JA N UA RY 2 022 | TH E H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S I S S U E
HOW TO HARNESS YOUR HOPES: REI LEIGH HARMER SHARES HER STORY F O O D + B E V E R AG E
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January 2022 PUBLISHER
Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
LIFESTYLE LETTER
NEW YEAR, NEW IDEAS, NEW HOPE There is a burst of energy that happens at the start of every new year - an optimism that creates new ideas, plans and solutions. Maybe it’s the thought of a clean slate; that the past is behind us and we have a better, brighter future ahead of us. A positivity and energy for the future is something I feel every day here in Austin. There is a buzz about this place that lets you believe you can make your mark, make a change, make it happen… and that the community will be cheering you on. We celebrate some of these people in our new issue – including four chefs who can nourish our bodies during the chilly month of January, and three female entrepreneurs who can nourish our minds as they teach us to harness the power of the moon - and of course our cover woman Rei Leigh Harmer, who shares her story of success against the odds. Yes, Austin is full of magical people who feed all aspects of our lives. I’ve been lucky enough to live in some of the most exciting, beautiful places in the world. I’m a born and bred Londoner, and the U.K.’s capital truly is the greatest metropolis in the world (don’t fight me on this!), and I lived in New York City for five years, learning a lot about drama and drive. I’ve also lived in charming Louisville, Kentucky, and on the beaches of Los Angeles, and spent three years studying in the historic cathedral city of Canterbury, on England’s south coast. But living here in Austin for the last five years has been the perfect place to raise my family. It has the wit of London, the excitement of NYC, the outdoor life of LA, the Southern charm of Louisville, and a respect and love for its history like Canterbury. We’re very lucky to be here, today, with a fresh year laid out ahead of us. I hope you find everything you’re looking for – or at least can start the search – in 2022. Happy New Year… and happy reading!
SARAH IVENS, EDITOR
Sarah Ivens | sarah.ivens@lifestylepubs.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER
Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER
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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 ATX City 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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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2
inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
12 Can't Fight the Moonlight
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Lifestyle Letter
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Local Experiences
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Local Limelight
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Open House
HEA LT H + WELLN E SS
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Inspired By
HEA LT H + WELLNE SS
Under Austin's starry skies, three women are embracing the power of the moon
F E ATU R E D
26 Nourishment for the Soul
Two Austin chefs share comforting recipes to start 2022 the right way
F E ATU R E D
30 The Kollective's Creating Community Work, workout and network under the Kollective umbrella
F E ATU R E D
32 See the Light
Are infrared saunas the answer for all that ails us?
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Megan Batson How one woman got back on her feet after a traumatic injury to help others feel better
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FO O D + B EV E R AG E
26 Culinary Creations 30 Our Town
FO O D + B E V E R AG E
HEA LT H + WELLNES S
32 Healthy Lifestyle
HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS
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local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.
With the start of a new year, the focus on taking care of our health and wellness is a priority for many and is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Whether you are looking for some time to relax, unwind and feel rejuvenated with a trip to the spa or you are seeking out treatments to improve health and vitality, we have you covered with some of the best resources in town.
Day Spas & Health Treatments 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 LAKE AUSTIN SPA & R ESOR T: This world-class luxury spa is a perfect daycation, offering gorgeous views of the Colorado River, delicious dining and over 100 spa treatments! 1705 S Quinlan Park Rd Austin, TX 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, #124 Austin, TX WU CHIR OPR ACTIC & 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. 12591 Research Blvd Austin, TX CR YO BODY WOR KS CR YOTHER APY AUSTIN: Think Austin summers are too hot? Cool off with cryo, which dramatically drops your body temperature, stimulating endorphins, collagen production, and more. 3501 Hyridge Drive Austin, TX
Lake Austin Spa & Resort Sarah Ivens
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What 's for dinner? HAPPY MEMORIES PLEASE!
A stop at Bird Bird Biscuit brightens a dull day
NEED A QUICK BOOST ON A GREY DAY? TWO LOCAL RESTAURATEURS EXPLAIN WHY FOOD IS MORE THAN FUEL
ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FEEDMI, SARAH IVENS
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
Food shouldn’t make us feel guilty, it should make us feel comfort and joy. Yes, it’s about more than counting calories – even in the time of New Year’s resolutions. Ryan McElroy, co-owner of Bird Bird Biscuit explains why we should all take the biscuit. “A chicken biscuit is the ultimate joy food. My co-owner Brian Batch and I worked together at Thunderbird Coffee, which I own, for a decade before opening Bird Bird. We wanted to do something allowed us continue to grow together. I was raised in Virginia and Texas and Brian is from Midland. We landed on biscuits because we found them comforting and, importantly, because the distance between okay biscuits and great biscuits is huge. We thought we could apply the precision we learned from making coffee to the biscuit making process. Biscuits and fried chicken are, for us, an anytime food, but when it’s cold and dark outside we find ourselves particularly craving comfort. It’s hearty and brightens our day enormously.” Birdbirdbiscuit.com, (512) 761 4922
The owner of Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls, Sianni Dean, explains why we need to roll into the new year. “Comfort food can boost your well-being because of the happy memories that come with it - moments that flip your whole day around. At our store, people can come and treat themselves instead of being hard on themselves this new year. We have delicious flavors like peach cobbler, strawberry, banana pudding… the list goes on. I started Cranky Granny’s in dedication to my granny, grandma and mom, who always made delicious treats growing up for family occasions, and lots of people come in to the store and tell us about the treats they used to make with their grandparents. I originally started out of my parent’s kitchen back home in Jersey, then moved 1700 miles here to Texas aged 21 and a few months later opened our first store front at The Domain. It been one heck of a ride but Granny is proud and customers love it. That’s all that matters.” crankygrannys.com, (609) 401 0090
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Can’t Fight the Moonlight UNDER AUSTIN'S STARRY SKIES, TWO FEMALE-LED COMPANIES ARE EMBRACING THE POWER OF THE MOON TO BRING BALANCE TO OUR LIVES.
ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVA HAWKER, PAIGE NEWTON 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. Moon over Austin
The sisters of Deuxmoons
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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? 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.
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.”
AND THE FIRST FULL MOON OF 2022 IS ON JANUARY 17TH.
Shop local for Deuxmoons at Blue Suede, Hive + Honey, Sabia, Anvil + Aura, and Shuniya Yoga Collective
Full Moons are bold and bright and illuminate where you are on your journey. This is a great time to practice gratitude and to
deuxmoons.com
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Light up your life
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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!
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
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The whole of the moon in wax JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X
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Slow North offers up the moon
The Slow North owner moon journaling
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O PE N H OU SE | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S
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.
JOLIE SOIREE We Style, You Soiree
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.
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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. Slow North, 2700 W Anderson Ln, Unit 410, Austin, TX 78757 slownorth.com
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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 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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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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“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.
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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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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 T X
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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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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
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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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ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
The S Lamar storefront
KELLY KALYAN HAS US SEEING THE LIGHT ARE INFRARED SAUNAS THE ANSWER FOR ALL THAT AILS US?
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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
An infrared treatment sparking joy for Nicole Taylor
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.
CONTINUED >
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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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