Kendall County Woman – Issue 3, 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.

Hey Guys!

II hope your summer has been full of fun! We’ve done our fair share of beaching, baseball games, swimming and exploring this summer break and have had a blast. The good news is that while school may be starting back up, summer is far from over. There is plenty of time left to enjoy the season.

In this issue we feature Katy Mimari, a local businesswoman who is taking the baby products industry by storm. Her company, Caden Lane, has witnessed phenomenal growth and her vision, drive and determination are to be admired. What do we love even more about Katy? We love that she is doing all of this from right here in Boerne!

We have so many other great articles that are filling these pages. We know you are going to love this issue and can’t wait for you to dive in!

Lauren Stumberg Owner/Publisher

lauren@distinctmediatx.com

The Benefits of a

IIf you were to walk into your closet right now, I’m willing to bet there are at least 5-10 pieces of clothing that are either past their prime, no longer fit anymore, or have never even been worn at all. Now, there’s no shame in it. We’re all guilty of it, myself included sometimes. With the regular craziness and busyness of life, our closets often take a back burner to the rest of the items on the never ending to-do lists we make each day. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that I like to call a wardrobe edit.

A wardrobe edit is just that; an edit to your current wardrobe. It’s a process where you evaluate the items you currently have, decide which ones you want to keep or get rid of and reorganize the remaining

items to your liking. This process is beneficial for many reasons but I’ll share my top three with you!

Wardrobe Edit 1 2

It provides clarity into the items you currently have and may have forgotten about. Many times, if items aren’t clearly visible and available, we forget we have them and never pull them off of the hanger. Sure, it may come to mind every once in a while, but for the most part, out of sight equals out of mind. We all work hard for the money we earn and if we decide to use it to buy a piece of clothing, don’t we want to make sure we get enough wear out of it to justify the cost? If we never see the item and therefore never wear it, once we do eventually evaluate our closet, we

by Kasye Neill

often feel guilty for wasting money on it in the first place. Doing a quick inventory three to four times a year can help you avoid this.

By removing the items that no longer serve you, you are creating space for new ones that will. Most of us have a set amount of space in our closets for our clothes and accessories. When we hold onto items that we no longer wear or need, we’re allowing them to take up valuable space that could be put to better use. Also, decluttering and purging items that don’t work for you anymore, helps eliminate confusion and frustration. Oftentimes, if we hold onto items we shouldn’t, we will try to incorporate them into an

outfit and wonder why it doesn’t look good. This can sometimes also lead down a path of negativity and result in us thinking our bodies are the problem, when in reality, it’s the clothes that are the issue. Be proactive in removing these items and watch how much easier it is to get dressed every day when you can only choose from items that actually work for you!

Reorganizing your items creates efficiency and saves you time in the long run. How many times have you decided on what to wear for the day but can’t seem to find the one item needed to complete the outfit? You spend 10-15 minutes looking for it with no success. Now you’re frustrated and running late because you had to start over and find a whole other outfit to wear. Or worse, you just grab anything you can find to put on because you’re out of time and now you feel thrown together and self-conscious about your look for the rest of the day. This is why this last step of the process is so important. When I’m doing an edit for a client, I always ask for their input on how they would like the items to be arranged, because how you organize them (by color, occasion, type, etc) doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s a system that works best for you!

At the end of the day, the main goal and result of a completed wardrobe edit should be to make your life easier by creating a space filled only with items that you know work for you and that you can find quickly and effortlessly. These edits are one of my favorite parts of my styling process with clients, so if you’re needing help completing yours, I’d love to chat with you about it! You can schedule a free consultation by visiting my website listed below.

KASYE NEILL theadornedstyleco.com

361.816.9297

Kasye is a personal stylist and the owner of The Adorned Style Co. She received her certification from the Style Coaching Institute™ based in London and currently lives here in the Hill Country with her husband, Tanner, and their dog, Roo. She offers both in-person and virtual services which include style/color analysis, wardrobe edits, personal shopping and special event styling. Her passion is helping women curate wardrobes that make them feel confident, beautiful and uniquely themselves.

PERSONAL

“

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

This Issue’s

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Vira Versa Tote in Cerulean with Khaki Rope Straps PeachLlamaTx.com

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Rust Turquoise Custom Felt Hat simple single ribbon look with a touch of turquoise – handmade by hatter, Hallie Forks Juliano. Hat is online under "custom hat" available

Butter soft fitted tank dress paired with J.Forks Jewelry & custom felt hat JForksDesigns.com

Fickle Pickles Marinade & Pickles Back-to-School Lunches are Better with Fickle Pickles! FicklePickles.com

barbiecore t

This hot pink, ultra-femme aesthetic has been on the rise for the past few years, but now with the release of the highly-anticipated Barbie film, Barbiecore is hotter than ever! While hot pink is preferred, other shades like fuchsia and bubblegum also embrace the vibe of the trend.

Color isn’t the only part of Barbiecore, feminine silhouettes, matching sets and details like sparkles, feathers, fun patterns and fluorescent or holographic accessories are important too. Don’t be afraid to stand out in a bold, bright, monochromatic outfit!

The trend has spread beyond personal apparel and is taking over all things visual – from interior design to product design and even marketing and events. It is definitely a movement and you can see why. Barbiecore is bright, fun, lighthearted and nostalgic all at the same time.

Katy MimariBuilding a Baby Empire

by Lauren Stumberg

photo by Megan Smart

Katy Mimari has built a big business. We’re talking 4,000% growth in the last four years, #279 on Inc.’s 5,000 Fastest Growing Companies is the U.S. kind of big. And what’s even better is her company, Caden Lane, is located right here in Boerne. According to Mimari, “We may design products for tiny babies, but we have some pretty BIG growth ahead of us!”

Caden Lane was built with baby steps from the start, but from the company’s first $1 million in revenue, to its first $100 million, Mimari wouldn’t change a single step along the way. Katy is honest and forthcoming that the journey to success hasn’t always been easy. “I started Caden Lane out of my garage with a small savings account and a big dream,” she said. “It has been a bumpy ride for sure, but we have learned to pivot quickly, and never be afraid of change!”

Mimari spent the rapid growth years of Caden Lane as a single mom with three kids. In fact, Katy began this business while she was pregnant with her first child. “I packed up my bag and flew to Mexico to meet with our first manufacturer and created our first prototypes while pregnant. A few months later, I took my 6-week-old to my first New York market strapped to my chest in a baby carrier, and well, the rest is history,” Mimari said with a smile.

Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, Katy started her first business in college working with children as a photographer. Through that experience she learned that a business could only be scaled successfully if it wasn’t dependent on the efforts of just one person. Looking to build a business she could grow bigger, Mimari began focusing on product development. “I wanted to create a brand that could reach beyond San Antonio. With zero experience in manufacturing, I decided to focus on creating diaper bags because there weren’t a lot of options and I knew they could be designed better,” she said.

From those first diaper bags, Caden Lane has grown and evolved into a lifestyle brand of baby products focused around the birth of a child. Known for their newborn essentials, apparel, and personalized gifts, Caden Lane’s products were wholesale only

for their first nine years in businesses. According to Katy, “Initially our brand was carried in stores like Nordstrom and Buy Buy Baby. However, in that model of business there is no direct interaction with the customer. We also have a retail store in San Antonio, Nursery Couture. Through my experiences at the store I knew the value of being able to talk to the customers, get their feedback and really understand what moms want and need.”

So in 2016, Caden Lane made the decision to go direct to consumer, with their products only available through their website. "We've focused on creating really great products that moms want to use, and connecting with our audience," said Mimari. “We have built our brand around the most amazing community of women, and most of our marketing from early on has come from word of mouth. And as any new mom will tell you, that’s the best kind of advice!”

Mimari is proud not only of the business that she has built, but the company culture she has created. According to Katy, “We have grown organically from a team of five to now having around fifty employees. I love our comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and lack of corporate culture. Years ago, I dreamed of building a headquarters for Caden Lane. I wanted it to be comfortable, home-like, and provide a

continued on page 16

I have learned the best kept secret to balancing it all is that there is no balance! The truth is, if you work hard enough at anything, success will come. To me, balance is not an ultimate goal, it’s just a feeling that pivots to whatever needs your attention the most.

photo by Megan Smart

continued from page 15 work culture that supported working women. And after commuting 45 mins to and from work every day for over ten years, I also wanted it to be close to my home. When we designed and built our brand new 10,000 square foot headquarters here in Boerne two years ago, that dream became a reality. Now we have already outgrown it and recently broke ground on a new 50,000 square foot headquarters and fulfillment center on Highway 46 that we will be moving into next summer.”

For Katy, success is about writing your own story. “Create the dream, then make it happen,” she said. “I want to be all the things – wife, mom, business owner – and I have learned the best kept secret to balancing it all is that there is no balance! The truth is, if you work hard enough at anything, success will come. To me, balance is not an ultimate goal, it’s just a feeling that pivots to whatever needs your attention the most. Some days it’s work, some days it’s family… and some days it’s just a whirlwind mess of both! But balance, as it relates to an entrepreneur, mother, and woman - that simply does not exist. Working moms carry so much pressure already, we shouldn’t put the pressure on them that balance can be achieved in some magical combination of efforts. It’s just

not possible. And how boring is balance anyways? I’ll take adventure, excitement, and opportunity over balance any day!” She continued by saying, “I made the decision early on that I can’t give 100% to everything and have actually found great relief in being ‘good enough’ at most of it. I surrounded myself with the most incredible support team, hired the most talented people I could find, and focused on my family and my business. I’ve had sick kids on my couch at work, and work in the bleachers at football games and cheer practice. There are no rules, it’s all about creating the life you want to live.”

2022 proved to be a record-breaking year for Caden

Lane and their revenue is projected to double again in 2023. With no signs of slowing down, Mimari and her team expanded Caden Lane’s offering to include a blog and launched I’m That Mom, a podcast about motherhood where Katy discusses the fun, funny and messy parts of motherhood. Caden Lane has also created a non-profit, Conceive Fertility Foundation, where a percentage of the profits help deserving families struggling with infertility, a battle Katy faced in growing her own family. “Infertility is something that affects many of our customers and our hope is to bring new life into the world and help create the miracle of families, from one generation to the next,” said Mimari.

Looking forward, Caden Lane has many exciting projects in the works. The company has several new product expansions coming soon and has recently launched international distribution. Caden Lane still remains 100% privately owned, with Katy keeping full control. “I’ve been so privileged to be able to work with the best of the best in San Antonio, and around the US. Every day I get to go to work with the most amazing team and we are all so excited about the crazy growth that still lies ahead,” she said. “I used to believe in the saying ‘if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life’ but the truth is, if you love what you do, you’ll work harder than you’ve ever worked before. Caden Lane is an unconventional story of success, hard work, and… babies! I have ginormous dreams for this company and watching them unfold has been beyond rewarding.”

Working moms carry so much pressure already, we shouldn’t put the pressure on them that balance can be achieved in some magical combination of efforts. It’s just not possible. And how boring is balance anyways? I’ll take adventure, excitement, and opportunity over balance any day!

photo by Megan Smart

Back-To-School Eye Exam

by Dr. Jennifer L. Johnson, OD, FAAO

With school starting back up soon, don’t forget to schedule your child’s annual eye exam! The following are a few questions that I commonly get asked by parents regarding their children and their vision:

Q: AT WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE THEIR FIRST EYE EXAM?

A: It is good to get a baseline exam at age three. There are two main reasons for this. First, it is important to check the health of the eyes to rule out any health conditions that may impair vision. Second, children should be checked for a condition called amblyopia. Amblyopia occurs when one eye does not see as well as the other eye. This can become a permanent condition if not treated with glasses, patching or sometimes drops, before the ages of seven to eight. Kids do not normally complain or notice if one eye is not seeing well, but if left

untreated, depth perception and functional vision will be poor.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT MY CHILD MAY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VISION?

A: Some common signs are squinting, rubbing eyes, or holding a book close to the face, but other less obvious signs include headaches, turning head to one side when trying to focus on an object, one or both eyes turning in or out, avoidance of reading or complaining of fatigue when reading after just a few minutes. Some children that have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder or dyslexia may have vision problems that are exacerbating these conditions. Even if your child has passed the vision screening test at school or at the pediatrician’s office, they should still have a complete eye exam with an optometrist. Especially if mom, dad, or siblings wear glasses or contact lenses.

Q: MY CHILD WEARS GLASSES BUT WOULD LIKE TO TRY CONTACT LENSES. WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO START?

A: Generally, I recommend contact lens wear start between the ages of 10-12, depending on the situation; however, the answer to the question varies depending on several factors. One of the most important factors to consider is the age and maturity level of the child. If the child is not really interested, but thinks that mom or dad wants him to try contacts, it may not be the right time. Contact lenses are a big responsibility, but can be a wonderful choice if the child is motivated!

Another factor is the visual needs of the child. For example, if they need glasses full time, then contact lenses could be a great option. On the other hand, if they need glasses for reading or near work only, glasses may be the better option.

If your child plays sports, contact lenses are a wonderful choice! We have many daily disposable lenses that come with UV protection that are ideal for sports.

Q: MY CHILD HAS BEEN WEARING GLASSES TO SEE FAR AWAY, BUT HER VISION GETS WORSE EVERY 6-12 MONTHS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO KEEP IT FROM CHANGING SO QUICKLY?

A: There is! Children (and adults) that cannot see at a

distance may be nearsighted or have myopia. If this is the case, there are multiple options available to slow down the progression. These options include specialty contact lens wear, eye drops and glasses.

Recent studies predict that by the year 2050, approximately 50% of the US population will have myopia. This is up from 24% in 2017. The reason why this is happening is due to several factors including less outdoor time for younger children and more electronic device use. If myopia worsens, not only is the child’s vision getting worse, but he may also be at risk for developing retinal detachment, cataracts and/or glaucoma in his lifetime. Early detection and treatment are key factors for preventing these vision threatening eye diseases.

JENNIFER JOHNSON

Therapeutic Optometrist & Optometric Glaucoma Specialist

Jennifer attended Stephen F. Austin State Univer sity (SFA), where she successfully completed the pre-professional program in 1996. Upon graduating from SFA, she was accepted to Southern College of Optometry (SCO), in Memphis, Tennessee, where she graduated with honors in 2000. After more than 17 years of practicing optometry and gaining experience in various areas of eye and vision care, under the supervision of talented mentors and expe rienced optometry professionals, Jennifer decided it was time to realize her dream of owning and operat ing her own practice. After consulting God through prayer, and her family, in August of 2017, Jennifer Johnson founded Johnson Eye Care in Boerne, Texas. johnsoneyes.com | (830) 428-0901

I f you are ready to look and feel your best everyday, we can show you the steps to ensure your success.

How Blood Sugar Affects Sleep

70 million Americans are sleep deprived, yet sleep is a critical factor in maintaining metabolic health.

mby Sara Barthel, MS, CNS, LDN, FMCHC Functional Medicine Nutritionist

Most of us need a solid seven to eight hours per night to protect our metabolic health, heart, immune system, and to turn on our brain’s ability to clear out neurotoxins through the glymphatic system. There are so many modern factors that keep us from getting seven to eight solid hours of sleep: technology, shift work, traveling across time zones, sleep apnea, and blood sugar imbalances including diabetes. Here we’ll cover some diet, lifestyle and lab testing options to monitor and support healthy sleep and blood sugar.

Several hormones are influenced by sleep and circadian rhythm including growth hormone, melatonin, cortisol, leptin and ghrelin. Poor sleep quality is linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (1, 2). Insufficient sleep can lead to markers of prediabetes such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) overnight and after meals, insulin resistance, and having more unhealthy food cravings the next day (2). Feeling hungrier for sweets and processed foods the next day results from altered hormone levels (ghrelin, leptin and cortisol) following a poor night’s sleep (3).

Cortisol is typically highest in the morning when you wake up and drops over the course of the day with the lowest point being at bedtime. However, I often hear people complaining about feeling “tired but wired” at night which is a classic sign of adrenal dysfunction. Adrenal issues can make it feel like a major feat to get out of bed in the morning and difficult to fall asleep. Getting a poor night’s sleep can also drive up cortisol and adrenal dysfunction. Sleep, blood sugar, and cortisol each disrupt the other two, so addressing all of them is key.

Not getting enough sleep has been shown to worsen those who already have diabetes since it negatively impacts blood sugar control, but it impacts those without diabetes as well. The impact on sleep may

Many women over 40, and especially those with autoimmunity, start to lose insulin sensitivity, so blood sugar and sleep are extremely important lifestyle considerations.

Getting a poor night’s sleep can also drive up cortisol and adrenal dysfunction. Sleep, blood sugar, and cortisol each disrupt the other two, so addressing all of them is key.

result from blood sugar fluctuations during the night, restless leg syndrome and sleep disordered breathing such as apnea (4).

In my clinical practice I have observed that blood sugar fluctuations are a common cause of waking frequently in the night and I like to test fasting glucose and insulin to calculate an insulin sensitivity score (https://thebloodcode.com/homair-calculator/). Other tests include an oral glucose tolerance test, C-peptide (released at the same time as insulin so is a surrogate marker for insulin), Hemoglobin A1c, glycomark (a marker of postprandial glucose for two weeks prior to the test), or using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be helpful to see the impact certain foods, a poor night’s sleep, or stress can have on your blood sugar levels.

Many women over 40, and especially those with autoimmunity, start to lose insulin sensitivity so blood sugar and sleep are extremely important lifestyle considerations for the population I work with. So how do we break out of this vicious cycle?

Getting physical activity, reducing inflammation and following good sleep hygiene habits are important. Any type of exercise is beneficial because it pulls glucose out of the blood stream and puts it to work in your muscles rather than staying high and causing oxidative damage. Another great way to reduce inflammation is to eat a wide array of antiinflammatory plant foods. Try to hit every color of the rainbow, and aim for 30-50 different veggies, herbs, spices, low glycemic fruits, nuts and seeds each

week. Each brightly pigmented plant color contains different combinations of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.

Good sleep hygiene also includes avoiding caffeine, alcohol and eating several hours before bed; keeping a consistent routine (even on weekends); getting some natural sunlight before looking at your phone when you wake up; dimming the lights and reducing screen time in the evening so that your body naturally releases melatonin; and taking a warm Epsom salt bath with a few drops of lavender oil to lower cortisol. The magnesium can be absorbed through the skin and is relaxing in addition to supporting healthy blood sugar.

A 2022 study looked at the effects of insufficient sleep on blood sugar in 1,102 healthy adults and whether poor sleep duration or timing impacted postprandial glucose response to breakfast the next day. There was a statistically significant relationship between total sleep time and meal type (with varying macronutrient distributions). The high carb and high fat breakfasts led to a larger glucose spike the morning after a night of insufficient sleep. When you go to sleep matters too! A later sleep midpoint (based on hours as a deviation from midnight) was also associated with poor glycemic control after eating high carb and high fat breakfasts. The study highlights the importance of sleep as a lifestyle intervention for metabolic health and diabetes prevention.

If you suspect blood sugar fluctuations, ask your doctor to run labwork to assess your blood sugar. You can also focus on consuming a low-

glycemic diet that prioritizes protein, veggies and a moderate amount of healthy fat with each meal, while minimizing sugar and processed foods. Taking a walk after meals is a great way to blunt blood sugar spikes after eating, and implementing a stress management practice such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help to reset the parasympathetic (‘rest and digest’) nervous system in addition to reducing cortisol. For someone with insulin resistance, eating within 1 hour of waking and 3-4 hours thereafter is important for keeping blood sugar in a healthy, stable range throughout the day and overnight.

SARA BARTHEL, MS, CNS, LDN, FMCHC

Sara Barthel is a functional medicine nutritionist who specializes in digestive disorders and autoimmune disease. She received her Master’s in Nutrition & Functional Medicine from University of Western States and is a Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner, an IFM-certified functional medicine health coach and a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). Sara recognizes the importance of an interconnected approach and while all health starts in the gut, it also impacts hormones, mood, brain health, skin, immune function and more. She owns a virtual practice, Sara Barthel Nutrition, and has worked on some of the most challenging complex cases in the country at TheDr.com.

Sara has been a keynote speaker at the Vibrant America Longevity Conference in Dallas, the San Diego Employers Association and local TedX style events. She helped develop a corporate wellness program that has been adopted by organizations including Bayer and Anderson Windows. Sara uses lab testing, nutrition, supplements and lifestyle interventions to provide a functional medicine approach to health and nutrition. She’s a former Ironman and ultramarathon athlete who overcame her own digestive and autoimmune symptoms and is passionate about helping people achieve optimal vitality and restore balance to their bodies naturally.

1.Tsereteli, N. (2022). Impact of insufficient sleep on dysregulated blood glucose under standardized meal conditions. Diabetologia; 65(2): 356-365. https://link.springer. com/article/10.1007/s00125-021-05608-y

2. Briancon-Marjollet, A. (2015). The impact of sleep disorders on glucose metabolism: endocrine and molecular mechanisms. Diabetol Metab Syndr; 7:25. https://dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13098-015-0018-3

3. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. (2006). Accessed May 11, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/

4. Surani, S (2015). Effects of diabetes mellitus on sleep quality. World J Diabetes; 6(6): 868-873. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4478581/

AN EVENING OF FASHION, COCKTAILS, POP-UP SHOPPING, FUN, GLAMOR, AND FUNDRAISING!

tThe Boerne Retailers’ Style Show & Shopping Event is a collaboration of some of Boerne’s finest retail partners and a fundraiser for the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.

General admission tickets, individual VIP tickets, and VIP packages are available now. And all proceeds from ticket sales go straight to KCWS, helping to provide safe, emergency shelter in a supportive environment where Texas Hill Country victims of domestic violence and their children can begin the healing process and receive the support services they need to build new lives.

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

6:00pm to 9:00pm The Bevy Hotel

benefitting the Kendall County Women’s Shelter

Tickets on Sale Now!

boerneretailersstyleandshop.com

Christian Job Corps of Kendall – Bandera Counties is excited to announce their upcoming fundraiser on Thursday, September 21, 2023 entitled “Women of Excellence, Women of Purpose.” The event is at the First United Methodist Church, Boerne; doors open at 11 a.m. This wonderful luncheon features guest speaker Ann Barham, local Boerne businesswoman and CJC volunteer instructor, presenting her powerful message “From Pain to Purpose.” Several women having graduated the highly acclaimed “Prepped for Life” Program will share their success stories. Fundraiser also includes raffle Gift Baskets and door prizes.

CJC’s “Job Prepped for Life” Program equips women in Kendall and Bandera counties to navigate their path toward

better life-choices and a new start. This program helps women suffering from past or present hurts. It helps the healing process by working with the women’s strengths, identifying their talents, sharpening their job skills, and encouraging them towards God’s intended path.

CJC also offers an Inmate “Prepped for Life” Program which equips inmates to navigate their path toward better life-choices and transformed behavior. Classes are offered to men and women in both Kendall and Bandera County Jails. The measure of success is seeing them become healthier, happier, and more productive individuals. As one inmate stated, “I now have hope and the tools to become a better person”.

Tickets go on sale July 17th. Individual

DON’T MISS THE FOOD & FUN OF THE 12TH ANNUAL KENDALL COUNTY WILD GAME DINNER!

tFun for the Whole Family!!

The Kendall County Wild Game Dinner is the premier fundraiser for the Kendall County Junior Livestock Association and has become one of the hill country’s most anticipated events!

tickets are $75. Event, Table, and Program Sponsorships are available and range from $1,500 to $300. Event registration ends September 8, 2023. Visit www.cjcboerne. org/luncheon to register. Contact Executive Director, Carla O’Dell, at Carla@cjcboerne. org, or phone (830) 423-3022, if you wish to support CJC programs and promote your business at this fundraiser.

September 21, 2023

Noon - 1:30 pm

Doors Open at 11:00 am

First United Methodist Church Boerne Family Life Building 205 James St., Boerne

Purchase Tickets at cjcboerne.org/luncheon

Kendall County Youth Ag & Equestrian Center

648 FM 289 – Comfort, Texas

saturday, october 21st

Gates open at 4pm

Food Starts at 5pm

Tickets $25 at the gate

• 20+ cook teams return

• Live & silent auctions

• raffle, games & drawings

• vendors

“Going into our 12th year we are still amazed at what a success this event is,” said Beca Short, founder of the KC Wild Game Dinner. “When we started this event all those years ago none of us had any idea what to expect. I enlisted the help of some of my friends and family who I know can cook, the food was phenomenal, the atmosphere was fun and laid back and everyone just had a really good time. With each year, this event just keeps getting better and we are all so excited to see whait has become, and more importantly we are very proud of the money it has raised over the years to help our local youth.” kendallcountywildgamedinner.com

Trippin’ Across Texas:

Galveston a

A getaway to Galveston offers a good time to its visitors year-round. Whether you want to relax on the beach, take in some Texas history, or explore the City’s lively downtown area, there is no shortage of interesting things to do in this Gulf Coast island town.

Don’t Miss the Wild Texas Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

An epic celebration of shrimp and culinary excellence, including a Shrimp Gumbo Cook-Off, a parade, a 5k fun run, and food samples!

September 22-23, 2023

HIT THE BEACH

Summer is still in full swing and the hot Texas temperatures won’t be cooling off anytime soon. Take advantage of the fact that schools are starting back up and enjoy a quieter, less crowded beach day or two. Galveston is home to Babe’s Beach, Porretto Beach and Stewart Beach – all-in-all there is a whopping 32-miles of beaches! Want to explore the ocean beyond the beach? Book a fishing charter, rent a kayak or paddle boat, take a ride on the Galveston Island Ferry or go on a duck boat tour.

TAKE IN THE HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUMS

Galveston offers rich museums like the Galveston Railroad Museum, The Bryan Museum and the Galveston Historic Seaport & 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA to name a few. Why not walk the streets lined with beautifully restored Victorian homes or explore 19th-century mansions like the Bishops Palace or Moody Mansion. You could even stay at the Grand Galvez, established in 1911 and renowned as the Queen of the Gulf. This historic hotel has a rich history and is even rumored to be one of the “most haunted hotels.”

PLEASURE PIER

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier features family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops. Rides range from the tame Carousel and Galaxy Wheel to more thrilling attractions like the Texas Star Flyer and the Iron Shark Rollercoaster.

MOODY GARDENS

Moody Gardens includes a hotel, golf course and small water park, but the main attractions are the three pyramids that include the Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery. The exhibits entertain and educate at the same time, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.

THE STRAND

Once known as the “Wall Street of the South” The Strand Historic District showcases Galveston’s rich past. Here visitors can stroll through the beautifully preserved area and admire the Victorian-era buildings that are now home to restaurants, shops, art galleries and more.

This is just a sampling of the many things that await you with a visit to Galveston. Summer, winter, spring or fall – there’s never a bad time of year to plan a trip to this Texas Gulf getaway!

continued on page 27

“You’re Welcome”Lemon Pie

“This pie is phenomenal! What really sets it apart is the meringue crust. It is easy to make and a for sure crowd pleaser. My family asks me to make this again and again. I have taken this and made it my own, so feel free to do the same. Add berries, make a lime version, just get creative. I am sure you can’t go wrong!” – Lauren

Stumberg, publisher of KC Woman

Meringue Shell

Cooking Spray

4 Large Egg Whites – room temperature

1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar

Pinch of Salt

Lemon Filling

4 Large Egg Yolks – room temperature

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz)

1 Cup Heavy Cream

1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Finely Grated Lemon Zest

1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 Cup Heavy Cream

Whipped Cream

1 Cup Heavy Cream

1/2 Cup Sugar

Combine fresh strawberries and a bit of sugar and drizzle over pie when ready to serve.

YUM! YUM! YUM!

Directions

For the Crust

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

• Spray two 9-inch pie plates with cooking spray

• Separate egg whites from yolks. Whisk egg whites with electric mixer on high for approx. 1 minute. Add salt and cream of tartar. Whisk for another 2 minutes, or until peaks form.

• Spread the mixture onto the pie plates using a spatula across the bottom and sides of the plate in the shape of a crust.

• Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until cooked thoroughly and lightly browned. Remove and cool on wire rack.

For the Filling

• Increase oven to 350 degrees F

• Combine egg yolks, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and lemon zest in a bowl.

• Whisk together while gradually adding vanilla extract.

• Pour into cooled shells and bake 17 to 20 minutes, or until set but still jiggly.

• Remove from oven and let cool.

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• Combine remaining cream and sugar and whisk together with electric mixer until peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.

• Top pie with whipped cream and chill for about 6 hours.

Makes Two 9-inch Pies

Did You Know?

In the nineteeth century, Galveston was the most active port west of New Orleans. It was incorporated in 1839 and home to Texas’ first post office, first hospital, first golf course, first country club and first opera house…just to name a few! However, on September 8, 1900 Galveston was hit by the deadliest natural disaster to strike this country, known to this day as the Great Storm. The resilient city was determined to overcome this disaster and raised the entire city by eight feet, 17 feet at the Seawall. The ground was slanted so water from future storms would flow into the bay.

While Galveston remained prosperous because of its port, it never did return to its former glory days. The city became overshadowed by Houston and became known as a resort town for gambling and drinking during the Prohibition-era. This was ended in 1957 when Texas Rangers raided the city and took axes to the slot machines!

It was in the 1980’s that Galveston began a renewal campaign that was highly successful as they restored and promoted their Historic Downtown District. Today, Galveston boasts one of the most well-preserved collections of Victorian iron-front commercial architecture in the country.

It’s Secure Now

by Juliette Marhofer-Dugger

Six years have passed since this memory was made, but the impression created in my soul, changed me, forever. Who doesn’t love a spontaneous, Sunday drive with doughnuts in tow?

My daughter, who was seven then, now thirteen, knew we were headed over to Boerne City Lake, so she requested a pitstop at Snowflake for her favorite, pink, sprinkled doughnut. “Of course,” I said. In and out, giggles ensued as she ran back to the car. Before I exited the parking lot, my rear-view mirror held a view of a precious, pink smile with sprinkles. Only a few minutes away from arriving at the lake she informed me that she didn’t really have an interest in getting out. I inquired, “Why do you want to sit in the car when it’s so beautiful outside?” As I looked at her little face for a response, with her eyes fixed upon the water, she said in a soft voice, “Look mama, the water is so still it has insecurities, but there’s a part of it that’s slightly moving.” I prompted her with curiosity, “Well, what do you think that means?” I asked. “Because it’s only moving a little, it simply means it’s not secure yet,” she replied.

After driving around Boerne City Lake with the windows rolled down, hearing the wind rustling through the trees draped in stunning fall foliage, we parked the car. I don’t think either of us took our eyes off the water once her discovery was made and it wasn’t long before I whispered, “Look the wind is kissing the water and it’s moving.” With confidence she said, “Oh, that means it’s secure now.”

With the wind at your back and the sun on your face is

there anything you cannot do? When the breeze seems to kiss your endeavors and all feels well in your world. When life is moving and the ripples from every moment you decided to give life a nod of yes and shut the door to standing still. We feel slightly more secure, don’t we? But, what happens when you’re flat on your back, staring at the ceiling, praying you catch your next breath and your next break? Her interpretation of security was found when she saw the waters moving, not when it was still. She’s taken note as a young girl that stability doesn’t equate to security, but living wild on the move is her access to freedom. When we go deeper into her discovery, being still might sound comfortable, but we can’t control the wind, yet we can control how we respond to it. One of my favorite authors, Mark Batterson says in his book, Draw The Circle, “I must work like it depends on me and pray like it depends on God.” There are times when we need to physically be still, but we must never forget that “stillness” comes in many forms. Most importantly, we can go through life with a settled soul whether we are still, or on the move. This same year, at seven years of age, we went back to the lake to build on her journey. I remember the day I asked her, “Kinnley, would you like to go on a ‘yes’ adventure?” Without any hesitation she exclaimed, “YES!” We loaded up and off we went. I had pondered what this moment would be like for the both of us for about a year. When I had the idea, I felt like I wanted her to be a bit older to make sure the moment would stick for years to come. As we ventured towards the edge of the water I asked her to pause and pick up a rock.

FRIEND, TODAY IS A GENTLE REMINDER, IN THE MIDST OF YOUR INSECURITIES, YOU HAVE BEEN MADE TO FIGHT FOR YOUR “YES”

“Kinnley, when you release this rock into the water from your hand I want you to say, ‘yes God,’ and then watch as your rock creates ripples. I want you to know, in your life when you say yes to Him, even when it doesn’t make sense, this is your power to choose and those ripples represent lives you will touch with your kindness. Now, go for it!” She loved it and began to giggle. As the rock left her hand, she watched with intensity as the ripples spanned for minutes after. She looked at me and said, “Mama, I’m going to pick up a bunch of rocks and then I can say yes to God a bunch of times.” I stood and watched as she picked up handfuls of powerful choices for at least ten more minutes. Kinnley, “Now, look at how those ripples overlap because of all the rocks you threw!” Once she finished, she looked up at me and said, “I love saying yes!” We’ve revisited this moment together over the years and now that she is older it’s incredible to unpack insight with her about her choices.

Friend, today is a gentle reminder, in the midst of your insecurities, you have been made to fight for your “yes”. I believe, even as you read this, you have been contemplating the beauty sitting in front of you that you long to live out. Know the adventure you dream about is at your fingertips! Here I am again, inviting you to push all of your chips to the center of the table, and go for it. If you have everything to lose, then this is your most powerful moment to find out what you’re made of. How can you lose if you have already decided to take a risk? You’ve already won by owning your “yes” and defying the odds, that many might not ever have the courage to embrace. Yes, life is unfair, but it’s also good. If all we focus on is our insecurities, the rocks will stay on the ground, and the ripples intended to send our love into the world to create more good will never exist. So, let’s move by creating a life we were intended to live. A life that reflects a soul living with intention because we decided it’s the only way to experience real security.

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!

Instagram: @juliettemarhoferdugger

Podcast: Yellow Soul on Apple & Spotify

Watershed Warrior: Available on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Kindle wildwellcompany.com

• YES! I desire to create an environment that inspires me to bring good to the world around me. What’s one rock I can pick up today to invite this change?

• YES! I desire to push my chips to the center of the table. What will I require of myself to make this leap?

• YES! I desire to face the fear of remaining still despite my insecurities. What is one act of kindness I can do that puts my love in motion?

• YES! I desire to live a life that reflects intention in my day-to-day decisions. Who can I reach out to today that inspires me to become the best version of myself?

• YES! I desire to defy the odds and embrace a courageous life of taking risks. How can I hold myself accountable today to the passions I want to manifest?

• YES! I desire self-care to nurture a state of wellbeing in my life. What’s a daily ritual I can implement to soothe my soul?

• YES! I desire to address my insecurities, but I’m scared of the outcome. Today, I will write about putting one foot in front of the other as I wrap my arm around myself with love.

• YES! I desire to believe that I can have the life I long to live. Today, I will write about taking responsibility for the rocks I’ll throw to live free through my powerful choices!

Cheers to picking up your rocks & saying yes!

PUT YOUR POWER IN MOTION AND CREATE YOUR RIPPLES WITH THESE 8 SOUL CARE JOURNALING PROMPTS:

the boerne boo K shop presents

Breezy Beach Reads

THE VIEW FROM HERE by Hannah

McKinnon

Siblings Perry, Jake, and Phoebe Goodwin were raised on the shore of a beautiful Connecticut lake in a close-knit family. The eldest of the family, forty-two-year-old Perry has long craved order as surely as his charismatic younger brother, Jake, has avoided it. Phoebe, their baby sister, courts both. As adults, the Goodwin siblings could not be more different. On the afternoon of their grandmother’s ninety-seventh birthday party, the siblings reunite at the lake house where Jake stuns the family with a stranger on his arm and an announcement. While the Goodwin family struggle to welcome the newcomers over the course of the summer, a series of bad choices made by each family member finally unravels, leaving them all to question just what truly makes a family. Can one fateful moment on a July afternoon undo a lifetime of good intentions? Only one thing is for certain—this extraordinary summer has irrevocably changed the Goodwin family and all that remains is the uncertain future.

THE BOARDWALK BOOKSHOP by Susan

Mallery

When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it’s a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are…not. At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.

THE HOTEL NANTUCKET by Elin

Hilderbrand

Fresh off a bad breakup with a longtime boyfriend, Nantucket sweetheart Lizbet Keaton is desperately seeking a second act. When she’s named the new general manager of the Hotel Nantucket, she hopes that her local expertise and charismatic staff can win the favor of their new London billionaire owner, Xavier Darling, as well as that of Shelly Carpenter, the wildly popular Instagram tastemaker who can help put them back on the map. And while the Hotel Nantucket appears to be a blissful paradise, there’s a lot of drama behind closed doors. The staff (and guests) have complicated pasts, and the hotel can’t seem to overcome the bad reputation it earned in 1922 when a tragic fire killed nineteenyear-old chambermaid Grace Hadley. With Grace gleefully haunting the halls, a staff harboring all kinds of secrets, and Lizbet’s own romantic uncertainty, is the Hotel Nantucket destined for success or doom?

BEACH READ by Emily Henry

Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. They’re polar opposites. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they’re living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer’s block. Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She’ll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he’ll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love.