FOOD + BEVERAGE
CRUMBL COOKIES' INVOLVEMENT WITH SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, & KIDS
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Here we are! The Kids & Pets Issue! I am so excited to have been chosen to write this month’s Lifestyle Letter.
As a mom of three (soon to be four) boys and a family photographer, there is nothing I know better than how important it is to let our kids just be kids. Childhood flies by and soon they’ll be in college and working real jobs and learning how to navigate adulthood. Right now, their only job is to be curious, adventurous, and imaginative. I just love watching my boys learn and discover new things, watching the ideas that have come to life in their eyes, and answering all their inquisitive questions.
As a family photographer, the most important thing I stress to my clients is to relax and let their kiddos be themselves! Let them run and play and laugh and be silly. They’re kids—it’s what they do best.
My favorite part about photographing kids is definitely all the different personalities. Kids are just so dang honest and free-spirited and so incredibly smart. I love love love capturing the joy in their eyes. Something about their happiness and innocence is so infectious. The photos I cherish most of my kids are always the ones of them being themselves. And, capturing a family and their love for one another is just one of the many things that make being a family photographer so rewarding.
Throughout the Kids & Pets Issue, you will see several things that our community has to offer children of all ages. There are delicious desserts at Crumbl Cookies, helpful skincare treatments at Clear Path, and backto-school check-ups at Cedar Park Vision and Impact Family Wellness. Your kids can even spend their days petting kittens, riding horses, and baking dog treats! There is so much to gain from raising your family in Cedar Park. It's time to enjoy the remainder of our summer and get out and explore our beautiful city!
The smiles. The laughs. The questions. Enjoy them—your kids are only little once!!
From Pam and Megan: Emily, we are so grateful for all that you have done capturing special moments for the magazine since day one! We love you and wish you all the best as you bring your new little one into the world.
EMILY SCHOOLCRAFT, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
@CEDARPARK_CITYLIFESTYLE
August 2023
PUBLISHER
Pam Dugdale | pam.dugdale@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Greg Dugdale | greg.dugdale@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Emily Schoolcraft
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Monica McKitterick, Geraldine Taylor
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Photo by Sawsan Williams Photography
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @cedarpark_citylifestyle
Dr. Billy Wright and Dr. Tyler Wright are excited to begin offering Class IV Laser to the community. With the opening of Cedar Park Laser Pain Center within their office, they will be able to treat orthopedic conditions in a safe, non-invasive way. Using wavelengths of light to directly influence the cells of injured tissues, Wright Family will decrease pain and inflammation, improve nerve function, and heal wounds faster. Get your free consultation now! reliefnowlasercedarpark.com
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Heading up the new location of MUTTS Canine Cantina® are Austin-based twin sisters and co-owners, Lisa Ladewig and Laura Ladewig Landers. The entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to bring MUTTS Canine Cantina® to one of the most pet-friendly cities in America. They are combining business with their passion for fostering a community of like-minded people that can come together and socialize, both with their pups and each other. Austin is the largest franchise to date. muttscantina.com
Summer started with a bang when six specialty shops in Leander joined forces for their first shop hop event. These included DuValls Children's Boutique, Glow & Grow Salon and Boutique, Jonida's Boutique, Poppy Avenue Boutique + Clean Beauty Bar, Southern Sugar & Brow and Amethyst Rose Boutique, and Turquoise Peacock Boutique. At each destination, shoppers could get their passports stamped to enter a giveaway. They also enjoyed refreshments, vendor pop-ups, and fun new arrivals.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CedarParkTX
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Bring a smile to every child’s face when your organization or school collaborates with Crumbl Cookies
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL BY EMILY SCHOOLCRAFT
Since the opening of its first store in 2017, Crumbl Cookies has evolved into the nation’s fastest-growing and largest cookie company. They have been able to take every dessert imaginable and pack them into creations worthy of their iconic pink boxes. People of all ages (especially kids!) look forward to indulging in the weekly announcements of new gourmet flavors, ranging from fried ice cream to peanut butter cup to cinnamon roll.
“It’s all about the cookies! The open kitchen concept, along with the signature color scheme and, of course, the rotating menu add to the overall experience,” says John Schefer, co-owner of the Crumbl Cookies - Cedar Park franchise.
But Crumbl Cookies does so much more than bake innovative treats based on tried and true recipes. With each new bakery that pops up, the company is committed
to contributing to its surrounding communities. In fact, the Crumbl CookiesPflugerville store has donated over $4,000 worth of free cookies to Dell Children’s Medical Center. They even have an ongoing partnership with the hospital for donations.
“The Crumbl mission statement is, ‘Bringing friends and families together over the best box of cookies in the world,’” says Schefer. “We believe that cookies have a healing power. These kinds of partnerships bring happiness to the community as we complement the work that these other organizations are doing.”
Crumbl Cookies - Cedar Park has also done its part to serve the area by collaborating with the local school system. Whether you are in need of cookies for a campus-wide special occasion or a small classroom party, the franchise has options to scale perfectly for your crowd. Crumbl
can even join forces with your school’s clubs, sports teams, and arts programs for sponsorship opportunities.
“Crumbl strives to be a good partner in the community,” says Schefer. “We do a lot of catering for teacher and school events. Cedar Park and other Austin area Crumbl locations team up with those schools and organizations in fundraising, auctions, teacher appreciation, and other donations.”
As we push through the month of August, celebrate the back-to-school season with the latest and greatest flavors from Crumbl Cookies. From Monday through Saturday, you can visit the Cedar Park location at 1335 E Whitestone Blvd, Suite H500 with your friends and family. Be on the lookout for the following week’s cookies when they are announced on Sundays on TikTok @crumblcookies !
ARTICLE BY MEGAN MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY PURRFECTO CAT LOUNGE
Texas currently ranks as the top state for animal shelter euthanasia. With a mission to combat this, Purrfecto Cat Lounge in Austin gives homeless and abandoned cats nine lives full of love. Lupita Adams was inspired to start the lounge following her own rescue cat adoption.
“I was volunteering with our now-partner, Sunshine Fund Cat Rescue, and fell in love with a cat named Romeo,” says Adams. “He has hyperesthesia and didn’t do well in an environment with other cats. My husband and I knew that his chance of getting adopted because of his skittish behavior was low, so we had to take him home.”
Romeo has since gone from being afraid and standoffish to the most loving and affectionate cat you can imagine. All he needed was the right home. Aside from her own story, Lupita’s favorite adoption comes from a cat at the lounge named Bones. After a dog attack, Bones had to get one of his legs amputated.
“Regardless of his struggle, when he came to our lounge, he was playful and full of joy. He’s a survivor—nothing can stop him,” says Adams. “When he was adopted, he not only gained a mom, but also a loving brother. Seeing him find a beautiful home was so fulfilling.”
Another thing that is fulfilling for Adams is the opportunity to open the lounge to private “pawties.” From book launches to birthday parties to networking events, Purrfecto Cat Lounge is a charming spot for any occasion. With Colorina Party Events, you can even match the lounge to your special day’s theme!
“When you rent out the lounge, you can expect an intimate festivity that is BYOB and BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks). We also ask our guests to send us their playlists so we can set the vibe for them,” says Adams. “Essentially, you provide the party favors, we provide the adorable and adoptable furry friends.”
purrfectocatlounge.com
Just like humans, cats have personal space and boundaries. By treating them with kindness, you have more positive interactions while petting the cats.
It’s asked that you refrain from bringing outside cat treats into the lounge. If you purchase from the assortment of Irie Bean Coffee beverages, keep those to yourself, as well.
Children six years and older are welcome to enjoy the CATX-PERIENCE, but parents need to join in the fun! (And parents may even decide to adopt their family's furever friend.)
Purrfecto Cat Lounge is all about indulging your kitty fix while getting the perfect snaps for social media. Buy some custom merchandise to make your pics even cuter.
Everyone’s skincare journey is different and patience is essential. For teenagers, this is easier said than done. You may be swayed toward getting prescriptions from a dermatologist. But Clear Path Acne Clinic understands your desire to eliminate problematic skin in the long term, which means employing critical thinking and common sense.
“Many of our teens arrive at the clinic suffering not only with acne, but low self-esteem. They often are unable to make eye contact, may wear their hair long to cover their face, and lack the confidence to hold a conversation,” says owner Kim Lovato. “I get it! When I suffered with acne, I felt all of these emotions and more.”
No matter the regimen, Lovato is always thrilled to have a front-row seat as her clients blossom. With each visit, she gets to see their personalities change and their lifestyles enhanced.
Clear Path’s teen clients especially love their acne pore-cleaning sessions. Blackheads and clogged pores are removed while rejuvenating the skin. Other treatments from Clear Path include its Vitamin C and Vitamin A Level 2 — beauty must-haves to support clear skin and reduce unwanted pigmentation.
“I had a teen who suffered with acne, heart issues, and obesity. At 15, this young woman started the Clear Path Program,” says Lovato. “Within six months, she lost so much weight by avoiding excess sugar in her diet that she no longer needed to visit her cardiologist every six months. I watched her transform into a fit teen with beautiful, clear skin and soaring confidence.”
The Clear Path Program aims to put you in complete control of your skin, whether you start with mild, moderate, or severe acne. It’s about doing away with the negative side effects of medication while paying attention to your unique diet and environment.
“Once you have identified your triggers, you can navigate through life without triggering acne in the future,” says Lovato. “Interestingly, we have many clients whose parents are dermatologists who do not want to offer their teens drugs for acne. They understand it is crucial to address the root cause. That is where the Clear Path Program comes in.”
To overcome problematic skin, visit Clear Path online at clearpathacneclinic.com or in person at 1210 Cottonwood Creek Trail, Suite 200, Cedar Park
As a nurse practitioner, I have had the privilege of caring for children and witnessing the countless benefits that physical activities bring to their lives. Engaging in sports helps children develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, while promoting physical fitness and overall well-being. To ensure their safety and optimize their participation, one vital aspect that should never be overlooked is the sports physical.
Sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), are comprehensive assessments conducted by healthcare professionals to evaluate a child’s physical readiness to participate in sports. They involve a thorough review of the child’s medical history, a physical examination, and discussions about any potential health concerns.
One objective is identifying any risk factors that may limit a child’s ability to participate fully. Conditions such as asthma, heart problems, or musculoskeletal issues can be identified and managed appropriately, preventing potential complications. Additionally, sports physicals
provide an opportunity to educate children about injury prevention, nutrition, hydration, and other health-related aspects specific to their chosen sport.
Sports physicals also assess emotional and psychological well-being. Children may face stress, anxiety, or depression related to sports performance. During a sports physical, healthcare providers address these concerns, provide support, and refer to appropriate resources if needed. This fosters a positive sports experience and overall healthy development.
Furthermore, sports physicals allow healthcare providers to confirm that immunizations are up to date, reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses and protecting the child, their teammates, and the community at large. By prioritizing sports physicals and immunizations, we empower children to safely engage in activities, promoting their growth, development, and enjoyment of sports while minimizing the risk of injuries and health complications.
See the Impact Family Wellness website for additional information: impactfamilywellness.com
Given the recommendation to complete eye exams every 12 months, it may be time for your family to do theirs. With Dr. Kimberly Wampler and the Cedar Park Vision team, students of all ages benefit from technologically advanced devices to address new developments with their sight.
“We can determine if a child is nearsighted or farsighted, and if they may be having learning challenges or depth perception issues that can affect everyday life,” says Dr. Wampler. “There have been countless times that I will find a condition where a simple glasses prescription improves a child’s ability to read and take tests, eliminates headaches, and even improves social confidence.”
To have the healthiest vision and set yourself up for success, Dr. Wampler finds that education on a personal level is key. That’s why her goal is to not only solve your problems, but to ensure that you understand why you need the treatments suggested.
“I get to meet so many people and families, and provide solutions for them that actually are life-changing. It’s an energizing and rewarding experience,” says Dr. Wampler. “I’ve even taken my passion for our profession further and serve on the Texas Optometric Association Board, advocating for what we do and how to provide easier access to better care for people in our community.”
Book an appointment at cedarparkvision.com today! (You might even get the bonus of a treasure box at the end of your exam.)
“The doctors and staff at Cedar Park Vision are encouraged to dress to express their personalities, rather than white coats. This promotes less anxiety for first-time patients and a friendly, calm experience.”
-Dr. Kimberly Wampler
According
28 years ago, Angie Foster couldn’t have predicted how much her life would change as a young mom. Her first daughter, Gigi, was born with an intellectual disability that required Angie to become a life-long caregiver. Although this title has proved to be quite the challenge, she has been blessed with an incredible support system, including her second daughter Osmara and her husband.
“My daughters are extensions of me and mean absolutely everything to me. It’s my family—it’s mine,” says Angie. “In order to be a successful mom, though, it’s very important to exist. When I take care of Gigi, it’s all about Gigi. But I want Osmara to see me as a successful woman. I love being a mom, but I also love being myself, dressing up, and feeling good.”
One way that she has been able to make herself “Angie” rather than just “Mom” is by becoming a Realtor. Her family had already made the big move from California to Texas, inspired by a beautiful, sunny day on Lake Travis, and she was looking to work somewhere that allowed her to get out and see people. This need drove her to get her real estate license to serve the growing Greater Austin community.
“When I helped my first family get their home, I realized the importance of our role,” says Angie. “I especially love seeing new homes. I have pictures of clients’ houses when they are barely in construction, and to see the final product feels so good. When they get their house and keys, it’s like I’m getting the house and keys. It’s about so much more than making money—we’re helping families.”
Since becoming both a mother and a Realtor, Angie has learned and grown so much. She encourages her daughters to keep learning and growing themselves.
GIVE YOUR FURRY FRIEND A PEANUT BUTTER, BLUEBERRY, & BANANA PUPCAKE FROM POOCHIE TRENDS
Poochie Trends is an all-natural pet bakery that is committed to creating high-quality treats with locally-sourced ingredients. Our products are made responsibly, without any additives, preservatives, chemicals, animal by-products, or fillers. They are sure to keep your dog’s tail waggin’! Check us out at poochietrends.net to order your own treats or join the Poochie Club.
• 2 cups chickpea or oat flour
• 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter
• 1 ripened banana
• 1/2 cup blueberries mashed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Cream cheese for topping
1. Preheat oven to 345 degrees.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Spray silicone cupcake pan with cooking spray. If you’re using a regular cupcake pan, insert paper cupcake liners and spray liners with cooking spray.
4. Spoon mixture evenly into the pan, almost to the top.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Pupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the top comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Geraldine Taylor: Since 2007, Geraldine Taylor has been baking healthy alternatives to commercial dog treats and food. You can find her and the Poochie Trends truck at the Texas Farmers' Market at Lakeline each Saturday.
7. Top with cream cheese or peanut butter and put your dog’s favorite bone on top.
8. Remove pupcake from the paper liners before giving to dog.
9. Store in refrigerator.
Experience the joys of riding, boarding, and training horses at family-owned Hidden Creek Ranch
Jolie Vinograd was four years old when she first rode a horse. Despite promptly falling off, she wasn’t deterred. In fact, Jolie believes that she was born with an innate love of horses. Her passion has only grown since opening Hidden Creek Ranch with her husband, Nick.
“It was never the sport itself that held my interest—it was the animal, the way they made me feel,” says Jolie. “I’ve always been an animal person, but the connection with horses was a very different kind of love. Some of the kids I teach have that same spark.”
The dream of Hidden Creek Ranch became a reality a few years after Jolie and Nick moved to Cedar Park. They were walking their dogs when they saw a “For Sale” sign in the middle of the field next door. After touring the property, they immediately made an offer.
“It was another two years before we bought our first horse. I actually bought her and told my husband that she would be here in a week and he needed to build a fence,” says Jolie. “She’s a 33-year-old Arabian named Centur Piece, and I have had her now for over 27 years. She started the whole thing.”
Jolie has had the pleasure of watching countless students participate in what means the world to her. This includes a
group of six teenage girls who began their journey with her 15 years ago and became the best of friends.
“They would ride their horses together, camp out in the arena during the summer, play in the field, and teach each other line dancing. My husband called them my posse,” says Jolie. “To this day, they all still come by. I’m so very proud and honored that they want to be here.”
One longtime student and boarder at Hidden Creek Ranch even uses horseback riding as her school’s PE requirement. It’s one of Jolie’s goals to facilitate that kind of opportunity, as well as work-study programs and community service activities.
“I feel that it allows kids to be away from the television and their tablets, and out in the fresh air, getting dirty, working hard, and enjoying the fruits of their labor,” says Jolie. “I find it gratifying to share what I love. Not to mention the fact that I get some things done around here that make this a better place to enjoy.”
To join in the fun at Hidden Creek Ranch, head to 1202 Glen Burnie Dr, Cedar Park or learn more online at hidden-creekranch.com
“Lessons vary a bit depending on what the student wants to learn and what they already know. However, before doing anything with the horses themselves, we talk about how they react to various stimuli. Students will also learn a bit about how to read a horse’s reaction.”
“The kids learn to lead a horse. Then, we groom, learning about the brushes and their different purposes, and the horse’s body parts. When we move on to saddles, I usually start an inexperienced student on a western saddle because it gives them something to hold on to if they get scared.”
“We tack the horse up and the students mount, and we talk a bit about balance. After teaching the student how to stop, we go on down to the arena and start riding in earnest.”
“As a student rides with me more, we do a variety of maneuvers designed to learn coordination and obtain a greater connection. For example, trot poles, barrels, small jumps, and obstacle courses.”
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Gene Griffin will never forget the email he received from his daughter Emma’s thirdgrade teacher. It said that Emma created a play store at school, making products like keychains and bracelets to sell to her classmates for real money.
“She knows that I will support her future endeavors 100%, and I saw this as an opportunity,” says Gene. “I have always been an entrepreneur, and I knew this entrepreneurial spirit needed to be nurtured.”
This drew the Griffins to Start-Up Kids Club, a non-profit with a mission to bridge the classroom and the real world. After speaking to Founder Amber Wakem, Gene partnered with Wilco WorkSpaces to kick off his 14-week Cedar Park Program in August 2022.
“We start with ideation, then go into marketing, customer service, finance, and so on. The curriculum is very well done and peer-reviewed by university professors,” says Gene. “We do a field trip each semester to see commerce in action, and sometimes have guest speakers in to speak on the topic of the week.”
What has made Start-Up Kids Club especially incredible for Gene is doing it alongside his daughter. Following a semester as his student, Emma took on the role of assistant teacher.
“I have never walked out of class without a smile,” says Gene. “It has been such a rewarding experience and we’re looking for more people in the community to help us grow this program.”
startupkidsclub.com
Gimme Gimme Disco inspired by ABBA at Haute Spot
1501 E NEW HOPE DR, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613 | 7:00 PM
The Haute Spot venue is calling all Dancing Queens in their disco attire! Gimme Gimme Disco is a DJ-based dance party where you can jam out to all of your favorite songs from the '70s and '80s. Along with hits by ABBA, expect to hear The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher. Buy tickets for you and your friends! hautespot.live
Kitchen House's Summer Camp: Around the World
1514 DANDRIDGE DR, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613
Kids age 9 and up can travel around the world with their taste buds in this hands-on cooking camp by Kitchen House. Each day from 9 AM to 12 PM, campers will make recipes celebrating the cuisine from a different part of the world. While exploring global flavors, they will gain a variety of practical skills in the kitchen. kitchenhouseaustin.com
Cedar Park Rodeo 2023 presented by Michelob Ultra
2100 AVE OF THE STARS, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613
Sanctioned by the Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association and the United Professional Rodeo Association, the Cedar Park Rodeo is returning to the H-E-B Center. There will be two evenings of rodeo events, including bareback riding, calf roping, and the fan favorite mutton busting. Get your tickets for some action-packed family entertainment, and be sure to check out Saturday's Happy Hour. hebcenter.com
AUGUST 28TH
Cedar Park FFA Alumni 9th Annual Golf Tournament
3201 TWIN CREEKS CLUB DR, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613 | 8:00 AM
Cedar Park FFA Alumni is a non-profit organization that raises funds for college scholarships, state and national conventions, and more. You can show your support by joining in the fun at their Twin Creeks Country Club golf tournament. With your entry fee, you get both breakfast and lunch, along with a golf cart, range balls, and an awards reception. cedar-park-ffa-alumni.square.site
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Vacation memories are worth every penny - put some aside for college too.
Vacation memories are worth every penny - put some aside for college too.
Let’s work together on a strategy that works for your family. Contact me today to get started.
Let’s work together on a strategy that works for your family. Contact me today to get started.
Cole Drum Financial Advisor 2201
Let’s work together on a strategy that works for your family. Contact me today to get started.
Let’s work together on a strategy that works for your family. Contact me today to get started.
Cole Drum Financial Advisor Cole Drum Financial Advisor Cole.Drum@edwardjones.com 2201 Double Creek Dr Suite 3002 Round Rock, TX 78664-3836 512-296-2089 Amy McCarthy 954-649-8715 AMY@AMYTHEAGENT.COM 1460 E WHITESTONE BLVD #102 CEDAR PARK, TX 78613 AMYTHEAGENT.COM @amyaustinrealtor Amy McCarthy- Realtor CedarPark Expert and Top Producer! Reach out now for a free market analysis to get top dollar for your house! You deserve the best! (737) 717-3033 barre3.com/cedar-park @barre3cedarpark 12160 W. Parmer Ln. Ste. 170 Cedar Park SCAN TO BOOK YOUR FIRST CLASS FREE! Balanced in body. Empowered from within. STRENGTH · CARDIO MINDFULNESS 33 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CEDARPARKTX AUGUST 2023
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