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H E ALTH & WELLN ESS ISSU E

Tone It Up's KARENA DAWN

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Health & Wellness Issue “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Happy 2026 y’all. It’s my fifth year here in Austin, returning to the Texas roots of my childhood, and just when I think I couldn’t love it here anymore, I do. One of my favorite things, in addition to the kindness, sense of community, food, philanthropy (and people’s genuine collective desire to help), is the focus on health and wellness. There are places, which I won’t name, that talk a lot about farm to table and a healthy lifestyle, but they’re not put into practice the way I’ve found it to be here. In Austin, many restaurants source their food from local farms and design their menus around the produce that’s in season. People are always walking, running, biking, and kayaking around Lady Bird Lake. There is an abundance of fitness classes, trainers, and gyms, and lately there’s been significant growth in concierge medicine and longevity clinics. For the cover of this issue, we interviewed Karena Dawn, the owner of fitness app and wellness brand Tone It Up. Karena recently bought back the fitness company she co-founded and has big plans for its next chapter, including a new podcast. Elsewhere inside Innate Beauty owner Dr. Shirat Ling gave us suggestions for treatments for your 30s, 40s, and 50s, plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Pearce shared his Beauty Map to create a strategy for care for the whole year, and Dr. Ann Czarnik shared why the future of medicine is concierge, and that future is now. I hope you have a spectacular start to the new year and that your 2026 is full of good health, love, happiness, new adventures and following dreams and discovering new ones. For me, I took my first flight lesson late last year and look forward to continuing that journey. For anyone curious, there are several places that offer reasonably priced exploratory flights in Austin!

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER

Montannah Kerby | montannah.kerby@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Dominique Bejarano C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Brittany Dawn Short

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

Cheers, JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR @ AU S T I N L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin 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 advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

18 34

Featured

14 18

Dr. Ling's Aesthetic Treatment Recommendations for 30s, 40s and 50s Innate Beauty's Dr. Ling shares suggestions for services tailored to you, at every age

On the Cover

Departments

Karena Dawn, wearing clothes from estilo boutique and shoes from Sneex

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Expert Help BEAUTY

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Spa Day HEALTH + WELLNESS

Giving Back LOCAL SERVICES

Trend Setter SHOPPING

Karena Dawn's Flex

She bought back the fitness company she co-founded and its future is stronger than ever

Doctor Paul Pearce's Beauty Map

5 Favorite Things

The plastic surgeon makes proactively planning cosmetic work and maintenance easy

Wellness Edition

Photography: Brittany Dawn Short

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business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

OPENING: Present Practice Present Practice, a locally-based global yoga company founded by yoga teacher and Austin native Morgan O'Hare (who previously co-owned Yoga hŌM), and her husband, Ryan O’Hare, will debut its 6,000-square-foot flagship yoga, pilates, and café space in January at 206 East 4th St in the space that was formerly home to Wanderlust Yoga and YTX Yoga.

Now Open: Mantle Thermal Haus Mantle Thermal Haus is an indoor-outdoor thermal wellness destination where heat, cold, and stillness come together. Locally owned by Austin entrepreneurs Justin Burrow and Aaron Ross, the connection-focused space opened in late November in a repurposed 1,200-square-foot bungalow in East Austin. It's located at 2204 Curtis Avenue in East Austin. To learn more, visit mantlethermal.com or follow social media @mantlethermal.

Now Open: Gevity Gevity is a wellness-forward workspace that combines work, wellness, and community into one intentional ecosystem. Located in North Austin at 104 E. Highland Mall Blvd, the membership-based space provides rooms to work, a gym complete with daily yoga and mobility classes, PEMF therapy, saunas, cold plunges, compression and a café. For more information visit livegevity.co.

Photography by Chad Wadsworth

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Dr. Ling's Aesthetic Treatment Recommendations for 30s, 40s and 50s INNATE BEAUTY'S DR. LING SHARES SUGGESTIONS FOR SERVICES TAILORED TO YOU, AT EVERY AGE ARTICLE BY DR. SHIRAT LING

EXP E RT H E LP | BEAUTY

Regardless of your age, taking care of your skin is crucial for maintaining its health and beauty. By following these tips and advice for skin care by the decade, you can help keep your skin looking its best at every age.

30s We encourage you to take this opportunity for “prejuvenation,” locking in a routine with proven treatments to fight inevitable aging. Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Letybo, etc) stop wrinkles before they become etched into the skin. Dermal Fillers balance the features and restore lost volume. Exfoliating treatments (microdermabrasion, chemical peels, microneedling) stimulate cell turnover, improve tone, and reduce the appearance of acne scars or pigmentation. Radiofrequency (Pelleve) provides instant tightening and stimulates collagen. Laser treatments (IPL/photofacial, Lasergenesis) address unwanted pigment and redness, scarring, and remove hair. Get them while they still have pigment.

40s As we enter our forties, there is a noticeable change in facial shape, due to a loss and redistribution of facial volume, and loss of collagen and elastin. Continue neuromodulators and dermal fillers to address the loss of volume. Early neck and jawline laxity is best addressed with Microneedling with RF (Secret RF) or the Nouvaderm fractional laser, which stimulates collagen production and improves the skin’s elasticity. Injectable collagen stimulators (Sculptra) thicken the skin to truly rejuvenate the tissues. TruSculpt is a non-invasive treatment to address unwanted spot fat, eliminating up to 20% of the fat cells in the treated area with each treatment session.

50s As you enter your fifties and beyond, maintaining skin health becomes even more crucial. Your natural oil production is reduced and cell regeneration slows. Hormonal changes during menopause can exacerbate skin dryness and thinning. Skin laxity becomes more pronounced, and sagging skin becomes a concern. The Agnes RF lifts saggy upper lids, brows, cheeks and jowls. Fractional lasers (Nouvaderm, CO2) can help tighten and rejuvenate the skin, especially upper and lower eyelids and around the mouth. RF treatments can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and enhance skin elasticity. TruFlex builds muscle mass, which diminishes after 40, but is critical for future physical and mental health.

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K ARENA DAWN’S FLEX

She bought back the f itness company she co-founded and its future is stronger than ever ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY DAWN SHORT

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

Sixteen years ago, with roughly $3,000 and a mission to bring joy and healing through fitness, Karena Dawn co-founded Tone It Up. Karena was 28, living in Manhattan Beach and they were putting workout classes on YouTube. Instagram didn’t exist yet. Apart from the OGs Jane Fonda and Russell

The podcast studio

“The next chapter is about more honesty, more depth, and more real conversations around movement, mental health, and feeling good at every stage of life.” Simmons, fitness influencers didn’t really exist yet. But, Tone It Up didn’t launch for social media fame or to be bought out, and although both eventually happened, it launched to empower women and create community. There have been many chapters, but a new one launches this month with Karena becoming the sole owner, reclaiming the roles of CEO and Creative Director, and leaning into the original goals, but with an expanded platform. This era marks a powerful full-circle moment for the entrepreneur, and mental health advocate (whose non-profit The Big Silence aims to give a voice to mental health struggles), author (whose biography The Big Silence came out in 2022) and podcast host- who’s adding a second podcast to the mix this month. She’s quietly navigated years of personal darkness and professional complexity to stand again at the center of the brand she created. And, now she’s doing it from her home base in Austin, where she lives with her husband of 10 years,

Bobby Gold, and their seven Pomeranians, with a renewed mission that intertwines her two passions, fitness and mental health. Before becoming a fitness entrepreneur, Karena survived what she calls her ‘decade of darkness.’ Her childhood and early adulthood were shadowed by her mother’s schizophrenia and depression, and her grandfather’s death. “I always thought I would end up like my mom and my grandfather,” she says. But, she attributes finding fitness with changing her path, sharing, “I started working out and that became my healing.” She remembered the joy she felt as a kid watching her mom do Jane Fonda VHS workouts, and the exhilaration of running her first half-marathon at ten and that eventually became her way forward. “When I realized working out was so healing, I wanted to share that with more people. I wanted to help women have more joy in their lives. I wanted to give back because I feel so grateful that I’m even here.” CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

Meditating is part of Karena's morning routine

Tone It Up now has its own line of supplements

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

When she met her co-founder, the two bonded over the idea of making fitness fun again. They were among the first creators posting workouts on YouTube, and later, among the earliest fitness voices on Instagram. Then Tone It Up grew from a beachside dream into a full-fledged community. By 2018, the company’s rapid expansion required outside capital and the investment came with strings, including CEOs brought in to run the business and creative decisions about the company being stripped away. “A lot of companies now are founded with the intention of selling, that wasn’t us. We were just doing something we loved,” Karena says, adding, “When we were taken away from the CEO role, it was really hard. But I always had this intuition that one day I’d get the company back.” Just over seven years later, she did. “There came a point when I realized I could no longer stand behind decisions being made for the brand I built. That’s when I knew I had to do something about it,” she says. “I didn’t buy Tone It Up back for me—I did it for the women who have been with us since day one.” And, she has big plans for the future. The Tone It Up app continues to expand with diverse fitness classes, which will now be updated weekly, as well as meditations led by Karena, nutrition plans, and seasonal programs launched four times a year. Kicking things off, Tone It Up app users can access a January “New Year, New TI-YOU” challenge, which will feature original Tone It Up trainers Chyna Rae, Tori Simeone, and Stefanie Corgel. Karena is building a private studio in Austin that will be completed early this year where they will film content and she’s building out a space on her property to host more events here in Austin that will include workout classes as well as sauna and cold plunge. Her property, named Villa Artique, is its own creative oasis. It’s seven acres of nature, creative spaces and art previously once owned by Iranian artist Reza Derakshani and used as a filming location for Spy Kids 1 & 2 and Fear the Walking Dead. Karena and her husband moved from Los Angeles to Austin in 2019 and stumbled upon the property in 2020, while they were living downtown. After taking a cross-country trip in a remodeled 2005 Winnebago during the pandemic, Karena craved being in nature. During a Sunday morning drive she noticed a house with the same house number from their days in Manhattan Beach, saw a for sale sign outside, and the rest is history. We loved shooting the cover story in the home deeply entwined in art and history. For the cover image, Karena herself is immersed in an original of Verner Panton’s Living Tower. It feels symbolic bold, show-stopping and enduring, much like the new era she’s stepping into. And, she’s wearing Sara Blakely’s Sneex, a fitting nod to the intersection of fitness and personal expression. “I love Sara’s story.

“I’m more excited than ever to rebuild, reconnect, and reimagine what Tone It Up can be.”

Top: Tone It Up's original trainers are back Bottom: Karena and Tone It Up OG trainers Chyna Rae, Tori Simeone, and Stefanie Corgel

She’s tall with big feet like me,” Karena says of the Sneex and Spanx founder, quickly adding, “and the shoes are actually really comfortable!” Today Reza’s former art studio is Karena’s podcast studio where she records her weekly The Big Silence podcast, which launched in 2022, and will record new podcast Tone It Down beginning this month. The Big Silence continues her mental-health-centered conversations with psychologists, doctors and fellow survivors, whereas she says her newest show, Tone It Down, “is more girlfriend-to-girlfriend approach to conversations, having fun, fitness, and nutrition.” She explains, “Back in the day

we used to have coffee chats, and Wine Not Wednesday? It’s bringing that back, bringing back the conversation between women.” Now in her 40s, Karena’s own wellness routine is focused on weight training, more protein, getting enough sleep and giving herself some grace. “After 35, we lose muscle mass, so it’s important to stay strong, have your protein, creatine, all the things,” she says, adding that she’s also returning to a regular yoga practice. Equally important is her mental fitness, which she keeps in check by adhering to a strict morning routine. “My morning routine is very strategic,” she shares. “I wake up, make my bed, make some

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

tea, usually chamomile or something without caffeine, and get outside. I walk around my property, meditate, work out, sauna, cold plunge, shower and then get ready for the day. If I do that, then the rest of my day is pretty good.I think the number one reason is because you immediately feel like you’ve accomplished something for the day.” Back at the helm of Tone It Up and building on her work with The Big Silence, Karena’s looking forward to continuing to build community, here in Austin and around the world. “Since starting The Big Silence, so many people from all over have reached out to share their story,” she says. “We’re all connected to someone struggling with mental health, or we’re struggling ourselves. In a world where we’re all on social media, it’s important to say, ‘I’m not okay,’ and help people feel less alone.” She adds, “The next chapter is about more honesty, more depth, and more real conversations around movement, mental health, and feeling good at every stage of life. I’m more excited than ever to rebuild, reconnect, and reimagine what Tone It Up can be.” Congratulations to the woman who was once a little girl who watched her mom do Jane Fonda tapes and said, One day I want to do that…And then she did. Not only that, in a full circle moment, when Tone It Up sold DVDs at Target, it was under the Jane Fonda brand, and Jane Fonda herself called them the new faces of fitness. Great inspiration for us all to bring into the new year. Follow Karena on Instagram @KarenaDawn. For more information on Tone It Up workouts, products, the app, or community, visit ToneItUp.com or follow @ToneItUp on Instagram.

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Chatting with Dr. Ann Czarnik on Concierge Medicine Amanecia Health delivers physician-led concierge medicine through personalized in-home and virtual care. Launched in June 2024, the practice was founded by Dr. Ann Czarnik, a board-certified emergency medicine physician based in Austin, and Dr. Lauren Leavitt, who leads the Houston practice. Dr. Czarnik has more than 20 years of medical experience and previously served nearly a decade as Assistant Residency

Director at The University of Texas at Austin. Their goal is simple: make high-quality medical care more personal, proactive, and accessible. Amanecia offers in-home urgent care, telemedicine, weight loss management, hormone therapy, and peptide-based wellness and longevity programs. WHAT WAS THE IMPETUS FOR LAUNCHING AMANECIA HEALTH? After two decades in emergency medicine, I kept seeing the same pattern: patients ending up in the ER for problems that could have been handled earlier if they’d had easier access to a physician. It made me want to bring medicine back to what it should be — personal, proactive, connected, and built on a real relationship with your doctor. FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR, WHAT IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE? Concierge medicine is personalized, relationship-based care that centers on the patient, not the insurance system. Instead of waiting weeks for a rushed appointment, patients can reach their physician directly — in person or virtually — and get comprehensive care that actually fits their lives. It’s the return of real doctor-patient connection, supported by modern tools and clinical depth. CONCIERGE MEDICINE HAS EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS. WITH THE RISE OF HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS, DO YOU THINK IT’S GOING TO BECOME A MORE ACCESSIBLE OPTION TO TRADITIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE? Yes. As healthcare costs rise, patients are finding that concierge care can actually be more efficient, both financially and in terms of time and outcomes. At Amanecia, we operate on a transparent, pay-as-you-go model. There are

The Amanecia Health co-founder on how the future of modern medicine is a return to its roots 26

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no monthly fees or hidden charges. Patients simply pay for what they need, when they need it. WHAT ARE SOME ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO HAVING A CONCIERGE DOCTOR? Access and continuity are key. People don’t want to wait weeks to see a doctor, much less a specialist, and concierge care removes that bottleneck. Patients can call or text their physician directly and be seen quickly — at home or online — without navigating layers of scheduling or delays. That level of access builds trust, improves outcomes, and lets us manage everything from urgent issues to long-term health in a seamless way. The biggest difference is that we truly know our patients, and they know us. DO YOU OFFER HOUSE CALLS 24/7? We offer in-home visits during business hours and provide 24/7 access for telemedicine and physician communication. Whether it’s an after-hours concern, a minor injury, or a question about a

treatment plan, patients can always reach a doctor who knows them. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPANSION PLANS? We’re continuing to grow across Texas and beyond. In addition to our teams in Austin, Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Coastal Virginia, we have more physicians joining and new markets planned for the coming year — Nashville, Atlanta, Park City and additional regions outside Texas. Our infrastructure already supports care in all 50 states, with licensed doctors expanding our reach each month. ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? We started Amanecia to make exceptional, personalized care more accessible — and to remind people that modern medicine doesn’t have to be impersonal. You can combine technology, advanced treatments, and high touch, physician-led care. That’s what good medical care should be, and that’s what Amanecia delivers. Learn more at amaneciahealth.com

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Our editor tried the bungee

Trapeze is the most popular class

hall and updated rooms featuring spa-style bathrooms. But what we loved most were the choose-your-own-adventure activity options, from pickleball and tennis to yoga and, our favorite: circus classes. Circus is a signature of Club Med with shows performed by professionals on stage in the evenings and circus classes are offered at many, but not all, Club Med resorts during the day. The programming is most commonly found at their Sun Resorts, such as Punta Cana, where it has become a popular activity for families. Club Med’s Circus classes vary by resort, with each skill not offered at every resort, but core offerings typically include flying trapeze (solo or duo), aerial silks, tightrope, high bungee, trampoline, juggling and aerial hoop/lyra. A different apparatus is scheduled daily for guests to enjoy complimentary as part of the standard programming. For those looking for a more personalized experience, or to do an activity not on the schedule for that day, several resorts offer private one-on-one or small group exclusive sessions for an additional fee -which we think is well worth it for the extra attention and additional time to do things like fly through the sky on a trapeze or flip through the air on the high bungee. Circus instruction has long been part of the fabric of the Club Med brand and we’re told the flying trapeze is one of the brand’s most recognizable and longstanding activities and has become a beloved part of the experience for families and repeat guests. Punta Cana is known for having one of the most robust circus setups, with expanded spaces and a wider selection of disciplines compared to typical resort programming. It’s a destination where guests can experience a more comprehensive range of circus activities, while other resorts offer a tailored selection based on their facilities and staffing. While lessons are open for both children and adults, while the kids are in class, adults who don’t want to join them can find more grounding activities in the yoga pagoda, spa or in a chair under the sun on the beach.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

DOCTOR PAUL PEARCE’S BEAUTY MAP THE PLASTIC SURGEON MAKES PROACTIVELY PLANNING COSMETIC WORK AND MAINTENANCE EASY

From Laser Resurfacing to Breast Surgeries, Hair Restoration to Gynecomastia treatment, Dr. Paul Pearce patiently explains procedures in understandable snippets on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, where the affable surgeon has racked up millions of likes with his educational content. Dr. Pearce is a native Texan and owner of Pearce Plastic Surgery, which is both a surgical center and a MedSpa, “because sometimes people seek life-changing transformations, and other times it’s just subtle enhancements.” A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Pearce listens attentively to people’s needs, pays meticulous attention to detail, and offers treatment options tailored to help individuals reach their goals. From facelifts to body contouring, they offer a wide range of treatments for both men and women to help everyone feel confident and like the best version of themselves. To kick off 2026, the practice is launching The Beauty Map as a way for people to stay consistent with skincare regimens and plan procedures proactively. We had a chat with practice

“In the fast-paced world of Austin aesthetics, maintaining youthful, vibrant skin shouldn't be a maze of isolated appointments, it should be a strategic journey,” 30

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“Dr. Pearce and the expert team at Pearce Plastic Surgery have simplified this process, offering a clear, three-step approach with The Beauty Map” manager, Amy Morris, who explained it to us. “In the fast-paced world of Austin aesthetics, maintaining youthful, vibrant skin shouldn’t be a maze of isolated appointments, it should be a strategic journey,” she says. “Dr. Pearce and the expert team at Pearce Plastic Surgery have simplified this process, offering a clear, three-step approach with The Beauty Map. The map ensures that whether you’re seeking routine maintenance or advanced surgical definition, every treatment works in harmony and is overseen by a plastic surgeon for optimal, lasting results.” STEP 1: THE FOUNDATION This is your monthly MedSpa membership with customized treatment plan. The most crucial step in The Beauty Map is consistency. Dr. Pearce offers a Monthly MedSpa Membership Map to make foundational skin health accessible, strategic, and simple. This membership covers services like result-driven facials, custom chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing and more, ensuring your skin is always prepared for the next level of care. This stage also includes planning advanced maintenance treatments like Collagen Biostimulators & PRF. While the monthly map keeps skin glowing, deeper rejuvenation is achieved with occasional add-ons, often integrated into the annual plan.The emphasis here is on rebuilding structure, not just filling lines. Collagen Biostimulator Injections (like Sculptra) signal the body to naturally produce new collagen, providing a subtle, long-lasting lift and firmness over time. Similarly, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) uses your own growth factors to naturally improve texture and tone. These regenerative treatments are the key to future-proofing your skin, complementing your monthly treatments and delaying the need for more intensive procedures. STEP 2: THE RESET In this stage you’re integrating advanced procedures. Sometimes your annual MedSpa maintenance

plan needs a powerful boost to address deeper concerns like sun damage, texture issues, or moderate laxity. The advantage of being at a plastic surgery center is the seamless integration of these high-impact procedures directly into your maintenance map. For example, when surface texture and deep wrinkles are the primary concern, the powerful C02 Laser Resurfacing is integrated into your Beauty Map. Using fractional technology, the c02 laser removes damaged skin layers and triggers intense collagen contraction, providing significant smoothing and tightening. Dr. Pearce often schedules this annual “reset” to work synergistically with your biostimulator treatments (Step 1) to achieve the most comprehensive skin-quality improvement possible. STEP 3: THE REFINEMENT When skin laxity and volume loss exceed the capabilities of even the most advanced MedSpa procedures, the next strategic step on the map is surgical refinement. This transition is made seamless and strategic under Dr. Pearce’s guidance. This can include surgical contouring procedures like Mini Neck Lifts and Chin Liposuction with J Plasma For defining the jawline and neck, a Mini Neck Lift combined with Chin Liposuction and J Plasma (Renuvion) provides a lasting transformation. The procedure removes unwanted fat and then utilizes J Plasma, a cutting-edge helium-based technology, to apply thermal energy subdermally, causing immediate and significant skin contraction. This synergy of fat removal and powerful skin tightening creates a crisp, sculpted jawline that firmly sets the lines of your profile. This surgical step is the ultimate destination for lasting definition, along with consistency, achieved with the monthly membership. Pearce Plastic Surgery is located at 1600 W 38th Street, Ste 300, Austin TX 78731 Learn more at https://pearceplasticsurgery.com/ And of course, follow on Instagram @pearceplasticsurgery

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Erica Bright, Photo Courtesy of Heart Galleries of Texas

Photos that Change Lives Texas Heart Galleries connect foster children with the community

Mavens family

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There are thousands of kids in Texas foster care who are waiting for a permanent home. Last year alone, 860 youth aged out of foster care and had to embark on the journey of being an self-sufficient adult without support, or continued hope of being being adopted. Of the 5,000 children eligible for adoption in Texas right now, about 1,500 are older, part of sibling groups, or have complex needs, which can be more challenging for adoption. Heart Galleries of Texas is helping facilitate adoptions through public photo exhibits in local communities that showcase children waiting for adoption. Each child’s story, personality, and interests are highlighted, helping families see the real child behind the statistics. The photos increase awareness about al of the children looking for homes and often lead to permanent placements, as was the case of Erica Bright, who was adopted as a teenager 10 months after taking a photo for a Heart Gallery.

In the year July 2024 to June 2025, Heart Galleries featured 1,094 youth in 1,810 exhibits which resulted in 324 adoptions. There are currently Heart Gallery displays at IKEA, where canvases are showcased in the children’s area by the restaurant, at Lakeline Mall near the play area in front of Dillard’s, Dell Children’s Hospital in the registration area and the Menchaca Library. Additionally, every Thursday KVUE shares a photo taken by Heart Galleries highlighting children eligible for adoption. “When families see a child’s portrait they can see their personality, their hope and their joy,” says Kori Gough, Heart Galleries of Texas Executive Director. “It creates a connection that isn’t possible on paper and that connection often becomes the spark that leads to a permanent home. With thousands of Texas children still waiting, these exhibits truly change lives.” Visit https://heartgallerytexas.org/ for more information

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / AUST I N

5 FAVORITE

1. MODERN ANIMAL One of our favorite Los Angeles transplants, Modern Animal is a primary and urgent veterinary care practice with two locations in central Austin. A member since it started in Los Angeles, I love their app, where you can find all of your pet’s records, from vaccines to bloodwork results, have the ability to message with someone 24/7 and where you’re regularly updated during surgery if your pet needs to undergo a procedure. https://www.modernanimal.com/ 2. SMALL MOVES, BIG LIFE Andrea Leigh Rogers, a Texas-based motivational coach, trainer and founder of Xtend Barre, recently released this book outlining 7 Daily Practices to Supercharge Your Energy, Productivity, and Happiness (in Just Minutes a Day) – and it was nearly immediately on bestseller lists. It’s a great one to kick off the year because stacking small positive habits can lead to big positive outcomes.

THINGS

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Wellness Edition ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

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3. SUPER COFFEE PROTEIN POWDER This Austin-based brand is always innovating. We’ve long been a fan of their RTD coffee and their Sweet Cream Creamer is a staple in my house. This new metabolism-boosting powder comes in Mocha and Vanilla Latte, has a creamy coffeehouse taste and is packed with 80mg of caffeine from premium Colombian coffee, 25g of premium protein and 100% of your daily B vitamins. It’s available exclusively at DrinkSuperCoffee.com and you can use the code “SUPERVIP20” at checkout for a 20% discount! 4 . A M AYA A modern Mediterranean-inspired rooftop dining destination by LV Collectvie perched on the 12th floor of Paseo, Austin’s new luxury high-rise at 80 Rainey Street. The menu has many shareable dishes rooted in Mediterranean tradition and infused with local Texan influence. And while The Mediterranean Diet is notably among the healthiest, Amaya’s Loukoumades, Greek-style fried donuts with bananas and caramel dipping sauce, are worth the splurge! amayaatx.com 5. CARLA JIAN A strength, Pilates, and yoga instructor, meditation guide and Reiki practitioner known for her refined, energetically attuned approach to movement. She teaches at Studio Three in downtown Austin and says she chose the studio because, “Our time is a valuable, nonrenewable resource. With Interval, Cycle, and Yoga under one roof, you can elevate your entire wellness routine while staying connected to a vibrant, like-minded community.”

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