Austin, TX August 2021

AU G U S T 2 02 1

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WITH THE VAN DER BEEKS

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@lifestylepubs.com

Our Most Adorable Issue

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

AS YOU’VE PROBABLY GLEANED, ALL ISSUES OF AUSTIN LIFE AT LEAST LOOSELY ADHERE TO A MONTHLY THEME. This month it’s Kids + Pets and

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Morsman, Lesson Medrano

the pages are packed with swoon-worthy pictures that will elicit more than a few, ‘Awwww,’ moments.

Our cover with the Van Der Beeks, including their five kids and five dogs, couldn’t be more perfect. Kudos to photographer Laura Morsman, and the darling Van Der Beek clan for getting all dozen members of the family in a photo – and looking at the camera! We spent a lovely summer day on the ranch for the shoot and it’s amazing to see how at home in Austin and low-stress James and Kimberly Van Der Beek are even with a full house to manage. They’re down-to-earth and beautiful and I hope the photos will make you smile and the interview will inspire you.

This month we also introduce you to my longtime friend Flint Beamon, who owns Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen & Bath, and his rescue pups Bea and Jax, and we made a list of dog-friendly places to check out in our notoriously dog-friendly city. Veering from theme, the Austin Life team took a field trip to Dripping Springs to check out where Austin-based company Ranch Rider Spirits is made and meet co-founder Quentin Cantu. I’m not sure what was better, a cold can of Ranch Water on a swelt-

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

ing day or seeing where the magic happens and hearing the passion and determi-

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

nation of the founder. Either way, must say I think any one of the four flavors make

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

a great poolside companion.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

There’s so much good stuff in this issue. Enjoy!

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Cheers,

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Jennifer Birn, Editor PS: This month’s editor letter features an appearance by my Dachshund/Spaniel mix rescue dog Lady Hazelnut, because it didn’t seem right to put together a dog-themed issue without her. Send me photos of you and your dog and we’ll get some up on our Instagram.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin ON THE COVER The Van Der Beeks PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA MORSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Austin Life | August 2021

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

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.

V I S I T U S I N T H E T E X A S H I L L C O U N T RY 1 0 0 %

T E X A S - G R O W N

W I L L I A M C HRISWINES .CO M

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 12 On Premise with Quentin Cantu The Co-Founder & COO of Ranch Rider Spirits invited Austin Life to see where the magic happens

22 The Van Der Beeks Family, passions and following the signs

22 34

34 Picks for Kids Stylish finds and a sweet treat for your babes

12

40 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Local Experiences

10

Our Town

12

Hometown Hero

16

Locally Owned

34 Artist’s Palette 40 Local Limelight

APPEARANCE-PERFORMANCE-DURABILITY FROM HIGH END TO AFFORDABLE

What s ets us a p a r t ? B e ca u s e O n e S t o p W in dow Sh op prov i d es

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options

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w i n dows

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AS AN AUSTIN FAMILY OWNED

doors w i th the k n ow l e d ge of h ow t o i n s t a l l th em ea ch

BUSINESS WE HANDLE EVERY STEP OF

corr ec tl y, o u r a d va n t a ge ov e r o t h e r w i n d ow com pa n ies

YOUR PROJECT FROM CONSULTING,

is t hey o n ly p rov i d e o n e b ra n d fo r a c us tom er. By

SELECTION, INSTALLATION AND

only s el li ng o n e o r t w o bra n d s yo u a s a cus tom er

FINISHED PRODUCT TREATING EACH

are l i m i ted by s a i d co m p a n y a n d t i m e i s wa s ted in colle c ti n g m u lti pl e b i d s , go i n g t h r o u g h s ev era l s a l es

PROJECT LIKE OUR OWN HOME

pitch es , to f i n d t h e r i gh t fi t .

JOSEPH RICHESON

5 12.76 2.47 3 0

www.onestopwindowshop.com

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

KIDS + PETS WHILE IT’S NOT OVER YET, SUMMER IS SOON COMING TO AN END AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO BID ADIEU THAN TO SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND OUR FAVORITE FOURLEGGED FRIENDS! Embrace the end of the season by gathering the kids, dogs, and adults alike for some indoor and outdoor recreation and exploration, pet-friendly destinations that embrace our furry friends!

PET-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCES + Paddleboarding at Rowing Dock: An afternoon paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake can be zen for you and your furry friends, like Plato, pictured 2418 Stratford Dr Austin, TX + Coffee Shop, try Cherrywood Coffeehouse: Humans and canines alike can catch up with friends while hanging out on Cherrywood Coffeehouse's expansive dog-friendly patio.

1400 E 38th 1/2 St Austin, TX + Dog Treats at Kriser’s Natural Pet: They curate quality dog food products + have fun celebratory ‘bakery’ goods like dog-friendly cupcakes and cannolis.

2330 South Lamar, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78704 + Yappy Hour at Trace Restaurant: Tuesdays 4-7pm dogs receive a cup of Fido Ice Cream (peanut butter, yogurt, blueberries & bananas) complimentary with a cocktail purchase made by their human.

200 Lavaca Street Austin, TX 78701 + Restaurant: Banger's has an area where dogs can frolick off-leash and their menu includes the Woofwurst, a sausage made specifically for canine patrons!

79 Rainey St. Austin, TX 78701 8

Austin Life | August 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

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OUR TOWN

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MEDRANO

Erica Brennes and her daughter Baker get pedis at The Ten Spot

KIDF R I E N D LY S PA EXPERIENCES

SHARE THE JOY OF SELF-CARE WITH YOUR KIDS

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Austin Life | August 2021

Nikki Duffie and her son Hunter at Spa Sway

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO TEACH YOUR KIDS SELF-CARE AND AS SPA SWAY FOUNDER REI LEIGH HARMER SAYS, “WHAT BETTER WAY TO CONNECT WITH YOUR CHILD THAN TO TAKE A TIME OUT AND BE PAMPERED, TOGETHER?” At Spa Sway instead of booking a massage with a significant other, you can book the experience with your child. “These days, there are so many distractions, with technology and work and a host of other things, that it makes parent-child bonding time more difficult. We realize at Spa Sway just how valuable time together is and want to provide a memorable experience that both parent and child can enjoy.”

If you’re feeling like a pedicure, you can head to The Ten Spot, entrepreneur Jennifer HowardBrown’s Austin outpost of the popular Canadian beauty bar that opened earlier in the summer in Rosedale Village. Parents and kids can sit sideby-side for natural manicures and pedicures in the fun orange-hued environment.

Find Spa Sway at https://spasway.com/ and The Top Ten at https://www.thetenspot.com/ rosedale-village/

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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FER BIRN | P

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PH Y K

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ON PREMISE WITH QUENTIN CANTU

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HOMETOWN HERO

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Quentin Cantu

THE CO-FOUNDER & COO OF RANCH RIDER SPIRITS INVITED AUSTIN LIFE TO SEE WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

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Austin Life | August 2021

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT IN THE BRAND’S NEAR FUTURE? I’m excited to enter other markets and show people it’s possible to create a better for you beverage that’s super natural and doesn’t contain anything synthetic.

QUENTIN CANTU WAS CHARISMATIC AND SUPER ENTHUSI-

RANCH RIDER CURRENTLY HAS TEQUILA AND VODKA-

ASTIC ABOUT EXTOLLING THE VIRTUES OF RANCH RIDER

BASED VARIETIES. DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO MAKE ANY

SPIRITS AS HE LED AUSTIN LIFE’S TEAM ON A TOUR AROUND

OTHER FLAVORS IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

THE BASE OF OPERATIONS IN DRIPPING SPRINGS. While he

I think the world is our oyster and there will be other ideas that

explained the recent expansion and addition of more buildings and

come into play. Maybe something with Mezcal, maybe something

tanks to make their spirits, that are a mix of only fresh ingredients,

with bourbon.

it’s hard to imagine Quentin worked in politics before he says he became disenchanted by the career path. Switching gears, he came

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE

back to Texas in 2016 to pursue an MBA at UT where he met Ranch

18 MONTHS SINCE YOU WENT TO MARKET?

Rider co-founder Brian Murphy. Like many of their friends they

To be open to criticism and to hunt down nos. I think as an

were disappointed by the food options on campus and hungered

entrepreneur you should get told ‘no’ often because that makes the

for healthier choices. Using the knowledge recently learned in one

moment when you get to a yes that more meaningful and you learn

of their classes, they created the solution, starting a food truck that

through no more than you learn through a yes. We don’t take it per-

served up healthy food for students – that was largely financed by

sonally now, we take it as a learning opportunity.

UT professors. It was here they first mixed up healthy alcoholic cocktails. When the popularity of the drinks began to outpace the food,

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR

they decided to can the cocktails.

IN AUSTIN?

Ranch Rider Spirits launched January 2020 and currently has four

It’s a very supportive community. Austin has a ton of amazingly

varieties, all of which they make and can themselves. It’s available in

successful and aspiring food and beverage entrepreneurs, I hardly

12 states, expanding rapidly and did nearly $4 million in sales their first

ever encounter an issue that someone else hasn’t already gone

year – despite it being a pandemic, and their product only available in

through and having that support network is vital for any entrepreneur.

retail locations. Here’s more we learned during our chat with Quentin….

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE AUSTIN-BASED BRANDS? WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FLAVOR OF RANCH RIDER? The Chilton. I think the acid of the lemon with the salt pairs really well, like a salty lemonade, which is perfect in the summer heat.

Siete. The family, their whole story is so incredible and it’s become a staple in our household. I’m a big fan of Barrel Creek Provisions pickled products and Casper Fermentables, which is similar. I love seeing the vast array of health-focused CPG brands that are based

YOU DID $4 MILLION DOLLARS IN SALES YOUR FIRST YEAR,

here become successful.

DURING A PANDEMIC. DID YOU EXPECT THAT? Definitely not. We were super fortunate with the reception we got, principally in Austin, then in the rest of Texas.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Austin Life Publisher Joe Kerby, Quentin, Jennifer Birn and intern Ashley Pena

Figuring out a supply chain that’s scalable, especially in the midst of a global can shortage. And breaking through the noise of a category that’s become increasingly saturated to make sure consumers make Ranch Rider their go-to brand.

WHAT SETS RANCH RIDER APART FROM THE OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE PRETTY SATURATED HARD SELTZER MARKET? I always love sampling Ranch Rider and the competitors with the consumers because you can tell on their faces as soon as you taste it…If you taste us alongside any other malt beverage or any spiked seltzer or the vast majority of spirit-based canned cocktails on the market I think ours wins because of our ingredients, because we don’t use anything synthetic, nothing artificial. It’s an all-natural better for you alcoholic product.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

13

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LOCALLY OWNED RANCH RIDER SPIRITS CANS ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS TO CREATE HEALTHIER FOR YOU ALCOHOLIC LIBATIONS PERFECT FOR SUMMER

C H I L T O N THE CHILTON IS ONE OF FOUR FLAVORS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM AUSTIN-BASED BEVERAGE COMPANY RANCH RIDER SPIRITS. It consists of vodka, sparkling water, fresh squeezed lemon juice and sea salt. Optional: Tajin Classic Lime seasoning on the rim. Other Ranch Rider flavors include The Mule, Tequila Paloma and Ranch Water. They’re available for purchase at retail locations in 12 states The Chilton with Tijon

nationwide (and expanding quickly) and many locations around Austin. You can find where at https:// www.ranchriderspirits.com/find

I

TA S T E D

F R O M

The Chilton with a Tajin rim

Ranch Rider Spirits

F L AVO R

PA I R S

P R O F I L E

Refreshing, Thirst-Quenching, subtly salty lemonade

W E L L

W I T H

Summer, the beach, barbecue, tacos…

OV E R A L L

The Chilton tastes like a drink mixed minutes ago rather than handed to you in a can. From the first sip you can appreciate the difference made by squeezed lemon juice from imported barrels rather than concentrate. While delicious on its own, adding Tajin Classic Lime Seasoning to the top adds another dimension to the flavor profile to tickle the taste buds.

16

Austin Life | August 2021

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY KIMBERLY BIRN

T H E

R N D I K CityLifestyle.com/Austin

17

Road Dogs ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN

JULS BINDI INVENTED ZUGOPET CAR SEATS AND CARRIERS TO KEEP DOGS SAFE ON THE STREETS.

INSPIRED

RUSSELL,

She began with an Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaign

JULS BINDI FOUNDED ZUGOPET BECAUSE SHE

BY

HER

RESCUE

DOG

in 2015 and in 2018 the Rocketeer Pack went viral on the

WANTED TO CREATE A CAR SEAT TO HELP DOGS

internet, generating over a billion views in under a year. The

WITH ANXIETY, WHILE KEEPING THEM SAFE AND

viral videos were brought to the attention of ‘Shark Tank,’ she

SECURE IN THE CAR. “I realized there weren’t any

auditioned and was chosen to be one of the entrepreneurs

products on the market that could properly protect your

permitted to pitch to the Sharks on the live show.

dog that wouldn’t injure a dog’s spines, specifically if a car accident were to occur,” she says.

18

Austin Life | August 2021

ZuGoPet now has two designs, The Rocketeer Pack and Jetsetter, specifically designed for dogs 25lbs and under,

like her dog Willow, a Yorkshire she found abandoned in a ware-

For the Jetsetter, you place the bag straps around the front two

house back in 2018. The crash-tested car harness, The Rocketeer

seats and adjust the straps to allow your dog to feel snug in

Pack, ranges from $105 - $175. Jetsetter, a multifunctional car seat

between the two front car seats. Juls says it’s also been shown

which acts as an airport complaint carrier, purse, hands-free walking

to help with car sickness.

leash attachments (and more), ranges from $120 - $180, depending on the sizes. Further launches are planned for this year.

Both are easy to install. The Rocketeer Pack connects into your car’s anchors, just as you would attach a baby car seat.

In addition to keeping our best friends safe, ZuGoPet helps save dogs through their “Buy a bag, save a life” program where they donate money to rescue dogs out of kill shelters.

Learn more at https://zugopet.com/

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

19

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Austin Life | August 2021

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Austin Life | August 2021

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA MORSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THEY FOLLOWED THE SIGNS THAT LED TO AUSTIN

WHEN COVID RESTRICTIONS PUT THE KIBOSH ON JAMES AND KIMBERLY VAN DER BEEK’S PLANS TO RENEW THEIR VOWS FOR THEIR 10TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY LAST YEAR, THEY INSTEAD CELEBRATED WITH A TRIP TO AUSTIN. Fast forward one year later to their 11th anniversary, the day this issue comes out, and the former Angelenos are now proud Austinites living on a 36-acre property in Hill Country with their five children: Olivia, 10, Joshua, 9, Annabel, 7, Emilia,5 and Gwendolyn, 3 and their five dogs: Windsor, Theo, Abel, Rocky and Sky. We joined the party of 12 on their ranch where the kids all extolled their love of Texas and James and Kimberly opened up about the impetus to move here, what they love so much about living in Austin, passions, lessons and parenting.

CONTINUED >

James and his boys

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

23

THE VAN DER BEEKS (CONTINUED)

WHY DID YOU MOVE TO TEXAS? James: We wanted to get the kids out of Los Angeles. We wanted to give them space and we wanted them to live in nature. When we were flying here for our anniversary, I felt an energy to Austin. The energy was the same energy that I’d felt shooting Varsity Blues here when I was 21 and I realized that feeling wasn’t just where I was in my career or the movie I was shooting, all of which were very exciting, but that the energy is the place. It was really cool to realize, ‘Oh, I can go be there.

We can drop in and bring our family to that.’

Kimberly: When we were flying I asked Texas for permission to explore this as a place to live, just an energetic meditative sort of asking, and I got ‘Yes.’ So, James and I took a drive and we thought we’re going to meditate under a tree and see if we get any information about living here.

James: We sound so hippie (laughs) Kimberly: We are hippie. This is authentic me.

James: I love it, it’s true Kimberly: By the way, it’s authentic you too.

James: I know. Just when I hear it come out of my wife’s mouth that we decided to stop and meditate under a tree and ask if we could move here…

Kimberly: I found an Oak tree that I wanted and James said, ‘Ok, let’s make sure’ and he kept driving and then we got to a T in the road and realized we’d been driving on Sacred Oak Lane. So, we went back to that tree and the information I was given was that Texas has the capacity to heal. It’s expansive and nature will hug you and heal you. We just had been through a crazy year with two late-term miscarriages and my body was still healing and it was hard for me to walk around at that point. I was still just a couple of

Josh and his bearded dragon Charla 24

Austin Life | August 2021

Gwyndolyn eating a strawberry and wearing a Giving Key necklace

months out of the hospital from my second one, so

WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS PROPERTY?

I was exhausted. James mom had just passed, so to

Kimberly: I’m a, what’s the right word…

get that message from the trees of Texas was the

James: Amazing, Incredible…

nurturing hug we needed to feel welcomed here. It

Kimberly: I’m a farm girl at heart who had never

felt like LA had kind of birthed us out and there was

lived out her dream. Nature was calling. I wanted

a real calling to move. It came from desire, it came

to be immersed in nature, in trees and fields and

from dreams, and by the time we left LA we were in

the sky. We found this property and it’s been like a

a deep gratitude for everything it had given us, but

dream come true.

Texas was saying, ‘Here’s what you need and we can provide this next layer for you.’ That was exactly

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT

what we needed. We needed a change of scene,

TEXAS SO FAR?

we needed to be immersed in nature, we needed

Kimberly: I’m not knocking on LA, and I love all

to heal our bodies, our hearts, our spirits. Having a

my friends there, but in LA if you get sick, you get a

mother pass comes in a lot of waves and having two

Postmates delivery. If you want to move, you get a

late-term miscarriages and five total miscarriages,

moving truck recommendation. In Texas, somebody

it was very serendipitous, and all of the messages

makes you something and brings it to your door-

brought us here in a very magical way.

step or you have five friends pulling up with their

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

25

THE VAN DER BEEKS (CONTINUED)

trucks to help you move. It’s just a different way of life here. It’s not to say one is better than the other, but it’s that hands-on village lifestyle that I’ve been craving for so long.

James: In LA it was, ‘Let me know if I can help,” which is what I always said too. I’m not knocking the people who said that. But here, it’s been, ‘How can I support?’ And literally showing up with a pick-up truck. People here are so nice.

Kimberly: Everyone looks out for each other here.

James: I do really feel looked out for. And to be able to show that to our kids and how we help out and become part of that process. In addition to give them room to run and ride, it’s been amazing.

Kimberly: And live music! It’s one of the best reasons to be in Texas. We love Poodies Roadhouse.

James: And the kids can run out the door, but they have to be aware of their surroundings.

Everything bites here. Even the caterpillars.

Kimberly: The other fun thing about Texas has been going to all the fun local places.

Community is a hub and it’s just awesome.

YOU MET IN ISRAEL AND GOT MARRIED IN ISRAEL WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT ISRAEL FOR YOU? Kimberly: It’s where we met, it’s where we fell in love.

James: It’s a pretty magical place. There’s an energy, a vibration that transcends any one religion or ideology, you can feel it.

Annabel

HOW IS PARENTING YOUR FIFTH CHILD DIFFERENT THAN PARENTING YOUR FIRST CHILD? Kimberly: You’re less precious and have

James: Be as careful as you need to be, not as careful as you can be.

more boundaries with each child. You realize

26

boundaries are okay and if you keep them for

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY PASSIONATE

yourself kids learn to have them for themselves.

ABOUT NOW APART FROM FAMILY?

And to be less precious. I think we really under-

Kimberly: This is a weird thing to be passion-

estimate a child’s ability to maneuver in the

ate about, but I’m very passionate about water

world, to climb a tree, to explore, to go through a

right now. We moved to land where there’s a

discovery process of who they are.

river and my desire to make sure that river is

Austin Life | August 2021

thriving and clean as possible is all the way up there. Making

to build things and creating efficient systems that allow me

sure my family’s drinking water is clean has become a big

to live in harmony with my environment as much as possible.

passion as well as water conservation because we drink river water here. We’re in a process of discovery and finding out

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN HANDY?

what the best forms of water conservation are, so we’re look-

James: I’ve always tinkered, but now I’ve had to get good

ing into rain capturing systems and composting toilets and

at it and you really learn by doing. The top of my priority list

things like that. I’m really nerding out on water conservation

these days is what needs fixing. For better or worse.

and protection and cleanliness at the moment.

I’m also in a space where self-care is important and that’s a boundary I’m creating with the kids. Sometimes I need to take 10 minutes and show them how to self-care, whether it’s laying down, reading a book or having a cup of tea.

James: Self-reliance. I know that’s esoteric, but we lost water during the freeze and in LA water was a bill, some-

IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Kimberly: The thing that’s really coming through for me is, ‘It may not feel perfect right now, but where you’re at is perfect. Every flaw is perfect, every flaw is an etching on your roadmap of life and you’ll grow from it.’

thing I paid for. Here it’s something we’ve had to earn. You

James: I’d say relax. Relax, enjoy the ride, and go towards

look at it a whole different way when you turn the faucet and

what you love. That’s the most important question, what do

nothing comes out of the tap. And just really thinking about

you love? What’s your passion? What lights you up? Instead

what I want to teach my kids to prepare them for whatever

of trying to go for what you think other people are going to

this crazy world has in store. For me, that’s learning how to

like. When you’re authentic and doing something that you

provide basic needs, learning how to fix things, learning how

love, people sense that.

CONTINUED >

Olivia and Emilia raced around the property

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

27

THE VAN DER BEEKS (CONTINUED)

In my writing, that’s the North Star for me, what do I care about? What am I passionate about? When I wake up in the morning, what makes me excited to jump out of bed and go do? That’s really the most important thing in life, and anything that’s not that, be aware of it. It’s very easy to get caught up in what you think is important verse what actually means a lot to you.

ARE YOU WRITING NOW? James: Yes. I think I’ve always been a writer, so that’s what I’ve been doing, I’ve been writing and developing. The last show I starred in I co-created and showran and I wrote every episode.

YOU EACH HAVE TWO SIBLINGS, DID YOU ALWAYS WANT A BIG FAMILY? James: I did. I feel like I told her, but she says I didn’t.

Kimberly: You did say when you first wrapped your arms around me you felt all the babies we were going to have together. I just didn’t know how many babies that meant. I think a big family has been a surprise to me, but I love it.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE AUSTIN STORMS? Kimberly: There’s a mix of magic and terror to the storms here. There’s a beautiful, mythical feeling to the sky here. It has its own personality.

James: It goes back to acceptance of the present moment and what’s happening right now.

FINAL THOUGHTS? James: When I talk about living in harmony with my environment, I think a lot of that is just looking for the signs, and looking for the connections and synchronicities, and following those.

And listening to that really quiet little whisper that comes from deep inside your soul over the nervous chatterbox that lives inside your head that speaks a lot louder. I think when you follow that quiet voice, logical or not, I do believe a lot of good can come out of it.

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Austin Life | August 2021

Emilia

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Picture Perfect

30

Austin Life | August 2021

ARTICLE STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL | PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA MORSMAN

WHEN I STORYBOARDED STYLING THE VAN DER BEEK FAMILY

a neutral color palette that made them look like angels and weren’t

FOR THE AUGUST COVER I WANTED TO COMPLEMENT THE

restrictive as they climbed trees and rode on kid-size ATVs.

LUSH GREEN LANDSCAPE OF THEIR HILL COUNTRY RANCH. I

I brought a handful of accessories, from headbands for the chil-

thought the flowy abstract floral-printed dress from Misa was perfect

dren to necklaces for mom and each child chose their own additions,

for Kimberly, a free-spirited ethereal woman, and it’s sublime for how

then little Gwyndolyn, 3 announced each person as they entered

sticky Austin can be in summertime. For James, I chose a casual linen

the room in their completed outfits. It was beautiful to see each of

Ted Baker suit in indigo blue that paired well with Kimberly’s dress

the Van Der Beeks add their own personality to the outfits. Being

and has a breathable fabric that’s also an excellent choice a Texas

a mother myself, it brings me a lot of joy to see them expressing

summer. For the kids, I exercised restraint in color and frills and chose

themselves and their individuality and enjoying the process.

Olivia rides an ATV in style

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

STYLISH FINDS AND A SWEET TREAT FOR YOUR BABES

ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN

Classic Childhood's romper from up-cycled button-ups

picks for kids MY LITTLE PONCHO My Little Poncho, owned by Austinite Julia Saenz-Rosenthal and made by local artisans in Ecuador, isn’t just a wardrobe staple for winter. Whether to use as a stroller blanket for babies or an extra layer for toddlers when blasted by AC, we love these washable ponchos year-round. You can find them online here: https://thelittleponcho.com/ CUBBIEKIT Kids grow out of clothes constantly and shopping for new onsies with every growth spurt is just one more thing for new parents to worry about – until Cubbiekit. Founder Salwa Khan, a working mom of two who struggled

with

postpartum

depression

was overwhelmed by the choices for baby clothes. Inspired by beauty and wellness

34

Austin Life | August 2021

subscriptions, she came up with the idea for Cubbiekit, a clothing delivery company that delivers clothes at regular intervals from newborn to 18 months. To sign up, you take a quiz, choose colors, subscribe, and when your baby’s outgrown a set of clothes, send them back for Cubbiekit to send to their partners and factories who then distribute and recycle them.

“Between the gender normative options and the “Insta-ready” marketing geared exclusively toward moms (dads are shopping too!), I wondered why it was so hard to find just the basics. Especially ones that were being made thoughtfully, with the environment and supply chain (and your child!) in mind. And so Cubbiekit was born: to make your first year just a little easier, so you can spend less time scrolling for the essentials.” Salwa said.

Kits are $90 every 3 or 4 months. Find more information here: https://www.cubbiekit.com CLASSIC CHILDHOOD Classic children’s

Childhood

is

brand focused

a

sustainable on

Circular

Fashion. They up-cycle button-up shirts turning them into children’s clothes including rompers, bonnets, pajamas, bloomers,

My Little Poncho

and face masks. The most popular is their signature bubble romper.

Owner Pamela Torres says, “In early 2018, I spent some time in Spain and I fell CONTINUED >

My Little Poncho

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ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Cubbiekits founder Salwa Kahn

in love with how they dressed their children - it was classic and gender-neutral. When I got back to Austin I dusted off my sewing machine and started to sew things for my son using my husband’s old shirts to test patterns and styles.

As I began researching the fashion industry I learned about the immense waste it created and my mission was born - create a fashion brand that extended the durability of existing clothing.”

The clothes are made by women who need to make extra income working from home with flexible schedules and their new concept store in South Austin includes a sewing studio, retail space with clothing for children ages 0 to 5, embroidery customization and more.

“The leading brands offer mostly “mini me” looks. We go by “dressing kids as kids” because we feel that by creating children’s classic looks (styles that adults wouldn’t wear) we can contribute to protecting and respecting their childhood,” Torres said.

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Austin Life | August 2021

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MEDRANO

meet... flint beamon ABOU T: I MET BARKIN CREEK DOG KITCHEN & BATH OWNER

move in 2014. I’ve never looked back. I love Austin: everything

FLINT BEAMON ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK CITY

it was and everything it is becoming.” They opened their first

OVER A DOZEN YEARS AGO AND THE GEORGIA NATIVE’S

and flagship Barkin’ Creek on South Lamar in 2018 and just

SOUTHERN CHARM AND INVITING SMILE REMAIN THE

recently opened their latest at the Domain Northside, which

SAME. Flint worked in hospitality, cultural programming, the

boasts the largest and most modern dog spa in Austin.

art world, events and publicity in NYC and then Los Angeles

When not working he’s hanging out with his own dogs,

before settling in Austin. “My husband, Jeff, is a UT Alum who

Pitbull rescues Jax and Bea and says he likes to “Eat. Hike. And

grew up in San Antonio and has always loved Austin, so we

some more.” He explains, “I’m a foodie at heart and Austin has

bought a house here to be closer to family in 2011,” he shares.

the most incredible epicurean discoveries everywhere you turn.

“The house has been a passion project and where we always

It’s a food lover’s dream come true.” And, for to balance his love

came to relax from either NYC or LA. As the idea of Barkin’

of food he’s a fan of Austin’s outdoor activities. “Thankfully we

Creek grew and grew in our heads, we knew the business had

live in Barton Hills close to the Ann and Roy Butler Trail that

to be launched in Austin, where over half of households have

circles Lady Bird Lake. There is nothing better than that trail in

a pet! Plus, as our house started to become more and more

my opinion. It gives us a breathtaking view of the city and allows

like home for us, getting on a plane to go back to our 9 to 5

us to run into friends while we stroll around. Plus, there’s a ton

jobs just wasn’t appealing anymore. We made the big and final

of dogs, so it’s always a good time for me!”

FAVOR ITE QUOTE :

“I would be remiss if I didn’t say that Amanda Gorman has stolen my heart. I love being trans-

ported into the world as she sees it through her eyes. One of my faves from her is: “There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” -Amanda Gorman NE W TOY:

Flint and his Gita robot

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Austin Life | August 2021

Her name is Gita, she’s a robot that trails Flint with things he doesn’t want to carry.

You can also find Gitas shuttling between official poop stations at the Domain

WHAT I ’ M OB SE S SE D WITH:

+ My dogs (obviously) + Barkin’ Creek + Cooking for & hosting guests at our home + Austin sunsets in our front yard which Jeff and I call the “Golden Hour” + Exploring the trails of Austin SOCIAL :

@barkin_creek

Flint with his rescue pitfalls Bea and Jax

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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