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F E B R UA RY 2 022 | TH E LO C A L LOV E I S S U E

HOW VALENTINA GAYLORD BECAME HER OWN VALENTINE

A R T S + C U LT U R E

AUSTI N' S PERFECT DATE SPOTS S T Y LE + B E AU T Y

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February 2022 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

EDITOR

True love starts with loving yourself

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

This issue is all about love – not just hearts, flowers and romance, but perhaps most importantly, self-love: getting to the point where you know yourself, you’re ready to grow yourself, and you’re ready to show the real you to the world, like our cover star, Valentina Gaylord. As you read this issue, and listen to the stories of the amazing people included, why not think about writing- or editing - your own self-love story? Here’s some ideas for how to do it: Make a list of things in your life story that you no longer need. Are some people in the outer circle of your life troublemakers, naysayers, or irritants? Do they have any upsides, or are they energy vampires who you would be better off without as you create a life you love? Do some places make you nervous, uneasy or restless? Do you have to keep going there? Make a list of things in your life story that you want to build upon. Do you tell people who you love that you love them enough? How about showing your appreciation and affection more? Can you give more time in your day/ week/month/year for those who you adore? Do you get enough alone-time? How would you feel if you read more, swam more, danced more? Where do you want your story to go? Do you have a conclusion in mind – the final reveal that ticks all your boxes? If so, note down your route. If not, list your firm must-nots instead. What things make you really unhappy and stressed, and how can you avoid them in the long term? Think carefully about the tone you wish to set for your story. How would you like your friends to describe you? Do you value courage and fortitude, humility and conscientiousness? Happily ever after… Allow yourself the time to daydream, plot and muse upon what your happiest, healthiest life would look like and how the last chapter of your love story could tie loose ends together. I hope your February is full of love, peace and happiness – for you and those you adore. Mine started beautifully with a Galentine’s brunch at Mount Bonnell with some of the women who fill my heart (pictured). Happy reading!

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Sarah Ivens | sarah.ivens@citylifestyle.com Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com INTER N

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Whit McGuire, Todd O'Neill, Doug Still

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Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise SARAH IVENS, EDITOR Proverbs 3:5-6 ATX 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

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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 ATX Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 Five Local Date Ideas

Lifestyle Letter

Local Experiences

Hot Spot

Road Trip

Must See

Giving Back

28 Friends of the Children

Local Limelight

Inspired By

HEA LT H + WELLNES S

34 Date Night Mood Board

Kids Corner

LI FE + C U LT U R E

How To

Career Advice

Trend Setter

Date inspiration for day or night

24 Picnics, Pals and Proposals

First date? Marriage proposal? Galentine's brunch? Candace Perez can set the scene with magic

Fashion to fall in love with

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Whit McGuire Learning self-love: How Valentina Gaylord learned to become her own Valentine

A RTS + C U LT U R E T R AV EL

FI T NES S ENT ERTA I NMENT EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S

A RTS + C U LT U R E EDU CAT I O N

ST YLE + B EAU T Y

SY LV IA SHA R P L I N (5 1 2 ) 9 1 3 - 7 1 8 1 923 Westbank Dr., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78746 www.wilsongoldrick.com/agents/sylvia-sharplin

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.

Austin is a city full of things to love… but how can you narrow your options down when you want to treat the one you love? We’re here to help, providing our list of some of the most romantic, fun and unique things to do this Valentine’s Day – destinations to suit every mood, every moment, and every special person in your life.

Romantic Date Ideas LADY BIR D LAKE HIKE AND BIKE TR AIL: If you want to get physical, grab a coffee to go and take the scenic 10-mile route about downtown, stopping to watch turtle families sunbathe. Austin, TX YOU'R E MY BUTTER HALF MUR AL: Austin’s art is for lovers – and posing at the ‘I love you so much’ wall on South Congress and ‘You’re My Butter Half’ mural 2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Austin, TX UPSTAIR S CIR CUS: Bar meets DIY workshop at this downtown date spot where you can prove your worth, make something beautiful to take home, and sip a Manhattan. 234 W 2nd St Austin, TX MATTIE'S: Old school romance is limitless at this classic Austin date spot, where white peacocks roam wild and the cocktails and pimento cheese game is strong 811 W Live Oak St Austin, TX KUR A SUSHI USA: You spin me right round, baby, right round, at this hip sushi conveyer belt restaurant, where awkward first date silences are overridden with ordering fun. 6929 Airport Blvd Austin, TX

Scan for more photos and the full list. You’re My Butter Half Mural

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five local date ideas

DATE INSPO FOR DAY OR NIGHT ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Photo by: Jakob Layman

Whether you’re a new couple or new parents who got a babysitter for the evening, have been together two weeks or 22 years, date nights are an opportunity to reconnect as a couple and should never cease being a priority. There’s an abundance of fun date night (or day) options in Austin. We’ve curated five to inspire some fun with your significant other in 2022.

Kura takes the mundane out of dining and makes it an experience. Reminiscent of traditional sushi restaurants in Tokyo called Kaitenzushi restaurants, which translates to ‘rotating sushi,’ at Kura each table is alongside a conveyor belt with a never-ending assortment of sealed plates of sushi going by. When one strikes your fancy you simply take it off the belt and when you’re done, you slip the plate down a shoot that records how much you’ve had to tabulate your bill. If you reach a certain number of plates, you get a prize! If you’re not feeling especially adventurous, or if you’re craving something more, Kura has a large menu from soups to hot entrees that can be ordered as well. Tips: Kura doesn’t take reservations but you can add your name to the waitlist via the Kura Sushi app, which we highly suggest to avoid extensive on-site wait times. We also recommend ending the meal with their ice cream topped with a fried dough fish!

H OT SP OT | ARTS + CU LTURE

Kura Sushi

6929 Airport Blvd Suite 125, Austin, TX 78752

Cozymeal

https://www.cozymeal.com/austin/

“There are over 100 varieties and classes and cuisines to choose from.”

For foodies, people who want to learn some tricks to take back to their own kitchens, or those just looking for more of an experience from a dinner out than sitting across from their date at a restaurant, Cozymeal is a treat. Cozymeal secures the city’s top chef’s to host an evening in making dinner together, sometimes at the chefs own home, with groups of generally 2-6 people. There are over 100 varieties, classes and cuisines to choose from, including “A Culinary Exploration Through Asia” which is taught by Chef Danushka, who was a contestant on “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen,” a finalist on “Comeback Kitchen” and “Next Food Network Star,” and the winner of Food Network’s “24 Hour Restaurant Battle!” During this culinary adventure you spend three hours preparing and eating a 3-course meal that includes Shrimp Potstickers, General Tso’s Chicken and General Tso’s Cauliflower and Tempura Bananas. There are also sushi-making experiences, learning to make pasta from scratch, how to cook the perfect steak, an exploration of regional French fare, several types of Italian cooking and more. CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

Painting with a Twist

8820 Burnet Rd Ste 507, Austin, TX 78757

There are multiple locations of Painting with a Twist around Austin and each offers a few ‘date night’ options each month, especially in February. At Painting with a Twist you Bring Your Own Wine and they provide everything else you need, including the canvas, paints, brushes, step-by-step instruction, bottle openers and plastic cups. A pre-selected painting is done by the entire group each night and the best way to book is to look at the online calendar for the Painting with a Twist location you’d like to visit and see which painting pops for you. While ‘date night’ paintings generally fit together, it’s an equally fun experience when you’re painting the same picture – each with your own unique twist. The cost per person ranges from $39-$45 ($78-$90 per couple), depending on the painting surface (most paintings can be done or canvas or wood).

“While ‘date night’ paintings generally fit together, it’s an equally fun experience when you’re painting the same picture – each with your own unique twist.” 12

H OT SP OT | ARTS + CU LTURE

Upstairs Circus

234 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

Upstairs Circus is a great date night idea for couples of any duration. You can unleash your creativity while indulging in an adult cocktail and create something tangible to take home along with the memories. On any given evening there are over 25 projects to choose from varying from leather-work to woodwork, molding, jewelry-making and more. Wednesday is Friendsday Wednesday with half off bottles of wine and while a fun date idea, Upstairs Circus is a good for groups of all kinds any time.

Get Outdoors

Zilker Park and beyond

Austin’s an amazing place for an outdoor date with plenty of enticing options nearly year-round. A perfect first date is a walk around Lady Bird Lake or the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. It provides a great way to walk and talk and if nothing else, you can check off getting in some exercise for the day. If you want to invest a little more, we love paddle boarding dates and picnics lakeside or in Zilker Park.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

FOR A ROMANTIC DAY AWAY HEAD TO MARBLE FALLS FOR FOOD, MUSIC & MORE Ragtime Oriole and its owner Richard

Marble Falls, located in the heart of Hill Country just under 60 miles from downtown Austin, makes for a great quick romantical getaway. If you set out early stop at Numinous Coffee and get a caffeine fix at a house converted into a café. If you have more time, Blue Bonnet Café is legendary in town. Afterwards, take a walk around the lake, go for a hike or peruse shops like Indian River before settling into the food and entertainment in town.

1. Pre-Dinner Indulgence: As soon as the clock turns happy hour we suggest hitting House of Cheese on historic Main Street. After a charcuterie board paired with a glass of wine, try dessert before dinner (because you can!) and get a treat from Choccolatte’s (where they have chocolate-dipped Twinkies!). Or plan ahead and try Sugar Mama Cookies - note it closes at 4pm!

2. Happiest of Hours: Satiated, stop into The Ragtime Oriole, which justifies a trip to Marble Falls on its own. Located in a building that’s over 100 years old, it plays music from an era even older. Odds are if you visit you’ll see owner Richard Golladay sitting on a couch reading a book with a cup of coffee, or behind the piano playing Ragtime. He opened the coffee shop by day and music venue by night to bring his love and passion for Ragtime to the modern era. There’s music most days around 6-8pm and you can find the calendar at https://theragtimeoriole.com/.

3. Dinner: It’s worth making dinner for 8pm so you can catch music at Ragtime before, but worth staying in town to visit Flat Creek Enoteca. This is a piece of Italy in Marble Falls where there’s a good selection of both Texas and Italian wines to complement the easily sharable fare from warm baked brie to wood-fired pizzas and pastas.

4. Marble Falls is close enough to Austin you can be back by 10pm, but if you decide to make it more of a staycation, the McKenzie Guest House is a darling option located right on Main Street. La Quinta is another possibility if looking for something that’s dog-friendly. Learn more at https://visitmarblefalls.org/

R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUG STILL

House of Cheese

The Warm Brie at Flat Creek Enoteca

The McKenzie Guest House

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

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how self-love can save a life

WHEN LIFE THREW DRAMA AND DIFFICULTIES AT TLS ATX GLOBAL OWNER VALENTINA GAYLORD, SHE LEARNED TO BECOME HER OWN VALENTINE

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHIT MCGUIRE

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

Team work makes the dream work, captured by Amanda Hoffman

Valentina has two children with Olympic Gold Medalist, Mitch Gaylord, pictured working out at her studio. Photo by Amanda Hoffman

In 2012, when Valentina was 42 and in great shape – she thought – her world was rocked when she was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a form of brain damage. Here, she shares her story of recovery… and why she’s using her experience to help others boost their self-love and find their voice when it comes to advocating for better health and wellness, in her fitness studios and online. “My life changed the morning of March 29, 2012, as I was stepping out of the shower. At the time, I was a stockbroker with two small children, Luc and Valletta, and my days were long, my nights short, and my stress very high. As I was drying off, I noticed my left arm going numb and a sharp pain in my left ear. I looked in the mirror and the entire left side of my face had completely paralyzed. I couldn’t smile or blink. I rushed to hospital. After hours of tests, a doctor told me that I had Bell’s Palsy and there was no guarantee my face would ever return to normal or there would not be a recurrence. I was devastated. On the way home from hospital, I stopped at CVS to pick up my prescriptions and as I stood in line, I felt a hand on my right shoulder. A woman, who I did not know, was praying for me. I looked back and all ten people in line had placed their hands on the shoulders in front of them and were praying with her, an emotional moment I was grateful for. I’d been worried how my children would react - unable to close my eye, the doctor gave me a patch to wear - but when I got home, Valletta and Luc ran up and hugged me tightly. My daughter told me how beautiful I was while Luc put both of his little hands on my cheeks and was trying to put my face back together. In pain in the following days, I found an article that said acupuncture helped many people with my diagnosis, so I started treatments, six days a week for 6 weeks. I was exhausted,

M UST SE E | FITN ESS

emotional, and my brain was in a complete fog but I was determined to get better. By the time my six weeks were up, I had 90% of my face back, I was no longer needing a straw to eat and drink, and I’d stopped slurring my words. Although my face was coming back, I was nowhere near feeling myself. I could not concentrate, I was losing my hair, I was depressed. I did not know how I could get through each day and on some days, I did not wish to. One morning, my feet were tingling and numb. I tried to get out of bed and I fell to the floor, and in that moment, I knew that Bell’s Palsy was just the onset of something else. Over the next two years, I went to some of the best doctors in the country but got misdiagnosed repeatedly. I was told I had Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, early onset Dementia, the list goes on. I turned to nutritionists, healers, and all sorts of gurus to look for answers because nothing I was being told resonated with me. They were all putting me in a one-size-fits-all box, prescribing more medicine, supplements, hormones…all at once. None of it was working and only made me feel worse. I was losing control of my body, my life, my self-worth, my self-confidence… hope. Just before turning 44, I took a hard look at my life: my choices, my health, my career and what it was that I truly wanted. I made a list. Getting my health back was number one, but I also wanted a change of scenery, and a career based in health and wellness as this was now at the forefront of my life. I knew I had to regain my own health first but I also wanted to help people experiencing what I was, so decided to open my first fitness studio. Shortly after, I was approached by an investor, and together we opened two more studio locations within three years, despite my health still being in decline.

“You can achieve everything you set out to achieve and live powerfully.”

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

D EUST M PA RT SEMEE N | TFITN | CATEG ESS ORY

The weekend before my 46th Birthday, I was at my absolute worst. I knew that I could not live my life this way any longer. I was giving up, convinced I would not recover or be the person that I once was, getting my affairs in order for my children and business just in case the worst happened. Then I heard about a book called The Medical Medium by Anthony William. I read it in 48 hours and knew I had to contact the author. He was my last hope. Four weeks later, we spoke on the phone. My first experience with a medium, I was skeptical, but asked him just to give it to me straight. Was I dying? Did I have cancer? He said no; that I had Epstein Barre Virus in my liver and in my thyroid. He said I could have my doctors confirm this with ultrasounds and a blood test. 24 hours later, I had test results and sure enough, Anthony was right! He gave me a very simple plan to follow, based on a plantbased diet and supplements, while my body healed. With guidance from him, Muneeza Ahmed and Dr. Janet Zand, my symptoms soon dissipated. I was getting my life back. Everything I have been through in the last decade has made me realize that to achieve optimal health, you must go deep within - face your fears, advocate for yourself and make tough decisions. In my experience, it works. By January 2020, at the age of 50, I was officially off all my medication, as Anthony predicted I would be. I reversed all my autoimmune issues and genetically tested as a 26-year-old. People tell me I look better than ever and much younger than my age, but the work is not surface level. It began deep within – with self-love. When you journey into the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of your being, as I had to when I got ill, you can achieve everything you set out to achieve and live powerfully.” On the shoot: Valentina is wearing Korman Fine Jewelry kormanfinejewelry.com

LIGH TS FANTASTIC

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DWTS

Austin

THE CENTER FOR CHILD PROTECTION KEEPS PHILANTHROPY FUN WITH THEIR 15TH ANNUAL DANCING WITH THE STARS EVENT

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Edition

For the last 32 years The Center for Child Protection, a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center and the only nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children, has been the first stop for children in Travis County who are suspected victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and for children who have witnessed a violent crime. Rather than host a traditional charity gala, they infuse their annual fundraiser with a heavy dose of interactive fun, and were rewarded this year with $2 million raised from the dancing contestants, those who bought tables to support the dancers, sponsors including Mercedes-Benz of Austin and a live auction that included things like a private concert with Lukas Nelson, the opportunity to become a celebrity dancer in the 2022 Dancing with the Stars Austin event. More than 1000 people attended the event chaired by Julie Jumonville and Jenny Mason at the JW Marriot where Pete Phillips and professional partner Susan Kirklin took top prize of the mirror ball trophy. Double A Labs founder Amber Allen won the Fundraising and Awareness award and was also first runner-up with her professional partner Travis Herman. You didn’t have to attend to help. To learn more about the cause visit www.centerforchildprotection.org.

G IV IN G B AC K | ENTERTA I NME NT

The dancers....

Next year's co-chair Stephanie Coultress O'Neill and Concierge Closet's founder Todd O’Neill

Emcees Glenn Ball and Holly Mills-Gardner

Team Amber Allen showed support in Grease-themed attire

Decadent desserts

Winners Pete Phillips and Susan Kirklin

Super Coffee brothers Jake, Jimmy and Jordan DeCicco with Annesley MacKinnon and Allison Morrison

Ashley Chavarria and Austin FC's Diego Fagundez

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

Romance awaits atop Mount Bonnell

N PIC

ICS, PALS AN D

FIRST DATE? MARRIAGE PROPOSAL? GALENTINE'S BRUNCH? CANDACE PEREZ CAN SET THE SCENE WITH HER OWN MODE OF MAGIC

PROPOSALS

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EV ENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE CS

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR POSH PICNIC? Prior to Covid, I had an event planning business and coordinated social events all over Austin. The pandemic changed everything and events ceased to exist. I knew there had to be a way for people to celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, and special moments in a safe, Covidfriendly, glamorous way and luxury picnics were the perfect solution! In May of 2020, The Posh Picnic was born, becoming Austin’s first upscale picnic service!

WHAT HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A FEMALE LATINA ENTREPRENEUR? Although race can be a factor in most things in this life, I believe it’s my drive, focus, passion to serve, and genuinely developed friendships that has landed me in the position I’m in. I love my culture and how it’s helped shape who I am as a woman, mother, and business owner. I am a confident, fearless, and powerful Latina!

A table set for love

Whether with friends or lovers, al fresco dining is a sweet gesture

TELL US ABOUT THE SWEETEST SITUATIONS YOU’VE WITNESSED. This is a tough one because there are so many to choose from! My absolute favorites were a marriage proposal atop Mount Bonnell and a surprise bachelorette brunch where the bride-to-be was so excited, she cried tears of joy. I live for these moments!

WHY IS EATING OUTSIDE SO MAGICAL? People have been picnicking since the beginning of time. Enjoying nature’s beauty, feeling the warmth from the sun or cool breeze against your skin while dining with your favorite people is not only whimsical and rejuvenating, but also healing.

HOW DOES TIME WITH FRIENDS BOOST YOUR SELF-LOVE? Gathering with loved ones around a beautifully styled picnic, sharing laughs and making memories, brings out your true self - a time where you don’t have to worry about being a mom, provider, etc.

WHAT DOES SELF-LOVE MEAN TO YOU? Investing in my growth, being patient with myself while working on my weaknesses, standing tall, and carrying myself with confidence. My form of self-love is living my life with passion, purpose and surrounding myself with the people that bring me joy! ThePoshPicnicatx. com (512) 689 2179

Owner Candace creates romantic set-ups all over Austin

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

I NSP IR E D BY | HEL ATH + W E LLNE S S

Fall in love with yourself this February AN AUSTIN-BASED PSYCHOLOGIST AND ANXIETY SPECIALIST GIVES US LESSONS ON SELF-KINDNESS AND SELF-LOVE THIS VALENTINE'S MONTH ARTICLE BY MARIANNE STOUT, PHD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EL MIKE

We take care of what we value. If we value ourselves we are more likely to take care of our physical bodies, relationships, thoughts, and emotions. If we don’t value ourselves, why should we wake up in the morning let alone go to school or work or engage with other people? Self-kindness means being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate instead of beating up on ourselves. If your kid was struggling with T-ball would you rather they had a coach who berated them all of the time or one who supported them offering extra practices and encouraging words? Treat yourself how you would treat your T-ball struggling kiddo! Offer yourself words of support and encouragement.

FOUR PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR BOOSTING SELF-LOVE 1. Mindfulness as introduced in self-compassion research focuses on the balance of not ignoring or suppressing our difficult feelings, but not exaggerating them either. Observe your thoughts and feelings, but also bring your attention back to the present moment.

Marianne Stout can help you find love

2. Create a self-compassion statement. This often looks like what you would say to a loved one if they were in your shoes and experiencing your struggle. I encourage clients to first validate their feelings/

experience (This is really hard right now, this sucks, I’m really struggling…) and then offer support (You can do this, you’ve done hard things before and you can get through this now, I love you and I’m on your side). 3. Practice a loving kindness meditation; it enhances feelings of goodwill toward yourself and others. First, picture yourself and say, “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be safe, and may my suffering ease.” Next, picture a loved one and say the same thing offering this kindness to them. Then, picture an acquaintance, someone whom you don’t know very well, and say these same words for them. After that, picture someone whom you actively dislike and offer those very same words to them (this one can be hard!). Finally, offer the same words to all living creatures everywhere. 4. Write a gratitude journal. Write down three things each day for which you are grateful or that went well. Do the same thing the next day, but pick three NEW things. Each day work toward identifying three new positives. Clients love this exercise because it can make a big difference in mood and attitude in a relatively short amount of time and doesn’t take too much effort. ANXIETY TREATMENT CENTER OF AUSTIN 8701 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 404, Austin TX 78757 (512) 436 3225

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN

K I D S COR N E R | L IFE + CULTURE

Nancy Pollard of Friends Austin tells Sarah Ivens how they are improving our city’s future with community love and magical friendship… one child at a time! “Friends of the Children started in 1993 in Portland, Oregon, with the mission to end the cycle of generational poverty. The Austin chapter launched in September 2017, and is the first and only professional mentorship organization in the city. In partnership with three of Austin ISD’s highest-poverty public schools and CASA of Travis County, we identify pre-K and kindergarten-aged children facing the greatest barriers to success and pair them with a professional, salaried, full-time, bilingual mentor

called a “Friend.” We commit to these children through high school graduation — for 12+ years, no matter what. Because our mentors are fulltime employees and not tied to specific schools, they can follow their youth wherever they go and continue providing high-quality, consistent, wrap-around service. As a result, we serve 112 children in 41 schools across 10 districts. Friends spend at least four hours of one-onone time a week with each of their eight youth. Half of this time is spent in the classroom, focusing on academics and social and emotional development. The other half of the Friends’ time is spent in the community, exposing them to new places, sights, and experiences to create that vital spark for engagement and learning. Nationally, our model has shown successful results: 83% of our youth earn a high school diploma/GED; 98% avoid teen pregnancy; 93% avoid the juvenile justice system; and 92% go on to pursue post-secondary education, serve in the military, or enter the workforce. By empowering these children, our whole community is made stronger. An ROI study found the generational change sparked by our model saves Austin $732,000 per child over the course of a lifetime due to increased earning potential and reduced social service costs — a return four times the investment. The pandemic emphasized the role Friends play in the lives of their youth. During initial shutdowns, we provided 100+ Chromebooks and dozens of WiFi hot spots to our youth to ensure Friends could continue serving the children remotely. We also safely reopened our Clubhouse in September to provide a stable, clean environment where our youth may pursue remote academic studies, engage in healthy, in-person social interactions, and access consistent, nutritious meals. Friends also work with their children’s caregivers to empower them as self-advocates, modeling how to locate and navigate relief aid from government agencies, schools, and other organizations.” Support from the Austin community continues to be crucial to the enduring success of the program. If you are interested in learning more and supporting Friends Austin, visit friendsaustin.org.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

a handmade valentine’s day

MAKE IT FEEL LIKE AN EXTRA SPECIAL AT-HOME VALENTINE’S DAY THIS YEAR WITH THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES FROM THE HEART—AND HANDS

H OW TO | A RTS + CU LTU RE

From-Scratch Pasta Yield: 1 pound WHAT YOU NEED

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs WHAT YOU DO

1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight. 2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent. 3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com.

DEUX

Dark Chocolate Truffles WHAT YOU NEED

1/2 cup heavy cream 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting WHAT YOU DO

1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature. 2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm. 3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com.

TROIS

Relaxing Bath Salt Blend WHAT YOU NEED

16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil WHAT YOU DO

In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

creative planning for your future ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Creative Planning believes there’s a richer way to wealth. Their team of CFP professionals, CPAs and attorneys work together to create clear customized plans to maximize your wealth, all in one place. Their award-winning in-house services span a variety of financial d isciplines, i ncluding c omprehensive wealth and investment management, insurance, tax prep, trusts, estate, financial and retirement planning. Founded in Overland Park, they have since branched out across the globe, gaining a national reputation that has earned them numerous prestigious awards, including #1 wealth management firm i n America by Barron’s, CNBC and Forbes. President and CEO Peter Mallouk shares his wealth of knowledge with approachable financial advice. Two issues coming together at once inspired the creation of Mallouk’s business. “My dad was a physician frustrated with his financial advisor who sold him products and didn’t really explain things well, and I was an estate attorney that saw a full view of the advisory world and thought there was a better way to deliver the all around experience. Ultimately, that led to Creative Planning offering investments and planning as well as legal

CAR E E R A DV IC E | ED U CATI ON

and tax advice in a very approachable, consultative way.” Mallouk has written several books, including 5 Mistakes Every Investor Makes and How to Avoid Them, and has cowritten Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook and The Path: Accelerating Your Journey to Financial Freedom with Tony Robbins. “People are generally fearful of investment and feel the market is too low or too high at any given time. When there is a correction (a drop of 10% or more), people generally stay on the sidelines or sell their stocks, fearing the market may collapse and stay lower—there have been over 100 corrections, usually about one per year, and they have all ended with a full recovery. Some of these corrections turn into bear markets, a drop of 20% or more, and all have ended with a full recovery. On the other end of the spectrum, many are worried about investing when the market is at an all time high. This is actually completely normal and happens about once every nineteen days—in other words, all the time! We aren’t surprised when a Hershey’s bar, box of cereal or ticket to Disney World costs more, but somehow are shocked when

“It’s an exciting time—we can do more for our clients today than at any point in our history. In many ways, it feels like we are just at the starting line.”

the market hits an all time high. It’s normal, and inflation has a lot to do with it.” When looking for a financial advisor, find the right one by asking the right questions. “Most don’t realize that the vast majority of financial advisors don’t have to act in the client’s best interests. A minority of financial advisors are fiduciaries and operate under laws that share similarities with doctors and lawyers, meaning they do have to act in their client’s best interests. First, ask your advisor if they are registered as a broker or are dually registered. If they say yes to either, that means that part or all of the time, they don’t have to act in your best interests. There are thousands of advisors that will act in your best interest, so take the time to find one. Second, ask your advisor if their parent company, or the ownership of their parent company, own investment vehicles. If the answer is yes, don’t be surprised if some of those investment vehicles find their way into your portfolio. Essentially you may find yourself paying an advisor to then put you in a fund where the company collects another fee. There is no need to accept

this conflict. Find a fiduciary that is not dually registered and that does not own their own investment products. At that point, you at least have someone that is incented to act on your behalf all the time. From there, look for education, credentials and experience with people like you.” As for the future, it’s never looked brighter at Creative Planning. “It’s an exciting time—we can do more for our clients today than at any point in our history. In many ways, it feels like we are just at the starting line.” For more information, visit CreativePlanning.com.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N T X

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD O'NEILL

Date Night Mood Board Clothes have the power to completely transform how you feel. Switching from sweatpants to a flowy floral dress can make you feel instantly fun and flirty. Slip into a classic little black dress or a bold fitted sequins number and it’s bound to amplify your level of sex appeal – to yourself and others. We’ve sprinkled the pages of this issue with date ideas, and here are Estilo Boutique-owner Stephanie Coultress O’Neill’s inspiration for however you choose to spend date night.

1. Women: Comfy and Cute - Even if you’re just planning a casual date night at home, embrace the fun of Valentine’s and wear a cute sweatshirt with jeans.

4. Women: Feminine and Flirty - Date night is a perfect opportunity to bring out the ruffles and florals. The right dress is sure to bring out your fun and flirty side.

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

2. Women: LBD – The classic little black dress is always a great go-to for date nights. Sleek and chic, it’s a showstopper.

5. Guys: Comfortable and Cool - You can be dateready and still comfortable in a tailored sweater with dark denim and a nice leather sneaker.

3. Women: Glitz and Glam –Make it a memorable night on the town in sequins! Bonus if you embrace the current hot pink trend.

6. Guys: Elevate the Date - Dress it up a little with a novelty blazer and jeans. Blue and grey are a great combination.

FOR PHOTOGRAPHS THAT HAVE SOUL WEDDING AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER WWW.WHITMCGUIRE .COM

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