The Founders Issue
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CLOTHING FOR EVERY OCCASION
Discover our curated collection of high-quality dresses, from chic streetwear to stunning special occasion pieces. Enhance your look with our one-of-a-kind accessories and personalized styling services—because every outfit deserves to shine!
Greetings Stone Oak
Hello, and welcome to the premiere issue of Stone Oak City Lifestyle Magazine!
We’re Sarah and Jonathan Mottu, the proud owners and publishers - we’re thrilled to embark on this journey with you! Inspired by our wonderful community, we’ve combined our passions and experience to create a magazine that celebrates everything that makes Stone Oak special, and we are eager to share its stories and treasures.
As you flip through these pages, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant community of Stone Oak—a place filled with remarkable people and experiences. From delicious dishes crafted by our talented local chefs to stunning homes that reflect the warmth and creativity of our residents, each issue will capture the essence of what makes our community special.
Explore the inspiring journeys of local entrepreneurs who are shaping our economy and the artists whose work adds color and character to our streets. We’ll introduce you to the hidden gems that make Stone Oak a unique place to live, whether it's a cozy café, a charming boutique, or a community event that brings us all together.
This magazine is dedicated to you, our readers, who are the heart and soul of Stone Oak. We want to celebrate the things that matter most—your stories, your passions, and your lives. Thank you for inviting us into your homes; we can’t wait to share this adventure with you.
Here’s to sharing the beauty of Stone Oak together!
SARAH MOTTU, PUBLISHER
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Sarah Mottu | sarah.mottu@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Jonathan Mottu | jonathan.mottu@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ellen Renee Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
Thank you to our Founding Partners
Sarah Mottu STONE OAK CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
AIM Educate AIMEDUCATE.COM
Apricot Lane Boutique APRICOTLANEBOUTIQUE.COM
Austyntatious Events LINKTR.EE/AUSTYNTATIOUSEVENTS
C&M Fashion Street V @CM_FASHION_STREET
Cleaning Made Simple CLEANINGMADESIMPLE.ORG
Dr.Garza Plastic Surgery DRGARZAPLASTICSURGERY.COM
EcoClean Professional Floor Care ECOCLEANTEXAS.COM
Working Moms of San Antonio WORKINGMOMSOFSANANTONIO.COM
Heavenly Fresh Cleaning Service HEAVENLYFRESHCLEANINGSERVICE.COM
Jones Travel Getaway NJONES.DREAMVACATIONS.COM
Lauren Figueroa Lampel Phyllis Browning Company PHYLLISBROWNING.COM
Max Living Chiropractic MAXLIVING.COM
Morales Padia Law, P.L.L.C. MORALESPADIALAW.COM
My Smile Artist MYSMILEARTIST.COM
NeuroMelt Massage NEUROMELTMASSAGE.COM
Pink Zebra Moving of North San Antonio PINKZEBRAMOVING.COM/NORTHSANANTONIO
Radiant Aesthetics RADIANT-AESTHETICS.SQUARE.SITE
Sarah Ferguson Fit | Online Fitness Coach SARAHFERGUSONFIT.COM
Social House Group | Phyllis Browning Company PHYLLISBROWNING.COM
Solymar Med Spa SOLYMARMEDSPA.COM
TXRighteous Home Improvement TXRIGHTEOUS.COM
The Fountain of Youth Spa THEFOYSPA.COM
The Lash Barn LINKTR.EE/THELASHBARNSATX
The Lash Lounge THELASHLOUNGE.COM
The Old English Tea Shoppe THEOLDENGLISHTEASHOPPE.COM
Trio Hair Extensions and Beauty Lounge TRIOHAIREXTENSIONSANDSALON.GLOSSGENIUS.COM
YogaSix Stone Oak YOGASIX.COM
city scene
1: Stone Oak art teacher Sandra Salazar, owner of Art & Design by Solivel hosts painting party for kids! 2: Stone Oak resident Courtney Moore enjoys the San Antonio Zoo as her daughter feeds the giraffes. 3: The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Membership Mixer at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games 4: Austyn Burgamy, with Austyntatious Events, moderates a panel of women entrepreneurs at In Contrada Vineyard 5: Barre3 Stone Oak celebrates their grand opening. 6: Prestige Emergency Room delivers care packages to our local fire departments. 7: Maritza with Big Tex Social Media Marketing Hosts content creation workshop for local business owners.
YOUR LAWYER FOR LIFE
MEET LAUREN FIGUEROA LAMPEL,
GRI, REALTOR® of Jason Glast Group with Phyllis Browning Company. During her tenure with the team, she has assisted in closing more than $175 million in sales.
Lauren is known for elevating experiences and achieving excellent results through best-inclass marketing. Together with her team, she has achieved a 37% higher average sales price within the most sought-after Stone Oak-Area neighborhoods.
As a hyperlocal expert, Lauren would love to use her insider knowledge, work ethic, connections and experience to deliver an elevated real estate experience for you.
C 210.275.1827
lfigueroa @ phyllisbrowning com @ laurenlampelrealestate J ason g last com
Solymar Med Spa Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary
Marysol Imler, owner of Solymar Med Spa, proudly celebrates one year in business, marking a significant milestone in her journey from critical care nurse to entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in Level 1 Trauma Centers, Marysol has seamlessly transitioned her expertise into the world of wellness and aesthetics. Her commitment to enhancing clients’ well-being and confidence reflects in her passion her passion for healing and her vision for a rejuvenating spa experience.
The Old English Tea Shoppe Serves Traditional English Afternoon Tea
The Old English Tea Shoppe brings the charm of traditional English
afternoon tea to San Antonio, offering an authentic taste of British culture. Founded by Dr. Robb Kelly, who dreamed of sharing his Manchester roots, the shop provides a genuine English experience with a menu that features beloved classics. From delightful scones to exquisite teas, every detail is crafted to transport guests to the heart of England.
Personal Trainer Sarah Ferguson Offers One on One Training Via App
Designed specifically for busy women and moms who face unique challenges in prioritizing fitness, the Sarah Ferguson Fit app offers personalized coaching and nutrition guidance at your fingertips. Sarah offers a variety of coaching packages to support you every step of the way, helping you integrate fitness seamlessly into your daily routine.
Expertly crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Our skilled team uses the latest techniques to ensure undetectable results, giving you the length and volume you’ve always desired. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to enhance your everyday look, Trio is your destination for stunning transformations.
AESTHETICS . PRECISION . HEALTH .
At My Smile Artist, we are committed to providing a comfortable, high-end experience for every patient. Our office delivers exceptional care in a dentist-driven, patient-centered environment. Led by Dr. Imam, an expert in Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry, our team caters to patients seeking both routine care and full-mouth rehabilitations. Whether you’re looking for a complete transformation or routine dental care, we cater to patients who demand the best. We invite you to discover a dental experience that prioritizes comfort, aesthetics, and comprehensive solutions.
SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY SMILE DESIGN CONSULTATION
a
ARTICLE BY SARAH MOTTU
Meet The Publishers
JONATHAN AND SARAH MOTTU
Family
The absolute joy of our life is our sweet and funny 3 year old son, Liam. We feel incredibly blessed to raise him together, as family is incredibly important to us. We cherish spending quality time with our wonderful family in Texas and those spread out in other states.
The Outdoors
Spending time outdoors together has always been a favorite. We love hiking local trails, the Comal River, Canyon Lake, and just about any beach or mountain.
Pickleball
We know it’s easier than tennis, and that’s why we like it! Both Jon and I are avid pickleball players, and while we enjoy competing together, we love to get competitive on opposite teams. See y’all out on the courts!
Around Town
Family time around town is usually spent doing something together like enjoying time at the park, the San Antonio Zoo, Top Golf, or the DoSeum!
Date Night
If we had to pick just one favorite restaurant, that would be too hard! We love Myron’s Steakhouse, Pasha Mediterranean Grill, Sushishima, El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant and more.
FROM BLANK CANVAS TO VIBRANT SANCTUARY
THE BOOT RANCH PROJECT BY SARAH HARDIN DESIGN
ARTICLE BY SARAH MOTTU
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLEN RENEE
In the world of interior design, San Antonio area designer Sarah Hardin has an impressive portfolio that reflects her unique ability to breathe life into a home. This ASID San Antonio Pinnacle of Design award-winning home, affectionately referred to as the “Boot Ranch Project,” involved transforming a relatively blank canvas into a vibrant expression of her client’s individuality.
PHOTOGRAPHY
What sets Sarah apart is her signature approach: a harmonious blend of vibrant color, thoughtful scale, captivating art, and carefully curated unique pieces. This, along with her meticulous attention to detail, allows her to craft interiors that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful to those who inhabit them.
When starting a new project, Sarah engages her clients in a thoughtful dialogue about their life, as well as their preferences. "How do you live?" is one of her pivotal questions, laying the groundwork for a design that is functional, personal,
and that will stand the test of time. Key elements, such as durability and family-friendliness, are always at the forefront. For this family that values livability, Sarah incorporated stain-resistant materials, ensuring that every corner of the home can withstand the chaos of daily life while remaining stylish.
Throughout the design process, Sarah consistently asked herself and her team, "Is this happy?" By regularly checking in on this question, Sarah ensured that every design decision contributed to an uplifting and cheerful atmosphere,
“WHETHER IT WAS SELECTING VIBRANT COLORS OR PLAYFUL DECOR, SHE FOCUSED ON ELEMENTS THAT WOULD EVOKE HAPPINESS.”
which was a key component that her client requested. Whether it was selecting vibrant colors or playful decor, she focused on elements that would evoke happiness, making the home a true sanctuary filled with positivity.
A trademark of Sarah’s work is her keen eye for sourcing unique elements, often exploring estate sales for hidden gems. "I love selecting unique pieces for my projects,” she shares. Having a collected style can bring unexpected harmony, allowing the space to
feel both curated and lived-in. One-of-a-kind pieces “give interest and make homes cozier and more personalized," Sarah explains.
Textiles and prints play a vital role in Sarah's designs, transforming a house into a home. By skillfully mixing patterns and materials, she creates a cozy atmosphere. Lissa from Lume & Co provided the stunning rug in the master bedroom, which “perfectly complements the room’s aesthetic while adding a layer of softness underfoot,” she notes. Sarah's ability to play with scale creates visual
interest through the balance of large and small elements. “You want the furniture and art to feel right for the home,” she advises. This approach is evident in her projects, where she often custom-orders rugs to fit the space perfectly.
Sarah places a strong emphasis on art in her designs. “Art is personal,” Sarah explains, “I like to introduce artists I love to my clients and see what speaks to them.” Art often serves as the cornerstone for the entire design process, and helps to set a color palette that feels authentic and energizing. "Most of my clients embrace color, and therefore, the color palette is a very important element to pull together the space," she explains. Even in a neutral palette, the colors provide cohesion, enhancing the overall feel of the home.
In every project Sarah Hardin is a part of, her upbeat style and attentive approach define what it means to design spaces that resonate with the people who live in them. By prioritizing her clients' needs, integrating unique finds, and focusing on emotional resonance, Sarah proves that a well-designed home is not just about aesthetics but about cultivating a sense of belonging and joy.
Feed Your Soul
Food is exciting to cook, and satisfying to eat but is it enjoyable to read? Novels where food is prominently featured can be a veritable feast for the eyes. Food imagery, also called gustatory imagery, adds depth to a novel, providing a springboard for all kinds of descriptive and symbolic language. Different dishes can transport a reader to new regions of the world, reveal a character’s culture, or symbolically deepen the meaning of a text. So, dive into this list of autumn reads and don’t forget to save room for seconds.
ARTICLE BY HANNAH BARRICKS
Stanley Park
by Timothy Taylor
True crime fans and foodies alike will enjoy this beautifully written novel. The novel follows a Vancouver based chef, Jeremy Papier and his failing bistro. As Papier tries to hold his dreams together, his homeless father drags him into a real-life, 1940s “cold case” investigation. The novel mindfully uses the investigation as well as Papier’s commitment to locally grown foods to pay tribute to Vancouver’s landscape and history.
A Moveable Feast
by Ernest Hemingway
Published after his untimely death, A Moveable Feast is Hemingway’s memoir. A love letter to 1920s Paris and the literary movement, Hemingway charters the reader through his early years there, one cafe at a time. Along the way, familiar characters like Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald float in and out. This no-frills prose will stick to your ribs and leave you satisfied.
The School of Essential Ingredients
by Erica Bauermeister
Love is in the air at this Monday night cooking school. The novel follows a cast of hapless students as they are instructed in both the kitchen and in life by the school’s owner, Lillian. Lillian is the group’s fairy godmother as she hands out morsels of advice and challenges the students with advanced recipes. A cozy read, be prepared to fall in love with the decadence of the school’s dishes as well as the sweet message that lingers long after you put down the book.
The Sol Majestic
by Ferrett Steinmetz
If you love science fiction, this big-hearted, culinary space opera is sure to hit the spot. The story follows impoverished Kenna, an aspiring guru who hungrily wanders the cosmos until he wins dinner at the galaxy’s most renowned restaurant, The Sol Majestic. A novel that is both fun and thought provoking, Steinmetz uses striking food imagery to explore what truly excites the spirit.
thanksgiving cornucopia
How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.
deliciously edible
Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.
florals can be gourd- geous
Or, get inspired from the following ideas and have fun creating a centerpiece completely customized.
• Slice and fill real squashes with floral foam to hold classic fall flowers, such as mums, pom-pom daisies and dahlias.
• For a pop of color on Thanksgiving tables, a large turquoise or pink pumpkin goes a long way.
• For a cranberry-filled vase, place a smaller glass cylinder inside a larger one, then pour fresh cranberries into the gap between the two vases. For flowers, mix a few grocery-store blooms with dried millet and faux dill blooms, or silk and dried flowers.
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
loaded hummus
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread Hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
realty report
Grazing Tables & Charcuterie
NOVEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST - 3RD
Vintage Market Days San Antonio
25665 Boerne Stage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78255 | 10:00 AM
This 3-day vintage-inspired shopping event features everything you need to refresh your world this fall! With the best artisans, craftsmen, designers, and pickers from Texas and across the country to present the best of the holiday season for your home, garden, wardrobe, and pantry. Early Buying Event: $15, General Admission: $10, Children under 12 are free.
NOVEMBER 14TH
Kneaders Bakery & Cafe
Thanksgiving Pie and Roll Tasting Class
Kneaders Bakery & Cafe | 21639 Hardy Oak Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78258 | 6:00 PM
Get ready for a delicious Thanksgiving treat! Sample homemade pies and rolls, including the award-winning Raspberry Cream Cheese, Banana Cream, Coconut Cream, and Chocolate Cream Pies, paired with fluffy white and orange rolls. Perfect for ages 12 and up! Tickets are $15
NOVEMBER 18TH - JANUARY 7TH
Frostival at The DoSeum The DoSeum
Get ready for a season of Holi-play fun at Frostival, happening at The DoSeum! Join us for an exciting array of activities, including your favorite exhibits and new attractions like our specially designed sock-skating rink, the Pumpkin Palooza Family Workshops, and our exclusive Members-Only Holly Jolly event. Visit TheDoSeum.org/events for specific event dates and ticketing information.
NOVEMBER 26TH
Working Moms of San Antonio Brewing Business Mixer
11847 Wurzbach Rd | 9:30 AM
If you’re looking to build authentic connections and grow your business, join the Working Moms of San Antonio for a monthly membership mixer. This popular, kid friendly event is a great way to connect with local business owners and build you network. Members are free, and non members pay $15
NOVEMBER 28TH
15th Annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot 5k
Commander’s House at H-E-B Arsenal | 622 S. Flores St. San Antonio, Texas 78204 | 8:30 AM
Start your Thanksgiving with joy and purpose with the 15th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Walk, benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank! Lace up your running shoes and step out with friends, family, and the community to fight hunger in Southwest Texas. Each registration supports the Food Bank’s mission to alleviate hunger this holiday season.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Mitchell’s Landing Park Grand Opening
20240 Hardy Oak Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78258 | 10:00 AM
This vibrant playground features four exciting areas of play, including a pirate ship and H-E-B Mermaid Lagoon, along with 22 inclusive play components designed for children of all abilities. Don’t miss the debut of the innovative roller slide safety transition bench, making this playground truly one-of-a-kind!
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THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
