You don’t have to travel far for expert primary and specialty care. Marshall provides excellent care with convenient locations.
EL DORADO HILLS
• Family/Primary Medicine
• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Cardiology
• Lab Services
• Physical Therapy
CAMERON PARK
• Family/Primary Medicine
• OB/GYN
• Cardiology
• Cardiac Testing
• Cancer Center
• Oncology/Hematology
• Infusion Center
• Pulmonology
• Urology
• Podiatry
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Lab Services
• Rheumatology
• Outpatient Surgery
• Diabetes and Nutrition Program
• Gastroenterology
• Physical Therapy
• Community Health Library
• School of Medical Assisting
PLACERVILLE
• Marshall Hospital
• Emergency Department/ Level 3 Trauma Center
• Outpatient and Inpatient Surgery
• General Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Lab Services
• Family/Primary Medicine
• OB/GYN
• Pediatrics
• Cardiology
• Cardiac Testing
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Ear, Nose and Throat
• Audiology/Hearing
• Respiratory Therapy
• Pulmonology
• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Addiction Medicine
• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
• Home Health
• Urology
• Wound Care
GEORGETOWN
• Divide Wellness Center (Primary Care)
• Lab Services
• Addiction Medicine
A House That’s a Home
“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’ve always loved that quote, for I believe a home is so much more than a roof overhead; it’s a sanctuary where you can find love and comfort. It’s a place to unwind and be yourself after a long day. A true home isn’t defined by its size, the trendiest accents, or the most expensive furniture. It should be about creating a space authentic to your family’s lifestyle.
Of course, as we all know, a home can also feel overwhelming at times, with its seemingly ever-constant need for repairs and organization. Living in our home for over 15 years now, I can say there’s always something that needs attention or improvement! Investing in upgrades now and again can definitely be beneficial to make life more comfortable and uncomplicated. In this month’s issue, we embrace some ways to enhance and improve the space that’s truly yours.
We begin by exploring how to achieve the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality in your home. A local interior designer shares her expert tips on maximizing space and making impactful upgrades, even on a budget. If you’re new to smart home technology, our tech-savvy publication director (a.k.a. my hubby) has gathered some of the latest innovations to help make your home more efficient, secure, and connected. We utilize a lot of these devices in our home, and they are game-changers! And for those looking to bring the outdoors in, we feature a nursery owner’s recommendations on choosing the right houseplants to complement your home and lifestyle. We also explore the world of peptide therapy with a local doctor as she shares her insights on this fascinating, cutting-edge approach to your health.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your home this month!
KRISTY MURDOCH, PUBLISHER
@ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Krista Minard
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cadence Murdoch
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Krista Minard, Angela Brookerd, Dr. Karla Alberts
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kimberlee Brooke & Co, Kat Alves Photography, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Renaissance Fine Consignment celebrated its “New Year, New You” event with Chelsey Smith Crowns 2: Brickyard’s Charity Cornhole Tournament. Proceeds benefitted Cal Fire Foundation for LA fire relief 3: The new owners of The Vine - Wine and Tapas Bar at their ribbon-cutting ceremony 4: EDH Paramedic Captain Jake Baldwin is congratulated for completing 10 years of service 5: EDH Chamber President Debbie Manning swearing into the EDH Fire Department’s Board of Directors 6: Sunset over the pond at Village Green Park 7: Hands4Hope youth prepare meals for those in need
Want to be seen in the magazine?
EDH Chamber President Debbie Manning Appointed to Fire Board
The El Dorado Hills Fire Board of Directors has appointed Debbie Manning, President and CEO of the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, to fill the vacancy left by the late Supervisor John Hidahl. Manning, with her passion for this community and decades of experience in leadership, plans to help build a strong collaboration between the local business community and our fire district.
Photography by EDH Fire Department
Kaia FIT EDH is Now PUSH EDH
New owners Holly and Neda have taken over the business park-based gym and their mission is simple: “To help you change your life with us!” They want their members to walk out after a workout and feel like they’re better versions of themselves. They offer a little bit of everything with programs such as cross-training and strength training, as well as TRX, yoga, and barre classes. Visit pushedh.com for more information.
Marshall Medical New EDH Clinician Offices Now Open
The new 49,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art facility at 4201 Town Center Blvd. combines skilled providers with innovative tools and technology to deliver exceptional care for you and your family. It features centers for sports medicine and family medicine, both offering walk-in appointments. The facility also includes cardiology, orthopedics, and physical therapy—featuring hand therapy with an occupational therapist—with plans to expand services further. Visit marshallmedical.org to learn more.
BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL SPACES
ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT ALVES PHOTOGRAPHY
Design tips from EDH-based interior designer Jen Reagan
When it comes to designing a home, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality. Selecting furniture pieces to maximize the potential of every square foot without overcrowding and creating spaces that are both workable and visually appealing can be tricky. We teamed up with EDH-based interior designer Jen Reagan to share her tips and tricks. With 24 years of experience and a passion for residential projects, she says, “I take my clients’ ideas and come up with a design that is custom to them and their lifestyle—and also is beautiful and functional.”
HOW DO YOU BALANCE FUNCTIONALITY WITH AESTHETICS?
It’s one of the most important aspects of my job. An example might be storage that looks beautiful but hides toys, photo albums, memorabilia, or items you don’t want cluttering your home. Or, in the kitchen: panel-front appliances, which get rid of finger-printed stainless steel and cover it with a cabinet front and beautiful oversized hardware.
ARE THERE QUICK UPGRADES OR SMALL CHANGES THAT MAKE A BIG IMPACT?
The quickest, most impactful upgrade is paint. Changing the interior or exterior color can make a huge difference. Color trends come and go, and sometimes you might be 20 years behind them, so updating your paint is a quick way to make your home look more current.
WHAT SPECIFIC FURNITURE PIECES ARE WORTH INVESTING IN?
Splurge on key pieces like sofas, armchairs, dressers, dining tables, buffets or sideboards. You want items that will stand the test of time with wear and tear of multiple people using them. If you get cheap pieces, you will most likely be changing them out every few years, which ends up costing more.
ANY TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO DON’T WANT TO SPEND TOO MUCH ON DECORATING?
Target, Amazon, Etsy and even Wayfair have lots of inexpensive on-trend accent pieces and furniture you can buy on a tight budget. Easy affordable ways to refresh any space would be adding wallpaper or changing out artwork, accessories, light fixtures, plants and cabinet hardware.
HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS MAKE SPACES FEEL LARGER?
Decluttering is the main thing. You can also use light paint colors, incorporate mirrors to reflect light, and choose multifunctional furniture like sofa beds or storage ottomans and furniture with legs. Avoid oversized bulky furniture pieces, and hang curtains from the ceiling to draw the eye upward.
ANY TIMELESS ELEMENTS THAT NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE?
Neutral color palettes like warm whites, creams, beiges and grays; natural materials such as wood and natural stone; clean lines; and classic furniture. Also, matte finishes on countertops and flooring.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME COMMON DESIGN MISTAKES?
Not understanding space and scale—investing in furniture that is too large or too small, or not choosing the right size light fixtures, or buying matching furniture sets or too-small an area rug to save money.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO’S CREATING THEIR DREAM HOME?
It’s an emotional investment. Hire the right team to do the job. Interview several different builders and designers, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Talk to their past clients. These relationships are important, and clear communication is required between all involved parties for your project to run smoothly. Have idea boards pulled together to share your vision but be able to pivot if something is out of budget or out of stock.
ANY LAST WORDS OF ADVICE?
Surround yourself with items that bring you joy!
jenreagan.com
ARTICLE BY TODD MURDOCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MURDOCH MEDIA GROUP
Upgrading your home with smart devices to create a more efficient, secure, and eco-friendly lifestyle
The Connected
Home
If you're old enough, you can probably still hear the iconic Clap-on, Clap-off jingle echoing in your mind. Smart home technology has certainly come a long way since then, revolutionizing the way we interact with our living spaces. Now, with just a tap on your smartphone or a simple voice command, smart devices can automate and optimize various aspects of your home, transforming it into a seamlessly connected hub. Here are some key smart devices that can integrate into your home to enhance security, improve energy efficiency, and support a more sustainable lifestyle.
TRANSFORMING YOUR HOME INTO A CONNECTED HUB
Voice Assistants:
Voice assistants such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, and Apple HomePod serve as the heart of a smart home, acting as control centers for all your devices. They recognize voice commands, allowing you to manage everything from lighting and temperature to security and entertainment. With growing interoperability between devices from different manufacturers, you can enjoy a unified and streamlined experience. You can even set up custom routines, such as dimming lights in the evening or automatically locking doors when you leave, based simply on the location of your smartphone.
ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES TO MONITOR YOUR HOME ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Lighting Control:
Smart lighting allows you to control your home’s illumination, adjust brightness, change colors, or set schedules for your lights. It can help reduce energy consumption with energy-efficient LEDs and dimming
capabilities. More importantly, smart lighting can enhance security. You can set your lights to turn on/off according to a schedule or based on your location. A simple “vacation mode” can make your home appear occupied by creating random lighting patterns, deterring potential unwelcome guests.
Smart Cameras:
Smart cameras, such as Ring and Nest Cam, provide real-time video feeds, motion detection, and two-way communication. Suitable for both indoor/outdoor use, these cameras come in wired or battery-powered options, allowing you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere. You'll receive instant alerts for visitors, deliveries, or suspicious activity, including unusual movement or even the sound of breaking glass. Advanced features like facial recognition can identify family members, guests, or potential threats. These devices have evolved significantly from the days when a motion detector might trigger an alarm just because your cat walked by.
CONTINUED >
Smart Locks:
Smart locks, such as August or Schlage, replace traditional keys with keyless entry methods. You can unlock doors using your smartphone, a passcode, or even a fingerprint. These locks allow you to send temporary access codes to guests or contractors and offer the flexibility to lock or unlock doors remotely. Plus, your kids won’t have to worry about losing their keys—another great benefit for peace of mind.
Smart Sensors:
Smart sensors, like Nest Protect for smoke and carbon monoxide detection or Flo by Moen for water leak monitoring, provide early alerts to potential hazards. These sensors can send notifications directly to your smartphone and, in some cases, take proactive actions, such as shutting off water valves to minimize damage. Check with your homeowner's insurance—many offer discounts for homes equipped with these life and property-saving devices.
OPTIMIZING YOUR HOME’S EFFICIENCY AND LOWERING UTILITY COSTS
Smart Thermostats:
Smart thermostats such as Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell learn your preferences and adjust the temperature in your home to maximize comfort while minimizing waste. These devices track your schedule and make automatic adjustments to reduce heating and cooling costs. Multiple thermostats can be installed to keep certain areas of the home at comfortable temperatures while saving energy in unused spaces. You can also program the thermostat to adjust just before you return home from a trip, so you never have to come back to a cold or overly warm house.
Smart Plugs:
Smart plugs allow you to control appliances remotely, set schedules, and monitor energy usage. By plugging devices like lamps, coffee makers, or fans into a smart plug, you can ensure they’re only on when needed, helping to reduce utility bills.
Smart Irrigation:
Smart irrigation systems, such as Rachio or RainMachine, adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather conditions and soil moisture levels. These systems optimize water usage, ensuring your garden or lawn is watered just the right amount, saving water and reducing your water bill in the process.
Energy Monitoring Systems:
Systems like Sense or Emporia give you detailed insights into your home’s energy usage across multiple utilities. These systems allow you to track how much energy each appliance or device consumes, helping you identify areas where you can reduce waste and make more sustainable choices.
Smart home technology isn’t just a trend—it’s an investment in convenience, security, and sustainability. Many home security providers now offer these features in their plans, making integration seamless. Installation and setup are easier than you think, but if you hit a roadblock, YouTube is always there to help.
ARTICLE BY DR. KARLA ALBERTS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SUMMIT NATUROPATHIC
Unlocking the Power of Peptides
A revolutionary frontier in medicine
Peptide therapy is quickly emerging as a groundbreaking solution in the field of integrative medicine, offering exciting opportunities to enhance the health and longevity of patients. Dr. Karla Alberts, Chief Medical Officer at Summit Naturopathic and certified practitioner of peptide therapy through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), brings her expertise and passion for these innovative therapies into her practice. In this article, she addresses common questions individuals may have and breaks down the science behind peptides.
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
Peptides are naturally occurring molecules composed of short chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They regulate processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and hormone production. One well-known example is insulin, a peptide hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and has revolutionized diabetes care. Beyond insulin, advances in research have uncovered peptides that influence aging, energy production, and immune modulation.
WHY PEPTIDE THERAPY?
Peptide therapy is unique in its precision, as it targets specific receptors in the body to offer therapeutic benefits with minimal risk. Some of the most promising peptides include:
• Weight Management: Peptides such as Semaglutide and tirzepatide enhance insulin sensitivity and help regulate appetite, supporting sustainable weight loss.
• Anti-Aging: Peptides like Ipamorelin and GHK-Cu promote cellular repair, stimulate collagen
production, and improve skin elasticity, offering significant anti-aging benefits.
• Muscle Growth and Recovery: BPC-157 and Ipamorelin aid in tissue repair, accelerate recovery from injuries and support joint health, making them valuable for athletes and active individuals.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PROMISE
Research supports the ability of peptides to address a wide range of health concerns by mimicking natural biological functions. For instance, GHK-Cu has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, showing promise in wound healing and skin rejuvenation. Similarly, BPC-157 has demonstrated effectiveness in protecting the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and promoting musculoskeletal repair.
A PERSONALIZED APPROACH
Peptide therapy is highly adaptable, and as a practitioner, I develop tailored protocols to suit each patient’s unique health profile and goals. Whether it's enhancing athletic performance, addressing
“Peptide therapy represents a paradigm shift toward precision medicine.”
the effects of aging, or managing chronic conditions, peptides provide a personalized and precise pathway to better health. Many patients report noticeable improvements in energy, recovery, and overall vitality within just a few weeks of starting therapy.
SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY
Peptide therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated when prescribed by a qualified practitioner who ensures all peptides are sourced from reputable manufacturers to guarantee the highest quality products. I personally provide comprehensive education to help patients confidently integrate peptide therapy into
their wellness routines. This includes learning about the science behind their treatment and mastering the proper administration techniques.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Peptide therapy represents a paradigm shift toward precision medicine, empowering individuals to take control of their health in meaningful ways. This innovative approach offers an opportunity to address specific health goals while offering transformative potential for improving their well-being. For both patients and practitioners, peptides are not just tools but keys to unlocking a brighter, healthier future.
If you’re curious about how peptide therapy could enhance your health and help unlock your body’s full potential, contact Dr. Alberts at her Folsom office. Along with peptide therapy, she also specializes in cardiometabolic health and bioidentical hormone therapies (bHRT) for both men and women. Her mission is simple:
“To guide our patients to live their longest and healthiest lives in a body that they love. Feel better, look better and always perform at your very best!”
Where the Oaks Meet the Pines
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Mom Walk Sip & Stroll
El Dorado Hills Town Center Amphitheater | 10:00 AM
Join a local moms group for a refreshing morning stroll on Wednesday mornings in Town Center. Grab a beverage at one of the shops and head to the amphitheater for an opportunity to get some exercise, have meaningful conversations, and build a supportive community of moms. All mom walkers new and seasoned are welcome!
EVERY SUNDAY
Miraflores Winery’s Soup Sundays
Miraflores Tasting Room, 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville | 11:00 AM
A Miraflores tradition! Enjoy a free cup of delicious chef-made soup while wine tasting every Sunday now through the end of March, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit mirafloreswinery.com for more information.
MARCH 8TH
Hands4Hope Empty Bowls Dinner
El Dorado County Fairgrounds' Forni Building in Placerville | 4:00 PM
It will be an evening of community, compassion, and culinary delights! Savor fresh bread and a hearty bowl of soup served in a handmade keepsake bowl, supporting the fight against hunger in our local community. There will be live music, local vendors, and desserts, wine, and beer available for purchase. Tickets and sponsorships are available at hands4hopeyouth.org/emptybowls
MARCH 10TH
Coloring and Tea at the Library
El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Pkwy. | 3:30 PM
Enjoy a nice warm beverage and unwind at this stress-free space for adults. They will provide coloring pages and materials and a variety of teas. This program is for adults 18 and older and takes place every second Monday of the month, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the EDH Library. eldoradolibrary.org
MARCH 22ND
An Evening of Art and Tastings at Town Center
4364 Town Center Blvd., Building 102 Atrium Gallery | 4:00 PM
Town Center's Atrium Gallery presents its closing reception of the gallery Hidden Kiss by local artist Lin Fei Fei, featuring a live painting presentation and an artist market. Make the evening even more special with "Tastings at Town Center," where local businesses will offer a variety of drinks/snacks. For a list of participating businesses and event details, visit edhtowncenter.com.
MARCH 26TH
Park Party Sponsored by the El Dorado Hills CSD
Oak Knoll Park, 3371 Alyssum Circle | 5:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of food, music, and family-friendly activities and games at your local park, 5–7 p.m. Be sure to bring your picnic blanket! This is a free event. eldoradohillscsd.org
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
INDOOR PLANT GUIDE
Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits
Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.
SNAKE PLANT:
This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not
wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.
ANTHURIUM:
Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.
HOPE PEPEROMIA:
This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.
“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.”
DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:
This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.
ZZ PLANT:
The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculas Zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered. Their bulbs hold a lot of moisture, so they only
need to be watered once a month. This is a great plant to give as a gift due to its ease of care and versatility. They are slow-growing and are great for counters and tabletops. There are new varieties coming out such as Lucky which has round leaves and Raven which is black.
CALATHEA ORNATA:
The Calathea Ornata has a ton of varieties and is a very artistic plant. This one is a little finicky and temperamental, so it can take a little bit of a green thumb to care for them. Faucet water can be hard on these plants, so they prefer distilled water. If brown tips appear, this means it is being over-watered or the water is hard. They like medium to bright indirect light. They can grow to 1 ½ feet to 2 feet maximum.
FICUS RUBY:
The Ficus Ruby is in the Rubber Tree family and can come in a variety of colors. These plants like either direct light or bright indirect light. These can grow three to four trunks in a pot and can take on the appearance of a bush. They grow six to eight inches a year. This plant can go dry so watering about once a month is sufficient.
PHILODENDRON LICKETY SPLIT:
This plant comes in many varieties, but the lickety split is known as the most pleasing. They can get to be between four to six feet and grow both tall and wide. These houseplants need lots of space to grow. They like to stay about half dry and can be a little forgiving if they go a little dryer than they like. This plant likes medium to bright light and can acclimate to an outdoor plant during warmer months.
When choosing an indoor plant, call your local professionals or go to a local garden center to get the best information. They will be happy to help you decide what plant works best in your space and with your plant-abilities.
