Cool off by the pool. Unwind in the sauna. Take a class, hit the gym, or just relax together. At ClubSport, you don’t just join a club, you join a community that supports you, challenges you, and celebrates your wins. Bring your friends or family and join ClubSport together, because wellness is better when it’s shared.
RATES AS LOW AS $158
CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT MEMBERSHIP
Friends Membership: Add up to 4 adults under one membership—the more you add, the more you save! Stay motivated, build a strong community, and achieve your fitness goals together.
Family Membership: Includes up to 3 hours of free childcare daily (no reservations needed!) Plus, grandparents can be included at no extra cost.
AND SPA. YOUR PERFECT ESCAPE IS HERE!
Where Fire Meets
The Founder’s Issue
With immense gratitude and joy, I’m excited to wel come you to the inaugural issue of Saddleback City Lifestyle. Launching this magazine is more than just a professional milestone—it is the fulfillment of a dream that has been rooted in my heart for years. It’s hard to fully capture the excitement, humility, and responsibility I feel as I share this first edition with you and invite you to join me on this journey.
For those I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Toral. I live in Laguna Hills with my loving husband, our two amazing children, and our Goldendoodle, Boomer! Though my proudest title will always be “Mom” my professional background spans 25 years in college admissions advising. I’ve spent my career helping students and families navigate some of life’s most meaningful transitions— something that continues to shape how I view community and purpose today.
Originally from Chicago, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from the College of Engineering & Information Science at DeVry University. Soon after, life took me to Seattle, where I met my husband and began our family. We moved to Southern California in 2014 and quickly fell in love with this beautiful corner of Orange County. Today, this community is more than where I live--it's my home, my forever love, and the place that holds my heart.
Over the past years, I’ve been inspired by the warmth, generosity, local charm, and creativity of the people who live here. That inspiration sparked a vision—to create a magazine that honors, celebrates, and amplifies the people and stories that define our area.
Because our communities are so closely connected, Saddleback City Lifestyle will celebrate four vibrant cities, united by their schools, families, and shared values. This magazine is all about you--your story, your passion, your lifestyle--and the incredible people who make these communities such a wonderful place to live.
As we grow, I warmly invite you to share your stories, traditions, and voices with us. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of storytelling, and I want this magazine to be a reflection of the cultural richness and diversity that make our community so unique.
From my family to yours, thank you for welcoming us into your home. I can’t wait to grow together--page by page, story by story.
Russian School of Mathematics RSM South Orange County MATHSCHOOL.COM
Salon Pompei V SALONPOMPEI
Sina Limousine SINALIMOUSINESVC.COM
South Coast Conservatory SCCONSERVATORY.COM
Summit Electrical Services SUMMITELECTRO.COM
Tierra de Fuegos TIERRADEFUEGOS.NET
Timeless Remodeling Showroom TIMELESSSHOWROOM.COM
Wise Choices Realty | Tom Schulze & Steve Shadell WISECHOICESREALTY.COM
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Marina Hills WOOFGANGBAKERY.COM
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The Afrasiabi working together at Timeless Remodeling Showroom 2: Refined Radiance Aesthetics’ grand opening and ribbon cutting 3: Lyla from Sunrun participating in the OC fun run 4: Laguna Health Pharmacy ribbon cutting and grand opening 5: Refined Radiance Aesthetics’ grand opening 6: Fit Body Boot Camp’s summertime beach camp 7: Laguna Health Pharmacy grand opening
LAGUNA HEALTH PHARMACY
LAUREN LENYI
LAGUNA HEALTH PHARMACY
business monthly
Ladies
Cook & Connect
Dinner
Join Chef Lindsay for her monthly Ladies Night and enjoy a sense of community, relaxation, and cooking. The private events include fresh flowers, time in the Nirvana kitchen, and a nourishing meal. Tickets are $49 per person while supplies last.
Scan to read more
Laguna Canyon Winery Deals!
Laguna Canyon Winery is the only winery in Orange County that crushes grapes, ferments, barrels & bottles on site. They are now offering corporate and private events with three to five-course dinners and wine, as well as six different wine tasting experiences. The next time you visit, you will receive a complimentary 19.5 oz. crystal wine glass upon mentioning this portion of Business Monthly featured in your local magazine, Saddleback City Lifestyle
Healthspan Insurance Medicare Open Enrollment
Annual Open Enrollment for Medicare begins October 15th, and it's the perfect time to review your coverage. Nish at Healthspan insurance, a local independent agent, can help you evaluate your options and even explore ways to lower prescription drug costs. His services are always provided at no cost and with no obligation to enroll--just clear, friendly guidance to help you make confident choices. CA license 4300774.
Scan to read more
Photography by Laguna Canyon Winery
Renaissance ClubSport “Friends” Membership Deals: Community meets Fitness
The Friends Membership at Renaissance ClubSport allows close family, friends, or colleagues to come together on one membership with lower dues. The Membership offers access to multiple workout floors, pools, group fitness classes, courts, locker rooms, the sauna, and the steam room. You can also enjoy a complimentary Wine and Beer Club membership, as well as a 20% discount at their Spa and Citrus Fresh Grill & Market. Scan the QR code for more details.
Scan to read more
C&C Plumbing
C & C Plumbing has built a reputation in the Orange County area by providing unparalleled service to our customers.
Our goal is to provide you with quality plumbing service at an affordable price.
Photography by Renaissance ClubSport
THE PHILOSOPHY OF FOOD
CHEF
LINDSAY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD, FAMILY AND HEALTH.
Chef Lindsay, a Laguna Beach native, is the embodiment of ambition. Her journey began when she opened her first restaurant at only twenty-six years of age, and her second, recently renamed Nirvana by Chef Lindsay, at 28. Throughout the last nineteen years, she honed her craft, becoming a culinary expert and deepening her passion for cooking. Participating
ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON LENYI AND NIRVANA
in every aspect of restaurant life and work, her experience is self-taught. Though her comprehensive experience and unique upbringing inspired her to provide the community with healthy, sustainable meals to not only feed the body but the soul as well.
Growing up with her mother, an Ayurvedic Doctor, Chef Lindsay learned early on that pure, organic foods were integral to maintaining a healthy mind and body. Now she imbues this knowledge into her illustrious seasonal menus. Lindsay’s
cuisine is inspired by many European countries, like France, Italy, Spain, and the Mediterranean. Regardless of her inspiration, her menu is always derived from “what's local, what's fresh, what's in season.” Thus, most of her meals can be made gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian if customers have dietary restrictions or preferences. Lindsay also alters and customizes meals to fit the dietary restrictions or preferences of her customers. Most of her meals can be made gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian and will never include GMOs or seed oil.
Receive 10% off your bill at Nirvana when you present this article!
While Chef Lindsay has a strong passion for healthy meals, she also finds creativity in their design and holds a deep sentimental value to food. Realizing that food was synonymous with family, she explained, “It was the thing that always brought everybody together as a group. And was closely tied to my olfactory and sensory experience, like, when I tasted something, it evoked a memory; when I smelt something, it reminded me of a moment.” Her upbringing, combined with her culinary expertise, is what motivated Lindsay to not only serve sustainable food but also to educate the public so that they may make conscious, healthy decisions too.
The Chef has successfully built Nirvana into a home away from home filled with an abundance of flavor, hospitality, and understanding. She extends this consideration to her mental well-being and the well-being of her staff, too. The restaurant is open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, allowing for her team to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The food industry, she noted, is highly rewarding and equally demanding. Often, individuals within the industry face mental and physical health challenges. On Lindsay’s days off, she cherishes her time with her sons and encourages her employees to truly live and experience life instead of simply
surviving. All in the hope of breaking this cycle and ensuring the happiness of everybody who enters Nirvana.
Lindsay’s indomitable ambition has roused her to expand her business greatly, with Nirvana now providing catering services and handmade wooden cutting, butter, or charcuterie boards. Additionally, connecting with the public through food has led Chef Lindsay to branch out and support her community in many other ways as well. Whether it be by donating five-course meals to various charities, or establishing cooking classes and ladies' events, she is always pushing herself further in the pursuit of helping others and “creating positive change wherever I can.”
In the near future, Chef Lindsay plans to publish her first cookbook, host more ladies' nights, and introduce men’s, couples, and dating nights where people can connect, cook, and relax. During October, she will be showcasing her new Fall menu consisting of hearty, comfort food, and seasonal delights. No matter when you visit Nirvana, Chef Lindsay’s philosophy of food will be evident: “It’s not just about food – it’s about sharing moments, creating memories, and enjoying the good things in life.”
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
How To Stay Festive And Healthy? Sure Thing
Halloween is typically filled to the brim with salt, sugar and carbs. It can be hard to stay on the nutrition wagon during spooky season, but there are plenty of fun ways to add a festive spin to favorite healthy dishes.
pumpkinFRUIT BOWL
With luck finding a melon or watermelon at the store, simply carve it like a jack-o-lantern and make the mouth large enough to have other sliced fruit emerging, such as cut pineapple, sliced grapes and apple chunks. Along the side, peel mini oranges and add a green stem to mimic pumpkins.
spooky CHARCUTERIE
These fan favorite boards can easily be kept healthy with some additions. Make any treat spooky with edible eyeballs. Adding them to a small snack such as mini bell peppers or grapes and strawberries is a fun way to stay on theme without sacrificing a healthy streak. Eyeball salami rolls also can be added, starting first with a green olive in the center, surrounded by a roll of mozzarella cheese and then surrounded by salami or even prosciutto.
stuffed PEPPERS
This fall staple easily can be incorporated into a fall gathering or Halloween night by carving jacko-lantern faces in orange peppers, and resuming a favorite recipe from there. Serving bread on the side? Use a skull or pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to re-shape it.
ghostly DIP
Hummus and pitas can be made scary in no time. Use a ghost shaped cookie cutter to shape pita bread, lightly toast and serve with red pepper hummus, which is usually orange in color.
jack-o-lantern VEGGIE TRAY
The easiest bet for a quick and healthy Halloween treat? You can’t go wrong with a veggie tray shaped like a jack-o-lantern. Use baby carrots as the base, and cucumber or celery to shape the mouth and stem. The eyes? Two round bowls of veggie dip.
Purple is the color for domestic violence awareness
Love, Laura’s House
A NONPROFIT’S MISSION TO PROTECT AND SERVE SURVIVORS.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI
October is more than just a month of tricks, treats, and fall festivities. It is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A month where non-profits, like Laura’s House, take care to remind the public of their mission to: “Change social beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.” The nonprofit works alongside its clients with compassion, collaboration, respect, and innovation, regardless of one’s story or healing journey. Their services include intervention and prevention in the form of legal advocacy, emergency shelters, therapy, resale stores, transitional housing, and educational courses, such as their Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships Today (H.E.A.R.T.) program.
“We
Laura’s House extends its expertise and resources towards everyone, including those who have previously or are currently experiencing this kind of treatment. Laura’s House feels that the success of their non-profit is evident, “when our services are needed less and less.”
Community involvement is crucial when it comes to intervention and prevention. There are many ways you can get involved, such as volunteering, attending educational presentations, or donating to Laura’s House directly. Every bit of help will make a difference in your neighborhood.
To engage the community this month, Laura’s House is hosting its 31st annual Gala on October 4th, continuing to pursue its noble goals and inspire, empower, and assist survivors.
are grateful to everyone who supports our work through monetary donations, donations for our clients, or our resale stores. Each and every donation impacts a life.”
Passion
Nisharag (Nish) Shah
ARGENTINE COOKING — IT’S WHERE FOOD, FAMILY, AND FRIENDSHIP MEET!
THE FLAVOR of Fire
ARTICLE BY LAUREN LENYI | PHOTOGRAPHY
Ignite your senses!
Four-time Golden Foodie Awards winner Chef Maro has been traveling the world most of his life. He was raised in Argentina, worked across South America, New York City, and Laguna Beach, before finally settling in Laguna Niguel to open Tierra de Fuegos. This restaurant was conceptualized when the Chef briefly returned to Argentina, traveling from Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls. By reimmersing himself in the beautiful environment and profound culture, he decided to bring a taste of Argentina to South Orange County residents. He states, “Tierra de Fuegos means 'Land of Fires,' and it’s exactly that — an open kitchen where flames dance over Argentine parrillas, wood-fired rotisseries, and ovens.” Consequently, Chef Maro only uses premium meats, fresh produce, and authentic spices to embody the spirit of Argentina. His recently expanded his Almacén mini-market and is now showcasing family-style meals to
go, fresh ingredients, wines, and desserts that truly capture the essence of the Land of Fire.
Some of his most renowned dishes include the hatchet steak, herb-packed chimichurri sauce, and baked fries à la provençal. Though Chef Maro only opened his restaurant in the Spring, he has already made efforts to engage with locals and their culture, too, proclaiming, “We believe in being a place where families, friends, and neighbors gather.”
Additionally, he has previously participated in local festivals and charity events, and hopes to work with local soccer teams in the future, declaring, “What’s more Argentine than fútbol and asado?” The Chef is currently planning more special events similar to their Dinner & Tango Nights — an evening full of music, movement, and flavor.
Chef Maro invites you to taste the flavor of fire, celebrate cultures, and enjoy his mouthwatering meals.
BY TIERRA DE FUEGOS
HOW TO: seasonal home scents
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
immune boost
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
home defender
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory Fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
ARTICLE BY TORAL PARMAR AND LAUREN LENYI
Publishers Picks: A Day Around Town
OUR PICKS FOR A MEMORABLE DAY IN SADDLEBACK VALLEY
Better Buzz Coffee
Begin your day with a morning snack, a fresh smoothie, or a delicious cup of coffee at Better Buzz in Laguna Hills.
Moulton Museum
Take a break from the sun and explore Saddleback’s history, going as far back as 1874, by stopping by the Moulton Museum in Laguna Hills. Tickets are free on Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular operation hours from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Niguel Botanical Preserve
Take a quick stroll through the Niguel Botanical Preserve in Laguna Niguel. Experience their many gardens, which feature different regions and their native plant species.
Lake Mission Viejo
End your day by taking a boat out onto Lake Mission Viejo and watching the sun as it sets behind Saddleback Mountain.
Wind down with a good movie and sweet snacks at Aliso Viejo’s Regal Edwards theater. Indulge in their IMAX theater with reclining chairs and higher-quality audio and picture for a more immersive experience.
Photo by Brandon Lenyi
Toral Parmar, Publisher
Regal Edwards Theater
FEAST YOUR WAY TO WINTER
Fall’s best cookbooks for perfect cold season prep
Crisper air and shorter days call for cozy nights, whipping up a homemade meal in soft slippers and your favorite robe. Staying home on a Friday night in the fall doesn’t mean you’re giving up — quite the opposite! Think of it as carb loading before the championship game or a prep session before that major test. You’re practicing your winter hibernation skills, stretching those lounging muscles, and getting ready to win winter. And consider this roundup of cookbooks as your personal trainer. If you can make a hearty, succulent roast with confidence and ease as the leaves fall outside, imagine what you can do when it’s 20 degrees and snowing. Now, go get ’em!
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
Pizza Night: Deliciously Doable Recipes for Pizza and Salad
When you hear “Pizza Night”, a picture appears of the entire family gathered ’round with good food and lots of laughs (with popcorn and a movie to wrap up the occasion, naturally). This collection of yum contains 52 seasonal pizza varieties, each with unique salad pairings. It’s like pizza night on overdrive. Now, when you plan the family’s favorite end-of-the-week event, you’ll have this in your arsenal.
Mastering Bread:
The Art and Practice of Handmade Sourdough, Yeast Bread, and Pastry
Health
Nut: A Feel-Good Cookbook
3 4 1
We know you want to turn and run in the opposite direction after reading this title, but don’t be afraid! Take a glance at the reviews, and you’ll see words like easy, lovely, informative, inspiring, and our favorite, “great for beginner bread makers!” No equipment is required, just basic ingredients and a can-do attitude. It’s also a nice little piece of décor for your kitchen countertop.
2
You may see Health Nut and say to yourself, ‘Booooring!’ but healthy food doesn’t have to be tasteless food. Flip through the vibrant pages of this trusty sidekick, and you’ll find good-for-you dishes with flavorful combinations the whole family will love. With practical instructions and helpful tips, it’s almost as if the author peeked into your pantry and built her recipes around ingredients you already have.
The
Modern Hippie Table: Recipes and Menus for Eating Simply and Living Beautifully
You’ll find more than 70 recipes in this gorgeous compilation. Author/ lifestyle blogger Lauren Thomas wants her readers to slow down and create a whole mood around their food, one that is beautiful, inviting, and… delicious. Her recipes are achievable for the novice and experienced chef and come with tips on tablescaping, cocktail mixing, and more. So, double knot that apron because you’re going to learn some stuff and eat very, very well.
www.lagunahealthpharmacy.com 949-446-9325 | info@lagunahealthpharmacy.com 24953 Paseo De Valencia, STE 1C
Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities
spook
ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
TOASTED MALLOW
• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)
• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• fresh nutmeg
Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!
PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur
• graham crackers
• marshmallows
Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 1ST
Pumpkin City Returns This October
24203 Avenida de la Carlota Laguna Hills, CA 92653 | 12:30 PM
Get ready—Pumpkin City is back this October! Bring the whole family out to enjoy festive rides, carnival-style games, themed activities, and plenty of delicious food and drinks. With endless fun for kids and adults, this is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out on this local favorite!
OCTOBER 4TH
Aliso Viejo Pet Fair & Vet Clinic
100 Park Ave, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 | 9:00 AM
The City of Aliso Viejo will be hosting a Pet Fair & Vet clinic at the Aliso Viejo Ranch on October 4th, 2025. Activities will include a pet costume contest, free giveaways, and low-cost grooming and health services for your beloved furry friend.
OCTOBER 4TH
Fall Boutique & Crafts Faire
29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 | 9:30 AM
On October 4th, Laguna Niguel’s Fall Boutique and Crafts Faire will be held in Crown Valley Park, showcasing handmade jewelry, unique gifts, live music, dancing, and Halloween-themed activities.
OCTOBER 10TH
Diwali Mela
One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 | 6:00 PM
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel will host its 4th annual Diwali Mela on October 10th, where guests can try traditional food and participate in one of the most joyous celebrations in Indian culture. Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival is not only a time for celebration, but also for reflection, gratitude, and renewal.
OCTOBER 11TH
Love Our Schools Day
25001 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 | 8:00 AM
Love Our Schools Day is an event focused on providing schools with volunteers ready to assist students and faculty. Their services will include painting, weeding, donations, and much more. This event, hosted by the Love Mission Veijo Movement, begins at Newhart Middle School.
OCTOBER 23RD
Spooktacular
50 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 | 4:00 PM
Bring the family to Renaissance ClubSport's Spooktacular event on October 23rd. The whole family can enjoy Halloween-themed treats, tricks, and activities. Tickets are $25.00 while space lasts, though members receive free entry.
Conscious Food Served Casually
Born from a commitment to nourishing the body & soul, Nirvana was founded in 2008 by Laguna Beach native Chef Lindsay Smith. Seasonal menus please the senses, feed the soul, & warm the heart, crafted with intention focused on Clean ingredients. Every dish reflects our dedication to wholesome, made from scratch food with Non-GMO, Seed Oil-Free, Local, Seasonal & Organic ingredients to prioritize wellness, sustainability & building community.
Available for private events, cooking classes & more
www.NirvanaLaguna.com
Reserve (949) 497-0027
Catering (949) 637-4708
303 Broadway Ste 101 Laguna Beach, CA 92651
PRIMARY BATHROOM REMODEL
$22,000
Demolition, Framing, Plumbing, Hot Mop
Porcelain Tile material and installation of shower walls and shower floor
Shower glass, including one panel and one door
Bathroom Flooring & Baseboards up to 60 Sq Ft, Material & Installation
Quartz countertop material, fabrication and installation
Patch Drywall and Paint Touchups
1 Exhaust Fan, 1 GFCI, 1 Dimmer, material and installation
SECONDARY BATHROOM REMODEL
$15,900
Demolition, Framing, Plumbing, Hot Mop
Shower Porcelain Tile, Material and Installation
Flooring and Baseboards, Material and Installation, up to 50 Sq Ft
Shower glass, including one panel and one door
6 ft linear vanity with 2 sinks
Quartz countertop material, fabrication and installation
Patch Drywall and Paint Touchups
1 GFCI, 1 Dimmer, material and installation
Cabinet: Select RTA cabinet style from our showroom up to 45 linear ft
Countertop: fabrication and installation, many to choose from
Backsplash: porcelain tile backsplash up to 30 sq ft
Appliances: 3 appliance installations
Free stainless-steel sink ($500 in value)
Free upgrade of the existing outlets and switches in the kitchen and 5 recessed lights
