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Contributors&Publisher’s Letter
founder & publisher fernando de haro
december • january 2020
N 58 O
Design & Production copy editor doris de la cruz lead designer gabriela lozano
D
ecember has arrived and with it comes the end of the year. Here at Cream, we worked against the clock to bring you this edition that took us to Mexico City once again for a spectacular photo session. On this occasion, the cover is special since we have the honor to present to you all Fabiola Guajardo, an actress that shines brightly in the world of film and on the small screen! It’s definitely one of my favorite covers of the year!
photographer ferch production + video assistant katya nevarez fonseca
Writers
As per tradition at Cream, each December we don’t just showcase the most beautiful Christmas trees in Laredo but also some lovely thoughts from five special guests. Discover who they are inside, and maybe next year you’ll be featured in our holiday issue!
joe arciniega, michelle cook, víctor hugo garcía, nayeli nava, leonor rodriguez and estefania flores.
Thank you for the support you’ve given us in 2019. It’s incredible how fast time passes. Cream will turn 10 years old in 6 months! We don’t yet know what awaits us; all we know is we’ll put all our effort into it! Fernando de Haro
SALES & ADVERTISING sales@creamcitymag.com 956.220.5440 info@creamcitymag.com
Cream Team No. 58 cream city magazine
gaby
creamcitymagazine
katya
jovanna
leonor
alicia
Copyright © 2019 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.
doris
cream_citymag
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Oh... so Fabiolous! Fabiola Guajardo
CREAM Fashion Editorial
6 10 33
Contents
Holiday Suit Styled By Michelle
Playing for Overtime
40
Sabores de México
41
Una Navidad Parisina
Víctor Hugo en SMA
Arciniega Eyes
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
42
París, Francia
Holiday Glam Follow Me!
Styled By Michelle Editorial
I
’ve learned a thing or two about maximizing your wardrobe. That fact is, as I get older, I am becoming more sustainably conscious. Instead of buying pieces I will only wear once, I put more thought into what I’m buying, and I consider how the clothes I purchase will work with the wardrobe inside my closet. The hard part is buying a party look. You might nail it for the event but afterwards, it ends up hanging in your closet until your sister or nieces find it. You completely forget about the outfit until you see them wear it. We’ve all been there. Grab your sequins and tees, my friends. Here is how to style holiday statement pieces that will serve you in three different ways, and not only for that one-time party you bought it for.
Holiday Suit
Exhibit A: we are heading out to a fabulous party and true to the holiday spirit, this matching green suit was made for it. This one is easy; I paired it with a delicate sequin nude top and attention-grabbing accessories.
After its first use, it’s time to give this suit more spotlight by adding layers. I’m wearing it with a tie-dye tee, its matching blazer, and topping it off with a camel long coat, beanie and sneakers.
The third look is for my cozy gals. I picked a taupe off the shoulder sweater dress, cute cap and boots, an ideal outfit for brunch with your girlfriends.
I’m a huge fan of dressing down something formal. It becomes a challenge, but it’s also fun to think about the many ways you can use a statement piece on a daily basis. The holiday suit, which echoes the style of my heroes Diane Keaton and Jenna Lyons, deserves to be worn. And wear it we will. Happy holidays! I hope you look as fabulous as you are.
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.
Omar Minhas
Jesus Gerardo Guajardo MD
Director of Leasing & Marketing at Killam Development
President elect 2020-2022 of the National Confederation of Pediatrics of Mexico.
I basically grew up in a mall / retail environment. My parents owned about 6 businesses – pizza and cosmetic stores. From a young age, I had a passion for real estate and entrepreneurship. My father and mother instilled in me the value of giving back to the community and helping others. I learned a lot from them. I started out as a financial analyst at one of the largest REITS in the country and soon got into sales and leasing.
The passion of the people I work with and those who I help inspires me every day. It’s exciting to go through the process to create a new business with an entrepreneur or to help them expand on their existing locations. Additionally, the passion of Laredoans and their persistence and desire to succeed also motivates me.
I most admire my parents. As a first-generation American, with a Pakistani and Costa Rican upbringing and background, I have a lot of love for the sacrifices my parents made coming to America and becoming successful entrepreneurs and teaching me how to run a business at a young age.
My advice for those who want to pursue a career similar to mine is to have a great work ethic and do everything you can to learn from others. I have one favorite quote which has helped me throughout my career: “Your smile is your logo. Your personality is your business card. How you leave others feeling after an experience becomes your trademark.” 8 CREAM
My career began in Jalisco, Mexico, at the medical school of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. My colleagues came from different countries in Latin America and the United States. It was a great multicultural academic experience. In college, my favorite subject was biology, and my dream was to become a doctor to help others in difficult times of illness. When I was a teenager, I didn’t know what career to study, but I soon became convinced that my dedication to the science of medicine was going to be my profession forever. Without a doubt, my dad inspired me. He was an excellent family doctor, very dear and respected by his patients. I also admire Gabriel García Márquez, a winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature and one of my favorite authors. His novel Cien años de Soledad is a masterpiece.
My career has given me a lot of satisfactions. Receiving a newborn baby weighing a kilogram, seeing that child grow healthy and having that boy or girl invite you to his or her graduation ceremony, has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
To be a medical doctor you need to be dedicated, but the most important thing is to have the total conviction of moving forward. It is not easy. There are many years of study, but it is possible to do it if you dream it like me.
out&about | Cream City Magazine
The 6th Annual IMPACT Economic Development Forum recognized individuals that make a significant and valuable contribution to our community. The organization represents various industries, including international trade, economic and industrial development, manufacturing and logistics, banking and commerce and workforce development.
Honorees for the 2019 forum were Dr. Rodney H. Rodriguez from Communities Foundation of Texas, Mike Marasco from McDonald’s of Laredo, Steve LaMantia from L&F Distributors, Alfonso Arguindegui from Arguindegui Oil Companies, and Yvette Limon from the Laredo International Bridge System. All proceeds are geared toward scholarships for Laredo College students enrolled in workforce or in short-term certification programs through the Laredo College Economic Development Center.
CREAM 9
Arciniega Eyes Editorial
Playing for Overtime I
t’s football season. Isn’t it? I wouldn’t know, because for my whole life, I was neither much inclined nor interested. I do remember my late father was a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, and so I paid enough attention to the Cowboys to trade superficial sports banter about them with him over the years. Then Alzheimer’s disease moved in and changed the game completely, for us both.
I was shaving my father before heading to work early Monday morning of his 79th birthday, and kidding him about now being a year away from eighty. Suddenly in a rare burst of coherent communication, he said, “It’s the end of the final quarter. Game over.” By this point in our lives, we were five years into our patient-caregiver dynamic, maneuvering Alzheimer’s debilitating trajectory. And though the pretense of my interest in football was now mostly supplanted by more intimate things we had to discuss, decide, and do, we still Suddenly in a rare burst of coherent watched the occasional game together.
communication, he said, “It’s the end of the final quarter. Game over.”
I first assumed he was referring to the playoff game we had just watched on Sunday, the day before. After leading into the 4th quarter, the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Green Bay Packers by five points at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was the much anticipated rematch of the infamous “Ice Bowl” between them in Wisconsin then too almost 50 years before. The Cowboys lost that time as well. “But Dad,” I said, paying more attention to carefully shaving his crepey neck than to him, “you slept through the second half of the game yesterday, how could you remember it?” “No,” he said as he pushed my hand away, his now familiar signal that we were done with shaving. To calm him, I showed him that I had already turned off the electric shaver. He saw that, but he grabbed my hand again and still insisted, “No.” Then I remembered what prompted his comment, and wondered aloud (half seriously) if he might be speaking about the four quarters of life, because I said he was now tracking toward eighty. “No worries, Dad,” I countered with admittedly false cheer, “there’s always the chance of overtime!” He didn’t smile; he didn’t register understanding or contradiction. He didn’t even blink. He just slowly shook his half shaved face at me and wagged a finger back and forth, “No.” Three days after his birthday, my father died of “complications from Alzheimer’s disease,” a benign way of stating that Alzheimer’s killed him.
BY JOE ARCINIEGA | arciniegajoe@gmail.com 10 CREAM
In fact, his body had lost its ability to swallow. And for a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), who also legally refused to allow either intubation or a feeding tube to support him, it was an inevitable death sentence. In the aftermath of his death, whether that was what my father meant or not, I have deeply considered the concept of life’s four quarters in twenty year increments from birth to eighty. Developmentally, the first quarter, from zero to twenty, is the most dynamic one for change. From sheer size to comprehension, the distance traveled is almost beyond belief. This is the time to incubate the adults we presume to eventually become. In our second quarter, from twenty through forty, whatever we manage to make of ourselves from what we were previously given is now our full accountability. By midway through, if we haven’t done what we had planned, hoped, or wished, it is time to rethink, and reset. I refer to the third quarter, forty to sixty, as the bridge years. Imagine entering a door at forty years of age, still reverberating with the vigor and vibrancy of youth, and exiting the other end of it at sixty, two decades from it, and facing one’s fourth and presumably final quarter. The quality of the investments made before this either pay dividends, or they don’t. In the fourth quarter, from sixty through eighty, there is a beauty to knowing that we are on the homestretch, the time to hone in on the final details left to satisfactorily complete our lives. Hopefully, with this urgency setting in, there is little patience to endure fools, foolishness, and foolery, unless it’s our own. Generally, games are won or lost in the final quarter; however, in life as in football, anything is possible, even overtime. Overtime would be my goal if I can look great, feel great, and live great. If not, no thanks. Perhaps knowing his football, and knowing the life remaining that Alzheimer’s had in store for him, my father spiked the ball, beat the clock, and won his game in the end. If so, well played, Pop, well played indeed.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Success Starts at St. Augustine
Maita Fernandez Chef and Owner of Lolita’s Bistro
How has your St. Augustine education made you the person you are today? St. Aug helped form the starting path of my culinary career. I had wonderful teachers that were always supportive. What is your fondest St. Augustine memory? Thats a hard one, I have so many! My top 3 would be art class, the senior-junior halloween skit rivalry and eating junk food with my friends at lunch time. What advice do you have for recent St. Aug grads? Make sure to appreciate and take advantage of every opportunity to learn because life will be hard and competitive, so the more prepared you are the better the chance to succeed. What advice would you give students/parents considering a Catholic high school education at St. Augustine? I’d say to consider what the students want and for parents make sure to be involved in their kids’ academic lives to make sure they are headed in the right way.
As Laredo’s only Catholic high school, St. Augustine gives students the tools they need to succeed after their studies. The students create strong bonds with each other that last for decades after graduation. Together, they walk the same hallways and follow the same faithbased, college prep curriculum that shape their lives forever.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Revitalize Your Body With the stress of the holiday season, there is no better place to relax than at Skintology Spa. Your worries will immediately slip away at their state of the art facilities. With their array of amenities, they will help you become the best version of yourself.
14 CREAM
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
New year, new you! Here are a few of Skintology’s best services for you to enjoy! The relaxation pool is an amenity for our clients to enjoy before or after their service. Its purpose is to prepare the mind for the experience so you can escape from the world and take time for yourself. Vichy Hydro Therapy is water massage that helps with circulation and pain. This treatment makes a great addition to any service or is wonderful on its own. Water rejuvenates and heals your body. The M22 is a Laser Resurfx and IPL treatment that can help with discoloration (reds and browns) from acne, varicose veins, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions. The Resurfx treats texture- acne scars, wrinkles, sagging skin, enlarged pores, stretch marks and more. Take years off without the need for surgery!
Take care of your skin; it’s going to represent you for a long time. HydraFacial MD is known as the lunchtime facial because it can be done in 30 minutes and yields results that you can see and feel! Treat your fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and dehydrated skin with the amazing HydraFacial MD. Add the LED Mask facial for even more benefits. Our tea room is designed to be a tranquil place to relax and unwind. At our entrance, you’re greeted by a technician that accompanies you to your room where you can enjoy the soothing music and treat yourself !
3402 E. Del Mar Blvd. Suite 200 • 956.727.0950 • www.skintologyspa.com CREAM 15
For this issue’s cover shoot, Cream met up with actress Fabiola Guajardo in Mexico City! Her talents have landed her on telenovelas like Yo no creo en los hombres and Pasión y poder. Throughout her career, she’s won two TVyNovelas Awards for Best Co-star Actress and Best Supporting Actress. She also appeared in the hit movie ¿Qué culpa tiene el niño? Aside for her acting successes, she is also a model and former finalist of Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2007. Fabiola’s star power is shining bright, not just on our screens but now on the pages of Cream!
Oh... so Fabiolous! CREAM 17
Fabiola Guajardo
Actress Fashion Assistant Elyssa Villareal
Photography Ferch Hair Olvido Herrerias
Makeup Ismael Zazueta Production Manuel Delgado
Dress Karloz ZermeĂąo
Jewelry Azure
Jacket Halston Bodysuit Paola Amador Jewelry Azure
Jewelry Okoxal
Dress David Silva
Jewelry Azure
Blazer David Silva Crop Top Franco Arenas Skirt Desigual
out&about | Cream City Magazine
Rescues on the Runway
Recently, the Laredo Animal Protective Society held their annual Rescues on the Runway event. In the arms of individuals from the community, dogs and cats from the shelter made their way down the runway at Altezza Events. The show included a dinner and silent auction. At the end of the night, many of the modeling pets found their new homes and loving families to live with.
22 CREAM
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
E G I O NA L LAREDO R
K FOOD BAN
: e v i G o t n o s a e The S It’s All Year Long
When I ask Carmen Garcia how her job at the Laredo Regional Food Bank began, she tells me it’s a funny story. After graduating from Texas A&M International University with a master’s degree in Language, Literature, and Translation, Carmen was looking for something to do over the summer. She decided to spend her time volunteering at the local food bank; she worked for two months and learned the ins and outs of the organization. As luck would have it, a job position opened up during her time as a volunteer, and Carmen took the opportunity to apply. “Everything aligned,” Carmen said. Now, at the age of 25, Carmen is the Laredo Regional Food Bank’s executive director. According to Carmen, the nonprofit’s success depends on the Laredo community.
One of the organization’s most popular services is their Pantry Program. Through this project, local nonprofits can request food from the food bank. Before giving away the food, the organization makes sure the nonprofits have adequate storing facilities or pantries to house the aliments. Currently, there are 85 local nonprofits that form a part of the Pantry Program. Among the organizations that partake are local churches of all different faiths. “We’re all the same [regardless of our religious beliefs]. We all want to help,” Carmen said. The food bank also works with senior centers and veterans groups to feed vulnerable populations in our community. The food that fills the shelves of the nonprofit comes from the community as well. In some cases, trucking companies donate food that can no longer be sold; likewise, when products are mislabeled, the food is given to the food bank. Grocery chains like HEB also take part in the donation process, and surplus food tends to end up in their facilities. Even local meat stores offer their share of goods. Additionally, the food bank also provides an emergency food bag service. Through this initiative, the organizations with pantries take bags filled with 25 to 40 pounds worth of food. Each bag is stocked with basic edible needs like canned foods, fresh products and anything else that is available at the food bank. “I tell the people who fill the bags, ‘Think of what you would like to see inside them,’” Carmen said. Another one of the most unique forms of assistance the food bank provides comes through their Adopt a Family campaign. For the price of $100 a year, anyone interested in feeding a family can apply to supply 2 bags of food for a family each month. Each family receives one bag of canned food and another filled with fresh vegetables. By 2020, the food bank hopes to be feeding at least 100 families. Cream is honored to highlight the food bank’s important work in our community. With the young Carmen Garcia at the helm, the Laredo Regional Food Bank is ensuring their vision extends well into the future. CREAM 23
out&about | Cream City Magazine
A decade after its founding, the Pvt. David B. Barkeley Cantu Veterans Memorial Chapel was once again the venue for Laredo College’s annual tribute to veterans. LC faculty and staff and other community leaders celebrated current and former servicemen. They praised their courage, sacrifice and selfless service. Attendees thanked local veterans for defending our country and protecting our freedom. City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz served as master of ceremonies and Texas Army National Guard Major General Richard “Rick” J. Noriega was the event’s keynote speaker.
24 CREAM
People | Cream City Magazine
Let’s Meet...
Karina
Alexander
23, Owner of Sorella Mia Online Boutique, @shopsorellamia. How do you combine what you love with what you do? I have always had a passion and knack for finding quality clothing and accessories that would not break the bank. I wanted to be able to share my passion with other women, so that is how Sorella Mia came to be. The boutique offers on trend fashion at reasonable prices.
What are your recent projects and/or accomplishments? A project I have been working on recently is opening a Pop-Up Shop in Laredo. Since my boutique is online only, it would be an amazing way to gain exposure and an opportunity for customers to be able to see and purchase my pieces in person. What are 3 words that best describe you? Passionate, loyal, and dedicated.
What is your ultimate goal? My ultimate goal is to open a brick and mortar store. Before that however, I plan to attend a graduate program in New York City to study fashion management and to gain hands-on experience in the fashion industry.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
�5 Ways to Ring in the New Year N
BY LEONOR RODRIGUEZ
ew Year's may be all about looking ahead, but there is something nostalgic about this holiday that falls on December 31. Around the world, symbolism plays a momentous role in the festivities, and families practice different ways of bringing good luck during the new year. Whether you're spending the night watching the ball drop with family, popping fireworks with friends or eating Chinese take out for one before the clock strikes midnight, we've got the best twenty-five weird and quirky New Year's Eve traditions to help you ring in 2020.
�
Wearing White: This color
represents peace, and some even wear different colors to attract a specific type of luck.
�
Colorful underwear: Some
people wear colorful undergarments to attract certain things. For example, yellow represents money, and red symbolizes love.
� �
Mistletoe: Placing a mistletoe
under your pillow may bring you dreams about your future spouse.
Egg Cracking: It is tradition to
crack an egg into a glass and let it set as the clock strikes twelve. Later in the morning, try to interpret the shape and what it means for the new year.
� �
Empty suitcase: Walking around the block with an empty suitcase is said to ensure a year of travel. Twelve Grapes: My family has
developed this tradition of eating twelve grapes with each bell strike at midnight. Each one represents a wish or luck for each month of the coming year.
�
Pomegranate: Throwing a pomegranate represents life and fertility. The more it splatters, the better your year may be.
�
Leap into the new year:
Jumping off a chair at midnight represents starting the new year on the right foot and leaving the past behind.
�
Resolutions: Writing down your wishes on paper, burning it, placing the ashes into a glass of champagne, and drinking it before 12:01 a.m. represents motivation to achieve your goals.
��
Breaking Glass: Hurling
plates and glasses against the doors of friends or relatives houses may bring good luck.
�� ��
Salt: Sprinkling salt on your doorstep is an act to bring peace to your home or business. Twelve Pennies: Throwing
coins over your shoulder symbolizes throwing out the poverty of the previous year, but finding them again is guaranteed to bring you luck.
�� ��
Sunrise: People hike on New
Year's Eve to witness the first sunrise of the year.
Lanterns: In Asian cultures,
it is considered good luck to release a sky lantern. Many people believe they are symbolic of problems and worries floating away.
��
Pancakes: The French keep things simple and consume a stack of pancakes every new year.
Implementing these traditions with the people you care for makes this holiday special. All of us are starting a new blank page together. As the clock chimes on its final hour this New Year’s Eve, may all your hopes and aspirations turn into reality during this new chapter of your life.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Uncork Only the Good Stuff! BY KORINA LEVY
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner! You can feel the excitement in the air as soon you set foot outside your door. For some, this season is the perfect excuse to spend and not skimp on expenses, especially when it comes to dinner. But you don’t need to spend too much money to enjoy quality food or drinks. Considering the fact that time is never enough during the holidays, we’ll save you the trouble and recommend you some amazing red and white wines.They’re all affordable and easy to get at your local stores. Best of all, they will pair perfectly with different foods, and all your guests will think you’re a real connoisseur. Share with your loved ones and enjoy!
Misión 16. This wine, produced by Bodegas
de Santo Tomás in Ensenada, Baja California, is a great choice to accompany some meat or even pasta. It can also be combined with some desserts. The drink is elaborated with Carignan and Tempranillo grapes. It has notes of caramel, currant, plum, cranberries, cherry, vanilla, wood and even smoke. Once you pour it, you’ll see its true color: a bright ruby red. Since it is a young wine, it should be stored in a barrel for only two years.
Calixa. Another brand of remarkable quality
is Calixa. This wine is produced by the Backhoff family in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California. They are the owners of Monte Xanic, one of the most prestigious and modern vineyards in the region. Produced with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes, Calixa is a clean wine with a closed layer, violet hue and cherry color. It has a frank, high intensity aroma. Fresh red fruits like raspberries, cherries and plums stand out from the taste. You can pair it with pizzas, barbecue, beef fillet in gravy, poultry, pork loin in plum sauce and Asian food with light spicy notes. 30 CREAM
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Trivento. Owned by the prestigious wine cellar Concha y Toro, this brand arrives directly from Argentina. Produced with Malbec grapes, this will be a star on your table. The predominant notes are cherries, strawberries and raspberries with balanced hints of vanilla and coconut from oak. To your taste buds, it feels like a balanced drink with a velvety finish. It’ll be perfect with a beef tenderloin, sealed tuna, pasta and all kinds of meats.
Barefoot Sweet Red Blend. This red wine
reflects all the freshness of California, and it’s perfect to drink with grilled vegetables, barbecues, marinated meats, pasta or even desserts. Its varietal is composed of 53% Pinot Noir, 25% Zinfandel, 8% Rubired and 14% with other grapes. The predominant notes evoque raspberries, pomegranates, sweet cherries and other red fruits.
Yellow Tail Shiraz. Dinner will be complete and even more delicious with this wine. It is produced with Shiraz grapes from the southeast region of Australia. As soon as you uncork and pour it, you’ll perceive the taste of blackberries, chocolate and an exquisite vanilla. This is the ideal complement for seafood and all kinds of meats.
Last but not least, these are the best and most affordable white wines you can purchase for your New Year’s Eve celebrations!
Santo Tomás Chenin Blanc. If you’re looking
for a fresh wine, this might be a great choice for you. If you pair it with seafood, poultry or pasta, it won’t let you down, especially because Bodegas de Santo Tomás is not an amateur wine cellar but the second oldest in Mexico. Directly from Baja California to your table, this wine is produced with the varietal Chenin Blanc, which tastes like pineapple, guava and banana.
Beringer Main & Vine. This wine, produced
with Chardonnay vines, is a tempting blend of ripe drupa and citrus flavors. Its citrus perfectly combines the apricot with honey, culminating in a soft and delicious wine with a lasting finish. It is a wonderfully accessible and refreshing wine, full of lush fruit flavors and aromas that bring to mind the California countryside. It can accompany pork, salmon, tuna and poultry.
Monte Xanic. This astonishing white wine is produced
with Chardonnay grapes. It is a great drink option if you’re trying to blend it with ceviches, seafood, fresh cheeses, lighttasting fish such as sushi and sashimi, or a citrus-based salad. Its aromatic intensity evokes the taste of fresh fruits such as pineapple, lime, lychee, guava and green apple with a touch of yeast and orange blossom.
Cune White. This drink originates from Rioja, Spain, one of the oldest and most experienced wine producers in the world. It contains a blend of three grapes: Viura, Malvasía and Grenache. It has notes of caramel and honey. A perfect choice to enjoy with fancy cheeses, desserts or even with appetizers. You’ll delight your guests with this one!
Concha y Toro Devil’s Collection White. Enjoy
your best moments with this distinguished Chilean wine. A mixture of Sauvignon Blanc (85%), Chardonnay (10%) and Gewürztraminer (5%) strains make the Devil’s Collection White a young and notable wine. Fermented for eight months in stainless steel tanks, it is ideal to accompany fish and salads. It has a light greenish tint and a delicate and fresh flavor.
We know you may feel overwhelmed and short on time during this holiday season; you have to attend a lot of commitments, buy presents, make dinner, but at least you won’t have to think about what to serve to your guests. Happy holidays! CREAM 31
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year The holiday season is a time to enjoy with our loved ones, remember the past and its life lessons, and eagerly anticipate what’s to come. It’s a period to be grateful, to reconcile with ourselves and with others and prepare for the new slate 2020 will bring. This year, Cream experienced the magic of Christmas by visiting the festive homes of these lovely women.
Happy holidays from Cream to you!
CREAM 33
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Andria and Cristell Laurel
This season is a time of reflection for all our blessings and to remember those who have touched our lives. We give love from our hearts without restraint, and it brings us so much joy. Christmas is an opportunity to build on what our parents and grandparents have shown us through the years - love from your soul and share it with the world. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Adriana Saldívar de Cruz
La Navidad no es un momento o una estación, es un estado de ánimo. Vivir esta festividad es valorar la paz, generosidad y misericordia, al poner el amor de Dios en acción cada oportunidad. Que nuestro mejor regalo debajo del árbol sea el tenerlo siempre en nuestro corazón y también una familia feliz.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Adriana C. De Sánchez
Para nuestra familia, la época decembrina significa agradecimiento a Dios por todas las bendiciones recibidas durante el año, la celebración por el nacimiento de nuestro señor Jesucristo y el privilegio de poder compartir las bendiciones recibidas con los demás. Asimismo, es una ocasión para recordar a los seres queridos que ya se fueron y también para disfrutar con nuestra familia la dicha de estar juntos un año más.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Marycarmen Ríos Gutiérrez
¿Qué es la Navidad? Es la ternura del pasado, el valor del presente y la esperanza de un futuro. Es el deseo más sincero de querer dar y recibir amor y bendiciones. No es sólo una fecha, sino un estado mental que busca la paz, el perdón y la armonía. Que nunca te falte un sueño por el cual luchar, un proyecto que realizar, algo que aprender, un lugar a dónde ir y alguien a quien querer.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
A pioneer in dentistry excellence
Dr. Dick Davenport
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
For Doctor Dick Davenport, community comes first. Since his arrival to our border city in the ����s, he has dedicated his time and knowledge to Laredoans and their dental health. Tell us a bit about yourself and your profession. My
first visit to Laredo was during my third year of dental school. It was 1980. At the time, Hurricane Allen came through Laredo, and I was here for 3 weeks. I met my wife during this time, and the rest, as they say, is history. We were married in 1982 and have two sons and two grandsons. Michael is a physician in Denver, and Matthew is a dentist here in Laredo. Matthew has two sons—Michael, age 3, and Jon, 2 months.
How did your career begin? When I graduated in
1982, I had a public health commitment to fulfill. I practiced in Zapata for one year and then came to Laredo to finish my commitment. I stayed in public health for 7 years and then began my private practice in 1990.
What are the 5 top things we all should know about Davenport Dental Group? • We have an outstanding staff that is very efficient in helping our patients with many different kinds of problems.
• There are 3 outstanding dentists on staff: Dr. Matthew Davenport, Dr. Alessandro Vallone, and Dr. Catherine Martin. They are all products of Laredo. I am very blessed to have all of them, and Laredo is very fortunate that they elected to return home to practice. We are now searching for an additional dentist. • Davenport Dental Group has 7 amazing full-time dental hygienists that deliver really outstanding care to our patients. They all are such caring, compassionate people. • In north Laredo, there are two convenient office locations. • Our Junction office is open until 7:30 pm MondayThursday.
How do you stay up to date with all the new technological advances in the dental field? I have
seen many technological advances in my 38 years. Significant ones are the ability to provide same day crowns in many cases, changes in x-ray technology that has reduced radiation exposure by about 90%, and implants that continue to improve the quality of life for many people. It all requires a lot of training and huge
commitment to stay up-to-date. We as an office, and individually as doctors, spend many hours training to stay current.
What are the main services offered at Davenport Dental Group? We provide a lot of preventive
services: cleanings, x-rays, etc. Obviously, we do a lot of fillings, crowns and bridges. We place and restore implants, and do root canals. We also treat children and make dentures when necessary.
What are some popular dental misconceptions you hear all the time? “Baby teeth are not important”— They are very important. They are vital for proper speech development and proper growth of the face.
“I’m going to lose a tooth with each pregnancy”— There is no correlation between pregnancy and tooth loss. If a tooth is lost, it is due to some other reason. “I’m going to end up with dentures anyway”— While some people do end up needing dentures, it is becoming more and more uncommon. The loss of teeth is no longer a common event for most people.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Spend
time with my family and friends. Now, spending time with my grandchildren is very important. When I'm not able to do this, I enjoy reading and an occasional hunt.
Could you recommend our readers a good book and your favorite wine? For those who enjoy history, I
recommend David McCollough’s "John Adams." Not only is it very well written, but it also illustrates that the political rancor we see today is not new. It was quite prevalent at the time of our country’s founding as well. A favorite wine I enjoy is Failla’s pinot noir. It is a very nice, light wine. Unfortunately, it is not easily found in this area. It can occasionally be found in some restaurants.
What do you love the most about Laredo? That’s
easy: the people. Laredo is filled with so many kind, caring, and compassionate people. They are absolutely wonderful. As a community, Laredo has done a very good job of accepting people from many different backgrounds. It is why so many people who are not from here stay here. I believe it is truly a unique place.
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Victor Hugo en SMA Editorial
Sabores de
México
¿Qué sabemos del maíz? El maíz (Zea mays) es una planta gramínea anual, originaria de México e introducida en Europa durante el siglo XV por Cristóbal Colón después de su expedición a las Américas. Actualmente, es el cereal de mayor producción en el mundo por encima del trigo y el arroz.
Y
mi siguiente pregunta es, ¿dónde, cuándo y en qué momento encuentro la inspiración para mis artículos? Son tantos los lugares y ocasiones de las que quisiera compartirles que me es siempre difícil escoger el tema para cada edición. En esta ocasión, decidí escribir de un proyecto culinario de una de las figuras de la gastronomía mexicana más reconocida a nivel mundial y para mí muy admirado: el Chef Enrique Olvera.
Molino El Pujol nació de la idea de dignificar la labor de los agricultores de maíz mexicanos, específicamente del estado de Oaxaca, y procurarles un comercio justo. Asimismo, el proyecto intenta impulsar aún más la cultura del maíz criollo, orgánico y de varios de sus derivados como verán más adelante en esta nota. Lo más admirable para mí (aparte de que amo un buen taco en una sabrosa tortilla de maíz hecha a mano, pero bueno eso será otro artículo!) es precisamente esa labor de rescate del valor y la preservación de la cultura de nuestros agricultores y de este commodity que tanto nos representa en el extranjero. Algunas veces nos cuesta trabajo reconocer lo importante que es la producción del maíz y darle su merecido lugar.
Enrique no solo les da un trato justo a estos productores, siempre procura pagarles su producto por encima del precio en el mercado para que puedan tener una mejor calidad de vida y que inviertan en proyectos que les ayuden a crecer como comerciantes. El menú del Molino El Pujol está constituido por verdaderos manjares de la gastronomía autóctona POR VICTOR HUGO GARCÍA | Instagram: @victorhugo956 40 CREAM
mexicana e incluye tamales chepil, tamales de huitlacoche, de quesillo, atole, agua de maíz, esquites, elotes, tacos, por supuesto, una concha de maíz y una cerveza artesanal de Oaxaca también hecha a base de maíz. Si aún no se les ha hecho agua la boca con este relato, les invito a que en su próximo viaje a la Ciudad de México visiten Molino El Pujol en la Colonia Condesa y se deleiten con los olores y sabores de esta fonda moderna y casual. ¡Sé que no se arrepentirán! Actualmente, el Chef Enrique Olvera se ha ganado el título de liderar el restaurante Cosme en Nueva York, considerado como uno de los mejores restaurantes de esa ciudad. En la Ciudad de México también creó la Taquería Pujol cuyo nombre lo dice todo. Salivo nada más de pensar en el día que iré a probarlo (los mantendré informados).
Los dejo con estas imágenes de mi última visita a Molino El Pujol y de su amable staff que siempre hacen de mis visitas una experiencia formidable y edificante. ¡Provecho! IG @molinopujol | #conmaizsihaypais
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Una Navidad Parisina La combinación de un ambiente frío, la belleza de la ciudad, locales y turistas con outfits de invierno y esa nostalgia de que el año está a punto de terminar, es una de las sensaciones más emocionantes.
E
s el inicio de la temporada en la que la mayoría de nosotros, sin importar la edad, volvemos a emocionarnos por pequeños detalles, como ver una ciudad llena de luces, un pino con una decoración que nos envuelve y hasta ese caos de compras que nos genera el deseo de encontrar el regalo más deseado. Así es como nos damos cuenta de que el 2019 se termina y que ha llegado el momento de disfrutar de todas las celebraciones que están por venir.
La Navidad en París.
Desde hace algunos años comencé a sentir que entre más crecía, menos era mi emoción al hablar de la Navidad. Sin embargo, después llegué a París y la fusión del clima frío, las bebidas calientes y las fabulosas Villas de Navidad me devolvieron esa emoción igual a la que tenía a los 8 años.
Los mercados navideños, clásicos en Europa, también son una aventura. Su decoración y sus actividades te sumergen en un ambiente como de película de Santa Claus, convirtiéndolos en un destino imposible de no visitar.
A pesar de ser una moda relativamente reciente, las villas navideñas comenzaron en la década de los 90. Hoy en día son un sinónimo de navidad y no hay mejor manera de dar inicio a las fiestas decembrinas que disfrutar de ellas.
La aventura en una Villa Navideña.
Para comenzar, no hay nada mejor que ir acompañada de tus amigos, recorrer los pequeños stands construidos en forma de casitas de madera y comprar algún souvenir hecho por los locales. Una dosis de adrenalina es obligatoria y los juegos mecánicos están listos para cumplir el objetivo. La comida sin lugar a dudas es la decisión más difícil, ya que la variedad es impresionante. Puedes disfrutar de pequeños churros azucarados, algodones de azúcar o las clásicas crepas y waffles acompañadas de chocolate o de las famosas mermeladas artesanales. Si tu paladar es amante de lo salado, debes prepararte para una fusión de sabores en donde el protagonista es el Fromage (queso). Francia cuenta con aproximadamente 400 variedades, así que encontrar tu queso favorito no será una tarea fácil. Para finalizar, no hay nada mejor que combatir las bajas temperaturas con un vaso de Vin Chaud (vino caliente). Esta bebida documenta sus inicios desde el siglo I y era utilizada para fines medicinales. Para su preparación se emplean vinos ligeros, afrutados y con una buena frescura. Se acompañan de especias como canela, clavo de olor, cáscaras de naranja, cardamomo o anís estrellado y azúcar o miel.
Las villas navideñas son una parada obligada dentro de tu estadía invernal por Europa. Más que un mágico recorrido, representan parte de las costumbres del viejo continente y te conectan con tu espíritu navideño. ¡Felices Fiestas!
POR NAYELI NAVA CREAM 41
Follow Me! Editorial
Holiday Glam BY ESTEFANIA FLORES
Hey guys! Happy holidays! If you’re anything like me, life is always on the go! Now that the posadas are right around the corner, I have created a short step process to look oh-so-glam for back to back holiday parties this December, especially for my gals who are busy bees like me! • All you will need is a good concealer, base, eyeliner, bronzer, fake lashes, and a red lip. • The process is pretty simple. Start out with a base to cover up all those imperfections along with some concealer to really make those dark spots disappear. • Continue with some bronzer to define and add some depth to your features, like the cheekbone and jawline. • Add that same bronzer onto your eyelid to create a nice definition for your beautiful eyes. Although it is hard to tell, this is a must because with only concealer on your eyelids, your eye will look flat and its shape won’t be highlighted. • Continue by outlining the eye with a thick wing. Since the wing is the main element to this look, make sure that it is pulled out a little longer than usual to create that “cat eye.” • Then, add some nice full lashes. The bigger the better! • To top it all off, put a vibrant red on your pout to create that holiday look, and viola! Dunzo! Be sure to log into my Instagram page to watch the complete video, and tell me what you think! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope this tutorial helped!
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Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Santiago Nuevo Leรณn
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Si eres admirador de los pueblos mágicos, Santiago, Nuevo León debe de ser tu siguiente destino. Gracias a su proximidad a Monterrey, para los Laredenses no es difícil llegar. La tranquilidad
de sus calles penetra en las personas que las caminan. Ya que el pueblo yace sobre la Sierra
Madre Oriental, se pueden oír los murmullos de su cascada llamada Cola de Caballo. Asimismo, la
Presa La Boca ofrece vistas únicas y la oportunidad
para pescar o tomar el tiempo para relajarse al lado del agua. En la Plaza Ocampo es donde más se puede apreciar la arquitectura colonial que ilustra
FOTOGRAFIAS DE NANCY LUIS
la historia de este pueblo tan encantador.
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Pets&People | Cream City Magazine
Tanya Sanchez
&Carter
What type of pet do you own? Pomeranian.
What’s the name of your pet? His name is Carter. How old is your pet and how long have you had it? Carter is 3 years old, and I have had him since he was 6 weeks old. When and how did your interest in this species or breed begin? My interest sparked about 4 years ago. I did my research on the breed. I read that they were the perfect lap dog but also enjoyed being active. Eventually, I found Cater, and he is all those things and more.
Do you own any other pets? If yes, what are they? Yes, Carter has a brother named Jones. He’s a boxer. What does your pet mean to you? Carter means a lot to me. He is my tiny best friend that cannot speak but knows just what to do to bring a smile to my face.
What type of special care do you have for your pet? Since Carter is so fluffy, he requires constant brushing and trimming. I bathe, brush, and trim his hair every 2 to 3 weeks. What is your favorite activity with your pet? My favorite thing to do with Carter is to play fetch. However, I think Carter’s favorite thing to do together is eat and watch TV.
Is your pet trained? How difficult was it to train it? Carter is trained. He can sit, stay, lay, give you his paw and a high five. It is not an easy task. You have to do your research and try different things because all dogs are different. Tell us your favorite anecdote with your pet? I have several anecdotes. Carter loves going out and about. I put him in my purse, and he goes shopping with me. Lastly, he thinks he is a big dog. He acts so tough, and it’s funny because he only weighs 8 lbs.
Could you give us some tips for when choosing a pet? You should always do your research. You want to get a pet that is going to be perfect for you and vice versa. If you were an animal, which would you be and why? I would like to be a bird because they can fly anywhere they want. Tanya Sanchez Project Coordinator for Webb County Economic Development Department CREAM 47