVERY GREEN HOUSTON
SEP
12
& RAINING JANE
EVERYDAY ART OF GLUTEN FREE
AZIZ ANZARI
BASS CONCERT HALL AUSTIN
BOOK PEOPLE AUSTIN
TOYOTA CENTER HOUSTON
SEP
BILL COSBY
DISCOVERY GREEN HOUSTON
BASS CONCERT HALL AUSTIN
SEP
SEP 26 - OCT 19
21
SCREEN ON THE GREEN: RIO 2
28
8
SEP
KAREN MORGAN
SEP
13
7
JASON MRAZ
SEP
2014 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS FAIR PARK DALLAS
SEP
29
OCT
4
MARC ANTHONY
BLITZEN TRAPPER
SAM SMITH
AT&T CENTER SAN ANTONIO
TRICKY FALLS EL PASO
HOUSE OF BLUES HOUSTON
OCT
5
"HAVE SACKBUTT, WILL TRAVEL" MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON
OCT
3-12
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS FESTIVAL (WEEKENDS) ZILKER PARK AUSTIN
OCT
7-12
OCT
10
OCT
17
OCT
18
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
ADAM CAROLLA
OLD 97S WITH SARAH JAFFE
BLOOMIN' BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
BASS CONCERT HALL AUSTIN
EMPIRE THEATRE SAN ANTONIO
STUBB'S AUSTIN
FARMER'S BRANCH PARK DALLAS
OCT
23-30
OCT
24
OCT
25
OCT
29
2014 AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
JASON ALDEAN: 2014 BURN IT DOWN TOUR
FREDERICKSBURG FOOD AND WINE FEST
NICK SWARDSON: TASTE IT TOUR
VARIOUS LOCATIONS AUSTIN
AT&T CENTER SAN ANTONIO
MARKET SQUARE FREDRICKSBURG
MAJESTIC THEATRE SAN ANTONIO
Texas Lifestyle Magazine 69
TEXAS LIFESTYLE | PAGE TURNERS
THE FASHION BOOK ALEXANDRA BLACK By Analise Flatt
TOMLINSON HILL CHRIS TOMLINSON By Jessica Newman
RIGHT CLICK LISA BECKER By Marika Flatt Incredibly witty novelist Lisa Becker has released the final installment in her Click: An Online Love Story series. The third and final romantic comedy is called Right Click. I would not say that this third book is a stand-alone novel; you’ll want to start from the beginning and read Click, then Double Click and finish it up with Right Click. In a time when many novels seem to follow similar story lines, themes and formats, Becker’s series takes a sharp innovative turn. Becker’s trilogy is written in a series of email exchanges. The main characters, a group of zany 30-something friends, Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark, Ethan and a few other characters that come in and out of their lives, send messages back and forth which somehow tell the story of their lives. Their humor is hilarious, their candor is telling, and their love lives are tumultuous. Because the pages are exchanges of succinct emails, the reader can breeze through these novels at a rapid pace. You’ll want to pay close attention to the email subject lines and feel free to laugh out loud at their pun competitions and Renee’s best friend, Shelley’s constant “TMI” sharing of her exploits. You’ll enjoy watching these friends travel through the valleys and peaks of life with each other. In fact, you’ll be feeling like you’re one of them when it’s all said and done.
70 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Chris Tomlinson’s Tomlinson Hill: Sons of Slaves, Sons of Slaveholders uncovers a Texas family’s history, both good and bad. After 11 years in Africa as the Nairobi bureau chief for The Associated Press, Tomlinson came home to Texas and started to think about his own family’s relations to Africa. As a fifth generation Texan, Tomlinson is the descendant of slaveholders. His counterpart African American family also has the name Tomlinson because slaves took the master's name. In Tomlinson Hill, the author tells stories about the two Tomlinson families. The connection dates back to a central Texas slave plantation and the nine letters of their last names. When Tomlinson begins his research, he encounters LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the greatest running backs in the history of the National Football League. His father was the last Tomlinson living on the Hill before he died in 2007. Chris meets LaDainian and learns of his early childhood memories visiting his grandparents on the Hill and playing in the fields where his relatives once picked cotton. Deeper into his search for the ties between the Tomlinson families of different colors, Chris realizes the stories he was taught as a kid about the Civil War and the South have lost truth. Through family letters and research, Tomlinson compares and contrasts the Tomlinson families and their experiences at Emancipation, Reconstruction, the beginning of the Ku Klux Klan, and the Civil Rights era, ending at the day LaDainian’s father died in 2007.
YOUNG
ADULT
REVIEW
Editor's note: While we are happy to champion some of Texas' more seasoned voices, from time to time, we want to make sure that we give an audience to younger voices and newer perspectives. Bearing this in mind, this month's Young Adult Review comes from our very own Analise Flatt, who shares the name and talent of our Travel Editor and feature contributor, Marika Flatt. To find out how your young writer's work can be featured in Texas Lifestyle, or for more information about how your school or organization can contribute a piece to be published, please email info@texaslifestylemag.com.
Everyone has a different opinion on fashion: what’s fashionable, what looks good on them, what he/she would wear and won’t wear. Everyone’s opinion is different. Some people think hats are cute and some don’t. The Fashion Book, from DK Publishing, shows us fashion of the past. Such as, in the 80’s, many people wore leg-warmers, and, in the 70’s, bell-bottoms. When all girls wore were dresses, they had to have a purse to hold their belongings in, because pockets were not an option. Do you like vintage fashion? Vintage shopping at resale stores? If so, this book is perfect for you! The Fashion Book helps you recreate the looks of the past. It also helps you realize the difference of styles we have today from the past. Such as, in the past, girls were not allowed to wear anything but dresses; but,
TEXAS LIFESTYLE | PAGE TURNERS
they didn't all wear the same dresses. The book shows the reader how many different styles of dresses were available in each time period. The Fashion Book also shows the reader that some styles of the past are coming back into style. For example, overalls are coming back into style, once again. What working women wore almost a century ago – because dresses and skirts were dangerous to wear in factories and on farms – is coming back. Another example is that Converse shoes have always been in style. Since 1908, they have been the best-selling basketball shoes of all time. Also, crop tops are coming back in style, after first being in style in the 80’s. Crop tops went into style during the fitness craze when women wanted to show off their toned bodies. The Fashion Book is part of a new category of books from DK Publishing, targeting teens with a nonfiction line. What I love about DK books is that they are educational but also fun to read. Analise Flatt is in middle school and has been reading books and traveling all her life. Her favorite types of books are middle grade novels, like The Mother Daughter Book Club series by Heather Vogel Frederick and The Babysitter Club series by Ann Martin. Her hobbies include fashion designing, dancing and singing. A few of her favorite destinations include: Nashville, TN; Seaside, FL; and Colorado Springs and C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado. Athens.TLS.814.indd 1
8/27/14 9:56 AM
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HOUSTON FASHION WEEK Houston undoubtedly has a style all its own. Influenced by global trends that come in from its presence as an international port and cultural hub, fashion in the Houston area is a force to be reckoned with. Highlighting this movment is Houston Fashion Week, which unites the style that pervades the metropolitan city and its dominant influences – which include styles and textures from Mexico, Central and South America and the deep south – with the hottest fashion trends and design voices. Since 2010, it has grown to be the largest national fashion show in the state.
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FOODIE FRIDAY Be sure to check our online magazine every Friday for the latest, hottest, trendiest and downright best cuisine our state has to offer. From the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, we're sure to fine something for every appetite!
FASHION X DALLAS Not to be outdone by the fashion trends that have run rampant through other urban areas in Texas, Dallas now hosts FashionXDallas , which will celebrate its inaugural event this November.
TRAVEL TUESDAY Every Tuesday, our well-traveled staff, including our Travel Editor, Marika Flatt, features a destination, be it domestic, foreign or definitively Texan, that is sure to start your vacation planning earlier and earlier. Keep an eye on our digital magazine to get the scoop on trips to Los Angeles, Albuquerque and Kentucky. Keep your suitcase and passport handy!
Brought to the area by the same minds behind the extremely successful Austin Fashion Week, the event is set to capitalize on an independent movement to bring a showcase for the definitive style that defines the Metroplex to the people who call Dallas home. The event will focus on emerging voices in fashion design and includes some notable names from the immensely popular Project Runway. The week kicks off on November 6 with a runway opportunity for both guests and designers.
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YOUR GUIDE TO HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
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THE EVOLUTION OF BULLYING 76 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
by Winter Page Going back to school – four words that can strike fear into any teenager’s heart, especially that of an LGBT teen. Being a teenager is hard enough, but it’s harder still if you’re part of a group openly persecuted by some of your peers. Speaking as a teen myself, above all, we look for acceptance. And school, being the most public place we spend time, is where we seek it most. We all want a place to sit at lunch, if you will. Being an LGBT teen can make finding that acceptance pretty challenging. I’m here to tell you something though, this is advice that I extend not just to my LGBT friends but to all teenagers going back to school. Find people who accept you for who you are. Watch for kids who say a kind word to you when they don’t have to. Or kids who laugh at your jokes. Or kids who just treat you like they treat all the other kids. They’re out there, I promise. You may find them among athletes, academics, artists, musicians, or whatever cluster of other human beings you enjoy being around. Surround yourself with people who accept you for who you are and don’t make you feel unsafe or alone or scared. Remember that you are a great deal more than your orientation. You are a person with opinions, feelings, interests, and ideas. Look for kids and teachers who see you, the whole person. They’re your allies. While most of us teens walk around in a continuous hormone fog, and LGBT teens are no different, your friends are the people who see more in you. And don’t forget to be a friend to yourself. It’s fantastic to like yourself just the way you are. You are never alone. I can’t stress this enough. Even though teenagers can be cruel, ignorant, hurtful people, not everyone is like that. Plenty of teens don’t judge others at face value and just want to hang out with people they like and who like them. They are race-blind, gender-blind, and orientation-blind. Find those kids. Finding allies can be hard, but once you do, there’s nothing better in this world. I hope that someday all children can go to school without fear and surrounded by allies. Until then, stay strong, keep safe, and find people who think you’re awesome just the way you are. Winter Page was born and raised in Texas. Starting at age five, she was tracked into an Olympic figure skating program, but had to stop by age eight due to a back injury. She has competed in gymnastics and cheerleading and won a national championship in cheerleading. Now, she belly dances, does yoga, and Pilates. She comes from a family of writers, with a grandmother who is a retired writing professor, and a mother who has published 45 novels. She wrote her first novel in 7th grade and completed "Breaking Free" when she was 14. Now finishing up her freshman year in high school, Page’s book is dedicated to her transgender dance instructor, in thanks for his enlightening perspective. She hopes to keep writing and publishing books and go to college at Oxford University in England. She currently resides near Dallas, TX.
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THE PRACTICE OF EXPECTING MORE Austin’s Art Costello Introduces Expectation Therapy By Kayla Elliott
We all have expectations, whether recognized or not, that measure our personal and professional activities. How do we decide which expectations to set for ourselves and for others? Is there a better way to set or perceive expectations that would help us progress and develop? Art Costello, author of Expectation Therapy, provides a framework for Costello’s Expectation Therapy model which helps guide people toward shaping and achieving expectations for any aspect of our lives. Costello has been many things in his life: Marine, baseball player, mental health counselor, business owner, husband, father. The life experiences found at these stages in his life gave him the inspiration to write the book based on the expectations he set throughout. “Nothing could teach me more quickly than my experiences in Vietnam that it isn’t about me. It’s about others and what we do for others to help them improve. It’s about becoming more than you yourself are.” In his book, Costello encourages readers to live their best life by exploring expectation setting and helping make the world a better place for everyone in it. He says we can only progress if we find ways to measure and gauge the activities in our life.
In addition to helping us set our own expectations, Costello explains the best way to handle expectations when it comes to other people. “An expectation is a logical or not-so-logical way in which we want the events of our lives to unfold and how we think things should be, based upon the experiences we have had in the past. We look out into the world through filters inf luenced from the millions of impressions we have accumulated, all safely tucked away in our brains.” Costello explains how to set expectations for ourselves – they can help us visualize and see our ideas come to fruition. He includes a list of ways we can jumpstart our own expectations and suggestions for setting them up for ourselves. Costello openly refers to his faith in God as a driving force in his own expectation setting. He says we can either live with faithful expectations or fearful ones. Living faithfully (whether putting faith in God, a parent or even a teacher) allows us to have more positive expectations. If we have negative expectations and don’t look for the best for ourselves (or live fearfully), we have self-doubt, grow depressed, lose faith in ourselves and don’t progress in life. Costello says, “There’s an infinite amount of good that grows from positive expectations.” Throughout the
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book, Costello mentions his faith as a driving force in how he has been able to grow fully as a human through expectations set to work towards his faith in God. Throughout, Costello uses experiences from his own life to show the success he’s found in expectation setting. One chapter explains how to have more positive expectations by becoming more creative. “If positive expectations nurture creativity, then creativity helps expectations become a reality. They work together in a symbiotic relationship.” Costello gives a checklist of how we can each be more creative and heighten our expectations in our everyday life. Finding passion and motivation are part of working these
interesting to hear about how his early life of having little to no expectations placed upon him changed the way he spent the rest of his life. It helped him realize there was a better way to approach the challenges of life. The book left me questioning the way I set myself up for success in both my work and personal life. How can I prioritize my work life to complete all my tasks and spend time outside of work as well? What can I do to balance my expectations with my coworkers expectations of me and themselves? Ultimately, does the life I live hold true to the life I want to live and project into the world? In a world filled with self-help books, Costello strongly
" An expectation is a logical or not-so-logical way in which we want the events of our lives to unfold and how we think things should be... " -Art Costello
expectations into a working reality in your life. “Motivation can be instilled by many sources such as books, speeches, movies, etc…It takes little effort to be passionate about something because of how it’s integrated in the mind, heart, and soul.” It can be easy to be led by your motivation, but finding what one is truly passionate about is really the way to be successful in expectation setting. The book is only 140 pages and includes checklists throughout so it is a quick read. The stories about the people and challenges he met in Vietnam were my favorite part of the book. It was
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encourages us all to live a better life through our expectations. At the end of it all, it’s the way we believe in ourselves and present a better self to the people with whom we surround ourselves. At the beginning of the book, Costello sets readers up to see his positive attitude towards life: “The words ‘I can’t’ exist only in my mind.” Expectation Therapy is published by Tate Publishing. The book can be purchased from amazon.com and through major booksellers. You can also read more about the book and Art’s blog at expectationtherapy.com.