Women's Edition Omaha

THE MAGAZINE FOR METROPOLITAN WOMEN

March 2017

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March 2017

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Publisher’s Notes

T-Shirts and Shorts!

I am SO EXCITED! Spring is just around the corner!

As a bonus, Daylight Savings Time starts on March 12, and that means more sunshine is coming our way. I know this has not been a terrible winter, but I am so ready for it to be over. I am not a winter person. (If you’ve been reading this column for any length of time, you already know that!)

I had the good fortune to travel to Key West for a week in January. It was a family get-together with my three brothers, one of my sisters, and their spouses. We scooted out of town on Sunday, January 15…right before the ice storm hit Omaha.

We had absolutely fabulous weather….78 to 82 degrees and sunny, every day. It was nirvana! My brother Tom’s wife, Kristi, kept saying, “I can’t believe it’s January!” It actually became quite funny…it was as if she were in total disbelief that we could get on a plane, fly 1,800 miles, and have such amazing weather. We spent time at the great swimming pool, went to Sunset Pier to watch the amazing sunsets, and just chilled.

One morning, as I was sitting out on the screened-in porch (in shorts and a t-shirt!), I was contemplating what it would be like to live on Key West. Would I get to a point where I took the weather for granted? Would I get tired of the “same old, same old,” day in and day out? After a while, would I still appreciate the awesome weather like I was appreciating it on that trip? I don’t think so. I think what makes vacations like that so special is the contrast.

I think one of the things that I truly do love about Nebraska is the contrast in the weather. We are fortunate to get four distinct seasons every year. I suffer through winter but so look forward to spring, summer, and fall. That said, I wouldn’t want 12 straight months of any of them.

I am welcoming spring with open arms. I will love it when Daylight Savings Time kicks in. (I’m never sure if it is the dark that makes me dislike winter…or the cold. Probably a combination of both.) I can’t wait to see the daffodils and the tulips poking their heads out of the soil. I am so looking forward to the spring storms that roll across Nebraska. Like I said, I am so EXCITED! We will talk next month…and the weather will be beautiful!

Points of Interest Last month, we featured Granville Villa in View From The Top. It was inadvertently left out that Collette Mieres, who has been the executive director of Granville Villa since 2011, was on maternity leave at the time of the interview. We are happy to report that Collette is back at Granville Villa and that she and her baby are doing well.

Westfield Plastic Surgery Center is expanding and is looking for a few talented professionals to join their team. For more information on these career opportunities, turn to page 32.

It’s never too soon to think about how to keep the kids inspired, challenged, and entertained over the summer.

Check out the ad for The J Omaha on page 56. They have a special offer for early enrollment.

It’s almost spring—time to freshen up your home and give it a new look. A Well-Dressed Window is offering a Hunter Douglas rebate on their energysaving shades. See the ad on page 5.

Thinking of starting a new business?

Have a small business and need advice? SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, has been counseling new and existing businesses for over 40 years and has a network of over 13,000 volunteers who donate their time to help entrepreneurs. See the ad on page 72.

Increase your home’s value, safety, and beauty by adding landscape lighting.

See Midwest Lightscaping’s ad on page 63 for contact information.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher On the Cover: Caroline Rose For more information, visit www.carolinerose.com Positive Thought of the Month “You couldn’t have strength without weakness, you couldn’t have light without dark, you couldn’t have love without loss.” —Jodi Picoult, “The Tenth Circle”

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March 2017

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March 2017

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Inside This Edition 2 Publisher’s Notes

40 View from the Top

6 Fashion Worthy

42 Home Works

8 Weekend Gourmet 12 Business Style 15 Zodiac Forecast This month will radiate blissfulness in the personal and professional aspects of your life.

Love will also develop because of the planetary influences.

16 A Woman’s Work

Last month, we talked about landscaping with hard features in the yard. This month, we’re going to focus on the softer elements of your yard.

46 To Your Good Health Surgical weight loss, or bariatric surgery, is an option that some people with obesity can explore to help them lose weight that is threatening their health.

18 Vantage Point

48 An Inside Look

20 Fresh Concept

50 Focus on Finance

22 Out and About

52 Seasons of Life

24 The Market Place

54 Business Connection

26 Healthy Living

56 Peak Performance

28 Good Looks

58 Auto Wise

Sensuality and intimacy are very important parts of life. Don’t let insecurity or awkwardness keep you from happiness and satisfaction.

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60 The Good Life 62 Great Escapes 66 Enterprising Ideas

32 Income Outcome

68 The Green Thumb

33 Kids Comments

70 Cuddly Critters

34 Interiors By Design

72 Positive Perspective

National Publisher/Editor Janet Van deWalle

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Art & Editorial Director Erin Lanza

Operations Manager Roxy Orr

Administrative Assistant Monica Davis

Copy Editor Liz Huett

Women’s Edition 11570 West Do dg e R o ad • Omah a, NE 68154 • 402-397-0732 or 888-892-40 7 6 Women’s Edition is published by and is the property of Women’s Edition, Inc. Women’s Edition® The Magazine For Metropolitan Women is a registered trademark of Women’s Edition, Inc. (Reg. No. 2,501,858). All rights reserved. Women’s Edition has no affiliation with any other publication.

Women’s Edition makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claim as to the accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. Women’s Edition is not responsible for the accuracy of the QR codes appearing in our magazine. © Copyright 2017, Women’s Edition, Inc. All rights reserved. This material is for personal use only.

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March 2017

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March 2017

5

Fashion Worthy

What’s Trending for Spring 2017 Easy, Wearable, Fun Fashion

By Holly Bell

Every spring, designers flood us with their takes on new trends. (Every year, some of these new trends are suitable for the Midwest and some are definitely not!) Here are some of my favorite new or updated trends that should inspire some shopping.

New khaki. This utilitarian fabric has been around for ages, and we have taken it for granted. This year, designers have figured out new and innovative ways to make this basic material stylish. Look for a shirt-dress; a long, softly gathered skirt; or a jacket that will be in your wardrobe for years.

Innovative color. Think yellow is too bold a color for you to wear? Think again. For spring and summer 2017, there will be an option for everyone who wants to wear this optimistic color. Hollywood celebrities are definitely leading the storm on choosing yellow to stand out in a sea of black. With a vibrant green as the Pantone color of 2017, some exciting color choices will also include romantic, polished emeraldgreen along with the more casual vibe of olive tones. Sorbet shades will also be important as we go into summer. Fill up on tangerine and tart raspberry. Spring is looking very sweet, indeed. And guess what? Sorbet colors look fabulous with yellow!

Interesting shoulders. Designers have been crazy about the cutout shoulder for a few seasons now, and I still love it. Showing the shoulder is genius—it’s sexy without being too revealing. This spring, a lot of one-shouldered detailing will be seen, along with some strategically placed shoulder cutouts and embellishments for maximum impact. As a nod to the 1980s (“Flashdance,” anyone?), you will be tempted by generously cut necklines on tops that just happen to fall off one shoulder.

Fresh sleeves. Last year, it was all about the sweet, feminine, and still important flutter sleeve. This year, designers have added a new

NEW KHAKI

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March 2017

FLOWER POWER

SHINING ON

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INNOVATIVE COLOR dimension with the slit sleeve. Whether slit from the shoulder, creating a cape-like effect, or slit from the elbow, allowing the sleeve to float behind the arm, this sleeve treatment is undeniably a fresh silhouette.

Fold-over waists. Remember the “paper bag” waistlines? To jog your memory, it was a waistline that gathered with some fabric left on top that created a ruffle. Cute, but not really for everyone. This year, there is a great new waist treatment to try: the fold-over waist.

With this look, the fabric folds over at the waistline to create an effect that looks sort of like a smooth peplum or a wide belt. It is actually quite flattering and hides a tummy. Don’t be intimidated! Try it on.

Oversized trench coats. A trench coat is a wardrobe essential for those of us living through unpredictable spring weather. You’ve probably had one for years…and it’s probably time to update it. The ankle-length, slouchy, big-buckled trench coat looks new this year. Of course, the favorite color will be the new khaki!

Shining on. We all love to bring a little shine during the holidays, and it’s always a little sad to put away our sparkles after the holiday season is over. Not true this spring! Shimmery, shiny, glitter will keep us glowing for spring 2017.

Flower power. Florals are a given as we move into spring, and every floral fabric has a different tale to tell. The floral story this season is whimsical, punchy, and fun. It also comes mixed with cartoonish shapes and, a bit surprisingly, fruit. Black backgrounds create an edge to the florals and tempt us to wear them even while the weather is still cold. Go ahead! Pair your floral print with some boots and an oversized cardigan, jean jacket, or leather jacket. Your look will brighten up the darkest of days.

Nautical inspiration. Hey, sailor! Nautical-inspired looks always make me smile. Every year, designers figure out ways to make it look fresh again. From blue and white stripes to double-breasted blazers, nauticals look good on everyone and make me feel like going on vacation! Look for nauticals that are paired with some of the new trends, such as slit sleeves or fold-over waistlines.

Athleisure. I was slow to get on board with this trend. Now that I am, I understand it fully. Every facet of sporting style has gone mainstream. From long jersey tops to track pants, athleisure is here to stay. To keep from looking sloppy, be sure that clothing in this style fits beautifully. Mixing it with non-sporty pieces will kick it up a notch.

I hope you feel inspired to get out there and find some exciting new trends to update your look for 2017.

Editor’s Note: Holly has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years as a buyer, boutique store owner, visual merchandiser, and fashion show producer. She is currently the owner of a modeling agency. Holly regularly appears on local TV doing fashion segments. WE More information at www.carolinerose.com

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Weekend Gourmet

Lions and Lambs and Feasts Galore!

By Kate Beiting

Chicken Wings with Apricot Pepper Glaze For the wings: Place 2 pounds of prepared chicken wings on a lightly oiled baking pan. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 45 minutes at 400 degrees.

For the glaze: Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter on low heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and one fourth of an onion, grated. Cook for 3–4 minutes.

Add one-half cup of apricot jam, 2 Tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of paprika, one-fourth cup of water, and 1 seeded and chopped jalapeno.

Simmer on low for 5 minutes. When the wings are done, put them in a large bowl and toss them with the apricot pepper glaze.

Irish Soda Bread In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 Tablespoons of sugar, one-half teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 Tablespoon of baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk with one egg. Add it to the flour mix, along with one-half cup of soft butter. Mix well.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead several times. (You can add one-half cup of raisins and 1 Tablespoon of caraway seed, if desired.) Form the dough into a round loaf. Brush with one-fourth cup of melted butter mixed with one-fourth cup of buttermilk. Cut a large cross on top of the

CHICKEN WINGS WITH APRICOT PEPPER GLAZE

loaf. Bake at 375 degrees for 45–50 minutes. Serving suggestion: Try it toasted with Irish butter and jam.

Loose Meat Sandwiches—A Midwestern Tradition Put 2 pounds of ground chuck into a stock pot or large skillet, along with 1 finely chopped white onion. Start cooking and crumbling. Add 1 Tablespoon of salt, 1–2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tablespoon of creamed horseradish, 1 Tablespoon of dry mustard (or a good squirt of yellow), several good dashes of pepper, one-half cup of ketchup , and 1 cup of water. Add a few dashes of Accent seasoning, if you have some ›››

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on hand. Stir well and continue crumbling. Simmer for 20–25 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns, with slices of dill pickle, sliced cheese, and chopped onions. Loose meat can be kept warm in a slow cooker until ready to serve, if desired. Serves 12.

Scalloped Cheese Potatoes Melt 3 Tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Add 3 Tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 cups of milk and cook for 4–5 minutes, until thick. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and remove pan from heat. Parboil 4 peeled potatoes for 10 minutes. Cool and slice the potatoes. Place the sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish and pour the milk mixture on top. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with another one-half cup of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Easy Sauerkraut Bread Mix the package of yeast and flour from a box of hot roll mix.

Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seed and blend well. Stir in 1 cup of drained sauerkraut, 1 cup of hot water, 2 Tablespoons of soft butter, and 1 egg. Mix for 2–3 minutes. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead for 4–5 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then place dough in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Brush the loaf with egg wash. Bake at 375 degrees for 35–45 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from pan and cool on rack. Great for Reuben sandwiches or with a corned beef dinner.

Old-Fashioned Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner Remove the corned beef from the package (flat cut is less fatty) and place in a large stockpot. Fill the pot with water (about

2 quarts). Add a cup of beer or apple juice if you want. Turn on high and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to simmer, add 1 chopped onion, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 3 hours. Add 6 scrubbed red potatoes. Cut a head of cabbage into eight pieces and put them on top of the corned beef. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with rye bread and mustard-horseradish. Use the leftovers to make Reuben sandwiches the next day!

Barbecued Ham Sandwiches (Note: You can use 2–3 cups of prepared barbecue sauce instead of making your own.) Lightly grease a slow cooker. Put 2 pounds of sliced deli or cooked ham into the cooker. Stir together 1 cup of water, 1 cup of barbecue sauce or chili sauce, one-fourth cup of ketchup, one-fourth cup of brown sugar, one-fourth cup of Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tablespoons of white vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of prepared mustard. Pour the sauce over the ham.

Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Serves 10–12.

Baked Fish Peel 4 potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes, then cool and slice. Place the slices in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Slice one fourth of an onion and put the slices on top of the potatoes.

Pour one-half cup of milk over the top. Season four pieces of white fish (cod, pike, or halibut) with a blend of one-fourth cup of flour, salt and pepper as desired, one-fourth teaspoon of onion powder, one-fourth teaspoon of garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne. Place the fish into the baking dish. Sprinkle 2 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan over the fish and pour another one-half cup of milk on top. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, or until fish flakes. Serves 4. WE

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402.397.0732 March 2017

11

Business Style

Divorce: A Major Life Transition Get Help From the Experts at Koenig Dunne

By Marge Shoemaker

The past year at Koenig Dunne has been one of expansion and transition. Susan Ann Koenig, founder and now life coach, had long owned the building that housed the firm. When we last interviewed managing partner Angela Dunne, she had just purchased the neighboring building so they could expand their practice. The basic remodeling of the new building is now complete, though additional projects (like finishing the lower level for conference space) are ongoing. Angela and her daughters have moved into their home upstairs.

The expansion of physical space has allowed the firm to expand their staff and the services they offer.

One of the services newly offered by Koenig Dunne is bankruptcy and financial advice. “Divorce often has a huge financial impact on the family,” Angela says. A family that might have been living on two incomes is now basically surviving on one. For women who have had little experience in handling the family finances, financial advice is mandatory. Men also find the change in finances can be overwhelming. Koenig Dunne has two attorneys, Howard Duncan and Patrick Patino, who specialize in bankruptcy law and associated financial advice.

Other attorneys on staff include divorce attorney Angela Lennon, who was recently made a partner, and Lindsay Belmont and Brandie Fowler, who specialize in child advocacy. The paralegal team includes Penny Bartholomew, Lori Froistad, Michaela Seidl, and Wendi Renteria. The support team includes marketing director Christi Leupold, account manager Katy Johnson, team support manager Megan Anderson, and receptionist Shelly Frank. Two new divorce attorneys will be added in the fall...after they graduate from law school.

Angela believes that the best way to learn to be an attorney is through experience. “We do a lot of mentoring with our team,” Angela comments. “Law school teaches what to do but not how to do it.” The Koenig Dunne team meets monthly to review successes and failures. No one is bullied or berated—the aim is to learn from mistakes.

Chances are, someone else in the firm has had a similar problem in the past and can share his or her experience.

“We want the team to really be a TEAM!” Angela exclaims enthusiastically. It’s all part of the transition necessary as the firm grows and expands.

Koenig Dunne offers a program called Transcending Your Transition: An Empowerment Series for Women.

Participants meet once a month from January through May. Angela explains that she and Susan want their

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March 2017

female clients—all women, in fact—to have all the help possible when moving through the transition period.

Dissolving a marriage doesn’t happen overnight, she says. “One goes from being married to being single, but there’s much more to it than that.” There are physical, mental, and emotional transitions to be managed. To facilitate this, they have included Brook Thompson, a district manager with Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors, and Lora McCarville, lead teacher at Lotus House of Yoga, as speakers this year. The 2017 offering includes the following sessions: Transcending Your Transition: Daring to Dream, with Susan Koenig and Angela Dunne; Mapping out Your Joy Journey, with Angela Dunne; Taking Control: Financial Strategies for Women, with Brook Thompson; Healthy Habits, with Lora McCarville; and From Possibility to Practice, with Susan Koenig. “It’s exciting to see how much the women grow in those five months,” Angela comments proudly. They may offer a similar program for men in the future.

Angela recalls an attorney from Massachusetts who read their blog (she and Susan alternate writing one every other week) and contacted them about nominating the firm as one of the top fastest growing firms in the country.

Angela remembers the attorney commenting that “the firm is doing it right.” The nomination was made, and Koenig Dunne placed number 58 out of 100. “We’re pretty proud of that,” Angela shares. “It says a lot about our team!”

“Our law firm isn’t just a business,” she continues.

“We are a team! We focus on development. There’s no pretense...we’re here to serve our clients’ best interests.”

The team finds out what the client’s immediate needs are, forms an action plan, and does whatever is necessary to ease the client through what is often a traumatic time.

“We want to offer our clients a sense of rejuvenation and balance. WE know they know the answer to their problems ...but THEY don’t always know that. A client explained the resulting feeling as ‘freedom from selfimposed restraints.’”

Koenig Dunne is located at 1266 South 13th Street, in Omaha. They can be reached by phone at 402-346-1132 and found online at www.koenigdunne.com. WE

Angela Dunne, managing partner

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March 2017

Zodiac Forecast

PISCES

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February 19–March 20

Happy birthday, Pisces! This month will radiate blissfulness in the personal and professional aspects of your life. Planet Venus is influential in enhancing your vitality and personal charm. Love will also develop because of the planetary influences. Embrace emotional strength, which guides you through domestic and psychological matters this month. You have strong independence, which leads you to succeed in business.

Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19) Create your own reality and future this month. Designate any free time to mapping out your goals. Engage in humanitarian activities; this also is where the single Aries may find love.

Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) House of career is powerful this month.

You may notice much growth in your professional life. Remember to be patient when dealing with others.

Gemini (May 21–June 20) Do not be afraid to take bold, independent actions this month! Your professional ambitions will dominate. The reward for hard work will be many achievements.

Cancer (Jun 21–July 22) House of family will be joyful this month. Recent success in your career will bring forth many positive financial outcomes. Remember to take breaks to maintain your physical and spiritual well-being.

Leo (July 23–Aug 22) There may be a change in your professional life, mainly to suit your career requirements. House of others is powerful; your social skills will be useful.

Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22) This is a month of change and transition

for Virgo. Be ready to face any modifications that are necessary to achieve happiness in your life.

Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22) Your social circle is going through a transition. You find yourself networking with people in the areas of leadership, fine arts, fashion, and spirituality.

Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21) Social interaction is essential to accomplishing your goals. Collaborate with others! It is time to be ambitious in fulfilling your plans and commitments.

Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21) This may be the time to plan your professional objectives and prepare a strategy on how to achieve them. Make any necessary changes to follow through.

Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19) House of family is dominant and full of bliss this month. The planetary position of Saturn could lead to some confusion in romantic relationships. Use patience to clear up misunderstandings.

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18) House of self is dominant this month.

Your interests shift to passion and sensuality, and you seek out others for the intellectual aspects of life. WE

March 2017

15

A Woman’s Work

About Those New Year’s Resolutions The Aftermath

By Sharon Knierim

A couple of months have passed since many of us pledged to do better in our endeavors, to be better people, or to exercise more control over our physical and mental beings. We may now be suffering the consequences of not following through as well as we had planned. Meanwhile, others seem to be enjoying the sweetness of success.

When we make resolutions, we have to be careful not to overextend our good intentions. The cessation of smoking tobacco and overeating are two very common resolutions for the New Year. If you have smoked in the past or do so now, you likely know how hard it is to stop. Some people try to eliminate this habit slowly, while others rely on substitutes such as chewing gum or medical patches. Hypnosis is also sometimes attempted. For some smokers who have QUIT, stopping cold turkey seems to be the best bet. It seems that the resolve itself is more important than the method.

If you’re trying to quit smoking, good luck to you. If you’re supporting someone in her effort to become a former smoker, offer encouragement but don’t overdo it. Remember, smoking is addictive (just like eating potato chips), and the smoker is actually trying to escape the use of tobacco while reprogramming her personal life. Whatever you do, don’t nag a smoker who is trying to break the habit. If you nag, guess what? That struggling

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March 2017

soon-to-be ex-smoker will just light up again because of the extra pressure. Don’t be preachy!

The health benefits of quitting smoking are undeniable.

However, when you kick a bad habit, you have to take care not to replace it with a different bad habit (like trading smoking for overeating). With the dropping of a bad habit, new habits and interests can emerge. Many ex-smokers find extra time on their hands, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. This transition is a time for really important decisions. Many ex-smokers turn to crafts or exercise and have greatly benefited. Some turn to increased internet browsing, with less beneficial results. If helpful, offer the ex-smoker constructive ideas.

Was a diet on your list of resolutions this year? Again, this requires not only a change of habit but a change of mind-set.

Why do so many of us end up overweight? It’s true that heredity

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and things like gland problems can help tip the scales, and aging is no friend to controlling weight (or weight distribution).

But why do many of us overeat in the first place? Some people eat when they’re upset, or when they’re bored. Some people have trouble deciding when they’re full. Some people just can’t resist the pull of delicious morsels. After all, who ever woke up at midnight to snack on celery and carrots? That’s right—nobody. We’re looking for those chocolate chip cookies on the third shelf of the right-hand cupboard, just behind the big round box of oatmeal.

Understanding food and the food industry is important when you’re trying to lose weight. Fast food allows us to dine out for weeks without ever thinking of the pots and pans in our kitchens, so it’s easy to pack on the pounds. But beware, home cooks! Just because a meal was prepared at home, it is not necessarily good for you.

You may find yourself reading labels in the supermarket, attempting to understand calories, carbs, fats, and sodium. There is plenty of confusion over what is a good carb and what is a bad carb. Do you know the difference between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats? Coupled with eating more than we should, understanding the food pyramid and all these technical terms is enough to make us give up. Not so fast! Seriously losing weight requires determination and willpower.

Everyone has habits they would like to break. That’s because we’re human and we have foibles. If you are attempting to change or break a habit, make sure you plan what to do in the aftermath of your success. Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Make plans for the new you.

Investigate compelling and interesting ideas, and follow through on those plans.

In fact, looking forward to new interests may “take the heat off” of worrying about losing pounds or curtailing smoking.

Someone recently told me that when he quit smoking, his senses of smell and taste returned, and he promptly started overeating. One overeater who had trimmed down began smoking to fill his snack time. If this is the aftermath you’re facing, don’t beat yourself up. You’ve changed one bad habit—you can change another. At the beginning of the year, you made the decision to change for a reason.

Only you can do it. Do it for yourself and those who love you. You can do it. I know you can. WE

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Vantage Point

Big Business With Small-Town Style Audi Omaha is Values Driven

By Robyn V. Powell

Walk into the showroom at Audi Omaha, a member of the Baxter Auto Group, and you will be mesmerized by the gleaming lineup of sleek and stylish vehicles. The German luxury brand, known for quality engineering and innovative technology, has dominated the market in recent years, soaring in sales across the nation. The Omaha area is no exception.

At the helm of the business is the newly appointed general manager, Brad Turner. Brad lives today by the same code of ethics that shaped him as a boy in the small town of Genoa, Nebraska. “Treat people well and always tell the truth,” he says. These are the values he learned while working with his father, who owned and operated a local meat market.

“I instill those same values in my kids and in my employees,” Brad says. “I believe in standing by what you tell people you’ll do.”

How did Brad find himself in the auto industry?

“It just found me,” he recalls. After completing his university degree in 1994, Brad began selling cars and trucks. He assumed it would be a temporary position, until he found a “real” job. As it turned out, it seemed like a natural fit right from the beginning.

Over the course of his career, Brad has sold a range of vehicle brands. As much as he enjoys automobiles, it’s the people side of car sales that really makes him tick. “It’s the feeling I get when I am able to put someone who hasn’t had a lot of opportunities with new cars into that brand new vehicle,” he shares. “The joy I see on their faces just makes me happy.”

Another particularly gratifying aspect of Brad’s job is mentoring younger employees in a field that he loves.

“It’s taking somebody young and watching them grow and seeing the business do for them what it’s done for me,” he says. Developing people who go on to become managers has brought him a lot of personal satisfaction.

“The positive feelings I get from doing something for others and giving back makes it all worthwhile.” He believes it’s important to cultivate people who will stay with the business in the long term. It’s valuable to have long-term employees in car sales because it gives them time to build relationships with customers and helps to foster customer trust.

Brad’s work approach focuses on being proactive rather than reactive to customer needs. “Communication is everything,” he says. “People’s expectations have risen 100 percent since I started in this business. People want to be heard and have their problem resolved.” The validation that comes from referrals is also important. “It isn’t so much about the cars I sell, but the relationships I develop with my clients—whether it’s getting them

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March 2017

into the right vehicle or solving some kind of a problem for them.” One client sums up her recent experience at the dealership by stating, “The efficient, experienced, friendly salespeople at Audi made my selection process and transition to a new vehicle smooth and seamless. When I left, I felt like family.”

Becoming part of the Baxter Auto Group four and a half years ago has been a real blessing, Brad notes. The Baxter tradition believes in building a good quality team and believes that if you take care of your employees, your employees will take care of their customers. Brad came to Audi Omaha two years ago, where he helps his employees make time for their families. For example, Brad explains, if an employee’s child has a Saturday morning game during scheduled working hours, Brad helps squeeze it in. “I say go to the game for a while and then come back. We’ll figure it out.” And they’ve been figuring it out over the last two years, since Baxter’s Angie Quinn took over Audi Omaha as its dealer principal, by tripling sales.

Selling cars is a competitive and challenging business. Managing through economic downturns, finding good people who are willing to work the long hours, and ensuring effective inventory management are just a few of the challenges Brad faces as a general manager.

Dealership sales have been brisk, tripling over the past two years. With 72 consecutive weeks of increased sales nationally, Baxter is making plans to open a new freestanding Audi store near Village Pointe. It will offer easy access to the showroom and service bays and will be conveniently located close to other shopping. Slated to open in the fall of 2018, the inclusion of friendly baristas and other amenities promises a very relaxing and inviting customer experience.

Managing the day-to-day business while ensuring a smooth transition to the new location is certainly keeping Brad very busy. However, the combination of small-town Nebraska values and an innovative German automobile brand seems destined for longterm success in Omaha. You can find Audi Omaha at 808 North 82nd Street, in Omaha. Call 855-437-7621 or visit www.audiomaha.com for more information. WE

Brad Turner, general manager

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Fresh Concept

The Comforts of Custom Homes Make Your Home Uniquely Yours

By Karen Collins

When you hear the word “home,” does your mind wander off to a place in your dreams? If you simply can’t find an existing home or home plan that satisfies your needs and wishes, custom home building may be the answer. The term “custom home” may sound extravagant—and it can be—but “custom” has more than one definition when applied to construction.

For example, a custom home may be built with what is known as “universal design,” to make it suitable for multi-generational households. This might include wider doorways, an absence of stairs, or state-of-the-art monitoring systems specifically for disabled homeowners or elderly homeowners who plan to age in place. A young family may choose to build a home to their specifications based on the phases their family will go through over the next 20 years. Executives who frequently entertain in their homes would have completely different criteria. Even tiny homes are being custom-built these days. More than anything, a custom home is personal.

The build time for a custom home is longer, and the process requires the homebuyer to be more interactive throughout every step, but there are advantages. Your custom-built home will be unique and will reflect your family’s taste and lifestyle. You will not be limited to a prepared menu when it comes to choosing architectural style or finishes such as tile, flooring, window coverings, or exterior cladding and roofing. You can also incorporate energy-efficient and green solutions for insulation, heating, air conditioning, and landscaping as you see fit. If special needs are a consideration, or even special hobbies and activities such as music or yoga, the home you plan can include specific space and design features.

Priorities in any undertaking are time and money. It may be wise to first consider financing options. Buyers who already own the land on which the home will be built are obviously one step closer to beginning their search for the most suitable lender. If not, there is more than one option.

If your bank offers construction loans for the type of construction you are considering, an in-depth consultation with a bank representative is valuable in getting the process started. It is possible to obtain one loan to purchase the lot or acreage on which the home will be built and a separate loan for the actual construction, but not all lenders offer this type of loan. A more common type of loan is a construction-to-permanent loan (also called a C2P loan), which allows buyers to qualify for a single loan that funds construction and, upon completion of construction, becomes the permanent loan for the home.

In addition to your own excellent credit, banks usually require credit and background information on your builder.

Another option is to obtain builder’s financing through a builder who has a mortgage subsidiary or is affiliated with a specific mortgage company. The builder may include incentives with the financing package, such as discounts for upgrades or add-on services like settlement

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services and title insurance. Carefully research all of your options to determine the best choice. You are in control of the final decision but also are ultimately responsible for understanding the obligations you accept.

Existing building plans that closely match the home you want can be modified to your specifications, or you may prefer to consult with an architect who will draw plans based entirely on your vision of the home. The architect may be hired separately from the builder, or you may find a design-build company that handles both the design of the project and the construction.

A vital part of the custom home-building process is finding the right builder and affiliated professionals for the project. Several factors will affect this choice. Basic questions for vetting an architect or builder include queries into their years of experience with similar projects, references, educational background, and proof of required insurance, permits, and licenses. It is also important to see examples of their finished work. Ask about the type of warranty that is provided, what it covers, how long it lasts and, of course, cost considerations for the project.

Once the builder has an understanding of the type and size of home you want, you should be able to receive an estimated timeline for completion of the build. It is not uncommon to experience changes along the way that cause delays, but having a general idea of the time required will help everyone involved. Building from a builder’s existing plans will be a shorter timeline than a custom home from an architect’s original drawing, but many people feel it is worth the wait to get exactly the home they envision. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 22 percent of American home construction starts in 2015 were custom-built homes.

New high-tech features are constantly being added to enhance safety and convenience for homeowners.

Technology can connect home systems, allowing the homeowner to access and control them from a single

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location in the home or remotely from a phone or other device.

Security systems include indoor camera and motion sensors, door and window sensors, and doorbell sensors. Some systems can be connected so that local emergency services are contacted in the case of a break-in, even when the system is monitored from out of town.

Lighting, heating, cooling, and smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems can be incorporated into a network that is remotely controlled. Home air quality, humidity, and temperature can be monitored, reported, and adjusted via phone or device.

Appliances are becoming more connected, which enables alerts for such things as ovens and stoves that are accidentally left on when the homeowner is away. They can then be turned off immediately from anywhere. Dishwashers, vacuum systems, lights, and window shades can be activated remotely. Water heaters can self-adjust temperature settings and can respond to smoke or carbon monoxide alerts by shutting themselves off. Outdoor areas have not been forgotten, either. Systems can integrate outdoor lighting, pool functionality, and water features to save the homeowner time and increase energy efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy site (energy.gov) provides helpful information on “ultra-efficient home design,” which incorporates elements of energy efficiency into each system and component of the home. A major player in the area of energy efficiency is a home’s heating and cooling system. Your choice will be based on several factors, including your own sense of aesthetics, zoning laws for your area, environmental considerations, and budget.

Solar energy uses semiconductors in solar cells to collect and convert sunlight to energy, thus lowering energy bills. Incorporating the panels into an original home design can result in a more pleasing aesthetic. Depending upon the location of the home, there may be

advantages to a design that combines passive and active solar energy.

Geothermal energy is showing up in home design in the form of heat pump systems. The ground 10 feet below the frost line maintains a temperature of 54 degrees. In a heat pump setup, a system of tubing is installed in the ground. It circulates a water solution through the heat pump to generate warm air (or, in the summer, cool air for air conditioning), which, in turn, circulates through your heating/ cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature. The fact that the geothermal heat pump system works less to produce this result creates savings in energy bills. Federal tax credits may be available for installing certain types of energy-efficient heating systems. Consult with your tax preparer or attorney to learn specifics.

If making so many decisions seems daunting, be assured that help is available. Whether working with a design-build company or an architect to draw up initial plans, a reputable professional can interpret your ideas and provide visual images and models that test those ideas before spending money building them.

This is equally important when dealing with the interior design and landscaping aspects of a custom home. Interior designers and landscape architects have experience putting these areas together, and they also often have access to some items that the general public may not be able to buy. Always check references. Speak with former clients to get feedback on their experiences with the professionals you are considering for your project.

The extra effort involved in planning and building a custom home can prove exciting and rewarding. Choosing a team of professionals who share your vision for the finished product can make all the difference.

Sources for this article included: www.nahb.org, energy.gov, www. consumer.ftc.gov, and eyeonhousing.org. WE

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Out and About

Great Finds Consignment Gallery Come Find What You’re Looking For

By Marge Shoemaker

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? Spring cleaning is finished, and you’ve decided your house needs something new or different to spruce it up. You’ve relocated, and you need to replace some of those treasures you didn’t want to move. You’ve downsized, and you want to sell some items. Your new house needs to become a home with just the right decorating. You’re bored with shopping in the big box stores and are looking for something unique. Whatever the reason you’re thinking about home furnishings, you should head to Great Finds Consignment Gallery in downtown Millard.

Great Finds is owned and operated by the Twedt (pronounced “tweet”) family. Parents Julie and Jerrold started the business in 2005, when they “considered” retirement. Daughter Darcy Cottone managed the store in the beginning; son Brad is the current manager. They are assisted by Theresa Murray, now a full-time employee and decorator (for this, she uses her bachelor of fine arts degree and her keen eye for style).

After years of managing an entirely different business, Julie and Jerrold decided they wanted a change. “I

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remember once mentioning that I liked the consignment business that friends of ours ran,” Julie recalls. Jerrold brought that up when they were considering retiring from their other business.

It was a perfect fit. They already had a building that suited their purposes...onsite parking, easy access, ramped loading dock, and lots of usable space. Word got out to friends and neighbors that the Twedts had a sofa and loveseat they wanted to sell and were looking for other “great finds” of gently used furniture and decorating items from non-smoking environments. Merchandise began coming in.

front: Jerrold and Julie Twedt; back: Theresa Murray, Darcy Cottone, and Brad Twedt

www.womensedition.com

Julie knows that many people are looking for quality, gently used furniture and decorating accessories at affordable prices.

“That’s where Brad really shines,” she says. “He has a good eye and a fair mind for setting the price, and he decides if items are appropriate for the store by thinking, ‘Does it look good? Would I put it in my own home if it were my style?’”

Great Finds supplies their consignors with a simple agreement form asking for information regarding each item’s age and original cost, as well any other pertinent information necessary to help set a fair price. Items are put on consignment for 90 days and receive a 10 percent markdown at 30 days and again at 60 days.

“The markdown is accomplished through a color-coded system that our daughter Darcy created that works great,” Julie explains. They use colored tags and furnish an explanation sheet every month to help shoppers determine the current price. Pricing and sale of items is monitored in an up-to-date computer system. Consignors, who share the purchase price 50/50 with Great Finds, are paid monthly. If their items don’t sell within 90 days, consignors may remove their merchandise...at no charge.

Julie and her family have learned the consignment business primarily through the experience of being in business for 12 years.

It is sometimes necessary to research items (it helps if the designer is known) and compare prices from other venues offering both new and old items. “Most of our consignors bring in or email a picture of furniture items,” Julie relates. “For decor items, simply call and

schedule an appointment, and you can bring in 15–20 items at a time.”

Julie refers to their customers as friends...even if you’re new when you come in, you’re a friend when you leave. Satisfied customers and regular shoppers Dwight and Charlotte write that they are honored to be asked to do a testimonial for Great Finds.

They “stumbled across” Great Finds five years ago, not knowing what to expect. They describe it as offering eclectic, ever-changing inventory that is in great condition and is displayed in a pleasing manner.

“With Theresa’s decorative arrangements, we can clearly imagine how pieces might fit in our home,” they comment. “Merchandise changes rapidly. Stop in often.”

At Great Finds, you will find traditional, vintage, and contemporary furniture for living rooms, dens, dining rooms, bedrooms, and every other room in the house.

Accessories include (but are not limited to) decorative pillows, modern glassware, silk flower arrangements, lamps, mirrors, wall hangings, jewelry cases, music boxes, and other unique accessories. You will not find items that are chipped, torn, or stained. Clothing, appliances, electronics, rugs, and bedding are not accepted.

Great Finds Consignment Gallery is located at 13448 Old L Street, in the Millard area. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. on Thursdays). They can be reached by phone at 402-895-5455 and found online at www.greatfindsconsignment.com. WE

Items are put on consignment for 90 days and receive a 10 percent markdown at 30 days and again at 60 days.

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The Market Place Esther’s Hopefully, spring is just around the corner…and at Esther’s, we’re ready! We have an outstanding selection of beautiful, current fashions to brighten your outlook for warmer days ahead.

Esther’s provides you with the opportunity to purchase quality clothing from sources around the country for less than a third of the original price. The experienced staff will provide personal service rarely seen these days. They carry career and casual wear, special-occasion wear, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories. Stop by today!

All About Pets Veterinary Center The spring thaw is a welcome sight not only for us but also for ticks! If the temperature is above 40 degrees, ticks become active. Spring is a great time to ensure your pets are protected from ticks, fleas, and heartworms.

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All About Pets Veterinary Center is located at 17849 Pierce Plaza (southeast corner of 180th and Pacific).

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We will come to your home for a no-obligation estimate so you can meet us and hear what we can do for you! We encourage you to live in it for 24 hours and tell us what you think. Our employees go through a nationwide background check and are insured and bonded. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and personable service.

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5514 N. 103rd St. Omaha, NE March 2017

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Papio Creek Jewelry & Beads If you love creating jewelry or buying artisan pieces, you will love shopping at Papio Creek Jewelry & Beads. This family owned and operated business has been serving Omaha for 15 years. They have an unparalleled selection of gemstones and beads from around the world. Their wide array of jewelry has been created by local and world-class artisans.

They also offer jewelry supplies, silver-smithing and jewelry creation classes, jewelry repair, and professional gemstone cutting.

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Sandi Downing Real Estate Sandi Downing Real Estate is nestled in the heart of the Old Market. Sandi is passionate about this part of Omaha; she also works with sellers, buyers, and renters in the greater Omaha area.

All of her agents share her personal passion for helping you find the home, condo, or apartment of your dreams—without hassle. Whether your interest is suburban or urban living, they will help you discover the perfect place that meets all your expectations. They can help you sell your property, too!

Find out why Sandi Downing Real Estate is so passionate about finding the right home for you! Call them today at 402-502-7477.

Faces—the quintessential day spa Step into Faces and be prepared to leave the city behind. At Faces, our goal is to transport you to another place, where you leave all the stress and difficulties of life at the door.

This month, we feature Dermaplaning. This treatment is perfect for bringing back a beautiful glow to your complexion. If you have rough or dry skin, superficial hyperpigmentation, mild acne scarring, or fine lines and wrinkles, this is a safe and simple treatment to improve your skin.

Check out our website for all our various services. We look forward to seeing you soon. Call 402-384-8400 to schedule.

Jewelry Making Classes Available

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Healthy Living

Nebraska Divorce Collaborative Empowered With Respect

By Cynthia Jeffrey

Marriage is meant to last forever. However, for many couples, that isn’t the case. What begins as a happy partnership can turn into a mess of hurt and betrayal, leaving one or both partners wanting out. Those who have experience with divorce know how painful it can be.

The process of divorce itself, not to mention trying to maintain an amicable relationship with your ex, can be very difficult.

Litigation is sometimes necessary, but it can prolong the pain and grief of divorce. Some couples seek to dissolve their marriage outside of court, in a less adversarial manner. Nebraska Collaborative Divorce is an available process for couples and families in this time of need.

Morgan Keen Hecht, LCSW, LIMHP, has been with Nebraska Collaborative Divorce since its inception in Nebraska in 2005. As a licensed clinical social worker, board-certified diplomate, and partner of the Family Enrichment Center, she brings experience and passion to her work. Christine Lustgarten is a founding member

of the law firm Dornan, Lustgarten & Troia and brings a wealth of legal expertise and experience to the collaborative process.

“Divorce is a transition that can be a crisis,” says Morgan. “We enable people to move through this transition with an eye on the needs of everyone in the family.” This is especially important when emotions begin to overrule logic, as they often do in divorce cases. The collaborative process works with families of all types, from a family of two to one with grown children. (After all, being an adult does not take away the grief that occurs when your parents separate.) By utilizing specialists within the

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team, each family member has a voice and everyone’s needs are heard.

The team at Nebraska Collaborative Divorce is composed of lawyers who are experienced in family law and are in good standing with the Nebraska State Bar Association; divorce coaches are licensed mental health professionals with experience in family systems theory and an understanding of the complexities of relationships; child specialists are licensed mental health professionals who have specialized in child development; and financial specialists are licensed to help their clients plan for their financial futures.

This team assists all family members on a personal level.

Though the marriage relationship ultimately didn’t work, the team helps each person in the family work through their own hurt and anger while helping them identify their own unique needs as they move toward resolution.

Generally, emotional preparations for divorce occur by one party over a period of time. By the time the person seeking a divorce is ready to move on, the other party is often shocked in crisis mode, wondering what is happening to his or her family.

At that point, the two parties have very different needs. The specialists on the collaborative divorce team work directly with each family member to help them with their emotions about the divorce.

Most couples qualify to participate in Nebraska Collaborative Divorce, but there are some requirements to completing the process. According to the collaborative divorce requirements, all parties must pledge to: resolve their issues without court intervention, maintain privacy, be honest and provide full disclosure, act in good faith, utilize dispute resolution methods

under the direction of their coaches, and work outside the court process.

While every case presents differently, each party is represented fairly and all parties work together for a resolution that is agreeable to everyone. The vision of Nebraska Collaborative Divorce is to make this “the preferred method for resolving family law disputes in Nebraska by promoting a dignified and respectful alternative to the traditional adversarial process.”

Morgan and Christine completed a 10-year study on the work of the Nebraska Collaborative Divorce families. Statistics speak for themselves. When a team of specialists works with a family toward the most positive possible outcome for all family members, it creates a less combative situation for everyone involved. This good faith attitude is especially useful when the family includes children—when parents can co-parent amicably, they can create two environments in which the children understand expectations and are treated similarly in each home.

Empowering each party is essential. Often, during a divorce, the focus is on the here and now. With Nebraska Collaborative Divorce, the focus is on 3–5 years from now. This gives everyone hope for the future.

Divorce is painful, but it is possible to work through your emotions while moving toward resolution. Call the professionals at Nebraska Collaborative Divorce and let them assist you in planning your future while you heal from your past. If you or someone you love is in a situation in which Nebraska Collaborative Divorce could be beneficial, visit www.

CollaborativeDivorceNE.com. You may also call 402-991-3424 for more information. WE

March 2017

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Good Looks

Reclaim Your Excitement Vaginal Rejuvenation for Enhanced Intimacy

By Monica L. Davis

Although we might not talk about it much, many women in the middle and later stages of life experience a decrease in sensation and satisfaction during intimacy. Some of us would call the experience downright painful! There are many reasons for this, including the hormonal changes that accompany aging, the physical changes caused by childbirth, or a significant weight loss. If you have noticed these changes in yourself and are no longer satisfied with your intimate experience, don’t despair. Many treatments can help you regain your spark.

Childbirth, aging, and significant weight loss may cause the muscles of the vaginal area to become stretched out, resulting in less sensitivity during intimacy. As we age, our tissues naturally become less elastic, so it’s harder for them to bounce back.

Procedures such as vaginal reconstruction or vaginal rejuvenation can tighten the vaginal muscles. Vaginal procedures can also alter the physical appearance of the genitals, should you so desire.

Vaginoplasty uses a laser as a scalpel to remove excess vaginal tissue and tighten the muscles. The procedure may take up to two hours. Recovery may be as long as several weeks of healing before intimacy can be re-introduced. By week six, the stitches are typically dissolved. Following a postoperative visit with your surgeon, you will be cleared for normal sexual activity.

Many women seek vaginal reconstruction to address issues inside the vagina. Some women are also concerned with the external

portion of their genitals. Surgical procedures can address this, as well.

For example, if you feel that your labia are too large and are getting in the way of enjoying intimacy, you might consider a labiaplasty.

This procedure removes extra tissue to change the size or shape of the labia. Typically, this short outpatient procedure can be performed under general anesthesia, with a relatively short recovery time.

Doing your research is essential! Find a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has vast experience in vaginal reconstruction. You might also want a board-certified gynecologist who has additional training in urogynecology. Results from vaginal reconstruction typically will last a lifetime.

If you want some vaginal rejuvenation but are shying away from surgery, you might consider vaginal rejuvenation with the Juliet laser treatment. This procedure uses a laser to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the body. The Juliet treatment reverses the ›››

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signs of aging and childbirth and may also treat stress urinary incontinence and vaginal dryness. Although some women commonly need two or three treatments, the Juliet procedure only takes 15 minutes—with no recovery or downtime!

ThermiVa is another non-invasive treatment for vaginal rejuvenation. The technique uses a handheld probe to deliver controlled thermal energy. The heat contracts the tissues and encourages collagen production, which assists with tissue and nerve healing. The results are a rejuvenated vaginal area, less vaginal dryness, less urinary issues, and enhanced intimacy.

The ThermiVa procedure is conducted in three separate treatments over the course of a few months. Most patients find the treatment comfortable—some patients have even reported falling asleep during the procedure. Because the procedure requires no incisions, there is no recovery time. Patients can resume normal activities, including intimacy, immediately after each treatment. Optimal results typically develop a few months following the treatment, and most patients require a maintenance session only twice per year.

If you are a woman battling decreased sexual desire, you may have noticed that there are not a lot of products on the market targeted toward women’s intimate needs. The O-shot (yes, that’s “O” for “orgasm”) is designed specifically for women. The O-shot is a non-surgical procedure that stimulates a woman’s intimate desire. This procedure extracts platelets from the patient’s own blood.

The platelets are then placed in a syringe and injected just inside the vaginal area, near the clitoris. (An anesthetic cream is applied to the area prior to the injection.)

The platelets act as a stimulant to grow new cells, making the vaginal area more sensitive to touch. The overall effects of the O-shot typically last a minimum of 18 months.

Check with your insurance company to see what may be covered for these procedures. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a reduced desire for intimacy, pain during intimacy, or urinary incontinence with otherwise good health, you are most likely a good candidate for vaginal rejuvenation. Sensuality and intimacy are very important parts of life.

Don’t let insecurity or awkwardness keep you from happiness and satisfaction.

Sources for this article included: www. livestrong.com, www.webmd.com, www. smartbeautyguide.com, www.vwhcare.com, and americanhealthandbeauty.com. WE

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Income Outcome

Three Ingredients Bring Yourself More Fortune “There are three ingredients to the good life: learning, earning, and yearning.” —Christopher Morley I got this quote in a fortune cookie recently. I usually don’t spend much time analyzing these things, but for some reason I stuck it in my wallet—where it kept jumping out at me every time I went to pay for something. Finally, I took it out and began thinking about this whole concept. I concluded that there is an awful lot of truth on this little piece of paper. The Universe had delivered to me the key to a happy life!

“Happiness...is not a destination: it is a manner of traveling.

Happiness is not an end in itself. It is a byproduct of working, playing, loving, and living.” —Haim Ginott Remember the last time you discovered something new that you found exciting, interesting, or compelling? If you are like most of us, you probably made it a point to learn everything you could about it. While you were in the learning process, you most likely were focused, energized, and enthusiastic.

Next in this fortune comes the word earning. According to Merriam Webster, earning means “to receive as return for effort.”

Have you ever been given a reward that you didn’t feel you earned? Most of us realize no joy when this happens.

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Effort is a good thing. It allows us to focus; it gives us something to put our attention to. When we set a goal and have to strive to achieve it, then we typically feel a sense of true accomplishment.

Earning is the payoff for all the enthusiasm and excitement that we put into learning about what we have decided to be passionate about.

“There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second.” —Logan Pearsall Smith Last, let’s consider the word yearning. The definition is “to long persistently.” What would our lives be like if we didn’t want anything? If, somehow, we had achieved every goal we had ever set for ourselves, how would we feel? Now, some may think that this would truly be nirvana. Yes, it may feel good and make us happy for a very brief time, but wouldn’t we soon become absolutely bored? If there no longer was anything that we wanted to learn about, wanted to become passionate about, wanted to earn, wouldn’t life be a lot less than joyful?

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” —Mahatmas Gandhi

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Kids Comments

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Changes of the Season Transitions in Life March is a time of transitions. The days get longer, minute by minute. The thermometer gradually rises, degree by degree. The air feels a little warmer. Balmier breezes waft in from the south, pushing out the frigid Arctic air. Trees and other plants become tinged with a gently-hued, spring green...gone are the starkly gray, empty branches of winter.

As the weather warms and spring approaches, many of our homes also make a transition. The freshening of nature reminds us that our houses also need refreshing. We dust and clean, rearrange and replace. I’ve known those who take down heavy winter draperies and replace them with lightweight, diaphanous, summer curtains that float gently in the breeze from open windows. I have a friend who changes out her winter clothes for her shoulderseason clothes. Heavy coats are exchanged for lighter jackets. Bulky sweaters make way for cardigans. The sweatshirts and sweatpants stay because they are useful in the cooler days of spring. Shorts and tank tops patiently await their turn.

The change in the weather also brings changes in moods. The grayness of winter makes many people grumpy or sad. The lighter days of spring often lighten moods. It may be my imagination, but I think there are more smiles when people are able to get outdoors in the fresh air. School kids also benefit from time spent outdoors...I’ve noticed they seem to have more energy and happier expressions. I’ve also noticed the balmier days tend to make

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kids daydream, wistfully looking out classroom windows to the sunshine-filled school yard. Many teachers lengthen recess by a few minutes because they, too, are reluctant to go back indoors.

Transitions affect all of us. My niece has had a year full of transitions. Her oldest son went away to college. Adjustment was required when he left...and was required again, by the entire family, when he came home for the holidays. Her second son earned his driver’s license. Mom is nervous; he is happy to have more freedom. The youngest sees his brothers making transitions into young adulthood and has to make adjustments to being “the only one at home.” My daughter is changing jobs...the company she worked with for 16 years was sold to another company out of state. The new company wanted her to travel, but her sons are mid-teens...she can’t leave them unsupervised for days at a time. A friend found it necessary to move into assisted living.

Our lives require transitions, be they in our employment, our living arrangements, our expectations of others, or their expectations of us. For some, these transitions are difficult; for others, they are easily made. I think change is primarily a good thing. It keeps us on our toes. Like a spring breeze through an open window, a smooth transition freshens our thinking.

Editor’s Note: Marge has three children, two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She holds advanced degrees in education.

Her life’s mission is to teach everyone that kids are people, too. WE

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Interiors

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Smart Moves Sell Your Home Quickly with a Savvy Game Plan

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Whether you’re moving across town or around the globe, selling your home can be very stressful.

Keeping your home show-ready and vacating on short notice week after week can be challenging enough. Add kids and pets to the equation, and stress levels can go into overdrive! The best strategy to sell your home quickly, and net the best price, is to arm yourself with a smart go-to-market plan that ensures your home is properly marketed, shows well, and is priced correctly. When the time comes to put your home on the market, it will be ready to outshine the competition, and you’ll have an offer in no time.

Your home may need a little TLC before you sell it. Keep in mind that not all home improvements are created equal; bank on the ones that will reward you the most. When deciding which improvements to make, think up-keep rather than up-grade.

Priority one is ensuring that your home is structurally sound and that all systems—plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—are in good working order. Roof, siding, and foundations should be checked for leaks. A poorly maintained home raises red flags for buyers—they won’t care how beautiful the kitchen is if there’s a puddle of water standing on the basement floor. The added costs of repairs can cause buyers to shy away, even from an otherwise appealing home. Proactively making repairs eliminates having problems discovered during a formal inspection, which can delay or even derail a sale.

According to the 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, available on the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) website, replacing a roof had the highest return on investment (ROI)—a whopping 105 percent.

You’re unlikely to make your money back if you’re renovating just to sell, so think twice before doing a costly kitchen or bathroom remodel. For the best short-term payback, cosmetic changes make the most sense. New sinks, faucets, hardware, and energy-efficient stainless appliances are upgrades that add value without breaking the bank. A coat of fresh paint, in a light neutral tone, is a cost-effective way to breathe new life into a dim space. New light fixtures can brighten and update your home.

Don’t forget to look down! Replacing worn or stained carpet is a relatively low-cost improvement that can go a long way toward making your home more appealing. Hardwood floors are a highly valued feature by today’s buyers. If you are lucky enough to have existing hardwood floors under installed carpets, pull up the old rugs and let your wood floors shine. ›››

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According to the NARI report, refinishing hardwood is the one interior upgrade with a 100 percent ROI. Adding new hardwood is a close second, with a 91 percent ROI. People like to visualize themselves living in a new home, so de-clutter and de-personalize as much as possible.

Put away personal photographs and collectibles. Consider hiring a stager.

Stagers view your home from a buyer’s perspective and are experts at making small changes that can have a big impact.

By removing, rearranging, and sometimes adding items, stagers can help show your home in its best possible light.

Look for a realtor with a track record of successful sales in your neighborhood who will promote your home through all sales channels, including online and social media. Most buyers start their search online and decide which homes they want to see based upon photos. Interview several realtors, and have a checklist prepared. Do they hire a professional photographer? How they will assess your home’s value? It’s tempting to go with a realtor who suggests the highest price, but here’s a word of caution! Today’s access to public information via the internet enables buyers to quickly assess a home’s fair market value. Pricing your home correctly is a critical decision. An overpriced home will linger on the market and undergo price reductions, which may lead you to settle for less than you would have if the house had been priced correctly in the first place.

Curb appeal is everything! You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Buyers often drive by a listing before deciding to book a showing. If your home doesn’t appeal to a buyer from the street, you’ll never get them through the front door. Make your home inviting. Paint your front door, trim shrubs, freshen mulch, and add a splash of color with seasonal flowers.

Experts agree that a home listing will get the most attention during its first 30 days on the market. After the initial flurry of activity, a home listing becomes stale, traffic slows, and a property can languish on the market for months— often resulting in a price reduction. To avoid this pitfall, get your home ready for market before you list, and sell your home in no time!

Sources for this article included: www. consumerreports.org, www.nari.org, and www.realtormag.realtor.org. WE

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View from the Top

The Scottish Rite and RiteCare Clinics Helping Children Find Their Voices

By Kate Beiting

If there was a sparkly bauble in your Christmas stocking this year, you may be shopping for a venue for a wedding and a reception.

If you are, or if you need a spot for a work seminar, a recital, or any private get-together, John Maxell has a solution for you—the Scottish Rite Temple, located at 202 South 20th Street, in Omaha.

The building, an impressive example of neo-classical architecture, was designed by architect John Latenser and built in 1914. The building is both historic and stunning, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. There is a ballroom, a 10,000-square-foot serving kitchen, a lounge, a hardwood dance floor, and overflow rooms; it’s spacious enough to hold events with up to 300 guests. The venue staff works with the client to assist with catering options, obtaining a liquor license, musical needs, and other logistics. And, in case you were wondering: “No, you don’t have to be Scottish or a Mason to rent our venue,” John says. “Freemasons are the oldest men’s fraternal organization, representing men of character, of all ages, from every walk of life. Give us a call, and we would be happy to set up a tour and discuss your upcoming event.”

As passionate as John is about the beautiful building and its amenities, he really gets excited when he talks about the RiteCare Clinics. Since the 1970s, one of the central philanthropies for the members of the Scottish Rite has been the RiteCare Clinics in Nebraska. The clinics offer care to children with speech and language disorders. Dr. Amy Nordness, the director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s SpeechLanguage Pathology Department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, oversees the RiteCare Clinics in Nebraska.

“Through the generosity of the Nebraska Scottish Rite, our clinics have offered care to children affected by a wide range of speech and language disorders,” Dr. Nordness shares. “Evaluations and therapy are provided through the RiteCare of Nebraska to families whose children are several months old to age 21 or older. We have been fortunate to team with the Scottish Rite—this affiliation and partnership has allowed us to do amazing things.” Young children may struggle with language for a variety of reasons, including physical problems, developmental delays, autism, or other conditions. The RiteCare Clinic staff is able to assess and design a course of therapy for every young patient. The Foundation allows the RiteCare Clinics to help families regardless of their insurance benefits.

The clinics organize community activities throughout the year to offset costs. There are dinners and silent auctions, spaghetti feeds, zombie

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tournaments, gun shoots, golf outings, and the WalkRite for RiteCare, to name a few.

Dr. Amy Nordness, Dr. Nordness oversees the programs and speechthe director of the language pathologists at the RiteCare Clinics in Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Nebraska (in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, and Hastings).

Speech-Language “We are very much a part of each community, and Pathology Department at the University of each community is unique in its own profile and Nebraska Medical speech and hearing needs,” she says. “Last year, we Center; and John Maxell, had 6,300 therapy sessions, serving over 400 children. general secretary of In Kearney alone, we held 1,000 hearing screenings.”

Scottish Rite A child’s chances of overcoming speech and language challenges increase if the problems are found when the child is still very young. “We can design and execute a plan to support therapy to that child—and the family or parents, who may not know how to help.” The speech-language clinician assesses the patient and concentrates on several areas to improve: speech and articulation, language and the use of words, voice (how the voice sounds), and cognitive (thinking skills). If a child has swallowing or eating issues, those are also addressed.

“Parents or teachers may not know where to turn for answers about language and speech development. I want to encourage them to call us and talk with us,” Dr. Nordness concludes.

“There is always a way to communicate…our primary goal is to reach that child and show him there is a world that awaits.”

If you have a child whose speech or language concerns you, a RiteCare Clinic can help. For more information, call Dr. Nordness at 402-559-6651 at the Munroe-Meyer RiteCare Clinic or call John Maxell at 402-342-1300 at the Scottish Rite. Look them up online at www. ritecarene.org and www.scottishriteomaha.org. Every Tuesday, you can watch for “The Masonic Minute” during the 9 p.m. news on KPTM. WE

“Parents or teachers may not know where to turn for answers about language and speech development. I want to encourage them to call us and talk with us.”

www.womensedition.com

March 2017

41

Home Works

Softscapes and Retaining Walls A Beautiful Yard With Minimal Yard Work

By Anne Yankus

Last month, we talked about landscaping with hard features in the yard. This month, as a continuation of that topic, we’re going to focus on the softer elements of your yard. While gardens may seem like an eternal fixture in landscaping, trends do come and go. Let’s start off by talking about this year’s popular trends in landscaping.

As I mentioned in last month’s article, hardscaping continues to be an up and coming trend. However, it’s not just brick and concrete that’s in this year. Some other popular trends are the use of color blocking with plants, pots, and their surroundings; hyper-localism, which is the heavy use of native and endemic plants; and natural dye gardens, which means choosing plants that can be used in natural dyes. Other popular items include dwarf shrubs and other low-maintenance plants.

Between work, family, and other obligations, it’s really no surprise that low-maintenance yards and gardens have become so popular. Expanding outdoor living spaces and hardscaping will indeed keep your landscaping low-maintenance, but some of us still yearn for some lush green space in our yards. Some ideas for minimizing your garden’s upkeep are including things like crushed stone or mulch beds. Mulch functions as fertilizer for your plants, and both alternatives help prevent weeds from growing. As a bonus, mulch is relatively inexpensive and only needs to be replaced once per year. Another great idea for keeping your gardening work minimal is to plant perennials.

These plants need to be planted just once and will come back every year.

Planning your gardens with low-maintenance plants and features isn’t the only way to keep yard upkeep at a minimum: there’s also water conservation. First and foremost, you’ll want to know exactly how much water your plants really need and what the evapotranspiration (Et) rate is in your area. When you know how much water your plants need, you can avoid overwatering (and the water waste and extra work that come with it). Another way to conserve water is to only water plants in the early morning hours. Xeriscaping is a method of promoting water conservation through systematically planned landscaping that requires very little supplemental watering.

Speaking of planning your landscape, one thing you’ll definitely want to consider adding to your master plan is a retaining wall (or two). Retaining walls serve a valuable purpose for reclaiming heavily sloped yards that are suitable only for grass but are still difficult to mow. When installed correctly, retaining walls can create additional flat surfaces for more ›››

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softscapes (or hardscapes). They can even add to your house’s aesthetic value and curb appeal.

Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials, from concrete (solid or in blocks), railroad ties, natural stone, brick, or even wood. Depending on the lay of your land, there are a variety of ways to set up a retaining wall, such as gravity walls, pre-cast crib walls, or gabion walls. While something like a gravity wall with stones or brick may seem like a simple enough DIY project, you may want to consider hiring an experienced landscape design contractor, especially if it’s your first time working with masonry.

Something I mentioned before (but cannot be stressed enough) is just how much landscaping can improve the value of your home. When done professionally, a quality landscape can add up to 20 percent to your home’s value. Hardscaping elements described in last month’s article will give you an extra edge in home value, but it’s important not to forget about the basics. Like many things in life, a good landscape needs a good base, which includes plantings and other softscaping elements. A good rule of thumb, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), is to invest around 10 percent of your home’s value into its landscaping.

Bear in mind that to get the maximum value out of your landscape, you’ll want to hire a professional landscape architect or designer. In addition to getting around 15 percent more value for your home, hiring a landscape architect will help you create an overall plan for your yard that will help incorporate all the features you want without ruining the aesthetic. A landscape designer will also be able to help you decide what plants and features will suit your personal gardening skill level best and break everything down into phases, to keep from doing your whole yard at once and breaking the bank.

Landscaping doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right knowledge and professional help, the boon of having a beautiful yard with minimal upkeep is within any homeowner’s grasp.

Sources for this article included: www. gardendesign.com, www.asla.org, www. popularmechanics.com, energy.gov, and www.researchgate.net. WE

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March 2017

45

To Your Good Health

Bariatric Surgery: Is It for Me? Surgical Therapy to Battle Obesity

By Kylie Gumpert

Surgical weight loss, or bariatric surgery, is an option that some people with obesity can explore to help them lose weight that is threatening their health.

For many people, even people who are significantly overweight, positive changes to diet and exercise routines can be sufficient means to bring their weight down to a safe level. Bariatric surgery is not an alternative to diet and exercise—it is a serious solution for people whose weight problems cannot otherwise be controlled.

For some people who are significantly overweight, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, losing weight by traditional means may not be feasible. For example, some people are physically incapable of exercise because of their level of obesity or other health problems. Also, if a person is already experiencing serious health risks related to obesity (heart disease, for example), she may not have time to lose enough weight through traditional means.

In these cases, surgical weight loss may be explored. These options work to limit the amount of food that is consumed and absorbed by the body. As many as half of patients may gain up to 5 percent of their excess weight back within a few years after bariatric surgery, but most patients still lose about half of their excess weight and keep it off for the long term.

There are several bariatric surgery options. Traditional gastric

bypass involves separating the top part of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. This creates a pouch that is significantly smaller, which limits the amount of food that can be consumed. Part of the small intestine is also bypassed, which limits the nutrients and calories absorbed by the body. With a sleeve gastrectomy, almost 80 percent of the stomach is actually removed from the body. The effect is similar to the gastric bypass but is more drastic.

A gastric band and a gastric balloon are non-permanent surgical options, as they can be removed. The band is gradually tightened around the stomach, limiting how much food can be consumed, while the grapefruit-sized balloon is placed inside the stomach to bring about the same effect.

The most drastic option is called biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. It involves removing part of the stomach and bypassing about three quarters of the small intestine. This results in greater weight loss and works best to reduce effects from diabetes. However, since so much of the small intestine is removed, it puts the patient at greater risk for vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies.

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The risk of these nutritional deficiencies is possible with all forms of bariatric surgery, as are general complications that can arise from removing and rearranging parts of the digestive tract. Because these surgeries involve limiting food intake and nutrient absorption, it is vitally important to follow food regimens provided by your doctor and surgeon, including how often you can eat, how much you can eat, and what kinds of foods you can eat to make sure you are receiving the nutrients you need.

Being obese or even severely obese (with a BMI of 40 or more) does not necessarily qualify someone for bariatric surgery. A team of medical professionals including a doctor, surgeon, dietician, and psychologist will run tests to help determine if you are medically and psychologically prepared for this type of surgery and to weigh the possible benefits of a surgery over the risks. If you have issues with blood clotting or liver function, for example, your body may not be able to handle surgery. If you have a binge eating disorder, you may not yet be psychologically prepared for the life changes you’ll need to make after surgery.

Many insurance companies provide coverage for bariatric surgery, but coverage varies widely, so it’s important to read the fine print. If you believe you qualify for coverage and are being denied, you can request a peer-to-peer review from your surgeon, who will schedule time to sit down with the insurance company’s medical director and explain why you should qualify for coverage.

Once your medical team has done all the tests and evaluations they need and have determined that surgery is a good fit for you, they will give you instructions on how to prepare. This may include quitting smoking, starting an exercise routine, and limiting certain foods and medications.

After surgery, lifelong changes to your eating and exercise routine will be necessary. You will participate in a follow-up plan to make sure you are being supported in your new lifestyle and are obtaining the right nutrients to stay healthy. Bariatric surgery is not for everyone, but it can be a lifesaver for some patients battling obesity and its related health problems.

Sources for this article included: www. asmbs.org, www.mayoclinic.org, and www. obesityaction.org. WE

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An Inside Look

Pip and Ren

The Go-To Store for Your Go-To Clothing

By Deanna Beal

Picture this: You open your closet in the morning and scan the row of 20 to 30 items, trying to choose. Then, as you do almost every day, you reach past most of them and grab one of your three or four favorite items. We all have our go-to sweaters, t-shirts, and jeans, the ones that wear out too soon because they’re worn too often. These are the fashion must-haves that you will find at Pip and Ren. Store owner Lindsey Bell is an Omaha native who developed her creativity and desire for fashion while attending Marion High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in fashion design from Philadelphia University. She and her roommates would often imagine what they would someday be doing in the world of fashion, perhaps owning their own boutiques or having their own brands.

After college, Lindsey worked as a designer for a company that sold to specialty stores that manufactured out of Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles. This gave her the opportunity to wear many hats and actually get into the factories. She worked on doing the cutting and pattern making, helped with fabric selection, participated in sales meetings, and followed up to see how the products were doing. Lindsey is grateful for such a beneficial experience. “I was seeing it all and doing it all!” she says. “I had responsibilities that most people never get in a lifetime.”

Lindsey’s next opportunity was with Chico’s, as a product developer in Florida. Here, she saw an even bigger picture of the fashion industry, with international production and a role in merchandising. Then, through her husband’s job, they had an opportunity to move to Omaha. “I thought, ‘this is my chance,’ so I quit my job and moved home,” Lindsey recalls.

It was the perfect time and place to follow through with her college dreams of owning her own boutique.

When she began to research the Omaha market, she imagined herself owning a small store that carried “oneof-a-kind, original, wearable pieces.” It’s those go-to favorites that Lindsey means when she says “wearable;” the pieces you want to wear over and over. That’s what she wanted at Pip and Ren. And she’s done it. Lindsey has an eye for merchandising and aesthetics, and you experience it the minute you walk in the door of Pip and Ren. It’s bright, open, and spacious. You can easily see the merchandise, without having to hunt through racks and racks of clothes to find something you might like.

Lindsey really understands the Omaha market and her customers. When she buys, she keeps her customers

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in mind, looking for original items that she knows they would love.

Susy and her daughters Madisen and Marin love to shop and always find beautiful clothing and jewelry when they stop in. “Lindsey has a real eye for fashion and how to put pieces together,” Susy shares. “I’ve had many women stop me and ask where I’ve bought something that I’ve purchased at Pip and Ren.” In addition to wanting her customers to have pieces that are current and wearable, Lindsey wants their experience to be special. One of the things Lindsey enjoys the most about being the owner of a boutique is the friendships she’s developed with her clients. She looks forward to them coming into the store, hearing their stories, and keeping up with what is happening in their lives. Client Antonette was looking for a non-traditional dress for her wedding, and she knew right away that she wanted to work with Lindsey at Pip and Ren. “Developing a relationship with a boutique owner is important to me because it helps ensure a connection to their vision and style,” Antonette says. “I felt so connected to the style of Pip and Ren that they were my first thought when looking for a wedding dress. I knew Lindsey would inspire me and help make the day even more meaningful.”

Crystal Ellis is a sales clerk at Pip and Ren, and she designs some of their one-of-a-kind jewelry. She enjoys helping clients find things they like…and she enjoys shopping for herself there, too. She describes Lindsey’s style as very practical. “Building a wardrobe of staples from Pip and Ren makes it effortless to get ready for your day,” she says. “The things I’ve bought here are being used. They’re the things I reach for every day.”

Pip and Ren is located at 10802 Prairie Hills Drive, in Omaha. Visit www.pipandren.com to join their mailing list, or follow them on Instagram at pipandren for regular posts of their specials and new arrivals. Call 402-932-7001 for more information. Take note that the store is closed on Sundays and Mondays. WE

Lindsey Bell, owner

www.womensedition.com

March 2017

www.aaos.org

49

Focus on Finance

Know Your Funds, Know Your Fees

Mutual Funds, Index Funds, and Exchange-Traded Funds

By George Morgan

When the average person hears the phrase “mutual fund,” the vision that comes to mind is probably a pool of money, managed by a professional money manager with the latest high-speed computers and years of experience. The role of the money manager is to monitor the market, buying and selling stocks at just the right moment to beat the market. The phrase “beat the market” means that the fund’s movement is greater than that of one of the major indexes.

In today’s high-speed computer driven markets, the ability of professional money managers to provide performance greater than the market is becoming increasingly difficult. On a long-term basis, the number of actively managed mutual funds that beat the market is less than one percent. Major contributing factors to this underperformance are the managers themselves and their active trading approach. Both of these components are expensive, and those expenses are passed directly on to the shareholders, which reduces their investment return.

In recent years, the Wall Street Journal has become more aggressive in reporting the underperformance issue. Awareness of this problem by the investing public has caused an increased number of investors, primarily those with 401(k) accounts, to seek an alternative solution. The solution many have identified is called an index fund. Last year, more than $500 billion flowed from actively managed funds to index funds, even though many

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of the actively managed funds outperformed the indexes.

Though interest in index funds is surging, the concept of index funds is not new—John Bogle and Vanguard Investing offered the first index fund to the investing public in 1979. An index fund is a mutual fund that mimics one of the indexes (such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&P 500). They do this by simply buying and holding all the funds that comprise the index, in the same proportion as the index. Once the stocks are in place, no effort is made to buy or sell stock in response to the market’s activity. This is why the fund is said to be managed passively. Because the fund owns the same stocks as the index, in the same proportion, its performance is identical to the index and, thus, greater than that of actively managed funds.

There are two types of index funds. First, there is the one created by Bogle in 1979. These are similar to actively managed funds, except they don’t have a portfolio manager, which eliminates that expense. A computer knows the necessary stocks to buy and in which proportion to buy them, so that function is completed automatically. Once the stocks are in place, there

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is no trading, so the cost of trading is also eliminated. Index funds are bought and sold directly from the mutual fund company, and those transactions only occur after the market closes in the afternoon. The share price of the fund is calculated by computing the total value of the pooled money and then dividing by the number of shares outstanding.

There is a second form of index fund; it is like a conventional index fund, with a couple of key differences. In this type of index fund, shares are traded on the exchanges and may be bought and sold at any time during the trading day.

Because of this unique trading feature, these funds are called “exchange-traded funds.” Because they are bought and sold on an exchange, their prices are determined by the market. The values of the shares of conventional index funds and exchange-traded funds can vary, but the difference is so small as to be irrelevant. A second difference between conventional index funds and exchangetraded funds is that, with conventional funds, you can purchase a particular dollar amount, whereas with exchangetraded funds, you can only purchase whole shares.

It is critical for investors to be aware of how much the expenses vary between actively managed funds and passively managed funds. Fees for the actively managed funds average around 1.25 percent, while the passive index funds typically charge 0.05 percent or less.

There is currently a price war going on between the major index fund providers; this will eventually drive their fees close to zero.

The number of 401(k) plan participants currently using index funds is quite small.

This is because a relatively small number of plans included them in their investment menus, leaving plan participants on the horns of a dilemma—they can pay high fees for low performance or pay no fees for no performance. Educating plan sponsors on the importance of including index funds in their investment menus is an important next step.

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Editor’s Note: Professor Morgan has over 40 years’ experience in the investment field, both as a university professor and as a financial advisor. He currently serves on the faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he directs a program designed to educate 401(k) plan participants on how to improve their investment strategy.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. WE

March 2017

51

Seasons of Life

Don’t Take a Chance with Colon Cancer Proactive Measures Can Save Your Life

By Linda Barnes

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in both men and women in the United States? An estimated 95,520 new cases of colon cancer will be found this year. For women, the chances are 1 in 23 that we will develop colorectal cancer during our life. The good news? Prevention and early detection greatly increase the chances of curing colorectal cancer.

Prevention involves limiting the risk factors that are within our control. There are some risk factors that are beyond our influence, like getting older (can’t stop that!), family history of colon cancer, African-American or Jewish heritage, and personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. However, being overweight, being inactive, and eating a low-fiber diet definitely increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, and we can control these things.

Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and modifying our diets (perhaps with the help of a dietician) can make a real difference. We can also lower our risk for colorectal cancer by not smoking, by consuming alcohol only in moderation, and by avoiding the development of type 2 diabetes.

If our best efforts at prevention fail, it is good to know that early detection is our next best bet. Early stage colon cancer is much more treatable (often, curable!) than cancer at a later stage.

The reason we have to be proactive is that early colon cancer rarely warns us with symptoms.

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When a condition has vague symptoms (or none at all), it’s easy to miss. Luckily, science and technology come to our rescue with non-invasive lab tests or colonoscopy, where the physician actually can see and remove polyps that might be cancerous.

During a colonoscopy, tiny polyps are removed and sent to pathology. If they are pre-cancerous, their removal is actually preventing the development of colon cancer!

If a polyp does turn out to be cancerous, steps can be taken immediately to treat the cancer. Staging helps determine treatment.

For early stage cancer, surgery might be in order, through either a traditional abdominal incision or a less invasive laparoscopic technique using several small incisions. At times, chemotherapy may be utilized to shrink the cancer before surgery. Other times, chemo might follow surgery to ensure that all cancer cells are eradicated. A specialist in colon cancer treatment can determine the best course for each patient.

Gastroenterologists are specialists who treat disorders of the digestive tract. They may prescribe a non-invasive lab test

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as a screening procedure or if you are experiencing unusual bowel symptoms.

These might involve sending a stool sample to a laboratory. One such test detects the presence of microscopic blood in the stool. Another detects blood cells but also DNA mutations associated with certain abnormal growths.

Your specialist may recommend and perform a colonoscopy, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. A newer and less invasive procedure is virtual colonoscopy, also known as colonography.

With colonoscopy, a tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum, which allows the doctor to see the interior of the entire colon. With virtual colonoscopy, a smaller tube is inserted and a series of CT scans are taken, creating detailed images that can show polyps or other irregularities.

Your doctor can help you decide which procedure is best for you. Traditional colonoscopy requires some light sedation; the virtual procedure does not. Virtual may identify problems (outside the colon) that traditional does not. However, if polyps are found, they can only be removed during traditional colonoscopy.

Preparation for either procedure is the same…and it’s likely the worst part. The colon must be completely cleaned out, so you’ll need to spend a couple of days preparing before your procedure. For most people, the actual procedure is a breeze.

Doctors recommend that everyone have one of these procedures at age 50. If you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer, you might start earlier.

If you have any bowel symptoms, such as bowel changes, rectal bleeding, dark stools, or abdominal pain, don’t take a chance—have them checked out.

Sometimes a slow loss of blood isn’t noticed in the stool, but it can cause anemia, which comes with significant fatigue. An early diagnosis is definitely reason for hope. A precise combination of treatments can cure early stage colon cancer up to 95 percent of the time.

Do what you can to reduce your risk through measures that you can manage.

Then make sure you take advantage of the appropriate screening tests, whether taking a stool sample or undergoing a colonoscopy or other tests your doctor recommends. In the case of colorectal cancer, being proactive can absolutely save your life.

Sources for this article included: coloncancerfoundation.org, www.fda.gov, www.mayoclinic.org, and www.cancer.org. WE

Katie Couric, Co-Founder EIF’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance

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J. Coco Classically trained head chef Jennifer Coco, awarded Restaurateur of the Year 2017 by the Omaha Restaurant Association, is known for showcasing Omaha’s finest ingredients.

J. Coco’s seasonal menus are rooted in tradition and showcase their natural ingredients.

They use local, organic, and sustainable ingredients when available. They are constantly seeking out the finest ingredients and preparing them as simply as possible. They feature craft bartending and house-made desserts and pastas. J. Coco celebrates the traditional… with a modern twist. Call 402-884-2626 for your party reservation today.

Caring Senior Service At Caring Senior Service in Omaha, we understand that lifestyles may change with age, but the ability to maintain a safe, independent life at home doesn’t have to.

Our GreatCare® method addresses the three most important areas of concern: quality caregivers, care solutions, and active involvement. We provide you and your family the control needed to live healthy, happy, and at home. We hope our commitment to your quality of life exceeds your expectations, and we look forward to the opportunity to build a relationship with you and your family. Call 402-682-7326 for a FREE in-home consultation.

Natural Therapy Natural Therapy was founded by therapists passionate about creating a community focused on holistic therapy solutions. We empower self-healing of the mind, body, and spirit to encourage optimal health.

Our services integrate a balanced Eastern and Western approach that starts by looking at the whole person, not just the symptom, and which provides an unparalleled experience to ensure that you are heard, respected, and understood. We offer Traditional Chinese Medicine in Acupuncture and Herbology, Occupational Therapy specializing in Cancer Rehab, Lymphedema, and Lymphatic Wellness, along with Nutrition, Massage, Yoga, Qi Gong, and Reiki.

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Bobbi and David’s unique, customer-centered, personal approach to real estate as well as their use of cutting edge marketing techniques, have kept them ahead of the everchanging real estate market and continue to keep them among the top real estate teams in Omaha.

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55

Peak Performance

Communication Is Key

Hearing and Speech Impact Interpersonal Interaction

By Loretta McCollum

No matter where we are in life, from newborn to 90, our ability to hear and speak affects our daily living. Difficulty with either may lead to insecurity, poor self-confidence, or even depression. Early diagnosis and treatment can be life-changing.

Hearing loss is clearly linked to our ability to speak. Every state requires that newborns have their hearing tested. Elementaryaged children are routinely screened at school. Adults should be tested a minimum of every 10 years through age 50, and then every three years after that. Common causes of hearing loss include chronic ear infections and prolonged exposure to noises louder than 85 decibels (for example, lawn mowers, chain saws, firearms, and fireworks). Medications such as those used in chemotherapy treatment have also been linked to hearing impairment.

If you suspect that you or a family member suffers from hearing loss, a visit to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat physician) or a certified audiologist may be in order. These clinicians administer tests that measure how well sounds reach the inner ear. One of the most frequently used tests is pure tone audiometry testing, which determines the faintest tones detectable in each ear at different pitches.

The patient wears headphones and indicates with hand gestures when she hears a sound. It is used with both children and adults. Another common test is the whispered speech test, where the examiner stands behind the patient and whispers words at decreasing volumes.

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Once a hearing impairment has been identified, the next step is to determine the best method of treatment. The latest technology includes digital, programmable hearing devices. As opposed to analog hearing aids, which amplify all sounds, newer digital noise reduction (DNR) devices utilize computer chips to amplify speech while reducing background noise. They also allow for individual programming and fitting precision, and they are available in several formats. Some fit in the ear canal and are barely visible. Others are mostly hidden just inside the ear, while other models rest behind the ear. Your ENT or audiologist will help you determine the best device for your needs.

Millions of Americans are also affected by speech problems.

It is estimated that eight to nine percent of young children in this country have some form of speech disorder. Speech disorders are caused by many factors, including autism, stroke, brain damage, vocal cord damage, and even allergies. Since the development of communication skills begins in infancy, early diagnosis is critical.

A certified audiologist or speech-language pathologist should be consulted. These professionals use tests to determine the

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nature of the disorder. One such test, the Denver Articulation Screening Exam, is commonly used to evaluate the clarity of pronunciation in children aged two through seven years.

A common speech problem in both children and adults is stuttering. Stuttering tends to run in families; it may be genetic or, possibly, the result of abnormal motor control. Apraxia of speech is commonly found in children. This is characterized by difficulty saying sounds, syllables, or words because the brain has problems controlling the body parts needed for speech, such as the tongue, lips, and jaw. An infant with apraxia of speech may not babble or coo, whereas an older child may have difficulty imitating speech. Orofacial myofunctional disorder, a muscle problem in which the tongue doesn’t function properly, is another frequent diagnosis. This can be caused by allergies, enlarged tonsils, or excessive thumb sucking and is characterized by producing incorrect sound patterns.

Diagnosis of adult speech disorders typically includes obtaining a complete medical history and testing to determine any underlying causes such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, or Hunter’s disease.

Once the overall medical picture is complete, identifying the disorder is the next step.

In addition to stuttering, adults may have dysarthria or aphasia; both are linked to brain injury or disease. Dysarthria is characterized by impaired movement of the lips, tongue, and vocal cords. Aphasia is an inability to think of a word or phrase, or mispronunciation of words and phrases.

In children and adults, once a diagnosis is made, a course of treatment is prescribed. A speech-language pathologist or other professional may provide a series of muscle-strengthening exercises for the face and throat, as well as exercises to strengthen and control breathing while speaking. Talk therapy may also be helpful in dealing with the emotional aspects of hearing or speech problems.

How we interact with the world around us is in direct correlation to how we define ourselves. With the multitude of resources available to help with these conditions, don’t hesitate. If you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from a hearing or speech evaluation, get in touch with a local specialist.

Sources for this article included: www.nidcd. nih.gov, www.hearingreview.com, www.asha.org, www.healthline.com, and www.mayoclinic.org. WE

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57

Auto Wise

Increasing Leasing A Popular Financing Option

By Julie Kuntze

When I was growing up, my dad always bought my mother’s cars (all two of them) with cash.

This was much easier to do because he had a “company car,” meaning that we usually had at least one new vehicle every two or three years, anyway. It’s great to be able to buy with cash, but—luckily—we have more choices in today’s market. Leasing a vehicle is gaining popularity. While it has many benefits, there are a few things consumers should keep in mind when choosing this option.

Approximately 32 percent of all new cars and trucks sold in the first half of 2016 were leased—an all-time high. Millennials are (forgive the pun) driving this trend, but there has also been a steep rise in the number of Americans 75 years and older who are now leasing their vehicles. Jessica Caldwell, on Edmunds. com, notes, “Both millennials and seniors crave the highest quality product for the best possible price, and considering these groups are both at a place in their lives where they likely have limited monthly cash flow, leasing can seem like the most viable option.” Along with lower monthly payments and the ability to drive a pricier car, leasing also boasts benefits such as no (or low) down payments, no major maintenance costs (new vehicles are usually covered by warranty), and the ability to easily change cars every few years.

There are a few different kinds of vehicle leasing. Closed-

end (or “walk-away”) leases are the most common, where the signed contract notes the length of the lease, monthly payments, and mileage limits. The customer agrees to have routine maintenance completed (sometimes for free at the dealership), and, at the end of the term, the vehicle is returned in good condition to the dealership. An open-end lease, by contrast, has no mileage restrictions but may have higher monthly payments and, if the vehicle has depreciated below market value at the time of turn-in, the customer may have to pay the difference.

Consumers with high credit scores may be eligible for a subvented lease, which offers low interest rates but is typically only available through certain manufacturers when they are struggling to move inventory. On occasion, consumers might want to arrange a single-payment lease, where the total amount of the lease is paid up front, eliminating monthly payments and drastically lowering interest fees. Most leases are signed for a 36-month term, but this varies; terms usually range from 24 to 60 months.

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At the end of a lease, consumers can usually buy the car for the “residual value” noted in the original contract.

Essentially, the leasing company is estimating the value of the car three years out, which can turn out in your favor or theirs. If the market value of the vehicle ends up being more than the residual value, you might want to buy the car, particularly because you are familiar with its history.

While most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, leasing companies often require collision and comprehensive insurance, as well. Some leases require gap insurance and often include the monthly premium as part of each payment. In case of an accident where the vehicle is totaled, the insurance company will only pay the current market value of the car, which may be thousands less than what is owed to the finance company; without gap insurance, the driver is on the hook for this balance.

Arranging a lease can be more difficult and confusing than negotiating a straight “buy” price, and consumers should be cautious of a few things. For example: It might be tempting to put some money down up front in order to lower your monthly

payments, but if the vehicle is totaled, that cash is gone and the lower payments are forfeited.

In addition, some insurance companies have higher rates for leased vehicles than those that are owned, so be sure to understand your carrier’s policies.

Leasing is not right for every consumer, however. It may end up being a bad deal, particularly if you drive more than the allowed mileage, cannot keep the vehicle in good condition, or have to break the lease (which could cost thousands in penalties).

Before signing a lease agreement, inquire about the dealership’s leasing policies. Ask what fees must be paid (such as acquisition fees and security deposits), whether they are negotiable, and what must be paid up front (as opposed to fees that are rolled into the monthly payment).

I give my dad kudos for always paying cash for cars, though it was tough to also pay cash for new head gaskets, brakes, shocks, struts, belts, transmissions, and more. Still, he might consider leasing the next time he shops for a vehicle—after all, retirement doesn’t offer a company car.

Sources for this article included: www.dmv.org, www.consumerreports.org, www.usatoday.com, www.edmunds.com, and www.iii.org. WE

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59

The Good Life

Child Care Educate Yourself on Your Child’s Options

By Ashley Anderson

In many of today’s households, both parents work full-time jobs, and usually at the same time of day.

When parents are not able to provide care to their young children during working hours, the family must explore options for alternative care.

When evaluating what type of alternative care is best for your child, there are a number of considerations.

The first choice is what location suits your family best. Child care can be provided in your own home via a nanny, babysitter, or another family member.

Alternatively, you may elect to have your child cared for at someone else’s home. An in-home provider is someone who provides child care in her home, likely for a small group of children. Even though they’re working in their own homes, childcare providers must still be licensed to take responsibility for the well-being of one or more children in a parent’s absence. Rules for licensing in-home childcare providers vary by state.

Be sure to confirm that your provider is licensed and is trained in child first aid and CPR. Another consideration when evaluating a childcare provider is the age of your children. Some childcare providers do not take infants or schoolaged children. (This can be due to risk aversion, the limitations of the provider, or simple preference.) Also consider the provider’s hours of operation. Can you pick up your children after your work shift ends? Is care provided on holidays or during school breaks?

Lastly, you will want to evaluate the payment options available from the childcare provider. Are you required to pay for a full week if your child only needs care for three days?

Childcare facilities can be great options for working parents. A childcare facility provides childcare services as a business, with multiple employees providing care to a large group of children of various ages.

They provide care during the day and traditionally will provide at least one meal for children, as well as facilitate activities to occupy them during the hours that they are being cared for. Some facilities only provide care for children who are too young to attend school; some facilities also provide before- or after-school care for children in grade school.

Childcare facilities are different from preschools because they often provide extended hours of care, are available to care for children during school breaks, and provide care for a wider range of ages. Childcare facilities are not obligated to provide a means of education for children; however, some facilities do.

Preschools traditionally provide early education and prepare children to enter grade school in the coming years. Therefore, preschools typically provide care services for children who are four to six years of age. Preschools may also provide services for younger children. Preschool services are typically provided in a

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school-like setting, and the teachers are traditionally required to have a background or training in early childhood education.

There are a number of different types of preschools, each providing a unique educational experience.

Traditional preschool provides students with education that is preparatory for grade school. Students learn in a classroom setting and participate in teacher-led activities, while allowing for some leisure play in a daily routine. Specialized development preschools may vary, but each provides a unique focus. Some emphasize learning life skills over traditional classroom content, some focus on a specific topic of education like art or music, and some provide language learning or multicultural education. Many religious institutions provide preschool for families of their faith.

Montessori schools are based on the approach of educator Maria Montessori, who valued student independence in the classroom. In these preschools, the focus is on individual learning, and teachers act as guides. Montessori preschool students are encouraged to meet their own needs and participate in hands-on activities. Understanding what type of education is important to you and your child will help to select a preschool that meets your family’s needs.

Most parents today will need or want some kind of alternative care for their young children. Finding the right place for your child is easier once you understand the different kinds of child care that are available in your community. Be sure to take a tour of any home or facility that you’re considering, and ask plenty of questions. When you’re armed with the right information, you’ll be able to make a good selection for your family.

Sources for this article included: www.omahamontessori.com, daycare.com, www. babycenter.com, www.parents. com, and www. greatschools.org. WE

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61

Great Escapes

Marco Island There’s More to Love!

By Jackie Williams

After a trip to Marco Island, travelers (including myself) will always want to come back. This month, I thought I would give you repeat visitors some ideas of different attractions and activities to discuss with your travel agent for when you book your next trip.

For those of us who live farther north, there’s no denying that winter is a great time to be in Florida to enjoy some warmth and sunshine. Keep in mind, though, that room rates can be 30 to 70 percent lower during the off season. Put together, these facts mean that any time is a good time to escape to beautiful and relaxing Marco Island!

If you aren’t familiar with this part of southwestern Florida, Marco Island is part of Collier County, which also includes Naples and the western side of the Everglades. More than 80 percent of the county is designated as parkland and nature preserves. Marco Island is at the southern end of southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and mangrove estuaries.

It is the largest and only developed land in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. Visitors flock here to bask in the tropical climate, enjoy the outdoors, and get out on the water.

After you choose your travel dates, the next choice will be accommodations. Will you stay in a resort, hotel, bed and breakfast, or rented condo? The choice is yours. You can even drive

your own RV and park it. There have been lots of recent updates and remodels to accommodations in the area. The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa has almost completed its $250 million transformation and debuted on January 1 as the JW Marriott Beach Resort Marco Island. It has new rooms, new dining, a new lobby, and great amenities—it’s very luxurious. The entire project will be completed by fall of this year, but don’t wait until then to book! In nearby Naples, Hyatt House Naples/Fifth Avenue opened this past March, the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee added a 99-room hotel, and the Inn on Fifth has been renovated both inside and out, including their award-winning Spa on Fifth.

One more property worth mentioning is the Edgewater Beach Hotel, which has been fully renovated and now offers a customdesigned Serenity Suite that has some great amenities and features for health-conscious travelers.

Once your travel agent has booked your accommodations, it’s time to look at activities for your trip. When visiting Marco Island and nearby Naples, golf is a must. With 90 courses to choose from, ›››

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you can easily schedule a tee time through your resort concierge or your travel agent.

During the summer months, some of the private courses open up to the general public, so it’s a good opportunity to play at an otherwise off-limits property. Green fees are also greatly reduced. Marco Island is definitely an excellent destination for golfing holidays all year.

Don’t miss the chance to get outside and into nature. Take a stroll on the boardwalk of the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and take some fantastic photos while being impressed with North America’s largest Bald Cypress forest. Naples also has a botanical garden that is worth a visit.

I didn’t think I was into bird watching until I started getting some great shots. There are around 200 different species of birds in the area and several hot spots to check out, like the wood stork breeding grounds and the tidal pools that attract osprey.

If you are looking for a faster pace on your vacation, sign up with Naples Bicycle Tours for a different perspective. Their tours also include a ride through the Everglades with a Florida Certified Naturalist Guide.

Several outfitters offer exciting waverunner eco-tours into the Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades. If you prefer adventure at a more leisurely pace, paddle without getting lost on the Paradise Coast Blueway—it provides a GPS-coordinated network of routes. You can also hire one of the many guides for single-day or overnight trips by kayak. Sounds like a fun adventure to me!

In the evenings, unwind and take the water shuttle on the bay for a little sightseeing on the way to dinner. Don’t miss tasting the amazing stone crab! After dinner, enjoy the nightlife with happy hours, live music, and dancing. Then wind down for the night by taking a stroll on the beach—the perfect end to a perfect day.

If Florida is your vacation destination, Marco Island is a great choice. If you’re heading to Florida to hop onto a cruise ship, plan a few days before or after the cruise to take the easy drive over to Marco Island. There is so much more to love!

Sources for this article included: www. paradisecoast.com, www.marcoislandchamber. org, and www.visitflorida.com.

Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design.

Her blogs can be found at ArtofTripping.com and BoardandRide.com. She is also the editor of the luxury and adventure travel website, ArtofTripping.com. WE March 2017

65

Enterprising Ideas

Bricks & Mortar Bar and Bistro We’d Like to Get to Know You…

By Kate Beiting

If you watched the television show “Cheers” (who didn’t?), you remember the friendly neighborhood bar that was home away from home for the lovable cast of characters. Bricks & Mortar Bar and Bistro is very much that type of bar. Located at the south end of Omaha’s historic Old Market District, Bricks & Mortar is housed in a 110-year-old brick building.

The vibrant and cozy bar invites you in to sit a spell— to take a break and enjoy great wine, spirits, and food.

“Our customers tell us all the time how much they enjoy coming here, especially women…it’s a great girls’ night out spot!” says Bricks & Mortar owner Janet Van deWalle.

Janet (also the National Publisher of Women’s Edition) is celebrating her third year as owner of Bricks & Mortar. Janet shares that her General Manager, Manny Chavez, runs the show. “As an owner,” she continues, “the major challenge in this business is finding people that you can trust in regards to your staff. Manny brings the same core values to Bricks & Mortar that were embedded within him during his 20 years of service in the Navy—honor, courage, and commitment.”

Manny’s years in the Navy, where he was also a boxer, helped him develop the fortitude needed for the exhausting business of managing a restaurant and bar.

“This business has its challenges, but I have a passion for it,” he says. “My experience in the Navy—and in boxing—helped me develop a very strong work ethic.

Challenges just help us move forward.” Bricks & Mortar presents Manny with the platform to work on his purpose in life: helping people better their lives.

At Bricks & Mortar, he says, he continuously strives to help employees and customers do just that.

Manny has also taken to the study of wine and loves sharing his knowledge with his customers. “I love talking about and teaching about wine,” he shares.

“Folks come here to relax and learn a few facts about wine. You can tour the world with wine without leaving home!” Janet adds, “Manny has a great palate. He has tasted every bottle of wine that we have here. He has learned what our customers want.” Manny stresses that Bricks & Mortar looks for great wine values for their guests. “We then pass on these savings to our customers. We are all about quality, not quantity.”

The interior of Bricks & Mortar is unique in the Omaha area. “We are told by our customers that we have a beautiful venue, unlike anywhere in Omaha,” Janet shares. The large interior columns help define an open space where you will find chairs and couches that

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Manny Chavez, encourage relaxation, conversation, and the enjoyment general manager, and of fine wine.

Janet Van deWalle, The star of the room, however, is the wine wall. owner Impressive at 15 feet high, the wall is divided into the wine regions of the world: California, Northwest, Europe, Other Regions, and Vintage. There are labels that you will recognize, and many you will not.

“That’s the beauty of the wine journey,” Manny tells me. “There are so many fabulous boutique wines. I enjoy discovering them and introducing them to our customers.”

Bricks & Mortar will be rolling out an updated menu in March with Omaha chef James Meloy.

“There will be tapas, lighter choices, finger foods, and appetizers.” Bricks & Mortar has a daily happy hour from 4–7 p.m., with a reverse happy hour on Friday and Saturday, from 10 p.m. to midnight. They feature half-price wines by the glass, a dollar off beer, halfprice specialty cocktails, and a happy hour food menu.

Come in on Saturday for half-price wine flights all day. For $8, guests receive three 2-ounce pours of any of Bricks & Mortar’s wines by the glass. They also offer a Wine Club, which meets on the third Thursday of every month. “We sample several wines, and I discuss the background of the wine,” Manny explains. “It’s always different.”

Bricks & Mortar can accommodate 10–298 guests for a corporate meeting, reception, birthday party, or rehearsal dinner. There is ample parking in the garage across the street and in metered street spaces. “We are proud of our location, the ambience, and the excellent service that we give our guests,” Janet concludes.

Gather some friends for an international wine experience right here in Omaha. Tell Manny what wines interest you and then have a seat on the covered veranda (one of the largest in Omaha) with a bit of food, some great wine, and fun conversation. Before you know it, everyone will know your name. Bricks & Mortar Bar and Bistro (402-934-0005) is located at 1037 Jones Street, in Omaha. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

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67

The Green Thumb

The Garden Frame Starting from Scratch

By Sharon Knierim

Not so long ago, many yards were much larger than they are today.

These yards evolved into gardens used to show off a gardener’s abilities and green thumb. Garden specimen varieties were unlimited. A wellmaintained property boasted an array of color, shape, and texture.

Plantings were placed so that something was blooming at all times. These showcases of flowers, shrubs, and trees were often framed so that there was a constant display of nature and each living plant enhanced the beauty of those nearby.

These general principles led to constant satisfaction, for both property owners and passersby. Needless to say, there was probably a pervasive feeling of envy and lots of copycat behavior.

But, as we know, using someone else’s ideas is certainly the highest form of flattery. When we view something that we like in someone else’s garden, don’t we run out to buy the same specimen and plant it in our gardens?

Our gardens make a statement about each of us, and the frame of the garden is an important part of the statement. What are we trying to accomplish with a frame? It is said that you wouldn’t paint a picture and leave the frame off. Well, the same is true for a garden. Many of us wish for privacy and security in our yards, so a garden frame might include a fence. Incorporating

trees and shrubs or a climbing fence vine will enhance and beautify that idea. Perhaps the neighboring property’s main attraction is a junk pile. You don’t want to look at that every day, and a fence can be a sure-fire method to eliminate unwanted views.

A garden frame is essential and suitable for all but the very smallest of sites. Remembering that you don’t want to bring about a feeling of clutter, be cautious when planting or erecting major points of interest in the landscape. Over the years, I have often made the mistake of thinking that more is better. Believe me—it’s not. Naturally, lots of digging up and moving plants to a better site has occurred in my garden.

Not enough can be said about trees and shrubs in the garden plan. These two elements have existed in gardens since the Roman Empire, when garden architects began wielding their

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craft. The most enchanting gardens are enhanced by the beauty and utility of these specimens. In addition to providing beauty and charm, trees and shrubs offer much welcome shade from the glaring summer sun. Deciduous trees offer color and texture with their blooms and leaf cover, while verdant evergreens wait until the hubbub of the color riot has passed to offer their charm against the snows of winter. Today, many gardens once replete with every imaginable growing element and statuary have been simplified and remodeled with the strategic placement of a limited number of evergreen plantings. If done correctly, this scheme can be very impressive in its simplicity and dignity.

Some garden sites are too daunting for a gardener to tackle alone. Gardening should be enjoyable. If the task at hand is more than overwhelming or requires the rental of equipment, it might be time to call the professionals. If you have done this, give yourself a round of applause and rest assured that you have made a good decision. Garden professionals are well experienced in the safe and reliable use of equipment, and these people can offer ideas to enhance the garden. For example, not all yards are flat. You may not appreciate that steep bank in the back yard and may be at a loss for what to do with it. Professional landscapers can offer a big boost in ideas, equipment, and the proper placement of elements in any space.

Newcomers who are just beginning their gardening careers may find themselves scratching their heads.

Hopefully, they will not drop out of gardening. As all of us with green thumbs and dirty fingernails know, gardening is not a sometimes thing. Many newcomers feel overwhelmed at the beginning. There is much to do and there are so many choices and rules. New gardeners should remember that there are reasons for these rules, and following them will lead to success.

Building a frame for the yard or garden is a priority. Planning is important. What do you want your garden to be in the future? Aim for that goal, and you can’t go wrong.

Editor’s Note: Sharon Knierim has been a Master Gardener since 2003 through Iowa State University. She lives on a small arm in western Iowa and looks forward to sharing her passion for gardening each month with her green-thumbed reader friends. WE March 2017

69

Cuddly Critters

An Ounce of Pest Prevention Fighting Fleas, Ticks, and Other Pests

By Kathy Glow

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are disease-carrying pests that can cause serious health issues for household pets, if left untreated. Unfortunately, these pests are found in all 50 states and can be a problem during all four seasons. Luckily for our pets, pest prevention goes a long way toward keeping our furry friends safe and healthy.

Fleas are a class of wingless insects which are parasites that live on the blood of a host animal. Fleas cause a variety of problems for pets; the most common is fleabite dermatitis. The allergy to the flea’s saliva can cause intense itching and, therefore, scratching, mostly on the back and at the base of the tail. Sometimes, your pet’s skin breaks open and gets infected.

If your pet ingests fleas, it can get a tapeworm parasite.

Though tapeworms can cause weight loss and an itchy rear end, they are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Flea bite anemia is another medical issue brought on by fleas. It can be fatal, if left untreated. More common in puppies, kittens, and smaller pets, anemia occurs when an animal has an infestation so severe that its red blood cell count decreases. If caught in time, your veterinarian can treat your pet by removing the fleas, giving an oral flea medication, and administering supportive vitamin therapy.

Ticks are parasites that attach to your pet and live off its blood. Ticks can be found outdoors in bushy and woody areas. If your pet spends any time outdoors, you should check its skin and fur for ticks and remove them as soon as possible.

The skin where ticks attach can become red and irritated. If not found, ticks can consume enough of your pet’s blood to cause anemia. Some female ticks produce a toxin that can also cause a rare paralysis in dogs. Cats can contract a parasitic infection of the blood vessels of the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain from ticks.

Ticks also carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which are more common in dogs than cats. Lyme disease can cause arthritis and swelling of your dog’s joints, resulting in painful lameness. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause fever, lameness, irregular heartbeat, and fluid retention, among other symptoms.

Fleas and ticks, and the diseases they bring, are completely preventable. Talk to your veterinarian about the best preventive medications. There are many options to choose from, including topical and oral preventatives, collars, shampoos, and powders, all of which are safe for pets. Your veterinarian can show you how to apply these medications and recommend the right dose for your pet’s age and weight. Using the prevention year-round, as well as using good hygiene, cleaning up your pet’s feces, never feeding your pet raw meat, and visiting your veterinarian regularly will help keep tick and flea infestations at bay.

A much more serious and potentially fatal disease, brought on by the bite of an infected mosquito,

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is heartworm disease. Dogs are natural hosts for heartworms, while cats are atypical hosts. Once a dog is bitten by an affected mosquito, it takes about seven months for the worm larvae to mature into adult heartworms. Then, they invade the canine’s heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin to reproduce.

Heartworms can grow to 12 inches in length and live for up to seven years. If untreated, a dog can have as many as 250 worms in its system.

Unlike the worms found in dogs, most heartworms in cats do not survive to adult stage. Cats usually have no more than three worms at a time. Heartworm disease often goes undiagnosed in cats, even though immature worms can cause lasting damage to a feline’s respiratory system.

All dogs and cats should be given a monthly preventative medication for heartworm, even pets as young as eight weeks. Since pets can still get heartworm even while taking the medication, they should be tested annually. In most cases, a small amount of your pet’s blood is collected and tested for heartworm proteins. Signs of a heartworm infection in dogs include mild cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

In later stages, a swollen abdomen is noted. Similar signs are sometimes noted in cats; unfortunately, the first sign of heartworm disease in cats may be sudden collapse or death.

There is no approved heartworm treatment for cats (canine medication does not work for them), so prevention of heartworms in cats is critical. If detected in your dog, your veterinarian will recommend restricted exercise so as not to increase the rate of damage to the heart and lungs. Drug therapy and treatment for heartworms in dogs is expensive, with costs running as much as $1,000.

Indeed, Benjamin Franklin’s saying is true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Sources for this article included: www.petmd.com, www.heartwormsociety.org, www.webmd.com, and www. petsandparasites.org. WE

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Your pet's health is important to us.

Protect them against Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm Sven is a therapy dog at Children's Hospital, who Dr. Kati Asherin sees for veterinary care.

Everyone loves Sven around here and in our community.

We want to take care of working dogs like Sven as well as all our furry friends.

Dr. Kati Asherin an d

therapy dog, Sven

Come see us and visit about your pet's individual needs.

Give us a call. 402-333-3847 Dr. Ellis Jensen • Dr. Whitney Meyer • Dr. Kati Asherin

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March 2017

71

Positive Perspective

Are You Stressed?

Take a Moment To Breathe “Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply?”

—Carrie Latet It seems that as the years pass and we are inundated with more technologies that are said to make our lives “easier,” our stress levels just seem to increase. No longer do we live in a society where we can go somewhere and just get lost in the moment, spend quiet time uninterrupted. Instead, we are constantly connected via emails and text messages. Today, it is almost unimaginable to think of life without computers, iPads, and cell phones, yet that reality was not too long ago.

“The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it.”

—Author Unknown When was the last time that you were able to do this? I know that I have an extremely hard time unwinding, even on the weekends or on vacation. I have a tendency to think about what I could or should be doing instead.

“Don’t let your mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries.” —Astrid Alauda Stress has just become a normal part of our everyday life. We

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By Janet Van deWalle

seem to accept that work, family, and other commitments go handin-hand with stress. But, does it really have to be like this?

Recently, I have made the decision to change my attitude, change my view on work and home, and, most importantly, find a way to reduce my stress. I have started to realize the importance of finding my own means to relax.

I see friends and family running around acting as though the world will come to a crashing halt if they miss a day of work or if they aren’t there for an event. The list goes on and on. I’m sure that we’ve all been guilty of this; I know I have. Now I am making a conscious effort to find time to relax. There truly are more important things in life. I am finding it easier to leave my work at work and laugh at the small things that used to annoy me. Overall, I’m feeling much better.

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” —Etty Hillesum When was the last time you stopped and took a deep breath?

It’s so easy, with your career, home life, and the world as a whole, to forget to breathe.

If everyone could just take a step back and relax, rest their mind and body, we would all be less stressed and perhaps a little happier.

So today, just try for five minutes to take some time for yourself. Take a moment to breathe, and feel refreshed. WE