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ISKRA LAWRENCE & PHILIP PAYNE on Holidays, Life & Love

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December 2023 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com

Happy Holidays Y’all

INTER N

I’ve been incredibly excited to share this month’s cover story with Iskra Lawrence, Philip Payne, and their little star Alpha. This family radiates light. They’re hard-working entrepreneurs, gracious and use their platform to inspire others to be their best selves. In the coming year, Iskra wants to take that a step further and begin a non-profit, that would include workshops in Austin, around her Self-Funding Journal, what began as a product to help people be more organized in every area of their lives – from scheduling to self-care – and has grown into so much more. Find the journal and other things Iskra’s wrapping for the holidays in her gift guide! We also have a gift guide full of sparkle from Korman Fine Jewelers, unique gifts from Kelsey Leigh Fine Jewelry & Gifts and of course some of our own recs. Don’t miss the feature on Alma by Stephen Pyles, a restaurant by Texas’s first James Beard award-winning chef in an unlikely location, sure to be busy this holiday season. And, if you’re looking for something sweet to bring to a holiday gathering, check out Local Bread Baker’s made-to-order Burnt Basque Cheesecakes – everyone will thank you. Finally, I hope you’re finding a semblance of balance and some selfcare between holiday parties, shopping, prepping and family commitments. We’ll be back next month with our Wellness Issue to help you kick off the new year with stories, people and places in Austin to help you achieve optimal mental and physical health. In the meantime, I hope you have a very merry holiday season filled with people and experiences that bring you joy and that you make memories that bring you a smile for years to come. Cheers,

JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR @AUSTINLIFEST YLEMAGAZINE

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and 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 Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Get to know Iskra & Philip

Local’s Choice ENT ERTA I NME N T

Lifestyle Letter

Seasonal Setups S HO PPI NG

City Scene

Locally Sourced S HO PPI NG

Back Stage ENT ERTA I NMENT

House Call LO CA L S ERV I C ES

music industry entrepreneur and former UT

Chef ’s Selection FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E

football player Philip Payne open up on love,

Trend Setter ST YLE + B EAU T Y

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Local Limelight LI FE + C U LT U R E

Gift Guide LI FE + C U LT U R E

Locals Only ST YLE + B EAU T Y

Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Model and entrepreneur Iskra Lawrence and

family, 2024 & more

30 Austin City Limits 2023 Reached New Heights Music, Food & Community made it another

one for the books

36 Timeless Gift Preserves Memories

Local Small Business Records Loved Ones' Life Stories

42 Shopping for a Cause 6

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Jenna McElroy Cover shot at Soho House; Hair and Makeup by Makenzi Laine; Wardrobe styling by Stephanie Coultress O’Neill from estilo Boutique, estilo Men and estilo Kids

S U STA I N A B L E From t h e St a r t

Designin g Austin for 30 Years

Co m m erc i a l | Re side n t ial | Sust ain able

BarleyPfeiffer.com | 512.476.8580

DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

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JILLIAN HAWKINS PHOTOGRAPHY.

JILLIAN HAWKINS PHOTOGRAPHY. KATHIE TAM/AP IMAGES FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS

KATHIE TAM/AP IMAGES FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS

JILLIAN HAWKINS PHOTOGRAPHY.

1: Heels & Handshakes: Austin Lifestyle, Soul, Kendra Scott and Leo Laine were among the sponsors 2: Heels & Handshakes: Shannen Stewart, Founder & President of the membership community for female entrepreneurs. 3: Heels & Handshakes moderator Haley Slade and speakers Lattice Hudson, Bryn Daylor and Liz Song 4: American Express & Resy's Outstanding in the Field Dinner: Chef Fermín Núñez and his team 5: American Express & Resy's Outstanding in the Field Dinner at the beautiful UMLAUF Sculpture Garden 6: At American Express & Resy's Outstanding in the Field Dinner guests chose their own plates 7: American Express & Resy's Outstanding in the Field Dinner at the beautiful UMLAUF Sculpture Garden

C I T Y SC E N E

1: Helping Hand Home’s Champions for Children Awards luncheon: Kathy Mauro, Cecilia Abbott, Laura Mauro Landers, Brian Liverman 2: Grammy-nominated musician Saul Paul lit up a room of 1000 people at the JW Marriot 3: The Bisby family, including their five children adopted from Helping Hand Home Photography by Jetter Photography

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @austinlifestylemagazine

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA MCELROY

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS WITH TOM SEGURA & CHRISTINA P

BECAUSE WE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THEM

TOM BEST CROISSANT IN AUSTIN I am talking to somebody about possibly opening a place and if we make this deal, it would be pretty epic. When it comes to a croissant, it’s important to get right. My current favorites in town are Tiny’s Milk & Cookies and Heaven’s Bistro. LAST SHOW YOU BINGED I just finished ‘The Watcher,’ it was good. ‘Slow Horses’ is the last really good one I watched. LAST THING YOU BOUGHT ONLINE Running shoes. I’ve been doing the Peloton home bike for cardio, but I’m going to start running. FAVORITE SONG TO RUN TO Probably “Welcome to the Terrordome” by Public Enemy. FAVORITE PELOTON TEACHER Ally Love. I’m pretty exclusive to Ally. LAST MEAL Probably rigatoni norcina with sausage and an olive oil-based sauce, some seared scallops on the side and just a taste of ribeye. Then wash it down with a bottle of Cayman Cabernet and chocolate souff le for dessert.

B ACK STAGE | EN TERTA INME NT

FAVORITE AUSTIN RESTAURANTS I love Red Ash, that place is unbelievable. I love J Carvers, Sushi by Scratch and I love the Golden Tiger for burgers because it’s open late so we can go there post-show. Pasta Bar is incredible and Olamaie.

CHRISTINA DREAM GUEST FOR WHERE’S MY MOMS AT? Rick Rubin FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN AUSTIN I love Red Ash, Tare and Terry Black’s BBQ. LAST THING YOU, BOUGHT ONLINE At midnight last night while Tom was snoring I bought bathing suits. LAST SHOW YOU BINGED ‘Physical,’ with Rose Byrne, and Tom and I watched ‘The Watcher’ LAST MEAL Probably just spaghetti with red sauce and shaky cheese, like Kraft, or Stauffers French bread, pizza, the frozen kind.

CUSTOM DESIGN & BUILD R E J U V E N AT I N G AU S T I N HOMES SINCE 2012

ALMA AIMS TO BE THE CULINARY SOUL OF GEORGETOWN

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

CHEF STEPHAN PYLES LATEST RESTAURANT HAS A UNIQUE LOCATION, BUT MAINTAINS HIS TOPNOTCH CUISINE AND HOSPITALITY

Chef Pyles, the “founding father of Southwestern Cuisine” and Texas’ first James Beard Award winner opened his latest restaurant Alma by Stephan Pyles, Spanish for ‘soul,’ in The Hacienda, a luxury senior living facility in Georgetown. It’s also open to the public. We went to check it out and from being greeted at the door by Chef Pyles himself, to the pop rocks bursting off our tongue at the first bite of his signature Hell’s Eggs (created for his very first restaurant), to the passion fissuring from co-Chef de Cuisine Joshua Gianni Farrell as he described each course to us, we were impressed – and embarrassed we nearly skipped on this gem. Chef Pyles says he opened Alma here because, “Having had experience with another luxury retirement community in Dallas, the owners of the soon-to-be-opened Hacienda in Georgetown reached out to me last year for consultation. When they explained they wanted to offer a restaurant that would be open to the public, as well as to the members, I asked if this had ever been done before. When they

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

said it hadn’t been done in Texas, I felt like I was up for the challenge as I have always loved being a pioneer.” While Chef Pyles, a fifth-generation Texan, goes back and forth from his home and restaurants in Dallas to Georgetown, Chef Farrell is a familiar face at the restaurant day-to-day. He says, “I helped Chef Pyles open another one of his projects about five years ago. That was our starting point, now he has me in his pocket and I’ve dropped everything and went back into, ‘Yes Chef’ mode. I want to give him all the love and attention he deserves as the best mentor on the planet.” The menu is true to Chef Pyles Southweststyle and Chef Farrell adds that it’s also heavily-influenced by its location in Hill Country. “I’m really working on the food and relationships with farms to help as many of the farmers as I can,” he says, “I want to add things into the menu to help these people and do some cool farm dinners and really represent the people and cuisine of Hill Country.” Regarding the location of the restaurant, Farrell says, “This project is the first of its kind, which is incredible to me. It’s a beautiful thing that I get to share my creativity through food and physically nurture people here, it gives new meaning to the term ‘regulars’ when they’re residents. I treat the job like someone coming to my grandmother’s house and make sure they leave better than they arrive. To me it’s not work, it’s also my house, it’s my home.” In addition to expecting Alma to be packed for the holidays – with the built-in clientele of residents and the families who will be visiting them alone – Chef Farrell says, “We have really some fun dinner events coming up.”

Chef Stephan Pyles

Chef Farrell

Whether for an event or just to dine, Alma’s is worth a visit – and make sure not to miss the BBQ Wagyu Brisket Pizza, and of course, those deviled eggs. Chef Pyles tells us, “In reviewing my first cookbook for the New York Times, food critic Craig Claiborne said, ‘The recipe for Chef Pyles’ Hell’s Eggs alone is worth the price of this book.’ After that, I sold a lot of cookbooks and even more Hell’s Eggs.” Chef Pyles has created 24 restaurants in 7 cities over the past 32 years and he says, “As long as I can make someone smile, and say, ‘Wow!’ I will continue to open restaurants.” Check out almahacienda.com for the full menu, hours and to keep up on special dinner events. Alma by Stephan Pyles 60 Del Webb Blvd, Georgetown, TX 78633 (512) 881-5706

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

H O L I D AY S E A S O N S T Y L E A trio of looks to inspire your winter party wardrobe

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL

The holiday season is upon us! Dig through your closet and break out the sparkle, sequins and faux furs -I just had my winter wardrobe delivered back to me from Closet Concierge. This year trends are showing a bit of fun flare with a lot of ostrich feathers as trim on tops, dresses and even shoes. Black and gold are always in style, statement sleeves are still here, and dare we say bigger than before and you can’t go wrong with a pair of leather (or pleather) pants, a nice blouse and pair of heels.

T R E N D SE T T E R | STY L E + BE AUTY

When you donate at an iconic Salvation Army Red Kettle, you give Central Texas families in crisis a hand up and hope this holiday season.

Text GIFT to 36413 to make a donation today, or give at the next red kettle you see.

Get to know

Iskra & Philip Model and entrepreneur Iskra Lawrence and music industry entrepreneur and former UT football player Philip Payne open up on love, family, 2024 & more ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA MCELROY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Austin Lifestyle spent a delightful day at Soho House Austin with Iskra, a model, mom, entrepreneur and founder of SaltAir and Self-Funding, Philip, a former UT football player turned music exec who founded Plan A and next semester will also be a professor and their adorable three-year-old son Alpha. We later caught up for a chat on Zoom in the run-up to the holidays.

LET’S START AT THE BEGINNING, HOW DID YOU MEET? PHILIP: I had known who Iskra was from social media and from what I saw she seemed like a really genuine person. I knew we’d connect, but I was very intentional about when we would meet. We had opportunities to meet before, but it wasn’t time yet. We eventually met at a Grammy party for an artist I used to manage. I saw her and tried to not act like I was looking at her. She said she caught my eye, but I thought I was being pretty smooth. I

walked up to her and the first thing I said was, ‘Are you in a relationship?’ She said, ‘It’s complicated,’ and I introduced myself and put my number in her phone. Then I just walked off. I thought I left an impression. She smiled, it was perfect. But, she didn’t text me immediately, so I was like, did this not work? So, I found her number from someone. I wasn’t going to text her, but I texted her the next morning and asked why she didn’t text me. From there we kept in touch and work would put us in the same places, which is how we got to build our relationship. She was in LA doing a show called the Marriage Challenge and invited me to set and I got to see her really help people work through struggles, whether it was body image or with fertility. ISKRA: It was a very emotional but wonderful day. I’ve met many humans on my journey and for a man, I know how hard it is to tap in emotionally, and then be able to communicate that. I have exes who couldn’t be comfortable on set,

conversational or blend in with everyone - and care about what I’m doing. Philip walked on set and immediately it felt like he was meant to be there. His presence just made everyone feel seen and comfortable, made the whole vibe calm and peaceful. He still does that to this day with our son and anyone. It’s definitely a gift of his to make everyone around him feel at ease.

ISKRA, YOU’RE FROM LONDON AND LIVED IN NEW YORK AND LA. HOW DID YOU GUYS COME TO THE DECISION TO SETTLE IN AUSTIN? PHILIP: I always told her Austin was where I wanted to raise my children and I wanted it to be home base, but I didn’t expect us to get that reality so fast. ISKRA: I’d lived in multiple places in Europe and Turkey, New York, New Jersey and LA and I was a bit of a nomad. Philip was my emotional rock and I knew he would be my home, it didn’t really matter where we were. He had deep roots in Austin

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

"IT WAS LIKE CHOOSING THE EASY PATH ON WHERE TO START THIS FAMILY, WHERE WE FEEL MOST AT EASE, AT HOME AND SETTLED." - ISKA ON SETTLING IN AUSTIN

and anytime I visited his community was so welcoming, I could see myself feeling more settled in Austin than where I was. As much as I loved my community in the cities where I’ve lived, it was much more about work and after a pandemic and baby, you realize maybe some of them were more transactional. I felt like the genuine community Philip had was something I wanted and was necessary when you’re having a child. You need that community and his friends felt like family immediately. It’s a very special group we have here in Austin, we literally have a group text called The Village. We all had kiddos around the same time and all do things together. Austin has everything you need in the sense of activities, the outdoors, music and culture, great food and great weather. It’s a little bit too hot in the summer, but it generally has great weather, so it’s easier to do things here. It was like choosing the easy path on where to start this family, where we feel most at ease, at home and settled.

YOU BOUGHT YOUR FUTURE ‘DREAM HOME’ IN JANUARY 2020 BUT IT NEEDED A HUGE RENOVATION. YOU’VE BEEN OPEN ABOUT HOW THE CONTRACTOR SWINDLED YOU OUT OF A LOT OF YOUR SAVINGS AND THE WEEKEND OF OUR SHOOT YOU WERE MOVING INTO A NEW RENTAL HOW’S EVERYTHING NOW? ISKA: This new house is definitely my favorite home we’ve lived in as a family yet. PHILIP: I like that it’s smaller, I like the intimacy. We’ve had to regulate how much stuff we have and downsize.

WHAT’S THE STATUS OF THE HOUSE YOU’RE BUILDING? ISKRA: It’s on pause. I’m the kind of person who likes to move on from negative things and

just keep working really hard, make more money and get it done rather than drag out something that’s such a negative, so I’m releasing it. It was a mistake but I’m moving on from it and being cautious financially and saving. When we feel secure we’ll go back and get the project finished. It might be at least a year hiatus until we start on it again, but we’re really happy right now and it will get finished.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR THE HOLIDAYS? ISKRA: Thanksgiving we did bigger with our village and then Christmas we like to do at home with intimate family moments. My parents come in and I love to cook and eat all the pies. We love picking out a fresh tree and decorating it together.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS? PHILIP: Not unique, but we love to play music while we’re decorating the tree. ISKRA: I love stockings. In England growing up I always had to have a little orange in everyone’s stocking. In England it was Terry’s Chocolate Orange, it’s a special chocolate my mom will bring over for Christmas for each of our stockings. This year Alpha’s really excited for Santa and in October he asked me if Santa was making presents already and when I said yes he asked me, ‘So why haven’t I sent my letter already?’

DO YOU KNOW WHAT ALPHA WANTS AT CHRISTMAS? ISKRA: Everything. His love language is gifts. He doesn’t need my words of affirmation yet, it’s definitely gifts. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, it could be a $1 toy from HEB, but if you give this guy something he will be your friend.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

DO YOU DO NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? ISKRA: We usually do a family vision board, that will be something we’ll be doing right before the new year with goals for our family, and individually too. I want more vacations as a family. I’d like to visit more places because I want Alpha to experience and understand different cultures.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM THE LAST YEAR? ISKRA: I’m pretty proud of SaltAir. I’m proud of constantly showing up in many areas of life. It’s been tough sometimes. I’ve felt burned out and tired, but I’ve continued to power through. I feel guilt sometimes for being away as a mom, but I know that what I’m doing shows my son that I work hard for what I want. I really found my groove again this year. It was tricky with Covid and post-partum, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to model again and had a knock of confidence. I feel like this year my confidence came back, I’m modeling again which has been really fun and I’ve remembered who I am and that I can bring in that old version of myself but still be a mom and ever-evolving. I’m also insanely proud of Philip because he’s been a fantastic dad since Alpha born, but this year in particular he’s created an unbelievable bond with Alpha and he’s teaching him very positive ways to handle his emotions and his feelings. And when I’m traveling, I don’t have to wonder if Alpha’s lunch is made or anything. I don’t have any doubts or questions he’s being cared for and not having that weight on my shoulders enables me to go out and be my best self and do what I need to do. I’m very proud of him for the way he’s stepped up and balances his work and ambitions in his career while also being an incredibly present dad who gives a lot of time to our family. PHILIP: I feel the same. I’m proud of our resilience as a family. We’ve been through a lot in the last couple of years, not only with the renovation but both of our careers have changed and we’ve had to pivot. I was looking after an artist who was the majority of my income and had to find my identity and value outside of that. I started my own business (Plan A) and became an entrepreneur. And Iskra taking a shot betting on herself,

starting Self-Funding and of course SaltAir. It’s those shots that we’re taking while also showing up for each other that I think has shown that if you can push through and you have each other, you’ll be okay. I’m proud that we’ve been able to love each other and understand that this is a season and our love and our trust has sustained. Alpha’s done a great job of embracing the change too, so our resiliency as a family is definitely what I’m most proud of this last year. I’m also about to be a professor. I’m going to be teaching the first music course ever at Huston-Tillotson University and it’s amazing. SXSW and C3 are sponsoring scholarships for it and the students who complete the course get priority consideration to have internships at either C3 or SXSW.

YOU DID A PODCAST TOGETHER, DO YOU PLAN TO GET BACK TO THAT? ISKRA: The podcast was very fulfilling and I really enjoyed the conversation, but is a lot of work, so not right now. Our individual careers have been so demanding that when I get time with Philip I just want to sit there and be with him and not have to concept an episode or film or shoot. It feels like the time that I have with him is so precious that I don’t want it to be work-related. Not that the podcast felt like work, but it is. I know we’ll get back to it one day, but I don’t want us to burn out and feel we’re doing too much.

ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD. ISKRA: If you’re reading this, don’t compare your relationship to our relationship, whatever you’re going through is valid. And always know you’re enough. You’re enough single, you’re enough in a relationship. Go into any relationship knowing that you’re already whole and that the person is going to add to you, they shouldn’t be taking from you or making you feel like you’re not enough without them. PHILIP: At the end of the day, we’re all just figuring it out that day. But, what I would love to say is take every single moment and cherish it because time moves so fast. Cherish every moment, especially with your family. Put your phone down and try to connect as much as possible.

CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

QUICK FIRE FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN AUSTIN? ISKRA: Loro and we’re pretty obsessed with Tacodeli. Alpha’s favorite restaurant is Tacodeli. PHILIP: Carve American Grille LAST THING YOU BOUGHT ONLINE? ISKRA: Inflatable decorations from Walmart IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? ISKA: The ability to slow down time…Or healing, that would be really special. PHILIP: The first thing I was going to say was mind-reading, but I think I already have that, so it would probably be to fly. IF YOU COULD ASK ADVICE FROM ANYONE LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE? ISKRA: I love Michelle Obama. I’ve been in a room with her and it was just electric. FAVORITE INDEPENDENT ARTIST PHILIP: Piff Marti Follow Iska and Philip on Instagram at @iskra and @PhilipaPayne.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

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Gift Giving with Iskra Lawrence

I N V E S T I N YO U R S E L F WITH THESE PIECES OF I S K R A’ S W O R L D.

If you know someone whose life could use a bit of organizing, from their schedule to goals and finances, and they’re still a pen and paper (and sticker) woman like me, Iskra’s SelfFunding Journal is a great gift. That person may even be you. Iskra explains, “When I was struggling and felt a bit lost when I lost my job during Covid and had a baby and moved to a different state, I struggled to get the motivation to go after my goals and felt less productive because there was less structure, less regularity and less normal life. I wanted to get a planner, not just to plan out my day today, but to plan out my finances, to plan out my self-care, to plan out my social media, to plan out my health and fitness, and I didn’t want to buy five different planners, so I had this idea for a planner that you were able to add in what I call boosts, which are areas of focus in your life. It became a passion project. It’s reminding yourself of the small weekly wins that can often go unnoticed and it’s a way of reflecting at the end of the month where you can look back on everything you achieved and everything you didn’t get around to doing, ways that you gave back and really focusing on the areas of life that often are under-looked, yet are super important. They can be the most motivating and helpful to help you feel your best. There are also inspirational quotes and affirmations because the words you speak to yourself are so powerful and there’s vision boarding and goal setting. Goal setting, for me, can be overwhelming, so figuring out how to break it down to make it easier for people who don’t know where to start all went into this planner.

G IF T GU ID E | L IFE + CU LTURE

“For me, self-funding isn’t a planner, it feels more like a best friend. If you’re someone who feels lonely or gets demotivated or doesn’t feel productive, it’s a tool that you can have and that you can look to. We started off with a high price point because it’s a very luxury product because all the components are sustainably sourced and the supply chain is actually fair, but now we have it on Amazon for $49.99. I think that for the price point, it really is just the most amazing product that you could get for someone who is struggling, or just wants to elevate and invest in all different areas of their life. It’s called self-funding, because you’re investing in yourself. You are literally bringing in and investing energy into yourself and you are your greatest investment, so that’s really why it’s such a great product.” If you live locally, look out for events like vision boarding that Iskra plans to host in 2024 tied to the Self-Funding journal, a product that she hopes to turn into a movement and eventually a non-profit. She’s also the co-founder of SaltAir which includes body lotions, scrubs and washes, shampoos, conditioners, lip oils and more. The mission of the brand is to help everyone feel confident, comfortable and empowered in their own skin. They can be found at Target or SaltAir.com And, Iskra is a big fan of AdoreMe. After walking in their fall NYFW show she wrote on Instagram, “The most fun, inclusive and joy-filled show I’ve ever experienced. It was an honor to open and close the show alongside so many phenomenal women wearing a brand that is so empowering.” Find the lingerie for your lifestyle at Adoreme.com.

Box from AdoreMe

For me, self-funding isn’t a planner, it feels more like a best friend.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

Gifts from Korman Pieces that remind the recipient to Celebrate Every Day

1. Blancpain timepiece: The perfect gift for the watch-lover in your life.

2. Diamonds: Korman is where Austin gets engaged... and upgraded! 3. Earrings: Diamond earrings will have the recipient smiling from ear to ear. 4. Necklace: An addition to a neck stack is the go-to gift for any occasion that will never miss. 5. Phillips House Bangle: Celebrate with a piece from Korman’s newest designer, Phillips House. For a personal touch, engrave with a message straight from the heart. 6. Ring: Instantly elevate any ring stack with a Spinelli Kilcollin ring or a diamond band. Bonus points for stacking both! Find more online at kormanfinejewelry.com and inspiration on Instagram @KormanFineJewelry

Kat and Larry Stokes own Korman, which has been family and locally-owned for 50 years! Korman is Austin's luxury jewelry destination. An Official Rolex Jeweler and Service Center, Korman offers a vast selection of Swiss timepieces such as Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Blancpain and Oris and is partnered with a global network of diamond suppliers and designers such as Messika, Single Stone and Oscar Heyman. Korman is where Austin gets engaged and where any jewelry dream can come true.

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Visit the First and Only Texas Winery Recognized as a World’s Best Vineyard Visit us in Hye . An Hour West of Austin

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LOCAL BAKERS’ MADE-TO-ORDER

BURNT BASQUE CHEESECAKES Ukranian-born baker makes melty Spanish-inspired cakes to help fund a cookbook that will preserve her heritage.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

She’s the local baker next door. For me, quite literally. It was two years before I realized that just across the street baker Olga Koutseridi has been making the most gooey delicious burnt baskque cheesecakes since 2020. The self-taught baker who was born in the Ukraine and moved to Spain at the age of 15 tells Austin Lifestyle, “I like to integrate elements from different traditions into my baking,” adding “My cheesecake is different from a traditional cheesecake in a number of ways. It’s a crustless cheesecake with a molten and gooey center and a dark caramelized top. It’s gluten-free with no thickening agents like cornstarch or flour and combines elements of Spanish tartas de queso that are incredibly molten and runny on the inside with San Sebastián cheesecake.” Burnt Basque cheesecakes are what Olga’s best-known for in the Austin community and says due to high demand it’s now what she exclusively bakes. They’re available in a variety of sizes and flavors including traditional, vanilla bean, dark chocolate and Dulce de Leche in addition to seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, Black Sesame and Matcha Coconut Cream. Olga puts profits from the made-to-order cakes towards raising funds to create a Ukrainian cookbook. “The cookbook will include recipes from all over Ukraine,” she says. “The goal of the cookbook is to preserve and celebrate the diverse culinary culture of Ukraine. The recipes will be primarily from parts of Ukraine that have been heavily damaged or completely destroyed such as Donetsk Oblast, Kherson, Odesa, Pryazovia, and many others. I will include many family recipes that reflect the culinary culture of Mariupol, the city my family is from. Recipes are forms of cultural heritage and I want to preserve them for future generations to have access to and preserve the cooking and baking traditions of Ukraine and its many ethnic communities.” For now, Olga shares, “I love bringing people joy through my cheesecakes. Your support allows me to continue baking for my community.” Find her on Instagram @olia_cooks and sign up for her newsletter LocalBreadBaker to get updates on new flavors and new drop dates for ordering cheesecake – which go fast, so she suggests ordering in advance.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

Austin City Limits 2023 Reached New Heights MUSIC, FOOD & COMMUNITY MADE IT ANOTHER ONE FOR THE BOOKS

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN The drone show at Austin’s flagship music festival was eclipsed only by…well, the Ring of Fire eclipse that took place the Saturday of the second weekend. The two weekends of music, food and great weather filled people’s cups and kept them excited for what’s become an annual tradition at Zilker Park for tens of thousands of Austinites – and the thousands more who travel to the Capital City to enjoy it. There were many highlights in addition to the drone show. A short list includes sets from legends the Foo Fighters and Alanis Morissette, great sets from Austin rising star Calder Allen and our own, University of Texas Minister of Culture Matthew McConaughey joining his Dallas Buyer’s Club co-star Jared Leto on stage during Jared’s energizing performance as frontman for 30 Seconds To Mars – that began with him literally flying onto the stage. And of course, the Austin Eats – from sweets like Tiff’s Treats, GoodPop and Tiny Pies to savory selections from Nervous Charlie’s, Cauntos Tacos, Chi’Lantro and more to refreshing and healthy options from Juiceland and Blender & Bowls, everyone left ACL satiated.

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Gift Guide A M I X F O R A L L T H E P E O P L E O N YO U R L I S T Austin brands are serving up great ideas for holiday gifting this season. We’re building a bundle of restaurant-quality cookware from Made In Cookware – for people on our list – can’t wait to see all the brands The Well curates for their

customized holiday gift sets, are buying Halo Eclipse Glasses from entrepreneur Liya Brook for all our friends in Austin (who will be privy to see the April 2024 solar eclipse) – love the gift boxes from EarlybirdCBD.

Made In Cookware: Bread bakers are sure to love these hand-enameled colorful Cast Iron Dutch Ovens from the Austin-based premium cookware brand $249

Halo Eclipse Glasses: Get these solar-safe Phoenix Noir shades for the April eclipse, and keep them for the blue light blocker and polarized sunglasses lenses!

Tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL: An enchanting experience that will amaze audiences with acrobatics and ice skating. At H-E-B Center February 21-25.

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EarlybirdCBD: They make micro dose gummies with just enough good stuff to put a smile on your face - and any gift recipients

Formula 1 x PacSun Eco Hoodie: This zip-up hoodie from PacSun’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2023 collection.

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The Well’s Gift Sets: A curation of gifts from local small businesses including The Well Iced Coffee Candle by Clay House Candles. Available at all The Well locations.

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‘Tis the season for turkey dinners with family and f riends, and a welldesigned dining space sets the stage for making the happiest memories with the ones we love most.

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Kelsey Leigh Fine Jewelry & Gifts started with passion and a love of jewerly and has expanded into fine home décor and gifts

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1. SMALL FLOATING DIAMOND NECKLACE: This Graziela staple features brilliant-cut diamonds on an 18K adjustable bolo chain with a total diamond carat weight of 1.03. A piece that truly goes with everything. 2. MINI DIAMOND HUGGIE HOOP EARRINGS: Available in 14K white, yellow and rose gold. They are perfect for everyday wear. 3. DOUBLE WRAP FLEXIBANGLE: Flexible and extremely comfortable to wear, it’s perfect for every day or for special occasions. 4. ALPHABET VERSACE DISH: Crafted in the finest quality porcelain, this exceptional decorative plate boasts a heritage design from “South Beach Stories,” the famous photographic book created by the Versace family. It is a perfect addition to any home decor and an ideal gift for friends and family. . 5. CANDLE: Discreetly luxurious, the sumptuous woody bottom of Vetiver, Birch and Cedarwood finally unfolds. This burst of freedom delivers a real sense of well-being. 6. ASPEN STYLE BOOK: Coffee table books make a great gift. They’re perfect for adding a touch of style and sophistication to any room in your home.

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It’s been 100 years since StateFarm was founded on the principle of offering farmers a fair price on car insurance, and I’m proud to help protect your farm and ranch operation today. Call or stop in to talk about how I can help protect your legacy.

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Timeless Gift Preserves Memories Local Small Business Records Loved Ones' Life Stories ARTICLE BY DOMINQUE BEJARANO

In the heart of South Austin, Your Tale, founded by Bryan Ray and Staci Lammering, serves as a timeless vessel for preserving memories. Established less than a year ago, their business specializes in personalized, in-person audio and video interviews. Initially focusing on elderly parents and grandparents, their unique approach has expanded to embrace new and expecting parents. The process begins with the question, “What is your earliest memory?” This inquiry launches a journey through time. The interviews capture quirks and mannerisms, from infectious laughter to snorts to contemplative “hmmmmm” moments,

H OU SE CA LL | LOCA L SERVI CE S

ensuring that the essence of loved ones lingers even after they’ve passed. The idea for Your Tale emerged when Staci’s father passed away from Leukemia. The following Christmas, Bryan, a two-time nominee for Austin Music Awards’ Producer of the Year, gave his Wife and her family an interview he’d recorded with her mother. Recognizing its impact, Bryan interviewed his own parents and others, leading to the birth of Your Tale in 2022. Your Tale invites families to preserve their unique narratives, by visiting their website at yourtale.co.

TIS THE SEASON FOR EASY-TO-USE SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY GIVE THE GIFT OF FUN TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! Movie Rooms, Home Audio, Strong WiFi, Automated Lighting & Shades and so much more! Contact us today to see how we can help elevate your next gathering.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 38

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

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Shopping for a Cause ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASMIN PORTER

UNIQUE, GIFTED, LOVED and INDIVIDUAL. To close out National Bullying Prevention Month, the UGLI Foundation, founded by Angela Garcia, and estilo Boutique, owned by Stephanie Coultress O’Neill, hosted a shopping party to raise funds for the cause. The event, co-hosted by Angela’s husband pro-golfer Sergio Garcia, raised funds for the UGLI Foundation, an organization determined to end bullying and create a better world for everyone. Guests mingled between estilo’s neighboring women’s and men’s boutiques in Casis Village, played putt putt in the parking lot to win prizes, enjoyed vegan Abbot’s

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Butcher-filled burritos from Freebirds World Burrito and presented Angela with a gorgeous cake and champagne toast – because the fundraiser fell on her birthday. 1. THEBROSFRESH 2. Chris Harrison, Lauren Zima, Brad Stuver, Ashley Stuver and the red carpet debut for their puppy Pippa Stuver 3. Derrick and Brittni Johnson 4. Loreal Sarkisian, Stephanie Coultress O’Neill, Andra Liemandt and Nucete-Elliot 5. Former UT quarterback Marty Akins and professional golfers Ben Crenshaw and Sergio Garcia 6. Todd and Stephanie O’Neill and Angela and Sergio Garcia. 7. Abbot’s Butcher-filled Freebird’s World Burritos.

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER This is our Oyster case, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch case, conceived by Rolex in 1926 and patented. A one-of-a-kind feature, which holds within it an intricate world of cogs and minutely crafted parts. Made of some of the most refined alloys, the Oyster case is incomparably resistant to all sorts of external aggressions. Yet no object so hermetic, so immovable, has ever opened the door to so many

possibilities. With its original patented design consisting of a bezel, a case back and a winding crown screwed down against the middle case, it profoundly changed the course of watchmaking history and set new standards of waterproofness for all wristwatches. To this day, the Oyster case continues to protect our watches and our movements within them. It stands as undeniable proof of our constant quest for reliability.

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