Saddleback, CA May 2026

Ladies Issue LI F E + C U LTU R E

GIN A AN D EM I LY: A SOUTH O RAN GE COU NT Y SISTERHO O D

M AY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Legacy of Strength: Mothers, Daughters & the Women Who Inspire Us

May 2026 PUBLISHER

Toral Parmar | toral.parmar@citylifestyle.com

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I will also celebrate another trip around the sun, surrounded by the incredible women who have shaped my life. This month’s issue feels especially personal to me because it reflects something so close to my heart—the strength, resilience, and influence of women across generations.

In the photo featured here are three generations: my mother, my daughter, and me. My mother recently celebrated her milestone 75th birthday, and I am constantly reminded of the resilience, wisdom, and unconditional love she has poured into our family over the years. She has been the quiet force behind so many of the values I carry today: strength, perseverance, compassion, and the belief that community truly matters.

Now, watching my daughter complete her final year of middle school and preparing to take the next big step into high school, fills me with pride and gratitude. She approaches life with curiosity and determination, encouraging me to remember every day how grateful I am to be her mother. Seeing her ready to embrace the world ahead with confidence and optimism is one of the greatest joys. It’s a reminder that the examples we set today help shape the women our daughters will become.

As women, we also have a responsibility to stand up for what is right, even when it is not easy. Sometimes that means speaking the truth when others stay silent or having the courage to step away from spaces that no longer reflect our values. Standing firm in your values is not always comfortable, and sometimes it requires the courage to stand apart rather than simply fit in. Yet the challenges we face today often become the very experiences that strengthen our voices. When women choose to support one another, we create a stronger, kinder, and more compassionate community for the generations that follow.

That spirit of strong, courageous women carries throughout our May “Ladies” Issue. On our cover, we are honored to feature Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter from The Real Housewives of Orange County—two women who represent friendship, resilience, authenticity, and the many roles that women navigate every day.

We also highlight amazing women in our own communities, the leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and changemakers who are making a meaningful impact across South Orange County.

Join us this month as we celebrate the mothers who guide us, the daughters who inspire us, and the women who lift others as they rise.

With gratitude, T O R A L PA R M A R , P U B L I S H E R @ S A D D L E B A C KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Nick Parmar | nick.parmar@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Travis Shields | shieldsfilms.tv STAF F W R I T E R

Heather Holmes Whitsitt heather.holmes1130@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paige Candee, Amy Tinnin, Andres Molina, Jennifer Florendo C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Travis Shields, Amy Tinnin

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Saddleback area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / SA D D L E B AC K

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue MAY 2 0 2 6 | L A DI ES

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Featured

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Beyond the Golden Hour

Emily and Gina, Real Housewives of Orange County, share their story of friendship

Women’s Wisdom

Reflections from local business owners on advice to their younger selves

Berry Bruschetta

A recipe from a cup full of sass

Becky Hillyard: From Side Hustle to Style Empire The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

36 On the Cover

Departments

Arm in arm, Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter, of Real Housewives of Orange County, share an easy, joyful stride that captures a South Orange County sisterhood built on loyalty, laughter, and a hard-won sense of home.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

10

Business Monthly

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Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

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Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

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Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

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Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Photography: Travis Shields

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M AY 2 0 2 6

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1: Grand Re-Opening of V&T Dance Academy campus in Laguna Hills. 2: V&T Dance Academy and South Coast Conservatory celebrate the merger with students, families, and supporters. 3: Leaders mark the next chapter of “Changing Lives Through Dance.” 4: Dancers, faculty, and families celebrate the studio’s evolution into a shared community “home” for elite artistic development. 5: Guests gather at the refreshed campus, now home to both Vaganova ballet training and multi-disciplinary dance programs. 6: Assemblywoman Dianne Dixon and representatives for Congresswoman Young Kim and Aliso Viejo Council Member Tim Zandbergen joined the event. 7: The grand re-opening underscores a powerful partnership designed to expand opportunities for young artists across South Orange County.

Photography by Serenity Harry

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M AY 2 0 2 6

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Revive Med Spa Named Top 25 Allergan Aesthetics Provider Revive Med Spa has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Allergan Aesthetics providers nationwide for 2026, a distinction tied to the makers of BOTOX Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM. The recognition reflects the med spa’s emphasis on clinical standards, ongoing training, and patient safety. Providers at Revive focus on subtle, natural-looking outcomes and tailored treatment plans, underscoring the growing role of medical aesthetics in routine self-care and confidence-building for many patients.

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Laguna Health Pharmacy Engages Residents at Laguna Woods Wellness Expo Laguna Health Pharmacy recently participated in a community health expo at Laguna Woods Village, connecting with residents and their families through conversations about everyday care. The local pharmacy team shared information on healthcare resources, medications, and immunizations, answering questions and offering practical guidance. Staff also highlighted the pharmacy’s role in supporting patients who rely on medication bubble packing and customized medication management, including individuals in board and care facilities and those receiving home health services.

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Ryan Jensen Exhibition Featured at Moulton Museum Moulton Museum is presenting “Reflections on Water: The Artistry of Ryan Jensen,” a solo exhibition for the museum. Ryan Jensen has poured his body and soul into this show, traversing to maritime settings along the California coast as he reflects on the meaning of water in our state and in our lives. A closing reception on May 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will offer a final chance to experience the work.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Emily Simpson and Gina K irschenheiter: A South Orange Count y Sisterhood ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRAVIS SHIELDS

The afternoon light in South Orange County has a specific way of settling—a warm, honeyed glow that makes the rugged coastline look like a vintage postcard. For Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter, best known CONTINUED >

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as Real Housewives of Orange County, this isn't just a backdrop for a television show; it’s the community where they’ve cultivated a bond that feels far more like a sisterhood than a Hollywood alliance. To sit with them is to witness an easy, unscripted shorthand. There is no jealousy here, only a mutual respect that makes you realize every woman needs a friend who will protect your peace as fiercely as her own.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE "COUCH LIFE"

There is a common misconception that Emily and Gina share a history spanning back to their school days. "I think so many people are under the assumption that Gina and I met before being on ‘Housewives,’" Emily says. The reality is they met for the first time eight years ago while filming Season 13. Yet, the click was instantaneous. They navigated a high-pressure social circle as a united front; trauma bonding through the unique experience of reality television.

What started as a shared professional hurdle evolved into a deep-rooted personal anchor. "Our friendship is not about the

job," Gina explains. "Our friendship is about our friendship." In a town where image can be an exhausting currency, these two have found wealth in the ability to simply be. Off-camera, the glamour fades into what they affectionately call "couch-lying."

"Emily and I see each other all the time, and most of the time, we look homeless," Gina laughs. "We don’t document it ... that’s genuinely a good friendship." It’s in these quiet moments of laying on the couch, sharing secrets, and ignoring the noise that their roots have grown deepest.

STRENGTH THROUGH THE STORMS

This bond has seen them through a decade of life’s hardest wallops. For Gina, who has navigated a very public rebuilding of her life, Emily has been the constant foundation. "She’s just been so there for me through all of it ... she always shows up for me, and she is always there to care for me when I am feeling at my worst," Gina says.

Emily, often perceived as the voice of reason, finds her own grounding in Gina’s loyalty. While Emily admits she can be CONTINUED >

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

“They aren’t just telling t hei r d aug ht ers how to be a good friend; they are l i v i n g i t .”

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highly emotional, Gina sees the mushy heart beneath the strong exterior. "I would protect her just as I would protect my marriage or my husband or my children," Emily shares. This mutual protection is the heartbeat of their connection.

"I can leave her in any room and know that there will be not just positive talk about me, but also protection for me," Gina adds. "It’s not an alliance; it’s genuine friendship."

A NEW ERA OF PEACE

As Emily enjoys her 50th year, a milestone they celebrated with a private getaway to Paris, she is intentionally seeking a calm and peaceful era. "The older I get the more I turn to the inspirational and amazing female friendships that I have," Emily notes. She has found that the best way to gain perspective is to step away from the loud world and retreat into the stability of home. "When the show becomes chaotic ... the best thing for me to do is set down my phone.

Walk away. Turn on a movie and lie in bed with my children."

Gina finds a similar joy in this chapter.

"Stability to me is comfort and health," she says.

As she builds her real estate team, Gated Group, she does so with a best friend who acts as her biggest cheerleader. "When she’s winning, I’m winning," Emily says. "Like with her real estate business ... I just want to get that listing for her!"

CONTINUED >

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

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MODELING THE FUTURE

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of their friendship is the legacy they are building for their children. Both women are mothers to tween daughters navigating the complexities of girlhood. "I’m constantly having that conversation with her of, ‘Well, is this person treating you the way that you treat them?’" Emily explains. By showing their daughters a friendship built on honor and respect, they are providing a real-world masterclass in loyalty.

"It’s very important for me that we’re an example of an amazing friendship of two women who love each other,"

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Emily says. They aren't just telling their daughters how to be a good friend; they are living it.

THE MEANING OF HOME

As the sun dips below the South Orange County horizon, it’s clear that for Emily and Gina, home isn't just a beautiful house, it’s the people who make you feel safe.

"My friends are my family and family feels like home," they agree. In a world that often highlights friction, these two stand as an authentic counter-narrative. They are the kind of best friends who make the loud world feel a little bit quieter, and the good times feel a whole lot brighter.

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Before they were business owners, creators, and community leaders, they were girls with crooked ponytails, big dreams, and zero idea where their lives would take them. For this special feature, each woman brought a favorite photo of her younger self—the school picture, the snapshot, the moment where her personality already sparkled. We invited them to consider two questions—what they’d tell that younger girl now, and the experiences that most shaped who they are today—and the reflections that followed are funny, tender, and honest; proof that the path to wisdom is rarely straight, but always worth walking.

REFLECTIONS FROM LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS ON ADVICE TO THEIR YOUNGER SELVES ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRAVIS SHIELDS

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I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

DR. DEANNA TANG

KELLY LEONARDI

Executive Director, Huntington Learning Center Laguna Niguel

Owner, Blue Moon Pilates

Looking at that photo of myself as a shy two-year-old, I see a quiet, observant child who was always a little hesitant to step forward. Throughout school, my teachers often wrote the same note on my report cards: she needs to break out of her shell.

If I could speak to that little girl, I would tell her that her voice matters. Ask the question. Be curious. Do not be afraid of making mistakes because that is how we learn and grow. I would remind her not to shape herself around the expectations of others, but to discover who she is and move forward with confidence.

Trust yourself and the path unfolding before you. Even the hardest seasons and unexpected beginnings will shape who you’ll become.

Motherhood, while navigating a professional dance career and eventually leading my own business and passing on the integrity of Joseph Pilates to future generations, has shaped me deeply. These experiences taught me love, resilience, and the importance of building supportive communities.

CONTINUED >

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HEATHER CHEE

JENA MINNICK-BULL

Founder & Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Stylized Threads

Executive Director, Founding Partner, South Coast Conservator y

I would tell my younger self to trust herself and to trust the quiet wisdom within her. Life unfolds in ways we cannot always see or understand in the moment, but every experience is gently guiding her toward who she is meant to become. Even the difficult seasons carry purpose, shaping her strength, compassion, and resilience.

I would remind her that the path ahead will ask her to grow in ways she can’t yet imagine, but each step will lead her closer to the life she’s meant to live. One day, she will look back and realize that every moment of faith, perseverance, and self-trust was preparing her to step fully into her purpose as a woman, a leader, a wife, and a mother.

Your degree may be a foundation, but your curiosity is your superpower; don't be afraid to ask the 'dumb' questions now. Trust that the discipline you learned in the dance studio since age eight has already given you the grit you need to lead, even when you feel like the youngest person in the room.

Most importantly, remember that you don't have to 'arrive' by 30—life is a long, beautiful performance, and some of your greatest intellectual and personal triumphs won't even begin until your forties. Build your life on the strength of your relationships, because those connections will be the safety net that allows you to fly.

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I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

JAQUELINE PARENT

ANNIE HONG

Owner, Orange County Party Rentals

Owner, French Florist Mission Viejo

I would tell my younger self to trust myself and my instincts more. Early on, I often looked outside for validation, wondering if I was making the right decisions or if I should follow the advice of others. Over time, I realized that intuition is built through experience, and learning to listen to that inner voice has been one of the most valuable tools in both business and life.

Buying a business and being able to transform it has been the experience that shaped me the most. Entrepreneurship forces you to grow in ways you never expect—you learn resilience, how to make difficult decisions, and how to trust your instincts. There were moments that tested me, but those challenges ultimately shaped the confidence and clarity I have today.

One piece of advice I would give my younger self is to keep learning and expanding my knowledge. Take every opportunity to interact with others and exchange ideas and experiences. The world is much bigger than you think, and there are endless possibilities waiting to be discovered. Most importantly, never underestimate your own talents and potential— you are capable of more than you realize.

What shaped me the most was having the courage to listen to my inner voice. For many years, I worked in different fields and gained a wide range of experiences, yet my passion for creativity, design, and new ideas never left me. After 25 years, I realized it was time to trust that passion and build something that truly reflected who I am through a premier floral boutique in Mission Viejo. Choosing to pursue design and aesthetics was more than a career decision—it was a decision to live authentically, create beauty, and shape my own path.

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BERRY BRUSCHETTA A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • •

12 baguette slices Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing) 4 oz cream cheese 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice) 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced 1/3 cup fresh blueberries 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

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EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

9. Serve and enjoy!

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ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

BECKY HILLYARD

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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.

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M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection

Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection

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

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 strat-

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.

egy, 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.

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.

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

F E AT U R I N G B E C K Y H I L LYA R D The brand millions follow. Hear how it really star ted. Scan for the full conversation.

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