Inspired Living Omaha Magazine January/February 2021

A N O M A H A W O R L D - H E R A L D P U B L I C AT I O N • S E R V I N G N E B R A S K A & W E S T E R N I O W A

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 1 OMAHA.COM/INSPIREDLIVING

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hEirlOOmS aNd

curated COllECtiONS

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 1 • V O L U M E 1 9 • I S S U E 1

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen 402-444-1094 | chris.christen@owh.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Jessica Thompson 402-444-1120 | jthompson@owh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Marjie Ducey 402-444-1034 | marjie.ducey@owh.com

StOrE hOurS tuES-Sat, 10-5 SuN, 12-4 Shop our online Store • prairieinbloom.com 1702 Cuming Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-502-5265

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Furniture & Home Decor

COPY EDITOR Cory Gilinsky ON THE COVER Home of Megan Hepburn and Pat Mcilvain Photographed by Lily Smith CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Kiley Cruse, Rachel Grahovac, Kurt A. Keeler, Carol Lehan, Anna Reed, Lily Smith, Mike Whye CUSTOM PUBLISHING SALES COORDINATOR Nick Cavallaro 402-444-1202 | nick.cavallaro@owh.com ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Deborah Fernsell 402-444-1209 | dfernsell@owh.com EVENTS Tam Webb 402-444-3125 | tam.webb@owh.com

1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102

m OV I N G ? H A N D L I N G A N E S TAT E ?

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Inspired Living Omaha (ISSN 23795948) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2021, Omaha World-Herald, a Lee Enterprises Company. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

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contents EDITOR’S NOTE 6

MOUNTAINSIDE MARVEL

HOMESPIRATION 8

FUN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

HISTORIC GEM 16 21

SHAPING UP FIXER-UPPER RESOURCES

BEFORE + AFTER 22

IT’S A KEEPER

SPEAKING OF PLANTS 28

BE STILL, MY HEART

8

AU COURANT 30

SMALL WONDERS, GREAT JOYS

LUXURY HOMES 34

AN ADVERTISING FEATURE

RECIPES 35 36 38 40 42

SPIRIT LIFTERS CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

30

HOMEMADE EGG NOODLES MINESTRONE LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

NEAR + FAR 45

A CHANGE OF SCENERY

EXPERIENCE LOCAL 48 48

THE CLASSICS

40

45

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Inside a self-sustaining mountainside marvel MY JOB HAS TAKEN

hill or mountainside,

give the interior an earthy feel; live

me inside hundreds

harvesting your own water

plants provide the color pop. Ceilings

of homes, but none

and power, producing

and some walls are tongue-and-groove

as fascinating as an

your own food, and

pine; other walls are smooth adobe.

Earthship in Park County,

containing and treating

Colorado.

your own sewage. Did

Its owners, Cherrie

I mention the primary

and Guy Geerdts, traded

CHRIS CHRISTEN

construction materials

careers in Denver in 2012

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

are old tires, bottles, cans

for laid-back mountain life near Guffey ... population 25. Four

and adobe mud?

The Earthship concept minimizes

years ago, they began looking at off-grid

reliance on public utilities and fossil

possibilities. “Nothing was right,” Guy

fuels. This house has a propane stove

recalls, until they landed the Earthship.

and water heater. There’s a backup

“There were all kinds of signs that we

generator that runs off propane —

were meant to own it. And, boom!

installed after a blizzard left Cherrie

We’re here.”

stranded in the high mountain house

In keeping with the architect’s vision,

without power and water for four days.

much of the construction is done by

Rooftop rainwater and snow is collected

the dwelling’s intended inhabitants.

in a cistern for various household uses;

The original owners of this Earthship

solar panels provide the electricity; heat

broke ground in 1993 and spent 20 years

is passive solar, through the windows.

moving it toward completion.

The floorplan is linear, flowing from

When Cherrie and Guy took possession, the interior had poured concrete floors and rough adobe walls that needed repair and finishing. Enter Lisa and Randy, my husband’s sister and her husband, who did the tile and stone work, a complex process because of the curved and irregular walls. The “talker” is a meandering river rock walkway that starts at the entry and “flows” to the opposite end of the house.

Cherrie and Guy have been selfsustained during the pandemic. In the spring, they’ll continue to work on exterior features, including raised garden beds, and a patio for taking in those sweeping vistas.

In the mountains, sunrises and

living room to kitchen, full bath, TV

sunsets are great. “But the night sky

Michael Reynolds during the “back-to-

room and bedroom. An indoor planting

gives me goosebumps,” Guy says. “The

the-land” movement of the 1960s and

bed, served by a gray water irrigation

sky just comes alive because there are

’70s. A typical blueprint calls for nesting

system, runs the length of the structure.

no city lights. The Milky Way is right in

the back of the home into an earthen

Natural materials, colors and textures

front of us.”

The Earthship style was pioneered by

BACK TO THE LAND The home’s foundation and exterior walls are formed of stacked tires filled with dirt and covered with adobe made from local clay, coarse sand and straw. The river rock walkway that “flows” throughout was added after the Geerdts’ 2016 move-in.

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HIGH MOUNTAIN HOUSE Owners Guy and Cherrie have been self-sustained in their mountainside home during the pandemic. They collect rainwater for household uses, generate solar electricity and grow food in their indoor garden. Building into the ground helps regulate the indoor temperature of an Earthship. Windows along the south side of the dwelling create warmth and bring in sunlight.

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PLAYHOUSE This view is from the top level of the playhouse in the home’s family room addition. Here, Kris and Steve’s grandchildren, (from top) Porter, Ruby and Millie, can be an artist, a firefighter, a small business owner, an actor, a veterinarian, a teacher or student.

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HOMESPIRATION

Fun from top to bottom

SCHOOLHOUSE ENTRANCE

BACKSTAGE, RUBY THEATER

Grandparents take creative play to new heights with three-story playhouse wonderland

A

STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHRISTEN + KURT A. KEELER Bennington couple is in the running for Best. Grandparents. Ever.

Just ask Millie, Porter and Ruby — the kids who have a three-story, customdesigned playhouse-within-a-house waiting for them whenever

they visit.

Actually, Kris and Steve Sorensen

CLASSROOM

created more than a playhouse for their grandchildren. It’s a play village — with a schoolhouse, veterinary clinic, pizza shop, bakery, museum and theater.

There’s a fire station, complete with bell and sliding pole, and a jail with cell bars, too.

The spaces are vertically interconnected between the main floor and the lower level of the couple’s home, and everything is built to last. Steve, a contractor, used home construction materials throughout the play module. Building facades feature siding, shingles,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 omaha.com/inspiredliving

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Hand-painted elements — from

is through the bright yellow schoolhouse

striped wallpaper, to faux marble

built into a corner of the family room

columns, to storefront signage —

on the home’s main level. The other

provide just enough whimsy to remind

is through Central Park, or rather a

you that children’s imaginations are

commissioned mural on canvas of New

just had to use the real thing,’’ says Libby

hard at play here. Of course, the wooden

York’s famed greenspace. The lower-

Pantzlaff of Creative Interiors by Libby,

pizza slices, plastic cupcakes and stuffed

who collaborated with the homeowners

animals do, too.

lighting and brick; floors are done in hardwood, tile and carpet, and windows have casings and trim.

“With such an elaborate project, we

on the project.

The playhouse has two entrances. One

level mural, 26-by-8 feet, was created

by Tyran Schouten, an artist friend of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

MURAL New York’s Central Park is depicted in the canvas mural, which was painted in the artist’s NYC apartment, shipped to Bennington and installed professionally.

“The mural was amazing to unroll when it arrived. But it really came to life as it was being installed,” Kris says. “Every day it would change just a little with more details.”

That’s because the artist spent a week on site, refining colors and elements symbolic of family members past and present.

Grazing cattle, a lion, dandelions, songbirds, a clock, even Kris and Steve’s initials carved into a heart on a tree, are incorporated into the mural.

The grandkids have fun playing “I Spy.”

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MORE PHOTOS ONLINE! See more details of the Sorensens’ three-story playhouse on omaha.com/inspiredliving. omaha.com/inspiredliving

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CITYSCAPE The playhouse’s lower level includes elements named for each Sorensen grandchild: Ruby Theater, Millie’s Bakery and Porter’s Pizza, plus a fireman’s pole, police jail and Museum of Fine Art. A specially requested vet clinic sits on the middle level. omaha.com/inspiredliving

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MUSEUM Friendly gargoyles welcome museum visitors. The gallery’s back wall holds original works by the Sorensens’ now-adult children, saved by their mom for sentimental reasons. The grandkids can make new art with the LEGO wall and a variety of building blocks.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 daughter Natalie. She lived in NYC for eight years and Sorensen family visits always included time in Central Park.

“When the grandkids came, we thought it would be fun to have a bunk room and a bigger bedroom downstairs,” Kris recalls of the 2018-2019 remodeling project that “morphed into something more.”

The Sorensens have three adult children with spouses and three

or four times a year.

“This really was a living, breathing

The space has fulfilled its mission,

thing,” Kris says of the construction

with Porter, Millie and Ruby engaging

process. “We put it on paper but as

in creative play both together and

workers were framing, I’d have to climb

separately for hours at a time.

through and see how it all was working.”

While the Sorensens figured out the math, Libby worked on the details.

“She’s the best marriage counselor we’ve ever had,” Kris says. “When we

“I just wanted somewhere that got them away from their electronics and was a good place for them to be when they couldn’t be outside,” Kris says.

“With what’s going on in the world

disagreed on something, we’d say, ‘Let’s

today, this is one place the grandkids can

call Libby and see what she thinks.’

go to feel safe and spend hours keeping

Building something with your spouse is

themselves entertained,” Libby says.

grandchildren, all living in Utah.

awesome and not awesome. You need a

Heather, the oldest, is the mother of

mediator.”

Millie, Porter and Ruby. They visit three

The unveiling was in April 2019.

The project took about six months.

Kris agrees.

“We’re making memories for everyone.”

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HISTORIC GEM

SHAPING UP Bathroom in the living room? That didn’t wash away enthusiasm for Bemis Park fixer-upper STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY LILY SMITH 16 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

T

he handicap bathroom built in the middle of the living room didn’t scare them off.

Neither did the office and

laundry room in the dining room.

Megan Hepburn and Pat Mcilvain de-

interstate made it the perfect choice.

“I think at this point, my husband trusts me. My mom knows I’m pretty capable,” Megan says. “I don’t think anybody thought I was too crazy.”

The couple had been searching for

cided to take a chance on a house in the

more than a year for a house for them

Bemis Park neighborhood near down-

and daughters Harriet, 6, and Georgie, 4.

town. A great price and proximity to the

Pat lived in an old home in Pittsburgh.

Megan grew up in Dundee and wanted

Because she’d lived in a similar four

LIVING ROOM

her children to attend school there. But

square, with parents who were always

when they decided to leave west Omaha,

doing renovations, she wasn’t frightened

Megan Hepburn loves using color.

The green chair is her favorite piece.

there was little to offer in the midtown neighborhood, especially at their price point.

When Megan got assurances that her daughters could stay in the Dundee school district, Bemis became an option.

by a fixer-upper.

ENCOR had owned the house for several years, hence the changes to the floorplan to accommodate the residents.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

DESK It’s a replica of one Megan’s dad used when she was a child.

EXTERIOR Megan and Pat painted the pillars and shutters and stained the porch floor. omaha.com/inspiredliving

17

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 Once renovations started, it took four dump loads to clear out the structure.

Pat and his friend Jack Robins, who owns All New Home Improvement, tore down several walls to restore the original layout. The maple floors, which had been

The floors are the only original detail left in the home, and the couple have been working to add character ever since.

Megan drove six hours to Iowa to purchase a pair of ornate wood doors that D.E.W. Manufacturing in Council Bluffs was able to adjust to fit. Baseboards

hidden by a subfloor and linoleum, were

found at A&R Salvage and Recycling

patched and restored by Matias Lucero.

were installed by Jay Axelrod, who also

SPARE ROOM The spare room provides a good place to read.

Megan found the vintage lamp on Facebook Marketplace.

DÉCOR The green frog planter is a thrift store find. “I like old stuff more than new if I can help it,” Megan says. “I think it’s more fun.”

STAIRS Megan wanted to add some whimsy for daughters Georgie and Harriet, hence the mice.

FRONT DOOR Megan drove more than six hours to get this 100-yearold door, which she found on eBay.

GEORGIE’S BEDROOM Megan’s mom, Jean LeBlanc, made most of the quilts found in the house.

DINING ROOM (OPPOSITE) Megan had a vision for this room, but the clearance paint she bought didn’t match the drapes.

She mixed her own color and is happy with the results.

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hung their shutters.

Megan painted every room except the kitchen and upstairs bath. The outside was power-washed and the shutters were installed. The porch and deck floors were stained, and the porch columns and deck railing were painted.

In August when they moved in, there

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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HARRIET’S BEDROOM

MASTER BEDROOM

Harriet picked the color for her bedroom, a lilac shade.

She loves to read, so her area is filled with books.

Megan hasn’t done much decorating yet in this room. “It gets a lot of sunlight,” she says. “I love the light in this house.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

restarting her art career while Harriet

were only two yew bushes in the front

does remote learning. But she has still found time to be involved in Bemis Park

yard and daylilies along the back fence.

concerns. She recently helped to get

“We planted five trees, and I don’t even know how many bushes and perennials,” Megan says. “I can’t wait for next spring to see what comes back.”

They didn’t have to address items like electricity and plumbing. The bathrooms and kitchen were redone in the 1990s, so those rooms weren’t a priority,

The things remaining to be done feel daunting at times, and Megan says she was feeling frustrated until Robins, their contractor friend, showed up and said he couldn’t believe their progress.

“I get kind of focused on how much is left to do,” she says. “I just needed to

speed bumps installed along 38th Street.

Some rezoning issues will be next.

They love the welcome they’ve found in the area off busy Cuming Street, with its mix of longtime residents and newcomers who are fixing up their houses.

“The neighborhood is kind of a hid-

although they’re still on the renovation

hear that. He was just reminding me how

den pocket back here. You come down

list. Megan prefers to do the kitchen in

much has been done.”

into the park, and it’s really quiet and

the summer when they can use the grill to cook meals.

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Pat commutes to a job in Lincoln, and Megan works part time as well as

sheltered with all of the trees,” Megan says. “It’s kind of enchanting back here.”

HISTORIC GEM

Tackling your own fixer-upper?

PLACES TO LOOK FOR RESOURCES ON REPAIRS AND RESTORATION STORY MARJIE DUCEY So you’ve bought a historic home that needs many, many repairs, and you don’t know where to start.

We’ve got you covered, from that special doorknob for your new master suite to the perfect historic tile for your remodeled kitchen.

“When it comes to old house renovations and repairs, you want to get it right,” says Kristine Gerber, former executive director of Restoration Exchange. Here’s a sampling of pros who fit the bill:

A&R SALVAGE AND RECYCLING

MYERS ELECTRIC

GAVIN HISTORICAL BRICKS

2820 Vinton St. 402-346-4470 Owner John Rapaich says it’s like going to any big-box store, but it’s all used. “I’ve got the same things: doors, windows, trim.

Anything that can go in an old house, I’ve probably got.” That includes doorknobs, corbels and register covers. There’s a lot of history in his lot, he says, even the huge neon sign from the ’20s go-go bar.

7342 Farnam St. 402-393-8388 Old light fixtures and vintage appliances are repaired here. “If you can fit it in the door, we can fix it. That’s our motto,” manager Charlie Maynard says.

2050 Glendale Road, Iowa City historicalbricks.com Deals in reclaimed brick and stone from historic buildings and streets.

THE WINDOW DOCTOR 4401 Woolworth Ave. 402-672-2208 Douglas Morin is a physician, but he also repairs windows. He can fix broken glass and framing, and do mechanical repairs and glazing. “I’ll treat the windows of your home like they were my own,” he says.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE 1003 S. 24th St. 10910 Emmet St. 402-934-1033 A good place for architectural antiques and other items no longer in production.

It’s also affordable. “Your budget can go a lot further. We sell at 50% to 75% of retail value,” CEO Amanda Brewer says.

OLK MASONRY 21848 Harrison St., Gretna 402-578-8023 This third-generation business does brick and stonework for both new and old construction, but historical restoration is the specialty. Owner Michael Olk’s dad immigrated from Germany and brought Old-World craftsmanship techniques with him. “It’s a lot of hand work. We still know how to do it the old way,” Olk says.

EYMAN PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR 8506 S. 117th St., La Vista 402-731-2727 Repairs old boilers and works on oldhouse HVAC and plumbing.

D.E.W. MANUFACTURING 1200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs 712-322-0402 Need trim work or casing done? This business does it, by the room or house.

The team also repairs and refinishes old furniture. “We do a lot of doors for people,” co-owner Andy Wilson says.

“The past six months, we’ve done 100 doors or better.” They will strip, sand, stain and varnish them.

CLAY SQUARED TO INFINITY 2505 Howard St. NE, Minneapolis claysquared.com This business specializes in handcrafted tile by its artisans and others. Plus, it carries the largest selection of historic reproduction tile lines in the United States.

INDOW indowwindows.com Manufactures custom inserts for old windows.

OTHER RESOURCES Restoration Exchange Omaha Resource Directory, for help in finding the company you need, restorationexchange.org/resources/ online-resource-directory National Park Service Preservation Briefs, for how-to guides on restoring your home and building the right way, nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs.htm Old House Journal, for inspiration and tips, plus a helpful online directory, oldhouseonline.com

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BEFORE

22 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

BEFORE + AFTER

It’s a keeper

A

s Mike and Carol Lehan walked through their Dundee rental property with their contractor

and interior designer, they started making notes of everything that would need to change if they were to live there.

“It was pretty much everything,” Carol says.

After 27 years near Omaha Country Club, they found what they wanted in their Dundee rental house STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA REED

Undaunted by that long and expensive list of renovations, they gave up their

a fireplace was added and the kitchen

1½-acre property near Omaha Country

was gutted.

The redo of a “bowling alley” powder

Club and moved into the city.

Renovations took nearly a year, but after living there for several months, they remain satisfied with the whole-house transformation.

“It’s like having a baby,” Carol says. “I created this. Of course I love it.”

It was a journey they hadn’t expected.

After 27 years of living happily near OCC, they had no intention of moving until someone inquired about purchasing their home. They were intrigued, but also realized that meant finding another

Walls came down, a garage and an

room off the kitchen meant they could

addition were built, a master suite was

have a combination laundry-mud room

incorporated on the second floor,

on the main floor.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

KITCHEN

EXTERIOR

FRONT PORCH

Carol adores her custom Eurowood cabinets. “We’ve got the lighted glass doors at the top to display pretty things.”

The original cedar siding remains and was matched on the addition. Carol calls the new paint job “updated craftsman.”

The whole area was rebuilt, moving the stairs to line up with the front door, and replacing the half wall with spindles.

home.

BEFORE

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 Carol is a Realtor and knows the market well. However, after searching the city, they couldn’t find the perfect substitute.

They own some rental houses, including this property in Dundee, and started to talk about living in one of them until they could find something else. Then that talk began to shift.

“It just started to all seem possible,” Carol says. “There were things we could

24 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

BEFORE

do here that would make it very livable.”

prompted a move, and it became a rent-

SUN ROOM

Mike had bought the house when he

al. Carol says that, at the time, she didn’t

The idea was to have another porch here, but the build became a full addition, adding living space to the main level.

got his first job after law school. He and

have the vision to change the layout into

Carol met there at a party in the 1970s

what it is today.

and lived there a year after their marriage. The tiny second-floor bathroom

Joe Raymond of JPR Enterprises and Diane Luxford of D-Lux Interiors helped change that.

They worked with the Lehans as they decided to lose a bedroom on the second

MASTER BEDROOM They expanded a smaller bedroom and used space from several closets and a portion of the old bathroom.

“I love it,” Carol says.

floor to create a master suite and turn

MASTER BATHROOM

the third floor into a massive closet.

This has double vanities, a large walk-in shower and a clothes chute to the first-floor laundry room.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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25

LIVING ROOM Quarter-sawn oak built-ins and a direct vent fireplace were added during the remodel.

FINISHED BASEMENT The basement had been finished before but was updated to a more open layout. The old laundry room became an exercise space.

ATTIC CLOSET Third-floor space was converted into a walk-in closet with cedar lining, leopard carpet and a chandelier.

POWDER ROOM The peacock wallpaper from Thibaut adds a cool touch, Carol says.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Unlike some additions, when you know instantly it’s new, Raymond was able to match new woodwork and moldings to the rest of the house.

The jump in building material costs pushed the budget way past what they expected, and Carol says it might not have been a feasible project if the house hadn’t been paid for long ago.

They’re pleased it retains the charm of an older home, including the chilly office.

“It’s like we built a new house but kept the character,” she says. “We preserved the things worth saving.”

One of the Lehans’ two children lives in Minneapolis, and they love the walkability of daughter Sarah’s neighborhood, with its easy access to restaurants and other amenities.

That was also a reason they decided to renovate this home in Dundee instead of one of their other rentals.

The only thing missing is a close grocery store.

To take further advantage of everything the neighborhood has to offer, they removed, reworked and reattached the front porch, They spend a lot of time there when weather permits, even though they also have a back patio.

“I like the parade of dogs, strollers and bikes,” Carol says. “It’s a much more active neighborhood. It’s kind of fun to be in the city.”

26 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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28 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

GARDENING

Be still, my heart

PINK PRINCESS PHILODENDRON

The houseplant lifestyle suits this fanatic just fine Every leaf is different.

SHOW ME A PICTURE of a green-and-pink

That’s part of the appeal.

houseplant, and my heart

“They are amazing,”

begins to race.

Osten says.

I must have one.

They also cost $100 or

Apparently, I’m not

more, which is why I’ll

alone.

probably never own one.

Decorating with greenery has exploded in recent months as we’ve

MARJIE DUCEY

SPEAKING OF PLANTS

spent more time at home because of the pandemic.

“There are people I‘ve known for

But plenty of people are willing to pay for what can be a temperamental newcomer.

The plants originated in places such as Thailand and Costa Rica. They’re

a while who never seemed super into

grown in Florida and then shipped to

plants,” says Jasmine Osten, a senior

the cold Midwest. So it can take a while

buyer for Mulhall’s. “Now they’re

to discover a draft-free area with perfect

stopping by the store to buy houseplants.

light and just the right amount of water.

It’s become a trend — the houseplant lifestyle. It’s just become cool.’’

Plants from the aroid family have become especially desirable, surpassing PHOTOS: PEXELS.COM, RACHEL GRAHOVAC

WHITE WIZARD PHILODENDRON

even cacti and succulents.

They’re so popular that people will

“When they do get established, they are very cool and can grow for a long time,” Osten says.

Also widely popular is the “White Wizard,” which Osten calls the brother to the “Pink Princess.” It’s glossy

wait in line when Mulhall’s announces

green and stark white and has all the

a new shipment of philodendrons,

variations of its sister.

alocasias and anthurium.

“People will find these plants on

Is it any wonder we can’t resist?

Osten says the houseplant landscape

Instagram or Pinterest. They’ll send

has drastically changed from a year or

photos to us and ask, ‘Do you have this?

two ago, when everyone wanted a fiddle

When are you getting them in?’”

leaf fig. Monsteras then followed in

Osten says.

popularity, especially a speckled variety

No. 1 on the list of special requests is the “Pink Princess” philodendron,

named “Thai Constellation.’’

“That kind of pioneered this whole

which makes my heart sing. It’s a

houseplant craze,” Osten says. “You get

lovely pink and green, with all kinds of

into rare plants with this plant. Once you

combinations. One leaf may be green,

go down that rabbit hole, you find out

another pink and another speckled.

about all these other ones.”

THAI CONSTELLATION MONSTERA omaha.com/inspiredliving

29

AU COURANT

tip Drape a fluffy Tibetan lamb pelt over a favorite chair or at your feet for cushy comfort and a warm, modern vibe.

Our featured pelt, $140 at Hearts & Fire, is available in several colors, and a pillow version, too.

SMALL WONDERS, GREAT JOYS TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHRISTEN We all could use a few creature comforts this time of year. After all, it is hibernation season. Add a pandemic, and it takes more energy than ever to grin and bear it. Thank goodness for small wonders that make spaces — and life itself — instantly cozy and warm.

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warm ambience (Opposite page) A scented candle can evoke all the feels of baked goods, the outdoors, even a favorite liquor. M.A.D Candle Co. turns a liquor bottle into a sandalwood-scented soy candle, $42. From Northern Lights, cork-lid Spirit Jars in scents that pay homage to craft cocktails, $20. Shown with a Tibetan lamb pelt, $140; various colors. All from Hearts & Fire.

soothing hues Warm neutrals, from rich cappuccino to champagne, can change the temperature of a room without moving the thermostat. If the whites in your décor have blue undertones, opt for grays or navy. For an instant update, swap out or add pillows and throws.

From left: Monaco woven cotton throw with tassels, $35, Fluff Market; navy and cream textured pillow with fringe, $49.99, Prairie in Bloom; Bedford Collections striped throw, machine washable and stain- and mildew-resistant, $150, Hearts & Fire.

effortless style Be Zoom-ready working from home in lush threads that won’t break the bank. We love the three-season weight of this pink cashmere tunic, $98; coordinating wrap, $84; and satin pant, $68. For errands, pull on an ombré fleece pullover, $62, and cap, $24. All from Beau Joyau. omaha.com/inspiredliving

31

culinary pursuits Cooking and baking are as much fun as eating.

Find new family favorites in “A Century of Serving: A Centennial Celebration Cookbook” from the Junior League of Omaha. Stunning photography by Joshua Foo with Alex Aparo and students at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College; $35, Hearts & Fire, Fluff Market, Beyond the Vine, Made in Omaha, and other places where gift and décor items are sold.

more Make a batch of pretty cookies and enjoy them with a cup of premium tea. Copper-finish metal cookie cutters, $6.95 and $2.95, Prairie in Bloom. Manipura Chai blend from Artemis Teas, $16 for 12 servings, Made in Omaha. At right, more baking tools: Crocheted 100% cotton hot pad, $8.99; ceramic liquid measuring cups, set of four, $16.99, Prairie in Bloom.

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tip Deliver a homemade dish or dessert wrapped in a towel that the recipient can keep. Set of three, $18.99, Prairie in Bloom. While you’re there, snag a set of copper-finish stainless steel measuring spoons, $7.99.

positive thoughts

tip

“52 Lists for Happiness” keeps journaling focused on positivity, balance and joy, $16.95; add a cheerful pom-pom throw, $49.95, and settle into a cozy writing spot. Find both items at Beyond the Vine.

Use books to vary heights of objects on your tabletops. We elevated this stoneware pot, $22, with fabric-covered books, $19 and $23, from Fluff Market. To our surprise, the pages held actual published works!

All of us probably wish we could see into the future, especially concerning the coronavirus pandemic (we were really trying to avoid that mention). But this gazing ball is a beautiful reflection on nature when placed near a window.

At night, interior lighting dances off the glass; $79.95, Beyond the Vine.

thoughtful gestures Did you know that stitching promotes relaxation and productivity? And happiness, when gifting is involved.

Keepsake “I am blessed” canvas and silver cuff bracelet, $70; RN canvas, $50.

All from Village Needleworks.

houseplants, please!

Nature’s greens are trending, and it’s no wonder. Plants in interior design provide a sense of health and well-being. Bird’s nest or crispy wave fern is like a breath of fresh air — literally! It’s a natural purifier. Bonus: This fern is low-maintenance and thrives in low to medium indirect light.

Above, from left: Hammered galvanized metal planter with stand, $60; plant sold separately; playful ceramic cat vase, $12.99; plant sold separately. Both from Earl May. omaha.com/inspiredliving

33

LUXURY HOMES

1206 N. 136TH Ave. $2,699,000 Prime location in the heart of Linden Estates.

Former Y2K Symphony Showhouse. Elevator, coffee bar, Vantage lighting system, indoor Endless wave pool, completely handicapped accessible home ready for the mother-in-law.

Sunken theater room, indoor sports court, indoor designer children’s playroom with two levels, outdoor full tennis court that converts to full basketball court, or raise the tennis net and play volleyball, then jump in your $350K+ New Wave Pools Ecosmart pool.

Gifts For Everyone!

Kari McCoy 402-689-6693

709 S. 96TH St. $2,500,000 Impressive District 66 Prudy/Slack designed home. Quality constructed by Dan Witt & set on approx. 3 secluded acres complete with tennis court and swimming pool. Over 9,000 finished sq ft, 8+ car garage, 9+ bath locations, 5 bedrooms with walk-in closets, 4 fireplaces. The master features 2 enormous walk-in closets/rooms, 2 bath locations plus walk-in shower & whirlpool. Master suite overlooks access to private garden & patio. The second floor features a hallway with balcony windows overlooking the main floor living/great room. Generously sized second-floor bedrooms have walk-in closets, Jack/Jill configured baths. Please note that all measurements are approx. Blueprints available for review upon request. Seller requests 24-hour showing notice.

Carolyn Kesick 402-669-0940

20636 Chippewa Cree Lane Herman • $2,800,000 Luxury meets the outdoors at this truly one-of-a-kind 42-acre riverfront property.

This home is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering picturesque views of the Loess Hills in Iowa and the Missouri River Valley. Conveniently positioned for all hunting, fishing and water activities, this house is a sportsman’s sanctuary. Ideal for entertaining, the home offers more than 4,500 square feet of sprawling space.

Michael Maley 402-981-7400

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RECIPES

spirit lifters WINTER IS PRIME TIME for a steaming bowl of homemade soup. Here are three hearty recipes to ward off the cold, feed the spirit and nourish the soul.

Recipes CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP (above) Page 36 HOMEMADE EGG NOODLES Page 38 MINESTRONE Page 40 LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP Page 42 omaha.com/inspiredliving

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36 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

RECIPES

Homemade chicken noodle soup TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE Chicken noodle soup is a tried-and-true comfort meal, and homemade noodles take it over the top. This version, also made with tender chicken thighs and fresh vegetables, will be a hit again and again.

INSTRUCTIONS 2 tablespoons butter 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs ¾ cup celery stalks, diced ¾ cup carrots, peeled and sliced ½ cup yellow onion, diced ½ tablespoon dried thyme ½ tablespoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 bay leaves ½ to 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 8-10 cups chicken stock 2 cups homemade egg noodles (See recipe on Page 38)

1. In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pot.

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. 2. Remove the chicken from the pot. Add the celery, carrots and onion to the pot. Add the seasonings, and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute. 3. Add 8 cups chicken stock to the pot, and bring to a boil. Return the chicken to the pot, reduce the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.

The soup should have just a very slight bubble to it. 4. Remove the chicken and bring back to a boil.

Add the egg noodles (see note) and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. 5. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it. When the noodles are done cooking, add the shredded chicken to the pot and serve. 6. If soup thickens too much after cooking the noodles, add additional stock to desired thickness.

Learn h ow to m yo u r o a ke wn n o o d le e g g s Pa g e 3 o n 8!

Note: If you don’t want to make your own egg noodles, substitute 12 ounces frozen egg noodles. omaha.com/inspiredliving

37

HOMEMADE EGG NOODLES With this easy recipe, you may never go back to store-bought.

INSTRUCTIONS 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons salt 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature 1 large egg, at room temperature Âź cup milk, at room temperature

1. Mix together the flour and salt with clean fingers on a clean work surface. Create a well and add the yolks and egg. Continuing with your fingers, work the egg into the dough.

2. Add the milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, and work the dough until it holds together. Knead the dough until smooth, about 10 minutes.

3. Form dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Let rest for 20-30 minutes. Letting the dough rest will make it easier to roll out. 4. Roll the dough to the desired thickness and cut into your desired width using a pizza cutter or pasta machine. Keep in mind, the noodles will expand. You can lightly flour them to keep from sticking. 5. To cook, drop noodles into boiling water and boil until fully cooked.

FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS Follow Steps 1-4, and spread cut noodles on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Let dry for an hour or two, then freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer noodles to zip-top freezer storage bags for further freezing until use.

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40 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

RECIPES

Minestrone TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE Minestrone is an easy way to get the family to eat their vegetables.

This highly adaptable soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course.

SERVES 6

INSTRUCTIONS 2 tablespoons olive oil ¾ cup onion, diced ½ cup celery, sliced ½ cup carrots, peeled, quartered and sliced 1 zucchini, quartered and sliced 2 teaspoons minced garlic Salt and pepper to taste 14-ounce can diced tomatoes 4 cups vegetable broth

¼ cup tomato paste 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 15-ounce can small white beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed ½ cup frozen cut green beans ½ cup small shell pasta 2 cups baby spinach leaves Optional: shaved Parmesan

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, carrots and zucchini. 2. Cook until vegetables are tender, 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste and Italian seasoning to the pot. Bring to a simmer. 4. Add the white beans, kidney beans, green beans and pasta to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender. 5. Season soup with salt and pepper, to taste. 6. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes or until wilted. 7. Serve with a side of crusty bread and shaved Parmesan, if desired.

Note: Chop the vegetables as uniformly as possible for even cooking. You can swap out any of the vegetables to fit your individual preferences or use what’s in season. Try potatoes, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, leeks or kale. For extra protein, add some cooked Italian sausage. Source: dinneratthezoo.com omaha.com/inspiredliving

41

RECIPES

Loaded baked potato soup TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE This potato soup is super easy to throw together after work, with all the flavors of a cheesy, savory, salty, buttery baked potato. It’s perfect to serve on a cold winter night.

SERVES 4

INSTRUCTIONS 5 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 3½ cups milk 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup sour cream Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 6 slices bacon Additional sliced green onions and shredded cheddar cheese for topping

42 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

1. Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in potatoes and green onions. 2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper, to taste. If the soup is too thick, add liquid (see note) until desired consistency is reached. 3. While potatoes are simmering, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, dice the bacon. 4. Serve immediately, garnished with green onion, cheese and bacon.

Note: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with either milk or chicken or vegetable broth. Source: damndelicious.net

omaha.com/inspiredliving

43

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you may be feeling a little less than

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Lu Peverill, Owner Hillsdale Lily Farm, Glenwood, Iowa, May 11, 2020

Listen to what others say about our magazine.

Thank you to the staff of Inspired Living for coming to visit us last summer. The story your editor presented and the pictures in the magazine were beautiful and amazing.

We had several people come to the garden yesterday as a result of reading the article and seeing our ads. We sold a lot of plants this weekend -- the most we have ever sold!

N E A R + FA R

A C H A N G E O F S C E N E R Y

South Dakota just may be your antidote to the COVID lockdown blues STORY+ PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE WHYE

W

ide open spaces are a sure cure for cabin fever during a pandemic.

Mercifully, the Midwest offers a lot of them. One place in particular is South Dakota, where several natural attractions are within a day’s roundtrip drive from many Nebraska and western Iowa communities.

Eastern South Dakota For most of its 460 miles in this end of the state, the Big Sioux River is placid as it drops gently from its headwaters north of Watertown to its confluence with the Missouri River.

The flow changes in a quarter-mile chasm on the edge of downtown Sioux Falls, the state’s largest city.

Here, the river suddenly churns, froths, boils and thunders through a ravine of pink Sioux quartzite, falling 60 feet in a series of dramatic

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

FALLS PARK, SIOUX FALLS BLACK ELK PEAK SUMMIT, BLACK HILLS omaha.com/inspiredliving

45

SPLIT ROCK CREEK, PALISADES STATE PARK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 cascades. Large blocks of Sioux quartzite

a café offering light fare.

A half-hour’s drive northeast is

and Queen Rocks — rise high from the creek bed, providing more climbing

Palisades State Park, where Sioux

challenges for amateurs and enthusiasts.

at Falls Park to scamper on the rocks and

quartzite formations dispel the myth

The park also has campgrounds and four

leap to narrow parts of the falls.

that the Black Hills is the only place

miles of trails.

encourage visitors to leave the pathways

Falls Park also has grassy areas, picnic

to climb in South Dakota. Again, pink

tables and a five-story observation tower

quartzite provides a steppingstone to

at the visitors center. More vantage

narrow Split Rock Creek, which flows

points are a pedestrian bridge and a

between 50-foot cliffs that rock climbers

know that the hilltop rest area near

former hydro-electric plant that houses

love to scale. Twin spires — called King

Chamberlain (Exit 263 eastbound, Exit

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Central South Dakota Frequent travelers on Interstate 90

BLACK ELK PEAK TOWER

BANDED DOMES, BADLANDS

265 westbound) is the premier rest stop

replica of their keelboat dominates the

in the state for three reasons. First,

interior.

woman holds aloft.

About a dozen miles north of Nebraska’s Keya Paha County, Burke

its location offers a breathtaking view

The newest attraction is a 50-foot

across the Missouri River Valley, 300

stainless steel statue of an indigenous

Lake State Recreation Area is a tranquil

feet below.

woman representing the Dakota and

oasis on the prairie. It features trees,

Lakota who have lived on these plains

trails, campgrounds and picnic areas

The Lewis and Clark Interpretative and Keelboat Center is a museum about

since the early 18th century. Created by

the explorers and the men they led

Dale Lamphere, the statue is made from

from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and

1,000 pieces, including some that flutter

back from 1804 to 1806. A walk-through

in the wind, as part of the star quilt the

wrapped around a 23-acre lake. It’s a good place to laze away part of a day in a kayak, boat or canoe in hopes of catching

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 omaha.com/inspiredliving

47

THE CLASSICS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47 bluegill, largemouth bass or yellow perch to throw on a nearby grill.

Western South Dakota Pushed up from the depths of the earth millions of years ago, the craggy, pine-flecked Black Hills are laced with 500 miles of streams and dotted with mile-high lakes of incredible beauty. Day hikers appreciate the many trails through the hills. Take an easy stroll on the 1-mile loop around picturesque Sylvan Lake, or opt for the 6.5-mile route to Black Elk Peak. At 7,244 feet above sea level, this is the highest point east of the Rockies, with magnificent views across the hills.

Badlands National Park is quite

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Make the Market Basket your destination for exceptional gourmet food! Join us Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Our delectable pastries, wonderful deli selections and ready-to-serve holiday meals will impress your family and friends. Call today to order!

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SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

the opposite, with rounded and knife-edged formations carved by centuries of wind and water erosion.

Paths in this treeless landscape of banded rock range from the quartermile Window Trail to the 10-mile Castle Trail. They also range from the easy, flat Fossil Exhibit Trail to the strenuous, uphill Saddle Pass Trail, which ends at an overlook of the White River Valley.

Visit travelsouthdakota.com for more information about these wonderful places to enjoy life.

Mike Whye is a freelance writer-

BEAU JOYAU

EHLY’S INTERIORS

Like our name, Beau Joyau is a “beautiful jewel.” Gorgeous jewelry. Stylish casual attire. Largest varied collection of Polish Pottery in the Midwest. Call or visit us on online to refresh your wardrobe and table settings with new merchandise.

We do windows! We repair blinds! Family owned and operated for over 43 years.

Full interior décor service; blinds, fabrics, drapery, upholstery, wallpaper and carpeting. Stop by our showroom to see the latest in décor fashions.

2947 S. 108TH ST., HILLTOP PLAZA 402-301-7103 BEAUJOYAU.SHOP

2312 BOB BOOZER DRIVE 402-330-6557 EHLYSINTERIORS.COM

photographer and the author of travel and photography books on parts of the Midwest. His latest releases are “Detour Iowa: Historic Destinations” and “The Dakotas: Off the Beaten Path.” A member of the Midwest Travel Journalists Association, Whye is also an adjunct instructor in the journalism department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

ERWIN’S JEWELERS

NEW LIFE THRIFT

Find fantastic fused glass designs by Deb Kubik, available exclusively at Erwin’s.

These unique jewelry and décor pieces make the perfect gifts. Visit the shop today to explore many one-of-a-kind pieces in jewelry, décor and gifts.

Find designer, vintage, antiques, clothing and furniture. Call for pickup of your estate sale leftovers. Ranked Best Thrift Store in Nebraska by BestThingsNE.com. Back by popular demand: Holiday Store (now open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Sat.) with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise.

223 W. MISSION AVE., BELLEVUE 402-291-2454 ERWINSJEWELERSCO.COM

48 J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

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