I’m a twitterin’!
Remember the awesome massage I had a few weeks back? The spa, though it has been open about two months, is having its grand opening tonight with lots of treats, including wine, cocktails, spa experiences, giveaways, discounts, and more. Stop by and check it out!
Feel Good Friday is a roundup of the things that made me feel good or that I’m grateful for all week. Join me in the first ever “Bad Luck” Friday the 13th Feel Good Friday and leave your Feel Goods in the comments!
I like to attend the Aspen Business Luncheon whenever I can. It’s hosted every week with a different speaker and covers any topic you could think of—from joint replacements to entrepreneurship, with speakers from former Secretaries of State to Directors of Important Things In Aspen. Yesterday’s, however, was one I couldn’t miss: Aspen Women of Influence: Women Seeking Impact.
The email promised: “Join these four women as they discuss their passions and experience, and hear how they are creating change in Aspen and beyond.” The players:
I was lucky enough to be late enough to sit at the lunch table with the panelists, which started things right off. Once they began speaking, the women fearlessly delved into discrimination, passion, connection, family life, working, expectations, and more. They were very different with different backgrounds but had several things in common: they all loved their work, they all appeared to take no bullshit from anyone, and they all respected and genuinely liked each other.
The Aspen Business Luncheon was, up until a mere two years ago, only open to men. It was only fitting then that the panel address discrimination. I loved Catherine Anne Provine’s take on it (what follows is my paraphrasing, not direct quotes): discrimination opens your mind. Women are better at connecting because they don’t judge first, they allow a person to show what they bring to the table. Audience members asked how we can get women to not discriminate against or judge other women and the panel agreed with Laura Welch: it starts inside. You can’t join, you have to shift the energy.
All four women had stories to tell about being discriminated against, but most impressive about the whole panel was the independent, no-bullshit attitude. Kitty Boone said: “Do we really approach our jobs as women? No. I just do my job because I love it.” And then later offered this advice to young women starting out their careers: “It doesn’t matter what you choose to do with your life, just do it. Do what you love.” You have to have the guts to do anything. “Make it happen.” She then laughed and said, “We have more fun than men.”
Moderator Carolyne Heldman even jumped in when an audience member asked how to address the salary gap (women still earn 30% less than men for the same job), saying: “Go in like a warrior.” She reiterated that a salary negotiation isn’t emotional, it’s business, and we have to expect to be paid highly, no apologies.
Much of the rest of the discussion centered on passion and how important it is to work. The passion can be for a cause, for people, or for money, but passion is just really important, all the panelist concluded. They also cited connecting people as being a primary inspiration in their work. At the end of the luncheon, I couldn’t agree more with another audience member, a young woman like me but who owns two businesses in Aspen, who asked, “How can we have breakfast with you guys?” It’s inspiring to hear women talk about their own adventures in business, but as they all stressed connections in there work, it comes down to connecting with other women, across generations.
As I get ready to launch my new business (teaser!), my passion, I can’t wait to get more involved with other women in business and CONNECT.
Have you ever had a massage that started with a foot wash?
And then you got to pick your own aromatherapy scents?
And then your masseuse really applied pressure … I mean REALLY got in there … and it felt awesome?
Cuz that’s what happened to me on a recent visit to newly-opened Hiatus Day Spa. It’s tucked into an unassuming storefront in the Gables on 5th, but once inside it’s pure spa experience. Small, clean locker rooms stocked with robes and shoes, a lounge-y waiting room with cucumber water, tea, hershey’s kisses, and the latest magazines, and industrial-chic concrete-floored treatment rooms.
Christopher Demers was my masseuse, and he was phenomenal. Really dug into my sore, tight muscles and helped alleviate some lower back pain I’ve been having from the snowboarding injury last winter. It. was. awesome.
I’m in the locker room afterward changing back into my clothes and another guest asks me how my treatment was. I raved about Christopher and she said, “Oh, he’s awesome. I’ve followed him from spa to spa for seven years, I’m so glad he’s downtown now.”
Seven years.
That’s a good massage.
Hiatus is still running their Founder’s specials through January, where you can buy a Founding H-Circle membership for $49/month. Sign up for a year and enjoy one Essential Service each month in exchange for your membership fee.
I won’t be in Austin for New Year’s, but as a last-minute planner myself, I thought some of you might appreciate this list of what’s the haps in Austin to ring in 2012. So weird that it’s already 2012, right?
Get your tickets online at Frontgate tickets right now. $8. The full lineup is TBA; Achachay! is scheduled to close the night starting at midnight. Disco-themed so get your frizzy ‘fro ready, bust out white pants, extra wide ties, and leisure suits. Whether you’re wearing go-go dancer outfits, hippy clothes, or just about anything brown and orange the important thing is that you’re ready to boogie. Invite your friends to the Facebook Event, be there on December 30th!
You know if the celebs are in A-town for NYE, they’ll be at the All Tomorrows Party: A Warhol Factory New Year’s Eve with a photobooth by Alison Narro, DJs, bubbly libations, room to dance and of course a toast at midnight. Black and white attire is encouraged but not required. No cover charge / DJ from 8-midnight / www.sanjosehotel.com
TRACE at the W Austin is offering two separate seatings and menus to accommodate any partygoer’s plans. The first seating from 5:30pm-7p offers a four- course menu for $95 (with paired wine for $145). Each guest will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling with dessert. The second seating begins at 9pm and offers an extensive menu (attached) of various small plates and shared items for $75 per person food and beverage minimum (not including tax and gratuity). 512-542-3660 for reservations.
The New Year’s Eve “Drop the Ball” party in the W Austin Living Room is open to the public (based on availability) with regular hours 11a – 2a. The nibbles menu will be available à la carte and DJ Rich will be spinning for the party. Guests can reserve a seated area for $175 (includes tax and gratuity) per person. Reserved seating includes a welcome SIP, a platter of Chef Paul Hargrove’s NYE Nibbles, a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne (for every two guests), and party favors. 512-542-3633 for Living Room reservations.
Uchi and Uchiko are still accepting early reservations for New Year’s Eve, and walk-in guests are welcome at the sushi bars. Uchi will serve its tasting menu for $75 including a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and Uchiko will offer its tasting menu for $125 with complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Live music, dancing, plenty of bubbly and a special menu devised by celebrated Chef Paul Petersen runs from 10p New Year’s Eve through 2a, Jan 1. General admission to Vivo’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball is $50 per person, reserved seating is $100 per person. Guests who make dinner reservations at Vivo Lake Creek for 8 or 8:30p on New Year’s Eve may keep their table for the Masquerade Ball for $50 per person.
Celebrate the arrival of 2012 at Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Sully’s Side Bar. Sullivan’s is offering a special prix fixe menu at either restaurant for $79 from 4-5:45p and $89 from 6p-close, including a champagne toast at midnight (alcohol, taxes and gratuity not included). Guests have the choice of an appetizer, a salad or soup, an entrée, side dish and dessert. For reservations, 512.495.6504.
Sully’s Side Bar kicks off the dance party at 10 pm with DJ Kurupt. The bar will be open for full drink service and guests are invited to dance, drink, and celebrate the New Year!
Travis Restaurant at Lakeway Resort and Spa will host an elegant three-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Axline. The night will also feature plenty of music and dancing at Josey’s Grill and Bar with Americana music by Andrea Marie and The Magnolia Band and a special complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.
The appetizer course of Lakeway’s exquisite New Year’s Eve dinner includes a choice of baby arugula, spiced pecans, poached bosc pears and Brazos Valley Cheese or grilled Texas quail, stone ground grit cake, smoky bacon, braised leeks and chard. The entree course features a choice of grilled Hereford beef filet, gulf shrimp, whipped potatoes, pan roasted Brussels sprouts; vital farms half chicken, mashed potatoes, French beans, bacon fat almonds; pan roasted California halibut, charred tomatoes, marinated olives, fingerling potatoes and sweet peppers. The dinner also features a dessert course consisting of chocolate chip mint bread pudding, toasted challah, dark chocolate ganache or caramel apple cheesecake, bourbon anglaise and whipped cream.
The three-course dinner is $45 per person (plus tax, plus gratuity). Reservations are required: 512-261-7379. Take the elevator home with the New Year’s Eve Package! Rates start at $219 per guest room, plus resort fee and tax. The rate code is NYE2011. The package includes Resort Accommodation on 12/31, a 3-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner for Two Adults, the restaurant sales tax and gratuity, New Years Eve entertainment, and a champagne New Year’s toast. You can book online at www.lakewayresortandspa.com or by calling 512-261-6600.
The end of the year dance party will feature premium open bar all night, a champagne toast at midnight, party-favors, desserts and a photobooth by Trevor Ray Thompson. ‘Flashing Lights’: ElectroFunkyDisco and DJ Chicken George will be spinning all night. Tickets are on sale now for $100 at malverde.eventbrite.com. For table reservations email alexis.lanman@malverdeaustin.com.
FINO is serving its regular menu with NYE special cocktail Fish House Punch: Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Smith & Cross Rum, Laird’s Apple Brandy, Orchard Peach Liqueur, Lemon & Turbinado Sugar, and menu items:
Crispy Oysters Aioli Verde, Preserved Lemon 12.
Maine Lobster Bisque Lobster Oil, Chives, Sherry Crema 12.
Tuna Crudo Sauce Vierge, Spanish Estate Olive Oil 18.
Lobster Paella for 2 Saffron Bomba Rice,Peas, Piquillo Peppers, Lemon Aioli, Pea Shoot Salad 65.
Cana De Cabra Fig & Cherry marmalade, Crostini 10.
FINO Restaurant Patio & Bar, 2905 San Gabriel Street, Reservations: 512-474-2905
Sister restaurant ASTI will do a three-course prix fixe for $45. Here’s what I’d order from their selections: Lobster Zuppa Sherry Crema & Pangritata or Niman Ranch Beef Carpaccio to start; Butternut Squash Risotto with Maine Lobster or Wild Mushroom, Chestnut & Cipolline Onion Ragu for dinner; and Chocolate Truffle Tart with Praline Ice Cream, Fresh Figs in Caramel or Antonelli’s Artisanal Cheese Plate with Red Wine Poached Pear & Walnuts in Honey.
ASTI Trattoria, 408 C East 43rd St., Reservations: 512-451-1218
With the stress of the holidays, you deserve a little pampering. Since you might be too busy worrying about others to worry about yourself, here’s a rundown of the latest spa news so you can snag a quick refresh for yourself, and maybe a gift card for someone on your list …
Award-winning day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat celebrates its grand opening in Austin with a Founding Membership in its membership program, the H-Circle, which locks in $49 per month spa services for life. This introductory offer is only available now through February 14, 2011.
How awesome is a $49 spa treatment a month? It’ll force you to go and is cheap! H-Circle members can enjoy a different signature “Essential Service” every month, including: Hiatus Massage, Hiatus Facial, Body Glow, Revitalizing Body Wrap, or a Mani-Pedi Retreat. Plus, Founding Membership offers unlimited spa services at significantly discounted H-Circle member pricing. A one-time initiation fee of $29 applies. Perfect for you and as a gift!
hiatusspa.com / Gables 5th Street Commons, 1611 West 5th Street, Ste 155
Staying in tune with Travasaa’s signature musical massage treatments, the Double Trouble couples massage is inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, a Texas icon whose band was called Double Trouble. The treatment is composed of rhythmic movements that are choreographed to Stevie’s blues music. Reflecting the blues influence, the treatment features Blue Cypress, Agave and Sandalwood ingredients, a schematic blues-themed decor and guests receive a distinctive takeaway gift. (Cost $135 per person for a 50-minute session)
The new exclusive men’s What Ale’s You (apostrophe abuse but that’s how they spell it) spa package features an 80-minute Energetic Edge massage (intensive sports massage therapy for active athletes) followed by a Peppermint Zenergy foot treatment, completed with an refreshing, organic Texas ale of choice. (Cost is $265, including gratuities with tax additional, for a 2 hour treatment)
All of Travaasa Austin’s spa offerings: travaasa.com/austin/#/travaasa-spa-overview
San Saba Spa at Lakeway Resort and Spa has three new seasonal spa treatments:
Pumpkin Oatmeal Body Scrub: Natural apricot seeds gently scrub away dead skin cells while vitamin-rich pumpkin and oatmeal nourish the skin and work together to build up natural defense barriers. Botanical oils and extracts remind the senses of autumn delight. $210 for 100 minutes
Peppermint Mocha Scrub: the peppermint mocha body polish and white chocolate soufflé wrap includes the healing properties of chocolate with the gentle exfoliating peppermint mocha scrub to smooth and soften. A stress reducing and moisturizing White Chocolate Soufflé wrap rounds out this delightful treatment. $222 for 95 minutes
Spiced Stone Hot Massage: Using the traditional holiday spices of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla combined with warm polished river stones, therapists will soothe, balance and restore you thisholiday season. $192 for 80 minutes
Feel Good Friday is a roundup of the things that made me feel good or that I’m grateful for all week. Join me and leave your Feel Goods in the comments!
This weekend only, if you leave a Feel Good in the comments, you are entered to WIN A MASSAGE ENVY GIFT CARD for a ONE HOUR MASSAGE! Whoohoo! I need nothing more than a massage, and I’m sure you’re the same … leave a comment before Monday!
Ski dates with a whole crew of people I haven’t seen in forever.
Applegate Farms happy pepperoni pizzas.
Hot tub + computer streaming Packers game + beers = Sunday night heaven.
lululemon wunder unders, I’m pretty sure I wore them every single day this week. Don’t worry, I have multiple pairs.
Moving back into the apartment complex I moved away from two months ago. Maybe I’m not thankful for that, exactly, but I am thankful for that apartment, those neighbors, and Nali’s doggie boyfriend Rye.
puppy love
“Every day should feel like your birthday”
The design possibilities in my new apt … I have a clean slate and can’t wait to decorate. Been looking for creative, crafty ways to do things.
The end of half of limbo! Now to get the other half un-limbo-ed…
Austin’s lakes and ponds will probably never freeze in order to get that whole wintery skating thing going on (in contrast to Aspen, where it is TEN degrees as I type this), so we have to build rinks specifically for that purpose. The downtown Whole Foods started the trend a few years ago (and has updated it for 2011, read on), but the famous Oasis Restaurant with its brand new Oasis Texas village is upping the ante with a 1,760 square foot ice skating rink against the sunsets and Lake Travis views for which it is famous.
Oasis Texas now consists of five restaurants, four retail shops, entertainment, and office space. The rink is open through January 1. Admission to the rink is $10, which includes skate rental. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Marine Foundation’s Toys for Tots annual holiday campaign and get $1 off skate ticket. Oasis Texas is located at 6550 Comanche Trail. For more info: oasistx.com
Skating rink hours: Monday through Thursday 4-10p; Friday and Saturday 11a-11p; Sunday 11a-8p.
Christmas Eve: 11a-7p; Christmas Day: 1-10p; New Year’s Eve: 11a-10p; New Year’s Day: 11a-10p
Meanwhile, Whole Foods is introducing Disco Karaoke on Ice! Wednesday Nights Through January 15th from 7-9p . Disco Karaoke on Ice will include free hot chocolate, courtesy of Capital One Bank, to the first 50 guests. Plus, all karaoke guests will be entered into a chance to win a $250 gift card. Admission: $10/hour includes skates.
I’m so very lucky to be on the Millenial Advisory Board for Ben & Jerry’s. They recently sent us Free Pint coupons to create Random Acts of Ice Cream. I’d just heard of an amazing new group in Austin working with kids in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, so I put two great groups together and sent coupons to Ripples of Hope for Children.
Ripples of Hope for Children is a nonprofit organization created to break the cycle of child abuse and juvenile delinquency by bridging the gaps for children and youth involved in the foster-care and juvenile-justice systems. Ripples of Hope for Children provides the support structure necessary to strengthen the families of these children by connecting them to critical community services and opportunities.
Specifically, the pint coupons will likely be used in SYNC Court (kids aging out of the foster care system and trying to prepare for life on their own) or for COPE Court (kids with severe mental health issues who are given a chance to stay out of juvenile probation and have their charges dropped if they and their families work the program). These could be kids on the autism spectrum, kids with low IQ due to parental drug use, kids who have experienced so much trauma that they’ve just shut down and are socially unresponsive … it’s heartbreaking to see how many mental health issues are created for teens especially with histories of abuse and neglect.
Executive Director Gena Vanosslear says, “A lot of time, the kids with mental health disabilities are the victims of bullying and gangs because they don’t understand the ramifications of their actions, so they’re led into doing something that gets them in trouble, then find themselves on the verge of a juvenile justice system they really don’t need to be in. COPE Court is a preventative court to provide the family with some resources (psychological assessments, counseling, mentoring, parent coach) to help deal with the challenges so their kids don’t go into the juvenile system.”
Kids are the future. Kids need help, support, and love. Ripples of Hope for Children does that. Ben & Jerry’s has committed to many causes (Hubby Hubby, anyone?), and I think their commitment to impacting individuals and small and large groups is absolutely phenomenal. I am so lucky to be involved with such great groups of people!
When you get an email with that subject line, you know it’s gonna be good. I know my life has changed since reading The Beauty Department Tutorial on doing your own blowout (truth: that nozzle attachment IS the difference), so I can enthusiastically recommend getting yourself to a session to learn how to do a blowout!
Luckily, blowout salon blo is hosting a night of complimentary hair consults, unit testers (limited), and raffle with 15% off select tools and products. Nibbles, bevvies, and catwalk-quality hair guaranteed.
Check it out Thursday, November 17 from 6-8pm. 1611 west fifth street, suite 145
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