Austin, TX March 2021

M A R C H 2 02 1

at home

W ITH TH E H E N D R I X

HOME + DESIGN T I N Y H O M ES , B I G P O S SI B I L I T I ES FOOD + DRINK TAL K I N G T O T LV ’ S B ER T Y RI C H T ER

INSPIRE INK LIZZY SMITH

Tattoo Artist

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:

Coming Soon to Leander!

LIZZYWIGLZTATOOS@GMAIL.COM

(864) 386-4978

@lizzywiglz

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@lifestylepubs.com

There’s no place like home.

ACCO UNT MANAGER

Dawn Pepka | dawn.pepka@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe

I’M HAPPY TO CELEBRATE MARCH’S HOME ISSUE IN MY NEW AUSTIN HOME. As I set about renovating and decorating I had no lack of inspiration from the talented Austinites who fill this month’s pages. I got lost in the Instagram of internationally trained interior designer Christina Cole, who’s opening the second location of her Austin-based textile studio Canvas this month. I chatted with Sazan and Stevie Hendrix, who recently moved back to Austin and bought a home they’ve remodeled

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Ivens CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lesson Madrano, Info@lessonmadrano.com

into their dream home (with the help of Stevie’s family’s company Soleil Floors) about everything from the way light bounces off of beams added to a ceiling to the way a candle can change the mood of a room. I also fell in love with tiny homes. Getting one to turn into a home gym/yoga studio has climbed to priority status on my bucket list.

In the meantime I look forward to dropping into Central Athlete, after I spoke to its founder about accountability’s role in reaching fitness goals.

I hope you find something in this month’s pages that inspires you. If you have questions about anything in the issue or thoughts on something you’d like to see in a future issue, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Cheers,

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Jennifer Birn

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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

4

Austin Life | March 2021

of all information cannot be guaranteed.

WE BELIEVE IN 100% ORGANIC SELF REMEDIES Highest quality locally grown herbs made into essential and infused oils, bath soaks, salves, and teas and tisanes.

2423 S Bell Blvd. Suite A Cedar Park, TX 78613 jacksmountaintea.com doug.jacksmountain@gmail.com (512) 514-1250

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 08 Berty Richter Veteran chef Richter dishes on his journey and pivoting during the pandemic.

16 Tiny Homes, Big Possibilities Missing going to an office? Leaving for the gym? These ADUs let you get away without leaving home.

20 Catching Up with Designer Christina Cole Interior Design Expert Brings Her International Experience Home

24 20

24 Living The Good Life We go home with the Hendrix to chat about family, business and recent renovations.

16

08 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Hometown Hero

10

Local Limelight

12

Culinary Creations

40 Inspired By 42 Food & Wine

The Best Cupcakery and Coffee Shop in Austin!

512.335.7746 | www.cupprimo.com 8650 SPICEWOOD SPRINGS ROAD SUITE 105 AUSTIN, TX 78759

A place for everything Custom Closets Home Offices Pantries

Murphy Beds Garages Laundry Rooms

Serving Austin since 2005

P U T YO U R C IT Y O N O U R M A P. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Life is short. Love what you do.

LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

Visit Our Showroom 2438 W. Anderson Lane, C-7 Austin, Texas 78757

512-601-6921

morespaceplaceaustin.com CityLifestyle.com/Austin

7

HOMETOWN HERO

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN

BERTY Richter

Chef Berty R ichter RICHTER IS AN ISRAELI-BORN INTERNATIONALLY

made to be. My first summer we had 50 days of over 100

TRAINED CHEF WHO SPENT MORE THAN A

degrees and 100 degrees outside feels like 130 in the truck.

DECADE WORKING AT SOME OF NEW YORK CITY’S MOST DISTINGUISHED RESTAURANTS BEFORE

WHEN DID YOU OPEN TLV?

MOVING TO AUSTIN IN 2016 AND OPENING A

March 2019. We opened on the first day of SXSW. Then

FOOD TRUCK. That was the start of TLV (named after

we were open exactly one year when the lockdown came.

the abbreviation for Tel Aviv’s airport) that is housed at the Fareground Food Hall.

HOW HAVE YOU HAD TO PIVOT FOR LOCKDOWN?

WHAT MADE YOU MOVE TO AUSTIN?

one of our sister restaurants Emmer & Rye and were

For the first couple months we moved operations to I got really tired of New York. I became very angry, very edgy and I didn’t want to be that person.

offering a limited menu of both concepts from the same kitchen. Then we moved back to the Fareground for just to-go. It actually works well because our food travels eas-

AND HOW HAS IT BEEN? Things are good here. It’s definitely turned out to be better than I ever imagined.

ily and looks good on disposable, compostable plates.

We started a market section and added more retail.

We put condiments and sauces in mason jars, started a line of the custom spices and holidays we’ve been doing

WHEN YOU GOT TO AUSTIN YOU

pre-made meal kits that have been a great success.

STARTED A FOOD TRUCK. It seemed like a natural thing to do Israeli food here because there wasn’t any.

WHAT’S NEXT? February 1 we started a series of takeover pop-ups at our sister restaurant Emmer & Rye where Mondays we

HOW DID YOU LIKE GOING FROM A FANCY

cook full-service dinners with TLV food.

KITCHEN TO A FOOD TRUCK? I had a completely different picture in my mind of how it would work out. It turned out to be not as fun as it’s 8

Austin Life | March 2021

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A CHEF? Making people happy through food.

CUSTOM CAKE ART FOR WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS

If you can dream it we can create it!

non-contact ordering and delivery available www.cakesrockaustintx.com • 877-711-2253 • admin@cakesrock.rocks

LESSON MEDRANO PHOTOGRAPHY

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

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

9

LOCAL LIMELIGHT WITH CENTRAL ATHLETE'S JESSE O'BRIEN

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN

G ET T I NG B AC K TO BASICS CENTRAL ATHLETE HAD AN ADVANTAGE WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT AND CRUSHED MANY BOUTIQUE GYMS THAT WERE PIQUING IN POPULARITY. Although Central Athlete has a spacious gym in the heart of Austin at 1023 Springdale Rd., more than half of their clientele has been taking advantage of their remote coaching option since well before Covid-19 restrictions.

“This may seem kind of weird from someone who owns a gym, but I would say my belief is that most people probably don’t need a gym,” says Jesse O’Brien, who owns Central Athlete with his wife Amanda. He explains, “Hundreds of years ago

Owner Jesse O'Brien

all of this was naturally built into our lives. We ate food close to the ground, we were living in a tribal

The gym is open 365 days/year and staffed with coaches to

community and socially connected, now we’re in a

offer a spot, but Jesse says a difference with Central Athlete

mental health crisis.” And overweight.

is, “There’s not a lot of hand holding. It’s for someone who

Encouraging getting back to basics, discipline and accountability, Jesse’s trying to chip away at this.

has a certain level of dedication and motivation and some proficiency of movement.”

Jesse left his post-college corporate tech job pretty shortly after he started and dove into fitness

FOR THOSE WHO WORKOUT FROM HOME HE

full-time. Learning what worked in CrossFit while a

RECOMMENDS HAVING:

partner in Westlake CrossFit and combining it with

+ A good size, minimally cluttered area to move around in, so you

‘things that have stood the test of time,’ he created

can do push-ups, sit-ups and rollouts.

the concept of Central Athlete. At its core, Central

+ A pull up bar, even if it’s used just to hold your chin above the bar

Athlete provides assessment of where people are

+ A barbell or adjustable set of dumbbells.

with their base health, fitness and nutrition, dis-

10

cusses where they want to be, and offers support

FOR THE REST OF THE FOUNDATION JESSE SAYS HE

and accountability provided by a personal coach

BELIEVES PEOPLE CAN DO REALLY WELL WITH A FEW

who you meet with monthly and via the TrueCoach

BASIC LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES. HE SUGGESTS:

app to communicate and track progress daily.

+ Walk every single day for a minimum of 30 minutes.

There’s also a library of nearly 2000 easily under-

+ Get some natural sunlight

stood 20-second videos to make sure client’s are

+ Sleep for close to 8 hours each night as often you can.

doing the exercises right, in the facility or at home.

+ Get a quality diet.

Austin Life | March 2021

He says to focus on small goals, like walking 10,000 steps every

Central Athlete coaches offer free 30-minutes strategy sessions

single day for a year. “My advice is start with something so simple

where Jesse says “We get as good of an understanding as we can

that you can’t screw it up, like going for a walk every day, then

about the person, what have they done in the past, what they’re cur-

stack habits on top of each other.”

rently doing for exercise, fitness and nutrition and where they want to

That’s where accountability comes in, and where Jesse says

take things. Our goal is to give them free advice and encourage them

where they come in handy. The American Society of Training and

to try it on their own, and let them know if they need a little extra

Development (ASTD) did a study on accountability and found “You

guidance and accountability we’re here. Our goal is to give people

have a 65 percent chance of completing a goal if you commit to

the tools and see if they can put them into place themselves.”

someone and if you have a specific accountability appointment

But, if you want to substantially increase your chances, you can

with a person you’ve committed, you will increase your chance of

get information and rates at CentralAthlete.com and book a free

success by up to 95 percent!”

consultation at 512-672-6760.

Inside Central Athlete

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

11

CULINARY CREATIONS

A A E L B G L O G U P T L A N T

WHEN ASKED TO SHARE A DISH THAT READERS COULD MAKE AT HOME, TLV’S CHEF AND CO-OWNER

BERTY

RICHTER

CHOSE

A

FIRE

ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD. He said he chose this particular dish, “Because it’s really, really good. It’s just really tasty.” He further explained, “Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables too cook with. I’ve eaten so much eggplant in my life I could do a whole year of different eggplant dishes. There are currently four on the menu at TLV, three as sides and one as a main. I love the smell of fire-roasted eggplant and the smell that fills the house. It’s so simple, but so authentic and so delicious. I take a lot of pride in how I make eggplant and I want as many people as possible to experience that and those flavors. I’ve turned so many people from not liking eggplant to eggplant fanatics.”

TLV CHEF SHARES A DISH HE BELIEVES CAN MAKE ANYONE AN EGGPLANT LOVER ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TLV

12

Austin Life | March 2021

FIRE ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD

Roast eggplants over open flame, (or on stovetop), turning frequently, until skin gets charred and the eggplant “collapses.” This will be 15-20 minutes Place roasted eggplants over a perforated pan and let cool and drain for about 10 minutes.

While eggplants cool, in a large bowl mix extra virgin olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt, rough chopped garlic, medium diced fresh tomato, pomegranate molasses and Urfa Pepper (both can be found in a middle-eastern specialty store)

ingredient s

+ 3 large eggplant + 3 garlic cloves + 1 diced tomato + ½ cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup + ¾ tsp urfa pepper (can sub for another smokey dark pepper) + ½ cup olive + 2 tps pomegranate molasses + 1 tbs salt 1 + ¼ cup roughly chopped flat leaf parsley

Once eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and remove the stems.

Cut the eggplants into large chunks and put them in with the tomato mixture. Gently mix everything without “breaking up” the eggplant too much Let the mixture sit overnight for all the flavors to absorb.

Add rough chopped parsley and serve.

Enjoy!

ins t ruc t ions CityLifestyle.com/Austin

13

AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGN HOME FURNISHINGS | RENOVATIONS | NEW CONSTRUCTIONS

LOCAL DESIGNERS WITH A PASSION FOR CREATING A HOME TAILORED TO YOU. 737-999-0286 | WWW.BYDESIGNINTERIORS.COM |

V @BYDESIGNINTERIORSINC

A

SMILE IS THE

PRETTIEST THING YOU

CAN WEAR.

AS YOUR SMILE STUDIO, WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF PREVENTATIVE AND COSMETIC SERVICES TO TAKE CARE OF EVERY DENTAL NEED.

WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY, FREE BEER AND WINE, AND ENTERTAINMENT FORWARD LOUNGES, WE PROVIDE PATIENTS IN AUSTIN WITH MODERN, HONEST DENTISTRY. SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW TO EXPERIENCE DENTISTRY REDEFINED

SOUTH LAMAR - SALTILLO - LANTANA PLACE - DOMAIN - THE GROVE - PARMER PARK WWW.ENAMELDENTISTRY.COM

tiny homes, big possibilities ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN

TI NY Pesoli Properties WFH Office

16

Austin Life | March 2021

FEW COULD HAVE EVER PREDICTED THAT WE’D BE SPENDING THE BETTER PART OF THE LAST YEAR IN OUR HOMES. The pandemic forced the majority of us to work from home, workout from home, teach our children at home and have nearly every meal and milestone, at home.

While the time has been a blessing in some ways, sometimes it’s nice to be able to get backyard. Hence the surging popularity of Tiny

added to generate income as rental units and

Homes, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built

to increase the resale value of the property with

on your property.

the additional square footage.

Tiny Homes have long been popular for

I interviewed several local contractors who all

guests, even earning the nicknames Granny

echoed that the requests for ADUs have sub-

Flats and Mother-in-Law suites for those made

stantially increased in the past year to allow rel-

to shelter family members (whether mothers

atives to comfortably quarantine together but

or adult children) who become permanent

apart from extended family. They also say

houseguests. This gives them the freedom

they’ve been building many more tiny homes to

of their own personal space, often their own

serve as offices, gyms and a place to homes-

bathroom, and in some, a kitchen. In addition

chool children - as our office, gym, school and

to guest houses they’ve also historically been

home have become one.

Peter Pesoli & Daliah Maurer of Pesoli Properties

are

professional

flippers.

They

recently built a tiny home outfitted as an office space flooded with natural light that made my heart flutter. “We mainly flip houses for ourselves, but we’ve done a handful of detached offices now,” Pesoli says, explaining, “When Covid hit I thought it’s what everyone needs to get away from the kids and family or to work or do exercise. We put it on Instagram and got so many responses. They’re just so versatile.”

An ADU can run $50,000 for a basic space, but costs add up once you start adding things that need additional permitting, like plumbing. “You don’t have to get a permit to build an ADU if it’s under 200 square feet.,” Pesoli says, “ But, you still do need an electrical permit, and once you add Pesoli Properties 194 sq ft tiny house

plumbing it becomes a dwelling and becomes a whole another thing.”

CONTINUED >

HOMES

away – even if it’s only to an oasis in your own

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

17

TINY HOMES, BIG POSSIBILITIES (CONTINUED)

18

Austin Life | March 2021

TexZen Interior; Studio

Jason Kahle, owner of Small House Solutions, says he’s received so many inquiries he’s been having trouble keeping up with them. He said the requests he’s been getting have been a good mix of people looking to build space for gyms, offices and more.

He says the average size he generally builds is 750 square feet because, “If you go under 500 square feet it’s really expensive cost/square foot because you still need to pull the same permits, to get the architectural and engineering drawing and install the electrical and plumbing.”

Although, he also says if you choose to go the under 200 square foot route without plumbing, you save on permits, soft costs and inspection fees.

If you’re looking to get a Tiny House in your own backyard, it’s good to start planning early. Local contractors are getting backed up and Kahle says,

They say on their website, “an emptiness full of

“If you want something 200-500 square ft, with

possibilities, like a promise yet to be fulfilled.”

just electric, the design, engineering and permit-

Braden says, “Starting with a manufactured or

ting, it will be about three months. Permitting for

modular structure like EscapeSpace can be a more

plumbing doubles the time, so if you want a bath-

financially accessible option.” And while she says

room, it’s about six months.”

new builds range from 90 to 180 days depending on

Suzanne Braden is co-founder of TexZen Design. They build tiny houses from the ground up,

builder and permitting, an Escapespace can typically be delivered in 60 to 90 days.

but also work with a company called EscapeSpace

If you want one, for an in-law, a child, a home

that delivers customized, ready-made tiny houses

office, a gym or a home ‘school,’ you should start

in less time and for less money than a custom

putting plans in motion sooner rather than later.

build. Braden is proud to work with them, saying,

Permitting can take a while and you may become

“They are the leader in the tiny home industry and

hard-pressed to find a contractor. Pesoli says, “I

an option that we can offer our clients looking for

think everyone is going to be getting one soon.”

something more immediate.” She says they sometimes design larger, but 240-400 square feet is

If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a day trip to

the average. While their spaces can be custom-

check out the Great American Tiny House Show in

ized, many of them are just blank canvas spaces.

Arlington, Texas Mar 13 – 14, 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

19

C AT C H I N G U P W I T H DE S IG N E R CH R ISTI NA C OL E

INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERT BRINGS HER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE HOME

20

Austin Life | March 2021

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY SHADE DEGGES

AWARD-WINNING DESIGNER CHRISTINA COLE ABBOUD’S WORK SPANS HOSPITALITY, SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES,

Updated? Make selections that feel current but timeless. Overly trendy selections will date quickly.

MULTI-UNITS AND COMMERCIAL SPACES. She’s designed penthouses in Paris and taught Architecture, Urban Design

WHERE SHOULD PEOPLE INVEST MONEY WHEN

and History in Barcelona, Spain. But home is Austin, where she

RENOVATING THEIR HOME? If the budget allows, I rec-

recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of her textile studio

ommend investing in a designer. Designers can help the

Canvas and is slated to open a second location this month.

homeowner realize a cohesive vision, avoid expensive mistakes, and advocate for their best interests with builders

YOU’VE DONE A LOT IN YOUR CAREER THE LAST DOZEN

and contractors. Outside of a designer, investing in quality

YEARS. IF YOU HAD TO PICK ONE THING TO DO FOR THE

lighting and plumbing fixtures can elevate the visual impact

REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I’m

and experience of a space.

doing it! Interior Design is my passion and my career so I don’t see the trajectory changing in the future. I hope I get to

WHERE DO PEOPLE GENERALLY OVERSPEND WHEN

continue doing this for the rest of my life.

THEY SHOULDN’T? People generally overspend when they don’t have a clear vision. They focus on individual elements

WHAT PROJECT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST PROUD OF? The

rather than the total composition. If they can see the total

Paris project was the most pivotal project of my career because

composition, they can see opportunities to mix high and low.

of the international experience it brought, but there are proud

Having a comprehensive design before starting is a great

moments that exist in every project where collaboration and

way to avoid overspending.

trust with clients results in something special.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE STORES IN AUSTIN FOR WHAT QUESTIONS ARE YOU ASKED MOST OFTEN

GOOD HOME RENOVATION FINDS? J&L Hardware, Delta

WHEN PEOPLE HIRE YOU FOR A NEW DESIGN OR REN-

Millworks and Alkusari Stone.

OVATION? The most common questions at the onset of a project are topics around, cost, timing and process.

WHAT’S A CAREER GOAL YOU’RE STILL STRIVING TO ATTAIN? Enjoy my new textile showroom, support my clients,

WHAT’S THE SINGLE BEST THING PEOPLE CAN DO TO

and continuously be creative.

MAKE THEIR HOME APPEAR: Bigger? Have furniture and lighting that is appropriately

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON THAT YOU’RE EXCITED

scaled for your room and remember to include negative space

ABOUT? The second location of my textile showroom is

in the design.

opening and will feature an expanded collection of rugs and

Brighter? Choose light, neutral colors that are reflective

fabric lines that are exclusive to Texas.

and can move light across surfaces.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

21

BUILDING A CUSTOM EMPIRE One Room at a Time

Control Your Home From Your Devices with Smart Home Integration

Home Theaters

Home Automation ✓ Locks ✓ Security System / Cameras ✓ Thermostat ✓ Entertainment ✓ Lighting Control ✓ Motorized Shades ✓ Pools & Spas ✓ Integrate with Alexa & Google Voice

Outdoor Living Spaces

$500 OFF Any project of $5,000+

10% OFF

Any project under $5,000

Our MISSION is to provide a higher quality of life that allows our clients and staff to have the ability to LOOK into the future, LISTEN to the world, and LIVE their best lives!

(512) 640-9203 » empireavservices.com OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 8AM TO 6PM

Call now for your FREE Consolation at 512-640-9203

good life

living the

AT HOME WITH THE HENDRIX ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MADRANO

NATIVE TEXANS STEVIE AND SAZAN HENDRIX MET WHILE

Today Sazan and Stevie are happily

ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS. They shared

married with two daughters, 3-year-

the same stars in their eyes. Sazan and Stevie were both radio, tele-

old Valentina (Teeny) and 3-month-old

vision and film majors determined to make it in Los Angeles after

Amari. After several successful years in

graduation. They met while each fulling the requirement of working

LA, where they started building a family

at the school newscast and developed a friendship that (slowly)

and their brand, the Hendrix moved to

blossomed into more. “I had a moment where I looked and him and

Austin early 2020. They talked to Austin

thought, ‘Man, whoever this guy marries is going to be a lucky girl,’

Life about the move back, finding their

recalls Sazan. “I saw that several times when I was getting to know

perfect home, their podcast The Good

him, and I thought ‘There’s really nothing wrong with this guy.’”

Life and what’s on deck next.

But Sazan shares, “I didn’t want to fall in love with him and I told

him to never fall in love with me because we could never be together

WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT THE MOVE

because I’m Middle Eastern and he’s white and my parents would

BACK TO AUSTIN?

never approve. So I said we should just keep hanging out, enjoying

Stevie: We sold our house in LA in 2019

each other’s company and encouraging each other because we

and were looking in LA but there was noth-

were both going to be going to Hollywood. And then, you know how

ing we liked on the market, so we decided

life works, when you tell somebody, ‘Don’t fall in love with me,’ of

to go back to Texas for a few months, travel

course you do, and the rest was history after that.”

and not have a mortgage. Then January

Stevie adds, “I always say Saz and I’s love story is like the alter-

rolled around and Saz said, ‘Maybe we’re

nate ending of Lala Land, where we didn’t get the career that we

meant to stay here and buy a house in

dreamt of having in LA, but we got something even better, we got it

Austin, life here is good and we can always

all. We got each other, and then we also got to have success in an

travel to LA.’ We didn’t know Corona was

industry that’s completely new.”

24

Austin Life | March 2021

CONTINUED >

A couch made for family

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

25

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE (CONTINUED)

Gathering on the family's favorite island

going to hit, obviously. So, we decided to stay here. We

I remember asking Stevie ‘What about this area in

closed on this house the day the Coronavirus was issued

Westlake Hills?’ It’s very much with nature and trees,

as a pandemic, March 2020.

hidden, but also 10-15 minutes from downtown. One foot in nature and one foot in the city. This house hap-

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINDING A HOME IN AUSTIN? Sazan: We broke Austin up into some of our favorite

pened to be one of the first houses I clicked on when we zoomed into the region.

areas and then started driving around those areas and getting familiar with Austin again. Even though Stevie is

26

WHAT WERE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A HOME?

from Austin, it’s changed so much since he lived here,

Sazan: When we left LA Stevie and I made a list of what

so we just took some time to soak up the city. We were

our dream home would be. We wanted to find a home that

looking a lot in Georgetown, Tarrytown, everywhere. I

didn’t feel like a cookie cutter house. We wanted a home

remember after looking and looking and finding nothing

that had a story, that had charm, that felt like it had been

that seemed quite right, one night I told Stevie to zoom

worn in a little bit, but at the same time that wasn’t out-

in on the map at one area we hadn’t looked.

dated. It had to be in a safe community. It had to have a lot

Austin Life | March 2021

of great lighting because we work from home and lighting

family feel here? We love to host, we love food, we love

is important to create content and feel inspired. When we

friends and we love family, so it was about how that is

saw this house, all of the boxes were being checked.

all going to fit together in this house.

It’s kind of like love, when you find the right one, you

Sazan: It’s not a place where people are afraid to sit

know it’s the right one because you’ve been through

on your couch. We want people to feel the opposite, like

some really crappy ones. This house just felt so right.

come and sit on the couch and stay. That was our vibe

Stevie: It was built in 2001 but it needed some real

for the décor.

TLC. There was a fireplace in the middle of the living room that blocked beautiful windows. When my dad

WHAT ARE EACH OF YOUR FAVORITE

walked in for the first time he said, ‘This has to go.” I

PARTS OF THE HOUSE?

thought if we can move the fireplace and do a few things

Stevie: For me the change of the floors. We put in

this house could really be incredible. I started to have

some white solid oak floors that are so beautiful. And

this vision that it’s all part of God’s plan. And thank god

putting beams on the ceiling. We did custom-made

for my dad’s company Soleil Floors because they really

white beams and it brought so much light into the house.

came in and did everything.

There are so many windows, but the light just wasn’t

Sazan: It became an open floor plan once we took

bouncing well enough. Two other things we love are that

out the fireplace and it transformed the whole space.

there are three screened in porches, built into the house,

We love to host family and friends and if it wasn’t a pan-

not sticking out from the house. It’s very Southern, very

demic our door would probably be unlocked 24/7 with

charming And here we have bugs, so if I want to smoke

people coming in and out. So, for us, it was important

a cigar at night, I can just go in there.

that the living room was breathable and inviting and that is exactly what it became.

Sazan; The kitchen is hands-down my favorite place.

After a full day of chasing the business life and mom life,

Stevie: When we were looking for the house we

I love escaping into the kitchen and getting lost in cook-

also looked through a lens of how will our friends and

ing. I feel so inspired in that space and that’s something CONTINUED >

WE LOVE FAMILY, SO IT WAS ABOUT HOW THAT IS A

AN D

“W

E LOVE TO HOST, WE LOVE FOOD, WE LOVE FRIENDS

LL GOING TO FIT TOGETHER IN THIS HOUSE.”

For the love of windows

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

27

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE (CONTINUED) That look of love

I always wanted to have. We turn off work at 5pm and we meet in kitchen. That was always so instilled in me with my roots and my culture, so to have that now in this house has been so great. I love that we brought the outside in with that stone backsplash. It’s so warm and cozy.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT AUSTIN? Stevie: Growing up here and coming home from college there was SXSW and music and food and an active lifestyle. Those are parts of the city that will never go away. I love that Austin aims to be very interactive and people really appreciate hiking and the outdoors. And I’ve always loved that there’s a friendliness in Austin.

Sazan: Nothing tops Texas BBQ and incredible tacos. I didn’t realize how much I missed the food until I came back.

We feel like now we have it all. We have our good food spots, we enjoy the outdoors.

Austin is a creative place, so I feel like I thrive here. But, I also feel like I can turn it off, which is something I struggled with in LA, a city that’s always go-go-go.

HOW HAD TEENY ADAPTED TO AUSTIN? Stevie: She’s become a kid since moving to Austin. Austin is more kid-friendly.

Sazan: Being surrounded by our families, nothing beats that. That made our decision to come back to Texas that much sweeter.

YOU JUST HAD YOUR SECOND CHILD, HOW IS LIFE DIFFERENT WITH TWO KIDS? Sazan: It’s definitely a transition period we’re in right now, but so far, so good. We knew that once we had another baby it would make our lives a little busier and we’d just have to manage our time better and work together as a team.

Teamwork is how the dream works and it’s how Stevie and I always work in our business and in our personal lives. We’ve just soaking up this CONTINUED >

28

Austin Life | March 2021

Stevie, Sazan & Amari

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

29

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE (CONTINUED)

30

Austin Life | March 2021

season right now, because we learned with Teeny, time flies so quickly and the first five years of your kids’ lives are precious time you’re never going to get back. The pandemic has given us the perfect excuse and permission to slow down and enjoy being drenched in parent life, while pursuing different goals we have for the coming years.

IN ADDITION TO THE HOUSE AND KIDS, YOU’RE BUILDING A BRAND TOGETHER, INCLUDING HOSTING A WEEKLY PODCAST, THE GOOD LIFE. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE PODCAST? Stevie: My favorite thing about it is getting to network with people we never would have met and getting to hear their life story condensed into 30 minutes to an hour. And we get to learn a ton. When you listen to podcasts it’s usually to learn something and Saz and I feel like we’re getting a Masterclass from some of our favorite people.

Sazan: In 2020 it felt like an hour we took and were hanging out with people and not missing out on that social part of life we were missing during the pandemic. It was like getting virtual dates with people from different walks of life.

And it’s the first thing Stevie and I have ever launched to together and is the beginning of this new chapter where we’re building a brand together.

I’VE HEARD YOU TALK A LOT LATELY ABOUT LAUNCHING SOME PRODUCTS. WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON THERE? Stevie: Saz and I are obviously very passionate about home. We’re not trying to be Amber Interiors, although gosh, we love her so much and she’s been the #1 influence on our house. I always find myself saying, ‘What would Amber do?’

We really want to get into products for the home like lifestyle products, things that we love. For example, Saz and I love candles and throw blankets. I’m passionate about coffee. It’s all things people know and love us for already that we incorporate in our own lifestyles.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

31

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE (CONTINUED)

Sazan: We always joke that it’s the teeny details in the home.

Like Stevie said, we’re not interior decorators or trying to do some crazy products, but I have found that just a simple candle has made my day that much more incredible when it’s burning on a rainy day, and it’s a reminder to slow down and take in the moment. We want to help bring people what it takes to be a good life. We want to help facilitate moments for people with the things we want to curate on our SazanandStevie.com website which is in the developmental phase right now. We’re bringing it to life slowly but surely and it all starts with those little moments. And we’re glad to be doing it in Texas, in our home where we’re so inspired.

IMAGINE YOURSELVES 30 YEARS FROM NOW, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU EACH GIVE YOURSELVES? Sazan: I don’t struggle with motivation, I struggle with the opposite, slowing down. So, I would tell myself, ’You are going to have days where it’s not going to be your most productive day, don’t beat yourself up, forgive yourself and just do better tomorrow.’

Stevie: It would be enjoy your life moments. You get engaged, enjoy being engaged. When you get married, enjoy your marriage day, you have kids, enjoy those first three months when your kids fit from your chest to your belly button. What I’ve learned this year is to just enjoy all of those moments and not to wish any of them away or to blink because they’ll be gone that quickly.

fa st fac t s

The heart of the home

Favorite restaurant: Uchiko Favorite way to spend a day: A workout, alone time, accomplish our work goals, go to the park with the girls and Netflix and chill.

Favorite boutique: Stevie: I love Stag for menswear.

Sazan: I love a shop called Honey & Hay for home stuff. It’s a beautiful curated and cozy shop. An antique store in Georgetown called Gatherings that’s super cute. We love Round Top, we found pieces we’ll have forever at great price points. And Stevie’s family store Soleil Floors for renovations. We spent a lot of time there this last year.

Find them on Instagram: @sazan @stevie_hendrix @thehendrixes

32

Austin Life | March 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

33

P O W E R S

&

K E R R ,

KNOWLEDGEABLE LEGAL

P L L C

GUIDANCE

Board Certified Family Law

MEANS SO MUCH WHEN YOU ARE CHANGING YOUR LIFE

Providing Expert Advice in High Asset and High Conflict Divorce Cases, Complicated Custody Disputes, Child Support Litigation, and Pre- and Post-Marital Agreement Negotiations

» 512-610-6199 » PowersandKerr.com » 6034 West Courtyard Drive, Suite 100

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

LEARN TO SURF! OFFERING PERSONALIZED PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION TO STUDENTS OF ALL AGES!

SUMMER SURF & WAKEBOARD CAMPS (AGES 6 TO 16)

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS LET OUR PASSION FOR ALL THINGS WATERSPORTS HELP YOU, OR YOUR CHILDREN REACH NEW GOALS AND GAIN CONFIDENCE AT THE SAME TIME.

FUN SPRING SPECIALS ON GIFT CERTIFICATES CALL, TEXT, OR EMAIL US FOR AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION, OR CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE

(512) 947-7160 // WWW.LAKELESSONS.COM INSTRUCT@LAKELESSONS.COM 34

Austin Life | March 2021

REFINANCE NOW TO SAVE THOUSANDS RATES ARE AT ALL TIME LOWS

Mortgages Are Our Only Business.

That’s why we’re so good at making the entire process fast, easy and painless. American Financial Networkis well-known for: • Fast response • Great rates • Quick closings

• Loan programs that meet your needs • Local processing from application to closing

Vickie Lasher Branch Manager NMLS #235812

512-710-8449 vlasher@afncorp.com www.vickielasher.com

6550 Comanche Trail #211, Austin, TX 78732 | Branch NMLS #1484518 | CORP NMLS #237341 American Financial Network, Inc. is licensed by the Texas - SML Mortgage Banker Branch Registration under Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), unique identifier of 1484518. Arizona Mortgage Banker Branch License (122242). California Department of Business Oversight under Finance Lenders Law License (60DBO67846). Loans made or arranged pursuant to California Financing Law.. Nevada Mortgage BrokerLicense (3688). Oregon Mortgage Lending Branch License (ML-5069-25). Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org and input NMLS #237341 to see where American Financial Network, Inc. is a licensed lender. In all states, the principal licensed office of American Financial Network,Inc. is 10 Pointe Drive, Suite 330, Brea, CA 92821; Phone: (714) 831-4000 (NMLS ID#237341). This is not an offer for extension of credit orcommitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Not all applicants qualify. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. The content in this advertisement is for informational purposes only. Products not available in all areas.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

35

charity spotlight

ARTICLE SARAH IVENS

MELINDA MARBLE HAS HELPED AUSTINITES

Am I going to be scared? Am I going to be remembered?

MAKE THE MOST OF EACH REMAINING DAY

Here, at Hospice Austin, we help answer all those questions

WITH COMFORT AND KINDNESS FOR THE LAST

– and make sure their worst fears don’t happen.”

14 YEARS, SHE SHARED LIFE LESSONS SHE’S LEARNED ALONG THE WAY.

36

It takes a special person to be able to do this work. Marble says, “I asked one of our doctors why they

“When patients come to us to ask for help, they have the

chose hospice care at medical school and they said, ‘I

same four question,” she says. “When my moment to die

did it because I could, I didn’t faint when someone was

comes, am I going to be in pain? Am I going to be alone?

dying.’ Sometimes it’s that simple. To be with a patient

Austin Life | March 2021

and their family during the hardest experience they’ve ever faced

She said she was inspired to get into this work after watching her

is a privilege and an honor. We work hard to normalize the expe-

own father die in a hospital. “No one was telling us anything or over-

rience for them – by being calm, by letting them know what to

seeing his general wellbeing and it was a dehumanizing experience,”

expect, and by knowing how to keep them comfortable.”

she remembers, “The grief of losing him killed my mother, but when

Hospice Austin served its first patient in 1980. Marble says it

she was dying her doctor suggested hospice care. She had a beauti-

was a labor of love by people who saw the need for this service in

ful death; so different to my father’s, and that made me investigate it.

Austin. “Nowadays, there are many for-profit hospices, part of big

“I’ve attended many, many deaths of friends, family and patients

chains, but we remain the same. We’re owned by the community,

since then, including my husband’s to cancer, and of course they

nonprofit, not part of a chain. Any money we make from donations

are always hard. Dying is hard, and it can be ugly and painful, but

goes back into programs that help our patients and their families –

it doesn’t have to be. And that’s the whole goal of hospice, to make

not to shareholders or investors. This allows us to care for everyone

each day as good as it possibly can be, even the last one.”

who needs us, regardless of their ability to pay or their diagnosis.”

To make a donation or for more information go to Hospiceaustin.org.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

37

Mural Motivation IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-OF-A-KIND WALL, CONSIDER COMMISSIONING A MURALIST.

BRITTANY JOHNSON WAS GIVEN A LARGE CANVAS FOR HER FIRST PAID PROJECT AS A FULL-TIME ARTIST- PAINTING AN ENTIRE WALL IN URBANE DESIGN OWNER JESSICA LOVE’S HOME GYM. LOVE SHARES WITH AUSTIN LIFE JOHNSON’S EXPLANATION OF THE SYMBOLISM AND MEANING WITHIN THE MURAL: The Death’s Moth: Symbolizes life and death, the legacy a life leaves, rebirth, becoming and transformation; the afterlife and the part of us that remains after death, both tangible and intangible.

The Body: Signifies loving yourself and the process. The body is your home, the home is where you love and the skeleton is what carries us through life and remains after death.

The Three Tattoos: The tattoos on the arm are my interpretation of you (Love), as a designer, one of the places you express and share your love, making places beautiful and special for people and inviting others to Love's dog Charlie looks admiringly at Johnson as she works

do the same in your home.

The bull skull is an example of a home that remains. Mikah is there guarding and watching the door.

The dream catchers and clouds and moon are to draw on your energy, the light you shine and the whimsical side I see.

The Luna Moth: Another representation of rebirth and renewal of the body and spirit.

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN 38

Austin Life | March 2021

Kitchen & Bath | Whole Home Remodel | Custom Cabinets Counter Tops | Painting | Masonry | Flooring

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

39

k i t c h e n

INSPIRED BY

Appreciation For What It Is Original Art by Catie Radney @catieradneyart

get the look WITH HGTV + DIY NETWORK’S ‘BARGAIN MANSIONS’ DESIGNER TAMARA DAY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

40

Austin Life | March 2021

DESIGNER TAMARA DAY IS A PUR-

skill set comes from growing up on a

VEYOR OF THE GLAM AND COZY.

farm. Growing up, she learned all of

This busy wife and mother of four styles

her hands-on skills from her dad, Ward

for the spirited home, mixing glam, com-

Schraeder. After getting married, Tamara

fort, and family. Tamara’s sense of style

and her husband took on old, dilapidated

and eye for what works has created an

homes that no one wanted and turned

insatiable demand for her interior design

them into beautiful spaces.

expertise, furniture and décor. Tamara

One home in particular made Tamara

grew up on the Midwestern plains in

the sought after designer she is today.

Salina,

While rescuing a home from foreclosure

Kansas.

Her

“do-it-yourself”

01

Season 3 | Episode 10 View the full project and shop for products at TamaraDay.com.

Banquette Tile: Daltile® Marble 3/8 x Random Mosaic in Venetian Calacatta

Island Chandeliers: Kichler Brisbane Cabinet Knob: Nostalgic Warehouse Deco Cabinet Knob

Cabinet Pull: Nostalgic Warehouse Farmhouse Cup Pull

Countertop + Backsplash: Daltile® Natural Stone Slab – Natural Quartzite in Crystalize (Polished) Cabinet Color: Dried Thyme – 75% (Sherwin Williams)

and neglect, the economy tanked, forcing Tamara to do a lot of the work herself. To stay on budget, she went to estate sales and redesigned furniture to fit her vision for the house. Out of this experience, a new brand was born— Growing Days, Tamara’s interior design, furniture, décor and lifestyle business.

On HGTV & DIY Network’s Bargain Mansions, Tamara and her crew transform big, old houses that she finds at bargain prices.

While respecting the integrity and history of the homes, she integrates modern design, function and style to the space – perfect for today’s families.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

41

FOOD & WINE

M E E T YO U R FAVO R I T E D E S I G N AT E D D R I V E R THIS MOCKTAIL'S GOT MOXY

THE

MOXY

AUSTIN-UNIVERSITY

ONLY

OPENED

IN

JANUARY AND THEIR BAR MENU IS ALREADY RACKING UP LIKES ON INSTAGRAM FOR THEIR CREATIVITY AND PRETTY PRESENTATION. Moxy Bar bartender Christina Hensley tells Austin Life, “The drink menu for Bar Moxy is relevant to our location adjacent to the UT Austin Campus- fun, hip and full of energy.”

The Designated Driver is a perfect mocktail to make to impress guests at a barbecue where people will want to day drink the thirst-quenching libation– and then drive home. In the absence of large gatherings, you can whip up a batch for yourself as a tasty treat that will keep in your fridge for up to two weeks!. “The refreshing burst of strawberry, lime and basil is a delight for the tastebuds!” says Hensley.

Moxy Bartender Christina Hensley

The Designated Driver

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MOXY BAR

The Bar Moxy

42

INGREDIENTS + 1.5oz Lime Juice + 1.5oz Strawberry Basil Reduction + 1lb fresh strawberries (cut in half) + 8oz fresh basil leaf + 2 cups white granulated sugar + 1 and ¼ cup of water + 4oz Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water

DIRECTIONS 01 Add Strawberry Basil Reduction ingredients to a sauce pan 02 Simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes- do NOT boil 03 Let the mixture cool to the room temperature 04 Strain away the strawberry and basil pulp *Refrigerate for up to 14 days

Austin Life | March 2021

NEW YE AR NEW GOAL S CRUSHED PRIVATE , SA FE , ONE ON ONE TR A INING US ING CUT TING E DGE INNOVATION S FAT BURNING | MUSCLE TONING B ODY SCULPTING EFFICIENT 2 0 M I N U T E SE S SIONS LOW IMPAC T S AFE FOR ALL AGE S & SKILL LE VEL S

MODERN CUT TING EDGE ME THODS L I P O M E LT | N O N - I N VA S I V E A LT ER N AT I V E TO M ELT AWAY S T UB B O R N FAT E M S | EL EC T R O MUS CL E S T IMUL AT I O N WO R KO U T EWOT | EXERCISE WITH OGYGEN THER APY C O V I D F R I E N D LY | P R I VAT E O N E O N O N E S E S S I O N S

AU S T I N S C U L P TA N D T O N E . C O M —

3 42 5 B EE C AV E R OA D , AU S T IN —

5 1 2- 9 9 4 -74 8 5

MENTION THIS AD IN AUS TIN LIFE FOR A NO COMMITMENT INTRODUC TORY E XPLOR ATORY SESSION