Cream No 30 by Cream City Magazine

founder & publisher fernando de haro C I T Y M A G A Z I N E

N 30

copy editor joana santillana

april • june 2015 Hello, Cream readers! Welcome to our 30th edition! I invite you to publisher join me on this journey and look through our pages, which always aim towards showing our city in a new and refreshing light.

In April and May, we celebrate two very special dates, Día del Niño and Mother’s Day, respectively. Here at Cream, we wanted to recognize both occasions. We had the pleasure of hosting five young and beautiful mothers with their kids from all ages in our studio. It was definitely something special and we were able to create an “I Am Cream” that will be unforgettable; definitely one for the books. On our cover for this issue, and as a hat tip to Día del Niño, we were lucky enough to have María and Bella, two amazing girls whose smiles and energy were contagious from beginning to end during the photosesh, dancing to the beat of “Fireball.” These past couple of months we had our pet contest where people from all around town were incredibly involved in and had a great time sharing their favorite snaps of their beloved pets. There were countless participants showing off their mascots and shedding light on how this community is filled with animal lovers. Thank you to every person who sent their pictures and congrats to all the winners!

Spring is finally here and we are still in search of perfection every single day here at Cream; God willing, we will be celebrating our 5th anniversary on our next edition. I would like to thank every single one of you for your unwavering support. Until next time!

design & production graphic designer design production assistants public relations/sales photographer

gabriela lozano mariajose mendiola miriam guajardo reséndez ferch

interns tina gómez

writers

rubén bazán iii, maita fernández, michelle cook, joe arciniega, miriam guajardo reséndez special thanks isidro r. alaniz, richard barraza, the reséndez and gibson families, denise g. jolley, lunchbox, and free refills.

ADVERTISING sales@creamcitymagazine.com + 956.753.6755

Cream City Magazine on Twitter for daily updates, tidbits, behind the TWEET US! Follow scenes pics+videos+links, and pointless babble at twitter.com/creamcitymag

Like! us on facebook / cream city magazine

AND FOR EVERYTHING ELSE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT

creamcitymagazine.com TEAM #30 FERNANDO DE HARO • GABRIELA LOZANO • MARIAJOSE MENDIOLA • MIRIAM GUAJARDO

Copyright © 2015 Cream City Magazine is a bi-monthly publication. All rights reserved. Points of view expressed do not necessarily represent those of Cream City Magazine. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we believe is incompatible with our mission. We also reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem competitive or contrary to the best interests of the magazine. Advertisers are legally responsible for the content, accuracy, and images of their ads. Printed in Mexico.

Webb County Freedom Riders city gĂ&#x201E;rten landscape design

Step Up To The Plate l o c a l ly g r o w n

CLIFFE KILLAM An inspiring businessman

MONICA FLORES-GONZĂ LEZ A young and passionate role model

ERNEST BRUNI A goal-driven entrepreneur

Honoring friendships, we bring you these dynamic achievers who collaboratively contribute to the development of both Laredos. They are flying high on Cream’s radar.

CLIFFE KILLAM

Partner, Killam Oil Company

Initially, I def initely did not want to be in the energy business at all. I wanted to be a writer, and I still want to write something one day. Never did I anticipate working for my family; I never wanted to. When the opportunity arose to move back home, I decided to pursue it because I felt confident about the contribution I could make to help our family business grow. I studied Literature which is an unexpected pathway to a career in the energy industry. While working in Freer in the oil fields, I realized that this business brings together so many talented people. You can really do amazing things when you combine the manpower in the field with science, engineering, and capital.

I am inspired by hard work, humility, integrity, optimism, and creativity. I am inspired by the city that I love and the people that live in Laredo. We live in one of the most amazing and unique places because of our bilingual culture where the flow of people, capital, and trade creates friendship, opportunity, and shared prosperity. Be true to yourself and f ind your passion, which often times means giving yourself permission to discover and explore. Ask yourself about what sparks your curiosity, imagination, and inspires you to work hard. I think having preconceived ideas of what you should or should not do only limits your creativity and the unknown/ unexpected opportunities.

MONICA FLORES-GONZÁLEZ

Interim Human Resources Director, City of Laredo

My career in the Human Resources f ield began 15 years ago at the Texas A&M International University Human Resources Department. I was intrigued with what HR was all about and was eager to find out. I was given the opportunity to work there for three years while I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration-Management. Two months before completing my degree, I was hired by the City of Laredo Human Resources Department as an HR Assistant and have been there ever since. Through hard work, dedication, persistence, commitment, and passion, I was able to gain upward mobility as a Human Resources Supervisor, Human Resources Officer, and now as Director. To me, as to the majority of the people, Human Resources had always been a behind the scenes function that no one knew much about. I was very curious in finding out and gradually realized it is similar to a “maze” filled with functions. As I have explored

different areas of HR throughout my career, the interest has never stopped. It is a never-ending, challenging, and rewarding learning experience. As an HR professional there is an unavoidable connection with employees since you are there at different stages or moments in their lives. It is extremely rewarding every time an employee thanks you and lets you know you made a difference in their life circumstances or situations. Human Resources is not just about being a people person, it demands ethics, confidentiality, and a high level of interpersonal skills.

Loving your career means transmitting your enthusiasm to your team and your organization as a whole. I always have visions of how the City’s Human Resources Department can better service our employees and our community. My main focus is to turn those visions into realities. ERNEST BRUNI

United States Customs Broker

Upon graduating from college I joined my father at his business; he is a U.S. broker as well. I was able to learn the ropes from him and his great group of managers. Working with/for my father provided me the jumpstart to my career. I would have been a fool not to take advantage of the opportunities and relationships presented to me. I got a feel of the industry and decided to take the brokers exam, and thankfully passed. When I f irst started my own business back in 2010 it was solely a warehousing operation. A few family members and close friends would come in daily to help with all the dirty work. They never complained or expected any monetary benefit; it was all for the greater good of getting my business off the ground. I am forever thankful for their generosity and hard work; we reminisce about it to this day.

I really like to see my employees succeeding and being truly happy at the workplace. I give them the leeway to grow and implement their own ideas. Their success directly correlates to my success; at the end of the day we are a team working towards a common goal. I know I have the potential to do great things as an individual if I truly work at it and believe in myself. I love being part of an organization that is constantly trying to evolve and build on past successes. I always want to be trending upwards in every facet of life. I have accomplished goals I set for myself early in my career and several years back. However, I am only 30 years old; I have a lot of life to live and things I want to accomplish. I strive to achieve these goals every day. cream april / may 2015

stylish & sophisticated A spectacular day at Revive Beauty Salon was the setting for a Makeup Spa Party where they offered free makeup demos and complimentary cocktails. Congratulations to Karla and her staff for making Laredo women always look their best!

grand opening Laredo Chamber of Commerce members and guests gathered at Parkview Business Center, located in North Laredo, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Dr. Gilberto Castilloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prosthodontist and Implant Dentistry practice.

cream april / may 2015 2015

CROQUE MADAME at Lolitas Bistro

LOLITAS BISTRO 6950 McPherson Rd. Suite C Laredo, Texas 956.568.5334

Croque Madame ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 2 cups whole milk • 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 3 1/2 ounces coarsely grated Gruyère cheese (1 1/3 cups) • 8 slices firm French style bread

• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard • 1/2 pound thinly sliced cooked ham (pref. Black Forest) • 4 large eggs

instructions

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over moderate heat, then whisk in flour and cook roux until golden about 3 minutes. Pour in milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly until the sauce has thickened. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and 1/3 cup cheese until cheese melts. Remove from heat and set aside.

Spread mustard on 4 pieces of bread. Top with 1-2 tablespoons sauce and add ham. Top with remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet and cook each sandwich, turning once, until both sides are golden and crispy. Remove from heat and transfer sandwiches to a baking tray. Top each sandwich with remaining sauce and broil until cheese is bubbling and golden.

Fry each egg individually and top each sandwich with a fried egg and serve immediately.

ave you ever stopped to think why a chef wears a funny, long tube-like hat? Why is it white? Why does it have to be a foot tall or with all those folds? Well, let me tell you a little story… Legend has it that in seventh century A.D., Assyrian kings were being poisoned left and right by indignant chefs. So, to try to make them feel special (thus hopefully eliminating the desire to poison the king), chefs were given crown-like hats. Around this same time, chefs spent a great deal of time reading to learn new recipes and techniques. Since so few people at the time could read, chefs were considered learned men. Unfortunately, being smart wasn’t “in,” and many intellectuals were persecuted. Chefs sought refuge in the Greek Orthodox Church, where they donned the wardrobe of the monks, wearing robes and caps. Those caps later evolved into an early version of the chef hat. One tale from King Henry the VIII’s era said that when he found a hair in his soup, the king, so to speak, lost his head. Or rather, someone else did. The owner of the hair, a cook, was beheaded and his replacement was politely requested to wear a hat to prevent further similar issues. Another widely accepted story about the chef hat is the length and number of pleats on the hat; the taller the hat, the higher a cook’s position in the kitchen. There are supposedly 100 pleats in an original chef hat, symbolizing 100 different ways to prepare an egg.

The great thing about working in a kitchen is the tradition. From the techniques used to prepare dishes to the uniforms chefs wear, everything has a history. It’s part of what makes being a cook or being a chef so incredible; when you step behind the line of a kitchen, you are becoming part of a historical tradition that dates back to over 2,000 years ago.

BY MAITA FERNÁNDEZ

cream april / may 2015

THE

X E D IN Two of my best friends visited the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona last year and brought me a souvenir. The site represents the vision of Antoni Gaudi, the architect responsible for the ongoing massive project that began in 1882. Its beauty attracts millions of visitors a year, regardless of its unfinished status. perhaps the most common complaint we make in our daily lives is the one regarding time. We roll our eyes when the person in front of us at Starbucks takes longer than the universally-accepted fifteen seconds to order a drink, when our text messages take longer than the usual to send, and if the line doesn’t begin moving right when the light turns green. It seems that we’re always in a hurry - aching to partake in our next activity or for the current one to be over. It’s no wonder that, according to the National Highway Safety Administration, the most common traffic violation is speeding. We’re so desperate to get to our destination that we are even willing to take a hit on our driving record for it. Hooray for insurance companies.

Why do we place such importance on time and on saving it? I teach a communications course at a local university. We often discuss the many misunderstandings that exist between cultures and how relationships, be them personal or professional, are affected because of them. Among these misunderstandings is the concept of chronemics, or the study and perception of time. For example, it is considered rude in the United States for meetings to begin a few minutes after the scheduled time, whereas other cultures see it somewhat acceptable, almost guaranteed, to begin fifteen or twenty minutes late. As an American-schooled man who makes most of his deals in Mexico, I complain about it quite often. It baffles me that people don’t understand that the sooner the meeting begins, the sooner it can end, and therefore will render more time for other things. I was taught that the more time we have, the better we will be since we can add value to our day. Of course, in a way, this is true. Time is money, and we all have things that need to get done. So other than necessity-driven time-saving, why are we so desperate for hurrying up? We live in a time where those who lag get left behind. If you don’t pick up the pace, your competition nabs the client before you do, the other guy gets the girl, and a potential employer hires the candidate who finished college in three years, as opposed to you, who probably took four. Many of the choices we make are based on time. We buy cars that go from zero to sixty in fewer seconds. We order pizzas from places that promise delivery in less than thirty minutes. We religiously worship faster internet speeds. We’ve replaced substantial phone conversations with text messages because we’ve convinced ourselves that they get our messages across sooner. We claim that we are saving time. However, we must ask ourselves: are we adding real value to

that saved time, or are we simply becoming pack rats of minutes that we don’t know what to do with?

Greed, status, and power, particularly if they are quickly acquired, are phenomenal forces. This is why we attempt to accomplish more in less time and, very often, it is our desire to overshadow our neighbor that drives us to not enjoy any present moment or masterpiece we are working on. Perhaps globalization and the advent of quick technology are to blame. Those who make deals with nations across the globe are now required to answer e-mails and take calls at irrational hours of the day, demeaning the importance of family time and sleep. We did it to ourselves. We strive for swift wealth and greatness so much that what we deem worthy of our time has shifted from the physiological and the spiritual to the monetary. Is it worth it? Due to the lack of time, fewer people practice their faith nowadays, and the only real thing keeping us alive now are contemporary advances in medicine, not the value that we are adding to the hours. Essentially, we are now

architects building longer yet unappeased lives that are always under construction for the wrong reasons.

Patience is the least prevalent virtue among the human race (or, at least, in Western societies). The next time you’re in a hurry, ask yourself why. When you’re complaining because you’re used to getting things right away, take a step back and tell yourself that it’s OK. Although I’d never encourage procrastination towards your responsibilities, enjoy the moments you do spare. Remember that, if Gaudi was able to dedicate his life to a remarkable building that is still incomplete, so can you build a life with the time you have that is worthy of praise. Add value to your time. Be your own masterpiece, and stop watching the clock so much.

BY RUBÉN BAZÁN III THERUBENINDEX@GMAIL.COM 10 cream april /

may 2015

To my friends Miguel and Carlos, who with that souvenir, reminded me that laudable perfection takes meaningful time and unabashed patience.

motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day edition

creambizhealth

6909 Springfield, Suite 305, Parkview Building Laredo, TX 78041 956.701.3425 • 956. 701.3426 ddsgilcm@gmail.com

When you have prosthodontic and implant dentistry needs, you want to turn to a professional who listens and responds. An experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat you with special attention and care. Dr. Gilberto J. Castillo meets all these criteria and more. In addition, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

GILBERTO J. CASTILLO, DDS pROSThODOnTICS

r. Castillo obtained his dental degree at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) in Monterrey, Mexico, and went on to complete a Prosthodontic Certificate Program with a Master’s degree in Science Dentistry at UANL’s School of Dentistry. Pursuing perfection, he later enrolled in a post Doctoral Program in Prosthodontics at the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Campus for three more years. Subsequently, he served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry offering an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, at the Laredo Regional Campus.

He takes pride by revealing to us “the combination of educational requirements and the supply of people in prosthodontics makes this position extremely rare.” Castillo is an expert at restoring or replacing cracked, broken or missing teeth. He offers a variety of cutting edge techniques that can renew, restore, and reinvent your smile, even resolving lifelong dental problems. His state-of-the-art facility demands the finest quality and the most precise and up-to-date dental equipment available.

& ImpLAnT DEnTISTRy

“The attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy and the knowledge of modern lab instrumentation is crucially important in providing the best for our patients.”

Dr. Castillo is a friendly dentist who will counsel you in the best way to maintain and improve your health. His rigorous training and experience pledge prosthodontists as recognized experts with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth, and the creation of tooth replacement.

Furthermore, Castillo’s private practice also offers dental implant treatment. Dental implants are “medical devices” implanted into living tissue. This living tissue is home to nerves, blood, vessels, and sinuses. The placement of dental implants is both considered art and science. However, studies have proven that “experience” does positively affect the outcome of dental implant treatment. According to Castillo, “Anyone who is healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction is likely a suitable candidate for dental implants.” This definite procedure requires education, patience, and caution. As insights were shared about what sets him apart from others, Dr. Castillo

Gilberto J Castillo, D.D.S.

emphasized how his additional training allows him to provide care at the highest possible level. And that is exactly what we seek for, isn’t it? He has a goal of not only creating a beautiful smile, but also providing the function you need to enjoy everyday life with confidence is the embodiment of his “why?” in life. After allocating specialized and comprehensive dental treatment for patients for over 15 years now, with him you will find a long-term solution to your ongoing dental concerns. cream april / may 2015

Time

Mom

For

While you hold your mom’s heart, Cream City Magazine’s team has put their collective heads together to fullfill your vision with some great gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Whether you’re going for the full rose gold or a more casual style, Deutsch & Deutsch and Joe Brand have these stylish treats to whisper an “I love you.” Pick a great one for her, and she’ll keep it forever. Hurry up- Mother’s Day is around the corner!

tutti fruti by hublot at Deutsch & Deutsch. Watch with pink diamonds. Limited edition.

burberry britt at Joe Brand.

noemia by raymond weil at Joe Brand.

jasmine by raymond weil at Joe Brand. cartier at Deutsch & Deutsch. Rose Gold Ballon Blanc with diamond Bessel and a Mother of Pearl dial with roman numeral numbers.

deco by michele at Joe Brand.

rolex at Deutsch & Deutsch. Rolesor with Green dial galaxy diamond Bessel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Steel and 18kt. Yellow gold.

eyes

Class Reunions Celebrate the Flower in the Field

pring has most definitely sprung in Texas. The wild Texas Bluebonnets have reappeared along the highways and across the valleys beyond, a mirage of azure streams, puddles and lakes stretching toward the horizon. And though this display happens every year, something stirs the hearts of Texans when we see our state flower in such array, even if it is through a car window at 75 miles per hour. i suppose we should stop and smell them, though in an olfactory sense our texas bluebonnets are unlike those proverbially more “smellable” roses; as perfume, they are less Quelques Fleurs or Shalimar than rawhide and red earth. Anyway, they are beyond mere aroma, they are a state of mind. We don’t need to smell them or pick them, which is not illegal as commonly believed, though I wouldn’t try it if I were you. With Texas Bluebonnets, just seeing is believing that it is spring once again, and that we are in Texas. And that’s all that Upending the saying about really matters.

for our senior prom, North Vietnamese forces under General Văn Tien Dung began their final attack on Saigon. This led to the evacuation from the city by helicopters of all American military personnel and civilians, along with thousands of panicked South Vietnamese refugees, leaving indelible images of defeat and chaos embedded into our naïve consciousness. Saigon fell to the Viet Cong, and the Vietnam War, which officially began in 1955 just before many of us were born, formally ended on April 30, 1975. From there we graduates, and indeed our entire country, were expected to go forth in hopefulness and optimism, and make our way through it regardless; and we did. As with many others, this class reunion will undoubtedly see some missing that night, those that weren’t found, or those that were but chose to stay away. Neither regret nor censure is warranted, because there is always the next one, and the next. Sadly, there will also be some, too many at any number, who will have since passed away. In all cases of those absent, remembrance and affection will assure that they will be nonetheless present. They are still, and always will remain, our classmates.

the month of March, our f inal year of high school both came in and went out like a lion. The summer before our senior year was f illed with the last gasps of the Watergate scandal, which seemed to occupy our collective high school years.

It is in the freshness of this season of regeneration that I reflect upon my looming 40th high school class reunion this spring. I attended only one previous class reunion during another Laredo spring 25 years ago, when I happened to be in town for a family event. My memory is that we all looked better than we did in high school. We were still in our young 30s, and those that were already beauties in high school had neither sufficient opportunity, nor enough passage of time to ravage their genetic gifts just yet. Those of us that weren’t so blessed in 1975, had by 1990 figured out how to tame our hair, balance our physical frames, or gain some fashion sense (in my case, all three). Reconnecting with friends, acquaintances and even some former enemies was a surprising pleasure, because we were far enough away from selfconscious awkwardness, baseless confidence, or clueless arrogance, whichever might have applied (again, in my case, all three). Now this May 30th, the J.W. Nixon High School class of 1975 will celebrate the day we left Mustangland, and careened toward the lives that we have now lived in the 40 years since. Upending the saying about the month of March, our final year of high school both came in and went out like a lion. The summer before our senior year was filled with the last gasps of the Watergate scandal, which seemed to occupy our collective high school years. President Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace on August 9, 1974, and succeeding President Gerald Ford pardoned him on September 8, just as classes began at our ironically named Nixon High School (no connection, fortunately). And if that weren’t enough drama, the following spring, just as we prepared

Those of us fortunate enough to attend will have the opportunity to appreciate our collective history, recognizing the aggregated beauty of our communal belonging, as we do that field of Bluebonnets announcing spring. Hopefully, the maturity gained from the years lived since will also compel us to share what truly matters, our connection and commonality to each other as individuals, as mothers, fathers, husbands and wives, as grown children and siblings, as human beings in this wondrous world in which we live. It is each other’s unique and precious lives, our singular humanity, which we should truly celebrate, just as we stand in awe of the self-sufficient wildflower, unbowed, relentless, and surviving, as it reaches for the brilliant sun.

BY JOE ARCINIEGA arciniegajoe@gmail.com

cream april / may 2015

20 cream april /

may 2015

rful

lo d co n a s utfit eat. o g b n indi kening b l l a pe l in s g its aw r i w t in ke a ive Spr a t s at g girl our xtras th y t e Le

PHOTOGRAPHY FERCH MODELS MARÍA RESÉNDEZ

ISABELLA GIBSON TWEEN APPAREL BY D’MADEMOISELLE KIDS

MODELS

TWEEN APPAREL BY

ISABELLA GIBSON / MARÍA RESÉNDEZ

D’MADEMOISELLE KIDS

TWEEN APPAREL BY D’MADEMOISELLE KIDS

MODELS MARÍA RESÉNDEZ / ISABELLA GIBSON

Webb County Freedom Riders BY MIRIAM GUAJARDO RESÉNDEZ

hildren no longer have to sit between four walls to get help. There is a new approach to therapy that allows children to cope with their problems by putting their trust in horses. The innovative equine therapy is a non-profit organization named “Webb County Freedom Riders (WCFR).” It is a form of equine therapy encouraging children to overcome their fears by working with horses. The equine top-notch program is affiliated with the Webb County District Attorney’s Office.

freedom riders was born from the interest and hobby in horseback pleasure riding of its founder, isidro r. alaniz. “Horses

and humans have interacted since the beginning of mankind,” he says.

“There is a special bond that is formed when man and horse become one in riding. The idea of giving children who have endured trauma or survived abuse the opportunity to heal with horses is a natural and wholesome process.” Mr. Alaniz and his team have done so much for the community; noting his efforts that exemplify his passion for helping people in need. Alaniz, President of WCFR, has worked tirelessly to keep the operation alive and thriving. Alaniz has trained and selected three horses specifically for their ability to work with children who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. “I foresee Freedom Riders and its main stars; Blue, Rocio, and Diesel continuing to bring happiness, healing, and confidence to children who have been hurt,” he adds. These four-legged therapists are making a difference in a safe environment 20 miles North of Laredo by building confidence for those children who have suffered a traumatic event in their life.

It is known that horses have the ability to respond immediately and give feedback to the rider’s actions or behavior. Therapeutic horsemanship is a form of therapy that helps promote emotional growth. It includes instructions in horse care, grooming procedures, saddlery, and basic equitation. The riding classes are given by Liza González, she is a certified Spirit Horse Equine-Assisted Healthcare Instructor who leads the lessons, while a cadre of volunteers assist and help maintain the facility. González has presented activities and challenges that bring a new light of life to this program. Horse trainers Ernesto Benavides, Arturo Muñoz, and Raul Coss dedicate their time in providing these lessons on a weekly basis to all families who meet the requirements. Through their leadership in training, WCFR’s horses have flourished and reached their potential in a safe and nurturing environment. “The program serves as an innovative approach to love and trust again.” González states, “WCFR is a place where children can destress and learn how to deal with their problems in their daily life. The relationship that is brought into being between our riders and horses is the catalyst of miracles in our clients’ lives.” She is very excited to take her relationship with Equine-Assisted Therapies to the next level and looks forward to making a bigger impact on her community.

It was an honor to have been able to experience a heartwarming afternoon with this community-oriented organization that opened its doors for me to share with the readers what helping others is all about. I invite everyone willing to donate or support this great cause to start making a difference today!

For more information, contact Liza González at lgonzalez@webbcountytx.gov and (956) 523-4900.

ribbon cutting The Laredo Lemurs hosted a mixer with members of the community to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Uni-Trade Stadium. Our cameras were there to capture every detail. We are very excited for the new upcoming season.

casino night The evening began at the Laredo Center for the Arts as St. Augustine Vegas Knightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guests made their way into the blackjack tables. All proceeds from this charitable event went towards students programs for St. Aug students of all academic levels.

Graduation is finally here, and these St. Augustine High School seniors are ready to embark on an exciting journey! They are now equipped with important tools needed to forge their path ahead. The end of an era has come as they move on to a new stage in which they are leaders, doers, and achievers in the wider world. Best of luck in all your future endeavors, Class of 2015! Your future is in your hands, and no one else’s.

Prom

VERSUS:

SPRING BREAK IN CRAZY CANCÚN VS CHILLING IN CABO REBECCA BARRERA

“SPRING BREAK IN CANCÚN BECAUSE I LOVE THE BEACH AND BEING WITH MY FRIENDS.”

MAIN EVENT VS AFTER PARTY

ATTENDING A PARTY WITH A DATE VS SINGLE LIFE SERGIO RODRÍGUEZ

MOISÉS MARTÍNEZ “AFTER PARTY BECAUSE EVERYBODY IS MORE RELAXED AND EVERYTHING IS MORE INTERESTING.”

BLACK TIE AFFAIR VS DRESSED DOWN

“I’D PREFER ATTENDING A PARTY WITH A DATE BECAUSE IT’S ALWAYS NICE TO SHOW OFF A BEAUTIFUL GIRL.”

“STYLISH IN HEELS BECAUSE IT’S BETTER FOR YOU TO BE READY BY LOOKING GLAMOROUS AND PRESENTABLE FOR WHICHEVER THE CIRCUMSTANCE MAY BE. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’LL MEET!”

STYLISH IN HEELS VS COMFORTABLE IN FLATS MARINA RESÉNDEZ

MEMO GUAJARDO “BLACK TIE BECAUSE IT’S CLASSIER.”

DO YOU HAVE A CLUB OR ORGANIZATION THAT WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN CREAM’S “VERSUS?” CONTACT US AT INFO@CREAMCITYMAGAZINE.COM

edition

EVENING GOWN VS COCKTAIL DRESS XIMENA VIDALES “EVENING GOWN BECAUSE IT IS MORE ELEGANT AND IT IS VERY FUN TO GET READY FOR A FORMAL EVENT.”

BAND VS DJ ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ “I PREFER BANDS BECAUSE THEY ARE MUCH MORE VERSATILE WHEN IT COMES TO GENRES.”

cream april / may 2015

city gĂ&#x201E;rten landscape design

Step Up To The Plate l o c a l ly g r o w n

cream february / march 2015

CAFFE DOLCE City Gärten Fresh Salad; A beautiful mix of organic greens consisting of Pablo Red Leaf, Red Butterhead and Frisée. Greens are tossed in a cilantro yogurt vinaigrette. Topped with local organic spicy baby radishes and grated Gruyere Cheese. Decorated with organic, locally grown sunflower shoots. BORDER FOUNDRY RESTAURANT Fresh Golden Tile Fish over a Handmade Squid Ink Pasta using Berman’s Tender Avalanche Snow Peas, Tendrils, and Rainbow Swiss Chard topped with a Dill Tabasco Butter Sauce and Grilled Meyer Lemons. EL CAPATAZ Using a variety of Spring Carrots including: Atomic Red, Muscade and Parisienne made into a Vegetarian Salad over a Caramelized Shallot Quinoa and Healthy Spaghetti Squash with Sugar Sprint Snap Peas, Roasted Brussel Sprouts from City Gärten topped with a Candied Meyer Lemon & Rice Vinegar Dressing.

ity Gärten has brought into being what’s behind the definition of “Farm-to-table realities” by growing local. With landscaping designer and botanist Berman Rivera at the helm of this project, it currently operates with a strong focus on sustainability and support for agriculture. Hosted by the Environmental Science Center at Laredo Community College, the perception that ingredients grown by local farms are not only fresher and better-tasting, but also safer has magnified.

Marco Gutiérrez has worked passionately with Berman over the past year. During this time, he has benefited from an optimum state of health and obtained valuable knowledge from organic gardening practices. Their main goal is to educate the community about the local growing conditions and food crops, and about the nutritional and culinary benefits of eating local produce in season. The way these items are produced makes this place special and attractive not only to people in the restaurant industry, but also to foodies.

They have been able to provide the freshest ingredients to local restaurants like Border Foundry, Caffe Dolce, and El Capataz. Forging relationships with farmers makes it easier for chefs to obtain consistent, high-quality ingredients. Emails are sent in advance to invite customers to schedule an appointment and purchase freshness you can smell from miles away. Since local sourcing is all the rage, everyone is encouraged to support this growing garden culture! For more information, contact Berman and Marco at locallygrownlaredo@gmail.com. BY MIRIAM GUAJARDO RESÉNDEZ

cream april / may 2015

Most likes on FB:

as many of you know, here at cream, we like to shake things up. Once again, we decided to give our awesome readers the opportunity to show off their beloved pets. The public was encouraged to choose the creamiest pet of them all.

Vango & Maya

Contestants were asked to send us the best pictures of their furry friends to post on our Facebook. Users could then view the posted photos and vote for their favorite pet by liking their picture.

Participants were inspired to present their favorite companions who make their life a little more Cream. The amount of entries was outstanding! From the smallest to the fluffiest pet, we saw them all. Everybody got into the action and made this a successful event that we can’t wait to do again next year! Our homework was to select our fave pics as well. Now we present the winning photos! OWNER OF VANGO & MAYA

JOCELYN MUNIZ

WHAT DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOUR PUPPIES HAD WON THE CONTEST?

Happiness and a lot of emotions! WHAT DO MAYA AND VANGO They are my biggest blessings and the best of friends!

MEAN TO YOU?

DO YOU HAVE A FUNNY STORY ABOUT MAYA AND VANGO TO SHARE?

Whenever I talk to people, I refer to my pets as my “kids.” They are like my children! WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUR READERS WHO WANT TO HAVE A PET? I would recommend they make sure they have the time to take care and play with their pets. Pets require a lot of love and attention.

PET PARADISE!

GIFTS COURTESY OF

Cream City Magazine wants to give a big special thanks to Petco for providing those phenomenal gift packages to the winners of this contest. We admire their community driven approach and always having the best pet supplies and services to pet parents who go the extra mile in ensuring their pets feel loved and happy. We invite you to visit their locations and take advantage of the huge variety and great prices they offer. cream april / may 2015

Most Creative

Best Costume

Sylvia De León

Ana Teresa García

LALO

PUCCA

The Funniest

BIGGIE

Priscilla Garza

“Aww” Moment

PIXIE

Judy González

The Coolest

THOR

Mariana Castillo

Prettiest

MICHELLE Lily De Anda

creamhotspot

Check

this out!

We are proud to announce that our friends at Posh Sushi have just recently opened a fourth new location that although may specialize in Japanese cuisine, also offers several international selections to satisfy a wide variety of palates. With an extensive menu, Posh pleases just about everyone from sushi fanatics to skeptical customers who like their fish cooked to perfection. Delightful flavors are found in the Fire Roll, infused with the sweet house-made hideki sauce and the soulful habanero sauce. Daily happy hour offers deals on cocktails, appetizers, and a different rolls each week. Tasty lunch specials that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break the bank come with half a roll, rice, and either soup or salad.

With awesome customer service, the best atmosphere, and unique flavor, Posh has created the most recognized Sushi brand in Laredo where the fun is mixed with incredibly fresh ingredients, joined with a heightened awareness for the sleek environment. BY MIRIAM GUAJARDO RESĂ&#x2030;NDEZ

Now conveniently located on a fast-paced growing side of town, at Bob Bullock Loop 20 and International Blvd. Get ready to live the Posh experience and see for yourselves the reason why we chose them as our hot spot for our April/May issue!

Isla Mujeres Q u i n t a n a

R o o ,

M é x i c o PHOTOGRAPHY BY FERCH

cream april / may 2015

radise orts you to a pa sp an tr at th d,â&#x20AC;? as ntable beauty lds an insurmou es. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women Islan ho tiv n na ea bb its ri as Ca and warm der ever The Mexican has been a won are as gorgeous s y, de ur nt ca ce fa h tic nt es ee whose maj tourists that lers in the sixt traction for all by Spanish sett at n ed in ai m co t a rs fi ns ots mai it was must-see hot sp to this day, re of d t an lis ed ur er yo ov sc to to add it it justice, since it was di Roo. Make sure location will do a is an th nt ui Q of of es e ag visit the stat e hope our im e Caribbean W th to ip tr xt agnificence. on your ne mpass all its m co en ot nn ca y pl since words sim

S TYLE

That time of the year dreaded by many has arrived: spring cleaning. The headaches of picking and choosing what stays and what goes is such a huge ordeal that we only manage to do it once a year. So it occurred to me that we might have the answer to our prayers right in front of us --the highly acclaimed hashtag trend #throwback, #tb, #flashback or whatever kids are calling it these days. Sartorially speaking, nothing helps more than to go back to that outfit you got the most compliments on, felt most comfortable in yet still managed to look trendy, the one that makes you wait for Thursdays to post on Instagram for a #TBT (throwback Thursday) to let the world know the day you wore this awesome getup–guilty as charged.

et’s forget about that investment piece or your must-have, but rather think about your “what to keep” for this spring. I went back to my outfit archives and selected three looks and key pieces that for sure will stay in rotation; in other words, the ones I’ll wear to shreds despite the weather. This time around I chose pieces that are not so classic, but that I find myself wearing with everything and are easy to slip into.

First, an oversized open cardigan, which instantly became a timeless garment in my closet for its dainty sequins and gunmetal chains. I’ve worn it up and down and to every type of occasion. Here, I simply belted it over a slip dress with lace trim and paired it with oxfords to contrast the feminine feel. Second look: the never failing bell bottoms, extra flare to be exact. I love

how these elongate the figure giving us shorties legs for days. Made famous after its hype in the 70s, today more than ever, bellbottoms were pranced around fashion week like nobody’s business. Definitely broke out from their hippie stereotype to conform to all types of dressing from casual to office chic. For my look, I wore a long muscle tee with an aztec printed bomber, layered with countless necklaces for a fun day around town. File this look under most compliments received.

Third, it was a life-changing experience when I came across this chunky knit oversized mustard sweater. Perfect during the weather transition, paired with shorts or boyfriend jeans is the way to go when you have to dress for a casual outing. Oversized is usually reserved for lounging, but swimming around in classic staples is not only fun but highly in trend,

chunky knits equal to most pinned on pinterest. The rule for sporting the trend is to balance proportions with something tighter or short hemmed. As we receive the spring awakening, let’s not stress over what to store or keep rather than go back to our favorite looks and keep them at hand. Nothing wrong with repetition, especially with staples; wear it again and be part of team “I wore this yesterday but I’m going to a different place so it doesn’t matter.”

BY MICHELLE COOK FOLLOW HER BLOG AT nicethingsandstuff.blogspot.com

cream april / may 2015

crèmebrûlée BY TINA GÓMEZ

new lifestyle technology

ILLUSTRATIONS RICARDO GUERRERO/ R A G 3 A R T I S T @ G M A I L . C O M

The future is now! 2015 holds promises of new technology to make our everyday lives easier. We were promised hoverboards, food in pill form, flying cars, and space travel from popular culture in the 20th century. In the 21st century, technology hasn’t fulfilled our futuristic dreams, but we do have a new concept; “New Lifestyle Technology.” No matter the fact that we still haven’t colonized Mars, or the fact that I do not have a hoverboard (I’m still waiting...), we’re always connected to technology. New lifestyle technologies launching in 2015 include the Apple Watch, Dropcam, Eero, and GoBe, to name a few. Our new “cloud” overlords make home surveillance, nutrition monitoring, self-repairing routers, and app capable watches our go-to tools in the new year. Whether you’re ready for the upgrade, or still gripping on to your flip-phone, the future is now! 42 cream april /

may 2015

subscription services

As we continue to explore technological frontiers, there is a new technology right at our fingertips, “subscription services.” The words are self-explanatory and result in the easiest way to get everyday needs shipped right to your mailbox. Whether it’s healthy snacks from Graze, or monthly shaving tools from Dollar Shave Club, subscription services are making sure that we get the fixes we need without ever having to run out the door. Low on art supplies? There’s ArtSnacks. Need to entertain your pup? There’s BarkBox. Want the latest beauty products now? Hello, Ipsy. Get my point? These subscriptions are godsend and the fact that I can manage the frequency of them makes it even more worthwhile. Think of products you need on the regular, do a quick Google search and low and behold, there’s a subscription for that.

athletic wear

Fitness is a practice that never goes out of style. However, now it’s acceptable to go from the gym to the streets or vice versa. Nice workout wear usually costs a pretty penny and to only get the chance to show it off at the gym is kind of a bummer. Get the most out of your investment and pair your jogger pants with a nice thick bootie, no pun intended. If you’re faking your fitness or are a complete gym rat, no one would be the wiser. If you’ve ever jumped on an elliptical or played a round of basketball, you’ll understand the level of comfort these clothes can possess. Think outside the gym and make sure to accessorize with your favorite chain bib or a deco wrist cuff and work it out.

-Co m con mun ic c -Un entra ation ive tion w/a Car rsit lo B á D in PR i Ur -Ur o/ UTS bin b o An ino, It A ton a io, ly / S -Se T a nio X n r

et another adventurous college student comes along in the form of Camila Alarcón, a UTSA pupil living the dream (the Italian dream, that is) studying abroad in one of the most romantic and culturally relevant countries in the world. Read on to catch a glimpse of Camila’s dolce vita.

What is the most challenging part of having a college life? Time management is definitely the most difficult part of any college career. Keeping up with studies is extremely important, but also remember that you’re young and college is a time to have fun and make memories! Is attending school in a different country something distressing or exciting? Both! Traveling and being in a new city or country is always exciting. However, preparing for a study abroad experience can be stressful. Not to mention the language barrier. Do as much research as possible beforehand. How do you feel about the changes that can happen during college? The changes every college student faces can be intimidating, but it’s preparation that every young adult needs to succeed in the real world after graduation. Do you feel like these upcoming months studying abroad will impact your life goals? Any new opportunity that is presented to me changes my life goals. This study abroad experience is a perfect example. Have you made any serious decisions already? Anything that made you feel like this was a different stage in your life? Coming to live in Italy has been one of the most important decisions I have made in my college career, but I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that couldn’t be passed up. Anything else you want to share with us? I highly recommend that all college students study or work abroad. There are many programs with thousands of opportunities. Adventure is out there. It’s up to you to go out and find it!

creamtips

YOGApose of the month Bridge Pose or Setu Bandhasana Bridge is the perfect springtime pose. As you enjoy the fresh air and outdoors with those you love, practice this asana to open the chest and increase lung capacity. Not only does in lengthen the abdominals and quadriceps, but it has the added benefit of toning glutes and hamstrings.

Some key things to look for: be sure that your knees and feet are parallel (like the number 11). If your ribs are jutting out, reset by scooping your tailbone upwards and drawing the lower belly in towards your spine. You’re sure to feel great after practicing Bridge Pose. If you’d like a more restorative version of the pose, try placing a block horizontally right under your sacrum. You’ll immediately feel a delicious lengthening of the back.

* You can try bridge pose out in any of Casa Yoga’s CY 1 & 2 classes, which are excellent for all levels who want a great workout. Model: Melissa Ahumada