Momaha Magazine

momaha volume 3 路 issue 4

april 2012

momaha.com

where moms connect

the magazine

shop local

Must-have fashion for spring

plus

Plan for summer activities pg. 16 Organize your wardrobe pg. 20

Find out which Omaha designer made this look! pg. 10

With lots of fun badges to earn, Scouts learn the best part of success is the journey. Start yours at www.BeAScout.org.

Or call 402.431.9BSA (9272).

Boy Scouts of America速 Mid-America Council

Superheroes Aren’t Born,

They’re Made

­

www.peru.edu

­

­ ­

1

From the editor

momaha where moms connect vOLUME 3 · ISSUE 4 · ApRIL 2012 momaha.com editor J O S I E LOZ A josie.loza@owh.com 402-444-1075

editorial director CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director & designer A N A N DA S pA DT

copy editor AMY LaMAR

production coordinator pAT R I C I A “ M U R pH Y ” B E N O I T

on the cover C H I L D R E N ’ S fA S H I O N

BY H O L L I E H A N A S H p H O TO G R A p H E D BY K AT H Y R A E pH O TO G R A pH Y

contributing writers LISA ANDREWS K I M C A R pE N T E R M Y R A K AT H E R I N E fR I T Z TINA KING A M Y TO KO S

to advertise, contact KRISTINE BUHMAN kristine.buhman@owh.com 402-444-1442 J E SS I C A fR E E D M A N jessica.freedman@owh.com 402-444-1416 MICHAELA HANEY michaela.haney@owh.com 402-444-1489 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2012 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved.

The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

ALYSSA SCHUKAR/THE WORLD-HERALD

My funny little fashionista

W

elcome to the spring fashion issue of Momaha Magazine! I’ve covered fashion in Omaha for years, writing about crazy trends, new shops and talented designers.

My daughter, Alejandra, loves to play dress up with mommy’s clothes, heels, makeup and jewelry. I’m amused by it all, so I egg her on.

For Omaha Fashion Week, she always weighs in on my outfits. Last fall, I needed black heels to wear with my outfit for the final runway show, so we turned the citywide search into a motherdaughter outing.

We must have hit a dozen boutiques. I’d pick a shoe; she’d shake her head; and I’d return the shoe to the display. Why I was listening to a tot? Because she’s 3 going on 23 (and she has been featured on minihipster.com, a competitive site for young fashion lovers worldwide).

I found a pair of sexy don’t-mess-with-me BCBG platform stilettos. While I ogled the shoe, Alejandra played with a stack of business cards found in my purse. I was so engrossed in the $140 shoe decision, I didn’t pay her much mind.

The shoes might not see a lot of wear but they were on sale, I reasoned. So I headed for the register.

The gal at the counter greeted Alejandra, “Hello, there, kitty-cat.”

It seemed like an odd thing to say to a 3-year-old ... I shrugged my shoulders and watched as the associate tallied my bill. I swiped my card and off we went. As I placed the shoes in the car, Alejandra asked if she could hold them.

Cute, I thought. I’m sure she’s already thinking of playing dress up.

I handed her the box, and my jaw dropped.

While I was trying on shoes, fighting buyer’s remorse and ringing out, Alejandra had applied mascara to her eyelashes. And whether it was by pure luck or a skilled hand, she had given herself cat eyes.

“Alejandra,” I said, with tears wadding in my eyes.

She bashfully looked up.

“Is that why the woman called you kitty-cat?”

She cracked a toothy smile.

How she drew a perfect cat-eye baffles me. I still can’t do it.

Josie Loza is Momaha.com editor and mother to Bobby Jr., 8, Alejandra, 3, and Gabriella, 12 months.

Chat with Josie each friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com. facebook.com/josie.loza @josie.loza

2

They come in wanting to be a Princess.

And leave wanting to be a Marine Biologist.

Day Camps at the Zoo. Visit OmahaZoo.com/education or call (402) 738-2092 for more information.

Brush your teeth.

It could save your life.

Good dental health is about more than just a toothache.

Caring for your teeth can help prevent: > Heart Disease > Problems with Diabetes > Oral Cancer dhhs.ne.gov/healthysmiles

Watch Your Mouth!

3

More at MoMaha.coM

;-) Chat with Josie each Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com

?!

Read “How I Do It” a new Q&A feature on moms getting through their day.

Click through our “Kids Camp” directory of summer camps.

3 Bold Choices LACQUERED For a stronger commitment to color than the occasional throw pillow, try a piece of furniture with a bold-colored lacquer finish. Wangright cocktail tables from Worlds Away, $559 each, come in a variety of bright, springy colors. Make a bold statement by arranging in clusters in a living room or a bedroom.

“A lamp can hold a big color statement without ruining a room,” says lamp designer Mary McDonald. “It is one of the few accessories that can have ‘pow’ factor while keeping things elegant.”

Annika lamp, designed by Mary McDonald from Robert Abbey

TRANSPARENT See-through designs in acrylic or Lucite are popular for their innovative look.

Frank Webb at White Webb designs with Lucite acrylics and currently has a line of clear tables that soon be available for retail customers.

Bond end table from Jonathan Adler

Of acrylics as statement pieces, he says: “These tables make the perfect accent piece because they’re quietly fabulous. They’re simple and elegant with just enough room to stand out – but not compete with – the room’s main attractions.”

MIRRORED

Momaha’s book club meets 7 p.m.

April 27. The book is “Unbroken.”

RSVP to bradangie. nielsen@gmail.com

Designers incorporate mirrors into furniture design to give the room the illusion of being larger. Mirrored furniture pieces add sparkle and movement of light in a room, giving it a more lively appearance. If a whole table or dresser covered in mirrors seems overboard, try a mirrored picture frame or a headboard with mirrored frame details.

— CTW Features

4

Here are three on-trend ideas that make a big statement in a room.

Saba desk from Arteriors Home

Imagine....

1,200 lbs of athlete jumping over 5 feet in the air 13 times in 70 seconds of fast-paced excitement!

OMAHA’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION TICKETS STARTING AT $10 NOW AVAILABLE

Presents

This Premier Indoor Show Jumping Event is Coming to Omaha

April 20th & 21st, 2012!

FOR TICKETS go to www.ticketmaster.com, or call 800-745-3000 or visit the CenturyLink Center box office.

Don't miss the FREE Equine Expo with lots of fun family activities both days

Physician Guided Weight Loss

Now available av in our community, ity,, Modern M Medicine offers a new medical weight loss program that’s prescription-based, doctor-guided and d affordable. a With multiple treatments available, you can start losing weight safely and efficiently. The he best part about this program is the ongoing support you receive from our professional medicall staff. s Our weight loss programs are afforda rdable, simple and based on individual nutrition, exercise affordable, and medicinal treatment solutions – all designed just for you, to help you reach your goals.

Programs Supported: •Phentermine Program (Appet petite Suppressants) (Appetite •B12 Injections •Lipotropic Injections Wellness Testing Lab Before starting any of our weight loss ss programs, clients must complete an initial exam ($69) which includes measurements for heig eight, weight, blood pressure, pulse, BMI & fat %, lab work height, and resting EKG. Once the initial exam is complete,, you will have an appointment with our physician. He will go over the health history you provide and the he results of the tests performed during the initial exam. At that point, if you are approved for one off our o weight loss programs, we will go ahead and get started!

AESTHETIC SERV SERVICES VICES •Microdermabrasion

•Waxing •W

•Facials

•Chemical Peels

Call today & receive $20 off your next service!

7632 Dodge St • Omaha 402-315-3600 www.midwestmodernmedicine.com

5

Yuk It Up Laugh it up During nationaL humor month

By Kim Carpenter

A

pril is the perfect time to tickle your child’s funny bone, and not just on April Fool’s Day. It’s National Humor Month, which is a celebration of everything that’s silly, goofy and chuckle-worthy.

It’s a good time to emphasize where you draw the line on humor. Talk with your child about teasing, put-downs and meanspirited jokes. Remind your child that making fun of someone is never acceptable, whether it’s in person, or through text messaging or social networking.

Remember that when it comes to kids, you can forget sophisticated plays on words and dry, wry wit. It’s all about silly puns and – although we may cringe – bathroom humor. Passing gas, whether it’s in the form of flatulence or a hearty burp, is endlessly funny to the younger set – just like it was when we were kids.

Wave the white flag and embrace your inner 8-year-old during a month designated for giggles, guffaws and belly laughs.

bring on the fun ·Tell a joke at the dinner table every night for a month. ·Read the newspaper comics aloud. ·Watch “Looney Toons,” “Gilligan’s Island” or a Charlie Chaplin movie. ·Attend “Free Comic Book Giveaway Day” May 5 at Dragon’s Lair Comics, 8316 Blondo St., and Legend Comics & Coffee, 5207 Leavenworth St.

Need inspiration? These book series are guaranteed to keep the laughs coming.

“Captain Underpants”

by Dav Pilkey “Tra-la-laaaa!”

In books like the “Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants” and the “Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy,” Harold and George hypnotize their grumpy principal, Mr. Krupp, into becoming an underpants-clad hero.

Kids can play wacky games and make their own comics at www.pilkey.com and www.scholastic.com/ captainunderpants/ comic.htm .

6

“George Brown Class Clown”

by Nancy Krulik Not quite as pottycentric, books such as “Super Burp” and “What’s Black and White and Stinks All Over?” make kids laugh out loud at George’s silly antics.

You can help your child e-mail a burp to a friend and do more gut-busting activities at www. us.penguingroup.com/ static/packages/us/ yreaders/georgebrown

“Babymouse” by siblings Jennifer and Matthew Holm This graphic novel series, which is reminiscent of the beloved Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, follows a funloving 9-year-old mouse through her adventures with best friend Wilton, a weasel. Kids can create posters and Babymouse adventures at www. randomhouse.com/ kids/babymouse.

“Bad Kitty”

by Nick Bruel How can such a naughty feline be so endearing? Bad Kitty manages to get even when scratching the furniture, coughing up fur balls and refusing to take a bath. Other characters include Big Kitty, Chatty Kitty and Strange Kitty, as well as a happy, if dim-witted puppy.

Visit badkittybooks. squarespace.com for meowing, mad libs, games and other fun extras.

“How to Train Your Dragon”

by Cressida Cowell Follow Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, his faithful, if exasperating dragon, Toothless, and his loyal friends Fishlegs and Camicazi, as they battle villains with names like Mogadon the Meathead and Norbert the Nutjob.

The books are entirely different, funnier and just as poignant as the movie of the same name. www. cressidacowell.co.uk

er es! m g g um all a n.or s y r sl rs ffe es fo w.jo o s w n sly clas at w o J & w s o mp er n a c ist g Re

FREE Family Fun Day

Sunday, April 22

1–4 pm

An afternoon of art-making workshops, performances, and more. Walk (or run!) like an Egyptian to the Museum!

Mummy Mask of a Man, Roman Period, early 1st century C.E., stucco, gilded and painted, Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

PRESENTING SPONSOR: MAJOR SPONSORS: SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

Douglas County

Fran & Rich Juro

Robert H. Storz Foundation

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS: ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

Lenore Polack

www.joslyn.org | (402) 342-3300 2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE

7

JUNIOR urious hild The C C LEAGUE Montessori Preschool SIGN-UP O m a h a ’s N e w e s t M o n t e s s o r i P r e s c h o o l

Eagle Run &

Stone Creek JUNIOR LEAGUES

8 weeks starting the second week of June.

Sign-ups begin March 1st.

EAGLE RUN

Omaha’ Omaha’s a’s La LLargest r g es t Pr rg P Program ro gra ra m EExclusively Ex xc lusi s vely l fo fforr Kids!

Par 3 Course for ages 7 and up. Executive Course for ages 11 and up. Play is on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

STONE CREEK

League is for ages 12 and up.

Play is on Thursday afternoons.

JUNIOR LESSONS

1 week clinic (5/1-hour lessons). $80.

Sessions in May, June and July.

Check websites for schedule.

golfstonecreek g olfstonecreek.com .com eaglerungolf.com eaglerungolf .co com 8

NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS & PRESCHOOL 18 MONTHS - 10 YEAR OLDS

Enroll now SPACE IS LIMITED!

402-884-4466 www.curiouschildmontessori.com 7608 Gertrude Street La Vista NE 68128

Easy Recipe This award-winning recipe was created by a kid!

al 5th Annu MAY 5TH & 6TH FAMILY FUN! Hands on activities, lots of food and treats, nautical history, and a huge Pirate ship beached on the sands and much more! $10/$6

2012 Nebraska

Wushu Chicken Tacos Sauce 1/8-inch thick slice fresh ginger, peeled and cut in half 2 cloves garlic, peeled 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1 tablespoon soy sauce ¼ teaspoon chili paste with garlic, or to taste 2½ teaspoons sugar 2½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 2¼ teaspoons sesame oil 3½ teaspoons water Ingredients ½ cup diced rotisserie cooked chicken ¼ cup asparagus pieces, about 1-inch long ¼ cup yellow squash pieces, cut into half circles 2 fajita-size (6-inch) flour tortillas 2 lime wedges Directions 1. Chop ginger and garlic in a small food processor as finely as possible. Add remaining sauce ingredients and process until sauce is completely smooth. If sauce is too thick, add water, a little at a time.

If sauce is too thin, add peanut butter. Toss about half the sauce with the chicken and put aside in a covered bowl.

2. Boil about 1 inch water in a large skillet; add asparagus. Cover skillet and turn off heat. In 1-2 minutes, lift off cover and remove asparagus using tongs.

3. Place squash pieces into a microwave-safe bowl; add a little water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high 2-3 minutes.

Let cool slightly; carefully drain off water.

4. Microwave tortillas on high about 15 seconds, or until tortillas are warm and are pliable. Put chicken on tortillas, top with asparagus and squash; drizzle with additional peanut butter sauce. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

(This recipe was created by a kid for the Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest.)

Renaissance Faire May 12th and 13th

200 costume characters, fun live entertainment, hands on activities, eight living history exhibits, lots of food and treats!

Don’t miss a special Mothers Day Buffet in the Feasting hall on May 13th $12/$6

WE LOVE GROUPS!

Birthday, Weddings, Campfires, or Corporate Parties, Call for details!

11001 S. 48th st Papillion 402-331-5500 Between Cornhusker Rd & Hwy370

www.bellevueberryfarm.com 9

Momaha Spotlight: Hollie Hanash

Hollie Hanash and her design inspiration, daughter.

Sierra .Read the entire Q&A story on momaha.com

Ruffled & Unruffled

By Josie Loza ollie Hanash wowed us two years ago at a local fashion show. And, admittedly, again when she presented her “Ruffled Runway” collection during Omaha Fashion Week’s spring show at Kaneko. A nurse by day, Hollie designs her My Pouty Princess line in the wee-hours of the morning, sometimes in the afternoon, and definitely in the evenings. “The inspiration for everything that I design begins with my daughter,” Hollie says. “She is so full of life. She loves bright colors and she doesn’t care about trends” but she is big on comfort. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day for Hollie as mom and designer.

H

Find My Pouty Princess at Chique Boutique, 168th and Harrison Streets, and mypoutyprincess.com PHOTO COURTESy OF OMAHA FASHION WEEk HAIR AND MAkEUP

By BANGS SALON & SHINE DAy SPA

10

6 a.m.

Out of bed and in front of the coffeemaker before my alarm has a chance to blare. This is my favorite part of the day.

The house is quite and I can get a lot accomplished.

8 a.m.

I have my list made for the day.

The kids are out of bed and dressed for school. But what would the morning be if I didn’t have to referee a fight?

8:30 a.m.

I survive the carpool line at school. Now, it’s on to my list.

First stop: Target. Then to fabric stores and a final stop at Starbucks.

11 a.m.

Back home. It’s time to tackle the morning’s accumulation of kid clutter that gravitates to the living room. As I think about the sewing projects I want to complete today, I realize that I forgot to buy zippers. I modify my designs to include button enclosures instead.

2 p.m.

My iPhone alarm goes off. It’s time to head to school to volunteer. I spend the next part of my day reading to and enjoying LOTS of kids.

3:45 p.m.

Home from school with the kids. We start their homework and squeeze in piano practice and a snack. (The doorbell music begins…”Sorry, no, they can’t come out and play right now.”)

5:30 p.m.

Load up the kids and head to evening events and practices. (Pray that everyone remembered to grab their equipment.)

6:30 p.m.

Update Dad on the kids’ locations and pick-up times. Start dinner.

7:45 p.m.

Everyone is home. We eat dinner quickly and watch a DVR together. Then we send the kids upstairs for showers and bed.

9 p.m.

Grab my iPad and check e-mails and FB (Facebook) while my sweetie watches TV. Do a quick cleanup of the house.

(I can’t sleep if it is messy.)

10:30 p.m.

Head upstairs to my studio for a bit and make mental notes on what I need to accomplish tomorrow. Shower and climb into bed. I pick up a book. By page 3, I’m asleep.

PHOTO COURTESy kATHy RAE PHOTOGRAPHy

11

shop local

Color Burst

Mixing and matching fresh trends from some of the area’s cutest boutiques.

Featured: Piper at One Pacific Place, Paper Doll in Benson, “b’” Yourself Boutique at 78th and Dodge, Mesh at Shops of Legacy

trend

pop of neon

Kajoma’s in Papillion Photographed

by Kent Sievers Styled by Ananda Spadt

Striped dress, $78, Kajoma’s. Swan cardigan, $82, Kajoma’s. Vintage leather mini purse, $16, Paper Doll. Neon bow ring, $14, Piper. Neon belt, $13, Target. Red square heel pump, $98, Kajoma’s.

12

“A Must See Boutique”

HAVE A STYLISH SPRING WITH FASHIONS FROM KAJOMA’S! Introducing Kajoma Mama, our new Maternity line.

20% OFF O FF

1 REGULAR PRICE ITEM EXPIRES 4/21/12

Four years in a row

84TH & 1ST 402.9 402.991.4477 DOWNTOWN PAPILLION PA

trend

floral prints Ketz-ke floral tank, $62, Piper. Nikibiki pink neon tank, $19, Mesh. Pink vintage inspired pump, $16, Paper Doll. Black Orchid midi skinny jeans, $132, Piper. Mini flower necklace, $18, Piper. Lace-rimmed sunglasses, $20, Kajoma’s. Twisted silver bracelet, $38, Piper. Gem wristlet, $62, Mesh.

13

trend

14

trend

color block

loose tops

Color blocked top, $36.50; Boyfriend shorts, $38.75; Tri-colored dangle earrings, $15; Bangles, $22, all from “b” yourself boutique. Hobo clutch, $188, from Kajoma’s.

Mesh top, $49; Cowgirl Tuff Co. shorts, $54.99, both from Mesh. Coral print scarf, $22, Kajoma’s. Angie necklace, $53, from Mesh. Tangerine dangle ring, $14, from Piper. Tribal print wedge, $45, from “b” yourself boutique. Gemmed aviator sunglasses, $20, from Kajoma’s.

CC ll oo tt hh ii nn gg || A A cc cc ee ss ss oo rr ii ee ss || G G ii ff tt ss

20% 20% Off Off One One Item Item

expires 5/7/12 expires 5/7/12

440022..993322..77000011 wwwww. s h w. s hooppppiippeerr..ccoom m

Spring into Big Big Star Star Mens Mens Silver Jeans Silver Jeans •• Guess Guess Rock Rock Revival Revival Mens Mens •• MEK MEK Grace Grace in in LA LA •• Antique Antique Rivet Rivet FREE FREE ALTERATIONS! ALTERATIONS!

trend trend

mint green Stud Studcollar collarmint mintblouse, blouse,$66; $66;Cuff Cuffring, ring,$18; $18;Twisted Twistedbracebracelet, $38; Ketz-ke dotted shorts, $68, all from let, $38; Ketz-ke dotted shorts, $68, all fromPiper.

Piper. Alyssa Alyssa crossbody crossbodybag, bag,$24, $24,Paper PaperDoll.

Doll.

% % Off 20 ONE ONE ITEM ITEM Good Good thru thru 4.30.12 4.30.12

See See us us on on Facebook Facebook

SHOPS SHOPS OF OF LEGACY LEGACY

th 168 168th & & Center Center || 402.359.1199 402.359.1199 meshomaha.com meshomaha.com

15 15

GEAR UPGEAR FOR UP FOR CAMP CAMP Send Your Child Off With a Tidy Pack Send Your Child Off

By Tina King With a Tidy Pack

By Tina King

16 16

The end of the school year is in sight, and for many parents that means readying the kids for camp. end of camps, the school in ForThe most day youyear can is get sight, with and simply for many parentsathat away providing sack meansbut readying the kids forusually camp. lunch, overnight camps For most day camps, you can get require a different approach. away with simply providing a sack Whether the camp lasts two lunch,orbut campsto usually days twoovernight weeks, expect requireata least different approach. spend several hours Whether theassembling camp laststhe two selecting and days or twogear. weeks, expect to necessary spend least several hoursa Mostatcamps will provide selectingpacking and assembling required list. Don’tthe be necessary gear. afraid to add a few comforts from Most provide a home – acamps familywill photo or a favorite requiredanimal, packing Don’t be stuffed forlist. example – but afraid addanything a few comforts do notto pack on the from home – off-limits a family photo or aphones, favorite camp’s list. Cell stuffed animal, forand example but electronic games candy–are do not pack anything on the frequently forbidden. camp’s off-limits phones, Labeling it withlist. yourCell child’s electronic games and candy name, pack everything in a are frequentlycontainer forbidden.such as a washable Labelingduffle it with your well-used bag or child’s a plastic name, pack a storage bin. everything Expect thatineverything washable such as a will return container filthy and stained.

There well-used duffle bagdirt. or aCamp plastic is no dirt like camp is storage Expect that cutest everything no placebin. for your child’s will return filthy and stained. There clothing. is no dirt like camp dirt. Camp is no place for your child’s cutest clothing.

PACKING LIST Clothing T-shirts, shorts, PACKING LIST jeans, a longClothingsweatshirt sleeved T-shirts, or fleece shorts, pullover, jeans, a longsweatpants, sleevedraincoat, sweatshirt jacket, or fleece pullover, underwear, sports sweatpants, bras if needed, jacket, raincoat, pajamas, robe, underwear, laundry bag,sports bras if needed, bathing suits (some pajamas, robe, camps prohibit laundry bag, bikinis), socks, bathingshoes, suits (some tennis camps prohibit sandals and riding bikinis), socks, boots. tennis shoes, sandals and riding boots.

Grooming Brush, comb, shampoo, soap, Grooming facial cleanser, Brush,sanitizer, comb, hand shampoo, soap, toothbrush with facial cleanser, holder, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, shower caddy, toothbrush with blow-dryer, holder, toothpaste, deodorant, shower caddy, feminine products blow-dryer, and shaving gear. deodorant, feminine products Bedding and shaving Sleeping bag,gear. sheets, pillowcase, Bedding blanket,bath towels Sleeping and swimbag, towels. sheets, pillowcase, blanket,bath towels and swim towels.

Source: American Camping Association

Source: American Camping Association

Miscellaneous Insect repellent, anti-itch cream, Miscellaneous sunscreen, Insect repellent, medicines with anti-itch notes cream, doctors’ sunscreen, (check camp’s medicinesbaseball with policies), doctors’ notes cap, sunglasses, (checkgoggles, camp’s swim policies), baseball bandana, books, cap, sunglasses, magazines, swim goggles, flashlight, extra bandana, compass, books, batteries, magazines,camera, disposable flashlight,water extra reusable batteries, compass, bottle, writing disposable camera, paper, envelopes, reusableand water stamps bottle, writing money for camp paper, envelopes, incidentals. stamps and money and for camp Sports music incidentals. camps may require additional gear or Sports and music instruments. camps may require additional gear or instruments.

Now Enrollingg for Fall 2012-13!

Introducing your child, the swimmer.

“WE ARE THE DIFFERENCE IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATIONâ€? ✎ Fun atmosphere for children 3-6 ✎ Focus on academics ((r (reading, eadingg, wwriting, ritingg, phonics, math and science) ✎ Small class sizes ✎ PParent arentt TTe Teacher acher h CConferences onfferences twice t i during the school year CLASS SCHEDULES AM 8:45-11:45 • PM 12:45-3:455

FUN FOR

!

Y L I M A F E IR T N E THE

19102 Q Street 402-255-0000

www.imagineandexplorepreschool.com

✎ Half days – Mornings or Afternoons ✎ Mon-Fri,, Tues & Thurs,, M Mon-Wed-Fri on-Wed-Fri Schedules ✎ Lunch Bunch ✎ Controlled Entrances ✎ 3 hou hhour ur program

LLMENTS ’VEE STARTED ENROCA WEE’V MPS! ER MM SU R OU FO F R SPOT! JUNE 4-7

S: X MARKS THE ATEES: RAT PIR E 11-14 WILD, WILD, WEST: JUN E 18-21 “STORY� COOKING: JUN ?

THUMB DO YOU HAVE A GREEN : JULY 9-12 MASTERPIECE ART JULY 16-19 SPACE EXPLORATION: 6 DINOSAURS: JULY 23-2 UG 2 JULY 30-A CALLING ALL ANIMALS: erga rten Julyy 9-12, g: Blast off to KKind g rte featuring: Alssoo fe 23-22266 for children starting 9, and July 23 -19, July 16-1 fall of 2012 the fal ten in th rgarrten Kinderga pps are locatted at our Descriptions of all of the cam ific questio stions. You do spec e mor with us call website or ram to pparticipate progra our in lled enro be b to d eed not nee to EVERYONE!! in the camps! This is open

ever an Offse N s ’ aso ere h n T

E U G E N E T. M A H O N E Y S TAT E PA R K

MORE THAN JUST A BATTING CAGE MEMBERSHIPS SMALL GROUP LESSONS TUNNEL RENTALS BIRTHDAY PARTIES INDIVIDUAL LESSONS TEAM PRACTICES Enjoy an indoor theater with live performances, swimming pool with slides, indoor ac vity center, miniature golf, driving range, tennis courts, horseback trail rides, paddle boats, fishing, hiking and much more! (Park Entry Permit Required)

E www.OutdoorNebraska.org V VE RV ER SE ES RE YOUR CHILDS BIRTHDAY At the indoor playground,call for details PARTY 402.944.2523 Exit 426 2 8 5 0 0

W

P A R K

H W Y

A S H L A N D ,

N E

6 8 0 0 3

Mention this ad and

RECEIVE 15% OFF FROZEN FRO OZEN ROPES 9575 S 140th St Omaha, NE 68138

www.frozenropesnebraska.com omaha@frozenropes.com

17

the Dilemma

Carpooling is a two-way street Dilemma #1

FREE ‘Part-Time Preschool’ Registration with this ad • • • • • • • •

2, 3, or 5 day programs New iPad computer lab Structured age-appropriate curriculum Spanish and sign language curriculum Conferences and progress reports Field trips Internet web cam viewing Family owned and operated

402-895-1851 | cbcaomaha.com

Intensive Reading & Math 2012 SUMMER SCHOOL

June 4th - June 29th

FREE Plus $25 OFF Tuition Phonogram DVD

A neighbor and I started carpooling our kids to/from school and sports practices. Her son is never ready when I pull up to their house. The family never seems to be watching for me, and I usually have to send my son to the door to let them know we’re waiting. I’ve called the mom to gently ask her to make sure her son is ready but I’ve seen no results.

I’m just left to idle outside. I’m ready to quit the carpool, but that may make us not-so-friendly neighbors. Suggestions?

Lisa Tebben: Talk to the mother again and offer to call her when you leave your house so her son can be ready and waiting. If that doesn’t work, stick it out for the rest of the school year. Use it as a way to reinforce to your son that you stick with your commitments. Then nicely explain in the fall that since your schedules no longer mesh, you’ve had to make other carpool arrangements.

Julie Bartholomew: I would tell my neighbor that my child likes to be early to school and practices and that this may not work out for her and her child. I would tell her that we would rather just take care of our own transportation for that reason and it was nothing personal.

Hopefully this will get you out of the carpooling situation and still have friendly neighbor relations.

Dilemma #2 I volunteered to host a baby shower for my sister-in-law. It will be the first time I have done something like this. What would make the shower a beautiful and memorable event?

Lisa: Concentrate on the things you feel most confident doing and ask for help with the rest. If the sex of the baby is unknown, serve pink and blue cupcakes so your guests can make their prediction. Decorate with photos of the parents-to-be.

Julie: I would just make sure that the new mom is surrounded by friends and family. Their joy will light up the room!

I can barely remember what food was served or the gifts I received at my first shower, but I remember every person who was in that room!

Lisa Tebben has been married 13 years. She is a SAHM to two boys, 10 and 7.

Julie Bartholomew has a daughter in middle school and a son in first grade.

Limited time - Must register by 4/25/12

402-390-0556

18

Amy: Anything you do for her will be super special. Get her input on what she’d like (some people want to play games, some don’t). See if you can find someone to make a diaper cake.

Serve punch and a few snacks. People are there to see the guest of honor and what gifts she got. It is just about laughing and having a good time in celebration of the new baby.

Amy Riley is a married mid-30s mom with two daughters.

1110 N. 66th Street • Omaha www.phoenixacademyomaha.org

Amy Riley: Tell her that you will not wait around for her son to finally come outside while you are waiting.

Give her a pick up time and have her call you when her son is ready. If that doesn’t work, tell her that you have other commitments (either work or other activities) that she is making you late for and you have to make other carpooling arrangements.

Compiled by Lisa Andrews

Have a laugH

A new face to love myra katherine fritz

It happened: the question “Mom, if you and Dad aren’t going to live together anymore, where are you going to live? Where are we going to live?”

And then, lost in a sea of words, I promised my son a puppy.

Ooops.

My last dog came as I was headed to college. Concerned about the baby girl flying the coop, my older sister gave my parents a dog.

While there was no pooch among us at the time, we had always been a dog family with a pretty colorful pet history. There was Snowball who suffered a stroke during childbirth and Colonel who was poisoned via hotdog by the evil neighbors.

There was Valentine who got hit by a car and Zipper who attacked the neighborhood bully and had to be sent out to pasture. Literally.

We weren’t the most responsible of pet owners.

Once, not even realizing that he was missing, my friend Kevin stopped by to return Sebastian after seeing him in the back of a random pick-up truck. There were also numerous visits from animal control officers with gentle reminders of the leash law.

Now I’m panicked. Can I go back on a promise? I mean, yes I came from a dog family, but we weren’t necessarily a good dog family. We lived in a small town and that was the 1980s. No one walked dogs on a leash. No one scooped poop. No one walked around with baggies or fancy shovels.

I haven’t had a dog in 20 years.

My husband was allergic, thus removing the roadblock, which leaves me wondering if I can, you know, overnight convince my two children who have long begged for a puppy that I, too, have allergies.

Wait, I feel a sneeze coming on…

I really like dogs, but I grew up in the South. Even if we had walked dogs (which, again, we

Tiger, aka Tai-tai

didn’t) it would’ve been warm. It would’ve been dry. Living in the Midwest means walking dogs in the snow; in the wind; in the frigidness that is winter.

Becoming a dog family means baggies and scoopers and frozen poop. It means vet appointments and expensive shots. It means specialized dog food for sensitive tummies and puppy probiotics.

(Seriously, I think it’s like Activia for dogs). It means chewed up tennis shoes and watching out for the Huge Red Hawk that swoops low around our neighborhood searching for prey.

It means creating a new family schedule which allows time for feeding three little beings instead of two; allowing time for three potty breaks instead of two. It means obsessing over the lapse in security with our fence; obsessing over how a seven pound dog that is released into the safety of our backyard ends up at the front door. Everytime.

I know all of this because I keep my promises and I am once again welcoming a dog into our brood.

Meet Cuddles. No wait, meet Poe. Ooops, Tigress. Wait, Tiger.

Yes, Tiger and we call him Tai-tai.

He’s a yorkie-zu and while we didn’t find him at the shelter, I can assure you that he is a rescue dog.

We rescued him, and, it is clear that Tai has rescued us. The pure joy that comes from seeing my children love, and be loved by, this puppy; of seeing them covered by a ferocious attack of puppy kisses each morning is a joy that comes because I kept my promises.

Even when I really want to start sneezing and go with the whole allergy thing.

LET THE PIZZA PIE GUYS GIVE YOUR KIDS A ONE-OF-A-KIND BIRTHDAY PARTY. • Parties start at $99 • Parties for the entire class • Interactive smartboards in each party room • Parties led by a trained adult

Kids get to make their own pizza, play an interactive trivia game and use an interactive smartboard.

3113 North 120th Street Omaha, NE 68164

402.505.8774

email: dan@thepizzapieguys.com

www.thepizzapieguys.com

19

get organized

Start spring cleaning with your closet

By Amy Tokos pring has arrived, which means our wardrobes are officially in transition. The turtlenecks and sweaters can be stored to make way for short-sleeves shirts and tank tops.

Most people wear 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time. So as you switch your wardrobe around, you will most likely find winter items that you forgot to wear when it was cold outside.

This is great time to set up a system that will help you edit your wardrobe on a daily basis. This is so much easier and less overwhelming than dedicating an entire Saturday morning to your closet.

S

TrickS To geT you STarTed: · Flip all your hangers backward. after you wear a garment, turn the hanger the correct way on the rod. By doing this, you get a visual of which clothes you wear. after a couple of months, look at which items you haven’t worn. There usually is a reason why you are passing them over each morning. · Place a bin, basket or bag of items to donate near your dressing area to help facilitate the removal of unwanted clothing from your wardrobe. as you plut clothes on and take them off, determine why you don’t like a particular item. This is a cue to considering tossing the item in the donation pile. · Sometimes the hardest part of removing clothes from our wardrobe is getting past feelings associated with the clothes. We may feel guilt over how much we spent on an item, or we may be hoping to fit into clothes that are too small after we lose a few pounds. Be honest: if you lose those 15 pounds, you aren’t going to wear your 20-year-old jeans. you’re going to buy a new pair. an expensive blouse is much harder to get rid of than an inexpensive tee so consider consigning your clothes.

That way you get a bit of a financial return on your investment.

R

IDICULOUSLY

A little planning in your closet goes a long way. Snap a photo of each shoe so you know where each pair goes. When you are picking out shoes to wear, you won’t have to go rummaging in a shoe pile to see what you own.

Left: Don’t pack your hangers with t-shirts and tank tops. Roll them and keep them in a bin.

S

TYLISH CLOTHING FOR YOUR CUTIE PATOOTIES!

CHILDREN’S RESALE STORE

14119 19 Q Street

402.502.2370

HOURS: Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm

20

www.couturekidsomaha.com

Saturday 10am - 6pm

Sunday 12 - 5pm

Heroics inspired by the heart of a hero.

I

saac entered this world with a complex heart defect, resulting in only one functioning ventricle, the second chamber all but missing.

scarred and damaged tissue was repaired, and a patch positioned in his heart, ­ ­ developed ventricle.

In a revolutionary, new open-heart surgery pioneered by cardiac specialists at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center,

Two years later, Isaac is ready to face all foes, a caped crusader with the heart of a hero.

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.