December/January 2013 Her Living

courtney stein

Omaha Community Playhouse Rising Star

5-minuteWorkout Strengthen Your Core

herPets

Erin Van Zee and Scarlett

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Her Living • April/May 2012

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Editor’s Letter Bailey Hemphill • Editor

Dear Readers,

I

’m not going to lie—I feel a little like Scrooge this year. It might be because I’ve been hearing Christmas music and seeing holiday decorations since October (At least wait until after Thanksgiving, right?); or because my waistline is slowly expanding, and I’ve realized I have absolutely no self-control during the holiday season when it comes to food. If, like me, you’re feeling somewhat burned out on the holidays, try doing something that will get you back to the true values of the season. My personal remedies are donating items to a charity in need or scheduling a family game night with all of my relatives. And if that doesn’t work, it’s back to the pumpkin pie! Hey, at least New Year’s is right around the corner, and I can just make a resolution to lose weight…again.

Speaking of Scrooge, it’s once again time for A Christmas Carol at the Omaha Community Playhouse, which runs through December 23. In honor of the community theatre tradition, we feature actress and choreographer Courtney Stein in this issue’s cover story (pg. 12). As a passionate performer, Stein is steadily building a reputation with the Playhouse, having not only been nominated for an Omaha Theatre Arts Guild award within the past year for her role in Hairspray, but also having helped choreograph this year’s Christmas Carol. Stein will play Millie in this year’s show. You can purchase tickets at www.omahaplayhouse.com, but hurry because this show sells out fast!

We’ve also added a new feature all about Omaha women and their beloved pets! As a pet person, I know what it’s like to love pets more than I love most people. If you’ve ever seen my Instagram, you could easily tell that my life revolves around my 4-year-old Chihuahua, Miguel. This is the exact kind of love (and obsession) we wanted to capture in our new feature. In our inaugural story, we feature Erin Van Zee and her 3½-year-old Pit Bull/Boxer named Scarlett. Don’t let the breed fool you—Scarlett may be extremely active, but Van Zee says she loves to cuddle. Check out their story on pg. 16!

With peace, love, and multiple margaritas,

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Bailey Hemphill Editor, HerLiving Magazine

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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volume 11 . issue 6 this issue December/January 2013 December/January 2013 • Volume 11 . Issue 5 Publisher Todd Lemke Omaha publications Editor Linda Persigehl HER LIVING editor Bailey Hemphill Assistant Editor Chris Wolfgang Art director John Gawley Senior Graphic Designer Katie Anderson junior Graphic Designer Paul Lukes Director of photography Bill Sitzmann Contributors Lüc Carl • Cindy Cook • Darcie Dingman Lyndsey Hrabik Jessica Linhart • Susan Meyers Vice president Greg Bruns Account Executives Gwen Lemke • Gil Cohen • Vicki Voet Sandy Besch • Paige Edwards sales associate Alicia Smith-Hollins • Jessica Linhart Catharine Kruse Technical advisor Tyler Lemke Warehouse Distribution Manager Mike Brewer For a one-year subscription (six issues), send $9.95 to P.O. Box 461208, Papillion, NE 68046-1208. www.heromaha.com Comments? Story ideas?

Send yourletter to the editor: letters@omahapublications.com Her Living magazine is a community magazine. A special community of women. Please enjoy and share your issue of Her Living. Our advertisers make Her Living possible. We ask that you support them as often as you can.

Do you know a woman who is a role model in our community?

A mentor, activist, leader, artist, business owner, model, adventurer, survivor, teacher, or volunteer? Share her story with us, and we may publish it in Her Living. Her Living is your magazine; for the women of the metropolitan of Omaha.

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD Her Living magazine is published bi-monthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha, NE 68046. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, LTD, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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Features 12 Cover Feature: Courtney Stein, Omaha Community Playhouse Rising Star 16 Pets: Erin Van Zee and Scarlett 18 Fashion: Holiday Party Outfits 21 Business Profile: In Bloom

DEPARTMENTS 6 Art: Tana Quincy, Overcoming Obstacles 8 Girls’ Getaway: Cantina Laredo, Authentic Mexican Food 11 Stylish Stylist: Mikala Vandenbroucke, Mod Studio Salon 24 Beauty Extra: Eyebrow Threading 25 Health: Bipolar Disease, A Diagnosis Beyond Depression 28 Food: Holiday Shrimp Dip and French 75 Cocktail 29 Home: Keeping Your Home Safe Columns 10 Auto Tips: Fighting Sun Glare 22 Fitness: 5-Minute Workout, Heel Beats 23 Husband Material: Put A Bow On His Package

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Find this issue, and past issues online at Find us on www.Womego.com; an integrated online community that gives women access to a great wealth of content from the journalists, bloggers and community leaders you already know and trust.

we the women

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Art Story by Chris Wolfgang • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

Tana Quincy

Overcoming Obstacles

T

he phrase “I really don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t paint,” is a bit modest coming from Tana Quincy. Faced with the prospect of truly not being able to paint thanks to chronic muscle pain, this Omaha artist found out what she could do. As a result, she’s putting the finishing touches on her next body of work, Tents, which will show at Maud Boutique on 33rd and California through December.

It will be the first show since 2010 for the adjunct art instructor, who teaches figurative painting and drawing at Metro Community College, UNO, the Joslyn Art Museum, and Kent Bellows Studio. While her previous show, SODZO, at the Bemis Underground focused clearly on the human body with her small paintings of plaster anatomy casts, Quincy makes a subtler but intensely personal nod to the frailty of humanity with Tents.

The tiny cardboard tents, the oil paintings, and photographs of the miniatures—all encourage viewers to consider their own temporal, almost nomadic, existence. “We’re here in this temporal place, in these temporary structures. What’s your attitude; what’s your focus?” Quincy asks.

Her own focus is that she must make art. Somehow. Always.

While pursuing her MFA at the New York Academy of Art in 2008, she hit a roadblock.

“I was sick,” Quincy recalls. “I didn’t know what was wrong. I’d get really tired.” She continued to work as a professional muralist after graduation but eventually injured both of

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Her Living • December/January 2013

After injuring both of her arms, Quincy learned to hold her paintbrush in her mouth to paint.

her arms. “Holding a brush was painful.”

She supported herself with babysitting and nurtured a need to do something with art.

“I couldn’t paint. And that’s a pretty big obstacle for a painter,” she says. “I ended up making these little sculptures because I could tear paper and tape.”

She would spend perhaps 20 minutes a day creating tents from teaboxes she saved and has since created photographs and paintings of the tiny domiciles.

Wait. Paintings? So the pain is gone?

“I didn’t tell you a detail of my painting process,” Quincy admits. “After a few years of not being able to paint, I just really, really wanted to paint. So I learned to [hold] my paintbrush in my mouth. All these are paintings with my mouth.” www.OmahaPublications.com

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Quincy’s next body of work, Tents, will show at Maud Boutique through December.

During the first stages of making Tents, Quincy would listen to NPR. “There were all these stories of these people who had overcome insurmountable obstacles,” she remembers. “[I heard] story after story of people overcoming these physical or mental handicaps. And then just being a painter, I’m thinking how can I paint? If I can’t use my arms, what can I do?”

Trial and error have brought the artist to her current solution: Nailing a hole in a clean cork, Quincy puts her brush into the cork and clenches it between her teeth. “My teeth were getting sore because of biting on the wood,” she says. “The cork absorbs the movement of the brush, too. It’s my home remedy. It’s very genius,” she adds with a laugh.

Typically, Quincy keeps her unusual painting method quiet. “I don’t want it to be about that. I don’t want it to be a circus.” But after coaxing from people who know her and her work, she’s decided to talk about it in her artist statement and show the entire collection of Tents from start to finish. “The process is very important, too. I feel like I’m ready to share it, and I feel a responsibility to share it.”

Lynn Mills, the owner of Maud Boutique where Tents is showing, said she’s been very excited to host Quincy’s work. “I found it amazing how she worked through her emotional process through her art.

It resonated with me as a woman,” Mills says. The boutique opened last August with a mission to educate people about the talent of the community with a shop in the front for local clothing designers and a gallery in the back for local artists. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Come to church this Sunday and bring the kids. cccomaha.org

Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Girls' Getaway Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photos by Bill Sitzmann and provided by Cantina Laredo Tammy English, Ashley Hinze, and Karla Ames dig into Cilantro Chicken Salad and Enchiladas Veracruz.

Cantina Laredo L

Authentic Mexican Food

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Her Living • December/January 2013

ooking for a warm atmosphere during the cold winter months to get away with your girlfriends for some drinks and mouthwatering food? Look no further than Cantina Laredo in Midtown Crossing!

This Mexican restaurant boasts a relaxed dining area with a cozy fireplace, upscale bar scene, outdoor patio, private dining room (no room fees!), and seven flat-screen TVs. As for the fare, Cantina Laredo creates beautiful plates of Mexican gourmet made with traditional techniques. Anyone familiar with traditional Mexican cuisine will be taken back to a past vacation along the Mexican coast or countryside. The authentic experience is also made complete with a wide variety of imported tequilas and Mexican beers. www.OmahaPublications.com

Left: Her’Rita. Top right: Enchiladas Veracruz. Middle: Michelle Stephenson and Michelle Schrage enjoy drinks at the bar. Bottom: Mexican Brownie.

Try the chips and top-shelf Guacamole appetizer (made fresh tableside) with a Casa ‘Rita (house margarita), which is a premier blend of Giro Silver Tequila by Sauza, Cointreau, and fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juices. Or indulge in the most popular entrée, the Enchiladas Veracruz—chicken enchiladas filled with spinach and Monterey jack cheese topped with tomatillo sauce, marinated vegetables, and queso fresco. And, of course, you can’t forget about the rich Mexican Brownie sizzled in Mexican Brandy Butter with your choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for dessert!

If you’re just meeting up for drinks, however, and feel like mixing it up, ask for the Her ‘Rita, which was carefully created to celebrate women making a difference in Omaha! The authentic Mexican cocktail combines a premier blend of Giro Silver Tequila by Sauza, Triple Sec and fresh-squeezed pomegranate, lemon and lime juices to create a delicious anomaly of flavors to please any woman’s palate.

Every Thursday from 4pm to close, Cantina Laredo hosts a Ladies’ Night with half-off house margaritas and wine by the glass for every woman who walks in the door. And Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with large house margaritas for just $5!

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Cantina Laredo 120 S 31st Ave, Ste 5107 402-345-6000 www.cantinalaredo.com M-Th/11am-10pm; F-Sat/11am11pm; Sun/11am-9pm Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Auto Tips Story by Darcie Dingman, Dingman’s Collision Center

we make entertaining easy

I

Fighting Sun Glare

t’s That time of year when everyone gets geared up and prepared for the hazards of winter driving, but there’s a forgotten and often dangerous hazard here right now that many are ill prepared for. With the days getting shorter, we face an additional hazard of sun glare to our already not so pleasant commute. Sun glare can cause us to have trouble seeing other vehicles, and even more dangerous, cause us to be unable to see traffic signals.

There are a few things we can do to be better prepared against sun glare.

• Have a pair of sunglasses specifically dedicated for driving. Keep this pair in the car at all times. This way you won’t have to worry about not having them because you left them at home or work. Polarized sunglasses work best.

• Having papers on your dash can create a reflection on your windshield, obstructing your view. Keep your dash free and clear.

• Keep your windshield clean. Dust and any debris on the windshield have the effect of making sun glare more pronounced. Clean your windshield periodically to keep a dangerous hazard from getting worst.

• If possible, avoid driving during the times when the sun is rising or setting.

• Finally, like all hazardous conditions, you should slow down and avoid distracted driving.

By doing these simple steps to be more prepared, we can have a safer driving season.

If you have any questions about your vehicle or need advice, please visit our website at www.dingmans.com.

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Stylish Stylist Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photo by Bill Sitzmann

Mikala Vandenbroucke Mod Studio Salon

M

ikala Vandenbroucke, 28, grew up the oldest of three children in Gretna, Neb. Although she originally attended Northwest Missouri State for three years with a desire to become a nurse, she transferred to Cosmetology at Xenon International Academy in Omaha after being encouraged to make the switch by her parents and a friend who was a hairdresser.

“My parents knew since I was a child that [being a stylist] was what I was going to do,” she says. “I used to cut and color all of my Barbie dolls’ hair and was constantly playing dress-up in all kinds of outfits and playing with makeup.”

Vandenbroucke has been a licensed stylist for a little over five years and with Mod Studio Salon for about a year and a half. Her specialties are cuts, colors, and makeup, and she has a very diverse clientele ranging from women wanting short pixie cuts to long, layering shapes. “The majority of my clients are women, whom I find to be dynamic and independent, so I find inspiration from them and really enjoy our time spent together in the salon.”

Through the course of her styling journey, Vandenbroucke has taught classes and worked trade shows for Rusk (whose products she currently represents), worked New York Fashion Week for the Nolcha group with Rusk, and worked with local clothing designer Eliana Smith for Omaha Fashion Week. “Lately, I’ve been shifting focus toward editorial styling…[In November] I had a four-page spread of work that I'd done with local talents in a salon industry publication that reaches over 100 countries,” she adds.

Vandenbroucke describes her own personal style as unique, colorful, edgy, and sexy. “I enjoy looking and dressing differently than my peers. Standing out in a group is not a bad thing for me!” She likes to wear her hair short and dark at the moment, but it often changes. Her makeup, however, stays very clean and fresh—but Vandenbroucke has been known to rock blue and green eyeshadow from time to time.

Her favorite styling products and tools include: Naked 2 palette and Primer Potion from Urban Decay—“I take these two items with me everywhere, to every shoot and for every makeup application. The primer keeps your eyeshadow in place all day long with no creases, and the colors in that palette are versatile and also very beautiful.”

Volare V1 Blow Dryer from BaByliss Pro—“This thing is incredible!

It’s an amazing blow dryer that I use on a daily basis in the salon and dries hair with an airflow of about 78mph...It’s like having a hurricane in your hand!”

TIP

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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Cover Feature Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

Courtney Stein

Omaha Community Playhouse Rising Star

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Her Living • December/January 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

I

f all the world’s a stage, then 25-year-old actress, dancer, and choreographer Courtney Stein is definitely a player.

While performing in the musical Once On This Island at the tender age of 5, Stein, who was born and raised in Omaha, says she got “the itch” for theatre. “I grew up in the Ralston Community Theatre, taking part in numerous summer musicals throughout my adolescence,” she adds.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

After she graduated from Ralston High School, Stein headed out to southern California for a year to join the Young Americans, a touring performance and music education outreach program. She then returned to Omaha to study vocal music education at the University of NebraskaOmaha. Shortly thereafter, she went to New York University, where she created her own program of study in various culture, dance, theatre, and music, but then returned home once more to graduate from UNO in 2010 with an individualized degree in interdisciplinary studies—specifically, anthropology with a focus on music, dance, and theatre.

Today, Stein earns her living as a freelance choreographer and dance instructor, and she also teaches yoga, tai chi, and tap dancing at Bellevue Senior Center. Beyond her freelance work, Stein is involved with several nonprofit organizations, including WhyArts? and Arts for All, Inc. “I teach at a multitude of elementary schools in the metro, through both the Artery’s Dancing Classroom program and through the Omaha Community Playhouse’s educational outreach program. I [also] choreograph several area high school musicals and show choirs, as well,” she says.

But just teaching performance wasn’t enough for Stein; she wanted an outlet to continue the passion for performance her 5-year-old self had felt so long ago. That’s when she looked into the community theatre scene in her hometown.

“Omaha is special,” she says. “It is home to so many artists—starving and otherwise, who are lucky enough to share their passion in a welcoming environment…We are privileged to have such wonderfully diverse yet mutually supportive theaters.”

One such theater is the Omaha Community Playhouse, the largest community theatre in the nation. The theater opened in the 1920s after a group of Omahans—including Alan McDonald, architect of the Joslyn Art Museum, who later became president of the Playhouse—wanted stage performances to return to a community increasingly dominated by the rising popularity of films. In April 1925, the Playhouse’s very first play, The Enchanted Cottage, opened and was >> Her Living • December/January 2013

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Cover Feature Courtney Stein << directed by Greg Foley, starring Dodie Brando, mother of actor Marlon Brando. The theater later saw the acting debuts of Henry Fonda (father of actress Jane Fonda), Marlon Brando, Dorothy McGuire, and Julie Wilson.

For Stein, having the chance to stand on the stage where these legends once stood was an aspiration.

“The first show I auditioned for at the Playhouse was Urinetown, and I actually wasn’t cast.” But Stein was stubborn and auditioned for the Playhouse’s next big musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, in 2007, where she was cast as a tap-dancing stenographer. During that role, Stein believes she must have done something the directors liked because she was then cast in the next show, A Christmas Carol, as fun-loving and energetic party girl Lucy.

Though she’s played Lucy for the past five years, this November and December, Stein plays Millie. “[Millie] is married to Scrooge’s nephew, Fred,” Stein explains of her character. “This is the first year since I have been a part of the Carol that I will not be Lucy, [who] is the slightly crazy, very energetic younger sister of Millie.”

Stein is slowly building a solid performance reputation with the Playhouse, as she has been involved in at least two musicals/ plays each year. Her list thus far includes: Thoroughly Modern Millie (as stenographer), 2007 A Christmas Carol (as Lucy), 2007-2012 The Cocoanuts (as Polly Potter), 2008 Batboy (as Ruthie/Ned), 2009 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (as chorus member), 2009 All Shook Up (as Lorraine), 2010 Fiddler on the Roof (as Chava), 2010 Footloose (as Wendy Jo), 2010 Nunsense (as Sister Mary Leo), 2011 Hairspray (as Amber Von Tussle), 2012 This past year, Stein was even nominated for the Omaha Theatre Arts Guild’s awards for her supporting actress role as Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray. Though it was exciting, Stein says she was somewhat shocked about the nomination. “I’ve played several sweet, ingénue-type roles and never received as much recognition. But I was cast as Amber in Hairspray, a horribly mean-spirited— albeit charming and funny—young girl and WHAM! I’m nominated for a TAG award and an OCP award!” she laughs. “Perhaps

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Her Living • December/January 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

Stein played mean girl Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray at OCP. Photos by Christian Robertson.

Theatre or Film?

I used to think that I was more drawn to the subtlety of film acting, but there is nothing like a live audience reaction. Theatre is more of a living art, always changing, and the audience and the actor are co-dependent entities.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Actor/Actress who Inspires you most?

Jim Carrey—It’s easy to become pigeonholed into a certain kind of role, but I think his dramatic work is just as exquisite as his comedic work.

Favorite musical?

Once On This Island

I’m not as innocent as I thought!”

Though she has been nominated for several other awards for her performances in Fiddler on the Roof, All Shook Up, and The Cocoanuts and received the Charles Jones Director’s Award from the Playhouse in 2010, Stein feels humbled by awards and tries not to put too much stock into them, as the performance is her true honor.

During her time with the Playhouse, Stein has developed a new ambition beyond just acting, singing, and dancing in the shows— she also wants to work behind the scenes as a choreographer.

Last year’s Carol was the first year that Stein was asked to co-choreograph the play with Michelle Garrity. “[We] used a divideand-conquer strategy to teaching the choreography. The show is such an institution at the Playhouse, and the choreography has remained true to the original, so it was intimidating to say the least.” And this past summer, Stein helped choreograph Hairspray with Kathy Wheeldon. “It was a wonderful experience to see some of my own original choreography onstage at such a prominent theater,” she adds, hoping she’ll have more opportunities to have her choreography in Playhouse shows.

Although it may seem like a career in performance is difficult to get with all of the fierce competition, Stein feels like community theatre doesn’t work that way. “We don’t act for the money, we don’t sing for our supper, and we don’t dance for a dime.

In fact, we sacrifice time, energy, and sanity for one reason—an undying passion to tell a story, to convey a message, to leave the world a little different than before. We want to reach an audience.

“In the whirlwind of everyday chaos, theatre provides an outlet for release, a platform for expression, and a vehicle for social commentary. I believe that arts education is essential to the growth of a well-rounded human being and community.”

A Christmas Carol runs from Nov. 16 through Dec. 23 at the Omaha Community Playhouse (6915 Cass St.) and will be followed by Yesterday and Today, which runs from Dec. 7-31, and Deathtrap, which runs from Jan.18 through Feb. 10. For more information, visit www.omahaplayhouse.com or call 402-553-0800.

Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Pets Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

Erin Van Zee and Scarlett

S

ome pet owners like to keep a friendly distance from their pets, only giving them a nice pat on the head when they return home from work. Others like to crawl into bed with their pets and snuggle so closely that hearing their pets’ snores becomes almost comforting. Erin Van Zee would be the latter.

Van Zee, 29, is a Medical Resources Team Leader at Applied Underwriters, who received her master’s in English from the University of Nebraska-Omaha this December. Along with husband Tyler, whom she married in September, Van Zee adopted Scarlett, a 3½-year-old Pit Bull/Boxer mix. Although Scarlett is not enough of a Pit Bull to be required to adhere to the city’s regulations, Van Zee says you can definitely tell that she’s “part pittie” by looking at her.

The Van Zees adopted Scarlett from the Nebraska Humane Society, where she had already been taken in twice—once as a rescue when she was roaming, severely malnourished and 25 pounds underweight, and again when her family surrendered her for jumping their fence too many times.

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Her Living • December/January 2013

“Tyler and I went to the NHS with an open mind, just wanting to feel a strong enough connection to one of the dogs to want to take him or her home,” Van Zee says. “We walked

by Scarlett’s kennel a couple of times, struck by her beautiful brindle coat. The minute we approached her more closely, she began licking our hands and smiling her ‘pittie’ smile at us. Once we were able to meet her outside the kennel, I knew she was the one.”

Van Zee says she’s always thought of herself as a pet person in a general sense, as she

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did also grow up with cats; after adopting Scarlett, however, she’s definitely become more of a dog person. “[Dogs] love unconditionally, protect loyally, and are constant companions even during the roughest of times…[they] will take you whole-heartedly and without question.

“I love Scarlett not only for her unconditional acceptance of who I am, but also because she challenges me,” says Van Zee. “Just like any adolescent, she likes to push boundaries and test my patience. Tyler and I don’t have children, but we love Scarlett as if she were our child. There’s something incredible about coming home and being greeted by someone who has been waiting all day to see you and wants nothing more than to spend time with you—and maybe a treat or two.”

Above all, Van Zee feels Scarlett reminds her that she deserves love, too. “Tyler and I gave Scarlett a home, and every day she pays us back by making us better human beings.”

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Fashion Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

Holiday Party Outfits

B

uying a new outfit for every holiday event you have to attend can get expensive, but the outfits you already own can seem like they’ve been done a million times. Instead of purchasing an entirely new wardrobe for the holiday, take a classic piece from your existing wardrobe—like a little black dress—and jazz it up with accessories. We’ve styled our little black dress with outerwear and accessories from three local stores: Katina’s Couture, NJ&Co, and beyourself boutique.

Sisi Amber multi-strand cross choker, $198

The Office Holiday Party Outfit Black large clutch with crystals, $52

With an office party, it’s okay to wear an outfit that stands out, but make sure your look is appropriate. Keep cleavage to a minimum, don’t wear sheer fabrics, and don’t go too casual. After all, you’re still representing your company. Rather than showing too much skin, let your accessories and outerwear make a statement for you.

Karen Kane faux zebra jacket, $198

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Her Living • December/January 2013

Katina’s Couture 17010 Wright Plz (402) 334- 0211 www.theshopsoflegacy.com M-F/10am- 6pm; Sat/10am5pm; Sun/12-5pm

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The Going - Out Holiday Party Outfit

Square rhinestone with gold chain earrings, $15

If you’re going out for a night on the town with friends during the holidays, this is when you can dress your wildest. It’s very easy to make your outfit fun while still being semi-formal by adding bold accessories.

3 square tiered red necklace, $15

Mixed gold bangle set, $15

MMS Design Studio red studded envelope clutch, $38

Shoe Republic LA leopard studded heels, $68

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beyourself boutique 307 N 78th St (402) 933-9584 www.beyourselfonline.com Tu-F/11am-7pm; Sat/10am6pm; Sun/1-5pm

Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Fashion Holiday Party Outfits

The Family Holiday Party Outfit With a family party, keep your outfit simple, comfortable, and elegant. Leave those crazy Christmas sweaters at home. If you’re feeling in the holiday spirit and really want to show it off, incorporate some vibrant holiday colors (like red, green, or white) into your outfit.

Susan Shaw gold leaf and opal ball necklace, $56

Cartise white belted trench coat with ruffle appliqué, $295

NJ&Co. 17650 Wright St, Ste #4 (402) 502-1962 www.njandcompany.com M-Sat/10am- 6pm; Sun/12- 4pm

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Her Living • December/January 2013

Melie Bianco crimson velour clutch with golden owl embellishment, $73

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Her Business Profile in bloom 520 North Main Street Fremont, NE (402) 721-5700 • www.inbloomoffremont.com

I

n bloom is a local, family-owned flower shop and home décor/gift store that serves businesses and individuals year-round with floral arrangements and seasonal decorating, as well as Christmas tree decorating seminars.

Since opening in 2008, the Fremont business has been able to grow through word-of-mouth and advertising in the local area and surrounding cities. “Due to our increasing customer base and expanded inventories, we were required to move to a larger building,” says owner Jenefer Backhaus. “Two years ago, we moved our business to its current location. Moving has allowed us to keep a larger fresh flower inventory, and it has enabled us to expand our gift lines.”

In Bloom’s mainly female clientele come from Fremont and surrounding areas to the shop because the shop offers unique gifts that aren’t available elsewhere. “Our customers like to stop in often to see what new items we have because our inventory is always changing. [But] some people just stop in to see [our dog] Lily, In Bloom’s four-legged mascot,” says Backhaus, who has designed arrangements for Ted Turner and Willy Theisen.

Backhaus, who friends describe as creative, funny,

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and a little crazy, wanted to be a florist since she was about 10 years old. She went to Metro Tech for floral design right after high school and has been doing it ever since. Throughout her 27 years of being a designer, she has had the opportunity to work with many talented designers, picking up little bits of knowledge from each of them along the way. “This has allowed me to create a style all my own,” she adds.

What Backhaus has learned while running In Bloom is that there are always challenges.

“Some days have big challenges, but most days have only a few small challenges. A business owner just needs to learn how to manage stress.” But the challenges and stress of business are definitely outweighed by the personal satisfaction of Backhaus’ job. “Being in the floral business makes you find yourself being a small part of a person or family’s very important day, whether it’s a new baby, a wedding, or even a funeral.

I always feel very honored to take part.”

Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Fitness Story by Cindy Cook, ACSM Certified • Photos by Bill Sitzmann

5-Minute Workout

1

Heel Beats

• Fold a large towel in half and then in half again.

• Lay on your belly with the towel under your pelvis, so that the towel is approximately between your belly button and the top of your thighs (Those with longer torsos or longer legs will need to adjust more to find the correct center of gravity needed for this movement).

• Place your hands palms down under your forehead.

T

his is an awesome exercise to work the hamstrings, buttocks, inner thighs, lower back, and lower abdomen, as well as upper body stabilizers. Think butt lift—not butt squeeze—and picture everything toned throughout the whole backside of the lower body! Thinking about these things while you are exercising is part of the traditional Pilates and yoga experience.

Think about what you want, not what you don’t like.

To perform this move, you will need a large towel—like a beach or bath towel.

That’s it!

2 Exercise:

Cindy Cook, ACSM Certified Owner of Legacy Pilates, Yoga & More 402-502-9772

If your lower back is hur ting, that means the lower abdomen isn’t doing its job. To ease back strain, try only lifting one leg at a time and move slower to get control over the movement—then increase to faster beats and/or with both legs.

TIP

Setup & Starting Position:

• Engage your lower abdomen/core.

• Lift both legs a few inches off the floor without sagging the lower back (Remember: Your abs must be engaged, so the lower back doesn’t strain with excess pressure).

3 Exercise: • “Beat” your heels together while lifted in the air.

• Inhale for 5 beats and exhales for 5 beats (Remember: Going for “the burn” means a lack of oxygen, which will make your technique suffer; and when your technique suffers, your lower back and/or neck will strain forehead.)

Special thanks to fitness model Shaela Bruce.

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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poshpeacock.net ph: 402.933.9666

Posh Peacock Consignment Gallery Furniture & Home Decor For Less

Husband Material Story by Lüc Carl

Simplify your life by selling your less needed items.

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[will start seeing patients on Jan.15th] • Certified by American Board of Pediatrics • Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics • Member of MOMS • IBCLC & FABM Certified

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C O M P R E H E N S I V E P E D I AT R I C C A R E | B R E A S T F E E D I N G M E D I C I N E C A R E F O R M O T H E R S A N D I N FA N T S W I T H C O M P L I C AT E D B R E A S T F E E D I N G P R O B L E M S FRENOTOMY

Endless amazing interior and holiday designs to help bring life to your home!

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September/October 2011

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Put a Bow on His Package

W

hen it comes to buying gifts, men are much simpler than you tend to make us out to be. Every man I know either asks for absolutely nothing or something extremely specific.

I’ve gone so far as to take a picture of a particular item, or to look it up on the internet and e-mail the model number to my sweetheart only to unwrap the wrong gift on Christmas morning. If he says he doesn’t want anything for Christmas, he’s either serious about that or far too high maintenance (and it’s your fault for being with such a pain in the butt).

Men. Feed them, make love to them, and let them sleep. And come Christmas morning, if he asks for a Milwaukee drill, don’t buy him a Dewalt because the salesclerk said they were the same thing. They’re not; one is yellow, one is red. That would be like him not noticing that you got your hair done. But the truth is, to him, your hair looks the exact same all the time no matter what you happen to see in the mirror.

If he asks for the Milwaukee, buy the Milwaukee. Then you have every excuse to be upset if he doesn’t notice your new pair of shoes.

Lüc Carl is a writer in NYC, originally from Springfield, Neb. His website, DrunkDiet.com, has had over one million hits in one year. Look for his book The Drunk Diet. Follow @luccarl Her Living • December/January 2013

23

Natural, Organic, and Eco-Friendly Stuff for Dogs and Cats, and a Chill Out Space for You and Your Pet.

Her Beauty Extra Story by Lyndsey Hrabik

Your Best Friend Will Thank You!

72nd & Pacific At the Shoppes at Aksarben

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YOUR LOCALLY OWNED PET STORE

M

poshelle GET ACCESSORIZED 858.245.4321 poshelle@gmail.com facebook.com/poshellellc

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Her Living • December/January 2013

Eyebrow Threading

aybe it’s the name that leaves people anxious about eyebrow threading, but that can be misleading. There are no needles involved—just you, a piece of knotted thread, and somebody wrapping the strand skillfully around unwanted eyebrow hairs.

And although eyebrow threading can be done with household items, don’t try this one at home. One wrong move could give you uneven eyebrows or using the wrong type of thread could draw blood by nicking the skin. With threading, Santi Sudha Yadlapalli says it’s all about knowledge. “If [the thread] is too thin, you may end up getting small cuts or bruises,” Yadlapalli says. “It has to be the right thread and the right technique.” That’s why a trained professional is necessary. Even though the technique is gaining popularity, you still won’t find many people in Omaha certified to perform the craft.

Yadlapalli of Santi’s Eyebrow Threading and Ayurvedic Spa at Oakview Mall was the first person to introduce the technique to Omaha. She learned the practice from cosmetology schooling in India, where she says the technique is widely used on facial hair. The benefits of threading eyebrows, she says, are noticeably more than for waxing. “It gives more precise shape than waxing,” she says. “It gives you more control.”

Threading could also give you more bang for your buck. Even though she’s an innovator to the area, Yadlapalli only charges $15 for eyebrow threading, which she can do in about five to seven minutes—around the same price as getting them waxed. The results of threading also tend to last longer because of the way the hair is removed. Yadlapalli says the results are because of the way the thread knots around each hair to pull it from the follicle, whereas some of the hair may break with waxing.

If you’ve been wary of removing unwanted facial hair due to sensitive skin, threading might be the option for you. Threading works on all types of skin, Yadlapalli says. “Everybody says this is less painful than waxing.” Plus, once clients start coming in regularly for the threading, she says they won’t feel the process at all. www.OmahaPublications.com

Her Health Story by Susan Meyers

Bipolar Disease

A Diagnosis Beyond Depression

M

y husband didn’t know if he was going to come home to Cruella Deville or Dolly Levi from Hello Dolly.” That’s how Jane Pauley, broadcast journalist and former co-host of the TV morning show Today, described her battle with bi-polar disease in a interview on Healthy Minds, produced by New York Public Radio. “Who knows what provokes it, but it was like a swarm of bees that wants a target,” she says.

Being diagnosed with bipolar disease was a shock, recalls Pauley, but getting a diagnosis and subsequent treatment, however, allowed her to regain some normalcy in her life again.

Bipolar disease is a serious mental illness that is associated with extreme mood swings

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from mania to depression. “It is one of the most serious illnesses we deal with because of the disruptive nature of the disease,” says Sharon Hammer, M.D., psychiatrist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). “It is more serous than depression or schizophrenia because it can lead to risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, damaged relationships, and suicide.

And because of the impulsive nature of the disease, there is often no time to intervene.”

The average onset of bipolar disease tends to occur in older teenagers and young adults ages 20 to 25 years old. “Many women may start to experience symptoms of depression in their teenage years followed by their first manic episode in college,” says Hammer. “This is a very risky time because the college >> Her Living • December/January 2013

25

Her Health Bipolar Disease

P.J. Malin, M.D., psychiatrist with Alegent Creighton Clinic and an associate professor of psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine. << years are often mixed with stress, sleep deprivation, and alcohol use, which are all triggers for episodes.”

Women with bipolar disease typically

spend about 80 percent of the time in depression and 20 percent in mania. Episodes of mania are characterized by abnormal elevated moods that include irritability, being easily agitated, impulsivity, racing thoughts, and insomnia.

Many women tend to be in denial and don’t start taking it seriously until they have children, notes Hammer. Even then, it is often misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety due to the extended depressive states associated with the condition, and the fact that women are twice as likely to have depression than men. In fact, bipolar disease is the most under-diagnosed mental illness and the most challenging to diagnose, notes Hammer.

Misdiagnosis can create more problems because medications used for depression and anxiety are different than those used to treat bipolar disease and can make the condition worse.

In addition, untreated bipolar disease tends to gain momentum and become more malignant with time, says P.J. Malin, M.D., a psychiatrist with Alegent Creighton Clinic and an associate professor of psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine. “It can be very disruptive to other parts of your life. Approximately 60 percent of people with bipolar disease will develop substance abuse problems, and it carries a 15 to 20 percent suicide rate.

“Early treatment of the disease can help prevent the disease from getting more aggressive. Untreated bipolar disease, on the other hand, lowers one’s life expectancy by 10 years.”

If you are being treated for depression and are not responding to depression medications or you are experiencing negative or an unusual response, it is important to communicate this with your provider, adds Malin.

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26

Her Living • December/January 2013

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You can also do your own test by taking the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ) online, which provides fairly accurate results and can help you and your clinician determine whether you are bipolar, notes Robin Houser, counselor for Nebraska Hammer. The webMethodist Hospital's employee assistance site is www1.nmha. program, Bestcare EAP. org/bipolar/questionnaire.cfm.

Environmental factors and heredity appear to be the major risk factors for bipolar disease, says Malin. “There are different theories as to how the environment plays a role, but they include: obstetric complications, intra-utero viral infections, use of hallucinogenic drugs, and traumatic life events, such as the death of family or friends or abuse.”

Treatment typically involves a combination of medications and counseling that may be necessary over a person’s lifetime. “Counseling is huge for long-term success and stabilization,” says Robin Houser, a counselor for Nebraska Methodist Hospital’s employee assistance program, Bestcare EAP. “Bipolar disease is a lifetime problem, and counseling can help people learn coping techniques and avoid unhealthy thinking and unhealthy patterns of behavior. A lot of people think that once they have become stabilized that they don’t need medications or counseling anymore, but that’s when we’ll start seeing imbalances and manic episodes occur again.”

Women with bipolar disease are very sensitive to stress, lack of sleep, and environmental and seasonal changes, all of which can trigger an episode, notes Hammer. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits like getting regular exercise, adequate sleep, managing stress, and light therapy during the winter months can help keep the disease stabilized.

Postpartum is also a common time to experience recurrences, probably because of sleep deprivation, says Hammer. There are medications that are safe to use during pregnancy, which are important to take to prevent a relapse. If a woman stops her medications during pregnancy, it can take up to six months to get the symptoms under control again, says Hammer.

“Newer medications as a whole have fewer side effects,” she says, “but it’s important that you are matched with the medication that works best for you and has the fewest side effects.

“Patients who are being followed and treated by a trained health care professional can function vey well and live a normal life.”

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Pick up a free copy at more than 150 locations throughout the Omaha area or subscribe and have them delivered to your door for a nominal $5.95 per year for 6 issues.

Her Living • December/January 2013

27

Her Food Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photo by Bill Sitzmann

French 75 (Champagne Cocktail) Ingredients: • cracked ice • 2 fluid ounces gin • 1 teaspoon simple syrup • ½ fluid ounce lemon juice • 5 fluid ounces brut champagne, chilled • 1 slice lemon (optional)

Instructions: • Chill cocktail shaker and glass (champagne flute or Collins glass) in the freezer.

• Add ice to shaker.

• Pour gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice into shaker.

• Shake well.

• Fill chilled glass half-full of ice, then strain cocktail into the glass.

• Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon slice.

Holiday Shrimp Dip and French 75 Cocktail

A

dip with crackers or chips is a great appetizer for the holidays.

If you’re hosting a party for family, friends, or co-workers, a dip is fairly hassle-free appetizer that will allow you more time to mingle with your guests, so that you won’t have to constantly restock finger-foods on a tray. Providing a dip can also work well in a party setting where appetizers will be the only food items or in a party setting where the appetizer will tide over guests until the main course. For a great combination, pair the recipes below for a Holiday Shrimp Dip and a French 75 cocktail.

Holiday Shrimp Dip Ingredients: • 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened • 2 (4oz) cans small shrimp, drained • 1 (8oz) jar cocktail sauce • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • ½ red bell pepper, diced • ½ green bell pepper, diced • assorted crackers for dipping Instructions: • Spread cream cheese in an even layer on a serving dish or in the bottom of a glass pie pan.

• Combine shrimp with cocktail sauce in a bowl and spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.

• Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, covering the shrimp layer as completely as possible.

Sprinkle the red and green bell pepper over the cheese layer.

• Serve with crackers.

Recipe Sources: www.allrecipes.com

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Her Living • December/January 2013

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Her Home Story by Jessica Linhart

Take precautions when you leave • your home. The risk of a break-in is greatest when a homeowner is away. Sgt. Erin Dumont of Omaha’s Crime Prevention Unit says, “Daytime break-ins seem to be the most active.” Dumont also has some tips on keeping your home secure while you are away: • Make it appear as if someone is home by leaving a TV and light on (or have them on timers, if you’re worried about your electrical bill).

• If you are away for an extended period let your neighbors know; ask them to pick up your mail, newspapers, or even mow and shovel snow.

• Avoid announcing your vacations on Facebook and social media sites. If you have kids, make sure you know what they’re posting, too.

• A car break-in can lead to a home break-in. Be cautious while you are out; thieves can snatch a garage door opener and registration, which may have your address on it, making your home their next target.

Don’t make it easy for burglars.

Leaving a window open for fresh air is an invitation to a burglar. Always make sure to lock all windows and doors before you leave.

Never allow strangers in your home to use the telephone or bathroom. Don’t leave valuable items outside, like bicycles. Leaving a spare key out or “hidden” will make it almost effortless for someone to have access to your house; instead, leave it with a neighbor you trust.

Protect your home at night. Keep your blinds closed. You don’t want to let burglars get a peek inside at any of your valuables. Simple things like a barking dog, a security system sign in the yard, or a pair of men’s shoes by the front door is sometimes enough to discourage a break-in. The panic button on your car keys can act as an alarm.

Keep them by your bedside, and press the button if you hear suspicious noise outside or someone trying to break-in. A well-lit neighborhood can deter criminal activity.

Ask neighbors to keep their exterior lights on at night and consider installing motionsensing lights to illuminate exterior walls.

•

•

Keeping Your Home Safe

D

id you know a break-in occurs in the US nearly every 16 seconds? Omaha break-ins are also on the rise, making local homeowners take action in securing their homes. Here are some ways you can keep you and your home safe.

Be aware of who is in your neighborhood. Vehicles driving around at night without lights, unfamiliar cars parked and occupied at unusual hours, strangers going door-to-door or loitering around houses where residents may not be home—these are all signs that a burglar could be working your neighborhood.

Burglars and other criminals often strike neighborhoods where residents keep to themselves. Getting to know your neighbors and implementing a Neighborhood Watch programs can deter crime in your area.

TIP

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Her Living • December/January 2013

29

In each issue of HerLiving, you’ll be able to find great locally owned, women-focused businesses around Omaha and share them within your social networks; and by reading the issue on readonlinenow.com, you’ll be able to click on the business link and be immediately directed to their website, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Bliss Boutique 12100 W. Center Road #607 Omaha, NE 68144 402.991.3595

www.blissboutiqueomaha.com www.facebook.com/BlissBoutiqueOmaha

clothing jewelry accessories gifts

Bliss Boutique located near 120th and W. Center Road, is a women’s apparel, jewelry, accessory and gift boutique. From young and chic, to career woman sophistication, to stylish mom gear, to gym fashion, Bliss has it all, and at affordable prices!

The Green Spot 1110 S 71st Street Suite K (Shoppes of Aksarben 72nd & Pacific) 402-614-7768 Mon-Sat 10a-8p, Sun 11a-5p www.greenspotomaha.com www.facebook.com/greenspotomaha @greenspotomaha

Two area natives with passion for animals, consider themselves pet nutrition resources. Daily, owners Jennifer Haines and Jessica Ellis provide recommendations and counsel their customers on how the quality of their pet’s food can change their overall quality of life. Don’t forget, the store offers a lounge for you to hang out and socialize, also a self-service pet wash!

The Volleyball Academy 8930 S. 137th Cir. #2 Omaha, 68138 402.213.4644

Come learn the great game of volleyball!

Programs for K-4, 5-8, and HS players. leagues, lessons, camps, clinics, & outdoor sand Experienced staff with over 25 yrs in volleyball.

www.thevolleyballacademy.com 402-213-4644 or dgraf@cox.net

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Her Living • December/January 2013

www.thevolleyballacademy.com TVA opened June 2006 and has seen tremendous growth in all programs since we started teaching and training. We have programs for all ages; camps, clinics, lessons, leagues, li’l diggers, and more, with our main participants in grades K-12. We’re open year-round for your volleyball training needs. Hope to see you at The Courts!

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