Austin, TX February 2026

AUSTIN NICHOLS

and his love letter to Austin

A Love Letter to Austin

This month marks five years since I spontaneously moved to Austin. It also marks five years as Editorin-Chief of Austin Lifestyle, and I’ve loved creating each of our 60 issues along the way.

It’s been a privilege getting to know the people, places, and experiences—both new and longstanding—that make Austin one of the best places to live in the world. For me, it’s the only place I want to live… unless someone is buying me a vineyard in the European countryside. Until then, I’m grateful for the incredible vineyards and burgeoning wine scene right here at home—from William Chris Vineyards, which earned a richly deserved spot on the World’s 50 Best Vineyards list in 2025, to unique tasting rooms like Slate Theory’s cavern in Fredericksburg and up-and-comers like Domaine de la Vigne in Blanco.

I also love Austin’s giving spirit. Nearly every weekend, there’s an event to supporting a meaningful cause—like The Kindness Campaign’s gala next month, where conversation expert, bestselling author, and University of Texas alum Jefferson Fisher returns to Austin as the featured speaker.

Speaking of conversations, I had a wonderful one with Austin Nichols for this month’s cover story. Austin grew up in Austin—specifically Tarrytown, where he attended Casis Elementary—and both he and his latest project embody so much of what makes this city special. He’s kind, charismatic, deeply connected to the water, and constantly evolving, now adding film director to his résumé. His directorial debut, The Long Shot, premiered at the Austin Film Festival and will be released this April. “It’s really a love letter to Austin,” he told me. “It’s about a group of funny people who work at a golf course trying to protect their way of life as everything around them changes—favorite places disappearing, condos going up. It’s about protecting your identity and your home in a vastly changing world.”

The full interview is well worth the read, and I loved this shoot—styled by Estilo Boutique owner Stephanie Coultress O’Neill, who dressed Austin in a beautiful suit, and only cringed a little when I suggested he wear it while floating the river for our cover shot.

Enjoy the issue. And from the bottom of my very full heart, thank you for spending a little time with the magazine each month and being part of the fabric of the city I’m very grateful to call my home.

With love,

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Montannah Kerby | montannah.kerby@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jennifer Birn

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Brittany Dawn Short

JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR

@AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

inside the issue

Austin-Based Skincare Brands

Supporting

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Austin-Based Skincare Brands

FOLK POTIONS, FOUNDED BY RAINA ROSE, https://folkpotions.com/

ANCIENT INDIA, FOUNDED BY RACHEL ROY, https://ancientindia.com

AVEN ORGANICS, FOUNDED BY STEPHANIE DOOLIN, https://www.avenorganics.com/

Supporting local is easy with these brands created for the body with well-being in mind

Putting on Folklore Potions Magic Face Oil feels like infusing your day with a bit of magic. The rose quartz-infused Rose Oil feels like a self-love hug. Their oils, balms, salves, soaps and body butters are made from dried flowers and herbs in plant-derived oils & organic beeswax. Ancient India is an ayurvedic skincare line from multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Rachel Roy. The serums, cleansers, and creams are made with clean ingredients and the acknowledgement that what we put on our skin seeps more than skin deep. And, profits from each bottle sold go toward

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

KRYSTLE SKIN, FOUNDED BY KRYSTLE KELLEY, https://www.krystleskin.com/

THE BEAUTY WAY FOUNDED BY JYOTI LOHMAN, https://www.thebeautywayco.com/

OSHUN, FOUNDED BY MIKE JOHNSON, https://goatmilksoap.com/

ERLY, FOUNDED BY JAMIE CHANDLEE AND HALLIE MCDONALD, https://itserly.com/

vulnerable women, children and communities in need. Aven Organics makes small-batch, handcrafted products in Austin that are 100% free of toxins including the Antioxidant Barrier Oil and the Cashmere Dream Night Cream. (Yes please!) Krystle Kelley owns a medspa in Westlake called Krystle Skin and where she sells The Secret Garden Collection with ingredients including Squalane, Green Tea, and Pro-Vitamin B5, which lock in hydration while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

the beauty way is luxury bodycare that pairs clean, effective formulas with the power of daily mantras to inspire mindful self-care. Each product is paired with a sensorial ritual that reconnects body, mind, and soul, while delivering glowing skin. OSHUN, Mike Johnson’s recently launched luxury soap, was born out of his personal need for something better for his skin. It’s artisan-made in small batches with ingredients intentionally sourced from all over the world, including Nubian Goat Milk from the Philippines, Manuka honey from New Zealand, olive oil from Spain and pearl powder. Erly is a dermatologist-founded approachable skincare brand with the belief that doing less, does more. The brand launched last year with a mission to empower users with skincare education for healthy skin habits that evolve through life’s stages.

AUSTIN NICHOLS

The actor/director/writer has returned to his roots and is thriving

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY DAWN SHORT

Austin Nichols was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but moved to Austin, TX as a baby, and it was always his destiny.  He tells Austin Lifestyle, “My dad is from Houston and went to UT. Then he transferred to a small college in Michigan to chase a girl, my mom.” Before his first birthday, they moved

“Directing gives you the feeling of being the captain of the ship and being the painter and the canvas is yours. That’s fulfilling in a new way...and it's an incredible feeling.”

to Austin. But, his name wasn’t inspired by the city. “For a long time, Wild Turkey Bourbon was made by the Austin Nichols distilling company, so my grandfather joked that someone in the family should name their kid Austin,” he explains. “Then, the night I was born, someone let a wild turkey loose on the White House lawn. My parents thought it was an omen, and the rest is history.”

Although Austin initially planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and attend the University of Texas, acting would take him to Los Angeles. Roles in shows like One Tree Hill , Friday Night Lights, The Walking Dead and Ray Donovan and films like Wimbledon and I Know What You Did Last Summer would have him living for stints in North Carolina, Atlanta, Argentina and Uruguay, but working on Walker in 2020, he made his way back to Austin. He said he didn’t plan to necessarily ever move back, and admits due to the nomadic life as an actor, he has to stay open to

the idea of one day leaving again, but for now he says, “Being back here, where I grew up, and making my first movie here, has been the most unexpected dream come true.”

Austin’s directorial debut, The Long Shot,   premiered at the Austin Film Festival and will be released in April. He says it’s loosely inspired by Lions Municipal and the Save Muny campaign and follows Ray Mueller, a shaggy slacker golf pro and his band of misfits as they try to protect their quirky public golf course from development and extinction.

We spent an afternoon with Austin at Melrose River Club where we got him in the water, his favorite place to be (which is unsurprising being the son of a professional water skier) and between moments flashing his mastered movie star stare for the camera, we had a chat about the Austin of his childhood versus the Austin he returned to, writing, directing and more. CONTINUED >

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES OR THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP HERE?

Malibu Grand Prix Go-Karts, I definitely had a birthday party there. We went to Matt’s El Rancho every Sunday, the original location, where The Four Seasons is now, Austin Aqua Fest Water, ski tournaments on Lady Bird Lake, speed boats, the pier on Lake Austin, pulling your boat up to a dive bar with video games and live music. Someone needs to bring that back (wink wink Larry McGuire). And me and my sister would always beg our parents to take us to Amy’s Ice Cream at The Arboretum. We would get our favorite flavor and sit on the cows down the hill, the site of the original Blues On The Green. And the movie theatre at the Arboretum had clouds and lightning in the lobby ceiling and it would flash and thunder before every movie started. As a kid, it was magic!

YOU LIVED IN TARRYTOWN AND THEN LAKE TRAVIS?

We grew up in a house on Scenic Dr. that my parents purchased for $150,000 or something unbelievable. We had access to the boat club, and my parents built a dock illegally, separate from the marina. No one ever said a word. We had our own little swimming beach. Years later, after we moved, they ripped that dock out and my sister and I realized our parents were renegades.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS AUSTIN HAS NOW THAT YOU THINK MAKE IT EVEN BETTER THAN WHEN YOU LEFT?

The Long Shot is all about the change and how we have sucked a lot of the soul out of this town. But to be optimistic and honest, there are some new things that I do enjoy. The food here was always good, but now, it’s phenomenal. Places like Shokunin and their story inspire me. The comedy scene is massive, everyone comes through. The key takeaway is that all the things that I thought were just normal and boring as a kid have had a spotlight put on them and the world at large is now telling me how awesome my home is. I appreciate things I took for granted, like tubing the Guadalupe River. We got a huge group this summer and laughed for the entire 2-hour float!

YOU’VE SAID YOU LIKE TO GET IN THE WATER MOST DAYS?

I have to get in the water every day. It’s not ok. It’s kind of weird. My love of swimming holes and water activities even found its way into The Long Shot. The script had our first scene at Barton Springs, but shooting there is a logistical mess. So, we quickly pivoted to Krause Springs, which is a gem I go to from time to time. It has a rougher charm to it, which

“I uncovered my superpower is the ability to remain positive and find joy in the agonizing and mundane moments of life on Earth.”

I like, and less crowds. But Lake Austin has always been the epicenter for me. Long before the big houses and wake surf boats, we used to watch the mountain goats on the cliffs, and we had no idea how good we had it!

A LOT OF ACTORS HAVE RELOCATED TO AUSTIN, AND MANY OF YOU COME TOGETHER TO WORK ON INDEPENDENT PROJECTS. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FREQUENT COLLABORATORS?

So many actors and writers and directors live here. The business has changed so fast when everyone realized they can live anywhere. Jared Padalecki helped change the course of my career by bringing me on Walker to direct two episodes. That led to The Long Shot and I

was able to bring a lot of that crew to my movie. And my old friend from Friday Night Lights, Adrianne Palicki. I’ve been blessed to have great friends show up for me. The dream is to keep making movies and TV here, and I hope I can keep calling up my friends to come play.

YOU DIRECTED A COUPLE OF EPISODES OF WALKER , BUT THE LONG SHOT IS THE FIRST FILM YOU DIRECTED, TELL US ABOUT THAT.

It’s really a love letter to Austin. It’s a group of funny people who work at a golf course who are trying to protect their way of life. Everything is changing and their favorite places are getting demolished and turned into condos, so it’s about protecting your identity and your home in a vastly changing world.

DID YOU ALWAYS ASPIRE TO DIRECT ONE DAY?

Yes, but when you’re busy acting, it’s really fulfilling and it’s a lot, and you don’t really feel like you need to do anything else. But when things slow down, you start to think, ‘I want to do more. I want to do something else. I want to be busy.’ The other thing about acting, even when you’re the lead, you never feel like the painter, you never feel like the author. Directing gives you the feeling of being the captain of the ship and being the painter and the canvas is yours. That’s fulfilling in a new way that I’ve never felt before as an actor, and it’s an incredible feeling. I go home every night and I fall into bed so tired, and smiling. It’s just incredible to go to a place every day and have a hundred people killing themselves for the thing you want to make. It’s really beautiful. You feel really responsible for the piece and you really want people to love it and get something out of it in a different way.

SO YOU’D LIKE TO DO MORE DIRECTING?

Yes, 100 percent. I’m so addicted.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMING UP IN 2026?

I will appear in the new season of Virgin River on Netflix, and we’re starting to put together our next movie, to be filmed here in Austin.

ANY NEWS ON THE ONE TREE HILL REBOOT?

I don’t, except that fans are thirsty and I wish I could do more to get them new episodes.

YOU HAVE A DEGREE IN ENGLISH. DO YOU ALSO WRITE?

Yes, my degree at USC was English with a creative writing emphasis. I’ve been writing since I was a kid. It took a back seat to acting for a while, but it came back strong about 13 years ago. The most special thing about writing is that I don’t need any money or

permission to do it. You can sit alone, anywhere in the world, and write and let creativity flow. It can be an art form with vast freedom. That freedom all goes away the second someone wants to make your story. But in the act of writing, there is a blissful, transformative, almost divine flow, where ideas and words and characters can materialize in a way that makes you feel like you are simply a conduit, allowing something larger to break through.

QUICK FIRE

Favorite Austin Brunch Spot I’m a big fan of Phoebe’s, Arturo’s and Paperboy for big brunchy vibes. But, most days I get breakfast tacos at a Veracruz truck.

Favorite Austin Restaurant  I don’t know if I have a favorite, my favorite thing is to try new spots. But, places I keep going back to are Loro and Clark’s.

Favorite Theater My favorite is the Paramount. But usually we go to Alamo South Lamar – because food.

The Perfect Austin Sunday Walk the trail with a big group of friends. Go to the Carpenter Hotel for a coffee to-go, then walk to Barton Springs and make everyone jump in. Especially those who don’t like cold water.

Favorite Book Play it as it Lays by Joan Didion

Favorite Movie   I have 30, but if you make me pick one, Being There starring Peter Sellers, one of the most perfect movies ever made!

Last thing that inspired you The last thing that inspired me was Matthew Rhys’ performance in The Beast in Me.

Favorite Quote My friend Kelvin Yu is a great writer and a great friend. He gave me the Tao Te Ching many years ago. He said, ‘Just read one a day. And really soak it in. Digest it.’ And I did. There are many quotes from this famous work. One I love is, ‘He who knows others is wise... He who knows himself is enlightened....’

If could have a superpower…  It’s taken me 45 years on this planet to realize that I will never attain a superhero’s power, but I uncovered my superpower is the ability to remain positive and find joy in the agonizing and mundane moments of life on Earth.

Melrose River Clubs’ Max & Melodie

Melrose River Club  is a gem built alongside the San Marcos River. There are 12 casitas and 30 cabins on the 12 acres, as well as a resort-style pool and bar, a boho-chic lobby with a champagne vending machine, and breakfast burritos and mimosas available in the mornings. There’s a dining pavilion perfect for big feasts or intimate gatherings, chairs set on the riverbanks great for slow mornings with coffee or enjoying the sunset, and fire pits scattered around the property begging for s’mores and deep conversations. But, the heart and the soul of Melrose River Club, which is adults-only  (16 and older),  are the couple who own it, Max and Melodie Schleder. Max and Melodie have been married for 25 years. They have two grown boys and prior to taking the hotel on full-time Melodie was in graphic design at Mckinsey Co. before starting her own interior design business, Primitive Modern Design, after their house was featured on HGTV’s “Small Space, Big Style.” Max was (and still is) in real estate development.

They were drawn to the property by the river, which Max frequently boated past as a child who grew up nearby. And, while it’s  easy to spend days poolside, enjoying refreshments from the well-stocked bar, the hotel also offers an easy way to float the river – a Texas rite of passage. Guests can drive or uber a few minutes upstream to Texas State Tubes or Don’s Fish Camp to rent a tube and then guests of the hotel can hop off at The Melrose River

Club after a 1.5-hour float and they’ll return the tubes for you. Or, you can continue for the full 3-hour float.

The beach club-inspired feel of the boutique hotel Max says, “Was all Melodie.” He explains, “We have traveled a bit and wanted an Acapulco meets Palm Springs feel...on the river in the Hill Country!” Melodie adds, “I wanted it to feel like a welcoming place with all the feel of Acapulco, Oaxaca, mixed in a little surf shake from Huatulco, throw in some Palm Springs and top it off with some Texas to celebrate our home state.”

The renovations took a one year, but this creative pair is always ideating. They launched a Supper Club series last year which caters to both guests of the hotel as well as attracting people from San Marcos and surrounding areas like Austin, a 35-45 minute drive away.  Looking ahead, they’d like to host more wellness retreats, corporate retreats and group events. “The Melrose River Club was built on an idea to create a place to hang out with our friends and family. One we loved and never wanted to leave,” Melodie shares. “I feel like we have achieved it ... but we are not done yet. Stay tuned ... the best is yet to come.”

Melrose River Club is located at 70 Riverbend Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666

To learn more visit  https://www.melroseriverclub.com/ or follow them on Instagram @melroseriverclub

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Where Beauty Meets

Film & TV Made in Texas

Most people have heard that in 2025, Texas secured a $1.5 billion film incentive bill to encourage the entertainment industry to film content in Texas and make it a competitive place for productions that often take place in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Vancouver. Many people saw the star-heavy video that included Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Renee Zellweger and more rallying for the bill to pass. That video, as well as much behind-the-scenes effort getting the bill passed, was the work of Media for Texas, a nonprofit organization powering the future

of film and media in Texas. Their mission is to help create a future where Texas leads the nation in film and media, where “stories won’t only be made here – they’ll be born, developed, produced, and delivered here.”

Media for Texas was founded by Texas natives and University of Texas alumni Chase Musslewhite and Grant Wood, both of whom work in the entertainment industry.  We had a chat with them to learn more about what they do, and what the new funds mean for the future of entertainment in Texas.

WHAT WAS THE IMPETUS FOR STARTING MEDIA FOR TEXAS?

Chase: Media for Texas grew out of our shared belief that Texas could and should be a major global media hub. That belief became personal when I lost financing for a Texas-set feature film due to uncompetitive state incentives, while Grant’s background mapping out incentive programs nationwide made it clear how far Texas had fallen behind peer states. After the 2023 legislative session, we decided to leave our current endeavors (Grant was at WME, I was getting my MFA at UT) to found Media for Texas, with a focus on securing long-term incentives in 2025 and building a sustainable industry that allows Texans to develop, produce, and work at home.

A PRIMARY FOCUS HAS BEEN SECURINGFILM INCENTIVES. DOES THE $1.5 BILLION BILL MAKE AUSTIN COMPETITIVE WITH ATLANTA AND VANCOUVER?

Grant: Yes! This legislation places Texas among the top five incentive states in the country. Texas now offers up to a 31 percent cash rebate, which is competitive with Georgia and more efficient since productions don’t have to sell credits through brokers. While Texas doesn’t incentivize non-resident labor like Atlanta or Vancouver, our goal isn’t just to service Hollywood, it’s to build a sustainable, homegrown media ecosystem.

Media for Texas is helping make Texas a competitive player in the entertainment industry…

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

For the first time in years, Texans now have the tools and funding to stay home and build that future.

HAVE YOU STARTED TO SEE A SHIFT AND MORE PROJECTS MOVE INTO PRODUCTION?

Chase: Absolutely. While many productions are waiting for final program rules expected in early 2026, interest is extremely high. We speak with dozens of producers each week actively planning to shoot in Texas, and several projects are already filming that would not be here without SB22.

IS AUSTIN THE MOST POPULAR CITY TO FILM IN TEXAS?

Grant: When people think of Texas filmmaking, Austin is often the first city that comes to mind, thanks to its long history of independent cinema and creative leadership from filmmakers like Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, along with institutions like Austin Film Society and Austin Studios. That said, Texas’ real competitive advantage is that it isn’t dependent on a single hub. Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and West Texas all play distinct and growing roles, allowing Texas to function as a multi-city ecosystem rather than a one-city industry like our competitors.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY FOCUS NOW?

Chase: With the legislative work largely complete, Media for Texas is entering its next phase as a 501(c) (3) focused on workforce development. We’re building training and placement pathways for Texans and veterans and creating a statewide pipeline connecting college students directly to productions. These efforts also help productions access incentive uplifts tied to veteran and student hiring.

WHAT

PROJECTS ARE COMING UP THAT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT?

Grant: There are several major projects looking at Texas in the coming year that we can’t yet announce. We’re excited to see Brothers finishing production in Austin and Landman renewed for a third season. The momentum is real, and we expect an exponential increase as the months progress!

APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY JOBS WILL BE CREATED AS A RESULT OF THE INCENTIVES?

Chase: At roughly a 25 percent incentive rate, a $300 million biennial fund supports about $1.2 billion in Texas production spending every two years. That translates to approximately 82,000* local hires per biennium.

Over the 10-year life of the program, this equates to well over 400,000* paid on-set job opportunities statewide. Note: These are short-term, project-based jobs, meaning many Texans will be rehired across multiple productions, so it isn’t necessarily 400,000 individual people.

*Estimates based on Motion Picture Association data showing approximately 68 local hires per $1 million in production spending.

ARE THERE PROFESSIONS NEEDED LOCALLY YOU’D SUGGEST PEOPLE TRY TO BREAK INTO?

Grant: Production is one of the most accessible entry points into the entertainment industry, and many people begin their careers as Production Assistants. From there, workers can move into departments like camera, art, costume, sound, locations, or visual effects, depending on their interests and skills. Media for Texas is working with colleges, universities, and workforce partners across the state to help Texans enter these roles with practical, on-set knowledge so productions can hire locally with confidence.

HOW CAN PEOPLE BECOME MEMBERS OF MEDIA FOR TEXAS?

Chase: We will officially launch memberships in 2026 once our programs are fully operational.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?

Grant: Members will receive access to exclusive events, advocacy updates, statewide networking opportunities, guidance navigating the Texas media industry, and our monthly newsletter highlighting opportunities across the state, among other fun things to come!

WHAT ARE SOME PROJECTS YOU’RE PERSONALLY WORKING ON?

Chase: We are in development on a Texas period piece set against a familiar chapter of our state’s history. More to come, but we are very excited about this one.

12. ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

Grant: Texas has always had the talent, culture, and infrastructure to support a thriving media industry. With long-term incentives finally in place, we’re focused on making sure Texans are positioned to benefit from this moment for years to come.

Learn more at: https://mediafortexas.com/

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Chatting with Modern

Animal’s Dr. Mo

Modern Animal is one of our favorite California transplants. In addition to two brickand-mortar clinics in Austin, the modernized veterinary clinic offers 24/7 care, video chat, and has a membership-fee-based model that includes unlimited free visits. During pet procedures, which can often be scary for pet owners in addition to their furry loved ones, the high-touch practice provides updates every step of the way. We recently had a chat with Dr. Stacy Mozisek, aka Dr. Mo, the Lead Veterinarian at the South Lamar location. Dr. Mo is a Texas native who has lived in Austin intermittently since 1993 and permanently since 2012.  She went to the University of Texas for undergrad, Texas Christian University for graduate school and Texas A&M for vet school! She later lived in Colorado, California, and Georgia but kept coming back to Austin, where all three of her kids attended Zilker Elementary – right down the street from Modern Animal South Lamar.

HOW IS MODERN ANIMAL DIFFERENT FROM PLACES YOU WORKED PRIOR?

I love how transparent we are. Owners are allowed to stay with their pets for treatments, see all parts of our hospital, and see clear cost estimates prior to agreeing to a treatment plan for their pet.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WORK AT MODERN ANIMAL?

They met my criteria for professional core values, high-quality medicine, leading through integrity and the location was perfect - I have lived walking distance from the South Lamar Modern Animal for over a decade!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP AT MODERN ANIMAL?

Unlimited veterinary exams and 24/7 access to the virtual care team chat. Modern Animal employees who can help owners 24/7– and our Virtual Care (VC) team has access to the patient’s medical records too.

CAN YOU SHARE THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS RECEIVED ON THE APP AND THE ANSWER?

Regarding a pet vomiting and diarrhea. While a single episode of vomiting or mild, self-limiting diarrhea might resolve on its own, certain signs warrant an appointment. Specifically, if a pet:

• Refuses to eat for more than 24 hours.

• Cannot hold any food or water down: This can lead to rapid dehydration and may signal a more serious underlying issue, like a foreign body obstruction.

• Has diarrhea that is not improving or is actively worsening over a 24-hour period should be assessed immediately. It is important to remember that our Virtual Care (VC) team is well-trained to triage these situations. They are skilled at asking detailed follow-up questions regarding the frequency, consistency,

color, and presence of other clinical signs (such as lethargy, fever, or abdominal discomfort). This comprehensive questioning allows them to provide the most accurate and customized recommendations, ensuring that emergent cases are seen quickly and appropriate guidance is given for less severe situations.

WHAT ARE SOME SOMETIMES OVERLOOKED PETCARE TIPS YOU USE IN YOUR OWN HOME THAT YOU’D SUGGEST OTHERS DO?

• Engaging my kids in pet care- my kids all help feed, poop scoop and walk the dogs

• Soft Paws for cat claws

• Casa Leo auto-cleaning litter box

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Playing an important role in supporting the human-animal bond and the close relationships I develop with the clients.

WHERE IN AUSTIN DO YOU LIKE TO TAKE YOUR DOGS?

The Greenbelt, to work and Little Zilker Park.

WHAT FOOD DO YOU FEED YOUR DOGS?

Purina Pro Plan.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE DOG RESCUE IN AUSTIN?

Austin Humane Society

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SERVING PETS HERE?

I love that Austin is such a pet-friendly city.  People love the outdoors and take their pets everywhere.  Learn more at https://www.modernanimal.com

FAVORITE THINGS 5

1. INTEGRAL PILATES

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

This month, seasoned instructors Marli Kimball Johnston and Leg Gibbons have opened a studio with traditional mat pilates, hot pilates (in a room with infrared heating panels) and reformer pilates classes all in one place. Located directly next to Armadillo Den at 10030 Menchaca Rd, the studio will be having specials and events all month long. Learn more at visit www.integralpilatesatx.com.

2. WAYS2WELL

An innovative longevity clinic headquartered in Austin that’s helping people live healthier lives. Founder Brigham Buhler says, “At its core, our mission is to prevent disease, unlock human potential, and empower people to take control of their health through predictive, preventive, and proactive care.” They do this via diagnostic bloodwork, customized pro-active health plans, stem cell therapy, peptides and more. https://ways2well.com/

3. BEST DAY EVER FOUNDATION

An Austin-based non-profit started by Matt Worthington that creates extraordinary experiences for people who have experienced immense loss, hardship or are going through a tough time to give them their best day ever. It’s further proven that kindness can have a ripple effect and even small gestures can have a big impact. https://bestdayever.info

4. WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS?: UNLEARN THE HABITS KEEPING YOU STUCK AND UNHAPPY.

In her latest book, mental health advocate and licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton shares examples from her life to help people see how they can break patterns in their own lives. Follow her content, which garners millions of views, on YouTube or @KatMorton on Instagram.

5. KELLY CAMPBELL COLLECTION HANDBAGS

Multi-hyphenate actress, entrepreneur and more Kelly Frye’s line of unique handbags are made from upcycling the drop cloths found in the studios of contemporary artists, making each oneof-a kind. The pictured handbag is a collaboration with the work of Alexis Sones. Find more at https://kellycampbellcollection.com

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