KID S + PET S ISSUE
Fea turing Zen Mama Lindsey Morgan and prenatal yoga teacher Allison Cline
Nonprofits fuel the heart of Texas
Austin in August
I hope everyone is having a great summer and finding fun ways to survive the heat. When it becomes extreme, we like to use it as motivation to do a cold plunge at places like Kuya, Ocean Lab or The Recovery Room at The Proper Hotel, or a couple of minutes of cryotherapy at Restore Hyper Wellness, Upgrade Labs or iCryo. You can also take a page from Austin influencer Amanda Nelson’s book and DIY a cold plunge at home with a meat freezer and a few accessories. Search DIY cold plunge on our website for details!
In this issue, we caught up with actress Lindsey Morgan, who shared how she’s getting ready to welcome her first baby - after we had a relaxing morning of yoga and introspection with prenatal yoga teacher (and birthing coach) Allison Cline. We visited Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, a dog-friendly staycation destination in Johnson City with a winery, brewery and spa on-site that leaves little need to leave. But, they’ve partnered on a ‘Hidden Gems’ package with local partners like Garrison Brothers Distillery for the month of August that will make you happy you did.
Elsewhere, Mylk Collective owner Chelsea McCullough Hughes shares a sweet tribute to her dog Finn, inspiration for people to rescue dogs in his memory from shelters that are overflowing with pups looking for fosters and forever homes. We had a light-hearted chat with Sarah K Wolfe, whose Lucky Dog Tarot is an entertaining addition to dog-friendly events and helps raise funds for local rescues.
We hope you enjoy and look forward to seeing you in September for a special September Style Issue.
Cheers,
JENNIFER
BIRN, EDITOR
This month's editor's photo a candid captured by Hayden Walker at Il Brutto during progressive dining experience The Moving Menu
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Dominique Bejarano
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephanie Coultress O'Neill, Chelsea McCullough Hughes
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Weston Carls
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
business monthly
FACE FOUNDRIÉ opens in Casis Village
The national facial bar franchise’s newest location is slated to open in Tarrytown at 2727 Exposition Drive on August 8. A sample of services they’ll offer, available by appointment, walk-in or with a membership, include 20-minute mini facials, signature 40-50 minute facials with microchanneling, hydradermabrasion, cryo-technology, LED treatments, facial massage and more. They'll also offer brow wax, tint, henna or lamination and lash lift and tints. To learn more or book a service, visit https://facefoundrie.com
Scan to read more
Korman Fine Jewelry opens The Jewel House
Owners Kat and Larry Stokes wanted to create a high-end retail experience that also fostered community. The new showroom is at 2901 N. Lamar Blvd., an 11,000 square-foot space in a University Cyclery building that was reimagined with architecture by Michael Hsu House of Architecture and interiors by Kelle Contine Interior Design, blending modern architecture and high-design with timeless elegance to welcome jewelry lovers, watch collectors and those shopping for a special occasions in an inviting space.
Pershing Coworking
Veteran Austin membership club Pershing House has long been bringing people together in their historic East Austin home. The Pershing recently introduced an elevated coworking space equipped with conference rooms and private phone rooms where remote workers and creatives can work the day away in an environment designed to spark inspiration, creation and connection. Food and beverages are brought over from Pershing East across the street. Check out https://thepershing.com/coworking/ for more information on coworking memberships
Families are experiencing homelessness in Central Texas. Join us in creating brighter futures and shining light where it’s needed most.
Your support creates brighter futures for thousands in need. Scan the QR code to donate today.
2025’s TV Camp for Adults WAS A HIT
ATX TV Festival Season 14 brought an exciting slate of panels, premieres and conversations to downtown Austin. Festival attendees were greeted at the Welcome to TV Camp event by Co-Founders Emily Gipson & Caitlin McFarland . A highlight from the 3-day event included the debut of the Texas Made Award, which celebrates productions with ties to Texas. It was presented by Media for Texas to the “Landman” cast and creators, including Christian Wallace, Billy Bob Thornton, and Jacob Lofland.
Other memorable moments included Seth Meyers kicking things off opening night at The Paramount, “The Leftovers” reunion, “The Golden Girls” 40th Anniversary Script Reading, a “King of the Hill” revival panel, real-time from a panel of mostly local actors, pitch competitions and lots of magic and networking between official fest programming. It keeps getting bigger and better and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for next year!
Photo Waytao
Seth Meyers
ATX TV Co-Founders Emily Gipson & Caitlin McFarland
Landman cast Photo by Zachary Salas
Photo by Zachary Salas
GrowHappy LAUNCH LUNCHEON
GrowHappy celebrated its Day 1 launch with a star-studded luncheon prepared by private chef Danny Kievit of Leave it to Kievit at House of Margot Blair. Some of the world’s leading allergy experts joined GrowHappy founder Stephanie Wibom and Austin moms to share more about the Allergen ImmunoButters that when fed to babies early and often can teach the immune system to tolerate allergens, foster a healthy gut microbiome and take the fear out of food.
Guests went home with Dagne Dover diaper bag/backpacks packed with goodies like gift cards to Bumpsuit and AUSTINDEEP, necklaces from Giving Keys with the word ‘Brave,’ florals from House of Margot Blair, Poppi, Kin Eurphorics and a month’s supply of GrowHappy.
Photo by Jeff Heyer/Deeper Still Photography
Scarlett Hefner, Ashley Greene and Lindsey Morgan/Photo by Jeff Heyer/ Deeper Still Photography
Alex Hodges and Amanda Nelson
Photo:Jeff Heyer/Deeper Still Photography
Stephanie Wibomn, Dr. Edwin Kim, Professor David Fleischer and Professor Carina Venter/
Photo by Jeff Heyer/Deeper Still Photography
Danny Kievit/Photo by Jeff Heyer/Deeper Still Photography
House of Margot Blair/
Photo by Jeff Heyer/ Deeper Still Photography
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE COULTRESS O'NEILL
For the Kids Summer Favorites
This summer, kids’ fashion is bursting with color, comfort and playful energy. It says ‘I want to stand out rather than blend in.’ Eye-catching prints elevate breezy dresses, while vibrant matching sets make getting dressed both easy and fun. Brightly colored skirts bring movement and personality, like this ice cream hued piece, perfect for all kinds of activities, and staying cool on warm days.
For boys, soft, structured shorts strike the right balance between polished and playground-ready, thanks to flexible fabrics. Vintage-inspired graphic tees with a retro vibe and bands parents loved are always a favorite, capturing the carefree spirit of the season.
Trends that encourage kids to feel comfortable and confident while expressing their unique style
LINDSEY MORGAN SIPOS
Prepping for Baby
Austin is full of resources for expecting moms, Lindsey shares a few of hers
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAUN SIPOS
Lindsey and her dog Oceana
Actress and University of Texas alum Lindsey Morgan Sipos returned to her home state of Texas five years ago while filming Walker. Her then boyfriend, fellow actor Shaun Sipos, came with her and the pair wed two years ago next month at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs. By the time this issue prints, they will have recently welcomed their first child together. We caught up with Lindsey for a yoga session with pre-natal yoga instructor (and doula) Allison Cline at Wild Heart Yoga shortly before baby Eden’s arrival.
HOW ARE YOU GETTING READY TO WELCOME A NEW BABY?
This is my first pregnancy, which was really overwhelming at first. Luckily, I’ve been able to assemble such an incredible team of support. My doula Cora Skinner has been a literal angel sent to me and my obstetrician Dr. Katherine Boswell and midwife Erica Anderson have all been such integral players on my team for helping me feel my most ready.
Other than that, it’s been my personal chef/husband cooking for me, ha! I also do movement as much as I can, rest as much as I need and am able to and do pelvic floor therapy! Oh, and lots of reading! My favorite book so far has been Labor Like a Goddess.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING PREGNANT?
I’d be lying if I didn’t say the food! I’ve been sticking to an 80/20 rule, healthy, nutritious meals 80 percent of the time and then some sweet treats the other 20 percent.
Also, the internal emotional, mental and spiritual evolution I feel inside of me. I feel very anchored within myself
and my abilities as a soon-to-be mother and woman. It’s been very transformative.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE EDEN’S NAME?
It’s a name my husband and I have always loved. It makes me think of an ‘idyllic paradise,’ unique but classic and an homage to our Christian faith.
YOU LOOK AMAZING! HAVE YOU BEEN DOING A LOT OF EXERCISE AND/OR YOGA DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
I’ve been trying! Shoutout to all the pregnant mamas out there, working out during pregnancy is no joke. But, I have found it to really help with my mental and emotional state. So, I try to get in some kind of exercise 3-4x a week. I’ve been sticking to prenatal safe weight-lifting, lots of walking and prenatal yoga!
HAVE YOU HAD ANY CRAVINGS?
I’ll get the strangest cravings for food I loved as a kid, like a nostalgic craving where I’ll just really want Velveeta Mac n’ Cheese with hot dogs cut up in it or a Little Debbie brownie, things I haven’t even thought of in decades!
YOU’RE USING A DOULA, HOW DID YOU FIND CORA SKINNER? Destiny? Fate? Luck? Two girlfriends independent of each other connected me to her and said I’d love her! They were right. I’ve learned that when I keep getting the same sign to listen. CONTINUED >
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HAVING A DOULA?
The support, knowledge and encouragement has been extraordinary. I knew so little about pregnancy or even delivering a baby before I was pregnant and having someone on call for you to talk to or even just talk you down a hormonal spiral has been so valuable. She has taught me so much and I feel very safe going into my delivery with her by my side.
TELL US ABOUT EDEN’S GARDEN?
My husband and I are big gardeners and I thought it was a great theme for my baby shower -and nod to the origins of her name! One of my best friends who threw my shower had the brilliant idea
of having everyone paint a flowerpot and plant some flowers or seeds and have the plants grow along with Eden.
We were going to put all the beautiful pots designed by all the special women in my life on Eden’s nursery window ledge, but we also like having a special shelf in the garden, just for her.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD?
Overall, a massive acknowledgment to mothers everywhere! I don’t think mothers are celebrated enough in our society for the sacrifice and responsibility they carry on their shoulders. There should at least be a mandated week of celebration in their honor!
In a pretty blue dress by Bumpsuit
PRENATAL YOGA BENEFITS WITH ALLISON CLINE
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WESTON CARLS
Pre-natal yoga classes not only help with mobility for expecting moms, but also help create community with other women going through similar experiences. Allison Cline, herself a mother of three daughters, co-leads the 200 and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings at Wild Heart Yoga and is the creator and lead instructor of the Infinitely Empowered Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Certification, an 85-hour Yoga Alliance-registered program. Beyond the studio she offers private in-home yoga, childbirth education classes and also serves as a certified birth doula.
We spoke to her about both the mental and physical benefits of prenatal yoga, which she said can be practiced at any stage of pregnancy and continue to birth as long as the mom doesn’t have any contraindications.
“In today’s world, pregnancy is often treated more like a medical condition than a natural, sacred journey. This fear-based approach can leave expectant mothers feeling anxious and uncertain. At Wild Heart Yoga, we’ve created a safe and empowering space where moms-to-be are supported every step of the way,” she says. “Each class begins in a circle, where we share what’s on our hearts. We laugh, we cry, and we hold space for one another — honoring both our shared experiences and our differences. It’s in this circle of trust and connection that true empowerment is born.”
ALLISON SAYS OTHER BENEFITS OF PRENATAL YOGA INCLUDE:
• Improved sleep and relaxation
• Deeper bond with baby through mindfulness and intentional movement
• Emotional regulation and nervous system balance
• Increased body awareness to move safely and intuitively
• Community support and shared experience in group settings.
Allison currently teaches Prenatal Yoga at Wild Heart Yoga Thursday and Sunday mornings, as well as Vinyasa Flow classes Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. She will also co-lead a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Jenna Manders at Wild Heart beginning this month.
“I consider it an incredible honor to hold space for families and to witness both the power and vulnerability of the female body during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum journey. My work is grounded in compassion, inclusivity, and deep respect for each individual’s unique path,” she says, “I love leading soulful, sweaty vinyasa flows that challenge and uplift — and I also specialize in working with seniors and veterans, creating accessible, empowering practices for all bodies and life stages.”
You can connect with Allison her via Instagram @allisoncline_atxyogadoula, or through her website: www.infinityyogaandbirth.com
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
On a Mission to Give Joy
The GiveJoy Foundation is a nonprofit that’s all about helping educators, students, and families live healthier, happier lives. Danielle Cunningham says she started it in 2008 “to empower kids, families, and educators with the resources and tools necessary to nurture their physical health, mental wellness, character growth, food security, and active lifestyles.” What began as a small local project has now grown
Founder Danielle Cunningham and Executive Director Kyron Green
“It all began with a simple belief that every child deserves joy, wellness, and the support of a caring community.”
— FOUNDER DANIELLE CUNNINGHAM
into an organization helping thousands of people across Central Texas. “It all began with a simple belief that every child deserves joy, wellness, and the support of a caring community,” Danielle says. “We wanted to help meet the everyday needs of students and families, offering essentials along with a little encouragement and care. Over time, that small effort turned into a nonprofit focused on holistic wellness, nutrition, and bringing communities closer together. We’re on a mission to create brighter futures by giving communities the tools they need to thrive— whether that’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. We believe every child and family should have access to support, opportunities, and a sense of well-being, so we work to build strong, resilient communities full of joy, character, food security and active living.”
To date, GiveJoy has donated over $1 million in support of our local communities, including refreshing two school campuses, donating over 100 bicycles to kids, distributing over 16,000 Joy Boxes and more.
The JoyBox program was launched at partner schools across Central Texas to tackle food insecurity.
“These snack boxes, designed by the students themselves, include a healthy drink, a carb-rich snack, and a protein-packed bar—giving kids the nutrients they need to boost their mood and focus,” Danielle says, adding, “By involving students in creating the boxes,
we also hope to ease stress and negative feelings, while making sure healthy snacks are easy to get. It’s all about helping kids feel their best so they can show up ready to learn and thrive.” Looking ahead Danielle says, “We’ve grown from a grassroots effort into a mission-driven organization with strong values and a commitment to expanding our impact. As we evolve, our focus is on building a stronger network of partners—corporations, nonprofits, and individuals— who share our dedication to supporting children and families. In Texas, where over one in five children live in poverty, too many lack access to nutritious food, physical activity and developmental opportunities. We believe every child deserves a chance to thrive, and we’re working to create that future through collaboration, compassion, and community.” Check out their website https://givejoyfoundation.org/ or follow them on Instagram at @GiveJoyFoundation to find ways you can get involved and help, including whether via financial contributions like their High Five campaign, which is a recurring $5 monthly donation to support children and families, or volunteering at events like their annual Summer of Joy Raffle, their Grow & Give Back Holiday Drive program— which provides children with $100 worth of gifts and a prepared meal— or their upcoming inaugural Swing for Joy golf tournament.
FETCH IT FORWARD
Love, Loss, and the Power of Community
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA MCCULLOUGH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECCA MATIMBA
This April, I said goodbye to my soul dog, Finn. At just seven years old, he passed away unexpectedly from heart failure, an unbearable loss that cracked my world wide open. As so many people can relate about their own animals, Finn wasn’t just a pet. He was a selfless and constant companion, a member
Taylor Hughes, Chelsea McCullough Hughes, Christina Ke and their pups
of our family, a teacher, and a gentle, grounding presence who taught me more about life and love than I ever imagined possible.
From the moment my husband and I brought him home, I knew Finn was different. He had a way of communicating with me and had a constant patience and I knew he’d been sent to me for a purpose. Finn taught me how to slow down, to be present, to love without condition and to care deeply and selflessly. Losing him was one of the most painful experiences I’ve faced, but what I couldn’t have anticipated was the beauty that could grow from deep grief.
Two months after Finn’s passing our closest friends organized a community benefit in honor of Finn’s life. The event, Fetch It Forward at Cori and Sage, gathered families, friends, and pups from all over Austin to celebrate the love we share for our animals and to support causes close to our hearts - Central Texas Dachshund Rescue, Final Frontier Rescue Project, and Emancipet. These organizations work tirelessly to give animals the love and care they deserve, spending their time placing dogs in loving foster care, working to get rescues into forever homes, and providing low-cost, high-quality vet care for animals.
Fetch It Forward was a magical day of love, remembrance and support. It was amazing and inspiring to visit with those involved in local rescues and educate myself on new ways to support animal rescue efforts in my community. Dogs wagged their tails beside their owners, children snuggled puppies, and families shared stories of their own beloved pets and their experiences of loss. As I stood among the crowd, I realized that even in the depths of grief, love has a way of multiplying. My heart was broken, but it was also fuller than it had ever been. It’s easy to feel alone in pain, but that day reminded me that we’re surrounded
by so much good, by people who show up, by animals who change our lives, and by an Austin community that knows how deeply our pets matter. I learned that when we honor our grief, we also make space for joy, connection, and healing.
Finn may no longer be physically with us, but his spirit and his legacy is alive in every life touched by that day. In every rescue supported, in every pup snuggled a little tighter, in every story shared around the love we have for our animals. And now, even in his absence, he’s still teaching me that love doesn’t end when life does. It carries on in memories, in cherished moments, in acts of service and in the hearts of others. Thank you, Finny boy.
Find more information about how to support these local rescues visit ctdr.org, finalfrontierrescueproject.org, and emancipet.org
Taylor Hughes
Whiskey Shack at Garrison Brothers
FIND Hidden GEMS IN TEXAS Hill COUNTRY
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, a family-owned destination in the heart of Texas Hill Country, was recently featured in travel host Peter Greenberg’s PBS television special, Hidden Gems of Texas Hill Country.
Among the highlights are the legacy of wine industry trailblazer Doc McPherson – father of Carter Creek’s master winemaker Jon McPherson – and the craft brewing expertise of Carter Creek’s head brewer Justin Zimmerman.
In conjunction with the broadcast, Carter Creek Winery has unveiled a limited-time “Hidden Gems of Texas Hill Country Package.” Available through the end of August, the package includes:
• Two nights in a private villa at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
• Beer tastings for two at Old 290 Brewery, Carter Creek’s on-premise gastropub-style restaurant featuring house-made craft beers, award-winning wines and locally inspired cuisine
• Signature bourbon flights for two off-site at Garrison Brothers Distillery, Texas’ first legal whiskey distillery and producer of acclaimed bourbons in Hye
• Wine tasting for two at Wildseed Farms Winery in Fredericksburg Pricing for the two-night package starts at $401 and reservations can be made on Carter Creek’s website https://www.cartercreek.com/
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa’s summer package makes it easy
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Lucky
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Making fundraising for rescues fun
Dog Tarot
You may recognize Sarah K. Wolf from her weekly appearances on CBS’s We Are Austin where she shares weekend event picks and adoptable dogs. Sarah’s combined her has passions for community, doing good and dogs into Good Party ATX, where she works with clients on marketing and event projects that help them connect to the local community and find ways to give back. And, Lucky Dog Tarot, where she reads dog’s tarot cards, usually at events, and donates a portion of proceeds to local dog shelters and rescues. Her favorite part is meeting people who love their dogs so much and seeing them connect with the reading, and she quickly adds, “Meeting adorable dogs isn’t too bad either!” We caught up with her to learn more.
WHEN DID YOU START LUCKY DOG TAROT?
I did my first dog tarot reading at a friend’s fundraiser yappy hour in 2019 at Yard Bar. We thought it was a quirky way to get folks out to the event and it turned out to be a total hit. After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, I picked it back up in 2021 and named it Lucky Dog Tarot.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR ABILITY TO READ DOG’S TAROT CARDS?
I’ve always had dogs in my life and have fostered over the years, so I feel like I have pretty good intuition when it comes to canines. After learning the deck and practicing with friends, I just kept with it! I always remind people it’s for entertainment purposes only, but most of the time we end up finding something special and meaningful in the cards.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU REVEAL TO DOGS DURING THEIR READINGS?
You never know what the cards may say, but oftentimes they can hint that a dog is ready to try a new adventure like a road trip or walking a different path instead of their usual routine. One special card in the deck reminds the pet parents that destiny brought them to their dogs and they’re meant to learn from each other. I always like it when we see that card. Another card reminds us that
even though we want to spoil our dogs, we need to keep balance and not overdo it, which is so hard to do!
HOW MUCH DOES A READING COST?
For readings at events it’s a pay-what-feels good model with a suggested donation.
DO ALL READINGS STILL BENEFIT LOCAL SHELTERS?
I donate a portion of all proceeds back to animal rescues. Some of the nonprofits I’ve given to include Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Humane Society, Austin Bulldog Rescue, Happy Hearts Dog Rescue, The TRAPRS, and more.
HOW MANY PETS DO YOU HAVE?
I currently have a cattle dog named Joanie. She was a transport foster from Austin Pets Alive! and was supposed to be with us for just three nights but we bonded right away and kept her. After losing my soul dog Rufus after 16 years, Joanie was just what we needed. Dogs will change your life in incredible ways.
HOW CAN PEOPLE SCHEDULE A READING?
While I have done some private readings, most of my dog tarot readings take place at public events. I have info up at luckydogtarot.com and will post events on Instagram @luckydogtarot.
Impressive Kid Spotlight: Tara Srinivasan
WESTLAKE HIGH STUDENT
REACHING EXCEPTIONAL HEIGHTS
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Tara Srinivasan became one of the youngest people to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2022 and Everest Base Camp in 2024. She’s written a book, done 90-minute solo dance performances at prestigious Indian temples, led a workshop at SXSW EDU, started a non-profit and is the subject of a documentary out on PBS. And she’s only 16-years-old and prepping to embark on her junior year at Westlake High School.
Tara’s discipline was honed through dance. Since she was six, she’s trained in the classical Indian dance Bharatanatyam, culminating in a 3-hour dance performance at the age of 14 called an Arangetram. She’s studied ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary dance since 2014 at Alisa’s Dance Academy, where she performed with the top company, Austin Dance Elite and she’s currently on Westlake High School’s award-winning dance team Hyline. She says dance has had a positive impact on her mental health and presented a 90-minute experiential workshop at 2025 SXSW EDU called Jive to Thrive about these techniques. For this workshop, she shares, “I coined a mnemonic called PESoMind that encapsulated these experiences - P stands for the Physical Activity that you get from dance, E stands for the Emotional storytelling that happens in dance, So stands for the Social connections that you make while dancing and Mind for the mindfullness that you experience in dance.”
Since 2023 she’s been involved with The Kindness Campaign Leadership Program and this year she won TKC’s pitch summit. She says via TKC she works on her passion project called PeakPower, a non-profit that was inspired by summitting Kilimanjaro at 13 and Everest Base Camp at 15. “The non-profit supports porters on Mt. Kilimanjaro and others that carry headloads by delivering bioengineered harnesses to reduce stress on their bodies and by raising funds for education to increase their earning power,” she says. She says, “I also volunteer for TKC community projects such as Community Day, book readings and other community activities to help deliver on the mission of TKC and I recently founded the TKC Club at Westlake High School where we are aiming to promote awareness for TKC and to spread TKC values around kindness and empathy among the student community.”
Tara’s book For I am Me and I am Strong is expected to be released this month. She says, “It’s a heartfelt story for kids ages 7 to 12 that follows Tara as she navigates the challenges of growing up in America while trying to embrace her two worlds: Indian Bharatanatyam dance and Western dance. Through her journey of self-discovery, she learns the power of staying true to her passions and authentic self. This book shows young readers how perseverance and embracing who they really are can help them shine and grow into the strongest version of themselves!” The theme in For I am Me and I am Strong is also captured in the soon-to-be-released documentary Centerstage, where Tara is the principal subject.
Looking ahead, the accomplished teen says, “I would like to pursue a career where I can also make an outsized societal impact. That could be potentially starting off in the medical profession, but I would like to evolve that or anything else I do into a social enterprise at scale.”
You can keep up with Tara at https://www.tarasrinivasan.com/
4
FAVORITE THINGS 5
1. RESCUE ATX DOGS
(RAD) is a small, volunteer-run rescue that provides medical care, necessities and foster support for dogs who need extra help, whether found on the streets, struggling in a shelter or homes that can no longer keep them. They’re here for the ones who have nowhere else to go or need extra support. Learn more at RescueATXDogs.org
2. SUR LA TABLE’S KIDS & TEENS SUMMER COOKING SERIES
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
5
An immersive experience filled with delicious food, these classes send kids and teens on a culinary adventure. Kids classes are for ages 7 to 11 and teen classes are designed for ages 12 to 17. Series are up to five days long with both baking and savory series in August. https://www.surlatable.com/
3. BOBBIE
The only mom-founded and led formula company just launched the first Organic Whole Milk infant formula made with full-fat milk and less vegetable oils. It’s their closest to breastmilk and can be found on hibobbie.com or at Whole Foods here in Austin.
4. BUMPSUIT’S ARMADILLO BABY CARRIER
Nicole Trunfio’s buttery soft Bumpsuit onesies are the go-to uniform for expecting moms. The brand has continued to expand styles of chic dresses, pajamas, activewear and accessories, like this carrier. With padded lumbar support, pockets for essentials and more, it’s perfect for new moms – and for their regular ‘Mom Walks’ in Austin. More info at https://www.bumpsuit.co
5. HIRO DIAPERS
Truly a hero, this Austin-based company has developed the world’s first diaper that’s digested by fungi! The diaper is made from super absorbent, unbleached cotton and comes with a pouch of friendly fungi. You add the pouch to a dirty diaper and the fungi naturally breaks down the diaper! Learn more about this innovative product at https://hirodiapers.com/
