Life + Culture

Fresh Cuts & Fresh Starts

Helping kids walk into a new school year with confidence Article by Samantha Daviss | Photography by Cuts for Kids For most students, back-to-school season means fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and new clothes. But for many, something as simple as a haircut can become a financial burden. That is where Toni Arredondo, a barber at Capelli’s Barber Salon, has stepped in to make a difference. Arredondo has worked as a barber for over 15 years, but his passion for helping others began long...

Sports + Recreation

Green, White & Community

Celebrating community, partnerships, and the launch of Hays City Lifestyle Article by Jill King | Photography by April Rankin The launch of Hays City Lifestyle called for a celebration that reflected everything the publication stands for—community, connection, and local business. After four successful inaugural editions, the Green and White Pickleball Launch Party brought together advertising partners, readers, and community leaders for an evening of networking, wellness, and fun. Hosted at...

Health + Wellness

From Chaos to Calm

Building Healthy Sleeping Habits for Babies Article by Julie Fustanio Kling | Photography by April Rankin The saying “never wake a sleeping baby” has largely been debunked. In its place, sleep experts recommend that parents establish healthy daytime sleep routines to help children consolidate their sleep at night. During sleep, the brain is hard at work–supporting rapid development, consolidating learning, forming memories, and strengthening neural connections. Sleep also plays a vital role...

Entertainment

Illuminating Shining Stars

Where creativity, courage, and community help young people flourish Article by Ashley Brown | Photography by April Rankin Every parent wants their child to find a place where they belong. For some children, that place is a sports field or a science lab. For others—especially imaginative, sensitive, or unconventional kids—it may be a stage, an art studio, a chorus group, or even a light/soundboard behind the scenes of a theater. The arts have long been recognized as powerful tools for helping...

Life + Culture

Toddling Around Austin

A Day in the Life of a Mommy Instagram Influencer Article by Julie Fustanio Kling | Photography by @itsaprilmarie “Mothers aren’t celebrated nearly enough for all the love, strength, sacrifice, patience, and magic they pour into this world every single day.” That Instagram post, from this past Mother’s Day, is why @itsaprilmarie fills her feed with smiles, sass and girl power. Consider yourself warned if you don’t like pink. April Marie is a lifestyle influencer and mother of two adorable...

Life + Culture

Packed With Care

Feeding Hope, One Weekend at a Time Article by Jill King | Photography by Radical Church For nearly a decade, Trey Williams served as a local family and missions pastor, where he witnessed firsthand the growing impact of food insecurity on children in Central Texas. In 2016, he learned about a weekend backpack program in another community that provided food to students who might otherwise go hungry when school meals weren’t available. “I immediately thought, ‘Somebody needs to be doing that...

Education

Enjoying Outdoors Safely in Texas

When Heat Exhaustion Becomes an Emergency Article by Ashley Brown | Photography by Ally Medical With the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, including rivers, creeks, and springs, it’s no surprise that folks love to venture outside to play. In fact, Buda has recently earned the title of the Outdoor Capital of Texas. Scenic parks, hiking and biking trails, and open green spaces beckon residents to spend time outside all summer long enjoying everything the city has to offer. From cooling off at...

Life + Culture

Where Giants Roam

From Rwanda’s Gorillas to East Africa’s Iconic Safaris, an Extraordinary Journey Awaits Article and Photography by Kristen Meckem Few travel experiences genuinely alter your perspective. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of them. Combined with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya, it creates one of Africa’s most compelling luxury itineraries, blending outstanding settings, adventure, and extraordinary wildlife encounters. Most journeys begin in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, where first impressions are...

Finance + Legal Services

Compassionate Leadership

Financial Services Entrepreneur Leads by Example Article by Julie Fustanio Kling | Photography by Iris Castro Sam (not his real name) was in his 40s when he decided to increase the premium on his life insurance policy. Business at the restaurant was going well and his family ranch had a mortgage with a favorable interest rate. Less than a year later, he passed away suddenly.    “His wife always thanks me because she never imagined they needed so much,” says Gabriel Tovar, Austin native and...

Travel

Lockhart Vibes

A Small Town with Big Austin Style Personality Article by Julie Kling | Photography by Lisa Hause/City of Lockhart Lauren West has seen a huge transformation in her historic hometown, which she describes as part hipster and part honky-tonk. As a kid she used to take daytrips outside of Lockhart. Now that she’s a mom, Lockhart’s charm has been discovered. There’s always something to do in town. “A lot of people compare Lockhart to the old, old Austin,” says West, the business development...