Thoughts Out Loud

Sorrytown

By: Jacqueline Aguirre

Photos By: Chris Lang

Deep in the pit, I pushed through the boisterous crowd who danced, singing along to the band on stage that poured their hearts out to the crowd before them. One glance at the stage and there they were—the five piece Las Cruces emo-punk band, Sorrytown.

After their set, I met all five members of the band: James Atchison on drums, Justin Ulibarri on bass, Eric Edwards on guitar, Kelly Williams on guitar, and Simeon Beardsley on vocals and guitar.

All, who seemed quite lively after playing a full set, joked and ate Krispy Kreme donuts while packing up instruments and amps into a red van.

Sorrytown, which earned their name from Beardsley’s overuse of “sorry,” ended sticking with them from their very beginnings in the spring of 2015.

With inspirations such as Brand New and Bright Eyes, the band reveals they are also inspired by local bands. While recording locally at LNG studio, they were impressed by other bands that were also recording there—staying up until early hours, and working on their sound and technique. Their determination inspired the band to return that same passion back into Sorrytown.

Beardsley considers that year spent in the studio as a year of importance through creativity of material produced, “I feel like Sorrytown was birthed from that room in every way.”

Sorrytown’s songs focus on being honest. Their lyrics cover many aspects of life and have a way of striking a chord in your heart. “The only thing I wanna be in my entire life when I die, is just honest—that’s it,” says Beardsley.

In agreement, they expressed that the content of the music is the key to what makes an album, or a band, good. Williams, who recently joined, believes the allure of Sorrytown is their sincerity and being true to who they are. “The lyrics lend themselves to the music in a really profound way, and the music does the same, but in a different way—that’s what really drew me to these songs,” he says.

While Beardsley writes the majority of the songs, Edwards explains that the band collectively breaks the song down, in order to have an opportunity for modification from the rest of the group.

Aside from keeping true to themselves and their music, they know that their listeners are also very important. From lyrics to their energy, the band makes sure that you pick up on the emotion in the songs. Beardsley notes, “That’s kind of the point to me—I want people to feel it also. It’s about my expression and us being there together.”

Williams explains an emotional connection that happens between them and the fans when they play, “It’s two different experiences that I’ve felt there was a visceral thing going on with the crowd,” he says.

Sometimes, the band faces challenges of making the sound work with the lyrics. Atchison explains that the challenges are a good thing that help you stretch out of your comfort zone and it can be the best part about a band who constantly moves beyond they’re limits, expressing, “It’s definitely worth it in the end.”

Not only is their dedication evident, their sets are intense and hold an irresistible energy that can surge through any crowd.

“People start to pick up on it, and it’s infectious. We all do it to each other, and we can’t help it,” Edwards adds the elation received when seeing a crowd feed off their energy.

You’d figure that after playing a set, the members would be drained of any energy, yet Atchison expresses his craving for another set. The rest of the band, almost simultaneously, laughed and nodded in agreement.

Their most recent project was in August—the release of their album, “Flowerbeds.” Ulibarri describes the theme of the album, which is about a loss of something and the celebration of life after life.

The name came from Beardsley’s visit to his grandmothers grave, “I realized there were flowers everywhere. I realized that it was interesting that I go to this place that’s full of life to celebrate her once-life.”

A collection of well thought-out songs, which keep true to the matter, are relatable and compelling. The last song on the record, “Retreat,” is the favorite among the band mates.

“That song is the culmination of the theme of the record, and it ends the record … it’s incredible,” says Williams.

Accompanied by an earnest love for their music, the band says they’ll continue towards writing another album. They all admitted that staying active was important to them as musicians. While keeping things fresh, they’ll continue to practice and advance their limits.

By: Kayla Melson

Photos By: Joe Nuñez

“Keep your mind straight and your precious hands in mine / I’ll fall in love again someday.” These are some of the lyrics of local singer-songwriter Javier Martinez’s solemn-but-catchy tune “Schemes”—his favorite from his newly-released EP “Honesty.” “It’s like my firstborn,” Martinez says. “It’s the first song that I believed I could do by myself.”

As soon as he wakes up, he plays his music. And at lunchtime. And before bed. What began as typical piano lessons at age 10 became what Martinez, now 30, calls an “addiction.” “[It feels like] dreaming—when you’re having a really good dream and you don’t want to wake up—that’s what I feel every day when I’m playing,” he says.

After being part of more than 20 broken-up bands over the years, Martinez made the decision to go solo just two years ago—and he’s not looking back. “If I mess up, it’s on me,” he says. “I don’t have to rely on anybody else.”

From his native Lower Valley neighborhood to the downtown nightlife scene, Martinez regularly performs his live acoustic music all around the city. Part alternative and part indie, his songs enliven El Pasoans of all music tastes. “I get a lot of support from the local music community,” he says gratefully.

Martinez received an Associate’s degree in audio recording from Full Sail University in Orlando, Fla. before moving to Chicago and Austin in pursuit of owning a record studio. As a former resident of these large cities, Martinez knows a thing or two about big, live music scenes—something El Paso’s doesn’t quite yet compare to. That’s what he wants to change about his hometown.

Martinez created the Facebook page “EP Acoustic” in May to help his fellow local musicians network and find shows to perform in. With 358 friends and counting, up-and-coming local artists are able to gain popularity among like musicians and the El Paso public. “I think it has helped,” Martinez says. “Seeing a network makes people realize there is a demographic for that here.”

Acoustic guitarists and singers Damian Gonzalez and Cristina Lizarraga comprise Coyote Blue, an acoustic indie-folk duo—just one group that benefits from the page Martinez manages. “We have struggled with getting our name out in the scene in order to meet people to play music for and/or with,” Gonzalez says. “This is one of the ways EP Acoustic helps.” By sharing their new album “Worst Kind of People” and some of their upcoming performances, Martinez and EP Acoustic have played a part in Coyote Blue’s success.

“Javier Martinez is quite possibly one of, if not the most, hard-working people contributing to the music scene here,” Gonzalez says. “Not only is he a musical genius, but his generous spirit and motivated approach has helped to inspire and shape myself as a … musician.”

EP Acoustic isn’t the only way Martinez helps local musicians, though. He founded Wired Bread in September, a repair business for instruments and their accessories. “Javier definitely knows what’s he’s doing,” says Allan Martinez of local indie-alternative band As The City Sleeps. “I would definitely recommend his services and will keep coming back.”

Unlike similar companies, Martinez fixes local musicians’ amplifiers, guitars and basses for an affordable price. “I charge low prices because I’m trying to help the DIY community. Musicians are poor,” he says with a chuckle. Allan Martinez, whose speaker was recently repaired, agrees: “It helped tremendously due to the fact that most local musicians are out of pocket and struggle. His prices are more than fair.”

As the city’s music scene continues to grow, Martinez hopes it’ll become not more like Austin or Chicago, but instead a better version of El Paso. “I take all these steps to try to help the community because I want it to grow,” he says optimistically. “I see the potential in the music scene here.”

If you’re interested in listening to Javier’s music, you can find his new EP “Honesty” on iTunes and Spotify.

I’ll never forget sitting in the cinema, watching that infamous scene when Jack Nicholson accidentally walks in on Diane Keaton wearing nothing but her birthday suit. “Something’s Gotta Give” was, on the surface, a frivolous venture into the dilemma many women ‘After 50’ face with the alarming shortage of men their age who AREN’T looking for a younger squeeze to warm up to.

At first, I giggled with the rest of the audience. Who could keep a straight face as Nicholson literally covered his eyes and recoiled in horror at the sight of Keaton’s naked body parts, gently touched by time?

My husband laughed too and then, as we often do when we share an intimate joke, we caught each other’s eye and just for a second it seemed that he looked a lot like Jack Nicholson and before I could stop myself, I wondered if he felt the same way about walking in on me.

And why wouldn’t he?

50 shades of gray takes on new meaning as a woman ages. An older friend of mine once told me the hardest thing about passing her prime was that she felt like she’d literally faded away. I deeply regret now that I didn’t respond with more kindness then, because it’s a brutal blow when you wake up one morning, look back at your reflection and realize it’s true. It starts with our hair—in my case, even eyebrows need penciling in to mimic their once prominent definition. Before you know it, bits and pieces shift, lines deepen, skin pales, lips thin, the ability to wear killer heels, to rock shorter hemlines and to bare upper arms all becomes a contest between endless hours of self-inflicted diet and exercise, skid free precautions and tiring determination.  For many of our battle weary sisters, it’s easier to slip into something a little more comfortable and embrace the shadows at the back of the room.

But all is not lost. For even in nature’s most challenging circumstances, come moments of unexpected revelation. Something really does ‘give’ because all the confidence, self-awareness, experience and wisdom one develops after decades of life will break through the clouds of doubt if we just take a deep breath and let them.

For one thing, women of a certain age understand their bodies and take pleasure and pride in being able to enjoy them. The allure of confidence witnessed as Keaton boldly flirted with Keanu Reeves on the movie screen is not as rare as Hollywood would have you think. We know exactly who we are and after years of wondering whether the other sex approves of our moves, many of us develop an attitude that simply doesn’t care whether old men want to waste their time on younger conquests. In fact, I honestly feel sorry for them—they have no idea what they’re missing.

Let me preface the next paragraphs with “I’m a happily married woman” BUT that’s no reason to shy away from the very best entertainment imaginable. And just because you’ve been playing reruns to the same sold out audience for a very long matinee, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, fresh and sexy.

Freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want without worrying about grossing out your teenagers, gets top billing on my marquis. When there’s only two of you left, home becomes a private sanctuary, filled with endless opportunity. Drawn curtains, candles, chocolate covered strawberries, massage oil—the comfort of familiar habits and the mystery of new ideas blend exquisitely with the best turn on of all—unlimited time.

I asked a few of my friends, what’s changed in their sex lives and this is what they said.

“It takes a little longer to pull myself together than it used to, but now, instead of worrying about what I’ll wear or what I’ll say, I put on a little music and sip some wine while I’m getting ready. I don’t bother trying on dozens of outfits, I just dab my favorite fragrance on my wrists and across my cleavage, take a mental reading of how I feel at that moment and find the dress or the jeans that compliment my mood. I’m a lot less stressed about life and dating and it seems to be working because my better half can’t stop smiling.”

“I no longer give a damn about how often I have sex—I just make sure it’s the best sex either of us can remember having and hope neither one of us forgets it too soon!”

“Why do our children and our grandchildren and everyone else under the age of 50, think we’re too old to have sex? We have better sex now than we ever did when the kids were sleeping on the other side of the wall.”

“Sometimes we just kiss and remember. Sometimes we laugh till we cry. But we always know we’re there for each other, no matter where life takes us. Then the Viagra kicks in.”

“I recommend small surprises. Just one tiny detail that’s different can drive him crazy! And when he asks, ‘Where did THAT come from?’ Just smile and keep him guessing.”

“There is nothing more appealing than a woman who oozes self-confidence and knows how to walk through a crowd. If I know anything, it’s that the gentle sway of well-developed hips floating through a room can suspend conversation and finger foods in mid-air.”

So I guess, in conclusion, that sex after 50 is a lot like a martini. The burst of flavor and the warm sensation it creates as it slides over your tongue—the way you add just the right garnish to satisfy your personal taste—and always enhanced to perfection by the way you choose to stir it.

By: Janene Rojas

Kikimora is El Paso’s up and coming band to watch out for. They play a jazzy combination of soul and R&B, known as neo soul, with the technical sophistication of a seasoned jazz band. You may have spotted their performance at The Plaza Film Festival, and if you have yet to see them, they play regularly at central hot spots such as DeadBeach Brewery. Their music is fusion, meaning a mix of different styles of jazz including Latin and modern Jazz.

Singer and guitarist Hayley Lynch, pianist Leo Bennato, bassist Jericho Cagle and drummer Albert Braun make up the talented group and each have extensive backgrounds in music. They have been busy this past year with weekly performances, writing music, rehearsals, and touring. They had their first tour through Austin, Marfa and San Antonio where they said they had a great response.

When hearing of Kikimora, the first question on most people’s mind is, what does Kikimora mean? Hayley explains that the band’s unique name comes from the connection she sees between mythology and music, in this case Russian mythology. “A Kikimora is a Slavic house spirit. It’s a small spirit that lives in the kitchen, and is kind of a seamstress chicken looking thing, with a scarf over its head. Not a very attractive spirit. She breaks dishes when she’s mad or hides your keys, a nuisance in the house.” Says Hayley with a smile, before adding that it is not a reflection of the bands style, but an interesting source of inspiration.

Although a literal Kikimora may be a nuisance in the house, the melodies of this band could never be. They are often compared to the sounds of the legendary Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse and Hiatus Kaiyote.

Taking it back to the birth of Kikimora tells a tale as interesting as the one behind the band’s unique name. During the summer of 2014 in a hostel in Oaxaca Mexico, Hayley and Leo Bennato met by chance while travelling through Central America. Leo, born in Buenos Aires, knew little English and Hayley admits her Spanish was far from fluent. They were able to work past the language barrier and bond over their passion for music. They played instruments they had brought along on their travels, out in the hostel courtyard together throughout the remainder of their stay. The idea of a serious musical project was born and soon after, Leo and Hayley found themselves performing as a duo in Austin, Texas. From Austin they were drawn to Hayley’s hometown of El Paso because of the potential she saw here for bands at their beginning stages.

A beautiful start leads to wonderful artistry in Kikimora’s first EP, or extended play, Cosmic Control. The single off Cosmic Control speaks to taking control of your life and taking risks, reflecting on the story of the spontaneous way Hayley and Leo met and followed their passion of music. Kikimora’s message is evolving though, changing for their first full-length album, which we can look forward to hearing sometime in early 2017.

The tight schedule of the past year has given the band newfound appreciation for time off, allowing them to step back and strategize. They are rethinking their show schedules, working with new collaborators, writing their first full-length album, and focusing on bigger shows such a festivals in other cities. We can expect great things from this band, so keep your eye on Kikimora.

To listen or contact, go to www.kikimoraproject.com

By: Jamie Livingston

El Paso touts the title as one of the “Safest Cities in America” and has held that claim for several years now. But perhaps, the one feature El Paso is known for under the surface is the budding music scene.

Every year, artists all across the nation hold concerts here or in nearby Las Cruces, and local artists are constantly rising on the scene. One local musician who has already made her mark is Hope Riot.

Riot, a lifelong El Pasoan whose last name is Wright, has grown up among musicians. Her father, Rich Wright, owned a live music venue for many years. Since childhood, Riot has been hanging out at music studios and venues, and even worked as a babysitter to her father’s studio’s house engineer.

But being around the music didn’t immediately mean Riot was playing and learning instruments herself. She didn’t truly realize that music was her own destiny until she was a young adult. “It wasn’t until I was about 20 that I started playing music myself. It wasn’t until then that I realized I wanted to be a part of the industry. I was hanging out at a recording studio with a lot of musicians and it was just contagious, I guess.”

Riot is currently working a new album, that is set to be recorded in Mexico City. The 26-year-old says she is putting all energies into writing in hopes of having a spring release. So, touring and live venues are on hold at the moment.

“I’m sort of trying to keep things low-key for now. I find the best writing conditions are when you sequester yourself a little bit.”

Riot boasts that her style varies album to album and she likes not having one secular sound. “Lately, I’ve been writing with my guitar and the style has definitely changed a lot. I feel like the next record will be a bit more classically punk rock, but for the most part, I don’t like to label myself with a genre,” said Riot. “I’ve been lucky to have a wide and eclectic range of fans and audiences, and I am always surprised by the type of people that tell me they like my music or record.”

The native West Texan has been pretty busy lately with recording and plans on honing in on her craft.

“In the past few years I have worked with TV/radio producers, toured twice, put out an independent record, played with David J of Bauhaus and tons of other unbelievable stuff! It’s so surreal the way my musical path has turned out.”

And her advice for others just getting started or trying to break into the industry?

“Don’t try to sound like other bands … that band that already fills a void in the market. Try to fill a new one. If you’re focusing on that, people will notice it. Build it, and they will come. But don’t chase anything. Ground your attention on yourself.

By: Pablo Delgadillo

Juniper Ridge Backpacker Cologne Sample Kit: Sometimes a man can’t decide what he wants to smell like for the day.  There’s a lot of people that have an assortment of colognes, but some guys just stick to one bottle for a few months. Juniper Ridge came up with the idea of having three small bottles of different cologne in one package. The variety scents allow you to smell good in various occasions. Big Sur has an ocean fresh vibe, Mojave is a little bit earthy and Siskiyou is a bit citrusy and spicy. Get the three vials at urbanoutfitters.com for $35.

Tweezerman Essential Grooming Kit:  Get those eyebrows, nails and nose hairs on fleek with the grooming kit by Tweezerman. The kit comes with nail clippers, scissors to tame those facial hairs, tweezers and a nail tool for cuticles, all in a stylish and compact bag ideal for traveling. The stainless steel design is perfect for long-lasting durability. Shop at tweezerman.com its only $30.

Balla Powder for Men: Sometimes running around doing errands, a stressful day at work or even working out can make the “manly region” sweaty and we all know how that goes. To avoid a stinky situation down under, Balla came up with this powder that will keep your manhood fresh and stink free. You really can use it freely all over your body, but with no harsh chemicals this fresh powder is ideal for those more delicate regions. Groominglounge.com $17

Molton Brown Ginger Extract Thickening Shampoo: Stress has your hair thinning more every day? Molton Brown has come up with this thickening shampoo that helps volumize fine hair. It helps refresh the scalp and with its ginger extract helps revitalize and restore fine hair. Leaving it smelling amazing in the process. Shop at moltonbrown.com $30

By: Melissa Rutter

Instead of throwing out your wine bottles, why not save a few for the next time you’re looking for a cute DIY project to do? Not everyone is the next Martha Stewart, so if you’re looking for a simple and easy project this first idea is especially for you. Next time you’re at your local hardware store pick up a container of chalk board paint, some painter’s tape and of course a paint brush. A clear bottle of wine will work best for this one, so once you have thoroughly cleaned the inside of the bottle and removed any labels from the outside you are ready to begin. First, you will use the painter’s tape to outline the size of the label you want for this bottle. Paint this section with the chalk board paint and wait for it to dry. Once it does, you now have a container to store anything from small candies to rice. Since you used chalkboard paint for the label, you can easily change the name of what’s inside without any hassle as you continue to refill it.

The second idea is still a simple one, but will require a little more patience. The next time you find yourself at your local arts and crafts store, pick up some twine and a hot glue gun and hot glue sticks if you already don’t have them. All you have to do is start at the bottom of the bottle and wrap the twine tightly around, stopping occasionally to hot glue it down. If you want to make the bottle more decorative, you can add little accent pieces or just enjoy the simplicity of the twine on its own to make a unique vase.

The third idea is perfect for people who love to spend their time outdoors—a Tiki torch! All this idea requires is a clear and pretty looking wine bottle, crafting pebbles, Tiki fuel, Tiki refill wicks and a brass coupling doohickey. Don’t be intimidated by the list of items though, this one is really simple and fast to do and it looks great.  First, you will fill the bottle with some of the crafting pebbles then fill the bottle with Tiki fuel, insert the wick with the coupling doohickey into the bottle and just like that, you are done. You now have a cute set of Tiki torches to enjoy next time you’re outdoors relaxing or throwing a party.

For this fourth one, you’ll need glass etching cream, a bottle spout or pump, and a stencil which can all be found at your local arts and crafts store. Using a clear bottle of wine, you will set your stencils on the bottle and use the etching cream to go over the letters. Once it’s dried and you’ve rinsed off the cream with cool water, you are done.  Just fill it with soap, attach the spout and now you have a cute soap dispenser! If you find a wine bottle to be too big to use as a soap dispenser, this can also be used to hold cooking oil.

This last idea is a little more advanced, but if you’re able to do it, you won’t be disappointed in your new glass tumblers. You will need a bottle cutter, a candle and sandpaper in addition to a few empty wine bottles.  After cleanly removing all labels from the bottle, you will use the bottle cutter to make a nice straight line around. Then using a candle heat up the score line. Make sure to have a pot of ice cold water ready, because as soon as the line is heated up, you will immediately dunk the bottle in the water. Once you hear a pop, take the bottle out and wiggle the pieces apart and there’s your tumbler! All that’s left to do is use the sand paper to smooth down the edges to your liking. Tumblers make a great gift and are a great conversation piece.

So the next time you find yourself wondering what to do with your empty wine bottles, try one of these ideas to brighten up your home and show off your crafty skills.

By: Don Waters of Waters Design Group

“Starbucks represents something beyond a cup of coffee. ” Howard Schultz

Little did Mr. Schultz realize that in creating a movement of the single cup of coffee, by customizing that cup of java to the exacting taste of the customer, he was inventing a new form of coffee communication along the way. The stores themselves revolutionized a homogeneous one-size-fits-all interior design movement. To be perfectly correct, Starbucks rolled out four distinct design schemes based upon earth elements. This genius entrepreneur coupled a personal beverage with a down-home comfortable “pull up a chair and let’s be friends” environment. He not only built an iconic company, he transformed interior design possibly forever. For years one could walk into a location in Boston, Fargo, Marseille, or in El Paso, and the coffee and the design were the same. A casual observer would even say the baristas were all the same as well, and the only uniqueness was that found in the expressive artistry of the tattoos adorning many of the employees. In a short period of time, our design world went from eclectic to a new powerful trend of design I have termed being “Starbuked.”

Schultz also helped move the words sustainability, reclaimed and fair trade into the lexicon of everyday consumers. And if you have a conversation these days with an interior designer, soon after they introduce themselves assuredly they weave those words into the conversation.

“Yes Mrs. Jones, I think you will love this sofa—the fabric is reclaimed and repurposed from the gym bags of the 2012 Ukrainian women’s field hockey team, the frame is non-rainforest bamboo, and the cushion fillings are naturally shed down from organically farm-raised geese.”

Please don’t think I’m diminishing the importance of being a good steward of our natural resources. The use of renewable and adaptable materials in production of goods is a win-win for everyone. I do somehow find it ironic though, the new desire to construct and utilize sustainable design in every aspect of design life. It drives use further into the sameness of design that we mentioned at the start of this article, as we move further away from the historical underpinnings that formed the foundation of design providence.  As corporate sameness bows to the alter of “more,” pieces of our past disappear from our design landscape. There are less and less examples of classical and old world design presentations for our next generation to learn and adapt their sensibilities from.

Yes, there is beauty in a modern day “living edge” dining table constructed of old grown walnut, raised and used 100 years after it was lost and floated down river to the mill.  Add the supports, forged by hand in a small blacksmith shop by the great-great grandson of the original smithy who immigrated from Scotland, and imparted his knowledge of a lost art to generations. I indeed find this magical and worthy of importance.

I equally find beauty in an early 18th century Duncan Phyfe divan.  This Greco-Roman sofa, with its graceful mixture of exotic woods and subtle carvings, echoes the origination of early Greek and Roman furnishings and pays homage to 6th century Roman stools. Great design should always seek to honor the past as it points to the future. I don’t want anyone to think I am critical of that aforementioned coffee conglomerate, indeed bravo to their ability to span the world with their vision of design. I would, however, find it fun sometime to enjoy my once-a-year pumpkin spice latte and farm-raised free-range egg and cheese non-gmo sourdough muffin breakfast sandwich, sitting in an 18th century Biedermeier reproduction club chair, covered in a buttery-soft, yet extremely durable, deep espresso-colored Mohair.

By: Gesuina Legaspy

During a trip to Los Angeles this past February, I paid a visit to Frame Denim to get an idea of the kind of denim trends I could scoop up for fall. To my surprise, the sales girl implored me to buy a velvet blazer, swearing it was the next hottest accessory and on everyone’s order. I thought to myself, “Velvet? Really?” but took her word for it. I’m glad I did.

Velvet is one of those trends that seems to fall out, then return, to popularity and this season it’s back with a vengeance. If you’re going to invest in one piece this Autumn, make sure it’s in this soft, luxe fabric. There are plenty of options to choose from—I’m seeing velvet on everything from shoes to bomber jackets. The juxtaposition of the luxury fabric on traditionally casual pieces is fun and unexpected, all the makings of good fashion.

Trendsetters like Hailey Baldwin and Kendall Jenner are not waiting for the cool weather, but instead rocking this trend while temps are still soaring.

Through it’s still warm in Texas, you can already wear velvet now as accent pieces, such as velvet booties with shorts or velvet cami dresses with wedges. There is no right or wrong way to rock the trend, just have fun with it, and don’t feel as if you have to wait for the cold to wear it. Dive into the luxe life!

By: Krysta Ayers

Styled By: Ladonna Apodaca

Photos by Bernie Maese Jr. and William Helm

On an unassuming street in El Paso, somewhere where the famous star is close by on the mountain, a humble castle, if you will, stands enclosed by repurposed material. It is foreshadowing what is just beyond the front gate, made private from its neighbors, yet provoking something in the community—a call for more people to come and live on the hill because it is possible. It is the domicile of visionaries—two artistic souls creating the perfect space that is personalized for them, by them.

When you open the front gate, you walk across a 40-foot bridge that leads you to the front door of the residence. Underneath, the landscape is perfectly manicured and also apart of the theme that encompasses the entire house. The brick, hand-placed strategically by the two homeowners, is brick from the old mirror building that once stood in downtown. “We were allowed to get as much brick as we wanted in a 24 hour period,” one of the homeowners informs me. Mixed inside the design, if you look closely, are also Terracotta moldings from that same building.

Led inside the house, the two homeowners welcomed me into their space. It is a space that has literally been created, from the ground up and inside and out, by the two of them. And once we get to talking, the stories pour out and take interesting form around the home. It is authentic in every sense of the word. The two homeowners are creative, artistic on many levels, builders, and extremely intuitive to the design of their home.

And it is a “home” in every sense in the word. “We live in this house. Its our home, it’s our space, it’s the environment that we enjoy and we love that,” one says to me.

The problem with new houses is that they lack anecdotes, a certain sense of history and comfort, and it’s the same for new furniture. Furniture manufactured in mass quantities, houses built out of cookie-cutter molds, all lack a unique and personal touch that is created by an individual person.

“The views are what makes the lot,” I’m told. The floor plan is tilted at a five-degree angle in order to get the most out of the views of the city. “This is about the views.” In order for those views to be seen, huge windows were erected so that from the kitchen, and when you’re eating, the city is your background. The entire design of the house was focused around having that feature.

But the kitchen, the dining area and the entire inside of the house is just as magnificent as the views. In the kitchen, the beautiful granite countertops, I learn, are repurposed from a building that the IN*SITU Architecture firm was working on. The kitchen table, set perfectly to invite guests to five-course meal, is an old drafting table that one of the homeowners had in college. Above, the light fixture grabs your eye. You cannot find it in a catalogue or walking into a furniture store. The light fixture is composed of automotive car filters that were then taken by one of the homeowners and redesigned for a new purpose.

The table setting is seven decades displayed as a dining set. There are drinking glasses from the late 40s, pieces from the 60s and other contemporary pieces that have been collected over time by each homeowner. Again, this theme is represented and held throughout the home. It is a mosaic, a gathering, of different time periods. “Everything is found, made, or vintage,” I am informed as I got the tour around the house.

The room to the right of the kitchen opens up with barn doors—doors, I learned, that were from the original Hilton hotel downtown. It is a comfortable room, a room in which is used to relax after a long day of work and creating. A heavy corduroy fabric that was found and pulled out of a dumpster is on the wall to control the acoustics in the room. A T-Square from the architecture firm hangs as a memento above the door frame, and more are seen throughout the room that date all the way back to middle school. A lamp in the room is decorated with vellum that has an areal view of El Paso stretching all around it. “You see these things and then ask, ‘What can I do with it,’” one of the homeowners says, describing how many of these creations manifest.

Nothing gets thrown away and everything has a purpose. Artwork that hangs on the walls were not bought, but created. A pool in the backyard was a huge construction dumpster in a past life. Wine bottles are candles and drinking glasses. Old wood is transformed into benches and seats. Thrift store finds are restored to fit their house and style.

The house may have been built in 2013, but it is an old-soul, with many rich and detailed stories of the past. And it is proof that you can take found material and turn it into something incredible and beautiful—like a house.

Let’s be honest – we all wait until the last minute to go holiday shopping. Every year we tell ourselves the same thing: that we’ll shop earlier and be more prepared. But it never happens. But here’s a solution to avoiding the long lines and the expensive overnight shipping. Shop local! (Which is what you should be doing anyway!) Here are a few stores that can help cross off some people on your list.

Coffee Emporium

The perfect place to visit for any coffee lover you have on your list. Take a quick trip over to get your French presses, coffee trinkets, mugs and more.

Paradigm Texas

For the person that is always above and beyond. Find unique desk sets, candles, hosting supplies, American made products and many more amazing things you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

V&X Boutique

Have a Fashionista on your list? Avoid the big name chains and keep it local. Not only will she have something hundreds of others aren’t wearing, but there are tons of accessories and gifts that make this an easy stop. And at affordable prices, you can’t go wrong.

Vanities

If you’ve never been, you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the options this gift store has. From more exquisite jewelry, like Pandora, to Kate Spade and many quirky gifts – you’ll have to remember that you’re in El Paso and not shopping an online store.

The Tea Spout

Have someone on your list that is more a tea person? No problem. The Tea Spout offers cute kettles, tea infusers, loose-leaf tea and a lot more to sufficiently supply the tea lover in your life.

Chuco Relic

If you have out of town family or simply want to gift some El Paso pride, Chuco Relic has everything from T-shirts to locally created art pieces to gift. You can also find some stocking-stuffers like magnets, pins, and stickers.

By: Brandi Lambert

Photos by: Art Moreno and Rudy Torres

Listing Agent: Sandy Messer

Interior Design: Lori McCuaig

Where does one begin when given the privilege of describing an authentic, awe-inspiring masterpiece?  How does one convey in words the feelings evoked when touring a home that leaves one speechless?  Every detail in the architectural design of this authentic Italian Villa by Dalton Caldwell, with Cullers and Caldwell, is addressed, each inch of space maximized, textures and fixtures specifically selected. Twenty acres of pristine Chihuahuan desert, and breathtaking city and mountain views, provide the perfect setting for this 10,014 square-foot treasure, a treasure that is difficult to do justice with words and photographs, and is deserving of each accolade bestowed upon it.

“As long as a client is willing to let you go, and let you have a bit of artistic freedom, it’s amazing.” And amazing it is, thanks to Lori McCuaig with LMC Design Group. Lanterns shipped directly from Florence, Italy adorn limestone walls that feel like glass to the touch; no two doors in the entire home are alike, each beautifully dense, carved and unique; ceilings arched into domes, or lined with massive wooden beams, anchor iron-forged light fixtures and antique chandeliers; tiles are individually placed and countertop surfaces texturized and polished to bring out their unique qualities to perfection. The attention to detail is utterly amazing and ongoing with architecture and design beautifully merging into a home that manages to be, in the eloquent words of the realtor/broker, Sandy Messer, “strong but soft,” combining solidity and serenity.

Upon entry into the home, one is greeted by two curved staircases, with overlooking Juliet balconies, each leading to the stunning main living area with a picturesque view of the outdoor patio, pools and untouched mountain landscape. With one touch of a button, a beautifully crafted NanaWall retracts, allowing the two areas to merge into one, the continuity from indoor to outdoor living brilliantly engineered. The cozy formality and grand fireplace of the indoor area blend to perfection with the outdoor living and kitchen amenities. A peaceful reflecting pool is surrounded by beautifully manicured landscape, expanding to the second pool and into the mountain. It’s as if the home is actually built into the mountain, transitioning seamlessly from authentic Tuscan grandeur to tranquil desert terrain.

Throughout the interior, one can witness the culmination of endless hours of planning, design and travel in order to ensure the home is undeniably authentic. Faux is not in the description.  Both international and nearby talent were called upon. A renowned artist, flown in from New York City, hand painted walls and ceilings. A Czechoslovakian iron forger created massive, one-of-a-kind light fixtures in the kitchen. The exquisite doors at the main entrance were brought in from a monastery in Florence, while a local craftsman supplied the artistry seen on other doors. The freestanding marble bathtub, located in the master bath room, is absolutely breathtaking, hand-carved in Italy and represented by a company in Los Angeles. The sheer scope of talent represented in this three-year project is unimaginable, each taking tremendous pride in capturing the desired ambiance.

The home flows beautifully in symmetry, the right side mirroring the left, meeting in the main living area. Lovely staircases and two discreetly placed elevators connect the first and second stories in both an elegant and efficient manner. Spacious his and hers closets are envy worthy in their own right and cannot go without mentioning. Even the hallways command praise, with their uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other. One cannot possibly articulate each detail and feeling of the home, it deserves to be experienced and appreciated.

*This home is currently for sale. For information, please contact:

Sandy Messer, Realtor/Broker

915-329-6111

By: Jesse Maynes

Where to start with how to equip your kitchen: The combinations and preferences are endless. But there are a few essentials that every home cook should have.

First and foremost is a good sharp knife. Don’t go for looks, you need something reliable. Something that will act as an extension of your own hand. You want something with a nice weight, something that feels sturdy. That dense sharp steel should glide through each cut. If you saw at your food to get the blade through it…it’s time to invest in a new knife.  You can always start with the classic six-inch or eight-inch chef’s knife found at your local restaurant supply or kitchen store.
A heavy-bottomed nine inch sauté pan, oven safe handle, non-stick or not, is an important ally in the kitchen. Its versatility is unmatched and its purpose is to be used. Heavy bottom pans help distribute heat evenly when cooking, cold spots can be a problem for even temperatures, a reliable pan can avoid that.

Seemingly not, mixing bowls are equally important in the kitchen. Preferably stainless steel or glass for its added uses. Get an array of sizes, as recipes will vary with their measurements and having options of storage and uses will keep you organized and cooking smarter. Don’t dismiss the durability of stainless steel either, from double boilers to a dome on a flat-top, stainless

Based on the idea that we’re starting from scratch, I would say a basic utensil kit would provide you with the standard for cooking at home. A spatula, spoon, perforated spoon, whisk, tongs, and a ladle. Each with individual uses, they’ve pretty much been perfectly designed for getting the job done. steel is always a safe bet.

You don’t really know how helpless you are until you can’t open a can of tuna. I lost mine during a move, I hadn’t gone grocery shopping, and all I had was some canned stuff. I wasn’t about to use that trusty knife I spoke about earlier either. Trust me, get a can opener. An unsung hero that deserves more recognition than we give it.

When it comes to kitchen tools, you get what you pay for. Invest in some quality equipment, it’s guaranteed to last. These should get you through your basic recipes and be the foundation to build a kitchen with.

By Veronica Nevarez

The magic and brilliance of Cirque du Soleil did not elude audiences during its “Ovo” tour at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso. During its five-day run from April 12-16, a small portion of an extensive global tour, “Ovo” (Portuguese for “egg”) captivated our hearts with a story of an enigmatic egg on its miraculous journey within the exotic yet fascinating world of insects. The two main characters, a vivacious lady bug and an eccentric insect of the unknown species, essentially fall in love around the mysterious egg’s appearance as they, along with the other curious insects inhabiting their bizarre ecosystem, marvel at the egg’s astonishing existence.

Written, directed and choreographed by Deborah Colker, the first female director at Cirque du Soleil, “Ovo” does not disappoint and is a definite must-see!

By: STEPHANIE AMERENA photography by: DAV ANMED 
Next to the El Paso train station, on the same street as the weekly downtown market, Rocketbuster Boots resides in a newly renovated 100-year-old building on Anthony Street with “Rocketbuster Boots, Showroom and Warehouse” boldly printed on the side. Once you enter Rocketbuster Boots you feel the vibrant personality that radiates from the knickknacks hanging from the walls, like a plaque reading, “On this site in 1897, nothing happened,” to the boots themselves,  like a Pop Art inspired pair with comic panels reading, “She had a plan of her own, and sitting around waiting wasn’t any part of it!” Each piece deliberate and filled with a unique look. Going on their 28th year of business, Rocketbuster Boots prides themselves on creating boots that customers can wear and not have to worry about the rest of the outfit. You can be caught in your black yoga pants and if you have a pair of Rocketbuster Boots on, everyone will say you look fabulous. The woman behind this vision and standard is Nevena Christi.

Nevena Christi, or as it says on her business card, “BOSSLADY,” is not originally from El Paso. From New York, she went to school for fine arts then moved on to fashion design. Nevena was no stranger to design, having studied at some of the finest schools in Europe and New York. She had 15 years of experience working as an artist, graphic designer and fashion designer. At one point, she worked on designing china and scarves, then moved onto dresses and textiles. She came to El Paso in 1995 to commission Rocketbuster Boots to collaborate on some outrageous boots for Nicole Miller’s New York runway show. Her husband, Marty Snortum started the business and bought the building that Rocketbuster Boots currently resides in, but Nevena took the business to the next level. When she moved here, she saw the potential that boots could have, especially in accuracy and measurements like clothing should be. Believing that boots should have an amazing fit ratio, Nevena was changing boots into actual designer clothing. Her main competition is creating the next idea she gets to see if they can do it. Fearless when it comes to the art, she is willing to take on any challenge that customers try to throw at her.

With this reputation, it is no surprise that Rocketbuster Boots was recognized by other artists and designers. Around Christmas time, their busiest time, Nevena got an email from Henry Holland, British designer of House of Holland, who is known for his T-shirts that have hot-off-the-press news headlines and scandalous comments. After following their social media pages, Holland said he wanted some Rocketbuster Boots for his London runway pieces. With this great opportunity, there was also the challenge of a time crunch. Holland needed the boots in L.A. by January, ready for London fashion week in February. Remembering her fashion background, she wanted the thrill of the challenge and to visit her old life and friends in London. Nevena accepted.

The stars of the runways were five thigh-high boots that had: Woody Woodpecker, cherries, snake boots that said “Let’s get loaded,” and mules that said “Bitches.” Everything crazy, wild, and filled with that unique Rocketbuster Boots personality. Nevena said that it was great to work with a designer again, to try something so challenging in such a short amount of time and to expand her creativity in an outrageous, crazy, wild, and most importantly, fun way. After the show, El Paso was credited in the London fashion show and received a tremendous review from Vogue magazine saying they were “American couture and everyone should Google them.” Nevena emphasized how New York fashion reviews are hardly ever kind and the press can be very catty. When Nevena got home with that review, she was very excited. 

With that, social media noticeably increased. Even with their six-month waiting list, and a price range from $1,000 to $8,000, there were ten new international orders and emails that kept coming in. People come from all over the world for their boots such as: New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and North Dakota. Nevena even met a teacher at one of her old schools in New York that wants her to speak to her textile class. After London Fashion Week, the future is determined on what is more fun. Nevena said, “If it is not fun, then why are we doing it?” Nevena wants to continue to do outrageous pieces for highly visible personalities so people can see them and think about what they can creatively do with boots.

The ultimate goal for Nevena and Rocketbuster Boots is two 20-foot boots on each side of El Paso to attract people to the city and contribute to the town’s economy. Once here, they can also see boot prints from Rocketbuster Boot products, much like the Hollywood walk of fame. By doing this, Rocketbuster Boots is highlighting how El Paso is the boot capital of the world and how we should be proud of it. This is their way of contributing to the town, by advertising El Paso to bring people here, and when they are away, in places like London, being a good poster kid for El Paso. In both scenarios, Nevena follows her favorite quote from Walt Disney, “Do what you do so well they will want to see it again and bring their friends.”