El Dorado Hills, CA May 2026

A Celebration of Women

From entrepreneurs building businesses, to creatives pursuing their passions, to simply showing up each day for their families and friends—there is no single definition of what it means to be a woman today. We all wear many hats. We juggle responsibilities, chase goals, and, at times, forget to pause and recognize how far we’ve come. Remembering the strength within us keeps us going and helps us get things done.

This issue is a celebration of that strength.

There’s something powerful about a room full of women. The energy feels supportive, inspiring, and deeply connected. It’s found in the conversations, the shared laughter, and the universal understanding that we are all navigating our own unique journeys. It truly is a beautiful thing.

Within these pages, we’re honored to share a collection of unique journeys: a women-owned hearing clinic transforming lives through compassionate, patient-centered care; a local color consultant who reveals the power of color to illuminate confidence and help women see themselves in a whole new light; an influencer-turned-entrepreneur who carved her own path, entirely on her terms; and a Northern California family-owned organic farm offering a heartfelt recipe as they celebrate a new book filled with stories of food, family, and connection.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from these pages, it’s this: There is no one way to do life “right.” There is only your way. And that is more than enough.

KRISTY MURDOCH, PUBLISHER @ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Krista Minard

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Cadence Murdoch

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Krista Minard, Samantha Durbin, Kali Kasorzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Charlene Taylor of Charm Photography/SmackDab Studio, Jacqueline Pilar, Molly DeCoudreaux

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

New Name, New Space: Hot Tub Family Has Arrived

Hot Tub Family, formerly Sacramento Hot Tubs, is excited to announce its rebrand and new showroom location, bringing a fresh, family-focused approach to backyard wellness in the Folsom area. With decades of experience, the team continues to offer a wide selection of premium, multi-brand hot tubs, swim spas, and cold plunges. The community is invited to celebrate their Grand Opening in May, at 11415 Folsom Blvd. hottubfamily.com

El Dorado Hills Arts Association Announces Annual Art Studio Tour

The EDH Arts Association will host its 16th Annual Art Studio Tour on May 16–17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, self-guided event features 50+ local artists across 15 locations in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Shingle Springs. Guests can meet artists, explore studios, and purchase original works in a variety of mediums during this vibrant, community-centered weekend. eldoradohillsarts.com

Randy Honerlah

S PR ING INTO BETTER HEARING

Spring has sprung...don't get left in the cold

Experience this season like never before. Upgrade your hearing.

Hearing Tests for All Ages

Tinnitus Evaluation & Treatments

Hearing Aid Services

Custom Hearing Protection Services

Cognitive Screening 5 Keys Communication Program

Hearing Screening & Consultation for you and a loved one

Expires May 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with other offers.

El Dorado Hills 4944 Windplay Dr #120, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Call to Schedule: 530-248-2119

LISTEN UP

A woman-owned clinic in EDH helps people reconnect to the sounds they’ve been missing out on

ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLENE TAYLOR OF CHARM/SMACKDAB STUDIO

Hearing aids have gotten cool. Nowadays they’re bits of refined technology practically invisible to the naked eye, with all kinds of special features that can be customized to the wearer’s experience, such as Bluetooth connectivity and heart rate monitoring. Here in El Dorado Hills, Gold Country Hearing & Balance helps people with hearing loss get access to these devices and

“One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing patients reconnect with the people and activities they love.”

other hearing-related services. It’s a woman-owned clinic staffed 90% by women, all of whom collaborate to see that patients receive the compassionate care and all the assistance they need. The clinic is owned by Kimberly Bonney, Au.D. (doctor of audiology), and the team also includes Marissa Gilger, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA; hearing instrument specialist Samantha Poulos; patient care coordinator Cynthia Riggs; and physician and community liaison Sarah Banks.

Chief operating officer Diana Vercellino answers some questions about the clinic, which is located on Windplay Drive in EDH, and the impact effective hearing has on our lives.

Why should people consider hearing care an investment in their long-term health?

Hearing health plays a much bigger role in overall wellness than many people realize. When you can

hear clearly, you stay connected with the people around you, remain socially active, and keep your brain engaged. Addressing hearing loss early can help protect cognitive health, support emotional well-being, and improve quality of life. Investing in your hearing today helps support your long-term health and independence.

What are some early signs of hearing loss that people tend to overlook?

One of the most common early signs is difficulty hearing in noisy environments, like restaurants or family gatherings. People may also notice that they’re asking others to repeat themselves more often, turning the TV volume up louder than others prefer, or feeling like people are mumbling. These changes often happen gradually, so many people don’t realize their hearing is declining until it begins affecting daily life.

How can untreated hearing loss affect overall health, like balance, memory, or mental well-being?

Untreated hearing loss can contribute to feelings of isolation, frustration, and fatigue because the brain has to work harder to understand sounds. Research also shows connections between untreated hearing loss and issues with balance, memory, and cognitive decline.

Do you see patients’ relationships or social lives improve after they address their hearing?

Absolutely. One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing patients reconnect with the people and activities they love. We often hear from patients that conversations with family become easier, they feel more confident going out with friends, and they’re able to participate more fully in everyday life again. Better hearing can truly strengthen relationships.

What is the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline?

Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of cognitive decline over time. When the brain receives less auditory stimulation, it has fewer opportunities to stay actively engaged in processing sound and speech. Treating hearing loss helps keep those auditory pathways active, which supports long-term brain health.

How do hearing devices help keep the brain more actively engaged?

Hearing devices help restore access to sounds that the brain may have been missing. By improving clarity and reducing the strain of listening, they allow the brain to process speech and environmental sounds more naturally. This continued stimulation helps keep the brain active and engaged in communication and everyday experiences.

Hearing technology has advanced so much. What are some features that surprise your patients most?

Modern devices can connect directly to smartphones, stream phone calls or music, automatically adjust to different listening environments, and even be adjusted remotely by their hearing professional. People are often amazed at how small the devices are and how much technology is packed into them.

How have modern devices become more comfortable, discreet, and easy to use?

Today’s hearing devices are designed with both comfort and convenience in mind. They’re

“When the brain receives less auditory stimulation, it has fewer opportunities to stay actively engaged in processing sound and speech. Treating hearing loss helps keep those auditory pathways active, which supports longterm brain health.”

smaller, lighter, and more discreet than ever before. Many are rechargeable, which eliminates the need to change tiny batteries, and they automatically adjust to different listening environments.

What’s most meaningful about your work?

We’ve had patients tell us they could hear birds again, enjoy conversations with their grandchildren more easily, or finally follow along at family gatherings without struggling. Those moments remind us how impactful better hearing can be. That connection is at the heart of everything we do.

What sets Gold Country Hearing & Balance apart is its focus on personalized treatment and meaningful connection. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, patients are guided through a thoughtful process—from initial consultation to continued care—ensuring the best possible outcomes. The clinic provides advanced diagnostic evaluations, customized hearing aid fittings, and ongoing support tailored to each individual’s needs. Their services also include tinnitus management, balance and dizziness assessments, and preventive care designed to support long-term hearing health. For more information on the services they offer, visit goldcountryhearing.com/el-dorado-hills.

DISCOVER THE HUES AND SHADES THAT LIGHT YOU UP WITH THE HELP OF A COLOR CONSULTANT

THE POWER OF COLOR

Theresa Breitton spent 14 years helping launch new lines in the fashion industry in New York—for Gap, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger. “Each launch had its own color story,” she says, citing rich palettes and carefully curated combos. “Color wasn’t just aesthetic. It was strategic, emotional, and powerful.”

Now a double-certified color consultant and Folsom resident, Breitton, owner of Beauty by Theresa, provides color analysis for clients at Image Studios El Dorado Hills. “Color analysis isn’t just about clothing or makeup,” she says. “It’s about helping people see themselves in a new light and understand how to work with their natural features. When someone sees how the right colors instantly brighten their skin, enhance their eyes, and bring out their natural beauty, it’s incredibly powerful.” Here, she tells us more.

How did your training shape your approach to color analysis?

I began my certification with Color Me Beautiful, an institution that popularized color analysis in the 1970s with the classic four-season system. That led me to the 12-season system through Drops de Cor, founded by Sissa German, who became my mentor. We first test three core color dimensions: value (light vs. dark), chroma (soft vs. bright), and temperature (warm vs. cool). This allows us to identify someone’s true color harmony before determining their seasonal palette. It beautifully blends art and science.

What’s most important in determining someone’s best colors?

Skin tone covers the largest surface area of the face, so it has the greatest influence on how someone reacts to color. Eye color and hair color are helpful indicators, but they’re secondary. I’m ultimately looking for visual harmony—the right colors brighten the complexion, bring out the eyes, and create an overall sense of balance.

“WHEN SOMEONE BEGINS WEARING THEIR BEST COLORS, I WITNESS AN IMMEDIATE SHIFT IN ENERGY AND CONFIDENCE.”

Can two people with similar features end up with completely different palettes?

Absolutely. Example: Many Asians naturally have dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, and you might assume they all fall into deeper seasons like Autumn or Winter. In reality, clients with those same features fall into Spring and Summer palettes as well. When we drape colors near the face, the skin will brighten and look more even, or it may appear dull, shadowed, or sallow. Professional color analysis focuses on the full picture—how skin tone, contrast, and color dimensions interact.

Are there universal colors that work for everyone?

There isn’t a single color that truly works perfectly on every person. That said, a few colors are surprisingly adaptable across many palettes. Examples: raspberry pink, true red, deep wine or burgundy, teal green, and deep teal or navy. These colors tend to have a relatively neutral temperature, medium-tohigh saturation, and a medium-to-deep value, which allows them to complement many different complexions.

Once someone knows their palette, how should they start updating?

Tops, blouses, sweaters, and outerwear have the biggest visual impact because they frame the face and interact directly with skin tone. Makeup is another great starting point because it can dramatically enhance your overall look.

What kind of confidence shift do you see when someone starts wearing their best colors?

I witness an immediate shift in energy and confidence. They feel more vibrant, more aligned, and more authentically themselves. It’s almost like a natural filter—the person shines first, and the colors simply enhance what’s already there.

What happens during a color party?

Color parties are a condensed version of a full consultation. Each guest goes through the draping process, where I test different colors near the face. It takes 15–20 minutes per person. The group watches each person’s transformation. Guests start guessing each

other’s seasons, comparing palettes, and reacting to the dramatic difference the right colors make. Guests walk away with a physical (card identifying their palette) and digital palette they can use when shopping for clothing, makeup, and accessories. Many groups continue the fun afterward by organizing makeup or clothing swaps.

What do you find most meaningful about your work?

Many women come to color analysis during moments of transition—after having children, a milestone birthday like turning 50, a divorce, or a new career chapter. They’re ready to rediscover themselves. Color analysis becomes a beautiful gateway. It’s not just about clothing or makeup—it’s about reconnecting with your identity, redefining your personal style, and allowing yourself to feel vibrant and confident again.

Finally, what color season are you?

I’m a Cool Winter. I look best in high-contrast, bold jewel tones like sapphire blue, royal purple, ruby red, and magenta pink. Once I started wearing my colors consistently, I noticed an immediate difference—my features popped, my hair looked shinier, and my skin appeared brighter and more radiant. I shifted toward cool-toned pink blushes, bolder eye makeup like deep plums and charcoal;

even navy eyeliner. For lips, cherry reds, blue-based reds, and berry shades. Hair was another big change. I used to add caramel brown highlights, but once I realized high contrast suits me best, I returned to my natural black hair. I feel polished, vibrant, and authentically myself every day. When you know the colors that enhance you, you show up to the world feeling like your best self.

beautybytheresa.com IG @beautybytheresaxo

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND

Community Clean Up Day

Bayside Church – 800 White Rock Road | 8:00 AM

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring your unwanted material from around your home, garage, and yard and dump it off. Green waste, yard clippings, bulk items—all will be properly disposed of. Free for EDH residents; $20 per load for non-residents. eldoradohillscsd.org

MAY 2ND

Mommosa Event

Cameron Park Community Pool – 2502 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park | 10:00 AM

Calling all moms to join each other poolside to sip mimosas, enjoy some tasty snacks, go for a swim or a float, and listen to some fun music. Leave your to-do list (and the kids) at home. cameronpark.org

MAY 15TH - 17TH

The Golden Road Gathering

El Dorado County Fairgrounds – 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville

This multi-day community-focused event celebrates local culture, music, and the arts with live performances, artisan vendors, food trucks, and workshops in a lively atmosphere that draws visitors from across the region. With its roots in the area’s rich mining history, the gathering offers a blend of modern creativity and nostalgic charm, making it a beloved tradition. goldenroadgathering.com

MAY 16TH

All

About Equine’s

13th Annual Boots and Bling

Folsom Community Center – 52 Natoma St., Folsom | 4:00 PM

Join All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc. (AAE) for the 13th Annual Boots and Bling! Enjoy a lively evening with a barbecue dinner, live and virtual auctions, entertainment, and a no-host beer and wine bar—all in support of AAE’s horses and operations. allaboutequine.org/boots-and-bling

MAY 21ST

Oak Ridge Senior Celebration

EDH Town Center | 3:30 PM

Town Center honors and celebrates the Oak Ridge High School class of 2026 with a special senior procession and community celebration along Town Center Boulevard. Come on out to clap and cheer for our local graduates as they reach this important milestone. Students assemble at Rossmoor Church at 3:30 p.m.; procession begins at 4:30 p.m. edhtowncenter.com

MAY 23RD

The Atrium EDH Gallery: “Botanical Brushstrokes”

Atrium Gallery EDH, Town Center (Building 102) | 5:00 PM

The Atrium Gallery EDH is a destination for art enthusiasts to experience exceptional creativity and cultural connection. With a mission to showcase talented artists and foster community engagement, the gallery brings together art, inspiration, and purpose. “Botanical Brushstrokes” opens May 18, with an artists’ reception May 23, celebrating the beauty of nature, and bringing us the colors and textures of the outdoors. edhtowncenter.com

FARM

From Capay Valley roots to seasonal tables, a family farm shares recipes, stories, and connection

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOLLY DECOUDREAUX

FRESH

Raised on his parents’ organic farm in Capay Valley, Amon Muller once dreamed of escaping it for a seemingly simpler life in a city. But after college and stints at renowned restaurants—including Chez Panisse—he returned to the farm and ended up staying there because of a mature appreciation for tending to the land and homegrown produce. With his wife, Jenna, whom he met while in San Francisco, he decided to raise his family on the farm. They launched farm dinners in 2010, which grew into a full-service event space for farm-table dinners, weddings, and more.

Here, Amon and Jenna share their spring quiche recipe from their recently released cookbook, Full Belly: Recipes and Stories from a Family Farm

“It’s spring, a time of all things adorable. Baby lambs are bouncing around the fields, and a fresh batch of sweet chicks fills the air with their cheerful peeps. These small quiches fit well into spring’s ‘cute’ theme. Perfect for appetizers or lunchboxes, these quiches are baked in muffin tins and filled with tender asparagus, Gruyère, and fragrant spring garlic. We partially cook the filling before adding the eggs, ensuring a perfectly balanced bite every time.” Jenna & Amon

ASPARAGUS MINI QUICHES:

INGREDIENTS:

• Softened butter, for the pan

• 1 recipe Pie Dough, chilled as directed

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 5 ounces thin asparagus, cut into ¼-inch coins (about 1 cup cut), tips reserved for garnish

• 6 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease 16 muffin tin wells with butter. Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface to roughly ¹⁄₈ inch and cut into 16 rounds slightly larger than the wells of your muffin tins. We like to use the ring from a wide mouth mason jar lid to cut the dough into the correct sized circles. Press the dough into the wells, trimming any excess. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up the dough. In a skillet, warm a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the asparagus coins and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. Remove the muffin tins from the refrigerator. Divide the filling evenly among the prepared crusts. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the filling and top with the Gruyère. Top each quiche with a reserved asparagus tip for decoration. Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 16 mini quiches. If you’d prefer a full-size quiche, this recipe works just as well in a 9-inch pie tin. Adjust the baking time to 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden. In this case you will only need one disc of pie dough. CONTINUED

DIRECTIONS:

In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt to combine. Scatter the butter cubes over the flour and pulse 4 or 5 times. While pulsing, drizzle in the ice water until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix—keeping some visible bits of butter will help create a flaky crust. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. It may look crumbly, but press and shape it together until it forms a cohesive ball. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Excerpted with permission from Full Belly: Recipes and Stories from a Family Farm by Amon and Jenna Muller, published by Hardie Grant Publishing. fullbellyfarm.com

PIE DOUGH:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• ½ cup ice water

Accepting new primary care patients in Folsom

As the region’s only academic medical center, we’re proud to expand access to high-quality personalized care for Folsom, El Dorado Hills and beyond with our new Folsom Medical Care Clinic, near Highway 50 and East Bidwell inside our Folsom Center for Health development.

The new three-story building includes primary care and some specialty care — such as OB/GYN, neurology and orthopedics — in one convenient location, with added services such as expanded imaging scans, cancer infusions, and more.

Plus, we’ve remodeled our Folsom Turn Pike Specialty Care Clinic to provide even more access to our dermatology, gastroenterology/GI, pulmonology services, and more.