SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER 2012
GREATER AUSTIN BUSINESS MAGAZINE
In Full Swing
THE ELEMENTS OF WELLNESS
ACADEMY OF GOLF DYNAMICS
THOMAS MANNING
THE GIFT OF GIVING
GO BOLD OR GO HOME FALL BEAUTY 2012 A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON INDULGENCE CHOCOSUTRA
JIM DIMEO NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS
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AFFORDABLE. PERSONAL. PROFESSIONAL
PROvIDINg ExcELLENt quALIt y tO thE cIt y OF AuStIN IN gROuND tRANSPORtAtION SERvIcES. 2
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NSIDE
nsidethisissue september/october 2012
NSIDE Austin Business Magazine September/October 2012
PUBLISHER Angela Strickland
executive EDITOR Erin O’Brien
creative director
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Elisa Giordano
graphic designer David Hassmann
account executives Stephanie Hawley Diana Kumm Mandy McFarland
cover story | jim dimeo
contributing writers Bailey Bounds Rachel Brock Meredith Davis Suzanne Vernau Feezel Tiffany Harelik Jody Joseph Marmel Daniel Ramirez Erin Rodriguez Sharon Schweitzer
This business-savvy family man leads his dynamic team on a mission to serve both customers and the community at Charles Maund Toyota, the only familyowned and operated Toyota dealership in Austin.
PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Guerra Andrew Sterling Jared Tennant
events marketing manager Martha Morales
24 profile
collegiate assistants Alexia Dabdoub Kathleen Delgrande Taylor Green
Academy of Golf Dynamics
Hailed as one of the best golf schools in the country, the academy lives up to its reputation with top-notch instructors, a unique approach to teaching and a focus on simplicity.
28 profile Thomas Manning
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The successful entrepreneur has expanded his expertise into the wellness and beauty sector with Monterone 5 Elements ELITE Medi-SPAs and SALONs, a one-stop luxury retreat that provides some of the finest spa sensations in the state.
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feature music dine etiquette beauty style & substance
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www.getnside.com For advertising and/or editorial information, please call 512.506.1248 or email adminatx@getnside.com.
departments 08 13 16 32 38 46
NSIDE is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
AUSTIN NSIDE Publications Austin • San Antonio • Corpus Christi
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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
As the school year has officially begun and we are getting accustomed to a new schedule, life at NSIDE is forever constant – constant with change, that is, as each edition allows us to bring you the organizations that are on the forefront of Austin’s business, medical, fashion, beauty, wellness, music and nonprofit industries. It is filled with excitement as we meet new individuals and their staff who, in turn, become part of the NSIDE community. With their unique stories and touch of class coloring the pages of Austin’s premier publication, we can all partake in the wisdom and marvel at the wonders in our city. Working with Austin’s nonprofits is always an honor. I want to thank all of those we have worked with and add a special acknowledgement to the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC). Without these organizations, Austin would not be the city it is today. Making the city one full of promise and an amazing future for so many people is an outstanding achievement, and it is these people who have turned dreams turn into realities. Traveling through the pages, all of the businesses we have covered and the people who have created them are revealed. NSIDE wants to say a warm thank you for sharing your adventures. Each one of you has made our hot Texas days into a sizzling sensation. From cover to cover, you have unlimited resources that contribute to Austin’s beauty. On that note, we want to extend our best wishes to Thomas Manning and 5 Elements for adding that extra special touch of class with their eclectic art in the beauty and wellness field. Add in their outstanding art gallery and breathtaking location, and we are quite sure you will appreciate Austin’s new addition in more ways than one. NSIDE takes pride in each and every one of you who has made this exceptional edition well worth the read and the ride. Enjoy!
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 worldâ€?™ “Watch your home or business from anywhere in the worldâ€?
elisa giordano creative director E: elisa@getnside.com
ÂŽ
mandy mcfarland
account executive 512.947.3043 / E: mandy@getnside.com
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diana kumm
account executive 512.632.6483 / E: diana@getnside.com
martha morales
events marketing manager 832.628.9445 / E: martha@getnside.com
stephanie hawley
account executive 512.773.9245 / E: stephanie@getnside.com
taylor green
collegiate assistant E: taylor@getnside.com
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kathleen delgrande collegiate assistant
alexia dabdoub collegiate assistant E: alexia@getnside.com
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suzanne vernau feezel contributing writer 512.417.0070
deann hoeft
editorial photographer 512.680.4898 / E: deann@getnside.com
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Photography With a Passion Portrait photographer Norah Levine captures people, pets and lifelines. By Rachel Brock
After spending a sweltering morning on location watching her patiently frame intricate shots, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes Norah Levine so unique. For one thing, the portrait photographer (who recently relocated to Austin with her husband and dogs) looks as though she, herself, might have just stepped off the pages of a J.Crew catalog. And there’s a genuine approachability, a few perfectionistic undertones and a sweet, quirky personality to match. Levine began her love affair with the camera in high school and has thoughtfully honed her craft ever since, studying traditional and digital formats and working with photography masters. These days, children and pets are the primary focus of her work. In theory, this might sound sweet and simplistic; however, the practical application of earning the trust of either in a short span
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of time takes a special skill set, indeed. “[After] years spent photographing a vast array of subjects, I can say with confidence that portraits – specifically of children and pets – offer me the most inspiration and joy,” Levine explains. And the result of that inspiration through her finished product is apparent; the joy is evident. But this self-described “happy photographer” has also wasted no time getting involved in the Austin community, lending her talents to causes about which she feels passionate. “Lifelines: Honoring the Bond Between the Homeless and Their Pets” is a project she cofounded with fellow animal advocate, Gabrielle Amster. The yearlong effort has yielded a series of photographs depicting the special companionship relationships that exist between those in the homeless community and their beloved pets. “I wanted to find the joy that existed (within
“I believe there is a universal bond between humans and animals, and that no matter your situation, that love is still there.” this difficult) subject matter,” Levine explains. “I believe that there is a universal bond between humans and animals – that it doesn’t really matter what your situation is: That love is still there. It’s important and it’s valid.” Lifelines is a multimedia exploration that will be displayed at the J. Clark Photography Gallery
& Workshop throughout the month of September and available to view on Saturdays from 11 to 4. The profits from the exhibit go directly to the Animal Trustees of Austin’s 4PAWS (For People and Animals without Shelter), a program that provides free-of-charge wellness care and spay/neuter surgeries to pets belonging to the homeless population of Central Texas and beyond. A long-term site for the display has yet to be determined. “I want this project to bring awareness of the importance of the human/animal connection,” Levine says, “and for the viewers of the photographs and the listeners of the audio vignettes to endorse programs that support this bond. ATA’S 4PAWS program is one of these valuable programs.” When not devoting time to a passion project, Levine stays busy getting to know her clients, both animal and human, and perfecting the shots through the editing process – capturing the best parts of their everyday moments. Levine is a perfect addition to Austin’s everexpanding art community, and she is available locally – in-home or on location – for portrait photography sessions.
To learn more about Norah Levine and to see her work, visit www.norahlevinephotography.com. And for more information about the Lifelines exhibit, go to www.lifelinesproject.org.
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S I D E A U S T I N B U Repairs SINESS Photo Lab Classes Film Processing Rentals Custom Frames New & Used Cameras & Lenses StudioN Equipment 9
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typos and grammatical errors before publishing.
Include high-quality pictures Pictures are a great way to show the quality of work you perform, but if they are fuzzy, pixilated or too small, it can have a negative effect on how consumers perceive your business. Purchase a digital camera to produce much better photos than what you can take with a phone. A good model will cost around $100.
Embed videos to add a personal touch Use video to demonstrate how your products work, give a tour of your store or provide customer testimonials. Consumers visiting your website will feel like they have met you and your employees before they ever visit your store. The same digital camera you take pictures with most likely has a video option that can work well in most settings.
Promote secure purchasing
tips for building trust online
Make a solid impression and keep customers coming back by following a few simple steps for creating a trustworthy message on your website. By Erin Rodriguez
As consumers become savvier with their pre-purchase habits, it is important for all businesses to make a solid impression online. Trust has to be earned before a consumer orders something from a website. BBB recommends the following steps to create a trustworthy message on your website:
Have a contact page At some point, your customers will want to, or need to, contact you, which is why you should always have
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your contact information easily accessible and visible. A contact page can also be a great way to receive feedback from your customers.
Keep your writing strong and concise Many consumers do not want to read long blocks of writing when they visit a website. Instead of providing every detail about the products you sell on your website, highlight your services with short, strong sentences. Make sure someone in your office proofreads for
According to a recent study from Internet security group KikScore, 60 percent of consumers who did not go through with an online purchase did so because they were not sure if the website they were on was secure. If your business accepts or collects payment through your website, make sure to highlight it is a secured transaction. Display a security seal or create a button or graphic explaining that clicking on it will take the customer to a secured checkout page.
For more tips on promoting the trustworthiness of your business, visit www.centraltx.bbb.org/advantagesof-accreditation. 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, at 512-445-2911.
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OF
ine MUSIss
Fea tur
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Loc
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Musical Magic Pianist, composer and musical entrepreneur Reuel Meditz takes classical crossover to new levels with his niche Modclass style.
By Jody Joseph Marmel photography by jared tennant hair & makeup by lala elliott stylist: stephanie hawley Before Reuel Meditz became immersed in piano practice, he recalls that during his early years, he was surrounded by classical music because his mother always had the classical station turned on. “I am sure that had a good effect on me,” Meditz says. Distinctly remembering one evening before he was 12, “I heard Karl Jenkins’ amazing album, ‘Adiemus,’ and the music had a profound effect on me. I wanted to make similar emotional music.” Beginning formal lessons at the age of 12, Meditz had a difficult time connecting his love for music to the “stale practice of beginning piano songs.” Years later, he explains that he experienced most of his training during his high school years. “This led me to become more interested in receiving composition training.” Attending Berklee College of Music, Meditz decided not to graduate from college, considering that the best move was to get into the real-world dynamics as a pianist and composer. “Rather than spending the extra years in academia, I studied with music software and learned a great deal from composers like Justin Durban, who lives in Austin. I also had the privilege to learn from Will Loconto, who is a major video game composer.” Having composed scores for seven independent feature and short films, Meditz elaborates on the foreign film, “IJE: The Journey.” “Working on this brought me to another level of professionalism, considering the budget and full-
score musical demands that were required.” The film won numerous awards in film festivals and has become an essential part of Meditz’s film score résumé. Mostly producing and recording solo piano original collections, this magical musician explains his philosophy used while producing five albums of original compositions. His freestyle composition has led his fans into boundless musical terrain. “I try to write musical dreams that take listeners on roads unknown with little regard for maintaining structure. I mainly focus on the lucid flow of the melodies. The main idea behind these albums is to open your mind to healing and self-introspection.” His latest CD, “Lumiere Du Son” (The Sound of Light), is now available on iTunes. Wanting to be extreme, Meditz played complex piano music over full production. Wanting the Modclass genre “to help people understand that styles can merge in
ways never thought of and there are no limits to the imagination” has allowed his talents to shine through when listening to his songs. Appealing to a younger audience with his creative compositions not only explains the Modclass genre, but opens the generation to music that takes their souls to places never visited before. During the last two years, Meditz says, “I coined the phrase, Modclass, to represent my adherence to classical values in modern music. Modclass takes classical crossover to a new level by focusing primarily on the classical training and technique used to create new music instead of just mixing famous classical pieces with modern music styles.” While loving to play solo piano, Meditz is defined by many as a freestyle pianist. “I feel that freestyle is ultimately where I continue to grow. The training needed to start this came from classical studies, but it has now been a journey of experimentation and collaboration. I will continue with this art form.” Having played at Carnegie Hall and in Italy, Meditz explains that he was fortunate to be a firstplace winner in the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition. “That really opened things up and allowed for a wonderful performance at Carnegie. I have focused my originals more on the local Texas environment in order to build an audience here.” With an extra emphasis on playing in the Austin art community, Meditz often plays for charities and select performances at Steinway and the local Four Seasons Lounge. Focused on being a musical entrepreneur, Meditz is currently creating new ideas involving a series of companies that are involved in some way with music. This includes iPhone apps, piano teaching courses, an electronic piano band and continued work as a performer and composer. “I also have futuristic sketch designs for breaking new ground in the area of artificially evolving musical programs geared toward everyone being able to create music.” Sharing his philosophy in detail, Meditz believes that “success comes from the ability to accept and love who you are now and then building from that understanding.” This talented and innovative man is just starting to make his mark in Austin. While listening to his CD, I wonder how far Meditz is going. I have a feeling it is further than Texas. Going the national and international route would only be fair because his music transcends time and transports you to the most wonderful worlds, both known and unknown. We are lucky to be graced with his musical genius. Listen and you will be a fan for life!
For more information, follow Reuel Meditz at www. reuelmusic.com. We would like to add a very special thanks to Austin BaseCamp. Check them out at: www.austinbasecamp. com for more information.
Austin BaseCamp
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While Park’s songs mean different things to different people, they often incorporate his own personal messages.
Music: A Life Mission
Intrigued by melodies and lyrics with a deeper meaning, acoustic rock singer/songwriter Daniel Park looks to reach as many people as possible through his songs. By Bailey Bounds Acoustic rock singer/songwriter Daniel Park was born in a small town near Seoul, South Korea, and adopted by a family in Albuquerque, N.M., when he was 4-and-a-half years old. His parents put a violin in his hands and sent him to lessons as a child. His talent and passion for music was quickly apparent. When he was 15, Park’s mother gave him an acoustic guitar, and he fell in love with it, spending hours practicing it and learning new songs. He played both violin and guitar in well-known bands throughout college before emerging as a solo artist two years ago. On his own, Park recently released a seven-song
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EP titled “Search and Release,” which features meaningful, guitar-driven pop/rock songs. One unique thing about “Search and Release” is that Park made it a full-band project. He decided to perform with local guitarists, vocalists, pianists, bassists and drummers because people loved his live performances and he wanted to sound his best both live and recorded. Inspiration for Park comes from music that has “a lot of musicality to it.” Park says he likes “a lot of thought behind the melodies” and often observes how “the melodies overlap and how they are put together.” As far as lyrics go, the words need to have a deeper
meaning to them. Many times, when Park is trying to write a song, he will listen to classical music and become fascinated by “the overlapping melodies. Instruments like the violin and cello produce different melodies individually, but those melodies combined create something different and beautiful. They are more than just themselves.” Inspired by deeper lyrics and singer/songwriters like Jason Mraz and the Dave Matthews Band, Park’s songs all have deep meaning to them. While his songs have “different meanings to different people,” they often incorporate his own personal messages. “Search and Release,” for example, is Park’s shout out to his birth parents. Lyrics such as “I’m calling out your name now” are his way of saying, “I’m here now, and this is what I do.” Other songs on the “Search and Rescue” EP are livelier and fun. The songwriting process is different every time. “It’s one thing to start a song and another to complete it,” says Park, who usually begins with an idea, writes the musical part and then attaches the lyrics at the end. Sometimes, he will come up with the guitar part of a song and then write the lyrical part to match it. Park is always changing as an artist. With “different influences, new ideas, new concepts and new instruments,” Park believes he’s a different artist than he was even a year ago. New inspirations and ideas often “change the performance, the artist and the direction,” he says. A typical day in Park’s life involves lots of traveling, practicing his guitar, recording videos, writing songs and sometimes taking a break to hang out with friends. Park says he “plays a show every other day of the week.” While he is extremely busy with his job, Park hardly notices it. He loves what he does. Even in his spare time, Park’s life revolves around music. When he’s taking a break, Park will go with his friends to “watch other live musicians.” He has also recently taken up video editing and enjoys making weekly YouTube videos for his fans. The mission behind Park’s music is to reach as many people as possible. He believes “we have a limited time to do what we love,” and music is his life mission. In the future, Park hopes to produce a live album with some of the works he has in store.
For more information, visit www.danielparkmusic.com or www.youtube.com/danielparkmusic. You may also contact Lili Aguilera at lilimavs09@gmail.com.
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The Rise of TRACE
The downtown Austin restaurant receives a revamped and reinvented menu just in time for the end of summer, courtesy of renowned master chef Ben Hightower.
Photo courtesy of W Austin
Photo by Mark Knight
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By Daniel Ramirez
It is no small feat to reinvent a restaurant menu in one of the most competitive culinary cities in the United States. With a James Beard nominee or winner at nearly every turn, the Austin dining landscape leaves little room for error, which can prove daunting to the most daring restaurateur. Confine the menu to ingredients that are locally sourced and can each be tracked to their Texas origin, be it farm, field or fishery, and the challenge grows still more difficult.
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And yet, in one of the highest-profile locations downtown Austin has to offer, one of the city’s new masters, formerly of Uchiko fame, has risen far beyond the challenge, offering dishes that have sacrificed nothing for their locavore ethic. Ben Hightower has arrived and revamped the menu at TRACE just in time for Austin’s gruelingly long end to summer, and his plates showcase the flavors of the season, ripe with citrus, seafood and summer vegetables. Start with the Blue Crab Hush Puppies, which bear little resemblance to the over-starched cornmeal balls that are their namesake. There is more than an ample helping of crab, adding its signature subtle sweetness to each bite and amplified by a citrus remoulade that speaks of Hightower’s New Orleans roots without surrendering to over-seasoning or pointless heat. The chef’s Louisiana-born influence is further represented in his Dirty Rice Stuffed Quail, which reminds one of the fabled turducken that has been a signature of Cajun cooking and lore for years. However, in Hightower’s precise hands, the flavor
remains delicate and never overpowers the palate, allowing each spice, from celery to sausage, to be featured and played against the others. But TRACE’s new menu is not a one-note paean to the bayou. Instead, it traverses the globe from Italy to Japan and back, striking notes from the wealth of the chef’s many influences. An absolute highlight is the unexpected Corn Ricotta Ravioli, which is easily one of the finest pastas in Texas. The contrast of savory and sweet remains packaged in a rich pasta until released in each bite, the corn playing havoc with one’s expectation of what pasta should be, while the morels ground the entire dish in an umami foundation. If one is afforded only one dish from Hightower’s menu, this has to be the choice, as there is nothing remotely like it within the city limits. Of course, no product of Austin’s vaunted Uchiko can ignore his roots, and Hightower is no exception. Though the dish’s complement may change with the seasonal availability of vegetables (the dish was once accompanied by pureed carrots that added a freshness to each savory bite, and now is paired with
Photo by Mark Knight
corn salsa and fennel salad), the Seared Red Grouper is a delight worthy of its creator’s culinary history. Flaky, light and inexplicably hearty, the unremarkable fish, so plentiful in the Gulf of Mexico, is elevated to a form reserved for sushi. Of course, one’s meal can benefit greatly from any of TRACE’s exceptional pairings, whether it is a glass of wine or one of Joyce Garrison’s craft cocktail inventions. After sampling a bit of summer, the overall impression one is left with is that under Hightower’s guidance, TRACE is emerging.
For more information on TRACE, visit www.traceaustin. com.
Photo by Mark Knight
Photo courtesy of W Austin
Hightower’s plates showcase the flavors of the season, ripe with citrus, seafood and summer vegetables.
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The Inner Warrior (As featured in the Trailer Food Diaries Austin second edition cookbook, courtesy of ChocoSutra) This is a good pre- or post-workout drink. It supplies the body with quick and sustained energy. Add whey protein or colostrum to further enhance it for muscle repair and building. Ingredients:
“Trailer Food Diaries” Presents
ChocoSutra Richard Kreuzburg and Delia “Snoopy” Storey provide customers with a new perspective on indulgence at ChocoSutra. By Tiffany Harelik
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Gynostemma tea – highly potent and incredibly beneficial for people across the board
For more information on ChocoSutra, visit http:// chocosutra.com or follow @chocosutra on Twitter. NSIDE is proud to have Tiffany Harelik of “Trailer Food Diaries” as a contributor. Beginning in Austin, Texas, in 2010, Harelik has covered recipes and histories of food truck vendors in Portland, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Latin America and beyond. She has been engaged in developing a number of visionary projects, one of which includes the Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival. With her master’s degree in health psychology, B.A. in american studies and passion for entrepreneurs to pursue happiness, Harelik is a strong advocate in eating locally, minimizing negative environmental impact and family farming. An active member in her community, she also enjoys yoga, dressage, sailing and dogs.
Phot by Rudy Arrocha
Ancient elixirs formed with today’s healthiest super foods are pouring out of the blue ChocoSutra food trailer in the Jessie Street Eats food court (415 Jessie St.). Business partners Richard Kreuzburg and Delia “Snoopy” Storey are passionate about making chocolate products that will give you a new perspective on indulgence. Serving everything from chocolate bars, truffles and cookies to chocolate tonics using healing herbs and essential oils, this menu will have you craving more. With a wide array of options to keep the modern man healthy and strong, it’s overwhelming to try to keep up with mainstream nutrition research, let alone figure out ways to make all the supplements taste good. Kreuzburg and Storey have made it their business to study and research not only the top trends in nutrient-dense foods, but also the best producers of high-quality products. It comes in handy that Storey’s husband happens to work with a credible local supplier of health care products. Chocolate is really high in magnesium, which is a major deficiency in the modern western diet. It’s great for your heart. But what are some of the other key super foods Kreuzburg and Storey use and recommend? Pro tips from ChocoSutra: Three superfoods to add to your diet Medicinal mushrooms – specifically the reishi and chaga, which boost immune support Goji berries – sweet dried fruit rich in nutrients
10 ounces Gynostemma tea (Spring Dragon Longevity Tea from Dragon Herbs) 1 ounce raw cacao paste (cacao liquor) 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder 1-2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil, cold pressed 1 tablespoon hemp seeds 1 tablespoon chia seeds, about 20 minutes, soaked in ¼ up to ½ cup room temp – to form a gel (The seed will soak the water up and will swell. A gel-like membrane will form around it and it will become suspended in the water) 1-2 tablespoons raw local honey 1 teaspoon maca powder 1/2 teaspoon cordyceps powder (This can be omitted if you don’t have it, but it is powerful in this drink to enhance energy and stamina. It is also considered a lung tonic and is beneficial for the lung meridian. It might even be an aphrodisiac, which boosts core energy. It’s incredibly beneficial for athletes.) A pinch of salt The base of this drink will need to be made while warm, as the fats of the cacao paste and coconut oil need to be melted to fully emulsify into the water. Brew the tea, and while still hot, combine the cacao paste, powder and coconut oil together in a blender and blend until it’s well incorporated. This is the base. It can be used to make any sort of combination of ingredients to your liking. For this recipe, though, we’ll add the hemp seeds, chia gel, honey, maca, cordyceps and salt and blend again. Blend long enough to make sure the hemp seeds and chia seeds are nicely blended. You may need to use a strainer to strain out the seeds if you don’t have a high-powered blender. Also, you may want to add more honey if you like it on the sweeter side. For a cold drink instead, the base can be chilled down, then blended with the rest of the ingredients and ice. You could also blend ice into the hot base, but most likely, it’ll come out warmer than you might want. So that’s why I recommend cooling the base in the refrigerator first.
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4500 Steiner Ranch Blvd. ★ Austin, TX. ★ 5elementsbeauty.com Our mission of Sustaining Beauty is achieved, maintained and attainable through WELLNESS and your WORKING MASTERS of 5 Elements ELITE Medi-SPAs and SALONs; Your N S I D E A U S T I N B U S I N E S S 19 true Artisans of Beauty. Working Managers taking clients Per Your Request @ 512-266-3883 Thomas Manning - Owner - thomas@5elementsbeauty.com, 5 Elements ELITE SPAs
A Bounty of Benefits Jim DiMeo leads the Charles Maund Toyota family on a mission to serve that benefits not only the dealership’s customers and team members, but the entire Austin community. By jody Joseph Marmel photography by andrew sterling
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im DiMeo is a very unique man, a savvy businessman, an exceptional role model for his team (also known as his extended family) and an extraordinary family man who believes in the gift of giving. As DiMeo says, “the most important part of life is my family. My goal is to emulate that in my business with both the customers and my employees.” With rave reviews from all parties involved, he has certainly made his mark at Charles Maund Toyota. And he has given the automotive industry an innovative marketing approach that all Austinites are learning to appreciate in more ways than one. Having been in the industry for more than 30 years, he explains, “my customers are an extension of my family, and my desire is for them to feel that way.” Citing one example out of hundreds at Charles Maund Toyota reveals how DiMeo’s formula for success weaves magical results. Recently, a woman flew in from Edinburg to purchase a vehicle from one of their associates in the sales team. “She actually chose our dealership because of the relationship she built with our sales staff member through our website. He was able to help her with her buying needs in a comfortable and non-aggressive manner.” Even though this customer had two Toyota dealerships she could have purchased from in Edinburg, she knew she could trust Charles Maund Toyota with a click on the Internet and a phone call. Numerous stories such as this are proof of the dynamic team’s mission to serve. DiMeo has several sayings he shares with his employees all the time. “In it to win it” epitomizes the Charles Maund family. Being a family-owned and operated dealership gives the locals an op-
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portunity to be served by one of its own in the community. Symbolizing the true Austin spirit of being a metropolitan city with a small-town flair, DiMeo stresses that the “local, family-owned business” has a great opportunity to give back to the community. This gift is a never-ending one. The organizations the dealership supports are essential to Austin in many areas of concentration. The focus is on helping Austin be the best it can be, just as Charles Maund Toyota’s philosophical approach has been since it acquired Toyota 21 years ago. Last year, the dealership put together a pet adoption “meet and greet.” Hosting this successful event, DiMeo, a true animal lover, says, “we helped local rescue groups find homes for their animals, as well as raising money to help continue rescue efforts.” Wanting to provide a healthy transition for the animals, the ultimate goal was to find loving homes for these beautiful creatures. Being able to provide this service is an astounding feat for any business, even more so for a car dealership. Yet, due to the fact that there is a dog park located on the grounds to cater to the wide customer base, DiMeo says, “animals are their children.” This wise gentleman and marketing maven has led Charles Maund Toyota in its transition over the last few years with amazing touches that have led the company to the top. Since taking over management, “we have grown 100 percent in sales.” Numbers like this translate into tremendous growth for the company. Read on and discover how DiMeo continues to add services to the Austin community and aids in our city’s growth, as well.
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“My customers are an extension of my family, and my desire is for them to feel that way.” NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS
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“The most important part of life is family. My goal is to emulate that in my business with both my customers and my employees.”
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rganizations the Maund family supports include the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, Seton Hospital, Dell Children’s Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Austin Smiles, Red Cross/Fire Relief and HeartGift. “We are also working on the Prius Project with A List Partners to benefit AIDS Services of Austin and Veteran Affairs Honor Guard.” Last year, “our dealership donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and some of our employees actively participated in the run. I personally am working with the CF Foundation, as well as Transplants for Children.” The last two foundations “are close to my heart on a very personal level. My wife was diagnosed
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with breast cancer and is a 10-year survivor. Also, this past year, my daughter, who has lived with cystic fibrosis, recently underwent a double lung transplant because of her CF.” DiMeo has a heart of gold and is making sure that Austinites benefit from Charles Maund Toyota’s magnanimous efforts. Some of the other programs the dealership works with are Partners in Education (PIE) and Real Community Heroes (RCH). This helps military, nurses, doctors, EMT, retired military personnel, officers and firefighters. The team also works with Dell Fixed pricing. Just perusing the aforementioned list indicates that Charles Maund Toyota reaches out to Austinites and gives as much back to the
community as possible. “By being a part of the different programs, we are able to assist our customers with their pricing needs.” Having a customer base with a demographic profile that is the professional “middle American” who desires both quality and eco-friendly cars, DiMeo and his team go that extra mile (make that miles) to ensure their clients are totally satisfied with their purchase and their servicing needs. “We pride ourselves in listening to our customers in order to help them find the car that best suits their needs and desires. Having a diverse staff that can communicate and assist our customers has been extremely beneficial. Our country has always been known as ‘The Melting Pot,’ and we have staff
members that are bilingual and a few that can speak to the different cultures that make our city an exciting one.” Having several female sales associates on board is an extremely novel approach and one that is greatly appreciated. In general, women like to do business at this level with other women. The trust factor is there. It seems natural to think of buying a car from a salesman. It’s about time we widen our scope and include women on the sales team. Adding their touches to the Charles Maund family has brought in more clients and gained an enormous amount of respect from fellow Austinites. Being cognizant of the community in all aspects is a gift the Charles Maund family bestows upon Austin. “Our customers are starting to learn about what we do here. Going beyond our great staff in every department, they are just beginning to see how much we care about Austin and what we can do.” Once this step is reached, word of mouth takes over, and in Austin, words travel fast. The dealership’s mission statement of “a fair deal with great service” should include the plural “services to the community.” Charles Maund Toyota has two play areas for children. One is in the sales department, and the other is in the service area of the dealership. Being kid- and pet-friendly makes any experience there a very pleasant and rewarding one. “We are making a lot of friends on a daily basis. Many of these friends have become part of our family. Our repeat business is aggressive; we have customers that are in their third and fourth vehicles with us. We are proud to be different mainly because we are the only family-owned and operated Toyota dealership in Austin.” Being different is what Austinites admire. Knowing this as a fact, I can envision an endless list of friends whom DiMeo will add to the Charles Maund family. His team stands behind him; there is mutual admiration and respect. When I visited with a few of the employees and managers, they had wonderful words to describe him. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without his passion for success that rubs off on all of us.” Having a positive and contagious personality, DiMeo is the role model others aspire to be. DiMeo explains that some of the dealership’s short-term goals are “to continue to grow our employee base and increase our market share. In the next five years, we see ourselves as the largest dealership in Austin.” With his dynamic personality that shines and draws people in, DiMeo helps his team forge ahead while leading all of them on a path to a greater future. Let’s include our entire city in that equation to make it a balanced one. DiMeo makes the reasons obvious with the donations and services he has bestowed upon Austin.
Charles Maund Toyota is located at 8400 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752. For more information, call 512-458-2222 or visit www.charlesmaundtoyota. com. NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS
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Mastering the Mental Game
By Suzanne vernau Feezel Photography by Jared Tennant
Students of all ages and abilities build their skills and take their game to a new level with the stellar instructors and simple approach to teaching at Academy of Golf Dynamics.
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W
hile seemingly simple in concept, the finesse required to master the game of golf can be painstakingly frustrating for most. We’ve all seen pro golfers throw their clubs into the water in the middle of big tournaments, and most adults who have stepped up to the tee have experienced the embarrassment of a shank shot, a “whiff” or a short roller. Luckily for Austinites, one of the best golf schools in the country is located right in our backyard. Academy of Golf Dynamics has been featured as one of the “Top 25 Golf Schools in the Country” every year since 1999 and has been called “one of the greatest collections of minds in golf” by GOLF Magazine. Originally founded in 1982 by Bill Moretti, one of the most well-known and respected golf instructors in the country, Academy of Golf Dynamics’ unique approach to teaching is rooted in high-quality instructors, top-notch facilities and a focus on simplicity. Nearly 30 years after its inception, Academy of Golf Dynamics is still in full swing, currently coowned and managed by former UT golfer Kyle Jerome, Austinite Randy Dalton and former Hills Country Club Assistant Pro Kevin Hunt. They are joined by one of the finest groups
“Our approach is to make the difficult easy.”
of teaching professionals in the nation. However, the quality of their teaching staff is no coincidence, according to Jerome. “We hire staff members based on their personality and potential to become a good teacher rather than their years of teaching experience. Most of our instructors played golf in college and have a solid background in the sport, but it is more important that they are personable and able to relate the game of golf to our students.” Rather than teaching a systemized approach to golf like most schools, this dedicated group of instructors places an emphasis on teaching the individual. They pay close attention to the body type, personality and athletic ability of every person in the program and tailor their instruction to fit each unique individual. To maintain this focus on high-quality instruction within a diverse class, Academy of Golf Dynamics also limits class size to a necessary 3:1 student-teacher ratio. Also important for a game with a reputation for summoning emotional outbursts from even the most composed players, Academy of Golf Dy-
namics places a strong emphasis on simple teaching. “We like to keep the game athletic rather than mechanical and focus on simplicity,” Jerome says. “Our approach is to make the difficult easy.” Academy of Golf Dynamics offers weekday and weekend schools for all levels of golfers, based in Austin at The Hills of Lakeway Country Club throughout most of the year with a second site in Colorado Springs, where it conducts several schools during the summer. Classes are split into two groups and work on developing students’ skills in every aspect of the game, including driving, mid-range shots, chipping and putting, as well as mental focus. “We teach our clients to not only play better, but also to think better and score better,” Jerome says. Further setting it apart from any other golf school in Austin, Academy of Golf Dynamics boasts one of the top training facilities in the country. Students have access to three private practice holes (Par 3, Par 4 and Par 5), where they receive on-course instruction, shot selection and strategy from the nation’s finest instructors.
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Regardless of the motivation behind the player, Academy of Golf Dynamics dedicates the same level of precision and customization to each student.
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ather than hitting balls on the range for the duration of the class, Academy of Golf Dynamics students receive real-time feedback that is customized to their stroke and level of play. Over the years, Academy of Golf Dynamics has taught men, women and children of all ages and abilities, ranging from CEOs looking to fine-tune their skills for an upcoming business meeting to a family of four hoping to enjoy a Sunday afternoon together on the golf course. The academy has also had the pleasure of teaching celebrities such as Shane Battier of the Miami Heat, former U.S. Congressman Henry Bonilla, former Davis Cup tennis star Alex O’Brien and UT football legend Darrell Royal. Regardless of the motivation behind the player, Academy of Golf Dynamics dedicates the same level of precision and customization to each student. And its
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unique approach speaks for itself, with 65 percent of students repeating every two years and 40 percent of students repeating annually to tune up their skills. “We have two groups that have come every year for 21 years just for the fun of the weekend class and the relationships they’ve developed. We enjoy helping our students build on their skills and take their game to a new level year after year.” Jerome compares Academy of Golf Dynamics to a “garage sale” of sorts, allowing students to replace their bad habits with new techniques and strategies. “Once students see results, that’s when the trust develops with their instructor. We are honored that so many golfers trust us with their game and enjoy nothing more than the relationships we form with our students and seeing the ‘light bulb’ go off when they master a new skill.” Whether you are a scratch golfer or have never touched a club, Academy of Golf Dynamics has a proven reputation for improving your technique and helping you master the mental game – and most importantly, avoiding those embarrassing moments on the tee box.
Visit the Academy of Golf Dynamics website at www. golfdynamics.com to learn more about its golf schools and private lessons.
The Future of San Antonio’s Southside
YOUR NEW HOME BASE
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The
Best
of the Best
He may have retired at age 35, but today, Thomas Manning focuses his efforts on redefining beauty at his full-service spa, salon and heavenly haven, Monterone 5 Elements ELITE Medi-SPAs and SALONs. By Jody Joseph Marmel photography by jared tennant stylist: stephanie hawley
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t the age of 11, Thomas Manning already knew he was going to retire at the age of 35. And he did after achieving “the highest level in the global commercial fishing industry.” Little did he know that years later, he was going to open a world-class spa. Being the owner of Monterone 5 Elements ELITE Medi-SPAs and SALONs, Manning made sure the setting was as close to perfection as one can possibly achieve. Manning knew he had valid hurdles to overcome, so he set out on another startup, as he had done many times in the past. This time, though, he knew he had to put in all of his efforts in a short time. Having been chastised on multiple occasions for the name expansion in less than one month, the soft open reads 5 Elements Wellness and Beauty Monterone Mansion Resort, Medi SPA, SALON, Day SPA, Boutique and Gallery of Fine Arts. Not burdened as most people are, Manning carries an air of fearless energy that knows no bounds. The dynamics of the man, 5 Elements Elite and the staff have brought a glamorous gift to Austin’s wellness and beauty sector. The setting is surrounded by the beautiful hills and Lake Travis; this exclusive area in Austin is known for having “the best sunsets in Texas.” The natural serenity of the grounds provides a lavish refuge for those who want to spend a few hours or quite possibly the entire day at 5 Ele-
ments. After seeing the menu of services provided, it teases all of your senses and translates into a delectable delight with the “highest quality of staff members to provide whatever you choose from the finest spa sensations in the city.” Manning defines 5 Elements as the best in the state, and he wants it to transcend the Texas boundaries. Seeing that his business acumen and people skills have proven themselves to be among the best, 5 Elements is a success story already. As 5 Elements is a one-stop luxury retreat that provides everything, Manning says, “I have unlimited growth potential at my current location. The skilled professionals that cater to your needs and our philosophy of looking and feeling the best through wellness is only the beginning.” This personable, intelligent and visionary man defines what first class is in every aspect of life. Sharing his gift with those who work with him brings the best results a guest at 5 Elements could possibly want. Manning has redefined beauty by broadening this much sought-after world, hiring only “the best of the best” and bringing it all together in this opulent oasis of beauty. 5 Elements represents unlimited knowledge and a life-long commitment to Naturals™. The brand of products Manning and his staff promote is known as the finest in terms of the results and overall wellness of the individual. “Due to a shift in culture within this industry, looking great is only a part of what we offer.”
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his is evident in the way Manning speaks to his generational group as he repeats that his generation was “the first in known history to grow up organically without real technology when food was organic, and then we watched technology develop and grow, only to revert back to the basics once again. “This time we are all better educated – most especially women in regards to their individual needs and their ‘take charge’ attitudes on their health and well-being. We are advocates of feeling great, and the staff educates our guests on how to do this.” By offering advice that is customized for every guest who enters this heavenly haven, there is a bounty of beauty that guests are invited to partake in. Delving into Manning’s past is an adventure.
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“Looking great is only part of what we offer. We are advocates of feeling great, and the staff educates our guests on how to do this.” Perhaps this is why meeting this wise man and fast friend is an amazing treat. From being touted as “the best” in manufacturing, procurement, industrial and mega project management to specialist, operations management, venture investment and business guru, Manning has years of experience and an infinite touch of class that makes the difference.
“I am mostly a people person. There is one thing I know and know well, and that is how to be comfortable, and by doing so, I make others feel that way.” After 17 years of 12-plus-hour days, seven days a week, Manning officially retired three years ago. “It was great fun to enjoy retirement just as I knew I would when I was younger. But then along came
Perfect Preparation During Formula 1, Thomas Manning will offer locals and visitors top-notch transportation to 5 Elements, a one-stop shop for all of their luxury needs.
T this concept of wellness. Curiosity brought me to where I am today.” Having done several years of research, Manning has been educated by observing others and by refining what is being offered in the field. “I will only provide the best products and services in existence.” That is exactly what 5 Elements does. Expect the royal treatment while traveling in the comfort zone with elegance, class and the 5 Elements style of pleasing your five senses. Make that at least six or seven senses because Manning and his staff go beyond the expected, and the results are par excellence. “I am a professionally trained linguist, and I disliked the word, wellness. ‘How boring,’ is all I kept thinking. Actually, it sounded boring. Yet, it was rumbling in the undercurrents, which I heard like a whale. I knew then that I had to take action and perfect this industry. Research, observation, trav-
eling all over the world, hiring the most qualified staff with a solid history of perfection and making it all happen right here in Austin was my goal.” 5 Elements is the end result, and Manning has not only reached his goal, but gone beyond it. “I am pleased and proud to introduce 5 Elements to Austin.” It is a work of art in more ways than one. This is a rare treat that Manning has made possible. By doing so, he has created one of the healthiest addictions of all: beauty and wellness with long-lasting results and a dash of divine delight. Indulge in the 5 Elements ELITE Medi-SPAs and SALONs way of life: the new way of living beautiful.
5 Elements ELITE Medi-SPAs and SALONs is located at 4500 Steiner Ranch Blvd., Austin, Texas 78732. For more information, call 512-298-4095.
homas Manning has always been at the forefront of the next big thing. When he heard Formula 1 was coming to Austin, he knew there were big opportunities surrounding it. In fact, it was one of the deciding factors for opening 5 Elements. Manning surveyed the landscape and found that there were very few places in town that could cater to the extremely well-heeled clientele that Formula 1 would bring to Austin, and he wants to be the one to meet all of their pampering needs during their stay. At 5 Elements, they believe they are filling a niche by offering extreme luxury and catering to Austinites, as well as outof-towners, and meeting all of their needs in one location. During Formula 1, 5 Elements will offer limo, luxury car and even helicopter service to pick up fans and their significant others and bring them in for a day of preparation and pampering. Manning is betting on getting the race fans, too, and currently making all of the preparations from the best champagne to the best transportation. We know 5 Elements is the one to watch.
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[ nside / etiquette ]
wine whisperers Why you need to know your favorite restaurant sommelier By Sharon Schweitzer
It’s a relationship few of us ever think of establishing, but it can transform our entire dining experience. The relationship I am urging you to develop is with those experts known as “sommeliers” (may be pronounced, “some’ll yays”), the wine stewards whose knowledge not only helps us select the right wine to drink with dinner, but can often secure for us a hard-to-get reservation. Yes, sommeliers really can be your best friends once you are on their list! But before I outline why getting to know the sommelier at your favorite restaurant will be one of the best moves you’ll ever make, I have a confession. Some years ago, a group of us were attending an event at a wellknown Texas vineyard. As we were making preparations, one of the bottles I was opening slipped from my hand so that the base banged
Select the wine for the restaurant; 2) serve wine to the guests; and 3) act as an advocate for guests who need a reservation. To better understand this important relationship (and how you might benefit from the special knowledge these experts have acquired), I interviewed Drew Hendricks, co-founder of the Texas Sommelier Association (TexSom). Of course, before sharing his tips with you, I had to try them out myself. Hendricks told me the best way to initiate a relationship with the sommelier is to help clarify the parameters he or she will use to recommend a wine for you. With that tip in mind, I began my conversation by discreetly advising the wine steward how much we typically were willing to spend on a bottle of wine ($80 to $120), what kinds of wines we like to drink (Pi-
“The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.” – Benjamin Franklin loudly on the table. Everyone turned to look at me. The vineyard owner graciously explained that wine is a living thing. In her words, it should be handled with as much care as fine porcelain or a Lalique crystal. Banging it roughly as I had unwittingly done could have cracked the bottle, and was probably going to stir up sediment from the bottom of the bottle. A sommelier knows how to treat a good wine with the respect and care it deserves. His or her role involves three key responsibilities: 1)
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not Noirs, Burgundy-style Rhônes, etc.) and which wines we had previously experienced and not enjoyed. The wine selected for us was out of this world, not to mention below our price point. Here are some of the things you might like to be aware of during Texas Wine Month (October) and beyond: 1. The taste test: When the sommelier offers you the opportunity to taste the wine before pouring it for the table, it is not to check that you
like it, but to ensure that the wine is in good condition and without fault. The feedback the sommelier is looking for from you is whether the wine is oxidized or has some other unpleasant taste or smell. In related news, according to an article at www.corktaint.com, leading U.S. wine expert Christian Butzke, Ph.D., says that TCA, the compound responsible for the musty flavor in some wines, “is no longer a major problem for the U.S. wine industry,” and that cork taint today occurs at levels at or below 1 percent. 2. Red with meat, white with seafood? Have we moved past the point of adhering strictly to the “red with meat and white with seafood” rule? Maybe, maybe not, in Hendricks’ view. Wine should complement the food you are eating. For example, if you select a tannic red wine to drink with shellfish, do not be surprised if you end up with an unpleasant physiological reaction. This combination of shellfish and wine may cause a metallic taste. Again, the sommelier’s expert knowledge can help you avoid such an unpleasant experience.
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Michele Golden President 25+ years industry experience Office: 512.358.4602 Cell: 713.252.6464 www.goldenandco.com michele@goldenandco.com
3. No thanks! If the sommelier is pouring wine for the table and you either do not want any alcohol or have had enough to drink, the best approach is to simply say, “No, thank you.” Avoid placing your palm over your glass or turning it upside down. Both are inappropriate gestures and can lead to broken glass or other unfortunate results. You do not tip the sommelier separately; however, you do tip on the wine, which will be 15 percent of the amount of the pretax bill, not the total check. There are no charges for the services of a sommelier.
Korey Howell Photography
For more information on corporate training, contact Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol consultant and founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, LLC, at 512-306-1845, www.protocolww.com, www.facebook.com/protocolww, www. linkedin.com/in/sharonschweitzer or www.twitter.com/austinprotocol.
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EXPERIENCE THE FAMILY OF STEINWAY STEINWAY PIANO GALLERY 12980 N. HIGHWAY 183, AUSTIN ● (512)258-6100 www.steinwayofaustin.com
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Life is Better Bronze!
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[ nside / beauty ]
The Flavors of Fall
Repair your skin, revitalize your spirit and relax this season by treating yourself to an indulging trip to the spa. By Meredith Davis
Signature Scrub, Wrap and Massage at AWAY Spa After a long, playful summer, it’s important to exfoliate, detox and rehydrate the skin. No one does detox better than W Austin, and with this signature treatment, you’ll replenish your body in no time. This service starts with a sugar scrub that softens the skin and awakens the senses, which is followed by a cocoon wrap and scalp massage, drawing toxins out of the body. The treatment wraps up with a 45-minute full-body massage, restoring moisture to your skin. 75 minutes, $185
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Café Au Chocolat at Hiatus Spa + Retreat
Photo by Lucas Purvis
The dog days of summer have passed, but with high-degree heat and too much fun in the sun, they usually leave us with dry and damaged skin. The arrival of fall brings a fresh start, and there is no better place to repair your skin or revitalize your spirit than the spa. Whether you want to indulge yourself in the flavors of fall or need to restore and rehydrate, these fall treatments are sure to deliver.
For most of us, fall usually means getting back to the daily grind. In case you need to perk up, invigorate your skin with a double shot of organic coffee. This treatment begins with a full-body exfoliation featuring freshly ground coffee beans, raw chocolate and organic sugar to wake up tired and dull skin. You will then be treated to a massage using organic cocoa butter infused with cinnamon and vanilla to banish anxiety and tension, while following up with a revitalizing Green Science Eye Lift that will refresh your face, so you look as lively as you feel. September retreat only; 90 minutes, $195 for non-members and $118 or $128 for members
wrapped while you enjoy a face and scalp massage to absorb the therapeutic powers of the pumpkin. After a shower, you’ll be treated to a 70-minute massage with a pumpkin-rich body butter that includes a blend of shea, mango and cocoa butters, plus grapeseed, avocado, sesame and sweet almond oils. 110 minutes, $315
Pumpkin Body Wrap at Lake Austin Spa Resort
Fall into Bliss Spa Package at Viva Day Spa
Escape to one of Austin’s award-winning spas and indulge in the flavors of fall with a pumpkin body wrap. Your skin will be covered with a mineral-rich pumpkin, cinnamon and clove masque, then
After reviewing the spa packages at Viva Day Spa, I can see why they were voted “Best Spa Package” by Austin Monthly in 2011. This fall package is the ultimate in rejuvenation. It includes a sauna
with cool peppermint towels and a one-hour massage with an orange-vanilla body wrap, followed by a hot herbal steam treatment and full-body dry brush exfoliation. The bliss continues with a mint scalp treatment and a warm cocoa butter hand treatment. This package is served with cool cucumbers for your eyes and a hot-spiced chai tea, topped off with a gift bag to take home for further enjoyment. Two hours, $179
Fall into Relaxation at Spa RĂŠveil Take a trip to the Domain for another full-service fall treatment. Complete with a steam bath, Vichy shower, massage and facial, this treatment will not disappoint. It begins with an exclusive Hammam (Turkish steam bath) with cool lavender towels for
the ultimate in relaxation, followed by an espresso Vichy therapy to stimulate circulation in the skin. The Vichy therapy includes a soothing shower, followed by an espresso scrub with fragrant coffee blended with black olive, crushed almond, neroli, orange peel and lemon rind. After a warm rinse, the body is treated to a luxurious massage with hydrating lotion to relieve tension and nourish the skin. This package wraps up with a pumpkin enzyme facial to repair and hydrate the skin while targeting the signs of aging. Two hours, $190
Natural Spice Body Buff at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Revitalize your skin and get glowing with an exfoliation body buff. Another scrumptious
blend featuring almond, cinnamon and nutmeg is briskly applied all over the body, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed. For additional R&R, add this treatment to a full-body massage. 25 minutes, $95
Microdermabrasion with Pumpkin Enzyme Peel at Serenity Creek Med Spa For a facial exfoliation, you may opt for medicalgrade microdermabrasion, which not only gets rid of dead skin cells, but also softens fine lines and wrinkles, decreases pore size and reduces the discoloration of skin due to sun damage. Following this service, you will be treated with a pumpkin enzyme peel with vitamin A, which is an anti-aging agent that helps protect, nourish and repair the skin. Normally $69; NSIDE special: $50
Essential Massage Ritual with QUENCH at AZIZ Salon and Day Spa Escape from reality and rehydrate with this massage combo at AZIZ. Start by selecting your favorite ZENTS scent to accompany your treatment. Through the inhalation and application of pure oils, this relaxation massage restores and renews your well-being. Banish dry skin with the addition of QUENCH to your massage, an intensive balm of pure organic shea butter and nourishing coconut oil that offers deep conditioning and protection for the skin. 60 minutes, $120
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.
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[ nside / beauty ]
Makeup Mastery Rae Cosmetics CEO and creator Rochelle Rae answers your questions with expert advise for looking your best.
Hair and Makeup - Rochelle Rae of Rae Cosmetics Photo by Andrew Sterling
Special to NSIDE
Q:
“I have terrible dark under-eye circles. How do I cover them without it looking cakey?” – Lindsey (Austin, Texas)
Q:
Rae Cosmetics Concealer
“I stayed out of the sun all summer, but hate my pale skin. Can someone very pale wear bronzer?” – Allison (Cedar Park, Texas)
It is very important to watch how much product you use. Too much can cause creasing and caking into fine lines and wrinkles. Place the concealer only where it is needed. Stop and look at the actual area that is dark. Concealer is usually only needed in a halfmoon shape under the eye and in the corner next to the tear duct. Avoid the area right under the lash line, which tends to have more lines. Use a Q-tip dipped in moisturizer to remove any excess from this area. I also suggest applying your eye makeup first. This allows you to “make a mess” and clean it up later. Little bits of the pigment fall onto the face,
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A: Photo by Lucas Purvis
A:
and cleaning up “the mess” by attempting to wipe off the excess or cover with more concealer can lead to bad results. The last thing you want is to leave or add extra product under the eyes, making circles seem darker or lines appear deeper.
Absolutely, but you shouldn’t try to entirely change the color of your skin. Stay close to your natural skin tone. Just a shade or two darker will give you the natural, healthy glow of a nice summer vacation. If you go too dark, you can look dirty or splotchy; never go darker than you would actually get after a long weekend in the sun. Avoid too much shimmer in bronzer, which tends to look fake and can make it harder to get an all-over smooth blend. You should apply bronzer to the areas where your skin would actually get the most bronzed naturally. Apply to the cheeks, tops of cheekbones, forehead, nose and chin. I also like to apply
it to the chest and shoulders if they are showing. Add a pop of a pink blush shade to the apples of the cheeks for a natural, sun-kissed look.
Photo by Lucas Purvis
Rae Cosmetics Bungalow Glow Mineral Bronzer
Q:
“I hate my eyebrows. They are very sparse and have some bald spots. How can I fill them in and still look natural?” – Yvonne (League City, Texas)
A:
Photo by Tania Quintanilla
Bold brows are back! That doesn’t mean extremely dark (just very well-defined), so when choosing a brow color, pick a shade close to your natural color. I suggest a shade slightly lighter than your own because when filled in, it will appear darker. I like to use a brow pencil and sharpen it before each use. A very fine point makes it easier to produce fine, natural-looking, hair-like lines.
Q:
Begin by brushing the brow up. Using the pencil, start at the lower inside edge of the eyebrow, work upward and out, applying lots of small, light strokes. Draw the lines in the direction of the hair growth, trying to closely represent individual hairs for strong, but natural-looking brows. You may want to set them with a sweep of gel or even a bit of hairspray.
Rae Cosmetics Turquoise Tantrum Eye Palette
A:
A “smoky eye” is always a popular trend, but smokey can be any color, so choose a color that complements the skin tone. You can have a sophisticated look created with shades of light cream to dark chocolate or be fun and flirty with pinks and lavender to deep grape. Brilliant peacock blues were a popular trend on the runways at the Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week, seen on the models for the Jason Wu, Anna Sui and Stella McCartney collections. A smokey eye refers more to the technique than the color. To achieve the perfect smokey eye, blending is the key. There should be a smooth transition from color to color – no edges or harsh lines. Like smoke fading away. Blend, blend, blend and if you are wondering if you have blended enough, blend some more. Try the new Fall 2012 Rae Cosmetics Eyeshadow palettes in Green with Envy, Turquoise Tantrum and Extremely Violet.
Photo by Lucas Purvis
Rae Cosmetics Brow Shader Pencils
Photo by Lucas Purvis
“I always hear people talking about a smokey eye, but what exactly is it? Do I have to use black or gray, which I don’t think look the best on me?” – Missy (Austin, Texas)
For more information, visit www.raecosmetics.com.
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[ nside / beauty ]
Go Bold or Go Home
Beauty trends for fall 2012 are all about the drama. by Meredith Davis
As fashion goes fall, so does our beauty routine. For most of us, fall means back-to-school, football games and ACL, but in the beauty department, it means revamping your makeup mix-up. This fall, beauty trends are all about drama with rich, modern colors in variations of blue, plum and red. Go for the bold and add a pop of color to your lips, eyes or nails with one of this season’s hottest hues. Lips Ruling the runways for fall were bold lips in every shade of red, burgundy and purple. When you pair this with a neutral face, the overall effect is to draw attention to the lips. Create the perfect pout by applying a foundation on and around the lips followed with one of these fall colors:
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✦ Matte red lipstick A vibrant red is always in style, and this season is no exception. Red lips hit the runway in all shades of the classic color: cherry red, orange red, coral red and warm tones. When worn in a matte finish, the new red rouge is bright, modern and more luscious. Product suggestion: MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red or Ruby Woo ✦ Wine-stained lips Red is always right for fall, but if you want a fresh twist on a bold classic, opt for a dark wine-stained lip. Whether garnet-red merlot or a deeper burgundy Bordeaux, a vampy vino color is sure to draw attention to your lips this season. Product suggestion: Rouge Dior in Fantastic Plum or Hypnotic Red
This season, blue is the new black.
✦ 50 shades of blue This season, blue is the new black. Play up your inner child with a cobalt-blue cat eye or a midnight-blue smokey eye. Bold blue accents are one of the hottest new makeup trends in all shades from bright and electric to dark and royal blue. Product suggestion: Stila Eye Shadow in Azure ✦ Bold brows As they say, “bigger is better in Texas,” and that couldn’t be truer for brows this season. Put the tweezers away and cash in on your bushy brows because thin is out and big is in. A full, well-groomed eyebrow can frame your face and give you a fresh fall feel. If your brows are more bare, use a brow pencil to create hair-like strokes to fill in sparse areas and de-
fine the eyebrows. For a bolder brow, use a brow powder. Product suggestion: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ✦ Winged eyeliner Paired with minimal makeup, winged eyeliner can add a dramatic effect to a simple look. Put a modern spin on a retro style by sweeping a thin, romantic line across the eyelid or apply a slightly thicker sweep for a more sultry feel. When applying this trend, make sure you have eye makeup remover handy to touch up and perfect your line. Product suggestion: L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black Nails Nail colors have gotten creative from color blocking to nail art, and this fall, the trend continues with dark variations. Remember to keep nails short and sweet this season when applying dual colors. If you’re opting for one color, apply two generous layers of lacquer and top it off with a glossy topcoat. ✦ Reverse French manicure Offset your favorite fall lacquer with a complementary neutral color and
create a reverse French manicure. Use self-adhesive hole reinforcements to create the half-moon effect either at the cuticle line or the tip of your nails. Paint the main color on
Photo by Lucas Purvis
Eyes When it comes to bold looks for fall, it doesn’t stop with the lips. Big and bold eye makeup can be equally alluring. Whether it’s a smokey eye, bold brows or winged eyeliner, one of these eye makeup trends is sure to create dark drama and draw attention to your eyes:
first, let dry, apply the hole reinforcement, then paint the secondary color on. When the topcoat is completely dry, remove the reinforcement for a perfect double-layer lacquer. Product suggestion: OPI in Barefoot in Barcelona for the main color and Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Black Out for the secondary color
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.
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[ nside / style & substance ]
Out of Bounds
When it comes to her fashion choices, trendsetter and radio talk show host Kim Iverson goes for the daring and the different.
by bailey bounds photography by mark guerra
For Kim Iverson, host of nationally syndicated radio talk show “Your Time with Kim Iverson,” fashion is about being “daring and different – stepping out of the bounds a little bit.” Iverson, who recently participated in a photo shoot for NSIDE Austin magazine, describes her style as comfortable with an edgy flair. She wants her fashion choices to represent her as a strong, free-styled woman who is a little bit fierce. She often wears black because it is flattering and can be layered in many styles. And when it comes to types of clothing, Iverson gravitates toward skirts, shorts and dresses, which show off her legs, and she loves to add a pair of five-inch heels to complete the look. Her fashion choices are most often inspired by people. She observes the styles of those in her everyday life and is especially intrigued by celebrities such as Rihanna and Victoria Beckham, who she feels have very “feminine, but don’t mess with me” styles. In her career, Iverson often dresses casually because people don’t see the person behind the radio voice. Her talk show, “Your Time with Kim Iverson,” airs from 7 to 9 p.m. five nights a week on Austin’s Mix 94.7 and at different times on 14 other adult contemporary radio stations across the country. That’s two straight hours of uninterrupted talking. The most challenging part of being a talk show host is also Iverson’s favorite part: coming up with entertaining, enlightening and engaging topics to discuss on air. Iverson often encounters interesting topics by just living her life. She reads the news, goes on lunch dates with friends and just talks to the people around her. She believes that “relationships are the center of our lives” and focuses many of her topics on “helping people better their relationships and love more.” While she has always had an interest in music and entertainment, Iverson did not always plan on working in radio. She studied jazz performance in college and has been a drummer for most of her life. She got her start as an alternative rock DJ and worked her way into talk radio. The talk show host enjoys her career because it’s “fun to get a bunch of creative people together in a place where all they have to do is talk about celebrity news and listen to music.” The people she works with are jovial, and the environment is relaxed and lighthearted. One thing Iverson finds crucial to a successful radio show is unity with herself, her producers and her interns. Her producers screen calls all night when her show airs and have worked so closely with Iverson that they can quickly see which calls could produce an entertaining topic. Once a producer encounters an interesting call, Iverson picks up the line and begins a discussion. In her daily life, Iverson expresses her bold personality with her sleek, edgy fashion choices. And on the radio, she transforms that bold personality into lighthearted, fun conversations that help people with issues in their lives.
For more information, visit www.yourtimewithkim.com.
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International Style Initially presented at Austin Fashion Week, Ross Bennett’s Shift into Style line sticks to Formula 1 Grand Prix tradition, but adds some extra Austin flair.
by bailey bounds photography by mark guerra
Austin is revving its engines and preparing to host the internationally famous Formula 1 Grand Prix event at its Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racing facility. Hosted all over the world, Formula 1 events are about more than just races. They are about culture, tradition and even fashion. Aiming to highlight the unique connection between motorsports and fashion, Austin Fashion Week partnered with COTA at its opening event and gave more than 1,200 guests a sneak peek into fashion star Ross Bennett’s Shift into Style fashion line. The line will be represented by the COTA girls on the racetrack and display a mixture of traditional Formula 1 style and unique Austin flair. Formula 1 discovered Bennett through NBC’s “Fashion Star” and offered him the opportunity to design the fashion line. The Austin Fashion Week opening event, which took place at the Bob BullNSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS
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ock Texas State History Museum, was Bennett’s first time to display the final COTA girls’ outfits. “People were excited to see the outfits,” he says, because “more than half of the ticket sales were from a European global presence in Texas.” That means people around the world were eager to catch a glimpse of Bennett’s line. The design process for Shift into Style started with everyone talking, presenting ideas and mixing the style of Formula 1 with Bennett’s own designs. Bennett claims his team often used tools such as Pinterest to “gather inspiration” and allow everyone to better visualize ideas. Another important part of designing the line was “looking at what people from around the world are doing for Formula 1 events.” Once Bennett finished thoroughly brainstorming and researching ideas, he began sketching and building the ideas into reality. To incorporate Austin in the fashion line while sticking to Formula 1 tradition, Bennett included a western touch with “fringe, cowboy skirts, pleated vests and cowboy boots,” but stuck with “the colors of the track so the outfits would be easy to wear at all times.” Bennett hopes his line will “represent Austin really well and bring a style that people around the world will like.” The Formula 1 races will begin on Nov. 20, 2012, and Bennett thinks it is a huge opportunity and honor to have them here in Austin and Texas. His Shift into Style fashion line is really paving the way for Formula 1 presence and motorsports fashion in the United States. Bennett enjoyed Austin Fashion Week and feels his display at the opening event strongly promoted his designs and drew necessary interest to COTA and Formula 1.
For more information, visit 606 E. 3rd St., Austin, Texas, 78701 or email orders@therossbennettcollection.com.
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Formula 1 events are about more than just races. They are about culture, tradition and fashion.
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