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What the heck?

I thought things were supposed to slow down after the holidays. A breather. A reset. A calm before whatever comes next.

Instead, it’s felt just as hectic.

Ice days. Federal holidays. Teacher workdays. “Now that the holidays are over” plans. The calendar never actually cleared; it just changed fonts.

So… is February going to be better?

I don’t know. But I’m trying to work on patience this year, both the micro kind (traffic, schedules, interruptions) and the macro kind (seasons, rhythms, life pace). That’s easier said than done when everything still feels frenetic.

Maybe the work right now isn’t to slow the world down. Maybe it’s to stay steady while it refuses to cooperate.

Either way, if you’re feeling it too, you’re not alone.

Cheers,
Nolan

In today’s Scoop:

💻 STEM fun comes to Bee Cave
Cozy vibes meet great pizza
🏟️ Practice your game, your way
🎨 Dance, sip, shop, and celebrate

🍕 A Galleria Go-To Already

13420 Galleria Cir Suite 140, Bee Cave

Some places feel settled from day one, and Winston’s coffee + provisions + pizza is one of them. Tucked into the Galleria, it balances cozy coffee shop energy with seriously good pizza, the kind people rave about on first visit.

Coffee fans swear by the cappuccinos, matcha, and iced lattes, while families love the open feel and thoughtful design. Easy to linger, easy to love.

🐜 Bugged out in the Hill Country?

14707 Fitzhugh Rd Building F - 200, Austin

TOPS Pest Control is the local crew keeping Hill Country homes bug-free, with no contracts and no stress.

🐶 Safe for pets, proven to work
🐜 Covers ants, roaches, scorpions and more
No-Nonsense Guarantee: not happy, they'll fix it or pay someone who will

👉 Call Jenna & Kyle to book: (737) 338-7540 or check them out HERE.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

⚾ Swing Into Fun

11160 Circle Dr Suite C & D, Austin

Hitter's House Austin is a great spot to practice your swing. It’s clean, easy to schedule, and has cages for batting, pitching, and catching.

HitTrax helps track your progress, and the staff is friendly and welcoming, even if it’s your first visit. Families love the different setups for all ages, and the relaxed, fun vibe makes everyone feel at home while they play.

💻 iCode Now Open at New Bee Cave Location

The Gist: iCode School Bee Cave is opening soon, offering STEM education in coding, robotics, and digital design for pre-K through 12th grade students. The academy focuses on technology skills as well as critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.

Why It Matters: Local students now have access to hands-on STEM learning close to home, helping them build skills for future careers in tech and innovation. Parents in Bee Cave are excited to have a place where kids can explore coding and robotics in a fun, supportive environment.

What’s Next: The grand opening celebration will be on Feb. 28 at 11805 Bee Cave Road, Ste. 600.

🏡 Lake Travis, Westlake Home Sales Surge

The Gist: Home sales in the Lake Travis and Westlake areas jumped 22.9% in December 2025 compared to the previous year. ZIP codes 78734 and 78746 saw the biggest increases at 65% and 61.1%, respectively. While some areas experienced lower median prices, the total dollar volume of homes sold rose from $184.65 million in 2024 to $219.63 million in 2025.

Why It Matters: The data shows local housing demand is strong and the market is stabilizing after last year’s fluctuations. Buyers and sellers in the area can expect steadier conditions ahead. Many residents are feeling hopeful that the housing market is settling into a more predictable rhythm for the year.

Winter pruning isn’t just about tidying up, it's about setting your Central Texas yard up for spring success.

This week’s guide walks you through the smart timing after the first hard freeze, which plants love a cutback, and how to avoid “crape murder.” You’ll learn how to trim perennials like Lantana and Turk’s Cap, cut ornamental grasses without cutting the wrong ones, prune roses for double blooms, and refresh groundcovers that survived the cold.

Bonus: mulch now to protect roots, retain moisture, and keep weeds in check. 🌱

Check it out HERE.

🪴 Brought to you by Top Choice Lawn Care

💃 Sweetheart Dance | The Learning Experience | Lakeway | 02/06 | More
Dance, laugh, and enjoy family fun with music, pizza, and memories.

📸 Valentine’s Mini Session | Fetching Fido Fotography | Austin | 02/06 | More
Capture your pets in a festive Valentine’s-themed 15-minute studio session.

🌿 Rooted Markets | Lakeway Village Square | Lakeway | 02/07 | More
Shop fresh local produce, artisanal treats, and seasonal delights with community vibes.

🪁 National Kite Flying Day | Central Park | Bee Cave | 02/08 | More
Fly kites, enjoy fresh air, and celebrate a colorful community day.

🎨 Tween & Teen Crafts: Printmaking | Lake Travis Community Library | Lakeway | 02/12 | More
Create colorful prints with paint and styrofoam in this fun DIY session.

🎸 Solo Acoustic Night with Sky Zito | Little Woodrow's | Bee Cave | 02/06 | More
Classic rock vibes and originals for a cozy, timeless music evening.

🍷 Pour & Encore | Winston’s: Coffee, Pizza, Provisions | Bee Cave | 02/07 | More
Sip wine, enjoy wood-fire pizza, and live music in a cozy setting.

💼 Business Builder Lunch: Attracting Talent | Laura's Library | Austin | 02/09 | More
Learn why small businesses struggle to hire and strategies that truly work.

💄 Galentine’s Event Specials | Skin Bar | Austin | 02/12 | More
Celebrate friendship with beauty treats, savings, and feel-good fun.

🎨 Galentine’s Paint Party | MK Art + Design | Bee Cave | 02/12 | More
Paint, sip mocktails, and enjoy treats in a cozy, creative Galentine’s night.

🎪 Zoppé Italian Family Circus | VFW Post 8787 | Austin | 02/06-02/16 | More
Old-world European circus magic with acrobats, comedy, and intimate big-top charm.

🥁2026 Carnaval Brasileiro | Speakeasy | Austin | 02/07 | More
Austin’s legendary Brazilian Carnaval with live samba and bold costumes.

🏀 Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour | H-E-B Center | Cedar Park | 02/08 | More
Iconic basketball wizardry and hilarious court antics for all ages.

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