Contributors&Publisher’s Letter
founder & publisher fernando de haro
Design & Production
june • july 2018
N 49 O
copy editor gabriela treviño lead designer gabriela lozano photographer ferch
Welcome to our 49th edition! We are so proud to share this edition with you because it marks our 8th anniversary. For us, this is quite an accomplishment. It’s been eight years of sleepless nights, long hours of reviewing content and hoping that everything in the magazine is distinguished, special, and different. I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the Cream Team during this time. You all are too many to name in this letter, but each one of you has earned a special place in my heart. I value all that you have contributed and the opportunity we have had to collaborate.
high end retouching paola denyce badouin production + video assistant katya peña Cream San Antonio dulce maría miranda
rubén bazán iii, joe arciniega, michelle cook, victor hugo garcía, elyssa canales-villarreal, steve treistman and aira greco.
In this edition, we focused on urban fashion. Three international college students shared their signature style. It was a dynamic shoot, in which we took advantage of downtown Laredo’s beautiful architecture. And speaking of our city, we have planned for a long time to show a bit of its history. We knew of some incredible photographs which show Laredo’s first streets, buildings and residents. For this, we sought the help of the Webb County Heritage Foundation and the organization’s director, Margarita Araiza. They very graciously shared their photo archives with us to be able to show you all these gems that represent our city! We hope they make a similar impact on you and inspire you to learn more about Laredo’s history.
Sales
Thank you for being a part of our first eight years! We encourage our readers to follow us on our social media pages such as Facebook and Instagram. There is still so much to do!
Writers
cynthia vallejo dara neher
Until next time, Fernando De Haro
ADVERTISING sales@creamcitymagazine.com 956.753.6755 info@creamcitymagazine.com
Cream Team No. 49
dulce
cynthia
monse
paula
gaby r
catie
jessica
cristal
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katya
gaby t
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cream_citymag Copyright © 2018 Cream City Magazine is a bi-monthly publication. All rights reserved. Points of view expressed do not necessarily represent those of Cream City Magazine. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we believe is incompatible with our mission. We also reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem competitive or contrary to the best interests of the magazine. Advertisers are legally responsible for the content, accuracy, and images of their ads. Printed in Mexico.
Contents
16
Street Style CREAM FAshion EditoRiAl
7
One Piece Wonder
11
“Want A Hot Body?”
12
Back And Better Than Ever! Styled By Michelle
Mommin’ Made Chic
31
8
Heritage & Tradition
Arciniega Eyes
24 Like Home
Food, Places & Things
14
To Have & To Hold
27
Historically Speaking
29 CreamBiz | Le Boutique Shop
38
Inspiración Lunática
Victor Hugo en SMA
Paternity
Your Name Is Just The Beginning
The Profiles
30 Cycles Of Life 37
Wine Society
38 This Is My Place 42 Pets & People
42
Fitting Fitness Into A Busy Life Fitness & Health
45 The Gallery 48 I Am Cream
Styled By Michelle Editoral
One Piece Back and better Wonder than ever! T
he one-piece jumpsuits or rompers, perfectly adapted for the summer season, have shaken off their vintage vibes of the ‘70s and now are coming in hot, modern and big time in trend. We did see this trend a couple of seasons back, and some were skeptical. Would wearing them would be “too much of a statement?” Fast forward to today: we cannot get our hands off them and for many valid reasons, which you’ll find very convincing if you’re not already. In this special anniversary edition, I have decided to dedicate it to that one piece that saves us half of the time getting dressed, takes us from day to night with just a switch of accessories and not to mention, leaves us butt naked when the bladder is calling for relief — yes, TMI, but it’s true. I like to think the good outweighs the bad.
So, let’s trade in our beloved two-piece matching sets for this new favorite staple.
Go for the easy to wear fabric: denim. It can do anything! A dark solid denim with ruffles, wedges, fun acrylic sunnies and scarf tied around the head.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DULCE MARÍA MIRANDA
Summer takes over in this double knotted bodice and flare short shorts, bright and flowy. A
grab-and-go piece like this one gives you time to coordinate accessories. Here, wearing the IT bag of the summer and retro sunnies seal the deal.
It is a fact that vertical stripes rule the world and make everything more flattering. I picked out this
dressier version of jumpsuit. Strapless with pockets and wide leg to lengthen the look. Topped off with a beautiful navy hat to match and geometrical white leather earrings.
So, in conclusion, if it’s easy, I’ll take it! The “throw on and go” has become the new norm, and I should add, focusing more on the accessories this time around was very refreshing. BY MICHELLE COOK FOLLOW HER LOOKS AND READ MORE AT www.shopchictique.com/blog
CREAM 7
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
The Meet two dynamic achievers who contribute to the development of both Laredos. They are flying high on Cream’s radar.
Graciela Sosa-Briones Mexican Architect / Assistant Director of the City of Laredo, Parks and Leisure Services Department
Enhancing quality of life is fundamental for the betterment of the community. Working for the City of Laredo has given me the opportunity to improve the recreational services provided to the public. In 2004, I was hired as the Construction Superintendent for the Parks & Recreation Department, and I was named Assistant Director in October 2017. My career has given me the satisfaction of seeing what started as a dream on paper turn into a completed project. To know that my decisions on certain projects have impacted someone’s life in a positive way means everything to me. When I first started as a drafting tech in the planning department in 1995, my English was very limited. However, I decided that it was not going to be an obstacle for me. Because of my job, I was forced to speak English. Now, more than 20 years later, I can easily carry a conversation in this language.
A few things that inspire me are: watching children laugh as they enjoy a playground at one of our parks, seeing the elderly move with ease because of accessible ramps, and seeing people excited to get fit after a great workout at one of our fitness centers.
One big goal can only be reached by adding small goal. That’s how I work. That’s what pushes me every morning to get out of bed, jump in the shower and go out to give my best during the day, so when I go back home, I have accomplished my goal for that day! 8 CREAM
Luis Castillo, Jr. Electronic / Computer Technician at Castillo Compu-Tech, and Real Estate Investor Inc. at Castillo Investments, LTD.
The potential gains of long-term investments and diversification sparked my interest in both electronics and real estate. I’ve always liked electronics and computer systems; I saw my future in electronic technology. I did not expect to be in real estate, but the opportunity presented itself, and I took it. Dealing and negotiating with people is what I like best. The process of a good deal is something I find inspiring in life. “What, are you a doctor, or what?” is what a customer said angrily back in 1990 when I told him I charged $150 an hour. I calmly told him, “Yes I am, a doctor for computers.” It took eight hours of labor and a used drive assembly that cost $5,500. The new one was priced at $15,800. His business paid that off in one day with the computer working. My career has also given me the satisfaction of providing for my family. A comfortable living and being able to provide for my children and getting them through college is something I value tremendously. I admire my parents for their perseverance and their “don’t give up” attitude, which I hope can be seen in me. Either career can be very rewarding, but not if you’re scared. My advice to anyone that may be thinking about a similar career path would be to be courageous. Don’t do it if you have doubts in your ability.
People are surprised by the never-ending “evolution” of electronic equipment and devices, yet electrons still flow the same way since they were discovered.
LIFE IS
TOO SHORT
TO WEAR
BORING
CLOTHES PRAGUEBOUTIQUELAREDO PRAGUEBOUTIQUELAREDO
Mommin’ Made Chic Editorial
“Want A
Hot
Body?” “You want a Bugatti? You want a Maserati? Look good in a Bi-kini? You better work b****!” Preach, girl, preach! Oh, Britney, the level of your wisdom is so on point! It’s officially June, sun’s out, buns out! Right? If you’re anything like me, you’re just excited to sneak off to the gym for a healthy dose of “me time.” While my membership may not have come with a Bugatti, unknowingly, I fell in love with another set of wheels. Spinning, I love spinning! OMG! I have become one of those people! It’s quite embarrassing, actually, but I just love it! Here’s the backstory: I used to hate it. I remember taking my first class when I was about 21ish. My butt went numb, and this was the first 10 minutes in! I recall staring up at the clock and thinking, “How am I going to survive?” I can confidently say my re-encounter with spinning was an act out of desperation. It was about six months post-partum from my last pregnancy and carrying about 15 pounds of stubborn baby fat. After my best effort to shed the weight, I had plateaued. Cue in horrible feelings of self-hate and contemplation… “Is this it? Has age caught up with me? Should I just accept this ‘new’ body?”
Moms, where you at? While a huge part of me agrees entirely with Miss Spears’ “Work B****” philosophy, the other side also realizes that, at times, schedules and genetics are not always on Team MILF. Spinning is exactly what you’ve seen on T.V. and friends’ Instagram stories: 30 minutes to an hour on an indoor stationary bike. The intensity will vary throughout the class thanks to different physical positions. Plus, all that pedaling will strengthen your quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves and core. Fupa (fat upper pelvic area)? What fupa! So…you’re not going to die. You may even feel a little bit like you’re going to live. LOL! As a mom, across the board, I know sometimes our needs take a back seat for the sake of others, and time is of the essence. Our fitness journeys are just that, unique and tailor made. All hard work always pays off. BY ELYSSA CANALES VILLARREAL CREAM 11
Arciniega Eyes Editorial
Paternity
Your Name is Just the Beginning
M
y son was calling me back. We had only just spoken moments before to confirm my travel plans from Laredo to Dallas to witness the scheduled birth of his firstborn, a son, exactly a week later. Everything was set until that call. “Dad, change of plans, water broke, we are headed to the hospital.” I thought of the old Yiddish adage translated into English, “Man plans. God laughs,” but I knew that moment was not the time to share it. Anyway, not much else needed to be said, though plenty needed doing. The next outbound flight from Laredo was the following morning, so within an hour, I was mocking the speed limit driving to San Antonio to catch a flight from there, as my wife worked her cell phone like a seasoned travel agent to secure our flight to Dallas and a rental car upon our arrival. We were determined not to miss the birth of our first grandchild. We didn’t. We arrived at the hospital in haste and frenzy at 11:00 P.M., and by 3:00 AM we were Dali timepieces melted over chairs in the aptly named Waiting Room until the next morning.
“Dad, change of plans, water broke, we are headed to the hospital.”
The first sight of my son, after ten hours of wonder, was a wonder itself. Like an apparition, he just appeared with no warning. There was a gasp of worry from the others, but even before he spoke, I knew all was done, and all was well. His face emitted its own light, and his eyes held a knowing not previously there. It had been over thirty years since my first one, but I recognized that look in those Arciniega eyes. He was a father now and forevermore, and his life would never be the same again. Being the father of the son who had the son, I was particularly absorbed in the paternity of it all. We knew that the baby was a boy, and we knew that he would be named after his father, who shares mine by his middle and last names. In fact, this newborn already carried upon his tiny shoulders the distinction of being the 9th in our direct descendant line with the names Joseph (or a variant like Jose or Joe) and Arciniega. I don’t know who started it all in the mid-1700s, or whether there were others before them. I just know that my father and his father were determined to follow suit, and so was I, and fortunately so did my son. Let’s hope his son doesn’t break the chain, though I may not be around to know. Anyway, if I have learned anything in my decades long membership in the paternity club, your name is just the beginning.
BY JOE ARCINIEGA | arciniegajoe@gmail.com 12 CREAM
As I watched my son hold his son through the nursery window, a surreal almost hallucinogenic experience for me, I couldn’t help but relive some of those moments of being a “Dad.” I remembered my very first look at my very first baby, and the ones that followed; each so different, each as memorable. I remembered them sleeping on my chest, their puppy grunts, moans, and whimpers burrowing right through my shirt and into my heart. I remembered their chubby-footed baby steps toward me, arms splayed and scissoring the air, a tiny pink Frankenstein terrorizing no one. But most of all, I remembered how fast we went from that to this. In that moment, I saw my son’s days of paternity ahead. Worry becomes a natural state; there is only making peace with it. And whichever parts of worry remain unreconciled, manifest in graying hair, with those refusing to turn just abandoning ship. Love more than makes up for it, though. How can one be prepared for the force of the love we feel for our child? Just one look does it. It is emotion, hormones, and chemistry, voodoo magic intended to assure survival of the species. I don’t know, but something happens that can neither be explained, nor undone. Love happens, and it happens hard. Pride too. Not the sort that “…goeth before a fall,” though that applies sometimes, but a deeper, healthier form of pride. This pride is from a longer look at the way these beings that are yours, but also very much their own, manage the same entrance and walk through life that you took, but in their own time, in their own way. And one day, that might include my children’s children giving them this same remarkable experience. I sure would love to see that too. Maybe I will.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
To Have To Hold
Silvia Gaona Lugo I love shoes. I really can’t resist stopping by the shoe department of a store when I pass by. It’s really hard to choose only one pair as my favorite, but when I saw these shoes, it was love at first sight. I’ve always liked Gucci; their shoes are well-made, fashionable and comfortable. I have a strong inclination for shiny and colorful items. There are many choices in fashion, but you have to feel comfortable. I’ve always worn what makes me feel good.
14 CREAM
Silvia Gaona Lugo welcomed us to her beautiful home and talked to us about fashion and style. Like Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” We totally agree.
treet Style
The streets we walk are more than just pavement. They are the grounds that provide us with a sense of movement and confidence. In fashion, we like to think of it as simply, an outdoor runway. Whatever your style may be, whether that’s camo print, bold colors, large hats, it’s YOUR style, and YOU own it.
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” American Fashion Designer, Rachel Zoe
MODELS NIEK HUEBEN, DUTCH | STARLING VALERA, DOMINICAN | SAMSON LAM, CHINESE
PHOTOGRAPHY FERCH
HIGH END RETOUCHING PAOLA DENYCE BADOUIN
Food, Places & Things Editorial
Like Home
There’s nothing like coming home to a hot meal after a long day at work or school. Walking into the kitchen and instantly smelling the aroma of spices gives a person a sense of comfort and welcome. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a restaurant that made you feel that way? Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to walk into a restaurant that somehow felt like home? Well sure enough, here in Laredo, Texas, there actually is. Walking into Caffe Dolce, you’re instantly taken by their art-filled walls. Throughout the space are charming tables that are paired off with charcoal black chairs. Speaking of charcoal, one of the restaurants main attractions is their “Charcoal Cucumber Lemonade.” Now, I know what you’re thinking... charcoal? In lemonade?
As it turns out, we’re not talking about Santa’s naughty list. What it is actually, is that activated charcoal itself has become an extremely popular component to beverages such as lemonade, tea, juice, or even just water! Activated charcoal takes a lead role in our bodies by absorbing toxins and leaving you feeling like a brand new person. Aside from being a fabulous detox, it comes with many more benefits such as rejuvenating the skin, boosting your metabolism and supporting healthy digestion. So if you ask me, Caffe Dolce certainly knows its way around healthy nourishment.
Aside from their charcoal lemonade and several other tasty juices, Caffe Dolce presents an appetizing menu, filled with foods that will satisfy your need for that home-cooked meal you so desperately have been looking for. From paninis to tomato soup, to cupcakes and coffee, you name it, they’ve got it. But one toasted sandwich in particular appears to stand out. It’s their “Chicken Chipotle Sandwich.” This warm, savory meal balances each individual spice perfectly with the chicken itself. The chipotle adds a fiery punch onto your palate and you’re instantly taken by the crunch of the toasted bread and juicy chicken. Tomatoes, onions, chicken, herbs and spices, oh my! So many flavors coming together underneath two slices of bread and not a single one of them overpowering the other. Paired with the sandwich is a zesty pesto pasta. Pasta AND chicken? On one plate? I know! This light pasta is served cold alongside the sandwich. Combining both hot and cold factors awards you, the customer, with the best of both worlds. If you find yourself looking for a restaurant or cafe that caters itself to providing a home-cooked meal, head towards Caffe Dolce, because when you’re here, you’re home. BY AIRA GRECO
24 CREAM
NEW
2419 E. Saunders St. #101
LOCATION (956) 568-2175
9413 McPherson Rd. (956) 723-5050
2402 Jacaman Rd. #12 (956) 701-3353
4205 Jaime Zapata Memorial Hwy #33 (956) 568-1980
IN COOPERATION WITH TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESENTS MUSIC AND LYRICS BY
CONCEIVED BY
LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
BOOK BY
QUIARA ALEGRÍA
LIN-MANUEL
MIRANDA
HUDES
DIRECTED BY
MARCO GONZALEZ
PRODUCED BY LINDA
STARRING:
LOPEZ HOWLAND & CELINA OLIVEIRA
CHIBBI ORDUÑA ALLIE HOWLAND MEREDITH PELUFFO
TAMIU Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theater
JULY 26-29 & AUGUST 2-5
All shows at 7:30 PM except Sundays at 3 PM General Admission - $20 Seniors & Students w/ID - $15 Tickets online at WWW.LAREDOTHEATERGUILD.ORG
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
People | Cream City Magazine
Let’s Meet...
Marco
González Historically
Speaking
Margarita Araiza Executive Director of the WCHF
Nestled in the heart of downtown Laredo is the Webb County Heritage Foundation. The organization works out of an office adjacent to the Plaza Theatre and the Laredo Center for the Arts on one of the city’s only brick-lined streets. We spoke to Margarita Araiza, Executive Director of the WCHF, on her thoughts about historic preservation and what the future holds for the organization. Which is your favorite historical landmark in Laredo and why? The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is my favorite landmark. It is the most significant historic landmark because it is the definition of Laredo’s character. It embodies the traits that have been dominant in our population for centuries: self-determination, courage, independence, and adaptability. It is the capitol building of a self-declared republic. The people of Laredo determined in 1840 that they would be better off creating their own independent government, rather than waiting for a distant, centralized government to provide for their security and welfare.
What does historic preservation mean to you and why should more people be interested in it? History is identity. So, historic preservation, in a way, means self-preservation. People should know who their own local heroes are. They should know just how much sacrifice it took to create and defend this community. They should know the magnificent stories of everyday people in our past who stood up to tyrants, to overwhelming environmental obstacles, to unrelenting attacks by hostile forces, Native Americans and bandits, and to political forces that made this area so volatile. They should learn to appreciate the living history embodied in our historic architecture, something that reflects the beauty and craftsmanship of bygone owners and builders. People should be proud of their community and not always be wishing we were more like other cities that don’t have nearly the amount of history or dynamic character that we have. Tell us one of your favorite anecdotes in working at the WCHF. We always tell the story of the Japanese tourists that came into the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and asked why we weren’t all riding horses. They wanted to see the horses and cowboys they’d always heard about walking around in the “Streets of Laredo.” What is something WCHF has done that you are most proud of? I am most proud of establishing a Laredo History course that is state-approved and being offered to high school seniors as an elective at Laredo Independent School District.
What upcoming events does the organization have planned that you would like the public to know about? We have a couple of book signings with authors of new publications about Laredo history that will take place this summer. We have an exhibit of vintage Mexican “charro” posters that we hope to have on display in September, and we are conducting our annual Historic Laredo Photo Competition right now, with a deadline of August 24 for submissions. More information on all our events is on our website: www.webbheritage.org.
28, Artistic Director Laredo Theater Guild International What are your interests and how does it translate over to your job? I’m lucky in that my interests and my job directly overlap. I grew up having an immense passion for film, Kurosawa, Hitchcock, Kubrick, Lynch; I couldn’t get enough. Then, theater became another outlet for narrative expression, so I try to combine both in my directing style. Give us a little sneak peek of In the Heights. What can we expect from such an anticipated play? This musical by LinManuel Miranda, of Hamilton fame, tells the story of intersecting lives of Washington Heights residents in New York City over a 4th of July weekend. Expect next-level choreography by guest choreographer, Waldo González. It’s part salsa/merengue, part hiphop/rap, and all classic Broadway musical. What are 3 words that best describe you as a director? Visual. Bold. Meticulous.
What is your ultimate goal? Someone I look up to once told me, “Theater is a gift, so give it away.” Laredo has such unique artistic and cultural expressions that are waiting to be discovered by a larger majority. Try it out. We have your seat waiting for you.
CreamBiz | Cream City Magazine
We all go shopping with our best friends. We trust their judgement on whether a dress makes us look amazing or if it makes us look like a marshmallow. Elvia Castillo is a boutique owner, and when you walk into her shop, she will be that friend for you. When it comes to style, she’s got you covered. Let’s learn a little more about her style, her business and her faith. Please, tell us the story behind Le Boutique Shop. How did all start? The shop was launched as an online women’s apparel and accessories boutique back in May 2014. This enabled us to increase sales and brand awareness. In 2015, we launched our Rob & Beets brand, which is our line of t-shirts. We carry them locally and wholesale to other boutiques across the U.S. Why did you want to open your own boutique? For me, it was more than clothing. I wanted to be able to help women -- from all walks of life -- feel confident in their own skin. We all know that when a woman is confident, she radiates it and is instantly more attractive. What style defines Le Boutique Shop? I’ve always considered myself a “girly girl” and have always been in love with pink, peonies and touches of gold. My mom was a seamstress before she became a professor, and I remember watching her put patterns together and sewing dresses. It was so gratifying to see the finished product. This year, you moved to a new location… tell us all about it! All I can say is that when God is in the center of your business there’s no telling what he has in store for you! I never thought having our own storefront in one of the best locations in Laredo would be possible. What is your favorite part of owning a business? I love the connections that I have been able to make! Fashion bloggers, other business owners and customers have now become friends! It makes my heart so happy every time I see someone wearing one of our pieces or tees. What is a typical
Le Boutique Shop day in your life as a business owner? I wake up at 5:15 a.m. and head to the gym. I pray and read the Bible after. I drop off my kids and head to the store. We open at 11 a.m., and by that time I always try to be done with emails, social media, inventory, etc. After 5 p.m., I’m in full mom-mode for the rest of the afternoon. I am blessed to have the best and most trustworthy employees and friends that are ready and willing to go above and beyond to alleviate the load. I’m also a huge “Daddy’s girl,” and still at this age, my dad helps me daily with everything and anything that I ask of him. How do you manage to run a business and be a mom? It takes a lot of planning and flexibility to be able to be the best business owner and the best mom. I’ve learned that things will get done eventually, and if something is not perfect and how I expected it to turn out, it’s still O.K. I have always spoken Colossians 3:23 over my children, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” What plans do you have for your business in the near future? I like to set goals that don’t actually seem attainable -- like the type of goals that make people think, “No way!” I would love to expand and add a second location in San Antonio. I would also like to be able to continue growing both our online and wholesale division. We would need our own warehouse for that to happen, and I’m excited about taking that direction in the near future. What advice do you give to anyone who wants to open her or his own fashion boutique? Be prepared for long days and to be O.K. with feeling like you still need to accomplish a million things. Surround yourself with people who love you, support you and understand that you’re not always going to be present because you have goals to accomplish. Make sure you have a strong spiritual life because there will be days when no one will be able to give you the answers. Know that it’s O.K. to fail as long as you get back up and try again.
7718 McPherson Rd, Suite 4 (next to Border Foundry Restaurant). • (956) 602-0777 • www.leboutiqueshops.com CREAM 29
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
At Cream, we believe in the importance of health and fitness. Keeping fit gives us a sense of discipline, as well as physical and mental health. A couple of year ago, we got to know Fernando Baldazo, an integral member of the Gold’s Gym Cycling Club. When he told us all about the club’s activities, we knew we had to share it with our readers!
Cycles Of Life
What spurred your passion for cycling? Two different life experiences began my passion for cycling. I really liked watching the Tour de France, and I was always curious to see if I would be able to be in the same physical condition of professional cyclists -- to ride anywhere between 30 and 110 miles a day. In 1987, I had a motorcycle accident. I fractured my tibia, fibula and ankle. The best therapy was riding my bike, and that is how I started cycling. How was the Gold’s Gym Cycling Club formed? Different teams started to form as more and more people became interested in cycling. One of the first groups was started by the female spinning instructors at Gold’s. Then, us men followed with our own group.
What is a day like with the team? What kind of training and routines do you do? Everybody trains on their own time. Everyone has a different schedule, so they make it work for themselves. We train as a group on Saturdays. We try to ride anywhere from 55 to 75 miles. On those days, I wake up at 5 a.m. to hydrate, have breakfast and give my bike some maintenance. Then, we get together at 7 a.m. at a meeting point, and we train three to four hours. At Cream, we love seeing women being a part of the cycling community. In addition to being wives, mothers, having a job Monday through Friday, they somehow find time to be part of the club. What can you tell us about the women in this sport, taking in mind the women on your team we got to know during the photo shoot? They are very disciplined, organized and devoted not only to cycling, but also to their classes at the gym and their personal lives. It surprises me how much they are able to accomplish.
What would you tell those who are reluctant to start and discover more about this sport? I would tell them to try cycling for a week or two with a borrowed bike. It’s a noble sport; it’s low impact. But just like everything else in life, if you want to see results, you must be patient, and you must be disciplined to train as much as possible. Gold’s Gym of Laredo has always been recognized for supporting health, sports and athletes in our city. In what way did they contribute into getting the team going? Gold’s has given us access to their facilities to complement our training. They have also helped us finance our uniforms and accessories.
Gold’s Gym Cycling Club
Thank you for accepting the invitation to show Cream’s readers what you do! Is there anything you would like to add? Exercise. Ride a bike. Run. Dance. Sign up at a gym. It has kept me feeling young, and I recommend it to everyone!
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Heritage Tradition
& nos¡tal¡gia noun
a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
As we blow the dust off old photos, we catch a glimpse as to what life was like for those that came before us. The clothes they wore, the events they attended, who their social circle was, we learn all this through these images, that take us on a journey through time. With the help of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, we take a look at the Laredo of yesteryear. Despite advancements in technology, we can see that there are some things that are permanently part of our beloved border culture.
Flores Avenue, Laredo, Texas, Circa 1910 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection Photographs courtesy of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, Laredo, Texas. CREAM 31
Carlota Rogers Warwick as maid in 1916 Washington Birthday Celebration booklet. Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection 32 CREAM
Editorial | Cream City Magazine 2
1
3
Laredo High School Basketball Team, 1925 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection Laredo High School Baseball Team, 1926 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
1. On International Bridge, Circa 1940’s Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection 2. 1956 Martin Tiger Championship Game Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection 3. Coach Batey with Martin High School basketball team, 1955 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
Robert Haynes family at Fort McIntosh, 1883 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
1000 block of Iturbide, Circa 1900 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
Hamilton Hotel, 1930 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Advertisement in Laredo City Directory 1904 Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
Pan American Lunch Stand Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
Laredo Volunteer Fire Department gather for a fire drill at San Agustin Cathedral, Circa 1880’s Webb County Heritage Foundation Collection
Wine Society | Cream City Magazine
We all wish we could spend our summers in Italy – swimming, enjoying gelato, biking down the cobblestone roads. While some of us might not be able to make it to the land of pasta and amore, most of us could close our eyes after a long day and imagine we are there while sipping a glass of Lilia Wetsel’s favorite wine. Salute!
Lilia Wetsel My favorite wine: Mezzacorona pinot grigio! This wine is from the Adige Valley. It is surrounded by the Italian Alps and has over 20 ratings for best Italian pinot grigio. Why do I like it? I love its light flavor! This wine is crisp and fresh, with an aroma of green apple and honeysuckle. It is a bottle that any white wine lover can easily enjoy. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day, any time of the year and complemented by any meal! What makes it special? I first tried this wine while I was living in Italy and instantly fell in love. It brings back the most wonderful memories of being in Rome with friends, sipping on fresh wine. Plus, for its delightful taste, you surely cannot beat the price.
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Editorial | Cream City Magazine
This is
My
Place
One of the most beloved aspects of Mexican culture is the hospitality. Families make you feel welcomed into their homes, and in the kitchen -- ¡olvídate! You become part of the family. Melissa Hale greeted Cream City Magazine at the door of her beautiful home and said, “Mi casa es tu casa.”
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Melissa Hale Educator
My favorite place is my kitchen. It has an open concept and all of the surrounding windows make you feel like you are outdoors. Making meals here is not a chore; it’s relaxing, and it’s a place that brings my family and guests together. During the early evening, many different hues give this room a tranquil ambience. It is a wonderful place to be. The design and architecture of this place is inspired by the love that I have for Mexico. Going to the mercados in San Miguel de Allende, for example, surrounded by bougainvilleas and the smell of spices is reinvigorating. Others tell me this place is very welcoming. I feel that my free spirited attitude is reflected in the openness of my kitchen. It’s as if the outdoors are indoors, and there are no barriers. I believe that the fewer barriers in a room and in one’s life bring balance, peace and ultimately happiness.
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Victor Hugo en SMA Editorial
Inspiración
Lunática
Lo que hace a San Miguel de Allende es su gente, y ¡que gente! Situados en el corazón de México, y como dice la leyenda: “con un manto de cuarzo debajo de nosotros”, esta ciudad es conocida por atraer a la gente que está destinada a vivir aquí. Vienen de todo tipo de perfil creativo y variadas procedencias. Uno de los medios de expresión que están floreciendo en esta ciudad es la moda con identidad del destino. En esta ocasión, les traigo la tercer muestra con mi serie de diseñadores jóvenes emergentes: Jade Muriel con su marca Lunática. Jade es producto del hechizo de San Miguel y su magia. Su arte es el resultado de muchos factores, que a continuación nos cuenta... La marca. Lunática es una línea de joyería de autor basada y producida en SMA, por Jade Muriel, lanzada en 2015.
Inspiración. La luna es un símbolo cósmico que se ha extendido a todas las épocas, desde tiempos inmemoriales hasta nuestros días, de uno a otro horizonte. Además hace alusión al mundo de las formas, ya que la luna es la madre de todas las formas. Es la forma primigenia. Es una celebración del espíritu femenino y las formas circulares: el universo, el infinito, el ciclo de la vida y la fertilidad. El círculo es un símbolo de protección.
Fotografía: Edgar Arias
Para nuestros ancestros, la joyería a menudo era utilizada como amuleto de protección y adorno, lo que le otorga a la pieza un trocito de nuestra alma y la hace un objeto sumamente personal. Esa, es la belleza de la joyería. La colección busca traer a un contexto moderno las perlas y conceptos como la elegancia (que mucha gente asocia con algo pasado de moda). Reinterpretando la joyería en nuevas formas y también en maneras de llevarla, atrae a mujeres de todas edades. En el estudio. La marca está comprometida con la sustentabilidad y la producción local. La colección es 100% artesanal, elaborada localmente desde diseño, muestras y producción, en plata mexicana y perlas del Mar de Cortés de Baja California Sur. Tratamos de mantener en lo posible las técnicas de joyería tradicional, combinándolas con los nuevos avances tecnológicos. La perpetuación del trabajo hecho a mano por el o la artista es algo muy importante en nuestra filosofía.
Las piezas de jade me atrajeron por su frescura, por su contemporaneidad pero a la vez por estar llenas de simbolismo y homenaje a las tradiciones de la orfebrería Sanmiguelense. Me encanta ser testigo de esta evolución creativa en este lugar de ensueño e inspiración, y compartirlo con ustedes lectores queridos de Cream, amantes de la moda y de las cosas linda. Consumamos lo hecho en México, porque como México no hay dos. POR VICTOR HUGO GARCÍA | Instagram: @victorhugo956 40 CREAM
Instagram @lunatica.joyeria • FB Lunática • jade.muriel.a@hotmail.con
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Pets&People
Gerardo Daniel, Ernesto Alonso and their pets, Anna Shiba and Wendy Nahyeli What type of pet do you own? A Shiba Inu and a Japanese Chin. What are their names? Anna Shiba and Wendy Nahyeli. How old are they and how long have you had them? Anna Shiba is one and a half years old, and we’ve had her since she was three months old. Wendy Nahyeli is three years old, and we’ve had her since she was four months old. When and how did your interest in these breeds spark your interest? Anna Shiba resembles a fox. She is independent, fast and looks like a mythical creature roaming in the garden. Wendy Nahyeli, the Japanese Chin, is like a living stuffed animal. She brings us comfort and warmth! Do you own any other pets? We do! Roxy is a Dutch Shepherd mix. She is intense and full of energy! She currently lives with her grandparents. What does your pet mean to you? They are good companions in life. It means being responsible for another living being. What type of special care do you have for your pets? We brush and walk them every now and then. Occasionally, we make some bacon and eggs to keep them happy! What is your favorite activity to do with your pets? We love taking them on walks without leashes, and watching them chase bugs and other creatures. Are your pets trained? How difficult was it to train them? It was pretty easy. They are like cats -- discreet and clean. Tell us your favorite anecdote with your pets. Once a field mouse entered our house, and was hiding under a long piece of furniture in the living room. When Shiba detected the mouse, she became frantic, circling and barking trying to get the mouse. Three of us lifted the furniture and out ran the mouse! Everyone was chasing it down around the living room! Ernesto had a broom and was screaming from excitement! Both girls caught it at different times and finally we took it outside! It was such a rush from such a small creature! It makes us happy they don’t like mice in the house. Could you give us some tips for when choosing a pet? Research a lot because they are your partner in crime for a lot of years! If you were an animal, which would you be and why? We would be monkeys in the jungle. We’d still have many of the human traits we share with primates, and the best part would be chilling and eating bananas all day. 40 CREAM
The Gallery | Cream City Magazine
Allan Gindic featured artist
E
very time I make a new painting, it’s like I travel to another time and place. I try to visualize what the feeling was like so I can fully immerse myself in the moment and theme of the painting I am trying to bring to life. Premeditation is key in creating, which allows me to dive right in, with an organized plan already constructed in my head. I live to paint, and without painting, I would have no way of truly communicating, or expressing myself to my most transparent, and honest language. One of my favorite things to paint is landscapes. Landscapes challenge my ability to create depth as well as create a setting. Anyone can dive right in and can create a connection to a past memory or feeling. I am currently obsessed with the feeling of nostalgia, and I try to evoke it with all my cityscapes and seascapes. My favorite source I use is painting from a photo. The more original and personal the photo is, the deeper and closer the connection is.
title of your art piece:
Mixed media, Oil on canvas
“the galactic frontera”
About the artist: My motto is: I live to paint, and I paint to live. It all started when I was around 7 years old, my mom decided to put me in art classes after school at Alex’s Studio, with the well known local artist, Maru Alexander Portillo. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Texas State University in San Marcos. I was a singer and musician in a band, Last One Out, for about nine years, until I slowly drifted in a different direction. I found myself heading towards the fundamentals of art and painting. I am a very sensitive, energetic, chaotic, and passionate. I’m a hyper realistic painter. I have been painting professionally now for five years but have been an artist my entire life. Creating has always been one of my strong points and passions, whether it be with music, in the kitchen, or gardening. I have always had an infatuation with watching things transform and grow. I’m currently working on my new online store called www.gindic.com which will cater to anyone who wants one of my paintings, or a print, or even a pair of shoes with my paintings designed on to them. Letting go of a painting is hard, but the reaction people have, is far greater. The more paintings I let go, the better, and the stronger I become. CREAM 45
Fitness&Health Editorial
Fitting Fitness Into A Busy Life Life is getting increasingly busy. We have long work days, families to support and take care of, school to attend, friends to socialize with, and so on. Life is a non-stop roller coaster that leaves us drained. The last thing we seem to make time for is ourselves. We sacrifice our body’s health and fitness so we can meet life’s demands.
It doesn’t have to be that way. As a personal trainer, the number one reason (or excuse) people tell me they are out of shape, is because they don’t have the time. I have clients that work multiple jobs, go to school, and have a family to raise. You can find the time, and here are some ideas to help you out.
1. Make your workouts ultra efficient. Most of us don’t have the luxury of having
enough time to be spending hours in a gym. The good news is, you really only need to exercise four days a week for 45 minutes a day. Studies have shown that the benefits of working out, drastically reduce after 45 minutes. Whether it’s the finding the right plan or hiring a trainer, you can get in shape with very little time commitment.
2. Workout in the morning. I know, I know. You need your sleep, and there’s no way in hell you are waking up early. But this is the one little trick that will change your life. Working out in the morning guarantees that life won’t get in the way.
Our lives are filled with traffic jams, last minute deadlines at work, unexpected drinks with friends, cable repairman taking forever, and everything possible conspiring to keep us from exercising. Work out in the morning and you will feel super-charged all day. You won’t have it hanging over your head for the rest of the day.
3. Don’t take the weekends off. Use the weekends to your advantage, especially
Sunday. Nobody is saying workout all week. But taking days off during the busy week is a lot easier and more convenient than doing so on the weekend. The weekend is your time off from “life,” not from getting fitter and feeling better.
4.
Load your workouts in the front or back. Rest is extremely important when working out. However if you know you have a vacation coming up or an extra busy few days, work out three or four days in a row, and get it out of the way. Three workouts in three days isn’t ideal, but it’s better than no workouts in three days.
5. Build a home gym. Nobody says you have
to go to a gym to workout and exercise. For a few hundred dollars, you can turn a small space into your own home gym. If you’re really on a budget, you can get creative and not spend a cent. Sometimes there just isn’t time to drive to the gym, workout, shower, drive somewhere else etc. The only way all this works is if you make fitness a lifestyle change and not a time train that you dread. If you see fitness as an activity that consumes your time, that conflicts with your day, you will fail. Eighty percent of people that start exercising for the first time or first time in a long time, fail. They fail because they don’t learn how to fit it into their life. Don’t let that happen to you. Fitness in your life can be one of the best things to ever happen to you. BY STEVE TREISTMAN warhammer878@gmail.com
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Painting is
amazing!
My favorite color is
blue
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