Wake surfing is low impact, fun and something you can do for your entire life! It’s an awesome activity for your core, lower body and spirit. iGnite Leader and water sport extraordinaire, Kathleen Parker, demonstrates step one: how to get up on a wake surfer. Once you get up, you’ll be surfing in no time!
Roots:
I grew up in Crested Butte, Colorado, and came to Austin in August of 2010 to attend the University of Texas at Austin. I graduated in May of 2014 and have been here ever since, so I’m going on 6 years of loving this city!
Family Life:
I am an only child, and my parents now live in Las Vegas, NV, so if you ever want to go to sin city, they love company! I have a boyfriend, Cameron, who works in the urban planning sector of Austin at RCLCO. We’ve been together for over 2 years now, and he is a good motivator for me to stay in shape because he loves to run and workout!
Work Life:
After graduation, I began working at JHL Company and have been here since January 2014 when I interned for the Mack, Jack & McConaughey event. We do a broad spectrum of public affairs, marketing, communications, event planning and fundraising. My role as Account Manager focuses on overall strategic communications, event logistics and execution for both private and non-profit clients, which I absolutely love!
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through my iGnite experience:
While I’ve only been at iGnite for 2 months, I’ve loved every second of it from meeting tons of new friends to getting in better shape! The biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far is that hard workouts go hand-in-hand with personal improvement including making the time I work count so that I can have more time to relax and digitally disconnect, which is a challenge for me!
I’m most inspired by…
As cliche as this sounds, I am most inspired by my parents. They found a way to do something they love for a living – they have incorporated sports and their passion for giving back to the community into a career – all while managing to be wonderful parents and do things that they enjoy on a daily basis like playing tennis and grilling out!
In my free time…
I love to cook, take cooking classes, and I obsess over the Food Network, but more than that, I love to travel! My goal is to visit every state in the US, every country in Europe, and every continent at least once (although Antarctica might be a stretch!).
My guilty pleasure…
My guilty pleasure is definitely watching reality TV. I know it is a horrible habit, but I am a sucker for The Bachelorette and any/all Oxygen and Bravo shows like Below Deck and The Real Housewives!
It’s time to get into the summer state of mind – ready to face the sun, relax & spend time by the water with family & friends. When it comes to summer essentials, there are lots of things that come to mind: music, sunscreen, beach totes, cool drinks, flip flops and much more.
Here is our Summer Essentials guide to make sure you’re ready for your best summer ever:
Now get out there and ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!
Roots:
I’m originally from Houston (Sharpstown HS), went to school at UT, moved back to Houston, married and raised three kids in Bellaire and then moved back to Austin last Spring.
Family Life:
I’ve been married to Doug for almost 32 years! We met on my first day of work at at my first job as a banker in downtown Houston. He’s from Berkeley, CA, and hadn’t planned on staying long but then he met me. 😊 Our daughter, Courtney (29), got married last May and works at a nonprofit that assists victims of human trafficking in San Diego. Our son, Travis (27), is a chef in Houston and runs the kitchen at Battleground Golf Club. Our youngest son, Sam (22), is graduating from UT this month and will start an internship in operations with the PGA Tour in Atlanta.
Work Life:
My first career in banking was quite brief. After meeting and marrying my husband, we started having kids pretty soon, and I “retired” to stay home full time. When our youngest was in grade school, I decided to get my Masters in education which led to my second career as a high school teacher. I taught Health and Media Literacy at a small public high school in Houston for eight years. Since moving to Austin, I have been working on a volunteer basis for several local youth serving nonprofits in health education.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through my iGnite experience…
I’ve learned that there is nothing better than the feeling you have after a good workout especially if it is outside on a gorgeous day! Also, the iGniters with their friendly faces and welcome smiles have given me a sense of community I truly appreciate being new to Austin. ☺
The best advice I’ve been given…
I’m paraphrasing but it’s “think about what you want to leave behind when you leave this world. What will you regret not doing?” This was my inspiration for returning to school. I don’t remember where I heard this, but it was in the late nineties, so probably Oprah.
Something people may not know about me…
I went to UH grad school when I was in my forties!
Three words that describe me…
Playful, curious and thoughtful
Thinking about planning your summer vacation? Look no further! We asked 3 iGniters who are also experienced travel advisors for their favorite destinations as well as travel tips to get you on your way. These ladies specialize in customizing one-of-a-kind vacations and travel for individuals, families and large groups both near and far. When you are planning your next trip, keep this advice in mind and call on one of these traveler specialists for guidance. Happy trails!
Sally May
I have been in the business for… almost 19 years
How I got in the travel business… I was asked by the owner of Gay Gillen Travel to open the adventure travel division of her company since she knew I enjoyed hiking, skiing and cycling. I was a personal trainer at the time and juggled both jobs for 10 years.
I specialize in… experiential travel around the world.
My best travel advice… use a travel advisor and PLEASE don’t over plan your itinerary!
My favorite international travel destination for the summer months… any place with cooler weather including South Africa, Australia, Galapagos Islands and Canada
My favorite domestic travel destination for the summer months… the Rocky Mountains
Contact information:
Sally May 512-477-3405
sally@sallymaytravel.com
Sam McClure
I have been in the business for… 18 years
How I got in the travel business… I started out life in Brussels, Belgium, then moved to the Philippines and spent most of my childhood in London. Growing up as a gypsy traveling the world with my family, instilled a curiosity and love for exploring new cultures and destinations. I started traveling with my own children when they were just babies, and at the request of friends and families, began to help them with their family travels. Small World Travel Family Adventures grew organically from that desire to help other families educate their children through travel.
I specialize in… multi-generational family travel as well as around-the-world trips for families who take their children out of school for 6-12 months to use the world as the classroom. We create the journey and curriculum.
My best travel advice… Come up with a long-range plan of places to visit and when (best ages of the children and time of year) to go. Before you know it your children are graduating from college and it gets more and more difficult to get away as a family! My Small World guinea pigs, Madison and Ian, traveled to all 7 continents by the age of 12, and share my love for travel. Madison graduates from college this month and we will celebrate with her 8th trip to Africa, this time to Madagascar.
My favorite international travel destination for the summer months… Africa – I love Africa any time of year, but love sending families in the summer because they have more time to really immerse themselves in the nature and culture of one of the 53 counties in this continent. Very popular with our clients is the Galapagos Islands, combined with Peru, although this is a year-round destination due its temperate climate. Iceland is our most popular European destination this summer.
My favorite domestic travel destination for the summer months… Private camping in the national parks, a houseboat on Lake Mead or a dude ranch out west – there is so much beauty here at home!
Contact information:
Sam McClure Small World Travel
Sam@SmallWorld.Travel
512-495-9495
http://www.smallworldtraveler.com
Merrill Laguarta
I have been in the business for… 6 years
How I got in the travel business… Growing up, Gay Gillen planned our family trips. During the summer between my Junior and Senior year of college when I was looking for a job, my dad recommended I contact Gay for an internship. Little did I know after that internship, travel would become my passion. A few years later while my husband and I were living in Santiago, we found out we were pregnant with our first child and moved back to Austin. Once home I ran into Gay at a Brownell Travel night, where my passion for all things travel was rekindled. I worked with her until this past January, when I launched my own business, Travel with Merrill.
I specialize in… As I mentioned, I have a passion for all travel. I enjoy booking everything from a customized trip to romantic or family getaway which include: cruises, ski packages, beach and so much more. Most importantly I like to develop relationships with my clients, working to send them and their families to places that fit their interests and travel style.
My best travel advice…I would say do not over book your days, make sure to see the highlights but leave enough time to experience your destination…walk the streets, meet the locals, enjoy the markets.
My favorite international travel destination for the summer months… It is constantly changing but right now the Baltics. Getting to experience Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russia, which was my favorite! The best way to travel in the baltics is by sea, which means you unpack once and wake up in a new country every day! Not to mention the scenery is breath taking!
My favorite domestic travel destination for the summer months… Last summer we took our girls (now ages 5,3,1) to Jackson Hole and got to explore Grand Teton National Park, I was blown away by the beauty and size. I am now convinced every family should explore our national parks! For the summer months pick parks that will give you a break from the Texas heat.
Contact Information:
Merrill Laguarta
512.413.8682
M@travelwithmerrill.com
Instagram: Travelwithmerrill
Roots:
I was born and raised into a family of five kids in Austin, four girls and one boy — lucky him. 🙂 I met my husband, Joe (Nebraska native), at Baylor. We graduated in 2013, married in 2014 and moved to the “Big City” (Dallas). We recently moved back to Austin for Joe’s new job. It has been a blast living about 1 mile from my parents. Don’t worry, my husband agrees…I think. I currently manage a Facebook Auction (clothing boutique) called “The Find Auctions”.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through my iGnite experience…
One of my favorite things about moving back to Austin is getting back into iGnite. I started iGnite in high school. Neissa (hail the queen) taught me the importance of resistance training, consistency and that exercise can be fun (you can find me at Betty’s Dance Fit class every Tuesday — talk about FUN!). iGnite is where my love for exercise truly began.
I’m Most Inspired by…
One of my biggest inspirations is my mom, Kelly Glasgow. If you know her, you agree. She raised five children while maintaining friendships, her health/mental sanity, volunteer obligations and dinner on the table. Her car was her home for about 16 years, carting her kids from school, to sports, to piano lessons, etc. I think my oldest sister’s 16th birthday was the best and scariest day of her life. She always had her calendar, snacks and a spanking spoon on hand. She is loving, loyal, kind and a whole lot of fun! (Shout out to my Cardio Blast gal pals! They inspire me every Wednesday.)
Something you may not know about me…
I have two different colored eyes.
My guilty pleasure…
Chips & queso/salsa. If you ever need a date to Maudie’s, I am your girl!
“The whole mission of this beautiful jewelry, clothing and home goods line is to ’empower women through design.’ I have many of their pieces of jewelry and clothing, and I LOVE to give them as gifts because they’re not only beautiful but support such an incredible cause and an unbelievable organization — that way, everyone that gets one of their items then looks into what they’re doing and sees the big picture 🙂 Check it out at http://www.ravenandlily.com“
-Catherine Sanderson
“The charity of my choice this Christmas season is Teen and Family Services, a Texas-based nonprofit that fills such an important gap for families searching for answers. It’s a peer-based recovery support program for adolescents and their families who are suffering from the harmful effects of teen substance abuse. You can donate or learn more about their holistic approach at teenandfamilyservices.org.”
–Betty Cunningham
“My favorite charity is Marbridge Ranch, because it’s just a happy place, filled with kind people — staff, residents and volunteers. It offers a safe and comfortable home for many cognitively-challenged adults, and the programs at Marbridge enrich lives daily, by providing activities, skills training for jobs, and community. It is the place where you go to give, and you leave filled up…they turn it around, and you become the recipient of warm welcomes, friendly hellos and hugs, and just the most contagious, amazing smiles that will absolutely light you up. I love the place, and I love to support it! To support Marbridge Ranch during the holidays you can donate or become a short or long term volunteer. You can find these opportunities at www.marbridge.org“
–Cary Fyfe
“I also like Lush for great handmade skin care and body products and they have wonderful project called “Charity Pot,” 100% of the proceeds from sales of this cream is donated to small, grassroots organizations working in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights. Learn more about this great product at www.lushusa.com.”
–Alli Phillips
“Buying “Fair Trade” products and gifts (chocolate, coffee, wine, etc.) means that the workers and artisans around the world that grew/created/manufactured the food, goods, or gift items you purchase were paid a fair “living wage.” This is why “fair trade” goods are sometimes more expensive, but also why it’s so important to support these companies. Just look for “Fair Trade” signage as you shop around this holiday season.”
–Alli Phillips
“I love this store for three reasons: 1). They have super cute clothes 2) . They have affordable clothes 3). They are service-oriented, and they donate 1% of all sales to local and international charities. They sponsor high-risk children in Peru, and they support their employees by sponsoring volunteer hours. To date, they have volunteered over 1600 hours! Check out their clothing and their mission at www.altardstate.com.
–Neissa Springmann
“My good friends and Austin natives, Jeanne and Lew Little, founded the Victory School upon traveling to Uganda and witnessing first-hand the poverty and absolute practical and educational needs of the children in a remote village in Western Uganda. They founded the Kumakuma Foundation as a means to partner with the Victory School in Uganda and help provide the children with a quality education and a bright future. What I love about the Victory School is that for just $25 a month, I am able to sponsor a child, which provides tuition, books, supplies, a uniform, 2 meals a day, access to clean water and life skills. As a sponsor, I receive pictures and letters from my child and am able to write him as well. Find out more about this beautiful foundation at www.victoryschooluganda.org.”
–Neissa Springmann
“The Trinity Center is an incredible faith-based organization that loves on the homeless and provides them with emotional, spiritual and physical needs. From socks, underwear to tennis shoes, they provide it for these sweet people living in downtown Austin. To learn more and donate visit www.trinitycenteraustin.org/.”
–Neissa Springmann
Compiled by Delaine Teeple
by Kathleen Parker
Every year, I kick off December with my “12 Days of FitMas Gifts” list — which is always a huge hit with our members! So, with the gift shopping season quickly approaching, I thought I’d give you a “sneak preview” of some of my favorite items. Here are 3 of my “must-gives” — come find out the remaining 9 at classes with me in December!
Okay, this is the coolest gift for anyone!
It is an inflatable solar lantern that has so many different uses. It is available at REI and on Amazon, where you can find a cool video about it.
“At home indoors and out, this solar-powered LED lantern casts light in 8 different hues (including white) for playful easy-to-use illumination without burning kerosene or spillable wax.”
Why I love this gift:
I love these and actually have two pair!
One is black with fur and the other is black and grey and white–you will see the 5 options on the Toms site.
Product Description:
“Suede upper with faux hair shaft; Redesigned rubber outsole for increased traction and comfort; Faux shearling lining; TOMS tonal heel patch”
Why I love this gift:
Product Description:
“POWERCAP LED Lighted Beanie Hats combine Patent Pending Ultra Bright LED technology with a premium Compression Fleece beanie style hat to provide you with the perfect hands free flashlight. The soft, moisture wicking lining will pull moisture away from your head and keep you warm and dry. ”
Why I love this gift:
Happy gift giving 🙂
Fall brings with it all sorts of fun traditions and fuzzy feelings. Jump into the season with us with one of our 5 favorite ways of getting in the fun fall mood…
by Neissa
“I love purchasing spice candles and filling my house with the scents of fall.
I also love putting a pot roast and veggies in the crock pot, leaving my home for several hours and then walking into a house filled with the delicious scents of the roast and veggies. It warms my heart!”
by Catherine
“One of my favorite ways to get into the spirit of fall is by filling the house with a yummy fall/holiday scent on the stovetop. My mom always did this growing up and I loved it! You can create a super simple holiday season scent by just putting a teaspoon or 2 of cinnamon and a few cloves in about 3 c. of water and bringing almost to a boil, then letting it simmer on the stove and adding water as needed.
For those who prefer a more specific recipe, this one from One Good Thing looks like a great option as well!”
by Sha
“I love Fall because it’s the best time to be on the lake. Boat traffic dies down, sunsets are incredible and the water is absolutely gorgeous! We like evening picnics on the boat with family and friends, go for a swim, and watch the sunset. It’s a mini vacay 10 minutes from home! The temperatures are even still pleasant enough for skiing or floating. We like to take our family and friends out for evening picnics, see the beautiful fall color changes and watch the sunset. It’s a mini vacay 10 minutes away from home, and we come home feeling energized and refreshed. As soon as Labor Day weekend is over, our favorite time on Lake Austin begins!”
by Kathleen
Halloween Lake Escape
“Lake Austin is all ours in the fall! In October, the water is warm, the Indian summer sun us shining and nobody else is on the lake. I break out my “shorty” wetsuit in November, and then my full wetsuit in December. The best Lake Escape is our ‘Halloween Special Edition:’ one in which we all waterski and wake surf in costume.”
by Jill
“I love the Fall! I love the first cold front where we can enjoy cool mornings… I love being able to sit outside on my deck and read the paper and have coffee with a blanket on because it’s a little chilly. I also just get a reenergizing, frisky feeling when I am outdoors in that first cool weather change!”
When Cary can’t have what’s on the left, she goes with what’s on the right
by Cary
“Every September, as I’m about to just stick my head in an oven and be done with it all, there arrives a tiny shift in the air. Ever so tiny, because it’s still 90 degrees outside, but a shift nonetheless. And as Burt proclaims in ‘Mary Poppins,’ I sense that ‘somethin’ is brewin’ and bout to begin’…so I excitedly power down the oven and make a mad dash to my closet. Once there, I catch my breath, brace myself and, with a vengeance, I fling aside the light cottons (I want to stick them in the oven too) and…there is my Autumn, in all its hued glory! Shining down on me — my validation that true Texas autumn has officially arrived — PLAIDS! CHECKS! Hues all a-burgundy, just waiting for me to don them (sometimes all at once) and go walk my frisky pups. And while the pups’ “frisk” lasts about 10 seconds, my coffee-like buzz remains, because I know that soon….well, sort of soon…well, sometime in the next 2 months…the temps will dip below 80 and my Fall hues and I will dance our Frisky Dance!” (photo caption: “When I can’t have what’s in that first picture, I go to what’s in the next one…)”
by Molly
“Although it takes more time and thought to get dressed, I really love wearing jeans with boots and a colorful scarf as often as possible. It makes me feel snuggly and warm like the holidays :)”
by Neissa
“Nothing beats opening up the windows in my home and wearing sweatshirts :-)”
by Amy
“Halloween is ALWAYS anticipated at the Younkman house! Every year we decorate, carve pumpkins, roast the seeds (yum!), and of course dress up. Ever since the kids were toddlers, we have made trash bag ghosts stuffed with newspaper which we hang up all over the yard.”
by Molly
“I love driving down Exposition Boulevard and looking over at Tarrytown Methodist Church to see their lawn full of beautiful pumpkins!”
by Neissa
“I love pumpkin shopping and decorating my house and front porch for the Fall.”
by Jill
“I love to go to the Fall Festivals around Austin. I have been taking my kids for years to the Sweet Berry Farms Fall Festival near Marble Falls. They have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, mazes, all kinds of fun activities, and they still love to go even now as teenagers!”
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