Contributors&Publisher’s Letter
founder & publisher fernando de haro
august • september 2019
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Design & Production copy editor gabriela treviño lead designer gabriela lozano photographer ferch production + video assistant katya peña
Writers joe arciniega, michelle cook, víctor hugo garcía, elyssa canales-villarreal, nayeli nava, leonor rodriguez and estefania flores.
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elcome to another edition of Cream City Magazine! I’m very happy to have you with us for our 56th issue, and as always, we’ve got some interesting and diverse content. Let’s begin! Cream visited two of the most important cities in the world. On one hand we have New York, where we had the opportunity of getting to know one of the best and most prized restaurants in the city. It’s chef, Cosme Aguilar, spoke to us about Casa Enrique: its story and flavor -- in an exclusive interview that will make you add the restaurant to your list of places to try on your next visit to the Big Apple! On the other hand, as I have told you all before, Mexico City has become a kind of second home for us. In this edition, we have two different fashion photo sessions with two amazing actresses wearing some incredible outfits. Hopefully, this will inspire you on your next shopping trip! Speaking of Mexico, our city has rolled out the red carpet for the new Consul General de Mexico. We loved hearing about his energy and passion for his job. We are sure he will do an excellent job, and we invite you to check out his feature. Thank you to the Cream team for all their efforts and dedication! That’s all for now! There is still a lot left to do and prepare. Our next edition is around the corner. Cheers!
SALES & ADVERTISING
Fernando de Haro
sales@creamcitymag.com 956.220.5440 info@creamcitymag.com
Cream Team No. 56 cream city magazine creamcitymagazine
gaby
katya
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.
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Gala Montes
INTERGALACTICA
Contents 6
Take That Weight Off Styled By Michelle
10
August 18
12
You Are Beautiful
27
Susana Posada
32
Campestre Chic
49
Cambiando de código postal
Arciniega Eyes
Mommin’ Made Chic
Fashion Cream
Víctor Hugo en SMA
París, Francia
CREAM Fashion Editorial
Styled By Michelle Editorial
Take That Weight Off P
eople who can pack for a vacation with only a carry-on have a special place in heaven. It is one of my most dreaded tasks when outfit planning efficiently for a few days away from home. The last thing you want is to stress out when the entire point of vacation is to de-stress. But unlike Mary Poppins and her little magic bag, I have shown up to airports carrying more than just a checked bag, paying fees for overweight luggage. To make matters worse, I typically only use about 30% of the items in my bag. So to avoid these common mistakes, I’ve stuck to a few simple rules anytime I start preparing for a trip.
One very useful tip is taking pictures of your looks, head-to-toe. That way, you’ll have them in your phone.
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Airport: The day of traveling, I like to make the look around the heaviest pieces, along with a hat, so this one won’t get damaged in the luggage. I picked a simple bodycon dress with ankle boots, topped with a denim jacket.
Around town: Because no one has the time to steam or iron clothes on vacation, always pack things that won’t wrinkle. I brought this flowy, midi dress to wear with sneakers and a bucket hat for a perfect day out on the town.
Outdoors: Make sure to pack athletic gear so you have no excuses to not go out and explore. Lucky for us, we are seeing these cute matching sets all over the place or biker shorts that take you from hiking to happy hour.
Summer is that time when everyone is jet setting somewhere. And when it comes to packing, these tips always come in handy to me. This time around, I got a chance to visit this amazing city and not only enjoy the cityscapes, but also its gorgeous surrounding nature and not have to worry one bit about that “extra” weight or what to wear.
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.
Ben de la Garza
Priscilla L. Salinas
Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Laredo
Director of Marketing & Business Development for Laredo Medical Center
I enjoy working with numbers, analyzing and interpreting data, and I have always been involved with the Church. At my current position, I get the best of both worlds. As a Certified Public Accountant, I utilize my finance skills to manage the organization, and at the same time I work to reduce poverty in Laredo and the seven counties that are part of the Diocese of Laredo. My career has given me the ability to be consistent in helping others, especially during difficult times. I obtained a Master’s degree in Professional Accountancy from TAMIU in 2005. I worked as an accountant in the private and public sectors until 2012 when I started working for Catholic Charities. I was involved in all the aspects and programs of the agency. In 2018, I applied and got the position of Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Laredo.
Being Catholic oriented my entire life and my desire to help others. It was a smooth transition for me to adapt and make this career a part of my life, giving me the motivation to continue moving forward.
Education is not just about obtaining a degree. It was Mark Twain that said: “I never allowed my school to get in the way of my education.” Education is about being kind to others. Education is about growing into a better human being and creating a positive impact in the lives of others. Never be afraid to learn from failures; rock bottom can be a great foundation on which to build on and grow. 8 CREAM
I have worked in many industries throughout the years: hotel, banking, health insurance; and something surprising to many has been my profession as a mortician. My family owned a local funeral home, and my grandmother, Victoria Sanchez, was the only female mortician in town. After high school, I decided to follow her career.
I truly feel that my journey throughout each one of these careers has helped me prepare for my current position. Marketing became an obsession for me because I felt that this area would always play an important role in the success of a business. Knowing that I am contributing to an effort that is bettering my community is perhaps the greatest satisfaction I have experienced. In my current position, I get to promote the many healthcare benefits Laredo Medical Center offers to our community and region, ranging from our free community programs, to our medical service lines, clinics and much more.
The people I admire most in my life are my parents. This year they will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They are living examples of how two people can align their life goals, be committed to their love and nurture a family’s growth year after year. They are parents that all kids hope to have; they are a couple that all couples hope to be. They are truly pillars of support and guidance for my four siblings and I, and we are profoundly blessed to have them in our lives.
out&about | Cream City Magazine
LC ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in Texas Laredo College received the stellar designation of being the number one community college nursing program in Texas for the second consecutive year. Of the more than 1,000 nursing programs available in Texas to become a registered nurse, the LC Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program was selected as the fourteenth-best nursing program in the nation among community colleges. We congratulate Laredo College on this amazing accomplishment that brings great honor and prestige to the South Texas community.
Arciniega Eyes Editorial
August 18 T
he women were spent. It had already been over fifty days since they were transformed from whatever societal station they held before that day. Now all of them, the well bred and not, were mere spoils of war, sentenced to work detail at a warehouse called “La Quinta,” grinding corn into tortillas and hominy to feed the conquering soldiers of the Spanish Crown. These soldiers had just defeated the husbands, lovers, sons, and brothers of the women in the bloodiest battle they had ever witnessed. Refused permission to tend to their beloved dead, they were instantly put to work. From two in the morning until ten o’clock at night, they shucked and scrubbed the hot corn until the skin on their legs and feet cracked, and the nails popped off their toes, streaking the corn they were hulling with their own blood. Their “But the women were about to endure bodies and spirits were battered and weakened from lack of food, water, something not even those of their time, rest, and respect. But the women were about to endure something well accustomed to hardship, loss, and not even those of their time, well war could have imagined.” accustomed to hardship, loss, and war could have imagined. On a sadistic whim, their captor, a Sergeant-Major Acosta, ordered the women separated from their children regardless of age. He threatened that if they did not send them out into the streets of San Antonio to fend for themselves, he would gather them up and cast them into the even more infamously brutal hands of General Joaquin de Arredondo, the tyrant who had just massacred their men. This was the ultimate assault, well beyond any already reaped upon their pride and their person. Momentarily in shock, they keened to the heavens, because they knew no one on earth could or would help them. They then realized that they were still parents with a job to do, directions to give to their confused and scared children who were asking them where they should go, and how they would eat. To the streets to beg favor was the legacy left for the children of the “Ladies of La Quinta” and the previously defeated Republican soldiers of the Battle of Medina. On August 18, 1813, a Wednesday, 1,400 Tejanos, Natives, American Anglos, and former Royalists had the audacity to lift arms against the Spanish monarchy that had held dominion over present day Mexico and Texas for 300 years. Only months before, on April 6, 1813, a formal Declaration of Independence for the State of Texas under the burgeoning Republic of Mexico was written, and the course set for this doomed conflict. BY JOE ARCINIEGA | arciniegajoe@gmail.com 10 CREAM
The Texans, led by General Jose Alvarez de Toledo y Dubois, were mostly an under-trained and ill-equipped militia, inspired in part by the American revolution of 1776. Such was their abject dissatisfaction that in their own Declaration of Independence document they referred to it arising as a result “...de la locura, de la maldad, y de la corrupción…” (of the lunacy, the wickedness, and the corruption) of their own ruling government. The quest for a complete and total independence from Spain was inevitable. The four-hour battle fought just south of San Antonio, presumably between the Atascosa and Medina Rivers was brutal. The Royalists, led by General Arredondo, outnumbered the Republicans by 400 men, and through deceptive, if perhaps fair-in-war practices, roundly defeated them. Arredondo was aided by then Lieutenant Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who applied the same crushing brutality at the Battle of the Alamo 23 years later, when Texas once again sought to wrest its independence from dominance, this time from Mexico. Less than 100 of the defeated survived, only to be debased and tortured, ultimately joining their 1,300 brethren in death. By conqueror’s decree, they were left to lie unblessed and unburied where they fell on the battlefield. And now we know what happened to their women and children. There are dates that live on in the history of our country because of their importance and power, dates that require no year, because the month and day alone suffice to mark them. To name a few, July 4, December 7, November 22, September 11, and for Texans particularly, March 6, when we remember the Alamo. But alongside them, so much lesser known, but every bit as worthy to learn and remember, is August 18, 1813, the month, day and year of the Battle of Medina. It was the first reach for Texas independence, the bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas soil, and the largest loss of life. And it is, still.
To learn more about the Battle of Medina, visit www.brandonseale.com for the podcast series “Finding Medina.”
New York City | Cream City Magazine
Spicing Up New York City At Casa Enrique
In my most recent trip to New York, I was lucky enough to visit a restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Mexican cuisine. This exceptional eatery is Casa Enrique, where the wellknown chef, Cosme Aguilar, has been awarded the prestigious Michelin star on five different occasions. I had the chance to speak with the Chiapas-born chef, and he dished a bit on his career and origins! BY FERNANDO DE HARO
New York City | Cream City Magazine
How did Casa Enrique’s history begins? Where does the name come from? Casa Enrique’s history began when my brother and I decided to open a Mexican restaurant with Winton Kulok, whom we had worked for at a French bistro. The name comes from a puppy named Henri which was Winston’s pet then. When we opened the Mexican restaurant, we translated Henri to Enrique in Spanish.
What is your best selling dish and why do you think it’s so popular? Mole de Piaxtla. People really like all the flavors that you can taste in the complex dish.
How do you think training as a chef of French cuisine helped you enhance traditional Mexican dishes? It helped me be able to use all the ingredients available and to get most flavors out of them. How has NYC reacted to the Mexican dishes you serve? They’re quite different that what people outside Mexico expect to see at a “Mexican food restaurant.” What has been their reaction and what has been the most surprising thing customers have told you? They were very welcoming. They enjoy coming to Casa Enrique and being able to taste our dishes. Sometimes, you hear customers saying the food takes them back to Mexico.
Describe the feeling you had when you were awarded your first Michelin Star. What did being awarded that recognition mean for you? My brother called me to tell me, and I really thought he was playing with me; I didn’t believe him! It has been a great honor and one of the best things that can happen to me as a chef. Where do most of your recipes come from? The recipes come from my family. I wanted to be a mechanic; I never thought I would cook.
What does your family say about the success you’ve had in the U.S.? They are very happy; they always send me good wishes.
As a chef, who is someone you admire and why? Daniel Boulud, for the way he cooks and the passion behind his cooking. What can you tell us about your home state of Chiapas and its regional cuisine? Chiapas is a beautiful state. The cuisine is very rich and diverse.
Is there anything else you would like to add? I want to thank Ferch and Cream City Magazine for featuring Casa Enrique.
On behalf of Cream, I would like to thank Cosme and everyone at Casa Enrique for welcoming me, and also my friend, Chef Mikel de Luis who introduced me to this incredible place. Make sure to visit them on your next trip to the Big Apple and discover for yourself why this is one of my top rated spots in New York
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Mommin’ Made Chic Editorial
You Are Beautiful I
f my memory serves me correctly, I was about 15 years old when my father said something along the lines of… “You’re turning into a very beautiful girl, and I just want you to know that from me.” No need to cue in a sappy Cristina Aguilera ballad; when he said it, it was short and simple. It wasn’t often, but often enough for the teenage me to respond with a classic eye roll and a “Dad chill” under my breath. Perhaps, it was my immaturity, or a dad firmly wearing love goggles for his only daughter. But as time would pass, it would turn into a valuable life lesson. A few short years would fly by, and I’d find myself in the summer of ‘05 as a college freshman, with an old friend turned new roommate. Together we would go on to overspend, sing Maroon 5’s “She will be Loved” at the top of our lungs and have every single one of our apartment parties shut down by SAPD. Making rookie mistakes was a must, and we were having a shit ton of fun doing it! Despite all the craziness we experienced together that year, the laughs and our newly found freedom, she could never seem to break away from a toxic onagain-off-again relationship. From an outside perspective the entire situation just seemed absurd and almost the definition of insanity to habitually give into a relationship where neither person was happy. Until one day, I just asked her, “Why?” Her response was simple: “He was the first person to ever tell me I was beautiful.” In that moment, the 19 yearold me was never more appreciative for the persistent doting father who actually knew what he was doing. Educators and psychologists have debated if praising children without merit actually strengthens or disables them. Accepted studies came to the conclusion that, yes, in many ways our intentions to lavish our kiddos with praise is fueling a generation of narcissists. As a mom to boys, no sisters and a mother who believed in tough love, I don’t really know what in the hell I’m doing. (Yes, that is an admission.) I am certain, however, that I want my sons to know what I really think of them. I want them to know the truth, and that is that they are incredibly smart, kind-hearted, and yes, BEAUTIFUL! Selfishly, I feel a need to garner my right as a parent and praise my child before it’s too late. So how do we foster confidence in our children rather than build little narcissistic turds? It’s up to us! Cut it to them straight. Do so before the “heart” button on Instagram, the thumbs-up emoticon in a text message, or even their peers. Beyond the bubble of their existence, it is our honesty that will provide our kids with the confidence and skills needed to live in the real world.
BY ELYSSA CANALES VILLARREAL
14 CREAM
Follow Me! Editorial
Party Pa’ella BY ESTEFANIA FLORES
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his past weekend, I had the opportunity of visiting the oh-solovely city of San Miguel de Allende. In Mexico, this city is like Paris. It is small, sweet, romantic and everything in between. Love begins here, now that this city is well recognized for hosting some of the most prestigious weddings. And love ends here as well, as many old couples choose to retire and live their last years in this amazing place.
I have visited this city a couple times, but on this occasion it was completely different than all my other previous experiences. San Miguel de Allende hosted the Azafrán Festival for its third consecutive year. At least 25 chefs from around Mexico were selected to compete in a competition where each chef had the opportunity to cook their best paella, showing their creativity within every spice. Why did I go? I was part of the team that represented Tamaulipas. Chef Brando Gutierrez is a Nuevo Laredoan who was selected to represent the state at this event.
I tasted at least 10 different paella plates, and let me tell you, my taste buds were having a party. I got up three times to serve myself another round. Besides the amazing food, there was a wine section, and I had the opportunity to stomp fresh grapes picked from the San José Lavista vineyard. It felt like stepping on cold mud, but it was an experience I’ll never forget. My feet were stained deep purple for two days, but we don’t need to talk about that! Haha!
Throughout the day, I met some of the most elite actors and actresses from Mexico and made some pretty amazing connections. At the end of the day, all the chefs gathered in the middle of the stage. After thanking everyone, and naming all sponsors, the speaker was about to announce the winner. Our team grabbed each other tight. We were sure that the chef from Nuevo Laredo would take home first place. Unfortunately, that was not the case. He was awarded fourth place, but we still felt like we won! I remembered that scene in Bring It On when Kristin Dunst says something along the lines of, “We lost, but it feels just like first place,” after her team lost the cheerleading competition. Azafrán Festival is far from a cheerleading competition, but whatever she felt at the moment, I know that Chef Brando felt it. Getting selected from all the chefs from Tamaulipas is already a win within itself. This is only the beginning for him. This was my first festival as an influencer, and I am humbled and excited to take you all along with me on all my future endeavors.
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Editorial | Cream City Magazine
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.
Success Starts At St. Augustine
Jorge E. Leal, FACHE
Chief Operating Officer at Laredo Medical Center
How has your St. Augustine education made you the person that you are today? St. Augustine gave me the tools and skills needed to be successful after I left campus back in 2002. I humbly thank the many teachers and counselors that took the time to mentor me and guide me so that I could be successful in the next steps of my life. They never let me give up, always saw potential and always took the opportunity to help me out. To everyone that invested their valuable time, I will forever be grateful, and I will always be looking to pay it forward. Describe your favorite St. Augustine tradition. Our graduating class was able to achieve something that had never happened before. We won the Halloween skit competition for four straight years, and you could just see how much camaraderie was amongst our class. We definitely spent a lot of time together and made each other better by practicing countless hours. Those are moments I will always cherish, and they remind me of how much one can achieve with the right vision and team in place.
What is your fondest St. Augustine memory? Graduation Day is by far my favorite memory at St. Augustine. I don’t think there is a better feeling than celebrating each other’s accomplishments at the end of our high school journey. To this day, I keep in touch with eight of my classmates almost on a daily basis, and we have had the chance to be in each other’s weddings, baptisms and many other amazing events. I am truly blessed to have friends like this in my life today. What advice would you give prospective students and/or parents considering a Catholic high school education at St. Augustine? There is no better investment than your children’s education, and St. Augustine has an incredible environment of support, faith, athletics and academics that prepares students to be successful in the future. St. Augustine provides many opportunities to make us service-oriented and always instills in us an attitude of service -- to serve something bigger than ourselves. Describe your alma mater in 3 words. Excellence. Leadership. Respect.
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You might recognize young starlet, Gala Montes, as the daughter of Aurelio Casillas from the Emmy-award winning show El seĂąor de los cielos. Her career, however, began long before the Telemundo hit and will continue long after.
INTER GALA CTICA Actress Gala Montes
Photography Ferch Fashion Assistant Elyssa Canales
Makeup Ismael Zazueta Hair Olvido Herrerias
Production Manuel Delgado
Location The Booker Management CREAM 19
“I started my acting career when my mom decided she wanted to be an extra, and she took my sister and I as well,” Montes told Cream in an exclusive interview.
Her first big break was playing the role of Elenita in La niñera. Montes said, however, it happened by accident. “One day, they called my sister to go to a casting for a series. I went with her. The director saw me and asked if I wanted to read for the role,” Montes said. At the time, Montes was six years old and had not yet learned how to read, so her mother helped her learn her lines. Immediately after auditioning, she was offered the role. “I said, ‘Why not?’ I was an introverted girl that wanted to learn how to be extroverted,” she shared.
T-shirt Dsigual Skirt Ivan Avalos Purse Bimba y Lola
Apparel Najibe Baduy Shoes Rob Castillo
She has been acting steadily ever since that first casting in 2007, and it has been a career she has grown to love immensely after that chance encounter.
In 2010, she made her big screen debut in De día y noche, a science fiction film. However, the actress is more prominently known in the world of telenovelas. She has had roles in Deseo prohibido, Amar de nuevo, La otra cara del alma and En otra piel. “Acting became my life. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but it’s what I think about all day, and each step I take in my career makes me feel so excited,” Montes said.
As the years have passed and Montes has gotten older, she said her roles have often become more challenging. She said these complex roles require lots of patience and perseverance -- a duty she is thrilled to fulfill, noting that in the future she hopes to portray even more difficult roles.
In 2015, she landed her first major television role as Luz Marina Casillas in El señor de los cielos. The character is the daughter of a known drug lord and becomes an addict as a teenager. The following year, she appeared in the Juan Gabriel biographical series, Hasta que te conocí.
Earrings Okoxal Body blouse Peccatum Jacket Halston Jeans Calvin Klein
Zapatos Rob Castillo Pantalón Calvin Klein
| “I think it’s always good to have some kind of stimulation,” she said. “When someone stops me on the street to take a picture, it makes me feel incredible. It makes me feel like all the work I do is worth it.”
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At just 19, it is evident Montes is pursuing those complex roles she craves. With almost 2 million followers on Instagram, she has used her platform for causes such as child cancer and breast cancer, the latter of which her mother suffers from. She is an active spokeswoman for Fucam, a foundation in Mexico for breast cancer patients. Additionally, she is pursuing a career as a singer with a reggaeton style and making waves in the beauty industry with a salon called Glam Studio in Mexico City.
Crop Top Najibe Baduy
Her latest project is a starring role on Mi familia perfecta, a telenovela produced in the U.S. She plays Marisol, a teen who has assumed parental responsibilities over her younger siblings after her mother has been deported to Mexico.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
To Have To Hold
Yvette Nicole
Gutierrez de TreviĂąo Tell us the story about the first time you ever saw your handbag. When I was a little girl, I was walking down Madison Ave. in New York City, and I saw the handbag that I would eventually own later in my life and that is part of this story. Why did you fall in love with it? My affinity towards this handbag is part of a bigger significance in my life. Simply put, I have always been fascinated with handbags, and I pick them based, not on who makes them, but rather how they make me feel. They are part of our history, style and humanity. From the beginning of time, men and women from different civilizations are seen in cave drawings and hieroglyphics carrying bags. How do you define your personality and fashion style? I am multifaceted and a constantly evolving cross between Joan of Arc and Sarah Jessica Parker -- in the sense that my unique style is mixed in with my artsy and elegant side. 24 CREAM
Our material possessions can give us a sense of nostalgia. They can transport us to a different place or time in our minds that house some of our most beloved memories. Others find a deeper meaning in what most people don’t even notice. In this case: a handbag.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
¿Libro favorito? The Devil in the Kitchen: Sex, Pain, Madness and the Making of a Great Chef de Marco Pierre White. ¿Película favorita? La vie est belle. ¿Deporte y/o equipo favorito? Fútbol americano y mi equipo Pittsburgh Steelers. ¿Cuál es una canción que no puedes sacar de tu cabeza? “China” de Anuel AA.
20 Preguntas Brando Gutiérrez
Homero Hildebrando Gutiérrez, de 27 años, trajo su propio sabor y amor a la cocina al abrir su propio restaurante español en Nuevo Laredo. Tapas, vino y platillos típicos que deleitarán tu paladar. Pero, ¿quién es el chef que trajo esta nueva experiencia culinaria a la frontera? Vamos a conocerlo. ¿A qué te dedicas? Soy chef y empresario restaurantero. ¿De dónde eres? Nací en Laredo, Texas, pero crecí en Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. ¿Qué estudiaste y dónde? Estudie para Lic. En Gastronomía/Chef en el Instituto Culinario de México Campus Monterrey, Nuevo León. Platícanos un poco de tu restaurante La 4ta Bellota. La 4ta Bellota es un sueño hecho realidad para mi. Es un restaurante español en el cual encuentras tapas tradicionales de España, paella, cortes y vino de las mejores casas vinícolas españolas y mexicanas. Aquí también puedo expresar un poco de lo que he aprendido de las mejores cocinas en las que he estado a lo largo de mi vida. ¿Cuál platillo es tu favorito para preparar? Mi platillo favorito sin duda alguna sería la paella. ¿Algún dato curioso sobre ti o tu personalidad? La primera impresión que causo en las personas, es que piensan que soy una persona fría y de mal carácter, pero en realidad es todo lo contrario. Me considero una persona muy emocional y ya cuando me conoces te olvidas de esa primera impresión.
¿Alguna palabra o frase que usas casi todo el tiempo? “Ah jijo”! y “No tengas miedo de renunciar a lo bueno para ir por lo grandioso”. Descríbete en 5 hashtags. #bendecido #sencillo #alegre #apasionado #creativo ¿Cuales son tus top 3 ciudades para visitar? Describe cada una en una palabra. Valencia, España - paella; Valle de Guadalupe, México vino; París, Francia - gastronomía. Cuéntanos algo de ti que nadie sabe. La verdad es que tengo una fobia muy grande a las víboras. Tan grande que ni siquiera en la televisión o celular las puedo ver. ¿Algún chef que admiras y por qué? Marco Pierre White, porque a pesar de ser un chef talentosísimo no perdió la humildad y nunca olvida de dónde viene. El respeta a sus platillos, su restaurante y la pasión que pone en cada uno de ellos. ¿Qué condimento crees que esté subestimado? Francamente, el amor con el que se cocina. Hoy en día, la mayoría de las personas cocinan por satisfacer una necesidad y no para darle un deleite al paladar y crear una experiencia para recordar. ¿Cuál es tu restaurante favorito en el mundo? El Quintonil de Jorge Vallejo, que se encuentra en la Ciudad de México. ¿Te gusta cocinar con música? ¿Si sí, qué escuchas? Sí, por lo general de todo un poco pero más a Los Gipsy Kings. Su música española es increíble. Pongo “Bamboleo” y las guitarras me inspiran. ¿Qué te inspira? Mi familia, ya que juegan una parte muy importante en mi vida y son mi motor para alcanzar mis metas. ¿Cuál es tu mayor sueño? Ha ido cambiando con el paso de los años pero me di cuenta que nadie vive de sueños. Necesitas hacer que sucedan, solo se necesita un poco de empeño. Quisiera poder posicionar mi restaurante dentro de uno de los mejores a nivel nacional e internacional, poder abrir más sucursales en diferentes partes del país y así poder llevar mi cocina a todos lados. CREAM 25
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Primero fue periodista, luego se desarrolló como cantante y actriz. Ahora la veremos como villana. Susana Posada interpretará a Paty en la tercera temporada de Rosario Tijeras que está por estrenarse este año. ¡Vamos a conocerla!
Susana Posada
Vestido Najibe Baduy Joyería Caro Castelan
Cuéntanos un poco sobre ti y de tu trayectoria profesional.
Nací en Colombia.
Desde muy pequeña empecé a cantar en lugares de la ciudad. Luego me mudé a Bogotá donde terminé mis estudios de periodismo.
RCN Televisión (una de los canales más grandes de Colombia) me llamó para ser parte de su escuela de artistas. Allí combiné el canto y la actuación y todo empezó.
¿Qué te llevó a querer dedicarte a la actuación y el canto?
Creo que el hecho de que nunca quise hacer algo más jajajaja. ¿Qué es lo que más te apasiona en la vida?
Lo que hago. Es lo que hace que me despierte cada mañana a perseguir mis sueños. ¿Qué extrañas de tu país?
A mi familia y a mi pueblo, Jardín.
¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos favoritos?
Hacer ejercicio, leer y tocar guitarra. ¿Qué proyectos nuevos tienes en puerta?
Sacar mi primer sencillo musical.
Vestido Abimael Trejo Joyería Azure Calzado Rob Castillo
¿Cómo te la pasaste en el photosesh de Cream?
¡Felíz!
¿Algo más que desees agregar?
¡Espero volvernos a encontrar en otro lugar del mundo!
Actríz Susana Posada
Fotografía Ferch
Stylist Armando Hernández Ramírez
Peinado y maquillaje Bryan Rivera Producción Manuel Delgado
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Victor Hugo en SMA Editorial
Campestre
Chic
En la actualidad existen muy variados estilos de bodas; algunas tendencias vienen mientras que otras se van y otras tantas llegan para quedarse. La realidad es que todo alrededor de una boda se basa en la personalidad y gustos de las personas que contraerán matrimonio.
Con tantas opciones de estilos, recintos y destinos, elegir el lugar ideal puede ser una decisión complicada. Lo que ciertamente sucederá es cuando la pareja elija su sede especial, esto será una experiencia única y el reflejo perfecto de los novios. Y qué mejor manera de compartir con amigos y familia esta nueva etapa juntos que con un festejo hecho a la medida de los dos. Por supuesto, guiados y apoyados de un profesional para hacer de ese día la mejor experiencia de sus vidas.
Esta ocasión decidí producir para ustedes, junto con un grupo de exitosos colegas dentro de la industria de bodas en San Miguel de Allende, una propuesta de boda campestre muy al día con las tendencias globales. El Rancho Luna Escondida es uno de mis lugares favoritos en San Miguel para una boda de este tipo. Conocido por sus magníficas instalaciones especialmente diseñadas para eventos de lujo, tiene como atracción central hermosos caballos pura sangre, además de paisajes imponentes. A través del excelente punto de vista del fotógrafo de bodas y moda, Marcus Jolly, se desarrolló la historia visual y todos los elementos que la componen.
POR VICTOR HUGO GARCÍA Instagram: @victorhugo956 32 CREAM
Luego será necesario rodearnos de los mejores profesionales para hacer lucir a la pareja. Esto incluye la moda nupcial, stylist de moda, stylist de cabello y maquillaje y el fotógrafo más apropiado para el estilo deseado. Y por supuesto, los clásicos accesorios florales que nunca pueden faltar y que son mis elementos favoritos en todas las bodas.
Fotografía @marcusjollyweddings Recinto @lunaescondidamx Styling @ellamaemckee MUA @danipalmakeup.hair Accesorios florales @victorhugoevents Moda @cynthiabuttenklepper @recreosanmiguel Modelos @jimedeaparicio @erikhfigueroa
Las bodas en recintos campestres y viñedos vienen con mucha fuerza en las próximas temporadas. Es verdaderamente para mí un honor presentarles esta colaboración, y con la aportación de dos de las marcas de moda más sobresalientes para crear un look nupcial fresco y vanguardista. ¡Espero que lo disfruten tanto como yo!
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Things To Know About
Laredo Wellness And Aesthetics
We believe everyone is beautiful inside and out, but if you feel like you need a little nip or tuck, then treat yourself! You deserve a confidence boost! Maybe you are looking to rejuvenate your skin or get rid of that muffin top? Perhaps you’ve been considering vaginal rejuvenation or treatments to diminish cellulite? These and many other procedures are available at Laredo Wellness and Aesthetics. Dr. Liz Millan, Dr. Dagoberto I. Gonzalez and their staff, will ensure you leave with a unique plan for you.
Dr. Millan • Born in Mexico City. • She played the violin for 7 years. • Dr. Millan knew she wanted to become a Doctor since she was in middle school.
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Dr. Gonzalez • She became a doctor at the age of 25. • She has a green thumb and loves rare unique plants.
• Major in the Air Force for 12 yrs. • Born and raised in Laredo. He is a United Longhorn legend. • Did over a dozen humanitarian missions in South and Central America.
• Most unique place he has visited: Easter island. • Dr. Gonzalez met his wife in 5th grade.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine LWA offers vitamins, skincare, and even candles too!
Men and women always welcome (but hire a babysitter first). New location, same great service.
Come check in with us and enjoy a mini staycation.
We’ll rejuvenate your face while you enjoy your stay.
With the many services offered, you’ll be hooked for life. Beauty is not pain at LWA. • 7109 N. Bartlett Ave., Suite 102 • 956.717.0095• CREAM 35
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Juan Carlos Mendoza Sánchez
Con su lado mexicano Hace algunas semanas Laredo recibió a Juan Carlos Mendoza Sánchez, Cónsul General de México, para su mandato en la ciudad. El diplomático nos contó un poco sobre su carrera y qué se siente hacer de la frontera su nuevo hogar.
¿Nos puede contar un poco sobre usted y su carrera? Ingresé al Servicio Exterior hace 27 años. En abril de 2017 fui promovido al rango de Embajador. Los últimos 17 años he trabajado en temas relacionados con comunidades mexicanas en el exterior. Antes de ingresar al Servicio Exterior, fui profesor por más de 10 años en la UNAM. Nací en una familia humilde. Mi padre fue incluso bracero en California antes de iniciar su propio negocio de transporte en la Ciudad de México. ¿Cuál es la labor principal de un Cónsul? Defender y promover los intereses de México y los mexicanos que radican en su jurisdicción consular, independientemente de su estatus migratorio. Para ello, el Cónsul debe tener un intenso contacto con autoridades y los diferentes actores económicos, políticos, religiosos, sociales y con ONGs de su jurisdicción. 36 CREAM
People | Cream City Magazine Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Let’s Meet...
People | Cream City Magazine
Let’s Meet...
Taty
¿En qué otras ciudades ha vivido? He servido en las Embajadas de México en EUA y Suecia, así como en los consulados generales en Denver y Los Ángeles. Fui el titular de la Sección Consular en Washington D.C. Asimismo fui Director de Estudios del Instituto Matías Romero 32, y Director Institutoartist de Hair anddel makeup los Mexicanos en el Exterior en la Ciudad de México, que fue mi último puesto.
Garza
¿Ya How habíadovisitado Laredo? piensa you combine what¿Qué you love withusted what sobreyou la ciudad? do? What I love most is my family, and Visité la ciudad semanas antesWith de mithat llegada they are mydos biggest priority. love, como Cónsul Es my un work. lugar Above que no I am able toGeneral. put it into all, conocía. Lo que másGod meinhamy sorprendido es elis however, I have heart, and that nivelthe demost integración de thing. Los Dos Laredos el important If God is withy me, nivelHe de cooperación entre actores fills me withy coordinación love and talent that I am y autoridades de ambos frontera. able to reflect in mylados workde lifelaand family life. aremás your recent de projects and/or ¿QuéWhat es lo que le emociona estar aquí en accomplishments? Laredo como Cónsul? My most recent project is defender the development of high natural Poder los intereses de miquality, país y de mis products for damaged hair. very happy connacionales en un momento tanI’m especial en la because results have been better historia de lathe relación entre México y EUA.than I had expected, and most importantly, my verylahappy. ¿Quéclients piensaare sobre cultura fronteriza? Sin What duda are alguna Los Dos es la you? zona three words thatLaredos best describe geográfica donde existe mayor integración Sensible, insistent andlafriendly. entre ciudades fronterizas. Hay lazos familiares What is your goal?las I want to be better e históricos muy ultimate fuertes entre poblaciones de every day, personally and professionally. las dos ciudades. Aquí se aprecia mejor que en I hope otra to develop products and enter cualquier fronterabeauty la cultura binacional que intoabriendo that market. se está paso entre ambos países. Usted ha llegado en un momento histórico a Laredo en relación al tema migratorio. Anteriormente usted ha aseverado que la migración es un fenómeno social y no un problema, ¿nos puede contar un poco más sobre esto? Los problemas se solucionan, los fenómenos sociales se administran. La historia de la humanidad es la historia de las migraciones humanas. La migración tiene causas estructurales como la pobreza, la inseguridad y la falta de oportunidades. Eso no se soluciona con medidas policiacas en la frontera. Se puede contener o reducir, pero si no se atienden las causas que las motivan con inversiones para el desarrollo, sólo se va posponiendo una situación de crisis social que en cualquier momento puede generar una explosión social que a nadie conviene. ¿Qué iniciativas le gustaría implementar durante su mandato en el Consulado en Laredo? Estamos construyendo sinergias para expandir
la capacidad de maniobra del Consulado General. La representación consular tiene poco personal y es necesario apoyarnos en actores que tienen capacidad financiera, prestigio y objetivos similares a los nuestros. Estamos construyendo un Consulado cercano a la gente. Hay muy buenas bases; la Cónsul Carolina Zaragoza hizo un gran trabajo en este consulado. ¿Espera usted involucrarse en la cultura local? ¿De qué manera? Desde mi llegada, he tenido muchas reuniones con actores y autoridades locales. Ya inicié visitas a las colonias y espero visitar incluso las pequeñas poblaciones en los seis condados de mi jurisdicción consular. Cualquier mexicano que requiera una audiencia con el Cónsul es bienvenido a plantear su problema. Sólo tiene que pedir audiencia al correo electrónico informacionlar@sre.gob.mx. Los lunes por la tarde programamos esas audiencias. ¿Cuáles son sus pasatiempos favoritos en esta ciudad? Desde que llegué casi no me ha quedado tiempo libre, pero desde hace dos semanas procuro jugar una vez por semana racquetball o tennis y algunos ejercicios de gimnasio. Acá uno gana peso de manera increíble y hay que evitar la obesidad. ¿Qué le gustaría que todo el mundo entendiera sobre la migración mexicana a EUA.? Que los mexicanos han venido a EUA porque el mercado demanda trabajadores especializados y para trabajos tan pesados, que nadie los cubre en este país. No vienen a pedir caridad. Vienen porque hay una demanda de trabajadores, por el diferencial salarial y el tipo de cambio peso dólar. México de ninguna forma es promotor de la migración. Nuestra gente es lo mejor que tenemos y me duele que todavía algunos tengan que migrar por necesidad.
Maximiliano Zapata
23, public servant How do you combine what you love with what you do? I am only truly satisfied when I am attending to the needs and interests of others. The position that I hold as a public servant allows me to do just that. Not only do I get to try to create policies that can resolve the issues of my community, but I also get to work intimately with individuals and learn about their ideas, concerns, and requests.
What are your recent projects and/or accomplishments? One of my recent projects is the establishment of a church-partnered food pantry. The food pantry serves as a multi-purpose mechanism, which provides monthly groceries to families, helps alleviate financial burdens and offers opportunity for further aid. We hold a food pantry event once a month. At these events, we take our time to talk about community and personal concerns. What is your ultimate goal? The ultimate goal is self-cultivation. I believe it should be our life priority to become a complete person so it can enable us to provide, teach, guide and empower others. A life worth living is what I am after.
¿Algo más que le gustaría agregar? Que México no sólo es vecino de EUA, sino un socio comercial de la mayor importancia. Con el paso del tiempo vamos a consolidarnos como el socio más importante para la economía estadounidense. A su vez Laredo se va a consolidar como el puerto de entrada más importante de Estados Unidos. Laredo está destinado a convertirse en una gran plataforma logística del comercio entre ambos países. Somos vecinos, amigos y socios estratégicos.
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out&about | Cream City Magazine
Laredo College and Uni-Trade Group help local students Laredo College and the Uni-Trade Group have established a partnership to enhance and strengthen the educational and service needs of the Laredo community. On Monday, July 29, LC held an official unveiling ceremony for the two electronic marquees that were generously donated by their partners at Uni-Trade. This historic accomplishment not only adds ambiance to our college, but also keeps its students and the community informed about college news, local events and other important announcements. The proceeds from the advertisements sold to local businesses will be geared toward student scholarships.
The Gallery | Cream City Magazine
featured artist
Paula
Roumagnere Aurella is a brand of earrings that was born from my love for design and fashion. Since the start of my 20s, I’ve had this urge to find something I could do for a living that I could also enjoy and make me feel complete. When I created my first pair of earrings, I felt like the possibilities were endless, and it was then that I decided to start the project. Making earrings is not something I just do to pass the time; it is also something I do to feel inspired and give myself time to not think about anything -- a time when it’s just my hands and the clay. That is why I seriously believe there is pure love in each piece I sell. Aurella also has the purpose of persuading people to buy local, by giving them infinite options -- from discrete and small, to crazy, colorful, big designs.
title of your art piece/work: aurella.
Material: PolyMer clay, leather, cellulose acetate and acrylic.
About the artist: I was born and raised in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico by an architect and a graphic designer. Since I was little, I always enjoyed anything that had to do with art and creating beautiful things. It was all because I used to watch my mom doing her graphic design homework, and seeing all the materials (paint, paper, pastels, watercolor, different pencils, etc.) always inspired me to want to create something. With my parents’ support, I started developing my creativity from an early age. I recently married the love of my life, and I couldn’t thank him enough for always encouraging me to follow my creative ways. CREAM 39
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
LAREDO FUNNY
Joke Aside! All too often we find ourselves escaping reality and seek an uplifting feeling. We listen to playlists, look at memes or watch cat videos on YouTube. Instead of continuing the cycle of isolation, why don’t we go out instead and be amongst others? This is where Laredo Funny steps in, to cure you of your blues and creating a community.
When and how did Laredo Funny begin? The roots go back about five years. Group founder, Steven Sosa, began trying his hand at comedy, traveling to open mics in Corpus and San Antonio. Two hour drives for no guaranteed spots and zero pay. The idea came up to organize a local comedy open mic. That event lead to other people with a passion for comedy getting the opportunity to try their hands at it. Some didn’t last; some came together and created this fully functional ball of chaos that is Laredo Funny.
It might be self-explanatory, but it might not be. Where did the name Laredo Funny come from? A giant, genius marketing meeting... No, that didn’t happen. Trying to generate a little buzz for the brand new local comedy scene Jorge urged all comedians to use the #laredofunny. When the group was properly organized and launched the name was an easy call because we had already been using the hashtag. No brainer! You all have had what seems to be an overnight success and are even getting recognized on the street. How does this make you all feel? It takes a little getting used to, but it’s a wonderful feeling. It’s good to know something we did left an impression on audience members. That’s four years of hard work.
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Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Mac” M adrigal , 32
Sara Garza, 29
Fred “B ig
4 sa, 3 o S en Stev Jorge Alvarez, 35
What kind of work goes into making a comedy set? (For those that think stand up might be just going on stage and being funny…) We try to find humor in every situation -- from the silly to the heartbreaking. Hours of writing and rewriting. Cutting words out to make your joke shorter or adding punchlines. Not a lot of people believe us when we say that getting on stage is the easy part. That’s when the work is already done. That’s after you’ve sacrificed the hours of sleep, the time you could have spent with loved ones or just relaxing after work. Timing and stage presence are learned from practice, consistency and experience. This is why our open mics are an essential part of practicing jokes and working the craft. They say laughter is the best medicine. Why do you think comedy is important for a community like Laredo and humans in general? We heal through laughter. We’ve all been through dark times; we all heal together. Someone once said that the most magical thing anyone can do is give someone else a feeling of joy. With all the stuff going on in the world, all we need sometimes is a good laugh. Can you describe what it feels like to make a crowd of people burst out into laughter? Best feeling in the world! It truly feels like the fulfillment of a life passion because, this is our dream. It’s an incredible sense of approval and a feeling of connection with the audience. It’s intoxicating.
“Joe EZ”, 28
, 24 ldez rt Va Albe
Pat rick Car roll , 26
ban Este
8 ez, 2 l a z Gon
What has been the most surprising thing you all have learned about the local audience? What kinds of things make Laredoans laugh? The most surprising thing has been seeing that we can be ourselves out there. We don’t have to joke about abuela hitting us with the chancla, or growing up in the barrio, or have to use any other typical Latino comedic tropes. We can be honest and the audience has that sensibility to laugh at things other than Latino stereotypes. Laredo audiences are some of the most fun and smartest people we’ve performed for!
How did you all come together? Some of us are old friends, some of us are new “old friends.” We’re all different, jocks, nerds, gangsters, ladies, loudmouths, introverts -- the island of misfit toys. All of us came together through our love of comedy, our desire to spread joy and laughter and through community building. We’ve bonded; we are family. We are Laredo Funny! Can you tell us a joke? Knock Knock. -Who’s there? Dakota. -Dakota who? Dakota show to hear more jokes!
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Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Maui González Más que una profesión
La idea de que ir al psicólogo es acostarte en un sillón y contarle tus sueños raros, es cada vez más algo del pasado! Maui González es una psicóloga certificada que nos platicó sobre lo que es realmente esta disciplina y sobre cómo la salud mental es tan importante como la salud física. Platícanos un poco sobre ti y tu carrera profesional. Soy Psicóloga Certificada y justo este mes de julio cumplí 30 años en mi carrera profesional. Tengo una Maestría en Programación Neurolingüística y otra Maestría en Consejería y Orientación Familiar. Soy danzaterapeuta certificada y tengo especialidad en terapia regresiva reconstructiva. Cuento también con estudios de hipnosis terapéutica y tanatología.
Actualmente me acabo de certificar como Heal your Life Teacher avalada por Hay House para impartir talleres basados en la filosofía de Louise L. Hay, donde se enseña a la persona a soltar emociones que dañan su salud física y emocional, trabajando en el perdón y en el amor hacia uno mismo. ¿Qué es la psicoterapia? Yo la definiría como un proceso de reencuentro contigo mismo, guiado por un profesional de una forma gradual y segura, donde el paciente va aprendiendo el por qué y el para qué de sus conductas y emociones. Es un espacio seguro y confidencial donde encuentras a alguien que te escucha sin juzgarte.
¿Cuales crees que son los mayores retos de tu profesión? Para ser psicoterapeuta se requiere una gran capacidad de escucha, empatía y trabajo personal constante para evitar lo que llamamos contratransferencia, que básicamente consiste en evitar engancharse de forma personal con el proceso del paciente. Tengo el compromiso de mantenerme en capacitación continua para ofrecer un servicio de calidad a las personas que buscan nuestros servicios profesionales. Actualmente parece que estamos más preocupados por ejercitar y cuidar nuestro cuerpo que nuestra mente y desarrollo humano, ¿qué piensas de esto? Creo que nuestra sociedad va avanzando y se ha ido quitando el estigma de que ir al psicólogo es de locos. Hemos visto que cada día hay más cultura e información, y que ir a psicoterapia debería considerarse tan natural y tan necesario como hacerse un chequeo médico.
Cuéntanos un poco sobre tu proyecto ‘Ser Total Asesores Capacitación Empresarial y Desarrollo Humano’. Ser Total Asesoria Psicologica y Desarrollo Humano nació hace 10 años como un proyecto para atender las necesidades del mercado hispano.
Afortunadamente, cada día son más las empresas que invierten en el desarrollo humano de sus empleados dando la oportunidad de capacitarse más allá de lo laboral. Los asuntos personales interfieren también con el desempeño, la concentración y el rendimiento. Cuando las personas se sienten escuchadas atendidas y tomadas en cuenta asumen una actitud positiva responsable y comprometida con su trabajo. Les ayudamos a reconocer su propio poder interior.
¿Cuál dirías que es el mayor beneficio que obtendrán quienes acudan a Ser Total Asesores Capacitación Empresarial y Desarrollo Humano para recibir alguna capacitación, curso, diplomado o conferencia? Todos nuestros cursos son totalmente prácticos y vivenciales. En cada taller se proporcionan estrategias, retos, tarea y compromisos para que las personas tengan recursos aplicables a su vida cotidiana tanto en el área laboral como en su vida personal. Facebook @sanatuvidadesdeelcorazón CREAM 43
Cream Dream | Cream City Magazine
The Golden Heart Creating A Community For Kids With Cancer Project
Cream Dream | Cream City Magazine
Cancer survivors are powerhouses. As a survivor herself, Janee Nuñez-Villarreal, took her determination and her own heart of gold to begin the Golden Heart Project, inspiring children with cancer to bring out their inner warrior. Can you tell us how the Golden Heart Project started and what inspired you to be a champion for this cause in Laredo? Back in 2012, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer (papillary carcinoma). During my cancer journey, photography became a therapy for me. After finishing my radiation treatment, I started offering photo sessions; this venture led me to many different people.
With every session, came me introducing myself and sharing a little about myself with the hope of making them feel comfortable. The word “cancer” always came up in the conversations. I wanted to scream it to the world, that God had blessed me with a second chance. Sadly, cancer hits home for many. What shocked me was when one client shared a story about her friend’s daughter being diagnosed with cancer at the age of two. Another client shared that her childhood BFF had a daughter who battled cancer at just nine months. I couldn’t believe what they were telling me. I grew up hearing the word “cancer” here and there. But when I thought of cancer, I automatically thought of it being terminal. I asked my clients to share my contact with those strong parents as I wanted to gift those brave children a photo session. That’s how I met Rhianna and Loren, and then, Nicole and Lizzy, and the list went on and on. I felt that awareness was needed in my community. When those clients shared their stories about these young warriors, I felt so ignorant. It had never crossed my mind that a child could have cancer. That is when I said, “I will begin a movement honoring children in this battle here in Laredo.” Being diagnosed at age 29 wasn’t easy for me; I couldn’t even imagine how much harder it was for a child. In 2015, I established the Golden Heart Project. The Childhood Cancer Awareness ribbon is golden/yellow and if you’d see any child in this fight and saw them smile through the storm, you’d see their golden hearts beaming away. Finally, I understood why I was healed and given a second chance. God gave me the GHP.
What are some events that you all have done? Do you have any favorite memories from any that you would like to share with our readers?
Our events from 2015 to today have come a long way! In 2015 it just started with a photo session. We sent the information to our local paper, and it was published on the front page in the Sunday paper! We were thrilled. In 2016, I wanted Laredo to “go gold.” We hosted our first balloon release and Jeep Meet & Greet. At this event, the children get to tag along with local Jeep owners and a family member. We cruise our streets bringing awareness. Jeep owners are encouraged to decorate their Jeeps and it’s a fun event for us all. Every year we have our Celebration of Life themed event which is exclusively for these children and their families. We have food, face painting, a photo booth, balloons, music, lots of smiles and fond memories. A local couple hosted a motorcycle Christmas toy drive for our group of kiddos. We host our Bike Runs in September.
Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming events?
We are going bigger with awareness and more community events so we encourage all to follow our Facebook page for more information. We have the following events lined up: • 3rd Annual Ride for Hope
• 4th Annual GHP Balloon Release • 4th Annual GHP Children’s Cancer Awarness Jeep Meet & Run • GHP Drink lemonade for a cause • GHP Celebartion Of Life Fashion Show As a cancer survivor, what is one thing you wish everyone knew about the disease?
Battling cancer at one point allowed me to appreciate what truly matters in life. Seeing the love and support that I was showered with by so many people was truly amazing. People I didn’t even know prayed for me and reminded me that I was not alone. A text, a phone call and a prayer were such beautiful gestures given to me; I encourage all to share with those in the battle. It’s a tough subject. Support fundraisers hosted by these families, as this can bring a financial burden to many. Get checked. Go to the doctor if you feel like anything is wrong. Stay as healthy as possible. CREAM 45
People | Cream City Magazine
People | Cream City Magazine Editorial | Cream City Magazine
Let’s Meet...
Let’s Meet...
How to Live an Maximiliano
Taty Eco-friendly Lifestyle Zapata Garza 23, RODRIGUEZ public servant BY LEONOR
32, Hair and makeup artist
How do you combine what you love with what you do? What I love most is my family, and they are my biggest priority. With that love, I am able to put it into my work. Above all, however, I have God in my heart, and that is the most important thing. If God is with me, He fills me with love and talent that I am able to reflect in my work life and family life. What are your recent projects and/or accomplishments? My most recent project is the development of high quality, natural products for damaged hair. I’m very happy because the results have been better than I had expected, and most importantly, my clients are very happy. What are three words that best describe you? Sensible, insistent and friendly.
What is your ultimate goal? I want to be better every day, personally and professionally. I hope to develop beauty products and enter into that market.
How do you combine what you love with what you do? I am only truly satisfied when I am s more people aspire to adapt ways to be more eco-friendly, I decided to incorporate attending to the needs and interests of others. some into my lifestyle. Applying practices into our daily lives would not helpservant the The position that I hold as aonly public environment, but also help you financially, physically mentally, as Not well.only If you allows meand to do just that. do are I get tired of living a wasteful life, then here are some easy and small you canthat make to resolve be morethe to try to changes create policies can conscious of the environment. issues of my community, but I also get to work intimately with individuals and learn about their ideas, concerns, and requests.
A
1. B.Y.O.B - Bringing Your Own Bags will benefit you and the environment with every trip to the market by reducing plastic waste. They are able to carry more items compared to the plastic bags that are offered in stores. Reusable bags are convenient to keep in your car or purse on that last minute shopping trip. They are versatile because they can be used as a tote for personal items, and they can even be a better alternative for gift bags. Consumers can purchase bags made out of recycled material, nylon and cotton. Personally, my favorite bags to use are from the brand Baggu that offer a variety of colorful patterns or net shopping totes for fruits and vegetables. 2. The Last Straw
- Another way to reduce plastic waste is by replacing traditional straws. A few restaurants and cafés in Laredo have now begun to replace plastic straws with paper alternatives. The majority of our plastic waste ends up in the ocean and has a direct effect on marine life. Whales and turtles have been victims to plastic waste because they mistake it for food and this ultimately causes them harm. Even our seashores have now become polluted with unwanted waste that can ruin your next trip to the beach. The solution is to use reusable straws such as those made with bamboo, steel or paper. Using eco-friendly straws may not be ideal for everyone, but you could always drink straight from the cup.
What are your recent projects and/or accomplishments? One of my recent projects establishment of a church-partnered 3. isfood Athe Digital Era - Almost every bank pantry. The food pantry serves as a now offers paperless bank statements and multi-purpose mechanism, which provides some stores even offer to send you receipts monthly groceries to families, helps alleviate as text messages instead of paper. It would be financial burdens and offers opportunity for easier and more convenient to have all your further aid. We hold a food pantry event once important statements, receipts, or bills on a month. At these events, we take our time to your phone. minimizing it will detalk aboutBy community andpaper personal concerns. clutter the environment and your home. What is your ultimate goal? The ultimate goal self-cultivation. I believe it should be our 4. isCrystal Clear - Instead of using life priority to become complete person plastic containers to store ayour food, opt for so it Tupperware. can enable usThese to provide, teach, guide glass containers have manyand empower life worth living is what benefits such others. as beingABPA free, easy to clean after. safe. Leaching is a common andI am microwave problem with plastic containers. This means that plastic particles can break away into your food without you even knowing. Let’s face it, we don’t want to be consuming plastic.
5. Plant Haven - Indoor plants can be beneficial for your home because they purify the air and are decorative. Allowing natural light into your home will reduce the amount of energy spent on indoor lighting. Houseplants will also give a warm ambience to your room and add a touch of feng shui. Just remember to do some research before purchasing a plant that fits your atmosphere.
Adapting a greener lifestyle doesn’t have to start with a dramatic change in your day-to-day routine. Starting with small changes will give us a sense of gratitude knowing we are promoting a positive change to improve our planet.
Editorial | Cream City Magazine
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o existe emoción más grande que la de preparar nuestras maletas y comenzar un nuevo viaje. Pero es aún más emocionante (y todo un reto) cuando la fecha de regreso es incierta, lejana o simplemente desconocida. Muchos de nosotros hemos tenido que cambiar nuestra ciudad de origen por infinidad de razones: trabajo, amor o incluso en búsqueda de la aventura. Y aunque el proceso de planeación suele ser increíblemente emocionante, lleno de expectativas y muchas metas por cumplir, también llega la incertidumbre, el miedo a lo desconocido y por supuesto, la adaptación. Hace poco menos de 2 años que mi aventura comenzó. Vacié un departamento entero en la ciudad de Guadalajara y lo metí a una maleta de 25 kg con destino a París. Es claro que los kilos no fueron solo de ropa, sino también de muchas dudas, ilusiones y retos. Si estás planeando un viaje o tienes la curiosidad de hacerlo, no dudes en poner en práctica los siguientes consejos: Conviértete en el mejor investigador Antes de partir investiga todo lo que puedas. Por mínimo que parezca, conocer pequeños detalles de tu nuevo destino te hará la vida más fácil; pide recomendaciones a locales y a turistas. Ve películas sobre la ciudad, busca blogs, pregunta sobre el estilo de vida y formas de transporte. Te aseguro que así podrás iniciar tu viaje con el pie derecho. No empaques de más Es normal que al comenzar hacer las maletas, cientos de objetos con valor sentimental
comiencen a gritarnos “¡Llévame!”. Justo ahí es momento de deshacernos de cosas que realmente no necesitamos: ropa que juramos que nos volveremos a poner u objetos que no nos aportan nada. Recuerda que menos es más y el comenzar de cero también será parte del reto. Recuerda que tú eres el foráneo Es muy común que al llegar a nuestro nuevo hogar comencemos con miles de comparaciones en referencia con nuestra ciudad natal. Desde temas viales hasta la organización de la ciudad y el comportamiento de su gente. Recuerda que el extraño en ese lugar eres tú y lo mejor es aprender, disfrutar y no juzgar. Come local Por supuesto que extrañarás tu comida favorita. No te esfuerces en seguir comiendo igual, ya que no serán los mismos sabores, ingredientes y sobre todo los precios. Así que date la oportunidad de probar nuevos platillos y experimentar con nuevas recetas. Y claro, no está de más consentirte con tus platillos favoritos en ocasiones especiales. Disfruta Sean cosas buenas o malas, lo importante siempre es disfrutarlas y aprender de lo vivido. Comenzar de cero, hacer nuevos amigos, soñar en otro idioma, y abrir tus posibilidades será, sin lugar a dudas, la mejor experiencia de tu vida.
Recuerda que sólo vivimos una vez. Aprovecha el tiempo para coleccionar todos los momentos posibles y vívelos al máximo.
POR NAYELI NAVA CREAM 47
Pets&People | Cream City Magazine
What type of pet do you own? A Jersey dairy calf. What’s the name of your pet? Lady Moo-Moo. How old is your pet and how long have you had it? She is almost a month old. I got her when she was a week-and-a-half old. When and how did your interest in this species spark your interest? When I was a little girl, my father was in the Air Force. We lived all over the country, and we traveled A LOT! I would look out the window and watch the cows. I loved the simplicity of their lives. Do you own any other pets? If yes, what are they? I have a Yorkshire Terrier, a King Shepherd, a German Shepherd puppy and fish. What does your pet mean to you? She means the world to me! She already recognizes her mama. I call her, and she comes. She jumps around for joy and kisses me on the face -- big, wet kisses that she gives me. What type of special care do you have for your pet? Because she’s a rescue, she was taken from her mom at a very young age. Her mom had to go back to work at the dairy, and I have to bottle feed her. What is your favorite activity with your pet? I love to run around with her because she chases me. It’s so sweet. Is your pet trained? How difficult was it to train it? Because she is a cow there is a minimum training. I am teaching her to “come” and follow me. I taught her how to give kisses and hugs. Could you give us some tips for when choosing a pet? If you choose to have a cow as a pet, I would recommend getting an older one. Small cows can get sick very easily. Additionally, cows are herd animals, so you should buy more than one cow. If you were an animal, which would you be and why? I would choose to be a cow because I used to joke around when I was a little girl that they had such an easy life just standing around in a pasture eating hay. They eat, sleep and enjoy God’s beauty. “Life as a cow,” I would say. I wish I was a cow.
Shirley Light-Herrera
&Lady Moo-Moo
Shirley Light-Herrera Owner / VP / CFO Crossline Commercial Framing, LLC
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