Artichoke Hearts Healing, PLLC

Had a great vendor event on Saturday. It wasn't over busy, I think a lot of people got scared off by the weather. It was drizzly off and on, overcast, and pretty windy. But, I made some good contacts, and got some good pictures. The event raised $29,178 for the Chad O Foundation! If you didn't get a chance to contribute, you can do that here: https://www.cplchado.org/donate/

I'm excited to be adding Myofascial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage back into my practice!

Spring cleaning!

In my last issue I mentioned spring cleaning, and boy did that come to pass in earnest in my house. I’ve spent 2 weeks completely in the zone and I’ve cleaned, reorganized and redecorated my entire house and car, including buying and assembling a wardrobe to organize all my massage stuff, rather than just leaving it in a heap all over my front room. The energy in my house feels entirely different, and I hope it’s just the beginning of changes in my energy.

My next goal is to start building more mindfulness practices in my life. I’m doing this in many little ways, including being more mindful of my body mechanics during my massages, and listening with my fingers more.

Upcoming Availability

Thursday, April 9th, 4:30 to 7:00, most locations
Sun, April 12th, 10am-5pm,, most locations
Mon, April 13th, 1pm-2pm, most locations
Tues, April 14th, 12pm-2pm and 4:30-7pm, all Locations
Wed, April 15th, 4:30PM-7pm, most locations
Sun, April 19th, 10am to 2pm, all locations
Aromatherapy

Along my spring cleaning journey, I discovered that it turns out that my aromatherapy infused massage oils were getting a little old. So I tossed them all, ordered a new bottle of nut-free massage oil, and mixed up a brand new batch. Scents include lavender, sweet orange, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, grapefruit, and rosemary, and I’m now adding Frankincense! They smell amazing and definitely enhance the massage experience. You’re also welcome to mix and match, and I offer them at no extra charge.

Upcoming special event:

Mat and Chair Massage at18th Annual Cpl. Chad O Foundation PTSD Awareness Fundraiser 2026

I am honored to be participating for the third year in this event, offering mat and chair massages. I am also donating a free 30-minute massage or 30 minute add-on to any service to the raffle. Please come support our veterans at this event.

Ashi is Back Baby!

Coming out of COVID-19, I had lost all of my massage spaces and was on the hunt for new partnerships. I landed on Amber Moon Studio, and the wellness room at Club Pilates, both of which I’ve been very happy with. I’m also mobile, and work at Spa Reveil in the Domain on Fridays and Saturdays.

None of these locations, however, have the set up for Ashiatsu.

However, one of the other spaces I’d met with just reached back out to me and said that they have now installed Ashi bars in one of their rooms! I have signed the contract, and I’m so excited to be adding them to my list of locations and adding Myofascial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage back on my menu! I'll be offering these sessions for 60, 90, or no 120 minutes, starting Tuesday, April 14th.

Myofacial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage is a combination of Deep Tissue, Myofascial Sports & Stretch Therapy + Structural Integration Bodywork known to help treat and prevent injuries through massage and mobility. But with feet instead of hands to do it all. SUSTAINED, DEEP COMPRESSIONS PROVIDE FAST ACTING AND LONG LASTING RESULTS.

Book yours today!

Locations

Amber Moon Studio - Far Northwest Austin
Your Home - I can bring my mat or table to you at no extra charge if you are within 9 miles of 78729. *Additional fee of $45 for in-home/mobile massage only applies to locations over 9 miles from 78729.
Club Pilates, North Burnet - Domain Area
*NEW* 8106 Exmoor Dr. (Ashi available only at this location)

Call or Text NOW to Schedule: 512-461-4574

Thanks for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and incites.

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Happy Spring! Spring Fever!

I’m going to be off next week for Spring Break, but I’ve got availability the week after. Book your massage now before it fills up and try a

Spring Cleaning Combo ($200):
We’ll begin with 15 minute Dry Brushing to exfoliate dead skin and increase circulation.
Next well do 60 Minute Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage to reduce inflammation, filter out pollen and other allergens, as well as cellular debris.
Finally we’ll do a 15 minute coconut lemon exfoliating foot scrub. Lemon is an uplifting, and antibacterial agent, which can improve mood, increase alertness, and boost immunity.

Upcoming Availability

Sun,March 29th, 4:30PM-5:30pm, Most Locations
Sunday March 22nd, 9am to 5pm, Most Locations
Tues, March 24th, 9AM-2pm, Most Locations
Mon, March 23rd, 10am-11am, Most locations
Wed, March 25th, 12:30pm to 2pm, Most Locations
Mon, March 30th 10am to 2pm, All Locations
Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner: Spring Cleaning juice blends

Here are a few Detox Recipes

Green Detox: Juice 1 cucumber, 2 cups spinach, 1 green apple, 1/2 lemon (peeled), and 1 inch ginger.
Liver Cleanse: Juice 1 beet, 2 carrots, 1/2 lemon, and 1 inch ginger.
Anti-Inflammatory: Juice 1 cup pineapple, 1/2 cucumber, 1 inch ginger, and 1/2 tsp turmeric.
Tips for Success

Prep: Wash all ingredients thoroughly.
Blending: If using a blender instead of a juicer, add a splash of water, coconut water, or ice to help blending, then strain with a nut milk bag for a smoother texture.
Available by appointment only at any of these convenient locations:

Amber Moon Studio - Far Northwest Austin
Your Home - I can bring my mat or table to you at no extra charge if you are within 9 miles of 78729. *Additional fee of $45 for in-home/mobile massage only applies to locations over 9 miles from 78729.
Club Pilates, North Burnet - Domain Area

Call or Text NOW to Schedule: 512-461-4574

Thanks for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and incites.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Love is in the air

Hello friends! Can you believe it’s been 2 months since my last newsletter? I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Winter Holiday Season, and Happy New Year!

My new years resolution is to continue finding ways to bring Zen to my life, and the lives of those around me.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! I'll throw in a free 15 minute face and scalp massage or foot scrub onto any service booked or gift certificate purchased in February.

I’ll be working at the spa all day on Valentine’s Day, but I’ll be open for business from 9-5 on Sunday February 15th!

Upcoming Availability

Tuesday, January 20, 11am-1:00pm, All Locations
Tues, Jan 27th, 10am-2pm and 4:30-7;00pm, All locations
Wed, Jan 28th, 12:30pm-2pm, Most Locations
Sun, Feb 1st, 9am-2pm, All Locations
Mon, Feb 2nd,10AM-2pm, Most Locations
Tues, Feb 3rd, 4:30pm-7:00pm, All Locations
Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner: Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Here’s a great one from my childhood. My parents used to get these on very special occasions from a candy maker in Santa Fe, NM called Senior Murphy’s. They are delicious and decadent. Of course, they had alcohol, so our parents would only let us have one.

This recipe comes from Call Me PMc

https://www.callmepmc.com/bourbon-balls/

Ingredients

¾ cup chopped pecans
3 Tablespoons Kentucky bourbon (lets get real, I used 6!)_
¼ cup butter softened (I like Earth Balance)
3 cups powdered sugar
16 ounces semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
Optional toppings – pecan halves chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds, cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, sea salt
Instructions

Mix pecans and bourbon in a bowl and allow to soak for an hour.
Cream (or mix) butter and sugar together in an electric mixer until smooth
Then add pecans and bourbon to the butter and sugar mixer.
Chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper (or a silicone mat). Refrigerate 2 hours.
Melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. Using a fork to hold the bourbon ball, dip each ball in chocolate covering completely. Hold ball over chocolate a few seconds to allow excess to drip off. Place back on waxed paper to cool completely. *If you choose to top with a pecan half, nuts, or salt immediately press on top of the ball before chocolate cools and hardens.
*This makes a great gift for Valentine’s day. I also bring it to pretty much every gathering I go to. And really, Kentucky Bourbon is my favorite, but why stop there? You could easily substitute Rum, Grand Marnier, Creme de Menthe, Kahlua... whatever you like!

Try Mat Based Massage!

Locations

Amber Moon Studio - Far Northwest Austin
Your Home - I can bring my mat or table to you at no extra charge if you are within 9 miles of 78729. *Additional fee of $45 for in-home/mobile massage only applies to locations over 9 miles from 78729.
Club Pilates, North Burnet - Domain Area
Available by appointment only at any of these convenient locations:

Call or Text NOW to Schedule: 512-461-4574

Thanks for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and incites.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm taking time off to enjoy Thanksgiving week with family! Appointments will resume on Sunday, November 30th. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

To secure your preferred appointment time, I encourage you to book in advance.

New Sunday Hours Update: Starting soon, Sunday appointments will be available from 9 AM to 2 PM. I appreciate your understanding as I adjust my schedule to accomidate a better work/life balance.

Upcoming Availability

Sunday, Nov 30th, 9am-2:00pm, All Locations
Monday Dec 1st, 10am-2pm, Most Locations
Wed, Dec 3rd, 11am-2pm, Most locations
Sun, Dec 7th, 9m-1pm, Most Locations
Wed, Dec 10th, 10-2 and 5:30-6:30, Most Locations
Mon & Tues, Dec 8th & 9th, 10AM-2pm Most Locations
Take a look at my new menu

Updated services and add-ons

*New* packages and series offerings!

Gift Cards Available for All Services, Add-ons, Packages, and Series

*Limited Time Offer: 60 minute massage for only $100! That’s a $20 Discount!

What’s the catch? I’m looking for honest feedback to help me hone my skills!

**In light of the recent government shutdown and its widespread economic impact, I am pleased to offer flexible payment arrangements, including sliding scale fees. I encourage you to reach out to discuss options tailored to your individual situation.

***Offers cannot be combined

Holiday Special: Free Holiday Aromatherapy

Your Choice of Peppermint, Coffee Cake, Gingerbread, Harvest Spice, Apple Cider, Cinnamon, or Pumpkin Pie

Book Now!

Offer good through January, 2025

News From the Studio: Rattan Fest!

Rattan Fest 2025 was such a blast! I really enjoyed getting to show off some of my Mat-Based Modern Thai Massage skills! I kept so busy, that, even though several people gave me permission to take photos for marketing purposes, I forgot to ever set up my camera. I only got a few pictures before it got really busy.

Congratulations to the Raffle Winners:

Marina Loredo and Family won the Custom Aromatherapy Room Spray
Katie Cowhig won the free 30-minute massage/Free 30 minute time extension.
Thanks so much for stopping by my booth!

Save the Date

The next event I have scheduled is the 18th Annual Cpl. Chad O PTSD Awareness Fundraiser on April 18th, 2026. I’ll post more information closer to that time.

Artichokes Update!

It was a long and despirately dry summer. My artichoke plant went to seed and then withered. As was recommended by the internet, I burried my artichoke bed in mulch. I kept it watered as much as I could throughout the summer, but had no idea whether it would survive. Then last week I saw these little pups poking up out of the mulch! I’m so excited! Now if I can just keep it alive through the winter, I might just have more artichokes by spring!

Artichokes Update: Signs of life!

For more on my healthy obsession with Artichokes, Please scan to link to my webpage: So... Why Artichokes

Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner: Soup Season!

It’s still too darn hot! However, I don’t want to jinx it, but there’s rain in the forecast, and projected temperatures dropping down into the 70s, then 60s, then even into the 50s, and lows dropping down to the low 70s and even high 60s! Last week I promised more great soup recipes, so here’s another of my family’s favorites. You’ll notice I go back to this source for recipes a lot. The ingredients are so clean and so simple, delicious, and nutritious. Although I often add my own spin.

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup

By Mary McDougall

https://www.drmcdougall.com/recipes/moroccan-red-lentil-soup/

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Water
1 Onion, chopped
4 Stalks Celery, chopped
6 Cups Vegetable broth
1 1/2 Cups Tomatoes, chopped
1 Cup Dried red lentils
15 Ounce Can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 Bay leaf
1/2 Tsp Ground cinnamon
1/2 Tsp Ground ginger
1/2 Tsp Ground turmeric
1/4 Tsp Ground coriander
1/4 Tsp Pepper
1/2 Cup Orzo
1/2 Cup Cilantro, chopped
2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
*I like to add a table spoon of salt, and about 1 zucchini, diced. Top the pot off with water. Generally fills an entire stock pot.
Directions

Pour 1/2 cup of water into a large soup pot along with the onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, bay leaf, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
Stir in the orzo, cilantro, and lemon juice. Cook 10 minutes longer, until the orzo is al dente.
Serve hot.
Thanks for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and incites.

Rattan Fest today! All set up and ready to go. Come see me between 10:00 and 3:00!

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

Upcoming Event: Rattan Fest!

When: November 8th
Time: 10-3
What: Mat-based Thai and Chair Massage
This year I will be offering 20 or 30 minute sessions of Mat Based Thai Massage, in addition to my usual chair massage up to 30 minutes.

*Also, stop by my booth for a special discount offer!

Upcoming Availability

Monday, October 27th, 12-2 All Locations
Tuesday, October 28th, 9am-2pm Most Locations
Wednesday, October 19th, 9-10 or 1-2 Most Locations
Sunday, Nov 2nd, 10-2 or 4:30-7 All Locations
Monday, Nov 3rd, 10AM-12pm All Locations
Tuesday, Nov 4th, 10am-2pm, All Locations
News from the studio

I haven’t sent out a news letter in almost 2 months! Boy, school started and my world got crazy! I was feeling like I was in way over my head for a while there. My boys are at 2 different schools now, with quite a few after school activities and I’m on 2 different PTAs. I also joined a walking group and 2 different book clubs. But when I step into my massage room, I leave all that at the door. Massage time is my zen time as well as yours.

II think I’m over the beginning of the school year craziness, and things are starting to settle into a rhythm. Plus, my mentor encouraged me to streamline my schedule a bit, to achieve better work-life balance, but it’s always a work in progress.

How’s your Zen? What are some things you do to keep things in balance? Send me an email with your tips and tricks and maybe I’ll post them in my next newsletter update. And consider making massage a part of your regular wellness routine by booking a series.

On a mission to find my zen... and yours

Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner

Fall is in full swing, and soon it will be soup season! Well, at least the temps in the 10 day forcast seem to indicate that we’ve seen the last of the days over 90 degrees, and several days in the forcast below 80. But at least we can act like it’s soup season.

I’ll probably post some great soup recipes for my next few newsletters. I’m trying to encourage my oldest son to eat fewer processed foods, and foods that are lower fat and higher protein. So I made a giant pot of hearty lentil vegetable soup. I don’t know if he would have otherwise eaten it, but I stopped at Sprouts and picked up some take and bake sourdough bread and introduced him to the concept of bread bowls. He gobbled up the whole bowl, and asked for more. Costco at Target also have good deals on take and bake sourdough. They’re small loaves, and not rounds, so it came out a little bit more like a bread trough, then a bread bowl, but who’s complaining. As a matter of fact, I think I have at least one neighbor who makes and sells sourdough bread. I might reach out to her and see if she can supply me with some single sized rounds. I’m a fan of supporting local artisans.

This recipe for Lentil soup comes from Love and Lemons. They are a resource I frequent. However, I used an entire package of brown lentils, and doubled all the other ingredients. Then I devided the soup into quart containers, serve some hot, put some in the fridge for later, and the rest in the freezer.

https://www.loveandlemons.com/instant-pot-lentil-soup/ -recipe-container-60367

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil* (*I generally skip the oil and dry sautee everything)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups chopped carrots, about 4 medium
6 kale leaves, stems finely diced, leaves chopped (I was able to grab these from my garden)
4 garlic cloves, grated
1 (14-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
¾ cup uncooked green lentils
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (*I didn’t have this on hand, so I skipped it and it was fine)
12 fresh thyme sprigs, bundled (*I was also able to grab this from my garden)
1½ teaspoons sea salt
Heaping ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Freshly ground black pepper
6 cups vegetable broth (generally I either make my own vegetable broth, or I just use water, and it’s just fine).
½ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions

Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Set the level to medium and set the time to 8 minutes. When the Instant Pot is preheated, drizzle the oil into the pot and add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for the 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
Add the kale stems, garlic, tomatoes, lentils, vinegar, thyme bundle, salt, cumin and several grinds of pepper to the pot and stir. Pour in the vegetable broth and secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This will take 20 to 30 minutes. When the float valve drops, remove the lid and stir in the kale leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Remove the thyme bundle, and garnish with the parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Gift Certificates, Packages, and Series Available

As the holiday season approaches, I invite you to consider the gift of relaxation and wellness. Whether you have family visiting from out of town or simply want to show appreciation for those you care about, massage gift cards make thoughtful presents for any occasion—from birthdays and anniversaries to holiday celebrations.

This time of year can be demanding, making self-care more important than ever. I encourage you to think about your own wellness needs, as well. Consider purchasing a gift card for a loved one, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage session.

Gift cards are available now and can be tailored to suit any budget. Give the gift of wellness this season—because everyone deserves a moment of peace and renewal.

Also check out my services and rates page for new Packages and Series offerings!

Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

Special Offer: Try Next Level Pain Relief® (Modern Thai Massage, done fully clothed, on a mat) only $120 for 90 minutes. Thats 30 FREE MINUTES! Also offering $100/hour when you book a 2 hour or 3 hour NLPR massage! Text 512-461-4574 to schedule!

Send a message to learn more

Artichoke Hearts Healing is now offering online booking through massagebook.com

Appointments can be scheduled up to 3 months out.

School is back in session, so I will be opening up weekdays between 9 and 2!

Last May I took a Structural Table Thai Massage class. This coming week (Sunday and Monday) I will be furthering my knowledge in this area, learning more about table Thai, and also learning more about clothes on mat based bodywork and Thai massage. I have been learning Mat Thai informally at regular Thai Massage Jams (https://www.facebook.com/thaimassagejam) for the past year or so, and I absolutely love it!

Thai massage, also known as Thai yoga massage, is an ancient healing practice that combines acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. It is a dynamic, full-body treatment that differs from Western massage in its use of passive stretching and deep pressure along energy lines (sen lines). The recipient remains clothed and is positioned on a mat on the floor, while the practitioner uses their hands, feet, elbows, and forearms to apply pressure and manipulate the body into various poses.

I will be taking Robert Gardner’s Next Level Pain Relief class and I will be eager to practice all I’ve learned. Book your Thai Massage NOW for a special 25% discount to the first 5 people who book.

*Also offering 25% discount on Sports Massage to the next 5 people who book

Book Now:
https://www.massagebook.com/therapists/ArtichokeHeartsHealing