TWO THINGS LAST A LIFETIME
Love IS ONE OF THEM
Platinum 6.87ct Radiant Diamond Pave Engagement Ring $198,000
DOWNLOAD THE FREE CINCOMINDER速 APP
http://bit.ly/cincochristmas
PRIVATE DINING WITH A GENEROUS REWARD
Prime Steak & 100 Wines by the Glass Receive a $50 Dining Card for Every $500 You Spend Book your Private Dining event by December 15, 2011 and host it anytime before the end of 2012. You’ll receive a $50 Fleming’s Dining Card for every $500 you spend on your gathering. For Private Dining menus and a 360° tour of our Private Dining rooms, please visit our website: FlemingsSteakhouse.com
DOWNTOWN 320 East Second Street • 512-457-1500 www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Austin
THE DOMAIN 11600 Century Oak Terrace • 512-835-WINE (9463) www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com/TheDomain
In the heart of austIn’s vIbrant south Congress DIstrICt, DIsCover a new way to stay at the KImber moDern boutIque hotel.
KImbermoDern.Com | 512-912-1046 | 110 the CIrCle | austIn tX 78704
Daily Happy Hour (Mon-Fri) 11am-7pm & (Sat & Sun) 5pm-7pm $ 2 Drafts, $5 Premium Wells & House Wines Bar/Lounge Menu 1/2 off everyday from 5pm-7pm MonDay Half price Sushi Rolls 5pm-7pm $ 1 Select Drafts for Monday Night Football during the game ThursDay Ladies’ Night half price lounge menu 5pm-10pm $ 2 Margarita, $5 Champ Cosmo, $5 House Wines Music by Dj2Dq Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday
3001 RANCH ROAD 620 SOUTH | AUSTiN, TX 78738 | 512.263.2801 | MiZUAUSTiN.COM | fACebOOk.COM/MiZUAUSTiN austinlifestylemagazine.com
7
MARinA ColleCTion fRoM SuMMeR ClASSiCS Coming in 2012
ExcEptional Furnishings For outdoor living 5604 Bee Cave Road | Austin, TX 78746 | Phone: 512.263.5115 www.anthonyspatio.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
FEATURES AUSTIN LIFESTYLE
58
Women on the Air SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH THE WOMEN OF AUSTIN RADIO
50
Giving for a Living PUTTING FACES TO THOSE WHO SERVE AUSTIN
64
Simple Desires, Extravagant Execution A CENTRAL AUSTIN HOME THAT MAXIMIZES MINIMALISM
austinlifestylemagazine.com
9
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
DEPARTMENTS AUSTIN LIFESTYLE
44
12 LETTER FROM THE TEAM 15 THE A* LIFE The best of everything Austin has to offer 24 SOCIAL REGISTER 29 SOCIAL GRACES 36 TRAVEL 25 A* STYLE 38 BEAUTY 44 FASHION 48 Q&ATX Mike Judge 69 A* TASTE 72 SAVOR 76 SIP Tastes Of Autumn 72
77 ACCIDENTAL EPICUREAN Austin's Best Soups 78 COSMIC CADENCE Horoscopes for November & December 81 KEEP AUSTIN WELL Your guide to 36
38
10 austinlifestylemagazine.com
staying healthy
LE T T ER F ROM T H E T E A M
T H E
PUBLISHER
B E S T
O F
E V E R Y T H I N G
Shawn K. Lively Michelle Steves
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL TEAM Daniel Ramirez Ashley M. Halligan INTERNS Amber Groce, Carlo Bligh, Alison Kilts, Kait Miesch and Emily Rae Pellerin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rory Patrick McNeill, Amber Groce, Peggy Hamilton Houser, Kristen Morado, Emily Rae Pellerin, Tracy Stewart and Amy Kauffman KEEP AUSTIN WELL Amin Mery, M.D., Lisa Talev and James Uyeki, M.D. ART & PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR Stephen Arevalos ART INTERN Linda Flores WEB DESIGN Daniel Ramirez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS D.L. Anderson, Jennifer Cota, Linda Flores, Shane Gordon, Linda Hughes, Seabrook Jones, Knoxy, Solange Phillips, Jonathan Reyes, April Thomason, Annie Ray, Atelier Wong, Chris Patunas, Jake Holt, Charla Wood, Daniel Lachman, Peter Tung, Sherwin Field, Bill Noll and Ruben Morales SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PR Tracy Stewart DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & SOCIAL MEDIA
Tori Tinnon
WELLNESS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Kristen Donner
and Martha Morales For advertising information, please e-mail info@austinlifestylemagazine.com
calmed their constant barrage and we can hardly wait to unwrap cooler days and have cause to drink warm beverages other than coffee. Now, the journey out of doors doesn’t fill our minds with a sense of dread and a longing for city-wide air conditioning, as Austin dons her seasonal best. At Austin Lifestyle Magazine, life most certainly reflects our moniker and the season offers a chance to indulge in “The Best Of Everything.” It seemed the perfect opportunity to dress a little cooler, pour a glass of wine and dine al fresco (thanks to the genius of Suzanne Court, our hostess), while taking in the moment and reflecting on and delighting in all that we have. As our gift to you , in this issue, you’ll find ways for you to duplicate that very experience. Whether you’re visiting the best restaurants, traveling to colder climates, vacationing to warmer escapes or dressing up for this season’s hottest galas and events, it really is a rich season in our beloved town and we invite you to take advantage of every chance to enjoy it. It is also in this season of plenty that we recognize how fortunate we are and champion those who fight for the less fortunate. It is an integral part of the spirit of Austin and we at ALM have combed the city to find the people who give of themselves, either through charity or through their occupation, to make sure that this season of giving can be enjoyed by everyone. Because the Austin Lifestyle wouldn’t be complete without everyone being able to enjoy it.
12 austinlifestylemagazine.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR info@austinlifestylemagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Email us at subscriptions@austinlifestylemagazine.com or subscribe online at austinlifestylemagazine.com JOB INQUIRIES/INTERNS info@austinlifestylemagazine.com Did you just grab the last copy of ALM? Let us know! info@austinlifestylemagazine.com Austin Lifestyle Magazine is Austin owned and operated and published by Texas Lifestyle Media, Inc. © and ™ 2011 Texas Lifestyle Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
FUZEBOX PHOTOGRAPHY
MY, HA S AUS TIN GOT A G IF T FOR US ALL , THIS SE A SON . The summer months have finally
Suffering from Cocktail Fatigue?
Try something new that is actually
Scan code for
cocktail recipes
new.
There’s a whole new world of cocktails waiting at www.piscoporton.com
Discover Pisco Portón Responsibly. Imported by Pisco Portón®, Manhasset, NY. 43% alc/vol. ©2011
Find us. Follow us.
Dell ChilDren's
gala 2012
saturday, january 28 Austin Convention Center Grand Ballroom
cocktails • dinner • dancing Chaired by: Kay and Eric Moreland
To purchase tickets or for more information: 512.324.0170 | dellchildrensgala2012.com Underwriters: Moreland Properties, Inc. | H-E-B | EZCORP | Humana | Emerson Process Management
A
THE
*LIFE
Noteworthy happenings, reviews and openings that highlight the best of everything Austin has to offer
D&A Best Men’s Designer AFW 2011
Demian and Alex, Brothers’ Boutique with a Silver Lining BY AMBER GROCE
Talk about making a statement. From bold sterling crosses and rosaries to colorful stone bracelets, tradition meets edge with D&A’s line of jewelry. Demian and Alex Vazquez are the backbone of D&A jewelry. Their Latin heritage is the source of their inspiration. Demian and Alex first created the concept of D&A jewelry back in 2001 in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. With rough sketches in hand, they met with a master silversmith who had a small production shop in San Miguel.
RUBEN MORALES
“We talked about what we wanted the collection to be and we were both completely on the same page,” Alex said. ‘Demian & Alex’ has been our passion since then and we're certainly blessed to get to do this for a living.” The brothers are hands-on owners of the company, each bringing something different to the brand. While Alex’s strengths lie in design sketching and rendering, Demian has an eye for design and fabrication. “If we had to pick one favorite thing about designing jewelry, I guess it would be holding the finished fabricated design in your hand,” Alex said. “From an idea to rough sketches, to a forged piece of silver or gold in your hands, it's an incredible culmination of an idea or concept.” In their first Austin Fashion Week appearance, D&A walked away with “Best Overall Designer 2011.” This people’s choice award is one of the most
prestigious honors during the week. D&A was also voted “Best Men’s Designer” by its peers. Celebrities like Jada Pinkett Smith and Robin Williams have already hopped on the D&A bandwagon. “AFW was such a great experience for the both of us and we learned a lot,” Alex said. “We also met so many incredibly creative and wonderful people, like our entire mash-up team, ‘Bella Corazon.’ The event was amazing and we were both in complete shock when ‘Demian & Alex’ was read for winner of the ‘best designer’ award. I still can't remember what we said when we walked up on stage to accept that coveted golden boot.” Their edgy designs, with flares of gems, are inviting to both men and women. D&A’s current line at Eliza Page features cocktail rings starring stones like lavender aelanite and white pearl, as well as dog tags with green amethyst and turquoise accents. So what can we expect from the upcoming collection? “More big and chunky sterling chains, pendants and rings you've come to expect from our collection,” Alex said. “You can expect a new, extensive line of earrings in sterling silver, diamonds and brilliantly cut stones in all shapes, sizes and colors that embrace our edgy aesthetic.” D&A jewelry can be purchased at Eliza Page and Austinites can expect more designs from Demian and Alex. And the brothers have no plans to leave. “We love the culture, the people, the music and the beautiful town itself,” Alex said. “There is so much of everything here. We’ve been here since 1992 and we have no plans to leave — ever. We love this weird little town of Austin, Texas.” (dandabrothers.com)
austinlifestylemagazine.com
15
THE A * LIFE
A Different Trail Of Lights With news that the Trail of Lights will remain
DINE
dark for yet another year (though the Zilker Tree will still be shining bright), but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way to take a stroll along a beautiful trail, take in the overwhelming lights and give to a good cause in the meantime. Local community groups, Capital Area Food Bank and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center have all teamed up to bring “Luminations” to Austin.
Lavaca Teppan lavacateppan.com
December 10 and 11, the Wildflower Center will be
New on the dining scene, Lavaca Teppan adheres to an unspoken
brought to light by over 3000 luminarias (paper
rule of doing simple things with great quality and care. Focusing
lanterns) and 5000 twinkling lights. Complete
on traditional Japanese food and flawless execution, the simplic-
with live music and Christmas trees decorated
ity in their food sacrifices none of the flavor. Witness their beef tataki, a perfectly seared serving of filet mignon, adorned simply
by local community groups, admission is free
with a ginger rose, wasabi and a chive-infused soy. The entire
with the donation of two non-perishable canned
Open and inviting, everything about the restaurant speaks of
menu is unpretentious, as is the minimalist design of the space.
goods that will benefit Capital Area Food Bank.
simple elegance. Don’t miss the Tori Kara Don, a rice bowl that
wildflower.org/luminations
makes typical fried rice hide in shame. Lavaca Teppan is located at 17th and Lavaca and is open for lunch and dinner.
Oasis Texas, frequented for the breath-taking views, quaint shops, live music and patios nestled in the hills, opens a new attraction and seasonal event to add to its list of visitor amenities. This month Oasis Texas premiers its inaugural “Christmas on Ice,” highlighting an outdoor ice rink spanning an amazing 1760-square feet.
Texas partners with local restaurant vendors to provide tastes and treats so you can refuel in between skate sessions. They will also be hosting live music entertainment ranging from local artists to talented middle school jazz bands. This new rink at Oasis is setting up to be Texas’ version of Rockefeller Plaza.
The grand opening of the ice rink is Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. launching with a crisply choreographed ice dancing performance featuring Chaparral's skaters, complimentary for all attendees. Throughout the season-long Christmas on Ice festivities, Oasis
So, trade in those winter boots for a pair of classy rental skates, take the beautiful drive down 2222 and show off your best attempt at a triple axel at Christmas on Ice. To learn more visit OasisTX.com.
Austin Ice Traditions:
Christmas on Ice November 18 through January 1, 2012
16 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Barton Creek Resort & Spa: Holiday Lights & Ice. Barton Creek Resort premiered its renovated pavilion last year as well as their Lights & Ice event, boasting the largest outdoor rink in Austin at a vast 3,800 square feet. Whole Foods: Skating on the Plaza. Whole Foods is, without contest, the most renowned outdoor ice rink in town. The Skating on the Plaza tradition began seven seasons ago and remains a go-to attraction providing illuminating views of downtown Austin from the rooftop of 6th and Lamar.
e h t r o f p Sho
s y a d i ol
H
Now Open!
,OGO VARIATIONS
,OGO HORIZONTAL VERSIONS
,OGO STAND ALONE ICONS
620 S #HAMPION VARIATION
71
-OUNTAIN "IKE VARIATION
Bee Caves/Farm to Market Rd
h t e t G A a ll s p eria o h S (ILL #OUNTRY VARIATION
0ANTONE
The Shops at Galleria
Sh op s
Pkwy
,AKE 4RAVIS #YCLERY
0ANTONE
Shops Pkwy Bee Cave, TX 78738 www.shopsatthegalleria.com
Fine Wrought Iron Lighting illuminarieslighting.com
“Bringing Design to Light� Fully-Customized | Chandeliers Outdoor Lighting | Sconces Individually handcrafted fine wrought iron lighting made in Austin, Texas. Shipped World-wide.
12215 roxie dr., austin, texas 78729 (512) 947-4107 email: info@illuminaries.com
Real wood. Real value. Furniture with a soul. Now Open 1009 West 6th St., Ste 140, Austin, TX 78703 (512) 370-8500 www.furniturewithasoul.com
18 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Unforgettable HOLIDAY
Experience at: Barton Creek Square • Level 2 512.330.0070 PANDORATOWSON.COM
Free Gift With Purchase • November 3rd–13th Purchase $200 or more of PANDORA jewelry and receive your choice of either the Multi-Strand Bracelet Concept (a $115 retail value) or FiveClip Bracelet Concept (a $95 retail value).* *Good while supplies last, limit one per customer. Charms shown on bracelets are sold separately. austinlifestylemagazine.com
19
THE A * LIFE NEW BIZ BUZZ
By Ashley M. Halligan
High-quality ingredients like Meyer Natural Angus, a hormone-free beef produced under stringent restrictions, house-made condiments and grown-up, liquor-laced milkshakes are just a few [fantastic] qualities of STACK Burger Bar, located at 208 West 4th Street, the newest joint to join Austin’s growing burger scene. That’s six grown-up milkshakes, mind you, to reap the calories, strengthen the buzz and offer an intoxicating dessert as a garnish to one of the house specialty burgers — or simply an adult ice cream break on a nice day. Curious about the sinful house milkshakes? I don’t blame you. The strawberry cheesecake milkshake is made with fresh strawberries, strawberry vodka, cream cheese, vanilla ice cream and graham cracker sprinkles. And there are five more. If you prefer a lighter cocktail, try the avocado mojito made with fresh avocado sorbet and almond milk, or their Jane Fonda, a low-cal margarita made with three types of peppers. Not a burger fan? Not a problem. STACK also offers ahi tuna, pan-fried crab cake and poultry items to the inquiring palate. For accompaniments, buttermilk onion petals and truffled fries afford a sophisticated partner to the timeless classics. Seasonal desserts that are alone worth the trip to STACK include funnel cake, pumpkin fried cake and their whiskey-infused rendition of the classic s’more. Operating partners Tre Dotson, Octavio Benavides and Mike Yassine have a collective vitae that’s quite impressive — including years spent at culinary academies, as executive chefs in some rather notable establishments, as nightclub and entertainment consultants and marketing geniuses, as well as the founders of successful local magazines. With the varied experience and years of success in multiple venues, STACK has a promising future in Austin’s culinary scene that’ll continue stacking onto the founders’ accomplishments. (stackburgerbar.com, 208 W 4th St.)
20 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Prize
By Ashley M. Halligan
Offering a delightfully diverse array of gifts, clothing, accessories and even stemware, Prize, a recently opened boutique at 2nd & Colorado, is a one-stop shop for all things holiday gift buying. Representing a multitude of world organizations and craftsman communities across the globe, Prize happily offers gifts that give back to the artisans and their localities supporting global projects like Africa Schools of Kenya, One World Projects, Josefina de Alba & the Huichols (an indigenous ethnic group of western central Mexico), Kids In A New Groove and Hope For Madagascar. Offering handmade goods that benefit these international organizations, Prize’s dogma represents a common Austin theme of supporting communities in need and conscientious consumerism, making it a feel-good shopping experience particularly during the holiday season. Lisa Bagby, Prize’s prized owner with an MBA from USC, has spent more than a decade as a merchandiser in notable retailers such as Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, Restoration Hardware and Bliss Spa. Pairing that experience with what she calls her “warm, Texas demeanor,” Lisa has created a gem in Austin’s Warehouse District where buyers are offered international and local luxury gifts and accessories with a thoughtful background, along with amenities like personal shoppers. An inventory filled to the brim with unique, fashionable and worldly discoveries, Prize makes gift-buying for most of the folks on your shopping list simple and seamless, with an equally fashionsavvy staff representing a broad range of backgrounds and experience. Prize has a foundation that'll certainly lead to its longevity and Austin appeal. (prizeaustin.com, 202 Colorado St.)
Silver Whisk
By Daniel Ramirez
The realm of the seasoned chef can mean the bane of a novice’s existence. Timing and tools can drive the most confident person away from meal preparation and instead to the local restaurant. Silver Whisk, a new cooking school in Lakeway that is the realized dream of Chef Myrna Kallergis, stands in defiance of any fear one might have of crafting a great meal. Their courses and teaching chefs serve as ideal guides to navigate any aspiring chef through the toughest of culinary challenges. The school is set up like a large dining room with a test kitchen on one side and a variety of table tops on the other. Students have a choice of wading in by watching the entire process happen, or by diving in and learning as they go, with utensils at the ready. Each course takes the attendants through a stepwise process of research, preparation and presentation, the hallmarks of any great meal or dish. The courses offered are often themed to fit the food and moods of the seasons, but basics are also offered to the public with regularity. Here, the novices are treated with kid gloves and the seasoned can be pushed to get better and better at their craft. The students don’t simply work for the reward of improvement, however. The class members get to sample their handiwork, often with a paired wine accompaniment. Not only does Silver Whisk lend itself to a learning culture, but the classes build community, help familial or romantic relationships and manage to be a significant amount of fun in the process. Kallergis is on to something and has gained the attention of local food and drink celebrities, some of whom are on the course schedule as either teachers or guests. So, whether novice or master, Silver Whisk has a seat at the table ready for you. And, if you’re up to the challenge, they also have an apron and a few tasks. (silverwhiskcooking.com, 1501 RR 620 N. Ste. C)
STACK: BILL NOLL; SILVER WHISK: SHANE GORDON
STACK
There is more to The OASIS than a sunset.
It’s the perfect location above Lake Travis for lunches, parties, or an evening after dark. Catch the Holiday Spirit at The OASIS! 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732 512/266-2442 www.oasis-austin.com
FAWN
+
RAVEN
NOW OPEN AN INTIMATE SHOWCASE OF WOMEN’S APPAREL & ACCESSORIES WARDROBE STYLING STUDIO & SERVICES 1605 W 35TH STREET, UNIT B AUSTIN, TX 78703 TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10AM-6PM SATURDAY 11AM-5PM 512.771.6308 FAWNANDRAVEN.COM
austinlifestylemagazine.com
21
T H E A* L IF E | E V EN T S
NOVEMBER 6 - 7
More Than a Game Celebrity Golf Tournament Lakecliff Golf Club thefirstteeaustin.org NOVEMBER 8
“Artists On Recovery” ACL Live At The Moody Theater austinrecovery.org NOVEMBER 9
Texas Hill Country Wineries Road Show Tasting The Paramount Theatre texaswinetrail.com NOVEMBER 10
Third Annual CharityBash Live Auction ACL Live At The Moody Theater citizengeneration.org NOVEMBER 11
Austin Young Lawyers Association Double Feature The Paramount Theatre austintheatre.org
NOVEMBER 17
9th Annual Big Reds & Bubbles The Driskill winefoodfoundation.org NOVEMBER 18
Wheeler Brothers Antone’s antones.net NOVEMBER 18
The Jayhawks With Jolie Holland The Paramount Theatre austintheatre.org NOVEMBER 20
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy One World Theatre oneworldtheatre.org NOVEMBER 21
Ximena Sarinana The Parish theparishaustin.com
NOVEMBER 12
SIMS Foundation Benefit Bash Austin Music Hall simsfoundation.org NOVEMBER 1 3
2011 Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure Congress Avenue komenaustin.org
NOVEMBER 25
D EC E M B E R 9
D EC E M B E R 1 4
Texas Stars - Sing For Santa Cedar Park Center cedarparkcenter.com
Disney’s Beauty And The Beast Bass Concert Hall texasperformingarts.org
NOVEMBER 27
D EC E M B E R 9
Austin Vintage Style Fest 2011 Various Locations facebook.com
Trail Of Lights Zilker Park trailoflightsaustin.com
NOVEMBER 30
D EC E M B E R 1 0
Wilco ACL Taping Austin City Limits austincitylimits.org
David Ramirez And His Band Stubb’s stubbsaustin.com
DE CE MBE R D EC E M B E R 2
Rachael Yamagata The Parish theparishaustin.com
NOVEMBER 1 3
D EC E M B E R 4
Warren Hood & The Goods Momo’s momosclub.com
Dancing With The Stars Austin Hilton Downtown Austin centerforchildprotection.org
NOVEMBER 15
Aretha Franklin ACL Live At The Moody Theater acl-live.com NOVEMBER 17
Junior League Of Austin’s “The Magic Of Christmas” Palmer Event Center jlaustin.org
22 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Wheeler Brothers Antone’s antones.net
Sing-A-Long Sound Of Music The Long Center thelongcenter.org
NOVEMBER 11
Boys & Girls Club Black & White Gala Four Seasons Hotel bgcaustin.org/event-list
NOVEMBER 18
D EC E M B E R 4
Cake Stubb’s stubbsaustin.com D EC E M B E R 5
Conspirare Christmas The Long Center thelongcenter.org
D EC E M B E R 1 4
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Palmer Event Center armadillobazaar.com D EC E M B E R 2 1
Tori Amos Bass Concert Hall texasperformingarts.org
D EC E M B E R 1 1
D EC E M B E R 2 8
Kat Edmonson One World Theatre oneworldtheatre.org
French Quarter Christmas Featuring Better Than Ezra ACL Live At The Moody Theater acl-live.com
D EC E M B E R 1 3
Austin Symphony Christmas Sing-A-Long Riverbend Centre austinsymphony.org
D EC M B E R 2 9
Shen Yun The Long Center thelongcenter.org
D EC E M B E R 1 3
D EC E M B E R 3 1
Christmas With Aaron Neville ACL Live At The Moody Theater acl-live.com
Hayes Carll La Zona Rosa lazonarosa.com
D EC E M B E R 1 4
Arthouse Talks With Erin Gentry Arthouse At The Jones Center arthousetexas.org
WHEELER BROTHERS PHOTO: DANIEL LACHMAN
NOV E MBE R
THE NEW LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF NORTH AUSTIN
Written by YASMINA
REZA
Translated by CHRISTOPHER
Directed by MATT
LENZ
HAMPTON
A play-date goes horribly wrong in this side-splitting Tony Award-winning Best Play comedy!
Lauren Lane
Thomas Ward
Eugene Lee
Angela Rawna
LAUREN LANE winner of Best Actress in August: Osage County THOMAS WARD, EUGENE LEE The Book of Grace and ANGELA RAWNA of Doubt and NBC’s Friday Night Lights
Starring
“The pleasure of watching really good actors behaving terribly, tearing up the scenery and having the time of their lives!” — The New York Times
OPENS NOVEMBER 29 ON ZACH’S INTIMATE KLEBERG STAGE
LUNCH
•
DINNER
•
HAPPY HOUR
Happy Hour Monday–Saturday from 3pm–7pm Sunday from noon–7pm Visit our website for our full lineup of live music and special events.
Tuesday-Saturday at 8 • Sunday at 2:30
P
Construction on ZACH’s new Topfer Theatre is underway! Arrive early for parking. The bar opens one hour before the show...join us for a snack and a drink!
TICKETS START AT $25! zachtheatre.org | 512-476-0541 x1
501 Canyon Ridge Drive | 512.339.ZEDS (9337) www.zeds.bz For private events and catering contact: lynn.willis@zeds.bz
austinlifestylemagazine.com
23
SOCIAL REGISTER
CASA OF TRAVIS COUNTY AND LIFEWORKS Regardless of the arena, everyone loves a little fun competition in their endeavors. Whether it’s a pick-up game on the basketball court, a friendly round of cards or a full sprint around Lady Bird Lake, the competitive drive in all of us can bring out the best in people. And, if that competitive spirit can benefit the smaller interactions, it can do a great deal of good when it is in the name of philanthropy. It comes as little surprise, then, that an evening of music, food and drinks can stand to benefit from a little competition. If one were to add to the already potent party mix a live date package auction, where guests can vie for the friendly company and paired adventure of a date package, then the fundraising potential could prove far greater. 3RD ANNUAL Further, if the aucCHARITYBASH tion were presented by LIVE AUCTION twenty of Austin’s most Thursday, November 10 attractive and successful 7:00pm – 10:00pm bachelors and bachelorAustin City Limits ettes, each competing to citizengeneration.org ensure that their company is the coveted prize of the evening, the air of competition would spread to both bidders and presenters alike.
24 austinlifestylemagazine.com
That precise scenario becomes a reality when Citizen Generation’s 3rd Annual CharityBash Live Auction is held on Thursday, November 10 from 7:00-10:00pm at KLRU’s legendary Austin City Limits studio (2504 Whitis Ave). A $30 individual ticket grants each attendant access to open bar and food and VIP packages with four reserved seats and bottle service start at $600. The tickets also give the attendants the opportunity to participate in one of the most exciting and uniquely fun auctions in Austin. The spirit of competition will certainly be a welcome guest at this lively event. Of course, the most important aspect of the evening's festivities is that all of the proceeds from date package and ticket sales will be split between two deserving Austin non-profits, CASA of Travis County and LifeWorks. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, provides highly trained community volunteers as advocates on the behalf of neglected and abused children, ensuring their well-being in school, court and the crowded child welfare system. CASA volunteers spend an average of 20 hours a month getting to know these children, not only allowing them a voice to the community, but providing each
Allie Duffy, Alex Winkelman and Kathryn Hamilton
child with a confidant they can trust. Along the same charitable vein, LifeWorks provides a range of services to the community, including housing, counseling and education for homeless youth, as well as children and families in crisis. From GED training to emergency shelter services, LifeWorks helps over 10,000 individuals each year move from unsafe situations into places of stability. Both CASA of Travis County and LifeWorks are taking great strides to ensure that Austin’s children and families are equipped with the resources and tools necessary to thrive. Join Citizen Generation on November 10 to engage in some friendly bidding wars against your friends for the bachelor and bachelorette’s date packages, all the while supporting these two remarkable organizations. Whether you choose to bid on the date of your choice or want to simply enjoy the fun of watching how competition can work for immeasurable good, the event promises to be one to remember. There are only 300 tickets available, so be sure to visit www.citizengeneration.org today and claim your place, because this event is guaranteed to sell out!
SOLANGE PHILLIPS
3rd Annual CharityBash Live Auction
SOCIAL REGISTER
A Christmas Affair THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN Trish Koester and Morgen Hardin
Since 1976, A Christmas Affair, The Junior League of Austin’s largest annual fundraiser, has been a vital part of fundraising for the Austin community. Embracing the spirit of the season, the event has served as an extremely enjoyable way to gather, shop and give back to the community. This year’s event, themed “The Magic of Christmas,” will transform the Palmer Events Center into a holiday workshop with over 200 merchants from across the country, surrounding a 25-foot elaborately decorated tree to fit the year’s theme. “The idea that the same event can be successful year after year is due largely in part to a unique theme,” said Trish Koester, Chair for this year’s A Christmas Affair. “This year ‘The Magic of Christmas’ will transport guests back to childhood memories of the magic and wonders of the holiday season.” Poised to bring out the fascination that each guest experienced when the Christmas season came in younger days, “The Magic of Christmas” looks to extend the success that the Junior League of Austin has had in hosting this event since its inception. Founded in 1934, The Junior League of Austin is an organization of over 2,200 women committed to promoting volun-
teerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Many of the members hold full-time jobs outside of the home and even volunteer with multiple organizations outside of the League. “The League allows women opportunities to develop skills and receive training in areas beyond their careers and personal lives,” said Morgen Hardin, President of the Junior League of Austin. “We encourage our members to take placements outside their personal comfort zone and to stretch their experiences into new areas.” In addition to providing volunteers, The Junior League of Austin contributes close to $800,000 to the Austin community and its members volunteer over 100,000 hours annually. Their efforts are impressive by any standard and their influence is spread across many endeavors. The Junior League of Austin currently provides volunteers and funds to over 30 area non-profit agencies including Coats for Kids, which provides more than 30,000 Austin area children with warm winter coats; FIT – Food In Tummies, which provides weekend nourishment to
almost 1,400 children; and ABC Grants, which provides support to area teachers. Needless to say, with all of their efforts, their need for support from the Austin community is clear. By attending the event, not only is someone providing a great evening for themselves, but they are equipping The Junior A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR November 17–20 League of Austin with Palmer Event Center the resources needed to jlaustin.org continue doing good in the Austin community. A Christmas Affair holiday market is scheduled for November 17 — 20 at the Palmer Events Center. Tickets for admission are $12 each day. Special events are held for both adults and children throughout the five-day market; and prices vary for each of these individual events. Tickets are available online through November 1 at jlaustin.org, at The Junior League of Austin Headquarters, or at Randalls locations in Austin. In addition, all of the decorations throughout the market are available for purchases and pick-up afterwards at resale days in early December, providing another avenue by which people can help, while getting a piece of “The Magic of Christmas” to take home and share with others.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
25
SOCIAL REGISTER
Dell Children’s Gala 2012 Kay and Eric Moreland are the chairs for this year’s Dell Children’s Gala. Eight years ago, Kay was diagnosed with breast cancer. This frightful life change led her to an inspiring intersection with the life of an influential person afflicted with cancer. One day during Kay’s treatment, she sat next to a young girl who was receiving chemotherapy. Kay was deeply touched by the young girl and her family, compelling her to do something in response to the young girl’s plight. “I DELL CHILDREN’S GALA 2012 just remember January 28, 2012 t h i n k i ng she Austin Convention Center does not need Grand Ballroom to be here with childrensaustin.org a du lt s g oi n g through this,” said Kay. “She needs a place where she’s with other children and receives specialized care for someone her age.” After meeting with Dell Children’s Sr. Teresa George, the Moreland’s have been inspired to help Dell Children’s Hospital in any way they could. Having called Austin home for most of their lives, the Morelands have thrived in the town they call home. Eric, an Elite 25 real estate agent, specializes in luxury
26 austinlifestylemagazine.com
properties from downtown and central Austin to Lakeway and all along the waterfront. Kay, a stay-at-home mother, keeps up with her active charity involvement while raising two young girls, ages eight and ten. The family has been here for over a decade and continues to be involved with endeavors like the Dell Children’s Gala. The 2012 Gala theme selected by Eric and Kay is “The Art of Healing.” “Eric and I feel that healing for anyone, especially children, is much more than a surgery, procedure, or prescription,” said Kay. “Dell Children’s has made healing an art form – through child life services, art therapy, pet therapy and more.” The Dell Children’s Medical Center’s facility also lends to the healing process with a family-centered environment including meditation gardens, areas for children to play and study, as well as a 950+ piece art collection – the largest nonmuseum art collection in Central Texas. The 2012 Dell Children’s Gala will take place on Saturday, January 28 at the Austin Convention Center. One of Austin’s most popular fundraisers, the black-tie affair is attending by 1,000 of Austin’s elite and has raised close to $1 million per year for the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central
Eric and Kay Moreland
Texas. The evening will commence with a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner and program which will include a video presentation sharing the story of a family who has benefited from the holistic care offered at Dell Children’s. The evening will continue until midnight with entertainment by local pop and soul band, Sauce, as well as a lively casino lounge. An after party, designed to send patrons off into the evening with still more joy in their hearts and more compulsion to give will be held a short walk away from the Convention Center at Trio at the Four Seasons Hotel, Austin. Matt Wilson, an Austin piano entertainer, will keep the crowd energized, moving and singing until the evening's end. Dell Children’s Medical center of Central Texas is the premier health care provider for children and adolescents in Austin and its surrounding area. The only dedicated, freestanding pediatric facility in the region, Dell Children’s serves 46 counties and supports more than 138,000 patient visits per year. The fundraising arm of Dell Children’s, the Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas, works with families, individuals and organizations to support the hospital’s mission.
JENNIFER COTA
CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL TEXAS
A* S T Y LE | G I F T S
enough treats to inspire beautiful baths all year long 2
1
visions of sugar plums 6
1 STICKR Train Frame: $24.95. butchandharold.com 2 Fizzy Treats: $79.95. lushusa.com 3 Rockboard Scooter: $239.99. brilliantskytoys.com 4 Longbeard’s Treasure Hunt: $54.99. grandcamp.com 5 Mohawk Helmet: $24.99. raskullz.com 6 Face Time Watches: $20. macys.com
4
3
5
austinlifestylemagazine.com
27
knoxy + knoxphotographics.com 832.265.8832 + @knoxphotogrphics
Soleil (So-LAY) means ‘sun.’
We invite you to our special place in the sun on Lake Travis. Come enjoy the new tastes of Soleil–Seafood, Pasta, and Steaks. Reserve the perfect location for your Holiday Party, Business Meetings, Special Occasions, Weddings and Private Parties by calling Adam Tompkins at 512/266-9242.
6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732 28 austinlifestylemagazine.com
www.soleilaustin.com
512/266-0600
SOCIAL GR ACES AMOA & BUSBY FOUNDATION P H O T O S BY S E A B R O O K J O N E S & J O A N N E F LY N N
22nd Annual La Dolce Vita & The Busby Foundation Fall Festival
2
1
5
3
6
4
8
7
9
La Dolce Vita: 1 Steve Redman, Judith Sims and Larry Connelly. 2 Nicole Blair, Andrea Mellard, Michael Chesser and Virginia Rutledge. 3 David & Heather Kuhlken. 4 Donna Howard and Jack Nokes. 5 Leya Oswald, Kevin Williamson and Meredith Powell. Busby Toast of Town: 6 Rob & Marge Balon. 7 Auction Tent. 8 Michelle Utt and Liz Moody. 9 Melina Monson and Ryan Conlin.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
29
SOCIAL GR ACES ARC & AMERICAN DIABETES P H O T O S BY P E T E R T U N G & S H E R W I N F I E L D
ARC’s Building Bridges Art Celebration & ADA 2011 Masquerade Gala
2
1
5
3
4
8
7
30 austinlifestylemagazine.com
6
9
ARC Building Bridges: 1 Jessica Edberg and Will Burnett with John & Rebekah Vinyard. 2 Jackie Lochrie, Susan Eason, Pat Lochrie and Gerald Murphy. 3 Julia Ott and Leigh Torian. 4 JD Torian and Bill Ott. American Diabetes: 5 Kimberly Mullins and Don Transue. 6 Brianda Chapa and Christopher Tomez. 7 Amanda Sheffield, Elizabeth Elias and Lisa Owen. 8 Nad & Elizabeth Elias. 9 Kelley & Matt Valdez.
AUSTIN LOUNGE FACE.BODY. SOUL
Custom Facials | Massage Therapy | Microdermabrasion Chemical Peels | Injectibles & Fillers | Permanent Makeup Waxing Service | Sunless Tanning | Teeth Whitening Private Spa Parties Available 512.476.SKIN | info@skinspaaustin.com Book Online: skinspaaustin.com
Find your inner Beauty
(512) 461.9652 fuzeboxphoto @ gmail.com fuzeboxphotography.4ormat.com (model: Rossi Saenz )
austinlifestylemagazine.com
31
moods of norway
king baby
civil society
NOW OPEN! Mon - Fri Sat Sun
10:00 am - 7:00 pm 11:00 am - 7:00 pm 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ROCK REVIVAL 7 DIAMONDS COWBOYSBELT EARNEST SEWN FIDELITY DENIM NIXON BUFFALO AMES BROS PROPERTY OF And much more
second sunday
EDGE
T ITY S TRIN
BRAZ
OS ST
Stay on the cutting-edge at facebook.com/edgeboutiqueATX
OLD
EAST
EAST
32 austinlifestylemagazine.com
PECA
N ST
5TH S
T
411 BRAZOS STREET | AUSTIN, TX 78701 | 512.236.0755
4TH S
T
{ The corner of 5th & Brazos, below Brazos Lofts }
edge-boutique.com
Permanent Makeup Semi-Permanent Eyelashes Mineral Cosmetics Boutique Clothing and Accessories
THE SHOPS AT RIVERPLACE 10601 FM2222, SUITE I AUSTIN , TX. 78730
512-346-LASH (5274) • WWW.THELASHLOUNGE.COM FIND US ON FACEBOOK – THE LASH LOUNGE AUSTIN NW
Great food!, Great music!, Great Ambiance... I’m just sayin!!
314 W. 2nd Street, Austin (512) 473-2744 coalvinesoftexas.com
austinlifestylemagazine.com
33
A* L IF E | COM M U N I T Y
Breaking the Cycle A SIMPLE BUSINESS SUIT WITH THE POTENTIAL OF CHANGING ONE’S LIFE BY KRISTEN MORADO TIFFANY BEDFORD WALKS THRU THE G L A SS DOOR AT THE DRESS FOR SUCCESS OFFICE WITH P OISE , CONFIDENCE AND PRES TIG E .
Neatly primped and dressed, not a single person would ever guess the bumpy life path that she has previously stumbled down. Just returning from her usual day of work, she walks in between the racks, grazing her finger across endless rows of business suits. She makes her way to the couch near the wall of heels stacked up on one another and begins to speak of her past.
My biological parents gave me up for adoption at five weeks old and then I was sent through many foster homes around central Texas; and came back to Austin when I was emancipated at the age of 18. My adoptive parents were family friends of my biological parents. How was it living with your adoptive parents?
Well, I have yet to speak about my biological parents or adoptive parents. When I was five, my brother had an accident and became mentally ill. During that time, he began molesting me until I was thirteen years old. It wasn’t until a woman stopped by my classroom and spoke to me privately that things changed. When did you become homeless?
I became homeless at the age of 18, when I was emancipated. I stayed at the Salvation Army; and because the employees came to realize that I wasn’t involved with drugs and alcohol, they happily washed my clothes for me. The second time I was homeless, I was separated from my husband and couldn’t afford rent on my own. I lived in my car for about a year with my baby boy. I saved up my money so I could leave him with a babysitter while I worked at a department store. I had a gym membership, so I would use their facilities to shower and clean up for a day’s work. It is now the simple things that I appreciate in life. Luxury to me is a bed that I can sleep in. I love that I can just lay on a couch and watch TV. I don’t need anything else to make me happy. How did you become aware of Dress for Success?
I heard of a summit that was going to happen downtown. It was for all women and was sponsored by the Young Lawyers Association. I was curious to see what was going to be presented, so I went. At the summit, Dress for Success director, Judy Chambers, was a keynote speaker. She was speaking about etiquette and I loved it. The
34 austinlifestylemagazine.com
following Monday, I did what I needed to do and it was no time before I saw Judy again. When I came to the suiting, I didn’t know what to expect. It was like going on a blind date. I had a personal stylist and she dressed me up in this beautiful suit. After my suiting, I immediately went to a couple of law offices that I had visited for my separation. I don’t think they would’ve taken me seriously had it not been for my suit. What are you doing now?
I’ve been running my own business for two years now. I love my job. I was spring cleaning the other day and came across several applications. I had applied [to work] for the Humane Society. I’ve learned throughout the years that you have to do something that you absolutely love. Now, I work as hard as I do, not because I need the money, but because I want to break that cycle. I don’t want my son to live like I did. That’s why I studied and made sure I accomplished each and every one of my goals. I make my son, now 6 years old, write down a goal everyday and so far he’s accomplished each and every one. This year, Tiffany Bedford was chosen to represent Dress for Success Austin at the Community Action Program Summit held in Dallas. Each representative comes back to their hometown cities with the task of organizing a community service project and developing a strategy to present it. As each day goes by, not only does Tiffany Bedford serve as a role model for her son, but for everyone involved with the Dress for Success office, the city of Austin and other women who are currently undergoing any sort of abuse. Bedford still has big plans for herself, one of which is to attend law school. Between full-time motherhood, volunteering at the Dress for Success office and maintaining her own business, Bedford never abandons the importance of appreciating every detail, every moment and every opportunity to seek a better life.
JONATHAN REYES
What is your family background?
P R O M OT I O N
Providing a fashion sense MARIA & KYNDAL BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA HUGHES
6317 BEE CAVE ROAD AUSTIN, TX 78746-5194 512.329.9855 MARIAANDKYNDALSAUSTIN.COM
Maria Harrington
On the narrow path of Bee Caves Road, one can find the prominent boutique of Maria & Kyndal. Storeowner Maria Harrington has been involved with the fashion industry most of her life, since the age of 13. Recently relocating to Texas with her husband and daughter Kyndal, the family has fallen in love with the state. After making their mark in Tennessee with Maria’s boutique, Maria & Kyndal boutique has now been in business in Austin for a year. Maria and Kyndal attend all of the fashion shows in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas and bring all of their ideas back to Austin. “We are a mother, daughter and grandmother store,” said Maria. “We’ve got something for every age and for any occasion.” At the boutique, there’s an array of cowboy boots, accessories, shoes, dresses, t-shirts and jeans. With future plans to expand into central Austin and outside of the Bee Caves area, Maria & Kyndal also plan to take off with their own line of clothing that will be ready to launch Spring 2012/Fall 2013. They are widely known for their silk shirt-dresses with unique patterns. This mother-daughter duo is no stranger to fashion and will continue sharing their expertise by offering the latest trends at Maria & Kyndal boutique.
MARIA & KYNDAL
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico A COLORFUL, COBBLESTONE SCORED CITY IN THE HEART OF MEXICO BY ASHLEY M. HALLIGAN A CO B B LE S TO N E S CO RE D CI T Y, T R AV E RS E D BY PEO PLE T H E WO R L D OV E R , S A N M I G U E L D E A LL E N D E I S A U N E S CO WO RLD
— the heart of Mexico, as many deem it. San Miguel is a colorful escape, south of Mexico City in the state of Guanajuato, which reached its peak in the mid-18th century, following the discovery of silver in the nearby state of Zacatecas. Because of its prosperous beginning, the city is rich with Baroque and Neoclassical architecture as well as well-preserved buildings and mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries. Following the cit y’s decline af ter the Mexican War of Independence, San Miguel was in danger of becoming a ghost town, but was thankfully salvaged by artists in the early 20th century who began numerous institutions of art and culture within its perimeters. This revived the city and afforded an economically promising future for tourism, becoming home to worldwide expatriates. Following World War II, many U.S. soldiers relocated to San Miguel as students studying under the G.I. Bill. HERITAG E SITE IN THE VERY INTERIOR CORE OF ME XICO
36 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Today San Miguel’s streets are a blend of indigenous peoples, curious travelers and expatriates who’ve found a new place to call home, or a second home, in a city and culture vibrant with its international and historic inspiration. All of this is set on a typical Spanish Colonial backdrop with vivid colors lining the aforementioned cobblestone streets, bougainvilleas of all colors overgrowing the city’s walls and dropping petals along the streets’ stonework (after the region’s rainy season, that is). The aroma of typical street dishes like elote flourish — essentially roasted Mexican sweet corn with a mayonnaise, chili powder and Cojita cheese garnish, while the collective melodies of church bells linger throughout the narrow corridored roads. San Miguel is, after all, a church city with an enticing church on seemingly every corner, each with a history as unique as the city’s. Most well known is La Parroquia, the emblematic center of the main square, a salmon-hued neo-Gothic cathedral towering over the happenings of a typical day in San Miguel. Alongside San Miguel’s traditional daily markets filled with authentic craftsmen and women selling silver goods, papier-mâché animals, ornate tapestries, local herbs and spices, hand-crafted leather goods and native cuisine like hand-pressed gorditas and corn tortillas, are walkable streets with endless stories to discover. With its cafes, outdoor tables, trail filled parks and a public library (La Biblioteca de San Miguel de Allende) with meandering courtyards and cozy rooms with bright wall murals, lined in dusty hardbacked books, San Miguel is a city with boundless beauty holding something to be discovered in its every, centuries-old nook.
PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY M. HALLIGAN
T R AV EL
T R AV EL
Where to Stay: Hotel Matilda (hotelmatilda.com) Crossing the Colonial thresh-
old into a minimalist and modern luxury hotel, Hotel Matilda lies just beyond a typical beet-shaded facade and is infused with a thoughtfully designed scape, incorporating an enviable art collection, a fascinating library in which the books have been craftily placed — backwards, an organic touch with trees growing through its common areas and a working combination of high-fashion and old world touches like the inviting sound of the entry’s fountain crafted from an upcycled old millstone. If not for the beautifully appointed rooms, all unique with a tranquil ivory and cerulean theme, some with balconies overlooking the confetti colored rooftops of San Miguel, the spa alone is worth the stay. Hotel Matilda’s spa has adopted the age-old tradition of apothecary concoctions with old fashion mortar and pestles used to muddle random concoctions of locally sourced, organic ingredients. The tres leches exfoliating scrub and body wrap with organic milk, soymilk and vanilla is perhaps the most divine treatment on the planet. In addition to the on-premise spa, the hotel has opened an outdoor spa just outside of town called Spa En Vivo with outdoor massages tents, natural hot springs and a temazcal, a traditional Mesoamerican sweat lodge. Spa En Vivo overlooks the Mexican countryside and is an oasis for spring-side and fireside relaxation before or after chosen treatments. The hotel’s restaurant, snugly aside its tranquil infinity pool offers a culinary adventure for those seeking innovative representations of regional dishes. The atmosphere is sophisticated and classy, boasting elements of Hotel Matilda’s expansive art collection and artfully crafted dishes made with ingredients from the hotel’s own organic farm. Meanwhile, the upstairs lounge and bar continues with the organic, gallery-esque theme serving contemporary cocktails and on weekends, a soundtrack heavy on party-inducing tracks by Pretty Lights and Gotan Project. What to Eat:
El Manantial (at the corner of Barranca and Huertes) is said to be the oldest cantina in San Miguel de Allende and serves an inexpensive array of octopus tostadas, mussels and a variety of regional tacos. Bugambilia (on Hidalgo) serves one of the region’s most tra-
ditional dishes, chiles en nogadas, a stuffed poblano chile with a walnut cream sauce. Daytrips to Consider:
Atotonilco is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, just minutes outside of San Miguel’s historical center and is an important pilgrimage site for pilgrims traveling from all over the continent. Atotonilco is a complex of churches built in the 1700s that were originally intended to offer Christian education and for housing spiritual exercise. Left wilting and abandoned until recently, the church is slowly undergoing restoration and holds a certain unexplainable mystique. Bright white against a blue sky, Atotonilco towers over the little village in which it resides with sleepy roads, handmade street food and wandering dogs. It’s a typical Mexican village with señors passing days on benches, smoking hand-rolled cigarettes and watching the quiet activity of day’s passed. Cañada de la Virgen is a preColumbian archaeological site in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, again just a few miles (and a beautiful drive) from San Miguel de Allende. The site was just opened to the public in February 2011 and is still under excavation, making it a unique and still mysterious archaeological complex to visit. Believed to be of Toltec creation, Cañada de la Virgen was a pilgrimage site and a location for celestial observation. Consisting of multiple structures including a pyramid and several burial sites, visiting Cañada de la Virgen is eerie and time-warping, particularly given the climb of the pyramid’s steps to its top, overlooking flower-covered Mexican plains and multiple tombs across the property.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
37
A* S T Y LE | B E AU T Y
AUTUMNAL DELIGHTS & FESTIVE GIVING AT SPA DJANGO AT HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT & SPA IN BASTROP BY ASHLEY M. HALLIGAN WITH A DIS TINC T SYMBOLISM , SPA DJANGO REPRESENT S M ANY PRINCIPLES AND AN UNDERLYING THEME OF ULTIM ATE REL A XATION, NESTLED IN THE LOST PINES REGION OF CENTR AL TEX AS,
a 13 mile belt of loblolly pines, thankfully spared by the recent fires in Bastrop. Translating quite literally to “I awake,” Django has more than one meaning for the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa. Alongside the awakening translation, Django is also named in the spirit of one of the great guitar musicians, Django Reinhardt, whose gypsy ballads subtly narrate the spa goers’ experiences in the 18,000 square feet of forest-hidden spa, also aside a peaceful stretch of Colorado River. Spa Django overlooks the beautiful grounds of the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and sits at the base of some of the region’s longstanding loblolly pines, providing expansive shade and a nurturing forest floor nook to receive the spa’s long menu of delicious, seasonally appropriate services. In celebration of the HYATT REGENCY coming fall, Spa Django is offering a new spa LOST PINES package, Autumn Spice, including a 60 minute 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Lost Pines, Texas 78612 pear and green apple sugar scrub and pumpkin 512.308.4860 spice body wrap, a 60 minute pumpkin facial lostpines.hyatt.com and a 60 minute pumpkin pedicure. As the leaves begin to quickly shift from their summered green to autumnal hues, what better way to treat your mind and body to a seasonally inspired spa package than the Autumn Spice dessert for the body?
38 austinlifestylemagazine.com
With the holidays sneaking upon us, Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa has several upcoming events in celebration of the season including a Thanksgiving Day buffet, with all the traditional fixings as well as the splendor of a gourmet fresh seafood array. Just two days later is their traditional Breakfast with Santa and later, a highly anticipated New Year’s celebration that’s family friendly and full of quirky elements and once again, unexpectedly tucked into the region’s beautiful forest arena like a traditional Ferris wheel amidst the area’s largest pine trees. There may not be a more appropriate and easily accessible escape in the area allowing a fully encompassing family rendezvous, Colorado River access, festive soirees and first-class, pumpkin-laced, stress-relieving spa treatments. The Resort is happily awaiting your arrival with massage-ready hands and billowy head-ready pillows. From now until December 30, 2011 Hyatt Regency Lost Pines will be offering a “We Care” package, donating $25 from its daily rate to the Bastrop Ministerial Alliance. From the onset of the fires and through the intense first weeks, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines extended discounted rates to local evacuees, housed hundreds of firefighters and provided complimentary accommodations and meals to its displaced associates.
Upcoming Events: November 24, 2011, Thanksgiving Buffet $49 adults, $24 children 4-12 yrs old November 26, 2011, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Breakfast with Santa $17 adults, $10 children 4-12 yrs old New Year’s Eve Packages starting at $449 (for a family of four) including a carnival-style jamboree with a large Ferris wheel and classic carousel, a fireworks display, a Champagne or Shiner Bock New Year’s toast and brunch on New Year’s Day.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LOST PINES
Lost Pines, Bliss Found
A*List
P R O M OT I O N
THE
Chris Patunas PHOTOGRAPHY Places Products
hY
chrispatunasphotography.com 201.805.1250 cpatunas@gmail.com
The Best of Everything from our Advertisers
GlamourDog.com Will your best friend have anything in their stocking this year? Browse the new Sex in the City Collection, along with Christmas sweaters, dresses and other goodies at GlamourDog.com. Shop online at GlamourDog.com
s@gmail.com
hotography.com
metrodog Metrodog is Austin’s premier dog boutique, featuring everything your spoiled dog could possibly want. With new concept toys, top of the line healthy treats, grain free food options, apparel and accessories, metrodog is sure to excite it’s Austin community, two legged and four legged alike. metrodog @ The Domain (11011 Domain Dr Ste 116) 512.466.PAWS (7297) austinmetrodog.com
Brilliant Sky Locally owned and operated by mom, Maya Pomroy, Brilliant Sky Toys & Books is based on the belief that the right playthings give children a gateway to physical, emotional and cognitive development. Come find your way to play! The Village at Westlake (360 & Bee Caves Rd) 701 Capital of Texas Hwy., D480 (512) 347-TOYS FIND US ON FACEBOOK brilliantskytoys.com
Canine Castle: Fit for Kings, Built for Dogs!
The Boutique Real Estate
The world’s first luxury ornamental dog kennel, designed right here in Austin. Featuring a 2–tier water misting canopy top and optional equipment: fountains, heaters, etc. This one-of-a-kind, high-end system offers strength, stability and long-term durability.
With top producers at the helm, The Boutique Real Estate provides our clients with innovative marketing techniques and dedication to client service that have set us apart as a top-rated, trusted brokerage for our clients. We represent sellers, purchasers and renters with properties from central Austin to Buda and Round Rock.
BuyCanineCastle.com
2124 E 6th Street #104 512.481.0800 theboutiquerealestate.com
austinlifestylemagazine.com
39
This Is A Man’s World BEAUTY, RELAXATION AND A GREAT SENSE OF SELF FOR MEN AT THE METROPOLITAN BY DANIEL RAMIREZ JA MES BROWN WA S RIG HT, AT LE A S T WITHIN THE CONFINES OF
This truly is a man’s world. There aren’t any flowers or vases and though it is a handsome space, no one would dare give it the label of pretty. Very few efforts have been made to make the space feel more open. Instead, dark wood shamelessly adorns every surface, including the wooden blinds that keep the place feeling like the great secret that it is. Where the dark wood doesn’t stand out, a rich brown leather fills in. It is a subtle throwback to the days of cigar bars and classic clubhouses and could very well have a sign on the door, which faces Republic Square Park, that proclaims, “no women allowed.” It’s a private, members-only, establishment for men alone which is a bit of a rarity in the modern age. This exclusivity isn’t total, as women greet members and guests at the door and are also invited to attend after 5pm Monday – Thursday, as well as all day Saturday and Sunday. But don’t let the occasionally relaxed policy fool you. This is a temple to all things that are distinctly male, a pantheon of testosteroneMETROPOLITAN inspired expressions. Flat screen televisions 311 W. 5th St., #100 512.600.8295 are brazenly visible at every vantage and in austinmetropolitanclub.com every room. Men’s magazines comprise the majority of the reading material available and with the carpeted floors and classic furnishings, one fully expects the Rat Pack to stroll in at any moment, throw chips onto the cozy poker table and begin a party that only Las Vegas could rightfully call its own. T H E M E T RO P O L I TA N CLU B I N D OWN TOWN AU S T I N .
40 austinlifestylemagazine.com
But the Metropolitan holds so much more than in-your-face machismo. Underneath all the accoutrements lies a club that is not only celebrating the man, but taking efforts to make him better. The locker room could easily be the envy of all people, regardless of gender, for the shower alone. Referred to fondly as the “human car wash” amongst the staff, the shower is made up of seven different jets, all of which are directed at the subject in need of cleaning. It is a sublime experience not often enjoyed by anyone. Next door, in case it is needed for more relaxation, sits a steam room that is monitored to ensure optimum muscle tension relief. Linger for a while longer in the darkened wood locker room, where every shaving, beautifying and styling product, whether it is Jack Black lotion or an Art Of Shaving oil, is at ready command. It’s as though a pampering heaven was built for men in a place where they can indulge that notion without being on display to the opposite sex. Beyond that, the Metropolitan Club is connected to a salon that addresses styling needs, has massage artists on hand for the more stressful days and also provides the most decadent of men’s indulgences, the straight razor shave. It sounds as though it belongs in the northeast, where family ties have handed down the practice from father to son in a rite of passage, but it too calls downtown Austin home. A truly sublime experience, there aren’t modern day equivalents to the refreshing feeling that such a close shave can afford. In a day when very few traditions survive, it is good to know that there is a place where a man can be completely at ease in his own skin and can then take good measures to ensure that he looks as good as he feels once he walks out the door. And, whether or not the world belongs to men alone, as James Brown suggests, a man can certain feel like it does. The Metropolitan is located at the corner of Fifth and Guadalupe and invites men of all walks to become members, join the club and experience the feeling of being unapologetically male, in the classiest sense of the word.
JAKE HOLT
A* S T Y LE | B E AU T Y
Master Colorists, Precision Cutting Stylist, & Hair Extension Specialists. Do you have a special event, holiday parties, or formal gala that you need to look absolutely gorgeous for? We offer formal styles, updo’s, and make-up for special occasions and weddings. Come see our experienced stylists and let us work our magic for you!
(512) 474-1174 Cris Coleman Owner/Master Stylist
Fall & Holiday special Mention this AD, new clients will receive Welcome our new Master Hairstylist Lorie Newman lorie@dolcesalonaustin.com
15% off any salon service.
23 0 0 L ake Austin Blvd . , Austin , T X 78703 dolc esalonaustin . com
Voted the Best Place in Austin to Get Married by Austin360.com
UP COMI NG E VE NT S
Austin’s Premier Venue SiSterS of Song: Pamela Hart & nada StearnS BaSia leon redBone Pat metHeny featuring larry grenadier meSHell ndegeocello george BenSon at RiveRbend CentRe Javier colon - Winner of 'the voiCe' cHuck negron of tHree dog nigHt diane ScHuur micHael frankS PoncHo SancHez latin Jazz Band ralPH Stanley & HiS clincH mountain BoyS natalie macmaSter & donnell leaHy little river Band tHe muSic of aBBa arrival from SWeden JoHn oateS SPyro gyra dr. JoHn marty Stuart red HorSe: gilkySon, gorka, kaPlanSky kingS of SalSa at RiveRbend CentRe Big Bad voodoo daddy Peter WHite cHriStmaS featuring kirk WHalum & mindi aBair Stanley Jordan SinBad kat edmonSon
9/11
For Live Music and Special Events
9/20 9/24 9/27 9/30 10/1 10/2 10/7 10/13 10/15 10/16 10/18 10/19 10/21 10/23 11/1 11/4 11/6 11/11 11/13 11/18 11/20 11/25 12/2 12/9 12/11
www.OneWorldTheatre.org • 512.32.WORLD austinlifestylemagazine.com
41
A* S T Y LE | B E AU T Y
{1} Start with dirty hair. This look is all about texture and volume. If you have natural wave, all the better. Just turn upside down and use a working hairspray while shaking the hair about and move to step two. On Kendall’s straight hair we used a cone shaped curling iron to boost up volume and give us loads of texture. The cone iron is a perfect new addition to the styling world. As you can see, there is no “clamp,” which allows a quick and easy result. Starting from the neckline, pull a section of hair and simply wrap it around the cone. Hold for a few seconds and gently slide the cone out. Continue this process, moving forward until you get to the front hairline. It is important to note that we’re not going for perfection here. Please don’t be concerned with creating actual “curls.” If you’re in a rush, it is perfectly acceptable to randomly pull out sections and wrap them around the cone. Once you’ve worked your way to the front of the hair and texture has been applied throughout, spritz the hair with a light, working hairspray.
{2}
HOLIDAY TAILS OF WHIMSY BY RORY PATRICK MCNEILL TAKING INSPIR ATION FROM RUNWAYS THE WORLD OVER , SE AS O N A F T E R S E A S O N T H E M E S S Y P O N Y I S T H E CH O I CE O F TO P
It’s the bit of “Oops, I look fabulous” that gives this trend its lasting power. A few simple steps and you’ll show up to holiday parties looking perfectly modern and effortlessly chic. D E S I G N ERS .
42 austinlifestylemagazine.com
{3} Now we’re onto the important placement of the actual ponytail. Gently brush the hair to the dead center of the back of your head. Too high and the feel is overly girl... too low and the feel is too serious. Smack dab in the center and you get a fun, flirty look. You may create a part if you’re accustomed to it or go straight off the face.
CHARLA WOOD
Oops, I look Fabulous!
Using a boar bristle paddle brush to work through the hair and break up the curls. Begin the process of backcombing the hair by taking a section from the crown to the front hairline. Starting in the crown and taking approximately two inch sections, gently backcomb each section. We are using a brush here as opposed to a comb, which prevents the appearance of an awkward nest of hair and thus the feel that you’ve tried too hard. Work your way to the front hairline, leaving out a two inch section around the face so you have a smooth start as your hair’s pulled back.
A* S T Y LE | B E AU T Y
{4} Secure the pony by using a plastic hair tie and two bobby pins. This technique, known as a “bungie,” will hold your style all night long while allowing you flexibility to manipulate the look. Once the hair has been pulled back, place one pin straight down into the hair exactly where you’d normally place a hair tie. Hold the pin while you wrap the rubber band around the ponytail. When you get all the way around, pass the initial pin and stick the next pin straight into the pony as well. Your ponytail is now set.
{5} To add to the sophistication, grab a small section of hair and wrap it around the hair just as you did with the hair tie. Tuck the ends of the section under itself and apply a touch of hair spray to reinforce the placement.
{6} To soften the look, work your way around the base of the ponytail and gently pull the hair away from the bungie. The object here is to loosen up and separate the hair that has been pulled back, allowing the texture and volume to work its way from the interior of the hair. Give an extra dutiful tug in the crown to achieve nice volume in this area, making for a gorgeous profile.
{7} Lastly, the ponytail itself needs a bit of roughening up. With your fingers and a touch of hairspray, mess it up. Think bed head meets mini tornado! BAM! You’ve just walked off the runway and into the holidays without the necessity of a shampoo! Bring on 2012, ladies….
Kendall Beard Kendall Beard (photographed) is a local singer/songwriter from Lufkin, Texas. Once a semi-finalist on Season 8 of American Idol, she was also "The CW Austin Star" for The CW Austin network, conducting celebrity interviews and representing the network at local events. Beard spends her time serenading the city and continues her pursuit in a television career.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
43
A* S T Y LE | FA S H I O N
2
1
3
5
4
northward bound 1 Williams British Handmade Collection: Pricing available upon request. williams-handmade.com 2 Williams British Handmade Collection: Pricing available upon request. williams-handmade.com 3 Rabbit Infinity Scarf: $158. intermixonline.com 4 Frozen City Vest: $258. anthropologie.com 5 Rabbit Fur Earmuffs: $34. electricfrenchie.com 6 ANNA SUI Red Fox Coat: $2010. stylebop.com 7 Williams British Handmade Collection: Pricing available upon request. williams-handmade.com 8 Williams British Handmade Collection: Pricing available upon request. williams-handmade.com 9 Steamline Luggage: $496. steamlineluggage.com
44 austinlifestylemagazine.com
6
7
handmade, traintrunk inspired luggage is the classic traveler's latest trend. 9
8
austinlifestylemagazine.com
45
*52: 1(: +$,5
Locations throughout Austin
www.manegain.com ď ś (512) 922-4247
46 austinlifestylemagazine.com
ALL-NEW SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
DEC 29, 7:30 PM DEC 30, 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM LONG CENTER
ShenYunPerformingArts.Org
“A mesmerizing performAnce...” — Donna Karan, Creator of the Donna Karan Collection and DKNY
Tickets: 512.474.LONG (5664) | TheLongCenter.Org Presented by Southern USA Falun Dafa Association
GREAT GIFT FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
REVIVING 5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION. For 5,000 years in China, culture was heralded as a divine gift. Its glory was long the inspiration of countless artists and poets, until this heritage was nearly lost… Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts seeks to revive this once-majestic tradition by creating a production worthy in its beauty of this noble history—something that enriches the lives of audiences in powerful, lasting ways.
The Name “Shen Yun” The word “Shen” (神) is a term for “divine” or “divine being,” while “Yun” (韻) refers to the overall manner of a dancer and the meaning behind his or her movements. The two words together tell of the grace, compassion, and sublime beauty of heavenly realms that can be glimpsed in even the subtlest expressions and gestures of our dancers. This is the essence of “Shen Yun.”
“An extrAordinAry experience...” — Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress
“so inspiring... i mAy hAve found some ideAs for the next AvAtAr movie.” — Robert Stromberg, Academy Award-winning production designer for Avatar
“elegAnt And very Athletic, very skilled.” —John McColgan, Riverdance Producer
“A BeAutiful shoW...fAntAstic!” —Joy Behar, Co-host of ABC’s The VIew All individuals’ quotes originally published by The Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty Television. All photographs and designs by Shen Yun Performing Arts © 2011. All artwork and choreography depicted in the photographs copyrighted by Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Mike Judge As much a part of the Austin film culture as Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, Mike Judge returns to his television roots this coming fall, with a show for MTV, the network that launched his successful career. With successes like King Of The Hill, Idiocracy and the more recent Extract, to say nothing of his iconic commentary on cubicle culture (complete with an open dig at Mopac traffic), Office Space, Judge has been busy since his first project landed him in the national spotlight. Of course, with the popularity of that first project and the boundless material that our pop culture appetites continue to provide, it is no wonder that Judge is revisiting his wise-cracking, anti-social and hilarious duo, Beavis and Butthead. This month saw not only the series’ return to MTV, but also Judge’s appearance at the Austin Film Festival to premiere the first new episode to an audience that is surely a home field advantage. Austin Lifestyle Magazine had just enough time to catch up with the relentlessly creative Judge and ask him a couple of questions, as well as get a sneak peek at what the cartoon boys in hard rock t-shirts will be up to this fall. 48 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Q &AT X BY DANIEL R AMIREZ | PHOTO BY ANNIE R AY
You have become an integral part of Austin culture, as the city unilaterally claims you and glorifies all of your work, from Office Space quote-alongs to a regional joy at the return of Beavis and Butthead? How did an Ecuadorian-born New Mexico transplant come to be in Austin? Well, when I was living in Dallas in the late 80s–early 90s, I was playing with Doyle Bramhall, who lived in Ft. Worth at the time. We played all over, but used to play Austin quite a bit. I had always liked it here a lot. I just felt relaxed when we drove into town – just a good vibe. Doyle moved to Wimberly after I had been playing with him for about a year, so I started coming down here even more. Then when Beavis and Butthead started, we moved to NY – my ex wife, my older daughter and I. During the year and a half that we lived up there, just about every one of our friends moved to Austin, so when we moved back, we moved to Austin instead of back to Dallas and never regretted it. You're a regular on the Austin film scene. What does Austin need to do to become more of a home for film and television? Should Austin pursue that end? There is something great about making a movie here in Austin. There are great crews here, it's a good vibe. Also, it's easy to make Austin look like a lot of different places. You have pine forests to the east, hill country to the west, farm land, etc. I really liked shooting here. There are guys like Robert Rodriguez and Rick Linklater who have been successful enough that they can bring movies here in spite of the lack of tax incentives, but I guess that's the main reason movies and TV shows have gone to other places like New Mexico and Louisiana – the lack of tax incentives. So that's one thing they could do. But I think if people who live here keep making great stuff it will continue to be a home for film and TV. How excited are you to have Beavis & Butthead return to the pop culture forefront? Very excited – that is, if they actually make it to the forefront that you’re talking about. I hope they do. How long does it take to work on Beavis and Butthead episodes? Is it better or worse than working on a movie? Why? It takes anywhere from 6 to 9 months from beginning to end. Right now, I guess I would rather be doing this than working on a movie. When you make a movie you have to get up really early. What more can we expect from the duo’s move to the 21st century? Can we expect a new shirt on either of them, perhaps for Eminem or Jay-Z? No new T-shirts so far, but they are going to be watching a whole lot of Jersey Shore, Sixteen and Pregnant, Teen Mom, etc. Also UFC fights and all new music videos. There are also a lot of new adventures – working in tech support, flying drones in Afghanistan, becoming bounty hunters – all kinds of stuff. Oh and one word: “Cornholio”. The R-rated comedy film has experienced quite the resurgence in the years since Office Space, do you have any favorites or any directors/writers that are admirably carrying the torch of modern humor? I’d say I like most of the big comedy directors that are out there now – Todd Phillips, Jay Roach, Adam McKay, Tommy Mattola, Judd Apatow. They’re all doing great stuff. What is it like being a cult hero? Do you find people recognize you? I'm not sure if I'm a cult hero, but I don't get recognized that much at all. Maybe about once every three months. So, I pretty much get the same lousy treatment everyone else gets. It's usually pretty nice, though, when I get recognized because it's always by someone who is a fan. People who don't like my stuff never recognize me.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
49
C
Giving for a Living
BY DA N I E L R A M I R E Z | P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A P R I L T H O M A S O N
C W
PUTTING FACES TO THOSE WHO SERVE AUSTIN
hether wrapped in glossy paper and adorned with ribbon and bow, or covered in glittery tissue paper and placed in a bag, the holiday season sees people from all walks of life make a point of giving to one another. Regardless of if it is to a loved one or a cause, the time of year lends itself to more charitable moods and more generous thoughts. A break from daily life and its routine, many are inspired by seasonal music, by traditional tales of charity and occasionally by
a moving film or a particularly clever commercial. But there are a noble few in Austin, for whom giving is their career. They aren’t philanthropists in the traditional sense. They aren’t
gracing the covers of magazines or rubbing elbows with Bill Gates. Instead, relatively unsung, they go about their lives calmly, gracefully
and with every day dedicated to serving others. Noticed by few and celebrated perhaps by fewer, Austin Lifestyle Magazine wanted to take a moment to focus on those who are inspired to give every day of the year with their lives.
ART ACEVEDO — CHIEF OF POLICE With the stresses and responsibilities that accompany his title, it’s impossible to ignore that the Chief of Police in Austin has more than his daily share of obligations, emergencies and demands on his time. But Art Acevedo doesn’t seem like a man under pressure. In fact, he seems very much at ease and his charisma reveals precious little about his job, while speaking volumes about the man. In a city that has grown as rapidly as Austin, Acevedo has managed to make improvements for the four years that he’s held the office, always looking for ways to make the force — and the city it calls home — better. The hallmark of a great servant, he speaks happily and humbly of his efforts for a better Austin, both on the job and off. Acevedo took time out to sit down with Austin Lifestyle and peer into the hopes of a great leader in our city.
50 austinlifestylemagazine.com
What prompted you to choose the career you’ve chosen? I was born in Havana, Cuba under a communist regime. When I came into this world, I was the fourth of four kids. There was very little hope, no freedom and very little food. We were fortunate enough. We were blessed enough to get the option to come to the United States. So I was raised with a really great sense of patriotism. I actually quit law school halfway through my second semester to become a police officer, because I felt like I needed to do something more meaningful in terms of giving back to this country. It’s kind of corny, but true. How, other than your occupation, do you go about giving back to the Austin community? I give up my personal time on weekends for a lot of causes. It’s really interesting that, for some reason I’ve become the unofficial auctioneer for non-profits; and as much as I don’t necessarily like doing it, it’s hard
to say no, because what they are all doing is important. Whether it’s Texas 4000, which is a relay for the fight against cancer, or any of the other ones I’ve done it at, to me it’s important to give of your time to help build a better tomorrow for the city. What else can Austinites to do make your job easier, that can help us as a city? I always talk about how none of us live on an island. We have a dropout rate in this city, when it comes to Latinos and African American boys, that is pushing 50-55%. You’re going to meet these kids, sooner or later, even if they don’t drop out. These young people are going to be part of our lives. And the number one thing we can do to keep Austin safe is have people mentor, have people coach, have people help kids who don’t have the opportunities that some of us may have had. Somebody’s going to fill that void in their lives and it’s either going to be gangs and the gang culture or it’s going to be loving, caring adults. I think my role and the way I can use my time most effectively is to utilize the kind of pulpit of the Police Chief’s office to reach out to people to pull at their heartstrings and make them understand that the future is going to be bleak if we don’t stem that tide of dropouts. What better a thing to do is there than to share your lifetime of knowledge with a young person and to be a guiding, positive force in that young person’s life.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given? I think this is kind of corny, too. But I think, being an immigrant whose family came into this country with nothing but a lot of hopes, dreams and aspirations, the biggest gift I can give is being a role model to young kids. If I can be successful, they can be successful. So I’ve had a real passion for kids. If it’s an issue involving youth, involving young people, I guarantee you, I’m there. Because they’re our future and right now we’re living in a nation facing some great adversity and it all starts in overcoming that with education. What would a day of peace in Austin look like to you? It doesn’t involve work. It involves going for my coffee at 5th and Lamar, talking to my group of buddies, where we solve the world’s problems every morning. Then it would involve walking on the trail or riding a bike. It has to involve the Alamo Drafthouse and a movie. With no calls from work, no calls anybody’s been hurt, no shootings, no children’s accidents and life is good. The Drafthouse and the Highball and some of their fried chicken. That’s called southern comfort food and that would be a perfect day.
C
austinlifestylemagazine.com
51
HEATHER COY — PARAMEDIC Heather Coy laughs and smiles and it becomes difficult to pair that image with the difficult situations she encounters on a nearly daily basis. She has a calm and relaxed demeanor that is disarming from the moment one meets her and with her good humor always at the ready, she seems like the least stressful person in an already laid-back Austin. Call it an exercise in contrast, then, to discover her chosen career. A paramedic with Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Systems (EMS), she is one of the brave few, often called upon to be first on the scene in times of emergency or tragedy. A native Austinite, she has always been called to her current profession and, in talking with her, it reveals the avid dedication to the people of her city and her community. Why do you do what you do? As long as I can remember, as long as I knew what it was, I’ve wanted to do it. I used to try and make my parents chase ambulances and fire trucks when they went by with their sirens on, because I wanted to know where they were going. I just really wanted to know what happened to people that made them call 911 and wanted to be able to help them fix it. It was fascinating to me. Why Austin? I grew up here, so I’ve always been here. My family is here. I love this city, I’m familiar with the city. But, I got fortunate in that the place I grew up also has one of the best EMS systems in the country. So, I got lucky. It’s a great place to live and an even better place to work. How does your choice in career give to the Austin community? A lot of what we do isn’t just emergencies, but it is just helping people find their way through problems in everyday life. We do a lot of preventative medicine and car seat checks. We do a lot of educating people on vaccines and illnesses and things like that. We’re not only there when
52 austinlifestylemagazine.com
people do have real emergencies and they need somebody to intervene immediately to save their life, but we’re also there to prevent those things from happening. So we do a lot of outreach. Other than your chosen profession, how do you give back to the Austin community? I’m currently really involved in the youth group at my church. So, it’s been awesome to see life through the perspective of a freshman high school girl. It definitely is different than my job. I feel like I have a lot of influence there and have a lot of power to make a difference with young people, so I try to. How best can the community support the work of a paramedic? What would make the job of a paramedic easier? I guess by being more aware. What we do affects other people. If you’re texting and driving, it’s not just going to affect you if you get into a wreck. You could potentially really hurt somebody else. If you’re throwing cigarette butts out the window, you’re affecting other people if you start a huge wildfire. I feel like the community in general could become educated on things that promote good safety and health, as well as the things that don’t. We have a lot of programs through the city that help educate people. The information is available. What would you say to someone who called you a hero? I don’t feel like a hero. A lot of the time, I see my co-workers as heroes, but not necessarily myself. I think I am very well-trained and know what to do in situations where maybe the average person doesn’t. So, in that way, I have the potential to make a huge difference and I hope that I am. I see my co-workers making a huge difference every day and I would call them heroes. But that’s a huge word and a huge responsibility, so I just hope I can live up to what it means.
JEREMY SYLESTINE — ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY Jeremy Sylestine’s calm demeanor and well-crafted words don’t fit his frame well. Rather than suit-clad, one would expect him in an NFL uniform or fireman’s gear. You would expect him to be more of a spectacle and far less mild-mannered. But, for his balanced delivery and position as an Assistant District Attorney in Travis County, he is no less admirable. Considering the cases that Sylestine deals with on a daily basis, one wishes there weren’t a need for him. Sylestine prosecutes child abuse cases and it is therefore comforting to know that he is there, fighting for the rights of those who haven’t had a chance to develop their own voice. A champion for those without one, it seems obvious from discussing the subject with him that Sylestine is exactly where Austin needs him. What prompted you to choose your career as a prosecutor? I actually started out as a defense attorney. I enjoyed that work a lot. But, when it came to these cases, prosecuting criminals seemed like a better thing to do, a better side of the law to be on. And, when I first started, I was coming from that criminal defense attorney perspective. I thought, if we had guys like me on the other side, the playing field is probably a little more level. So, I thought there was a lot of virtue in that, in being one of those tough but fair prosecutors. I remember telling my boss at the time, when I left, “that’s what I want to be. I want to be one of those guys you can look at when you’re negotiating and trust.” I think that’s a really important aspect of our job. People are mistrustful of government and I think it’s our job to make sure that they can trust the government. What’s the toughest part of your job? Realizing what I can’t do. People think that we have all these great tools at our disposal. We live in a CSI-era of law enforcement and that stuff just doesn’t exist. I try child abuse cases and we don’t have DNA. We don’t have fingerprints. We don’t have biological evidence a lot of the time. So, more often than not, our hands are tied by the simple fact that we have ‘he said’ versus ‘she said’ and sometimes ‘he’ didn’t say anything. That makes it very difficult and challenging, because you have to sometimes go to a family or a child and say, “I believe this happened to
you. I don’t know that we can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.” And that’s a tough thing to do. How, other than through your job do you give back to the community? I think that when you’ve been blessed in your life, whether it’s financial or otherwise, you have an obligation to give back. I do it mostly through my church; and through my community within that church. We’ve adopted a group of down-on-their-luck people at this place called Foundation Communities. We go there and simply share a meal. We’ll take whatever we need to take, whether it’s tacos or chili and sit down with these folks and have meaningful conversation. The service that we’re doing through this group is actually taking these people a meal that we’ve prepared, sitting down for an hour to an hour-and-a-half and getting to know them. It’s gone on for over a year and in that time, we’ve developed some meaningful relationships with people, to the point where it’s more now about the conversation and less about what we’re bringing to the table. What would a day of peace look like in your job? That’s a hard question. It’s such a far-fetched idea, which I guess makes it an ideal. No medical emergencies at Dell Children’s Hospital that look suspicious. No hotline calls to child abuse about things that are going on. No referrals to CPS because somebody suspects that something is happening with a child. That would be a day of peace. What pushes you to sacrifice and stay in the position, despite the challenges, stress and sacrifice? I’m about to have a kid. My first daughter is about to be born and I like the idea of being able to go home to her when she’s five years old and when she asks me what I did that day, I can stand up and say, “I did good for this community.” That is a beautiful picture to me.
C
austinlifestylemagazine.com
53
C “YOU HAVE A CHANCE. YOU CAN BE A BULLY (FOR EXAMPLE) OR YOU CAN REWRITE YOUR STORY AND BREAK THAT CYCLE.”—jackie howard
JACKIE HOWARD — TEACHER A girl grows up, goes to college and studies psychology. She’s pretty, never went to any kind of resort. They were always out-of-the-ordinary kind to others and composes herself in a manner befitting of a finish- family trips. We traveled at least twice a year, just roughing it, getting ing school graduate or a storybook princess. She settles into a teaching shots and taking Malaria medicine throughout the year to go to the junassistant position at an idyllic private school. It’s a story that Austin gles of Guatemala, for example. Thus I naturally interacted with people knows well. Unless it’s the story of Jacqueline Howard, in which case, in Central America who lived in poverty. Then, the dichotomy of attendthe tale takes an unexpected turn. ing Austin private schools when those impoverished people were real Soft spoken and impressively humble, Jackie speaks of the choice she people in the world really hit me. I studied abroad in high school for six made to dramatically alter the course of her life and career as though months in Lima, Peru. I studied again in Oaxaca, Mexico and it all came it were the natural progression. After being in a comfortable private together when I realized that my job was to work with the people that school position, she opted to make the transition to a low-income school come from poverty and are trying to write a new story for themselves. in Manor, to better serve the community she had come to know and love. I tell my kids, “You have a chance. You can be a bully (for example) or Abandoning what society would deem a position of status and security, you can rewrite your story and break that cycle.” she explained her choices in a compelling manner that is a portrait of Other than your chosen profession, how do you give back to the service to others. Austin community? Why do you do what you do? I mentor a 5th grader in Manor. Living in rural Travis County, her I was a psychology and biology major in college. One summer, I was only outings in Austin are when I take her ice skating at Whole Foods at collecting research data for my biology thesis and was in a lab, by myself, Christmas time, or to the Trail of Lights. Lately, we go running, every eight hours a day, classifying ants under a microscope and a light bulb weekend. We play basketball, we knit and we have our own informal went on, “I need to be around people, human beings!” So, I started baby- book club. We spend a lot of time together and often it’s the car ride sitting the staff kids at the lab, because I craved that interaction. And I that turns into our most important time as it’s where the crucial conhave a natural affinity for kids that also drew me that way. Then there versations happen. “What do I do about this?” or “ I have this situation really was no question when I graduated that working with kids was at home,” so though it’s not formal counseling, I focus her away from what I would do. whether or not she’s getting in trouble and toward this theme of writing I am a bilingual teacher of fourth grade at Decker Elementary School her own story. What story does she want to write for herself and what in Manor ISD. Our school was at risk of being closed after three years story does she want to tell her grandkids? of failing to meet state academic standards according to “No Child Left How would you respond if someone called you a hero? Behind.” I joined the school one year after that part of the story; they Although it’s extremely flattering, I think it’s something people in brought in a new principal, a new coaching staff and really innovative my profession don’t often hear, because teachers are regularly critiqued. teaching strategies. These changes turned the school around and Decker Education is scrutinized a lot. Even when talking with friends, they received the ranking of “Recognized” after just one year of change. So, sometimes don’t really understand. When I hear you say that, it’s new. they didn’t close the school down and this with the same kids, from one But my view is that the children at Decker are the heroes. Because of the of the poorest schools in the greater Austin area. experience that the children are getting at school, because they are held What prompted the move from a private school to this school in to such a high standard, their successes are my fulfillment. I don’t talk need? about myself in my spare time or what I did today. It’s mostly stories like, My mom being Colombian and my dad being a huge traveler, we “guess what so and so did today? He learned the concept of perimeters. explored the world as kids. We went to Haiti for family vacation. We Or she got multiplication.” So, my stories are always about the kids. ALM
54 austinlifestylemagazine.com
austinlifestylemagazine.com
55
$20 Off
your first visit with us Please present coupon at time of appointment.
4106 North Lamar Boulevard | Austin, TX 78756 | (512) 459-4336
the relationship.
It’s about
We’ll celebrate your new family member with you.
And provide the quality care to grow old with you.
Watch them become a loyal friend and companion.
General Practice and 24 Hour Emergency Care
.
24 Hour Emergency Care
.
Pain Management Fluid Therapy
.
.
Intensive Care
Online Pharmacy
.
.
Ultrasound
Toxicity & Poisoning Treatment
In-House Pharmacy
Heartworm Testing
.
.
EKG Monitoring
.
.
Laboratory
.
. . .
Soft Tissue/Emergency Surgery
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Parasite Control
.
.
24 Hour Support Staff Microchips
Exams
www. austinvetcare .com
.
Blood & Plasma Transfusions
24 Hour Visiting
Dental Services
.
Vaccinations Senior Care
Save. Spoil. Share. lift • tone • burn The quickest, safest and most effective way to change your body.
westlake 3267 Bee Cave Road, Suite 120 Austin, TX 78746 (512) 574-8644 arboretum 10710 Research Blvd., Suite 316
Beauty | Fashion | Health | Improvement | More...
www.betweenusgirls.com
(Facing Jollyville Road)
Austin, TX 78759 (512) 574-2344
generated at BeQRious.com
SCAN THIS CODE WITH A BARCODE READER APP ON YOUR SMARTPHONE AND REGISTER TO WIN A $250 NORDSTROM GIFT CARD
purebarre.com
BetweenUsGirls will not sell, rent or share your personal contact information
austinlifestylemagazine.com
57
By Daniel Ramirez Photography by Knoxy
Sunday Brunch With The Women Of Austin Radio
ou could pull this scene from any of a number of popular films. A group of four women, leisurely spending their Sunday at a local restaurant, laughing over mimosas and sharing the events of the week or the juiciest bit of news with one another. The food arrives in nearly endless courses, looking impeccably prepared and garnering smiles and excitement with each new plate. Occasionally, the ladies invite curious waitstaff and nearby tables to join in for parts of their discussion, befriending the entire restaurant as they linger past the brunch crowd, the conversation too exciting to abandon. The women look radiant, the meal is flawless and the conversation flows far too easily. It is all too pretty to be anything but a celluloid dream. Except that it isn’t. It’s a Sunday afternoon at Manuel’s on Congress, where some of the prominent women of Austin radio have gathered to share a brunch and talk about the difficulties of being a woman in a male dominated field, the joy and pain of living a life on the air and all of the details in between.
58 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Off the air and on the town, the women of Austin radio are Nikki Nite, Kim Iversen, Kristen Kurtis and Sara Osburn.
Appetizer: Sitting at this storybook table are: Kim Iversen, of Your Time With Kim, a nationally syndicated radio show that champions all things woman and fears no question or topic; Nikki Nite, program director and host of the afternoon drive on Mix 94.7, which helps get Austin through Mopac gridlock peacefully; Sara Osburn, the feminine side of the JB and Sandy morning show; and Kristen Kurtis, the newest woman of Austin radio, who takes the reins of Music Director and midday host at KGSR. Manuel’s, an Austin standard for years, provides the ideal backdrop with a live jazz band that has been the signature of their Sunday for enough years to make them the longest running jazz venue in town. Combine this with their uniquely Latin spin on brunch and the mimosa or mango daiquiri to encourage lively conversation and these women who talk for a living ease into a soundtrack-worthy montage of astute observations, shared challenges and riotous tales. We admittedly did stack the deck in our favor, ensuring that conversation would find topics both honest and humorous by writing questions on the backs of heart-shaped cards to break any ice. First Course: Iversen, ever the pioneer, cherry-picks her first heart as coffee and drinks arrive and wastes no time going directly for the jugular. The first discourse is all about the difficulty of living a public life and trying to maintain a personal life. “Nobody wants to be in my
life when they know I’m going to talk about the relationship,” she puts forth. Agreements swirl around the table, as each of them has dealt with the learning curve of trying to protect not only themselves, but those who are in their lives. “I tell the story if it makes fun of me, but not if it makes fun of the other person,” Osburn offers. She turns to Kim and says, “you use nicknames, I need to start using nicknames like Mr. X.” Meanwhile, Nikki cites a non-relationship danger of talking about private life on air and confesses that her in-laws heard her commentary, because they streamed the show every day, with predictable results. “Before, when I would go on a bunch of first dates and I would talk about the guys. I didn’t mean to make fun of them, but it would happen,” jokes Sara. This is met with a great deal of of agreement at the table. Apparently, trial and error with on-air airing of private life is the norm. Even Kristen confesses the same, “I’m married, so I’ll share things as they’re appropriate, but I never use his name.” Second Course: Talk turns to more basic questions about their start, as Lomo De Res, Manuel’s version of steak and eggs arrive, alongside an enviable dish called Huevos Motuleños, which is a stacked breakfast dish. Accompanied by round two of brunch beverages, the conversation has hit its stride. All the ladies share nearly the same tale of interning through smaller stations and moving from city to city, wherever radio took them. They fling radio call signs and musical acronyms like that
austinlifestylemagazine.com
59
The women of Austin radio share dishes and drinks at an ideal brunch table on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
all of them know well, but sound like a foreign language to those and I have my idols in radio and I want a girl in high school to look up outside the industry. They fondly recount the menial tasks and the les- at me and think, ‘she’s intelligent and carries herself a certain way.’” sons learned while paying their dues, as well as some initiation rites of Some of the questions are loved and others aren’t so welcome, like passage. “Answering phones is like the most important job on my show, the dreaded “What do you see yourself doing in five years?” Regardless, because you’ve got to make sure somebody ridiculous doesn’t make it the ladies soldier on, continuing to eat, drink and be candid. on the air,” Kim says to Sarah after hearing her tales of interning. “You “Where do I see myself? Here,” Kristen boldly contributes. “You learn a lot,” Osburn reiterates. “You learn what the callers say about the decide what you want to do when you’re thirteen and you spend every people on air.” Each has taken a similar path, but strewn throughout are second since then plotting every minute detail of your life to get to that sudden bursts of advancement, clearly as a sign that there was talent in place. I want to be on air, I want to be a music director and I want to each of these women, long before they found Austin. be in a cool city; and I just landed that three months ago.” Kim waxes Nikki explains her initial transition from school to full-time radio pensive, seeing herself with an infinite number of projects, alongside with a smile and a laugh. “I wasn’t supposed to graduate yet and they family life. “That’s kind of the tough part about being a female in this said, if you can get a job, I’ll give you your diploma, because a job is industry, especially being a woman in radio. We’ve all had to deal with more important than graduating from this program,” Nite recalls. “I’m moving so much. We’ve all had to deal with the instability of the indusone credit shy of graduating, because I took my job and couldn’t finish try and it’s really difficult to think about balancing out a life in radio.” college, because I had to take the radio job. Basket weaving - any one She reflects on the life these women have and doesn’t advise it for men, credit,” Kim echoes. considering all of the moves and the relative instability. It isn’t lost on Third Course: When the talk turns to the primary audience for each her that this observation is applicable to her own life and is a testament woman’s show, another element emerges. There's a genuine desire to to each woman’s stable position in Austin radio. “It’s good to hear that reach people, particularly women, within their respective listening other women are feeling that same way,” chimes Kurtis, acknowledgaudiences. “I want to tell them to enjoy their lives, have fun, like music. ing that having a family in a sometimes unstable industry makes deciI want to tell them about cool things to do in Austin,” Nikki begins. “I sions difficult. would say that my underlying message is positivity. Any way that I can Dessert: The final courses arrive, as do the richest questions. When communicate positivity, I try to do that. We’re really fortunate to have the card turns over, asking the women what their advice to up and coma hundred thousand watts behind us... and what comes with that is a ing women in radio would be, there is a choir of answers. “My advice lot of responsibility.” always is learn how to be patient, work hard, learn how to do everyKim picks up the thought and remarks, “There’s a lot of responsibility thing and never think you’re too good for anything and it will happen,” because you’ll end up with people who will say ‘you changed my life.’” Osburn proclaims. Her career path, where she learned to operate all of This declaration is greeted by understanding nods, as well as affirma- the tools of the trade, was much the same for each of them. Kim shouts, tions of Manuel's brunch. “I try to be as conservative and as much of “It’s 1am and I’m here! I’m ready to learn the board!” The statement is a role model as I can,” Osburn says. “I grew up listening as a little girl greeted by all with both knowing laughs. “I think I would add to what
60 austinlifestylemagazine.com
With a few prompting questions and the incomparable food at Manuel's brunch, the conversation flowed freely.
the two of them said - network,” Nite states. “Networking is so important. The industry is so small. Be professional in everything you do, because you will run into these same people over and over and over again.” She goes further, speaking true wisdom for any gender in any industry, saying, “Tell people what you want, because if you don’t say it out loud, people don’t know.” Excited to impart knowledge to those who would follow in her footsteps, Iversen contributes her own addendum, stating, “I would also say, specifically for women, aim high, much higher than the industry will tell you to aim; and don’t dumb yourself down.” Sara picks up this same piece of wisdom. “Don’t be the girl who does all the dumb stunts just because it’ll make the guys laugh,” she adds. They have a lot to impart to women in radio, but have a confidence and command of their craft that transcends the profession. Applying their advice and counsel to any job, alongside a healthy dose of the hard work that each cited, one can see precisely how they would be successes in any industry. The plates find their way back to the kitchen, the mimosas have transitioned to prosecco or coffee and the final questions emerge, asking about the city they all call home. Each has their own Austin and with the variety of schedules represented at the table, they each offer their unique picture of why they love the town. “I’ve lived in other cities, where I think they didn’t have a personality and Austin has the biggest personality of any city I’ve ever lived in,” Sara offers. Kim goes
even further, placing Austin at the top of the many cities she’s lived in. “I’ve lived in Chicago, New York, L.A., San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Boise, Idaho, Paris, France. I’ve lived everywhere and will say in all honesty that Austin’s my favorite city of all the cities I’ve lived in,” she says proudly. “It’s real,” says Kristen. “I love how genuinely nice and welcoming people are, here. In the northeast, you’re guilty until proven innocent. You have to earn people’s trust. I’ve never been so touched by the community feeling here,” Kurtis continues." “I love that you can wear flip flops ten months of the year,” Nite states, bringing the discussion back to practical realities. But, before long, she too dons an air of reverence for the soul of the city, stating, “I love the fact that the city has a feeling that you can just be whatever you want to be and it’s accepted. It’s a very ‘accepted feeling’ type of place. Whatever you are, that’s cool. You fit in.” The conversation continues on long after the tape has run out; and there is much more that can still be discussed, as these women have more to offer than a single article or brunch can offer. But it is on that note that we leave the table and head out into the rest of Sunday afternoon, full of good food, great conversation and a better knowledge of the voices that blanket the Austin airwaves. And, thanks to Manuel’s and some strategic questions, we are familiar, too, with the soul behind each voice. ALM
austinlifestylemagazine.com
61
yard art | native plants | sculpture trail | workshops
EvErything gardEn & FinE art visit our sculpture garden & gallery open everyday (10a to 6p) except mondays
(512) 569 0175 | solsticegardens.com we are located in dripping springs 14 miles west of the y at oak hill (on hwy 290) & 1.5 miles west of rr12
statuary | tables | sculptures | gates | chimes | gifts | bird feeders With over 40 years of combined experience, Dynamic Integrations began as a collaborative effort to integrate custom, user-friendly technology with one-of a-kind customer service and support. The result is a unique blend of distinct individuality mixed with the highest advances in technology supported by customer service that will surpass all expectation. Dynamic Integrations is dedicated to providing exceptional service and products individually designed to integrate seamlessly into your home. It is our goal to not only provide you with superior functionality and versatility but as well working with the aesthetics of your space. Bringing your vision to reality. Home Theater Home Automation iPad/iPhone Control/Apps Networking Controlled Lighting House Audio Phone Systems Intercom
Eco Friendly/Green Solutions Security Shades and Shade Control Media Servers Surveillance Distributed Video Access Control Satellite Installation
DYNAMICINTEGRATIONSINC.COM
512.716.0817 BALANCING COMPLEX SYSTEMS WITH SIMPLE SOLUTIONS. 62 austinlifestylemagazine.com
Tx Security License B14478 Tx Fire License RAS-1566 & ACR-3157
Holiday Gift Guide >
Spec's Gift Basket Looking for the perfect grown-up gift? Get a pre-assembled Spec's gift basket or customize your own for a personal touch. With 10,000 wines & spirits plus hundreds of gourmet foods and cigars, Spec's makes holiday shopping easy. Ten area locations. (512) 280-7400. SpecsOnline.com. CHEERS TO SAVINGS
>
Detoxify Set Designed to cleanse, refresh and revive skin, this set features Dr.Hauschka top-sellers Cleansing Cream and Facial Toner. For the Face: Cleansing Clay Mask, Cleansing Cream, Facial Steam Bath, Facial Toner For the Body: Lemon Bath, Lemon Lemongrass Body Oil. $22.95. Whole Foods.
By Monsterami
>
Charmed Life
>
Charm your party guests this holiday season with a bit of artistic elegance: wine charms made by a local Austin designer. All charms are created with Swarovski crystals, glass beads, silver and gold. These are a perfect pairing of glitz and glamour to add to your special event. Gift wrapping is available upon request. $ 16 and up. charmedlifeaustin.com.
“Keep Austin Weird” this holiday season by giving the gift of unique hand-crafted plush monsters and decorative wine bottle toppers by Monsterami. Kickass monsters for the young AND young at heart. $12 and up, FREE shipping. monsterami.com
Gabsbags
>
Mix stripes and plaids with confidence this Holiday season. GabsBags Menswear Pinstripe Tote is made from real wool pants, lined in silk, has a large inner pocket and a pants pocket on the outside. Uses a great leather belt as straps. 17” (43cm) W x 13” (33cm) H x 7” (18cm) D. Straps have a 7” (18cm) drop. The Tote is paired with a set of 3 handmade interchangeable belt buckles. (belt not included) Each one features a different color palette of wonderful textures/patterns encased in resin. $125. gabsbags.etsy.com
austinlifestylemagazine.com
63
64
austinlifestylemagazine.com
Simple Desires, Extravagant Execution
A CENTRAL AUSTIN HOME THAT MAXIMIZES MINIMALISM
BY P E G GY H A M I LTO N H O U S E R | P H OTO G R A P H Y BY AT E L I E R WO N G
austinlifestylemagazine.com
65
JAY HARGRAVE AND HIS AUSTIN ARCHITECTURE FIRM DESIGNED AND BUILT THIS ORIGINAL, MODERN HOME IN AUSTIN’S ZILKER NEIGHBORHOOD FOR JOY AND KRIS NIELSEN, WHO HAD RELOCATED TO AUSTIN FROM RURAL LOUISIANA. In their search for a modern house, the Nielsens exhaustively searched Austin’s available stock, eventually opting to find a lot and build. They bought property in the heart of the city, close to Barton Springs and at their realtor’s suggestion, contacted Hargrave. The couple liked the firm’s work and believed there was value in having one entity design and construct their home. The Nielsens had a few parameters for the design: they wanted a view of downtown, separate living and sleeping wings and a clean, uncluttered interior. Joy, who is a urologist, envisioned minimalism. Her husband Kris, also a health care professional, wanted the house to be casual and unpretentious. The unusually shaped property, while large, came with constraints: an unbuildable ravine covered half the lot and protected Live Oaks limited possibilities on the other half. In response, Cottam Hargrave designed a 3200-square-foot, wishboneshaped house that cradles a 33-inch live oak in the middle of the site and divides the house into public and private wings. A 17-foot cantilever, anchored by 30 foot piers, extends the living room over the ravine. Most of the home is concealed
Above: The minimalist design allows the house to feature both the natural outdoor beauty, as well as color accents, including pillows by Bo Concept. Left: A clutter-free workspace invites a contemplative and uncluttered focus. Opposite Top: Wooden accents across the kitchen faces compliment peaceful outdoor vantages. Opposite right: Abundant natural light throughout the living space draws attention to each detail.
66 austinlifestylemagazine.com
austinlifestylemagazine.com
67
from the street; only Kris’s office and music room, with its large, steel window, is visible on approach. This window cantilevers over the garage, giving the home an iconic presence on the street. While placing the garage at the front of the home was unavoidable, the home’s entry sequence is powerful and distinct from that of the car. Oxidized steel walls open to form the pedestrian path; one is drawn inward by a framed view of the large Live Oak beyond. A concrete wall engages with the house and eventually becomes the living room wall, terminating at the cantilever. Joy’s office occupies the space between the wall and the sculptural entry volume; a water feature and succulent garden shares this space on this other side of the glass. Inside, carved masses selectively reveal and conceal, creating a sense of discovery. The one-story public wing unites the kitchen, dining areas and living room. Glass walls open to the courtyard and fuse the social spaces. The ceiling slopes to 15-feet; a cloud-like soffit above the dining area and Bulthaup kitchen gives indirect light. The two-story bedroom wing opens to private views of the back yard. The first-floor guest room features a wall of glass and built-in walnut cabinetry. Custom walnut stairs have openings in the risers that provide return air passage. The large steel window in Kris’s office frames the home’s only view of the street; this is the place to watch people go by. The master bedroom has expansive glazing and its own generous terrace. A spiral staircase accesses the roof deck, which takes in full views of Austin’s growing skyline.
68 austinlifestylemagazine.com
The exterior is a simple, durable palette of white stucco, steel, glass and cast-in-place concrete. Highperformance, sustainable elements include a geothermal HVAC system, fluorescent and LED lighting, structural gypsum sheathing, foam insulation and structural steelwood frame construction. Custom metal features--including the steel entry wall and blued and stainless steel hand rails — give the home an intimate, handmade quality without compromising its toughness. Hargrave’s philosophy is to deliver permanent, efficient buildings with high-quality systems and minimal life-cycle cost. The firm’s intellectual capital is the product of its broad scope of activities--they are architects, general contractors, fabricators and artisans. As architects, they use their knowledge as builders and fabricators; as builders, they consider how the details affect the experience and perception of space. The Nielsens have fallen in love with the dramatic cantilever supporting the living room; it is a wonder that Kris frequently steps outside to admire. The busy, working couple is also thankful for the low-maintenance nature of the house, which allows them to take it easy in their free time. ALM
Opposite Above: Floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom leave nothing to obscure the morning light. Opposite Below: A floating sink space and unblocked path from shower to bathroom space open up the master bath even more. Left: The entry path incorporates the yard and makes the outdoors a part of the house. Above: The construction of the home so near the ravine elicits a feeling of floating over the landscape while firmly on the balcony.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
69
A* S T Y LE | TOA S T
2
1
3
the toast of the town 1 High Rise Champagne Flutes: 4/$60. saksfifthavenue.com 2 Grace Avenue Toasting Flutes: 2/$60. nordstrom.com 3 Hand Painted Crystal Cream Rose: $35. etsy.com 4 Venetian-Style Champagne Flutes: 6/$69 or $11.50 each. napastyle.com 5 Red Swarovski Crystal : $65. etsy.com 6 Two of Us Toasting Flutes: 2/$200. nordstrom.com 7 Balloon Stemware Ocean Green: $16 each. anthropologie.com 8 Darling Point Toasting Flutes: 2/$60. nordstrom.com
4
70 austinlifestylemagazine.com
6
5
organic meets modern in this cerulean teardrop glass. 7
8
austinlifestylemagazine.com
71
A* TA S T E | S AVO R
CHRIS PATUNAS
An outdoor setting is made into first class dining, as Court's design is paired with vintage chandeliers, courtesy of Back Home Furniture. Tableware and seating provided by Marquee Rents. Centerpiece arrangement by Fabian Salcedo.
72 austinlifestylemagazine.com
A* TA S T E | S AVO R
Salad with Candied Pecans, Pomegranate, and Fresh Figs.
Going Out For Dinner HOW A CATERER MAKES ANY MEAL A NIGHT TO REMEMBER BY DA N I E L R A M I R E Z P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A P R I L T H O M A S O N I T ’ S A N O T H E R DAY I N T H E L I F E O F S UZ A N N E CO U R T. Just a matter of putting the finishing touches on a table setting, making certain that things get plated properly and providing a great experience for her guests. She is a caterer in Austin, used to the rigors of the kitchen, the orchestration of timing dishes so that they all arrive hot and the demands of a clientele that is capable of changing their mind at any moment. After fifteen years in the business, she is fully capable of handling a variety of situations. Compared to any other day, when the parties she hosts might range from tens to hundreds, a dinner for eight seems like a walk in the park for Court. Set along the banks of Bull Creek in an outcropping of land, a park is the exact setting for what can only be called another of Suzanne’s dinner experiences. And she takes it all in stride, making a beautiful day in Austin look even more beautiful. Not only is the dinner table set with the most unique centerpiece, designed by her in-house floral designer, but each setting is paid meticulous attention and the meal begins long before the food touches a single plate, as the guests devour the setting with their eyes first. Court began with a pursuit in art, so the layout of each of her events reflects a natural talent for colors and hues. She began hosting dinner parties during her artistic pursuits and when a caterer got sick, a friend asked her to simply duplicate the experience they had at one of Court’s meals. Every dish she presented was homemade and the result was a new career. Graduating from three catering jobs ranging from twenty to two hundred fifty guests, the word on her talent spread quickly and justifiably so.
White Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake
For Suzanne, it isn’t about catering events or feeding people, it is about styling an entire experience. She is like a concierge for fourhour vacations, each of which is tailored to the clientele. For the picnic in the park, the menu consisted of a salad that featured figs, blue cheese, pomegranate and candied pecans. A baked flatbread that captured all the flavors of fall followed, with the main course delivering the coup de grace. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, atop roasted root vegetables suited the season well and contrasted blissfully with the hints of sweetness in the two previous courses. As if this wasn’t enough, Court finished the meal with a white chocolate and macadamia sweet potato cake that is surely what carrot cake aspires to become. Suzanne claims that, with the following recipes, anyone can easily make these dishes for a dinner party of eight. For the full dining experience, including the carefully chosen furniture, place settings, floral design and accessories, one would be wise to contact Suzanne directly at suzanne@suzannecourt.com to have an experience that cannot be duplicated.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
73
Mushroom, Butternut Squash and Gruyere Tartlet
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Autumn Vegetable
BACON WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH ROASTED AUTUMN VEGETABLES (Serves 8 people) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh rosemary , chopped ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard 2 tbsp honey 2 pork tenderloins 6 strips think-cut maple bacon 2 small fennel bulbs, tops removed 3 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced diagonally 3 parsnips, peeled and thickly sliced diagonally 3 firm apples, peeled, cored and quartered (such as Gala or Empire) 2 onions, thickly sliced 4 tbsp good olive oil 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted Salt and freshly ground black pepper, plus 1 tbsp kosher salt Preheat the oven to 425°. Mix garlic, salt, pepper and rosemary and to bowl with mustard and honey mixture. Spread the mixture over the
74 austinlifestylemagazine.com
pork and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Wrap 3 slices of bacon around each tenderloin in a diagonal pattern. Meanwhile, cut the fennel bulbs in thick wedges, cutting through the core. Toss the fennel, carrots, apples and onions in a bowl with the olive oil, melted butter, salt and pepper to taste. Place the vegetables in a large roasting pan and cook for 30 minutes. Add the pork loin to the pan and continue to cook for another 30 to 50 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the middle of the pork reads exactly 138°. Remove the meat from the pan and return the vegetables to the oven to keep cooking. Cover the meat with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Slice the meat on a diagonal. Arrange the meat and vegetables on a platter. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm.
MUSHROOM, BUTTERNUT SQUASH, AND GRUYERE TARTLET (Serves 8 people) 1½ pound butternut squash— peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 large shallot, thinly sliced 1 lb assorted mushrooms, trimmed and cut into 1” pieces ¼ cup dried cranberries 1 tsp sherry vinegar ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 4 oz chilled all-butter puff pastry 2 large egg yolks ¼ cup crème fraîche ¼ lb Gruyère cheese, shredded 2 tsp chopped thyme All-purpose flour, for dusting Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Preheat oven to 375°. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and toss with 2 tbsp of the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes, until just tender. Remove from oven and set aside. Increase oven temperature to 400.
Meanwhile in a skillet, melt the butter in the remaining 2 tbsp of oil. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add the mushrooms and drier cranberries, cover and cook, stirring until tender. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Toss with the vinegar and nutmeg and add to the squash. Line a baking sheet with parchment. On a floured work surface, roll the puff pastry out to 121/2 by 141/2 inches. Using a knife, trim the pastry to 12 by 14 inches. Transfer to the baking sheet and prick the pastry with a fork all over except for a 1/2-inch border. Bake the pastry for 20 minutes, until golden; pierce with a fork if it puffs during baking. Let cool. Stir the egg yolks, crème fraîche, Gruyère, thyme, 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper into the mushrooms and squash. Spread the mixture on the pastry inside the border. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve.
Polishing A Diamond ROUGH HOLLOW MAKES A GREAT RESTAURANT EVEN BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER TUNG
105 YACHT CLUB COVE LAKEWAY, TX 78734 512.261.3444 GRILLEATROUGHHOLLOW.COM
The Grille’s management staff, led by Colleen Needham, are ready to serve!
Lakeway’s destination for exquisite cuisine has some new additions this season that are as as fresh as the seafood they serve. Colleen Needham, most recently hailing from Key West, Florida, has come on board as General Manager at The Grille At Rough Hollow and Chef Casey Simmons has spiced up the new menu with flavorful appetizers and additional signature dishes. In Key West, Colleen was responsible for three of the island’s most popular venues, The A&B Lobster House, Alonzo’s Oyster Bar and the White Tarpon Wine Bar, all benefiting from the same success that greets her every endeavor. Colleen managed the three sprawling properties for ten years, not only keeping standards high, but also expanding on the growing special events market accustomed to the waterfront community. Colleen, also with ties to Chef Roy Yamaguchi from Hawaii, brings to The Grille all of the skills she’s learned from a lifetime of designing and managing restaurants throughout the United States. Her influence is sure to make the dining experience at The Grille all the more enjoyable. The restaurant, too, has seen recent improvements to an already beautiful setting, with the addition of a leisure-inspiring, modern designed patio that now features a mood-setting fireplace and an enclosure enhancement on it’s beautiful Pavilion available for larger special events. With these recent additions, The Grille At Rough Hollow now proves even more stunning to both the eye and the palate. Available also for parties and events, visit The Grille At Rough Hollow soon!
Oysters Rockefeller now on the menu
Colleen Needham, General Manager
THE GRILLE AT ROUGH HOLLOW
A* TA S T E | S I P
Warming Up When It Cools Down COCKTAILS INFUSED WITH THE TASTES OF AUTUMN
B L E S S E D A R E T H E B E V E R A G E D E I T I E S W H O H AV E F I N A L LY
The faux pas that is ordering a spiked coffee during warmer months is now apropos as the colder weather graciously deems it socially acceptable. The heat and good sense that steer our inner-selves down the path of the summer-tini can now be bid farewell. Austin’s bars and lounges are, of course, on top of the seasonal trend to provide coffee inspired, even tea inspired, beverages to the masses. Eager for the encroaching cool weather, Austin Lifestyle Magazine scavenged the city for the utmost of such libations, forging the way for those who enjoy their caffeine, their alcohol and their cozy refuge from the fall and winter weather — all in one. A proper nightcap cures the worst of bad-day syndromes. The crème de la crème of such beverages is the Butterscotch-tini at The Highball on South Lamar. It coyly demonstrates the universal epicurean beauty of a nominally “feminine” beverage. The drink’s preparation is just as beautiful as its presentation. The bartender works with house-infused vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream, half and half and a touch of Frangelico liquer. The Frangelico provides an underlying hazelnut flavor, secondary to the coffee and sinfully smooth vanilla-butterscotch. The vodka is the product of raw vanilla beans, split down the middle and saturated in a decanter of vodka for at least a week, amounting to the ultimate infusion. G R ACED US WITH SE A SONALLY APPROPRIATE COCK TAIL S .
Butterscotch-tini
76 austinlifestylemagazine.com
The Butterscotch-tini is considered a “collaborative invention” by the bar staff at The Highball. With a precisely drizzled chocolate syrup lining the rim of a martini glass, this drink ideally compliBronx Bomber ments the retro vibes of its venue. Straying a bit from its mocha counterparts is The Liberdade at Annie’s Café and Bar. Named after a nineteenth century explorer’s ship, which was constructed with a motley assortment of items, The Liberdade is reminiscent of its namesake’s diverse make up. It is concocted with freshly peeled and cut cucumber, freshly shaven ginger, a house-made green tea infusion, Cachaca Brazilian rum and a syrupy mixture of tangerine and lime juices. While remaining true to its seasonality, The Liberdade is seemingly nostalgic of warmer weather, its color that of ginger-limeade and its taste just as refreshing. It possesses the sweetness of a more traditional cocktail, but contrasts that gentle flavor with the lingering strength of the ginger that gently bites at the palate. The fact that Annie’s prepares their cocktails from fresh, farm-to-market ingredients when available only adds to the inevitable appreciation of The Liberdade. On the other end of the cocktail spectrum is The Bronx Bomber. This “old school cocktail,” as 4th Street’s Peché describes it, is advisable for those who take their coffee dark and their liquor strong. Composed of two shots of freshly brewed espresso, two shots of gin and a shot of absinthe liqueur, the beverage’s bitterness is a refreshing digression from sweeter cocktails. The potency of the drink relies much on the absinthe, which is an anise-flavored liqueur whose taste resembles that of licorice. The Bronx Bomber is topped off with a few raw coffee beans. Its presentation appeals undoubtedly to the aesthetic critic, yet its palatability will vary with preference. Approach Peché’s cocktail strong-heartedly and relish in the warming sultriness of this uniquely soothing concoction. As the holidays approach and the city’s best drinks emerge onto the scene, Austin invites you to be a part of the seasonal trend. With coffee and tea inspired cocktails leading the charge, there is no excuse for resisting a little exploration of the palate. As the beverage deities would surely endorse, “‘tis the season”!
LINDA FLORES
BY EMILY RAE PELLERIN
A* TA S T E | ACCI D EN TA L EPI CU R E A N
Keeping Warm Within Texas Chili Parlour’s XX
AUSTIN’S BEST SOUPS BY DANIEL RAMIREZ IT SEEMS S TR ANG E TO CELEBR ATE THE ARRIVAL OF A SE A SON
But, when the mercury hasn’t known a number below 80 for over four months, as is the case in our fair town of Austin, the fact that leaves are turning for the right reason seems as much a cause to cheer as any other, perhaps even more so. But, as the temperatures continue to descend and we begin forgetting how sweltering the summer was, the Accidental Epicurean thought it might be wise to look into ways to keep the heat alive in the winter months. Grab a spoon and dive in to some of the best soups and stews in town. WITH SUCH RECKLESS ABANDON .
most Austinites suffer through winter and how it plays havoc with our immune systems. That is, of course, if they’re unaware of the healing power of Maudie’s soup. Abide by over the MAUDIE’S CAFE counter drugs if you wish, but we will swear by the maudies.com spicy and smooth mix of traditional Mexican cuisine that makes up this bowl. Already full of pieces of pulled chicken, avocado, tomatoes and pepper, the bowl comes with onions and cilantro alongside traditional tortilla strips to make the soup complete. A broth that retains the best spices of your favorite Tex-Mex grill, Maudie’s Caldo may just be the cure doctors have been unable to find for centuries and just around the corner from where you live.
MINESTRE MARITATA
If you can imagine the entirety of the comfort food menu in a bowl, then you may understand what it is to eat this Italian wedding soup. Served hot enough to fog a pair of glasses, this concoction of chicken broth, kale, greens and a veritable buffet of meats is certain to ensure that you are warm both inside and out. Mandola’s crafts an incredible blend of pork, chicken, miniature meatMANDOLA’S balls and Italian classics, prosciutto and pancetta. ITALIAN MARKET Surrounded by greens that have taken on the flavor mandolasmarket.com of the rich broth and adorned with a melting sprinkle of Parmesan, this bowl is redolent of home. Take the adorning piece of artisanal focaccia and drag it through the soup and you can delight in the textures and the savory blend that truly is a marriage of flavor and warmth, worthy of being called a wedding soup. CALDO
With changes in weather comes the inevitable return of the common cold. Debilitating, dangerous and downright annoying,
XX
For over 35 years, when the weather gets frigid, Austin has known how to fend off the chill. Within sight of the Capital sits a small restaurant with an all wood interior, weathered wood floors and history as thick as the chili they serve. The Texas Chili Parlor has been keeping a fire in Austin bellies since 1976 and TEXAS CHILI PARLOUR they haven’t lost a single degree of heat in all those cactushill.com/TCP years. There’s something for every chili lover, here, whether they be vegetarian or dangerously daring. While one might decide to sign a waiver and go for the XXX chili, we recommend that most people stick with the XX and feel satisfied. Thirty-five years worth of wisdom goes into the chili mix, served Texas-style with no beans. The ample heat and delicious flavor command too much respect for us to inquire about the precise mix of spices in their chili. Suffice it to say, with the official state food in its name and its proximity to those who decide what state foods are in Texas, they get it right with every bowl.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
77
COSM IC C ADE NCE
BY D O N N A WO O DW E L L
HOROSCOPES
November & December Start your holiday season extra early this year. The first three weeks of November are a stellar time for shopping, visiting or even applying for jobs. If you do, you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy coasting through the rest of the holiday season. If you don’t, the Mercury retrograde from Nov. 23-Dec. 13 may keep you frantic chasing reindeer and lost luggage. Write your New Year’s Resolutions early, too. A new Moon on Christmas Day ushers in a new energy earlier than usual. All of the planets will be in direct motion for the rest of the year and into January, which means Santa’s sled just lost its brakes. Who’s afraid of 2012? Bring it on!
ARIES
MAR 21—APR 20
You may find yourself unusually pensive this holiday, Aries. Truth. Meaning. These aren’t things you can usually find in the shopping mall or under a tree. So give yourself a gift this year: time to reflect. You may discover that it’s your own beliefs that have limited your experience of life or love.
LEO
JUL 23—AUG 22
When was the last time you asked yourself: "What jingles my bells?” If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. You need to create to satisfy your sunny soul. But habit and creativity aren’t easy bedfellows. So get out of your rut. Head to the nearest toy store and take a lesson from the Bard and the kids: the play’s the thing!
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN TAURUS
APR 21—MAY 20
Bustle isn’t your thing. So why not keep the season simple? Avoid the rush; do you shopping early and online. Then spend your holidays doing those things that encourage that deep, grounded serenity your soul craves. Maybe others will see the wisdom and follow your example.
GEMINI
VIRGO
AUG 23—SEP 22
Holidays bring up family drama for everyone, doubly so for you this year, Virgo. A little secret from Santa for you: Embrace imperfection. After the quirky, crazy-making rituals, or when the bulb explodes just after you string the lights– Laugh! Then help yourself to more milk and cookies.
LIBRA
SEP 23—OCT 22
You know what they say about the best laid plans (if you don’t, google it). But so what if things aren’t as you expected? Look for opportunities to learn from the unexpected. You may be surprised to discover that things can be even better than you ever hoped.
SCORPIO CANCER
JUN 22—JUL 22
Do visions of Southern Living holiday spreads leave you feeling like a house elf? Others do enjoy the comfy nostalgia you create, but perhaps not nearly as much as you do. So, if you choose to indulge your Martha Stewart urges, do it to please yourself first. It will keep your hearthfire merrily burning, instead of leaving you with holiday burnout.
78
austinlifestylemagazine.com
OCT 23—NOV 22
Naughty and Nice. Admit it. You’re making a list. It’s okay to examine what’s really important to you, what sustains and supports you. Knowing what you value is a big part of how you create a wonderful life. And you have better things to do than waste time buying coal.
DEC 22—JAN 20
Closure. That’s what you need, Capricorn. Time to let go of those things you’ve been hanging on to longer than you know you should. Before you deck the halls, clear the decks. Not just of clutter and projects, but of any anger or guilt. You’ve got a new year just around the corner; you’ll want an unobstructed runway so you can soar.
AQUARIUS
MAY 21—JUN 21
Always bubbling with curiosity, Gemini, you’re as open-minded as they come. So it may surprise you when not everyone is the same way. And that’s the paradox of your close relationships – your attraction to and frustration with, different ways of being. Suspend your judgments and appreciate what is and your holidays will be happier.
NOV 23—DEC 21
Did you apply for a position, but the applications got lost in the mail? Or did that certain someone you met misplace your number? If you’re running into walls, the Universe may be telling you: “That’s not the way.” Ask yourself what YOU want. Then head in that direction.
JAN 21—FEB 19
If you were a reindeer, you’d be Rudolph. Let your uniqueness shine brightly. You remember that it’s not the trappings of tradition that make the holidays special, but the people we celebrate with. So, if your friends and family are lost in the fog, light the way. Hustle them into the sleigh and carry them to the party.
PISCES
FEB 20—MAR 20
Strange dreams. If Mean Santa’s barking orders and the elves are plotting rebellion, perhaps it’s your psyche’s way of telling you something. Ask yourself: Who has authority over you? How do you feel about that? If you don’t like the answers you receive, you need a change.
austinlifestylemagazine.com THE BEST OF EVERYTHING—ONLINE!
DAVID MEAD
View interactive issues online!
What We've Been Up To This Fall Check out Austin Lifestyle's coverage of Austin City Limits Festival, Fantastic Fest and more, complete with interviews from Patrice Pike, Elbow (the band) and Kevin Sorbo. Fall is a season without a dull moment, so be sure to keep up with Austin Lifestyle's coverage online.
More Mexico With a trip to San Miguel De Allende, there are always more stories to be found and plenty to be told. Get the scoop on more places to go, things to eat and adventures to experience!
Rising From The Ashes ALM takes a look at the recovery from the wildfires in Bastrop and how Lost Pines, our featured spa and getaway, has contributed to this worthwhile cause.
Santa Julia Winery She may not be a saint, but this young lady is certainly cause for celebration. As ambassador of wines from her namesake vineyard, she also is an emissary of her nation's increasing influence. Find out how Argentina is continuing to gain prominence in the wine industry and where to find their wines.
Check out our online photo gallery of events from ALM issue release parties and Austin’s social scene.
Follow us on Twitter: @lifestyleaustin Become a fan on Facebook!
austinlifestylemagazine.com
79
MICHAEL J. KHOURI ATTORNEY AT LAW
FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE MEDICARE AUDIT DEFENSE MEDICARE FRAUD DEFENSE
Former Deputy District Attorney Over 29 Years Experience Member of the Texas and California Bars and Bars of the United States District Courts Western and Northern Districts of Texas
Telephone: (949) 336-2433; Cell: (949) 680-6332 4040 BARRANCA PARKWAY, SUITE 200 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92604 www.khourilaw.com and www.lawyer-medicare.com ww
KEEP AUSTIN
WELL YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL EVERY DAY
Marianna Mooring | arkFIT.com
austinlifestylemagazine.com
81
Suprisingly more than what you’d expect from a dental visit.
4200 North Lamar, Suite 145 (next to Uchiko) 512.459.5437 | drmoossy.com
82 austinlifestylemagazine.com
K EEP AUS T IN W ELL
Shifting Perspective, Gaining Clarity HOW TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU SEE, TO BECOME WHAT YOU ENVISION. BY LISA TALEV I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT WE OF TEN THINK WE NEED TO CHANGE OURSELVES TO FIT OUR LIVES , R ATHER THAN CHANG ING OUR LIVES
We forget that our lives could be completely different if we choose and that this change comes naturally from within when we develop habits that are more aligned with who we really are on the inside. When it comes to managing your weight, it's easy to look to the established "experts" to tell you what to do. You might be drawn to the new best-selling diet book or be seduced by TV commercials promising a whole new body and life through their weight loss product. You might even try Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers and feel safe for a while, counting calories and eating controlled portions of frozen meals… until it feels like hard work and discipline and you start resenting every bit of it. H E R E ’ S T H E S KI N N Y: Self-deprivation runs against human nature. Counting calories alone won't fix your problems. If you've been a chronic dieter, chances are that when you do lose the weight and cross that off your list, all of a sudden the rest of your problems fly up to the surface. You may then be left to face the demons that sent you running to food in the first place. Without a knowledgeable guide to support your process of discovery, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and want to quit. As a health and weight loss coach, I work with women one-on-one and in groups, to move past their history with food. The goal is learning to respond to the body's needs, now and in the future. Weight loss happens, but we don't make that our central focus. We focus instead on discovering what makes you feel great, what non-food treats are even more fulfilling than a snack, how to intuitively determine portion size and how to manage stress without overeating. You’re an individual, with unique bio-chemical responses to different foods. When you're bombarded by advertisements and media coverage about health trends, it can be hard to figure out what types of food are best for you. What I offer as a coach is not a list of "good/bad" foods, calorie charts or a strict eating plan. What I offer is insight into what your body needs. As I ask you questions you may not think to ask yourself, you will learn to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. You’ll discover what TO FIT OURSELVES.
makes you tick, what feels healthy to you, which decadent treats you should enjoy and which foods carry an emotional charge for you. During this evolution, you’ll discover healthy, fun ways to shift perspective and take fantastic care of yourself when life gets stressful. Working from what you already know you enjoy, we’ll design a wellness plan just for you. Building in fun, non-food treats and lots of new ways to indulge your senses, you will learn that letting go of excess weight is about giving yourself permission to enjoy living in your body. Because it’s never just about the food. It’s about creating balance and fulfillment in your life and and getting you to the point where food becomes a simple source of fuel and eating is an enjoyable ritual. As I like to say, Let life be your food and food be your medicine. When you gain awareness and new insights into old habits, you'll discover what’s been driving your food cravings and old eating style. With that new perspective, you can create and reinforce new, more enjoyable habits. My old paradigm used to be “enjoy now, suffer later.” After having gone through the coaching process myself, I’ve learned how to intuitively reach for what now feeds me: something that makes me feel great now and keeps me feeling great later, no suffering required. When you understand why you crave what you crave, you can respond in healthier ways. For example, if you recognize you crave fast food when you’re bored or lonely, you can use those cravings to your advantage next time they rear their ugly head. How cool would it be if your fast-food craving was a simple reminder for you to take a break and rest, or treat yourself to a pampering spa service? Life is full of countless little choices every day. Those choices define who we are and who we can become. It takes clarity of thinking to make happier choices. Working with a coach can get you there.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
83
A* S T Y LE | G E A R I N G U P
3
1
2
staying fit on the go 1 S’well Bottle: $35. swellbottle.com 2 10 lb. Vinyl Dumbbells: $40. bodysolid.com 3 Active Reversible Pant: $79. JockeyP2P.com 4 10 lb. Premium Kettlebell: $23. bodysolid.com 5 Jockey Person to Person Travel Bag: $90. JockeyP2P.com 6 SPIbelt: $19.95. bettysport.com 7 ENERGY: $18.50. bathbybettijo.com
4 5
7
6
give yourself a caffeine-free kick. 84
austinlifestylemagazine.com
K EEP AUS T IN W ELL
What You Don’t Know CAN Kill You SEVEN THINGS YOUNG MEN SHOULD DO NOW TO PROTECT AGAINST CANCER BY J A M E S U Y E K I , M . D. , T E X A S O N CO LO GY–S O U T H AU S T I N MEN IN THEIR 20S AND 30S MIGHT FEEL INVINCIBLE , BUT L ACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND LIFEST YLE CHOICES IN THEIR YOUNG ADULT Y E A RS CO U LD G RE AT LY IN CRE A S E T H E IR CH A N CE S O F D E V E L-
The dangers of tobacco, overeating, heavy drinking and a sedentary lifestyle are already well-documented and new research indicates that unsafe sex is responsible for many infections that could lead to cancer. The reluctance of many men to visit a doctor or undergo annual physical examinations prevents their best chances for early cancer detection and effective treatment. More than 25% of men have not visited a doctor within the past year and a similar percentage does not have a regular place of healthcare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The following cancers can either occur in young adult men or are caused by harmful habits that typically begin in the late teens and early 20s: HPV-REL ATED C ANCER: According to a recent study published in the leading medical journal, The Lancet, half of all American men ages 18 to 70 now have the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes warts, some forms of head and neck cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer. HPV is linked to 90% of anal cancers. Although HPV-related cancers are increasing, they are highly treatable if diagnosed early. Abstinence and safe sex not only protect against sexually transmitted diseases, but they also help prevent HPV-related cancers. In addition, HPV vaccines are a very effective way to prevent infection. TES TICUL AR C ANCER: Early treatment is the key to overcoming testicular cancer, which is the most common cancer found in men ages 15 to 34. Testicular cancer rates are now twice as high for white American men than they were 40 years ago and the rates for African American men are beginning to rise. Although the disease is essentially unpreventable with risk factors present at birth, more than 95% of patients are cancer-free after completing treatment, especially if the testicular cancer is detected early enough, before it spreads to other parts of the body. Self-examinations and consultations with physicians are the best ways to ensure early detection. LU N G C A N C E R : Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer-related deaths in Texas. According to the American Lung Association, tobacco smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer cases even though the effects of the disease might not show up for years. Despite decades of warnings about the dangers of tobacco, research surveys reveal that smoking prevalence is highest among people ages 25 to 44 years (23.7%) and more males than females smoke. For those OPING C ANCER .
26 years and older, 28.3% had used some form of tobacco product in the last month. Over time, that trend can have a devastating effect. COLON C ANCER: A high-fat diet, obesity, diabetes and family history of the disease raise the likelihood of developing colon cancer, which is the second-leading cancer killer of men and is among the most difficult to detect, because it lacks symptoms in early stages. Men may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer through a regular exercise schedule and a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods while limiting high-fat foods, red meat and alcohol consumption. S E V E N T H I N G S YO U N G A D U LT M E N S H O U L D D O N O W T O PRE VENT C ANCER: 1. Exercise regularly. 2. Eat a healthy diet with
plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting intake of red meat or high-fat foods. 3. Avoid tobacco smoke and using any form of tobacco. 4. Avoid heavy consumption of alcohol. Men should either abstain from alcohol or limit use to the equivalent of no more than two beers a day. 5. Avoid unsafe sexual practices. 6. Be aware of changes or unusual symptoms that could point to a problem. 7. Identify a preferred doctor and make appointments for regular physical examinations and regular screenings.
Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle are essential to help avoid debilitating cancer. Clean, healthy living might not make a person the life of the party, but it certainly increases the chances of that person living longer with a higher quality of life. James Uyeki is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–South Austin, 4101 James Casey Street, Suite 100, Austin, Texas.
austinlifestylemagazine.com
85
THE CELLULITE SPECIALISTS Slender, Smooth & Trim WITHOUT SURGERY OR DOWNTIME
Cosmetic and Holistic Dentistry
Ruthie Harper, MD offers the latest
Breakthrough Cellulite Treatments from South America
Non-Surgical Facelifts Cellulite Programs Body Contouring Skin Tightening
Comprehensive care with a personal touch...
*hCG Medical Weight Loss Complimentary Consultations RUTHIE HARPER, MD The Laser & Skincare Clinic | 3901 Medical Parkway, Suite 100 | Austin, Texas 78756 (512) 343.9355 | www.ruthieharper.com | rfh@ruthieharper.com *Visit our website for FDA statement regarding hCG
• General and Cosmetic Dentistry • Limited Root Canal Treatment
Got Dreams? Of Your Life. Take Control
Make Them Come True.
Change doesn’t have to be hard. You can create the life you’ve always wanted. Lose Weight Stop Smoking Reduce Stress
Feel Confident Achieve Goals Enjoy Life
Donna Woodwell, MA, CH Radiant Mind Hypnosis www.radiantmindhypnosis.com Call (512) 659-5494 today to schedule your free evaluation consultation.
• Limited Oral Surgery • Teeth Whitening • Non-surgical Treatment of Periodontal Disease • Safe Metal Removal • Laser Therapies Available
1221 West Ben White Blvd., Suite 110A
(512) 443-5813 www.naturaltoothfairy.com We accept Care Credit
86
austinlifestylemagazine.com
K EEP AUS T IN W ELL WELLNESS DIRECTORY
CANCER TREATMENT Austin Cancer Centers 4 locations in Austin & Georgetown 512.263.5269 AustinCancerCenters.com
EATING DISORDER TREATMENT Cedar Springs Austin 4613 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 104 Austin, TX 78746 512.732.2400 CedarSpringsAustin.com
DENTISTRY Elizabeth Rayne, DDS 1221 Ben White Blvd., Suite 110A Austin, TX 78704 512.443.5813 NaturalToothFairy.com
HORMONE REPLACEMENT
Moossy General & Cosmetic Dentistry 4200 North Lamar, Suite 145 Austin, TX 78756 (next to Uchiko) 512.459.5437 DrMoossy.com
Eleanor P. Womack, MD 5656 Bee Caves Road, Suite C-103 Austin, TX 78746 512.327.8700 westlakemedicalarts.com
Khouri Law Michael Khouri 4040 Barranca Pkwy, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92604 949.336.2433 KhouriLaw.com
UROLOGY
NEUROSURGERY
Austin Bariatric Clinic, P.A. Amanda Dupont, M.D. 5900 Balcones Drive, Ste. 160 Austin, TX 78731 512.71.9885 austinbariatricclinic.com
Austin Neurosurgical Institute Thomas S. Loftus, M.D. 2200 Park Bend Drive, Bldg. 2, Suite 202 Austin, TX 78758 512-836-0900
Urology Austin 17 Urologists 16 Convenient Locations UrologyAustin.com
WEIGHT LOSS
MEDICAL LAW
SKIN CARE
Body by Frame 6709 Burnet Lane Austin, TX 78757 512.402.2554 bodybyframe.com
Garlo Ward, P.C. 907 RR 620 S, Suite 101 Lakeway, TX 78734 512.302.1103 GarloWard.com
Ruthie Harper, MD 3901 Medical Pkwy, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78756 512.343.9355 RuthieHarper.com
Ruthie Harper, MD 3901 Medical Pkwy, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78756 512.343.9355 RuthieHarper.com
ANIspine.com
Specializing in the care of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADERSHIP TEAM assessments & consultations 10 and 6 hour partial hospitalization programs, 7 days a week intensive outpatient program, 3 days a week comprehensive treatment for male & female adults & adolescents
S EATING DISORDERS TREATMENT CENTER
Ted Weltzin, MD, Executive Medical Director, CEO Kim McCallum, MD, COO Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC, Executive Director Samantha Symons, MD, Staff Psychiatrist Lea Gebhardt, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Nutrition Director
cedarspringsaustin.com | 4613 bee cave rd., ste 104 | phone: 512.732.2400 austinlifestylemagazine.com
87
K EEP AUS T IN W ELL
Is This Safe To Eat? FOOD ALLERGIES AND THE QUESTIONS THEY INVITE BY A M I N M E RY, M D W E S T L A K E A L L E R GY SO, WHAT DEFINES A FOOD ALLERGY ? THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS OF WHAT WE IN THE MEDICAL COMMUNIT Y WOULD
Any symptom that occurs on a regular basis and is reproducible each time you are exposed to this specific food has the same flavor (pardon the pun) as an allergy. This is often caused by an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is found particularly reactive in people with allergies. Food allergies are more likely to develop in those who have family members with allergies. Symptoms may occur after you consume even the tiniest amount of the food. When I am assessing someone who comes into the office seeking answers I tend to ask a lot of questions like: when did you notice this reaction? What are the symptoms you have? Are they reproducible? I do this in order to determine which type of reaction I am looking for to establish a diagnosis. Each instance is a different investigation and subsequently a different treatment plan. What are some of the symptoms one may encounter with food allergy? Symptoms of allergic reactions are generally seen on the skin (hives, itchiness, swelling of the skin). Gastrointestinal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain to name a few. Respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, a throat that feels as though it is closing up and even nasal congestion may accompany skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, but don’t usually occur alone. There are also reactions that can be life-threatening with food consumption, are reproducible and can be dose-related (meaning the more food one ingests, the worse it becomes). Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious allergic reaction that happens very quickly. Without immediate treatment – an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) and expert care – anaphylaxis can be fatal. Follow-up care by an allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, is essential. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, dizziness or loss of consciousness. If one witnesses or experiences any of these symptoms, particularly after eating, emergency medical care should be sought immediately (call 911). It is dangerous to delay attention. How does one diagnose a food allergy? Most importantly, a specialist such as myself will take a medical history, discuss symptoms and food D E FIN E A S A “ S E N S IT I V IT Y TO FO O D”.
88
austinlifestylemagazine.com
associations. I often ask the person to take a diary of the aforementioned in association with the foods they ingest to narrow the scope. Sometimes, it cannot be ascertained what food is causing the problem and the study must resort to allergy skin tests which may determine which foods trigger allergic symptoms. Blood tests may be recommended in certain settings. Food challenges are often required to confirm the diagnosis if it cannot be determined from the testing. Food challenges are done by consuming the food in a medical setting to determine if that food causes a reaction. Will my child outgrow his/her food allergy? Most children outgrow cow’s milk, egg, soy and wheat allergy, even if they have a history of a severe reaction. About 20% of children with peanut allergy will outgrow it. About 9% of children with tree nut allergy will outgrow it. Your allergist can help you learn when your child might outgrow a food allergy. How does a food allergy get treated? The best way to treat food allergy is to avoid foods that trigger the allergy. One should always ask about ingredients when eating at restaurants or foods prepared by family or friends. Carefully read food labels. The United States and other countries require that eight major food allergens be listed in common language, for example, “milk” rather than a scientific or technical term, like "casein." For those who have identified a food allergy, it is wise to carry and know how to use injectable epinephrine and antihistamines to treat emergency reactions. Additionally, it is beneficial to teach family members and other close friends how to use epinephrine. Wearing an ID bracelet that describes an allergy is equally important. After any reaction, one should always seek follow-up care from an allergist who is an expert in diagnosing and treating allergic conditions. Amin Mery, MD is a physician with Westlake Allergy. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Interal Medicine. Dr. Mery is a native Texan who completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center and his fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Mery specializes in the clinical aspects of allergy and asthma treatment, as well as immunologic disorders.