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Stop by and let one of our Professional Designers help you express your style— Whether you’re searching for a new sofa or whole new look, The Design Gallery offers an eclectic selection of fine home furnishings. Working with you in our store or your home, you’ll enjoy all the benefits Nebraska Furniture Mart has to offer, plus expert interior design assistance.

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M ay / J u n e 2 0 1 5

VOl. 13 No. 3 Editor-in-Chief Chris Christen 402-444-1094 Chris.Christen@owh.com Creative Director/Designer Heidi Thorson hthorson@owh.com Photo Imaging Specialist Patricia “Murphy” Benoit Content Contributors Jessica Luna, Meghann Schense, Stacy Ideus, Heather Winkel, Stacie Hamel, Dan McCann, Amy LaMar, Pat Waters, Cara Pesek, Kurt A. Keeler, Michael Combs, Mark Eckstrom, Mikal Eckstrom Photography Contributors Heather and Jameson Hooton, Jeffrey Bebee, Tin Box Pictures, Daniel Johnson, Molly Lorincz, Megan Pomeroy, Scarlett Crews, Dev Hanumara On the Cover Apartment home of Bert Taylor Photo: Jeffrey Bebee Sales Manager Carrie Kentch 402-444-1448 Carrie.Kentch@owh.com Account Representatives Cathleen Vanhauer 402-444-1209 Cathleen.Vanhauer@owh.com Sofia Maravi 402-444-1442 Sofia.Maravi@owh.com Events & Custom Publishing Manager Tam Webb 402-444-3125 Tam.Webb@owh.com

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4 May/June 2015

Inspired Living Omaha (ISSN 7447026659) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. Distribution is independent of the newspaper's subscription program. ©2015, Omaha World-Herald Co. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

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E D I TO R ' S N OT E

MISSION POSSIBLE KURT A. KEELER

How are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions?

At our house, we're in de-clutter mode.

My husband, Kurt, started it by declaring 2015 the Year of Household Organization.

CHRIS CHRISTEN editor-in-chief

Did you do an eyeroll?

Let’s just say that when one spouse is

WHAT I'M READING

working and the other is retired, a smart

“Steal Like an Artist”

by Austin Kleon ( Workman, $11.95)

guy makes sure he has a solid comeback

“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing”

by Marie Kondo ( Ten Speed Press, $16.99) “How Successful People Think”

by John C. Maxwell (Center Street, $9.99) JUST FOR LAUGHS Chris's husband thinks "Pinteresting" is a word.

for that loathsome question, “What did you do all day?”

Since January, my husband has championed several D.I.Y. organization projects – some inspired by this very magazine. My attaboys: A master closet makeover, a wall storage cube system and a pantry annex.

Clutter is the bane of my existence.

I blame it on my father who had an extremely strict neatness code. He was, after all, full-blooded Swiss. How bad was it? Humorist Dave Barry paints just

at the office kept me oblivious to the incremental transformation. A bow on the closet door clued me in. ("Hello? Don't you notice anything different?" ) The pantry annex – a double-doored cabinet in our garage – was built expressly for the craft supplies and seasonal decorations taking up more and more shelf space in our kitchen pantry.

Finally, food items and small appliances have reclaimed their rightful places. And I no longer have to explain to guests why there's a flower vase where the cereal boxes should be.

Next on our project list?

Our home office. Kurt and I share the space. He’s a piler. I’m a straightener.

The solution? We’re in our ninth year of negotiations. Mission impossible?

There is hope. He has moved the piles to that cube system in the basement …

AS OUR NAME IMPLIES, we're all about

the right picture: “If you appear in public

finding inspiration for our daily lives. This

with your hair mussed up … the Swiss

issue, get your fix from dream builder

Neatness Police will suck you up with a

Diane Flynn (page 12); midcentury mad

giant vacuum cleaner and put you in a jail

man Bert Taylor (page 20) and treasure

cell infested with sanitary jail rats.”

hunter John Nall (page 56) .

In the closet makeover, the Goodwill

Here’s to doing what you can to stay

store down the street got a windfall of

healthy and happy. And somewhat

gently used clothing from Kurt’s side of

organized.

the closet, clandestinely whittled while

Until next time,

I was at work. That freed up space for additional hanging racks, cute cubes and baskets intended for me. Long days

6 MAY/JUNE 2015

Chris Christen editor-in-chief

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Find more inspiration online! inspiredlivingomaha.com

HEATHER AND JAMESON HOOTON

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER HOMESPIRATION 22 | Retro Revolution BEFORE + AFTER 12 | A Dream Combo HOMESPIRATION 20 | Midcentury Marvels THE PROJECT DIARIES 26 | Room to Grow SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE 28 | Minimalism For Baby SPECIAL PROMOTION 39 | Experience Local AU COURANT 40 | Happy Vibes HOST 42 | Party by the Lake 44 | Buffet Delights 47 | Garden in a Glass 49 | The Perfect Playlist 50 | Surrealist Tablescape THE DISH 52 | Oysters PROFILE 56 | Treasure Hunter DESTINATION 60 | Outer Banks

8 MAY/JUNE 2015

THREADS 32 | Mirror, Mirror PHOTO: Heather and Jameson Hooton STYLING: Jessica Luna HAIR + MAKEUP: Kali Rahder, Victor Victoria Salon & Spa MODEL: Hope Dendinger

S TAY I N S P I R E D . S TAY C O N N E C T E D .

TELL U S AB OU T YOU R HOME

A N O M A H A W O R L D - H E R A L D P U B L I C AT I O N

YOU MAY BE FEATURED NEXT!

MARCH/APRIL 2015 INSPIREDLIVINGOMAHA.COM

Mark and Mikal Eckstrom's home not only found its way into our publication but landed on our cover earlier this year as a result of an email. Mark reached out to us, asking if we might be interested in a townhouse remodel. We liked his "before" and "after" photos, so we set a date to see the place for ourselves. The second our hosts opened the door, we knew we would be returning with photographer Jeffrey Bebee.

Your home could be next.

Show off your spaces in an email to chris.christen@owh.com.

You just never know what might catch our eye!

THE ART OF THE HIGH-LOW MIX

PURPOSEFUL TREASURES & WELL-EDITED SPACES

TRENDING

THREADS: UNRAVELED

YOUR INSTAGRAM FAVORITES



Sometimes, we just run with random ideas. For example: Heather and Jameson Hooton thought it would be interesting to build a mirrored cube on location at City Glass Company, put our model inside and aim their lens through a sliver of black curtain. It sounded easy.

In the end, “It was the hardest thing I have ever tried to light,” Jameson confided. See his wizardry, page 32.



36

29

FOLLOW US @inspiredomaha

"Crazy fun underfoot from Heartland Wood Floors at the Omaha Home Show."

"We love inviting ourselves into people's closets. You can learn so much."







"Creative director Heidi Thorson puts herself in charge of jewelry organization for tonight's shoot at City Glass."

"Welcome to The Diamond Room, a new downtown Omaha event space with an industrial modern vibe."

"Le Wonderment toy store's owner started this gallery after noticing how many shoppers in the neighborhood had dogs."

23

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10 MAY/JUNE 2015

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LITTLE-KNOWN FACT The glass that held up under the gorilla's blow in April at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium came from City Glass. President Dan Sutton told us, "It's one massively thick panel. The public never will be in any danger of that glass falling."

Still, be nice to the animals.

17

@inspiredomaha

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE A handsome Tudor manor nestled in the hills.

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TRENDING LOOK FOR THIS ICON It designates one of the season's hottest trends.

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B E FO R E + A F T E R

!

TRENDING SLIDING TRACK DOORS

The kitchen’s minimalist style embraces the good old days with vintage appliances, an antique table and original Southern pine flooring. “You can’t find that anymore,” Lance Gunderson says of the wood.

Structural changes to the kitchen included creation of a laundry and mud room off the back door, installation of a picture window and relocation of a staircase that leads to an attic room.

12 MAY/JUNE 2015

The Not-So-Modern

Little Farmhouse Fifties charm meets minimalist style in a whole-hearted renovation – times two.

STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

D

iane Flynn stands at her kitchen window absorbing the view across the drive to her pristine white barn with its cheery teal doors. “This is my favorite part of the house,” she tells her visitor, eyes fixed on the 1920s structure that stole her heart in the spring of 2013 and fulfilled a dream.

“Everything has a story here,” she says about the milking barn – now home to her design boutique, Tweed Couch Interiors – and the 930-square-foot farmhouse she and fiancé Lance Gunderson spent nearly two years renovating.

More than shelters for beautiful things, the house and barn stand as testaments to patience, resourcefulness and skill, not to mention whiskey sours and Maduro cigars enjoyed along the way.

Diane, an interior designer, had longed for a place where she could live and work, dream and play.

She stumbled on the property near 132nd Street and Military Road in northwest Omaha late one night while browsing real estate listings online.

The next morning, she arranged for a showing.

“You can’t even fathom how (bad) the house looked,” Diane says. Still, she was excited by its potential and made an offer that very day.

A month later, renovation of the farmhouse was in full swing with Diane, a jack of all trades, serving as general contractor.

“Every single day for the next 12 months, we worked to get the house move-in ready.”

Lance championed the demolition work and Lance’s brother, Kelly Gunderson, was the finish

carpenter. Other family members helped on a regular basis. “It truly takes a village on a project like this,” Diane says.

With the house finally livable in April 2014, efforts shifted to the barn. The trio’s main work was far enough along for Tweed Couch to move in and celebrate its grand re-opening in December 2014.

“It was hard work,” Diane says, reliving every nail pulled, board replaced, brick laid, Dumpster filled (23). “I have no fingernails, but I’m OK with that.”

She gets her can-do spirit and aptitude for anything hands-on from being a “huge observer and reader of how-to books.” Her upbringing factors in, too.

The second youngest of five kids, she grew up on a farm near Emerson in northeast Nebraska.

“My mom and dad instilled a strong work ethic in me,” Diane says, her voice cracking with the emotion that comes from gratitude and pride.

“Mom taught us how to sew, can and garden. If I wanted a tree house, Dad would say, ‘Well, there’s the wood and the hammer.’”

Each evening, at the conclusion of the day's work, Diane and Lance would sit on their front stoop – she with a whiskey sour in honor of Dad, he with a cigar – and talk about what they needed to do next.

The plan would “change and change and change,” mostly out of necessity, Diane recalls with amusement. “Oh, the surprises the house would have for us.”

A happy one: Gaining one foot of ceiling height and six feet of interior space after removing rotting layers of drywall, plaster and Styrofoam.

(continued on page 15)

inspiredlivingomaha.com 13

A 25-foot-by-25-foot great room with two small windows was converted into a living room with a large picture window, a master bedroom, and a master bath with shower and walk-in closet.

Art work on walls is minimal. “The negative space is extremely relaxing and peaceful to me,” says homeowner Diane Flynn.

14 MAY/JUNE 2015

(continued from page 13)

While the barn interior is done in a shabby chic style, the house’s interior reflects a love of minimalism – with a twist.

In this urban industrial home, midcentury modern pieces help keep rooms relaxed and inviting and connected to their past.

“It’s all about feeling comfortable. It’s not pretentious,” Diane explains. “You’ll never find anything that’s perfect. Everything has imperfections.”

The sun-filled kitchen holds the strongest illustration.

Amid the modern cabinets, open shelving and light quartz and marble surfaces stands a trio of 1950s appliances.

“Aren’t they darling!” Diane exclaims over her reconditioned white enamel gas range, and warm yellow wall oven and refrigerator.

Continuing the juxtaposition of styles are antique table legs topped with a smooth slab of light gray granite. The seating: four vintage Union Pacific side chairs with original gray vinyl seats and a fresh gray powder coat finish.

Underfoot, tongue-and-groove Southern yellow pine flooring – discovered under layers of old vinyl.

Diane managed the purse strings and saved until she had enough money for each phase of renovation.

“I couldn’t always have my first selection because it was outside my budget,” she says. “So I would have to figure out an alternative, like reconditioned retro appliances for the kitchen.

I couldn’t touch a $3,000 range but I could rehab one I loved for $300.”

In another thrifty move, Diane, Lance (continued on page 16)

inspiredlivingomaha.com 15

(continued from page 15)

In another thrifty move, Diane, Lance and Kelly handpicked cedar boards from a lumberyard and distressed them with blow torches, hammers and white washing to look like reclaimed wood for an accent wall in the living room. For more authenticity, they mounted the boards with horseshoe nails found in the barn.

“It was completely out of character for Kelly to distress that cedar,” Diane recalls with a laugh.

For Lance, “That was one fun day.”

What’s next?

Diane says, “No rest for the wicked!”

In mid-April they added a screened porch to the south side of the house and built a stone retaining wall. This summer they will exchange their hammers and nails for hoes and seeds.

“We have plenty of ground for vegetable and flower gardens,” Diane says.

And time to sit on their back porch with a whiskey sour and a good cigar, contemplating their next big project.

“This little house is not perfect. But it’s perfect for us,” Diane says. “I love it so much … I never want to leave.’’

Diane loves to redo old chairs. This one is upholstered in men's wool suiting.

PAINT COLORS Window sashes, doors Valspar Fired Earth 6011-1

Interior walls Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray SW 7015 Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005

16 MAY/JUNE 2015

Refrigerator, wall oven Benjamin Moore Hay Stack 317

Shiplap siding from the home’s exterior stays exposed on a half-wall in the master bath. “Kelly (Gunderson, the finish carpenter) fought me on it,” Diane admits. The Edison light pendant is a fitting companion to the raw wood.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 17

The boutique at Tweed Couch Interiors is open the first Thursday through Monday of every month (from April through December) and by appointment. “A lot of people think I’m crazy” to have limited hours, Diane Flynn says. “It gives me the freedom to create a one-of-a-kind experience at each monthly event and work on design projects for myself and my Tweed Couch clients.”

18 MAY/JUNE 2015

“If one nail is good enough, six should be better,” Diane Flynn quips about the craftsmanship of the milking barn that houses her Tweed Couch Interiors, formerly at Rockbrook Village. Built in 1920, the barn was used for its original purpose until 1950. In recent years, it held a makeshift office for the previous owner.

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H O M ES P I R AT I O N

6 MARVELS History will embrace these iconic midcentury beauties long after the final episode of “Mad Men.”

Like fashion, interior design goes through trends that reference styles from eras gone by. Today, it’s midcentury’s turn. Scandinavia produced the most noted names in the "Atomic Age" of furniture design. Among them: Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl. In the United States, Ray and Charles Eames, George Nelson and Florence Knoll were leading lights. Here’s a sampler to either take you back a few decades or to prime you for your next iconic purchase.

20 MAY/JUNE 2015

The Tulip Collection Eero Saarinen, 1956. Made from cast aluminum and Fiberglass with white plastic coating.

The chair sparked an entire collection of tulip designs.

Eames Lounge Chair Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1956. Highly collectible; still in production.

Always in leather.

The ottoman is a must.

Boomerang Table Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller, 1948. Find versions in walnut, cherry or ebonized wood. Also look for his airy, glass-topped cocktail tables.

Eames Side Chair Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1950. Made from molded plywood, Fiberglass, plastic resin or wire mesh; always has metal or wooden dowel legs.

A chameleon in any decor.

Egg Chair Arne Jacobsen, 1958. This Danish Modern designer’s pieces look more like art or sculpture than furniture.

Also his: the three-legged Ant chair and the gracefully demur Swan chair.

Kidney-Shaped Cocktail Table Adrian Pearsall, early 1960s.

His daring designs brought high style to the masses.

Among his hits: Free-form walnut and glass tables. And the venerable bean bag chair.

inspiredlivingomaha.com  21

H O M ES P I R AT I O N

Atomic Age design is no bomb. Enjoy the fallout.

STORY CARA PESEK + CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

O

f all the carefully chosen furnishings in Bert Taylor’s Old Market apartment home, a particular orange lounge chair in a sunny corner of the living room is the star.

People always ask about it.

And rightly so. It's a highly collectible Adrian Pearsall original from the 1960s. “I knew its potential,” Taylor says of the iconic accent in his mostly black, white and gray midcentury modern interior.

Taylor is a relatively new fan of midcentury furniture. He hadn't paid much attention to the style until he relocated to Omaha from New Orleans two years ago and wandered into Hutch, a midtown retailer specializing in midcentury pieces. A self-described neatnik, Taylor was drawn to the "clean look" of the furnishings and became hooked. Never mind that midcentury was a huge departure from his Indonesian-spiced decor at the time.

Taylor's experience is a classic example of why midcentury has exploded in popularity in recent years, says Nick Huff, co-owner of Hutch.

The retro revolution continues to gain momentum with several national manufacturers introducing midcentury modern collections in recent months. Locally, Hutch and other niche retailers are offering more and more midcentury reproductions to meet demand.

Meanwhile, vintage and antique sellers are bolstering their midcentury offerings.

Collector-dealer Clinton Collins at Home & Closet in Lincoln estimates that 70 percent of his furniture sales are in the midcentury category. (continued on page 24)

22 MAY/JUNE 2015

TABLE TALK

When a photo of this boomerang coffee table hit Hutch's Facebook page, it received 100 likes within an hour. “It was crazy,” recalls Nick Huff, co-owner of the midcentury modern furniture store. Bert Taylor was at Hutch when the table came in and bought it before it could hit the showroom floor.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 23

(continued from page 22)

Bert Taylor

24 MAY/JUNE 2015

“You can’t beat the construction,” the former cabinet maker says. It’s smaller scale (perfect for apartments and tight spaces) and well-made from solid wood. It lacks fussy details that can break or chip over the years. And midcentury's understated upholstery is aging more gracefully than, say, the ornate patterns, loud plaids and fussy florals marking other eras.

“I don’t think it ever got ugly,’’ Collins notes. “You never hated it. Mostly, you simply got tired of it and tucked it away, or slid it into the background.’’

Jessica McKay of Birdhouse Interior Design in Omaha echoes Collins' assessment. "It’s definitely a hot trend.”

Midcentury's biggest consumers?

Millennials.

“Eighty percent of the people who come through our door are moms with strollers,” Huff says.

Young professionals, first-time home buyers and new families seem particularly drawn to the approachable price point of midcentury furniture and accessories. It’s one reason Hutch recently expanded into the reproduction segment.

McKay, a self-described “grab-bag kind of designer,” mixes furniture of different styles and eras in her own home. Midcentury pieces, she says, are particularly good companions for ornate furnishings. “It’s all about balance.”

Huff offers another theory behind the “Atomic Age” boom: “The 1950s and 1960s were collaborative eras.

We have that again with today’s generation of makers. ” Hutch currently carries furniture and

other products from 20 local makers.

Dozens more are waiting in the wings.

“We get eight to 10 inquiries a week for furniture and art alone.”

If you order a custom wood piece, you’re likely to have it in two to three weeks, thanks to the simple lines characteristic of the midcentury style.

Taylor, the owner of the Pearsall chair, is midcentury modern all the way. He has a sofa reproduction, which he loves, but there’s something about those originals …

“It’s a culture,” says the 43-year-old store manager for a national retailer.

“I love the authenticity.”

And the connection that some pieces give him to his past. He cites a pair of step end tables in his bedroom as an example. “I didn’t even have a place for them but I just had to have them. They reminded me of a table my great-grandmother had when I was growing up.”

A modern eclectic, he has an aversion to “sets.” A midcenturyinspired tulip table in his apartment could just as well have been joined by matching tulip chairs. But authentic Bertoia wire rod chairs? Totally rad.

“I am completely engulfed in the midcentury modern lifestyle,” Taylor says. “Window shopping for me is no longer going to J.Crew. I love clothes but I love my furniture more. Browsing for midcentury pieces is my thing to do on my days off. It’s my happy place.”

“I need to have a method to the madness,” he concedes.

A sales associate at Hutch recently told him, “Bert, you really need to get control.”

GET THE LOOK

Bert Taylor’s fave shopping sites: DotandBo.com HauteLook.com FermLiving.com TimberSmithGoods.com

T H E P ROJ ECT D I A R I ES

Room to grow Decor stays neutral and possibilities multiply.

STORY STACY IDEUS WITH AMY LaMAR PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

26 MAY/JUNE 2015

THE PROJECT A run-of-the-mill guest room that had doubled as a home office gets a new lease on life as a nursery for Violet. But more than that, Mom’s décor choices ensure that the family’s firstborn has a place to grow.

THE PLAN Create a fun, gender-neutral room that is classic enough to take the newborn into her preteen years.

THE WORK The homeowners painted the entire room white and then papered one wall for accent.

They also purchased and assembled furniture and accessories.

THE CHALLENGE Arranging the furniture to minimize noise in a home with thin walls. “We didn’t want the baby to hear slamming doors, loud music or the TV.” Curtains and an area rug help absorb sound.

THE RESULT From Mom’s view, “Our daughter seems to love the room.” Someday, the crib will be replaced with matching twin beds for sleepovers with friends.

THE COST At $1,200, Violet’s upholstered rocking chair was the biggest splurge. The chair eventually will be relocated to the living room. The wallpaper was the second-biggest expense at $125 per roll (1.5 rolls were needed). The crib and changing table, which converts to a dresser, were roughly $500. A secondhand camera shelf in the closet was $60. Ryan Ideus made the bookshelf. The child’s grandfather made the hanging shelf. Total cost: $2,500.

THE LESSONS LEARNED Consider a room’s natural light. “I would prefer that Violet's room be on the back of the house since the sun just beams in there in the morning.”

This is the third installment in a six-part series on a 1960s Wahoo home that has been in project mode since Stacy and Ryan Ideus became its owners four years ago. Stacy, a photographer, designer and new mom, is the creative force behind the home’s renovations. Ryan, a banker and former drywall installer, brings his wife’s ideas to life with help from her contractor dad. Stacy chronicles their endeavors in a personal blog. In this series, we share room-byroom highlights – for dreamers and doers alike.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 27

S M A L L S PAC E , B I G ST Y L E REACH FOR A PAINTBRUSH Painting is an easy and economical way to transform a room. A stripe that’s toddler height can make a big impact without overwhelming the room or your child.

Nesting Instincts Before you go too crazy, ask yourself what baby really needs.

STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY SCARLETT CREWS + MEGAN POMEROY + DEV HANUMARA

D

ecorating a child’s very first personal space requires a little thinking about both the present and the future. Quality time will be spent here, especially in those precious formative years. So your first priority probably should be to make your little one’s room as inviting as possible. But do you really need an over-the-top theme and all of that furniture that tugs at your heartstrings? Here’s how two families dialed it down – without sacrificing an inch or an ounce of adorability.

28 MAY/JUNE 2015

Everything in Its Place Do-it-yourselfer Heather Winkel, a frequent contributor to this magazine, is a fan of temporary upgrades that can be undone to grow with a child. She recently redid a closet to corral her toddler’s clothing and toys and even found space to add a book nook that doubles as a pint-sized hideaway.

GET ORGANIZED Bins, baskets and tubs are your friends when it comes to toy storage. Display cute toys in baskets and hide unmentionables in labeled bins. Labels with images help kids who can’t read yet stay organized too.

MAKE TEMPORARY UPGRADES Jazz up closet drawers with temporary wallpaper or fabric (as shown) and new or gently used hardware. Swap out or add a coordinating area rug and bedding.

BE CREATIVE Find new uses for old things. A rolling craft cart holds puzzles and night diapers.

Elsewhere in the room, a magnetic kitchen knife rack becomes a "parking place" for metal toy cars.

CREATE A BOOK NOOK A miniature nook with fluffy pillows or a beanbag chair and wall-mounted shelves makes a fun hideaway. TIP: Keep the shelves at a height that’s relatively accessible to your child.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 29

Mountains of style

O

mahan Lindsay Martian couldn’t help but think about her nursery decor when she first learned she was pregnant last summer. But she wasn’t in a rush to lock in the theme. Rather, she would wait to let the baby’s gender steer her toward her final plan. When husband Andrew couldn’t be present for what was supposed to be a gender-revealing ultrasound at 20 weeks, Lindsay told the technician to hold onto the information. She’d let her sister,

30 MAY/JUNE 2015

Candace Kalasky, reveal the baby’s gender to the parents-to-be at a family get-together. From there, Candace styled a baby shower with wilderness elements and Lindsay ran with the theme for little Henry’s room. Now, it’s Candace’s turn to style a nursery for a child of her own, due this fall.

What direction will she take? “My husband jokes that no matter the baby’s gender, I’ll probably paint the nursery warm gray (my favorite color).” Elements Lindsay used – graphic wallpaper, lots of texture and functional furniture – definitely will be incorporated.

And for a touch of whimsy, llamas.

THEME: Wilderness MOTIFS: Bears, bunnies, squirrels and other forest animals PALETTE: Cornflower blue and soft yellow

MOM’S FAVORITE ELEMENTS: “The rocking chair that my parents used to rock me to sleep as a baby. I also love the reading library. Reading was one of my favorite things to do growing up.”

A shower gift, “Kid, You’ll Move Mountains,’’ has a special place in Henry’s growing book collection.

ITEM DESTINED TO BECOME AN HEIRLOOM: Gray moccasins, a gift from Henry’s maternal grandfather in a continuing family tradition. “Our grandparents would send moccasins to Candace and me from their home in Wyoming when we were young.”

inspiredlivingomaha.com 31

THREADS

PHOTOGRAPHY HEATHER AND JAMESON HOOTON ART DIREC TION HEIDI THORSON MERCHANDISE ST YLING JESSICA LUNA HAIR & MAKEUP KALI RAHDER, VICTOR VICTORIA SALON & SPA MODEL HOPE DENDINGER LOCATION CITY GLASS COMPANY, OMAHA

How many personalities do you reflect?

Summer's sultry muse loves her muted tones. But every now and then, she surprises with jolts of pattern and color. Clearly, a multifaceted personality at play.

32 MAY/JUNE 2015

Maliparmi backpack, $195 Brunello Cucinelli city short, $1,225 NAN C. SHOPNANC.COM

JOA crop top, $51 TOGS SHOP-TOGS.COM

Feather and bead earrings, $130 each Snake bracelet, $225 Skull ring, $64 ELISA ILANA ELISAILANA.COM

Belt, stylist's own

inspiredlivingomaha.com  33

Brunello Cucinelli cardigan, $1,910 NAN C. SHOPNANC.COM

Crippen dress, $588 CHRISTEL’S

CHRISTELSCLOTHING.COM

Dance & Marvel pant, $44 FOUR SISTERS BOUTIQUE

THEFOURSISTERSBOUTIQUE.COM

Clutch, $37 BEYOURSELF BOUTIQUE BEYOURSELFONLINE.COM

Jenny Bird necklaces, $95 and $225 Cimber ring, $84 THE MIX THEMIXSHOES.COM

Leopard ring, $119 ELISA ILANA ELISAILANA.COM

34 MAY/JUNE 2015

Benjamin Jay crop top, $154 C. Luce bralette, $38 TOGS SHOP-TOGS.COM

True Royal pant, $368 CHRISTEL’S CHRISTELSCLOTHING.COM

Brunello Cucinelli cropped vest, $1,995 Brunello Cucinelli tote, $2,490 NAN C. SHOPNANC.COM

Sara Blaine twig bangles, $350, set of 2 UNO de 50 watch, $349 ADAM MICHAEL JEWELRY ADAMMICHAEL.COM

Cheryl Dufault Designs bead bracelet, $55 Taylor and Tessier shred bracelet, $209 THE MIX THEMIXSHOES.COM

inspiredlivingomaha.com 35

36 MAY/JUNE 2015

(Opposite page) Leopard ring, $225 Amethyst & Carnelian earring, $305 ELISA ILANA ELISAILANA.COM

Maliparmi bracelet, $150 Hache skirt, $425 NAN C. SHOPNANC.COM

Doe + Rae tank, $24 Animal print scarf, $16 FOUR SISTERS BOUTIQUE THEFOURSISTERSBOUTIQUE.COM

Envelope clutch, $30 BE YOURSELF BOUTIQUE BEYOURSELFONLINE.COM

(This page) Metal mesh bracelets, $240 each Petunia ring, $126 ELISA ILANA ELISAILANA.COM

Nicole Miller skirt, $258 Helmut Lang vest, $418 CHRISTEL’S CHRISTELSCLOTHING.COM

Red Velvet crop top, $18 KLEVELAND KLEVELANDCLOTHING.COM

inspiredlivingomaha.com 37

Red Velvet crop top, $15 Girly socks, $6 KLEVELAND KLEVELANDCLOTHING.COM

Samantha Sung skirt, $250 CHRISTEL’S CHRISTELSCLOTHING.COM

Sam Edelman shoe, $128 THE MIX THEMIXSHOES.COM

The Bride 6 clutch, $56 FOUR SISTERS BOUTIQUE THEFOURSISTERSBOUTIQUE.COM

38 MAY/JUNE 2015

THE MIX

ELISA ILANA

n the sisterhood of shoe and accessory lovers, you won’t find a more trend-savvy mix than the “sole” mates who greet customers at The Mix in Countryside Village. “We offer something for women of every age,” says co-owner Jori McCarville. While the boutique specializes in to-die-for, unique-to-Omaha brands, business partner Sue Lapp offers a pledge: “We’re not going to send you out the door with shoes you won’t love and wear.” Sue and Jori, together with sales assistants Holly Connealy, Jamie Meyerson and Rachel Heiser, adore the opportunity to establish personal connections with their customers and guide them to just the right purchases.

You're going to love their unique mix of talents and tastes.

Summer’s hautest looks? Booties in peep-toe and laser-cut styles; sporty sneakers in happy colors and prints; and ultrafeminine pointy-toe kitten heel pumps. The must-haves in jewelry? Necklaces and bracelets with natural stones. Coming soon: An exclusive line of handmade Italian shoes. Seriously, the mix at The Mix is out of this world. “We’re thrilled with our customers’ reaction to our merchandise,” Sue says. Make it your next shopping destination.

iving and working in Omaha, award-winning designer Laurie Langdon has been making jewelry since 1996 and is widely known for her elegantly casual designs in sterling silver and high karat gold. Traveling the globe and sourcing unique materials means an ever-changing evolution in creativity. Elisa Ilana Jewelry has evolved from a small custom design shop at Westroads Mall, into a truly sophisticated fine jewelry store featuring coveted designer lines such as Frederic Sage, PANDORA, Galatea, Parade Engagement, Hidalgo, Pyrrha, Vahan, Simon Golub and William Henry and many, many more. This Mother’s Day, visit the Elisa Ilana gallery for a tranquil, approachable, very personal shopping experience.

Be inspired by their selection of personalized gifts for Mom.

I

8710 Countryside Plaza | 402-933-7995 themixshoes.com

L

13132 Davenport St. | 402-926-3479 elisailana.com inspiredlivingomaha.com 39

AU CO U R A N T PHOTOGRAPHY TIN BOX PICTURES ART DIREC TION HEIDI THORSON MERCHANDISE ST YLING MEGHANN SCHENSE, ESOTERIC VELVET MAKEUP ARTISTRY CHEVY KOZISEK, VICTOR VICTORIA SALON & SPA NAIL ARTISTRY IMAGINE UHLENBROCK, JUST IMAGINE NAILS MODEL STACEY FLOWERS

Summer's pastels light up a room.

Weekend style every day of the week.

When your last name is TheFlowers, weekend doesn't introductions have to end.bring Spring's automatically a smile. newest are asliving When youarrivals make your soft and cozytoasbe a lazy inspiring people happy, Sunday morning. well, good energy just naturally spills forth and amazing things start to happen. Your eyes look brighter. Your smile grows wider. Who better than Omaha-based motivational speaker and author Stacey Flowers to introduce you to summer’s happy palette?

40 MAY/JUNE 2015

(Opposite page) Suede top, $178 Stacking rings, $24 each GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

Prada sunglasses, $379 ROBERT MAX OPTICIANS ROBERTMAXOPTICIANS.COM

(This page) Tank, $128 Stacking rings, $24 each GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

inspiredlivingomaha.com 41

H O ST

Lakeside Paradise Waterfront home takes full advantage of the great outdoors.

STORY AMY LaMAR PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

S

prawling Bennington Lake in northwest Omaha was a significant draw in 2007 for a couple's dream residence at water’s edge.

With entertaining top of mind, the homeowners collaborated with landscape designer Mike Brown of Hardscape Contractors to create a multilevel outdoor living space overlooking the lake. The centerpiece is a 20-by-30-foot cabana that welcomes guests at least once a month during the warm-weather season.

The cabana has islands specifically designed

for cooking, serving and bartending – with built-in water, gas and fire capability. The amenities practically eliminate the need to venture into the house for anything party related.

A glass bead fire pit, multilevel seating and extensive landscaping add to the resortlike ambiance the homeowners sought to create.

“We wanted a Mediterranean look for the cabana like you would see on an oceanfront,” the homeowner said. “It makes you feel like you’re in a high-end resort – but you’re right in our backyard.”

You just can’t beat the nighttime view of this year-round lake home.

42 MAY/JUNE 2015

inspiredlivingomaha.com  43

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

Chef Krishna Moorthy

This dish is popular in Western countries and is noted as a British national dish.

Servings: 4 WHAT YOU NEED 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cup chopped onion 2 cups fresh or canned tomato puree 1 tablespoon red chili powder, divided ½ tablespoon cumin powder, divided ½ tablespoon coriander powder, divided 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (available at Indian grocery stores), divided 2 tablespoons cashews 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes 1 cup heavy cream Salt to taste

FUN IN THE SUN Indian fare spices up the party.

Delicious food, good company and resortlike ambiance combined last summer for a memorable Indian-themed party at our featured Bennington Lake home.

Chef Krishna Moorthy of Kurry Xpress impressed with 14 Indian appetizers, including avocado mango salad, shrimp satay, grilled lamb kabobs and Chicken Tikka Masala (recipe at right).

To freshen breath after all of that spicy fare, guests received tiny green boxes holding after-dinner mints that resembled a date but tasted like a flower.

For fun, bartender Jeffrey Mantzaris concocted a signature drink in honor of the homeowner. “He knows me pretty well,” the homeowner said with a laugh after a sip of the rum-infused pineapple punch.

To cap it off, Indian music played in the background as guests soaked up the sunshine and took in the view.

44 MAY/JUNE 2015

WHAT YOU DO 1. With a tablespoon of vegetable oil, saute the chopped onion, tomato puree, ½ tablespoon red chili powder, ¼ tablespoon cumin powder, ¼ tablespoon coriander powder and ½ tablespoon ginger garlic paste.

2. Cook the above mixture on high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, then add cashews. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.

3. After the mixture cools, blend it to a paste in a food processor.

4. Saute the chicken in the remaining oil along with the remaining spices.

5. Once the chicken is light brown, add the blended paste and cook for 5 minutes. Add salt to taste.

6. Add the cream, and let the mixture boil for 2 minutes.

7. Serve over Indian-style Basmati Rice or Naan bread.

Recipe courtesy of Kurry Xpress.

Everything

FOR

Summer

Enttertaining!

Entertaining! n

Bartender Jeffrey Mantzaris' rum-infused pineapple punch ...

402-502-1962 | Legacy West 17650 Wright Street Stay updated with our newest items by visiting:

njandcompany.com

A sampling of the spicy fare ...

Rel ax

OUTDOORS

And a self-serve beverage station in a sink shaped like a martini glass!

OUTDOOR

K I T C H E N PAT I O

Omaha’s largest & most experienced year- round Casual Furniture, Grill & Hearth retailer.

12100 West Center Road | 402.333.2282 | www.outdoorkitchen.com

inspiredlivingomaha.com  45

ELECTRONICS DESIGN

& Installation Services

We’ll help you make your house a home.

More than 25 years experience means we can handle every aspect of your home project.

Audio Video | Home Theater | Home Automation | Systems Integration | And More Home Theater Systems • Whole House Audio and Video Distribution Pre-wiring For New Or Remodeled Homes • Home Networks Design Services • Intercom Systems • Surveillance Cameras Lighting Control

For a free in-home consultation, contact us at omahainstall@nfm.com or visit us online at www.nfm.com/edic 46 MAY/JUNE 2015

nfm.com

700 South 72nd St Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Omaha, NE 68114 Sun: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: 402-548-6356 ©2015 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

Garden in a glass The latest cocktail buzz? Herbs as garnish.

TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY MOLLY LORINCZ

Thyme for the home mixologist to get creative! The aromas and flavors of fresh herbs lend themselves perfectly to four refreshing cocktails that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to drink.

C L I P + S AV E R e cip e s on ne x t p age.

Strawberry Basil Smash

Basil Lemonade Cocktail

Habanero Tequila Sipper

Honey Thyme Champagne Cocktail inspiredlivingomaha.com  47

BASIL LEMONADE COCKTAIL 2 ounces Basil Simple Syrup (recipe below) 1.5 ounces gin 1 ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur Juice of three lemons 4 ounces club soda Lemon & fresh basil leaf for garnish Combine the first four ingredients in a shaker.

Shake and pour into an ice-filled highball glass.

Top off with club soda.

Garnish with a lemon wedge and a basil leaf.

BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 6-8 basil leaves

STRAWBERRY BASIL SMASH 1 fresh strawberry 1 sprig basil 2 ounces gin ½ ounce fresh lime juice ½ ounce fresh lemon juice 1 ounce agave nectar Strawberry for garnish Muddle strawberry and basil in a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients, along with ice. Shake well; strain into a champagne flute.

Garnish with a strawberry.

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from stovetop and cool. Strain basil leaves.

HONEY THYME CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL 1 ounce rum 2-3 cloves 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Champagne to taste Sprig of thyme for garnish Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker and pour over ice in a highball glass.

Garnish with a sprig of thyme.

48 MAY/JUNE 2015

HABANERO TEQUILA SIPPER 2 ounces tequila ¾ ounce agave nectar 10 cilantro leaves ¼ of a habanero pepper (or a red chili pepper for a milder taste) Chili pepper and cilantro garnish Add first four ingredients to a shaker.

Shake well and strain into a shooter glass. Garnish with a slice of chili pepper and a sprig of cilantro.

Party Mix Blend your own perfect background beat.

There’s nothing better than the right playlist to get a party started – and keep it going.

Omahans Mark and Mikal Eckstrom always theme a playlist to their menus and décor. We invited them to develop a trio of three-hour mixes for your own memorable soirée. Follow us at InspiredOmaha on Spotify and link-up to the full playlists – and others – before your first guest walks through the door.

633 N 114TH ST. | 402.493.7343 | CHRISTELSCLOTHING.COM

POOLSIDE IN MUMBAI “Arabian Café (Bollywood Lounge)” Lounge Music Cafè “Nand (Chillout Mix)” Taufiq Qureshi “Bollywood (India Style)” Seven Step “Ishaq Hi Hai Rab” Pritam “Butterfly” Talvin Singh TROPICALIA “Brazil” Pink Martini “Heart of Glass” Nouvelle Vague “Habana Del Este” Afro Cuban All Stars “So Nice (Summer Samba)” Bebel Gilberto “Ocean Winds (Bossa Nova Mix)” Blue Claw Jazz GLOBAL VIBES “Lebanese Blonde” Thievery Corporation “Sexy Boy” Air “Night Lights - Original Mix” Calar Del Sole “Body Language” M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Booka Shade “Tout Doucement” Feist

Take home enjoyment to a whole new level Home Theater & Surround Sound Home Automation High Performance Stereo Systems 402-502-4502 | crescendohometheater.com

inspiredlivingomaha.com 49

H O ST

SURREALISM AT PLAY TEXT + ST YLING MARK & MIKAL ECKSTROM PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

A

ndy Warhol’s “Flowers” was the obvious theme for a pop art tablescape for a dinner party to welcome spring… but Miranda Priestly intervened.

We were haunted by her sarcasm in "The Devil Wears Prada."

“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking…”

The challenge was on to be more original.

A print of Man Ray’s “Rayograph” in our powder room sparked an idea and took us, via Internet, to Marie-Hélène de Rothschild’s 1972 Surrealist Ball at Château de Ferrières near Paris.

After examining that grand soirée, we borrowed ideas from Surrealists Piero Fornasetti, Rene Magritte and Man Ray. How many of their iconic influences can you spy, Miranda, dear?

The authors live in Omaha and blog at AsWeLiveandEat.com. You’ll find a playlist for this party on the AsWeLiveandEat channel on Beat.

THE ELEMENTS INVITATION Inspired by Magritte’s “The Return.” Designed and printed on a home computer.

TABLE TOPPER Custom-made by local craftsman Jeff Bliven at Drapery Express using fabric purchased for $10.75 per yard from Etsy shop Fabric Secret. The stripes were mitered into concentric squares to mimic the pattern in the ready-made seat cushions, $40 each, from cafepress.com.

PLACE CARD Inspired by the bowler hat that appears in “Son of Man” and other works by Magritte. Each place card was hand cut from 100-pound card stock, personalized with a gold metallic art pen and anchored in a green apple with a gold hat pin.

MENU CARD Mirror-reversed text using script font influenced by Man Ray’s “Les Grands Transparents” on a Magritte cloud print – inspired by Rothschild’s Surrealist Ball invitation.

DINNERWARE Custom-printed Melamine from the Etsy shop The Mad Platters in Portland. Kit and Jean Cody mimicked Fornasetti’s “Julia” in two plate designs. At $20 each, these were a relative bargain compared to the real deal at $300 per plate.

CHARGER PLATES “Splendor” by Horchow. $95, set of 4.

FLATWARE Seletti’s “Keytlery” with its key-inspired handles was a perfect complement for the keyhole pillows. $336 for a 24-piece setting. Red grosgrain ribbon tied to each handle suggested the look of a key-fob and tassel.

GLASSWARE Red goblets that once belonged to Mom and assorted pieces collected over the years.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENT A vintage “Perpetual Face” vase animated our floral motif with fresh-cut blooms from Whole Foods and gold wire from Mangelsen’s (for a Surrealist take on curly willow). A friend with floral flair, Dan Hammond, helped with the arrangement.

PILLOWS Custom-made by Etsy shop GiftsGalore2000 in Hong Kong using online-sourced fabric with Piero Fornasetti’s keyhole motif, which we provided.

Maker’s fee: $21 per pillow.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 51

THE DISH

Delectable Oysters Sweet-and-savory appetizer will have you longing for a day by the sea.

Cajun-style remoulade provides a tangy kick to coconut-infused oysters on the half shell. Served on a bed of seaweed, this appetizer leaves taste buds yearning for more. So make a double batch and dive in.

RECIPES EXECUTIVE CHEF MICHAEL COMBS CULINARY ASSISTANT GEORGE MILLAN LOCATION INSTITUTE FOR THE CULINARY ARTS, METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY DANIEL JOHNSON

52  MAY/JUNE 2015

THE DISH IN SIX STEPS

COCONUT-CRUSTED FRIED OYSTERS

Prep time: 10 minutes Yield: 16 servings

WHAT YOU NEED 10 ounces oysters in their shells Marinade (Recipe, page 54) Remoulade (Recipe, page 54) Wakame salad (Recipe, page 55) Coconut coating (Recipe, page 54) Tabiko, for garnish Mild red peppers, for garnish CLEAN AND SHUCK OYSTERS

PREPARE REMOULADE SAUCE

PREPARE WAKAME SALAD

PREPARE COCONUT COATING

WHAT YOU DO 1. Prepare the marinade and set aside.

2. Clean, shuck and strain oysters.

Place in marinade and refrigerate.

Wash shells, pat dry and set aside.

3. Prepare remoulade; set aside.

4. Prepare wakame salad; set aside.

5. Prepare coconut coating, roll oysters in coating and fry in oil until golden brown.

6. Make a wakame seaweed bed on serving plate and top with clean shell. Drizzle shell with remoulade sauce and crown with fried oyster. Garnish with tabiko and mild pepper strips.

TIP: When shucking oysters, protect your hands by wrapping the oyster, bigger shell down, in a clean kitchen towel with the shell hinge facing out. Keep oyster level to avoid losing any juice.

Insert oyster knife next to hinge.

FRY OYSTERS UNTIL GOLDEN

PLATE AND GARNISH

TIP: Oven-bake julienned mild red peppers at 200 degrees, about 1 hour.

inspiredlivingomaha.com  53

MARINADE

Prep time: 15 minutes Yield: 10

Beautify your HOME & LIFE FURNITURE

ACCESSORIES

4922 Dodge St

402-991-1970

FLORALS voilaflowers.com

M-F 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-4pm • Sun Closed

Security • Privacy • Elegance

WHAT YOU NEED Juice of 1 large lime ¼ cup rice vinegar 1 12-ounce can coconut milk (or reduced-fat substitute) 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 tablespoons Thai chili sauce 1 tablespoon each finely minced shallots, leeks,

grated ginger 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon each dried basil and Thai Seasoning Blend 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper WHAT YOU DO 1. Whisk together lime juice, vinegar and coconut milk.

2. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, shallots, leeks, ginger and spices. Mix well.

3. Add prepped oysters and toss to coat.

4. Place in a shallow dish with marinade, cover and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours.

COCONUT COATING

Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: Coating for 16 oysters

WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup shredded coconut 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds 2 cups panko bread crumbs WHAT YOU DO 1. In a food processor, chop shredded coconut to the same consistency as the bread crumbs. Mix well with sesame seeds and bread crumbs.

2. Remove oysters from marinade, and gently shake off excess marinade.

3. Coat the oysters with the coconut/bread crumb mixture and fry in peanut oil heated to about 375 degrees for 2 minutes or until coated oysters are golden brown.

REMOULADE SAUCE

WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups mayonnaise 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons creole mustard (for milder flavor, substitute 2 tablespoons Cajun or deli-style mustard) 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (for milder flavor, use 1 teaspoon) 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish 2 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon paprika

402.333.5722 • WWW.SW-FENCE.COM 40 OM

54 MAY/JUNE 2015

WHAT YOU DO Combine ingredients in bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Kick your kitchen skills up a notch with Everyday Extraordinaire classes at the Institute for the Culinary Arts. www. mccneb.edu.

WAKAME SALAD

Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 16

WHAT YOU NEED ¾ ounce dried wakame seaweed, whole or cut 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, unseasoned 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ cup red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated ½ teaspoon minced garlic 2 scallions, thinly sliced ¼ cup shredded carrot 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

For every...

STYLE YOU’LL FIND EVERYTHING FOR SUMMER AT OUR MORE THAN 60 SPECIALTY SHOPS & RESTAURANTS.

WHAT YOU DO 1. Soak wakame seaweed in warm water to cover, 5 minutes. Drain and rinse and then squeeze out excess water from seaweed. Cut wakame into half-inch strips.

2. Stir together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper flakes, ginger and garlic in a bowl until sugar is dissolved.

Add the seaweed, scallions, carrots and cilantro, tossing to combine well. Sprinkle salad with sesame seeds.

Find more recipes at inspiredlivingomaha.com

VillagePointeShopping.com

168th & W Dodge Rd 402.505.9773

inspiredlivingomaha.com 55

A STORE – AND A STORY

Just wait until you see the treasure inside.

STORY DAN McCANN PHOTOGRAPHY TIN BOX PICTURES

For now, let’s set aside the fact that Junk N Treasure is the name of John Nall’s secondhand store, a picker’s playground in midtown Omaha, complete with a 7-foottall psychedelic ostrich, a dizzying array of vintage and antique kitsch and a crazy box spring chandelier. We’ll get to all that.

First, let’s sift through the later chapters of John’s story – its own mix of junk and treasure.

JUNK: THE DOWNFALL. John fell from a ladder in 2012 while working at a truck stop convenience store. The accident ended a lifelong career in the oil business and triggered an intensive course of back and neck surgeries, physical therapy – and weight gain of more than 70 pounds.

“I asked my wife, ‘What am I going to do?’ Nobody’s going to hire a 60-year-old man who’s all beat up,” he recalls.

TREASURE: THE COMEBACK. He turned the “junk” of his life into an opportunity to develop a new passion. Last summer, John’s wife introduced him to Pinterest – and he was blown away. The ways people repurpose secondhand items – old suitcases turned into coffee tables, hope chests transformed into litter boxes – inspired him.

“I started going to garage sales. Next thing you know, I’ve got a storage shed full of stuff,” John says.

From garage sales, he graduated to bidding on the contents of abandoned storage units (“Storage Wars”-style) and frequenting estate auctions. Over the course of four months, he amassed an eclectic collection of “weird, different and unique” items that filled five storage units. (continued on page 59)

56 MAY/JUNE 2015

inspiredlivingomaha.com  57

58 MAY/JUNE 2015

(continued from page 56)

As he gathered more and more, he also started losing weight.

He knew he had to make a change, and last year he did. He backed off on junk food and carbs and stepped up his exercise. John has dropped 68 pounds so far – and he treasures what his healthier lifestyle allows him to accomplish.

“I don’t think I could handle this (the store) if I was where I was before.”

JUNK N TREASURE. FROM JOHN’S STORY – TO JOHN’S STORE. He pulls up a chair for me. I notice that the sticker price is $25. I learn, though, that everything in the store is negotiable. While we talk, the Beach Boys’ “God only knows what I’d be without you…” plays in the background while customers inject questions and exclamations.

“Did you get any new things?” one asks.

“I got a lot of new things!” John cajoles.

“I love coming here,” interjects a regular.

“Holy cow, this is fantastic!” remarks another as the chandelier – the bare 1928 box spring intertwined with lights – catches her eye.

“It’s a fun hobby,” John admits. “I create a nice atmosphere with good old music.

I light candles. I keep it clean. I want people to have a great experience here.

"I draw interior decorators and people from the Omaha Community Playhouse who come seeking props. People buy things for their weddings. I asked one customer, ‘What are you going to do with that 1937 toolbox?’ She said, ‘We’re going to put wedding invitations in it.’”

John punctuates his story with a laugh, and his passion makes me think I should be more into antiques – and not just my old flip-phone.

My eyes try to comprehend the thousands of

finds in the store – that funky ostrich, glassware, candlesticks, midcentury chairs and tables, vintage pin-up calendars, lanterns, steamer trunks and that collection of kooky oversized CDs known as records.

“I had this giant rose quartz in the window,” John says, launching into another story. “Some lady stopped her car, ran in here and said, ‘I felt the energy from that rock! How much is it? $60?

Are you serious? It’s mine.”

John says he doesn’t “do” clothes or electronics because he doesn’t understand them. He just likes junk.

“One thing I’ve found out is how much the twentysomethings are into that midcentury stuff. Why? One guy told me to blame it on 'Mad Men.'" Initially, John had visions of “shabby chicing” – milk painting or chalk painting some of his inventory – but he hasn’t had time. “It’s just been busy,” he says.

John opened Junk N Treasure in October 2014. His wife told him he needed to find a place to unload those five sheds full of stuff – and that place turned out to be a newly vacant shop at 3504 Leavenworth St. Word-of-mouth has been extremely kind, and within months of opening, John expanded into the bay next door. If he makes enough to pay the rent and buy more junk/treasures, he’s happy.

“I look forward to getting up and going to work every day. I’ve got a lot of friends who like to stop in and have coffee. I make them deals,” he says. “It’s just a cool place.”

As I walk to my car, energized by the spirit of this small-business owner, the chandelier lover calls out, “John is a great addition to the neighborhood. He’s a great guy.”

A treasure for sure.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 59

D EST I N AT I O N

Sun, sand & Dunes You'll find plenty of ways to play on the East Coast.

STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY HEATHER WINKEL

Imagine a vacation where you: run with wild mustangs, kick up miles of sand in a 4x4, fly like a bird above the dunes and close out the day with a bonfire on the beach.

Welcome to the Outer Banks, better known as the OBX.

60  MAY/JUNE 2015

LAY OF THE LAND

The OBX is a 130-mile stretch of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina. Formed by centuries of blowing sand, water and wind from the Atlantic Ocean, the islands are unique in their geography, history and culture.

At the OBX’s northernmost point, Carova has no paved roads. The most well-known areas are Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head in the mid-Banks. The road stops at Hatteras, at the southern end of the island string, where a ferry takes you to Ocracoke Island.

LODGING

Most visitors to the OBX stay in private vacation rentals.

Houses typically are available for weeklong stays and offer the best bang for your buck. Plus, you have the opportunity to live beachfront. If you’re not renting, plan to stay at least one night at the First Colony Inn. Built in 1932, this historic bed-and-breakfast charms with its wraparound verandas and wooden rocking chairs.

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BEYOND THE BEACH

The Outer Banks is steeped in history, so even on a rainy day you will find plenty to keep you occupied.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial marks the spot where Orville and Wilbur made their first flight in 1903. You can see a replica of the plane and even walk the path of the first flight. Channel the Wright Brothers’ sense of adventure by learning to hang glide at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The dunes provide plenty of height – and a soft landing.

Just east of Jockey’s Ridge, time stands still in the Nags Head Beach Cottage Row Historic District. Here, 40 unpainted cottages with cypress shingles, pitched roofs and wraparound porches look pretty much as they did when first built just after the Civil War. Many beach cottages continue to be owned by descendants of the original owners.

When you’ve had enough beach time, head to Manteo.

This walkable historic waterfront village has an enjoyable collection of antique shops, art galleries and specialty boutiques. Among my favorites: Charlotte’s, Nest, and Sleeping In. The 40-minute ferry ride from Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Island is free and well worth the trip. With 16 miles of wild Atlantic beaches, you’re guaranteed to escape the crowds.

Surfing, parasailing and surf fishing are big here.

Ocracoke Village is so charming and idyllic, it feels like a movie set. Bikes are the preferred method of transportation and for good reason. There are no commercial zoning laws, so locally owned businesses are apt to spring up anywhere, including among the picture-perfect cottages.

You’ll need to get off the beaten path to fully explore the village’s offerings. Keep your eyes peeled for the Ocracoke Coffee Co. – and its signature island smoothies (my fave: Mango Blues).

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Kill Devil Grill Rental House

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WHERE TO EAT

NOT TO BE MISSED

The Kill Devil Grill in Kill Devil Hills is my top pick for its fresh fish, meaty crab cakes and killer strawberry shortcake.

The food is so good I once dined here twice in one day! Arrive when the doors open to snag one of the lunch specials.

Once they’re erased from the chalkboard menu, they’re gone for the day.

If you’re romping around up north, Agave Roja Modern Mexican in Carolla has excellent food and memorable margaritas. Red Sky Cafe in Duck is a favorite for dinner. Farther south, Austin Fish Company in Nags Head is the place for budget-friendly takeout seafood.

No trip to the OBX is complete without experiencing Brew Thru. This unique drive-through convenience store is the place to stock up on cold beverages.

(Glass containers aren’t permitted on the beaches but beer is!)

The best view in the OBX is from the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with its famous black-and-white spiral stripes.

At 210 feet, it's the tallest brick lighthouse in the world. If you’re up for a challenge, take the narrow 257-step metal staircase to the top for a panoramic view. The Currituck Beach and Bodie Island lighthouses also are open for climbing.

Driving on the beach is a thrill and one reason many love the OBX. The beaches of Carova, accessible only by 4x4, are sand highways that provide miles to explore. You may encounter the area’s most beloved residents: wild mustangs that have open range.

My No. 1 OBX recommendation?

A bonfire on the beach in Nags Head.

You’ll need a permit from the local fire department, but it’s easily acquired.

There’s nothing quite like a crackling fire, sand between your toes, twinkling stars overhead and waves rolling in.

62 MAY/JUNE 2015

INSIDER TIPS

Purchase a kite at Kitty Hawk Kites and head across the street to the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park to fly it. Let the day play out here; sunsets are spectacular from the dunes – the highest on the East Coast.

Snap a selfie at the Inn at Rodanthe, where the movie “Nights in Rodanthe” was filmed. The inn sits at the ocean end of Beacon Drive in Rodanthe.

Spend a lazy afternoon in a hammock at Nags Head Hammocks.

Grab a cup of joe at Duck’s Cottage (in Duck) and stroll the waterfront boardwalk.

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