JA N UA RY 2 022 | TH E H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S I S S U E
Rei Leigh Harmer's STEPPING INTO 2022 ON A MISSION
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Welcome to 2022!
January 2022 PUBLISHER
Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com
Happy to start the year with y’all. Yes, I’ve lived in Austin and been editing Austin Life for just about one year now and I’m opening with ‘y’all.’ But, although I lived for more than a dozen years each in New York and Los Angeles, I did live in Texas until I was 12, so coming to Austin has felt like returning home. Full circle, where I was meant to be. As we embark on a new year, I hope you find the timing of your life magically lining up to put you where you’re meant to be at the exactly the right time. I also wish for you a year full of health, happiness and inspiration. To help we’ve packed this issue full of things that provide a toolkit to help. We introduce you to The Kollective, where Jeremy Hills brings athletes and CEOs together for work and workouts, Kelly Kalyan, who opened the first female-owned infrared sauna studio in Austin and Rei Leigh Harmer, who turned a personal setback into a stepping stone for a successful future with Spa Sway and has much more on the horizon. We share how to take advantage of the moon cycles, nourish your soul with food, Genevieve Padalecki’s book picks and TOWWN tips and Estilo’s Stephanie Coultress O’Neill’s athleisure suggestions for a cozy start to the year. Thank you for digging in, and as always, please reach out with any ideas, feedback or questions. Much love,
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Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
10 Nourishment for the Soul
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Lifestyle Letter
January can feel like a punishment, but two Austin chefs share comforting
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Local Experiences
recipes for a softer start to 2022
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Culinary Creations
F E ATU R E D
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Healthy Lifestyle
20 Rei of Light
20 Inspired By
HEA LT H + WELLNE SS
Spa Sway owner Rei Leigh Harmer is on a mission to power up wellness in
28 Local Limelight
Austin, one massage at a time
34 Education Corner
F E ATU R E D
28 Can't Fight the Moonlight
Under Austin's starry skies, two female-led companies are embracing the
36 Our Town
FO O D + B E V E R AG E
HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS
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HEA LT H + WELLNES S
38 Mental Wellbeing 42 Trend Setter
HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS
ST Y LE + B EAU T Y
power of the moon to bring balance to our lives. F E ATU R E D
36 The Kollective's Creating Community Work, Workout & Network Under The Collective Umbrella
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Megan Batson Rei Leigh Harmer
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local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.
The New Year is the perfect time to make your health and wellness a priority, so why not pamper yourself at one of the many spas around town? Invite a friend for a day of relaxation or take some time for some much needed quality alone time. Whatever you prefer, we have you covered.
Day Spas & Health Treatments KUYA AUSTIN: A wellness center with therapeutic options including float tanks, saunas, cold plunge and IV infusions to help both mental and physical health 4401 Freidrich Lane, Unit 300, Austin, Texas 78744 SPA SWAY: This woman-owned spa conveniently located in The Domain will transport you as you indulge in a life-enhancing massage or luxury facial 11011 Domain Drive, Unit 124, Austin, Texas 78758 LAKE AUSTIN SPA & R ESOR T: This world-class luxury spa is a perfect daycation, offering gorgeous views and over 100 spa treatments! 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd Austin, TX AUSTIN SALT CAVE: Using Halotherapy by mimicking the environment of a salt mine, this unique location works to heal respiratory and skin conditions. 2951 Ranch Road 620 South Lakeway, TX DR . WU ACUPUNCTUR E: Dr. Wu is an award-winning acupuncturist who tailors treatment to each patient with traditional Chinese acupuncture sprinkled with cupping, herbs and more. 11651 Jollyville Road, Austin, Texas 78759
Scan for more photos and the full list. Austin Salt Cave
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NOURISHMENT for the S O U L
Welcome the new year by welcoming friends and feeding their soul
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
A table for friends and family at Olive & June
two Austin chefs share comforting recipes for a softer start to 2022 ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS
Olive & June
soul warming risotto Shawn Cirkiel, chef and owner of Olive & June, shares his risotto recipe to warm the spirit. “In January, after the holidays and with the sometimes bad weather, I’m excited to start the year cooking and eating with friends and family. Sitting around a table is a great connector.”
INGREDIENTS • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 small yellow onion, chopped • 10 cup water • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, diced into 1/2” cubes • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese* (about 2 1/2 ounces) • 1/2 cup dry white wine, optional • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced • 1 lemon, juiced • 1 lg bunch red chard • 12 oz oyster mushrooms • 6-7 oz herb ricotta • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N
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Serves 4-6 people
Warming for the win at Olive & June Shawn Cirkiel, owner of Olive & June
DIRECTIONS RISOTTO RICE BASE: Combine 1 Tbsp. salt and 10 cups water in a medium stockpot. Bring to a very bare simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a 6-qt. Dutch oven over medium. Cook 1 small yellow onion and a pinch of salt, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and starting to soften. Add 1.5 cups arborio rice and stir well to coat with oil. Cook, stirring constantly, until grains of rice are translucent around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add white wine and another pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until wine is completely evaporated, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then add hot salted water to rice in ¾-cup increments, stirring constantly and allowing liquid to absorb fully before adding more, until rice is al dente, about 25–30 minutes. ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE: Peel the butternut squash, cut in half, and remove seeds. Set aside one half of squash to dice and blanch. Place other half of squash on sheet tray face up and drizzle with olive oil salt and pepper. Roast in convection oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until dark golden brown and tender throughout. While hot, add squash to food processor and blend with enough water to form a thick puree. Season with salt and pepper. BRAISED RED CHARD: Remove chard from stem and wash under cold water. In a large sauté pan cook 1oz sliced garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil until translucent and tender. Add 4oz chard leaves and cook until chard becomes dark green and wilted. Season with salt and pepper. PICKLED CHARD STEM: Mince chard stems and combine with enough red wine vinegar to cover. ROASTED OYSTER MUSHROOMS: Trim stem from mushrooms and peel in strips using your hands. Sauté in large metal pan on high heat in olive oil until dark brown and golden. Add 1 Tablespoon butter and season with a sprig of thyme, salt, and pepper.
Sweet spot at Olive & June
HERB RICOTTA: Whisk 6oz ricotta in a bowl until airy and fluffy. Fold in 1 Tablespoon minced chives and ½ tablespoon basil, parsley, and oregano – all minced. Season with salt to acquired taste.
Olive & June, 3411 Glenview Avenue, Austin, TX 78703 oliveandjune-austin.com (512) 467 9898
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
Rosewood
comforting banana pudding Jesse DeLeon, chef and owner of Rosewood, shares his recipe for banana pudding, the sweetest treat after a tough week. "Typically, January means starting new healthy habits but after 2021, we all need to celebrate 2022 with comfort food that incites fond memories of being kids."
FOR THE PUDDING: INGREDIENTS • • • • •
225g bananas peeled 106g heavy cream 55g milk 100g sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks • 2 sheets of gelatin • 42g cold butter • 1 cup powder sugar • 180g heavy cream
Rosewood's comforting banana pudding
Jesse DeLeon, owner of Rosewood
DIRECTIONS Blend in a blender together until smooth. Pour in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat while stirring for approximately 10 minutes until thick and bubbling. Soak gelatin sheets in cold water and add to the bottom of the empty blender. add cold cubed butter and hot pudding on top. Blend until smooth. Chill completely through. With mixer or by hand mix slowly add the powder sugar and cream. FOR THE FLUFF: INGREDIENTS • 3 egg whites • 150g sugar DIRECTIONS Cook on medium high heat while stirring continuously. Then beat with a hand mixer until fluff has tripled in size and is stiff. FOR THE DULCE DE LECHE: INGREDIENTS • 1 can sweet condensed milk • 1/4 cup milk • 1/2 cups brown sugar DIRECTIONS Cook on low heat in an oversized pot stirring occasionally until thick.
Rosewood, 1209 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, TX 78702 Rosewoodatx.com, (512) 838 6205
JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N
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KELLY KALYAN HAS US SEEING THE LIGHT ARE INFRARED SAUNAS THE ANSWER FOR ALL THAT AILS US?
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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S
September 7, 2021 Kelly Kalyan opened Sweatland, Austin’s first infrared sauna studio. Sweatland offers two different types of infrared saunas and light therapy facials, in addition to a bonus exquisitely curated retail section. Like many people, we were curious on what exactly infrared saunas do and their litany of reported health benefits, so we caught up with Kelly to learn more. SUITE SWEAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE. WHAT IS THAT? It’s a unique and luxury experience that’s proven to more effectively raise your core body temperature by providing you with a supersweat and a myriad of health benefits. You lie on
a plush infrared heating bed and pull an infrared telescoping dome over your body while your head remains outside the dome allowing you to comfortably breathe naturally ambient cool air. The SUITE sweat delivers only far infrared wavelengths which penetrate your body at the deepest cellular level. You can relax and destress, improve circulation, boost your immune system, burn up to 600 calories, and naturally detoxify your body easily and effectively in only 30 minutes. Clients also have the option to add on a medical grade GLOW light therapy facial that assists with anti-aging, acne, wound healing, pain relief and more. We also have the Cabana Sweat, a traditional walk-in infrared sauna that most people are familiar with when they think if an infrared sauna. Ours are patented full-spectrum infrared saunas, and the world’s first and only sauna that allows you to customize each wavelength to optimize the specific health benefit you want to achieve.
Owner Kelly Kalyan
An infrared treatment sparking joy for Nicole Taylor
WHAT LED YOU TO OPENING SWEATLAND? I’ve always had an interest in cutting edge technology and alternative treatments to health and wellness. I studied Biology/PreMed and began my career as an ICU Nurse in New York City and then spent 15 years working in sales and surgeon training for one the world’s largest medical device companies. I had the pleasure of taking some time off to enjoy my son’s first few years when we moved from NYC to Austin and now I’m following my true passion as both a business owner and someone spreading opportunities for wellness in our community.
SWE ATL AND
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN INFRARED TREATMENTS? I began learning about the healing power of infrared and light therapy in 2010 when I had to have a series of major surgeries on my hip due to a congenital condition. I wanted to do everything in my power to have the best possible outcome and healing experience. I was impressed with the research NASA had published about using Red Light Therapy in space to grow plants in the absence of sunlight and the accelerated tissue regeneration, healing and pain relief benefits. I purchased my first medical grade RED light in 2011 and started seeing the benefits first-hand.
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JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N
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WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BENEFITS TO INFRARED? A single infrared sauna session can be considered a passive workout and studies have shown that people can burn up to 600 calories in only one session! Regular infrared sauna use can help detoxify, support and boost the immune system, treat a variety of chronic health conditions, improve heart health, rejuvenate your skin, provide pain and stress relief, increase athletic performance and aid in injury and workout recovery. WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR COLOR REQUESTED? Red tends to be the go-to for most as the data is robust to support its many benefits like: 1. Improving cellular health across the entire body including skin health and anti-aging. 2. Inflammation and Pain Relief 3. Recovery from illness or injury 4. Improving Physical Fitness and Performance 5. Supports longer, more restful sleep 6. Improved mental acuity and brain health too WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT INFRARED? You can’t see infrared light and it’s not well understood by the general public. I predict this will change in the coming years as people begin to better understand the many applications. The data is overwhelmingly positive. WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART ABOUT OWNING SWEATLAND? The response has been overwhelmingly positive, so we are excited to grow quickly. The challenge is deciding which markets will take top priority in our growth plan. WHERE WILL THE NEXT ONE WOULD BE? We’re currently looking at two additional spaces in Austin, one in Houston and one in NYC. Stay tuned! WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN ON RUNNING (OR OWNING) A BUSINESS? It’s actually a movie quote that my husband told me when I was in the planning stages of Sweatland, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life…”
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REI OF LIGHT SPA SWAY OWNER REI LEIGH HARMER IS ON A MISSION TO POWER UP WELLNESS IN AUSTIN, ONE MASSAGE AT A TIME ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN BATSON
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I NSP IR E D BY | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S
CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N
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“I figured out I could get through anything life threw at me. There are many moments in my life when things get tough and I look back and remind myself of that.
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I NSP IR E D BY | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S
When Rei Leigh Harmer’s hip was broken in three places after a horrific car accident in 2014, no one knew if she’d ever walk again. Yet, despite being in excruciating pain, with grit, determination and a program of physical rehab and massage therapy, she came back stronger, And, she had a plan for her future - to bring the power of massage to everyone who needed it. Here she shares the story of how she got back on her feet – literally, and her journey as an entrepreneur, thus far.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE POWER OF MASSAGE FOR WELL-BEING? I didn’t realize until after my accident that massage therapy isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity for our bodies. So many people deal with physical ailments, aches, and pains on a daily basis without thinking about it, but consistent massage therapy can reduce these symptoms dramatically, improving quality of life. When you feel good, you do good, and I’m determined to continue this feel-good movement.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN YOU HAD TO LEARN TO WALK AGAIN? I figured out I could get through anything life threw at me. There are many moments in my life when things get tough and I look back and remind myself of that. I know now that if I set my mind to something, I am capable of working until I’ve accomplished my goal. That was true in my physical rehabilitation, and it’s been true as I’ve built my businesses as well.
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT YOU DECIDED TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood. I’m a Capricorn to the core. Growing up, I always had multiple jobs. I would work 9-5 during the week, attended college courses at night, and squeezed in a weekend job. I’ve always been a hard worker, something I inherited from my parents. They taught me you have to work hard for what you desire in life. After working in different industries and enduring that car accident, I was ready to be on my own and put every last dollar I had saved into opening a day spa. I was all in. I had everything to lose but also everything to gain.
TELL US ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF SPA SWAY. Spa Sway started as an idea I put down with a pen, paper and a glass of wine. I would make lists of different treatment ideas I would enjoy. I started researching the market, visiting different spas to see what they had to offer. I noticed there were basically two options in the spa world in Austin at that time: an extremely high-end hotel spa experience that would cost upwards of $500, or alternatively, lower-end massage places that didn’t quite get the job done. My sweet spot was the white space in between.
WHAT WERE SOME HIGHS AND LOWS THE FIRST YEAR? It was a wild ride in the beginning. I knew nothing about, but I figured it out along the way. I found out Fiat in The Domain was moving to a larger location, leaving their retail space available. It was a risky move, considering there were only a few businesses on that block at the time, but I’m glad I took that leap of faith. I’ve now been in business for almost seven years, and I’ve been honored to be voted Austin’s Top Day Spa for over five years running.
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I NSP IR E D BY | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S
“Just be you and trust that authenticity will pay off in the end.”
WHAT’S SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT YOURSELF BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR? No one tells you about the nitty gritty of owning a business. It seems at the beginning like it should be all sunshine and daisies. People fail to mention all the weeds you have to climb through to get there. I surprised myself with my own resilience and ability to pivot. Getting ahead of the pandemic very quickly is something I can look back on with pride. It was a stressful time, but focusing on wellness really centered me and helped me to make clearminded decisions that reached far beyond my personal life and into the lives of those affected by my business.
WHO ARE OTHER POWERFUL WOMAN DO YOU ADMIRE AND LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION? Whitney Wolfe, a fellow Austinite, who founded Bumble and was the youngest woman to have taken a company public at only 31, and Sara Blakely of Spanx, who has been doing amazing things like celebrating a billion-dollar deal by giving all her employees two first-class plane tickets to anywhere plus a $10,000 bonus. That kind of positive company culture is something I strive toward in my own businesses.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS JUST STARTING OUT? Celebrate your victories, even the ones that seem small. Manifest big, audacious goals. Journal everything; you’ll thank yourself later. Lastly, get yourself a mentor and surround yourself with like-minded businesspeople.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Give yourself grace and patience, for one. Be kinder to yourself. Your worries are not as important as you think they are. Just be you and trust that authenticity will pay off in the end. And perhaps most importantly: your intuition is spot-on. As women in business, we are encouraged not to process things emotionally, but I have found following my gut always leads me to the place I want to be.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE DOING IN TEN YEARS PROFESSIONALLY? Ultimately, my goal is to grow the Spa Sway brand to have more locations throughout Texas and hopefully beyond into other states, whether that is through ownership or franchising. I hope to serve what I consider to be my higher motive and purpose in life: giving back. For example, we recently teamed up with #TeamSeas to help remove 30 million pounds of debris from the ocean by 2021.
AND PERSONALLY… I’d like to think I’ll be married with children. I picture myself living in Austin and having my children grow up here, hopefully on a small piece of land with a beautiful green garden, some horses, and even some chickens.
JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N
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UNDER AUSTIN'S STARRY SKIES, TWO FEMALE-LED COMPANIES ARE EMBRACING THE POWER OF THE MOON TO BRING BALANCE TO OUR LIVES.
MOONLIGHT
The moon glows bright over Lake Austin and downtown Photo by Eva Hawker
ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVA HAWKER, PAIGE NEWTON
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S
Sisters Becca Stephens and Emily Bolf were always intrigued by events like eclipses and supermoons, and learning how the moon’s cycle provides a helpful structure for a more balanced life - giving time for action, reflection, and rest - led them to create Deuxmoons, botanical candles formulated here in Austin.
TELL US HOW DEUXMOONS CAN HELP US CAPTURE THE MOON’S POWER? Becoming more mindful of moon phases and having a way to connect to them means we can make progress in our lives without burning ourselves out.For example, the new moon always marks new beginnings, so we created a fresh and bright scent from sandalwood, white ginger and yuzu. The scent is grounding and warm, but the citrus notes evoke a fresh start. Similarly, a waxing moon is about taking action, so we used an invigorating base of eucalyptus, complemented by the softness of amber and moonflower. We tried to incorporate the same botanicals used in ancient moon rituals.
IS THE FIRST NEW MOON OF THE NEW YEAR, WHICH IS ON JANUARY 2ND, A GOOD TIME FOR FRESH STARTS?
Sisters Becca (left) and Emily, co-founders of Deuxmoons Photo by Paige Newton
Lighting up local, shop for Deuxmoons at Blue Suede, Hive + Honey, Sabia, Anvil + Aura, and Shuniya Yoga Collective Photo by Kara Marie Collective
Yes! This is when you want to start thinking about upcoming projects or journeys and really committing to them. Some of these may take one cycle to complete, or you can plan them over multiple cycles. The key is to plan for periods of action, periods of reflection, and periods of rest. The January 2nd new moon is in Capricorn, which rules the bones and joints in our bodies, so we recommend taking a hike in nature and a restorative hot bath to clear your mind and connect to your true desires.
AND THE FIRST FULL MOON OF 2022 IS ON JANUARY 17TH. Full Moons are bold and bright and illuminate where you are on your journey. This is a great time to practice gratitude and to take the time to appreciate all that you’ve accomplished. It also marks the transition from a period of action to one of resting and releasing. The first full moon of 2022 is a “micro” full moon. This means its effects may be more subtle than other full moons in 2022. After a couple of challenging years, we think it will be a nice way to ease into the new year.
MOONLIGHT TOWERS ARE PART OF AUSTIN’S HISTORY AND LANDSCAPE – ARE YOU FANS? Well, they’re an iconic part of Austin and we love them! My husband (Becca) and his friends would meet up one evening every week under the Zilker Park moon tower during the pandemic. They’d pick up food, sit around and talk, sometimes play guitars, all under that “moonlight.” deuxmoons.com CONTINUED >
Deuxmoons Phases Collection Photo by Kara Marie Collective
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Slow North Moonglow range
When Michelle Simmons, owner of Slow North, attended her first women’s moon circle, her eyes were opened to all the ways we could harness the power of the moon’s cycles in our everyday lives and decisions.
YOU HAVE CREATED A WHOLE COLLECTION AROUND THE MOON FOR SLOW NORTH CALLED MOONGLOW - TELL US ABOUT IT, WHAT INSPIRED IT, WHAT SCENTS FROM NATURE DID YOU BRING TOGETHER? Just as the full moon or the new moon affects the tides, so does it affect our living bodies composed of mostly water. I found a reassuring connection to the natural lunar cycles - setting intentions, taking actions, manifesting and releasing. A beautiful reminder nothing is permanent, and we are ever-changing. Moonglow is my all-time favorite scent we’ve created so far. It’s a sultry combination of Patchouli, Cinnamon and Black. We wanted to offer an evening scent, something that lent itself to curling up in a chair and journaling with a cup of hot tea. The name offers a grounding reminder to step outside and soak up the moon’s light. Moon bathing is a good way to reconnect to the moon and get in touch with your lunar nature or feminine side. The Moonglow is also thought to help illuminate your intuition - which we are all about!
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S
YOU SELL A NEW MOON TAROT DECK - WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE THINK ABOUT, OR MANIFEST, OR SAY TO THEMSELVES DURING A NEW MOON? From bigger picture desires like moving your career forward, creating a bigger, brighter energy about your life, or setting intentions for greater abundance, you can use this time to set your intentions, reset and regenerate. Small rituals such as trying a yoga class, meditating, or jotting down a list of what you want to attract for yourself can be a perfect place to start. You could also explore more elaborate ceremonies such as smudging your home or creating a crystal grid to amplify your intentions and affirmations.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE FIRST FULL MOON OF 2022 ON JANUARY 17TH? This first full moon of the year is called a “Wolf Moon” - said to be named for the howl of the hungry wolves in the dead of winter. It’s a time for shedding the old and bringing in the new. One ritual you could try to mark the occasion is writing a letter and burning it (safely, of course) - in the spirit of cleansing, releasing and removing what is no longer working for us - and charging your crystals in the moonlight.
YOU SELL A MOON STUDY REFLECTION JOURNAL AT SLOW NORTH. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING ONE? The practice of moon mapping helps guide our decision making in accordance with the lunar cycle. The inner work of setting goals and intentions for what you want to attract during a cycle helps you reflect on your life and your dreams in a rhythmic, natural way that I think speaks to a lot of us as women. For example, approaching the new moon, you could light a candle, sit down with your journal, take 5-7 deep inhales and exhales and fill in the blank as you say these prompts to yourself, “In the next month, I’d like to bring more _____ into my life.” “This month I need _____.” And then continue journaling without judgement.
WHAT CEREMONIES CAN AUSTINITES DO TO CONNECT WITH THE MOON? One of my favorite things to do is to stargaze. I’ve attended “star parties” in West Texas and Arizona, and a quick online search can connect you to various nearby events celebrating the night sky. I have plans to attend a Full Moon Yoga & Sound Bath evening with Violet Crown Yoga, as soon as they host another one! Another gem just a short drive away from Austin is the Cave Without a Name in Boerne which hosts Cave Concerts underground in celebration of the Solstice and Equinox each season. It’s a beautiful way to embrace the transition and is an incredible sensory experience, as a portion of the concert is performed in complete darkness. slownorth.com Slow North owner Michelle taking the time to write in her Moon Journal
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Mindful Mental Health
Heading Health is looking for participants in clinical study of Ketamine for depression Participants must meet the following criteria: Aged 21-60 • Primary diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) • At least 2 failed anti-depressants in the last 5 years. Participants will be asked to listen to ambient sound, wear an EEG headset and an eye mask, and have a genetic cheek swab during the course of the study. • All participants must have a score of 20 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale.
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From the Bookshelf (and Beyond) with Genevieve Padalecki DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS by Sue Lynn Tan
Sue Lynn Tan’s debut book, a fantasy inspired by the Chinese legend of the mood goddess Chang’e flying to the moon after taking the elixir of mortality, is full of Chinese Mythology, magic, challenge and celestial adventures. Tan creates a world we can’t way to get lost in.
I’m not one for rules, but I do love setting goals and boundaries. That said, I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, I’m a firm believer in giving myself attainable goals (drinking a bit less, reading a bit more, laughing more, less ultimatums and maybe even running a marathon). This January 1, I’d like to offer a toast to more of what sustains us: gatherings (via zoom, or IRL, masked or safely unmasked), more fun, more joy, more stories and more smiles. Whatever we are confronted with and whatever comes our way, I hope that we can do things that spark joy not only for ourselves, but for others. So, here’s a cheers to that.
ARTICLE GENEVIEVE PADALECKI
FIONA AND JANE
By Jean Chen Ho
In Fiona and Jane author Jean Chen Ho tells the story of two friends since grade school, both Asian American immigrants, in alternating voices. Released January 4, the novel has already received high praise from peers for its portrait on friendship.
YOU DON’T KNOW US NEGROES
by Zola Neale Hurston
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EDU CAT ION C OR N E R | ARTS + CULTURE
This book shows a glimpse inside Black life over the decades through a compilation of esteemed writer Zola Neale Hurston’s essays and articles from the Harlem Renaissance to the Montgomery bus boycott, school integration and so much more.
TOWWN TIPS KIN Like I said, I’m not necessarily proposing a dry January, but as someone who always says “I’d like to lessen my drinking this year,” Kin offers a great compromise. Enjoy the buzz without the booze. As they describe it, “Kin transforms the world’s oldest social ritual, drinking, into a thoughtful act of taking better care of ourselves. Kin is a daily brain care ritual designed to help you connect to your center and find better balance. Set your mind free!” Let’s drink to that!
LIGH TS FANTASTIC
MANTRA LABS For the next year I want to reduce the things that aren’t serving me and supplement my life in areas where I need more care. My better half co-founded a company encouraging people to “take hold and be the best you.” Recognizing that we are made for great and can make choices that optimize our health, Mantra Labs has a supplement in four critical areas of physical health: Rise, Go, Hydrate, and Rest. These four pillars can extend beyond our bodily well-being, but I’m starting with these so I can bring my whole self to 2022.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD CENTER
Start off the new year by supporting Sustainable Food Center where their work “supports local, small to mid-sized farms so they can thrive.” They also, “increase access to healthy, local food and offer education and resources to help individuals and families maintain a healthy diet.” They help transform the food system to nourish our health, land and livelihood.
WE BRING OUR EXPERTISE, IDEAS, AND U N I Q U E P R O D U CT S TO S H O W YO U W H AT
LIGHTING CAN DO
I N WAYS T H AT YO U N E V E R I M AG I N E D CALL TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION
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THE KOLLECTIVE'S CREATING COMMUNITY ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
WORK, WORKOUT & NETWORK UNDER THE KOLLECTIVE UMBRELLA
The Kollective officially opens January 8, although you may have already heard of it. Even its soft opening made noise. The Kollective is a hybrid gym and workspace. It’s the brainchild of Jeremy Hills, a personal trainer who has worked with professional athletes from the NFL to NHL and a host of CEOs prior to creating The Kollective to bring everyone together. He told Austin Life, “We really wanted to bridge the gap between performance and community in a unique way that spoke to the people. We are much more than just a gym and wanted to provide the services and a home for the modern-day professional.” We caught up with him to learn more about this space that also includes saunas, and a coffee bar powered by Super Coffee.
offerings a member here could ask for. Add that to our state-of-the-art recovery methods and top of the line co-working space and it’s no question that we’re really serving people in a unique way.
CAN ANYONE GET A MEMBERSHIP OR IS THERE A SELECTION PROCESS/CRITERIA APPLICANTS MUST MEET?
This is an easy one, if you aim to have optimal physical and mental wellness then you need to sleep, laugh, and play.
We are a private club with a hard members cap. It’s a little different than a ‘criteria,’ we just aim to make sure that we are the best fit for every potential member to ensure they get the best use of a membership here. To answer your question, no, there’s no criteria to meet, but we like to meet everyone and make sure we are right for them and they are a right fit for us.
WHO IS THE KOLLECTIVE FOR? It’s for high performers who are looking to optimize their life in every way possible. We have curated everything that an individual needs and the things they haven’t thought about yet
WHY DID YOU OPEN THE FIRST KOLLECTIVE IN AUSTIN? Austin as a market was ready for this concept. I’ve been here for 15 years and have seen just about every other industry advance except for the health and wellness space. It’s time.
WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT THE KOLLECTIVE? I believe our level of individual experience and expertise from our staff has made for some of the best service
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O UR TOWN | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WITH THE KOLLECTIVE? A true community. One that not only trains together but one where people go on to do amazing things together outside of these four walls.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE 3 OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND TO HAVE OPTIMAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS?
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT OWNING THE KOLLECTIVE SO FAR? It’s a tie between meeting all the amazing people who have joined as members and the ‘ah ha’ moment that I see happen right before they tell me this is what the city has been needing.
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART? Construction! Ha. It’s out of anyone’s control. Luckily, we were able to just about stay on schedule, but man, it was close.
DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO OPEN ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS? I want to make sure that we deliver on our word to the people here first, but yes, there will be multiple locations around the country.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? “Consistency will separate us all in the end.” It’s a quote that has helped me through tough moments as well as mundane moments alike and is one that I have lived by for many years.
Jeremy Hills
“CONSISTENCY WILL SEPARATE US ALL IN THE END.”
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JUST LET IT OUT
Rage Room
TURN YOUR EMOTIONS INSIDE OUT AT UNCHARTERED ADVENTURES When people think of self-care for mental health images of meditating, massages and yoga often come to mind. But, sometimes rather than deep breathing your troubles away you need something a little bit stronger. Welcome to the growing trend of Rage Rooms. These smash rooms – that allow you to use a hammer, ax, crow bar and more to smash everything from computers to TV, printers and event cars – allow people who have pent up rage (or just frustration with a broken printer) to let it out in a environment created just for that. While fancy corporate smash rooms have popped up in major cities across the country, the first one in the Austin-area is Unchartered Adventures in Kyle. It opened just before lockdown and is a no frills work in progress, but provides what you need to turn your emotions inside out – and have some fun.
Rage Room Before entering the smash room you suit up in protective gear because everything from plastic to glass could go flying. In the room there’s an assortment of weapons of destruction, one major electronic (that takes longer to smash than you’d think) and lots of glass bottles that you can smash or throw at the walls built to to the blow.
Splatter Paint Room You can come do this room just for the fun of throwing paints without worrying about the mess and to create a one-of-a-kind work of art. Use the neon paints to channel your inner Pollock or pour them on the drum set and then play a tune as paint splatters around you.
Ax Throwing Before you dive into throwing axes, know that it’s a harder than it looks! Not only does it take a minute to grasp you’re throwing an ax, but if you don’t hit the target just right, it will miss the mark and just fall to the ground…To increase your rage before you start, there’s a tub full of VCR tape, a vintage source of frustration. If you know, you know.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
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M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALTH + W E LLNE S S
If you know, you know
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ATHLEISURE PICKS All from Estilo Boutique ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL
Devotion Dress: Fun, flirty and doesn't wrinkle
Hi Love Travel Bag: Versatile and water-resistant
Cali Dreaming Motley Top: Go-to cotton top
P448 sneakers: These fun sneaks can dress an outfit of or down
Vuori Performance Ponto pants: Light, stretchy and buttery soft
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T R E N D SE T T E R | STY L E + BE AUTY
Hedge knit hoodie: This elevated hoodie is fashionable and functional
John Varvatos burnout tee: More than just your everyday basic
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