Momaha Magazine - December 2017

momaha.com

VOLUME 8 · ISSUE 12 DECEMBER

GET ORGANIZED An exercise in ornament trimming

A NEW TRADITION: Christmas Eve in a box

Pretzels, dressed up in a snap

2017

3457 SOUTH 84TH ST. OMAHA, NE 68124 • 402-391-6225

HOLIDAY SALES NOV. THRU DEC.

STARTING ON BLACK FRIDAY...

FIND THE ELF ON THE SHELF IN EVERY DEPARTMENT FOR A SPECIAL SURPRISE!!

SANTA WILL BE HERE! EVERY TUE, SAT & SUN THROUGH DECEMBER 23 RD

SALES FROM NOW UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Levi & Dylan, age 4 Pulmonary Atresia

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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SANTA COMES TO FONTENELLE FOREST DECEMBER 2, 16 & 22

WINTER WONDERLAND MAKE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AT FONTENELLE FOREST NATURE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE DECEMBER 31 DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE OR SUGAR COOKIES | DECEMBER 16

WINTER DAY CAMPS PROVIDE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTNERS TO PRETEENS TO DISCOVER NATURE DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

OPEN DAILY FROM 9-5

THE OWL PROWL IS A NIGHT HIKE TO LISTEN FOR THE FOREST’S OWLS AND MEET SOME OWLS UP CLOSE! DECEMBER 9

THIS YEAR, GIVE A GIFT THAT GIVES ALL YEAR LONG – A MEMBERSHIP TO FONTENELLE FOREST!

DECEMBER 2 THE HOLIDAY TRAIL OF LIGHTS WALK DOWN RIDGE TRAIL, LIT WITH THOUSANDS OF TWINKLING LIGHTS TO MEET SANTA IN THE FOREST.

WWW.FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG 2059500-01

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GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF HEALTH! JOIN THE Y!

JOIN O N AT AN LINE OR Y LOCAT YMCA ION!

December 15-31: Join the YMCA of Greater Omaha and pay NO JOINING FEE ($49 savings)!

Valid at any YMCA of Greater Omaha location. Must be a new member. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must present bank draft info. First draft 1/3/18.

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 2059517-01

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING BROWNELL TALBOT SCHOOL PRIVATE ELEMENTARY IN OMAHA! BEST PR

BT creates opportunities that nurture the whole child.

Opportunities to Be Known

Opportunities to Be Curious

Opportunities to Grow

Opportunities for College and Life

With a classroom ratio of 13:1, teachers individualize instruction so that students can participate fully.

Beginning in preschool BT students are taught world languages, music, art, physical education, and more from subject matter experts.

Our culture of supported risk-taking encourages students to take on challenges, building character and problem-solving skills.

As a preschool through grade 12 campus, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support and prepare students through their education journey.

Visit brownell.edu/goBT to learn more.

Nebraska’s only private, preschool through grade 12, independent, coeducational day school.

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Family Meals & Snacks Made Easy

Try this easy meal...

COUNTRY TURKEY CASSEROLE

Prep Time

10 Min | Bake Time

Ready In

25 Min

35 Minutes

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400°. In 3- to 4-quart baking dish, combine all ingredients. Evenly spread mixture in dish.

2. Bake casserole 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.

INGREDIENTS

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2 cans (10¾ ounces each) 25% less sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup 4 cups fresh or frozen cooked chopped vegetables such as PartnershipIn with broccoli, carrots, corn and/or green beans 4 cups prepared cubed herb seasoned stuffing 3 cups chopped cooked turkey 1 cup milk ¼ teaspoon dried thyme 8 teaspoon ground black pepper

See more recipes at ShopFamilyFare.com/Recipes/Catalog

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momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 12 . DECEMBER 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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

creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

assistant editor

FRO OM OM MAHA CHR RIST TIA AN ACADEMY 402.399.9565

momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

10244 Wiesman Drive | Omaha, NE 68134 OmahaChristianAcademy.com

WINTER

MaRjIE DuCEy marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

production coordinator

fun

Holiday Poinsettia Show

PaT R I C I a “ M u R P H y ” B E N o I T

content contributors aMy TokoS

account manager l auRE N kRugE R lauren.kruger@owh.com 402-444-1261

account executive CHRISTINa kaDlEC christina.kadlec@owh.com 402-444-1527

On display through January 4

account executive

See the garden glow

g ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489

November 25 and 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 15-23, 26-30, January 2 and 3

Lil’ Sprouts: Holiday Red December 6 | 10 a.m. OR December 7 | 1 p.m.

account executive E M I ly M a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive

*registration required

Holiday Happening and a visit from Santa Claus

MICHaEl MEDRaNo michael.medrano@owh.com 402-444-1209

December 9 and 10 noon to 4 p.m.

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha (402) 346-4002

www.lauritzengardens.org 2052784-01

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Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102.

Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2017 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.

SAVE

$100

CHECK OUT Momaha.com & the Momaha Newsletter for more information on tutoring help for reading and other subject tutoring.

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL:

“Thank you for teaching me a lot of new things.

I had a great time with all of you!”

Steven May Huntington Student OMAHA 546 North 155th Plaza Pepperwood Village Omaha, NE 68135 402-884-4407

MILLARD 17935 Welch Plaza Bay #6 Omaha, NE 68135 402-934-7909 2042837-01

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PHOTO: HEIDI THORSON

CONTENTS

8

Real MoMs + advice

seasoNal

10 Editor’s Column 12 On Our Radar 14 Momaha Bookshelf 16 Be Well 34 Get Organized

24 Reindeer Marshmallow Pops 25 DIY Santa Napkin Ring 26 DIY Alternative Tree 27 Christmas Eve Box 28 Holiday Gift Guide

36 Holiday Cookbooks 40 Top 5 Red Lip Colors

oN THe coveR Photo: Heidi Thorson

20 Pretzels 3 Ways

The Perfect Gift for the

Preteen Girl in Your Life!

Girls ages 8 to 13

Monthly Subscription Box

Builds Self Esteem

Encouraging positive self-image and acceptance through handpicked goods and ideas.

Order now at ShowUsYourSpark.com

Double Your Child’s

Focus & Confidence Tae Kwon Do will help your child: Listen Better • Act Respectfully Excel in School & Sports ...Plus They Have Tons Of Fun!

Here’s What Parents & Students Say:

I take my granddaughter to Master Kim’s tiger class in which she might be the youngest in the class.

A preschooler of this age doesn’t have a long attention span but I have seen her grow in this area in just a few short weeks. Her mind still wonders some but with the excellence of Master Kim she is gradually making progress in this. Although she is very small and young I can see her interest grow every time we come to class. Master Kim does an excellent job in teaching the art and they both have a mountain full of patience with these young students. I highly recommend them.

-Joanne MargaretMaster Kim has the patience of a saint. He is so good with these young kids. Positive motivation all the time.

My son has learned so much. He has confidence now and is learning focus.

We are very blessed to have such a wonderful teacher here in Omaha NE with so much knowledge and experience. -Traci Launer-

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MoMaha.coM edItor // aShlee coffey Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH

I

’ve been looking forward to Christmas for a while this year.

Sure I love the sights (so many beautiful lights), sounds (ah, Christmas carols) and smells (fresh baked cookies, anyone?), but what I really can’t wait for is to see my boys interact with each other.

Elliott wasn’t even 3 months old for his first Christmas. I think he pretty much slept it away.

And while he still won’t really get it this year, I’d like to think his big brother will lend a helping hand.

Sam, who will be 4 on Dec. 13, really understands Christmas now. He’s been talking about Christmas for awhile.

He’s already tried telling Elliott about Santa Claus and his reindeer.

There’s just nothing like having

siblings (and cousins) during the holidays.

I have so many amazing Christmas memories with my siblings. We loved setting up and decorating the Christmas tree at home and at my grandparents’ house. We listened to the same Christmas music – my favorite was and still is “Suzy Snowflake” by Rosemary Clooney. We watched the same Christmas movies – “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is the best – every year. We helped my mom bake and decorate Christmas cookies, too.

And I’ll never forget waking up entirely too early with my siblings and convening in the hallway, wondering just what Santa Claus had brought and when our parents were going to wake

up. We always helped stop each other from peeking and ruining the surprise.

I just can’t wait for my children to start experiencing these same traditions with each other and the entire family.

I’ve found that the older my children get – as bittersweet as it is – the traditions really come alive and get better and better.

This December, I hope you are able to enjoy favorite traditions with your own family, or make new ones of your own. After all, no matter what you do, the whole point of the holiday season is to make memories that will last a lifetime.

I wish you all happiness and peace during this joyous time of year. Merry Christmas!

Get SocIal Facebook /momahacom

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TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh insTaGraM /momaha_owh

We’re

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We’re where sick little ones can see a doctor the very same day – evenings, weekends and holidays, too.

We’re Boys Town Pediatrics. Come

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On OUR RADAR // EDitOR’s Picks New and Momaha-tested too!

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

PLAY WITH STICKERS Release your inner artist with a paint-by-sticker calendar.

Each month corresponds to an image you bring to life with 24 pages of stickers.

You’ll create anything from a Renoir painting to the Mona Lisa to works of nature. $18.99, Workman.com

CARRY ON

The ZipIt Grillz carry case is fun and stylish, our two 11-year-old reviewers said, but when it comes to closing it, the teeth can get stuck on the zipper, slowing you down. Once you get the hang of it, it is fun to completely unzip and rezip. They loved how much the pouch holds and the colors, shapes and sizes they come in. The eyes are really cute. “Who wouldn’t want this fabulous pencil holder?” they said. $8.99, just-zipit.com

PRIME TIME

GIVE SOMETHING ORIGINAL

The Mirenesse tone correcting primer is an easy addition to your morning makeup routine. It’s ideal for all skin tones. A blend of all three colors hides redness, veins, sun spots and undereye circles and brightens, creating the ultimate base. Our reviewer especially loved the cooling sensation upon application. $55, Mirenesse.com

Personalize a Christmas book, and put your toddler right in the middle of the action as Santa delivers presents on Christmas Eve. Or give kids a book with their favorite pet on the cover, or one from the day they were born. The possiblities are endless. Prices vary.

Putmeinthestory.com

KID-FRIENDLY SNACKING

Drink in the Box is perfect for little hands. The same shape as a cardboard juice box, it fits in a side pouch of a backpack or tote better than some of the large round reusable bottles. Snack in the Box is geared toward kids’ snacks. It’s perfect for carrying Cheerios cereal or Goldfish crackers. We love it for our adult snacks, too — almonds in one side and M&Ms in the other! $11.99 and $9.99, Drinkinthebox.com

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GIVE THE GIFT OF ZOO, WHERE NO T WO EXPERIENCES ARE EVER THE SAME .

Gift wrap some adventure with zoo memberships or classes

ones get to open packages that open opportunities for

OmahaZoo.com | 402.733.8401

2059806-01

t. Crescent Ski Area

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New picks by Nebraskans hot off the presses, straight to you COMPILED by Momaha Magazine

sIMPsOn’s shEEP Just WAnt tO sLEEP

Bruce Arant Farmer Simpson can’t wake up his sheep, no matter how much noise he makes or what methods he tries. So he gets a rescue dog, who wakes them up with a gentle nudge. Try that next time when friends won’t budge.

Ages 3 to 6.

MAgIC In MIChIgAn

Daniel Kenney The second book in a time travel series that explores America’s history. April, Henry and Toad are looking for Professor Abner Jefferson, and it’s going to take trips through the histories of several states to solve the mystery of his disappearance.

Learn some fun facts along the way, such as the history behind the Wolverine-Buckeye rivalry. For kids reading chapter books who are ready for something more advanced.

ADvICE tO A DAnCEr, WIsDOM AnD WOnDEr frOM thE stuDIO AnD stAgE

Julian Adair An Omaha choreographer, performer, writer and phographer brings her vision to life with beautiful pictures of dancers that she also took. Each demonstrates how dance brings them to places only reached when one is in motion, Adair says. The words of advice work in any arena. For dancers of all ages.

kIngs Of BrOkEn thIngs

Theodore Wheeler Stories of a talented baseball player, a young man desperate for a second chance and a kept woman looking for escape leading up to one of the darkest moments in this city’s history — the Omaha Race Riot of 1919. One reviewer called it an usettling and insightful piece of historical fiction.

Adults.

QuACkEry: A BrIEf hIstOry Of thE WOrst WAys tO CurE EvErythIng

Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen A look at some of the outrageous medical practices through the years. From cocaine tooth drops to morphine for crying infants, the novel will keep you entertained with its dark humor. Illustrated with vintage photographs and advertisements. Snake oil anyone? Adults.

BAN These days, virtual experiences get passed off as the real thing. But not here. At School of Rock, kids have real fun learning. Here they play actual instruments, not game controllers. Here, garage band is a thing kids form,

followers, not just the online kind. So what’s better for your kids -- screen time or stage time?

SCHOOL OF ROCK | Omaha 13270 Millard Ave | Omaha, NE 68137 402-691-8875 locations.schoolofrock.com/omaha

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AIM FOR THE STARS SCIENCE AND MATH CAMPS Having fun: tHe best cure in a crazy world

Online Registration

story by Marjie Ducey

Opens January 3rd, 2018 at 8:30a.m. aimforthestars.unomaha.edu

Camps Offered Weekl y

June 5th- August 11th

NEW STATE OF THE ART LOCATION

S

asha Shillcutt is giving you permission to have fun.

Watch something amusing on TV, get a pedicure or take a few minutes to meditate. You choose.

It’s the perfect antidote in these days of political upheaval, crazy weather calamities and just the daily challenges of working and raising kids.

“We shouldn’t save fun for that one vacation a year,’’ says Shillcutt, an associate professor and cardiac anesthesiologist at Nebraska Medicine. “We need joy.’’

A few years ago, she was feeling a sense of doom and gloom and becoming more isolated. She figured if she felt that way, there must be others.

She started sharing her experiences with other women doctors and that list of 10 ballooned to 7,000. Last spring, she started a blog for professional women and moms who are trying to do it all (Becomebraveenough.com). Shillcutt loves to write, so it’s a labor of love, but it took her 10 months to find the courage to push publish the first time.

Like many, the 42-year-old struggles with work-life balance. She doesn’t have all the answers, but she does know resiliency is key.

“Part of that is having joy and purpose,’’ she says. Some of her advice:

self-care

Classes for all ages Recreational & Competition Classes Available

CALL TODAY!

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Carve out a few minutes every day to do something that gives you joy. Shillcutt recently took a day off work and just sat on the couch drinking coffee. No chores allowed. Or think bigger — go on that trip your friends have been pestering you about for years. You won’t regret it.

it’s oK to laugH Joy and purposefulness are the two traits that set successful people apart. So look for the positives every day. Give yourself permission to laugh at work. People may give you a second glance, or who knows, it may become contagious.

SaSHa SHillcutt

Social Support It’s good to have both at home and at work. Enjoy and build those friendships at your place of employment. If you don’t have the energy to even smile at a co-worker you pass in the hall, that might be a sign of burnout.

Nobody’S perfect

Holiday Poinsettia Show FLOWERS COMBINE WITH LIGHT TO MAKE THE SEASON MERRY & BRIGHT

November 25 and 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 15-23, 26-30, January 2 and 3 | 5 to 8 p.m.

100 Bancroft St., Omaha | lauritzengardens.org

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People who are resilient expect to fail, expect they are going to feel doom and gloom and expect they are going to make a mistake. Perfectionists are less resilient. “Those are the people who burn out the fastest,’’ Shillcutt says. “I speak from experience, because I am a perfectionist.’’

Stay iNvolved We tend to shut down when we are under stress. While Shillcutt says it’s OK to withdraw from activities, it’s never OK to withdraw from people. That’s a red flag you are starting to spiral. “You want to reach out and grab a person,’’ she says. “Sitting around and sharing, that in itself is healing.’’

fiNd your joy It comes from many sources. For one person it may be a yoga session. For others it may be shopping, a glass of wine after work with a friend or watching your kids play sports. Shillcutt and her husband, Lance, have four children ages 14 to 7. “They make everything better,’’ she says. “After a long day, they just perk me up.’’

Shillcutt says we can’t avoid illness, death and inequalities.

But we get to choose our attitude.

It’s OK, she says, to laugh in the midst of disasters.

“Just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we have to be so serious,’’ she says. “There is no reward at the end of life for being serious all the time.’’

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The presents have been opened, dinner is over and it’s too cold to leave the house to catch a movie.

So what to do to pass the remaining hours with a houseful of people? Break out the Christmas games!

Momaha’s editors found plenty to keep the family laughing and engaged – and off their smartphones – at Goodhousekeeping.com and Shutterfly.com. Here’s a sampling.

CaNDY CaNES If you’ve ever played Spoons, this is a simple variation using candy canes. You need a deck of cards, a notepad and pen, and three to six people with arms long enough to reach the middle of the table. Dealer doles out four cards to each player, then draws a card from the deck and either keeps it or passes it right. The first person to get four of a kind reaches for a candy cane. And everyone else scrambles to grab one, too. If you miss out, you get a letter and are eliminated once you spell out c-a-n-d-y.

TWENTY QUESTIONS One player thinks of a Christmas-themed object but does not reveal it to others in the game. They try to guess by asking questions that can be answered by a simple “yes” or “no.” If 20 questions are asked by the players without a correct guess, the person with the answer gets another round with a different secret object for players to guess. The more obscure the object, the more spirited the guessing game. Get points for either guessing correctly or stumping the group.

GIfT WrapUp

BEaNBaG TOSS

If you’re looking for an active game, this is it. Everyone pairs up, with one person’s right hand tied to a teammate’s left hand. The team then attempts to wrap a gift using wrapping paper, scissors and tape. You can add a ribbon if you want to increase the difficulty of the competition and ask teams to make a bow. Teams must work together to wrap the present, and whichever team wraps the present first wins the game.

Draw a large Christmas tree on wrapping paper or poster board.

Divide the tree into different point areas.

Buy some bean bags or create your own with a Christmas theme.

Whoever piles up the points by hitting areas of the tree with their bean bag wins.

WINTEr MaSTErpIECE Each person is given a marker and a paper plate for the top of their heads. The host gives a series of instructions. If you are asked to draw a snowman, for example, each person starts with a line for the ground.

Then a large snowball for the base. By the time they get to the carrot nose, or the stick arms, who knows how it will look! Ask them to draw a Christmas tree next.

LET’S CONNECT! follow us on social media

@MOMaHaCOM @MOMaHa_OWH @MOMaHa_OWH

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14th Annual

holiday lighting celebration FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Family Concert – 6pm Santa Parade & Tree Lighting – 7pm Gather the family at Village Pointe and celebrate the holiday season with a rousing sing-along concert, twinkling lights, and more.

168th & W Dodge Rd | 402.505.9773

2059862-01

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Holiday PRETZElS 3 wayS PHoToGRaPHy + STyliNG Heidi Thorson

Whether you're simply feeling festive or in a jam to bring seasonal sweets to the party, you can make these pretzel treats in a snap.

1

CHRiSTMaS TREE PRETZElS 1. On wax paper, lay out 24 pretzel sticks 3 inches apart. 2. Melt white chocolate almond bark and pour into piping bag. 3. Drizzle white chocolate almond bark in a tree shape over each pretzel. 4. Add sprinkles, let cool and serve.

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SNAP OFF THE PERFECT REINDEER ANTLER 1.

2.

4.

3.

Toss this piece.

2

22

REINDEER PRETZEL 1. To make one reindeer you'll need three regular pretzels. One for the head and two for the antlers. Break two pretzels to make antlers (shown above). 2. Melt milk chocolate almond bark in a bowl and pour one fourth of it into a piping bag. 3. Dip one whole pretzel into the chocolate, lay on wax paper and add edible eyes.

4. Put antlers in position. Use chocolate in piping bag to connect antlers to the head. Let cool. 5. Melt white chocolate almond bark and pour into piping bag. 6. Make a large dot on the head for the nose. Cover with red sugar sprinkles. Let cool and serve.

3

SANTA HAT PRETZEL 1. Melt white chocolate almond bark in a bowl and pour one fourth into piping bag. 2. Dip half of a pretzel into the bowl. Place on wax paper, cover with red sugar sprinkles and let cool.

3. Using the piping bag, pipe white chocolate almond bark along center of pretzel to make hat brim and pom. 4. Let cool and serve.

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MARSHMALLOW POPS 1. Break pretzels to make reindeer antlers (2 per marshmallow pop) and melt milk chocolate almond bark in a bowl. 2. Put jumbo marshmallow on candy sticks. 3. Dip marshmallows into the bowl so they are covered completely. Push pretzel antlers into the marshmallow and place on wax paper. 4. Immediately use sprinkles to add eyes and nose and let cool. 5. Tie on a ribbon to make the bow and serve.

SNAP OFF THE PERFECT REINDEER ANTLER 1.

2.

3.

4.

1

Toss this piece.

2

3

4

24

5

A JOLLY PLACE SETTING DIY SANTA NAPKIIN RING 1. To make one ring, cut toilet paper roll in half and cover with red paper.

2. Cut a ½-inch x 8-inch strip of black paper and tape around the middle.

3. Cut 2 ½-inch x 8-inch strips of white faux fur.

Glue around top and bottom of the ring. 4. Cut a small square from gold sparkle scrapbook paper.

Glue to the middle of the ring to secure. 5. Put napkin through the ring to finish the look.

Holiday Happenings

Celebrate the holidays wit h Omaha Public Library!

Visit omahalibrary.org for a complete schedule of programs.

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STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

1. Start by mapping out your wall hooks in a tree shape using small pieces of washi tape. 2. Once tree shape is designed, replace washi tape and adhere command hooks to the wall. 3. Add Christmas lights in zig-zag pattern. 4. Fill in with ribbon, tinsel and ornaments. 5. To complete the look, hang a star at the top of the tree and arrange holiday decor and wrapped packages on the floor below.

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Sure to get sugar plums dancing in their heads STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

PlUSH teddY Hot CHoColate Mix

green tiC-taCS (or M&M'S)

Santa Hat

oatS to feed tHe reindeer

otHer giftS

MatCHing PaJaMaS

Books, movies, candy, mug, notebooks, pens, gift cards, slippers, small toys, bath bombs

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WE’vE GOt yOu cOvErEd.

MOMAHA MAGAZINE 2017

From workout clothes for your daughter to a spa date for your best friend to a large selection of gift cards for hard-to-please relatives, it’s all here.

There are ingredients for a night out with your spouse.

Or a spot to find the perfect finishing touches for your holiday table.

Need something from Santa?

There are lots of toys, too.

Of course, you need to pamper yourself. Who doesn’t need a new outfit or some shiny jewelry for the holidays? Enjoy!

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Cheerful Gifts for baby & Home Starting at $12 paper Kite

Spa Gift Cards Starting at $5 Urbane Salon and day Spa

8725 Countryside Plaza 402-315-9620 paperkiteshop.com

1007 Farnam St., No.1 402-934-2909 urbanesalonanddayspa.com

ice Cream Gift Cards Starting at $5 ted & Wally’S 1120 Jackson St. 402-341-5827 6023 Maple St. 402-551-4420 tedandwallys.com

Stylish Home decor Starting at $24 ametHySt Home 8712 Countryside Plaza 402-502-9333 amethysthome.com

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Swim lessons Starting at $80/month lITTlE WAVES FAmIlY SWIm ScHool 17602 Wright St. 402-932-2030 littlewavesfamilyswimschool.com

Something for Everyone Starting at $12 SpRucE

5022 Leavenworth St. 402-952-4480 spruce-omaha.com

Artwork and Home Accessories $22-$32 AmoNG oTHER THINGS

805½ S. 75th St. 402-933-0404 amongotherthingsomaha.com

Holiday Scents

by Thyme Starting at $18 BloomS

10923 Prairie Brook Road 402-991-2300 omahablooms.com

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Baby & Kids Essentials Starting at $8 RosiE JanE

5018 Leavenworth St. 402-991-8800 rosiejaneomaha.com

Holiday Desserts Starting at $22 CaKE CREaTions 1119 S. 119th St 402-505-1830 cakecreationsomaha.com

Timeless Home Decor & Gifts Starting at $18 Haus sHop

2936 S. 110th Court 402-916-1717 hausshop.co

Blessing Bracelets by My saint My Hero $13-$40 nJ & Co.

17650 Wright St., Suite 4 402-502-1962 njandcompany.com

Toys & stocking stuffers Starting at $1.99 LEaRninG EXpREss 120 Regency Parkway, No.101 402-498-8697 learningexpress.com

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Handmade Fine Art & Fine Craft Starting at $35 BLUE POMEGRANATE GALLERY 17305 Davenport St., No.103 402-502-9901 bluepom.com

The Rose Theater Memberships Starting at $105 THE ROSE THEATER 2001 Farnam St. 402-345-4849 rosetheater.org

CoolSculpting Starting at $650 PRESTiGE MEdiCAL 17650 Wright Plaza, Suite 5 402-334-5433 prestigerejuvenation.com

This Year's Must-Read $12.99, ages 7-10 NORELLA PRESS, LLC norellapress.com

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Car Wash Gift Card Starting at $5 ruSSeLL SPeeDer'S CAr WASH 11818 West Dodge Road 402-498-4446 russellspeeders.com

Fitness Classes & Apparel Starting at $13 for apparel, $22 for classes Pure BArre OMAHA 2501 S. 90th St., Suite 118 402-933-5010 purebarre.com

Aksarben Cinema Movie Bucks Starting at $5 AkSArBeN CINeMA 2110 S. 67th St. 402-502-1914 aksarbencinema.com

Frasier Fir Candles

by Thyme $12-$50 FArM TO MArkeT HOMe

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Jewelry for Her Starting at $165 MAIN STreeT STuDIOS

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GIVE THE GIFT OF

SWIM LESSONS

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.

AGES 6 MOS. & OLDER. MORNING, AFTERNOON, EVENING & SAT. MORNING

REGISTER NOW FOR ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS

W

ith all the storage boxes and bins for decorations empty, now is the best time to edit what you have and plan for its storage after the holidays.

How to edit Anything you didn't put out this year needs to be reviewed.

There are items that can be donated or trashed. There are items you might use again. Then there are the items that have memories, like your old preschool coloring ornaments that will be kept but will never be put out again.

It’s obvious what to do with the items designated trash, donate and keep. But what about those items that you want to keep for the memories? My favorite recommendation is to create a holiday memorabilia box. Giving keepsakes a home will keep them safe and keep you from sorting past them every year when you pull out the regularly used decorations.

wHat to pack away After the holidays, all the decorations need to be packed away. Many times if holiday items don’t get packed away, they get forgotten. Have you ever found a holiday dish in your cupboard that you didn’t use for the holiday celebration after the holidays? My family is big on holiday socks.

These get put away with the holiday decorations because otherwise they get stuck in the back of a sock drawer and forgotten.

How to do tHe cleanup

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Have you ever packed away all the decorations only to find a random item or two left behind? One way to help capture all the decorations for storage is to create a staging area.

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www.romeosomaha.com A few days before you’re planning to pack everything away, designate your staging area. As you come across random items, put them in the staging area. I like to use my dining room table for this. Things that usually get forgotten – dish towels and socks – now get remembered and stored for the year.

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Storage SolutionS that work • • • • •

Cord wraps work well for extension cords and lights Large plastic tree bins work well for trees you take apart Tree bags work well for trees that can be left assembled Wreath containers keep wreaths from getting smashed Large hooks in storage areas are good for garland greenery and wreath storage • Ornament boxes keep ornaments safe and make decorating easy

how to pack it up If you like to mix up how you use your decorations, then pack like items together. If you have figured out what you like and decorate the same way each year, then pack items up by room. Including a few photos might also be helpful, so you can remember what works well together.

where to keep All together and out of the way. An ideal location is a spot where you won’t see the decorations until you’re ready to set them up again next year.

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BETSY'S FAVORITE NEW COOKBOOKS

STORY by Marjie Ducey PHOTOGRAPHY by Heidi Thorson and courtesy of Superfun Cookbook

Christmas is all about tradition, and we all have tried-and-true recipes that we trot out every holiday.

Each is delicious and much-loved. But how about starting a new tradition this season?

We couldn’t resist the jelly doughnuts in “The Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, who operates Modern Love here in Omaha. What a lovely treat for the kids on a holiday morning!

We turned to the “Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook” for a fresh take on green bean casserole. It’s a dish you can make ahead.

Bookworm manager Betsy Von Kerens helped us find several cookbooks with holiday flair.

When we asked for her favorite, she opted for the tried-and-true and shared with us her recipes for oyster stuffing and sweet potato casserole with a streusel topping.

“Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be the same without them at the table,’’ she says.

36

Green Bean and Leek Casserole SERVES 12

You can prepare this casserole through step 4 up to four hours before baking, refrigerate and then bake as directed.

Just increase baking time to 45 to 50 minutes.

INGREDIENTS • 2 bags (12 ounces each) steam-in-thebag fresh green beans • ¼ cup butter • 1 large leek (1 pound), cut lengthwise in half, thinly sliced (about 2½ cups) • ¼ cup all-purpose flour • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper • ½ cup milk • ½ cup chicken broth • 1½ cups shredded fontina cheese (6 ounces) • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 ounces) • ½ cup diced red bell pepper • ¾ cup Italian-style panko crispy breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons butter, melted INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Microwave bags of beans on high for 3 minutes, 30 seconds. Remove beans from bags to large bowl. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Cook leeks in butter 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.

3. Sprinkle flour, salt and pepper over leeks, cook and stir until well blended.

Gradually stir in milk and broth. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil one minute. Stir in cheeses, cook about one minute, stirring constantly until melted.

Pour over green beans in bowl, stir to combine. Stir in bell pepper.

4. Spoon onto ungreased 2-quart casserole. In small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Sprinkle over casserole.

5. Bake uncovered 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Oyster Stuffing

INGREDIENTS • 6-8 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed • 2 tablespoons butter • ½ cup hot milk or half and half • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon nutmeg and/or cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon paprika • ¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate • ½ cup dark brown sugar • pinch allspice • 1 to 1½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted • streusel topping (see below)

INGREDIENTS • 12 cups of dry bread cubes or coarse breadcrumbs • ½ cup melted butter • 1+ quart milk • 2 teaspoons salt • freshly ground pepper to taste • ½ cup diced celery • ½ cup diced onion • 4 eggs, beaten • 1 pint oysters, roughly chopped

For sweet potatoes: 1. Combine all ingredients except nuts.

Beat until light and fluffy. Fold in nuts and pour into greased 2 quart casserole or 9-by-13-inch pan. Top sweet potatoes with streusel mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes until sweet potatoes are heated through and topping is golden brown.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Pour cold milk over bread cubes and let stand for a few minutes to allow bread to absorb milk. Saute onion and celery until onion is translucent. Stir in rest of ingredients, mixing lightly with a fork.

Stuff cavity of turkey, being sure to leave enough room for stuffing to expand while roasting. Extra stuffing can be baked in a greased casserole at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Streusel topping: • ½ cup brown sugar • ¼ cup flour • 6 tablespoons soft butter • ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted 1. Combine brown sugar and flour. Work in softened butter, then stir in pecans.

37

Donut recipe

38

FR

EE

Jelly Doughnuts (Sufganiyot)

AD

SERVES 16

MI

SS

ION

!

INGREDIENTS • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one 0.75-ounce packet) • 1 cup lukewarm unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite nondairy milk) • 6 tablespoons water • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed • 3½ cups white bread flour, plus extra for kneading • 2 tablespoons sugar, plus more for coating • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted • Vegetable oil, for deep-frying • 1 cup seedless raspberry jam INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the yeast and milk and set aside. In a blender, blend up the water and flaxseed for about a minute until frothy and viscous. Set aside.

2. In a very large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt, then make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture, the flax mixture and the coconut oil, then mix to form a dough. Add more flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough no longer is sticky, then turn it out onto a floured counter to kneed until the dough is smooth.

3. Wash out the mixing bowl, lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray and add the dough ball. Toss the dough ball to coat with oil, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the bowl somewhere warm and let the dough rise until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.

4. Lightly flour the counter and a baking sheet. Turn out the dough onto the floured counter, knead it a couple of times, then roll it out until it’s about one-half inch thick. Using a floured 3-inch cookie cutter (or a drinking glass), stamp out your doughnuts and place them on the floured baking sheet at least 2 inches apart. Squish the dough scraps back together and roll them out again to make more doughnuts, place them on the sheet, then cover the sheet with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the doughnuts rise for about 20 minutes.

5. While the doughnuts are rising, prepare the fryer at 350 degrees. Have ready a layer of paper towels or brown paper bags to drain. Pour some sugar into a shallow dish for coating the hot doughnuts.

6. Using a metal slotted spoon, lower the doughnuts into the oil, a few at a time so you don’t crowd the fryer, and fry until golden brown, turning several times to keep the cooking even. Use the slotted spoon to transfer them to the paper towels or bags until cool enough to handle, then roll each one in sugar until competely covered.

7. Once all the doughnuts are fried and sugared, it’s time to fill them. Fit a pastry bag with a large round tip and fill it with the jam. Poke the tip into the side of each doughnut, then squeeze a couple of teaspoons of jam inside. If you overdo it, the jam will leak out, but that’s OK.

Explore, imagine, and play in an artful way.

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The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. When they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting in Bethlehem, and

have rewrites! Your whole family will love this hilarious musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.

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There is nothing like a night at the theater! The Rose is proud to introduce children to the arts and ignite a lifelong love of performing arts. Whether they are grooving with the characters of Madagascar, discovering the magic of Wonderland or having a monkey of a time with Curious George, The Rose is dedicated to opening imaginations and hearts through theater.

2017-18 MAINSTAGE SEASON: Babe the Sheep Pig • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure • Van Gogh & Me • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever • The Meaning of Maggie • Seedfolks • Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure • Curious George & the Golden Meatball • Disney’s Newsies

TICKETS: (402) 345-4849 or www.rosetheater.org