







I don't know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women around me who make life rich and beautiful. Celebrating women is something near and dear to my heart. Mothers, daughters, wives, and teachers are some of the most influential women in our lives.
And of course, with Mother's Day just around the corner, what better time to shine the spotlight on these incredible ladies. But it's not just about the moms, but all the women who sprinkle love and wisdom wherever they go, those in our lives who have made an impact on us. It's the family members, teachers, friends, and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, bringing beauty and meaning into our lives - rendering them unforgettable and irreplaceable.
Having lost my mother in 2022, I am especially grateful for the women in our community that inspire me daily. I miss my mom so very much. I smile when I think of our chats and everything she has taught me. Women are the heart and soul of our communities. Take a moment today to reach out to the women who help make your world a better place. Let's remind them how loved and appreciated they are!
While it is always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize and support women-owned businesses in our valley. That's one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Temecula's women. They are movers and shakers, builders, and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those around them. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can't be seen or understood any other way.
I hope you'll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call, or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone's day and remind them how much you love and appreciate them. Call your mom!
XOXO Desiree
DESIREE ALLEN, PUBLISHER @TEMECULACITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Sean Arnett | sean.arnett@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Desiree Allen | desiree.allen@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kim Wilder | thekimwilder@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Tara Gerard-Mattsson | @tara_gerard
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Felicia Horton and Kim Wilder
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Scott Downing | scottdowning@mac.com
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Each year PWR awards six $3,000 scholarships to women in our community of all ages and backgrounds who are either just graduating or going back to school. Scholarships have an application process, interviews and requirements for all candidates to engage in. Of all the applicants, 6 are chosen. If you have any questions, please visit, www.pwronline.org/scholorships
French Balayage, a hair coloring technique from France, is celebrated for creating a natural, sun-kissed highlights through hand-painting the hair, offering a unique and customized look for each individual. French haircutting is renowned for it's tailored approach. This technique emphasizes effortless elegance and is characterized by soft, fluid, movement, and volume, complimenting the client's face and features. Contact Brandi for a consultation today at brandicaputa.com
Join Southwest Healthcare's Rancho Springs Hospital to celebrate moms and moms-to-be with fun for the whole family! The fair will be held at the Temecula Promenade Mall and will feature lots of vendors showing off the latest products and services for moms and moms-to-be, child safety information, free activities for kids, and fun prizes! For more information, visit swhranchosprings.com/events
TEMECULA DESIGNER TRANSFORMS A LOCAL COUPLE'S TUSCAN STYLE HOME
ARTICLEBY KIM WILDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNING PHOTOGRAPHY
"My designs are very livable," says interior designer Lauren Fried. "My aesthetic is transitional but comfortable. I love using natural materials - warm and cozy but also high end."
The East Coast transplant and mom of three owns LF Interiors, an interior design firm located in Temecula. “Temecula is the perfect place to offer design," she says. "Many of the homes here were built in the early ‘90s and are now seriously in need of renovation."
One such home, a single story on 2.3 acres in Santiago Estates that was once owned by YouTuber Tanner Fox, just received Fried’s finishing touches. “The house was completely outdated,” Fried says. “It had a sunken living room, walls with cut outs – we eliminated all that and did a top to bottom reno including a new kitchen, all new flooring, a new primary bath – it was a two year project."
"I really wanted to honor the architecture of the outside on the inside,” she says. Her renovation, which ran close to $800,000, totally transformed the home. “Now the house shines with plaster walls, rich wood tones, grass finishes and handmade tiles, bringing in that Mediterranean organic feel.” In fact, the new owners were so happy with Fried’s work that they’ve hired her to design the outdoor landscaping.
“I’ve worked with clients all over the country,” Fried says, “but I am really focused on serving Temecula primarily. This is the city! I’ve been here eight years and my roots are going deep now.”
"The most beautiful people in my life are women," says Brown, whose paintings and prints often feature strong female archetypes. "My work stems from this idea of when women are empowered, that's when the world
the landscape surrounding us - how nature makes me feel."
"While I have collectors here, I'm more well known in the South. They really embrace original artistry over having a print from Home Goods." De Los Reyes, who is always seeking Divine Inspiration,
will change. Mostly women buy my art. They always comment on how it makes them feel. And as an artist, if you don't hear your voice, you can't do it."
Brown is building a new fine art studio and gallery space in Old Town Temecula. "I think we really need that here. Art is a luxury and also a necessity." A tenured professor of Art at Riverside City College, Brown loves teaching art. "I'll never be able to retire. It's a beautiful experience being a teacher."
Known for her colorful landscapes, De Los Reyes' new January collection is "a bit moody. I wanted to create a moody, sophisticated landscape," she says. "The earth and my faith are a big driving force of what I do. I am always so inspired by the sky and the color of
is about to begin a new beachy Summer Collection and is currently at work on a new line of linens, fabrics and wallpaper.
"I've been an artist my whole life," says Greenwood. "I've always felt it was important to create something from nothing. Never having had children, art has been a way for me to fill that void...it has been very cathartic."
Louisiana-born Greenwood draws upon her roots for inspiration. "When you're raised Catholic in the South, there's a lot of imagery that floats around. In my work, you'll see fertility symbols like bees and rabbits, but also symbols of life and death." Greenwood also spends time writing. "I've been making art for some time...I can take it a little further with writing." She is currently at work on her first book of poetry due at the end of 2024.
"I've always been attracted to corks,” says the Cuban artist. “It already has a shape, a color, different tones." Lemus began working on her colorful Caribbean-inspired "AphroVines" during the pandemic after her mother's passing. "I had the idea for a year...but it was my way to find peace. The Afro Latino community is not that big here, so it was a way to bring my culture to me."
Lemus, who had her first solo show at the Temecula Valley Museum in March and exhibits annually at Pechanga's Wine & Chocolate event, has collectors around the country. "Most of my buyers are African American women and I have some clients in the LGBTQ community. I am really proud to be an emerging artist."
"I call my work 'art with a purpose,'" says Spector. "I love to do dishes and pieces that people can use." The Guadalajara-born artist, who trained in Paris and Barcelona, discovered the joys of working with clay 10 years ago. "I've been doing all kinds of art since I can remember. But I have a love affair with clay and it took over everything else!"
Spector's handmade pieces take many forms. "I do mostly kitchen items - mugs, platters, full sets of dishes, spoon holders - and all are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe." Spector is looking to add her creations to the boutiques at a few local wineries. "There's no limit to what you can do with clay."
Havana-born artist, Isabel Lemus, with several of her Caribbean-inspired "AphroVines" made with recycled corks. @corkdivine on Instagram."I'VE ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED TO CORKS."
-ISABEL LEMUS
DESIREE WETZ - AUTHOR OF SITTING ROCK AND THE ROCK THAT BECAME A MOUNTAIN
Wetz knew in 3rd grade that she wanted to write. "All we had was Island of the Blue Dolphins - I knew that we were missing some vital storytelling," she says. "I'm pretty heavily involved in my culture and the traditions of our people...it would be irresponsible not to share it. Sitting Rock is about finding your path. If you listen, you’ll find it."
Wetz, who also makes woven jewelry and handmade baskets, is Acjachemen, who are closely related to the Pechanga people. "We speak the same language," she says. The second installment of Sitting Rock is scheduled for late 2024. She is currently working on a book of poetry.
Mother’s Day is an opportunity to honor the collective strength and resilience of mothers everywhere. Being a mom is both challenging and rewarding but knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of other moms brings me immense joy. I understand the importance of self-care, every mom deserves moments of relaxation away from the daily stresses and responsibilities. Taking care of ourselves is not selfish—it’s essential. When we prioritize our well-being, we become better mothers, partners, and professionals.
Mother’s Day Special: New guests get a complimentary customizable deep conditioning treatment with all services
A Q&A with Heather Sanford, CEO of Community Mission of Hope - Rancho Damacitas.
Sanford comes to the role with more than two decades in ministry. A single mom herself, she joined the non-profit because she has a special place in her heart for justice.
A. “Empowerment Village is one facet of our organization that serves single moms and their kids. We hope to transform these moms’ lives from the moment we meet them until they are launched from our program in two years. We have a 12-acre ranch in wine country with six homes on the property with three families per home.”
A. “Empowerment Village exists to create a safe space where our moms and their kiddos can come in from a place of survival mode and learn the tools we give them to turn into thriving mode. And live their best lives to the fullest.”
A. “Our moms pay a $400 monthly fee which includes housing, weekly client advocacy and classes focusing on parenting, financial literacy, career advancement, wellness and leadership. They [also] see an occupational therapist.”
• Be a Client Advocate
• Front Office Team
• Food Distrubition Team
• Food Delivery Team
• Hold A Food Drive
• Internships
• Tiny Tots Team
• Village Dinner Team
• Got Skills?
You can make a difference today by getting involved and donating a one time or monthly gift towards Empowerment Village. For more information, visit https://cmoh.net/ empowerment-village/ or call (951) 444-1404.
Chef Leah Di Bernardo's Shakshuka Recipe Offers a Mediterranean Twist on the North African Classic
ARTICLE BY KIM WILDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNINGI chose Shakshuka because it's a dish that my grandmother used to make and it borrows from these beautiful North African cultures," says EAT Marketplace Chef and Founder, Leah Delyte Di Bernardo. "Really what you're doing is poaching eggs in a red sauce with a bunch of gorgeous herbs and spices like red pepper, shallot and garlic. I love bold flavors and when celebrating mom, this is a beautiful treat because it's not something you make every day," she says.
Shakshuka, which means "mixed" in Maghrebi Arabic dialect, is a breakfast and lunch staple in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel and Spain. Shakshuka can be enjoyed as a main course or even as an appetizer. "You can put it in the middle of the table with bread and everybody can dip and share," she says. Di Bernardo also advises that by adding herbs like basil and oregano, along with sausage and even feta cheese, you can give the recipe more of a Mediterranean twist. "The wonderful thing about this dish is you can throw in poached chicken, olives, artichokes, whatever you have. Because I'm a California girl, I put a little avocado on mine. It's hearty, savory and just delicious!"
Di Bernardo, who enjoyed a career as a TV producer in Los Angeles, moved to Temecula in 2002.
The switch from producer to chef was a natural one. "I grew up around food and have been cooking my whole life. I knew I wanted to tell stories with food and do my own thing," says the chef who is also passionate about teaching the new generation about the importance of sustainability and regenerative farming. "We need to understand where our food is coming from. If the soil is not healthy, we're not going to have nutrient dense food that feeds us. If our soil can't regenerate, we can't grow food. We have to treat it responsibly."
When she's not presiding over EAT Marketplace and Hello, You're Welcome, "a gluten free, grain free, organic donut and coffee shop that's mindful and healthy for you," in Pasadena, Di Bernardo is busy sharing her knowledge. She is currently in her sixth year teaching Exploration of Culinary Arts with an Emphasis on Regenerative Systems at Mount San Jacinto College's Adult Education program. "I need to educate people on their choices and empower their health...I feel I have a responsibility to share that," she says.
Next on her agenda? "I want to open more places that are about good food," Di Bernardo says. "I want to affect your body positively. It's about good food being good for you. Food is medicine."
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 whole shallot, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced small
• 1 red bell pepper seeded, julienned
• 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 1 small pack or 3-4 links Pork or Chicken mild sausage (I love Mulays mild Italian or breakfast sausage which you can find at Barons)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon basil
• 1 (28-ounce can) whole peeled tomatoes *may need to add a little water
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 6 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish- fresh cilantro, parsley and mint chopped *about 1 full cup
Instructions:
*Mise en place ("everything in its place," prior to cooking creates a functional workspace and stress free experience)
• Separate juice from the tomato can into a bowl, squeeze the whole tomatoes with your hands to release as much juice as you can, breaking down the tomatoes into chunks and not whole (you can also do a quick pulse in the blender)
• Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium heat.
• Add the chopped bell pepper and onion and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the onion starts to turn translucent.
• Add garlic and spices and cook an additional minutethen add sausage, breaking it up and incorporating.
• Add Tomato paste and incorporate.
• Add the juice from canned tomato with salt and pepper and incorporate, then add remaining tomato chunks and bring the sauce to a simmer. (*add water or chicken stock if sauce is too thick.)When the sauce is bubbling, use a large spoon to make wells in the sauce, crack the eggs in gently - 5-6. Reduce the heat, cover, and allow to cook for a few minutes or until the whites of the eggs are set. Garnish with chopped herbs, feta cheese and serve with toasted ciabatta bread, breakfast sweet potatoes or avocado.
Many photos online show shakshuka cooked in a cast iron pan. Tomatoes are acidic and may erode the seasoning on your cast iron pan as well as dull the finish. You may also get a slight metallic flavor to the dish. I recommend not taking any chances and cooking it in a stainless-steel pan, like an All Clad or a Le Creuset.
Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
LEMON GLAZE ICING:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!
For an added health benefit, try this probiotic-rich sourdough bread known for being easy to digest and a healthier gut-friendly option. To make sourdough bread, you will need a starter which can take anywhere from 7-14 days. To make your own, mix flour and water together in a jar and feed the starter each day until ready. There are many sourdough starter recipes online.
SOURDOUGH STARTER INGREDIENTS:
• 2 teaspoons sourdough starter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 teaspoons water
DOUGH INGREDIENTS:
• ¼ cup active sourdough starter
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups flour
INSTRUCTIONS:
Twelve hours before you plan to mix the dough, add the ingredients to make ¼ cup of active sourdough starter. Stir and cover and let the starter rise. The starter is ready when it has doubled in size and there are bubbles on the surface and sides.
To make the dough, add ¼ cup sourdough starter and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Next, add 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Use a spatula to work the ingredients together until there are no more dry ingredients in the bowl. Wet your hand with a little water to prevent sticking, and pick up the dough on one side of the bowl and stretch it up and over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this step until you have turned the bowl a full circle. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process one more time. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise on your counter for 8-10 hours.
Next, on a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a ball by pulling the dough into the middle of itself. Turn the ball over so the seam is down. Use your hands to gently pull and cup the dough until it forms a tight skin. Place the dough on parchment paper and transfer the paper and dough to a medium sized bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Score the top of dough with a sharp knife. Use the parchment paper to lift the dough up and transfer to a dutch oven. Place the lid on and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.
This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ¾ cups warm water
• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional:
• Fresh rosemary
• Coarse sea salt
• Fresh pressed garlic
INSTRUCTIONS:
Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Indulge in Tuscan serenity, savor life’s richness, and rediscover yourself
The soft morning light filters through the curtains as you awake to birdsong and a gentle breeze. Stepping onto the balcony, you behold endless vineyards rippling in the Tuscan hills and can’t believe this paradise is real.
Walking downstairs, you’re greeted by many new faces of people smiling and excited to see you, new friends, gathered around a long wooden table immaculately set with steaming quiche, luscious fruit, warm bread, and Italian cappuccino.
This is just the beginning of days spent practicing yoga in nature’s rhythms, discovering ancient towns, and pausing to savor beauty at every turn.
If you can envision waking up like this, you’re ready for a yoga retreat with Scott Moore.
Retreats are an investment—in your truest self—the part of you that gets lost in the rush of daily life.
We frequently invest our money into stocks, bonds, and real estate, yet fail to invest in the one irreplaceable resource that makes it all possible, ourselves—our true wealth.
On this journey, all details have been meticulously planned so you can stay within your budget and fully relax into the experience.
After immersing in the richness of the present moment, slowing down and savoring life, you’ll return replenished and ready to bring this mindset of appreciation into your everyday world.
Reap the returns of a broadened perspective and renewed vitality—the dividends are endless.
Find out more about upcoming retreats with Scott Moore in destinations like Tuscany, Sardinia, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera at scottmooreyoga.com/retreats .
Mother's day picnics are the best and most unique way to celebrate this year. Instead of flowers and dinner, opt for a luxury picnic experience at your favorite place in Temecula or Southern California. Select a date to honor this special occasion with an exquisite picnic experience.
cocktail
exceptional
set us apart Believe us Grazing Theory stands
EVERY TUESDAY
The Craft House$10 Tuesdays!
32123 Temecula Parkway, Suite A | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The Craft House is tucked away in the quaint community, Vail Headquarters. Join in at the studio EVERY Tuesday from 10am - 6pm. All 8x10 canvases are only $10! All ages are welcome, no reservation required!
EVERY 2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAY
Temecula Sunset Market
41902 Main St Temecula 92590 | 5:00 PM
Come browse handcrafted, artisan, and vintage vendors, grab a bite to eat or sweet treat from the gourmet food court, and enjoy live, local music on the Town Square Park lawn!
MAY 5TH
Old Town Temecula Community Theater | 2:00 PM
Experience an afternoon of music performed by accomplished local singers who are passionate about singing. The chorus will perform a variety of beautiful music to entertain and delight!
www.amidesignassociates.com (714) 323-9757
CONTINUED
MAY 9TH
La Pointe Wealth Advisors - 43980 Margarita Road, Suite 201 | 5:30 PM
“Purses for a Purpose” is an event inspired by the women who, at times, are only able to escape an abusive situation with their purse in hand. Safe Family Justice Centers’ mission is to respond to those calls with life saving services + resources to help rebuild lives, restore hope, and break the cycle of abuse. Visit safefjc.org for information.
MAY 11TH
41920 6th Street Suite E2, Old Town Temecula | 6:00 PM
Come join noted fine artist Leslie A. Brown and other patrons of the arts at the grand opening of her new fine art studio and gallery in Old Town. Brown will be showcasing some of her newer work as well as that of local poet and printmaker, Tammy Greenwood.
MAY 12TH
28410 Old Town Front Street, Temecula | 8:00 AM
Bring your hungry mom for a special Mother’s Day menu on the festive outdoor patio. Enjoy flowing champagne, adaptogenic non alcoholic beverages, and delicious, gluten free, grain free daily creations that are healthy and responsibly sourced. It’s time to enjoy good food that’s good for you! Reservations not required.