Invitation
TO OUR READERS
If you or someone you know has a fabulous home or distinctive commercial building, no older than 3 years, that you would like to see featured in this magazine, please call me at 956-266-8663. Publisher of Olé Decor magazine since its beginning in 2007
-Eddie Reyes
Publisher
Eddie Reyes Editor
Lynn Walker Hoverson Graphic Design
John Jacob Reyes Writers
Lynn Walker Hoverson Photographers
Mark Lehmann John Jacob Reyes oledecor.com 5800 Padre Blvd. Suite 203 South Padre Island, TX follow
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Ole Decor
INFO go to oledecor.com, call 956.266.8663, or email eddie@oledecor.com. Contact us via social media or email us at officemanager@oledecor.com.
Printed in Mexico
On the Cover Builder
Gallery Built Homes James “Bubba” Vann 956 536 7097 620 Santa Isabel Suite A. Laguna Vista, TX vanndevelopers@hotmail.com Building supplies
ABC Supply 956 425 6631 401 North T Street Harlingen, TX Photo by:
Mark Lehmann Olé Decor Magazine wishes to give a big “Thank You!” to ABC Building Supply of Harlingen, Texas and Gallery Built Homes of Laguna Vista, Texas for helping provide access to the great home which shines on the front cover of this month’s issue. ABC was the local resource for all the building materials and roofing supplies for this house which is now a very comfortable dream home for a couple of “new” RGV local residents. Construction completed by Gallery Built Homes with the homeowners “co-piloting” the project. 4
Spring 2019 olé decor
SAVE THE DATE FREE G PARKIN
MARCH 22-24 McAllen Convention Center
One place. One weekend. All your projects solved. Save time with everything for your home & garden under one roof. Save money with show only discounts. Have fun with activities for the whole family and so much more!
CELEBRITY GUESTS
Stars of Animal Planet's Tanked Wayde King & Brett Raymer
rgvhomeshow.com olĂŠ decor Spring 2019
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contents Features
Spring 2019
Distinctive Real Estate
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Magnificent Homes
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This issue’s special properties are all extraordinary with each of their individual specialties with grand spaces to fully enjoy life in the Valley.
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Shine the spotlight here and enjoy the views with natural light, great colors and sparkling waters from this special, co-designed coastal home.
Builder Spotlight
This builder has so much talent and experience that choosing your favorite from one of her many different homestyle
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will be like a great, luxury shopping experience.
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Featured Artist
One of the Valley’s local woman artists shares some of her great stories of Indigo dreams and art. Mira!
Outdoor Living
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Indoor Living
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Good Valley gardening tips, details about conditions that are specific to the Rio Grande Valley for inspiration to get back to the garden.
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Read this compilation of opinions about estate sales and a true treasure story from a professional.
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Distinctive Real Estate
Luxury Beach Front
Solare #1201-6300 Padre Blvd. SPI, TX OFFERED AT $800,000
MLS: 88735
INQUIRIES
Norma Turkington
Cell: 956.459.3898
Office: 956.433.5648
normaturkington@gmail.com
103 S. Garcia St. Port Isabel, TX 78578 For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Stunning 5B/5B two-story beachfront 12th story penthouse with sweeping views of both the Gulf and the Laguna Madre from every room. Welcome friends and family in an elegant open floorplan made for entertaining including two living rooms, a theater room, two private covered beachfront balconies, porcelain tile flooring throughout and granite counter tops in kitchen and all 5 full bathrooms. Two beachside pools, gym, playground, tennis courts, monitored & manned security gate, excellent management, resort-style amenities including daily beach tent and chair service and extensive manicured walking trails are all part of the Solare beach complex experience. Exquisitely decorated and furnished, this fabulous property will take your breathe away.
Perfect Island Living
Isola Bella #1801-1300 Gulf Blvd. SPI, TX Magnificent 18th Story penthouse accessible via private elevator, this unit will take your breath away; first with the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay, then by the high-end decor and furnishings. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surf from anywhere in the living/dining/entertaining areas with wall-to-wall windows. Located on the NW corner, the master suite has views of the entire island. Having recently undergone a major renovation, this 5B/5.5B has been professionally designed and decorated to impress the most discriminating buyer. With two pools, a fitness center, tennis & basketball courts, a clubhouse, 24 hr security, great management staff, covered assigned parking & beach umbrella/chair service.
OFFERED AT 1,950,000
MLS: 90011
INQUIRIES
Norma Turkington
Cell: 956.459.3898
Office: 956.433.5648
normaturkington@gmail.com
103 S. Garcia St. Port Isabel, TX 78578 For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Distinctive Real Estate
Beautiful Country Living
113 Creekbend Drive, Brownsville, TX OFFERED AT $1,200,000
MLS: 29714619
INQUIRIES
Rebecca G. Bouwsma
Cell: 956.492.3424
Office: 956.254.0869
rebeccabouwsma@yahoo.com
2027 E Price Rd. Suite E, Brownsville TX 78578 For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Stunning and extraordinary French-Country Style home. The home features a grand entry with a grapevine spiral staircase and dark tones. Elegant but functional, this home features a panoramic 180 degree views of the flora and fauna. Elegant and generous dining room for your entertaining. Special feature is the sizable kitchen with views to Resaca, long Island which reflects years of entertaining and enjoying life. Ample counter, sub-zero refrigerator and cabinetry space. Vast family room with built-ins, wetbar, game room and large windows viewing the Resaca and game room for all your entertaining. Upstairs features 5 bedrooms including a gorgeous master bedroom 2 full master baths with Red Jasper marble flooring large walk-in closet and balcony.
Beautiful Estates
2301 Victoria Ave. Edinburg, TX This beautiful modern home located in the exclusive, gated Bentley Estates is brand new! It was expertly designed and built by Chris Ryan Homes Company. French Cottage/Modern Farmhouse style has special high-quality construction features that make it energy efficient even though large square footage. The master bedroom is on the first floor and four additional bedrooms. The high-tech Theater room has a Cinema system, comfortable seating and a 120-inch display screen. Spacious, heart-of-home kitchen there is a large, sleek range that is fueled by natural gas. Tankless water heater. Appliances are stainless steel. Kitchen, dining room and living room spaces are combined to make a comfortable and elegant open-style living space. Roomy backyard is contained by block fencing, includes an extended covered patio and pergola.
OFFERED AT $599,000
MLS: 307362
INQUIRIES
Vikki R. Wright
Cell: 720.840.1013
Office: 956.287.4531 vikkiwright@me.com
2505 Buddy Owens Blvd, McAllen, TX 78504 For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Distinctive Real Estate
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Amazing Subdivision
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Radiant • Grand • Captivating
CALL FOR AVAILABILITY AND PRICES INQUIRIES
Dutch Fisher: 956.494.3731
Ludy Fisher: 956.545.8046
Office: 956.546.3474 dutchpescador@aol.com ludyfisher@gmail.com 1064 E Los Ebanos Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520
Dutch Fisher Real Estate
For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
Great neighborhood, great location. This is the 3rd phase of the Santander neighborhood located off of Laredo Road in North West Brownsville. This phase was completed in September 2018 and there are numerous large home sites available and ready to be built upon. Convenient location with easy access to the Expressway, Alton Gloor Blvd. and Ruben Torres Blvd (FM 802). Close proximity to schools, shopping, and medical facilities. protective covenants and restrictions. Homes are to be brick, stucco, and/or Stone with a minimum 1800 sqft living area and 2-car garage. Subdivision plats are available upon request.
LUXURY LIVING AT
Miguel Herrera
Every PRICE POINT
IS ONE OF REAL ESTATE’S MOST ICONIC NAMES IN TEXAS AND MEXICO.
HAVING MHLUXURY LIFESTYLE REPRESENT YOU IS HAVING NOT JUST ONE AGENT WORKING FOR YOU, BUT A WHOLE TEAM OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL AND LUXURY SPECIALISTS WHO CAN SHARE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR HOME WITH AN AFFLUENT AUDIENCE INTERNATIONALLY. HAVING MH LUXURY LIFESTYLE ON YOUR SIDE IS KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE REPRESENTATION THAT SOLD
$82 Million During 201 7-2018
400 PAdRE BLVd. #9120/9121, SAIdA ROYALE 2 BEd, 2 fULL BAThS $279,000
8500 OCEAN BLVd. #1102S LOS CORALES PENThOUSE 3 BEd, 3 fULL ANd 1 hALf BAThS $899,000
COMING SOON....
PLAzA 705, 3 BEd, 3 fULL BAThS | SAPPhIRE 2703, 3BEd, 3 fULL BAThS SUNTIdE III 204 2 BEd, 2 fULL BAThS MIGUEL HERRERA, REALTOR®
VICE PRESIdENT Of GLOBAL LUXURY COLdWELL BANKER d’ANN hARPER, REALTORS® fOUNdER Of MIGUEL hERRERA LUXURY LIfESTYLE GROUP (210) 563-3660 | E: MIGUEL@MhLUXURYLIfESTYLE.COM
CARMEN LUCAS, REALTOR®
(956) 459-8785 | E: CARMEN@MHLUXURYLIFESTYLE.COM
ASK US ABOUT OUR LOTS AND LUXURY LISTINGS IN SAN ANTONIO M: 210.563.3660 | O: 210.563.1772 E: MIGUEL@MhLUXURYLIfESTYLE.COM EDQ MhLUXURYLIFESTYLE
Magnificent Homes
INSTINCTIVE DESIGN Written By Lynn Walker Hoverson Photography By Mark Lehmann
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his featured house was only a construction project in its wood-framed phase the very first time the present owners saw it. The very cheerful couple have now transformed it into their beautiful and welcoming home.After several months and countless electronic communications with the home builder, the owners moved their furnishings and personal belongings into the finely-crafted and carefully finished home.
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Location
Builder
Building Supplies
LAGUNA VISTA,TX
GALLERY BUILT HOMES (956) 640-3808 www.gallerybuilthomes.com
ABC SUPPLY (956) 425-6631 401 N T St Ste C, Harlingen, TX www.abcsupply.com
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ABC Supply is the local source for the exterior surfacing materials— Stucco in the neutral color called Porridge and stone named Coronado Idaho Dry-Stack Antique Buff, trimmed in Ultra White painted stucco.
On the day that the Olé Decor team visited this home for the photographing and interview, the weather was what some local Rio Grande Valley-ites refer to as another “Magic Valley Day”. The coastal environment was fresh and the silhouette of the house cut a bold and handsome shape against the bright blue sky that morning. The RGV’s weather is just one of the many things that the owners said they enjoy about their new location. Additionally, now they live close to family members who had moved to the McAllen area years ago. Coming from a famous California island, the couple’s move required a major coast to coast undertaking since they own a collection of cherished furniture and personal decor items. Many of those belongings—and more—are artistically arranged in their new, coastal Texas home. Having grown up in Kansas, they said that they both now prefer living close to a beach.
One of the first great features any visitor to this beautiful home will see is the fantastic, double front doors. The very tall, industrial strength iron doors are elegantly camouflaged with an exterior color coating that tones down the heavy metal look, yet retains security for the haven within. This door design includes functional screen panels that can open—while the doors are locked—one on each door, to sometimes allow controlled, natural air flow into the home, without inviting the outdoor flying insects. As you enter the home, you can see all the way through and across the fresh white living room and into the backyard to the sparkling swimming pool. The open style living area has a vaulted ceiling that adds to the relaxation reaction that you get as you step into this wellplanned space made from the combined kitchen, dining and living room areas. These are unified with the feature of all walls having been painted the same with a fresh, tinted, but not-toostark white. Acoustics are softened by the wood plank ceilings.
This is the homeowners’ sixth home they have lived in together since they were first married years ago. Four out of those six homes, they had built. With their professional backgrounds, past experience, and natural talents applied to the construction concerns, building plans, and interior design choices, this home-making project has been a creative process that has made the owners—and their pets—happy and very comfortable. In the few months just prior to moving in, the owners rented a house across the street from their home-in-the-making. Therefore, they were able to closely oversee the finalizing of their upgrades and choices as they were applied to the house, the very special pool, and the new landscaping.
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Magnificent Homes
The same flow is repeated in the flooring tile which is imitation white-washed wood produced as durable ceramic. The attractive, beachy texture of the tile is easy to care for and yet, pet-friendly, having just enough surface tension to prevent little paws from gliding around uncontrollably. The main living room wall sports a large barn-door style cabinet that holds momentos and a large TV that is optionally hidden behind the sliding doors. Flanking this attractive wood cabinet is their family collection of beloved pet portraits. From across the room, they appeared to be realistic photos, but they are, in fact, hand-drawn art by an artist they met who specializes in animal portraits.
These two are confident in knowing what they like. The lady of the house did all the interior decorating herself. With her instinctive and creative interior design ability, she chose very interesting details for their well equipped kitchen. My favorite is the backsplash walls of the kitchen area made from iridescent, rainbow-colored glass tiles of a wave-like shape. This same iridescence is repeated outside in the saltwater swimming pool. In a striped band of fine rectangular tiles all around the pool at the general water level, it is an amazing detail, especially on a moonlit night. The ample, underwater entry steps are also highlighted with these tiles on each of their outer edges to help lead the way into the delight of the pool.
These two love the water. Even the whole house water filtration system reflects the importance they place in it. If this home were to be listed for sale and described as a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home that would be falling very short of its true beauty and character. The master bedroom has a full view of the backyard. It is spacious and airy, yet, grounded by a large wooden country cabinet and the matching headboard and frame which are some of their favorite longtime possessions from Kansas. The tropical climate-helper, a large quiet ceiling fan, reminds them they are not in Kansas anymore! The master bath has a very large walkabout shower stall, complete with two shower heads and a wide, built-in, solid, tiled bench.
Floral arrangements by Bridgeview Flowers pg 23 of Port Isabel, Texas added special color bursts for days. Recently relocated off Hwy 100 behind Tropical Imports.
TILE GROUP
Rodriguez Home Center pg 22 sourced the floor tiles throughout the home with the Pao De Ferro Gray porcelain plank tiles, for the backsplash areas—AquaticaSeries Atlantis, interior shower tile choice—Burano Bianca Valetta, for the shower floors—Tapete Hexagon Gris, and the border design gives fine accents in Wooden Gray Glass.
Magnificent Homes
Outfitted with amazing equipment for a fully functional kitchen from Stevenson’s Appliances pg 14 in McAllen, Texas. Also known for the great professional service of the many major brands Bobby Stevenson carries.
After seeing that part of the house we returned to the entryway and stopped to admire some of their art on display. A wooden turtle carving on the entryway table is a new addition for them, purchased locally after they moved into their Valley home. Another table, the beautiful wood coffee table, turned out to be a very unique furniture art piece that held a story. The homeowner bought it online from a business that makes furniture from avocado tree wood. (The wood grain detail reminded me of olive tree wood pattern.) When the shipped table arrived, the new owners soon discovered that the craftsmen had also sent them recipes for food made with, of course, avocados!
From ABC Supply these top quality, very attractive “Brownwood” color shingles manufactured by Corning were used to construct very long-lasting protection.
These homeowners are admirers of the late artist, Thomas Kincaid, and have a framed snow scene print of one of his famous works hanging prominently in the living room area. Also gracing these walls is a work by their oldest son. It is a lovely depiction of one of their favorite locations, Hotel Coronado in California. Their mother is quite talented as well and is a certified Bob Ross painting instructor. The guest bedroom is a gallery of her mother’s artwork, with an underlying theme of purple. In keeping with the color scheme, the custom made quilt fills the room with good creative energy. The half bath off the dining room also echoes her love of this hue. In remembrance of the jacaranda trees from their former home, the walls are painted the refreshing color of the jacaranda blooms, a lighter and brighter lavender.
When the weather is right, being comfortable is no doubt just as easy at the outdoor dining table with the nearby comfy couch and chairs. While sitting and looking at the pool and hot tub—which were both designed by the Mr. of the house—the homeowners can rest and reflect on all the decisions that led them to this very amazing venue. After a great deal of cooperation and communication, they can now enjoy the “fruits of their labor” which includes the very excellent homebuilding work of Gallery Built Homes and the myriad selection of the best building materials from ABC Supplies. Gallery Built Homes has overseen the completion of Valley dream homes in the South Padre Island Country Club and also in one of their newer developments called Paradise Cove. Living in one of these fine homes is sure to make you feel like you have arrived in a coastal paradise, yet a “Home Of Your Dreams At A Price You Can Afford!”, as they say on their website, gallerybuilthomes.com Donnie Jones of Surfside Pool pg 15 diligently worked to follow the owners’ designs and plans for this relaxing outdoor living space, paved with travertine tiles.
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TILE GROUP
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Builder Profile
Mary Ramirez is
CHRIS RYAN HOMES Written By Lynn Walker Hoverson
Luxurious Energy Efficient Custom Home for Sale
E
ven though Mary Ramirez of Chris Ryan Homes, LLC much prefers to be outdoors, she graciously sat with me long enough for a very interesting interview about her life as an award-winning, woman home builder in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. We visited at the lovely dining table in one of her newest, beautiful model homes in Edinburg, Texas. This particular house is one of Mary’s smaller projects in the long list of homes she has designed and built during the past two decades. She builds houses in a very broad variety of styles and sizes, as you can begin to see from the homes depicted in these photos.
Mary L. Ramirez
956-929-1212 chrisryanhomes@gmail.com
During the first minutes of the interview Mary was adamant about giving credit where she feels credit is due. She talked about her appreciation for the support she has benefitted from through her family. She gives special credit to her Dad, who was a carpenter during Mary’s younger life and who continues to be a source of inspirational strength to her. Her Dad built small frame homes for a living. Before she was on her own, Mary watched him perform his homebuilding skills as he carefully framed out the construction of many homes. Mary’s five brothers had dreams and interests for their own lives that did not include building houses, so Mary received the benefits of being her Dad’s apprentice. As early as her high school days, she began learning about financing and payment plans and helped in the good family business.
Builder Profile
The very first home that Mary built was a mere 1,200 square foot, three bedroom, two bath house and she had it sold even before its construction was complete! Before beginning the project she had taken out a little loan for the home building and asked her Dad if he would help her with the construction project. He happily supervised. It was the first house of many for Mary. It was not easy for Mary to choose and persevere in a career that is mostly thought of as a male domain, but she has done it cleverly and succeeded very well! When she first officially began her business, she coined its name by combining the first names of her two sons, Christopher and Ryan. She still gets requests from new customers who make their first call and ask to speak to Chris Ryan of Chris Ryan Homes.
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After many, many home projects, jump ahead to 2019 and she can confidently say that all the local building supply people and bankers know her. She has formed reliable crews, now, compared to her earlier struggles of finding reliable skilled people. This development provides more time. She devotes it to maintaining her high standard momentum. She does demand the best from them. Limiting herself to only four or five home building projects in one year, does not decrease her workload, especially since price tags for those homes begin at $250,000. Requests for her excellent quality homes have come from Harlingen and beyond, but being close to her family is important to Mary. So, she saves the driving miles and keeps her busy building circle limited to the McAllen and Edinburg areas.
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On one of Mary’s regular work days, during the stages of when her workers are handling material deliveries, pouring concrete, framing, sawing and hammering, sheetrock hanging, trimming, painting, sanding, plumbing and roofing, she goes to the worksite in the mornings after working out at the gym. Upon arriving, she confers with her husband who arrives earlier and then the day’s inspection begins. Mary does not hire General Contractors. She IS the General! A big part of Mary’s continued success comes from her personal requirement for having extremely high construction standards, especially when it comes to the quality of the outdoor walls and the whole house air systems. This makes a tremendous difference in the eventual homeowners comfort level! olé decor Spring 2019
The exterior walls in Mary’s new homes have foam insulation in the attic as well as in between the framing uprights—which are wider than most other homes’ because she uses two by six width—producing a larger area of insulation fill, giving increased protection from the Valley’s extremely hot climate. Additionally, to be sure the indoor climate in her houses are capable of fine tuning, she chooses and has installed the type of central air systems that have excellent humidity controls. She wants to be sure that every detail of her homebuilding is done right, especially the structural integrity that she learned from her father. 27
Builder Profile
Sometimes getting critiques from Mary has its effect on her workers but she said they do not usually complain because they always get paid on time. One day a long time crew member told her that some of the guys had given the boss, Mary, the nickname “Sourpatch”. She said he explained the origin being like the sour patch candy. “You are all grumpy and critical at first, but then when we fix it and finish it up, you are sweet with compliments.” She accepted this very good-naturedly. When the houses are declared complete, they can all be proud of the top quality job to which they have contributed.
After all details of a home’s construction have been approved personally by Mary and she deems the house officially finished, it is time for her favorite part of her work: the decorating! When that day arrives, Mary says she tells her partner in the business, her husband, “I’m going SHOPPING!”. That’s when Mary really has fun as she chooses fine furniture and decor items for the ample spaces she has built.
The Light House Lighting Center pg 39 with locations in Port Isabel and McAllen is the source for both the functional and elegant, decorative lighting within these gorgeous living spaces.
Her artistic talents have extended into fashion design also. An avid fisherwoman, Mary reached a point in her active life when outdoor excursions on the water were lacking a certain flair for her. She didn’t want to wear just any old clothes when the family went out fishing. So she designed her own line of women’s clothing for outdoor wear named Laguna Lifestyle. Prior to beginning her fashion foray, Mary had already developed ten acres of land in San Juan, Texas, into Miranda Estates—a residential subdivision which is named after her daughter, Miranda. Adjacent to this fine home development Mary also built a commercial business complex called Miranda Plaza. So when the time arrived for Laguna Lifestyle to have a storefront of its own, Mary was well prepared in more ways than one. Her fishing apparel storefront is presently located in the Miranda Plaza, providing another venue for Mary’s talents.
Matt’s Building Materials pg 30 continues to prove their great service to Valley home builders in this very fine home by Chris Ryan Homes.
Laguna Lifestyle is a great place for other women who love fishing, like Mary does, to find clothes to look good in—while they are doing what they love. At Laguna Lifestyle and elsewhere, many women customers are pleased to find out that there is a local woman home builder who understands what the female mind envisions when they are imagining a new home.
Mary knows the importance of a great kitchen and she believes that it is the main area where people spend the most time gathering while at home. Her heart-of-the-home kitchen designs are lovely reflections of this conviction towards great design and building. She prefers the Mediterranean and French styles of architecture and adds a modern flair to every one of her house designs that she uses. When I asked Mary if she plans to continue with her home building business she gave me a resounding yes. “I have one more child to put through college before I can quit!”. So, it seems there might still be time for some of you readers to call Mary and get on her list for contracting with her to build your own great home in the Rio Grande Valley. CHRIS RYAN HOMES Mary L. Ramirez (956) 929-1212
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Featured Artist
CHRISTINA SALAZAR
FREE TO BE AN ARTIST Written By Lynn Walker Hoverson Photography By John Reyes
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hristina Salazar is dedicated to ART. Inside both her Art Gallery and her store in Port Isabel, Texas, you will find unique paintings produced by her. Also, there are other artists’ works by her peers available in her gallery, MIRA. She first opened her store INDIGO in 2015 and expanded next door when she opened the gallery in 2017. Christina displays art and decorative arts that are made in various media by local artists, as well as some international ones.
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Christina and I had become acquainted a few years ago, around the time she had just opened her first Port Isabel store, INDIGO. So, our interview time was like a comfortable catchup chat with an old friend. The MIRA Gallery, which I had not seen since it opened, is accessed by way of a pass through doorway in the middle of the main west wall inside her beautiful and eclectic boutique, INDIGO. Her gallery, MIRA, is full of very unique and interesting paintings, sculpture, furniture and decorative art pieces that express different themes, including aquatic, tropical, conceptual art and more.
Christina shared some of her personal stories about her successes and struggles to be free to be an artist. She got started on the artistic path very early. When her mother first asked her the big question about what she wanted to be when she grew up, there was only the one possibility in Christina’s five year old mind: ARTIST! She said that she remembers beginning to draw at the early age of five. Any physical surface was subject to her crayon marks and water color brushstrokes—even oyster shells which were plentiful in the Port Isabel area, where she has spent most of her life. She drew and painted on “anything”— paper, cardboard, notebook paper and also on her hands.
When she was eight Christina’s parents took her on a family trip to Disney World in Florida and that is where, she said, “ART really got my attention!”. The cartoon artists intrigued her the most at Disney World. She watched them sketch the figures and produce the animations. Seeing how artwork could be used in real life helped her begin to realize what she might want to do with her own talent. By the time she got in high school she was truly feeling the effects of the “Art Magnet”. She spent a great deal of time studying local library books about many famous artists. When she first viewed the art of Salvador Dali, she felt it was an artistic, mental match.
Presently, she has plans to visit The Dali Museum in Spain later this year. During those high school years, Christina used to get kicked out of class for drawing instead of paying attention to her teachers. They told her then, “Art will never get you anywhere!”. She is very glad she did not take that message too seriously. She describes her early artworks as her self expression of the inner turmoil she felt as a young person. Drawing helped her process her experiences and give form to her emotions. One of her favorite paintings that she has ever done was from that time period.
Featured Artist
While attending the nearby University of Texas in Brownsville, Christina had a part-time job working as a waitress at Blackbeard’s Restaurant on South Padre Island, Texas. There she met Loretta Ponder, a woman waitress who is also an artist. After Christina showed Loretta some of her drawings, she was impressed enough to take her under her wing. A dramatic shift from concentrating on drawing to painting began with Ponder’s guidance. Christina spent many evenings at Loretta’s house getting painting instructions.
For awhile during her college years, Christina thought she might need a supplemental income source more regular than art; so, she enrolled in a radiology program. Her grades were excellent in that field of study. A few months into the semester, one wise, observant professor in this department expressed a concern to her. He stated that he thought she would not be able to physically lift patients in the professional setting. In response to that advise, she let go of the medical studies plan.
After becoming comfortable with paint brushes and how to mix colors, Christina would get so involved with her paintings that she lost all track of time. “Sometimes Loretta would have to tell me how late in the morning it was and that I really should go home. But, I always felt that I wanted to keep on painting… just a little more!”. One very stormy night Loretta showed up at Christina’s home to check on her. The electric power had gone off due to the bad weather. But that hadn’t stopped Christina from painting. Loretta found Christina busy and sitting on the floor with a paint-loaded brush in her hand amidst open tubes of paint and an artwork, in progress on a canvas in the middle of the living room. Even though Christina didn’t have any electricity for the houselights, she had her painting workspace lit up with all her candles strategically placed around the room so she could see well enough to continue painting. (This description seems like a paintable image, too.)
So once again, in her process of becoming an artist, her options were re-defined. A dream she once had helped solidify her dedication to using her artistic talent. In this dream Christina was standing on the side of a street and a man in black clothing riding a big black motorcycle drove past her. He spoke to her directly in this dream and called out as he passed, “Don’t stop painting! Your talents will make it one day!”. In 2006, the same year she had the motorcyclist dream, Christia entered a juried International Art Show at the Museum of Arts Brownsville. Out of the 2,500 entries in the show, she placed 4th out of the top 400 international contestants. This achievement helped her get admission to the Glassell School of Art which is a part of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas.
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While living in Houston she had the good fortune to land a lucrative, but short, career as a fashion model. Although she enjoyed the work and its financial benefits, Christina eventually realized that when she was modeling, she felt as though she was not being true to herself and her real talent, ART. She returned to her hometown, Port Isabel and her original pursuit of happiness through ART.
Christina said she always favored conceptual and abstract art over the styles of realism, although lately she has been concentrating on improving her skills to produce more realistic imagery. This honing of her talent is presently being featured with her participation, along with two other artists, in a painting project at the new Sea Turtle facility on South Padre Island, Texas. If you are ever on your way to SPI, before you cross the Queen Isabella Causeway, you can find Christina Salazar’s store and gallery. Please stop in. You might get to meet the ARTIST herself! Look to the right for her signs:
INDIGO and MIRA. 412 East Queen Isabella Boulevard Port Isabel, TX (956) 433-1440
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“Let us organize your life”
Elegance, Craftmanship & Organization. That’s Affordable! All Valley Closets of Rio Grande Valley. Your storage and organization solution for custom closets, home offices, garages, utility rooms, Murphy beds, media centers and pantries.
Call us for a free in-home consultation (956) 873-3474
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Outdoor Living
Garden cant forget the
O
ur Rio Grande Valley is truly a wonderful place with with a unique climate that has some very specialized plants that keep going year after year with very little to no effort. The Valley is one of the southernmost areas of the continental United States, with only a small stretch of southern Florida laying at a lower latitude than the city of Brownsville. Also, the region shares a similar climate to that of peninsular Florida. Due to its southerly location, the lower Rio Grande Valley tends to be very warm in comparison to northern areas. While having average temperatures that classify the region as a semi-tropical climate, the lower Valley only misses tropical climate status by a few degrees. Furthermore, the area lays in a transitional climate zone; therefore, cities like Brownsville and South Padre Island are in a tropical savanna climate classification during years when winter months are slightly warmer than average. Due to this, the lower part of the region has been known to sustain tropical plants such as flame trees, Cuban, Royal palms, coconut palms and a variety of perennials.
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SPRING STAR FLOWER (Ipheion uniflorum): small, pale blue flowers on 6-inch stems; blooms in spring; sun to partial shade; 6 inches.
Perennial plants may be defined as those which endure or persist from the same root part year to year. Once a prominent part of nearly every Texas landscape, perennials are often overlooked by today’s gardeners and nurserymen. Although many species can still be found in private gardens, their availability is often restricted to sharing among friends and neighbors. Most perennials are easily propagated by division, seed or cuttings. Division is particularly successful since it not only provides new plants but is often necessary for the continued vigor of plants. Perennials can be highly useful and attractive in the home landscape. They often persist for many years and usually require less maintenance than annuals. They can provide long seasons of color and cut flowers while enhancing overall landscape development.
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If a perennial border is more than you care to attempt as your initial experience with perennials try adding a few to existing plantings. Many perennials have attractive foliage and are an asset even when not in flower. Division is an important cultural requirement of many perennials. Without an occasional thinning, most of these plants will slowly lose their vigor. Most perennials will tolerate relatively poor growing conditions but respond very favorably to well-prepared planting areas containing high percentages of organic materials and moderately high fertility rates. If you are a really adventurous gardener, you might even use some vegetable plants for unique color and textures. Flowering kale is a popular choice you may have seen and didn’t realize it was an edible part of a landscape. Herbs are a little more delicate for the Valley’s super hot summers, but some are considered perennials, such as rosemary—sometimes seen in front of local restaurants. The fragrant and lovely plant provides another edible planting choice and another point of interest in areas that might otherwise be bare and dull.
SHRIMP PLANT (Justicia brandegeana): yellow or red-brown flowers; blooms in summer, fall; great cut flowers; sun to partial shade; 3 feet.
MOREA IRIS; This plant will grow best in dappled shade but will tolerate full sun. Having these 3 inch blossoms continually on 2 to 4 foot stems throughout the summer.
Having one of the longest growing seasons means more choices in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, but focusing on gardening is fun. It can be like sculpture. When you are making your choices of seeds, cuttings, or plants let the artist in you out and get outdoors!
GARDEN CANNA (Canna x generalis): yellow, red, pink, salmon flowers; blooms in summer; drought resistant; 2 to 4 feet.
MEXICAN MINT MARIGOLD “Yerba anise” (Tagetes lucida): yellow flowers; fragrant “licorice” scented foliage; blooms in fall; shear occasionally; drought tolerant; hardy; sun; 2 feet.
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Indoor Living
I
THE PHENOMENON OF ESTATE $ALE$
n my opinion, estate sales are a PHENOMENON. Many different aspects of life are represented in what you see for sale when you attend, especially when you have wandered through them often. It has been a frequent pastime for me. If you have never been to an estate sale it could be a bit of a mystery. Each one is unique. However, once you have found a special good bargain or bon marché at an estate sale, the possession of it might ignite a fire from a spark that has been hiding in your “Treasure Hunter’s Spirit”.
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Written By Lynn Walker Hoverson
Most commonly, when the word estate is used, it is assumed that what is being referred to is an extensive area of land in the country, usually with a large house, owned by a particular person, family or organization. Speaking in legal terms, it is somebody’s net worth which includes that person’s bank accounts, homes, cars, boats, smaller assets, etc. For the specific description in this article, technically, an estate is the personal items owned by one person, especially, but not always, at the time of their death. Estate sales services conduct sales predominantly to assist heirs, executors and family members to sell the personal items which are the salable remnants of a person’s life. (Estate sales can also be for people who are retiring and reducing the mass of their belongings.) Spring 2019 olé decor
The assortments of the worldly possessions can vary widely and—to me— that is what makes estate sales so fascinating. It is almost like visiting a small museum. You are able, without disturbing the owner’s privacy, to see a full house of possessions that someone else took a lifetime to collect. This is especially true if you arrive early on the first day of a sale. The inventory size is not always large or extensive. However, if you are observant, you may spot that intriguing collectible or unexpected rarity. The following are some, but certainly not all of, the kinds of items that you may see for sale at an estate sale: antiques, furniture, china, paintings, sculpture, books, pictures, jewelry, fine rugs, collectibles, vehicles, motor homes, boats, motorcycles, lawn equipment, tools for the garden and crafts, but almost always, kitchen items and other housewares. Regular customers of estate sales are boutique and antique store owners, interior decorators, collectors and the general public.
Attending an estate sale is different from an auction. There aren’t any vocal bidding wars to contend with at an estate sale. The items are marked with prices that are set previously in an agreement by the owners and the estate sales service company. Potential buyers peruse the available merchandise at their own pace. The items for sale are usually very carefully arranged, though if you happen across a sale on its very last day, a little chaos is to be expected. The form of payment for customers at an estate sale varies also, but most of today’s services will gladly accept cards as well as cash. They are on a mission to liquidate!
I have spent as much as two hours and as little as 10 minutes at estate sales. You never know for sure what you will find. Internet previews are helpful, but not always the whole story. The best deal I ever made at an estate sale was for a specially engineered wine bottle decorker called “The Rabbit”, one of the greatest of small inventions. It was priced at 20% of what a new one costs—and it was in perfect condition. BON MARCHÉ ! olé decor Spring 2019
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Indoor Living
A professional estate sales service company will be wellorganized with a good support staff, including security and have a reputation for honesty. Prior to the sale days, they consult with the homeowner, family or legal executors who need their services. Fair market value is set for all items and an inventory list is made. Each item is tagged or marked with its price before being placed out for sale. If a company is unsure about the true value of higher quality items, research is necessary. Some companies offer digital versions of their assessments. Separate services such as pre-sale organizing, boxing and moving may be offered through estate sales businesses. This is worth asking about, especially if you are just downsizing and not making your final exit soon! Moving is very hard work, no matter how much help you have for it. Advertising notices of the sale are sent out via different media depending on the practices of the company. The modern methods are, of course, email, social media, snail mail, and phone calls and or text messages. Outdoor signs pointing the way clearly to the address of the sale are very important for the bargain hunting process to be successful. Here is one concern you may have if you are contracting with an estate sales company to conduct a sale for you. Who cleans up afterwards? Be sure you have communicated about this major point and that both parties are in agreement. Professional estate sales companies who are competent will leave your property ready for going on the real estate market or for occupancy by a new resident. Some companies will disperse all unsold items remaining at the end of the estate sale, or have them donated to a charity of the owner’s choice. Also, unsold items are sometimes sold in bulk to independent contractors. Discuss and read the fine print to be sure. The final fee paid to the Estate Sales service companies is usually based on the final total sale amount for all days of the sale.
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One estate sales business owner, Jane Smith, told me a great story about one of her sales that shows the honesty of this particular company. Before the first day of this sale, she was carefully going through a pile of what the owner had assured her was only fashion jewelry that the owner absolutely wanted to liquidate—as soon as possible. During her meticulous examination of the fashion jewelry pile, she found a wad of crumpled paper that turned out to be an official jeweler’s appraisal. Inside the aged-looking wad was the piece of jewelry described on the appraisal. Shining in her hand was a sterling silver bejeweled cross by none other than the famous jewelry designer, Cartiér. The appraisal stated the worth as $6,000. She took the paper and the enclosed jewelry to the owner immediately!
New home owners with an abundance of spacious rooms waiting to be filled might consider the fun and economical aspects of getting those “things you need” from estate sales. For example, long-lasting, real wood furniture, especially fine antiques are often found at estate sales at bargain prices. Whole kitchens can be equipped from just the right sale. Estate sales are often held on the weekend, but not always. If you get on a mailing list for one of your local estate sales services, it is a great first step towards your future acquisitions.
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We understand how you want to live.
We all have the gift of imagination and we know what we need, however we don’t know how to project it. This is the architect’s job to study the needs of the client and understand how he wants to live.
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