Momaha Magazine - April 2015

momaha.com

VOLUME 6 · ISSUE 4

APRIL 2015

Get Organized

‘Whip’ your kitchen into shape

PLUS

Rain ge ar you’ll w so cute an rain to s t the tay

START A GARDEN ... in your living room

WHERE THE WALLS BECOME

THE WORLD AROUND NATURE DISCOVERY DAY CAMPS

Fontenelle Forest welcomes you to a summer of discovery and learning in a place where the quiet wild of nature offers an unparalleled opportunity for your child to learn. Nature Discovery Day Camps feature science based learning through play. Our staff is committed to providing your child with high quality, positive experiences. Camps are either 3 days or a weeklong of fun.

Visit

FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG for complete camp listings.

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Toddler Behavior:

Key Points to Remember

By Kristin McGregor, MD, FAAP Pediatrician, Alegent Creighton Clinic - La Vista and Mother of Two

When you’re the parent of a toddler, challenging behavior often comes with the territory. If your toddler is putting you to the test, it’s important to understand what’s motivating your child’s behavior, and it’s good to have a plan in place to help you respond to that behavior consistently and calmly.

Kristin McGregor, MD Pediatrician La Vista

Remember: Behavior + Attention = MORE Behavior This equation holds true every time, whether the behavior is good or bad and whether the attention is positive or negative. For example, if your toddler happens to decide that it’s a good idea to sit on his little sister, and you respond to that behavior with a five minute discussion on how fragile babies are, then the take-away message ends up being “sitting on sister = undivided attention from Mom” rather than the intended “babies are fragile” lesson. Once your back is turned and your toddler’s looking for a little Mom time again, his little sister better watch out!

Catch Your Toddler Being Good Think of your toddler as having a battery that can only be charged when he is getting attention, especially from the important adults in his life.

When that battery is getting low, he is going to do anything and everything to get charged up. That often means acting out at the worst possible time.

In order to avoid this type of situation, it’s best to keep your toddler’s battery charged by providing lots of positive attention when you catch your toddler being good.

“I really like how gentle you’re being with your sister!”

CHIhealth.com | 800-253-4368 Reference: American Academy of Pediatrics, “Bring Out the Best in Your Children,” 2014.

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These little sprinkles of attention don’t take a lot of time or energy, but they work wonders when provided frequently. When you can, it’s important to also devote special time to playing with your toddler throughout the day. Let him take the lead and direct how that time is spent. Keep providing that positive attention: “Look at how tall you’re building that tower!

Nice work!”

Make Time-Out Count Time-out is a great tool and can be used for children as early as 12 months. It is an effective way to remove an unruly toddler from a difficult situation and allow them to calm down. Here’s the key.

Because of the “Behavior + Attention = MORE Behavior” equation, it has to be a time-out from attention. Here are some tips to avoid a long, drawn-out, attention-filled struggle: 1.

Use less than five words to indicate that it’s time for time-out (“Time out for biting”).

2.

Put your toddler in a safe, boring place. It’s okay if they can see you, but make sure no one looks at or talks to them while they are in time-out.

3.

Keep time-out brief (a few minutes, tops), and let your toddler out when they are calm.

4.

If your toddler doesn’t stay in time out, calmly put them back with minimal interaction.

5.

Avoid a long lecture at the end of time-out.

6.

Be consistent when using time-out, both with how and why it is being used.

HIT A HOMERUN THIS SUMMER Jr. Storm ChasersTM T-Ball • Coach Pitch Baseball • Softball Register now through May 2nd!

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT THE YMCA! SPRING SESSION: APRIL 12-MAY 30 • REGISTER NOW FOR A PROGRAM!

CAMP TO THE RESCUE Register now for Summer Day Camp at the Y and have the best summer EVER! The YMCA is your place for camp this summer • Weekly themed Preschool Morning Camp & Summer Day Camp • Mini, special interest camps • Premier camps & YMCA Camp Platte • Counselors-in-Training program for teens

DON’T MISS OUR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR! Healthy Kids Day® - FREE for the Community!

April 26 - 11:00 am-2:00 pm - Stinson Park in Aksarben Village Bounce Houses • Zumba • Relay Races • Obstacle Courses & More!

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 3

momaha where moms connect vOLUME 6 . ISSUE 4 . APRIL 2015

your mAg mAkers editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

assistant editor

Chris Christen editor in chief

AMY LaMAR a m y. l a m a r @ o w h . c o m 402-444-1416

creative director + designer

A

HEIDI THORSON hhoffman@owh.com 402-444-1351

production coordinator PAT R I C I A “ M U R P H Y ” B E N O I T

on the cover PHOTO: CHRIS CHRISTEN

content contributors DANIELLE HER zO g, AMY gR ACE, S A N D R A W E N D E L , H E AT H E R W I N k E L , A M Y T O k O S , A N A N D A S PA D T, TIN BOx PIC TURES, DE v HANUMAR A

amy lamar assistant editor

to advertise, contact E M I LY M A R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411 MEgAN gUENTHER megan.guenther@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 2015 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.

Usher in spring – regardless of the weather

heidi thorson creative director + designer

pril … we’re getting close, moms! Just think: Your kids can play outside again soon. And, boy, do they need the fresh air.

Let’s hope the air isn’t too cold on the sidelines at our kids’ soccer games starting this month. The spring season brings such unpredictable weather. You never know when you’ll need to cover up with a blanket or take cover under an umbrella – or both at the same time!

Speaking of spring sports, have your kids outgrown their soccer cleats again? Check out where to buy secondhand sports gear in Omaha on page 10.

While rain may not be welcome during a soccer game, April showers bring May flowers – and lots of giggles at our kid’s rainy day photo shoot on pages 12-15. Could those rain boots be any cuter?

You’ll say the same about our “buggy” snacks that flutter, slither and fly on pages 24-25.

Also in this issue: Tips on seed starting, pages 16-17, and plant marking, pages 18-21. Have we mentioned that we’re in the mood for spring?

Get Social Facebook: momahacom Twitter: @momaha_owh Pinterest: momahaowh

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CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice 10 Momaha.com Blogger 26 Get Organized 30 Be Well 32 Sassy Housewife

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d.i.Y. coRneR

16 Seed Starting 18 Plant Marking 28 Closet Makeover

Recipes

24 Butterfly Snacks 25 Kix Caterpillars 25 Ladybug Appetizers

seasonal

8 On Our Radar 12 Rainy Day Style

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

GraceAnn, age 7 Asthma

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.

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ON OUR RADAR KIDS DREAM WINTER FILM SERIES

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 22

Marcus Theatres marcustheatres.com View family movies for just $2! (There are special concession prices, too.) Grab the family and head to the nearest participating Marcus Theatre location.

Hours: 10 a.m. to noon Admission: $2

MERMAIDS, MINIONS & DRAGONS

March 22

INFO: 402-444-7800, ext. 2396 twieser@nehumanesociety.org

Holland Performing Arts Center omahasymphony.org “How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Little Mermaid” and other family movie hits are brought to life through song and dance performances. Lobby activities begin at 1:15 p.m.

Hours: 2 to 3 p.m.

Admission: $12

BIRD-BANDING WORKSHOP

April 4

AkSarBen Aquarium outdoornebraska.ne.gov Licensed bird banders from the Fontenelle Nature Association will demonstrate how they capture and release many of the state’s different songbirds. Participants will learn about the birds’ migration patterns and other fun facts.

Groups are welcome.

Hours: 9 to 10 a.m.

Admission: Free

FAMILY FUN SWIM

April 4 and May 2

Montclair Pool cityofomaha.org Summer can’t come fast enough, and neither can the chance to swim. Here is an inexpensive indoor option.

Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.

Admission: $4 for a family of four

KICKSTART SATURDAY

April 11

Grade level results based on cumulative average grade level increase in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010 to 2014 using the full set of available student data. SAT & ACT results based on average score increase for 8,980 and 6,619 students, respectively, from 2004 to 2014, using the full set of available student data. © 2015 Huntington Mark, LLC. ACT is a registered trademark of Act, Inc., SAT and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation; and none were involved in the productions of, or endorses, this product. Huntington Learning Center®, the three-leaf logo, and 1800 CAN LEARN® are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC.

CALL 1-800-CAN-LEARN

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Joslyn Art Museum joslyn.org Family oriented activities, performances and demonstrations that complement Joslyn’s exhibitions. This month’s theme is “American Moderns.” All ages are welcome.

Hours: 10 a.m. to noon Admission: Free

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momaha.com blogger // amy grace Amy Grace writes on Fridays at momaha.com.

Sporting Goods: Don’t break the bank Fill your kids’ duffle bags for less.

I

t’s no secret that kids are expensive. Kids who participate in athletics are especially expensive.

There are sports that require less equipment and/ or apparel. My oldest son is a swimmer. All he needs is a racing suit, goggles, a swim cap and a $6 entry fee for each meet. Not so bad, right?

But if you’re one of those lucky parents who have kids in sports such as hockey, baseball or softball, you know that taking a second mortgage out on your house for the registration fee, gear, apparel and travel is no joke. And it’s not like you can buy the equipment and apparel just once. Kids keep growing. Fast.

Shopping secondhand is a great way to get apparel, shoes and equipment for a fraction of regular retail prices.

Many moms may already be shopping for gently worn clothing and baby gear at children’s consignment stores and sales. Have you checked out the sports gear section?

I’ve seen cleats, baseball pants and base layering items for far less at many places in town. Here is a list of options for filling your kids’ duffle bags for less.

Off the Bench SpOrtS Gear 5413 S. 72nd St., Suite 114 You can not only buy high-end hockey and baseball equipment at this store, but it also offers competitive trade-in values for your used equipment, too. play it aGain SpOrtS 8453 WeSt center rOad You can buy and sell used sporting equipment at this store. You’ll find gear for a wide range of activities, including baseball, football, water sports and winter sports. You’ll also find equipment for less common sports such as lacrosse and general fitness activities.

Omaha.cOm & faceBOOk.cOm The Classifieds section of the Omaha World-Herald includes a sporting goods category that may have the items you’re interested in. Find the listing online at Omaha.com. There are groups on Facebook that are designated specifically for selling children’s items. A search for “cleats” led me to a pair of girl’s soccer cleats and shin guards for $5 – 80 percent less than you would spend at a retail store. “Kids Stuff Only Buy/ Sell/Trade in Papillion/Omaha/Bellevue Area” are Facebook groups you have to join, which means you must be approved by the group’s administrator. cOnSiGnment StOreS While consignment stores may not have the same selection as the other options listed, you may just get lucky. Some stores to consider: Once Upon A Child, Couture Kids, Bigwheels 2 Butterflys and Cool Kidz.

SeaSOnal cOnSiGnment SaleS There are several large consignment sales generally held twice per year in the Omaha area, and you can both shop at these sales and sell your gently used clothing and gear. Some sales to look for: The Clothesline Sale, Twice As Nice Kids Consignment, Take 2, Kidz Shoppe and Reruns R Fun. Find a complete list here: consignmentmommies.com

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Capture, Preserve, Share.

At Rockbrook Camera photography is much more than a Smartphone App. We believe that recording, preserving and sharing memories through photography is more than just fun and artistic, it’s an obligation to the generations that follow us.

We are the only area store that combines the best in digital cameras and accessories with a complete education program and full service imaging lab.

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Meet your kid’s new teacher.

Come to camp at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This year were offering a variety of day camps, allowing your kids to spend their summer doing everything from hanging with the monkeys to chilling with the penguins.

Visit OmahaZoo.com/education to sign up for summer camp today.

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Sunshine on a

Cloudy Day

When the sky is gray, a cheery outfit can rescue the day. And encourage a little puddlejumping along the way.

Best of all: These picks get no argument from Mom. (merchandise list on page 15)

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Down Come the RainDRops (page 12) Cherokee tee, $9.99, Circo skinny jegging, $14.99, Cherokee wellies, $24.99, Totes umbrella, $14.99, from Target Columbia jacket, $50, Scheels pitteR patteR (page 13) Cherokee dress, $16.99, Target Columbia jacket, $60, Star Ride leggings, $14, from Scheels Capelli New York wellies, $24.99, Gordmans Kids Preferred Eric Carle umbrella, $29.99, Paddington Bear (with suitcase, not shown), $69.99, from Le Wonderment Let’s Run foR CoveR (page 14) Cherokee sweatshirt, $16.99, Cherokee jean, $17.99, Speedo water shoe, $19.99, from Target North Face jacket, $75, Scheels Ducks, set of four, $8, Gordmans

i’m unDeR my umbReLLa (page 15) B.wear Girl tee, $36, Squeeze jean short, $34, Sequined cap, $16, from Gordmans Circo leather sneaker, $44.94, Target photogRaphy Tin Box Pictures aRt DiReCtion Heidi Thorson meRChanDise styLing Chris Christen taLent Vanessa, Develop Model Management iLLustRations Ananda Spadt

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Dig Right In antsy for spring? start a garden in your living room.

Story by Amy LaMar Photography by Chris Christen

F

resh tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers ... Is your mouth watering yet?

The ground may be frozen outside, but you can still kick off your garden inside by seed starting.

There are several benefits, says Kathleen Cue, horticulture program coordinator for the Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties.

“What you can’t find as a started plant you can usually find as a seed,

such as antique or heirloom varieties,” she says.

And it’s inexpensive. You can buy a packet of seeds for less than $3.

The most common mistake is overwatering, but don’t lose faith if you damage a few seedlings.

“The definition of a gardener is one who kills many plants. You learn from your mistakes and do things differently.”

Here’s her easy 12-step guide for seed starting.

WHAT YOU NEED seeds • Buy seeds at any supermarket or garden store or from a catalog. Popular seeds to plant are eggplant, herbs, bedding plants, tomato and pepper.

• Check the seed packet for guidelines on when to plant, which ranges from two weeks to 12 weeks before the last frost. The first “safe” day for planting outdoors in our area is May 10. container • Use a plastic seed starter pot or greenhouse flat with good drainage.

• If you recycle a container, clean it with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. (If a pathogen killed a seedling last year, it could also kill this year’s seedlings.)

PlantinG medium • Don’t dig up soil from your existing garden because it could contain bugs, pathogens and weed seed.

• Do buy a seed-starting mix or potting soil that is light and fluffy so the seeds can push their way through the soil as they germinate.

Give away; discover new seeds The Community Garden Network holds a free Seed Share event annually at four Omaha locations, and offers dozens of varieties of vegetable, fruit and flower seeds. While you are not required to bring seeds, “The true spirit of the event is to share seeds,” says Kathleen Cue, a Community Garden Network member. douglas-sarpy.unl.edu

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WHAT YOU DO 1. Fill the container with potting soil or seed-starting mix, leaving enough head space at the top for watering.

2. Use a pencil or your finger to poke shallow holes in the soil for the seeds. The tinier the seed, the shallower the hole.

3. Gently press a few seeds into each hole.

4. Water the seeds with tepid water (not too hot or too cold) – being careful not to dislodge them.

5. Write what you planted and today’s date on a garden marker or ice pop stick so you know when to expect germination.

(For example, pepper and tomato seeds will begin germinating, meaning that the embryonic plant has broken through the seed coat and has begun to grow, seven to 10 days after planting.)

2 1 5

@

6. Place the container in a seed flat (or an old cake or jelly roll pan) immediately after planting to help stabilize the container and to catch excess water. If desired, give seeds extra warmth by placing the flat on a seed mat or the top of your fridge.

7. Once the seeds have germinated, put the seed flat in the brightest window in the house. Give the flat a quarter-inch turn each day to strengthen the stems.

8. Check the soil every day for moisture. Don’t kill the seeds with kindness by overwatering; simply give them a gentle shower with a watering can.

9. Give the seedlings a boost with a water-soluble fertilizer at one-fourth strength according to the package directions when their true leaves (the second set of leaves) appear.

This will take place seven to 10 days after germination.

10. Move your plants outside on May 10, but they need to go through a hardening-off stage first.

Horticulturist Kathleen Cue calls this “turning a sissy into a toughie.” Sprouts need to be toughened up so they can handle the conditions outside. Here are two methods: • Put the plants outside on a sunny day for one hour. Then put them outside the next day for three hours. Work your way up to a full day.

• Put the plants in the most protected part of your yard that sees little wind or sun. Each day, move plants to a more “unfriendly” spot.

11. Once the plants have been hardened off, they can be planted directly in the garden: Carefully remove the seedling from the pot by inverting the container. Dig a hole, place the seedling into the hole and carefully firm the soil around the roots. Water the area thoroughly. Continue to water daily as needed, depending on the amount of precipitation.

12. Wait for your first fruit or vegetable to appear! Refer to the seed packet for an expected date, which ranges from 50 to 100 days after germination.

Choose from more than 75 great summer camps and classes for the performing arts!

Camps are taught by leading professionals in the field; some feature national guest instructors Many performance opportunities One-week & multi-week camps Camps for ages 4-18, beginners to advanced

Featured DRAMA Camps

Creative-based teaching in acting, directing, and playwriting.

Multi-Week Production Camps, ending with a full-fledged final performance at The Rose Weeklong Drama Adventures such as Frozen, Harry Po er, Captain Underpants, Star Wars, Dr. Seuss, Pete the Cat, Percy Jackson and more!

Drama Club before and after care available

Featured BROADWAY Camps

Technique-based training in dance, voice, and musical theater.

Musical Theater Camps for ages 4-18, with opportunities to perform in Annie, Zombie Prom, 101 Dalmations and Frozen!

Dance Intensives and Dance Camps for ages 3-18 Professional Acting Camps for teens Voice camps for ages 8-18

www.rosetheater.org 402-345-4849 17

Grow STRONG With OneWorld Pediatrics 45 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

With these eco-friendly helpers, of course!

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Story & Photography by Heather Winkel

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S

tarting your garden before you can get outside is both rewarding and motivating. You can extend the growing season, reap the benefits of your garden sooner and save money. Plus, planning, planting and nurturing seedlings will have you thinking warm spring thoughts – even when it’s 30 degrees outside.

OneWorldOmaha.org

Orange rind StarterS

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our y g n i r B Make -n-Take Container Gardens friends!

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Lite snacks provided!

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find us online @EARLMAY.COM

WHat YOU need Oranges Hole punch Seed starter potting mix Seeds

WHat YOU dO 1. Cut the oranges in half and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving an orange rind “cup.”

2. Turn orange halves over and punch a hole for drainage on the bottom of the orange.

3. Moisten seed starter potting mix and fill each orange half.

4. Follow directions on seed packet to plant seeds at the proper depth and topsoil coverage.

rOck Veggie MarkerS

WHat YOU need Wax paper Acrylic paints Craft paintbrushes Smooth rocks Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer WHat YOU dO 1. Lay out wax paper to create a work and paint-mixing area.

2. Squeeze acrylic paints onto wax paper.

3. With paintbrushes, paint rocks to look like desired vegetables. Allow to dry.

4. To waterproof, spray a coat of Thompson’s WaterSeal on the rocks. Let dry. Apply up to four coats.

MAKE

- UP

TRADE UP

APRIL 1ST-30TH ONLY

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FREE MAKE-UP TOUCH UP

THE BASICS

Place your plants in a warm, sunny location such as on a windowsill.

South- and east-facing windows are ideal because they have good sunlight. Avoid windows that are drafty (by the front door) or overly dry (over a heat vent).

Watering can be tricky.

You want to keep the soil moist but not soaked.

Overwatering will drown your seedlings.

Try watering twice a day from both the top and the bottom. For example, water your orange rinds bottom up by placing them on a plate and then watering the plate. It’s fun to watch the plants suck up the water!

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Mini Greenhouse WhAT You neeD Seed starter potting mix Small ceramic pot Seeds Wood slab or plate Jar or glass vestibule to act as a greenhouse cover WhAT You Do 1. Moisten seed starter potting mix and fill the ceramic pot.

2. Follow directions on seed packet to plant seeds at the proper depth and topsoil coverage.

3. Lay down the wood slab or plate and set the pot on top of it.

4. Cover with a jar or vestibule and voila, you have a greenhouse!

sTAMpeD ClAY MArkers WhAT You neeD Oven-bake clay Cookie sheet Wax paper Rubber letter stamps WhAT You Do 1. Take a 1-inch ball of clay and roll it into a long coil about 5 inches long. Flatten it to about Âź-inch thick with a rolling pin.

2. Trim one end of the coil into a point that you can easily poke into soil.

3. Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper and lay out the markers.

4. Using small rubber letter stamps, stamp out the names of your plants onto the markers.

5. Bake according to package directions.

6. Let cool, and then gently poke the markers into pots of soil to mark your plants!

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EggshEll WindoWsill hErb gardEn

WhaT YoU nEEd Eggs Thumbtack Black Sharpie Egg carton Seed starter potting mix Herb seeds

WhaT YoU do 1. With a small knife, crack the eggs one-fourth of the way down from the top and gently pick away the eggshell.

2. Empty raw egg into a bowl and discard (or make an omelet!).

3. Use a thumbtack to punch a drainage hole in the bottom of the egg.

4. Carefully wash and dry eggs before labeling them with the Sharpie.

5. Place labeled eggs in the carton.

6. Moisten seed starter potting mix and use a spoon to fill each egg, following the directions on the seed packet to plant the seeds at the proper depth and topsoil coverage.

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KIDS

!

POOL TIME

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy takes place in our pools!

The water is 95 degrees!

The setting enhances learning, stretching, healing, relaxing, focusing, listening, socializing ng. and communicating.

Bring your child to ProCare3 for a free consultation or tour to experience this fun and amazingly effective therapy environment.

402-330-3211 • www.procare3.com

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Seed Tape

So you don’t want to plant ahead of time, but you do want to prepare. Seed tape is just the thing for you.

WHaT YOU Need Empty paper towel roll or newspaper Flour Water Food coloring Seeds Yardstick For printable tags: Printable seed tape tag template on momaha.com Card stock Hole punch String WHaT YOU dO 1. Unroll paper towel roll to the length you’d like your rows to be: 3 feet or less works well.

2. Cut roll into 1-inch strips.

3. Use a yardstick to measure out the distance between seeds, placing an “X” where each seed should go.

4. Create a paste using flour and water, and add food coloring to color the paste. Then designate each plant type.

5. Put a drop of glue on each “X” and then cover it with a seed.

6. Let the glue dry thoroughly before rolling the strips and tying them with string.

7. If desired, print our seed tape tags on momaha.com on 8.5x11inch card stock. Cut them out, punch a hole and then attach them to a string to label your seed tapes.

8. Once the weather has settled and you’re ready to plant the seeds outside in late spring, dig a shallow moat in your garden bed soil.

9. Unroll and lay down seed tape, covering with ¼ of the soil.

10. Water and keep moist until your seedlings sprout. The best part? They’ll be in perfect rows!

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The 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round is Coming to the United States

JULY 22-26

CENTURYLINK CENTER IN OMAHA TICKET PRICES START AT: $20/Day or $75 All-Tourney Visit TicketMaster.com to purchase your tickets or call 800.745.3000 today!

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Love Making Jewelry?

Get Buggy with it!

Or want to learn how?

A new spin on old snacks.

Story & Styling by Amy LaMar Photography by Heidi Thorson

B

ugs aren’t often inspiring, so here’s their chance to shine in the spotlight.

You can have regular old snacks any day. Today, get buggy with it!

Goldfish crackers and grapes just fluttered up your kids’ favorite snack list thanks to this fun packaging. Decorate several clothespins at once and reuse them again and again.

We’ve all had ants on a log. But wouldn’t you rather have an adorable smiling caterpillar crawling across your peanut butter?

And who knew cherry tomatoes and black olives could look so adorable together? A perfect appetizer for a picnic, you will never look at ladybugs the same way again.

Join us at

April 11-12 10am - 5pm LaVista Community Center 8116 Parkview Blvd omahabeadaffair.com for more information, register for classes and get a coupon for $1 off $3 admission

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Butterfly SnackS

Makes: 1 snack

WHat yOu neeD Paint or markers Wood clothespin Hot glue Googly eyes Pipe cleaner Zipped snack bag* Green grapes Goldfish WHat yOu DO 1. Paint or use markers to decorate the clothespin. Let dry.

2. Use hot glue to attach Googly eyes and a pipe cleaner antenna (Hold the clothespin open and glue the antenna to the front only or you will glue it shut!). Let dry.

3. Fill half of the snack bag with grapes and the other half with Goldfish.

Seal bag.

4. Attach clothespin to the middle of the bag so the grapes and Goldfish form its wings. *Note: A sandwich bag works as well, but you’ll need to cut off the top and fold the bag down in the back. Seal with Washi tape.

Kix Caterpillars on a log

Makes: 1 caterpillar

WHat YoU neeD Creamy peanut butter Celery stick Black edible writer (found in the baking aisle of a craft store) Kix cereal WHat YoU Do 1. Spread peanut butter in the cavity of the celery stick.

2. Use a black edible writer to draw a happy face on one piece of Kix cereal. Place the smiling Kix on the peanut butter.

3. Add a trail of Kix cereal for the caterpillar body behind it.

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laDYbUg appetizers

Makes: 3 dozen

WHAT YOU NEED 2 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons sour cream Black paste food coloring 1/2 teaspoon minced chives 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt 1/8 teaspoon minced fresh parsley 36 butter-flavored crackers 18 cherry tomatoes, halved 18 large pitted ripe black olives 72 fresh chive pieces (about one-and-a-half inches long) WHat YoU Do 1. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

2. Remove 1 tablespoon of the mixture and put it in a small bowl. Tint it black with the food coloring. Place tinted cream cheese mixture in a small plastic bag; set aside.

3. Add the chives, garlic salt and parsley to the remaining cream cheese mixture. Spread over crackers. Arrange two tomato quarters on each cracker for the ladybug wings.

4. For the ladybugs’ heads, halve the olives horizontally; place one half on each cracker.

5. Insert two chives into olives for antennae. Use tinted cream cheese mixture to pipe spots onto wings.

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Get ORGanized // amy tOkOs Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

Kitchen Clutter Cutters Storage tips, meal cleanup and what to do with all of that paper.

t

he kitchen is the center of the home. On average, families spend 75 minutes each day in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up. This doesn’t include the homework and family time that also take place in this room. Putting some effort in making your kitchen welcoming and functional promises a huge return on your investment. Here is what you need to gather and do to get started.

GRAB A CARDBOARD BOX …

The first step when creating a functional kitchen is to do a clean-out. What is in the back of your drawers and cabinets?

Typically, the items we use most will be in the front and the items we rarely use (if ever) will be stuck in the back. If you aren’t ready to get rid of what you don’t use, try putting the items in a cardboard box. Then take the box to an out-of-theway location such as the basement and label it with the date. When you need something, pull it out and put it back in your cupboard. After six months, donate all of the items left in the box.

SMALL PLASTIC BINS …

Every kitchen has hard-to-reach spots.

If possible, store your rarely used items, such as holiday platters, in this area. If you need to use this cabinet space for higher-use items, contain them so they are easy to pull out. Lightweight items

like water bottles, paper products and plastic storage containers, for example, can be put in small plastic bins that are easy to pull in and out when needed.

AND A FILE BOX Tackle all of the paper. Since the kitchen is the main gathering space in the home, incoming paper such as mail and school papers tend to land there and need to be handled. Create a spot such as an open file box to contain what you need in files labeled “school information,” “items to read,” “items to file long-term,” etc. If a pile contains artwork, give each of the kids a spot to display one item. Setting a limit will keep artwork from taking over the kitchen.

THEN ENLIST YOUR KIDS Make your kitchen kid-friendly and empower your kids to help themselves.

Plastic cups, plastic dishes and water bottles can be stored in a low drawer so kids can easily pull them out to set the table or get a cup of water. Also keep healthy snacks in kid-friendly spots.

A bin in the pantry or a cupboard can hold healthy grab-and-go snacks for both kids and adults.

AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY TO HELP! Make meal cleanup a family affair. When you have all hands on deck, cleanup will go quickly and your kids will learn how to be helpful at home. Divide up the chores: Empty the dishwasher, load the dishwasher, wash the dishes, wipe down the countertops, sweep, etc. Your kids will learn rewarding life skills at the same time.

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Everything

in its Place

From Mom’s closet to an organized toddler domain.

Story & Styling by Heather Winkel Photography by Dev Hanumara

Before + after

Get orGanized

Bins, baskets and tubs are your friends when it comes to toy storage because the options are endless. Display the cute toys in baskets and hide the rest in labeled bins. Go to momaha.com to download printable labels just like these.

28

Be creative

Find new uses for old things.

A magnetic kitchen knife rack can become the perfect way to display metal toy cars, while a rolling craft cart can hold puzzles and diapers.

Make teMporary upGrades

Easy temporary upgrades can be adapted to grow with your child. Update white closet drawers with temporary wallpaper (we used fabric), and swap out new hardware to finish the look.

plan to paint

The easiest way to transform a room is through paint.

A low stripe is at toddler height without overwhelming the room. Don’t forget to paint the closet! A little extra effort goes a long way when it comes to color.

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www.smallmiraclechildcare.com Create a book nook

Learn about animal behaviors and nutrition.

Explore a day in the life of a veterinarian.

Perform a simulated exploratory surgery.

Interact with live animals each day.

A miniature nook with fluffy pillows and a wall of bookshelves makes a special hideaway.

D.I.Y. bookshelves

Makes: 4 shelves

What YoU neeD 2 8-foot-long 1x4’s 1 8-foot-long 1x2 Finishing nails Wood glue Sand paper Paint What YoU Do 1. Cut 1x4s and the 1x2 into 2-foot-long pieces (a hardware store employee should be able to do this for no extra charge).

2. Take two of the 1x4s, and butt them up against each other. Use wood glue to attach them together to create a corner. Nail them together, creating the back and bottom of your shelf.

3. To create a lip on the shelf to hold books, butt a 1x2 up to the edge of one of the 1x4’s and glue it in the same way that you created the shelf. Nail the lip on.

4. Sand down the shelf and prepare it for paint.

5. Paint and let dry before hanging.

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For kids in military families, frequent moves and a deployed parent can be tough. New research in the “Applied Developmental Science” journal shows that a strong attachment to a family pet such as a dog may help military-connected kids develop resiliency and cope with stress.

The clean plaTe club

That’s one organization you don’t want your children to belong to, says Brian Wansink, a Cornell University food researcher. Adults eat an average of 90 percent of what they serve themselves, while children only eat about 60 percent. One-third goes in the trash. Kids are still learning about what foods they like and how much it will take to fill them up. Don’t force them to eat their mistakes, Wansink advises parents.

abouT face

Using a rear-facing car seat until a child is age 2 reduces the risk of serious injury, but 25 percent of parents report that they turned the seat around before their child was even 1 year old, according to a University of Michigan study. In March 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for child passenger safety and extended the recommendation for rear-facing car seat use. The new standard is for a child to be 2 years old or to have outgrown the weight/height limits of his or her rear-facing seat.

buT waiT

Baby wipes are thought to be ideal makeup removers, but Dr. Susan Stuart, a dermatologist, says they contain harsh chemicals. The packaging requires added preservatives to increase shelf life, so your skin is being exposed to extra formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. If you don’t rinse away the ingredients from the wipes, the residue left behind can lead to irritation, hives, dry skin, breakouts and other unpleasant reactions. And we use these on our kids?

Storybook Lan d Sunday, April 12 | 1-4

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EVENT! FOR AGES 4-12 MONDAY, APRIL 13

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Please meet at the coffee bar!

Meet HyVee's dietitian, Amanda Jochum to learn about healthy food and exercise! Come dressed for fun activities and make your own trail mix to take home.

Parents are encouraged to stay with their kids!

VISIT SCHEELS.COM/EVENTS FOR OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS | MAKE SURE TO SELECT THE OMAHA SCHEELS LOCATION 31

Advice // dAnielle Herzog Sassy Housewife Danielle Herzog is a married mother of two and a former middle and high school teacher. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.

Let mom live a little Dear Sassy Housewife, My twin sister and I lost our father last year. He was 80 years old and he had suffered from lung cancer for many years. My mother was his caretaker, and she practically gave up her life to be his private nurse.

She bathed him, fed him and put all of her hobbies and activities on hold. Now, a year later, she is dating a man whom she recently met in a book club. She is happy – but my sister is not happy. She feels my mother is rushing into things, and because she has some money to her name that this man is using her.

He is 10 years younger than she is and he is retired as well. What do you think? Should we step in and say something?

Signed, Troubled Twins Dear Twins, You want to know if you should step in and talk to your mother about being happy and dating a younger man? Why yes. Yes, you should. Except what you should be saying is, “You go girl!”

You and your sister need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Your mother finally has a chance to live again. There is no doubt that she

32

loved your father – that is obvious from the way she so selflessly took care of him. But she is your mother and a grown woman.

I am so happy for your mother and I don’t even know her. I bet she is smiling again, feeling attractive and enjoying life. And I’m assuming that is exactly what your father would have wanted.

I don’t know if this guy is with her for the money, but does it really matter? If she wants to spend her money at this point in her life, I say go for it! Isn’t that why we have retirement funds, so we can enjoy life when the work is done?

Your sister needs to live her own life and get out of your mother’s. She should put on a fake happy smile and focus on her relationship with her mom – not her relationships with men. And heck, maybe your sister should go out with your mom and cut loose one night!

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FACT:

Research shows that helping others is a key to happiness.

PRIMROSE WAY:

Infants – Private Pre-K & After School

Helping people sure feels good!

CALL FOR A TOUR. Primrose School of La Vista

8202 S 97th Plaza | La Vista, NE 68128 402.517.1153 | PrimroseLaVista.com Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2014 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.