April/May 2012 Her Living

Mother’s Day

make mom over + art duo + day out with mom

HerHealth

organ donation

Sugar Alternatives

Women Weekend Warriors Dr. Siobhan Bower,

mountain biker + women on water + women’s tri

sort out the sweeteners 2012

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Her Living • April/May 2012

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April/May

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Her Editor’s Letter Sandy Lemke • Editor

Dear readers,

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t is that time of year to honor our mothers. Mother’s Day is May 13! We honor mothers in this issue with a couple of charming mother/daughter duos. One is a talented

art team in Sara Sumnick Wamsat and Kalle Wamsat on page 8. They work closely together, inspire each other, and show their artwork together at the Hot Shops Art Center.

Another talented team is Darlene and Nikki Nanfito, our Stylish Stylists on page 30. They operate Turning Heads Salon in northwest Omaha. The salon offers a variety of services to keep your look stylish and beautiful. Nikki is expecting her third child, and we wish her the best.

Hosting Mother’s Day at home? We have your dessert covered. This issue’s Guest Chef Nathan Newhouse shares with us a recipe he enjoys making for his mother. See page 10 for his Australian “Pavlova.”

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Want to go out for Mother’s Day? See page 6 for ideas for a great “Mother’s Day Out” in Omaha. It includes girls’ getaways such as The Tea Smith and Lauritzen Gardens.

Speaking of Lauritzen Gardens, it’s time for their annual Spring Luncheon and Lecture on Wednesday, April 25. If you’re lucky, a few tickets may remain to the Petals with Personality event, featuring internationally known floral designer Ian Prosser. Prosser, owner of Botanica International Design Studio in Tampa, Fla., has created floral décor for celebrities and dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II, Tom Cruise and President George W. Bush. Tickets to the event are $75 and $150 for patrons and can be purchased online at www.lauritzengardens. org or by calling 402-346-4002, ext. 201. Honorary chairwoman is Kathy Quinlan and event chairwoman is Mary Lou Brasee. This is always a fun event and a great way to kick off Spring.

With Spring comes warmer weather and more opportunities to be active. Our feature story covers active women in unique sports. We talked to three Omaha women, all enthusiastic participants in endurance activities. They fit healthy habits into their busy professional lives.

What strong motivation for all of us! Read about their adventures on page 20.

Thanks for reading!

Sandy Lemke

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Her Living • April/May 2012

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volume 11 . issue 2 this issue April/May 2012 Apr i l/May

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Publisher Todd Lemke Omaha publications Editor Linda Persigehl HER LIVING editor Sandy Lemke Assistant Editor Bailey Hemphill

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Art director John Gawley Graphic Designer Katie Anderson Production artist Mike Bruening Principal Photography minorwhite studios, inc Scott Drickey, Bill Sitzmann Contributors Suzanne Smith Arney Susan Meyers • Brent Dierking Stephanie Vondrak, D.D.S. Darcie Dingman • Lüc Carl • Jared Spence Vice president Greg Bruns Account Executives Gwen Lemke • Gil Cohen • Vicki Voet Stacey Penrod • Paige Edwards sales associate Alicia Smith-Hollins 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.

Features Home Feature: First Time Buyer Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Cover Feature: Women Weekend Warriors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Leisure: Mother’s Day Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Art: Sara Sumnick Wamsat & Kalle Wamsat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lifestyle: Food – Chef Nathan Newhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Health: Organ Donation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Health EXTRA: Artificial Sugars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Home EXTRA: Organizing Your Bathroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Beauty Sheet: Making Mom Over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Beauty EXTRA: Give Yourself a Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Stylish Stylist: Darlene and Nikki Nanfito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Columns Auto Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Dental Health . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Husband Material . . . . . . . . 19

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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 • April/May 2012

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View amazing 15-ton sand sculptures built by local corporate and community groups. Watch master sand sculptors carve a 40-ton sculpture before your eyes. Enjoy great local food and live entertainment.

Play in the interactive Kid Zone featuring two GIGANTIC sand boxes, bouncy houses, face painting, cookie decorating and much more!

Support your favorite team by voting online at www.SandintheCityOmaha.com!

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Her Living • April/May 2012

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Home First-Time Buyer Tips Story by Sandy Lemke • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

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Preparation, Research Keys to First-Time Buying

here couldn’t be a better time for first-time homebuyers,” said Mary Kay Young, licensed Realtor since 1994. Young is with Prudential Ambassador Real Estate with The Absolute Group, a six-person team who works together, each with their own niche of expertise.

Said Young, “This is absolutely the best time for two reasons. Mortgage interest [rates] are extremely low—at 3.9 percent—and also, a lot of homes are on the market. We don’t see that changing any time soon. This is the time!”

So how do you switch from renting to owning? Let a professional Realtor guide you through the process.

Take the Proper Financial Steps Young advises new house-hunters to first find out their credit score. “You can find [your score] online at www.annualcreditreport.com,” she suggests. “To be qualified for a mortgage, it will have to be at least 620 or higher. If your score is lower, see what you can do to get it back up.” One way to do that is go at least a year with no late credit payments.

If your credit score meets the minimum requirement, Young says the next step is, “We ask homebuyers that they get pre-qualified with a lender.” Young stressed the importance of spending only 75 percent of the pre-qualification amount on their home purchase. “Unexpected expenses always come up,” she said.

Also, it’s recommended that buyers spend no more than 20 percent of their income on housing. “You spend more than 30 percent and you tend to be house-poor,” said Young.

Tips for Hiring an Agent A Realtor can help in many ways without adding any extra cost to you, the buyer. A www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Realtor will help homebuyers narrow down the field of homes to view, making the buying process more efficient. An agent can also guide them to a lender to get prequalified for a mortgage. To find a good Realtor, ask for recommendations and ask questions such as: How were their communication skills?

Were they sensitive to your needs?

Good Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers Now for the fun part! Looking at houses is going to be exciting. A Realtor can help narrow down your choices. What areas tend to work best for first-time homebuyers in the Omaha area?

Young favors the established Dundee neighborhood. “It has affordable homes with good resale value,” she said. In addition, she advises new buyers to check out Celebrity Homes and Hearthstone Homes’ offerings.

“They are scattered through a lot of neighborhoods, more in the western part of the city,” she said.

Young advised, “When deciding on a neighborhood, make a list of priorities.

What is important to you? Proximity to work? Shopping? School? It is different for everyone.”

Negotiation: Let’s make a deal!

Fellow Absolute Group team member Sallie Elliott advises asking the advice of the agent to guide as to what price to offer. She said, “A respectable agent will run comps and prepare the buyer for the proper offer.”

Elliott, who is a Realtor, Designer, Stager, Allied ASID and a Area Expert for HGTV, added: “Additionally, we would advise first time homebuyers to not to offer on short sales or foreclosures. Short sales can take up to six months and many disappointments.

Foreclosures are often “AS IS” which means there could be many issues with the home.

Although a buyer can do a home inspection on these types of homes, seller’s will not remedy them when their properties are distressed.”

More Tips!

• Pay for a high-quality inspector. A good home inspector can spot problems you might not have already noticed.

• Buy less than what you can afford.

• Something always happens. Be ready for unexpected problems. Set money aside to deal with them.

• Don’t rush anything.

Her Living • April/May 2012

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Leisure Girls’ Getaways Story by Sandy Lemke & Bailey Hemphill

Mother’s Day Out

Beth Drickey with daughter Grace Salanitro at The Tea Smith

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other’s Day is May 13. Nobody deserves a treat and special day more than Mom. A card and a gift are wonderful, but sometimes it’s hard to find that special something. If you’re stumped on what to do for her, just remember most mothers just want to spend time with their children more than anything. Read on for some fun ideas for Mother’s Day, or any other day of the year!

The Tea Smith 345 N. 78th St. – (402) 393-7070 1118 Howard St. – (402) 932-3933 How about a spot of tea with Mom? And we’re not talking some dark tea parlor with antiques and doilies. The Tea Smith has a light and airy contemporary feel that will give you and Mom a peace of mind reminiscent of a Japanese tea ceremony. With seasonal and specialty teas, white teas, green teas, Oolong teas, Pu-Erh teas, black teas, blended and flavored teas, and rooibos and herbal teas, both you and Mom can take some time to relax with a hot cup of your choice and reflect on how much you value each other. Oh, and did we mention that tea has barely any calories and boasts immune-boosting antioxidants that protect against infections, cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes? Now that’s a gift!

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Her Living • April/May 2012

Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft St. – (402) 346 -8252 Dine among the botanical beauty with Mom! Reserve your spot by Wednesday, May 9 for the Mother’s Day Brunch at Lauritzen Gardens. What has become an annual tradition for many families in the Omaha area is a wonderful brunch catered by Hap Abraham Catering. Brunch is $25 per person with reservations and pre-payment required. Contact Merri at 402-346-4002, ext 201, or m.sears@ omahabotanicalgardens.org. Please advise if your party requires a wheelchair, highchair, or booster seat. www.OmahaPublications.com

Best Women’s Boutique Head to the Theater If Mom loves music and the performing arts, take her out to catch some great shows by some of Omaha’s most talented performers. The Omaha Symphony will be performing From Catskills to Vienna Woods at 2 p.m. on Mother’s Day at First United Methodist Church; and the Omaha Community Playhouse will be presenting their rendition of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire at 2 p.m. on Mother’s Day. If Mom is a true lover of the theater, consider buying her a pair of season passes so the two of you can enjoy performances for months to come.

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Salon/Spa Day With Mom Wouldn’t it be nice to be pampered for a few hours with Mom? Spend some quality time while rejuvenating your bodies with a day out to the spa. Treat your mom like the queen you know her to be with aromatherapy steams, full body massages, hot paraffin hand or foot treatments, facials, mani-pedis, blowouts, makeovers, and aromatherapy oil wraps. Best of Omaha® favorites Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa and Gloss Salon & Day Spa are two of the many Omaha salons and spas that will offer great packages for Mother’s Day. Most packages range from $100-350. See their websites for more details and pricing: www.creativehairdesign.com and www.glosssalon.com.

Retail Therapy When has any woman turned down the opportunity to shop? Take Mom out for a fun day of shopping. If the weather isn’t looking good, stick with indoor shopping at Oak View Mall, Westroads Mall, or Regency Court. If the weather is nice, head to outdoor shopping at Village Pointe, Shadow Lake Towne Center, The Shops of Legacy, the Old Market, Countryside Village, or Rockbrook Village. With shoes, clothing, purses, jewelry and more, you’ll be certain to find Mom some great gifts. And don’t forget to break for a refreshing drink or bite to eat at one of the many restaurants around the shopping centers. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

402-778-0650 • 12965 W. Center Road (Montclair Shopping Center) Her Living • April/May 2012

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Art The Wamsats Story by Suzanne Smith Arney • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Left: Sara Sumnick Wamsat and daughter Kalle Wamsat Above: Theoreau Examination by Sara Sumnick Wamsat; photo credit: ANAC.

Sara Sumnick Wamsat & Kalle Wamsat Mother/Daughter Colleagues

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ara Sumnick Wamsat’s first art lessons were at the kitchen table. “My mother drew pictures and I’d color them,” she recalls. Kalle Wamsat also remembers artmaking at a kitchen table, alongside her mother, Sara.

From one generation to the next, a childhood colored with encouragement and outlined in creative freedom. When her mother took a class in oil painting, Sara sat on the floor closeby, painting on the back of her school tablet. When Sara became a mother herself, her baby, nestled in a carrier, was parked under the table at art fairs. When it came time for high school, Sara, who lived on a farm, chose Elkhorn’s because

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Her Living • April/May 2012

it had an art department. Kalle attended Wayne State College for the chance to study pottery. Today, mother and daughter share studio space at the Hot Shops in Downtown Omaha. They both paint in bright acrylics, and frequently add text and found objects to their work. Each credits the other for stretching, challenging, and complementing her life as an artist.

Sara describes herself as a “hunter-gatherer” of materials for her two- and threedimensional paintings, assemblages, and textiles, including such things as a broken measuring cup, tool, or a spider web. But intangibles also contribute to the mix. Her childhood explorations, whether in the kitchen or her father’s tool shop, are also referenced, either directly or subliminally.

Functional boxes and bowls, for example, honor the containers of art supplies she received every Christmas. “Art, nature, and food are my three big things,” she says.

Thoreau Examination demonstrates all three, plus Sara’s wry sense of humor. She is active in several art organizations, including the www.OmahaPublications.com

Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC), which gave Thoreau Examination the 2011 Museum of Nebraska Art Purchase Award.

As a member of Omaha Artists, Inc., she initiated “Community Art Reach,” donating art supplies to child life services.

“My mom is a huge inspiration to me,” says Kalle. Always close, that feeling is enriched by their art bond. “We share ideas and critique each other’s work.” In addition to paint, Kalle works in clay and photography.

“Our different perspectives are a positive,” she says. Eager to pass on the inspiration she received, Kalle is an elementary school teacher. She is finishing a master’s degree in art education, coaches soccer, and is active in the Nebraska Art Teachers Association and the National Art Education Association. She and Sara are both members of the Fremont Area Art Association and Nebraska Women’s Caucus for Art. All of these activities are inherently artistic. “Art is expressive,” she says. “It carries over to other areas…planning, collaboration, and creative thinking.”

Just as new insights expand the classroom, they deepen the understandings between mother and daughter. In September, they will mount their fourth annual joint exhibition.* “There are always challenges in organizing and hanging a show,” Kalle says, but each respects the other’s strengths. For Kalle, that includes computer skills. “She’s patient, and great at managing things,” says Sara. “She has the big picture, whereas I’m detail-oriented. We work well together.” “You know what they say,” says Kalle, “Mother is always right.”

Hot Shops Spring Open House, May 5 and 6, is a perfect time to visit Studio 213, where the Wamsats share space with Pat Lontor and Joan McDonough. www.hotshopsartcenter.com Omaha Artists exhibition: “Artists in Residence.” Opening reception May 15, 5-8pm, continues through June 11 at The Designers. www.designersomaha.com ANAC members’ exhibition traveling to O’Neill, Ord, Grand Island, and Aurora. See www.nebraskaartclubs.org *Save the date! “Like Mother—Like Daughter.” August 28-September 30, Opening reception Sept. 9, 2-5pm. Fremont Area Art Association at Gallery 92 West. www.92west.org www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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Lifestyle Food Story by Sandy Lemke • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

PAVLOVA • • • • • • • •

4 egg whites 1 1/4 C white sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp white vinegar 2 tsp cornstarch 4 kiwi, peeled and sliced 6 strawberries, trimmed and sliced Small can of mandarin segments 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 9-inch circle on the parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until thick and glossy.

Gently fold in vanilla extract, lemon juice and cornstarch.

3. Spoon mixture inside the circle on the parchment paper. Working from the center, spread mixture toward the outside edge, building edge slightly. Bake 1 hour. Let cool.

4. Remove the paper and place meringue on a flat serving plate.

Spread the top of the meringue with whipped cream and fruit.

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Her Living • April/May 2012

Chef Nathan Newhouse Attitude On Food Catering

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athan Newhouse, a native of Perth, Australia, is the owner of Attitude on Food Catering. He was inspired to be a chef at a young age. “Growing up with family who really enjoyed their food was a great inspiration to me. My parents had owned a few restaurants in their time, and they were adventurous eaters, so I think that rubbed off on me. I also figured that everyone has to eat, so job security wouldn’t be an issue,” said Newhouse.

Attitude on Food has earned top recognition, including Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha® as one of the top caterers in Omaha. Attitude on Food caters weddings, corporate events, private events, and more.

With his award-winning cuisine, job security certainly isn’t an issue for this hard-working caterer.

Newhouse said, “I love the challenges of the day-to-day operations and meeting new people. Being self-employed and the types of clients we have allows me to be creative and show off what I love to do.”

What does a busy chef do outside of work? “Because I work so much, I really enjoy spending time with my four children. I have itchy feet, so I love to travel overseas whenever I have time. I also enjoy boating and camping,” said Newhouse.

Newhouse was kind enough to share a personal recipe with us. It’s a dessert he enjoys making for his mother. www.OmahaPublications.com

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e see them all the time…distracted drivers. Not only do we see them, we are often distracted drivers ourselves! We are a multitasking society, and we have taken that behavior into the vehicle with us. Common distracted driving habits include:

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Some of these may seem harmless enough, but these little distractions are what cause people to pay a visit to the body shop and sometimes worse.

It’s best to make some changes so that you will not be tempted to multitask while driving.

•

• •

and be sure to

•

us while you’re there www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Talking on the phone Texting Eating Shaving Putting on makeup Smoking Adjusting music Reading work/newspapers

Set your mp3/iPod to the playlist you want to listen to and stow it away before you put the car in drive.

Prepare for the day before leaving the house by putting on makeup or shaving at home.

Make a choice to not answer calls while driving. If it’s really important, pull off the road and return the call, or wait until you are at your destination.

Always stop to eat at a restaurant, at home, or at rest stop.

Making these few changes could save yourself and others a load of hassles or even heartache. It’s time to stop driving with your knee and put both hands on the wheel!

If you have any questions about your vehicle or need advice, please visit our website at www.dingmans.com Her Living • April/May 2012

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Her Fitness Story by Brent Dierking, Kosama

A surgeon who understands a woman’s concerns.

Member American Society of Breast Surgeons Certified by the American Board of Surgery

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What’s Your Excuse?

’m too busy, too old, it’s boring, I don’t like going alone, I don’t know what to do, I have three kids, and last but not least, I’m too out of shape! Sound familiar? Ever made one of these excuses to make yourself obsolete from the fitness world? I think we all have at some point in time. The people who minimize these excuses and get back on track are the ones who see considerably better results and stay consistent.

If not now, when? There is NO better time than now. If you can’t take care of yourself, it is impossible to take care of someone else. Your life and health should always be top priority. I am going to guess if your car broke down you wouldn’t stop driving.

You would find a way to fix the problem. Then comes the question—would you try and fix it yourself, or would you seek out experts to find the problem and get it fixed?

We humans are full of excuses and never want to hold ourselves accountable for our own actions. We need structure, accountability, guidance, motivation, and a plan. Think of your body as your car that has recently needed repairs or is possibly broken down. Find an expert who can create a road map of success for you. Don’t be ashamed to have someone guide you in the right direction and hold you accountable. You need this! It makes no sense jumping onto machines and trying out new equipment if you don’t understand how your body works.

I’ll admit, I have tried to fix my car when I had no clue what the problem was, and only ended up spending more money, taking more time, and getting frustrated when the easy fix was in front of me the whole time. Seeking out an expert would have solved all of my problems and made my life a whole lot easier and less stressful.

Taking an hour of your day 5-6 days a week is LESS than 5 percent of your life! Do you think you could take less than 5 percent of your life and dedicate it to your own health so you could live a happier life? If you fully dedicate yourself, there is always a way. If you truly want it to happen, you will find the money and time; however, you have to overcome the barriers before you can commit yourself. Stop telling yourself you can’t, and start telling yourself you CAN! By changing your state of mind and believing in yourself you will be able to accomplish anything. Make 2012 all about you, add structure, get professional help, create a buddy system, and surround yourself with positive people who can help you see amazing results! YES, YOU CAN! In Good Health, Brent Dierking General Manager/Co-Owner, Kosama

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Her Living • April/May 2012

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Health Organ Donation Story by Susan Meyers • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Margie Nichols, organ recipient

Organ Donation Giving the Gift of Life

One organ donor has the potential to save nine lives, save or improve as many as 60 lives, and enhance the eyesight of two.

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-Andrea Eischen, public relations coordinator, Nebraska Organ Recovery System

early 10 years ago, an anonymous family lost someone very near and dear to them. But they chose to celebrate their loved one’s life by giving life to another individual whose own life may have been cut short had she not received the gift of an organ.

That someone was Margie Nichols, who is now 60 years old and forever grateful.

“It is truly a miracle,” says Nichols, who received a liver transplant Nov. 21, 2003, several years after finding out that she had a rare condition that was causing scar tissue to build up and block her bile ducts. “It was very hard because there wasn’t a lot that could be done to stop it, and I could just feel my life slipping away,” she says.

“Organ donation is one of the most tremendous things anyone can do in their life. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t forget why I am here and all the wonderful people who guided me through this journey.”

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Today, Nichols volunteers at The Nebraska Medical Center. She brings desserts to the staff on the transplant floor on holidays. She believes it’s a small way of giving back and showing her appreciation to others who have given so much.

Every day, there are approximately 113 million people on the waiting list for an organ, and approximately 18 people will die each day waiting for an organ. “There is a very desperate need for people to register to become an organ donor,” says Andrea Eischen, public relations coordinator for Nebraska Organ Recovery System. “One organ donor has the potential to save nine lives, save or improve as many as 60 lives, and enhance the eyesight of two.” >> Her Living • April/May 2012

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Health Organ Donation << In Nebraska alone, there are approximately 500 people waiting for an organ to become available. But only about 48 percent of the population of Nebraska has registered to become a donor. The Nebraska Organ Recovery has set a goal to add another 31,000 people to the organ donor registry to get that number up to 51 percent by July, notes Eischen.

Organ donors from ethnic minorities are in even greater need. Minorities including African-Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Hispanics are more likely than whites to have certain chronic conditions that affect the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas, and liver. And because ethnic minority populations tend to have certain blood types, which must be matched for transplantation, the potential for minority donors to help many people is high.

Becoming a donor is fairly easy. When you register to renew your license, simply check the box that asks if you’d like to be a donor. You can also log onto www.nedonation.org to register.

One of the biggest obstacles to organ donation is getting individuals to register to become an organ donor before they are faced with a tragic situation. “Organ donation can be a very positive thing that can come out of the loss of a loved one,” says Wendy Grant, M.D., organ transplant surgeon at The Nebraska Medical Center. “It gives a family the potential to have >>

Wendy Grant, MD, organ transplant surgeon at The Nebraska Medical Center

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Her Dental Health Story by Stephanie Vondrak, D.D.S.

I

Turn That Frown Upside Down

am sure you have heard...it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. What about the popular adage, “Turn that frown upside down”? As a health-centered dentist, my passion is to create confident, healthy smiles. Yes, I am believer that a life lived smiling is a better life!

I recently discovered a study correlating happiness and smiling with increased longevity. In this study, photos taken of baseball players in 1952 suggest those smiling outlived their nonsmiling counterparts by seven years (Abel & Kruger, 2010). Not convinced? What about your endorphins? Endorphins are the “happy” neurotransmitters released into your bloodstream from smiling and laughing. Endorphins are a “natural drug” that make us feel good, increase our energy, boost our immune system and decrease our stress.

So what do you have to lose? The simple act of smiling will make you feel good and perhaps live longer. As a dentist, I want my patients not only to smile but to feel confident and happy when doing so. By prioritizing professional dental cleanings and/ or whitening a dingy smile, the more you love your smile the more smiling you will do.

So dedicate a little time everyday to care for your dental health—your smile deserves it. After all, look at the amazing things your smile...does for YOU!

For more information www.drvondrak.com

16

Her Living • April/May 2012

on

Vondrak

Dental,

visit

<<a life-saving impact on the lives of others. However, if that person has not taken the steps to register or discuss their wishes with their family in Andrea Eischen, public relations cordinator, advance, it is very Nebraska Organ Recovery System difficult for a family to make that decision when they are still dealing with their own loss.”

The need for organ donors has been rising significantly over the years. The reason? The number of people who are eligible for organ transplantation has been steadily rising due to advances in organ transplantation.

“Another obstacle is a lack of understanding of what it really means to be an organ donor,” says Eischen. “There are many myths surrounding organ donation.”

Eischen and Dr. Grant help uncover some of these myths by responding to the following concerns: MYTH: If I register to become an organ donor, my doctors won’t work as hard to save my life.

“Not true,” says Dr. Grant. “Patients are being cared for by non-transplant medical professionals. In addition, there are very strict criteria that must be followed before a person can be declared dead.”

MYTH: An open-casket funeral isn’t an option for people who have donated.

Not true. What is done when someone donates their organs is no different than what is done when performing an autopsy. Once they are clothed, you cannot tell the difference.

MYTH: I’m too young to make that decision.

Your parents can authorize this decision. “This is actually a good age to begin discussing organ donation,” says Dr. Grant. “Families can start having discussions about organ donation during school age.”

MYTH: I’m too old to donate.

There’s no absolute age exclusion, notes Dr. Grant.

“If a person is otherwise healthy, many of the organs could still be viable for an organ donation,” she says.

“The transplant surgeon would evaluate the organs and decide whether your organs are suitable on a caseby-case basis.

MYTH: I’m not in good enough health to donate my organs.

Very few medical conditions disqualify you from donating your organs. It may be determined that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other tissues and organs may be fine.

MYTH: Organ donation is against my religious beliefs.

Most religions support organ donation, including www.OmahaPublications.com

Health Organ Donation Organ donation can be a very positive thing that can come out of the loss of a loved one.

-Wendy Grant, MD, organ transplant surgeon at The Nebraska Medical Center

Catholics, Protestants, Islam, and most branches of Judaism. If you are unsure, the federal website OrganDonor.gov provides religious views on organ donation and transplantation by denomination.

MYTH: My family will be charged additional costs if I donate my organs.

The organ donor and family are never charged for donating organs.

Those costs are passed onto the transplant recipient.

MYTH: I’d like to donate one of my kidneys, but I can’t unless one of my family members is in need.

That is no longer the case. In fact, half of all kidney transplants come from living donors, many of which are donated by donors other than family members, explains Dr. Grant. You will undergo extensive questioning and testing first to evaluate your kidneys and determine if you are healthy enough to live with just one kidney.

“Organ and tissue donation can truly be a positive experience,” says Eischen. “It can help a family work through the grieving process and deal with their loss by knowing their loved one is helping save the lives of others.”

“It’s such a tremendous gift,” says Nichols. “I want others to know that people do survive and live a normal life again after a transplant. Look at me. I do everything now and even a little more.”

The region’s only women’s medical campus

Lora, RN and Dr. Bonebrake High-risk Obstetrics

When you create a women’s medical campus from the ground up, it allows you to offer a unique combination of services found nowhere else. That means, from high-risk obstetrics to urogynecology, from pelvic pain to behavioral health, no other medical campus truly offers a health care experience from your perspective—all in one convenient location. But then again, there’s no other place like Methodist. That’s the meaning of care. bestcare.org

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Her Living • April/May 2012

17

Health EXTRA Story by Bailey Hemphill

Artificial Sugars — Are They Safe?

W

hen people want to cut back on sugar in their diet, they often turn to artificial sweeteners as lower-calorie alternatives to regular white sugar. It seems artificial sweeteners are everywhere in foods and beverages marketed as “sugar-free” or “diet”—soda, chewing gum, candy, fruit juice, ice cream, etc. But are they really healthier, or even safe?

Any sweetener that is used instead of regular sugar is considered a sugar substitute. Some substitutes are natural sweeteners, such as honey and maple syrup; others are artificial or synthetic sugars that are processed and refined. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently approves these artificial sweeteners: acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One), aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), neotame, saccharin (SugarTwing, Sweet’N Low), and sucralose (Splenda). Because they are reviewed,

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Her Living • April/May 2012

approved, and regulated by the FDA as food additives, each artificial sweetener has an established acceptable daily intake (ADI), which is the maximum amount considered safe to consume each day over the course of a lifetime.

Like most food additives, artificial sweeteners come with both pros and cons. If you’re trying to control your sugar intake, most artificial sweeteners are non-nutritive, which means they virtually have no calories; but regardless of whether they’re classified as “sugar-free” or “diet,” they don’t magically help you lose weight. If you have diabetes, artificial sweeteners can provide a sugary taste without raising blood sugar levels; however, be mindful that some artificial sweeteners could be sugar alcohols, which contain carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar levels. It’s best to check with a physician before consuming any sugar substitutes.

As for health concerns, artificial sweeteners may cause bloating, intestinal gas, and diarrhea.

Some can also cause an increase in sugar or carbohydrate cravings, which can contribute to weight gain. It’s possible that some artificial sweeteners could be linked to cancer; although, there’s still much debate on this subject, so until research can provide more conclusive evidence, artificial sweeteners are considered safe in limited quantities.

The general consensus among the health community is this: natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are still healthier than artificial sweeteners; however, if you’re trying to eliminate sugar from your diet, then artificial sweeteners are the way to go. As long as you pay attention to the ADI, then artificial sweeteners should not cause problems.

Source: Mayo Clinic www.OmahaPublications.com

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Is he dating you or his mother?

oy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy gets Mother.” – Rosie DeLeon; Bye Bye Birdie.

Remember when you used to think it was “so cute” that he was going out to lunch with his mother? “Oh,” you thought, “He’s a family man! He’ll make a fine life partner.” In fact, it’s one of the things that attracted you to him in the first place.

The months went by. Summer turned to fall, fall led to Christmas, and we find ourselves yet again in spring. He’s including you in nearly every aspect of his life and embracing the fact that it’s no longer his life but a life to be shared with you...all except those lunches with “Mom.” The cute mamma’s boy act has now turned into a nuisance. In fact, you suspect that SHE may be the reason why he hasn’t asked you to spend the rest of your life with him! You may have even asked yourself (or brought it up during a fight with him), is he dating me or his mother?!

The best you can do is try to become friends with his mother.

She is, after all, (likely) a very nice person and will forever play an important role in his life. Perhaps if you can prove to her that you not only want her to remain a vital part of his life, but that you will encourage him to go to lunch with her twice per week, if only she’d let you come along…and there you have it!

One big healthy, happy, functioning family! And if things progress to marriage, you’ll be happy you made the effort. After all, what mom doesn’t want to re-live being a mother by becoming a grandmother?

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

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Each franchise independently owned and operated

cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Her Living • April/May 2012

19

Cover Feature Women Weekend Warriors Story by Sandy Lemke • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Women Weekend Warriors You are just being active and healthy and fun.

Sarah Kroenke, Triathelete

O

maha women enjoy a multitude of opportunities to be active. With its wide variety of fitness centers, bike trails, golf courses and more, Omaha has options for everyone.

We found three women who take a creative approach to their active lives. Here’s to these active Omaha women and their inspirational stories. >>

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Her Living • April/May 2012

www.OmahaPublications.com

Pictured: Dr. Siobahn Bower, Mountain Biker

Cover Feature Women Weekend Warriors Biker Chick

Dr. Siobhan Bower, Mountain Biker

M

ountain biking in the Midwest? That can’t be. For Dr. Siobhan Bower, internal medicine physician at Boys Town National Research Hospital, it’s a healthy habit.

Okay, we don’t have any mountains, but Dr. Bower, 31, rides around a lot of places in Nebraska and Iowa. “Here, you have to go up and down and up and down shorter peaks and valleys. You can accomplish the same amount of biking and you are not at risk of falling off a ledge. I still really enjoy it around here.”

Dr. Bower enjoys riding in several areas.

One is near the Lewis and Clark monument on the Council Bluffs side at the top of the hill. “The mountain bike trail is intense and fun.” Another area she enjoys is Jewell Park in Bellevue. “That one is a little sandier when you first get started. It is an intense workout.

It would be okay for intermediate bikers.” She also enjoys Swanson Park in Bellevue, which she said “any beginner can do.”

She started riding in medical school (she attended Creighton) with the Taco Ride, a bike trek between Council Bluffs and Mineola, Iowa on Thursday nights ending with taco specials and beers at the Mineola Steakhouse. Now she rides at least once a week during the summer. “Now I realize I can ride down a huge mountain. It has definitely gotten me to be a bit riskier,” she said.

Women on Water Kayaking

C

h ri s Vos ick a , N e b r as k a Master Naturalist, said Women on Water Kayaking began in the summer of 2007. “One of the greatest excitement for women has been building up their confidence. I enjoy the fellowship, sharing our stories, our joys, and our concerns with one another, while kayaking together, either in an early paddle in the morning followed by breakfast to an evening after work…just to release the day’s stress.”

The group forays out onto area lakes. It includes all ages and levels of physical ability.

They have worked with people with serious disabilities, health or loss issues. Vosicka said, “Women of all ages from their 20’s to

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Her Living • April/May 2012

Chris Vosicka, Women on Water Kayaking www.OmahaPublications.com

Sarah Kroenke, Omaha Women’s Triathlete

our oldest at 79 find time to fit Women on Water Kayaking into their busy life schedule…knowing that being on the water, together, we all come off the lake refreshed and revived.” She added, “We found kayaking a great way to reduce stress and offering a time of peace and relaxation in the busy world we all live in...just being on the water. There is something healing with water, communing with it…on your yak with your paddle in hand, calm or a little wind, various birds flying over or floating with you, to the frogs calling to you from the cattails…to watching the sunrise with the fog burning off to the vibrant sunsets ending the day.”

Omaha Women’s Triathlon

J

une 3, 2012 is the date of the second annual Omaha Women’s Triathlon, presented by the Race Omaha event series. Said Kurt Beisch, Race Director: “In 2011, we started the Omaha Women’s Triathlon at Youngman Lake and made history for Nebraska. The Omaha Women’s Triathlon is 1 of 50 races in the United States that is USA Triathlon sanctioned and is an all women’s event.”

The Omaha Women’s Triathlon is a “sprint triathlon,” and consists of a 750M swim, a 20K bike, and a 5K run. We talked to Sarah Kroenke, 36, who participated in the inaugural Omaha Women’s Triathlon and plans to do the 2012 race as well. Kroenke, an 8th grade English teacher at Westside Middle School, had never exercised on a regular basis prior to training for the triathlon. Kroenke said people often ask her, “Can you lose weight training for a triathlon?” Her answer is, “Yes! You can lose weight training for a triathlon.” But, that wasn’t her goal. Her goal was to finish the event in 2 hours 30 minutes. Which she did, with 2 minutes to spare! “You are just being active and healthy and fun,” she said.

Kroenke said she is invited to participate in activities with friends and family on a new active level. Her brother Jess is her new “cycle coach,” and it is “fun to have something new in common,” she said.

Kroenke is participating in the fastest-growing sport in the USA. Said Beisch, “The biggest growth of the multi-sport lifestyle is with kids and women. This trend is evident with the Omaha Women’s Triathlon, with over 40 percent of registrations being made by first time triathletes this year (2012). The Omaha Kids Triathlon almost tripled in size from 2010 to 2011. My only advice would be to sign up early because we are going to be at capacity for both of these events. Registrations are greater than last year at this same time.”

Beisch added, “Based on the number of events and participants, we are the largest non-profit organization in Nebraska providing multi-sport events.

We have events for Adults, Kids and Women only, with ages ranging from 7 years old to 71. More than 85 percent of the participants in these events are from Nebraska.”

Online Resources for Active Omaha Women www.Activateomaha.org www.Active.com www.Dailymile.com www.Loseit.com www.Omahatrails.com www.woggworkskayaking.com

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Her Living • April/May 2012

23

Home EXTRA Story by Bailey Hemphill • Photos by John Gawley

I

Organizing Your Bathroom

t’s no doubt women have time-consuming beauty routines. But part of the reason why we spend so much time in the bathroom is because we’re constantly trying to find our stuff! With a little help from bathroom organizers, your bathroom can become neat and well-organized, which will get you out the door faster in the morning.

Similar items can be found at any Target, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.

Rather than line your tub with shampoos, conditioners, shaving gels and razors, using a shower rack will keep all of your items organized and out of your way.

For bathrooms without linen closets, a canvas bin is a great way to keep hand towels and washcloths clean, dry and organized.

Keep perfumes and nail polishes from invading counter space with a wicker basket.

A plastic storage tub with a sliding drawer is perfect for storing hairbrushes, skin care products, or cosmetics; and if you have cabinet space beneath your sink, tubs can be stacked to better utilize verticlaspace.

A bath caddy is a great place to store all of your hot tools, keeping your bathroom counters open and messy cords contained.

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Her Living • April/May 2012

www.OmahaPublications.com

Beauty Sheet Makeover Story by Jared Spence • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com Clothing and accessories provided by The Garment District

Making Mom Over

I

sabel Fermin, a petite woman with pixie-short hair, arrived to talk over lemonade at Delice Bakery wearing all black clothes and a black fleece cap.

Although dressed discreetly, upon introducing herself she immediately revealed a wide, warm smile and an effervescent demeanor that couldn’t be missed.

Fermin, a Dominican-born Omaha transplant by way of New York, wore no makeup, her beautiful eyes almost hidden; and despite her brow being creased by only a few smile and worry lines, her age, 54, was a surprise.

She works nights at her company, Commercial Cleaning Center, so she rarely, if ever, gets dressed up, she said.

“I like to feel comfortable and free,” Fermin said. “Of course, I like some sexier clothes, too, and I like high-heel shoes a lot, even though I don’t wear them anymore.”

At 54, there is still opportunity for the vibrant mother of three to embrace a new grace and style after facing the biggest challenges of her life—losing her husband to cirrhosis and being diagnosed with breast cancer. “At first all these worries flooded,” Fermin said. “I was sad and depressed and for a moment, I thought I was going crazy.”

She was still grateful to God, she said, even though nine months after her husband passed she was diagnosed with cancer. Fermin said she never thought she could have cancer.

“I don’t smoke, I was in shape at the time, and I ate healthy.

I thought I did everything right.”

“When I got the results, of course I cried for hours. I was thinking about my kids and mom. I kept thinking, ‘Do not let me die before my mom.’ I did not want to give her the pain of seeing me dying,” Fermin said. Before Fermin began her chemotherapy, she sent her mother back to the Dominican Republic to protect her from seeing her go through treatment.

When Fermin started chemo, she noticed her hair started falling out, though she didn’t immediately shave her head. Fermin said she wanted to >>

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Her Living • April/May 2012

25

Beauty Sheet Makeover Cosmetologist Sandy Jensen trims Fermin’s tresses and applies makeup with mastery.

<<see every single step of her cancer fight.

She was offered a wig, but never wore it. It wasn’t until she started leaving hair everywhere, including her food, her bed, and seats she would sit in, she said, that she decided to shave her head. “As soon as summer hit, I walked around with a bald head,” Fermin said. “I wanted to show everyone to not be afraid.”

Among the worst parts for Fermin, she said, were losing her eyebrows (that she was so proud of) and her eyelashes, as well as her nails and skin deteriorating. “It was like I aged five years in two,” she said.

It took four months after she completed chemotherapy for her skin, hair, and nails to even begin to recover.

Fermin said her faith in God and her family were major factors to overcoming the loss of her husband and bout with cancer. “My daughter and two boys have a lot of love for me. And the people here, I can’t tell you enough, are really good people and supported me in different ways, including financially,” Fermin said.

In December 2011, Fermin and her family learned that she was cancer-free.

Fermin said she wants to be an example for women and wants them to know they do not have to be scared, but rather to fight against it [cancer].

Fermin urges every woman to get a mammogram every year. “You can have cancer, but it can’t have you,” she said. “Here I am—I’m still working. I’m not totally happy—with the loss of my husband—but I am grateful.”

She said she has learned and become stronger from her experience. “After my cancer, I am grateful for everything, even the snow or the moon. I appreciate everything I have,” Fermin said.

N

ow Fermin can be thankful for a stronger vibrant summer look as well. HER Living magazine coordinated a makeover day for the deserving mom at Alegent Health’s Image Recovery Center. The Center

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Her Living • April/May 2012

offers an appearance enhancement program to cancer patients who have had their hair, skin, and nails negatively impacted by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other cancer treatments.

With her new hair and makeup and a flirty dress to revive her spirit, Fermin truly shines from the inside out. “It really makes you get your confidence back,” Fermin said. “I feel like I want to go back to my style. I’m also going to learn more about makeup.”

She said before, she was a jeans and ponytail kind of woman. “Now, with the makeup and everything, I can tell the difference. For a moment during the photo shoot, I thought ‘Am I a model or something?’”

Sandy Jensen, a clinical cosmetologist for the IRC, gave Fermin a moisturizing treatment to combat some of the effects of her skin due to chemotherapy. “Chemo can be extremely dehydrating and cause wrinkles and fine lines,” Becky Rainey, fellow clinical cosmetologist said.

“Patients tend to have wrinkles or depth under their eyes after chemo treatment and that also has to do with dehydration,” Jensen said. She used a small amount of concealer underneath the eye, chocolate brown eyeliner for definition, bright slightly iridescent shades of eye shadow on her lid to highlight, and mascara to make her eyes pop.

This was Fermin’s second haircut since the regrowth of her hair. Jensen cleaned up the edges and removed the fragile ends of her pixie cut and gave her hair more shape, so Isabel can grow into a hairstyle more smoothly.

Fermin’s dress and accessories all came courtesy of The Garment District. The bold Amanda Uprichard “Tropical Cherry” sun dress is playful while staying age-appropriate with the addition of a plum pashmina wrap. The a-line shape and cinched waist compliment her body shape and allow her fun-spirited personality to show. The gold strappy sandals provided a splash of shine and glamour with comfort to boot.

Go out and conquer the world, Isabel Fermin! And Happy Mother's Day!

Garment District Omaha, The Shops of Legacy 16939 Wright Plaza, Suite 123 402.557.6100 www.OmahaPublications.com

Beauty EXTRA Story by Sandy Lemke

Give Yourself A Makeover

W

ouldn’t we all love a top-down pro makeover? Well, while not everyone can afford the time and expense of a salon/spa day, shopping spree, dental visit, etc., a la TLC’s What Not to Wear, we should all make time to tweak our look every once in a while.

Here are some simple steps to kick it up a gear!

•

Try a new hair product, such as shine spray or volumizing lotion.

Editor’s picks: Rusk “Shining” Shine Spray or TIGI Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream.

•

Part your hair on a different side for a new style.

•

Schedule a brow wax. This one beauty buy will lift and frame your whole face for minimal cost. Finish with brow powder or pencil for a pro look. Editor’s Pick: Lorraine Boegner at Fringes Salon and Spa in the Old Market. Boegner will give you a “mini facelift” with her brow waxing. She takes her time to do an amazing job.

•

Try new eyeshadow colors. Purchase a palette with a variety of colors and play around for new fun looks. Editor’s Pick: Stila Daydream Eye Shadow Palette, $18 at LovelySkin.com. 22 eyeshadows in a beautiful compact.

•

Exfoliate at home. Mix a small amount of baking soda in with your regular cleanser to make a paste. Scrub each area carefully, rinse and enjoy your new smooth skin!

•

Enhance your lip look with liner. It will corral your gloss or lipstick and define your pout.

•

Try at-home teeth whitening strips for a few weeks. You’ll take years off your smile!

•

Go in for a spray tan. You’ll look healthy and glowing without the harmful sun damage. Editor’s Pick: Paradise Bay Tanning, two locations in Omaha. Paradisebaytanning.com

•

Shop your girlfriend’s closets. Kim Ahlers, owner of Kajoma’s Fashion Boutique says, “When all else fails and you are totally bored with your closet, I still love the idea of inviting a couple girlfriends over to shop your closet. Have them go in and come out with three to four outfits. It’s amazing to see what they put together. They will come up with looks you never thought of. It’s the best way to get new mileage out of clothes.”

•

Put your best foot forward. Polish your shoes! Have the heel tips fixed if needed as well.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Her Living • April/May 2012

27

Her Living

W

elcome to the new HerNetwork, connecting women to women-focused businesses through Omaha Magazine’s women’s lifestyle magazine, HerLiving !

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

Her Business

Her Social Media Social networks are all about sharing news, photos, and ideas; so why not spread word about local businesses and their great offers as well? Restaurants, boutiques, fitness clubs, home décor stores, and more! These local businesses have so much to offer.

So, go ahead—share the businesses that you love with the people you love!

Her Friends Her Peers Her Family 28

Her Living • April/May 2012

www.OmahaPublications.com

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!

Junqué Factory 132 N Washington St Suite 100 Papillion, NE 68046 402.682.2817 www.junquefactory.com www.pinterest.com/junquefactory www.facebook.com; junque factory

Create a timeless, unique, one of a kind look, in your home! Think outside of the box and mix the old with the new! We bring you, architectural salvage, antiques and primitives, urban industrial décor, unique reclaimed finds, cottage shabby chic, and one of a kind vintage pieces! Get your conversation piece here!

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

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

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!

Her Living • April/May 2012

29

Her Stylish Stylist Story by Sandy Lemke • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

I

Darlene, 55 . Nikki, 30 Nanfito

n honor of Mother’s Day, we are featuring a mother-daughter duo, Darlene and Nikki Nanfito of Turning Heads Salon and Spa! Darlene and Nikki co-own the salon, and Nikki—who’s expecting her third child in August!—also serves as a stylist.

These lovely ladies, whose own ‘dos and fresh makeup epitomize the gorgeous beauty looks they provide their customers, remind us a woman’s style is about more than just fashion. It’s also shown through how they maintain their hair, nails, skin, etc.

It’s easy to fall into a beauty rut, Darlene said, “but changing your look for the season,

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Her Living • April/May 2012

such as lightening your hair for spring, is an easy update.”

So, too, is getting a spray tan in advance of a vacation, or getting eyelash or hair extensions in preparation for special date or event. “Extensions are so natural-looking and really amazing!”

“A life-changing event such as a divorce or new marriage is always a good time to start anew with a new style,” added Darlene, who recently remarried herself. “A lot of women change their hairstyle with a big life change.”

Updating your makeup colors and techniques, and switching out hair and skin care products to meet needs that change with age are easy ways to keep your style current and maintain a youthful appearance. Darlene’s favorite products?

“Pureology,” she said. www.OmahaPublications.com

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Her Living • April/May 2012

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