Kendall County Woman: Issue 2 – 2023

EYE

Johnson, OD, FAAO Specialist

Therapeutic

Optometrist

@JohnsonEyes www.johnsoneyes.com

WE

As you

menus you will see we prepare nearly any type of entrée. However in South Texas, nothing is more popular than our BBQ options. You’ll love whatever we cook… especially our BBQ.

Welcome to the newest issue of Kendall County Woman. This issue is our second since taking over the magazine and we are excited to get it into your hands and on your screens! We’ve done a lot of thinking over the past few months about what exactly Kendall County Woman needs to be. Is it a magazine about women-owned businesses in Kendall County? Is it a lifestyle publication full of travel, fashion, fitness, art and food? Our goal is that it is a mix of both – that with each issue you are inpired by the stories of these incredible local women, and at the same time encouraged, energized and intrigued by the content that fills these pages.

We know you are just going to love our sweet cover feature on Wander’n Calf’s Wendy and Cheyenne Riggott. Be sure to read their story and pay them a visit the next time you are in Comfort!

In this issue we begin our Trippin’ Across Texas series. The Lone Star State is a big ol’ state with so much to see and do. This summer, why not plan a trip to Fort Worth? With everything

from old west adventures to award-winning museums, there is surely something for everyone.

Also in this issue we have a fun summer drink recipe, some reading suggestions from The Boerne Bookshop, fun catering ideas from Riverside Catering, fun trends and so much more.

Let us know what you think of this issue, we would love to hear from you!

Lauren Stumberg Owner/Publisher lauren@distinctmediatx.com

SIMPLE & SAFER SWAPS FOR YOUR HOME

by Shannon A. Garcia, MDS, RD, LD with KISS in the Kitchen

IIs your home working for you or against you? Ask anyone if they want their home to be safe and the answer will always be a resounding “yes!”. Yet, many of us unknowingly allow products in our homes that contain unsafe ingredients. I always say “when you know better, you do better”. From cleaning and personal care products to even cookware and food storage, these are all areas you can optimize in your home and create lasting health impacts for generations to come.

PHASE OUT THE FRAGRANCES. It wasn’t that many years ago I still got excited about a Bath & Body Works sale, so I can completely relate to enjoying a home filled with fresh floral scents on a bright spring day. However, avoiding and phasing out sources of synthetic fragrance is always my top recommendation when my clients ask me for my #1 safer swap tip for their homes. Synthetic fragrances are a loophole in the personal care industry, with up to 3,000 ingredients being hidden under the simple ingredient “fragrance” (also sometimes called “parfum). Whether you’re inhaling fragrances or putting them directly on your body in lotions, moisturizers, shampoos and other personal care products, they have potential to disrupt your hormones, lead to allergic reactions and even possibly increase cancer risk. Fragrances and other unsafe ingredients are only one piece to the healthy living puzzle, but they’re an important one.

SAFER SWAP - essential oils (quality ones with pure ingredients) diffused throughout your home or rolled on your wrists and neck as perfume. Safer candles, although sometimes difficult to identify, can still add warmth and ambiance to your home without the toxins. Some of my favorite brands are Fontana, Freckles & Feelings and Primally Pure. Additionally, any 100% beeswax candle without synthetic fragrance is usually a safer swap!

ADIOS ALUMINUM. If you’re lining your baking sheets with aluminum foil, it’s time to make a switch! Cooking your food on aluminum foil has been shown to increase your intake of aluminum and most of us don’t endeavor to intentionally increase our intake of heavy metals. Although your food is likely to only absorb a small amount of aluminum, I advise my clients to not risk the cumulative exposure and opt for something safer. This safer swap is often low-hanging fruit and it’s as simple as changing up your next curbside order!

SAFER SWAP - parchment paper! Bonus points if you can score unbleached parchment paper (I get mine on Thrive Market). This swap is one of the cheapest and easiest to make. Silicone mats are another alternative and although there’s less waste, I find parchment paper easier and performs slightly better for most of the meals I prepare!

PITCH THE PLASTIC especially if that’s where you’re storing your food. Keeping and reheating leftovers in plastic is usually another fairly simple swap to start with. I’m a mama of two young girls so I understand how this swap can be met with some resistance, but hear me out. I’m not proposing ridding your entire home and kitchen of ALL plastic, but starting with what touches your food is one of the most impactful places to start!

SAFER SWAP - Glass, stainless or silicone. If you have littles in your home, I would consider more stainless steel containers for food storage since they’re more durable and less breakable than glass. Glass food storage sets are readily available and reasonably priced with many sets being offered on Amazon or found locally at Costco. Completely ridding your home of Ziplocs might not be realistic, but slowly stocking up on reusable storage bags is a worthwhile endeavor. My favorite ones are Stasher Bags and I often grab a few new ones during their back to school or Black Friday sale!

TOSS THE TIDE or any other fragranced detergent with harsh chemicals. This one can be tough for many of us, especially if your home is filled with sweaty teenagers. It’s also especially challenging when there are an abundance of detergent options, many of which feature greenwashed labels that can make you think you’re purchasing a safe option while they still actually contain harmful ingredients. Let’s also call out the elephant in the room- will these safer options even work? If you’ve tried a cleaner detergent and felt like your clothes didn’t really get clean, it can be hard to keep trying other options that might be a waste of your time and money. That’s typically how my clients are feeling when they find me! They want to make safer

swaps in their home, but either don’t have time, are exhausted with the endless search for safer products that are also high performing or both! If that sounds like you, I would highly recommend working with a safer swaps expert to help guide you or even take on detoxing your whole home without you lifting a finger.

SAFER SWAP - Branch Basics, a Texas based company, is my personal go-to because of the easy and effective concentrate system. It’s even removed berries and paint stains from my toddler’s clothes and my clients can also save 15% off with code KISS!

KISSINTHEKITCHN@YAHOO.COM | (210) 364-6542

KISSINTHEKITCHEN.COM/LOW-TOXIC-HOME-EDIT/

Shannon is currently offering exclusive low-tox home edit services in Kendall County. She’s available for in-home assessments and will help detox your home without you lifting a finger. Shannon understands how making safer swaps can be challenging, confusing and how defeating it can feel when cleaner products don’t perform well. Her job and joy is implementing all the vetted and sustainable safer swaps for you! The final outcome is a lowtox home that supports you and your family’s health now and for generations to come.

SHANNON A. GARCIA, MDS, RD, LD with KISS in the Kitchen

CREATIVE CATERING

tFUN FOOD OPTIONS YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE!

This time of year is full of celebrations and gatherings with family and friends. You have Fourth of July, Labor Day, lots of summer pool parties and backyard barbecues to look forward too! All too often, we get so busy making sure the party is perfect for everyone else that we miss out on all of the fun. Hiring a caterer is a great way to ensure that you don’t miss a moment with your family and friends.

According to Cindy Zoeller, owner of Riverside Catering, “There are lots of fun ways to cater a party without actually having a traditional sit-down meal. Options like appetizer, dessert, pasta, mac-n-cheese or even baked potato bars are great options to feed a large group and also keep everyone up, moving around and mingling.”

“Charcuterie is such a popular option right now,” Zoeller added, “not only is it beautiful, but it allows the option to graze at your leisure. We love providing our customers with premade Charcuterie Cups. This way it is more grab and go. Partygoers don’t have to stand around a table or fix a plate, just grab a cup full goodness and head back to the fun!”

Of course, Riverside Catering is known for their amazing barbecue and savory steaks, so if something a bit more hardy is what you have in mind they’ve got that handled too! “In addition to our popular menu items, we love to create custom menus for our clients. Just let us know what type of food you have in mind, and we will create something special just for you and your guests.”

LET RIVERSIDE CATERING HELP CELEBRATE THE MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE!

RIVERSIDE-CATERING.COM

Waterfront Investment Properties & Short-Term Rentals

tThe idea of purchasing a waterfront vacation rental property is arguably one of the best investments you can make. The ability to have your own vacation getaway, residual income opportunities, tax writeoffs and assets for the future are all great reasons.

Purchasing any vacation rental property requires a solid understanding of local markets and projected revenue. Here are some things that every prospective vacation rental buyer should know before they make an offer and begin the process of a shortterm rental property.

Location – Location – Location

Location is the one thing that you can’t change in real estate, but ultimately it is one of the most important decisions when purchasing a vacation rental investment. Your impending purchase must

be in a pleasant and desirable location to attract guests easily. Take your time to analyze vacation rental trends in the location you’re searching, and understand the local amenities that are available to your guests. Waterfront properties in Texas have historically shown incredible appreciation. One thing you can contribute that to, is that they can’t make more of it. Lakes and beaches only have so much waterfront and the land is typically where the majority of the property value lies. Take notice, if the property is on open waterfront, a cove or a channel. Remember, you can always update and change the exterior and interior of the home but you can’t change the land.

Local Market Comps

Make sure to connect with a local experienced Realtor® that can help you research a comparative

market analysis. A comparative market analysis will give you the best insight to the most recently sold similar properties in the area you’re looking to purchase. In addition to familiarizing yourself with a prospective area, your Realtor® can easily help you identify a rental price range and begin to formulate the income you can reasonably expect from the property you are interested in as well as estimate your expenses.

Ebbs & Flows of Vacation Rental Demand

It is vital to your success that you understand the ebbs and flows of vacation rental demand in your prospective purchase area. For example, if your purchase area is in a resort lifestyle setting, understanding the “seasons” for vacation rental demand is of most importance. It may be worth considering in your slower months to offer discounts for multimonth renters, so your property isn’t sitting vacant.

Finance Options

The best way to finance an investment property depends on each person’s situation.

In a competitive market, cash is king, however taking your cash out of other investments doesn’t always make the most sense. Sometimes there are options to take a Line of Credit against other investments. When you do that, you become a cash buyer and even avoid lender closing costs.

Taking out a mortgage is another great way to finance an investment property. The rule of thumb is 20% down, but some lenders who know the specific market you are buying in know how to get creative and can sometimes help you into a lower down payment. Shop around and don’t give up if one lender can’t make it work.

In most situations, vacation rental investments will collect monthly income and begin building equity. While the investment opportunity sounds glamorous and might make you want to jump right in, do your due diligence first and have a plan. With the right preparation you could find your investment paying off for years to come.

Kathleen Kokernot Global Real Estate Advisor

(830) 265-2818

kjluxury.com

kathleen.kokernot@sothebysrealty.com

Top 10 Reasons to visit Annie's

10. Your doctor wrote a compounded prescription.

9. You hate bathing in testosterone gel (& so does your wife)

8. Your kids can't focus in school (& neither can you)

7. You don't like fighting your cat during medicine time.

6. You have uncontrolled hot flashes (& the A/C bill is high)

5. Your neighbor goes to Annie's.

4. You want to try CBD without getting high.

3. You have an "-itis" (arthritis, thyroiditis you get the point)

2. You love gluten, but your body doesn't

1. You've never been and you have serious FOMO. (It's only been 16 years, we still welcome first-timers!)

Coffee Mission with a

w“We had never owned our own business, or really even knew how to make a great cup of coffee for that matter, but we did know that we needed to make a plan to give our daughter hope and purpose after she graduated high school,” said Wendy Riggott, who along with her husband Keith, are the owners of Wander’n Calf Coffee Co. in Comfort.

“Cheyenne was born with unique needs, and for most of her life we have been on a very special journey as her parents to help our daughter achieve all that she is capable of. Along the way, we came to realize that we needed to switch our focus from what she couldn’t do, to what she could do,” added Wendy. “Cheyenne and I have always loved to bake together, and I really love coffee, so the idea of opening an espresso bar and bakery came naturally. Plus, Cheyenne thrives when she is around people, and a coffee shop would give her that social element that she longs for.”

And with that, a plan was made, Wendy took classes on how to create specialty coffees, and Wander’n Calf was born. According to Wendy, “It started out as a pop-up to get our feet wet, then we had a few locations in and around Boerne, but eventually we found our home here in Comfort.”

Located right on Front Street in Comfort, Wander’n Calf is just about the most picturesque, small town coffee shop you ever did see. Keith has put in tons of hard work to create a setting with the charm to match the energy of the ever-so-sweet Cheyenne. “This coffee shop and our customers

article by Lauren Stumberg

photos by Megan Smart Photography

have been so good for Cheyenne,” Wendy added. “The smile that it puts on her face just brightens the whole place.”

In fact, the Riggotts have witnessed Cheyenne blossom as she learns and grows. “She can’t do it all, but she can serve the customers, wash the dishes, help with the baking and it has been so rewarding to watch as she comes out of her shell and feels more confident because she is a part of something,” said Wendy.

As the Riggotts saw how much working in the coffee shop was helping their own daughter, they soon realized that there was an opportunity to be able to help other young adults with similar needs to Cheyenne. Currently Wander’n Calf employs four young adults, all who also have varying unique abilities. According to Wendy, “Having employees with special needs does

require extra work. It means additional staff and special training. It is important that we find just the right people who can work with and alongside these special individuals. They must be able to focus on their strengths, while at the same time not overlook their weaknesses. It is a lot of extra work, but seeing the incredible impact it has on the lives of our uniquely-abled employees makes it all worthwhile.”

However, the Riggotts know they have been blessed with some of the best employees who have come alongside them to make Wander’n Calf a success. They have a full-time baker, a full-time barista and their manager has been with them for six years now. “We are always looking for people who want to involved with our mission, but also love to make coffee,” laughed Wendy.

Wander’n Calf is proud of not only their purpose, but of the quality of the products they provide as well. They grind every cup of coffee fresh and it is locally roasted in small batches from a private roaster in San Antonio. Their baked goods are made from scratch and include many gluten free and dairy free options.

So what about the name? Why Wander’n Calf? “Any parent of a child with special needs is truly on a journey, navigating and advocating through every area of life; medical, social, and academic. It can be exhausting and lonely. For our family, it felt like we were wandering for years just trying to find a place to belong. The “Calf” refers to those with unique needs and represents their innocence and a need for guidance along their journey.” Wendy ended by saying, “Our goal is for Wander’n Calf to be a place where the community can get exceptional coffee, tea and sweets and where those who have been ‘wandering’ can feel like they have finally found a place to belong.” WandernCalf.com 817 Front Street – Comfort Tuesday-Friday 7am-2pm Saturday 8am-2pm Sunday/Monday CLOSED

STRAWBERRY SLUSH PUNCH

Hot times call for cold drinks, and this one is sure to beat the Texas heat! Perfect for both kids and adults all summer long.

Recipe Makes Enough for Two Bowls

Ingredients

6 cups water

2 ½ cups sugar

2 packages (3 ounce) strawberry flavored gelatin

2/3 cup lemon juice

1 (46 ounce) pineapple juice

1 quart orange juice (no pulp)

2 bottles (2 liter) lemon-lime soda

Directions

1- In a large saucepan, bring water, sugar and gelatin to a boil – boil for 3 minutes.

2- Stir in lemon juice, orange juice and pineapple juice.

3- Separate the liquid into to containers and freeze.

4- When ready to serve, combine the frozen contents of one container with one bottle of lemon-lime soda in a punch bowl and stir.

Repeat these steps to refill your punch bowl with the remaining portions.

Wonderful Gifts

FOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE

MOTHERS, SISTERS, TEACHERS, FRIENDS – NO MATTER WHO IS ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST, THESE GREAT GIFT IDEAS ARE SURE TO PLEASE!

LA TE DA

MONOGRAMME NO. 29

enewton jewelery

This brand of fashion jewelery is loved by all.

Personalized monogrammed bags

Monogramme29 – 704 High Street – Comfort

FIREBRAND POTTERY

Shop a wide selection of unique, handmade pottery

Firebrandpottery.com

MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATE

Give the gift of Relaxation with a massage from Zen Den Massage. zendenboerne.com

COCKTAIL SALT GIFT SET

Enjoy five different all-natural cocktail salts, you can customize any cocktail to your exact tastes.

Enjoy limitless possibilities and make sure your cocktails are always on point.

TexasSaltCo.com

A wide variety of wonderful pampering products that are packaged perfectly to gift. Lotion, Soap, Foaming Hand Wash, Scented Reeds, and More... all come in coordinating packaging that make it easy to put together a thoughtful gift. Gift wrapping available too!

133 S. Main – Boerne

PIXIE

Many people don’t know what to give as a gift. Pixie has a variety of goodies that make the decisions easy. Give the gift curated for your mom’s astrological sign! They have gorgeous necklaces, fabulous small batch perfume, and beautiful candles for every sign. Not into astrology signs? No problem! Help mom take care of her jewels! They carry the amazing Baublerella jewelry cleaner! Available in an easy to use brush pen or Bauble ‘bath’.

129 S. Main – Boerne

HANDMADE MESQUITE WOOD ROCKING CHAIR

These rocking chairs have a really cool history! Single or Double Rockers. Available at Boerne Market Days or always on display at Handmade On Main in Boerne.

(210) 296-6406 or facebook.com/rockinchairs

HANDMADE ON MAIN

Botanical for Life sterling silver earrings – with a preserved mustard seed. They’re mounted on a card that says “Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Wear this as a reminder that nothing will be impossible for you!”

$20

Sola & Stem hand-painted gorgeous floral pieces.  All made from sola wood flowers.  Beautiful, colorful, stunning arrangements that last – and no two arrangements are ever alike. $14 - $48

347 N. Main – Boerne handmadeonmainboerne.com

J.FORKS DESIGNS

Fun Graphic T-Shirts

Turquoise Glass Pony Bead and Silver Concho Stacker Bracelet

Golden Crystal W/Buffalo Nicklet & Chrysolcolla Drop

470 S. Main – Boerne jforksdesigns.com

BLUME HAUS

Stunning floral arrangements are always a fun surprise!

blume-haus.com

BRADLEY

KELLIE DESIGN

Beautiful, faith-based jewelry crafted in Boerne! Bradleykellie.com

FREETHINKERS

Heirloom Recipe Book

Beautiful cloth wrapped hard cover, screen printed by hand, gold foil. 59 detailed pages with sections for ingredients, instructions, memories, through the years, notes and more. Comes in custom storage box, linen wrapped with hinged lid and ribbon.

636 High Street – Comfort

BOERNE LIBRARY OFFERS NEW PROGRAM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING

tThe City of Boerne’s Patrick Heath Public Library rolled out a new program aimed at helping families with young children access early learning materials and community resources.

The program, called Bright Beginning, is offered through a partnership with Family Place Libraries – a nationwide organization that exists to institutionalize a family friendly environment by transforming libraries into community centers for literacy, early childhood development, parent education and engagement, family support, and community information.

“One of the goals of the library is to promote lifelong learning for all ages,” Library Director Kelly Skovbjerg said. “Recognizing the difficulties of raising young children, this program serves as a family’s central resource for all the things they need to help with early learning, literacy, and more.”

Knowing how many families with young children it serves, the library staff applied for and received a $6,000 grant to join Family Place Libraries. The grant, funded through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, paid for the training of two staff members and supplies for the program. Additional funding was provided by the Friends of the Boerne Public Library and other donors.

The Bright Beginning program includes a five-week workshop

where participating families gather in a specially designed play space and kids can interact with each other through play-based learning and art activities. Also, each week a different community professional will attend the workshop to connect participants to additional family resources.

The library has also updated its parentteacher collection to include additional early learning and literacy materials available to all library patrons.

The first five-week session for Bright Beginning began Friday, April 14 with space for 10 families. You must register ahead of time to attend the workshop. The library plans to expand to two sessions next year with one of the sessions occurring in the evening to better accommodate working parents.

Megan Joyner crna + injector white - glove aesthetic services

mobile medspa: private parties or concierge service available follow us on social media for our monthly pop-up spots too!

TEXT (210) 404-7645

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF DERMAL FILLERS!

As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, leaving lines, creases and wrinkles to become more apparent. Our dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid - a naturally occuring polysaccharide that is present in skin and cartilage - which will diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness.

PENGUIN SUITS INC. ADVERTISING AGENCY WINS 15TH INTERNATIONAL AWARD

CEO Debi Burrows Earns 2023 Hermes Creative Award

c

CEO of Penguin Suits Advertising Agency, Debi Burrows, earns yet another International Hermes Creative Award for creative professionals. Awarded by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), Penguin Suits Advertising Agency is recognized for their outstanding work in the industry while promoting marketing and communication. Specifically, the award is for the website design and development of LevTech’s website – www. leveltechnology.us.

As the owner, Head Storyteller, and Marketing Strategist of Penguin Suits Marketing Agency, it's no surprise that Mrs. Burrows receives another international award for her success immediately following the company’s recent 20th anniversary celebration. On April 11th, 2023, Mrs. Burrows and the Penguin Suits Team celebrated with The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, and the surrounding community. “Receiving this award not even a week after celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary is great validation for my team and I,” says Mrs. Burrows. So, what’s next for Penguin Suits? Mrs. Burrows proudly announces, “We’re excited to explore commercials and even more digital media! Everything nowadays is shifting to digital, and we’re on top of it!” Stay tuned for Penguin Suits’ next inspiring endeavor in the near future!

ABOUT PENGUIN SUITS ADVERTISING AGENCY:

Penguin Suits Advertising Agency handles every aspect of business marketing, starting with the strategy, including social media, ad campaigns, websites, printed items, broadcast commercials, public relations, and even trade shows. As Your Marketing Department, Penguin Suits becomes part of your company. Working directly with the business owner, the Penguin Suits team listens to your specific goals for your compa-

bTWO LOCAL BOUTIQUES HAVE CHANGED LOCATIONS

Both The Pearl Antler and Joli Boutique now have new homes!

The Pearl Antler is now located on the Hill Country Mile at 322 S. Main Street, Suite A in Boerne. The mission for the store is to provide a size inclusive place to shop, and a welcoming environment to everyone who walks through the doors. Stop in and shop their fun and fabulous clothing and accessories.

Jolie Boutique recently relocated to 136 S. Main. They have a passion for serving others and helping customers “dress their confidence”. The Joli philosophy is that every lady should be uniquely beautiful!

ny and creates an action plan to achieve those goals. The talented and innovative staff are well-educated in web design, SEO, graphic design, social media management, and marketing promotions. Using their creativity and skill, the team at Penguin Suits creates compelling advertising campaigns that will influence your target audience, increase your overall brand awareness, and bottom line.

dresses & sneakers

Fun, fashionable sneakers are definitely having a moment. No longer reserved for just exercising, these cool kicks are being incorporated into all kinds of outfits, and dresses are no exception! Whether you are dressing up for a night out or keeping it casual for running errands or playing with the kids, pair sneakers with everything from a fun day dress to a more formal frock.

minimal maximalism

color crush: chartreuse

Is it green? Is it yellow? This bright color is a blend of both and perfect for summer. Showing up in everything from clothing, accessories and of course pool floats, chartreuse brings the perfect pop of color to brighten up any outfit or decor. Love it but don’t want to commit? Use this neon hue to polish your nails or add some fun pillows on your patio!

The name of this design trend may be a total oximoron, but the look is pure perfection. Stark minimalism is being updated as people embrace warmer interiors with a bit more interest. So what exactly is minimal maximalism? Start with neutral or tonal color palattes, and then add in textures and ornamental furniture and decor. Embrace statement pieces or architectural details that catch the eye, but keep it free of clutter for that airy minimalist feel.

Better Together

In these two local businesses, mother/daughter duos are working together – and we couldn’t love it more!

J. Forks Designs

Jenny Forks and her daughter, Hallie Forks Juliano, are the driving forces behind this local lifestyle brand and boutique. The store specializes in their signature J. Forks Designs jewelry and graphic tee shirts and carries a collection of clothing and accessories from their favorite brands, as well as a custom hat bar!

Jenny began creating unique, hand-crafted jewelry over 20 years ago and it has served as the foundation of the brand. Hallie is the lead designer for J. Forks extensive collection of graphic tees. In 2019, the perfect spot on Main Street in Boerne became available to open their lifestyle boutique. According to Jenny, “The retail space is Hallie’s vision. I created this business for her over twenty years ago and now we get to do it together!”

Shop at 470 S. Main Street, Ste. 101 – Boerne or online at jforksdesigns.com

Pixie | La Te Da

Local boutique owner Brandi Sees, and her mother Linda Crane, work together at both Pixie and La Te Da. These local boutiques are full of fashion, accessories and lots of fun finds. “I absolutely love having my mother working alongside of me. At first, she started helping me on the weekends and that has progressed to five days a week and special events. I work a lot, and this is a great way for us to still be able to spend time together,” said Brandi. “One great example of why I love working with my mom is right before this last Diva Night, I got a terrible migraine. My mom took over and just made the whole thing happen. I never doubted that she would, because she is my mom and I know she wouldn’t let me down!” Shop at 129 S. Main & 133 S. Main – Boerne or online at glitziepixie.com | latedaboerne.com

Having professional photos taken is such a sweet way to document your life and all of its seasons. Parents love to reminisce about how young their children were and all those moments that seemed to pass by so quickly. So how often should you get family photos taken? I recommend having professional family portraits taken at least once a year. Two times a year is even better. Time with your children is fleeting, plus it’s hard to remember to snap photos all of the time. Children change so much and so fast. Having all those smiles and appearances documented is priceless.

PHOTOS ARE NOT JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Most families get their portraits taken around the holidays - to go with holiday or new year’s cards. That’s why I believe capturing family portraits twice a year is always a good idea. Booking at least two sessions will give you a wonderful reflection of how your family has grown, especially in the early years where kids grow leaps and bounds.

How often should you take family photos?

hNEVER MISS A SINGLE MOMENT

As your children achieve every milestone, it’s so important not miss it! So much changes within a year, especially if you have young children in your family. Babies lose their infant rolls and toothless grins, toddlers grow into preschoolers, children become preteens, you might have another baby bump before the year is over, and the list goes on. Documenting all of your family milestones throughout the year guarantees that you will have those special occasions forever saved in beautiful imagery.

THE SEASONAL MINI SESSION

A super easy way to take annual family photos is to schedule a mini session! Many photographers offer mini sessions, typically in the fall, spring or holidays. They are quick photo sessions where you can update your family photos easily at a reasonable price. Plus they only take about 20 minutes. It’s a great option if you have little kids or babies. Their attention spans are so short that a mini session just might be perfect for you!

Children change so much and so fast. Having all those smiles and appearances documented is priceless.

by Megan Smart

Trippin’ Across Texas: Fort Worth

wWhether you are thinking about a weekend girls’ getaway or a fun-filled week with the family, Fort Worth really packs a punch when it comes to Texas vacays. There are sites to be seen, eatieries to enjoy and a wild west culture that makes this city worth the trip!

The City of Cowboys and Culture ranks as the 12th-largest city in the United States and offers dozens of different districts and attractions, each with a diverse selection of fun experiences. Here’s a handful of ideas that are just the beginnning of fun things to do in The Unexpected City.

The Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District offers visitors a taste of the true American West. Here the Old West comes to life through the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive presented by the Fort Worth Herd. Every day at 11:30am and 4:30pm, real Texas cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down East Exchange Avenue.

While at The Stockyards, explore the authentic history of the site through historical iconic buildings and museums, take in some live music or a live rodeo and even visit the world’s biggest honky-tonk – Billy Bob’s Texas.

The Cultural District

Fort Worth is home to several worldrenowned museums and the Cultural District is a great place to start. Here you will find the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Kimbell Art Museum, The Amon Carter Museum of American Art and even the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Sundance Square

Referred to as the “living room of Fort Worth”, Sundance Square marries modern culture with historical western architecture in this 37-square-block downtown area of entertainment, art galleries, shopping, restaurants and even residential living and office spaces. Explore the water fountains, courtyards and murals of this area while on

your way to a live prodution at the accoustically perfect Bass Performance Hall.

Fort Worth Zoo

The oldest continuous zoo site in Texas, this zoo was founded in 1909 with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock and a few rabbits. It is now home to more than 500 species and 7,000 native and exotic animals. Other attractions include a splash area, outdoor learning theater, train, carousel & more!

Botanic Garden & BRIT

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) is one of the largest centers for botanical inspiration and discovery in the United States. Composed of twenty-three specialty gardens, the 120-acre campus offers horticulture displays, exciting exhibits, gift shops, a cafe and of course amazing visuals all around you.

Texas Motor Speedway

This 1.5-mile super-speedway is known as “The Great American Speedway.” The stadium can accommodate a whopping 200,000 fans and is America’s second-largest sports and entertainment facility. Texas Motor Speedway features more than 10 major racing series that includes NASCAR and IndyCar Racing. In addition to races, they also offer year-round tours and championship driving schools!

This list is just a tip of the iceberg of all the fun to be had on a trip to Fort Worth. If you go, be sure to share with us all the fun you had. We’d love to know what your favorite thing to do was!

Nothing Is Lost

by Juliette Marhofer-Dugger

lLauren Stumberg and I have both been told for years, “You need to meet her!”

So, one afternoon we made our way onto the lovely patio of Bakery Lorraine in Boerne. We laughed, chatted, encouraged, asked, listened, leaned into our stories, and finally brought our conversation full-circle with this powerful truth, “God allows nothing in our lives to be wasted.”

There is a point in our lives we must cross over. Crossroads become invitations for us to leave the old to embrace the new. Seasons shift and new chapters begin to bring order amid chaos. We heal and begin to make peace with the pieces that often leave fingerprints as question marks in our stories.

The gift of reflection reminds us that our “curveballs” are no surprise to God and He always has a plan to redeem them as home runs in our lives. All of the hard, all of the loss, every moment we experience disappointment, are all woven together to create a beautiful tapestry of good.

When I consider rewriting our stories of waste and loss, to one of beauty and belonging, it echoes glory like the sun shining while it’s raining. Choosing to live a new narrative, is the process of turning our pain into power! Recounting bits of our stories together, Lauren and I kept returning to a place of gratitude for all of the small interactions in our lives which evolved into big connections. And the truth is, what seems “big” in each of our lives is connected to what we desire most. For both of us we discovered it’s all about relationships, personally and professionally.

Often we find ourselves exhausted from fighting battles never intended for us. Are you ready to release what’s not meant for you, to create margin to fight for what is? You will never know what you want until you

want it and you may not be able to see it until you heal it. Power and pain coexist beautifully when we realize our path is connected to our purpose and it was never meant to look like anyone else’s!

We step into conversations as cultural thought leaders, brilliant entrepreneurs, and disruptors in our sphere of genius, but what about our soul as a woman? We don’t often approach the intersection of tension in our soul we experience on the daily with gumption and grit. We find ourselves longing to engage peace while anxiety feels like a nasty, damp draft in the back of our minds. Our creativity and leadership in our life suffers personally and professionally when we leave the condition of our soul up to chance. Until I designed my life around tending to what matters most, all I could see was loss and waste. Understanding how to handle disappointment doesn’t sound groundbreaking I know, but why is it then that it seems to break us? The truth is I hate to lose, but I see it as an opportunity to be better and do better. As a creative entrepreneur for over twenty years, I want you to know you’re so much stronger than you think and don’t be afraid to fail. Your strength is uncovered in your moments of weakness when you pay attention to your reactions. Failure is an event, it’s not your identity. Talk less, ask tons of questions, and listen more. Walk into the room and own it. Don’t worry about the room knowing you, it’s more important to know the room. If you keep trying to control the outcome, the outcome will own you. We can get so caught up in the process that we forget who we are. And boundaries, for the love of God, have boundaries. “The only people that will be upset about you setting boundaries are the people who benefitted from you having none.” Boundaries say love, share love, and give love. People will take as much as you’re willing to give. Love people, don’t use them and let people love you and not use you. Motivate people not manipulate them and be motivated by people instead of being manipulated. Build relationships with others because you want to give to their life, not solely because you want them to contribute something to yours. Be kind, love well, and be gracious. Do unto others as you want them to do to you. We all get stuck. The important thing is to not associate being stuck with failing. Life changes in seconds and it’s too short to allow shame to step in and beat us up. Get up and close that door immediately! Take a day of rest. Venture out for a weekend getaway for some inspiration. Grab coffee with the friend who brings you

We all get stuck. The important thing is to not associate being stuck with failing. Life changes in seconds and it’s too short to allow shame to step in and beat us up.

joy. Just do something different to break the cycle. Then, breathe, press pause, and journal! Whatever it takes because it’s your life and who will you have to blame, but yourself. Be bold and do something different. The “new” is awaiting your arrival!

You’ll never regret doing hard things, you’ll only wish you did them sooner. Get good at recognizing the resistance that’s holding you back from creating and begin redeeming those areas of your life that have felt permanently lost. Do the hardest part of unpacking your

• Instagram: @juliettemarhoferdugger

soul to build the life you were meant to live! The world is your oyster and there is a glass ceiling meant for you to shatter!

Always remember, when we see lost, God sees found, and where we see ashes from waste, God sees beauty. It’s not cliche to say, “It’s your time to shine”, because light shines in the darkness. We need you to help us light up this world!

• Watershed Warrior: Available on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Kindle

• Podcast: Yellow Soul on Apple & Spotify

• www.wildwellcompany.com

Juliette Marhofer-Dugger is a mama, published author, life coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and thought leader, whose obsession with Soul Care points others to rewrite their story and not to relive history. After childhood and adulthood trauma caused a collision of abandonment and a longing for intimate belonging in her soul, she created dialogue to radically transform her narrative. She has committed her life to helping others recover their breath in the middle of the war in their soul, not after it ends! Juliette is the founder of WildWell Company—a movement of freeing the mind and healing the body through Soul Care for females affected by childhood and adulthood trauma, systemic cycles and patterns of mental, emotional, spiritual abuse, and betrayal trauma. Juliette is passionate about reframing soul hygiene to disrupt the view of how we connect to faith, ourselves, and others to create a life of wonder!

the boerne boo K shop presents

Focus on the Family

by Tracy Tully

This time of year brings us many reasons to gather with family. Father’s Day, summer family vacations, graduation parties and Fourth of July are just a few of the many upcoming holidays and events that may bring families together. That being said, we thought it would be fun to share a few great reads about family relationships. We hope you enjoy!

BLACK CAKE

by Charmaine Wilkerson

In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a traditional Caribbean black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking journey Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child, challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their family, and themselves.

Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor’s true history, and fulfill her final request to “share the black cake when the time is right?” Will their mother’s revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever?

THE DUTCH HOUSE

by Ann Patchett

Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.

The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from.

Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Throughout their lives they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.

PEOPE PERSON

by Candice Carty-Williams

If you could choose your family...you wouldn’t choose the Penningtons. Dimple Pennington knows of her half siblings, but she doesn’t really know them. Five people who don’t have anything in common except for faint memories of being driven through Brixton in their dad’s gold jeep, and some pretty complex abandonment issues. Dimple has bigger things to think about. She’s thirty, and her life isn’t really going anywhere. An aspiring lifestyle influencer with a terrible and wayward boyfriend, Dimple’s life has shrunk to the size of a phone screen. And despite a small but loyal following, she’s never felt more alone in her life. That is, until a dramatic event brings her half siblings Nikisha, Danny, Lizzie, and Prynce crashing back into her life. And when they’re all forced to reconnect with Cyril Pennington, the absent father they never really knew, things get even more complicated.