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Stone Oak, TX January 2026

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the HEALTH & WELLNESS issue F ITN E S S

M EET L AU REN A M ITCH ELL, YOU R N EW STRENGTH COACH W E LLN E S S

HOW LE AH IS CH ANGIN G TH ERAPEUTI C CARE LO C A L S E RV I C E S

STEP I NTO DEN ISE SANABRIA’ S H E ALI N G OA SIS

JA N UA RY 2 02 6


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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Your 2026 Glow Up Begins Here Hey Stone Oak! Here we are standing at the beginning of a brand new year. I swear January walks in like that friend who rearranges your pantry and says things like let’s get our lives together and I’m like babe I literally just survived December let me drink my coffee first. But I will say this. I am craving a year that feels gentler. More grounded. Less performative. More real. More take care of yourself because you matter not because a calendar flipped. And that’s exactly the vibe of this issue. We are starting this year with stories that feel like exhaling. First up is A Noticed Difference, where Leah has basically created a sanctuary for stressed out humans whose backs are carrying the weight of Texas. Her work is intentional and deeply therapeutic. It is the kind of massage studio where you walk in and your nervous system goes finally someone gets it. Then we meet Laurena Mitchell of Lakoa Fitness, who is changing the way people think about movement. She is the opposite of toxic gym culture. She is strength with softness structure without shame and honesty with so much heart. She teaches people how to get strong in ways that make life feel bigger and freer not smaller and harder. And of course we have The Fountain of Youth Spa, our soul unclenching queen. Denise has created a space where confidence is not a performance it is a gentle coming home to yourself. If your spirit feels tired if your skin needs love if you need a place that says sit down breathe we’ve got you this is it. All three of these women are doing work that brings people back to life! Slowly. Quietly. Steadily. In a world that wants you to hustle yourself into the grave these women are reminding us that care is not a luxury. Connection is not optional. Feeling good in your own skin is not silly. And showing up for yourself is a whole personality trait. So here’s to a new year that actually feels good. Flip through this issue with me. Your shoulders might drop before you even realize it!

CHELSEA HUMPHREYS, EDITOR @ S T O N E O A KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

January 2026 CO-PUBLISHER

Sarah Mottu sarah.mottu@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER

Jonathan Mottu jonathan.mottu@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Chelsea Humphreys chelsea.humphreys@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Lyons, Chelsea Humphreys C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

S&L Photography, Chelsea Humphreys, MK Park Photography, Eva Magana Kibby Photography, Josh Huskin

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Stone Oak City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Stone Oak 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 / S TO N E OA 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 Stone Oak 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 JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

12 20 24 28 6

A Spa That Loves You Back

Rediscover your confidence inside The Fountain of Youth Spa

Strength, Balance, Power, and Peace Lakoa Fitness creates realistic fitness plans for busy people.

28 On the Cover

Departments

Lakoa Fitness founder Laurena Mitchell powers this month’s cover with her signature mix of strength, confidence, and fearless commitment to her clients.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Spa Day LOCAL SERVICES

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Inspired By HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Healthy Lifestyle FITNESS

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Must See WELLNESS

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Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

The Work Your Body Has Needed

Customized Therapeutic Sessions With A Noticed Difference Massage Studio

Values and Health

Defining values helps a person to structure their life

Photography: Nick Saenz of S&L Photography

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Realty Report REAL ESTATE

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Events


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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1: Local author Kelsey Cox shares her book Party of Liars with a Stone Oak group. 2: Nawbosa Growth & Gratitude Nov Meeting 3: Babes support Babes Lunch & Learn at Alamo Cafe 4: Laurel Cafe. @velvetcreativeco meeting with @larkspur.and.co 5: Business Coaching with @christinec.Brinkman 6: @batmanofleonsprings and @wonderwomanofsanantonio hang out at the Pearl doing superhero things. 7: Hanging out with the pups at Little Woodrows.

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ S T O N E O A K C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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C I T Y SC E N E


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LACE UP FOR FUN! PUBLIC SKATING NOW OPEN

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods At the Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods, Hank Taylor is building a true community hub for ice sports in San Antonio. The center offers a full range of youth and adult programs, from hockey to figure skating, along with major events like UTSA and Texas State home games, the Alamo Cup tournament, and the Holiday on Ice show. It is the one place in the city where families, athletes, and fans all come together.

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New Year, New Peace of Mind

Bringing Music Closer to Every Corner Agarita announces an exciting 2025 to 2026 season featuring seven community concerts, its Humble Hall mobile series reaching every San Antonio district and all Bexar County precincts, and the recording of its debut album with world renowned guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas. The season also marks the opening of the expanded Agarita Loft, now hosting concerts, lectures, and community events in a flexible, intimate space.

Make 2026 the year you finally put the right plan in place. At Morales Padia Law, we help you protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind with a thoughtful, personalized estate plan. Begin the year prepared and confident.

Photography by @joshhuskin

A Call to Artists Across Texas The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center has opened submissions for the 44th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2026 Poster Contest. Designers, artists, and students from middle school through college across Texas and the U.S. are invited to compete for the $2,000 top prize, with the winning artwork featured in all festival marketing. Entries are free and due January 26, with winners announced February 19 and honored during the festival at Rosedale Park.

At Morales Padia Law, we guide families through every step of the estate planning process with care and clarity. Protect your future and preserve your legacy with a plan you can trust.

CONTACT (210) 410-8013 info@moralespadialaw.com 45 NE Loop 410, Suite 307, San Antonio, TX 78216

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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A S PA T H AT L OV E S YOU B AC K REDISCOVER YOUR CONFIDENCE INSIDE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH SPA

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA HUMPHREYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MK PARK PHOTOGRAPHY

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S PA DAY | LO CAL SERVI CE S

There are places you walk into and instantly feel your whole soul unclench. The Fountain of Youth Spa is absolutely one of them. Owner Denise Sanabria created this space for the person who has been doing everything for everyone else and finally needs a moment where someone says, sit down, breathe, we’ve got you. From the moment you step in, the vibe is calm but alive. Warm lighting. Soft music. A space that feels like a deep exhale. You can almost feel your shoulders drop without trying. Zero judgment. Zero expectations. Denise


wanted this to be the place where people stop hiding their insecurities and start letting themselves be cared for. Whether you come in for a custom facial, a lash lift, or one of their more advanced treatments, everything is tailored. Nothing feels rushed. You are treated like a human, not a time slot. Denise talks about confidence in the most refreshing way. To her, confidence is not about having perfect skin. It is about feeling at home in your own face. In your twenties you are figuring yourself out. In your thirties you are reclaiming yourself. In your forties and fifties you mix acceptance with the desire to feel renewed. Every season deserves care, and she builds her treatments around that truth. Her goal is not to change who you are. It is to bring you back to yourself with softness and intention. You can spot someone who is losing confidence long before they say it out loud. They stop looking in the mirror. They skip the routine they used to enjoy. Denise sees those signs all the time. The fix is rarely dramatic. Five slow minutes in the morning. A simple routine you actually look forward to. Or one treatment that gives you that instant lift like dermaplaning, PRX, or her custom glow facial. Tiny things. Huge difference. Little rituals matter more than people realize. That is the heartbeat of The Fountain of Youth Spa. People do not come in only for results. They come in for a reset. Denise listens. She asks real questions.

She explains what she is doing and why it matters. When clients understand their own skin, they feel empowered. The glow is real, but the deeper magic is the way people walk out the door with their spark turned back on. One of her favorite moments came from a single mom who had put herself last for years. She finally booked the Hydro Lift treatment and told Denise it felt strange to do something only for herself. Her skin looked incredible, but the real shift was in her energy. Weeks later her daughter told her, Mom, you smile more now. You seem happier. Sometimes the right kind of care brings a person back to life. If you take anything from this, let it be this. You do not need perfection to feel confident. You do not need permission to take care of yourself. You just need a place that feels warm, safe, and real. The Fountain of Youth Spa is that place. Walk in exactly as you are. They will take care of the rest!

Mariela Sanchez Licensed Esthetician & Permanent Makeup Artist JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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BUILDING HEALTHIER HEAR FROM NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ABOUT ESTABLISHING THE BEST HABITS ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL

The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around. How many times do your resolutions fall through each year? It can be challenging to build new habits and switch up routines if you’re looking for a change. That’s why we rounded up the best advice to establishing habits and making them stay for good. We spoke with Danielle Johnston, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer and aspiring kinesiologist, who broke down her top tips to maintaining healthy habits this new year.

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START WITH A SMALL HABIT AND MAKE IT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY

HABITS

Think 1-3 things maximum and then give yourself at least a month or two to apply the change. If you like to eat and cook, maybe try a new recipe or browse a cookbook in the library or bookstore for inspiration. If you like fashion, maybe try cleaning out a section of your closet (i.e. tops, bottoms, shoes, etc) to make way for 1 new piece. If you like being outdoors, maybe you try adding in just a 5 minute walk down the road.

IF YOU MISS A DAY, TRY AGAIN

If you miss a day or make a mistake with whatever resolution you’re working on, take that next opportunity to try again. Danielle uses the goal to eat healthier as an example. Health can be interpreted in many different ways but if you can take the small first step of looking at ingredients, that alone can make a world’s difference in the recipe you use so maybe you don’t even have to alter or substitute it. Or if your goal is to snack less but one day you snack more, don’t wave the flag and sabotage your efforts. Take a minute to breathe through the moment and then move on, enjoying the ebb and flow of health instead of going all in or nothing. Starting small allows you to adjust everyday habits that will, with time, transition to lifestyle changes.

CREATE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESOLUTIONS

Danielle says to create 1 health resolution, 1 personal resolution, and 1 professional resolution as it is the best format to better yourself in multiple realms instead of just physical health. Too often, we get caught up in this “New Year New Me” mindset and create a list of things you want to change or start doing. But as they get lost in the busy to-do list of life and we forget,

“The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around.” we can also feel like a failure and revert to “I’ll try again tomorrow or next year.” But what if you don’t have to start over, just keep going.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE

Whether you keep a notebook of your habit building, or keep track on your phone, it is important to acknowledge the personal progress made. This will also help you see the future that you want to build as you make more desirable changes in your life. If you want to track how you feel after working out, it will serve as a reflection on the progress made through what has been written down. This will encourage you to continue pushing for your goals!

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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STEP OUT OF SURVIVAL MODE. STEP INTO GREATER EASE WITHIN YOUR BODY AND MIND! SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT WITH US!

GRAB OUR HEALTHY HABITS POST HOLIDAY GUIDE ABOVE

210-315-3684 info@anoticeddifference.com www.anoticeddifference.com 18838 Stone Oak Parkway Suite 104

A NOTICED DIFFERENCE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE STUDIO IS YOUR SPACE TO BREATHE AGAIN.

Creating the Road Map you Need

Fostering long term relationships, providing personalized solutions, and helping ensure our clients achieve peace of mind through sound strategies. With an unwavering commitment to guiding clients through every stage of life, we understand that the journey to financial security begins with a well-crafted strategy. www.atlas-plans.com | 210-281-4400 | 21720 Hardy Oak Blvd. Ste 85, San Antonio, TX David M. Webb is a Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency. Atlas Retirement Strategies, LLC is independently owned and operated from NYLIFE Securities LLC and it’s affiliates. Read more about the Forbes SHOOK Professionals List and the ranking methodology here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rjshook/2024/07/10/methodology-americas-top-financial-security-professionals-2024/

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POWER, AND PEACE

STRENGTH, BALANCE,

L A KO A F I T N E S S C R E AT E S R E A L I S T I C FITNESS PLANS FOR BUSY PEOPLE.

ARTICLE BY ERIN LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY S&L PHOTOGRAPHY

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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FIT N E SS


“FITNESS IS NOT PUNISHMENT. IT IS THE PATH BACK TO FEELING ALIVE.”

Many people have a negative perception of exercise. Perhaps past experiences felt too hard, or they didn’t see results, so continuing felt pointless. Laurena Mitchell wants to change that perception, and she has created something unique at Lakoa Fitness. She wants to meet people where they are at and create realistic plans that help them reach their goals. Laurena’s love for fitness and nutrition began as a child. Her mother provided healthy food and encouraged her shy daughter to step beyond her comfort zone and lift weights at the gym. Laurena’s confidence grew, and soon she was taking other fitness classes. Later in life, after working 15 years at a desk, Laurena could feel her body stiffening. Around the same time, she lost her mother to cancer. These experiences help Laurena understand that time is precious, and she wants to feel good throughout her life. Now she wants to help people regain their vitality and do the activities they are interested in, from playing with grandkids to climbing mountains. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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“MY FAVORITE TRANSFORMATIONS ARE THE ONES WHERE A CLIENT REALIZES THEIR LIFE JUST OPENED BACK UP. WHEN MOVEMENT FEELS GOOD AGAIN, EVERYTHING FEELS POSSIBLE.”

Laurena has decades of experience as well as formal training that helps shape Lakoa Fitness. She holds a NASM certification with specialization in women’s wellness, mobility, and hormone-informed training. She also holds certifications in yoga, metabolic health, and strength programming. Laurena used to live in Hawaii and still feels very connected to the island’s energy and harmony. She combined two Hawaiian words, koa (warrior, strength, courage)and lokahi (balance, harmony, unity), to create Lakoa. “Together, they embody my philosophy: strength with balance, power with peace.” Laurena designs personalized training programs for strength, mobility, and flexibility, as well as nutrition guidance and macro coaching. She offers in-person coaching at a private 24/7 Stone Oak area gym, as well as online coaching. Fat-loss programming with hormone-supportive strategies and daily accountability are also part of what she offers. Everything Laurena does is tailored for each of her clients’ individual needs, based on their schedule, needs, and goals. Most of her clients lead busy lives with multiple responsibilities, so structure and

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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FIT N E SS

sustainability are the keys to her customized plans. Every client gets a weekly schedule to help them stay on track, along with efficient workouts and the option of micro-sessions for extra busy days. Laurena wants her clients to focus on doing what works for them. Laurena told me that the biggest wins for her clients involve making changes in their lives that help them reach a goal and feel good while doing it. One of her clients wanted to climb Enchanted Rock after a knee replacement. It was a goal that felt impossible at first, but with a focus onmobility, foundational strength, and movement patterns, she made it to the top happily. “It was a great reminder that fitness isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about reclaiming your life.” Laurena says it’s hard to describe what it feels like to watch one of her clients transform, because it’s never just physical. There’s always a change in their confidence as well. “And when they feel good, I feel good. Sharing that transformation — witnessing someone reclaim their strength, their presence, and their belief in themselves — is one of the greatest privileges of this work.”


JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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Customized Therapeutic Sessions With A Noticed Difference Massage Studio

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA HUMPHREYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY S&L PHOTOGRAPHY AND EVA MAGANA KIBBY PHOTOGRAPHY

The Work Your Body Has Needed 24

M UST SE E | WEL L NESS


When people talk about A Noticed Difference Therapeutic Massage Studio, they always start with the feeling. There is a calm in this place that settles into you before you even reach the table. The lights soften. The noise fades. Your whole body goes, finally. That energy exists because Leah, the founder, built her studio around one core truth. People deserve real healing, not the temporary kind. Leah has been a licensed massage therapist for more than fifteen years, and her path to opening the studio came from one repeated frustration. No matter where she worked, she kept seeing the same issue. Most places expected routine sessions. Same sequence. Same flow. But clients needed something deeper. They needed relief that lasted beyond the appointment. They needed therapists who listened and adjusted. They needed care that honored what was happening inside their bodies. That realization shaped her entire vision. Leah noticed that many people walk around carrying pain they no longer recognize because it has become normal. She would touch a spot and they would gasp and say, “I had no idea that hurt.” Moments like that became the spark for everything she built. She wanted a place where people could reconnect with their bodies and finally feel the ease they had been missing. Ten years into running the studio, that mission still guides everything. Leah believes that what you focus on expands. When you ignore stress or pain, it slows you down. When someone finally helps release it, the body shifts immediately. Her team blends orthopedic therapeutic massage with restorative touch so clients leave feeling both deeply relaxed and genuinely relieved. No two sessions look the same because no two clients carry the same story. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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M UST SE E | WEL L NESS


“Sometimes it’s as simple as holding a space for clients to just checkout and escape from the chaotic world we live in that allows them such a phenomenal outcome.” Clients often tell Leah that they did not realize how tightly they were holding tension until the right technique found it. You cannot release what you have stopped noticing, and A Noticed Difference helps people become aware again in a way that feels healing rather than overwhelming. The studio experience reflects that level of care. Clients are greeted warmly and remembered by name because Leah believes being seen is part of healing. Before each session, her team asks thoughtful questions about stress levels, movement, sleep, and daily habits. Some clients need targeted orthopedic work. Some need a peaceful room where they can stop thinking. Others want a mix of both. Leah and her therapists build each session around exactly what the client needs in that moment. The space itself is intentionally calming. Minimal decor. Soft light. No clutter competing for attention. Gentle instrumental music that lets the mind settle. Leah keeps the environment simple because the body relaxes more easily when distractions fade. Her training reflects her commitment to care. Leah is orthopedic certified in Texas, which means she can work safely with clients who have spinal fusions, scoliosis, degenerative spine issues, nerve pain, and tendinopathies. She hires therapists who share her passion for education so every client receives thoughtful, intentional work.

What sets her studio apart is the customization. They do not rely on routines. They listen. They adjust. They follow what the body says in the moment. Every session is guided by intention and the belief that healing requires both skill and presence. Client results speak for themselves. One long term client shared that Leah played a key role in his recovery after a second back surgery. He described her work as caring, professional, and essential to his well being. Many clients share similar stories. They walk in hurting and walk out remembering what comfort feels like. They sleep better. They move easier. They return to everyday joys they thought they had lost. For Leah, success shows up in those moments. When someone can lift their grandbabies again. When they travel comfortably. When they return the next month saying their life feels lighter. Those results keep her inspired. The studio culture is built around collaboration and integrity. The team supports one another, shares knowledge, and stays committed to the same purpose. To help people feel better. To help them move with confidence. To help them reclaim ease. When asked what message she wants every client to carry home, Leah keeps it simple. You can live with less tension. You can feel better. Your body wants relief and you deserve comfort and joy.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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&

ARTICLE BY APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY

Values

Health

Is the most important key to living a full and healthy life hiding from you? There are many factors to consider when thinking about what constitutes health. The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health. However, there is one factor that tops the list which often goes unspoken; living in alignment with your value system. Defining values helps a person to structure their life based on personal belief systems by determining what is most meaningful and important to them. From there, a sense of purpose is derived and defined values become tenets from which to live. There are plentiful examples of values, and they vary from person to person. Some examples of values include family, humility, benevolence, leadership, kindness, independence, creativity, and adventure. Our emotions serve to guide us to understanding whether our actions are in alignment with our values. When we live incongruently with our value system, we are betraying ourselves and delivering a subconscious message that we do not matter. Emotions that can come from not living in accordance with our values are based in fear and include anxiety, depression, anger, resentment, and jealousy. Living from a place of fear tends

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to foster bad habits such as addictive behavior, poor dietary choices, negative sleep habits, and unhealthy relationships. Physiologically, the natural flow of energy in the body becomes stuck, wreaking havoc in the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. From there, symptoms and illness ensue. However, when we love and respect ourselves enough, we will spend our time and energy according to our values and emotions where love becomes more prevalent. Those emotions include gratitude, joy, peace, comfort, connection, trust, and happiness. Living from love leads to a desire, willingness and commitment to engage in activities that fulfill our sense of purpose. By doing so, our body’s energy moves with ease. When our energy flows freely, we feel vital, healthy, purposeful, and joyful. Identifying our values becomes easier when we create space in our lives to understand what brings us meaning in life. Here are five steps to create space to aid in identifying your values:


“The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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5. Speak your values out loud

1. Grounding/Earthing I have experienced it myself and I hear so many others share a similar experience, that being in nature is healing. Getting our hands into the earth with gardening, walking along the beach, taking a hike, or even lying in the grass brings an almost indescribable sense of well-being. Connecting with the earth’s electrical charge is thought to aid in pain reduction, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also can lead to feeling more centered, allowing us to focus on what is most important to us.

2. Meditation/prayer Setting your intentions in quiet solitude using meditation or prayer provides clarity. Meditation may seem overwhelming, but you can make it simple by not expecting perfection in the process. I suggest finding guided meditations online that grab your attention. Try various guided meditations until you find one that feels right.

3. Exercise In addition to the more obvious benefits of exercise, it temporarily unblocks stagnation thereby creating space for objectivity.

4. Journaling Getting thoughts on paper helps clarify intentions.

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There are many benefits to literally speaking our truths and discussing our values out loud with a trusted confidant. Bouncing ideas and having meaningful discussions can help us determine our framework and organize our thinking. Sometimes friends and family may not provide the most objective perspectives and professional counseling or life coaching may be more appropriate, while at other times a friend or family member is the most perfect fit! When we live in alignment with our values, we are honoring ourselves in the most self-loving way. From there, our vibrancy shines to our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we see out and about. It becomes not only the best gift you can give yourself, but that of our community. So cheers to 2026, let’s make this the best year yet!


realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N S T O N E O A K , T X .

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

B AT H S

Champions Ridge

$1,750,000

$1,520,000

87

61

4

4.5

Timberwood Park

$1,290,000

$1,250,000

97

51

4

3.5

Summerglen

$1,300,000

$1,200,000

92

109

5

4

Summerglen

$1,290,000

$1,172,500

91

125

4

5.5

Clementson Ranch

$1,147,500

$1,075,000

94

38

4

3.5

Kinder Ranch

$992,900

$992,552

100

1

4

4.5

Evans Ranch

$999,000

$991,500

99

56

5

4

Royal Oaks Estates

$979,999

$985,000

101

54

4

3.5

Royal Oaks Estates

$989,777

$974,000

98

93

5

4.5

Mesas at Canyon Springs

$998,000

$965,000

97

31

4

4

Hunters Hill

$1,050,000

$927,000

88

27

3

2.5

Kinder Ranch

$949,900

$916,000

96

169

5

6

Kinder Ranch

$874,900

$875,829

100

1

4

3.5

Kinder Ranch

$874,900

$875,254

100

1

4

3.5

Clementson Ranch

$849,900

$860,000

101

12

4

3.5

This data is a sampling of sold properties from August 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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JANUARY 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S JANUARY 5TH

Zoo Run, Presented by HEB 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street San Antonio, TX 78212-3199 | 6:00 PM

This Year, Choose Confidence. Skin that glows. Curves that feel empowered. A you that feels unstoppable. The Fountain of Youth Spa blends science and luxury to deliver transformative skin and body results. Whether you’re seeking naturally firmer skin with PRX, refined texture with Microneedling, or sculpted curves with our signature Body Contouring, your journey begins with a customized treatment plan designed exclusively for you.

Get ready for the 40th Annual Zoo Run at the San Antonio Zoo, presented by H E B. This family favorite event takes you through scenic zoo pathways surrounded by wildlife and nature. Whether you are a dedicated runner or just want a fun day outdoors, the Zoo Run is for everyone. Registration is now open, so grab your spot and join the adventure. JANUARY 9 TH - 11TH

Aerial Athletics 2026 Alamo Classic Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio | 9:00 AM The Aerial Athletics Alamo Classic brings top gymnasts from across the country to compete in one of San Antonio’s most exciting annual meets. Families, fans, and athletes gather for a full weekend of energy, skill, and standout performances inside the Henry B. González Convention Center. A must-see event for gymnastics lovers. Visit https://www.alamoclassic.com/ for a schedule of events. JANUARY 9 TH - 3 1ST

Dream Week San Antonio Citywide at participating venues across San Antonio | 9:00 AM

www.thefoyspa.com | thefoyspa@gmail.com | BVthefoyspa 32

EVE N TS

DreamWeek San Antonio brings together leaders, creators, and community members for citywide events focused on ideas, culture, justice, and connection. Expect panel discussions, art, film, conversations, and performances designed to spark dialogue and inspire change. It is one of the most meaningful and energizing annual celebrations in our city. Visit https://dreamweek.org/ events/ for a schedule of events. CONTINUED >


JOIN A FUN COMMUNITY TO LEARN GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS, KEYBOARDS OR SINGING— AND PLAY IN A BAND! Each week students, 8 to 80, take a private lesson and play in a rehearsal with a band of their peers. This performance-based approach helps students gain a unique type of confidence and connection through practical experience— they learn to rock on stage and in life. Come Take a Tour and Get a Free Trail Lesson– Call Today For More Info: 210-314-7671

S A N

A N T O N I O

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K

YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

SHOP LOCAL JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STO N E OA K

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events

CONTINUED

JANUARY 19 TH

San Antonio MLK March MLK Academy to Pittman-Sullivan Park | 10:00 AM

AN UNFORGETTABLE BAKING EXPERIENCE AWAITS

One of the largest MLK marches in the nation, San Antonio’s annual event brings thousands together to honor Dr. King’s legacy with unity, reflection, and community pride. The march begins at MLK Academy and ends at Pittman Sullivan Park with speakers, food, and family friendly activities. A defining moment of the city’s civic spirit. JANUARY 24 TH – 25TH

Monster Jam San Antonio

LEARN

Alamodome | 9:00 AM

Director of Operations & Executive Pastry Chef Vivian Villanueva is known for her passion, creativity, and expertise.

BAKE

During each hands-on class, you’ll be guided through the art of scratch baking with professional tips and techniques.

Two high-octane shows bring monster trucks, huge jumps, and family thrills to the Alamodome. Get ready for engines, roaring crowds, and unforgettable fun at this major San Antonio motorsport event. More details available at Monsterjam.com JANUARY 25TH

Mindful Flow Yoga Wellness at the Tobin Will Naylor Riverwalk Plaza 10:00 AM

CREATE

“Bee” inspired! Let your creativity turn ingredients into beautifully decorated baked masterpieces!

STEP INTO THE LAB!

Find your balance and build strength with Mindful Flow Yoga, a 60-minute class that combines purposeful poses, mindful breathing, and relaxation techniques. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, this session offers a welcoming environment for all levels. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Scan here for a full calendar of classes at The Bake Lab! overthetopcakesupplies/location/the-bake-lab.com

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ STON EOAK

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Upgrade with Confidence. Schedule Now Deaver Garage Door Service delivers precision, honesty, and long-lasting craftsmanship on every repair and install. We never rush, cut corners, or upsell what you don’t need. We use premium parts and clear communication to keep your door running smoothly and safely. Stone Oak City Lifestyle Magazine readers also receive a FREE consultation. When you want it done right, count on Deaver.

210-570-2693


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Stone Oak, TX January 2026 by City Lifestyle - Issuu