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Houston Businesses Flock to Consilium for Innovative Interior Design

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HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Houston-based interior design firm, Consilium, is quickly becoming the go-to company for tech-infused, state-of-the-art, modern design for upscale businesses and homeowners.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160218/334952LOGO

“Interior design is much more than nice pillows and a coat of paint on the walls,” says Laurie Coton, Consilium president and creative director. “The elements of a room set the tone of the space and give it personality. When we consult with our clients, we make sure the message they want to send comes across clearly in the design of their office or home environment.”

At luxury real estate firm, Nan & Company Properties, Consilium created a design that complemented their technology-centric culture. The real estate company is completely paperless and relies on computer software to conduct business to lessen its environmental footprint. With this in mind, Consilium created a space that speaks of transparency, with glass walls, white décor and orange accents.

“When you walk through the doors of Nan & Company, you’re immediately hit with a message that says the company is both contemporary and at the forefront of their industry. That was definitely intentional,” says Coton.

ONGC Videsh Limited, with offices in the Houston area, relied on Consilium to merge culture and tradition with the familiar design elements that are expected of a company with offices in a large American city. The firm included essential elements to convey the unique point of view of the energy company.

Homeowners also call on Consilium to deliver luxurious environment with individual style. The firm is currently providing design services in the Astoria high-rise luxury condominium building located in the exclusive Galleria/Uptown area of Houston. The unit boasts lavish materials and natural textures to achieve a specific aesthetic that adds to Consilium’s residential body of work.

“Your home design says a lot about who you are. That’s why I help my clients bring forth a true and honest expression of themselves through the ambiance great design can create,” says Coton.

One trend Coton has latched onto is helping families from other countries, particularly Mexico, create the décor from their first homes, condos and ranch properties. These particular makeovers sometimes require renovations. For those projects, she works hand-in-hand with Integrity Interior and Exterior.

For foreign national clients who sometimes need more help becoming acclimated to America, Consilium often takes the lead on more than just finding them a great home. Extra services include assistance with setting up utilities, locating educational options, getting the home furnished and much more. It is a complete turnkey experience.

“One of our latest projects involved getting a ranch property set up for our client in less than two weeks,” Coton said. “We got everything ready, even down to putting hangers in the closets. It really is the little things that make or break an experience, and at Consilium, we’re fantastic at giving our clients an experience they’ll never forget.”

For more information about Consilium, visit www.consiliumhome.com.

ABOUT CONSILIUM

Consilium Home is a full-service interior design firm serving both residential and commercial clients in the greater Houston area. Consilium offers services ranging from small, custom projects to whole-home designs and is led by Laurie Coton, president and creative director.

Contact: Misty Starks
832-283-7575
[email protected]

el Jimador Tequila Celebrates National Margarita Day With New Survey

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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — While we all “love” chocolate and flowers, February is now the most wonderful time of year for another reason: ’tis the season for margaritas! In fact, margarita season officially kicks off on February 22nd with National Margarita Day!

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160218/334695

But wait…margaritas in February? Well, if you are like the 64 percent of millennials who drink margaritas outside of the summer season, according to a survey* commissioned by el Jimador Tequila, the No. 1 selling 100 percent agave tequila in Mexico – then this is the best news since the invention of the blender!

So, before you salt the rim of your next glass, take a look at some of the unique ways millennials will be celebrating National Margarita Day and Margarita Season this year.

A Case of the Mondays?
Though we all can get the Monday blues, it doesn’t have to be that way. Only 13 percent of survey respondents said they would drink a margarita on Monday. Too many are missing out! Today’s the perfect day to start a new Monday tradition – Margarita Mondays.

Don’t Be a Two Percenter – Try Something New!
Remember when margaritas came in two varieties – with or without salt? Yeah, we just yawned too. Millennials nowadays are interested in trying new flavors to keep their taste buds guessing, with 84 percent of survey respondents proclaiming their interest in trying new types of margaritas. On the other hand, 2 percent of respondents said they will ONLY stick to classic margaritas, which is 2 percent too many in our opinion. But what do we know? We’re only the margarita experts.

Sweet vs. Spicy
Spicy flavors have been on the rise with millennials, with ingredients seemingly never hot enough. However, when it comes to unconventional ingredients in margaritas, champagne and black raspberry made the top of the list, crowning “sweet” the winner of this round. Surprisingly, spicy ingredients such as jalapeños and sriracha ranked lower on the list. Lucky for you, margaritas don’t play favorites! Have a sweet tooth? The Korbelrita is your calling. Feeling spicy? A Habanero margarita might just light your taste buds.

Slice of Pizza, Meet Slice of Lime
Mexican cuisine and a margarita – a pairing made in taste bud heaven. But have you ever thought to pair a margarita with a hot slice of pizza? Already ahead of the game, millennials are doing the “newest thing” and experimenting with different cuisine pairings. In fact, when asked what unconventional foods they would pair with a margarita, the number one answer was pizza.

Margarita for the Goal!
Aside from a Mexican restaurant, 32 percent of survey respondents listed sports bars as their top place to drink a margarita. So when you are out with the crew watching the next big soccer match, skip the beer and opt for a refreshing ‘rita.

Now that you’re ready to plan your celebration for National Margarita Day, try these out-of-the-box recipes from el Jimador Tequila.

Korbelrita
1 ½ oz el Jimador Tequila
½ oz Triple Sec
3 oz Sour Mix
187ml Korbel
Glass: Pint Glass with Clip

In a shaker filled with ice, add ingredients and shake to mix. Pour into margarita glass rimmed with salt (optional). Flip the Korbel upside down into your glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Rasparita
1 ½ oz el Jimador Tequila
½ oz Triple Sec
3 oz Sour Mix
½ oz Chambord Liquor

In a shaker filled with ice, add ingredients and shake to mix. Pour into margarita glass rimmed with salt (optional). Garnish with a lime or blackberry.

Habanero Lime Margarita
1 ½ oz el Jimador Tequila
½ oz Lime Juice
3 oz Sour Mix
3 Dashes of Tabasco sauce

In a shaker filled with ice, add ingredients and shake to mix. Pour into margarita glass rimmed with salt (optional). Garnish with a lime wedge.

To kick off Margarita Season and spread the cheer, el Jimador Tequila will be hosting Margarita Trails around the country. Learn more by visiting elJimador.com and join the conversation on Twitter.com/jimieljimador with #elJimador and #NationalMargaritaDay. Happy National Margarita Day!

*This survey was conducted by Instantly on behalf of el Jimador, and polled 1,005 respondents aged 21-34 who have consumed a margarita in the past three months.

el Jimador Tequila encourages you to drink responsibly.

About el Jimador Tequila
From Casa Herradura, established in 1870, el Jimador is a premium, authentic 100 percent agave tequila that captures the spirit of real tequila. The name el Jimador honors the men who harvest the locally grown agave with great pride and care. Since its introduction in 1994, el Jimador has become the No. 1 selling 100% agave tequila in Mexico*. To learn more about el Jimador, visit www.eljimador.com.  

* Nielsen/ISCAM January 2015

Alc. 40% by Vol. (80 proof) Tequila, Imported by Brown-Forman, Louisville, KY

One Year After Government Approval, The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon Finds Success In Mexico And Along The U.S. Border

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GREAT NECK, New York, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spatz FGIA, Inc., www.spatzmedical.com, makers of the Spatz3 Adjustable intragastric balloon, announces that, one year after official government approval, Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloons have met with higher than projected success and acceptance in Mexico. The Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon provides an effective, reversible and less costly alternative to weight loss surgery for individuals who are overweight or obese. This is especially significant due to the high rates of obesity in Mexico. A recent national health survey found that 56% of the population of Mexico City is overweight or clinically obese.

Abraham Renner of Biomedics, Spatz partner in Mexico City, reported, “Up to now, most of the market has been private. However, we see a lot of potential in the public health system, since Mexico has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. In addition, with experienced bariatric physicians working in Mexico, US citizens can take advantage of the warm attention and affordable services offered by bariatric centers along Mexico’s border with California, Arizona and Texas.”

Dr. Jeffrey Brooks, Founder and CEO of Spatz FGIA, Inc. spoke about features that set the Spatz3 balloon apart from its competitors. “We have been quite encouraged by the rapid growth of our market share in Mexico in a relatively short span of time. Both doctors and patients alike appreciate the extra functions afforded by the Spatz3 adjustable balloon. As shown in the recently completed FDA trials, there was a 22% rate of early balloon extraction with the competing Orbera balloon, due to intolerance. The Spatz3 balloon offers the ability to change balloon volume to alleviate intolerance, thereby avoiding the necessity for early extraction. Furthermore, a second wave of weight loss, after midterm balloon volume expansion, is unique to the Spatz3 balloon.”

About Your Company: Spatz FGIA, Inc. is a medical device company that created the next generation gastric balloon for the worldwide obesity epidemic. Now available for commercial use in close to 40 countries, the company’s flagship product, the Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System®, offers a unique non-surgical solution for the overweight and obese. The 15-minute out-patient procedure reduces stomach capacity to give patients a feeling of satiety.

Newest national RootMetrics network report rates Verizon #1 again

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BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the fifth consecutive testing period, Verizon’s network was rated No. 1 in overall network performance among the four national wireless companies in the United States by RootMetrics in its National Rootscore® Report released today. RootMetrics is an independent mobile analytics firm that uses off-the-shelf consumer smartphones to physically test a wireless network’s capabilities in a number of categories across various geographies.

Scores are based on RootMetrics drive tests – and 6,607 indoor location tests – conducted across 232,000 miles in all 50 states, including 125 metro areas, from July through December 2015. The company evaluated all four U.S. wireless companies in six network performance categories: overall, reliability, speed, data, call, and text performance.

This latest report rated the Verizon Wireless network as first in five categories and tied for first in a sixth. In addition to overall network performance, Verizon was ranked highest for the fifth consecutive testing period in reliability, data and call performance. Verizon also won network speed performance for the fourth consecutive time, and shared a first-place ranking in text performance.

In this report, Verizon improved in Network Reliability and Text RootScore award counts, winning or sharing 272 total State RootScore Awards versus 253 during the 1H 2015 report. Verizon outranks all competitors, ranking first or tied for first with the most wins/ties in six state categories:

  • 46 states for Overall Performance (vs. 11 wins/ties for nearest competitors)
  • 47 states for Network Reliability (vs. 20 win/ties for nearest competitors)
  • 44 states for Data Performance (vs. 9 win/ties for nearest competitors)
  • 41 states for Network Speed (vs. 10 win/ties for nearest competitors)
  • 45 states for Call Performance (vs. 23 win/ties for nearest competitors)
  • 49 states for Text Performance, (including the most outright wins at 10)

“We’re pleased that a 5th straight overall RootMetrics ranking has the Verizon network at the top, but our focus already has turned to winning number six – because our customers depend on us to be even better tomorrow,” said Mike Haberman, vice president-network support for Verizon. “Right now, our teams are assessing how we can enhance network performance across the country.”

“And because we know customers and businesses rely on Verizon to reliably connect more than ever, we’re accelerating our deployment of new technologies to continue to improve our network ahead of growing demand.”

Network reliability is a product of engineering. Verizon continues to enhance its network by aggressively deploying new technology such as LTE Advanced and carrier aggregation – which uses software to combine multiple network channels running on different spectrum bands into one big pipe – to significantly increase sustained speeds for customers. Add in the continuing deployment of small cells and distributed antenna systems, plus expanding XLTE coverage to effectively double the available 4G LTE network bandwidth, and cities nationwide should continue to see faster peak speeds and increased network capacity for data-hungry consumer and business customers.

Verizon’s focus on network also is evident in the newest Metro Area RootScore reports, where Verizon increased its number of total awards. In all, Verizon won or tied for 597 Metro Area RootScore awards. Verizon’s wireless network was also recognized by RootMetrics as earning or sharing the most first place rankings among the nation’s top airports in the second half of 2015, with 25 Data RootScore Awards.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) employs a diverse workforce of 177,700 and generated nearly $132 billion in 2015 revenues. Verizon operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with more than 112 million retail connections nationwide. Headquartered in New York, the company also provides communications and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide.

VERIZON’S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts and other information are available at Verizon’s online News Center at www.verizon.com/news/. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Network rankings based on RootMetrics US National, State, and Airport RootScore Reports, covering July – December 2015. Performance rankings of four mobile networks rely on scores calculated from random samples across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Verizon. Visit www.rootmetrics.com for more details.

Media contact:
Chuck Hamby
908.559.6673
[email protected] 
Twitter: @Chucktopia

MPA’s Hot 100 Recognizes Industry Innovation, Names Rick and Patty Arvielo

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TUSTIN, Calif., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New American Funding, a national mortgage banker, today announces that Mortgage Professional America (MPA) named their CEO and President, Rick and Patty Arvielo, on their Hot 100 list. MPA is a source of news and analysis for the mortgage industry, geared toward engaging finance professionals with current developing trends.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160216/333828

The Arvielos’ activity includes:

  • Patty hosting educational seminars such as the recent “Hispennial Generation: Marketing to el Nuevo Latino” event
  • Patty heading MBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, working toward more involvement by women and minorities in the future of mortgage banking
  • Rick spearheading the mobilization of New American Funding proprietary technologies, launching their mobile app for Loan Officers, GoGo LO
  • Rick’s election to the MAA (Mortgage Action Alliance) steering committee, working to provide insight and help expand the reach of the MAA
  • Leading the company in social responsibility, including employee involvement with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mercy House, and Habitat for Humanity

This year, Rick Arvielo led an advocacy campaign at New American Funding on behalf of MORPAC, the Mortgage Bankers Association Political Action Committee, and rallied New American Funding employees to contribute more to MORPAC than any other company in the history of the association. Patty Arvielo continues to gain traction in the Latino market through the company’s multicultural division and Latino Focus Committee, whose stated mission is to identify and address challenges undeserved markets face in their pursuit of homeownership while enhancing the quality of their lending experience.

Since 2003, the Arvielos have led New American Funding to rapid, sustainable growth. In 2015, the company nearly doubled their 2014 total dollar volume, opened 27 new retail branches across the nation, and was recognized by Inc.5000 for their tremendous growth.

To learn more about New American Funding’s leadership and industry activism visit http://teamnewamerican.com/

About New American Funding                 

New American Funding is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement and VA Automatic mortgage lender.  The company is licensed in multiple states across the nation, has over 100 branch locations and offers a variety of purchase home loan and refinance loan options, including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages.

RELATED LINKS                                    

http://www.newamericanfunding.com

https://www.facebook.com/newamericanfunding

https://twitter.com/newamericanteam            

NBC UNIVERSO Reveals The 16 Cheftestants Who Compete On The First Season Of “Top Chef Mexico” Premiering This Thursday, February 18 At 9pm/8c

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"Top Chef Mexico" - Season 1 Group shot of 16 cheftestants premiering Thu. Feb. 18 at 9pm/8c

MIAMI, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, today revealed the names of the 16 cheftestants who battle it out on “Top Chef Mexico” premiering Thursday February 18 at 9pm/8c. The 13-episode competition series based on Bravo’s international franchise Top Chef is hosted by actress, Ana Claudia Talancón and is produced by Cinemateli Content.

"Top Chef Mexico" - Season 1 Group shot of 16 cheftestants premiering Thu. Feb. 18 at 9pm/8c

The competing chefs are divided into four groups and are evaluated by Judges and world-renowned chefs Guillermo González Beristáin, Aquiles Chávez, Martha Ortíz and Juantxo Sánchez.  The success of each cheftestant is based on four elements: talent, intelligence, technique and luck. 

In the first episode, each competing chef must create a dish inspired by their own cultural roots. Special guest judge Guy Santoro judges their technique and ultimately decides who remains in the competition. The final elimination cuts two Cheftestants, who are forced to pack their knives and go home.

Below, the complete list of Cheftestants:

Adria Marina: Tijuana, BC / Chef Owner of Foodtruck Don Ramen y Azarosa
Adriana Cavita: México City / Private Chef
Alejandra García: Tijuana, BC / Chef Owner of Alejandra García Asesorías & Catering
Andrea Martínez: Monterrey, Nuevo León / Chef Owner of Comuna
Christian Bravo: Puebla/ Chef at Christian Bravo Catering and Hotel Casa Lecanda in Mérida, Yucatán
Eduardo Morali: México City /Chef Owner of Eloise and Loretta
Fernando Martínez: Uruapan, Michoacán / Executive Chef at Yubán in México City
Irving Quiroz: Toluca Estado de México / Independent Pastry Chef  at Chocosolutions in Monterrey, Nuevo León
Jose Miguel García: Ciudad de México/ Chef Owner of La Barraca Valenciana
Katsuji Tanabe: Los Angeles/ Chef Owner of Mexikosher
Kori Sutton: Los Angeles/ Private Chef
Manuel Moralo: Badajoz, España / Chef Owner de AliOli, Paellas & Tapas en la Ciudad de México
Matteo Salas:Milán, Italia /Chef at Aperi in San Miguel de Allende
Pía Quintana: Ciudad de México / Executive Chef  at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal in Los Cabos, BCS
Rodolfo Castellanos: Oaxaca/Chef Owner of Restaurante Origen
Sergio Howland: México City/Chef Owner of Ostrería Amici y Brunella Brewing Co. in Hermosillo, Sonora

The competitors live throughout six weeks, isolated from their homes and restaurants, in an exclusive hotel next to the Alameda Central, one of the most emblematic plazas of Mexico City. Each episode is broadly comprised of two culinary challenges, a quick fire and elimination. The Quick-fire Challenge is designed to test the Chef’s culinary skills under pressure and the Elimination Challenge determines which Chefs move on in the competition.

The winner of “Top Chef Meixco” wins a cash prize of $1,000,000 Mexican pesos and a feature in Travel & Leisure Mexico.

Foodies can start engaging on social media using the hashtag #TopChefMex and find more content about the show in Spanish on NBC UNIVERSO’s Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/nbcuniverso and https://www.facebook.com/TopChefTV

To obtain additional information, fans can also visit http://www.nbcuniverso.com/shows/top-chef-mexico.

In addition to enjoying the episodes on TV, subscribers of NBC UNIVERSO on participating cable, satellite, and telco services can also preview episodes of “Top Chef México” on Video on Demand, as well as on www.nbcuniverso.com and the NBC UNIVERSO NOW app by entering the subscriber’s log-in information.

To find NBC UNIVERSO on your satellite, telco or cable TV channel lineup, go to Channel 410 on DIRECTV; Channel 838 on DISH Network; Channel 3009 or 3010 on AT&T U-verse; and visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentra for the NBC UNIVERSO channel number on your local cable TV listings.

About NBC UNIVERSO
NBC UNIVERSO (www.nbcuniverso.com) is a modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy, emotional programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL, Premier League and The 2016 Rio Olympics – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, a division of NBCUniversal (www.nbcuniversal.com), one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (www.comcastcorporation.com).

Follow us on Twitter at:
@NBCUNIVERSO @NBCUNIVERSOPR

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dawn Page
786.337.6032
[email protected]

Astrid Rivera
786.337.6031
[email protected]

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160217/334275