Interior of Iona Handcrafted Books in East Austin (Credit: Kirsten Kaiser)

Journals are time capsules, storing dreams, fears, hopes and insecurities. They allow you to pen your thoughts and provide refuge in a world filled with noise. And they’re forgiving. Like with a trusted childhood friend, your absence is never judged. Given the opportunity, a journal will remind you of a first kiss, as well as a first heartbreak. It might prompt the recollection of random acts forgotten with pressed flower petals between pages, the faded scent of perfume or ticket stubs from a concert.  Most importantly, journals document history–our own. [Read more…]

SUAVS Shoes owner, Monxi Garza

While living and studying in Madrid, Monxi Garza, local designer and creator of SUAVS Shoes, couldn’t find a shoe that met her needs. Basically, she wanted a Prince Charming for her feet, a shoe that was missing from storefronts, but resided in her imagination and on graph paper.

She wanted to create a shoe that would check every box on a lengthy list of requirements–a shoe that both men and women could wear. It had to be functional, flexible, breathable and stylish. She wanted a slip-on that didn’t require socks, one that could seamlessly take someone from meandering cobblestone streets to twirling on a dance floor. The shoe’s versatility had to keep up with the demands that often accompany work, while keeping toes happy past midnight tapas. And lastly, Monxi’s perfect foot companion had to be attractive. [Read more…]

Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher
(Credit: Jody Horton)

If coq au vin and E.Dehillerin make your heart flutter, and if cookbooks, copper and cast iron make you weak in the knees, you’re in luck. Those who appreciate the art of cooking, rejoice! A slice of nirvana exists in Austin that will leave your kitchen fancies fulfilled: Métier Cook’s Supply.

This shop is a labor of love for husband and wife owners, Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher. Neither are new to the world of culinary arts. In January 2012, the couple opened Lenoir, a small restaurant with an enchanting outdoor wine garden.

Then one year ago, the couple opened Métier Cook’s Supply next door to complement Lenoir. In their words, “Our goal is to help people enjoy cooking with great products and helpful knowledge on how to use them. We want to help folks find [Read more…]