Momaha Magazine - January 2014

momaha.com

volume 5 路 issue 1

January 2014

Hot Cocoa Bar: Warm up in a frothy, chocolatey way.

Get Organized Take it month by month.

SMART MUNCHIES Snacks that pack a healthy punch.

plu s

G 51 w et Activ e a & gr ys to m ! oov ov New e in the e Year .

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momaha

FROM our MOMAHA. COM editor

where moms connect

VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 1 . January 2014 editorial director CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

assistant editor AMy LaMAR

content coordinator, designer HEIDI H O FFMAN hhoffman@owh.com 402-444-1351

momaha.com editor J O S I E LOZ A josie.loza@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator PAT R I C I A “ M U R PH y ” B E N O I T

on the cover PHOTO: KURT A. KEELER

content contributors AMy GR ACE, DANIELLE HER ZO G, AMy TOKOS, KURT A . KEELER , DANIEL J O HNSO N, JEFFR E y BEBEE

to advertise, contact KRISTINE BUHMAN kristine.buhman@owh.com 402-444-1442 MARCIA OSTRANSK y marcia.ostransky@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 2014 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.

Here’s to Healthy Routines!

J

anuary is the time when many families start to think about New Year’s resolutions – especially those relating to health.

My family recently discussed a few manageable resolutions to help us become healthier and happier. For example, we’re going to get plenty of sleep each night so we’re rested and ready to learn every day. And the kids are going to wear sunscreen before going outdoors – even when it’s snowy outside.

In this issue, we offer 51 fun, easy ways for families to get active.

Already active? Email me about your routine so other families can be inspired.

Also in this issue, you’ll find healthy after-school snacks, a month-by-month strategy for staying organized and the secret to maintaining your workout regimen.

Happy New Year!

Chat with Josie each Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com Facebook.com/josie.loza @LozaFina Pinterest.com/momahaowh

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The Grocer’s Goblin & The Li le Mermaid An original play ay by Rose staff members g and Stephanie Jacobson Brian Guehring

Two classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales come to life in a mesmerizing and dazzling production combining original puppetry and projections to explore intertwined tales of loving, longing, and growing up. Experience a unique visual delight and The Rose’s spectacular storytelling at its very best.

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On Our Radar SESAME STREET LIVE: MAKE A NEW FRIEND

SID THE SCIENCE KID LIVE!

Jan. 2-5 CenturyLink Center Omaha ticketmaster.com No matter where kids are from or where they have been, they’re invited to join Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby and their Sesame Street friends as they welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Explore the universal fun of friendship, and celebrate cultural similarities such as singing and dancing.

Hours: Curtain times vary Admission: $12 to $42.80

Jan. 30 Orpheum Theater ticketomaha.com Bring the whole family out to enjoy this live theatrical performance of the popular Emmy-nominated PBS Kids television show produced by the Jim Henson Company.

Sid, May, Gabriela and Gerald discover the excitement and curiosities in the world. Arrive an hour early for coloring, face painting, balloon artists and more.

Hours: Starts at 7 p.m.

Admission: $25

MIDLANDS INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

KIDZ EXPLORE

Jan. 23-26 CenturyLink Center omahaautoshow.com The show features the latest cars, trucks and SUVs from every major manufacturer.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $9 for ages 13 to 64; $6 for ages 65 and older or for those who have a military ID; $5 for ages 7 to 12; free for ages 6 and younger

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5

Organized Life

Month-by-Month

Strategy

12 steps to getting – and staying – organized TexT by Amy Tokos

January

February

March

April

Look AheAd

Get busy

understAnd tiMe

note it

At the beginning of each week, review your calendar. What are the stress points? Make a plan to work ahead, and minimize the opportunity for chaos.

Try to keep your days scheduled. If you have free time, select a project to tackle. This will make you more productive and less likely to procrastinate.

Do you overestimate or underestimate how long it takes to do something?

It helps to time your daily activities. This will help you gain a better perception of time.

What things do you need to remember? Having a journal or to-do list to get these tasks out of your head can give you mental relief. You will also be less likely to forget.

May

June

July

August

be Consistent

be ACCountAbLe

MiniMize stuff

niP distrACtions

Consistency is the key to being organized. Having the same process or place for an item will help you know what to do with it – and where to find it when you need it again.

Your boss, your friend, your spouse or maybe your children can all help in that regard.

Ask someone to hold you accountable for keeping an organized space.

You’ve heard this: “The less you have, the less you have to maintain.”

Let go of the things that no longer fit your taste or your space. Minimize.

Spinning your wheels due to distractions? Step away, or even close the door. Give yourself space and time to focus on one thing and you will be much more productive.

September

October

November

December

Live by A CALendAr

know your Priorities

turn it off

MAintAin order

Find one that works for you. It may be a digital or paper calendar. Keep it with you at all times. Note every appointment, deadline and invitation.

Make sure everything you say yes to is aligned with your priorities. Saying no frees you up to say yes to things that are important to you.

Yes! We said it! Turn it off. Spend time without electronics each day.

You will find yourself available to talk to your spouse, read a book or work on a project.

Daily maintenance can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Spend five minutes going through mail; 10 minutes doing dishes; or 10 minutes cleaning your desk.

Know thyself: What works for a friend might work for you – or it might not.

Embrace your individuality and find processes or products that meet your needs.

6

Homespiration

Organization worth tappin’ your toes over

Photos by Daniel Johnson & Jeffrey bebee

W

hen Omaha homeowner Lindsey Kreber bought a 1920s sheet music cabinet, she wasn’t hearing the melody. So she turned it into a shoe organizer for her kids, ages 11, 8 and 5. The cabinet holds three pairs of shoes per shelf, depending on the size of shoe – and the season. The drawer is for “junk,” while the top of the cabinet is multipurpose. Keys rest in a bowl; a picture and another memento fill the rest of the space. Kreber bought the cabinet for $30 from a neighbor. Typically selling for $150 to $200, the new owner was just happy to give it another home.

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“I use it like I’m shopping, and I’m more creative with my outfits,” she said. Hendrickson repurposed an old armoire for special wardrobe items, installing hanging racks and shelves for clothing, shoes and handbags. “It’s my favorite place in the house,” she said. “It’s not grand like other closets, but it’s grand to me.”

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7

51 Ways to Get Your Family Moving

By Josie Loza momaha.com editor

T

ake a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Meditating is pretty easy, huh? Imagine if you taught your children those three simple steps to improve their health ... Let’s go a step further. Setting a healthy example is a good start to the New Year. Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day, but it doesn’t have to occur at once. It all adds up! Sleep is just as important. It’s an essential part of living an active life. A recent study found that with each extra hour of sleep, the risk of a child being overweight or obese dropped 9 percent. Here are some ways to encourage your family to lead an active lifestyle.

1. Facilitate a safe walk to and from school a few times a week.

2. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

3. Walk around the block after a meal.

4. Make a new house rule: No sitting still during TV commercials.

5. Find time to spend together doing a fun activity such as a family park day, swim day or bike day.

6. Jump on a trampoline.

It will get your heart rate going in no time. Check out Defy Gravity or BounceU.

and problem-solving at the same time.

10.

Run, play, repeat.

Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna has shiny new playground equipment, trails and an aquarium that’s open year-round.

11. Go on a stroller tour.

The Joslyn Art Museum offers docent-guided stroller tours so moms, dads and caregivers can look at and talk about art while being mindful of young ones.

12.

Plan 10-minute spurts of activity followed by five-minute rest periods. A game of tag is a perfect example.

13.

Tour a YMCA near you. Visit with the staff and learn about programming and classes.

Go to an outdoor ice skating rink. The University of Nebraska Medical Center ice rink is open now through Jan. 11.

8. Swing by the Hummel Park

14. Take advantage of open

7.

Nature Center. It’s the perfect place for a scavenger hunt or a hike or to learn about nature.

9. Go on a treasure hunt. Keep the family fit – and teach your kids about trust, teamwork

8

swim sessions at Montclair Community Center.

Fall/winter open swim hours are Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

15. Give children toys that encourage physical activity such as balls, kites and jump ropes.

16. Encourage children to join a sports team or try a new physical activity.

17.

Limit TV time; do not allow a TV in a child’s bedroom.

18. Train for school fitness tests as a family. Set goals, and then reward each family member for meeting his or her goals.

19.

Hold a sports party. Go roller skating or play laser tag. Visit a wall-climbing gym or indoor playground center.

20.

Play follow the leader with one or more children.

21. Purchase family friendly aerobics DVDs for cold or rainy days. Choose DVDs that describe the workout as “low intensity” or “low impact.”

22. Give your child a head start and race around the house.

You can do the same with calisthenics: You do 10 crunches and your child does five.

23.

Encourage your child’s school to hold recess prior to lunch in order to increase physical activity before mealtime.

24.

Volunteer to help with after-school physical activity programs or sports teams.

25. Be sure children get the sleep they need. Most children under age 5 need to sleep for 11 hours or more per night; children ages 5 to 10 need 10 hours or more per night; and children older than 10 need at least nine hours of sleep per night.

26. Spend an hour doing yard work together. Raking leaves, pulling weeds and spreading mulch all help build strength and endurance.

27.

Wash the car together.

Scrubbing is good exercise – and everyone getting wet and soapy is just plain fun.

28.

Join the President’s Challenge as a family. Log your daily physical activity and earn points for each one.

Fitness Warriors, We Want yoU! We’re in search of Omaha’s fittest family.

Nominate yourself or someone you know with a summary of the active family’s workout plan, nutrition plan, favorite gear and fitness routine. Send photos, videos and random tidbits about the go-getters to momaha@owh.com. The top families will be featured in a coming issue of the magazine, as well as on momaha.com.

29.

Plant a garden together.

As you dig holes, plant seeds and pull weeds, you’ll build your own – and your child’s – upper body strength. Research shows that children are more likely to eat vegetables that they help grow.

30. Take a hike at least twice a month.

31. Sign up for a race. Find 5K and 10K walk/run events in your area. Many of these events also raise money for charities.

32.

Place a map of your state, the country or the world somewhere prominent in your home. Work with your children to arrive at a walking destination.

Plot your progress on the map using thumbtacks.

37. Act like a child. Remember Duck, Duck, Goose, hopscotch and Red Light Green Light?

You probably think of these as just games, but they count as exercise.

38.

Play volleyball once a week in warm weather. Set up a net, get a ball and invite neighborhood children over for a game.

Hold a night of active family games every week. Challenge another family to a friendly competition.

33. Play flag football using table

39. Place young children on the

napkins in two colors.

34.

Dance, dance, dance. Put on your favorite music and dance with your children.

35.

Race like an animal. Let everyone in the family pick an animal. Then race across the room as you imitate how that animal might move.

36. Walk around the world.

floor at least once a day, and let them crawl, move and toddle.

40. Waltz with your baby. If he/ she is crying for attention, put her in your arms and waltz around.

41. Make your child feel like a superhero, lifting and spinning him with your arms and/or legs.

Use your infant or toddler as resistance to strengthen your muscles.

42. Play active video games such as the Nintendo Wii’s Just Dance series.

43. Create an obstacle course.

Set out hula hoops, pillows and other items that can serve as rocks. Then tell your children that they are rocks in lava. They must jump from rock to rock to avoid falling in.

44

. Master the hula hoop. You and your children will bond, and you’ll be the coolest parent on the block.

45. Take your kids for a wagon ride. Place young children in a wagon and pull them around the neighborhood. You get an upper body workout; they get fresh air.

46.

Play tug-of-war. To level out the playing field, place two children on the other side of the rope.

48. Plan a pedometer challenge. Pick a week in which each member of the family wears a pedometer, and compete to see who walks the greatest number of steps.

49. Play “chase my shadow.”

The kids have to jump and run to catch your shadow.

50.

Learn martial arts together. Karate, Judo and Tai Bo provide aerobic, strength and flexibility training.

51. Organize a playgroup with parents and children in your neighborhood. As the toddlers actively play in the center of the yard, the adults can exercise around the periphery doing calisthenics, marching, walking and jogging in place.

Sources: letsmove.org and Readers Digest

47.

Older kids love to go to the mall. Tell them you’ll take them to the mall, but establish the ground rules: No junk food, and you must cruise the entire mall. It’s code for mall walking.

9

Recipes

Snacking A On the Fly Healthy options that satisfy.

TexT By amy lamar PhoTo By heidi hoffman

fter-school snacks have to be quick, yummy and filling. Kids walk through the door, drop their backpacks and race to the kitchen. There is no time for preparation, nor is there a plan B if they don’t like what they find in the fridge or pantry. And the last thing you want to hear before they’re off to their next activity is that they’re still hungry.

You want to put healthier choices in their hands, but what makes a snack healthy? Hy-Vee dietitian Shelly Asplin said the best choices contain: • At least 5 grams of fiber per serving.

• Less than 10 grams of sugar per serving.

• A balance of carbohydrates and protein.

Complex carbohydrates supply important nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Proteins provide several essential nutrients for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. Balancing carbohydrates and protein helps keep the blood sugar steady, which provides longer-lasting fullness and energy.

Most important to kids? Taste. Here are two recipes that are guaranteed to please kids and Mom alike.

peANUT BUTTeR BALLs yield: about 9 balls WhaT yoU need 1 cup dry oatmeal ²/3 cup coconut ½ cup chunky peanut butter ½ cup wheat germ ½ cup mini chocolate chips ¹/3 cup honey 2½ tablespoons sunflower seeds 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

10

WhaT yoU do 1. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly in a medium bowl.

2. Let chill in the refrigerator for a half-hour.

3. Roll into balls.

4. Serve after school or even for breakfast with milk.

5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Simple Swaps Instead of: fruit snacks

Choose: banana with peanut butter

ANYTIME GLUTEN-FREE TRAIL MIX Yield: 6 servings

potato chips

candy bar

muffin

veggies and hummus

Greek yogurt

whole grain cereal

WHAT YOU NEED 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal 1½ cups mixed dried fruit of your choice (such as cherries, cranberries or blueberries) 1 cup soy nuts or other nuts (or you may use a second type of cereal, popcorn or gluten-free pretzels) WHAT YOU DO 1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Transfer into zip-top sandwich bags, with ½ cup to 1 cup mix per bag.

3. Serve with milk or yogurt.

Recipe courtesy of Shelly Asplin, Hy-Vee dietitian

quick facts

Amount of fiber your child needs per day: Ages 1-3: 19 grams Ages 4-8: 25 grams Ages 9-19: 25 to 30 grams

Drink up …

The number of ounces of water your body needs each day is equal to half your body weight in pounds.

Look for …

Fewer than 10 grams of sugar per serving in packaged food products, and at least 5 grams of fiber per serving in cereals, breads and snacks.

Source: Shelly Asplin, Hy-Vee dietitian Photo sources: tastybrand.com; thekitchn.com; fritolay.com; snickers.com; ctW features; quakeroats.com; kashi.com; naturalnoshing.WordPress.com

11

Put the kids to work making marshmallow snowmen for an added treat.

Take a Sip!

Warm up with a frothy cup of hot cocoa.

TexT & sTyling By CHris CHrisTen PHoTos By kurT a. keeler

Snowmen Kabobs WHaT you neeD Large marshmallows Kabob skewers Hershey’s Kisses Pretzel sticks Fruit Roll-Ups Chocolate syrup WHaT you Do Spear three marshmallows onto a kabob skewer and top with a Hershey’s Kiss.

2. Spear one pretzel stick into each side of the center marshmallow for arms.

3. Cut a 4-inch section of a Fruit Roll-Up and wrap it between the top and middle marshmallows. Twist to create the scarf.

4. Use dots of chocolate syrup (applied with a toothpick) for eyes, a mouth and buttons.

5. Display in a Mason jar with mini marshmallows as a centerpiece until ready to serve.

1.

12

HOT COCOA MIX WHaT you neeD Servings: 4 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder ¾ cup sugar ½ cup unsweetened cocoa ½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup powdered nondairy creamer ¹/8 teaspoon salt WHaT you Do

1. Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk until they are evenly blended.

2. Spoon three or four generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into a cup (depending on the size). Add boiling water and stir well.

3. Store leftover mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature.

Source: Spoonful.com

D.I.Y. Project

for your MAKE-YOUR-OWN HOT COCOA BAR WHAT YOU NEED Cocoa mix (recipe, opposite page) Cinnamon sticks Mini chocolate chips Candied sprinkles Whipped cream Topping variation: Crushed peppermint candies

Use your home computer and printer to make labels for wooden or plastic spoons.

2851 Capehart Rd, Bellevue | 402-614-9211 monica@monicascakes.com | www.monicascakes.com

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Decorate your mugs with wintry embellishments. We used a glue gun to affix a felt snowflake with a button center to peppermint-striped string. The mugs were a thrift store find.

13

Momaha.com Blogger More at momaha.com

;-)

?!

Chat with Josie Loza each Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com.

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

Hot

Join momaha’s Evening Children’s Story Time.

It meets at 7 p.m. the last Friday of each month at The Bookworm.

Click through our Kids Camp Directory.

It’s full of worthwhile experiences in the metro area. Make a note to yourself to reserve your child’s spot early for next year. Camps fill up quickly.

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Workout

Clothes The real key to staying with your fitness routine.

I

t’s not about bringing a workout buddy to the gym.

The secret to hanging in there is hot workout clothes.

These are clothes that make AMy you excited to get dressed, GrACe and even more excited to show them off.

Women’s workout clothes have come a long way since the leg warmer and thong-style leotard craze of the 1980s. These days, designers make sure that we’ll want to wear our workout clothes – and flash their brand’s logo – anywhere we go.

Lululemon has garnered attention among women everywhere. And now, major big box retailers like Target have copied the figure-flattering styles.

Whether you choose the pricier version or its less expensive counterpart, you’re still getting modern elements that make women of every size and shape look great.

Carefully placed seams, ruching and unique color combos make sure that activewear stands out.

High-style designers like Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang join perennial favorites like Nike and Under Armour in the pursuit of the coolest athletic apparel around.

Lesser known brands like Title 9 and Athleta are both excellent choices for women’s athletic and casual apparel. In addition, each line features dresses, skirts,

Innovative health care for 2014

Health care that really cares

lululemon.com

Convenient locations to care for the whole family!

pants and tops that aren’t your typical workout clothes – although they are comfortable enough to work out in.

In the end, fabrics that wick, wear and wash well are important. If we are going to spend a small fortune on our workout clothes, they better last.

When it comes to shoes, the Nike Air Max tennis shoe is not only for running, but is an excellent style staple this season. I’ve even seen these kicks in brighter-than-bright shades paired with leather pants. If they are cool enough for leather pants, they are cool enough for a trip to the gym.

As always though, one shoe does not fit all.

Consider your workout and your stride. Or visit a running shoe store, where knowledgeable professionals can study your gait and the impact of your feet when they hit the ground. They can recommend shoes specific to your running or walking style.

Regardless of the type of workout, there is likely a fabulous athletic shoe out there for you.

While it’s nice to look and feel good in fancy workout apparel, it’s more important that we actually make time to exercise on a regular basis.

If new clothes help you in that endeavor, then by all means!

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FREE FITNESS CLASS OFFER EXPIRES: 3/31/2014

Amy Grace writes on Fridays at momaha.com.

15

Advice

Odd? No, He’s just being Himself Dear Sassy Housewife, My 6-year-old son is different. He doesn’t like to play superheroes, and he hates guns.

While all his other classmates play on the playground, he likes to sit on a bench and read a book. It breaks my heart to see him left out of things, but I don’t know what to do.

He doesn’t seem unhappy, but I can’t help wondering if he’s hiding it. Any advice?

Signed, Reading at Recess Dear Reading, I love the idea of having a son who likes to read and doesn’t want to play with guns.

Geez, that sounds like heaven! However, I do understand that it’s hard to see your son acting differently than the other children. As parents, we sometimes gauge our children’s interests and development by looking at others. Unfortunately, that’s a blessing and a curse at the same time.

The first step is to talk to your son. Ask him how he feels during recess at school. If the boys ask him to play, would he want to?

After talking to him, I would then schedule a short meeting with his teacher. See if she/ he notices any concerning behavior. Is he being teased? Is he unhappy? In the end, it just might be that your son doesn’t like to do those things.

If that’s the case, encourage him to find other students who share his interests. Ask the teacher if other kids read during recess.

Are there any programs in place for these

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kids? If there aren’t opportunities at school, look into after-school activities. Many libraries have kids’ book clubs. They also have clubs for kids who like Legos, for example.

The hardest thing is that you have to let your kid be his own person. That’s a tough one for me. I can’t tell you how many times I’d like my daughter to put down her Barbies and enjoy kicking a soccer ball.

But the truth is – she doesn’t. She loves to use her imagination and create all sorts of scenarios with those plastic dolls.

So I’m learning to embrace it. Now if I want her to get exercise, I invite her to play outside with the dolls and we do races and scavenger hunts with them. Trust me, though, there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t consider permanently hiding one of those dolls in our maple tree.

Let your son know that you love all the qualities about him. Then, jump in and do some things together. He’ll find friends.

Just give him the time and support to do it on his own.

Sassy Housewife Danielle Herzog is a married mother of two.

She is a former middle and high school teacher, and she served as a student counseling advisor in the Washington, D.C., area prior to moving to Omaha. She currently is pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.

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