GRANNY KNOWS BEST ONE RECIPE, THREE GENERATIONS, AND A WHOLE LOT OF TAMALES
A PEEK INSIDE FOUR LOCAL ARTISANS' MINDS AND SPACES
HANDMADE
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COOLSCULPTING • BOTOX/DYSPORT
JUVEDERM/RESTYLANE • VOLUMA/LYFT
VOLBELLA/KYSSE • KYBELLA • VEIN WAVE
SKIN TAG REMOVAL • HYDRAFACIAL • IPL
HYDROJELLY MASK • CHEMICAL PEELS
SKIN RESURFACING • SKIN TIGHTENING
TOENAIL FUNGUS • TATTOO REMOVAL
PAINLESS LASER HAIR REMOVAL • CLEARLIFT
ACNE LASER TREATMENTS • MASSAGE
OZONE SAUNA PRO • AIRBRUSH TAN
XTREME EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Ruth Gershon, also known as Ruti (pronounced ‘ROOTEE’), was born in New Jersey and raised overseas. She made her way to Texas where she completed her undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio and her medical degree at the University of Texas Health San Antonio. San Antonio is also where she met her best friend, and now husband of 8 years, Nathan Gershon. A er spending five years in Mississippi completing her radiology residency, Ruth and her husband were determined to come back to Texas and thus Ruth returned to complete subspecialty fellowship training in neuroradiology at her alma mater, University of Texas Health San Antonio.
When visiting Radiology Associates, she was amazed by the high quality of personnel and advanced technology they offered their patients. Ruth and her husband fell in love with Corpus Christi and decided to stay to plant their roots.
Ruth is skilled in interpreting all aspects of diagnostic radiology, but her specialty lies in neurological imaging, which includes imaging of the head, brain, face, neck and spine. Her love for neuroscience started in college and has only intensified over time. Ruth’s passion also lies in developing good relationships with clinicians; she believes a multidisciplinary team approach is ideal for good quality of care.
In addition to her long medical education and training, she decided to further her knowledge in the world of business and is currently finishing an MBA degree with emphasis in finance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Ruth enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Nathan, who is a successful film and television actor, lounging at home with her furbabies as well as exercising at the local CrossFit gym.
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What’s your favorite Coastal Bend holiday tradition?
PRESIDENT: Jordan Regas
VICE PRESIDENT & EVENTS DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas
PUBLISHER: Chris Knapick
ART DIRECTOR: Jarred Schuetze
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Kylie Cooper
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Gloria Stauber
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides
COPY EDITOR: Steve Gill
SENIOR WRITERS: Emma Comery
I grew up down the street from Mr. Bill's Christmas Wonderland, and each year I make it a point to drive by his home to see all the amazing additions he's made. It's truly a mustsee holiday attraction.
I love walking down N Chaparral to enjoy the holiday lighting and decorations. My favorite street to see all the trees lit bright lining the street is Peoples Street. That’s always been my favorite street downtown and now with the new tree in La Retama Park, a new tradition will be enjoying the decor in the park! Driving down Ocean Drive to see the Christmas lights is always a favorite holiday tradition of mine.
My friends and I always go to Candy Cane Lane during the holiday season. We usually carpool and cruise through the neighborhood. If we find a house that’s really decked out, we will hop out and take a quick photo.
Throughout December, we keep an eye on the weather for a really cold night. When we know it's going to be 40 degrees or colder, we plan light seeing, caroling, and a trip to the Christmas tree lot, since it feels extra festive when it's really cold.
SUBMISSIONS: kylie@thebendmag.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: thebendmag.com
Kirby Tello
EDITORIAL INTERNS: Luis Arjona
Josh Maxwell
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Page Lillian Reitz
Aaron Garcia
CONTRIBUTORS:
Justin & Kayla Butts Jillian Becquet
Jo Anne Howell Jacqueline Gonzalez
Julieta Hernandez
Jessie Chrobocinski
Alexis Harborth Monique Dennis
THE BEND OFFICE
309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606
On the Cover:
One of my favorite things is to see all the boats light up at the T-heads. My work keeps me very busy during the holiday season, but I always make time to drive down Shoreline to see the lights.
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BUSINESS: chris@thebendmag.com
This month's cover image comes from inside the workspace of Aloe Tile. It is essentially one zoomed in detail, depicting a microscopic aspect of their process. As we explored the featured maker's spaces in preparation for this issue, we found each one to be as unique as the goods they were handcrafting. Our intention for both this cover and feature is to create a window of sorts into the minds and spaces of four local artisans. (Cover shot by: Lillian Reitz)
say ADIEU, 2020
Running a monthly in a year like 2020 has been quite an interesting experience. Our team at The Bend Magazine is simultaneously thinking about four different months at any given moment. As I write this letter, we’re promoting our November issue, wrapping up our December issue, editing and photographing our January issue, and compiling ideas and content for our February issue.
If readers – or anyone – were asked to describe the entirety of this year in one word, I am fairly certain most responses would be synonymous with unpredicted. Which, for a monthly publication, makes things a little challenging. How can you possibly plan stories out four months in advance when from one week to the next, the landscape of what our communities look like has the very real potential of drastically shifting? How are you supposed to know if people will care about this coffee drink or that local artist next week, let alone months from now? Well, when you take a moment to reflect, the answer is actually quite simple.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the fact of the matter is that The Bend Magazine exists within and because of the world we work so tirelessly to promote. If there is one thing we know about our Coastal Bend community, it is that resilience is our second nature. The stories that have come out of this year – the stories of hope, strength, love, and support – those are the stories that carried us through this tumultuous year. Call it frivolous optimism if you must, but I’d like to think it’s more meaningful than that. Even on 2020’s darkest days, we still had you; and you cared about what we had to say not necessarily because we were saying it, but because of who we were saying it about.
These pages represent a community. One where “local” is celebrated, encouraged, and rejoiced. While the past 11 months have been filled with loss in various forms across the board, individuals continued to do great things everywhere you look.
And it was in those moments we were able to tell stories. It was in the moments of triumph, however few and far between they might feel, that we were able to exist.
My brain has been straddling the line of 2020 and 2021 for some time now. Because of the way our production cycle works, it can become quite easy for our operating states to never fully be present. Perhaps that’s why this letter was written so close to our print date; regardless of how unusual and challenging this year was, maybe at some level I wasn’t quite ready to metaphorically say goodbye to it. Yet the time is nigh.
My hope is that this publication has succeeded in providing periods of reprieve for you throughout this year – a moment or two to step back and smell the roses. And even though the thorns might have pricked us all along the way, with any luck the sense of pride in the entirety of the garden, and the growth it’s experienced in 2020, will be what we take with us into the new year. I have no earthly idea what 2021 will look like – I have no earthly idea what next week will look like – but I do know we’ll see you there. And if the Coastal Bend is anything like I know it to be, we’ll continue to have great stories to tell.
– KYLIE COOPER, Editorial Director kylie@thebendmag.com
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
1. The local volunteer group Food for da Homies started as a group of friends looking to give back. The group now makes bi-weekly, homemade and nutritious meals for our area's homeless population. Pg. 22
2. Granny's Tamales is an iconic South Texas mainstay. Over 20 years ago Juanita Gonzalez, the original granny, began what would later become her and her family's great legacy. Pg. 42
3. From African couture to accessories, gifts, home furnishings, and art, the local shop Lott's of Art is an incredible local gem. Owner Evelyn Cooper continues to bring worldly culture and art to our community through her store. Pg. 78
Our way of doing business is designed to get to know you and your dreams. That’s something you won’t get from a website. From the first step until the last, we’ll be there through each milestone. Let’s talk today, and begin the journey to your dream home. We’ll be with you all the way.
AROUND THE BEND
RING IN THE NEW YEAR
The cocktail ring is essential to finishing off any New Year's outfit. Don't play it safe, go big or stay home.
BY:
JARRED SCHUETZE PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ
COCKTAIL RINGS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
BKK
GOLDSMITH
GRAY
HANLEY
HESTER’S
JULIAN
PILAR
PRESENT COMPANY
No need to panic, the season of gifting is one of endless possibilities no matter who's on your list. From the savvy sportsman to the posh partier, even the humble home-body, the perfect present is out there just waiting for you to discover it!
BY: JARRED SCHUETZE
1. Jane Iredale Glow Time® Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream SPF 25/17R TVV Medi Spa 2. ZO® Skin Health Wrinkle + Texture Repair Halcyon Med Spa 3. Orchid Plants Gill Garden Center + Landscaping Co 4. Barefoot Dreams COZYCHIC® Palm Leaf Blanket Coastal Closet 5. Gold Flamingo Lamp DECOR
6. Estelle Colored Glass Park Seven 7. Sahira Callie Pearl Drop Earrings Jewels 8. YETI Tundra 45 Cooler DICK'S Sporting Goods 9. Corkcicle Origins Canteen in Walnut Gatherings 10. Paris Texas Stivale Stampa Cocco Boots Julian Gold 11. Sequined Ruched-Sleeve Dress Michael Kors 12. Gucci Round Sunglass Sunglass Hut 13. On Cloud X 2.0 Running Shoes (Available in Mens & Womens) Fleet Feet Corpus Christi 8. The North Face Men's Campshire Pullover Hoodie Copeland's
FEEDING OUR HOMIES
A YOUNG GROUP OF FRIENDS GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH DELICIOUS HOMEMADE MEALS
BY: MONIQUE DENNIS PHOTO BY: AARON GARCIA
In March 2020 life as we know it turned upside down in the wake of a worldwide pandemic. Jobs were lost, businesses were closed, and people were frantically trying to figure out how to handle their current financial situations. Luckily, many people were granted unemployment benefits to help them during this crisis. For most, this money needed to be allocated and dispersed in a strategic way, as no one knew how long the pandemic would last, or more specifically how long the unemployment funds would last.
This was not the case with one individual, Cristopher Olvera. As he was preparing to leave San Antonio and move to New York City to pursue his dreams as a professional writer, the pandemic stopped him in his tracks and sent him back to Corpus Christi.
Practically everything in the city was shut down due to the pandemic. Olvera, living off unemployment after being let go from his movie theater job, found himself in Corpus Christi with extra money in his pocket, but nothing to spend it on. Olvera considers his character to be that of a simple man who does not require expensive things. With a surplus of unemployment money still left over after taking care of his responsibilities, Olvera felt a sort of guilt that came with the government-provided cash. After sharing this feeling with a couple of his friends, they came to realize they all felt the guilt, which prompted them to act fast and see how they could repurpose the money back into the community. It was then that “Food for da Homies” was born.
“The authentic name Food for da Homies derives from a mix of certain components based around the general public’s view of homelessness,” Olvera says. “With a continuous status quo surrounding our community members, we wanted to give a more natural and hip approach to our less fortunate friends. The term homies refer to people living in our communities and hometowns. The use of ‘da’ derives from my love of Spike Lee movies and the unconventional approach to the entire system that we apply.”
One of the coolest aspects of this charitable community project is that Olvera not only takes the time to feed less fortunate people in the community, but makes conscious efforts to ensure his team’s meals are healthy, homemade, and nutritious. Olvera said he plans his menu around ensuring they will get carbohydrates, water, fruit, and plenty of sustainable protein. His team is able to make about 50 or so plates two times a month with money from himself, his partners, and donations they receive from the community. He makes it a point to divide these meals up and have drivers deliver them to four different sectors within Corpus Christi, so as to not leave anyone out.
Food for da Homies has been able to keep this community service going since the beginning of the pandemic, and hopes it can survive future economic transitions. In order to do so, they seek more volunteers from the community, accompanied with monetary donations. If you would like to be a part of this philanthropic work, please reach out to them directly though the Instagram page “Food for da Homies.” The group uses the platform to showcase the meals they’re providing for “da homies,” and as a means to get more people in the community involved. Sometimes help simply comes in the form of spreading awareness to one another, whether it be by word of mouth or sharing a social media post! This holiday season, we encourage you to give back to our local community, and Food for da Homies is a wonderful volunteer program to start with.
Contact:
Kenneth Gonzales
Shops for Holiday Gifts
BY: KYLIE COOPER
While the holidays provide us with cherished family time and moments to pause and give thanks, gifting our loved ones with the perfect surprise certainly never gets old. This holiday season, try making most of your purchases right here in the Coastal Bend – we have plenty of small businesses ready to help you find the right gift. Make that list and check it twice, because these local shops are sure to have just what you’ve been looking for.
INDIGO ECLECTIC
Located in Port Aransas, Indigo Eclectic specializes in coastal vintage, mid-century modern decor, bohemian inspired items, and more. The shop is filled with hidden treats that are sure to make your gift-giving experience special, from coffee table books and artwork to chic clothing pieces and accessories.
1023 SH 361 Suite F
GATHERINGS
Browsing through this shop is like embarking on a treasure hunt with the sure bet you’ll find a gem or two. Gatherings Gift Box is filled with one-of-a-kind gift ideas for everyone on your list. Although the shop seems small, you’ll need a couple of hours to really sift through their incredible inventory of items. Bonus: if you’re reading this well before Christmas, stop by and check out their selection of traditional Old World Christmas ornaments.
3744 S Alameda St.
BLEU FROG
Fine furnishing, whimsy décor items, coastal apparel, and more –Bleu Frog is both funky and fabulous. As this year’s Local’s List winner for Gift Shop, we’d be remiss to discuss holiday gift shopping and not include this local favorite. The shop resides inside a renovated historic building in the heart of Six Points, and is connected to Hester’s Café … which makes holiday shopping that much better.
1710 S Alameda St.
PARK SEVEN
Locally owned and operated by two Coastal Bend families, Park Seven is the newest addition to the Lamar Park shopping center. Specializing in fine gifts, tableware, and custom paper, Park Seven is holiday season bliss. Not only can you pick up a few perfect gifts, you can also shop for your holiday table décor while you’re at it!
411 Doddridge St. Suite. 101
SHE SHED
Focusing primarily on home décor, local shop She Shed is filled with fun patterns and bold colors. Between gorgeous bedding, rugs, and throws, this place is textile heaven. Their selection also features ceramic dishware, home fragrances, candles, and a plethora of unique pieces to gift for the holidays.
3845 S. Alameda St.
JEREMIAH BALDWIN
AUTHOR AND ACTIVIST JEREMIAH BALDWIN ON HIS EXPERIENCES IN WRITING, STARTING A READING CLUB, AND THE FUTURE PROJECT OF CORPUS CHRISTI’S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
CONVERSATION BY: KYLIE COOPER
PHOTO COURTESY OF: SAMMMIEDOR.PHOTOGRAPHY
YOU RECENTLY PUBLISHED YOUR FIRST BOOK, SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING: A BALDWIN MIRACLE. HOW DID THAT PROJECT COME ABOUT AND WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?
This summer, many people experienced forced isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic and the heated rise in racial tension. On top of that, my father passed away in 2019. As a result, I experienced an overwhelming sense of anxiety and doom. To combat my depression, I turned to writing. Over the course of the summer months, I spent time reflecting on my life and telling my honest truths.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM THE BOOK AFTER READING?
I wrote my book as a blueprint for other people, across all demographics. After reading my book, I hope people gain a better understanding of my perspective and use it as a means of inspiration for them to be open and honest about life experiences.
THIS PAST SUMMER, YOU STARTED A VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB – WHAT ULTIMATELY LED YOU TO START THAT? DO YOU PLAN ON CONTINUING THE BOOK CLUB IN ANY FORM?
As many of us know, our country was plagued with heated racial tensions this past summer. To combat some of this racial tension and disinformation, I was led to launch Baldwin’s
Reading Club via my Instagram account. Baldwin’s Reading Club features Black authors and their works. I aimed to enlighten my viewers on the diversity of thought in the Black community. Currently, I have taken a break from my virtual book club because I am enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. However, I plan to relaunch Baldwin’s Reading Club this coming summer.
ANY EXCITING UPCOMING PLANS OR PROJECTS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?
At the moment, I do not have any new books in the works. However, I am optimistic about future writing projects. In my future works, I hope to share my unique perspective on the queer Black experience. As mentioned earlier, I am currently pursuing an undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin and my time is limited. But, I
Contact: @jeremiah.baldwin | jeremiahebaldwin.com
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HANDS OF ARITSAN THE AN
A PEEK INSIDE FOUR LOCAL ARTISANS' MINDS AND SPACES
The ultimate expression of love and gratitude comes in the form of something given from the heart. Similarly, expressions from the heart often result in a handmade token of appreciation. To think of hands as the tools with which a gift is made is special. With the work of these hands – two palms, ten fingers, love lines, wrinkled knuckles, hardened nail beds, and cracked cuticles – a vibe, a frequency of connection and appreciation, can be shared. In the spirit of togetherness, four local artisans opened up their most intimate workspaces to invite all of us to bear witness to their creative process. Handmade and heartfelt, each of these makers proves that the life of an artisan is a universal calling to create.
BY: KIRBY TELLO PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LILLIAN REITZ
THE HANDS OF AN ARTISAN Aloe Tile
C R E A TO R S OF CUSTOM HANDMADE A R T TILES
An iconic fixture in the nucleus of downtown, Aloe Tile sits unassumingly steps away from the Bayfront. Its humble exterior hardly suggests there is something mystical happening behind its doors, and until you’re invited in, you can never truly know the magic that is Aloe Tile. Beyond the clay, there is a palpable vibrancy permeating all of the work, their artisan employees, and most notably owners Ed and Cornelia Gates.
And then there’s Miss Loretta. She saunters around the workshop unapologetically. It is her domain, after all. Even with new visitors entering her space, she is both welcoming and unbothered. We immediately dubbed her “shop kitty.” She, too, has the Aloe vibe –cool, calm, cerebral.
For more than 20 years, Ed and Cornelia have subscribed to a way of life that is aligned with the clay they create. “Clay is a slow process,” says Ed, “and the South Texas humidity is our ally. It keeps things from progressing too quickly.” Luckily, the Coastal Bend is fertile ground for a laid-back approach to living, but there is
something unique about the way the Gateses create. All of their clay is mixed in-house and by hand. This is not the typical process for a large majority of ceramicists. More often than not, artisans will procure ready-made clay, which is already in a state primed for manipulation. “Our clay is not premixed,” says Cornelia. “We mix our own clay from an old recipe. All of our clay has the red color due to the iron oxide.”
On the back patio, there are four steel tubs, two of which are already filled with processed clay that has been left to cure in the sunlight. We are shown the clay in this stage as a precursor for the work we are about to not only witness but experience handson. The rust-colored mixture is both buoyant and dense, loose with a hint of solidity. The Gateses encourage us to put our hands in and feel. In doing so, a euphoric and cathartic buzz trills through us – connection with the earth, cultivated.
The two remaining steel tubs are empty and awaiting their turn to be put to use. Going into this conversation, the Gateses advised
Mixing their own clay is a scientific process. The South Texas humidity helps keep the clay pliable, and it’s usually mixed in the summer in order to take advantage of the sun’s ability to absorb the water from the clay and create the right consistency. Clay mixed and processed this way can be stored and kept for up to six months.
our team to wear “something light” because their warehouse is without A/C. We did not know, however, that we would have the privilege of literally getting our hands dirty while experiencing their creative process. “So who wants to mix some clay?” Ed asks. “We are going to need two of you.” Cornelia grabs extra aprons and before we know it, editorial director Kylie Cooper and art director Jarred Schuetze are suiting up, preparing for battle. And for the following hour of our time together, the Gateses offer a stepby-step rendition of how clay is made.
“Each type of clay is different,” says Cornelia. The raw ingredients come from all over the nation –Ohio, Florida, Georgia – and with water and a lot of science, Aloe Tile makes the creation of their clay proprietary.
“It always changes,” says Ed. “Clay evolves, and so we evolve with it so we don’t get stuck in a rut.” Paying attention to the nuances of clay and its everchanging elements is something of a symphonic process for Ed. “Clay is like a musical instrument. We think of our operation as a band where there is a synergistic experience with every element working together.”
Frankly, the intricacies of an orchestra playing some elaborate symphony are daunting. But there is a certain simplicity that the Gateses offer to allow for the clay to speak for itself. And while the clay is obviously the star of the show, Aloe Tile honors it in a way that breathes life into its form.
“If you open yourself up to a certain frequency, the clay will respond,” explains Ed.
Aloe Tile works with just three types of glazes. They have a certain style and process that is unique to them, and they are still able to offer commissioned pieces to numerous nonprofits around the city, and to countless businesses seeking one-of-a-kind mementoes for a variety of occasions. Cornelia said that even with commissioned pieces, she and Ed have lengthy consultations with their clients to understand exactly what they want. Part of being an artisan is staying true to the craft, but also making sure each client receives a piece they can cherish forever, she explained.
In addition to their individual clientele, Aloe Tile works with designers and architects on various projects in the community. If you have ever walked around Water Street Market, you have been witness to one of the longeststanding Aloe Tile creations in Corpus. The South Texas Music Walk of Fame features Aloe Tile handmade stars that adorn the walkway from Water Street to Executive Surf Club, honoring musicians born between San Antonio and the southern tip of the Lone Star State.
In the nooks and crannies of the Aloe Tile workshop, there are countless custom stencils they have made throughout the years. Many of these stencils are a product of signage for local schools and businesses who loyally rely on Aloe Tile for things all the way from branding to seasonal, annual gifts.
The entire Aloe-stratosphere is brimming with the vibrancy and excitement of innovation, coupled with an overwhelming sense of ease. When asked what their secret to serenity is, Ed explained that the process of making clay is “kind of like Cornelia and me – evolving, aging.” Even the building itself is alive, he says. As artisans, makers, and innovators, the Gateses feel liberated from the confines of traditional art. “We can just create,” concludes Cornelia.
And speaking of the influence of Aloe Tile’s creative frequency, four young professionals in publishing walked away from the unassuming little workshop by the bay with renewed sense of purpose and vigor to let their creative dreams run free.
Spindrift Surfboards
C R E A TO R OF CUSTOM HAND-SHAPED
SURFBOARDS
Corpus Christi is home to a thriving surf community. Over the years, the coast has produced a solid cadre of photographers, artists, independent surf shops, and a dozen or so one-of-a-kind board builders. Being a town on the water provides an outlet for artistic expression for many different types of creators – one of whom is the highly respected Jeff Pollack, owner and artisan of Spindrift Surfboards.
Pollack’s street cred – or “surf” cred, rather – reverberates throughout the surfing community. Though not originally from the Coastal Bend, he has certainly made his mark here and continues to see his work live on.
Back in the early 2000s, Pollack’s interest in riding boards that bucked the current trends made him realize that what was on the shelves in local shops wasn’t what he was looking for. Like most entrepreneurs discover early on,
the driving force behind going into business was his needs not being met with what was already offered in the marketplace. Residing on the coast of South Carolina at the time, Pollack lived within striking distance of a pro caliber board factory. (What are the odds?) He later had another stroke of luck when he was able to convince the owner of said shop to sell him a board in its raw form and walked away with a few tips, too.
“My first shape was an abomination,” Pollack says, shaking his head with a laugh, “but it turns out, guys come out of the woodwork when they hear you’re making boards at cost, so I managed to get a few dozen boards under my belt pretty quickly.”
This is when Pollack found his tipping point. The entire surfboard industry had a collective opinion that the board designs of the ’90s were unimaginative and offered
Working with the “coarse [material] is fun because the transformation happens so quickly, but that is more of the brute mechanics,” says Pollack. The delicate part of the process, like blending curves, becomes incrementally more refined.
limited variety. Surfers wanted more fun and unique designs with a modern edge. In some ways, Pollack said, this newfound interest in higher volume and playful designs influenced him. “I ended up shaping fish and singlefins for a couple of the local shops for four years before following my (now) wife and our Chesapeake Bay Retriever to South Texas,” he explains.
Pollack takes our team to his shaping bay, a room in his garage that he painted blue and transformed into his workspace. There is a layer of dust covering the space – a sure sign of a shaper hard at work. As we begin to take photos of Pollack in his element, he grabs a piece of what seems to be sandpaper and gets to work. His motions are effortless and smooth, a dance he’s practiced time and time again. It’s rather satisfying to watch.
Simplicity in well-executed designs is the core aesthetic of Spindrift Surfboards. Using phrases like “graceful trim,” “fluid transitions,” and “elevated execution,” Pollack said he is still enamored with the artistic heft in uncomplicated forms. But outside of the tangible brilliance of each individual board, the true charm of Spindrift Surfboards is Pollack’s belief and excitement in “almost anything that is small batch and handmade … basically creative niches that are impactful not because of their scale, but because of their singularity and authenticity.”
And the possibilities in this regard are essentially endless. As board designs continue to change and evolve, it is in these periods of transition that the possibilities of
innovative surfboard design are truly revealed. “I think the holy grail of hand shaping surfboards is to reach that ultimate economy of motion where no movement is wasted; where the physical process becomes almost a meditative act because your body has been through each step so many times,” says Pollack.
At the core of this artisanal flow, however, is fostering community. His circle has grown so much through shaping boards, which has connected him to people with whom he may have otherwise never crossed paths. “So many of my sharpest memories and closest relationships revolve around the ocean and surfing,” offers Pollack. The instant and powerful connection that the act of building a custom board allows is very personal – nearly all of his customers become friends.
For someone who is spoken about so highly and draws such an immense amount of respect within the surfing community, Pollack is refreshingly aligned with that certain universal flow of energy that one achieves from chanting “ohm.” To learn that he also has a fast-paced, intense daytime job in addition to running Spindrift Surfboards is #lifegoals.
I asked Pollack to talk about his views on his legacy and what he sees for his craft moving forward. I got the sense that he was intrigued by this question. As it turns out, Pollack’s outlook on legacy is multi-dimensional. “Ultimately, I hope I’m able to help people find the experience they’re searching for in the ocean, to find some moments of pure joy, which I think is what riding waves is all about,” he says.
Gone are the days of grappling with the idea of growing the business into a larger-scale operation. Instead, he has come to relish the boutique, artisanal scale at which he operates. “I think I get more fulfillment out of shaping [boards] now that everything I do is custom,” Pollack says. Therefore, you won’t find any shelves stocked with Spindrift boards in local shops. But the good news is that when you get a handmade, custom board from Pollack, you can bet on getting a new friend, too.
In small business, especially the small batch and handmade craft, legacy spans from business goals to personal goals to community goals, but arguably most importantly, family goals.
“The familial dimension is one of the truly unexpected but most amazing parts of the story for me,” says Pollack. “I love that I can hear my kids in the back yard when I’m in my shaping bay. I love that they wander in and ask questions about the process. My daughter has started helping me paint boards, and we upcycle foam scraps into art projects and make jewelry with colored surfboard resin. I would love for these experiences to someday lead my kids to make things with their hands, surfboards or otherwise.”
SPINDRIFTSURFBOARDS.COM
THE HANDS OF AN ARTISAN
Lemonade Stand Cosmetics
C R E A TO R OF VEGAN, CRUELTY-FREE MAKEUP
When Rochelle started her journey in entrepreneurship, she used her graphic design background to play around with fun logo designs whose purpose was to provide examples for her portfolio. In this creative whirl back in 2018, she made a logo for a fictional beauty brand, calling it Lemonade Stand Cosmetics.
Rochelle and her husband/fearless supporter, Marcus, felt this idea could be something more, and the brilliance in that design jumped off the screen and into Rochelle’s business consciousness, only to reemerge in 2020 and become the brand image for her all-natural, vegan beauty company.
Rochelle is no stranger to branding. She has built her professional portfolio on designing creative identities for various businesses. Gifted to the Coastal Bend by way of Fort
Worth, Rochelle and her family decided on Corpus for their next chapter in order to be close to extended family and cultivate new experiences.
The change of scenery was a catalyst for Rochelle to give Lemonade Stand Cosmetics the attention it needed in order to become a full-fledged business.
Out of a need for products that could not be found on store shelves at the time, she began to mix formulas for beauty products such as lip balms that contained strictly all-natural, vegan elements. Rochelle was strategic in selecting which ingredients would make the cut.
“Most of the line has shea butter, aloe, and coconut oil,” she explains. These are the foundational ingredients for nearly 75 percent of her product line. The remaining 25 percent of the lineup
Making cosmetics is largely experimental, guided by scientific knowledge of how certain ingredients will react with one another. From there, the process is precise and measured. Mixing prototypes is like adding a dash of this and a pinch of that, until the formula is just right.
is made in part by working with different market partners to bring the products to scale. Rochelle explained that her lipsticks, for example, are produced with the help of specially sourced manufacturers. This is one of the most delicate products, requiring much more time to create than any other cosmetic category in the lineup. But fear not, Lemonade Stand Cosmetics will never deviate from its commitment to fully vegan and cruelty-free production processes.
“I try not to use anything that isn’t necessary in the making of each product,” says Rochelle, “and in doing so, the quality of the end result is better than items you’ll find made with animal byproduct.”
But it isn’t just her organic recipes that make us as giddy as a teenager fawning over their first crush. The branding of the product line is to die for. Adorned with bright pink linens, a bowl of vibrant, fresh lemons, and an actual miniature picket-fenced lemonade stand that houses lip balms, the studio space has an innate sunny disposition that is infectious. She brings the OG lemonade stand from our childhood dreams to life and then some.
“My inspiration comes from my own needs,” explains Rochelle, “I make the things I want to wear.” While inspiration for the line also comes from her natural love of makeup from a young age, her mission is to empower anyone who wears her brand to use makeup as a tool to enhance natural beauty. It is all about selflove.
Since launching in June 2020 (you read that right – just five months ago!) Lemonade Stand Cosmetics has been graced with a steady flow of online sales. COVID-19, Rochelle said, has been a pivotal point in her business. As graphic design opportunities became less reliable, and with her husband’s solid faith in her ability to see this venture through successfully, the duo decided to go all in and work on Lemonade
Eventually, the plan is to create a mobile studio space similar to a food truck operation. When it is safe to explore such opportunities, Rochelle is ready with a list of aweinspiring branding ideas and new products for her clients. As for now, there is no slowing down on trekking ahead with the business
Which, in a big sense, is where Rochelle shines on a wider
platform. Behind the screen, she is peppy, energetic, and sweet as can be. I can attest to this from my endless threads of emails back and forth with her, which started as interview logistics and quickly turned into what I call “warm and fuzzies,” which is my way of showing my love and appreciation for really dynamic concepts and individuals like Rochelle. In person, Rochelle has an unassuming confidence and a warm, hospitable demeanor. She is subtle in her explanation of her processes to the point that Marcus, husband/partner, chimes in to make sure her undeniable talent as an artisan and businesswoman doesn’t go unnoticed. Having had the privilege to meet many amazing female powerhouses through my work with The Bend, I can easily spot a fierce femme –especially when she leads with humility. That’s Rochelle.
Although Lemonade Stand Cosmetics is still in its infancy, the momentum driven by online sales has Rochelle already creating her next product line and preparing for a late 2020, early 2021 launch date. So, keep your eyes out for each of these delectable beauty nuggets of self-love.
THE HANDS OF AN ARTISAN
Rusty LeatherNail
C R E A TO R OF HANDCRAFTED LEATHER GOODS
Vinny, the owner of Rusty Nail Leather, is no stranger to love at first sight. He was the lucky recipient of such an encounter about a year ago while attending a local pop-up market where he met his leading lady, Amanda. She was a vendor at the market selling her uber-successful earring line, Phat Knits. Not only were they taken by each other (and have pretty much been together every day since they met), Vinny was inspired by Amanda’s tenacity and drive behind building her business. His immediate thought was how great it would be to include some products for men, and how nicely a leather component would complement Phat Knits’ designs. While Amanda loved this idea, she was the encouraging force behind convincing Vinny to take his ideas for leather products and start his own brand. Leather is one of those timeless things that
feels both new and nostalgic at the same time. “A good leather wallet lasts a long time,” says Vinny. And he wanted to build something that his customer would find of great value and an ode to tradition.
The textiles that Vinny works with, he explained, all have their own unique qualities. Choosing different types of leather is akin to building a relationship with it, understanding its makeup to give it the care it deserves in order to promote its transformation into a wallet or a custom belt that is built to last a lifetime. “All of the leather I use is chemicalfree, biodegradable, and environmentally-friendly. It’s all natural,” says Vinny. Elements such as tree bark, sap, honey, and whiskey-barrel aging enhance the vegetable-tanned leather that can be found in Rusty Nail Leather products.
Unrefined hide is beautiful. Seeing where the animal ran into barbed wire, where it might have been branded, or had bug bites...all of this brings to light the fact that the animal was a living, breathing soul that deserves to be respectfully remembered.
Rusty Nail Leather gives them a chance to live on through the leather.
A lot of in-depth research has gone into sourcing quality leather. Vinny uses local manufacturer Tandy Leather, as he appreciates that – it being a local business – he knows the different aspects of the leather’s origins. This is part of his process of being able to remain purposeful in the materials that are chosen so that the leather can be given the honor it deserves. “What can I do to minimize my footprint on the earth and what can I contribute?” he asks. Rusty Nail Leather is not just a small local business. Rather, it is a way of life, a constant ebb and flow of the earth’s waves of energy, and responding in ways that make our community a more deliberate, impact-conscious place to be.
Prior to starting this business in March of this year, Vinny’s work life was a constant drain on his creativity. Shortly after Rusty Nail Leather launched and the pandemic began to grow as a threat, Vinny took the big leap into artisanship and became a small business owner full-time. Now, instead of his creativity being perpetually suppressed, the sky's the limit in terms of ideas he can explore with leather.
And it is not just his ideas that drive innovation in the making process. He does quite a bit of commission work in which the client has the opportunity to brainstorm with him. Through these meetings of the minds, new ideas and aspects of creativity that hadn’t yet been tapped into start to emerge. “I just got done making a custom tool belt for a scaffold worker,” says Vinny. And while
The smell of leather in its natural state is beautiful. Fresh leather can be smelled from far away, and different climates affect hides differently. The warm South Texas air creates a fine, elegant smoothness in the smell and the texture.
one may have an idea of how a traditional tool belt looks, the unique part of this commission was the tiny nuances that were woven into the design that were specific to working on elevated machinery and high-risk job sites.
To that point, Vinny explained how he is able to draw inspiration from just about everything around him. Everything is art and everything has a purpose.
“I always have a journal with me,” he says – a place to jot down ideas and sketches while he’s on the go.
Starting Rusty Nail Leather proved to Vinny that he wanted to be a full-time leather maker. In a sense, this coming into his own was part of him knowing his self-worth and seeing a bigger, truer life experience for himself. Having a partner who is always pushing him, he said, is validation and motivation too. “Amanda has
pushed me to become more social media savvy,” says Vinny. He is a self-proclaimed “laid back dude” and doesn’t naturally gravitate towards social media, even for personal usage. But for the purpose of building the brand and getting more involved in the community of makers, he has embraced social media and continues to grow his presence digitally.
No matter how integrated the business gets on the web, Vinny stands by his unfussed way of life by remembering to slow down and focus on what’s in front of him. “We’ve started to do a 24-hour shutdown – no screens – to relax, eat good food, and connect with the outdoors,” he says. The intentionality of remaining grounded can be seen in all facets of Vinny’s world. It is what makes Rusty Nail Leather a brand you want to invite into your home – your life – and allow its glory to march on endlessly for generations to come.
@RUSTY_NAIL_LEATHER
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
FOLLOW THESE FIVE STEPS EVERY TIME
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
ABOUT PETER C. NEFF
Dr. Neff was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas and attended Mary Carroll High School. After completing his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University - College Station, he earned his medical degree at the University of Texas – Houston Medical School. Dr. Neff then completed his Orthopaedic surgery residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York where he helped care for the athletes at the Division | college of the same name.
After residency, Dr. Neff completed an arthroscopy and sports medicine fellowship at Taos Orthopaedic Institute in Taos, New Mexico. While in Taos, he served as acting team physician for the United States ski team and New Mexico Highlands University athletics. Dr. Neff traveled as team physician with the U.S. women’s ski team for a World Cup event in Solden, Austria. The team included multiple gold medalist winner Mikaela Shiffrin.
Dr. Neff has staff privileges at most medical facilities in Corpus Christi including South Texas Surgical Hospital, Christus Spohn South hospital, Doctor’s
EDUCATION
UNDERGRADUATE:
Texas A&M University - College Station, College Station, TX
MEDICAL:
University of Texas, Houston, TX
TRAINING
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY RESIDENCY: Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York
ARTHROSCOPY & SPORT MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP: Taos Orthopaedic Institute, Taos, New Mexico
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Arthroscopy Association of North America
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
TEAM AFFILIATIONS
Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University in Kingsville
HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
South Texas Surgical Hospital
Christus Spohn South Hospital
Doctor’s Regional Medical Center Bay Area Hospital
Regional Medical Center, and Bay Area hospital. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Dr. Neff will also serve as a team physician for athletics at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi and Texas A&M – Kingsville, and local high schools/athletics throughout South Texas.
In his spare time, Dr. Neff enjoys staying active at the gym, hiking/running, kayaking, fishing, playing guitar, the beach, and all sports especially baseball and surfing. Dr. Neff looks forward to living back home in Corpus Christi, Texas and taking care of the people of South Texas.
Now accepting patients, Please call 361-883-2000 to schedule with Dr. Neff
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BEST GRANNY KNOWS
One recipe, three generationS, and a whole lot of tamales
BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RACHEL
BENAVIDES
Melissa Martinez’s first memory of tamales is perhaps similar to most. Sitting inside the Leopard location of Granny’s Tamales, she takes me back in time to her grandmother’s kitchen. The entire family is seated around a table, each with their own role in the tedious process of making these (eventually) delicious creations. “I remember walking in and sticking my hand in the meat bowl to eat it,” she says of her first taste of the traditional meal as a child. “I yelled ‘ew’ and my grandma laughed because they obviously weren’t done.” An ironic first step in what would be a lifetime of tamale making.
In 1996, Juanita Gonzalez, the original granny, opened Granny’s Tamales with a hot check. She knew the potential her tamales had, and by the time the man from the bank came to ask for the money, she’d already made it back. She believed in her product – the passion she had for it overcame any of the fears attached to starting a business. And so, a legacy was born. One she could pass down to her family, generation after generation, and feed the masses in the process.
Juanita knew in order to spread the word about Granny’s, she first had to get people to try her tamales. All it takes, she thought, was one bite. She went from office buildings to hair salons to shopping centers asking if people wanted a taste. Juanita understood that bringing her product directly to hungry workers would ensure more customers. “If she could just get them to taste one bite, she knew they’d be hooked,” says Martinez, Juanita’s granddaughter and the official “granny in training.”
Another reason for this tactic was to bring tamales to people’s minds outside of the November and December months.
“People don’t think about tamales year-round, like we do. She knew she had to bring the tamales to them. Because when you’re working and you’re hungry and don’t know what you’re going to eat for lunch, Granny’s Tamales would walk in and be there to help,” Martinez says.
Martinez’s mother Olga Gonzalez, the current owner of the Leopard location and Juanita’s daughter-in-law, chimes in.
“She would walk into an office in March with tamales and people
would be confused. I think that helped push the idea to people that it doesn’t have to be a holiday for you to eat tamales.”
The three of us are now sitting behind the counter at the shop. They’re still open for another hour or so, and Olga pops up from her stool to help the cars in the drive thru. To our left, there is a small gallery wall of sorts, consisting of various awards they’ve won, a small sign that reads “enjoy the little things,” two miniature sombreros, and a framed photo of Juanita and her husband Ro berto Gonzalez. Throughout our interview, I catch Martinez and
Granny’s Top Tip: Juanita Gonzalez’s main rule states that when you unfold the tamale, it should slip right out of the hojas. If it sticks, figure out where you went wrong and try again.
Olga simultaneously look to the hanging portrait when answering questions and sharing memories. You can feel Juanita’s presence in the room. Even after her passing in 2008 – 11 years this month – Juanita is at the heart of everything Granny’s Tamales does.
While Juanita’s original recipe remains the cornerstone of Granny’s Tamales, things certainly look a whole lot different than they did when she started driving that first van around town. In the beginning, Granny’s had one hand-cranked machine and a couple of pots, allowing her to produce about 20 dozen tamales an hour. There was an assembly line of workers with assigned roles to set, roll, and pack. Her famous pork and beef combination (something people weren’t quite sure of at the time), chicken, and bean were the only three flavors.
Today, Granny’s well-oiled production process makes a little over 100 dozen tamales an hour in 12 different varieties. “Thank god someone created these machines,” Martinez says with a laugh as she points to the back room where the
“It’s
a lot of hard work. But, I saw my grandma open her first location. I sat in the chair she sat in for 20 years until she passed away. I felt the love she put into each tamale, and we’ll continue to do just that – exactly how she would have wanted.”
magic actually happens. “This is a really big process. From the meat to the rolling to the packing, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty and be efficient.” And although the menu has grown since Juanita’s time, the way the masa is made will never change.
Before her passing, anyone in the family wanting to be in the business was required to train under Juanita. Her blessing was required. There was a legacy to uphold and Juanita knew that, even from the very beginning. Martinez lovingly refers to her grandma’s recipe and rules as “their bible.” When I ask why they’ve kept both the recipe and operations the same all these years she says, “because she is the one who trialed and errored for a long time to make sure everything was perfect.” She goes on to tell me Juanita’s unvarying rule: When you open the tamale, it should slip right out of the hojas. If it sticks, it’s no good.
Olga opened the location we’re currently sitting in 14 years ago, and Martinez will take it over once her mother decides to retire. Before she
DID YOU KNOW?
Granny's Tamales offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free Tamale options.
POPUlAR, UNIQUE FLAVORS
Olga's Favorite
Pork and Brisket Sweet Corn Bean Jalapeño Spinach, Cream Cheese with Chicken
Granny's Tamales has several locations in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas, as well as a fleet of mobile units that travel the Coastal Bend. Martinez's Favorite
READY TO SERVE
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made the leap to officially become a part of Granny’s, she owned her own cleaning business. Juanita gave her the push she needed to finally accept her tamale faith. When I ask both Martinez and Olga their favorite memories in the shop, Olga speaks of her time training under Juanita. “She was strict, but I learned so much from her,” she says.
And now, Juanita’s taste buds and attention to detail manifest through Olga. She’s the one testing and tasting to make sure the product comes out the way grandma would have wanted it. “I have the taste buds,” Olga says. “I know how it is supposed to be and I am here to make sure it gets done the way she would have done it.” Martinez adds, “She’s there to make sure every single dozen comes out properly – and if it doesn’t, we stop and figure out where we went wrong. We have a legacy to uphold.”
This legacy I keep referring to, it’s real. More than 20 years have passed since the inception of Granny’s Tamales and they remain a South Texas tamale pillar. With 10 mobiles, multiple
locations in the Coastal Bend, and a presence in Beeville, Sinton, Kingsville, San Antonio, Houston, and Juanita’s old stomping grounds of Walla Walla, Washington, there is no denying Granny’s success. While each location possesses its own personality and different varieties, Juanita can be found in each one.
We begin to talk about the legacy that is Granny’s Tamales and why it is so important to Martinez to take over this location once her mother retires. She explains how she’s seen tamale shops close down after the grandmother who started it passes. The new generation doesn’t find interest in taking over and the business slowly dies out. “Even just within the family, sometimes you’ll see that after the abuelitas pass, the recipes don’t get passed down and the tradition just fades out,” Martinez says. “So if your family isn’t making them and the shops aren’t making them, will this beautiful tradition just disappear? It can’t. We won’t let it.” When I ask what they think Juanita would say today if she could see how far Granny’s has
come since her passing, both Olga and Martinez pause. Spiritual or not, it feels as though Juanita’s loving and passionate presence is palpable in that moment. “My grandmother started this with blood, sweat, and tears,” Martinez answers. “As the years have gone on, we’ve advanced to new levels she could have never imagined. To see all of her kids and grandkids working together to continue her legacy, she’d be so proud.”
As for Granny’s secret ingredient – at least one they’re willing to share – it truly does come down to love. “We have a passion for tamales,” Martinez says. She turns towards her mom Olga and then glances back at Juanita’s portrait on the wall to our left. “It’s a lot of hard work. But, I saw my grandma open her first location. I sat in the chair she sat in for 20 years until she passed away. I felt the love she put into each tamale, and we’ll continue to do just that – exactly how she would have wanted.”
Olga Gonzalez and her daughter Melissa Martinez hold the portrait of the original granny, Juanita Gonzalez, and her husband Robert. This photo adorns the side of Granny’s fleet of mobiles and other locations – reminding everyone how this legacy started.
Looking for Christmas?
Lamentations and Light: A Blue Christmas Sunday, December 6th at 3pm*
The ancient practice of lament is simply about taking the time to create space. Space to remember, to listen, and just to breathe. Hosted by the Stephen Ministry of FUMC
Christmas Variations: A Festival of Carols with Symphonic Brass and Grammy Nominated Organ Virtuoso, Dr. Jan Kraybill Sunday, December 13th at 3pm*
A musical event designed for this holiday season, finishing a year where so much seems disjointed and strange. Join us and affirm that we can choose HOPE and yes, even JOY in the midst of all circumstances. Presented with the Corpus Christi Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
A House Pet Nativity: A Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, December 20th at 3pm
This family-friendly outdoor event is part petting zoo and part nativity play with a blessing of your own family pets. Ox and ass . . . Dog and cat . . . Parakeet and hamster before Him bow! Bring your pet for blessing.
Christmas Eve Open Sanctuary: Doors are open, space is beautifully prepared, God’s Table is set Thursday, December 24th 8am - 4pm
Our newly rededicated and candlelit sanctuary will be open for you to come, walk, pray, commune, listen, and experience a truly socially distanced Christmas. This is a perfect time and place to snap your own seasonal family photographs. Featuring a new fabric art installation by Coastal Bend Artist, Dinah Bowman
Christmas Eve Worship Services*
5pm A Family Christmas and Impromptu Pageant Dress up and become part of the story! 7pm Festival of Lessons and Carols with organ, masked choir and guest soloist
9pm A Contemporary Christmas led by the Water Street Worship Band (Fellowship Hall) 11pm Still, Still, Still: A Contemplative Christmas with a ringing of the Tower Bells at midnight
*These events are available both in person and through live stream at www.ccfumc.com/onlineworship
** All events require Covid screening, social distancing, and face masks.
First United Methodist Church
900 S. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas (361) 884-0391
As a former professional makeup artist, Katie Urban knows a thing or two about beauty secrets. From keeping her energy in check to concealer she’s sworn by for 20 years, Urban is dishing her inside tips. What’s Inside
Good Clean Eats
HEALTHIER HOLIDAY EATING WITH ISLAND MARKET SMOOTHIES AND JUICE BAR’S ORGANIC AND FRESH MENU
BY: ALEXIS HARBORTH PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES
There are pieces of Hawaii and Tahiti right here in South Texas. Island Market Smoothies and Juice Bar is a healthy hotspot run by husband and wife Morgan and Brittany Faulkner. The idea to open it came to them years ago, as the couple, who surfs around the entire world, decided to share tasty discoveries with the Coastal Bend.
“We were always attracted to smoothies and fresh options to keep our bodies powered,” Morgan Faulkner says. “The North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii is an epicenter for surfing, and we’ve been traveling there for that, but the food is something really special. It’s inspiring and interesting.”
Worldly culinary influences spurred them to open a smoothie and juice bar in Port Aransas. “We wanted to start our smoothie shop to give those healthy, fresh options. A lot of the recipes are foods we experienced during all of our travels, from Hawaii to Tahiti to Mexico to California – all over. All our favorite things from our travels, under one roof.”
Each menu item captures the essence of its origin. Take the Maui Mango Smoothie Bowl, for instance, which is made with acai, mango, strawberry, honey, and much more. The Licuado Escondido fruit smoothie is created with avocado, milk, strawberry, and banana. The authentic recipes are all unique and healthy.
“Another Hawaiian inspiration is our poke bowls,” Faulkner explains. “It’s very traditional: fish, rice, the marinade that we make. That’s the whole idea of poke in Hawaii; the simplicity.”
Throughout the summer of 2020, they utilized contact-free ways to pick up foods. A window at the front of the shop makes for easy pickup of your next obsession. Island Market will be celebrating its 5-year anniversary in 2021.
Freshness is a key ingredient for their menu. “In Tahiti, they’re working with the fresh ingredients that they have. What’s in season is what’s available,” says Faulkner. “Mexico is another big inspiration. When you go to Mexico, dishes are made with fresh, whole food and local ingredients.”
They bring in as many organic products as possible. In fact, about half of what they serve is organic. And 100 percent of their products are fresh and critically chosen.
“Every single item is hand-selected,” Faulkner says. “Every piece of fruit, veggie, and fish is hand-selected and chosen for its quality and freshness. Everything we get is high quality, and that has a big impact on the flavors and overall experience.”
The holidays are an especially difficult time to keep up with diet and fitness routines, but thanks to Island Market, it can be easier this year.
“During the holidays, there’s a lot of homecooked meals, but there’s also a lot of junk food,” says Faulkner. That’s why having a smoothie or bowl to replace an unhealthy snack or fast food trip is healthy, and helpful for maintaining diet goals during weeks that are often filled with cookies and chocolate. Their bowls aren’t just filling and good for your body; they’re also delicious, making them fan favorites.
“The smoothie bowls are definitely some of the most popular items on the menu,” Faulkner says. “Those are thicker blended smoothies on top of fresh fruit and granola, and you eat it with a spoon. It was a big inspiration for Island Market because they’re the perfect meal in between surfing.”
When you visit, each item is handcrafted, giving you fuel to feel good about. “Everything is made fresh-to-order, and with whole food ingredients.”
Enjoy a healthy creation with every sip or bite right here in South Texas. Treat yourself to a vacation in a bowl, cup, or plate at Island Market.
Contact: 614 S Gulf St, Port Aransas, TX islandmarkettx.com
WELLNESS TIPS go-to KATIE URBAN'S
FOR KATIE URBAN, SELF-CARE TAKES MANY FORMS TO ENHANCE BOTH INNER AND OUTER BEAUTY
BY: KATIE URBAN PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES
I am the wife to an irreplaceable man and the mother of four creative, brave, intelligent, and strong young ladies. These days, I am a very busy being the CHO (Chief Home Officer) to my lovely family. Before I took this position, I was a professional makeup artist and successful manager to a large sales team.
Since 1997, I have loved helping women not only look but feel their best; bringing out their inner light to shine and teaching them how to create a flawless finish with a youthful glow. When a woman looks in the mirror and loves what she sees, it ignites a feeling in her heart and mind that she carries with her everywhere she goes. It is contagious to everyone she reaches, and they just cannot help but feel the same way. To me, beauty shines from deep within and it is important to take care of yourself to shine your brightest – inner beauty shines brighter than the brightest star in the sky.
There are a few self-care practices I like to implement on a regular basis that have nothing to do with an actual beauty product. Prayer is a big one. We all have challenges throughout our lives, but it is by the grace of God that I have this beautiful life. It is important to me to remember that. I make sure I have my energy flowing so I can think clearly and calmly. To make this happen I do an energy exercise called Donna Eden’s Daily Energy Routine, which you can find on YouTube. She is a little corny at first, but once you do it for a while, you will just love her. Playing music that makes me want to get up and dance, keeping my selftalk in check and choosing the words I say to myself wisely (create mantras for yourself and repeat them daily!), tapping my troubles away with an app called The Tapping Solution, and smiling every chance I get. These are all ways I keep my well-being in mind and put myself first.
When it comes to actual beauty products, I feel it is important to educate yourself on ingredients. Our skin is our largest organ, and it works like a sponge, soaking up everything we put on it. When it comes to skincare and makeup, I am like a kid in a candy store, but I’ve narrowed down my favorites to a few top products for you here.
CounterTime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil
This stuff lasts forever! It cleans the skin without stripping it and breaks down makeup easily. Cleansing oils are a little different than traditional cleansers because you apply them to the face first and then add water. I like to use a facial sponge with mine.
Available at beautycounter.com/katieurban
Appearus Compressed Facial Sponge
These are great for a gentle exfoliation every day and do an amazing job with the cleaning process. Clean, exfoliated skin equals minimal pores. Who would not want tiny pores? I use one sponge a week.
Available at appearus.com
Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Put dullness to bed and wake up with glowing skin! This leave-on peel contains AHA/BHAs that improve your skin texture and boost its clarity without irritation or over-drying. I apply it 3 nights a week after I tone my skin then continue with routine. It is a gamechanger.
Available at beautycounter.com/katieurban
Counter+ No.2 Plumping Face Oil
I love this face oil! Smoother, softer, and firmer skin that smells like a jasmine dream … yes, please!
Available at beautycounter com/katieurban
Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
I have always felt it was important to have a good neck cream, but now in my 40s, I know it’s vital. I like it so much I always have a backup, so I never have to miss a night of using it. Goodbye, crepey skin, fine lines, and wrinkles … hello, tighter, smoother neck.
Available at Vibrant Med Spa
Skin Twin Creamy Concealer
This is a new product, and I am so lovin’ it. It gives great coverage and creates a brighterlooking complexion. It is buildable without looking layered-on and heavy.
Available at beautycounter.com/katieurban
Secret Camouflage
Sugar
I have been using this face concealer for more than 20 years and it is still the best one around. I do not recommend under the eyes – it will crease – but it is perfect for imperfections on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It will cover anything. I recommend putting it on over foundation/tinted moisturizer with the secret camo brush and setting it with powder for optimal results.
Available at Laura Mercier
Surratt Eyebrow Pencil
This brow pencil has been rocking my world since last December, and I am so glad it found me. It goes on smooth, stays on all day, looks natural and does not smear. Easy to use with its tiny tip that allows you to define your brows with a hair-by-hair precision. Bonus: They put a brush on the other end to lightly blend the product.
Available at Surratt Beauty
Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner
Intense liner with no smudges. I recommend using black, and I teach my clients how to create a tightline by applying your liner underneath the root of the upper lashline and wiggling the liner pencil between the individual lashes. Reapply to add intensity. This will create a fuller-looking lash and define the eyes without looking like you are wearing liner. Step one of sexy eyes.
Available at Thrive Causemetics
Surratt Eyelash Curler
This curler gives you a strong bend that looks natural. It is the perfect amount of curl, and the last thing I do in my makeup routine. Use it once your lashes have completely dried – and make sure your curler has no residue from previous days or it will stick. Believe me, you do not want that. The no-lash look is not a good look.
Available at Surratt Beauty
It makes the best exfoliator you will ever use; your skin will thank you. Not only will it glow like it never has, it will give your skin the ability to better absorb your skincare. Light reflects best off a smooth surface. So, bring on the sugar. Mix a tablespoon with your cleanser and exfoliate away. I like to keep some in my shower in an airtight container. It's great for your body, too.
Pixie Plump Face Sheets
Every time I use one of these, I am guaranteed a compliment on my skin from a total stranger. They are easy to use and have a ton of extra serum in the packet, so I use it daily till it’s gone. Cheers to plump skin!
Available at Target
Kate McLeod Body Stone
This is a solid body cream, and I am addicted thanks to my friend Tricia. My skin felt amazing! I used hers once and immediately ordered it. It provides the perfect amount of moisture. My favorite scent is the rose, frankincense, and neroli blend. It makes me feel so feminine.
Available at Kate McLeod
Morpheus8
So, skincare is helpful and effective, but skincare alone does not cut it; I am so grateful for modern technology. Every year, our natural aging process slows down cell rejuvenation and our body produces less and less collagen. Kickstart the anti-aging process by using this safe and effective, minimally invasive, RF Microneedling solution for collagen remodeling. It helps tighten aging skin as well as repair damaged tissue. This is the key to youthful skin! It can be used anywhere on the body. For me, my top priority was face, neck and décolleté. I have noticed a huge difference in my elasticity and my skin feels so good. Once optimal firmness is achieved, which is usually reached after 3 treatments, a once-ayear maintenance treatment is recommended.
Available at Vibrant Med Spa
HOME & GARDEN
Locals Kathy and Bill McCord’s gorgeous 1950s abode features modernized touches thanks to their collaborative work with designer and artist Rita Bryant. Neutral shades with pops of color, gorgeous art, and unique accessories bring this home to life.
MASTERS OF
MID MOD
LOCAL COUPLE MODERNIZES THEIR '50S HOME WHILE PRESERVING THE AUTHENTICITY OF ITS CLASSIC DESIGN
BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ
PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE
Among the graceful tree-lined streets near the Ocean Drive and Santa Fe area sits a mid-century modern gem, owned by Kathy and Bill McCord for the last 28 years. One of the features the McCords love about their neighborhood is the tall, cascading trees that highlight the lush green lots, which offer a serene view of the water without being situated directly on Ocean Drive. The curbside appeal and lush aesthetic, coupled with the quiet neighborhood, made for the perfect place to live.
Built in the 1950s, their spacious home features clean, minimalist lines and an admirable design, but they sought to modernize the interior while continuing to preserve its mid-century aesthetic. To achieve their design goals, the McCords hired interior designer and local artist Rita Bryant. Bryant carefully selected a color palette consisting of neutral shades, along with pops of blue, rust, and turquoise from which to work. Once they established their color choices, Bryant began to compile design ideas to modernize the interior and strengthen the home’s existing character. Luckily, Bryant has a talent for finding exactly what her clients are looking for, and Kathy and Bill were on board with her choices.
Mid-century design is known for its clean lines and simple aesthetic, and the preservation of the beautiful wood walls and flooring, along with the addition of a few white walls, brighten this space beautifully. The juxtaposition of the white and the wood made the perfect backdrop for the pops of color Rita and Kathy obtained through décor and accessories, like the handblown glass flowers above the television and entertainment center that add a colorful and playful touch to the neutral-colored area.
The wooden dining room table and glass vases also lend to this classic look, while the red florals offer an elegant, colorful accent. The proximity of this
table to the open windows provides a view of the sun-kissed landscape, offering the perfect space for a relaxing meal.
Bryant used her artistic talents to create unique touches for the walls. In the entryway, four mirrors were arranged atop a marble floating shelf, making an artistic statement, and an eye-catching piece for visitors. The McCords also wanted more artwork and felt that Bryant’s artistic talents were perfect to achieve this goal, so they commissioned special pieces from her. Bryant’s diptych paintings sit above the couch, and the vibrant artwork harmonizes with the calming aesthetic of the home, while adding personality into the space.
Create height and dimension with stand out centerpieces. The addi- tion of slim, oblong shaped clear glass vases with delicate stems of orange and red flowers allow for an eye catching focal point in the dining room.
The artwork in the McCord home was custom-made by local artist Rita Bryant, an accomplished artist who has been designing residential and commercial interiors in the Coastal Bend and beyond for decades, and her work hangs in homes and businesses across the state.
A geometric coffee table in the living room offers a clean and appealing complement to the couches and armchairs – like many of the furniture choices obtained from Chic to Chic, it’s an ideal addition to preserve this aesthetic while adding a tinge of modernism. Another example is the floor-to-ceiling shelving unit, which offers a space to showcase accessories that add character to the area. Kathy loves accessories, and she chose a single candleholder, featuring three women holding hands behind their back, as a centerpiece.
Each Coastal Bend home should have an outdoor area to reconnect with nature and unwind while enjoying the fresh air, and the windows in the living area offer a pleasing view of the outdoors, integrating nature as a dynamic part of the living environment.
Rather than saturating the backyard with furniture, Kathy and Bill chose to create a relaxing environment through lush landscaping and florals purchased at Gill Nursery. The large flower bed, giant vase blooming with philodendron, and a water-filled urn sitting on the patio create an inviting garden space, and the perfect view from indoors, while the windows invite natural light through the entire home.
With fresh design updates that retain the mid-century modern aesthetic, this home’s classic style will endure for decades more.
Finally, It’s Fall…. At least the South Texas version of it! We’ve all survived the dog days of summer and can now look forward to those cooler months ahead. It’s time to get outside and enjoy all the “Great Outdoors” that the Coastal Bend has to offer.
And, one of the major benefits of living in a Braselton Home, in a Braselton Neighborhood, is the access to the Great Outdoors. From your home’s outdoor patio to your Neighborhood’s Common Areas and Open Spaces, we plan and design homes with the act of enjoying the outdoors in mind. Whether it’s walking, hiking, or biking the neighborhood’s sidewalks and trails, taking the kids to a nearby community park and playground, or just enjoying views of local nature, we strive to add value to your living experience.
Our Rancho Vista neighborhood, Corpus Christi’s only master-planned new home community, features a 1 ½ acre central park, with a large kid’s playground sandwiched between our 2 community lakes. With a beautiful front entry, Rancho Vista’s landscaped boulevards feed into its walking path and park trail system. That system winds throughout the neighborhood, eventually connecting to large city parks on Oso Creek and Bill Witt Park. Rancho Vista provides not only beautiful vistas, but also a great way to enjoy Mother Nature.
As you can see, in Braselton Communities we’ve placed a great deal of emphasis on beautiful, shared outdoor spaces, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, in order to turn a neighborhood into a community,
neighbors should spend time interacting with each other; our parks, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, and nature walks give our homeowners the space to do just that. Whether it’s taking the kids for a bike ride or the dog for a walk, being out in your community makes it easy to love where you live. Shared outdoor space is also great for our homeowners – allowing you to enjoy the parks and landscaped outdoor spaces without the challenge of maintaining them. This makes it much easier to enjoy our outdoors.
Creative design and planning have led to beautiful and effective design both in the home and in the surrounding neighborhood. My family has spent decades touring some of the best communities in the country in order to find the key aspects of master-planned communities that would work best for our hometown. Access to beautiful parks, trails, play areas and water features are integral parts of that special outdoor landscape help turn a subdivision into a community.
We would love to have you visit us at a Braselton Neighborhood yourself and see the homes we have to offer. We have furnished Model Homes, all around the Corpus Christi Bay Area. Whether you’re looking for a house in the $180s or the $460s, we have a Braselton Home for you. For more information and directions, please visit us at Braseltonhomes.com.
It’s a great time of the year to get outside, so I hope to...
See you in the Neighborhood, Bart Braselton
Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent. Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency. And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’ s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine. Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend Green Built Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation. Braselton and his wife, Michelle, have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the ECF Community Center, and the Food Bank.
BART BRASELTON
GROWING UP
Prepare the bed by tilling thoroughly and dressing with several inches of compost. Parsnips require rich, well-drained, loosened soil. Clay-rich or rocky soils cause stunted growth. Plant in early December so parsnips receive a month of cold weather to germinate, and with luck, get a frost in January. Keep the soil moist until parsnips sprout. Parsnips can’t be planted on their own or weeds will take over the bed; they must be companion planted.
PROFILING
Companion plant parsnips with carrots and radishes. Mix parsnip, carrot, and radish seeds (one-third each) into a bowl of clean, fine sand. Hand broadcast the seed-and-sand mixture evenly across entire garden bed. Gently rake the seeds into the soil. Radishes mature in 30 days; harvest radishes to thin the bed for the carrots. Carrots mature in 70 days. Pull the carrots to make room for the parsnips, which mature in 120 days. This method minimizes weeding and maximizes garden space.
A Cold-Weather VeggieTreat
A SWEET TOOTH FOR PARSNIPS
BY: JUSTIN BUTTS
The parsnip, a cold-weather root vegetable in the carrot family, has nut-colored skin, a large, bushy top, and a distinctly sweet flavor. The green tops are wonderful in a sauté, and the roots are perfect for roasting or in soups
Parsnips are more difficult to grow than carrots. First, parsnips require three long weeks to germinate. Second, the temperature must be cold (between 50F to 70F) throughout that period for the seeds to sprout. The soil must be kept moist during that time. Finally, parsnips require a little frost to develop their trademark sweetness.
The Roman emperor Tiberius loved parsnips, but like us here on the coast, he lived in a hot, dry land – which did not produce exceptional parsnips. According to Pliny the Elder, Tiberius preferred the sweeter roots grown in the gloomy forests of Gelduba, a city on the Rhine in Germania, and ordered its people to pay their taxes in
Tiberius was the Roman emperor during the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. When Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,” that included parsnips – at least, if you were a citizen of Gelduba.
The Romans carried the cultivation of parsnips northward to the island of Britannia. Parsnips grew beautifully in the damp, cool weather of England. By the Middle Ages, parsnips were common fare on the tables of rich and poor alike. Wealthy lords even fed parsnips to their pigs to flavor the pork, and to their cows to sweeten the milk.
English merchants carried parsnip seeds to every corner of the world, from America to India to Asia, and the roots flourished in every land with cold, wet climates. That weather is not the norm in the Coastal Bend, even during winter. However, by planting in December with the right companion plants, you can grow your own lovely parsnips right here in The Bend.
LOCAL RECS
The changing of seasons is one of the most delicious things in life. Colder months bring earthy root vegetables and a proper roast dinner isn’t complete without parsnips. Simply roast them until caramelized to bring out the sweetness, then finish with a knob of butter, sea salt and cracked pepper.
- Karey Swartwout, Glow @glowrockport
FUN FACTS
The Pilgrims brought parsnip seeds to the New World on the Mayflower. Parsnips were used in early America, along with pumpkins and walnuts, to make beer – which was vital to the health of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, because drinking fresh water (a vector for many diseases) could be deadly. Pilgrims drank plenty of parsnip beer at the first Thanksgiving. Parsnip beer was standard fare in New England for many years until barley crops could be established.
Distinctive Landscapes Start Here...
Landscape Design & Installation, Stonework & Hardscapes, Outdoor Kitchens, Poolscapes & Patios, Sprinkler Systems & Drainage Systems, Nursery, Stone & Boulder
Call for your free consultation: (361) 528-2759
160 U.S. Highway 181 West Taft, TX 78390 www.mcnameelandscapesandnursery.com
Landscape Design & Installation, Stonework & Hardscapes, Outdoor Kitchens, Poolscapes & Patios, Sprinkler Systems & Drainage Systems, Nursery, Stone & Boulder Yard At McNamee, our business is all about the
AVERY MERRY TREE
BY:
JO ANNE HOWELL
PHOTOS BY:
Deciding on a Christmas tree theme is a yearly treat. The direction I end up going in usually revolves around whatever color palette I’m into at that time. For Christmases past, I’ve often opted for multi-colored lights, but this year I broke my tradition.
My design eye has been zeroed in on neutral colors as of late, especially in florals. So, I wanted to incorporate that into my holiday décor this year. With a clean palette provided by a snow-flocked tree, additions of bleached ruscus and
VERSATILITY IN HOLIDAY BEAUTY
•
Step outside your comfort zone! A holiday tree is temporary and you can switch the decor year to year.
•
Make sure your lights complement the color of your tree! Whether you opt for the traditional green or a bold color, purchasing the right color of strands is important to blend in effortlessly.
•
If you plan on going with an artificial tree, invest in a good one! This seasonal staple can last for years if you purchase one of great quality.
•
leather leaves bring the artificial tree to life.
Continuing with the neutral color palette of gold and white, the ornament and accessory layering begins! Start with your largest pieces first to create focal points, and then work your way down the tree. Your smaller pieces will be used to fill in the gaps. Make sure to stand back every so often to check your progress and balance. Add those finishing touches and voila: the picture-perfect tree.
Fluffing and shaping branches are musts when it comes to an artificial tree. This helps your tree look fuller and more natural. Although this can be timeconsuming, it’s well worth it.
“Making
Gabriel Lopez, M.D.
Gabriel Lopez, M.D.
Gabriel Lopez, M.D.
Board
Board Certified in Pain Medicine
Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine
Rudy Garza, M.D.
Rudy Garza, M.D.
Are you suffering from Chronic Pain?
Are you suffering from Chronic Pain?
Dr. Lopez may be able to help.
Dr. Lopez may be able to help.
Board Eligible in Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine
Board Eligible in Pain Medicine Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine
• Treatment options include injections that reduce or alleviate pain and/or a variety of pain relieving medications
• Treatment options include injections that reduce or alleviate pain and/or a variety of pain relieving medications
* Treating all types of chronic pain
* Treating all types of chronic pain
* Most insurances accepted
* Most insurances accepted
• Treating all types of chronic pain including, but not limited to back, neck, joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain.
• Treating all types of chronic pain including, but not limited to back, neck, joint, muscle, leg, arm, hip, knee, pelvic, abdominal, headache, shingles and diabetic pain.
* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish
* Both Drs. are fluent in Spanish
SPID Corpus Christi, TX 78415
• Accepting new patients by self or physician referral depending on insurance.
• Accepting new patients by self or physician referral depending on insurance.
TX 78415
Located bet ween Kostor yz & Weber)
Located bet ween Kostor yz & Weber) www.ccpainmed.com | “Se Habla Español”
• Accepting Medicare, Spohn, Humana, BCBS, Humana Gold, Cigna, Tricare, Aetna, United Health Care, BCBS Blue Advantage, Workers Comp insurance and Christus Health Silver.
• Accepting Medicare, Spohn, Humana, BCBS, Humana Gold, Cigna, Tricare, Aetna, United Health Care, BCBS Blue Advantage, Workers Comp insurance and Christus Health Silver.
Specializing in Interventional Pain | Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine
Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology
3825 SPID Corpus Christi, Tx 78415 (Located between Kostoryz & Weber) 361.225.0089 • www.ccpainmed.com • “Se Habla Español”
Specializing in Interventional Pain | Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology 3825 SPID Corpus Christi, Tx 78415 (Located between Kostoryz & Weber) 361.225.0089 • www.ccpainmed.com • “Se Habla Español”
Inspired by her passion for African art and histories, Evelyn Cooper brought her store Lott's of Art to life in 1994. The local shop features international works of art fused with contemporary style and flair.
A STITCH IN TIME
THE JOLLY KNOT CLUB’S EMBROIDERED TREASURES
BY: JOSH MAXWELL PHOTOS COURETSY OF: JOLLY KNOT CLUB
We all have that one favorite piece of clothing we hold dear to our hearts. Whether it be a passed-down piece of jewelry or a washed-out baseball cap from your childhood, it probably means something special to you. That energy defines the Jolly Knot Club when it comes to making their custom embroidered pieces. Amazing artists Christine Cantella and Jo Roderick have made it their mission to spread love and creativity one stitch at a time.
A simple stitch is exactly how The Jolly Knot Club came to be in the first place. Cantella’s inspirations are rooted in her love and respect of her family. “My dad was in the navy back in the late ’60s, and somehow I got a hold of his old blue vintage navy shirt that had his name stenciled on it,” she says when discussing how she became passionate about embroidery. Her love for the craft only grew from there.
When looking at a piece from the Jolly Knot Club, one can't help but see the hints of nostalgia and pop culture being poured into each stitch. Cantella and Roderick both have always admired pop culture and continuously find ways to incorporate it into their work. “We’ve [done] a Biggie Smalls shirt, a Willie Nelson shirt, and we've done a shirt inspired by Texas wildlife,” Cantella says. Inspiration comes in many forms for these two artists, needle and thread in hand.
Even with COVID-19, Cantella and Roderick still find ways to safely and creatively express their artistic passions. Like many creatives during this time in history, spending more time at home has allowed their creative process to deepen and expand in new ways. “It has certainly given us more time to physically do the work,” Roderick says. Using the new-found downtime to pour even more into their art and business has proved useful for The Jolly Knot Club creators.
The pair are currently residing in London (they normally spilt their time between Fulton, Texas and London), where they plan to stay until the pandemic is more under control. However, that only means they have more time to find new inspiration for their work.
Working from home is difficult for some, but for the Jolly Knot Club, it may have been the perfect ingredient to help their creative process. “We've had quite a bit of time to sit here and think, sew, and discuss, and listen to a lot of music,” Roderick says with a bit of a laugh when discussing how the pandemic has sparked their creativity in the past few months.
While many might look at The Jolly Knot Club’s work and see extravagant detail and long work nights, Cantella sees something very different. Referring to the artistic process both women use to design their pieces, she says, “You get inspired by what you've seen or heard, and that's what you think about when you're drawing the design out on paper, and then you just transfer it over.”
Many of the pieces Roderick and Cantella have made have been pure fun. Paying tribute to and pulling from various inspirations in life, these two artists always put a little piece of themselves inside their work. “The inspiration is everywhere around us when you think about it. We have a huge film and music library and we often just feel knocked out by a line in a song one day,” Roderick says.
No matter what the client is asking for, care and intention goes into all their work. The individuality of their custom creations make for a piece to cherish. “We want people to feel excited they have something very special and individual to them,” Roderick says.
Whether in Texas or London, Roderick and Cantella always make it a priority to provide beautiful and decorative pieces to all who wear them. Their dedication to embroidery is one that goes deeper than the needle they thread with. You can guarantee any piece you order from these artistic women will become a statement piece you will keep for a lifetime.
Contact:
@thejollyknotclub | thejollyknotclub.com
THREADS OF AFRICA
LOTT'S OF ART OFFERS INTERNATIONAL COMMODITIES FUSED WITH CONTEMPORARY STYLE
BY: JESSIE CHROBOCINSKI PHOTOS BY: AARON GARCIA
Created by a passion for African-inspired art, Lott's of Art offers the Coastal Bend access to international commodities fused with global textiles and contemporary style. From African couture to accessories, gifts, home furnishings, and art, retail shop owner Evelyn Cooper prides herself on the inspiring fashion and products Lott's of Art offers.
Cooper lived in Dallas when she discovered an art gallery specializing in high-quality African-American art of all forms – from print and paintings to collectible items. At the heart of Cooper’s experience was the platform for showcasing and marketing African-inspired designs to the world.
"I just loved going there so much. I thought, ‘One of these days, when I retire, this is what I would like to do.’ I just loved going there, and I loved the atmosphere," says Cooper. "When I did retire, I moved back to Corpus Christi, where I was born and raised. I had no idea where to get anything, so I talked to the gallery owner in Houston. She gave me a trade magazine and said, 'Everything you want to know about this business, you'll find in this magazine.' So I started studying and asking questions."
That magazine would soon connect Cooper with different trade shows and artists around the country. After building a foundation for her passion, she stepped out on her own.
In 1994, the 900-square-foot retail space within Sunrise Mall became Lott's of Art's home until 2004. Solely carrying African art, Lott's of Art also contributed to the community with enlightening events for holidays and commemorative observances, including Black History Month, Kwanzaa, Women's History Month, and more. As the mall landscape began to change, Evelyn decided to shift the business's focus to clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Looking for a way to shop local this holiday season? Visit Evelyn and her selection of goods at the store or catch her at the annual YWCA Yuletide Market on December 4th from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Whether you’re looking for a happy
hour spot with a view or a nightcap after a fun day at the beach, look no
further than Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. From craft cocktails and casual fare at Topsider to poolside sips, we take refreshments to a new level.
"It was quite a journey. I enjoyed it tremendously. I brought many artists into Corpus Christi, people I met in different places, different trade shows, and festivals. [Lott's of Art] pretty much became a resource to the community. We held different successful events in the mall for schools and community organizations," Cooper says happily. "Although our current space isn't as large as the store we had in the mall, the shop continues to connect with the community."
The African-based retailer inspires customers with its bursting selection of vibrant, beautiful fashion. Breaking retail boundaries and sharing cultural events, Lott's of Art fuses eclectic African apparel and global awareness while offering a heady mix of ready-to-wear clothing for women and children. The chic selection of covetable accessories and decor make for the best unique gifts for those looking to stand out. Bold, colorful African skirts and infinity dresses interchangeable to be tied any which way are Lott's of Art’s top sellers, according to Cooper.
The globally inspired collections provide the best of year-round trends in art, fashion, and design, including abstract prints, bold colors, and uncommon materials such as African mud cloth. This holiday season, consider adding Lott's of Art to the list of places to shop local.
Contact: 517 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX @LottsofArt
DAVID HILL JORGE ALEGRÍA CAROL KOUTNIK
A BLACK TIE NEW YEAR
BY: JO ANNE HOWELL
BY: HEIDI RAE PHOTOGRAPHY
Stay Entertained.
Guests were given sparklers just after midnight as a fun and on-theme activity to celebrate together. Other event activities included a fresh cigar station, a fashion sketch artist, a magician, a palm reader, and on-site t-shirt screen printing.
Black & White.
A black and white color palette set the scene for a chic New Year’s Eve dual debutante party. The floral centerpieces followed suit and dawned white florals accented with silver and gold painted greenery and pops of black. The vases were filled with mini disco balls to really finish off the look.
parting words
For Annie and Lucy’s debutante celebration, a sparkling New Year’s Eve party was planned. With the Art Museum of South Texas as the venue, the perfect vibes were already set. For this event, a black and white dress code was enforced, which made for an elegant affair. Hosting an event on New Year’s Eve is always a sure way to celebrate what was and what’s to come with your loved ones.
Hello, New Year.
Guests certainly danced the night away. The museum’s open gallery spaces make for the perfect dance floor and the live band kept everyone singing and dancing well into the New Year.
PHOTOS
Marketplace Guide
The best gifts are thoughtfully chosen and when you shop small they have an added benefit of building your local community. This year, we’ve partnered with some fantastic local shops and businesses for a Holiday Shopping Marketplace Guide. Take a stroll through the aisles of these local shops and you're gauranteed to find countless gift ideas, fit for anyone on your list. Whether you're looking for fashion, jewelry, home decor, or some much needed relaxation – these shops will help you this holiday season.
Happy Shopping!
JEWELS
WOMEN'S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
No need for buyer’s remorse at Jewels! Shop our collection of beautiful clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags and more! Whether you are shopping for the perfect gift for that discerning friend, or need an exquisite holiday outfit for yourself, you will find it at Jewels! Shop in store or online.
5830 MCARDLE, STE 9 CROSSROADS SHOPPING CENTER SHOPJEWELSCCTX.COM 361.991.7222
Your journey begins in a peaceful and relaxing environment…you will immerse your body, mind and spirit in all aspects of health and wellness. While you relax in a luxurious robe and comfortable sandals, you may enjoy a beverage while indulging in your choice of over 70 rejuvenating spa treatments. The distinctive Woodhouse standard goes beyond your expectations, providing outstanding facilities and treatment therapies with your overall health and wellness in mind. In today’s hectic lifestyle we often do not take time for ourselves, so RELAX CORPUS CHRISTI and let the first steps you take to the perfect balance of beauty, health and wellness, be the ones that bring you to the experience at The Woodhouse Day Spa.
At A. Kenney Jewelry we have a passion for jewelry. Our pieces are all unique and hand selected and our services are performed at the highest degree of expertise. Feature designer and Graduate Gemologist Ashley Kenney has traveled the world in search of the most intriguing pieces and amazing designers. Her passion for all things antique, coupled with her classic style, produces stunning original designs that are unmatched in their beauty. We pair her distinctive pieces with other recognized designers from around the world to bring you an incomparable selection of jewels and gifts.
3636 SOUTH ALAMEDA, STE I • AKENNEYJEWELRY.COM • 361.452.3059
For 44 years, Pilar has brought beautiful, intriguing, and one-of-a kind items from around the world to the Coastal Bend. At Pilar, you don’t just shop, you are offered a unique experience: a store filled with whimsical folk art, beautiful clothing and accessories, imported home accents, and shimmering jewelry. We feature local artisans as well as many from Mexico and Guatemala, and other points south of the border. When you walk in the door, you will be greeted with personal, genuine customer service and the perfect holiday gift just waiting to be discovered!
3814 SOUTH ALAMEDA @PILARLIFESTYLES • 361.853.7171 THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA DAY SPA
Opened in 2014 by Kelley Cortese and Rachel Massad, L&RK at the Dry Bar has everything you need from a full service salon to clothing, gifts and accessories. Our classic aesthetic paired with bright, edgy pops is what makes our style so much fun! We’re constantly on the hunt for fresh and emerging trends inspired by our frequent trips to LA, while still keeping some South Texas vibes. We strive to make L&RK better every day through customer service and finding specialty products you won’t find anywhere else. We absolutely adore our customers and are so grateful for their friendship and business!
6000 SOUTH STAPLES, STE410 • CORPUSCHRISTI.WOODHOUSEDAYSPA.COM 361.985.8488
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This December, cozy up to the Coffee Mugg’s seasonal drink menu. With magical spins on classic caffeinated beverages, drinks like The Finnegan and Buckbeak will become your new favorite delights.
CHRISTMAS COOKIES not your average
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, TRY YOUR HAND AT THIS TASTY TRIO OF TREATS
BY: JUSTIN & EMMA BUTTS PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES
Each year, the day before Christmas, all of our girls get into the kitchen with Kayla to make cookies for Santa Claus. Baking these Christmas Eve treats is one of their favorite holiday traditions. Madeleine, Emma, and Nati choose the types of cookies and work in the kitchen together making them in batches, with holiday music playing.
The little ones are very thoughtful about Santa and concerned for his well-being. “Santa needs a lot of energy to deliver toys to all the boys and girls,” said Emma, just now, over my shoulder. “We put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for his reindeer so they know we are thankful.”
“The cookies make his stomach big, but it gives joy to my heart!” added Madeleine, standing next to her. The babes know for sure Santa has visited because they see the missing cookies and carrots with bites taken out … and, of course, because of all the new presents under the tree.
“Last year, Mommy couldn’t believe that Santa ate all the cookies!” Emma said. “She kept saying, ‘I can’t believe Santa ate ALL the cookies! Literally, every single cookie!’ Dad kept laughing and saying they must have been good. It was so funny!”
Here is a new development this Christmas: Our six-yearold, Emma, is now an excellent reader. As I started writing this article, Emma joined me to read it over my shoulder – and we are now writing it together. This is new ground for both of us.
When the girls were smaller, we kept it simple with a batch of chocolate chip cookies. But as they have grown, their tastes and cooking skills have flourished with them. This year, we let them choose the varieties by selecting a few key ingredients as a starting point.
A bag of shredded coconut and some fresh limes became these lovely Key Lime Macaroons. A huge bag of pecans was the genesis of the Pecan Sandies. The chocolate came from bags of white and dark chocolate chips Madeleine found, one in each hand.
The ginger snaps were inspired by opening and sniffing the jars on the spice rack. Emma loved the nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Those flavors were then matched with butter, molasses, sugar, and flour.
Emma is now worried that Madeleine’s quote about Santa’s belly getting big will offend him. She thinks we should delete it, but I suggest we leave it in.
Also, she feels bad that I, as the dad, never get any cookies. I tell her not to worry – that I don’t mind making a few sacrifices, late at night on Christmas Eve after everyone has gone to bed, so Santa can have all the cookies.
RECIPE
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Makes 2 dozen
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
INACTIVE PREP TIME: 30 minutes
COOK TIME: 18-20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
6 oz semisweet chocolate chips, if desired
6 oz white chocolate chips, if desired
DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, extracts, and salt until smooth or about 1 minute. Scrape sides of bowl down with a spatula before adding the flour and pecans; mix until combined. Form the dough into a log shape and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the oven is preheated, remove the dough from the refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a clean surface. Use a serrated knife to cut into individual circular cookies, 1/2” in thickness. Place cookies 1” apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake cookies for approximately 20 min utes or until a light golden color, rotating baking sheets halfway through cooking time. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to continue cooking for an addi tional 5 minutes, until completely cool. Optional: Melt semisweet or white choc olate chips in the microwave by heating for 20 second increments, stirring in between, for about 1 minute 20 seconds, or until completely melted and smooth. Dip half (or entire) shortbread cookie in chocolate and let set on a clean piece of parchment.
RECIPE
Key Lime Macaroons
Makes 1 – 1 1/2 dozen
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 27-30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1 14-oz bag of sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 egg whites (1/3 cup)
1/8 tsp salt
Juice and zest of 1 key lime
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of mixture onto prepared baking sheet, at least 1 inch apart. Bake for 30 minutes, until edges begin to brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool to room temperature.
1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for dusting
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking
In a large bowl or standing mixer, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until
In a separate bowl, whisk spices and flour together. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until well
Form dough into 1” balls and roll in granulated sugar. Repeat with remaining dough and place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, about 2” apart. Using your fingers, gently flatten each ball to form a cookie shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies have crinkled on the tops. Allow cookies to set on the baking sheets for 3-5 additional minutes, before transferring to a
UNDER THE MUGG’S SPELL
WE SOLEMNLY SWEAR BY THESE SEASONAL DRINKS
BY: JULIETTA HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES
Thirsty for a hot cup of coffee and a touch of magic? Conjuring two new temporary beverages, the Coffee Mugg’s seasonal selections are in excellent taste this year. Winter may not be so harsh when you’re under the warm (or iced) spell of these coffee flavor combinations.
Susan Apple, owner of the Mugg, has a lot of behindthe-scenes fun with the shop baristas testing and tasting concoctions. The Finnegan and the Buckbeak, the Coffee Mugg’s newest seasonal drinks, were a creation of the fandom-inspired, experienced baristas, and while we don’t want to imply there was magic involved, well … we can’t really say for sure.
“The Finnegan I came up with when I ordered a ton of Irish cream and I sat there with my manager, Daniel Bayardo, and was like, ‘Okay I have this idea, I know it sounds odd, but let's make it and be honest with me,’” Susan told us. “So, we mixed the Irish cream and Cayenne
pepper, as an ode to Hogwarts’ favorite Irish pyrotechnic, and some vanilla to sweeten it up and I took one sip and said, ‘The Finnegan!’”
The sweet flame of the Finnegan is a delicious contrast to the Buckbeak, which is made creamy with white chocolate, pumpkin, and a dash of cinnamon – a concoction named after a huge mythical Hippogriff who can typically be seen hanging around pumpkin patches. The pumpkin latte gets us into the seasonal mood with its aromatic notes of espresso and warm pumpkin pie.
Susan says, “I always tell my baristas, ‘If you have a drink idea, make it for me and we will go from there.’ They know I'll always be honest with them and tell them if I like it, and if they don't, I’ll tell them. Everyone has each put in a drink idea or two and I love that they feel comfortable enough to be creative!”
You can taste the magic of Coffee Mugg from the comfort of your own home with their signature roast. Tonic of Infinite Time is a dark roast and is at the base of a lot of the shop's drinks.
Team creativity is also responsible for the Coffee Mugg’s successful seasonal drinks of the past – drinks that the team has decided to keep on the menu permanently, such as the Pan de Polvo (sugar cookie) and the Ugg Boot.
“I named it [as] a subtle dig at the PSL (pumpkin spice latte) fandom,” Susan jokes about the Ugg Boot drink. “I knew everyone was going to come out with PSL so we changed it up – no pumpkin flavor in this one – and now it's become quite the customer favorite.”
The Coffee Mugg’s menu is full of unique ways to get your coffee fix in, from our favorite seasonal drinks to popular menu items like the Mad Eye and the Severus. Visit the curious and quaint shop (and don’t forget to take a picture in front of their mural while you’re there).
Contact:
1112 Morgan Ave | @thecoffeemugg_
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SWEETER WEATHER
TRENDY EATS & VEGAN TREATS SERVES UP DELICIOUS VEGAN GOODIES
BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES
The air is crisp, you are with your loved ones, and the aroma of Christmas treats are filling your nostrils with fervent potency. Fall and Thanksgiving have come and gone, serving as a primer for December. There is nothing like Christmas time – a time of year when we celebrate gratitude, engage in seasonal activities, and share delicious treats with family and friends while ignoring the scale in your bathroom.
Although, indulging does not have to come paired with guilt. Furthermore, if certain dietary restrictions limit your ability to enjoy animal-based culinary experiences, finding food choices can be difficult. However, the Coastal Bend is lucky to be home to an excellent vegan bakery.
Owned and operated by Veronica Guerra, Trendy Eats & Vegan Treats opened in 2018. Seeking alternatives to prepare a birthday cake for her daughter to enjoy, Guerra experimented –successfully – with a vegan recipe to assuage an allergic reaction. This moment of investigation gifted the Coastal Bend with a local vegan baker.
Stay up to date with Trendy Eats & Vegan Treats's rotating menus by following them on social media! With free, local delivery and weekly surprises, there’s always a way to get your hands on these delicious bites.
Originally inspired to become a tattoo artist, Guerra's affinity for creativity took on a new form. She works with a passion for providing an excellent experience for her customers. Our conversation drew back the curtain a bit and let me hear from the owner herself. "I don't serve anything I would not eat myself," Guerra says. Every order is baked from scratch with fresh ingredients the day of delivery to ensure quality treats.
"I make sure everyone enjoys their food, so I offer refunds if someone does not enjoy what they bought. I want to provide people with food allergies or lactose intolerance, or [who] want a healthier option … treats that make them feel better."
Speaking with humility and gratitude, Guerra said the community's positive feedback over the years has allowed her to grow. There are plans to open a storefront and serve her fresh goods paired with delicious coffee.
Until then, you can order from Trendy Eats & Vegan Treats through its website, which displays several of her staple treats such as conchas, donuts, and cakes. There is also a rotating menu in correlation with the time of year; Guerra’s fall menu was loaded with snickerdoodle cookies, autumnal muffins, and an array of edible cookie dough flavors. Offering up a new slate of delicious seasonal baked goods, Guerra's Winter menu leaves me salivating as I write this. Although she didn’t plan to start a vegan bakery, Trendy Eats & Vegan Treats is a startup with organic growth and promise.
Our city is lucky to be home to a grassroots bakery, serving up healthier options for those who cannot or do not want to consume animal products. We are looking forward to the future of Trendy Eats & Vegan Treats, and the increasing momentum veganism has in the Coastal Bend.
Contact: @trendyeats_vegantreats
LOOKING BACK
Baked Fresh in Corpus Christi
BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO COURTESY OF: CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES
If the smell of baking bread this holiday season brings to mind a visit to or a drive by the Butter Krust bakery on Ayers, you’re not alone. The bakery, part of the Richter Baking Co. from San Antonio, was an impressive sight, and smell, in the 2000 block of Ayers for generations.
A previous location opened in 1932 was quickly outgrown, and the nearly quarter-million-dollar facility on Ayers was opened in 1938. The oven could bake 1,750 loaves an hour to be shipped across southern Texas by a fleet of trucks. The plant was expanded twice, growing to nearly 300 employees and more than 100 trucks.
Locals who tell stories about the bakery often are recalling memorable moments of their youth. Thousands of schoolchildren filed through and received a fresh slice of bread to sample as they finished their tour. Butter Krust Bakery donated book covers to the schools, which children carefully wrapped around their textbooks each fall.
Today, the smell of fresh-baked bread is gone, but the building remains with its exterior relatively unchanged. After standing vacant since the bakery’s closure in 1997, the building was renovated and opened as a storage facility this year—iconic Butter Krust neon sign and all.
Men inspect the loaves before the conveyor enters the oven.
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