Destin, FL December 2025

Celebrating the Season

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DESTIN, NICEVILLE, FORT WALTON, SHALIMAR, CRESTVIEW

Coastal Hearts of Giving: Destin–30A's Holiday Inspirations

Dear Readers,

As the holiday season wraps our coastal community in warmth and gratitude, this December issue celebrates the spirit of giving, creativity and connection that make the Destin–30A area so special.

We begin with  Christine Fox, whose journey as flight attendant, real estate professional, Pilates instructor, animal lover and artist reflects a life fueled by passion and purpose. Her resin geode artwork and community service remind us that joy is found in doing what we love.

Evolve Aesthetics and Wellness 30A blends science with serenity, offering advanced skin care and wellness treatments designed to enhance natural beauty. Led by  Mark Wagner and a talented medical team, Evolve helps clients look and feel their best.

Faith and sweetness come together in  Covenant Cookie Creations, founded by  Michele Pavlich, who infuses every cookie with love, prayer and purpose, a delicious reminder of grace and gratitude.

We also celebrate  Galina Wells Photography, whose new Santa Rosa Beach studio is a dream realized—a space where women, families and entrepreneurs are captured with confidence and care.

These inspiring features shine a light on the heart of our community. Their dedication, artistry and generosity remind us that this season’s true beauty lies in connection, compassion and celebrating one another.

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Carmen Foster | carmen.foster@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Laura L. Watts | laura.watts@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emerald Blue Photography, Galina Wells Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

inside the issue

Creative Connections

Christine

Basking in the Glow

Evolve

Capturing the Beauty Within

With

city scene

The Real Reason Health Goals Keep Failing

Frustrations

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r e v o l u t i o n i z e y o u r h e a l t h . E m e r a l d C o a s t

r e s i d e n t s a r e d i s c o v e r i n g s o m e t h i n g

r e m a r k a b l e , w h i l e q u i c k fi x e s a n d t e m p o r a r y

s o l u t i o n s h a v e l e f t m a n y f e e l i n g f r u s t r a t e d ,

t h e r e ' s a p r o v e n p a t h t o l a s t i n g

t r a n s f o r m a t i o n t h a t a d d r e s s e s y o u r w h o l e

s e l f , n o t j u s t i s o l a t e d s y m p t o m s .

I m a g i n e fi n a l l y u n d e r s t a n d i n g w h y y o u r

b o d y f e e l s t h e w a y i t d o e s . P i c t u r e h a v i n g

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C o m p l e te H o l i s t i c C o a c h i n g & We l l n e s s

t ra n s fo r m s t h i s s c i e n c e i nto yo u r p e r s o n a l

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t h e ro o t c a u s e s b e h i n d c h ro n i c fat i g u e,

Begin Your Journey

Y o u r j o u r n e y b e g i n s w i t h a n i n - d e p t h

w e l l n e s s a s s e s s m e n t , e x a m i n i n g e v e r y t h i n g

f r o m n u t r i t i o n a l p a t t e r n s , s t r e s s l e v e l s t o

m o v e m e n t h a b i t s . W e c r e a t e y o u r

p e r s o n a l i z e d m a p t o t r a n s f o r m a t i o n ,

d e s i g n e d s p e c i fi c a l l y f o r y o u r u n i q u e n e e d s

a n d l i f e s t y l e .

d i ge s t i ve c o n c e r n s, a n d s l e e p c h a l l e n ge s t h at h ave h e l d yo u b a c k .

T h i s y e a r , g i v e y o u r s e l f t h e g i f t o f c o m p l e t e

w e l l n e s s .

Concierge Care Meets Advanced Aesthetics

Discover the harmony of concierge primary care and advanced aesthetics with Dr. Svetlana Hanson at VIVANAMD. Dr. Hanson is now accepting new concierge patients, offering a personalized wellness partnership designed to help you look, feel, and live your very best.

| (850) 353-2564

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

ARTICLE BY LAURA L. WATTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GALINA WELLS

CHRISTINE FOX FUSES HER PASSIONS INTO A PEACEFUL, INSPIRED LIFESTYLE.

Pilates instructor. Vet technician. Flight attendant. Real estate pro. Visual artist. Is there anything this versatile dynamo can’t do?

Christine Fox spends her days enjoying the Florida lifestyle with her husband, Mark, and dog, Taz, while prioritizing connections with the people around her. She lives a simple life focused on family, faith and natural beauty. In her free time, she creates original pieces of resin art that echo the area’s white sand beaches, emerald-green water and peaceful sunsets.

“I fell in love with Destin’s small-town charm, where life feels personal and genuine,” says the Ohio transplant, who lived in Miami before relocating to Destin a decade ago. “There is calm, welcoming energy here that instantly makes you feel at home.”

CONTINUED >

Feeling at home is something that Christine is passionate about for her own family and for others. After years of traveling the world as a flight attendant, she realized how deeply home matters—the comfort, peace and sense of belonging it can bring. So a journey into real estate was a natural progression 15 years ago. Today she works as a Realtor with LPT Realty, combining her creative eye for space and style with her passion for helping others.

She also prioritizes health and has been a certified Pilates instructor for decades, teaching classes from her private home studio. While she no longer works as a veterinarian technician, she uses those skills as a volunteer with Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and local animal rescues.

Now Christine is circling back to her artistic roots with Resin Fox, her art business where she transforms wood panels into unique pieces using epoxy resin, fire glass, acrylic gemstones and natural materials from the local area to create layered, luminous art that shimmers with depth and light. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art at Ursuline College in Ohio and has always dabbled in art over the years—but never to this extent.

Her artwork is for sale on her website, christinefoxresinart.com, and on Instagram @resin_fox3 , and she also accepts commissions for custom orders. For a truly meaningful gift this holiday season, these handcrafted pieces are one of a kind.

Looking back on her multifaceted journey, Christine sees how each chapter has taught her how to connect with people, stay strong through challenges and find purpose in each moment. Her goal is simple but powerful: to live with intention and joy, keep creating, and inspire others to find beauty—whether it’s in a home, a painting, a Pilates session or a quiet Gulf sunset.

Christine Fox & Taz

Finding Inspiration

“My inspiration begins with nature. I am surrounded by endless shades of turquoise, translucent blues, white sand and golden sunsets that shimmer across the water. Every piece I create is a little piece of serenity—a moment of stillness and beauty captured in motion. I choose each shade not just for its beauty but for the emotion it carries: calm, renewal, freedom and joy. I love how resin moves on its own, creating unexpected patterns. It reminds me that creativity, like nature, can’t be forced. It has to flow. Every creation is inspired by the same thing that inspires my life: the connection between nature, emotion and energy. Beauty is everywhere, if you just take a moment to look.”

Carmen Foster & Lucy

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

Time to work on your holiday gift list, and we’ve got the perfect guide to assist you! Check out the unique gift ideas from these local businesses. Whether you’re shopping for coworkers, friends, family or neighbors, these proprietors have everything you need for holiday gift-giving.

HAPPY BUNNY STUDIO

Inspired by motherhood and Rabbit zodiac. Discover curated gifts: festive kids’ fashion, cozy essentials, bunny plushies. Book magical family photo sessions for cherished memories. Spark love and whimsy this December!

SLAY ROSÉ

From Miramar Beach’s Jessie Orbovich, this 100% pinot noir rosé is bursting with bold, dry vibrancy and acidity-sweetness balance. Pairs divinely with turkey and cranberry zing. Perfect for twinkling toasts and unforgettable merriment!

VIVAMD SPA

Give the gift of timeless beauty with Sculptra®, a collagen-stimulating treatment that gently restores youthful volume and smooths skin from within. Perfect for those craving subtle, natural rejuvenation, it enhances contours and radiance over time.

SARAH AGAIN

Stringing Myself ToGetHer is the debut album from Destinbased indie singer-songwriter Sarah Again. More than a first release, it’s a reclamation—a raw, unfiltered soundtrack of rediscovery. Across eight original tracks, Sarah transforms the chaos of motherhood, virality and self-doubt into songs that pulse with honesty, vulnerability and resilience. This is not polished pop; it’s indie at its most authentic: layered, emotional and alive. From stripped-back ballads to alternative textures, each song carries the weight of a journey rebuilt. Own a piece of this moment. Grab the vinyl or digital version at sarahagain.com.

PINK N BLUE AVENUE

Children’s boutique with hand-picked, unique yet practical clothing, shoes, accessories, toys and gift sets. From cozy festive pajamas to imaginative STEM toys, these curated treasures spark joy for newborns to tweens.

TOXIC FREEDOM

Share the glow of wellness with Holiday Sugar Scrub—a sweet, skin-softening favorite—and a full line of toxin-free skin care, candles and home essentials. Each product is crafted for purity, peace of mind and sustainable comfort.

COASTAL COWGIRL 30A

Find your holiday sparkle with cozy western chic and beachy glam—the perfect gifts, outfits and décor for every cowgirl on your list. Shop local and make spirits bright—beachside style!

the Glow BASKING IN

Blending science, artistry and care for transformative results.

ARTICLE BY DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMERALD BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Blending science with serenity, Evolve Aesthetics & Wellness 30A takes self-care to another level. The medical spa’s licensed professionals and in-house physician offer services including injectables, laser treatments, body sculpting, hormone therapy and customized skin care—each designed to help clients look and feel their absolute best.

At Evolve Aesthetics & Wellness 30A, care comes first. “We care about every person who walks through our door,” says operating partner Mark Wagner, a certified clinical medical assistant. “If a client isn’t satisfied, we work until they achieve the results they’re looking for.”

The spa officially opened in late May 2025 and quickly became a destination for advanced aesthetics, modern technology and compassionate care.

“From the moment clients step through the door, they’re welcomed into a warm, family-like environment,” says Mark. “It’s not really a staff— it’s a family. In all my years of business, this is by far the best team I’ve ever been part of.”

The front desk team—Rachel, Kristen and Amity—greet every guest with a smile, setting the tone for a relaxing, personalized experience. Amy Maule, MD, the on-site physician and medical director, oversees all medical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care. Nurse practitioner Katie Eberly, who also specializes in dermatology, performs injectables with precision and artistry, while nurses Lauren, Madison and London bring technical skill and heartfelt care to every treatment.

If a client is nervous about their upcoming treatment plan, Mark and his team take the time to explain the procedure thoroughly from start to finish. They show clients before-and-after photos from previous cases and answer every question they may have, reassuring them that they are in great hands.

Mark also spends plenty of time researching new equipment and procedures in the aesthetics and wellness industry. He wants Evolve Aesthetics & Wellness 30A to not only be at the top of its game in expertise but also to be the first med-spa in the area to offer new treatments and equipment.

Clients see dramatic transformations, from smoother complexions to restored confidence. “If we can help change just one person’s life and give them newfound confidence, then it’s all worth it!” Mark points out.

CONTINUED >

With the holidays rapidly approaching, it’s a great time to schedule your seasonal glow-up. Need a creative gift idea for a loved one? A day of indulgence at Evolve Aesthetics & Wellness 30A is just the right fit for that special someone.

“The holidays are our favorite time of the year, so we will be having a ton of specials,” Mark shares. “We have great package deals and complimentary add-ons to procedures.”

Among their most popular services are the SkinPen and Glo2Facial. The SkinPen uses microneedling technology to boost collagen and elastin, reducing inflammation and rejuvenating the skin. Glo2Facial exfoliates, oxygenates and infuses the skin with active ingredients, leaving it brighter, smoother and more hydrated.

Advanced body sculpting treatments target stubborn areas, using Liquid Lipo, Kybella and fat-reducing radiofrequency contouring for a sculpted, refined silhouette. The Emerald Green Laser is a noninvasive body-contouring treatment that shrinks fat cells and reduces overall body circumference.

The treatment is completely painless, requires no downtime and is FDA-cleared—making it a safe, effective way to sculpt and slim without surgery. Other laser treatments help restore tone and elasticity, addressing concerns like vaginal laxity, uneven skin texture, stretch marks, acne scars, loose skin and mild urinary incontinence.

For overall wellness, therapies such as vitamin B12 injections and natural supplements are formulated to help reduce cortisol, enhance energy and promote sustainable fat metabolism. For patients with hormonal imbalance— who are experiencing issues with mood, irritability, loss of energy and challenges with weight loss—treatment can help you feel like your best self again. The Evolve team will start with bloodwork and then make a tailored treatment plan to help restore energy, mood and hormonal balance.

“Our personalized solutions are designed to enhance your natural beauty,” says Mark. “With customized treatment plans and the latest techniques, we're here to elevate your glow and help you feel your absolute best.”

Capturing the Beauty Within

With her popular portrait experience, photographer Galina Wells supports women in feeling radiant and confident.

Galina Wells has built more than a photography studio. She’s created a space where women are rediscovering themselves. The professional photographer’s signature project, 40 Over 40, is a portrait experience designed to celebrate women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

“So many women reach a point where they’ve given their best to everyone else—their children, their work, their families—and forget to celebrate themselves,” Galina shares. “This is their moment to shine.”

Each session is more than just a photo shoot. It’s an experience of pampering and celebration, including professional hair and makeup, wardrobe styling and Galina’s gentle, guided posing. The portraits look like they are from the pages of a magazine.

A wife to a South Walton firefighter/paramedic and a mother of two daughters, Galina’s life revolves around family, church and the beauty of the Emerald Coast. Behind the lens, she captures the strength, grace and timeless beauty of women that often go unseen.

This holiday season, Galina invites customers to give a portrait experience to a wife, mother, sister, coworker or dear friend. “A portrait session with Galina Wells Photography is a heartfelt way to say, ‘You are beautiful, you are seen and your story matters,’” she says.

Galina also offers beach portrait sessions for families—creating a tangible, lasting memory. It’s her way of honoring life, love and legacy. “I’ve always had a deep love for photography,” she says. “It’s where art and heart meet.

Distinctive Desserts from Covenant Cookie Creations

Michele Pavlich bakes individualized treats designed by her customers to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

Basking in the glow of their 40th wedding anniversary celebration, Michele and Bryan Pavlich had an idea that was almost as sweet as the love they share for each other. The idea became Covenant Cookie Creations LLC, a design-your-own cookie company they launched in 2024. A retired military couple— he served for 25 years in the United States Air Force—Bryan and Michele have been making quite a splash in the community with their unique business concept.

Each shortbread-style sugar cookie is handcrafted from high-quality ingredients, topped with icing and then custom-decorated based on the customer’s design. The cookies, which can be ordered from covenantcookiecreations.com, come in square or circle shapes and can be packaged for car or plane travel.

The couple’s goal went beyond sharing the universal joy of a delicious cookie; they also wanted to share their Christian faith, signified by the name Covenant. Even the logo, a mustard plant, is their reminder that just as a

tiny seed can grow, one cookie can blossom into a moment of joy and connection.

“When I decided to start Covenant Cookie Creations, I heard a voice inside me,” says Michele, who often shares devotionals on her social media pages and with clients. “I stepped out in faith, left my comfort zone and trusted in the purpose I felt called to. I pour love, care and a silent blessing of happiness into every cookie.”

The company helps customers "Design Your Own Delight" for special events like weddings, baby showers, birthdays, holidays, graduations and corporate events. Cookie designs can be logos, photos, a company motto, a Christmas greeting or a Valentine’s Day message. Whatever the customer’s vision, Michele and her team bring it to life with great artistry.

“By choosing us, you’re not just selecting a bakery but also supporting an endeavor rooted in faith, family and a genuine desire to spread joy,” she says. “We eagerly embrace the opportunity to add a touch of sweetness to events of all sizes.”

“A distinctive way to convey appreciation, celebrate milestones and cultivate deeper connections.” “

Introducing The Alice, a gathering place located in the heart of Destin, Florida Private, bayfront, and designed for connection, The Alice offers space to host everything from single-day celebrations to full wedding weekend experiences. Multiple gathering areas throughout the property support welcome events, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions, and send-off brunches, so guests can stay in one place and settle in Resort-inspired and built for an upscale experience, the venue combines thoughtful design with complete privacy Tall fencing surrounds the property, creating a secluded setting where every detail feels intentional from the lush landscaping and dramatic palms to the soft glow of landscape lighting at night.

Two custom decks offer standout moments: one wrapped around a mature oak tree, the other anchored by a modern water feature Just across the street, the Cottages by the Bay sleep up to 46 guests and include exclusive access to a private pool, fire pit, and outdoor grilling area reserved only for cottage guests Whether you're planning a wedding, hosting a retreat, or bringing people together for a milestone occasion, The Alice offers an unforgettable place to gather.