Collections Magazine Premier Issue

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Publisher’s Note:

We would like to thank Jesus Christ for bless-ing and guiding us on this project. We are honored to welcome you to our premier issue, a long-awaited milestone reached thanks to the hard work, devotion, and determination of a committed group of people united in their desire to make a difference and offer every month a publication they can be proud of. We are grateful to all the individuals who, in their own special way, throughout the process have contributed their time, ideas, and suggestions. Without their contributions, Collections Maga-zine would not be possible. We would also like to thank every single one of our sponsors. They have entrusted us with the responsibility of promoting in a tasteful manner their prod-ucts and services intended for a discerning and demanding reader. It is because of our selec-tive readers, that we are motivated in every issue to bring you content with the Collec-tions touch. Collections Magazine is anything but ordinary! We encourage you to visit our website www.collectionsmag.com to view the latest coverage of Fascinating People, Phe-nomenal Places & Outstanding Culture.

December 2011 | Christmas Issue

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Collections Magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Collections

Magazine.

Jesus AntonioAssociate Publisher

Jorge A. ResendizAssociate Publisher

COLLECTIONS IS A MONTHLY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SPECIALIZING IN SOCIAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS, DELIVERING A PASSIONATE, CREATIVE AND COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH IT IS PUB-

LISHED.

OUR MISSION IS TO EMBODY THE CHARACTER, THE VOICE AND THE SPIRIT OF ITS READERS BY FEATURING THE PROFILES OF LOCAL ARTISTS, LEADERS, PHILANTHROPISTS, PLACES AND ORGANIZATIONS BY OFFER-ING THEM THE PLATFORM TO EXERCISE, CONTRIBUTE, AND SHOWCASE

THEIR APTITUDE TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Legal Stuff:

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Caviar; Food of the Ages

Do’s & Don’ts for Selecting that Special Gift

Create Memories With Your Child this Christmas

I Love the Holidays Because

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Articles

Table of Contents

Carats Presents Mathew Laurence Campbell

Carats Presents Roberto Coin

Miss Texas in the RGV

IMAS Annual Treasure of Knowledge

Teleton

I Am A Fashionista

International Modeling & Talent Assoc 2012

Features

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Recognized ContributorNaela “Neli” Menchaca

Fashion Stylist Neli Menchaca was chosen to be the host of Col-lections Mag TV to be aired in the near future. Neli will be hosting various social events, including red carpet Galas, Fundraisers, and corporate events. Col-lections Magazine TV is proud to be represented by Neli Menchaca due to her expertise and passion for the art of fashion. Photograph taken by Nufo Salinas Photography

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956-994-0970caratsfj.com

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When someone mentions caviar, what is the first thing that crosses your mind? Do you think of Russians or the bourgeois? Most people know that caviar comes from fish eggs; still, not all fish eggs are caviar. What is this deli-cacy? Where did it originate? How should it be served? Caviar is the processed, salted roe (eggs) of a fish–primarily sturgeon–and is usually served as an hors d’oeuvre. Traditionally, this delicacy is associated with the upper class or the royalty of Russia and eastern European countries. However, many nineteenth century American saloons served it as part of free lunches. [Being salty, it probably encouraged their patrons to buy more beer.] Depending on the quality and source of the roe, caviar is quite accessible to everyone. Still, two groups often avoid sturgeon-derived caviar: kosher-observant Jews and Twelver Shi’a Muslims. These sects require their seafood to come from scaly fish. For all of recorded history, caviar has been a part of Middle Eastern and Eastern European diets. The principle source of caviar is the sturgeon. Caviar is excep-tionally high in vitamins A, B12, and D and in omega-3 fatty acids. Further, many people believe caviar improves memory function and is aphrodisiac; however, one might ask how much of the latter is due to the power of sugges-tion. Unfortunately, caviar is also high in cholesterol and salt; therefore, those with these dietary restrictions should moderate their intake of it. The English term, caviar, first appeared in the late sixteenth century, derived from the Turkish, khavyar. Interestingly, late nineteenth century America was the worlds’ largest caviar producer and exporter. However, much of this export later came back to the United States labeled as Russian, people considering the Russian product superior. There are three main varieties of caviar: Beluga, Osetra, and Sevruga. Of these, the most renowned is Beluga, a finely textured product ranging from a pale, silvery-grey to black. Most Beluga caviar comes from the Caspian Sea. Following in popularity are Osetra and Sevruga. The eggs of these sturgeons are smaller and not as uniform as the Beluga. Unfortunately, these sturgeon strains were fished practically to extinction in the early twentieth century; therefore, other sources came into promi-nence. Two of the most popular varieties come from lump-fish and salmon. Nonetheless, true connoisseurs maintain that only sturgeon roe deserve the name, caviar. To protect the fish population, all Beluga Sturgeon have been placed on the endangered species list, and other sturgeon strains (e.g., the shortnose) are classified as “vul-nerable.” One beneficial change in the industry is the way they harvest the roe. Traditionally, the fish was “stunned”

(clubbed) and then its ovaries removed. While expedi-ent, this actually limited the overall production of caviar. First, it sharply reduced the number of sturgeon offspring. Second, it provided only one yield of roe per fish. The modern caviar industry uses two superior methods of egg-acquisition. The first is similar to a caesar-ian section; that is, they surgically remove the roe. The sec-ond method, stripping, non-surgically removes them. Both techniques leave the fish alive, allowing it to keep producing eggs, thereby increasing the fish population and the amount of caviar on the market. Still, the scarcity of the three most preferred varieties (i.e., Beluga, Osetra, and Sevruga) keeps the price high. Most caviar on the market shelves comes from other fish (i.e., cod, paddlefish, or salmon). Caviar production is generally simple. The roe pass through a sieve and are then lightly salted for preservation, because caviar is highly perishable. Higher quality caviar, however, contains less salt. Other varieties are “pasteur-ized” caviar, with a longer shelf life, and “pressed” caviar, commonly made by blending different eggs and pressing them into something like a paste. Caviar is usually an hors d’oeuvre. Because of its subtle flavor and texture, it should be refrigerated, but not frozen. Shortly before serving it, take it out of the cooler, but keep it sealed. Because it is perishable, present it on ice just as you would with cocktail shrimp. Leave it in a small cup or its original container with a small serving spoon along with lightly toasted bread to spread it upon. Crackers and dry or thoroughly toasted breads are not suitable accompaniments, as they will likely crumble when the cavi-ar is spread upon them. Because you do not want to detract from the caviar’s flavor, do not drizzle lemon or sprinkle salt upon it. Finally, as a nod to caviar’s cultural roots, provid-ing a bit of chilled vodka adds a pleasant nuance to the experience. Caviar has been a part of all cultures since prehis-toric times. While the rapacious nature of the industry practically destroyed it, improved techniques are ensuring the survival of even the rarest sturgeon strains that produce “true” caviar. It is nutritious and an excellent addition to any gathering. While the more desirable varieties are expensive, most people can still find economical caviars that please their palates and their pocketbooks. With a little care in the presentation, caviar will add a touch of elegance to your next special event.

Caviar–A Food for the Ages

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Top Ten Do’s & Don’tsShopping for a special someone this Holiday Season?

Don’t buy him anything that you want him to have. Remember, this is Christmas and the present you choose should reflect the occasion. This is not the appropriate time to buy him those new clothes you’ve been dying to see him in or a book about home improvement projects in the hope that he will choose one for the coming year.

Do plan ahead. That old adage, “The difference between men and boys is the size of their toys” applies here. Women often like a variety of smaller gifts under the tree as it draws out the fun. Men, on the other hand, frequently prefer that one big, and often expensive, toy they have had their eye on all year. Plan ahead and save your money.

Don’t ask his mother for suggestions. Remember, you are the wife/girlfriend/significant other and do not want to be confused, or associ-ated with his mother. While she may be a great source of advice for his favorite meal, your gift to him should reflect your rela-tionship with him -- not his mother’s.

Do ask his sister for suggestions. Unlike mothers, sisters can actually be a great source of advice. His sister is likely to know things about him that his mother (hope-fully) doesn’t know.

Don’t spend more money on him than he is likely to spend on you. This is not an equality of the sexes issue -- it’s a pride issue. This is particularly relevant for new relationships. His appreciation for your gift will be sig-

nificantly diminished if he feels he has not given you something of equal value.

Do consider sentimental gifts. Men can be just as senti-mental, if not more so, than women. A photo album of your family or momento from your first date can often mean more to him than an expensive, but impersonal, gift.

Don’t overlook the obvious. Sometimes, things he might purchase for himself can make great gifts. A subscrip-

tion to his favorite sports magazine or an NFL Sunday ticket, for example, can make great gifts. Not only is it one less thing he has to worry about purchasing, but it shows that you know what he likes and would appreci-ate.

Do make sure you consider the consequences of your gift choice. If you purchase him that NFL Sunday ticket, then make sure you are pre-pared to either watch the

games with him or not complain when he is glued to the television every Sunday.

Don’t be afraid to be romantic and creative. Wrap yourself up as a present! This is best given the night before Christmas if you have children.

Do ask him what he wants. Christmas gifts are meant to be a surprise, of course, but there is nothing wrong with asking him to make a list of things he really wants. Picking something from the list can still be a surprise since he won’t know which one you picked!

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Whether you’re shopping for your part-ner of 50 years or 5 weeks, finding the perfect present doesn’t have to be pain-ful if you just follow a few simple rules.

When Shopping for HER...

Don’t buy her anything that has an electrical cord attached to it. Regardless of how often she has commented that she needs a new vacuum cleaner, blender, washing machine or anything else that could be considered an appliance, this is not the time to give it to her. Surprise her with appli-ances in April when she is not expecting it and keep your Christmas present in the spirit of the holiday.

Do take the time to do your research. For most women, gifts do matter -- even if they claim otherwise. The value of the gift for most women is not in the price tag, but in the time you spent deciding what to get her.

Don’t give her something generic. For example, if you want to give her perfume, make sure you know which perfume she wears. The same goes for books, jewelry and anything else she likes. Just because she likes to read doesn’t mean ANY book is appropriate. Be discerning in your gift choice.

Do ask her best friend for help if necessary. This one can be tricky. Only ask if you have a well established and friendly relationship with the best friend. Asking advice from the best friend can be considered thoughtful but can also be interpreted the wrong way if a longstanding and positive relationship is not already in existence between you and the best friend.

Don’t ask your best friend for advice. Let’s face it, most men are as clueless as you are when it comes to finding

the perfect Christmas gift. What makes you think your best friend has any more idea than you do what to giver her?

Do tap into that sentimental streak you try so well to hide. While most men don’t choose to show their sentimental side for the bulk of the year, there are appropriate times to give it free reign -- Christmas being one of them. Frame a favorite photo of your family or give her a book about the place where you spent your honeymoon to let her know how much it meant to you.

Don’t blow all your money on one gift. Yes, women love expensive gifts, but most love the joy of opening lots of small presents on Christmas morning as well. One “wow” present is great, but make sure you add a few smaller ones as well. Plus, you’ll get to see her face light up each time she opens a present this way instead of just once.

Do make sure you spend as much on her as you think she will spend on you. Equality of the sexes is great, but your own pride will suffer if she outspends you in the gift-giving category.

Don’t ask her what she wants. Most women love to be sur-prised. More importantly, she wants to feel that you know her well enough to be capable of choosing a gift for her.

Do consider a romantic gift. Tickets for a week-end roman-tic getaway, for example, are a great idea and show how much thought you have put into the gift.

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1. Turn decorating into a team effort.

Rather than attempting to do all the decorating by yourself, recruit the help of your child. This ca be fun and relaxing experience to enjoy together. Do not fret if your child does not hang all the decora-tions perfectly; just enjoy the time spent on a shared project.

2. Plan special activities to do together.

Take a few days of vacation either in the days lead-ing up to or following Christmas Day and invest that time in shared activities with your child. Depending on the options available in your region, you can try activities such as ice skating, hiking on a nearby trail, camping overnight, or going for a ride looking for the best decorated house.

3. Work together on a charitable cause.

Whether you volunteer together at a local charity, fill a shoe box with gifts for Operation Christmas Child, or help out an elderly neighbor, the investment of time and energy will be both meaningful and memorable. Converting your charitable

activity into an annual event can reap benefits for years to come as it shapes your child’s character by teaching the values of generosity and altruism.

4. Allow your children to participate in a Christmas production.

Even if your child has no aspirations to be a pro-fessional performer, he or she can still enjoy taking part in a community or church Christmas presenta-tion. Make a few calls or check the newspaper for opportunities in your area. Make sure you start early, though, as rehearsals for such presentations often start as early as September or October.

5. Make the obligatory trip to visit Santa at the Mall.

If your child is young enough to enjoy visiting Santa, then find out when and where you can find the jolly old elf. To capture the moment, get a photo of your child sitting on Santa’s lap. Your son or daughter is sure to talk about the experience for the next several days, possibly even weeks.

Making Memories with Your Child This Christmas

The Christmas season may be busy, but it also provides an array of options for parents to spend to spend time with their children and create memories together. With the hustle and bustle that accompanies Christmas, though, it can be easy to let those opportunities pass by unnoticed. Do not let that happen to you this year. Rather, seize the opportunities to make this Christmas a

memorable one for you and your children.

Do not allow the busyness of Christmas to rob you of valuable time with your child. The years pass by quickly, so take advantage of opportunities to create memories together while he or she is young.

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20 Years of Professional Dressmaking & Alterations

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956-283-0038

Couture Alterations & Designs

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