Q Sacramento: August 2011

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aug 2011

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The paper melody Special to Q-Sac

from top to bottom

the creator

business profile

Yesenia Cachu

CHRISTMAS & COMPANY

Film preview

featured designer

kao xiong Gay Stereotypes

(The good the bad and the ugly)

& get Kikke’s

Q look

bloodline on the cover:

Enrikke

Valentino

community • culture • lifestyle • fashion music • art • film • events • business

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2011 all rights reserved the luis barrera design studio©

Q Q SAC

SAC

Sarena Elizabeth

Christopher Eduardo Victor

Luis Barrera

August

Photo by Salvador Ochoa

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The Q Sacramento staff and I would like you to thank you for taking the time for picking up our publication. Whether you’re viewing it in print, online or on our QSac app we hope you enjoy this first edition of our monthly publication.

We are a magazine that showcases local community members. We cover everything from fashion, entertainment, local businesses, art and so much more. We are always looking for people to feature in our publication; please contact us with your ideas and contributing pieces.

Get more Q, by downloading our mobile application via our website at www.qsacramento.com. When you use our app you’ll find special offers and exclusive online only content. Extended editions of our publication are also available online.

Enjoy this edition of Q Sac

Luis Barrera, Publisher & Editor In Chief Get to know us! Watch staff videos via the free Q-Sac App. www.qsacramento.com

Q Sac

Editor In Chief Senior Creative Director

Christopher Stephenson Managing Editor

Eduardo Bucio Creative Director Photography Director

Victor Louis Fashion Editor

Elizabeth Vasquez Executive Director

Sarena Galindo

Assistant Editorial Producer

Benjamin Ismail

Contributor

Nikki Hancock

Contributor

Mark Ramos

Contributing Illustrator

Salvador Ochoa

Contributing Photographer

Published by Luis Barrera The Luis Barrera Design Studio Special Thanks to, Mark Ramos, Illustrator Salvafor Ochoa, Photographer Andrea Lavin, Realtor Mark Snyder, Christmas & Company

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inthisedition

sacramento

volumeoneeditiononeaugust 2011

Luis Barrera

SAC

Lifestyle.........................

On Stage.......................

Movie Preview................

On the Cover.................

Fashion.........................

A rt...............................

Music............................

Fitness...........................

Business.........................

www.luisbarrera.com

August

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STEREOTYPES: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

Illustrations by Mark Ramos

Special to Q Sac Just ask any man working in a creative field, there’s no doubt at least one person has assumed he was “gay.”

We spoke with Robert Echevarria, a stylist and make-up artist currently living in San Francisco, about his stance on stereotypes. “Being that I’m a Stylist, I think that is a huge ‘gay’ stereotype, but I don‘t mind nor do I care,” said Echevarria. Research suggests that most gay men prefer work in the fields of fashion, design, or hair and make-up because it is more widely accepted and a much more comfortable workplace.

Stereotypes take place everyday in the community and you’d be a liar if you said you didn’t use them or think about them regularly. Just turn on the TV or watch a movie with a Gay character and they are portrayed as the biggest “queen” in town and they wreak of flamboyant effeminacy. “Personality wise, I’m clearly more feminine than the average "man" but I’m definitely not flamboyant,” said Echevarria.

But more surprising is the way the terms “gay” and “fag” have become adjectives to describe not just people or the community but situations and things; it’s amazing how a simple three letter word can have so many different connotations! Everyone has been a victim of stereotyping and the hurt they can cause. It isn’t ever easy to take criticism and even the best constructive criticism hurts the biggest bitches and penetrates the best laid hookers.

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Stereotyping stems from our innate want for identity and the need to be a part of something but this conformity doesn’t truly support individuality. Individuality is defined as the particular character or qualities that distinguishes one person or thing from others but stereotyping should not be a positive way to identify yourself. The behavior of stereotyping is learned from our family, friends, and peers but mentors our ideas and thought processing in the perception of people. Unfortunately, the want to put a label on someone for the sake of fitting them “in “makes even the biggest size queen look like prince charming.

We’ve all been called them before: gay, fag, queen, twink, bear, and jock but what do they really mean? Using a term to suggest that you follow one type of person or style is a simple way of putting yourself in a box. While not all stereotypes can be seen as negative stereotypes, the counter stereotypes have often become just as popular as stereotypes but in the same vein, still project the same ideal of putting people into boxes. “I would say by being myself and staying true to my versatile personality keeps me from being a true "gay" stereotype,” said Echevarria.

In the [gay] community most people try to be out of the box and put great innovation in their position in life, so why choose a packaged life when baby, you were born this way?!

Lifestyle Q Sac

From a Q original

T Bottom op to

By Christopher Stephenson

Some of us were born without families or were raised by people we have a hard time considering our ‘loved ones.’ But since we do happen to live in the 21st century, we are blessed with the fact that we can find a family of our own in almost any setting if so we choose. And even though that family has a slew of problems, it’s still a place to call home.

Christopher Stephenson

But you don’t have to be the first person to tell me I have a fucked up family. I’m gay therefore it’s a requirement. My family has steam parties in the shower, makes out, breaks glass in said shower and then they step on the glass, cut their feet and give themselves stitches because we’re BAMFs. I mean for Christ’s sake two of my brothers were kissing on the couch just a few nights ago. Four Loko can only do so much good before it can cause so much bad.

But despite our drama we all love each other. Despite our faults we have our values and our virtues. Deep down past the Armani and the vodka we believe in our friendship, we believe that family loves one another no matter the deep rifts between us.

While we make mistakes and do things that we would give up our Gucci sandals to take back, we are all brothers and would take a bullet for one another.

My family is a family of Lambda Men. We are brothers of the Xi Chapter of Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity for Gay, Bisexual, and Progressive Men at UC Davis. I grew up without a family but these men have given more to me than any other group to be considered a ‘family.’ I never expected going into this group that I would get so much out of it. I never thought

August

I would end up getting a family out of it. We are simply brothers embracing fellow brothers.

These people are my brothers because unlike my original family, they won’t yell at me for forgetting to do a something. They would encourage me to complete whatever it is I had to do. They are my family because out of the drama that occurs between us, we come out of it loving each other more. We are supportive, we are forgiving, and we are united through friendship.

The ‘Xi Life’ (of which started for me in March this year) makes me question how many families one can have. I once grieved for the family I never had as a child, for the love I never received. Look to your brothers, the lambda men in your life. If you would die for these people then you’ve found a family outside of the one you might not have already. If you wouldn’t take a bullet to the heart for them, then what are they?

Follow, comment and discuss From Top to Bottom Download the Free Q Sac app. www.qsacramento.com

5

on STage

&

in FIlm

BOLD IS BEAUTIFUL By Benjamin Ismail 2011-2012 Schedule Superior Donuts

by Tracy Letts A Sacramento Premiere October 7 - November 13, 2011

In Chicago's diverse Uptown neighborhood, a downtrodden donut shop owner hires a street-savvy and aspiring young writer with hustle and bright ideas.

Chock-full of belly laughs, dynamic interactions and compelling neighborhood characters found in everyday lives, Superior Donuts serves up the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

Courtesy Image

Capital Stage is gearing up to start its seventh season this fall and as a not-socloseted theatre-junkie, I was beyond thrilled to see that the plays slated for next year feature an exciting line-up of contemporary American playwrights. The season will open in mid-October with Tracy Letts’ big-hearted “Superior Donuts,” followed by Sam Shepard’s tale of sibling rivalry, “True West” (a personal favorite). The season continues with Christopher Shinn’s heavyhitting and timely piece, “Dying City”, Sarah Ruhl’s “In the Next Room”, and Paula Vogel’s classic “How I Learned to Drive”.

It’s a season chock-full of bold storytelling, with something for every audience member. However exciting these dynamic play choices for this coming season may be, more exciting still are the plans Capital Stage has for the venue itself.

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Capital Stage was born from the Delta King Theatre seven years ago and has been staging intimate, high-quality, professional theatre on the lower decks of the Delta King ever since. With just under 100 seats, Capital Stage chose to take a stand for intimate and honest theatre while maintaining a commitment to bringing in the highest quality in performers and designers.

This year however, the talented group of creators is leaving the docks and moving on to a new location, all their own, in the

heart of midtown.

The new venue, at 2215 J St., will be “comfortable and functional”, with a 125 seat thrust-style theatre that will create “...an even greater sense of intimacy than before. This venue will give us greater control over audience experience and enable us to keep better focus on the stories we bring to life”, said Founding Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte. She went on to say that the new space will enable higher production values as well, citing improved lighting capabilities. In addition to continuing to produce high-quality theatre, Gularte hopes to soon expand the company’s commitment to the arts by hosting art shows, poetry readings, expanding youth programs and further developing their celebrated play development program, “The Playwright’s Revolution.

I personally can’t decide what to be more excited about: the new plays coming in the 2011-2012 season, or the new space itself! We’ll talk more when I see you at the theatre!

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)

by Carleton, FitzGerald & Alvarez Sacramento’s Newest Holiday Tradition November 30, 2011 - January 1, 2012

Back by popular demand is Capital Stage's sell-out holiday hit! Part Big Bang, part Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is a fast, fond, and furious look at the holiday traditions we all remember, and a few we'd like to forget. From Tiny Tim to the Grinch, from Frosty to It's a Wonderful Life, nothing is spared in this rollicking tour de farce!

In the Next Room (or the vibrator)

by Sarah Ruhl A Sacramento Premiere January 25 - February 26, 2012

2010 Pulitzer finalist and Tony-nominated, In the Next Room is a laugh out loud, provocative and touching play about marriage, intimacy and electricity. In a seemingly perfect, 1880's Victorian home, proper gentleman and scientist Dr. Givings has innocently invented an extraordinary new device for treating "hysteria" in women.

The full 2011-2012 schedule and special offers are available via the free Q-Sac App.

entertainmen For more information about Capital Stage’s upcoming season, venue change, or for subscription/ticket sales check out www.capstage.org

Q Sac

Sacramento’s

By Luis Barrera

Film Preview & Review

bloodline Last month the Q Sacramento staff had the opportunity to attend the Folsom premier of the movie Bloodline. The sold out event took place at Folsom’s premier Three Stage Theater. After we had the opportunity to preview the film, we had a sit down interview with writer, director and star of the film Matt Thompson at the Silverado Studios. The entire interview will be published in our sister magazine United Magazine. Visit www. unitedmagazine.org in September to learn more about the film and Thompson’s upcoming projects.

What makes this independent horror film unique is the fact that it doesn’t look at all like an independent film. Thompson explained that the film was shot digitally with the state of the art Red Digital Cinema cameras. The same technology used to film such movies as Pirates of The Caribbean 4. The look and feel this adds to the movie is amazing. What we love about this film is that it was mostly shot in Northern California and the Sacramento area. Download the Q Sac App for more information and to preview Bloodline.

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the new q Sacramento Q Sacramento is a publication of The Luis Barrera Desing Studio.

For Advertising, Media Inquiries and Event Sponsorships Contact The Luis Barrera Design Studio Luis Barrera, Publisher 916.215.7592 luis@luisbarrera.com www.luisbarrera.com or visit our site at www.qsacramento.com

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Q Sacramento is a monthly magazine, publishing online, in print and mobile via our Q Sac Application for smart phones.

Q Sacramento is part of United Magazines also published by TLBDS

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7

Q SAC

who’s that guy?

By Luis Barrera

PEOPLE

Enrikke

<<<<< on the cover

Valentino

Friendly, charismatic and outgoing are some of the words that most people would use to describe Enrikke Valencia, known to most as “Kikke Valentino.” Yet behind the charming smile and bright charisma there is a personal story of hard work and dedication and the pursuit of the American dream.

Valentino was born in Sacramento, California in January of 1981. He spent most of his childhood living out the states until finally moving back at the age of 12.

In a recent interview with Q Sacramento, Valentino spoke of his life and shared some of his hopes and dreams.

Valentino returned to the United States at the age of 12 after leaving the country with his family nine years earlier. Determined to be a role model for his younger cousins by being the first in his family to attend college and gradate, he struggled to learn the English language and worked diligently to earn good grades. His hard work payed off years later when he was accepted to UC Davis and graduated four-years later.

While growing up as a teenager Valentino kept a secret from his family, a secret that he thought could possibly separate him from his family if they did not approve, the secret that he

was gay. Valentino kept his secret hid throughout much of high school years and even dated girls from time-to-time to his his secret hidden but one day he became tired of hiding his secret and decided to tell his sister that he was gay.

“The first one I told was my sister Erika because we are so close,” said Valentino.

He added, “I felt it was time for me to tell the world who I really was because I didn’t want to lie anymore as to why I didn’t have a girlfriend. I felt free once I started telling my family and friends.”

Valentino said he and his family are much closer since they found out he was gay.

Today he works at his mother’s restaurant Mezcal Taqueria which they hope to one day franchise.

Valentino said his biggest influence is his mother because she is “very strong, independent and caring.”

Valentino describes himself as a romantic at heart but doesn’t believe in love at first sight.

“I’ve had my heart broken in the past so now I enter a relationship slowly,” said Valentino.

He plans to enter enroll in culinary school and help his mother with her restaurant.

View more photos from Kikke’s Photo Shoot Only Via The New Q Sac App

q

n fashio y Eduardo Bucio B

DESIGNER OF THE MONTH Kao Xiong

, 22, is a clothing designer based in Sacramento. She began designing in January of 2011 for the SFA Paradise Fashion show, which benefited the Autism Center of Excellence (A.C.E.) as well as showcasing the talents of student fashion designers and stylists in the Sacramento area.

Kao’s passion for couture designing started when she stumbled upon a 10-minute video of John Galliano’s career as head designer for Christian Dior Couture. Following his extensive career, Kao was motivated to create one of her own. Kao’s brand, Bliss Elegance, aims to convey womanly elegance in dresses. Kao’s inspiration for the showcased dress was to create a vintage, yet elegant look. The front of the dress was made to resemble 1870s fashion by resembling a corset, but also adding stripped flares around the neck to make the piece more striking.

The fabric for the lower half of the dress is a gray blue used to convey being carefree yet sophisticated. The concept was to modernize fashion from the 1870s. “I’m still a beginner but in the future I hope my dresses will bring happiness to my future customers all around the world” Kao’s pieces were designed to go out of the norm and reach out to people that are not afraid to wear an outfit that is different but to wear it as a form of expression.

FASHION Courtesy Photo

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Q Sac

N

get the

q

look

The suit has always been one of the most powerful messages a man can send with his clothes.

Add flair with a knitted skinny tie. Keep the colors earth-toned to enhance the sleek look. Include a funky pair of sunglasses to keep it young.

More Fashion Tips Via the Q Sac App. Visit www.qsacramento.com for a free download.

Model: Jose Ochoa

August

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the

C

reators

ARTIST: YESENIA CACHU

By Eduardo Bucio

Yesenia Cachu

Yesenia Cachu, 22, is a local artist who focused her talents into creating art that is surreal and abstract. Yesenia was influenced by Mrs. Greco, a high school professor, who encouraged her to pursue art as more than just a hobby. Coming from a family of seven, Yesenia is the second person to attend a university, attending both CSU Chico and CSU Sacramento.

Yesenia describes her artistic style as adaptable to many different kinds ranging from realistic to surreal and aggressive. She specializes in abstract art because it lacks boundaries. Another benefit of abstract art, especially watercolor media, is the sense of calmness it provides, which can be meditative and relaxing. Yesenia’s passion for abstract art derived from earlier times where she explored graffiti on paper as a young girl.

Yesenia is influenced by anyone and anything that surrounds her, which in turn challenges her to experiment with different types of art works. “In the future, I would like to be a respected art teacher and influence young kids just like I was influenced.”

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For more information about Yesenia and her work. Visit the Art tab in our Q Sac App.

Q Sac

art

Q

the beat

THE PAPER MELODY

By Sarena Galindo

Preview The Paper Melodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Songs via The Q Sac App.

Courtesy Photo by Raul Gonzo

I recently sat down with the band The Paper Melody and found out more about them and how they got to where they are today. They are local alternative band from the Yuba-Sutter area. The band consists of three members right now and are in search of a fourth member. Jill Sullivan does bass/vocals, Anthony Reeder does guitar/vocals, and Dan Vallier does guitar/vocals, and the drummer is yet to be determined.

Sullivan confesses, "The three of us (get along) really well and so it's like a family, and bringing another member into the family is an intense process." They got started when Dan Vallier's first band broke up and he decided he wanted to continue making music, so he met Anthony Reeder and Jill Sullivan. Sullivan started out just doing lights for the band until she found out she could

do bass and then she became part of what it is now, The Paper Melody. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The name of the band comes from the idea and desire to create music that fills the listeners heads with images, almost as if the melodies were images on paper," says Anthony Reeder. The Paper Melody was inspired by Tim Burton and Danny Elfman as far as style and writing and on their Facebook page they mention being like "Tim Burton's Rock Band". When asked if their career has created value in their lives, they all agreed that music makes them really happy. Dan tells us, "It's taught me a lot about definitely not really worrying about money so much as much as like a happiness. It's really important for me to do what I want in order to be happy rather than like what makes the most money."

I asked the band who they would

most like to go on tour with or play with someday and they were all on the same page with The Receiving End of Sirens, Versa, and Muse. The Paper Melody mostly plays at the Soda Shop in Orland, Ca. "Every time we do a tour or anything, we start off there because it always just gets (us in) such a good mood for the tour and always helps us off on our way," says Anthony Reeder. They also played at Club Retro and used to play at the Boardwalk in Sacramento, Ca., but it has now turned into the Ace Of Spades and they have to make it there yet. They are definitely working on it, though, and will be touring this year in July and August. If you would like to see them perform, please visit our website at www.qsacramento.com to check tour dates.

music August

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in

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shape

A HEALTHY YOU

Model: Carlos Perez

The look: You do not need to be a huge “Mr. Buff” to look good – in fact, the lean and toned “beach bum” body is not only more attractive, it’s more practical, more functional and fits better in clothes! Unless you are in a major muscle building competition, stay away from the big bulky “Arnold Schwarzenegger” look! Good bye “Arnold” hello “David Beckham”!

Nutrition: “You are what you eat” is absolutely true! Nutrition plays a vital role in how sculpted your body can be. Most people think that as long as you workout, you can eat anything, which is not necessarily true. An effective workout regimen relies on 70% nutrition and 30% on cardiovascular and weight training routines. Think of your body as a “Maserati” with a full tank of gas. First, you would only want to put the best type of gas in your expensive car right? Hence, put only the best type of food in your “body” such as whole grains, fruits, veggies and lean meats. Second, you would not want to over-fill your gas tank damaging your chic paint job on your “Maserati” right? Hence, do the same with your “body”; do not put more food in your stomach than you need to fully operate with!

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Over eating during meal periods causes excess storage of fat (with excess storage of fat, you may not look so hot driving your Maserati down Hollywood Boulevard).

By Victor Louis

In the busy lifestyle of this day and age, health and fitness becomes another cumbersome chore or routine. Individuals struggle to balance health, fitness and nutrition as part of a lifestyle regimen. In order to live a long prosperous life, we need to ensure appropriate nutrition & fitness training is used faithfully, with dedication. As a certified fitness trainer for the past 8 years, I have had the opportunity to work with many types of people, with various backgrounds.

The most common struggle I have witnessed is “dedication, nutrition and effective workout routines”. Let’s explore some basic, best practices that can help transform you from “fluffy to hot” in the blink of an eye!

No desserts (okay, okay, we all need a sweet treat once in a while with moderation of course)!

Do eat 5-6 small meals throughout your day.

Do eat your small meals every 3-4 hours (this keeps your metabolism running full speed)!

Do drink your 8 glasses of water each day.

Do eat whole grains, fruits, veggies, nuts and lean meats.

Do count your caloric intake vs. how many calories you burn each day (excess calories not burned will more than likely be stored as fat fuel).

Do take supplements such as vitamins or health shakes if you are not receiving enough nutrition through your food choices.

Now that we have uncovered the proper nutrition (which is 70% of your fitness routine) let’s talk about an effective workout! Most of my clients say: “Victor, I just do not have enough time in my day to workout”. Does this sound like you? People do not have “enough time” to workout; however they do have time to watch “Project Runway”, “Jersey Shore”, “The Real Housewives of New York” and the list goes on! A healthy lifestyle starts with dedication to your fitness program, if there is no dedication, there is no success. Treat your workout time as if it was an imperative appointment.

Create a specific time that works best for you and schedule it in your calendar. Once it is scheduled, stay committed and dedicated!

The No’s of nutrition:

Cheers to a healthy lifestyle,

The Do’s of nutrition:

HEALTH No fried foods No foods high in sugar No foods high in fat No processed foods No foods high in sodium No white breads, rice, pasta or tortillas (replace with wheat and whole grains, i.e. – wheat bread, brown rice, wheat pasta, wheat tortillas)

Q Sac

Want More?

Download the Q Sac App for more tips from Victor Louis.

the

Q

report

SACRAMENTO’S: C&C MERCHANTS

By Luis Barrera

Amy Guthrie and Mark Snyder, co-owners of C&C Merchants

Mark Snyder and Amy Guthrie, co-owners of C&C Merchants make not only things that your grandma may want to purchase but items that are appealing to the youthful and hip as well as new home owners.

“We heard the call from loyal shoppers in the Sacramento community and decided to open stores of our own that emulate without copying the style of William Glen, great finds at great prices,” said Guthrie and Snyder.

There father, Bill Snyder, was one of the founders of William Glen. The company boasted two locations and featured a premier selection of fine gifts and kitchen accessories from all over the world.

With an eclectic sense of style and taste, both Guthrie and Snyder have different takes on the selection of products to feature within the stores.

There exposure to products, brands and to the customers’ wants/needs began early and developed with time. They both worked for there father most of their lives. As kids, they unpacked shipments, broke down boxes, swept floors, filed documents, as children waited on customers and accompanied their father on buying trips.

“We keep an eye on trends, speak with our peers and rely on our sales reps for information,” Guthrie said. “We use all this information and our common sense to trend our own buying. Things change and mistakes are made but its how you respond to these changes and learn from these mistake that defines a long term career in this industry.”

When one enters Christmas and Co.’s large bay doors, the feel of Christmas envelops you and takes over all your tangible senses. With adorable collectibles, to amazing

lighting, to gorgeous ornaments and centerpieces, you are left with winter wonderland sparkling in your eyes.

Two product lines are the main-stay at Christmas & Co., The Mark Roberts Fairies and the Department 56 Villages, are a definite draw. Both have a huge following and both are extremely well represented at Christmas & Co. They represent a happy time of the year and bring out the kid in us all.

Head on over to the adjacent store, Chef’s Mercantile and get a touch of what every kitchen dreams of having its shelves stocked with. An urban, hip kitchen accessory store that boasts the utmost of quality and selection for any type of chef.

“We carry all sorts of gadgets from corn strippers, to bacon cookers and apple corers [which] are really popular,” said Snyder.

But the two most popular items in terms of volume are the bobble water filtration bottle, a bpa free plastic bottle with a charcoal water filter that filters the water as you sip it. The other is the Firewire stainless steel grilling wire, a unique grilling skewer made of food safe stainless steel that makes grilling easier by allowing you to flip the wire easily and marinate in a zip lock bag.

By offering a unique shopping experience in the Old Sac. area, C&C Merchants has it’s niche in the market. By borrowing old world business techniques, the company appeals not only to the local collector but a youthful crowd looking for quality pieces for the budding home.

BUSINESS August

15

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