LIFE + CULTURE
INVESTING IN COMMUNITY: EEYORE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY CELEBRATES 60 YEARS
HOME + DESIGN
REVIVING CHARM, ELEVATING VALUE: HOW THOUGHTFUL RENOVATIONS ARE RESHAPING AUSTIN HOMES
HEALTH + WELLNESS
CARING FOR LOVED ONES: PROVIDING SUPPORT, COMFORT, AND PEACE OF MIND AT HOME
2025
This issue centers around the theme of investing. It's not just about the traditional notion of investing money. We considered all the ways our readers might be investing in themselves and their future.
In the spirit of keeping Austin weird, we hope you're investing your time in the city's traditions. The beloved Eeyore's Birthday Party celebrates 60 years, so if you haven't been, definitely check it out this year.
We also look at the ways Austinites are investing in real estate and modernizing while preserving their homes' historic charm.
What better way to invest than in your health and that of your loved ones? We delve into the service of in-home care and all that is provided.
And while you're in good health, it's never too early to consider the future by taking the time to do estate planning.
How about investing in your knowledge of wine by joining a local wine club that offers carefully selected varieties from around the world? We talk about that, too.
LISA OGLE, EDITOR @ATXCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Juan Martinez | juan.martinez@citylifestyle.com
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lisa Ogle | lisa.ogle@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Julie Royce | julie.royce@citylifestyle.com
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Camp Doublecreek is a summer day camp for campers ages 4-14. With over 50 years of experience, the camp's staff is ready to fill your camper's day with plenty of outdoor time. Doublecreek offers a variety of sports, games and activities to ensure that there is something for everyone. Doublecreek buses will pick your camper up and bring them back safely from 11 different locations throughout the greater Austin area.
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The Round Rock Express kicks-off their 25th season at Dell Diamond on April 1. The Triple-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers play home games in Round Rock through September 14. Postgame fireworks shows, drone shows, theme nights and giveaways highlight the weekend games throughout the season! Fans can also enjoy weekday favorites like Taco Tuesday, $1 Hot Dogs Wednesday and Thrifty Thursday. Tickets and promotional schedule can be found at RRExpress.com .
Celebrate Eeyore’s 60th birthday on April 26 at Pease Park
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
Austin’s beloved Eeyore's Birthday Party will celebrate its 60th annual event on April 26 at Pease District Park. This free, day-long festival has become a hallmark of the city's “Keep Austin Weird” culture, bringing together locals and visitors alike to honor the famously melancholy donkey from A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh series with a day of music, costumes and community spirit.
“Eeyore’s Birthday has always embodied the eclectic spirit of old Austin for me,” party-goer Andrew Ellison said. “It’s been a place where vibrant vibes, free-spirited nature and a dash of hippie charm all converge. Eeyore’s special day shines bright, reminding us to keep it weird, keep it wild, and keep on spreading love and positivity.”
The tradition began in 1963 when University of Texas English students organized a lighthearted spring picnic, playfully honoring Eeyore. Initially intended as a small gathering, the event quickly gained popularity and evolved into a citywide celebration. Today, the festival is run by the Friends of the Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the event free and accessible to the public.
Over the years, excluding two during the Covid-19 pandemic, Eeyore's Birthday Party has grown into one of Austin’s most anticipated annual events, attracting a diverse crowd that includes families, artists and free spirits.
“For me, when I go to Eeyore’s, I feel like I’m at a Grateful Dead concert,” said Scott Sexton, former president of the nonprofit. “You’ve got a bunch of people together having fun. Nobody’s trying to cause problems. Nobody’s looking for a fight.”
Attendees can enjoy live music, drum circles, face painting, and costume contests—you might even spot Uranus running around—as well as a variety of food and drink vendors. Proceeds from concessions and merchandise support local charities, such as Emancipet and Hope Alliance.
For more information, visit eeyores.org.
“Eeyore's Birthday has always embodied the eclectic spirit of old Austin to me.”
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA CALO
In Austin’s rapidly evolving real estate market, home renovation is more than a means of updating aesthetics — it’s a strategic investment in property value, sustainability and neighborhood preservation.
With demand for character-rich housing soaring and historic homes facing redevelopment pressures, thoughtful renovations offer a way to enhance functionality while maintaining a connection to the past.
Architects Tom McWalters and Lindsay Maki of McWalters Collaborative Architecture and Design are at the forefront of this movement. They help homeowners transform their properties into beautiful, livable and financially sound investments.
“A house should be designed to support its owners through different phases of life,” Maki said. “Investing in thoughtful, creative modifications ensures a home can adapt and remain valuable over time.”
For homeowners like Mike Georgoff, updating his 1932 cottage in Central Austin’s Pemberton Heights was a financial and lifestyle decision. His goal was to modernize the home while preserving its historic charm, a balance that required careful planning and execution.
“When conducting our renovations, Tom and Lindsay took deep care to ensure the original historic charm of the house was maintained, especially on the exterior, while adding modern luxury touches throughout and notably increasing the square footage to support a family of four,” Georgoff said.
The McWalters team took a comprehensive approach to the project. Starting with a “master plan” for both an extensive renovation and addition, they added a new garage with an additional dwelling unit (ADU) above, home offices, a new landscape plan and thoughtfully reconfigured the interior of the house to drastically increase the natural light and create truly usable spaces.
Thoughtful material choices, such as exposed brick, classic trim and detailing, custom cabinetry, resilient stones and quant ceramic tile, ensured that even the most practical spaces retained a timeless aesthetic. The homeowners’ favorite aspect of the redesign is how every choice was tailored to their lifestyle.
One of the most impactful transformations occurred with the addition of a new mud room that extends into a covered breezeway to the detached garage and guest apartment. The design team created a stunning multi-functional utility space, incorporating a half bath, laundry and custom storage solutions. The space is wrapped in casement windows that invite natural light. This frequently undervalued area now serves as a bright and efficient hub of the home.
“They completely reimagined how we could use the space,” Georgoff said. “Before, it was just an awkward pass-through. Now, it’s a place where we actually spend time, and it’s designed so beautifully that it didn’t even feel like a utility space.”
Real estate trends influenced the homeowners' decision-making process. They made careful choices that made the most sense for the home's functionality while also considering potential resale value.
“We leaned into two trends,” he said. “The first was plenty of work-from-home space. We put a beautiful office off the primary bedroom and added a mixed-use office and gym off the back of the garage. The next trend was outdoor/indoor living spaces. They reorientated our family room and took a wall that had been entirely windowless and added a pair of French doors that opened onto a new outdoor grilling, dining and soft seating area.”
Sustainability is becoming a top priority for modern homeowners, and investing in energy-efficient upgrades can lower operational costs while boosting resale value. Homes with ecofriendly features, such as solar panels and smart energy systems, can sell for up to 4% more than their traditional counterparts, according to a study from the National Association of Realtors.
The Georgoff family incorporated several green features into their renovation to future-proof their home.
“Sustainability and efficiency were design considerations for us,” he said. “We invested heavily in air conditioning and heating improvements — new top-end doors and windows, a redesigned duct system for better airflow and a maximally efficient variable-speed HVAC unit. Even with a bigger footprint, we saved substantially on utilities while lowering our climate impact.”
Beyond energy systems, the family also reimagined their landscaping to reduce water usage.
“We overhauled the landscaping, adding mixed-texture rocks and gravel where there previously was grass, switching to drip irrigation and installing native drought-tolerant plants,” Georgoff said.
"Our goal is to work with clients who value collaboration and want to make strategic, lasting investments in their homes.”
Homeowners who invest in renovations benefit personally and contribute to the long-term vitality of their neighborhoods. Wellmaintained homes in older communities appreciate at a higher rate as buyers seek out properties with character and modern functionality, the Austin Board of Realtors reports.
This highlights the broader impact of home improvements: They preserve the architectural integrity of neighborhoods while making them more desirable for future generations.
“In Austin’s current construction market, tearing down and starting from scratch is going to be more expensive and take significantly longer than people realize,” Maki said. “There’s real value in understanding a property’s potential and working with it, rather than against it.”
McWalters Collaborative prides itself on working closely with homeowners to create residences that align with their lifestyles, budgets and long-term goals.
“Good design isn’t contingent on a client’s budget,” McWalters said. “Our goal is to work with clients who value collaboration and want to make strategic, lasting investments in their homes.”
For homeowners considering renovations, the message is clear: Well-planned improvements aren’t just expenses; they are investments that enhance functionality, efficiency and neighborhood appeal.
“It’s always worth it to invest upfront in whatever materials, systems or technologies are available for sustainability,” Georgoff said. “You lower your month-to-month maintenance costs and typically get more than paid back when it comes time to sell.”
McWalters’ Collaborative’s greatest success was creating a home that felt like a reflection of the family. They took the time to understand how the homeowners lived, worked and dreamed, resulting in a beautiful and deeply personal space.
“They cared about every detail as much as we did,” Georgoff said. “When our daughter arrived earlier than expected, Tom and Lindsay were on-site, helping with finishing touches to make sure the house was perfect for us to bring her home. That level of commitment is rare.”
“Our goal is to empower our clients through excellent education.”
In the local real estate landscape, E-Lit Realty has emerged as a full-service firm dedicated to serving clients from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
In 2016, at the age of 21, Karina Muñoz wanted to buy a home but wasn’t quite sure how she would afford it. She had the good fortune of knowing E-Lit CEO and Founder Julie Galarraga, who encouraged her to buy rather than rent.
“She walked me through the whole process,” Muñoz said. “I was buying the house with my brother, but we didn’t have money to put down. Julie found different programs for buyers like us through various lenders and helped us negotiate the deal. That was my first real estate investment. I now have four.”
In a city where the real estate market is continually evolving, E-Lit Realty stands out by prioritizing client education.
“Our goal is to empower our clients through excellent education,” Galarraga said. “Through these three concepts, we are able to guide our clients from their
initial home purchase to subsequent real estate investments. That’s what the E in E-Lit stands for: empower, excellence and education.”
The firm offers tailored guidance, recognizing that each client's journey is unique.
For first-time homebuyers, E-Lit Realty provides resources to help them navigate the complexities of purchasing a home. For those looking to invest in a second home or even for seasoned investors, it offers insights into lucrative opportunities within Austin's thriving real estate sector.
Shortly after purchasing her first home, Muñoz got married. She and her husband, Daniel, have made three more real estate investments, including their most recently purchased dream home near Elgin.
“We always wanted a ranch with a lot of animals, especially horses,” the now 32-year-old Karina said. “When I came across the listing for 10 acres with a beautiful home and a barn and arena for horses for close to a million dollars, I immediately called Julie and asked, ‘Can we do this?’
“That’s what the E in E-Lit stands for: empower, excellence and education.”
She said yes instantly, and she never gave up on making our dream a reality.”
Over the past decade, Austin's real estate market has significantly transformed. The city has seen a 35.5% increase in housing stock after COVID-19, leading the nation, according to the New York Post. However, financial lending institutes rarely advertise programs that can help those who don’t have a lot of money or lack a down payment.
“Most people don’t realize that there are all sorts of programs to help them out when it comes to buying real estate,” Galarraga said. “There are several lenders who will work with buyers with bad credit and no money down. It’s just a matter of teaching them about the process and who to speak to.”
Investing in Austin's real estate has become increasingly attractive. Housing affordability in Austin improved significantly in 2024, Barron’s, a subsidiary of the Wall Street Journal, reported in January.
“There might have been a recent slump in sales, but with Tesla coming in and buying more land to expand and other companies like Apple and Meta being here, I’m confident we will see an uptick in home sales,” Galarraga said. “There’s even a big movie production company that’s building a place near Bastrop. That means more real estate investing is going to happen.”
E-Lit’s services don’t stop once all the paperwork is signed and closed, either.
The team also educates new homeowners about the different types of exemptions for which they qualify.
“Most homeowners are aware of the homestead exemption,” she said. “But there are several other exemptions that most don’t know about – most notably the solar energy exemption and over-65 exemption. There are several ways for homeowners to save even more money after they buy a home.”
The benefits from various property tax exemptions are designed to alleviate financial burdens. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a primary residence, offering significant savings. For those who have installed solar panels, the solar energy exemption allows homeowners to exclude the appraised value of their solar energy devices from property taxes. Residents age 65 and older may qualify for the over-65 exemption, which provides further reductions in taxable value.
E-Lit Realty integrates this knowledge into its comprehensive educational approach to ensure clients are well-informed about these exemptions and how to maximize the financial benefits of real estate investing.
“None of what we have would be possible without the help of Julie and the E-Lit team,” Muñoz said. “They never gave up on any of the deals, even when we wanted to, and they worked hard to make it all happen. We might even get to retire early.”
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
As the primary caretaker of an aging or disabled loved one, worries and fears are often part of a typical day. Creating schedules around multiple doctor appointments and making sure their social, emotional and physical needs are being met become the new norm.
With the rise of an aging population comes a demand for compassionate and knowledgeable in-home care services, and Halcyon Home has risen to the challenge. Edna Bradshaw's family has used the Austin-based company’s services for the past decade.
“They have been absolutely wonderful,” the 94-year-old Bradshaw said. “I can walk now with their help. They help me with my housework and keep me company in the evening when I’m the most lonely.”
About 1 in 5 adults in the United States provides regular care or assistance to a friend or family member with a health condition or disability, according to the CDC. Caring for an aging loved one is often a profound act of devotion, but it also comes with significant challenges.
Halcyon represents a period of serenity, joy and peace – exactly the experience Halcyon focuses on providing their clients and patients daily. Certified Physician Assistant Amy Sweet founded the business 12 years ago to alleviate family caregivers' stress while providing compassionate care to those who need it most.
“I started Halcyon so that I could create a company where we cared and connected with people,” Sweet said. “We also communicate and collaborate across multiple service lines to provide a full continuum of care.”
With operations in Austin, Houston, Waco and San Marcos, the company offers clients personalized in-home care, including caregivers, skilled home health, palliative care, hospice care and recently added virtual care.
“The virtual care monitoring system was designed to pick up abnormalities in a person’s routine,” Chief Operating Officer Kristin Satsky, LCSW, said. “It provides a daily virtual care assessment through 100% audio technology via a plug-and-play device; it can detect high blood pressure, falls, sleep issues, urinary tract infections, medication errors and so much more. It is also complimentary with our services.”
Investing in professional elder care services benefits the recipient and helps alleviate the demands placed on the caregiver. Skilled care can help prevent burnout, which can have long-term health implications.
“Since using their services, the whole family has the piece of mind that our mother is well taken care of,” said Dave Bradshaw, Edna Bradshaw’s son. “They make sure mom is fed, showered and safe. Without them, I would probably have to be living here, but it has made a big difference in allowing her independence.”
Halcyon's commitment to holistic care is evident in its diverse service offerings. It is also committed to investing in its employees and the community.
Recently partnering with South University in Round Rock, Halcyon offers opportunities for its team members to further their education. Additionally, “we provide excellent benefits, fostering a great culture that supports work-life balance and actively engages in service-driven projects within our communities,” Satsky said.
"Our mission is to engage every employee with respect, kindness and support so they can carry that forward to achieve an optimal care experience and outcomes across a range of health services," Sweet said.
The Bradshaws agree that the past 10 years of using Halcyon’s services have had a lasting impact on them.
“The kindness they show me daily means so much,” Edna Bradshaw said. “We tell each other stories about our lives. They make sure I’m safe and happy. It’s been a lifesaver to have them come every day and give that comfort to me.”
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HOUSE WINE HAS A NEW LOCATION IN SOUTH AUSTIN
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
CASEY CUNNINGHAM
House Wine fits right into the eclectic Bouldin Creek neighborhood off South First Street in South Austin. With its brightly painted walls and lush floral decor, this cozy wine bar has been a staple in the community since opening its doors in 2008.
Over the years, guests have celebrated birthdays, engagements and anniversaries while sipping perfectly curated glasses of wine on the patio and making new friends.
“What I love about this place,” Owner Kerry White said, “is that people tell me all the time that coming to House Wine feels like being at a house party. Different groups of people start chatting with one another and bonding over their love of wine. So many of my regular customers have met their boyfriends or girlfriends or have gotten engaged here. It’s magical.”
Hailing from San Diego, White opened the wine bar because she missed sitting on a greenery-covered patio, enjoying a favorite glass of wine and catching up with her friends.
“When I moved to Austin, places like this didn’t really exist,” she said. “I guess I was a little homesick and wanted to go somewhere that I loved, so the wheels started turning, and before I knew it, I was opening House Wine.”
After 16 years at the Josephine Street location, she reopened last September, a mile down the road. Much of the old place, including the House Wine memberships, is still present in this new spot.
It offers a tiered wine club designed for enthusiasts seeking to explore boutique producers and emerging trends. Memberships start at $29 per month and provide benefits such as discounts on to-go bottles, in-house purchases and personalized recommendations from sommeliers.
Members of tiers 2 and 3 can join complimentary monthly tasting parties led by industry experts and guest winemakers. These gatherings offer members the opportunity to sample their monthly selections, discounted bottles of wine, enjoy appetizers and connect with fellow wine enthusiasts.
“Coming to House Wine feels like being at a house party.”
Members also receive discounts on guest tickets and additional featured wines.
“Investing in one of our signature membership tiers is a wonderful way to broaden your wine knowledge and your palette,” White said. “It’s an investment in yourself while making new friends and exploring delicious wines from all over the world.”
WHERE THERE’S A WILL, there’s a way
Estate planning is often overlooked, leaving many families vulnerable when tragedy strikes. Sixty percent of Americans lack a will or estate planning documents, exposing their loved ones to prolonged and costly legal battles, according to a 2017 AARP survey. Kyle Robbins, founder of Austinbased Robbins Estate Law, is working to change that, especially for families facing sudden loss.
Since founding his firm in 2017, Robbins has built a team that specializes in estate planning, probate and litigation. However, his work extends beyond standard legal services. Motivated to help families in need, Robbins provides pro bono estate planning and probate services to individuals facing severe financial and legal hardships after losing a spouse.
“Our firm was actually founded in conjunction with a lot of pro bono work,” Robbins said. “When I started, I applied for a grant from the State Bar of Texas called the Texas Opportunity for Justice Incubator. I was awarded close to $50,000 worth of free office space and legal support for 18 months, and in exchange, I provided 120 hours of pro bono services.”
Initially, estate planning didn't seem to have an urgent need for pro bono services, unlike family law. However, as his practice grew, Robbins discovered a gap—families left in financial turmoil after the sudden death of a primary breadwinner.
One particular scenario reinforced his commitment to pro bono work.
“A young mom, about 38 years old, lost her husband,” he said. “They had no estate plan in place, and they had young children. When minor children are involved and there’s no will, we’re forced into a judge-supervised dependent administration, which is the most expensive and time-consuming form of probate. It can take up to two years and cost $30,000 to $40,000 just to get access to the estate’s assets.”
These legal barriers can be overwhelming for a grieving parent trying to sell a home and relocate closer to family. Robbins Estate Law recognizes this and now takes on select pro bono cases each year to help families navigate these hardships.
“She just wanted to move closer to her parents for support,” Robbins said. “The last thing I wanted to do was take her through a drawn-out, expensive probate process.”
Instead, his firm covered all court filing fees and third-party expenses and donated their legal time. “I’m happy to say she was able to sell her home quickly and relocate to be with her family,” he said. “That’s why we do it.”
Although his firm can only take on a limited number of pro bono cases each year, Robbins hopes to expand these efforts. “Right now, we prioritize cases where a surviving parent has children under the age of 12 and has no resources to navigate the legal system,” he said. “But I’d love to grow our capacity to help more families in the future.”
“One of the best gifts you can leave your family is a well-prepared estate plan.”
“We’ve already handled three cases like this just this year alone,” Robbins said. “I got tired of charging for services to those folks. It’s a horrible thing to ask of a young family who just lost their spouse and is trying to move forward.”
One such case involved a stay-at-home mother of three whose husband was tragically killed in an accident. Poor legal advice before his death resulted in his assets, including their home and life insurance, being locked in legal limbo.
Beyond pro bono work, Robbins Estate Law emphasizes proactive estate planning.
“If you don’t have an estate plan in place, you’re planning for chaos,” Robbins warned. “People assume everything seamlessly transfers to the surviving spouse, but not always. Without a plan, your family is at risk of facing unnecessary legal hurdles.”
For those looking to protect their loved ones, Robbins urges action.
“One of the best gifts you can leave your family is a well-prepared estate plan,” he said. “We don’t get to choose when we need one, but when the time comes, it makes all the difference.”
