Let’s add one more item to the list of things that’s not like your grandfather’s — your office. Contemporary office furniture is two generations away from obligatory black chairs and heavy, dark brown furniture The office of today combines functionality, comfort and a lively sense of style. After all, we spend most of our waking hours in our offices. We are most productive when our surroundings are esthetically pleasing, visually…
When it comes to Texas citrus, the Rio Grande Valley has no competitors. While consumption of Valley red grapefruit is growing nationally, sales of Florida and California grapefruit are decreasing. This season, Valley packing houses expect to ship between nine and ten million cartons of citrus, primarily grapefruit. Marketed under the names Ruby Red, Rio Star and Rio Red, Texas grapefruit attracts consumers because of its color, but the naturally…
The rigid businessman’s dress code of 50 years ago — dark suits, hats, cuff links, long socks — has faded away. Today business clothing for men and women seeks to convey tasteful, effortless style. The goal still is to look professional, confident and worthy of clients’ trust. Business attire is trending to natural shoulders, flexible collars and comfort, with greater leeway accepted in the creative fields and on Casual Fridays. …
With the end of summer, the Rio Grande Valley’s big party season begins. Between birthday parties and baptismal celebrations, holidays, football blowouts and bridal showers, fall weekends fill up with convivial gatherings. In fact, Halloween now reportedly ranks second behind Christmas for holiday-sales generation, with 34% attending or hosting a Halloween party (and spending on average $68 on costumes). Whenever the urge to throw a party takes hold, local party…
Hunting season seems to start in the Rio Grande Valley when brothers Justin and Chris Curl put on their annual Texas Hunters and Sportsman Expo. While whitewing dove season officially opens in September, the three-day, mid-July expo ramps up the anticipation for hunters the way that Christmas decorations get kids excited for Santa Claus’ arrival. Hunters begin to prep their gear and consider upgrading to the newest products on the…
As waves splash onto the beach behind them, the bride and groom hold hands and exchange wedding vows. The romantic backdrop of South Padre Island — promising moonlit beach walks and carefree fun – draws hundreds of wedding parties each year. Although Valley couples see the Island as a close-to-home wedding venue, most everyone else views South Padre as a dreamy tropical wedding destination that doesn’t require a passport. Businesses…
Wrapped in a fluffy de Sanchez Day Spa robe and sipping chilled cucumber water, I follow massage therapist Melly Barrientos past the inviting Jacuzzi and sauna to a subtly lit room for a relaxation massage. Barely audible classical guitar music and the faint scent of marigolds and chamomile tease my senses as the kink in my shoulder is chased away and my feet are massaged to nirvana. At day…
Texas is the first or second largest beer-consuming state in the U.S., said Carter Huber, Valley branch manager of Glazer’s Distributors. Valley residents contribute more than their fair share to that ranking. “Per capita consumption is higher here then it is in most parts of country. The phenomenon is the same in El Paso. The market is totally different. My analogy is that beer is to Mexico what wine is…
For the happiest of times and the saddest of times, flowers say what we can’t always put in to words. Weddings, new babies, birthdays and romance are celebrated with flowers. Floral arrangements convey our concern and sympathy during illnesses and funerals. On a daily basis, plants and flowers enliven workplaces for customers and employees alike. And nothing beats flowers for getting you out of the doghouse after a major faux…
Locally harvested free range eggs, grass-fed beef, gorgeous red tomatoes, eight varieties of carrots and containers of fragrant herbs signal the Valley’s latest agricultural adventure. The number of small farms is rising in the Valley as growers connect to consumers eager to buy fresh picked produce and Valley grown food. The New Ag age centers on direct marketing, cutting out the middleman. Twenty-five percent of the Valley’s income still comes…