Kendall County Woman - Fall 2023 by Distinct Media LLC

Issue 4 – 2023

Down home with

Beca Short Local Must-Haves Explore Lost Maples America Reclaimed

E V E R Y T H U R S DA Y

THURSDAYS ARE KARAOKE NIGHT!

For Special Event/Live Music

Announcements!

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I n Th i s I s s u e 06: PUBLISHER’S LETTER

08: PROFILE: America Reclaimed Unique Finds. Fine Design. Fun Events.

10: THIS MONTH’S MUST-HAVES: Fabulous Finds from Local Boutiques

14: COVER FEATURE: Down Home with Beca Short

18: NEW BUSINESS:

Genesis Counseling Center

20: WELLNESS: Ideal Health of Boerne

24: TRAVEL: Lost Maples State Natural Area

25: EVENTS

26: LIBATION

28: SKINCARE

29: GIVING BACK

30: GOOD READS

08 THINKING OF REMODELING YOUR HOME OR OFFICE? Be Sure to Check Out Ballroom Baths’ Ad on the Back Cover!

WWW.BALLROOMBATHS.COM | (830) 755-6444 Kendall County Woman is published by Distinct Media, LLC, copyright 2023. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Kendall County Woman are those of the writers or sources and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute the endorsement of products or services herein. Although the information and recommendations in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, Kendall County Woman makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information and recommendations.

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

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kendallcountywoman.com

Fall is Full of Fun!

Fall is here and the best part of it all is that it actually feels like it (at least as I am writing this letter)! With Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin patches, weekend festivities, Diva Night and Diva Day and tons of local live music – it just seems like there is always something to look forward to this time of year. I hope you get out there and enjoy it all! This issue’s cover feature is Beca Short, who is just about the perfect definition of a Kendall County Woman. With a family that has lived here for six generations, Beca grew up in Comfort and lives there still. She has family and friends everywhere you turn and has made her mark on the local community in more ways than one. Beca and I have worked together on the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner Magazine for years. My husband and I have also had the pleasure of working with her as a mortgage lender. I can say without a doubt that she is a class act in everything she puts her hands to. I am proud to feature her as this issue’s Kendall County Woman. Also in this issue we feature America Reclaimed. Be sure to read the article on all of the cool new things they have going on and join them as they celebrate their 2nd Anniversary in November. We’d love for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website, KendallCountyWoman.com to get added to our email list!

Lauren Stumberg

Owner/Publisher lauren@distinctmediatx.com

Partner with Kendall County Woman Get Your Business in Front of Local Women Readers with Our Amazing Distribution, Affordable Rates and Creative Content. (210) 219-6735 | lauren@distinctmediatx.com

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 3 – 2023

Come & Celebrate

Shop. Explore. Enjoy Come explore our 12,000 Square foot Historical Lumber Yard in Comfort, Texas where you will find hand-selected items from all over the United States to include Americana Antiques, Live-Edge Table Slabs, Vintage Leather, Pressed Tin and Reclaimed Lumber.

America Reclaimed's Second Anniversary Saturday, November 11th 810 Avenue A – Comfort, Texas 10:00am to 5:00pm NEW OUTDOOR EVENT VENUE GRAND OPENING with Live Music from Austin Ausley from 10:00am to 2:30pm & Stephen K. Morris from 3:00-5:00pm

AR HOME

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE

TINY HOME DESIGN

Visit Us Online AMERICA-RECLAIMED.COM to learn more & view our 2nd Saturday Schedule of Events!

Harpist Juan Caberera will perform from 10:00am to 1:00pm in the new AR Home Store Complimentary Mimosas All Day Food Truck on site 20% Off All Merchandise

p ro fi l e

UNIQUE FINDS. FINE DESIGN. FUN EVENTS. 8

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

With over 35 years of combined experience in the creative, architectural design field, Brian and Sarah Kleinwachter have created the coolest shopping destination right here in Comfort, Texas. Located in a historic lumber yard, America Reclaimed offers 12,000 square feet of space for guests to explore, shop and enjoy as they peruse the vast selection of unique finds. Opened in November of 2021, America Reclaimed will soon celebrate their 2nd Anniversary. In those two years, the Kleinwachters have been busy as they continually fill the store with hand-selected items from all over the United States. In this time, they have also added AR HOME, the home store within America Reclaimed that features vintage leather furniture, complete living/dining/bedroom sets, live-edge table slabs, and home-décor. According to Sarah, “The pieces you will find at AR HOME reflect rustic pieces that have been fused with a unique,

industrial and modern design.” At America Reclaimed you will find everything from Americana antiques, live-edge table slabs, vintage leather, pressed tin and reclaimed lumber. The Kleinwachters relocated from Round Top, Texas – the antiques Mecca of Texas – and they know a thing or two about curating a fine collection of fabulous finds. “Brian grew up in the business, his mother is still an antiques dealer. It’s in his blood,” said Sarah. “When we decided to start our own business, we knew Americana antiques was the direction we wanted to go, thus the name America Reclaimed.” According to Sarah, “What you find here are not your grandma’s antiques. We have really cool, unique pieces from all over America.” In addition to the vintage pieces sold, America Reclaimed offers a huge selection of reclaimed lumber that is shipped in from the Midwest. They actually have pickers that take down barns and then ship the lumber to Texas. “This location was perfect for us. Being an old lumber yard, it has the lumber bay storage so we can display our wood in an organized manner. We sell this for retail, but also in the construction and design aspect of our business.” Custom hand-made furniture pieces are also a large part of what America Reclaimed offers. Customers can pick out their lumber and work with their design team to create anything from dressers, vanities, night stands, farmhouse tables, bars or pretty much anything else you can imagine. “Our signs are also very popular,” added Sarah. “We have a lot of authentic historical signs, and then we offer handmade signs also. These are created by a local artist who uses antique windows and doors in the designs.” Their latest endeavor at America Reclaimed is the new outdoor event venue, The Back-Yard. The venue will officially open to the public during their Second Anniversary Celebration on November 11th. “We are excited to open this venue where we will be showcasing local, live artists and events that you won’t want to miss,” said Sarah. “Be sure to come and join us as we celebrate a wonderful two years here in Comfort. There will be live music, free mimosas, food trucks and discounted merchandise!” Brian and Sarah have such a great space, right in the center of Comfort, that they want to be much more than a retail store. “We want to be part of the hill country community, to create an experience and a destination for our customers and our friends. We hope you will come join us!”

AMERICA-RECLAIMED.COM kendallcountywoman.com

This Issue’s

Must-Haves! 5

The Empty Tomb & Plus Cross sold as a set or separtly. BradleyKellie.com

New Felt Hats, Fabulous Fall Clothing & Jewelry. ThePearlAntler.com

One-of-a-kind Solid Bronze and Carrico Lake Turquoise 3 necklace layered look. Available online and in-store! JForksDesigns.com

Coconut Wax Candle, hand poured in Comfort Texas by The Peachy Llama. Pick your label and your scent, over 10 labels to pick from. Scents are Texas themed and vary from earthy to floral to fruity! PeachLlamaTx.com

Christmas Joy Club Bag This cute crossbody/clutch gives a little glitz and fun for the season! The perfect size for all your holiday parties. $34.00 TraditionsDepot.com

4 Gingerbread House PJ Set These pajamas are super soft & cozy and are the perfect weight to sleep cool! Many other holiday designs are available, too! $63.00 TraditionsDepot.com

The 9941 Christian Coin He Left the Ninety-Nine for the One. We are called to Go Seek the One. Luke 15:4 BradleyKellie.com

LOCAL SHOPS WE KNOW YOU’LL LOVE! WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THESE LOCAL BOUTIQUES. IF YOU NEED A GIFT, CLOTHING, HOME DECOR & MORE, THESE CHARMING STORES OFFER UNIQUE ITEMS THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE.

#SHOPLOCAL IS THE WAY TO GO! Hill Country Marketplace Providing Quality Artisan & Handmade Items

Textiles | Tumblers | Handmade Jewelry Locally Made Cutting Boards

Clothing,Accessories & Home Decor

322 S. Main Street – Boerne ThePearlAntler.com

BOUTIQUE JEWELRY GRAPHIC TEES HAT BAR

804 High St, Suite A – Comfort

PeachyLlamaTx.com

470 S Main St., Suite 101– Boerne JForksDesigns.com

Do You Own a Local Store/Boutique? CONTACT US TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE!

Come Let Us Spoil You!

info@distinctmediatx.com

Designer Women's Apparel, Shoes, Handbags, Jewelry, Accessories, Small Gift Items and Brighton Jewelry, Handbags and Gift Items

Christian Storytelling Jewelry, Made in the USA.

518 S. Main Street – Boerne

TraditionsDepot.com

5 BradleyKellie.com

2 1 Fresh Water Pearl Necklace Family (starting at $75) ThePearlAntler.com

Game Day Custom Felt Hats. Pictured is the Aggies and UT hat. Available online and in-store! Hats can be customize to match any team and you can even bring a hat in from home. JForksDesigns.com

Market basket handmade by Textiles by Ash, available at The Peachy Llama. Perfect for fresh fruits and veggies when grocery shopping or visiting one of the farmers markets. Many color options available! PeachLlamaTx.com

hosting |

GREAT GUEST ROOMS

CLEAR THE CLUTTER A clean, streamlined space will provide a peaceful atmosphere for your guests. Clean out a dresser drawer or two and make some closet space for their clothing. DOUBLE DUTY FURNITURE Multifunctional furniture is great for small spaces. How about a small chest of drawers that can also function as a nightstand? A stool or ottoman that can function as both seating and a luggage rack is a great idea as well. THE BED Probably the most important element to a good guest space is the bed. A quality mattress with crisp, clean linens is sure to be inviting. There are plenty of great options for luxurious linens at just about every price point. EXTRA BEDDING There is nothing worse than spending the night somewhere and wishing you had an extra pillow or blanket. Make sure your guest room is stocked with these additional comforts that your guests may need.

The holiday season is upon us and that often means house guests. If you have a guest room, or room that will be serving as one, it is important to create a warm, welcoming space that makes them feel at home. Even if you don’t have a dedicated guest space, here are some easy ideas that will help you transition a children’s bedroom, home office or multipurpose room into a space your guests will love!

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

SNACKS AND WATER Why not create a simple welcome basket with a couple of bottles of water and some tasty local snacks? Your guests will love it! CODES Print out a nice card for your guest room that includes any codes or passwords they might need for wifi, the doors or garage. READING MATERIAL Local magazines or tourist guides are great reading material for your guests. Not only will it give them something to do in their downtime, but it may inspire them to go explore some of the nearby sights, businesses and events. TOILETRIES Your guests most likely brought their own toiletries, but just in case it is nice to have some extra shampoo/conditioner, lotion, razors, toothbrushes and soap available for them. Oh, and don’t forget the extra towels!

NOW ACCEPTING Most Medical and some TRICARE! Vision Pans Accepted

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c ove r fe a t u re |

Down home

with

Beca Short

by Lauren Stumberg | photos by The Marvelous Mrs. Lindsey

From feeding the cows and chickens to playing with her beloved weenie dogs, as we spent an evening with Beca Short at her home just outside of Comfort, it is easy to see why she has such a passion for encouraging local kids in agricultural activities. For Beca, this love of the land and the lifestyle that goes with it comes from generations of her ancestors that have lived and worked amongst the surrounding hills in Comfort, Kendalia, Waring and Grapetown since 1850. Beca and her husband, Dutch, recently moved back to the place she grew up on. It is quiet and charming, peaceful and picturesque, an adorable farmhouse set amongst 80 acres filled with memories of her childhood, her family and all sorts of life events. “Dutch and I got married here thirty years ago. Family and friends came from all around, our parents, aunts and uncles, and everyone who lived up and down the road all cooked and barbecued. Everyone came together and helped out to pull off an amazing event,” said Beca. “This house was built by my great grandfather in 1950. He put together and old house and an old store. It

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

was added on to in 1976, and remodeled several times over the years. Now Dutch and I have plans to remodel as well. We have been slowly making it our own while enjoying the nostalgia of it at the same time. Like most women, Beca wears many hats. She is a wife, a mother to her son Clayton who now lives in Austin, a friend to many, a valued community member and a successful career woman. “I have been in banking for 32 years now. I started as a teller in 1991 and worked my way up,” she said. Along the way, Beca found that mortgage lending was what she really enjoyed. Now as a Vice President of Mortgage Lending for Jefferson Bank’s Boerne branch, she has

been a referral-based loan officer for many years. According to Beca, “What I like about mortgage lending is that every deal is different. You have to be creative and think outside of the box to find solutions. We try our hardest to make the entire process smooth and pleasant. In fact, when the deal is all said and done, most of our clients leave as personal friends. I think that speaks to how hard we try.” Over the years, Beca has been a part of many local organizations. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors for the Kendall County Junior Livestock Association and sits on the Church Council for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Comfort. “I was the first woman in the history of the organization to serve on the Board for KCJLA. Now there are four of us,” she added with a smile. Beca served for six years on the Board of Directors for the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, she served as Chairman of the Board for the Chamber and that was the beginning of the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner. “We were thinking of new events and fundraisers for the Chamber and I wanted to do something different. I had been to the wild game dinner in Fredericksburg and thought that would be a great thing to do here as well. Lester Meier puts that event on and he agreed to help us get ours up and running too!” Just like with her wedding, Beca knew she had a ton of family and friends who know how to cook up some tasty food. She began enlisting them to help, creating cook teams for the event. “The cook teams are the backbone of this event. There are no professionals, just friends and family who volunteer their time and cooking skills for the cause – and the food is fabulous!” Beca’s friend Karen Daly came alongside her and together the two of them created what is now one of the largest annual events in Kendall County. “Having Karen help me was vital to the success of this event. We were a great pair and complemented each other well,” said Beca. “Karen passed away in 2019 and she is dearly missed.” continued on page 16

kendallcountywoman.com

continued from page 15

The event was a success from the get-go. It quickly became too big and the Chamber decided that it should become its own non-profit and the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner was born. Needing some helping hands to pull off an event of this magnitude, Beca found a home for this event at the Kendall County Junior Livestock Association. In 2021 the event became an affiliate of the organization and serves as their main fundraiser. “This organization was the

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

right home for the Wild Game Dinner,” said Beca. “We target the same audience, raise money for the same causes and half of the Board cooks for the event anyways. Now we can combine our efforts and team up to raise money to support kids in agriculture. It’s a winwin for sure.” The motto of the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner is “We do it for the kids!”and Beca and her team definitely do. This group of volunteers works almost year-round to pull off this event each year and every penny earned goes towards scholarships, grants, supporting kids’ livestock and ag mechanics projects at the Kendall County Junior Livestock Show and Sale and local 4-H and FFA needs. According to Beca, “This year three 4-H teams went to Nationals and we helped to support them to get there. We helped the Comfort High School BBQ Team out with a grant and a BBQ trailer for their team that is doing exceptionally well, money was added to the livestock projects of local kids at this year’s KCJLA Sale, and 22 scholarships were given totaling $56,500! That is why we do this event!” “I believe so much in the importance of youth in agriculture. Having shown steers myself from Kindergarten until I graduated, I know the important life lessons this type of responsibility teaches kids. It builds character and grit. My family had a feedlot and my dad raised show steers. This lifestyle is ingrained in me and has made me who I am and I’m thankful for that. It is important that we continue to support our local kids so they can learn these lessons too.”

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HEALTHY LOOKS GOOD ON YOU! NUTRITION & WEIGHT LOSS COACHING NON-INTIMIDATING, FUN WORKOUTS!

New Location Opening THIS NOVEMBER! 1015 C, N. SCHOOL STREET BOERNE, TEXAS (830) 431-3230 TRACI@IDEALHEALTHBOERNE.COM

Come Try Our Group Exercise Classes: Mat Pilates • Mixxed Fit • Resistance Training kendallcountywoman.com

new business |

Mental Health Practice Coming this November to Boerne

“ g

Your mental health is everything — prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does. — Mel Robbins

Genesis Counseling Center is pleased to announce that a new type of Christian counseling office will be opening in Fall 2023 to serve the Texas Hill Country. The new office will be conveniently located at 101 Woods of Boerne, Suite 200 across from Boerne-Samuel V. Champion High School off River Road on Hwy 46. Genesis will collaborate closely with schools, churches, medical providers, and others to provide comprehensive mental health services. Genesis will serve the Texas Hill Country community to provide hope and healing for the entire person. The Genesis team of experienced ther-

apists are local and equipped to assist you and your family through life’s difficult challenges. Genesis serves clients both in person and by offering convenient telehealth appointments. Genesis specializes in providing best practice counseling services for individuals, couples, and families of all ages along with group counseling. Genesis Counseling Center is a leading provider of comprehensive Christian behavioral health services. Genesis started in Virginia in 2006 and has become the largest provider of Christian counseling in the state of Virginia and now serves clients in multiple states. Genesis

Counseling Center has been consistently voted Best Psychiatric Practice as well as a Best Place to Work. This dynamic community of behavioral health professionals look forward to meeting you, assisting you and your family and journeying together as they work to “touch lives and inspire life” in our community.

GENESISCOUNSELINGCENTER.COM

Pay Attention to Your Mental Health DID YOU KNOW? Mental and physical health are connected. Taking care of your mental health can help you feel better physically, and taking care of your body is important for your mental health.

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

EACH YEAR, I IN 5 WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES HAS A MENTAL ILLNESS RANGING FROM MILD TO SERIOUS. ALMOST TWICE AS MANY WOMEN AS MEN HAVE EVER BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ANXIETY. WOMEN ARE MORE THAN TWICE AS LIKELY AS MEN TO DEVELOP PTSD.

Sewing Workshop For Kids by Mrs. Ammerman This Winter Break, your kids can learn to sew making a pillow, keychain, and bag!

December 18-22 10am to 12pm Cost: $180

$144

Price with 20% Discount!

20% DISCOUNT WITH MENTION OF THIS AD!

Contact (830) 428-4318 to Reserve Your Spot!

Serving the Texas Hill Country Since 1916

Instant Estimates. Easier Than Ever. From Title Quotes, to Seller Net Sheets and Buyer Estimates. Visit KCAC.net to DOWNLOAD MOBILE APP

103 N. Saunders St. – Boerne (830) 816.2131

Our goal at Kendall County Abstract Company is to be the premier title company in Kendall County. We provide real estate closing services and title insurance to both individuals and businesses. All work and research is done in-house at our office. When you have questions and are looking for high quality, we are ready to serve your needs.

Ashlee Pfeiffer Escrow Officer ashlee@kcac.net

“Where experience and service make the difference” kendallcountywoman.com

photo by The Mar velous Mr s. Lindsey

we l l n e s s |

HELPING THE HILL COUNTRY ACHEIVE

Life-Changing Results

“We started this business in 2019, and since then we have seen our clients lose over 14,000 pounds,” said Traci Brown, co-owner and head coach of Ideal Health Boerne. “The transformations we have witnessed among our clients have been truly inspiring. We want so much more for our clients than just weight loss though. We want to help them live healthier lives and provide them with the support system they need to stay on track!” Having had much success in her own weight loss journey, Traci was inspired to help others do the same.

She teamed up with local physician and friend, Dr. Ben Stahl, and they opened their own clinic. Originally located inside of Boerne Family Medicine, it didn’t take long for Ideal Health Boerne to need a larger space. Their current location on Main Street allowed the business to expand and offer a fitness studio space. Now, Ideal Health has more exciting news. “We are moving our location once again and are so excited for what the new space will bring,” said Traci. “Each move has brought bigger and better opportunities for our business and our clients.” continued on page 22

IDEAL HEALTH WELLNESS STUDIO

Healthy, Hearty, Soups

Your Family Will Love! TUSC AN SOUP - Makes THREE Ser vings -

each ser ving is 8 ounces lean protein & 2 cups veggies

Ingredients 1.5 pounds lean ground pork, turkey or chicken 2 Tbsp sugar free sausage seasoning 1/3 cups dried minced onions 7 cups fat free chicken broth 3 cups baby spinach 2 cups diced radishes 1 cup cauliflower florets-cut into bite sized pieces

Directions • In a large frying pan, brown meat with sausage seasoning and minced onion. • In a separate pan, boil 2 cups chicken broth. add cauliflower florets to broth and simmer until fork tender (15 mins or so) • Set aside to cool •Combine remaining broth, ground meat, radishes and spinach into a stock pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. • Place cauliflower & broth mixture in food processor or blender to puree. Add to the soup mixture and heat another 5 - 10 mins, stirring occasionally. • Soup can be divided, frozen and reheated!

HAMBURGER C AULIFLOWER SOUP Entire Recipe is 1607 of protein and 4 cups of vegetables From: Myrecipereviews.com

Ingredients 1 Tbsp olive oil 1lb ground beef 1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes 3 cups low sodium beef broth ½ tsp onion powder ¼ tsp garlic salt ½ tsp basil 1 tsp celery flakes salt and pepper to taste 4 cups cauliflower florets

Directions • Add the oil to a large pot and turn heat on medium. When oil is hot, saute the onion until almost translucent. • Add the ground beef and brown. Drain excess grease. • Add the stewed tomatoes, broth and seasonings. • Simmer on low for about 20 minutes or cook in crockpot on low all day Options • double or triple the recipe and freeze the extras! • use frozen caulirice instead of caulflower florets • add a bag of shredded cabbage for extra veggies

kendallcountywoman.com

photo by The Mar velous Mr s. Lindsey

Ideal Health Wellness Studio Fitness Instructiors Tiffany Pressler, Katie Meuth & Bethany Hoegemeyer with co-owner & head coach, Traci Brown (2nd from left) continued from page 20

Ideal Health Boerne’s new space will be located at 1015 C, N. School Street on the north side of Boerne. According to Traci, “We will be moved in by November! The new space will offer a much larger fitness studio for our very popular fitness classes, as well as a space that can better acco modate our male clients.” The whole purpose of the fitness studio at Ideal Health Boerne was to create a space that was not threatening or intimidating. “The fitness studio has really been a game changer for many of our clients. We knew that some of our dieters would never step foot in a traditional gym, so we brought the gym to them. The classes are small, personal and suitable for any skill level. They can start where they are at and progress from there. We have also been very intentional in choosing the fitness trainers as well,” said Brown. The fitness classes currently offered by Ideal Health Boerne include Mat Pilates taught by Bethany Hoegemeyer, Mixxedfit by Katie Meuth and Resistance Training by Tiffany Pressler. The cost is $60/month for unlimited classes and an open gym and available to anyone even if they are not currently participating in wellness coaching from Ideal Health Boerne. Traci’s passion for wellness is still going strong. She recently became a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and is working on her personal training certification. “I know what losing weight and getting healthy has done for me. It has given me my life back. I was watching life go by and wasn’t actively participating in it. Now I do things with my kids and family. I want that for my clients too – I want their lives to be transformed just as mine has been,” said Traci enthusiastically. As part of her journey to wellness, Traci is determined to figure out what true health looks like not only for herself, but her clients as well. “In addition to the original packaged food plans, we now are focusing on the creation of individual nutrition plans created to meet specific goals that incorporate whole foods and clean eating.” Clients are given access to one-on-one coaching, wellness education, and accountability. They are taught to read labels on their food and what they are looking for. They work to create a positive mental attitude towards their health journey, while getting

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

rid of the negative connotations of the typical diet culture. “Our clients are becoming actively involved in the process. They are owning their journey and understanding that their results are directly related to their actions. I always tell them that ‘I make suggestions, but you make decisions.’” “Giving my patients access to good, weight related counseling was difficult up until partnering with Traci. It is nice knowing that I have a trusted source to direct my patients to. She is so knowledgeable and motivational that we have been seeing great results not only in weight loss, but in the patients’ outlook and how they feel,” said Dr. Ben Stahl. “I love that Ideal Health Boerne sees weight loss as just the first step towards achieving health and wellness. With this program we really empower our clients to change their habits and choices long term, resulting in a healthier, happier life. As a physician, I talk about weight loss with 60-70% of my patients, there are so many weight related illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea and the list goes o n. With so many different weight loss plans out there, people generally see initial success, but then gain the weight back. The key here is changing your lifestyle for lasting wellness.” According to Traci, “When I started my weight loss journey I was able to come off a number of medications and I saw my health drastically improve! I have seen clients come off medications, have symptoms of diseases subside and so many more amazing health benefits. I have seen the dramatic results of clean, healthy eating and exercise in my own life. I’m on a mission to see just how healthy I can get, and I want that for my clients too! Being able to help people change their life for the better is what this is all about!”

New Studio Coming This November!

1015 C, N. SCHOOL STREET – BOERNE, TEXAS (830) 431-3230 TRACI @IDEALHEALTHBOERNE.COM

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t ra ve l |

Trippin’ Across Texas:

Lost Maples

If you are looking for proof that Texas does indeed have four seasons, a daytrip out to Lost Maples State Park is just what you need. The park is home to a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples that put on a spectacular display during the autumn months. While many folks come from all around to see the colorful leaves of these magnificent maples and other surrounding trees, there is plenty of fun to be had at the park that would make for a fun fall excursion. There are over 10-miles of hiking trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. If fishing sounds fun, drop a line in the Sabinal River or Can Creek. How about some bird watching? This area is home to a wide variety of birds, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and the blackcapped vireo. If you want to make a weekend of it, why not pack up the family and stay at one of the 30 campsites with electricity and water, or backpack to one of the park’s primitive campsites? October and November are the busiest months for the park with capacity often being reached daily. It is best to plan ahead and reserve passes online or by calling their service center before you visit. Because the intensity of the fall foliage show varies each year depending on the weather conditions, the park offers an online Fall Foliage Report

For more fall foliage photos, check out Lost Maples on Facebook 24 KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

STATE NATURAL AREA

that begins in mid-October and is updated almost every week through November. You can also call for a recorded report at (830) 966-3413, option 3. Lost Maples State Park is just two hours northwest of San Antonio in Vanderpool, Texas and offers a fun way to enjoy the changing season in an area that often doesn’t seem to have much of an autumn.

VISIT TPWD.TEXAS.GOV > STATE PARKS > LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA

Mark Your Calendars!

| eve n t s

November 11 | 10am to 5pm Don't miss Diva Day in Comfort! Get your holiday shopping started with the 7th Annual Passport to Comfort. Enjoy the shops and take a chance on winning two beautiful baskets from the participating Comfort Merchants. When you visit each Comfort business, you will receive a stamp on your passport. 6-12 stamps on your passport will allow you to be entered in the drawing for the smaller basket with an estimated value of $800. 13+ stamps puts you in the drawing for the large basket with an estimated value of $1,700!

Get ready for the best girls night out on the Hill Country Mile! Diva Night in Boerne will be November 9th from 5-9pm. This always popular evening will be bursting with everything you love from your favorite shops and restaurants, including later shopping hours, cocktails, delicious bites, music, and more. Join the Boerne Retail & Restaurant Owners Association for the perfect night out with friends and your favorite local businesses. Be sure to check in and grab your boa, tiara, reusable swag bag, and map at one of the two check-in locations, Main Plaza and J. Forks Designs!

Annual Christmas in Comfort event will be on November 25 | 10am to 9pm Live Music, Shopping, Food, Santa, Fireworks (depending on weather and drought status) and MORE!

Spend the Holidays in Boerne where you will find FOUR themed holiday weekends, stretching from Thanksgiving weekend to mid-December! Visit www.holidaysinboerne.com to learn more about each weekend’s unique offerings! kendallcountywoman.com

libation |

Pumpkin Spice Sangria Packed full of the flavors of autumn, this seasonal beverage is perfect to pair with fun fall activities or serve it up to please your Thanksgiving guests.

What You Need:

3 cups apple cider 2 bottles dry/semi-dry white wine – chilled 1/2 cup spiced rum 1 cup pumpkin pie syrup 2 apples – chopped or sliced 2 pears – chopped or sliced Cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, sugar and pumpkin pie spice for garnish

How to Make:

1. Combine the apple cider, rum, wine, pumpkin pie syrup, apples, and pears in a large pitcher. ** Taste & Adjust to your liking, adding more rum or pumpkin pie syrup to get it just right! 2. Chill for at least 30 minutes. 3. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise pods when serving.

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

Spice It Up Even More by Rimming the Glass with the Pumpkin Pie Syrup and Coating with a Mixture of Sugar and Pumpkin Pie Spice!

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s k i n c a re | 5 PROVEN ANTI-AGING INGREDIENTS THAT

Pack a Punch

Skincare can be overwhelming to say the least. With so many companies touting their magic creams and serums, it is hard to know which ones will really do the job! Here are five proven ingredients that you should look to incorporate into your anti-aging routine.

2 3

VITAMIN C What it Does: Vitamin C is known to brighten the skin, evening it out and reducing the appearance of dark spots and redness. It stimulates collagen and hydrates, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

RETINOL What it Does: Retinol improves skin texture, fights age spots, hyperpigmentation and acne. It also boosts the production of collagen and elastin, thus reducing wrinkles, fine lines and as a result, tightens the skin.

5 28

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

HYALURONIC ACID What it Does: This ingredient hydrates and protects the skin from moisture loss. It increases the skin’s elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to heal wounds and reduce redness.

CERAMIDES What it Does: These are fats or lipids that are found in skin cells. The main benefits of ceramides are their moisture boosting effect. They lock in moisture and help keep the skin barrier balanced and healthy.

GLYCOLIC ACID What it Does: Use this to treat sun spots and remove dead skin cells. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant and aides in brightening and hydrating skin. It may also support skin moisture and boost collagen production.

| giving back

CUTS • COLOR • STYLING Appointment booking available online at

barbiesinboerne.com BARBIE (210) 330-6676 KIMBERLY (210) 827-9310 BRITTANY (210) 632-5152 KYLEE (210) 414-6523

100 WOMEN OF THE HILL COUNTRY AWARDS MORE THAN $20K TO LOCAL NONPROFIT

100 Women of the Hill Country (100WHC) awarded local nonprofit the Boerne chapter of Blessings in a Backpack $20,500 at their quarterly member meeting at Fair Oaks Country Club on Thursday, August 31. “We are so honored to help fulfill Blessings in a Backpack’s incredible mission,” said Michelle Ernst, co-founder, 100WHC. “100WHC was created to bring like-minded women together and make a meaningful impact in our community.” 100WHC is a collective of 205 women from across the hill country area that meets quarterly to invest in local nonprofits. Each quarter three nonprofits are invited to present to members to share how a grant would impact the organization and in turn, the hill country community. 100WHC members then vote for one of the three organizations to receive a one-time grant. The presenting nonprofit with the most votes walks away with $20,500. This quarter’s recipient, Blessings in a Backpack, is an all-volunteer organization in Boerne that provides weekend meals, every school week, to food-insecure children in BISD schools. “Last year, we fed an average of 575 children every weekend, a 25% increase from prior year,” said Kathy Bandujo, Program Coordinator of the Boerne Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. “The number of children we need to serve continues to grow. Hunger is more than a growling stomach, it impacts a child’s ability to perform and focus at school. Our goal is to ensure there are no hungry children in our community” The organization shared that it costs about $300 per year to feed each child in need. Other presenting charities this quarter were Boerne Educational Foundation and Boerne Parks Association. Since founding in 2021, 100WHC members have invested more than $150,000 to the local community, with each member contributing $100 on a quarterly basis. In addition, the organization holds regular volunteer opportunities for members and encourages in-kind donations to prior presenting nonprofits.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT 100WOMENHC.ORG kendallcountywoman.com

g o o d re a d s | the boerne bookshop presents

Campus Novels / Dark Academia BABEL by R.F. Kuang 1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation--also known as Babel. Babel is the world’s center for translation and, more importantly, magic. Silver working--the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars--has made the British unparalleled in power, as its knowledge serves the Empire’s quest for colonization. For Robin, Oxford is a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. But knowledge obeys power, and as a Chinese boy raised in Britain, Robin realizes serving Babel means betraying his motherland. As his studies progress, Robin finds himself caught between Babel and the shadowy Hermes Society, an organization dedicated to stopping imperial expansion. When Britain pursues an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide...

NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug-dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. In fact, by age twenty, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most prestigious universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her? Still searching for answers, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. Their eight windowless “tombs” are the well-known haunts of the rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street’s biggest players. But their occult activities are more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive. They tamper with forbidden magic. They raise the dead. And, sometimes, they prey on the living.

THE ATLAS SIX by Olivie Blake Each decade, only the six most uniquely talented magicians are selected to earn a place in the Alexandrian Society, the foremost secret society in the world. The chosen will secure a life of power and prestige beyond their wildest dreams. But at what cost? Each of the six newest recruits has their reasons for accepting the Society’s elusive invitation. Even if it means growing closer than they could have imagined to their most dangerous enemies-- or risking unforgivable betrayal from their most trusted allies-- they will fight tooth and nail for the right to join the ranks of the Alexandrians. Even if it means they won’t all survive the year.

THE SECRET HISTORY by Donna Tartt Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality their lives are changed profoundly and forever, and they discover how hard it can be to truly live and how easy it is to kill. SHOP THESE BOOKS & MORE AT THE BOERNE BOOKSHOP - 153 S. MAIN, STE. 120 - BOERNE | THEBOERNEBOOKSHOP.COM

KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023

FALL IS HERE REVERSE THAT SUMMER SKIN DAMAGE PACKAGES FOR: • SPECIALTY PEELS ELAINE BRENNAN MICRO & SKIN RENEWAL PEELS • PROCELL MICROCHANNELING • JET PLASMA

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KENDALL COUNTY WOMAN | Issue 4 – 2023