NSIDE Austin Business November/December 2012 by NSIDE Publications

NSIDE NOVEMBER.DECEMBER 2012

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THE LAWYER AND THE POLITICIAN ADAM LOEWY and ANDREW BROWN NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

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nsidethisissue november/december 2012

NSIDE NSIDE Austin Business Magazine November/December 2012

PUBLISHER Angela Strickland

executive EDITOR Erin O’Brien

creative director Elisa Giordano

graphic designer David Hassmann

account executives Stephanie Hawley Diana Kumm Mandy McFarland

contributing writers Rachel Brock Meredith Davis Kat DelGrande Suzanne Vernau Feezel Jody Joseph Marmel Erin Rodriguez Sharon Schweitzer

PHOTOGRAPHY

Gregg Cestaro Michael Giordano

cover story | Adam Loewy and Andrew Brown

events marketing manager Martha Morales

12 cover story Adam Loewy and Andrew Brown

collegiate assistant Kat DelGrande

editorial intern Katrina Torres

The personal injury attorney and the chairman of the Travis County Democratic Party are dedicated to serving the people of the Capitol City.

16 profile Austin Helicopter Tours

Randy and Stacy Riggs provide the ultimate adventure and take Austinites to the top of the world with this helicopter extravaganza, truly offering an extraordinary experience.

departments 06 08 20 22 24 34

feature dine music etiquette beauty style & substance

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AUSTIN NSIDE Publications Austin • San Antonio • Corpus Christi Copyright © by NSIDE Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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publisher’s note

This time of year is special in so many ways. As Thanksgiving approaches, we all tend to reflect on what we are thankful for. On a personal note, I am grateful for all of the moments I share with my three wonderful children. Marc, Angelina and Eric are the best gifts I could ever ask for. I look forward to spending the holidays with the three of them. Having an extended family at NSIDE, I am also blessed to be surrounded by such intelligent, caring and giving individuals and companies throughout Austin. While networking is key, I am most fortunate to have met some of the most amazing people in the business, medical and legal fields. Each article highlighted in this holiday edition shows the importance of the members of our community. While providing the medical services we need, the physicians interviewed are trendsetters in the art of giving back. Nothing can be more beautiful than providing quality medical care for patients and going that extra mile outside of the practice to help others in need. This is the spirit of the season, and it seems to be contagious. The business sector is growing, and we want to welcome the new businesses that are featured. You are adding to the beauty of Austin with your presence. The services offered are exciting. Take advantage of all the novelties offered this season as you discover them while reading NSIDE by our breathtaking lakes or parks, or in the comfort of your home. One of our missions is to inform you of the creative entrepreneurs who have made our city into one of the most exciting, thriving and eclectic places to live. While NSIDE goes behind the scenes, each one of you has made our jobs turn into a rare gift. As each story unfolds, the love you all share for Texas and the citizens of our city has become an outstanding tribute to Austin. We appreciate what you do for the people in all of the sectors we cover. You are the reason we are proud to call Austin our home. I want to thank all of you for sharing your talents and making the art of giving back to our community a strength and an inspiration to thousands of people. There is a word for that – it is called a blessing. As I sit down for the Thanksgiving feast with my family, each one of you is part of what I am thankful for. This extends to all of the wonderful and talented people who write, photograph, design and coordinate our publication to make it one of Austin’s finest. Count your blessings and enjoy your Thanksgiving. Celebrate your holiday in style, and may each day of this magical season be filled with happiness and joy. Until the next edition of NSIDE Austin, have a happy and healthy New Year. I look forward to sharing so many other wonderful stories in 2013. The list is endless, as is my thanks to all of you who make NSIDE an important part of Austin. Happy Holidays! Angela Strickland angela@getnside.com

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NSIDE staff erin o’brien

executive EDITOR E: erin@getnside.com

david hassmann graphic designer E: david@getnside.com

“Watch your home or business from anywhere in the world”™

elisa giordano creative director E: elisa@getnside.com

mandy mcfarland

account executive 512.947.3043 / E: mandy@getnside.com

Austin • San Antonio • El Paso • Houston • Dallas diana kumm

stephanie hawley

account executive 512.632.6483 / E: diana@getnside.com

account executive 512.773.9245 / E: stephanie@getnside.com

martha morales

suzanne vernau feezel

events marketing manager 832.628.9445 / E: martha@getnside.com

contributing writer 512.417.0070

WE TEACH KIDS HOW TO

michael giordano

editorial photographer 512.522.8785 / E: michael@stylegio.com

deann hoeft

event photographer 512.680.4898 / E: deann@getnside.com

ROCK NaturalEarMusic.com Facebook

512.961.3354

kat delgrande

collegiate assistant NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

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Temp Employees vs. Independent Contractors How to choose the right one for the job By Erin Rodriguez

Whether a business is trying to cut costs or just desperately seeking someone with a specific skill, hiring a temp employee or independent contractor could solve the problem. However, it is important to take your time in the hiring process to ensure you don’t waste resources on a short-term employee who doesn’t live up to your expectations. Before deciding if your company could benefit from short-term help, take the time to lay out the specifics of the problem you face, the exact objectives you want to accomplish and a time frame for doing so. Consider whether your staffing problem could be more easily handled by a short-term employee or is an issue that could benefit from having a more permanent staff member. If short-term help is the better fit, you then need to decide what kind of help. If your company only needs assistance with small, specialized projects from time to time (for instance, with facility maintenance and repairs), an independent contractor may be the best fit. However, if you believe an additional employee is necessary for a few months (to help with office data entry, for instance), finding a temp employee through an employment agency may be the better route. If you find your business is in need of short-term help, consider these simple tips from your BBB to help you find the individual who’s right for your needs: Ask for referrals. Your business network is a great place to start looking for short-term help. Ask

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Your business network is a great place to start looking for short-term help. people you trust for referrals to qualified employment agencies or independent contractors. If you are not sure where to begin, visit bbb.org to find a list of BBB accredited businesses that can help with your staffing needs. Schedule an interview with the best prospects. During the interview, discuss the tasks you would need completed, your company’s working conditions and your management style. This will allow you the opportunity to verify the person has the skill set needed for your specific task, as well as the right personality to fit in with the other staff members. Make sure independent contractors sign a contract. Draft a contract that details the type of work they will perform, how often they should expect to work and who is authorized to assign them additional tasks. Independent contractors can charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate or a monthly retainer, so make sure terms for compensation are clearly defined. Keep detailed records. If you fill a position through an employment agency, make sure you have all the responsibilities the agency will cover in

writing. For each independent contractor you hire, create a file that contains the contract, invoices, copies of 1099 forms and any other information that shows the worker is operating an independent business. This is important to establish that the individual is not working as an employee, and that you are not required to deduct payroll taxes, pay a portion of his or her Social Security, etc. This is especially important if an independent contractor ever works onsite at your office.

BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. For more information, please contact Erin Rodriguez, media/PR coordinator for BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin, at 512-445-2911.

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Fine Dining in the Heart of Pflugerville

PBK Stem & Stein revitalizes the city with Southern fusion cuisine. by Suzanne Vernau Feezel photography by michael giordano NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

Some might consider Pflugerville an unlikely spot for a fine dining restaurant encompassing the trifecta of delicious food, beer and wine and live music, but for PBK Stem & Stein, it is the perfect home. The restaurant, which features southern comfort-inspired cuisine, a variety of wines and more than 50 handcrafted beers (many of which are from Texas), was the vision of Shannon and Jeff Coleman to help revitalize Downtown Pflugerville. Together with investments from five other prominent couples in Pflugerville and one exceptionally creative chef and sommelier, their idea came to life. Shannon, managing partner of PBK Stem & Stein, grew up in the restaurant business, helping her grandparents as a young child manage their family-owned restaurant of 43 years. Jeff, five-year-standing mayor of Pflugerville and PBK investor, had a passion not only for upscale food and wine, but also for improving the quality of businesses and restaurants within the city. As they brainstormed over a glass of wine at their favorite wine bar in Round Rock one night last summer, they began chatting with the owner. Bryan Gano, first Level I sommelier and owner of the Round Rock wine bar, had always dreamed of opening a restaurant of his own and quickly became the mastermind behind the decadent menu at PBK Stem & Stein. The restaurant itself showcases three unique dining and entertainment experiences for guests – what PBK Stem & Stein calls The Lounge, The Loft and The Patio. However, before you can appreciate the charm of these three areas, you must first understand the rich history of the building. Built in 1906, the building originally served the community as the Pflugerville Mercantile selling dry goods, notions, hats, boots, shoes and fancy groceries. Following the end of Prohibition in 1933, P.B. Knebel opened PBK Tavern, which was also formerly a German-style speakeasy during Prohibition. In 1971, disaster struck the city of Pflugerville when this old building, along with several other downtown establishments, burned to the ground in a devastating fire. Then in the 1980s, the building was resurrected as the Dodge City Steakhouse through 1999, and then the European Bistro through 2012. With the grand opening of PBK Stem & Stein on Oct. 5, 2012, this charming restaurant aims to honor the history and tradition of the building once again, rekindling the PBK name and the social spirit that once brought the residents of Pflugerville together in this exact location. In fact, their tagline reads “a legacy of bringing people together since 1933.” When you visit PBK Stem & Stein, you’ll notice that the design of The Patio resembles the crumbled brick wall from the old building, brought back to life with a splash of color, hanging globe lights, free-standing Big Ass Fans (TM) and a modern flair. Inside, The Lounge takes structural elements of the previous businesses and transforms the space into private, curtain-drawn booths with an

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intimate setting for guests to celebrate a special event, watch the big game or simply enjoy a romantic evening. Upstairs, The Loft, managed by Level II sommelier Danny Payne, sets a romantic and cozy ambiance for dining guests with previously adorned ornate, silver ceiling tiles and the recreated original 31-year-old bar from the Dodge City Steakhouse. The 12 investors, who poured more than $800,000 into the creation of PBK Stem & Stein, see this opportunity as a way to “put their money where their heart is.” “We aren’t just investing in the restaurant, but in the city of Pflugerville,” Jeff says. He and Shannon describe the restaurant as a place to “come and know people.” In fact, Gano envisions the restaurant as a place for guests to slow down from their busy lives and break bread together. Guests are invited to linger as they enjoy a fivecourse meal with their friends and family. With the breadth of diversity in the PBK Stem & Stein menu and live music every Thursday and Friday night both inside and outside, you’ll find that lingering comes naturally. The menu begins with “Soup, Salad & Sammies” and “Small Plates” such as Cheese Fries (a generous portion of home-cut fries covered in gorgonzola cheese, touched off with fried prosciutto and drizzled with truffle oil) and Crab Cakes with Roasted Pepper Aioli (two jumbo crab cakes grilled and topped with a roasted red pepper aioli). It doesn’t stop there. The “Large Plates” include homemade creations such as Savory Sausage & Shrimp Cheesecake (smoked andouille sausage and shrimp Creole savory cheesecake, topped with a succulent crawfish remoulade), Boudin Bread Pudding and Seafood Gumbo (savory, scrumptious boudin bread pudding topped with a homemade rich Cajun seafood gumbo) and the Double-Cut Pork Chop (a thick, marinated doublecut pork chop, cooked to perfection and smothered with roma tomatoes and homegrown okra). Top off your dining experience with one of their signature desserts, including the Chocolate Mousse (a deliciously sweet, creamy, chocolate treat covered with a heaping portion of signature cayenne whip cream) or the unique Not Your Mamma’s Root Beer Float (Independence Brewery “Convict Hill” Oatmeal Stout and cinnamon gelato float). Even with an outstanding menu and unmatched ambiance, the Colemans say their biggest challenge is overcoming the misconception that nearby residents need to travel into downtown Austin to enjoy a first-class dining experience. They hope to attract residents from Central and North Austin, Pflugerville and Round Rock by building the same upscale atmosphere you would find in the warehouse district in downtown Austin without the hassle of parking and congestion. But don’t take PBK Stem & Stein’s word for it; head to downtown Pflugerville and see for yourself!

For more information about PBK Stem & Stein, visit www.pbkstemandstein.com.

Investing in Our Own Little Piece of Heaven Dyezz Surveillance and Security owner John Dyess is a man who wears many hats. The successful entrepreneur is not only a dedicated husband and father; he is also a proud resident of Pflugerville, Texas. “Pflugerville is not only the ideal place to raise a family,” he says. “It’s the perfect place to start a business.” Leaving the West Texas town of El Paso at age 21, Dyess headed to Austin with $400 and the determination to find success in the field of surveillance and security. “I started small, got busy bootstrapping, and 15 years later, we have an expert team offering the highestquality equipment in the field. And we provide customer service that is second to none.” With the extreme hustle and bustle that goes along with running a successful business, Dyess loves nothing more than coming home at the end of the day. “Me and my family call Pflugerville our very own little piece of heaven,” he says. Although they love Austin and the business, art and people, it can get a little hectic commuting every day. “We love the uptick in investment right here in Pflugerville. With the new retail spaces, banks and eateries, it’s getting easier for our family to stay in Pflugerville, take care of business and have some of the cooler experiences we would have previously had to go to Austin for.” Dyess is doing his part to grow Pflugerville and make it just a little more fun. He, along with Pflugerville Mayor Jeff Coleman and City Councilman Brad Coleman, are investing in a new restaurant opened by Shannon Coleman called PBK Stem & Stein, which boasts an extensive beer and wine list and features Southern fusion cuisine. “When my wife, Tracy, and I talk about the future, we love thinking about our kids, Arden and Koby, going off to college and being stoked about coming back home. That really drives us to invest in Pflugerville community and business.”

To check out the PBK Stem & Stein menu or details about their upcoming shows, visit www. pbkstemandstein. com.

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here are a handful of professions that are so heavily laden with preconceived notions that it’s practically impossible to break through basic public perception. When offered an assignment to profile two friends (a pair of young, successful Austinites), I was surprised that the task came wrapped in a precautionary warning: There was a possibility that the stereotypes accompanying their professions might make the job a bit more challenging. Well, sign me up. Adam Loewy is a larger-than-life personal injury attorney whose multimillion-dollar cases have often played to a national audience over the past 10 years. His friend, attorney Andrew Brown, has been the chairman of the Travis County Democratic Party since 2008, and is one of the youngest people ever to hold the position. Well, there it is: The Lawyer and The Politician. This was quite a relief, obviously, as polling data confirms the two most hated professions to actually be dentists and school principals (lawyers and politicians tied for third).

The

these two men and their professions that I hadn’t considered. The practice of personal injury law and the business of party politics could both be categorized as service industries. It’s irrelevant whether or not they are regarded and appreciated as such – representation, at the core, is a service. On top of that, it’s virtually impossible to achieve any measure of success in either profession without the ability to build trust and intelligently defend a position. You could probably fake it in the short term, but legal clients are a notoriously vocal bunch, and constituents even more so. Brown and Loewy seem to have wisely chosen their careers based on their drive and natural aptitudes – quite obviously not as a popularity contest. These men are ambitious, focused and committed – a commitment that extends to the Austin community, as well. Based on the hard facts I gathered from Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, The Lawyer and The Politician have attended every worthy local charity, political and networking function that has

Lawyer Politician and the

Adam Loewy and Andrew Brown – at your service, Austin BY Rachel Brock photography by michael giordano After a couple of failed attempts, our collective schedules cleared, and arrangements were made to interview Loewy and Brown over a Columbus Day power-lunch. It seems that none of us had the luxury of observing the federal holiday during an election year in the middle of a recession. While driving to lunch, it dawned on me that these downtown boys might not know where the northwest dining spot I had suggested was located. Perhaps I should give a quick call to ensure they didn’t need directions. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind that I looked up to see a billboard (large enough to shade two city blocks) featuring The Lawyer’s face and his firm’s contact information. Two quick thoughts crossed my mind: 1) no need for the call, and 2) in the appropriate situation, stereotypes can be hilarious. I arrived at Gusto Wine Bar a few minutes early, which gave me time to assess the large file labeled “The Lawyer and The Politician.” And through research, I uncovered a few common themes about

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occurred since the birth of social media. Or so it would seem. As a sidebar and in the interest of full disclosure, I submit that I have known The Lawyer for a while. But accepting a free vodka-tonic or two over the course of a decade is hardly grounds for recusal from the case. As I slid the file in between the seat cushions, I started to craft a brilliant joke about attorneys and billboard advertising to use during lunch, but was interrupted as two lawyers walked into an Italian wine bar on Columbus Day … “Brock!” Loewy’s voice booms across the restaurant. He refers to me by my last name as if we were teammates on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Having not seen him in a while, I forget that literally everything about the Missouri native is distinctive. He’s a big guy with a sizable personality to match – lots of charm, a touch of arrogance and confidence for days. I’m introduced to Brown, and, as is the nature of interviews and lunch, we sit, eat and chat.

I waited a full five minutes before mentioning the billboard across the street, and The Lawyer took the good-natured ribbing well. But when I pressed him further specifically about personal injury law, he said something unexpectedly serious that caught me off guard. “There are some really horrible things in life, Brock. Unexpected and tragic. Most of the time, they happen to people who don’t have a voice or way to articulate their grief, much less understand how to move forward in a sophisticated legal system. Someone has to represent these people, and I do a really good job.” Had I been a juror and that been the closing argument, I would have awarded his client everything. My guess is that most of Loewy’s cases don’t make it to court. During the course of casual conversation, I was struck by how much Brown came across as the boy next door and couldn’t help but wonder if that’s his everyday persona or a shield to help navigate the shark-infested waters of politics. Either way, The Politician is anything but one-note. A bilingual speaker, he lived in Costa Rica, Honduras and Chile, and not just in the superficial ways of a tourist, but as a resident and catalyst for change. As a student, Brown was offered the opportunity to intern for federal judge Gabriel Cavallo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and had a chance to participate in some transformational international

“There is a certain amount of obligation that comes with success, and it should.”

While quickly scanning the menu, I compare and contrast the undergrad history of these two scholastic overachievers. Loewy attended the University of Wisconsin (a school widely regarded for politics, education and heavy drinking) with high honors, while Brown received his B.A. in the considerably more intimate liberal arts setting of Colorado College. But it was at UT Law, ca. 2001, where the un-

likely pair formed a friendship and a bond of mutual respect that has spanned over a decade. After law school, both went on to practice for larger firms (Loewy took a shot at corporate law in Dallas, and Brown in Austin), but ultimately decided their goals and personalities were best suited as solo acts. To the freelancer sandwiched between the Brown Firm and Loewy Law Firm in the round banquette, it made perfect sense.

politics during that time. I had read that he listens to Spoon, holds a black belt in taekwondo, dilutes “hard news” with The Daily Show and considers the work of director Wes Anderson to be “genius.” But who doesn’t? And, oh yes, Brown’s a newlywed. He recently married a woman who, by his own description, is at least his equal, if not considerably more advanced … He’s even got the quirky shell wedding ring to prove it. “Hey, Andy, you’ve known Adam a long time,” I joke. “Were you aware he moonlighted as a critic for Amazon.com?” “Wha–?” The Politician seemed appropriately surprised and confused. I explained that during research, I uncovered the not-so-secret desire of The Lawyer to play the role of The Critic. Apparently Loewy devours nonfiction like a zoo animal at feeding, and over the course of time, has posted somewhere in the neighborhood of 130 reviews – a few beyond NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

we shift gears a bit. “What about the public perception of attorneys and politicians?” I ask, to no one in particular. “People have some pretty hard and fast notions of moral bankruptcy and self-serving behavior. Regardless of accomplishments to the contrary, in a lot of ways, you’re already working from a deficit.” “Let’s face it: There are plenty of people who will never change their mind about who we are or what we do,” says Loewy, and Brown nods in agreement. “But that makes it even more important to stay actively involved in giving back – actions will always speak louder than words.” The Lawyer and The Politician quietly consider this for a moment. Both Brown and Loewy seem to have avoided the Gen-X curse of financial frustration and career confusion that’s befallen some of their peers and quietly accept the additional burden that comes with that. “There is a certain amount of obligation that comes with success,” Loewy continues, “and it should. Austin is great due, in part, to some very successful people who reinvested in this city. I want to keep my efforts local and prefer to deal with local charities where I trust the help will actually reach those who need it most.” These days, he’s putting his money where his mouth is. In early November, the Loewy Law Firm was the major underwriter of the Fourth Annual Charity Bash benefiting the Center for Child Protection and Seedling Foundation, a major event that sells out year after year. Time passed quickly, and lunch was over. The

“The gratification for me comes from the ability to make the kind of impactful change that strengthens a community.” Politician’s firm handshake and even gaze as we left signaled he might want my vote in the future – or maybe just that he has good manners. But should he want my vote, I think he’d get it. The Lawyer promised me a good review and a vodka-tonic. And I hope to get both. Driving away in the shadow of the billboard, I couldn’t help but think that at the end of the day, stereotypes are all about perspective. Austin, by comparison, is all about people, and there is plenty of room here for Adam Loewy and Andy Brown. scathing. It’s the kind of thing that could really make a writer uneasy. I laugh and offer a stack of said reviews as Exhibit A. “Maybe this is your next career, Adam.” It seems pretty apparent that Brown’s next career is politics as usual. His path has been skillfully headed in the direction of elected office for a while. Having seen many of them up close, I wonder out loud which one seems the best fit and clumsily ask if he’s

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looking to take up residence in the White House. “No,” he responds, rather definitively. “Not for me. Some of my views tend to be a bit too progressive for a national audience, whereas the Austin area, on the whole, tends to be more receptive to growth and change. The gratification for me comes from the ability to make the kind of impactful change that strengthens a community.” Just as I digest his comment, the food arrives, and

For more information about Adam Loewy and Loewy Law Firm, P.C., call 512-779-3547 or visit www. loewyfirm.com. To learn more about Andrew Brown, visit www. traviscountydemocrats.org.

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High -Flying Adventure Bringing excitement from above, Randy and Stacy Riggs treat Austinites to breathtaking views and an overall extraordinary experience at Austin Helicopter Tours. by Jody Joseph Marmel photography by michael giordano

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f you have never had the opportunity to indulge in taking a helicopter tour, Austinites now have the added luxury of doing so with Austin Helicopter Tours. From experience, I can say helicopters are exhilarating and full of adventure. There is nothing quite like being in a helicopter, and since you only live once, it should be on your list of things to do before you leave Earth. In fact, the chances of repeating this helicopter extravaganza are quite high. Once you take the ride of a lifetime, you just may be addicted for life. Owners Randy and Stacy Riggs opened their doors in Austin on June 15, 2012. Expanding their business has always been part of their marketing plan. In 2008, this magnetic couple opened Alamo Helicopter Tours in San Antonio. The dynamic team envisioned being welcomed with open arms – and they were right on target. “We have moved around the country quite a lot,” Stacy says. “Texas has become our home in so many ways. Randy and I plan on staying here forever.” Stacy is the operations manager for both Alamo and Austin Helicopter Tours, and she does everything but fly the heavenly helicopters. Randy is the chief operating officer/owner and chief pilot for Austin Helicopter Tours. He has been flying since he was in his teens. “Flying is my passion,” he says. “I remember wanting to fly ever since I was 6. My grandfather owned cotton farms in Arkansas. When I saw the crop dusting planes, I just had to fly in one. And I did so whenever I could. All I ever wanted to do was fly.” With this well-founded business, Randy has certainly made his dream come true. Randy has been a commercial helicopter pilot for more than 37 years. Stacy elaborates on this. “We got our start in the helicopter tour business while living in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. In 2008, we took a leap of faith and moved our family to San Antonio because we fell in love with Texas. “We opened Alamo Helicopter Tours almost immediately after our arrival. We both have always been drawn to the beauty and the people of Austin, as well. So it was a natural fit to open Austin Helicopter Tours this year.” The Riggs find it fascinating to see how two cities so close in proximity can be so different. “San Antonio offers wonderful views of historic landmarks like the Alamo, the San Antonio Missions and the San Antonio River Walk. Austin’s landscape features great sporting venues like the F1 race track and the Darrell Royal Stadium, beautiful lakes and parks and ‘where it all happens’ in Texas: the State Capitol. Both, however, offer opportunities to see the beautiful Texas Hill Country and so much more.” In fact, Austin Helicopter Tours offers a great deal more in terms of the packages it furnishes and the quality of customer service it provides from the

time you book your tour to the very end. While most people think about the helicopter flight itself, the experience begins the moment you arrive at Bud Dryden Airport, where Austin Helicopter Tours is located. “There are so many different experiences to have, and each one is unique and memorable. All of our fabulous pilots are not only FAA certified; they are also personable and terrific tour guides.” Stacy and Randy proudly express that this ensures not only an added security factor, but that customer service is a given. Throughout the flight in state-of-the-art helicopters, passengers wear headsets so the pilot can point out landmarks and interesting facts. They also can talk freely with anyone who is on the flight with them. “It is a fantastic experience,” Stacy says. “Even people who are a bit reticent to fly always come back with a huge smile on their face, wanting to go up again.” Perhaps because the business is viewed as such a positive one by both customers and employees, the Riggs are blessed with many smiles every day. “Living in different cities throughout the country, I have learned that everybody needs to come to Texas to learn how to treat other people,” Stacy says.

“Every day I discover new places to visit as I am flying our customers on the package of their choice,” Randy says. “I have learned that what I uncover can be incorporated into the business, and by doing so, there seems to be endless beauty all around Austin. Whether it is in the Hill Country, lakes, rivers or landmarks otherwise gone unnoticed, I make sure that something new is added.” As they are involved in Part 135 charter flights, they also welcome customers to take a helicopter ride to go to a particular destination, or to choose one of the “wine and dine” tours. Being busy all year round with people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other milestones, they also teach students how to fly. One of Stacy’s favorite flights is the holiday lights tour that starts Thanksgiving weekend. “There is nothing quite like flying at night during the holidays. It is breathtaking to see the city aglow with all the twinkling lights, and it really gets you in the holiday spirit.” You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to take a flight; there are so many terrific flights to choose from that you will want to come back again and again. The Riggs concur: “There is so much to see and do in Austin that you simply can’t take it in all at one time. And really, some experiences are more impressive from the sky. For college students and parents, it is fantastic to be able to take in the landscape of the city from above.” For businesses, they offer practical services, too. Companies can monitor construction progress, check the status of utility lines, do land surveys they are considering for purchase or get from point to point in a snap. Also offering aircraft management services, Randy has the expertise to help others make wise and beneficial decisions when selecting the right aircraft for their needs. “We can supply pilot services or give additional training to them or their pilot in that particular aircraft. We can also find storage and keep the aircraft maintained to FAA standards. “We also expect that in Austin, the film and television industries will benefit from having our services available. The flights are steady and allow for fantastic videography and cinematography. For news organizations, now with portable live shot technology, news crews can beam back live images from one of our helicopters in a snap.” Austin Helicopter Tours is being welcomed by Austinites with the same open arms as in San Antonio. It’s impossible not to join the “hug fest.” Randy and Stacy have brought us a magical carpet ride. Nothing can top that!

exifefreernetnt d y f n if a d m y o n s eo ma h e aers ehac ne o d n c a a , e e v d “T“hTehreerar a n h a , o e t v s ha eo ieensct rc en bel.”e.” a r o l m b e a peexrpie r m o d e nadn mem niq ueua e is unuiq onis

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“Their manners, etiquette and warmth are contagious. There is no other place in the country quite like it.” Stacy describes living in Texas as a hug fest. “Ever since we have lived here, we keep on meeting people on a daily basis that are friendly, kind, loving and polite. We could not ask for much more than that.” The business has grown rapidly in a short period of time. Due to the couple’s accommodating ways and their professionalism, as well as an endless demand, expansion was the right decision. In Austin, the clientele base is growing by the day because helicopter tours are a novelty here. This innovative business does not decline simply because it is an experience that brings customers back on board within months. While it is still new to Austin, it is also refreshing for those who have been on the tours since June 15. They want a repeat performance, and they make sure to return for a different tour from the varied menu. The Austin Helicopter Tours mission is to satisfy customers; wherever clients want to go, the Riggs crew will accommodate their wishes. As long as the trip follows all FAA regulations, the sky is certainly the limit.

Austin Helicopter Tours is located at Bud Dryden Airport (10301 FM 969, Austin, Texas 78724). For more information, call 866-205-7084 or visit www.austinhelicoptertours.com.

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[ nside / music ]

A Natural Ear

John Moyer of Disturbed fame teaches students to express themselves through rock ‘n’ roll using the “natural ear” concept at Natural Ear Music School. by Kat DelGrande

Natural Ear Music School was founded in Austin in 1991. It is owned and directed by Grammy nominated, locally based and internationally known musician John Moyer. Natural Ear Music School teaches the “natural ear” concept to students, eliminating sheet music and allowing them to expand their skills and express themselves through rock ‘n’ roll. Having a natural ear for music means that one’s brain has the ability to sense the structure, composition, rhythmic balance and harmonic scale of a piece of music. This enables a strong musical

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understanding and style of communication that is attainable by anyone. Moyer is the bassist and backup vocalist for the alternative hard rock band, Disturbed. Disturbed has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, and the band was nominated for a Grammy. Moyer has played on eight major label releases, three of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart, and has toured the world many times. Natural Ear Music School instills a passion for music in its students that goes far beyond the basic understanding of an instrument. Students learn to

perform guitar-driven rock in a live music format with others, solely by ear. Through its method of pairing students of similar age groups and experience levels, the school helps form bands in which the students can learn the dynamics of both melody and rhythm naturally. As they progress, students eventually play at festivals, concerts, local venues and events. By participating in live performances, these students are able to generate powerful, emotional music, creating lasting impressions on not only themselves, but others, as well. An active musician with a busy schedule, Moyer always makes time for his students and has made work at Natural Ear Music School a daily job. He lives in South Austin with his wife, Kristen, and their two children. Natural Ear Music School is the first of its kind, teaching students to play music by ear while, of course, rocking out. “I have always loved teaching,” Moyer says, “and I am amazed by the talent of today’s youth, especially in Austin.” Visitors never cease to be amazed by the powerful performances from the school’s students, who begin performing at ages as young as 7 and clearly know how to rock ‘n’ roll.

To learn more about Natural Ear Music School, call 512-961-3354, visit www.naturalearmusic.com or look for the school on Facebook.

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[ nside / etiquette ]

International Holiday Toasting Etiquette How to handle holiday toasting like a pro

Korey Howell Photography

By Sharon Schweitzer

Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is an etiquette and international protocol expert. For more information, visit www. protocolww.com, www.twitter.com/ austinprotocol or www.facebook.com/ protocolww.

Ever wonder why certain business colleagues are completely comfortable at holiday parties when the toasts begin? Do you want to add international flair to your holiday conversations? Handle non-alcoholic toasts with ease? Knowing the history of holiday toasting etiquette will help you navigate the season like a pro. 1. Toasting history: The ancient Greeks began the art of toasting to one’s health when the host took the first, good faith sip of the communal wine. This first sip assured the guests that the beverage was not poisoned. The word “toast” originated from the Roman practice of placing a piece of spiced, charred bread into the wine to mellow the flavor. Back then, when drinking to someone’s health, the cup was drained to reach the piece of saturated toast at the bottom. 2. Non-alcoholic toasts: Today, it is perfectly acceptable to toast with a sparkling beverage, ginger ale, club soda, seltzer, water or juice during the holidays, or anytime. Keep in mind: It is about the celebration and not the liquid. Toasting is about the sentiment of the occasion. It may be a highlight at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, New Year celebrations and holiday business gatherings. 3. Toasting etiquette: When a managing partner or CEO offers a toast for a colleague, raise your glass

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at the conclusion of the toast, when the host raises his or her glass. It is not necessary to touch your glass with everyone present, as it is distracting. Pause after the toast and observe. Most likely, the recipient will reciprocate with a toast. If you have been a star performer, you may be honored with a toast. Stand, listen and accept the toast graciously. Refrain from drinking a toast to yourself, just as you would not clap for yourself. Be sure to stand and reciprocate with a toast to the person who toasted you, thanking them for the event and recognition. 4. New beginnings and christenings: Champagne was traditionally served at the coronation of French kings. Champagne has historically been associated with christenings, new beginnings and rare moments. It has become associated with New Year’s Eve festivities around the world for this reason. 5. What is champagne? Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the region of Champagne in France. It is widely believed that the monk Dom Perignon “invented” champagne in the 1600s. It is known that he discovered that the best champagnes were made from blends of the champagne grapes, the varietals pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. The smaller and faster the bubbles, the finer the champagne. Scientists have determined that there are 95 million bubbles in a bottle of champagne. Other spar-

kling wines such as prosecco originate in Italy. Sparkling wine is also produced in other global regions. 6. Champagne bottle opening: The proper way to open a bottle of champagne (avoiding spray, injury or spills) is to hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, grasp the champagne cork gently with the one hand and turn the bottom of the bottle firmly with the other hand. Be sure to twist the bottom of the bottle slowly, until you feel the cork gently release in your hand. 7. Sabering champagne: A fascinating way to open a bottle of champagne involves the lost art of sabering. Legend has it that Napoleon’s mounted artillery officers started the trend of sabering. While riding a horse, these soldiers would use a blade to cut the top off a champagne bottle with the cork still intact. Today, for an experienced wine connoisseur to accomplish this feat, precise preparation must occur. First, the bottle should rest upside-down 60 minutes in ice, and must be very, very cold. Then the bottle is removed from the ice, slowly turned upright and held at a 45-degree angle with no fluid touching the cork. Gently touch the blade on the shoulder of the bottle, and then use a short follow-through movement with the blade using the elbow, not the wrist. Please think twice before attempting to saber your champagne, as this is mostly a lost art that could result in shattered glass in the champagne or worse.

8. Happy New Year globally: One of the oldest of all holidays is New Year’s Eve. It was first observed by the ancient Babylonians 4,000 years ago. The current tradition of ushering in the New Year in the United States often includes a toast with champagne or another beverage at midnight. Nearly every culture has practiced toasting in one form or another. One of the most common toasts made on New Year’s Eve is simply “Happy New Year.” This list may be helpful in communicating “Happy New Year,” “Cheers to the New Year” or “Congratulations for the New Year” in the following languages:

Language:

Spelling or Pronunciation:

Afrikaans Albanian Azerbaijani Bahasa melayu Basque Bengali Bosnian Catalan Cebuano (Philippines) Chinese Czech Danish Dutch Esperanto Estonian Filipino Finnish French Gaelic (Scotland) German Greek Hawaiian Hebrew Hungarian Indonesian (Bahasa) Irish Italian Japanese Korean Laotian (Hmong) Latin Maltese Maori Nigerian (Hausa) Norwegian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Samoan Spanish Swahili Swedish Thai Turkish Vietnamese Urdu Welsh

S: Gelukkige Nuwejaar S: Gezuar Vitin e Ri S: Yeni iliniz mubarek S: Selamat tahun baru S: Urte berri on S: Shuvo Noboborsho S: sretna nova godina S: Felic any nou S: Mabungahong Bag-ong Tuig kaninyong tanan P: Chu Shen Tan S: Stastny Novy Rok S: Godt Nytar S: Gelukkig Nieuwjaar or Fijne oudejaarsavond S: Bonan Novjaron S: Head uut aastat S: Manigong Bagong Taon S: Onnellista Uutta Vuotta S: Bonne annee S: Bliadhna mhath ur S: Frohes Neues Jahr / Gutes Neues Jahr P: kali chronya S: Hauoli Makahiki hou P: Shana Tova S: Boldog Uj Evet/ Buek Selamat Tahun Baru S: Athbhliain faoi mhaise dhuit /Bhliain nua sasta S: Felice Anno Nuovo or Buon anno P: akemashite omedetou gozaimasu P: she heh bokmahn ee bahd euh sae yo P: nyob zoo xyoo tshiab S: Felix sit annus novus S: Is Sena it-Tajba S: Kia hari te tau hou S: Barka da sabuwar shekara S: Godt Nyttar S: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku S: Feliz Ano Novo S: La Multi Ani P: s novim godom S: la manuia le Tausaga Fou S: Feliz Ano Nuevo S: Nakutakaia Heri Ya Mwaka Mpya S: Gott Nyttar P: saa-wat-dii pi-mai S: Yeliniz Kutlu Olsun/ Mutlu yillar P: Chuc mung nam moi P: nyya saal mubarak S: Blwyddyn newydd dda

There are few customs that are as festive, heartfelt and surprisingly simple for people of all cultures and all ages as a toast. With these simple tips, you’ll be ringing in happy occasions and new beginnings with ease and teaching all of those around you to do the same.

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[ nside / beauty ]

The glitz and glamour of the holiday season is upon us, and it is time to get into the spirit! Prepare for late nights hopping from party to party, champagne toasts and dancing until dawn, all while looking a bit more glamorous than any other time of the year. If you think this sounds a little overwhelming, you are not alone. Here is a little help with your biggest holiday beauty dilemmas.

d “Red is such a popular lip color during the holidays. I would love to wear it, but honestly, it scares me. Can anyone wear red?” – Kim (Austin, Texas) Nothing says “take me to the mistletoe” like a bombshell-red pucker. Red is always the color of the season, but it can be a bit tricky. You have to pick a color that complements your skin tone. The paler the complexion, the bolder the red will appear. If you are very pale, choose a red with a hint of pink or orange, as it is probably best to stay away from the bluer shades of red. If your skin is darker, opt for a brick or burgundy red. Don’t try to match a red lipstick to your red dress; it needs to look good on your skin. Go to the store and try on a few shades. Try Rae Cosmetics Bombshell Lip Lust Lipstick. It is a very versatile shade that looks good on many skin tones (www. raecosmetics.com). With all of the eating and drinking, keeping it on can also be a struggle; you could look a mess before you even make it to the mistletoe. Here are a few helpful red lip application hints. Apply lip liner to your entire lip and then apply lipstick. Lightly blot, then apply lipgloss to just the center of your lips. With a small brush apply powder to outside edge of lip line to keep it from bleeding.

holiday beauty 101 Rae Cosmetics CEO and creator Rochelle Rae offers some tips for looking your best during the most glamorous season of the year. Special to NSIDE

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“I would like to do something a little more daring with my makeup for holiday parties this year, but I have such short lashes that it is hard to create a dramatic look. I would like to wear false eyelashes, but I can never seem to do it right. What’s the best way to put them on correctly?” – Sara (Austin, Texas) Everyone wants long, thick, gorgeous lashes that are impossible not to notice. Whether they are real or fake, lashes are getting longer and longer. False lashes are a fast, easy and affordable way to get lavish lashes. First, curl your own clean lashes. I suggest you use strip lashes rather than individuals, as they are much faster and easier to apply. You will probably need to trim down the length of the lash strip; they are usually too long and made to be cut to fit any size eye. Apply a very small amount of glue to the edge of the lash strip and place the false lashes right on top of your own. Softly press the lash into

place down on top of the actual lashes, not on the lid. Once they have dried, apply liner right down into the lash line. This will make the “little dots” on the strip disappear and make them appear even thicker. Finally, apply mascara to blend your lashes in with your new, beautiful, long ones. If you just can’t get it right, you can always go to a cosmetics store and have a makeup artist apply them for you. If you do nothing else, at least curl your lashes, as curling makes them instantly more noticeable and appear longer. Some of you are scared of the torturous-looking little device, but

fear not. Choose a precision lash curler – a much smaller version that targets only one section of lashes at a time. This design makes it easy to reach even the tiny lashes on the inner and outer corners of the eyes without pinching your skin. Start near the roots and squeeze the curler tight; hold it in place for a couple of seconds and then release. Repeat this three to four times as you work your way out toward the tips of the lashes. Always curl before applying mascara, as curling after “smooshes” the mascara, causing it to appear thick and clumpy.

d “I am in my late 30s, and I would like to add a little sparkle or glitter to my look for the holidays. How can I do this without looking tacky or age inappropriate?” – Mindy (Buda, Texas) The holidays are filled with color and sparkle, and that is also true for

the eyeshadow trend this season. A little shimmer can go a long way, so choose a lighter shade like icy blue or lavender. First, line the upper lash line. This would be a great time to experiment with new liner colors, as well; you will love a change from the traditional brown and black. Apply a light shadow to the entire lid, then add the brighter, shimmery color in the crease and outer edges. Try a slightly different colored shadow across the lower lash line. The key to keeping this from looking tacky is blending, and lots of it. You want a smooth transition between colors – a very soft look. Highlight the brow bone and inside corner of the eye with a glittering white for an extra pop. When opting for a colorfully dramatic eye, pair it with a minimalistic, almost naked-looking face and lip. This fun look can still look sophisticated. The Rae Cosmetics Icicle Eye Set is the ultimate sparkling set, all in a convenient little wristlet so you can sparkle anywhere (www.raecosmetics.com). Anytime you apply a lot of color to

the eyes, start with the eye makeup. Finish the entire eye before applying concealer or doing any corrections. Pigment from the shadows tends to fall under the eye and can be hard to clean up, which is especially tough when using blue or purple.

For more information, visit www.raecosmetics.com.

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[ nside / beauty ]

Keep Austin Beautiful

Through her increasingly popular mineral cosmetics line, Mandy Granado beautifies Austin women with a special emphasis on health and wellness. by Jody Joseph Marmel Fashion, makeup and hair styling/ coloring follow the same doctrine: to enhance one’s natural beauty with a unique touch. Women want to look and feel beautiful. The emphasis is on

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the latter, especially in Austin. Mandy Granado not only knows this from her experience in the field, but has also developed a line of makeup that is getting rave re-

views throughout the city. “I only get positive feedback, and I believe that through my research and development of the line, the results are wonderful.” Growing up in a loving family environment in Houston, Granado moved to Austin 10 years ago to start her beauty career. “In the beginning, I was fortunate to work in a high-end salon to get my training. Within a year, I was traveling all over to work with the most prestigious clientele. I learned a great deal while I was working with my clients, and knew that I had to create my own cosmetic line.” Three years ago, Granado made sure the mineral cosmetics she strongly believed in would come to fruition. Having seen and worked on a lot of faces with different skin types, what caught her eye were women who had acne-prone skin, rosacea and scarring and dry or aging skin. “I saw many women use chemicalbased cosmetics, which can be drying and cause breakouts, so I decided to formulate a line that not only has fabulous colors, but can also heal, hydrate, protect and preserve your skin.” All cosmetics in the Granado line are paraben-free. Parabens are chemical synthetic fillers that replace color. Granado’s products are highly concentrated and pure pigment without any synthetic fillers. “A little goes a long way.” As Granado works at Adore Makeup Boutique and Salon, the Granado Mineral Cosmetics line is exclusively available at this premier Austin salon. And their customers are in for a very special treat. Not only are the services offered outstanding, but the cosmetics line can also be purchased there. Granado mineral oil-free liquid foundation ($39), Granado mineral blush ($17.50) and Granado mineral powder foundation ($39) have a beautiful mixture of aloe vera and seaweed. Aloe vera is high in mucopolysaccharides, which fight bacteria and help rebuild new tissue. “There is also a tremendous antiaging agent that contains flavonoid antioxidants to protect skin cells from damage and promotes cell renewal,” Granado explains. Thus, the collagen levels are improved. There is now plenty of healthy new collagen. “This is essential for preventing sagging skin and wrinkles. I also want to emphasize that I work with many clients that are prone to acne. This is a disorder that is characterized by the inflammation of the skin. Aloe vera

reduces inflammation and redness caused by acne. “My philosophy is quite simple. Women use cosmetics every day. Why not nourish and protect your skin while you look good? The longer you use Granado Mineral Cosmetics, the better you will feel and look.” Sharing her beauty knowledge, Granado has perfected what appears to be a win-win situation. Also included in her product line are lipsticks in 24 sensational shades ($20), lipgloss ($18.50) and concealer ($17). “My lipsticks and glosses are high in vitamins A, E and F, as well as grape seed, jojoba and avocado. Women who have aging or dry lips can benefit a great deal when using my lipsticks. It helps maintain suppleness and soft, moisturized lips.” The entire Granado Mineral Cosmetics line contains products that do not clog pores; therefore, there are fewer problems with acne. Using iron oxides and titanium dioxides derived from the earth, a natural sunscreen is inclusive. Being water-based provides a heat-resistant agent that is helpful for the makeup to stay on longer and resist humidity. And last but not least, Granado stresses her cruelty-free nature: “We do not test on animals.” Hydration, protection and healing all in one product that helps skin maintain a beautiful healthy glow for you and your body is what Granado has bestowed upon Austin women. Her inspiration came from her perfecting hair color, as she is a hair stylist at Adore. Being a makeup artist as well, “hair and makeup go so well together. I believe that the right tone of hair color and the right shade of cosmetics complement each other.” Granado Mineral Cosmetics has been a major step in the right direction. Soon, the product line will be made available to other salons throughout Austin. You can also indulge in these divine delights on Granado’s website. Keeping Austin weird is a given. But another given is keeping Austin healthy and beautiful. Granado has added her touch, and it has already made a difference.

Adore Makeup Boutique and Salon is located at 1709 West Koenig, Austin, Texas 78756. For more information, call 512-524-0208, or visit www.adoremakeupsalon.com or www.granadocosmetics.com.

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[ nside / beauty ]

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide 2012 Delight either the makeup mavens on your gift list or yourself with some of the season’s best beauty baubles. by Meredith Davis

Beauty Box 5 Perfect for that product junkie in your life, Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription service that delivers four to five beauty products directly to your door. With a mix of packet, deluxe and full-size samples delivered in their signature blue box every month, this gift provides affordable luxury cosmetics that keep on giving. $12-$100, www. beautybox5.com

Give the gift of beauty this holiday season with hand-selected little luxuries that are perfect for giving or getting. Whether you’re stuffing stockings or treating yourself, these beauty baubles are sure to delight.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette The most anticipated sequel to the original Naked collection and far from a group of boring beige shadows, Naked 2 offers a new collection of 12 gorgeous neutrals to dress up your eyes. This five-star eyeshadow palette promises both matte and sparkling shadows with a creamy-like texture and a high color pigmentation that makes it easy to mix, match and blend all 12 colors. Plus, they come packaged in a long, lean seductive case, perfect for gifting any makeup maven. $50, www.urbandecay.com

bareMinerals Cool as Ice Lipgloss Collection

Butter London Holiday Glitter Trio

Let’s face it: You’re the life of the party. This sixpiece collection of cool, edgy Marvelous Moxie lipglosses will take you from one gathering to the next in shades of electric pink, sparkling opal and more. With one swipe, you’ll experience the rush of lush, fuller-looking lips with a superior shine. Too many shades for your liking? Keep your favorite shade for yourself and gift the rest. $25, Bare Escentuals Boutique at Barton Creek Mall

This season is all about making a glittering statement. Turn up the fashion on your holiday wardrobe with these gorgeous gems, or gift one of the two sparkling sets to your favorite fashionista. With shimmers like copper, moss green and purple, this lust-worthy lacquer will surely shine. Each holiday lacquer collection comes in a set of three colors, perfectly packaged for gifting. $36, www. butterlondon.com

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Clarisonic Mia 2 in Peacock, Emerald or Bordeaux The Clarisonic Mia 2 is an extension of the popular Mia family that gives all the benefits of sonic cleansing, but in a compact, easy-to-use style. Mia 2 features two speeds, a one-minute pulsing timer and a protective travel case for on-thego cleansing. Using Sonic Technology, Clarisonic’s micro-massage motion works with the skin’s natural elasticity to gently remove the impurities that traditional methods leave behind – leaving skin softer, smoother and more beautiful. $149, www.beautystoredepot.com

LUSH Cosmetics Seasonal Christmas Gift Boxes Bath time just got better with these festive gifts from LUSH Cosmetics. Seasonally scented and decadent bath bombs, bubble bars, luxury bath melts, body lotions, moisturizers and more, all hand-selected and wrapped in a bright and colorful box, are perfect for anyone. With more than 30 different holiday-themed boxes to choose from, you’re sure to knock out a few gifts with LUSH. $11.95-$199.95, LUSH Cosmetics

Lauren Conrad Beauty Whether she’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes, style icon Lauren Conrad has spent years learning from the pros and perfecting her look, and now she’s sharing all her beauty secrets. In her first guide dedicated exclusively to beauty, Conrad covers everything you need to know to maximize your own beauty potential. From tips for creating a strong foundation and maintaining healthy skin and hair through diet, exercise and all-around wellness to everyday makeup techniques and tricks of the trade for specialoccasion looks, Lauren Conrad Beauty provides the advice you’ve been waiting for. $15, Barnes & Noble

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual Bobbi Brown’s 25-plus years of makeup artist experience is distilled into one volume that includes more than 200 full-color photos and step-by-step instructions, as well as a “Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup” that teaches you how to apply your makeup in 10 minutes or less. Packed with all the tricks of the trade, this book also offers a unique guide for aspiring makeup artists: how to break into the business, put together a portfolio, book work and work with photographers, magazine editors, fashion designers and celebrities. $32, www.bobbibrowncosmetics. com

Mani-Pedi Package from Embellish If you’re at a loss for gift ideas, a mani-pedi combo can be the perfect solution. Embellish Nails & Boutique offers natural nail services in a relaxing, girly environment. Opt for the standard service that includes nail trimming and shaping, cuticle work, massage and polish, or splurge and add the special treatment of an exfoliating scrub and a hydrating vanilla cupcake-scented paraffin wax. $55$80, Embellish Nails & Boutique

Spa Retreat Package at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Meredith Davis is the founder of Austin Beauty Guide. For more beauty tips, local resources and information on the must-have products and trends of the season, visit www.austinbeautyguide.com.

Photo by Lucas Purvis

For the ultimate gift, give the gift of relaxation. Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers monthly spa packages that provide the top-of-the-line treatment for the best in full-body experiences. With treatments timed perfectly for the season, they use fresh flavors such as fresh orange peel, warming clove and spicy cinnamon to arouse your senses. Splurge on a spa package for the one you love or treat yourself. Hiatus also offers single services such as massages, facials and mani-pedis. $85-$195-plus, Hiatus Spa + Retreat

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[ nside / beauty ]

After receiving a great treatment, you need to maintain your new rejuvenated skin with products.

Gearing Up for the Holidays Get your relatives on the right beauty track this season by giving the gift of skin rejuvenation. special to nside

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The holidays are approaching, and that means seeing critical family you haven’t seen in a year. Surprise them with flawless, rejuvenated skin from Serenity Creek Med Spa, and get them on the right track with great holiday gift sets. Erase the mistakes you made while out on Lake Travis or while you were paddling down Lake Austin with the treatments offered. If you used your sunscreen occasionally, the Vitamin A Peel with an aftercare kit will be the thing for you. Even if you used your sunscreen all summer long, this light chemical peel will be a great exfoliation for your skin and help you glow for those holiday events that are coming up. Be sure to schedule it in enough time for all of the skin to peel off because your skin will peel – the outer layer of the skin will be peeled and exfoliated away. If you are a UV abuser like many of us in Texas, the Melanage Mini Peel is the treatment of your dreams. This skin enhancement system will visibly enhance the texture and tone of the skin, erasing hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Melanage Mini Peel also comes with an aftercare kit to help enhance your results and maintain the great tone and texture you will receive from the peel. The relatives you saw on the Fourth of July who received the same UV exposure as you will wonder why they still have summer on their skin in the winter months and you don’t! Once again, schedule your Melanage in enough time to peel away the summer for holiday events. Get your winter coat ready with DOT Therapy. This revolutionary skin resurfacing treatment uses a Fractional C02 laser to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage, and

to tighten skin. The downtime on this treatment is a little longer. Serenity Creek Med Spa offers complimentary consultations for you to get a better feel for any of the treatments that interest you. After receiving any of these great treatments, you will need to maintain your new rejuvenated skin with products. Get a gift set from Revision Skincare to keep your skin glowing from head to toe. The fabulous BE BRIGHT gift set with the Limited Edition Mint Condition Peppermint Body Scrub, Brightening Facial Wash, Vitamin C Lotion 30 Percent, Intellishade Original and train case is a $227 value, but for the holidays, you can get it all for $170. Give the gift of beauty with the Limited Edition Deluxe Holiday Kit from gloMinerals. This $199.60 value for only $85 has everything you need to get glam for your work Christmas party. Inside the luxurious black satin travel case is a limited-edition eyeshadow quad in Glam, illuminator, mini bronze in Sunlight, jeweled eye pencils, sharpener, blush duo, nude and poppy gloss minis, water-resistant mascara in black and lid primer. Do you really want to really impress your mother-in-law for the holidays? Get her the ultimate gift of beauty with the Limited Edition Deluxe Holiday Kit from gloMinerals and the Deluxe Brush Roll to apply the makeup. This deluxe brush roll of greatness includes seven of the most popular makeup brushes from gloMinerals neatly placed in a snakeskin-print clutch. This is all you need to create your favorite festive day and night looks for only $70 (a $119.50 value)!

Go to www.gloprofessional.com for great holiday makeup tips and tricks or more information.

Anne Marie Bloodgood DANCER • BALLET AUSTIN

BEAUTY & PERFORMANCE

NOW YOU CAN HAVE BOTH

photo: Lucas Purvis

Heat and perspiration resistant cosmetics created specifically for an active lifestyle.

• 1206 W. 38th Street • 512.320.8732

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SERENITY CREEK MED SPA provides the latest in medical and cosmetic services as well as relaxing spa treatments. Our experienced professionals offer a full range of procedures, services and experiences to help you look and feel your best.

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Kendra Scott Kendra Scott is a local jewelry designer who is nationally known, as her product is sold at top retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Lord & Taylor. Many celebrities and national publications feature Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s numerous designs. She holds true to her passion for philanthropy, as she works regularly with the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Style & Substance SAKS and Komen Key to the Cure

Local businesses, NSIDE Publications and Saks Fifth Avenue partnered to benefit Susan G. Komen on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012. The Key to the Cure Launch Party, held at Saks Fifth Avenue, consisted of a silent auction, music by Nabiya de Grace, food and beverages provided by local vendors and a preview of Formula 1 by the COTA team, with 2 percent of shopping sales benefiting Komen Austin. A variety of Austin celebrities modeled their favorite pink Saks Fifth Avenue merchandise to show their support for the Susan G. Komen fund.

N B gregg U S I N E S S cestaro 36 N S I D E A U S T Iby photography

Andra Liemandt

Andra Liemandt is the drummer for Austin rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll cover band, the Cover Girls. The Cover Girls have a following audience and share an ongoing experience with all of their fans. Beginning in 2009, Liemandt brings fashion and musical talent to all of her gigs. NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

Foswhitt Whittaker

Foswhitt Whittaker is a former University of Texas at Austin running back during the 2011 football season. Whittaker earned a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in corporate communications in May 2010 and is working toward a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in kinesiology.

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Dr. Daniel Ladd is the medical director and founder of Tru-Skin Dermatology. With a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a medical degree from Des Moines University, he is also board certified in micrographic surgery. His wife, Lurleen Ladd, is the cofounder and executive director of the Shade Project. The Shade Project was created to identify increases of skin cancer in younger patients. The mission is to generate awareness and community outreach by strategizing ways to create shade throughout the community.

Dr. Daniel and Lurleen Ladd NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

Anne Hudson

Originally from the Woodlands, Texas Tech alum Anne Hudson is a local television and radio host. She is the lifestyle reporter for Your News Now and morning show host on 98.1 KVET-FM. Her outgoing personality and love for philanthropic work make her a favorite emcee amongst the people of Austin.

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Austin Photographer De Ann specializes in captivating, creative portraits and fresh commercial imagery. De Ann’s years of experience, commitment to meeting deadlines, as well as providing excellent face-to-face customer service ensures making your vision and goals an artistic reality. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! E-mail deann@deannsphotographystudio.com Phone 512.680.4898 www.deannsphotographystudio.com

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