In the 1960s, hundreds of homes were vacant as military families fared goodbye to Harlingen. It was then that a group of citizens got together and launched a marketing campaign they named “Go Harlingen” to attract retirees from the Midwest. Local business owners raised 100,000 to promote the “Go Harlingen” campaign which proved to be a solid investment when 1,400 houses were sold over a five year period. In addition, the desolate air base property was revived by a new tenant: Marine Military Academy. The base’s adjacent runways become the city’s new airport thanks to a $1.25 million bond issue approved by voters. Hurricanes, floods, freezes, the closing of cotton gins, and the end of rail passenger service did not deter the city’s morale, and, we found out, neither have the challenges of the 21^st century.

On November 2011, after a lengthy and stressful process, Bass Pro Shops finally opened its doors in Harlingen, preceded by Harlingen’s Crossings, a new retail complex west of town.  The year 2012 brought an increase in sales tax collections that have continued through the first months of 2013. Retail business owners are starting to feel a positive change impacting the Capital City of the Rio Grande Valley.

Edna Posada, sole proprietor of SPA La Posada and Merle Norman Cosmetics, operates SPAs in McAllen, Brownsville and Harlingen, Texas. During a recent interview Posada stated that her Harlingen business has returned unexpected positive results this first quarter of 2013. “Last year the Harlingen store reported lower sales than the other two locations, but this year it has started with a bang,” she said. Posada attributes this change to a growing number of people visiting Harlingen, and to increased income. She believes something good is happening. Posada also stated that the increase could be due to changes in the way people perceive SPA visits, for they are coming to improve their health.   Today’s SPA services can lower stress and heal aching muscles. “Customers leave in a great mood after a great experience here,” concluded Posada.  Furthermore, Posada said Harlingen has very loyal customers who respond to her support of local, women-oriented, non-profit organizations. Posada cherishes giving back to the community, and Harlingen citizens appreciate that. “This is a unique trait of Harlingen’s citizens,” Posada commented.

Gloria Orozco, General Manager of Harlingen’s 5 Diamond Club Winner Olive Garden Restaurant, believes there is momentum in Harlingen this year. “Harlingen is the place to be right now,” she said.

“We are having a much better spring break than last year.” Orozco said things are happening and fast, for there are new retail shops coming and a possible medical school. According to Orozco, The Longhorn Steak House, the Olive Garden’s partner company, had the busiest and most profitable opening in all of South Texas.  She knows growth demands more from everyone. “We need to be prepared for this growth, all retailers and restaurateurs along with the Chamber of Commerce, which has done a great job,” concluded Orozco.

The excitement expressed by Orozco seems to have traveled across the expressway to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel where Director of Sales, Olga Figueroa, said Harlingen is becoming the meeting capital of the Valley. “A lot of corporations, organizations and businesses are choosing to meet here in Harlingen because they like what the city has to offer,” said Figueroa. When asked what type of services she believed were generating this response, Figueroa said it had to do with Valley International Airport, the city’s venues, its central location, tranquility, its hotels and places like Colletti’s Restaurant. According to Figueroa, the Courtyard by Marriott in Harlingen has maintained its rates when other properties across the Valley have been forced to lower theirs. “We are 40% higher than Brownsville and McAllen in sales and meeting room rentals. We are headed in the right direction,” affirmed Figueroa.

In 1975 Southwest Airlines selected Harlingen as their first expansion airport, and have since provided their services without interruption. In 2012 Southwest Airlines offers nonstop flights to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, Texas.  Valley International Airport (VIA) is the only major airport in the Valley that does not offer international passenger flights due to customs limitations and other factors.  In the meantime, DHL does operate a Boeing 767-200 wide body cargo plane between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Harlingen, Texas, continuing to Monterrey, Mexico.  In addition, Sun Country Airlines, which started servicing Harlingen and the Valley in 1998, has expanded their 2013 increasing their flights by 39% from last year.  VIA is also home to casino charter flights to Laughlin, Wendover, and Tunica operated by Sun Country Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, and Republic Airlines.  No subsidy money from the City of Harlingen or its Economic Development is used to attract and retain these airlines in Harlingen. VIA has long embraced the concept of regionalism, for its name suggests it is the Valley’s airport, and each year  thousands of travelers arrive in Harlingen to visit the entire region for business and pleasure.

When it comes to major events, Harlingen still struggles, and has endured the loss of the CAF Air Show, Rio Fest and the Downtown Jubilee. But Harlingen does have a festival that is known across the world: the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Local and international birders meet in Harlingen and travel all over South Texas to watch over 500 species of birds found in this diverse sub-tropical habitat. The Jalapeno 100 Bike Ride is another popular event that attracts visitors from across the state.

RGVision paid a visit to Harlingen’s Economic Development Director Raudel Garza, to ask about balancing the job of bringing retail businesses, restaurants and industry to Harlingen. Garza talked about two new power plants coming to Harlingen and Brownsville this year which will employ thousands of people in addition to spin-off jobs that will come as a result.

“My priority is to promote primary jobs in manufacturing, healthcare and call centers which have stronger wages, especially healthcare. If we get those jobs, retail will come,” Garza said.

When it comes to the current unemployment rate for Harlingen, Garza said Cameron County rates have always been lower than Hidalgo County, but he believes the opening of these two plants will impact these numbers significantly. Call centers are an important source of jobs in the Rio Grande Valley. Harlingen is home to United Healthcare, Dish Network, Time Warner and ACT. One third of the approximate 9,600 jobs related to call centers offered in the Rio Grande Valley are found in Harlingen according to Garza.

In addition, major manufacturers with established operations in Harlingen such as Tyco, Cardone, Aloe Labs, and Encanto Snacks survived the recession and continue to grow.  Garza stated these manufacturers have expressed the intention to continue investing in Harlingen. For Garza, it is a priority to help developers invest and profit in Harlingen. His department assists them with needs related to infrastructure and permits. Garza believes that once the EDC shows a potential new developer how to invest and profit in Harlingen, their investment will thrive. In return, there will be more jobs and more money for the city to reinvest. “The bigger the pie, the more things we will do,” concluded Garza.

Henry Roberts, owner of Bicycle World stores in Brownsville, McAllen and Harlingen, bought his first store in Harlingen 35 years ago. By then, the small frame bicycle shop had been in business for 40 years.

He later opened a second store in McAllen, and a Brownsville store soon followed. Because of Harlingen’s central location, and because it is Roberts’ home town, the Harlingen store is from where Roberts manages his business. Roberts acknowledges the fact that McAllen has a much larger customer base, and that McAllen customers tend to splurge, unlike Harlingen customers who tend to be a bit more conservative when spending. Roberts believes good management is what makes a business succeed, along with a good vision and knowledge of its customer base, regardless of where the business is located.

Roberts and his wife Kelly are also the organizers of Harlingen’s annual Jalapeno 100 Bike Ride, now in its 23^rd year.   When asked what, in his opinion, could city leaders change, Roberts stated he would like to see more support of new projects and events. “But things are looking better,” he said. “We went through a bad face, but we got our city back. We have sensible thinking people now.” When Roberts purchased his first bicycle shop, it was a small-frame, modest place, but he had a great vision for it; and he named it Bicycle World.

It seems like history is repeating itself. From what we gathered, local business leaders are feeling energized and ready for a change regardless of the loss in population reported by the 2010 census. They all feel positive about the city’s future. Will Harlingen come out strong like in the past? Only time will tell.

Throughout the years, and in the 21^st century, new Loteria designs have been introduced. The latest one I remember had to do with all things San Antonio, Texas.  But nothing prepared me for the new game, designed especially for future brides that I just found in Progreso, Mexico. What future bride does not dream of owning a broom, a mop, a blender and a toaster?  I am sure all of them right?

My blood rushed and my stomach turned when I saw those cute cartoons meant to depict the thoughts and life of a future bride. What were they thinking? And who designed this game? I was curiously stunned. I say curiously because I was not angry, for they’re cute pictures, but I was rattled.  I really did not know how to react.  My favorite mantra took over saying “Allow, and let go of any judgment.” So I went ahead and took a photo before continuing with my shopping not without thinking what pictures could form the new future bride Loteria.

What  do you think should be included  in this modern version? Here are some ideas.

1-     The Pill

2-     The FB Status Change

3-     The Ex…

4-     The Bank Account

5-     The College Degree

There are 54 cards, so we have a long way to go!

They have the traditional classic designs, plus new modern styles. Sparkling cubic zirconia, bright opals and amethysts, mother water pearls, turquoise and so much more; Anthony’s has it all. It has been a very long time since I’ve seen such a large collection of good quality silver jewelry.  The staff is friendly, and always willing to negotiate a price that will satisfy their customers’ needs.  A very nice collection of decorative pillows from Guatemala really caught my eye, along with some embroidered hand bags that I can see would be great with any summer outfit.

Just one note of caution: if you are planning on paying a visit to Anthony’s Jewelry, do so before you hit the bars, or else you will find yourself buying the entire shop. The jewelry is irresistible, and the prices vary to accommodate all budgets, so one feels like buying everything!  The store is located on one of the eastern corners of this popular border town. The address is Avenida Benito Juarez – the main drag – #102 in Nuevo Progreso – commonly referred to as just Progreso, Mexico.  It is the town that is just across the border from Weslaco, Texas.

Not far from Athony’s is the Red Snapper Seafood Restaurant offering two for one drink specials. I go there often, and this time my friends and I sat outside in the balcony overlooking the street. The weather was ideal, a picture perfect day to visit Mexico.  I ordered the Camarones a la Diabla – Shrimp Diablo- which tasted fantastic. The plate looked a bit sloppy because of the generous portion of the chipotle pepper based sauce. The dish was accompanied with white rice and a really good side of creamy mashed potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil.  I have to go back to the sauce because it was not hot as the name “diablo” would imply, it is just the right amount of spice and that smoky flavor that characterizes chipotle peppers. My friend ordered “Shrimp Molcajete,” it was so much she had a hard time eating it all, but it was so good that she actually did. I tried her dish and it was shrimp on a tomato based sauce with cilantro and onions; it was also very good.  The prices are very accessible, and the ambiance of the place is very relaxing due to its tropical decor. During the weekends, they have live music or DJ serenating English and Spanish ballads.  My friends and I agree that a visit to Progreso disconnects you from the real world of deadlines and transports you, even if just for a brief moment, to a place far, far away. 

Shrimp Diablo

It is important to consider certain clichés that have misled the public thanks to the film industry. Movies of the Mexican Golden Era portrayed manly men chugging shots of tequila instead of sipping their Tequila. To some, Tequila is associated with drunkenness and irresponsible behavior because it is believed to be a strong drink meant to enjoy in quick shots when one is feeling adventuresome. The truth of the matter is that Tequila is not stronger than other spirits, for most tequila bottles have a 38% to 40% alcohol volume. In addition, tequila bottles do not come with a worm. Worms are found in some bottles of mezcal, and again, the popular worm is not more than a mere marketing gimmick.  

Going back to the origins of Tequila might shed some light and familiarize consumers with this globally popular spirit. In 1758, when Spain ruled over what is now the country of Mexico, Jose Antonio de Cuervo obtained land from the Spanish King in an area called Tequila in the state of Jalisco. Spanish settlers had introduced the distillation process used in the making of pulque – an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant. A few years later, Jose Maria Guadalupe de Cuervo, made the very first Vino Mezcal de Tequila after receiving the first official permit to commercially produce Tequila. Shortly after, the rolling hills that surround the town of Tequila were covered with blue agave fields.  As tequila’s popularity increased, so did the need to protect its denomination of origin, just like Bordeaux, Bourbon or Cognac. Therefore only alcoholic beverages made with Blue Agave, and grown in the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas can be labeled as Tequila.  The town of Tequila is what gave the name to this spirit. It is said that Tequila means “rock that cuts” in the native Nahuatl dialect.

This information prompts us to ask what is Blue Agave, and what does it look like? The Blue Agave and cactuses are usually mistaken as equal, but the agave is a relative of the Lily (amaryllis) family. A piña (pineapple) is found at the heart of a blue agave plant, and is where all the sugars used to make Tequila are found. It is because of its similarity to a pineapple that it was labeled with this name. Blue Agave’s botanical name is Agave Tequiliana Weber Azul given by German botanist Herr Weber in 1903. Blue agaves can take anywhere from 6 to 12 years to mature.

Making good tequila is the result of experience, hand craftsmanship and recipes that have been passed down through generations. Jose Cuervo, the industry’s patriarch company, still prides itself in carefully choosing the best agaves, in their meticulous fermentation and distillation in order to deliver one of the world’s finest Tequilas. Jose Cuervo’sTradicionalTequila was the family’s first creation, and has become an award winning classic favored by Tequila aficionados all over Mexico and abroad.  

Now that some of the basics have been presented, we’ll go back to the selection process. When buying Tequila, people notice different classifications such as Añejo and Reposado. What does this mean? Which one is better? Reposado means “rested” because this Tequila must rest in wood barrels for a minimum of two months as required by the Mexican government. As a result, the flavor and color of tequila reposado is modified by the wood barrels. This resting also mellows and refines the tequila, producing a combination of superb smoothness and great taste. Añejo means “aged”; in terms of the Tequila industry it is a designation used to describe Tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for at least one year. The clear Tequila also unofficially referred to as “young” is the first distilled product that goes through a homogenizing process and direct to the bottle. It is usually the most affordable. But do not be fooled. Don Julio Tequila just came out with the world’s first Añejo Claro Tequila.

Tastings are not exclusive to wine, for there are tequila tastings organized so consumers can taste, savor, feel and enjoy this spirit. It is important for each person to find the tequila that best soothes their palate, and not the most expensive and popular. It is also important to look for tequila that is labeled as made with 100 % Blue Agave. The best Tequila is the Tequila that tastes better to each individual.

Once a person chooses a Tequila bottle to take home, the decision making process continues. How is the tequila going to be enjoyed? Consider these serving suggestions:

The Traditional Margarita – New creative ways of mixing a Margarita have recently surfaced such as the Blackberry Margaritas, the Cranberry Orange Margaritas, and the Pineapple Lime Cilantro Margarita are just a few examples.

For more recipes visit sauzatequila.com and cuervo.com.

The Bloody Maria is a favorite rendition of a Bloody Mary. The only difference is that Bloody Maria uses tequila instead of Vodka. According to some, the good thing is that the Tequila stands out, unlike Vodka which tends to get lost in this spicy drink.

The Paloma (The Dove) is a cocktail consisting of Tequila and Squirt on ice.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional: first tequila ever made.

The Banderita as in the Mexican flag is probably the oldest tradition of accompanying Tequila. It involves three shot glasses of Tequila, lime, and Sangrita. Sangrita (little blood) is sold in a bottle, and is made of tomatoes, oranges, lime, onions, salt and chili peppers. It was created to quench the fire of homemade tequila in the old days, and quickly became a Mexican tradition.

Simply sip it straight. Good tequila is meant to be sipped, contrary to most people’s perception. Like most good things in life, Tequila is better enjoyed slowly. Consider the añejo and reposado varieties for sipping, for the taste is smoother.

People who appreciate good tequila will find their favorite brand and enjoy it in this simple, more classic fashion. Add a few ice cubes when sipping tequila, or keep a bottle chilled in the freezer ready to serve.

Cheers and Salud! 

I found this article online that explains what happens to our bodies during this time change. According to this article, the spring time change is similar to jet lag, it requires for our bodies to start a new sleep schedule, and experts say that our internal clocks may feel confused. It is also harder for our bodies to deal with cutting an hour compared to adding one later in the year. Sleep deprivation leads to changes in mood. So that explains it!  Let’s try that excuse with our husbands and friends.

According to this article, adults need at least seven to nine of hours of sleep every night, for it is not only good for beauty’s sake, but a good night sleep will boost our mood, our hormones and even daily energy levels. The article recommends the following practices to adjust to time change.

1-     Stretch: Use the extra hour a day to stretch our legs. Activity gives us more energy.

2-     Get more vitamin D: this will help us with mood changes, which are linked to vitamin D deficiencies. Vitamin D also helps the immune system.

3-     Go to sleep earlier:  Easier said than done especially during the first weeks following the Spring time change. It is recommended to try eating earlier or tiring ourselves before going to bed.

4-     Early morning stretches will help us get to sleep earlier at night. Yeah, but who has time for that? I could have done that before the time change, for now I will always be rushing in the mornings. Regardless, we should give it a try.

5-     Snooze with Melatonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles, to help our bodies go to sleep.

6-     Eat the right foods: A glass of milk before bed or eating healthy snacks like almonds, a bowl of yogurt with berries, or an apple with peanut butter should also help us get some ZZZZZs.

7-     Make it Easier on Our End: Consider placing our alarm clock (or phone) away from our bed to compel us to get up and turn it off.  I’m not buying this one. I know I will not get up and my husband (who does not have a set schedule) will kill me or divorce me before this idea works.

The good news is that most doctors say that our brains are incredibly good at adjusting to anything we throw at them. Now, let’s try adjusting it to not crave any high calorie foods or fatty cheeseburgers,  but that’s another story : Happy mornings to all.

Time Change 2013: Can Daylight Savings Time Affect Your Health?

The Huffington Post Canada / by Arti Patel