Issuu

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

INSPIRE INK LIZZY SMITH

Tattoo Artist

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:

Coming Soon to Leander!

LIZZYWIGLZTATOOS@GMAIL.COM

(864) 386-4978

@lizzywiglz

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Roslyn Bond | roslyn.bond@lifestylepubs.com

Feel Gratitude, Express Blessings WOW, AUSTIN. How can it be that we are already nearing the end of the year? The

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

holidays will be here before we know it, and pretty soon we will be writing out our 2021 resolutions. This issue we wanted to focus on things to be thankful for during this year that changed our families', communities', and world's history forever. More importantly than ever, we must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives each and every day. Before everything gets crazy and we start shopping for all of the people on our gift list, we want to take this time to pause and reflect. This year has been a wonderful journey with all of you, and we are grateful that we get to create this magazine every month and connect with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in our community, as without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for your volunteer service efforts you do and for every time you recycle something or play a small part in keeping our city clean and thriving. We are so proud of where we live, and we know it wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of you. In this issue, we offer you the opportunity to reflect with us and spend some time being

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

grateful for the people we have around us. Sure, planning a Thanksgiving dinner and

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

traveling to see family can be stressful, and don’t worry, we’re here to help with some

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

of the details. But don’t forget to look at each person around your table and remember

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

how they have made a difference in your life. We wouldn’t be here without each other.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Happy Thanksgiving, Austin. We Appreciate You! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Roslyn Bond, Editorial Coordinator

ON THE COVER 2021 University of Texas Football quarterback Sam Ehlinger

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEXAS ATHLETICS 4

Austin Life | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin Life™ 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 advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Austin Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 08 New Innovative Natural Food Concept: The Well Nutritious and Flavor-Focused Food To-Go Now Available in the Heart of Downtown Austin

18 Lighthouse Cities Bristol focusing on the “Value of Social Value”

20 AOK 2020 Founded here in Austin by Andra Liemandt, The Kindness Campaign (TKC™) is a national nonprofit, on a mission to

26 18

normalize emotional health

26 Texas Football

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Culinary Creations

Trend Setter

Giving Back

20 Inspired By 26 Our Town 30 Our Contributors 32 Food & Wine 36 DIY 39 Trend Setter

CULINARY CREATIONS

new i n novat ive nat u ra l food c onc ept: t he wel l NUTRITIOUS AND FLAVOR-FOCUSED FOOD TO-GO NOW AVAILABLE IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

Austin Life | November 2020

NOVA HOSPITALITY HAS ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF THE WELL, THE LATEST INNOVATIVE CONCEPT INCORPORATING TOP TIER NUTRITION, LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND AUTHENTIC BOLD FLAVORS TO CREATE A BREAKTHROUGH CULINARY EXPERIENCE REDEFINING HEALTHY IN DOWNTOWN AUSTIN. The Well’s timely opening this Fall will bring healthy, plant-forward and flavor-focused breakfast, lunch and snack offerings to Austin residents. Located in Austin’s iconic 2ND Street District at 440 W. 2nd St. for pickup, with delivery options available across the city, hours of operation will be from 8am to 3pm daily. Menu items range from functional smoothies and smoothie bowls, appropriately named for their nutritional benefits to a full-service coffee bar, gourmet toast, seasonal salads, nutrient-dense meals and more. All menu items featured at The Well are nonGMO, soy free, trans fat free and refined sugar free. Additionally, nearly every menu item can be made vegan, nut free, dairy free, and gluten free. Grab-and-go bottled beverages, cold-pressed wellness shots and other freshly prepared wholesome snacks will also be available in addition to a retail section including local brands such as Moontower Matcha, Bearded Brothers, Culina yogurt and more. Plans to extend hours into dinner menu items, sustainable wine and functional cocktails are expected later this year. “Although the concept for The Well has long been in the works, our focus on take-out and delivery - while Austin practices social distancing - pushed us for a Fall opening.” said Jack Zimmermann, founder of Nova Hospitality. “We’ve spent time carefully curating the menu at The Well using only the highest quality, local-when-possible ingredients while maintaining bold flavors. It’s exciting to bring something new to Austin and expand Nova’s offering.” The Well’s elevated level of health-focused cuisine comes from the dynamic duo Chef Jon Oh, Culinary Director for Nova Hospitality, and Liv Langdon, Holistic Health Coach and Nutrition Consultant for The Well. Langdon joined the team with the goal to illustrate and educate the importance of balanced nutrition, ingredient selection, food sourcing, and flavor pairing. The two combined their passions for food that is both filling and nutritious, without sacrificing flavor and taste, to create the menu at The Well. From the bone broth and grainfree granola, to various nut milks and sourdough bread, nearly everything on the menu is made in-house from scratch and is locally sourced when possible.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

“I am thrilled to bring this collaborative concept to Austin.” said Langdon, “Chef Jon and I are both passion-

expansion plans to follow. For more information visit www.eatwellatx.com.

ate about food that tastes amazing, but that is nutritionally

The latest innovative concept from Austin-born Nova

sound. Merging my background of Western and Eastern

Hospitality, The Well blends top tier nutrition, local and

wellness philosophies and functional foods with Chef’s

sustainable farming and authentic bold flavors to create

expertise in flavor profiles and ingredient sourcing, we

a breakthrough culinary experience redefining healthy

have created an innovative menu of vibrant colors, natural

in Austin. The Well is located at 440 W. 2nd St in Austin,

flavors and food quality that Austin has never seen before.

TX. Hours of operation are 8am-3pm daily for pickup and

Our aim is to educate patrons of The Well about healthy

delivery. Nourish your mind, fuel your body, feed your soul

food that is locally sourced while also being a delicious,

and live well. Follow along on social media @eatwellatx

culinary experience.”

or visit us online at www.eatwellatx.com.

As part of Nova Hospitality’s dedication to supporting

Nova Hospitality is an industry-leading hospitality

the Austin community and promoting wellness across the

group focused on consulting, management and owner-

city, The Well is committed to working with organizations

ship for best-in-class restaurants and nightlife venues.

in Austin to provide tasty and nutritious meals to under-

Nova’s approach is steeped in collaboration and qual-

served communities on a weekly basis.

ity. Nova Hospitality properties in Austin, TX include

The Well will be available for pick-up, delivery, and will offer patio seating beginning in October 2020 with

Austin Life | November 2020

TenTen, Devil May Care and The Well. Learn more at www.novahospitalitygroup.com.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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Austin Life | November 2020

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TREND SETTER

Tockr helps restore the Mighty T

NEW TOCKR USS TEXAS WATCHES WILL HELP RESTORE THE “MIGHTY T,” THE WORLD’S ONLY REMAINING DREADNOUGHT NAVAL VESSEL TEXAS

WATCHMAKER

TOCKR

WILL

DONATE

OVER

FIFTY PERCENT OF PROCEEDS DIRECTLY TO BATTLESHIP TEXAS FOUNDATION. Tockr is well-known for incorporating U.S. history into the DNA of their timepieces, sometimes quite literally. The Battleship Texas Foundation chose to partner with the Texas-based watchmaker to produce a special series of watches, the Tockr USS Texas, made in part with salvaged material from the historic naval vessel and the world’s only remaining BB-35 dreadnought. Tockr will donate over

Austin Life | November 2020

fifty percent of the proceeds from each watch sale to

with organizations like The Battleship Texas Foundation

The Foundation to support their efforts to restore the

whose work preserves and honors our nation’s military

ship and ensure her legacy will carry on for generations

history,” said Tockr Founder Austin Ivey, “By donating

to come.Built in 1912 and commissioned in 1914, The

over fifty percent of the proceeds from each Tockr USS

USS Texas, also known as the “Mighty T,” is as old as

Texas watch sale, I’m proud to support the historic ves-

The Titanic and was once the most powerful battleship

sel’s restoration for the benefit of future generations.”“I

in the world. The colossal BB-35 naval vessel spent 34

think this is one of the most interesting, most magical

years in active service, sustaining just one on-board

things we’ve done in the eight years I’ve been involved

casualty throughout the entirety of both World Wars.

with The Battleship Texas.It’s amazing to me that Tockr

Since 1948, the 107-year-old vessel has continued her

found a way to incorporate the ship’s original steel into a

service to America through her second life as a memo-

very nice, fine timepiece,” said Bruce Bramlett, Battleship

rial museum, welcoming generations of Texans and

Texas Foundation Executive Director, “It’s going to be

visitors from abroad to walk her decks, tour her pas-

an heirloom, something people can pass down and

sageways, and explore a piece of our national history.

treasure for a lifetime.”Introducing the Tockr USS Texas

Today, the greatest battle facing the “Mighty T” is her

Born in Austin, Texas, and assembled in Switzerland,

fight against the clock, as age and corrosion stand to

each 42mm Tockr USS Texas watch houses a high-

threaten her existence,and Texas-based watchmaker

grade Swiss quartz movement in a 316L steel case. The

Tockr has pledged over fifty percent of the proceeds

dial features applied luminous indices, a date window,

of its Tockr USS Texas watch series to help finance the

and a luminous silhouette of the battleship,encircled

costly restoration of the famed dreadnought.“I have

bya portion of the USS Texas herself. Each case back

fond memories of walking the decks of the USS Texas

bears engravings of the Battleship Texas Foundation

growing up.When I heard that funds were needed to

insignia and a unique serial number, and all watches

help restore the Mighty T, the Tockr team and I imme-

also come with a certificate of authenticity signed by

diately wanted to help. We are always proud to partner

The Foundation. Two USS Texas watch variations will CONTINUED >

Vickie Lasher, Branch Manager NMLS #235812 512-710-8449 vlasher@afncorp.com

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CityLifestyle.com/Austin

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

be offered, one with a white dial, pink indices, and pink rubber strap

series will be offered for an introductory price of $799 ($999 standard

and the other with a black dial and coordinated strap. Tockr further

retail value), available now at (URL).

reinforced the watch’s hyper-local connection by partnering with

Tockr™ is an American watch brand with a Swiss-made heart,

local Texas operation Midway Machine, located just 15 minutes from

founded in Austin, Texas in 2017. Inspired by his own experience

where the USS Texas is currently docked in La Porte,Texas. Owned

as a pilot and the legacy of his grandfather, a U.S. Army pilot who

by a local veteran, Midway Machine has specialized in small aero-

flew C-47 aircraft during World War II, Founder Austin Ivey set

space parts production for over 40 years. The company employed

out to combine his lifelong passions of watches and aviation in an

its expertise to transform each unique piece of salvaged USS Texas

accessible collection of aviation-inspired watches. In a short time,

material into the chapter rings that surround the watch dials, pro-

Tockr’s iconic C47 and Air Defender watch collections have already

tected and enclosed beneath a sapphire crystal.Military and naval

captured the imagination of watch enthusiasts around the world.

enthusiasts, history lovers, watch collectors, and Texans at heart can

Discover the universe of Tockr attockr.com.

admire unique, salvaged pieces of past, preserved forever within a

The mission of the Battleship Texas Foundation is to work in part-

USS Texas watch dial. Each purchase makes a major contribution

nership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to preserve

to the substantial restoration work required to get the“Mighty T”

and enhance the Battleship TEXAS, and develop this historic ship

back in fighting shape, as she prepares to reopen to the public as a

into a premier museum and visitor attraction.

national park by 2021.The first 100 watches in the Tockr USS Texas 16

Austin Life | November 2020

www.battleshiptexas.org

Tockr USS Texas

Putting Clients & Quality First Serving the Community for Over 30 Years

Facebook.com/RCCDR We provide first class services with reliability & professionalism

(512) 470-4439 | info.rccd@yahoo.com | RCCDLLC.com CityLifestyle.com/Austin

GIVING BACK

LIGHTHOUSE CITIES BRISTOL FOCUSING ON THE “VALUE OF SOCIAL VALUE”

ARTICLE JEZ SWEETLAND, JESSIE WILDE, BRISTOL HOUSING FESTIVAL

BRISTOL IS ONE OF THE MOST LIVEABLE CITIES IN THE UK. However, in common with many major cities in the UK, Bristol has a housing crisis. Over 2,000 new homes are required each year to address the housing waiting list and provide a permanent home to those living in temporary accommodation. Given the social needs of the city, 40% of new homes will need to be affordable. By increasing the stock and availability of high-quality housing, Bristol can address a key structural barrier to health equality, inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.

Austin Life | November 2020

Fanyu Lin - Founder

“BRISTOL IS ONE OF THE MOST LIVEABLE CITIES IN THE UK.”

Social Value Act 2012

Bev Hurley: Chief Executive

To enable housing innovation for inclusive growth, and

consider the social good that could come from the procure-

to enable a fair and inclusive recovery from the pandemic,

ment of services, before they embark upon it. This legislation,

requires our measures of success to be inclusive too. As

and Bristol City Council’s policy gives us an opportunity to build

a city, we must be prepared to update the way we think

into procurement the wisdom of longer-term decision making,

about success to include both people and planet alongside

addressing issues such as the quality and the sustainability of

profit. The UK Government have already begun to recognise

our housing in a way that the traditional prioritisation of cost as

this need (before Covid 19) through the Public Services

the principal benchmark makes difficult.

(Social Value) Act 2012 requiring ‘people who commission

Fanyu Lin, founder of World Home Foundation, is an

public services to think about how they can also secure wider

award-winning entrepreneur and architect, passionate about

social, economic and environmental benefits’.

impact investing. She initiated the World Home Foundation

Bristol City Council’s published Social Value Policy responds

in 2020 to harness philanthropic power for tackling the global

to the legal obligation upon local authorities and other public

housing crisis - one of the biggest social, economic and moral

bodies under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 to

challenges facing humanity today.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

INSPIRED BY

AOK 2020

FOUNDED HERE IN AUSTIN BY ANDRA LIEMANDT, THE KINDNESS CAMPAIGN (TKC™) IS A NATIONAL NONPROFIT, ON A MISSION TO NORMALIZE EMOTIONAL HEALTH

ART OF KINDNESS 2020 GALA Feed Your Soul is this month in November, benefiting families experiencing hunger, and expanding access to emotional health curriculum to children from all walks of life.

tangible, engaging tools to children. As a result of our support from Art of Kindness 2019, we were able to not only survive this year - but to thrive. In 2020, when so many organizations found themselves

Every year, a group of passionate Austinites joins us in

devastated, TKC was able to scale. We launched two online

our mission, at our annual Art of Kindness gala. We’re doing

stores, a library of SEL (social emotional learning) dance

things a little differently this year with an upscale, at-home

videos and puppet shows, and today, we reach over 50,000

gala experience, using a buy-a-box, give-a-box model. When

students. We also launched a full suite of digital curriculum,

you purchase a box from Art of Kindness, you automatically

that is accessible to students and classrooms nationwide.

gift meals to a family in need. At the same time, you help

We know, though, that this year is staggeringly different.

TKC reach more students, classrooms, and schools with our

Like every nonprofit, we are driven every day by our mis-

acclaimed emotional health curriculum. This year more than ever, schools and families are hungry for effective emotional health tools. Children are experienc-

sion. But our eyes are open to the plight of Austin locals. That’s why for Art of Kindness 2020, we wanted to go big, and help those who are hungry.

ing isolation, unpredictability, and stress during Covid, and

For Art of Kindness 2020: Feed Your Soul, guests will

this comes during a years-long trend of rising anxiety and

directly impact families in need, while they dine with us. But

depression rates among students. Here is what we know:

it’s 2020 - how, exactly, are we going to dine together?

+ Today’s school-age children are the first generation in over 100 years to experience a global pandemic. + According to the CDC, almost 1 in 3 students persistently felt sad or hopeless over the past year. + Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among teenagers.

Something we’re also passionate about at TKC is human connection, which is a fancy way of saying that we like it when people enjoy each other. That’s why we’ve created a 2020 gala experience that is not only safe, but delightful. Art of Kindness 2020: Feed Your Soul is a gala-in-a-box experience, that delivers a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving

The need is here, and TKC is answering the call.

feast to you and your loved ones. Guests will have the

We are so thankful for our supporters, who believe in

opportunity to pre-order their Art of Kindness: Feed Your

our mission to expand emotional health, and to provide

Soul box in preparation for their own Friendsgiving or CONTINUED >

Austin Life | November 2020

“SOMETHING WE’RE ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT AT TKC IS HUMAN CONNECTION, WHICH IS A FANCY WAY OF SAYING THAT WE LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE ENJOY EACH OTHER.”

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Thanksgiving celebrations, for up to 12 guests. Moreover, guests will be able to choose their desired delivery date within the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and the box of choice will be safely delivered on the guestâ€™s desired date. Boxes start at $2000 for four guests, with box options ranging up to 12 guests. IN THE BOX: + Elegant, 3-course gala-style dinner + Paired wine + Floral decor + Signature cocktail + Social Emotional Learning Resources for your family + Sponsored items from TKC Partners + Access to virtual platform with interactive art experience, to be interpreted by a local artist + Access to curated playlists by your favorite musicians We also have five sponsorship levels, each with their own level of hunger impact. Our Platinum sponsors, for example, will feed 50 families here in Central Texas with their support. Bonus for sponsors: we are sending out photographers to your front yard, for a distanced, professional portrait of your gathering! We hope youâ€™ll join us for Art of Kindness 2020: Feed Your Soul! For more information and box sales, please visit tkckindness.org/AOK. The future is kindness.

Austin Life | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

Austin Life | November 2020

LESSON MEDRANO PHOTOGRAPHY

VISIT www.lessonmedrano.com CONTACT info@lessonmedrano.com INSTAGRAM @lessonmedranophotography

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

OUR TOWN

ARTICLE SHAWN CLYNCH | PHOTOGRAPHY TEXAS ATHLETICS

FOOTBALL IS A CONSTANT IN OUR SOCIETY, ESPECIALLY HERE IN THE HEART OF TEXAS. Its part of our fabric and our DNA as Texans. We take it for granted and have faith that each football season will kick off in late August. Just nine short months ago in February, the anticipation for the 2020 season was through the ceiling for Texas Longhorns fans. Meanwhile, on the high school scene, the Austin High School Maroons had reason to be excited with their senior to be quarterback, UT commit, Charles Wright leading the way. Westlake High School was set to make a run to defend their

And, McCallum High School was anxious to begin training to contend for another playoff appearance. Little did we know, a sport and its season so many live for and are passionate about would be in jeopardy. “We have a new found love for the game of football,” said Westlake Head Football Coach, Todd Dodge. A new perspective gained due to a global pandemic which nearly shut down football on all levels. The uncertainty hit the Austin area and the high school football programs and the University of Texas football program in mid-March.

6A, division II state title. The folks in Northwest Hills felt like they

“I remember waking up the next day not having school and think-

could make a serious run at a playoff spot after the University

ing what does it mean for football because I was in baseball season,”

Interscholastic League dropped the Trojans program from 6A, divi-

said McCallum High School senior defensive back, Jake Allison. “And

sion II to 5A, division I.

we knew our season (baseball) was postponed and it got cancelled.”

Austin Life | November 2020

TEXAS FOOTBALL I’m an ATX native & was fortunate to end my lengthy career in the sports media in my hometown at KVUE in 2019. This story resonated with me due to my roots & the possibility of not experiencing a football season due to the Coronavirus. Check out my podcast: Stories Inside the Man Cave

Shawn Clynch

Follow me on Twitter: @ShawnC_ATX

Allison eluded to the day our world truly began to change, March 16th. That was the day Austin Independent School District announced classes were cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. “I honestly never thought we would shut down sports at the begin-

“Initially they (the McCallum Knights) were all in shock,” said McCallum Head Football Coach, Tom Gammerdinger. That was the concern, this is when doubt began to set in. Questions like, is the season in jeopardy.

ning,” said Austin High School head football coach, Mike Rosenthal.

“I met with Coach Mo (Coach Mo’s Elite Fitness) over spring break

The next domino to fall locally was when the University of Texas

and we both said this may be here for a while, said Anderson High

postponed spring football practices and eventually cancelled

School Head Football Coach, Daniel Hunter. “We developed a plan

spring camp altogether.

of how to do strength and conditioning and how to do our character

We’ve just been trying to control what we can control, and keep our emotions directed at that,” said Texas Longhorns senior quarterback, Sam Ehlinger.

development along with other staff members.” Those plans included virtual workouts on social media platforms. “The summer time was really good. We had over 300 athletes in

But, there wasn’t much the Longhorns or any high school foot-

strength and conditioning. It’s really interesting starting in June, we

ball player could control. Life as we knew it and football was at

started summer conditioning. And, we went for 18 workouts. Not one

the mercy of a virus.

hiccup with Covid, not anything,” said Westlake High School Head CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

“WE JUST HAVE GRATITUDE TO THE POWERS THAT BE FOR GETTING US TO THIS PLACE WHERE WE CAN ACTUALLY JOG OUT ONTO THE FIELD.”

Coach, Todd Dodge. “Then Travis County took our kids

“That was really important for our guys to have a

away from us. Then on July 14th for a month. During that

sense of normalcy,” said Texas Longhorns head coach,

month we had 6 positive cases on our team.”

Tom Herman. “Now, it doesn’t feel normal having to

New plans and protocols were implemented what seemed like daily. “We came back in June and everyone clears us,” said Austin High School head football coach, Mike

of your face mask or standing six feet away from guys, but I think for the most part our guys are pretty used to that new normal.”

Rosenthal. The Maroons gathered for six days before

The new norm afforded all involved in the Austin football

being shut down again due to the Austin Public Heath

community to receive an infusion of positive news. Austin

Covid stage at level 4.

Public Health lowered the Covid stage to 3 eventually

According to the recommendation set by Austin Public Health’s, Dr. Mark Escott, team activities could begin at stage 3. For actual games, stage 2. “Kids are creatures of habit and they need the struc-

leading to plans to kickoff the season. “We’ve had our season taken away from us three times and we’re fortunate to get back on track. But, you have to enjoy each day,” said Rosenthal.

ture and they need to be around coaches and family and

A new appreciation gained for the game they’re all pas-

teammates and friends. Kids were really struggling with

sionate about. Regardless of limited attendance at games,

that,” said Rosenthal.

10% of stadium capacity at A.I.S.D. games, 20% stadium

Between at-home workouts and zoom meetings it was a daily dosage of acclimating to change and being mindful

capacity at Westlake High School, and 25% of stadium capacity at the University of Texas games.

of whom to interact with and eliminating personal habits.

“I think our guys have handled everything with a ton

“Everything in our lives has had to change a little bit.

of maturity,” said Herman. “We just have gratitude to the

Especially for me,” said Ehlinger. “As much as I lick my fin-

powers that be for getting us to this place where we can

gers, I’ve had to quit that and it’s been tough for me because

actually jog out onto the field.”

it is a habit. I think that there’s a lot of little different things like that that I’m conscious of now that I wasn’t in December.” Fast forward to late July. The uncertainty of an actual college football season trickled when the Big 12 Conference cancelled the annual football media days in Arlington, TX. That was followed by two of the Power 5 conferences, the SEC and the PAC 12, cancelling fall sports including football on August 11th. Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns were determined to prepare for a season, beginning fall camp on August 7th.

pull your mask up or wearing a shield on the bottom

Austin Life | November 2020

Needless to say, regardless of how many games are actually played, this experience the past nine months has been a valuable lesson learned which can be applied in life. “I think this has been a wake up call for these guys. It can be taken away at any moment,” said Gammerdinger. “The best way I cam sum it up is, if we finished the year 1-0 and even 0-1, it was a great season,” said Hunter. A significant victory was experienced by simply kicking off the season during a global pandemic.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Local Photog rapher Upholds Austin's Values for innovation in small busines s PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWS PEOPLE TO SEE THE WORLD FROM DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW. The saying that a photo is worth a thousand words means to admire the most different scenarios and situations captured in one frozen moment, and photographers are gifted with the ability to do this, and then share the pure beauty of it with the world. We wanted to thank our dedicated and gifted photographer, Lesson Medrano this year for pushing through with her loyalty to our publication when she continued believing in the gift of photography during such a time as COVID. She captured beautiful moments in time, and allowed us to present her comments and ideas regarding the current, local state of the photography industry. Here's what she had to say to us! 1. WHAT DOES THE PHOTOGRAPHER INDUSTRY LOOK LIKE DURING THIS PANDEMIC? It’s definitely been a change! I work with people for living, primarily doing weddings and events, so not being able to do that was difficult in the beginning but it’s been a fun challenge figuring out how to adapt. I’ve done more product, food and one on one portrait photography than ever! 2. HOW ARE YOU OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES YOU’VE HAD TO FACE DURING THIS TIME?

big adjustments the wedding was absolutely beautiful and the couple

I've definitely had to step outside of my comfort zone the past sev-

was just so happy to be there and celebrate as safely as possible. I

eral months, I’ve changed how I market, expanded my portfolio and

have several small weddings coming up this month and I’m so excited!

really tried to find out what’s important to people right now instead of what I’m used to shooting.

6. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GO INTO THE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS IN THE FIRST PLACE?

3. ARE THERE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY INDUSTRY?

I love this question! The short answer is, I’ve always been drawn to the power of photos, I admire so much how a single photo can evoke

Absolutely, being a wedding and portrait photographer I’m used

curiosity, memories and emotion. I’m so humbled to think that someone

to being in close contact with my clients, and working with very large

can look at a photo I’ve taken and feel something. It’s an amazing feeling!

groups and that’s definitely changed. 7. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE SIGNIFICANT YOU WOULD 4. WHAT PRECAUTIONS DO YOU TAKE WHEN HOLDING A PHOTO SHOOT?

LIKE TO ADD? I hope that other people, individually and businesses, have been

I always check in with people prior to the shoot to see what their

able to learn, grow and support each other best they can through

comfort level is, I always bring a mask with me and I'm now obsessed

all of this, hard as it is. We will get through it, let’s do it together and

with the pocket sanitizers from Bath and Body Works ha ha.

come out even stronger!

5. HAVE YOU PHOTOGRAPHED ANY WEDDINGS RECENTLY?

LESSON MEDRANO PHOTOGRAPHY

The last wedding I shot was in June, it had been downsized from

info@lessonmedrano.com

200 to 30 people and was live streamed for all the guests that couldn't

512-876-3618

be there. Despite the obvious disappointment of having to make such

@lessonmedranophotography

Austin Life | November 2020

AUSTIN LIFE'S PHOTOGRAPHER HAS DEDICATED GIFTS AND COMMITMENT TO OUR CAUSE AND WE WANT TO SHOW THE LOVE

ARTICLE ROSLYN BOND

Lesson Medrano

"I’m cur rently book in g Fall and Chr istma s family sessions , so plea se reach out , I’d love to chat!!"

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

FOOD & WINE

Austin-Owned ROSE GOLD WINE OFFERS TEXANS A TASTE OF FRANCE ROSE GOLD ROSÃ‰, MADE IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE THROUGH TRADITIONAL, TIME HONORED METHODS

Owner Casey Barber

Austin Life | November 2020

“THE TEXAS WINE OWNER FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH THE TRADITIONAL FRENCH WINE WHILE ON HER FIRST TRIP TO PROVENCE, FRANCE.”

TEXAN

CASEY

BARBER

RELEASES

HER LATEST VINTAGE OF ROSE GOLD WINE, A CLASSIC DRY PROVENCE ROSÉ, GROWN AND BOTTLED IN TRUE FRENCH FASHION IN THE SOUTH OF

Casey Barber

FRANCE. Since the brand launched in 2018, the winery has produced 4,400 cases of its rosé to date, which is now offered at 250 restaurants and stores throughout Texas. The Texas wine owner first fell in love with the traditional French wine while on her first trip to Provence, France. “It was love at first sip,” says Barber, who has been drinking Provence rosés ever since. She started her journey three years ago when she sought the partnership of a French winemaker and now believes she has created the perfect rosé, made in the true French traditional method from 50/50 cinsault grapes and grenache grapes. While the company is based in Texas, the grapes are grown fifty miles northwest of Saint Tropez and fermented in Provence as well. The wine is influenced by the sea, sun and winds that blow off the Mediterranean. The vineyard’s proximity to the ocean and the unique composition of the Provence soil combined with the winemaker’s rich history and skill in wine making, creates a truly magnificent rosé. The Rose Gold rosé is a beautiful pale pink wine with aromas CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

Casey Barber

of rich, fresh fruits, followed by hints of white flowers and minerals. Rose Gold is A.O.P Côtes de Provence, which is a legal French term designating grapes grown in the Provence region. “All of my memories of drinking rosé are happy ones... sunny patios, beautiful poolside afternoons with friends and on vacations,” said Casey Barber. “Rose Gold was created out of love for rosé. When you pour a glass on an afternoon with a friend, you will find yourself transported to the south of France where my own love for this beautiful French wine began.” Rose Gold is currently distributed through Republic National Distributing Company, one of the nation’s leading wholesale alcohol distributors and a family-owned business as well. The wine can be purchased at several Texas restaurants and retail outlets. For a full list and additional information, visit www.rosegoldwine.com.

Austin Life | November 2020

Rose Gold wine

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

DIY

B U I L D YO U R O W N FIRE PIT

CHECK OUT THESE HELPFUL TIPS FOR THIS DIY PROJECT

ARTICLE WHITNEY GRUNDER

Austin Life | November 2020

AS WE MOVE INTO THE FALL SEASON, WE CAN FINALLY PLAN THOSE OUTDOOR GATHERINGS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. When you add a fire pit into the mix, it becomes the focal point of your outdoor entertaining. So, why not do your homework and build

5. Begin to layer your blocks with the sides touching. You can use a level to make sure the blocks are even as you add layers.

your own fire pit?

6. Focus on finishing touches and remove loose debris.

TIPS:

SPEND LESS.

1. Choose your location. Be sure you are meeting building and fire

Look at low-cost bricks, pavers, concrete, and other materials. It’s

code standards and ideally are 25 feet from a house or a tree.

possible spend around $50 and leave with everything you need. Do

Consider how many guests you want to be able to accommodate

your homework and get creative!

when determining the pit measurements. 2. Pick your style and shape and measure the size. 3. Outline your chosen space using marking paint, string, and a stake to indicate the center of the pit. 4. Level the pit using a shovel and use gravel as the base for your fire pit. Try to avoid loosening the underlying soil.

NOT INTO DIY? Talk to a contractor for additional ideas and discuss your design plans if you aren’t quite comfortable with doing it all on your own. Be sure to share your ideas and styles on what you like and what you want to avoid. CityLifestyle.com/Austin

PUT YO U R CIT Y ON O U R MAP.

Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Life is short. Love what you do.

LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

Austin Life | November 2020

TREND SETTER

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

IMAGINE YOURSELF AS THE LEADER OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH IN VENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, WITH MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING. You’re a New York Times bestseller making a million dollars in royalties from your first book and people love you—you’re on top of the world. Would you leave that all behind? Better yet, would you trade all of that, giving away 90% of your income to end up living in the poorest region of Hong Kong surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day? For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate and unwanted result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, a church planter and best-selling author who speaks to thousands of people around the world each year, it’s exactly what he did. And exactly what he needed—an opportunity to walk down a winding path that led him toward fulfilling his purpose; toward becoming a

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

man who can truly say he lives the life he’s been called to and encouraging others to do the same.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a very traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died while giving birth to him. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with a membership of 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. By 2000, membership grew even more to 1,600. And by 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ then-new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it behind in pursuit of a more humble and impactful way of life. The $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. After making the decision to leave Cornerstone and wrestling with what the next step would be, Francis and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China, where he was able to embrace new interests and activities by doing what the locals do, and where he also saw an inspiring shift in culture and spiritual values. “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he says. “Their mentality really isn’t a consumer mindset of ‘Here’s my needs, here’s what I feel, no one cares about me— me, me, me, me. Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other and thinking about how to get to the poor—the truly poor—like ‘We’re going to starve today,’ or ‘We’re selling off kids today.’ That type of poor. There’s just a lot more urgency.” In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of life, Francis’ message of focus and fulfillment can be summed up simply: take your eyes off yourself.

“People that I’ve found that have spent their lives truly loving others are the j o y f u l p e o p l e .” 40

Austin Life | November 2020

“A l l w e r e a l l y n e e d t o d o is hit that little button that s w i t c h e s i t o f f s e l f i e m o d e .” “It’s so counterintuitive because, physically, if I break my arm, I’m not going to be thinking about anyone else. The only thing that’s going to bring me pleasure is getting this thing fixed. ‘Everyone look at me—my arm is broken; someone fix

he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals.

it for me,’” he says. “But...the answer is actually to take your

“She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like,

eyes off of yourself. People that I’ve found that have spent

you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

their lives truly loving others are the joyful people. You’ll find very few generous people who are miserable.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing him-

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says, fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to certain things and God has something so much better for us.”

self, goes on to describe how he sees this generation

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the

as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that

Sham Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong

you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls

with most of his family, including his wife, all but one of

and you’re always in the picture—always the center

his daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren.

of everything.

It’s a place he later found is where his mother also did

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that

ministries in the 1950s, and allows him the continued

switches it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t

humbling opportunity to live out his journey working with

even see myself.”

the ultra poor to bring relief and sharing his spiritual ful-

Looking toward the future, Francis (non-prophetically, he clarifies, laughing) goes on to recall the story of his oldest daughter, Rachel—one of seven children and two grandchildren, when she was 5 years old.

fillment with others, even while enjoying a pickup game with locals on the neighborhood basketball court. “It’s a pretty bizarre journey to think that, first of all, my wife has stood by my side for 27 years, and it’s just been

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city

an amazing marriage. Two years ago at our 25-year anni-

called Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was

versary, she asked me ‘Do you know of anyone on the

this old maze you walked through with only a few walls,

planet that is more blessed than we are? Because I feel

some little ceramic things you could paint and this big

like we’re the happiest people on earth. It’s almost like

bubble machine that was just a hula hoop dipped in

that can’t be true, but I haven’t found anyone happier,’”

bubble solution. There really wasn’t much more to it,

he says. “It’s one thing for me to say because that’s the

but she loved it.”

way I feel, but to hear that from my wife as well and those

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’”

truly to be her sentiments. It just feels like an impossible life all the way around.”

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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