Momaha Magazine - March 2014

momaha.com

volume 5 路 issue 3

MARCH 2014

IrIsh MIschIef Crafts, treats and fun for your little leprechauns.

plus 5 easy go-to meals.

Get Organized All-hands-on-deck cleaning routine.

Enroll today for a brighter tomorrow. ●

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Music, Spanish, Computer Technology

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Dietician approved meals and snacks provided

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

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. ©2013 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

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momaha

FROM OUR MOMAHA.COM EDITOR

where moms connect VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 3 . March 2014 editorial director CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

assistant editor

BAB ON M Y FAIR ARC $5 in H 16 ad of sh vance; $1 ow. K 0d id and y s age ay oung s 12 e Buy t r are free icket . omah s at abab

AMY LaMAR a my. l a m a r @ o w h . c o m 4 02 - 4 4 4 -1416

creative director/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 PH OTO: HEIDI H O FFMAN C A K E B Y M O N I C A’ S C A K E S

content contributors AMY GR ACE, DANIELLE HER ZO G, AMY TOKOS, KURT A . KEELER , K A R E N B L A N C , H A N N A H H Y S L O P, H E AT H E R W I N K E L

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

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yfair.c

om.

Cleaning is Liberating. Really.

I

t’s time to vacuum under the furniture and launch a few home improvement projects.

It’s also time to say goodbye to those unwanted items that have accumulated in the attic or basement. My craft closet is out of control. Sigh.

Spring cleaning is a healthy tradition in my household. I’ll label empty bins for my children to fill with the corresponding items. I’ll fill buckets with soapy water so they can wash the walls. And I’ll declare that it’s time to empty out bookshelves, cluttered closets and messy dresser drawers.

I’ll do this to teach my kids that cleaning is liberating. Yes, that ... and the fact that I won’t have to do it alone is even more rewarding.

In this issue, find spring cleaning and organization tips, go-to meals for families who could use a hand and fun St. Patrick’s Day projects.

And save the date for the Baby Love Essential’s annual Baby Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 16 at the Ramada Plaza Convention Center. There will be belly casting, pamper stations (massages and mini manicures), infant CPR classes, a birthing boot camp, free maternity and kid’s pictures, cake wars and children’s activities.

Each year, momaha.com hosts the Most Deserving Mom-To-Be contest, for which moms are nominated to win big prizes – including up to $2,000 worth of baby gear. Vote for the top three nominees on momaha.com. The grand prize winners will be announced at the Baby Fair.

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

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Olivia, age 5 Dakota Dunes, SD Inflammatory Bowel Disease Celiac Disease

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 Saturdays and Sundays through March 16

Twin Creek Cinema, Bellevue; Village Pointe Cinema, Omaha marcustheatres.com Watch your favorite family flicks, including “Smurfs 2” and “Free Birds,” for $2. Concessions at special prices, too.

Hours: 10 a.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. Sundays Admission: $2

FREE KID’S WORKSHOPS First Saturday of the month through December 2014

Home Depot stores homedepot.com Designed for children ages 5 to 12, these workshops teach do-it-yourself skills and tool safety and encourage a sense of pride and accomplishment. Kids keep their projects, and receive a free apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Admission: Free

60 DAYS OF SCIENCE March 1-April 30

Strategic Air and Space Museum sasmuseum.com Conduct experiments, make observations and try physical tests.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Included with regular admission of $12 for adults, $6 for kids. Free for members.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF OMAHA’S AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW March 7-9

Happy Hollow Country Club jlomaha.org The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun event for girls and their families, friends and favorite dolls. The colorful presentation is of historical and contemporary fashions, with models walking the runway in American Girl clothing carrying a matching doll. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

Hours: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (varies by day) Admission: $35

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COME TRY US OUT FOR FREE at our Bellevue or LaVista locations!

Next Session Starts April 5th

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The Core 4 is simple to incorporate into your life. It starts with high quality, properly synthesized products that contain vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, glutamine and protein. Stop in TODAY to learn more!

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GET ORGANIZED

A

Spic-and-Span

Plan

Step 1: Put the kids to work.

TEXT BY AMY TOKOS

I

t takes a lot to maintain a home. Whether it’s laundry, dishes or daily chores, having a plan of attack can be the key to your success.

Kids do not always do a good job when they start chores, and an adult can usually complete the job in half the time. But practice makes perfect.

Giving kids these responsibilities not only teaches them life skills, but also gives them your vote of confidence.

LAUNDRY QUANDARY

Laundry is never-ending. Here’s how to keep that pile from getting too big.

• SORT IT. Place a laundry sorter near where the kids change their clothes. This will help you keep an eye on what needs to be washed.

• TIME IT. Find out how long it takes to fold a load of laundry. When you realize how little time it takes (about five minutes), you will be less likely to let it sit.

• SCHEDULE IT. Do laundry when it works best for you: Daily, weekly, semiweekly.

• TEACH THEM. Show your kids how to start the washing machine, switch the laundry to the dryer, fold it and put it away. By high school-age they can be doing their own laundry.

• SHARE THE WORK. Enlist help if you fall behind on folding. Getting it done is better than making it perfect.

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ORGANIZE YOUR TROOPS

We can only wish that our homes could always be clean. Thankfully, many hands make light amounts of work.

• AFTER-DINNER CLEANUP. This is a great time to have an all-hands-on-deck approach to cleaning the main area of your house.

• DAILY CHORES. Give each kid about 10 or 15 minutes’ worth of chores each day. They can include making his or her bed, putting laundry away, pet care and wiping down a bathroom.

They can also include a quick (10-minute) pick-up of the house, sweeping, dishes and wiping down the kitchen counters so you have a fresh start in the morning. Daily chores work well for both toddlers and big kids.

• WEEKLY TEAM CLEANING. This is a team effort with you as the director. Attack the house as a team. Start in the basement and divide up the chores in each room. Move through the house quickly. As you complete all of the shared areas of the home, you can send your kids off to their bedrooms for cleaning. While they clean their rooms, you can fix them lunch or a healthy snack to reward them for all of their hard work.

• ROTATION SYSTEM. Make a master list of chores you would like completed each week. Rotate your kids through the list. To help them do a complete job, create a laminated checklist of what steps need to be completed for each chore or area.

Professional organizer Amy Tokos is the owner of Freshly Organized in Omaha and a co-author of “Outrageously Organized!”

Leo Lionni’s

Frederick Adapted for the stage by y Suzanne Miller Songs by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs

Frederick is not like the other field mice in his family. While they spend their summer preparing for the harsh winter ahead, Frederick seems to dream away his days. Will he be able to help his family survive the snowy season? In this gentle musical based on Leo Lionni’s award-winning book, a family discovers the unique value of each of its members.

Mar. 28 - Apr. 13, 2014 Season Sponsors

TICKETS

Show Sponsors

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

Discount vouchers available at Hy-Vee

Paint, drink & be merry with Vino van Gogh Join us for a creative twist on a fun night out!

Vino artists make it easy and fun to create your own work of art.

Stop in and follow their simple, step-by-step process while you enjoy drinks and appetizers. It's a great way to get out and support your local community.

Vino hosts events across Omaha and surrounding areas.

Events will be $28 when you register at www.VinoGogh.com using promo code "Momaha".

Email us at Vincent@VinoGogh.com with the word Momaha to get additional promotions; the first 250 will receive a gift with purchase when they attend a March event.

Expires 3/31/14 (R) 2014 Vino van Gogh LLC

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Cleaning the Big Stuff When NOT to D.I.Y. TEXT BY AMY LaMAR

T

he kitchen sink. The toilet. The shower. You don’t need to be reminded to keep these parts of your home clean. All you have to do is look at them after a few days – or a few minutes if you have little kids – and you know that it’s time to grab the rubber gloves, your favorite cleaner and a sponge.

Other parts of your home can be less obvious. You may not remember the last time when you had your carpets or tile cleaned, much less your windows or upholstery.

The pros come to the rescue with tips for busy moms.

TILE AND GROUT

HOW OFTEN: Every two to four years, depending on the traffic pattern. You may need to clean it more often if something is spilled on the grout since spills can soak into the material.

COST: Local companies typically charge based on square footage. Average: About 80 cents per square foot.

WHY THIS IS NOT A D.I.Y. PROJECT: Without the right equipment, “It takes hours upon hours – even days – to get it clean, and customers are usually on their hands and knees,” said Terry Hopkins of Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning.

RECOMMENDATION: “When you have it cleaned, have it resealed,” Hopkins and Bret Burianek of Steamatic of Omaha recommended.

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WINDOWS

HOW OFTEN: It depends on the window type. Older, double-hung windows that include a storm window can be cleaned once per year, while newer windows can be cleaned as often as every three months.

“If your budget allows, they will be dirty (quarterly),” said Joe Porter of Diamond Window Cleaning.

COST: Local companies charge between $2 and $20 per window, depending on the window type.

WHY THIS IS NOT A D.I.Y. PROJECT: “You can do something wrong on a ladder 99 times, but the 100th time you will fall. And when you fall it’s usually a big deal,” said Porter. Besides, many windows in newer homes are higher than most ladders can reach.

CARPET

UPHOLSTERY

HOW OFTEN: Once a year is standard, but it could be every six months depending on how many people and pets live in your home. “Clean the carpet before it looks dirty so there isn’t a wear effect,” suggested Burianek.

HOW OFTEN: Every two to three years, depending on the type of furniture and how often it’s used. Family room couch cushions and arms that are jumped on, leaned on and/ or slept on daily may need to be cleaned every nine months.

COST: Some local companies charge based on square footage, while others offer room-to-room pricing.

Average: $35 per room.

COST: Local companies typically charge based on the type of furniture, fabric, etc.

WHY THIS IS NOT A D.I.Y. PROJECT: Store-bought products can set a stain, making it more difficult for a professional to get out.

This is especially the case with pet urine. “Nine times out of 10 people make the stain worse,” said Brook Bower of Advanced Carpet Restoration.

WHY THIS IS NOT A D.I.Y. PROJECT: People usually over-wet the fabric. When the interior of a cushion gets wet, it can cause mold, mildew and bacteria, Hopkins said. The colors of your furniture can also bleed, Bower said, and turn yellow or brown.

SURPRISING?: Microfiber is the most popular type of fabric these days, and it can be professionally cleaned.

Spring Cleaning

What you can’t see could hurt you

2014 PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS Looking for FUN, ENGAGING Summer Camps for your child?

Join us for our preschool summer camps! Camps are for children ages 3 to 6 and held Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to noon. $95.00 per week. Can’t commit for the whole week?

Sign up for just one day for only $30.00!

Shower away the mold. Rub a sponge saturated with vinegar on your shower curtain to remove soap buildup and kill mold and mildew. You can also throw it in the washing machine with a few towels and then hang it back up to dry.

CAMPS ARE FILLING FAST! CALL

402.255.0000 TO REGISTER TODAY! 19102 Q Street Omaha, NE 68135 www.imagineandexplorepreschool.com smiles@imagineandexplorepreschool.com

Zap the Sponge. Disinfect your sponge every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for one minute. mighty miteS. Seal mattresses with plastic covers, and wash bedding in hot water and dry it thoroughly. You should also flip your mattress in the winter and summer (head end to foot end), and rotate it in the spring and fall. A box spring requires a once-a-year rotation.

Clean and Carry on. Turn your recyclable grocery bags inside out and wash them in the washing machine with hot water. Store them in a clean, dry location rather than the trunk of your car. Use separate bags for meat and ready-to-eat foods. wipe down your workplaCe. Use disposable cleaning wipes as often as you punch the clock on your computer mouse and keyboard, the top of your desk, your office door frame and your phone. Wash your hands after using the office copy machine, fridge and conference room table. The office candy dish? Forget about it.

Sources: Clean & Green: The Complete Guide to Nontoxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the McRoskey Mattress Company and the Home Food Safety program; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Open House Thursday, March 6th - 3pm to 8:00pm Friday, March 7th - 10am to 5:00pm Saturday, March 8th - 10am to 4:00pm

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FURNITURE - HOME DECOR ITEMS EMS - PRIMITIVES Regular Hours Tuesday-Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-4 www.weatheredworn.com

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Read ‘em & Sweep

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FOR EACH ROOM:

□ Open windows □ Dust furniture □ For each drawer/closet/desk/pantry □ Remove all items □ Wash drawers and doors □ Donate items you no longer need □ Place items back neatly □ Dust light fixtures □ Wash walls & trim □ Wash mirrors & dust artwork □ Wash doors & doorknobs □ Wash vent covers □ Sweep and wash floors and/or vacuum CLEANING IN DETAIL:

□ Wipe down dishwasher □ Organize pantry □ Organize closets □ Launder table linens, throw pillows, blankets □ Separate electric wires □ Sort through music & DVD collections □ Sort through books □ Clean oven (see tip on next page) □ Clean fridge (see tip on next page) □ Clean purses & totes (see tip on p. 9) □ Clean work space (see tip on p. 9)

Clean in an organized manner from top to bottom.

Tackle things you’ve been dreading to clean.

3

Less is more. A few products can generally clean any room (and keep your cleaning cabinet organized).

Color-code your wash rags so you know what is used for what or for which room.

5

Clean without harsh chemicals, and clean with the windows open if possible.

GRAND OPENING I READ BOOKS BOOKS AND EDUCATIONAL TOYS

s Teacher Receive 10% Off!

STORY TIME

We have Story Time four ti times a weekk ffor kkids id off allll ages. Miss Mary Mack rreads to Toddlers and Preschoolers (ages 4 and under) on Tuesdays @ 11am & Saturdays @ 3pm. Miss Adventure reads and does a craft with EElementary School Age (ages 4 and up) on Thursdays @ 5pm & Saturdays @ 1pm.

Ele El Oakview Mall at 144th and W. Center Rd. 3001 S 144th St, Omaha, NE O 402-905-0148, iread.books2013@yahoo.com

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2 4

60

seconds o r l es s

D

o you put off cleaning your oven or refrigerator because it takes too much time? Then there’s the microwave. It’s not necessarily time-consuming – it’s just gross. Bakedon cheese. Need I say more? Here are some easy cleaning tips that make these projects a lot more appealing and fast – try 60 seconds fast.

fforr aalll yyo your urr D DYI YI ccake aakke pprojects. rooj oje jec e ts ts.

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The oven Pick a day when you’re not using your oven, and give it a quick spray of oven cleaner. Let it set overnight.

Then give the oven a quick wipe-down. What was baked on will come off easily.

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

The microwave Fill a cup with water and put it in your microwave on high for a few minutes. The steam from the cup will loosen stuck-on food, which you can just wipe away.

The fridge First, toss out any bad food. Then wipe down the top shelves and work your way down with a mixture of baking soda and water. After you wipe out the drawers, line them with paper towels for easier cleaning next time.

Source: howtocleananything.com

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Irish Mischief Catch him green-handed.

TEXT BY AMY LaMAR STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI HOFFMAN & HEATHER WINKEL

I

nvite a leprechaun into your home for some St. Patrick’s Day fun! But don’t expect him to show up without an incentive.

The colors green and gold, rainbows, cereal full of “charm.”

You get the idea.

Don’t make it too easy on him, though. Place your trail of goodies so they lead to a trap (See pages 14 and 15 for how to make your very own!), and maybe you’ll catch him – greenhanded of course.

And if you don’t? Look for your own stash of goodies on St. Patrick’s Day morning from the leprechaun. Don’t forget to check your shoes since leprechauns are known to be cobblers.

Who else could make elf-sized shoes?

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No pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, just seven layers of yummy cake instead. This colorful creation (on the cover) from Monica’s Cakes is perfect for a whole family of leprechauns!

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St. Patrick’S Day

Will the

Leprechaun take the bait?

Luck may be on your side.

TExT & CrAfT BY AmY LamAr PHOTOgrAPHY BY HEiDi HOffmAN

k

ids, don’t be alarmed if the pantry is raided, the kitchen chairs are upside down on the table and there is rice in your cereal box on St. Patrick’s Day morning. A leprechaun was just at play while you were sleeping.

These little green fellows are tricky, and they like to play pranks on kids. But they have gold – gold-wrapped chocolate if you’re lucky. And they leave this gold, and maybe even some other goodies, for those they have tricked.

Would you rather be the tricky one? Make a leprechaun trap!

If you catch a leprechaun on St. Paddy’s Day, he may lead you to a pot of gold.

Good luck!

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WHAT YOU NEED Shoebox with attached lid Shiny green felt Shiny green wrapping paper Green duct tape Paper towel roll Square cube to create height inside the box (We used a Styrofoam cube from a craft store) Eye-catching decorative item to place on top of the cube (We used a painted rock from a dollar store) Shiny green or gold tinsel Shamrock cut-outs Shiny coins Scissors Tacky Glue Scotch tape WHAT YOU DO 1. Using Tacky Glue, cover the inside of the shoebox with green felt.

2. Using Scotch tape, wrap the outside of the shoebox with wrapping paper.

3. Use duct tape to seal the edges.

(If you mess up, just tape over it!)

4. Wrap the paper towel roll with duct tape. Put it inside the box so it holds the lid open.

5. Place the square cube in the center of the inside of the box.

Place the decorative item (the bait) on top of the cube.

6. Fill the inside of the box with tinsel, covering up the cube so the decorative item is prominently displayed.

7. Decorate the outside of the box with shamrocks, coins, etc.

8. Put the box in a spot where the leprechaun will find it on St. Patrick’s Day. 9. Wait for the leprechaun to take the bait. When he does, the box will close on him!

10. Lift the lid and peek inside.

What did you find?

FUN FOR

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MOMAHA.COM BLOGGER

USE IT OR LOSE IT Take stock of the clothing and toys worth keeping around.

TEXT BY AMY GRACE

W

ouldn’t you love to think that spring is just around the corner? Well, spring cleaning doesn’t have to wait. As the mother of our third and last baby, I am excitedly parting with many of the clothes he’s outgrowing. Yet, there are plenty of older boy’s clothes that he has yet to grow into, and those need to be handily stored so I can cycle through them every six months. There is also an overabundance of toys. So what to do with all this stuff?

CLOTHING: THE NEVER-ENDING PILE

With three boys, you manage to accumulate just about every toy known to man. I feel like we have at least two of everything. So we will be donating many of the toys that our older two sons have outgrown. We are making exceptions for toys that have sentimental value.

MY STRATEGY 1. Weed out the worn clothes.

MY STRATEGY 1. Purchase bright fabric bins for toys that are played

2. Sort remaining items by size into plastic bins, and mark each bin with a sticky label. I try to stick with a six-month stretch in each bin.

3. Inside the bins, use individual gallon-sized Ziploc bags for socks, hats, mittens and other accessories. Pack by type of clothing to make these items convenient to put away in drawers when you unpack them.

4. Keep shoes in the same bin. It’s hard to know if each kid will wear the same-sized shoe at the same age. And who can keep track of that anyway?

5. Store the bins on metal racks in the order of use. We keep our racks in the basement.

6. Place a garment rack in a large closet for coats that the kids have outgrown. Hang coats in order of size – again, so they are handy when you need them.

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TOYS: A DIFFERENT STORY

My first son usually has all new clothing. My second son has mostly hand-me-downs, with a few new things thrown in. Then all of these items are passed on to my nephew before coming back to me. Many have seen better days or are out of style.

with daily.

2. Store toys that are played with often – but not daily – in small plastic bins with snap-shut lids under the kids’ beds.

This way, the contents aren’t cluttering the walking space in their rooms.

3. Purchase a large plastic sweater-sized bin for special projects, papers, awards and art from school. You can’t keep everything, but there are some things you’ll want to look at again.

4. If you aren’t ready to get rid of your children’s things or you are expecting more children down the road, put items in storage. But purge before packing these items away.

Ratty T-shirts, socks and pajamas should not take up precious space.

Amy Grace writes on Fridays at momaha.com.

Download this sign template on momaha.com. Print it and tape it to your designated “donate” bin!

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LOSE

BOOKS. Lose books that don’t have sentimental value or you won’t read this year. Remember the book you said you’d read last year and didn’t? If you’re going to commit to it this year, make the time. We suggest putting it on the calendar as a reminder. Otherwise, goodbye.

CDs. A little extra space goes a long way. Put these bad boys on your computer, make backups and then toss ‘em.

STATEMENTS. You’ve heard it before: go paperless. Paid bills and bank statements are unnecessary space hogs.

Plus, you won’t have to look at the pile of papers in the corner of your home work space that you’ve been meaning to organize.

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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.

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.

DONATE

FOOD. Wasting food is wasting money. Food that you won’t use in the next three months should be donated to a local food bank. Donating it is much better than throwing it away.

CLOTHING. Whether it’s worn out, out of style or doesn’t fit, it’s time to part with it.

ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE. This is where you could make a little extra cash to replace a few of the old clothes you just donated.

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PICK 5 RECIPES

A winning meal ticket Easy, go-to meals when someone needs a favor.

BY KAREN BLANC WITH AMY LaMAR

P

ulling a meal together for your own hungry family can be a challenge. Throw another family in the mix and it can be downright stressful. But it is such a worthwhile gesture for the new neighbor down the street or the friends who just had a baby. There is nothing better than a homemade meal made by someone other than yourself.

We get you started with five dishes comprised of ingredients that you’re likely to have onhand or can easily stock in your pantry or refrigerator. Hang this list – or your own – inside a cupboard door so you can

quickly choose a dish and start cooking.

Your Pick 5 list can also serve as a weekday family meal plan.

And if your family is fed and happy, who is to say that you can’t repeat the dishes four times a month?

CRITERIA FOR DISHES ON YOUR OWN PICK 5 LIST: 1. Easy. This is not the time or place for a fancy recipe from a gourmet magazine or a creative Pinterest idea.

2. Made from food that most families love and never tire of eating. Well, maybe something that 60 percent of your family

MOTHER RABBIT’S RICE PASTA PILAF This recipe will surprise you with its rich flavors since it’s made from simple, inexpensive ingredients.

WHAT YOU NEED 1 pound ground beef 4 tablespoons butter 1 cup uncooked rice 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken into 1- to 2-inch pieces 1 onion, chopped 3 beef bouillon cubes 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon pepper 4 cups water PHOTO: KURT A. KEELER

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doesn’t whine about. You can’t please everyone all the time.

3. Made from basic ingredients.

Choose recipes or meals made from ingredients that you will likely keep in your pantry or refrigerator.

4. Fast prep time. If you are already overwhelmed enough to read the Pick 5 list, then you can safely assume that there is a shortage of time or energy.

5. Super-simple wild card. Your list should include at least one meal that even your thirdgrader could prepare, such as scrambled eggs and toast. Add steamed broccoli and you have a colorful meal.

1 WHAT YOU DO 1. Brown ground beef in a large pot.

2. Add butter.

3. Add uncooked rice and uncooked spaghetti.

4. Add onion, bouillon cubes, salt and pepper.

5. Add water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice and spaghetti are fully cooked.

6. Add a tad more water if the rice needs additional moisture.

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RECIPES

2

TOMATO SOUP This soup is easy and amazingly more delicious than what comes in a can. Serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches garnished with dill pickles.

WHAT YOU NEED 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons flour 2 cups tomato juice 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper

WHAT YOU DO

1. Melt butter in a soup pot. Then add flour and stir. Remove from heat.

2. Add tomato juice, followed by the baking soda and onion.

3. Return to heat and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Add milk, salt and pepper.

5. Heat and serve.

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PRIZE-WINNING MEATLOAF This recipe makes three loaves, so you can bake one, freeze one and give one away. Put foil-wrapped potatoes in the oven with the meatloaf and you have a meal.

WHAT YOU DO

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WHAT YOU NEED 3 pounds ground beef 2 cups tomato juice 1½ cups uncooked quick oats 2 eggs 1 medium onion, chopped 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons pepper

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2. Combine all ingredients and mix well.

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5. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

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EGG PUFF CASSEROLE Serve this casserole with fresh fruit or a healthy green veggie.

WHAT YOU NEED 10 to 12 eggs ½ cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 16 ounces small-curd cottage cheese ½ pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ½ cup butter, melted Orange slices for garnish (optional) WHAT YOU DO

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Beat eggs until they are lemon-colored.

3. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

4. Bake in a buttered 9x13-inch pan for 35 minutes.

5. Garnish with orange slices, if desired.

RECIPES

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5 Yummy SLOPPY JOES This recipe is a slightly sweet take on this traditional sandwich. Pair it with a salad and cheesy potatoes or potato chips for a quick meal.

It freezes well, so you may want to double it.

WHAT YOU NEED 1 pound ground beef 1 small chopped onion 1 ½ cups ketchup 4 tablespoons brown sugar ¼ cup apple cider vinegar Salt and pepper to taste 4 to 6 hamburger buns WHAT YOU DO 1. Brown ground beef with the onion in a saucepan.

2. Mix in rest of ingredients.

3. Heat to boiling, then let it simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Put a generous spoonful on each bun and serve.

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ADVICE

Winning the Food Battle

Don’t surrender to picky eaters; outsmart them one meal at a time.

Dear Sassy Housewife, My two children are driving me crazy at dinnertime. One child doesn’t like this vegetable, and the other child doesn’t like that one. They never seem to want to eat, and they throw fits about what I serve. I’m at the point where I don’t even want to cook anymore. How do you make kids eat without complaints?

Signed, Dreading Dinner Dear Dreading, I would be a happy woman if I never had to cook again. While some women fantasize about George Clooney sweeping them off their feet, I dream about Bobby Flay coming to my house every night to cook dinner.

Cooking for our kids is part of the job that stinks sometimes. But there are ways to make it less painful.

I’m a firm believer in making one meal

24

– and one meal only – for dinner. We have a policy at my house that our kids have to take “no thank you” bites. I don’t think the answer is making kids finish all of their food. But I do think it’s important for them to try everything.

Here’s the thing: If they tell you they don’t like it – even after they try it – then they will stick to that because they don’t want you to win the battle. But they probably won’t put up a big argument the next time you serve the dish.

I’m a huge fan of mixed vegetables in stir-fry dishes. The kids can pick out the vegetables they like and avoid the ones they don’t like. And if they really don’t like a vegetable, don’t cook it for a while.

Take a break from the arguments and try something else.

Get your kids involved in the cooking.

Let them chop ingredients, move them into bowls, stir them up and even taste them during the process. My 2-year-old son finally ate green beans because he

helped me clean, cut and season them.

Lastly, don’t fight the battle.

If they say they aren’t hungry and won’t eat, just leave their plates on the table. There are no snacks or treats until they eat more of their dinner. This has worked like a charm in my house.

They will eat when they realize that there aren’t any options. And if they don’t, when their stomachs rumble in the morning I’m guessing that they’ll have a change of heart that night.

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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