Inspired Living Omaha by Omaha World-Herald

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

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A Queen Anne reigns again

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VOL. 14 NO. 3 Editor-in-Chief Chris Christen 402-444-1094 Chris.Christen@owh.com Creative Director/Designer Heidi Thorson 402-444-1351 hthorson@owh.com Assistant Editor Kim Carpenter 402-444-1416 kim.carpenter@owh.com Photo Imaging Specialist Patricia “Murphy” Benoit

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Photography Contributors Jeffrey Bebee, Kiley Cruse, Dana Damewood, Guy Duncan, Heather & Jameson, Chad Lebo, Howard K. Marcus On the Cover Photo: Heather and Jameson Fashion editorial & credits, page 34 Custom Publishing Ad Manager Dan Matuella 402-444-1485 dmatuella@owh.com Advertising Sales Manager Carrie Kentch 402-444-1448 Carrie.Kentch@owh.com Account Representatives Sara Baker | 402-444-1442 | Sara.Baker@owh.com Gay Liddell | 402-444-1489 | Gay.Liddell@owh.com Emily Martin | 402-444-1411 | Emily.Martin@owh.com Cathleen Vanhauer | 402-444-1209 | Cathleen.Vanhauer@owh.com Events Manager Tam Webb 402-444-3125 Tam.Webb@owh.com

1314 Douglas St., Suite 700 Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-1094 Inspired Living Omaha (ISSN 23795948) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2016, Omaha World-Herald, a Berkshire Hathaway Company. 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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EDITOR'S NOTE

REAL LIVING, REAL PEOPLE There is nothing more satisfying to an editor than hearing from readers. John Cameron of Omaha recently wrote:

CHRIS CHRISTEN editor-in-chief

FUN FACT Chris bought four dozen springblooming bulbs last fall … excitedly waited for them to sprout in her garden … only to remember that she failed to plant them.

“Your magazine always mixes traditional, contemporary and in-between pieces that inspire and give readers confidence to envision their project. I just completed a kitchen addition and thought you might be interested in the results.” Pictures showing sleek, white custom cabinetry, bamboo ceiling panels and

Stay connected between issues. Get sneak peeks of styled shoots, bonus photos from current issues, recipe links and more. facebook.com/InspiredLivingOmaha

oak flooring drew an excited exchange between my assistant editor Kim Carpenter and me. Cameron, a retired architect with HDR, designed his own home in 1979 and

Be inspired by people, places and things that we  . Food, fashion & décor top the list. instagram.com/inspiredomaha

through the years has remodeled and added-on – but had never gotten around to the kitchen until 2015. Kim won the coin toss for the interview. Watch for this

Find thousands of projects to fit your lifestyle on our Pinterest boards. Our current obsession: summer entertaining. pinterest.com/inspiredomaha

project in a coming issue. Sharon Haas and Barb McClelland at Textiles Inc. led us to Barbara and Eric Hart of Wahoo. The couple spent a whopping 18 years living amid sawdust and construction

Have a story idea, question or comment? Send us an email. inspired@owh.com

4 MAY/JUNE 2016

debris while restoring their Queen Anne home. Today, the house is the envy of the neighborhood – as you’ll see on page 18.

In Homespiration on page 28, we take you through a summer garden perfect for entertaining and filled with references to the Alhambra in southern Spain, a sunny Mexican beach and Monet’s famous garden at Giverny. Who doesn’t love homemade ice cream? The ILO team certainly does! Find recipes straight from our kitchen, plus instructions for a pretty ice bowl and fun chocolate castles to kick off summer, page 48. While we’re on the topic of food, those weeds growing in the cracks of your sidewalks might be garnishes for your next salad – if contributor Chad Lebo has any say in the menu. The Omaha chef and I were enjoying charcuterie and Moroccan tea in his backyard last summer when he proved the point with day lilies, marigolds and garden weeds as edibles. Find his innovative recipes in The Hidden Pantry, page 44. Here’s welcoming you to another summer season of ideas and experiences – ours and yours – and of taking you inside homes for real living with real people.

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CONTENTS

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CONTRIBUTORS

HEIDI THORSON

KIM CARPENTER

CARRIE KENTCH

FUN FACT Heidi says the best advice she ever received from her grandma was: "If you never ask, the answer will always be 'no.'"

FUN FACT Kim spent many summers reading Nancy Drew books as a child. She was crushed when she learned Carolyn Keene wasn't a real person.

FUN FACT Carrie says summer at her house means potato salad – she finds Zen in the hours of chopping.

CATHY VANHAUER

JEFFREY BEBEE

KURT A. KEELER

FUN FACTS Cathy is a passionate gardener and is always looking for an excuse to plant something new and intriguing.

FUN FACTS Jeffrey plans to visit more Nebraska state parks this summer. To date, his favorite is Long Pine State Recreation Area.

FUN FACT Kurt’s first trip to Disneyland was the summer of 1956, one year after the park opened. His favorite ride? The spinning Tea Cup.

HEATHER + JAMESON

JESSICA LUNA

KALI RAHDER

FUN FACTS Heather and JD's favorite party accessory is a camera to capture memories. For Jameson, it's the Canonet. Heather takes her Instax.

FUN FACTS Jessica's fave summer side dish duo is her grandma's cucumber-dill salad and a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

FUN FACT Kali loves everything baseball, especially the College World Series. Tip: snag tickets behind the first base dugout. Best seats in the house!

advertising account executive

fashion photographers

8 MAY/JUNE 2016

assistant editor

photographer

fashion stylist

advertising account manager

copy editor + photographer

hair & makeup stylist

PHOTOS: HEIDI THORSON, KURT A. KEELER, HEATHER & JAMESON, JEFFREY BEBEE, LANE HICKENBOTTOM, MARK DAVIS, KENT SIEVERS

creative director + designer

CHRIS HAMEL

EMILY MARTIN

GAY LIDDELL

writer

advertising account executive

FUN FACT Chris' exotic summer travel plans include a trip across Nebraska visiting bucolic farm towns and frolicking like a grass elf on the prairies.

FUN FACT Emily is looking forward to building a greenhouse in her yard alongside a vegetable garden.

FUN FACT Gay enjoys time "off the grid" while camping and riding 4-wheelers. No running water, electricity or cellphones!

CHAD LEBO

KILEY CRUSE photographer

food styling assistant

FUN FACT Chad considers deviled eggs to be a summer party classic and a must-have for party etiquette's sake.

FUN FACT Kiley is expanding her vegetable garden and hoping for a bountiful harvest so she can take up canning.

FUN FACT Tom has a twin sister. No, they are not identical. But he's the oldest – by four minutes.

MURPHY BENOIT

DAN M C CANN

HOWARD K. MARCUS

FUN FACT Murphy enjoys gardening. She has tilled and planted mixed leaf lettuces, spinach and sugar snap peas.

FUN FACT Dan is still trying to grasp the rules of lacrosse – even though his son has been playing for almost two years now.

FUN FACT Howard is doing lawnmower maintenance and gearing up for summer fun. Success at the former will permit more of the latter.

food columnist

imaging specialist

writer

TOM KNOX

copy editor + photographer

inspiredlivingomaha.com 9

DESIGN DONE RIGHT

STORY KIM CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY DANA DAMEWOOD

Collaboration between homeowner and designer creates cozy, contemporary home with hint of tradition

“T

eaching moments.” That’s what Ranae Upton loves to call all the times Jessica McKay has ridden to her design rescue. The 37-year-old stay-at-home mom, who shares her stylish Gretna home with husband Tim, daughter Addison, 9, and son Hunter, 6, as well as a playful golden doodle and a more reserved cat, loves to decorate and has a special knack for it. Still, she struggles when it comes to some of the finer points. Enter Jessica, owner of Birdhouse Interior Design Consulting. The interior designer worked closely with Ranae to get the right look for the family's lifestyle while encouraging calculated visual risks in the overall décor. The decision to go with a professional wasn’t without trepidation. “I’ve always been a little reluctant with interior decorators. I enjoy the design process, and I love to do interior design,” offers Ranae. “I’m very comfortable with neutrals, but when it comes to adding flair or something different – something I love when I see it in someone else’s home – I was so afraid. It was hard for me to just hand it over to someone else. You wonder, ‘Is the design truly going to show what I want?’” It did. The collaborative process yielded a home filled with an eclectic blend of antique, modern and contemporary details. “Tim and

10 MAY/JUNE 2016

I loved the idea of an old home, but locationwise we’re in new construction, so we wanted different thoughts on creating our spaces,” says Ranae. Jessica provided guidance on how to attain character. Antique furniture sits next to contemporary wallpaper, gilded frames house modern art and pops of color brighten neutral palettes. Throughout the process, Ranae discovered that working with a design professional elevated her aesthetic to something extraordinary. “When I got to the point where I was overwhelmed and wanted to do something fun but was scared, I could get Jessica’s help.” Case in point: the living room. Ranae found the couches and sofa table, but that was as far as she got. “I was pretty proud of myself. And then I froze. I didn’t know how to take it from there and put the rest together.” Jessica saved the day – and space – with a carpet that picked up the furniture colors and a sleek lighting accessory that grounded the room. “With this house, I was so comfortable with the process,” Ranae says. “It was really collaborative.” And fun. “It’s my style and what I wanted.”

FIREPLACE

A dark slate fireplace greets visitors to the Upton household as a watchful Stanley keeps guard over his domain. Ranae paired a midcentury-style lounge chair from Allens Home with a contemporary brushed bronze side table from West Elm and a white sheepskin rug. The image over the fireplace is one of Ranae’s alltime favorite Instagram snaps of her family, as an architectural print.

STANLEY

The Uptons’ lovable golden doodle sometimes gets mistaken for items like the Restoration Hardware throw draped on the couch (pictured left). “Once, we were at a fast-food drive through, and he was asleep in the back seat. When the French fries arrived, he perked up and startled the cashier, who said, ‘Oh! I thought he was a coat!’”

LIVING ROOM

Ranae Upton ordered the sage blue crushed velvet couches at Room & Board and the coffee table from Blue Dot. Interior designer Jessica McKay added the accessories, a midcentury-inspired floor lamp and a rug that subtly picks up on the furniture’s color palette. “I never would have brought in the pink, but I love the contrasting piece,” Ranae says of the bright Dash & Albert throw pillow. “That one unexpected element completes the room.” A modern oil painting from Lee Douglas Interiors is mounted in a gilded frame and represents Ranae’s eclectic style. “I love contemporary and modern styles, but I also love antiques. That’s what makes a home feel warm to me. Before, I would have thought you’d have to be just straight contemporary, but I love the blend.”

inspiredlivingomaha.com 11

KITCHEN

Ranae designed most of the kitchen, including the quartz countertops and cabinetry from Millard Lumber. Jessica pulled the room together through details such as the brushed gold and aged bronze hardware, both from Schoolhouse Electric. “I would have gone stainless steel to match the appliances,” says Ranae, “but I love the mix of metals.” “I struggled with the barstools,” admits the homeowner of her kitchen’s seating from Crate & Barrel. The light fixtures, also from Crate & Barrel, were originally purchased for the master bathroom, but they were too overwhelming for that space.

DINING ROOM

“I knew I wanted a wood wall, and I wanted it dark,” says Ranae of her dining space’s distinctive backdrop. “The vertical board treatment provides texture. It’s clean, but still has character. I found the chandelier at Euro Style Lighting; it just pops against the wall. I love the contrast.” The rustic dining table is from Restoration Hardware. For seating, Jessica opted for head chairs from CB2 and six Eames side chairs, two each in white, taupe and robin’s egg blue, from Design Within Reach. The mix of colors keeps the room from being overly formal. The Uptons commissioned the large-scale painting from an artist in Italy after Ranae spotted his work on Etsy. “It was kind of scary at first. We showed him pictures of the interior and told him we wanted something to complement the décor. It works with the style.”

12 MAY/JUNE 2016

HALLWAY & STUDY

The hallway off the kitchen features “Stanley With Glasses,” a fanciful portrait of the family pet created by the homeowners’ daughter. “Displaying children’s artwork is a big thing with me,” says Ranae. “It makes it feel like home.” Ranae found the study’s custom wallpaper, “Smarty Pants Deer,” at Spoonflower. “My husband is a hunter, and this combines my style with something he enjoys. Plus, I love wallpaper. It adds character and is fun but not permanent."

inspiredlivingomaha.com 13

TRENDING VIEW MORE ONLINE FIND BONUS PHOTOS FROM THIS HOME AT inspiredlivingomaha.com

14 MAY/JUNE 2016

MASTER BATH

The master bath features hexagon tiled flooring, marble countertops and geometric wallpaper with calming grays and vibrant pops of pink. “Jessica pitched this wallpaper for the entryway, but I decided to use it in here,” says Ranae. Called “Triangles,” it was created by artist Lisa Congdon for Hygge & West and is no longer in print. A pendant light from Schoolhouse Electric and brushed bronze hardware add warm luster to the otherwise cool palette.

MASTER BEDROOM

A restrained, airy feel dominates in the master bedroom, which includes a cowhide rug and dark brown leather chair. “We wanted a homey feel, and since this isn’t an older home, the paneled wall adds more warmth than just drywall,” says Ranae. She found the fireplace sconces at Crate & Barrel and the bed at West Elm. The small chest of drawers next to the bed was an antique store find.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 15

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POWDER ROOM

“Emerald City” wallpaper from Flat Vernacular packs a lot of drama in the main floor powder room. “I wanted a floor-to-ceiling wall covering and a large mirror,” explains Ranae. “They make this small bathroom seem huge.” The copper lighting fixture picks up the warm tones of the simple marble sink and wood base.

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LAUNDRY ROOM

“Jessica told me, ‘This is really going to push your boundaries,’” chuckles Ranae of the fanciful Hygge & West “Daydream” wallpaper designed by Julia Rothman. “I fell in love with it and put it in the laundry room. It’s so fun. And if you have to do laundry, you might as well have fun!” The table is from the dining room in the Uptons’ former home. They cut it in half and mounted it to the wall as a folding surface. The chairs are also from the previous dining room. “These were my initial, ‘Agh! They’re not neutral!’ moment. Size-wise they didn’t work in our new dining room, so I used them in here. They’re favorites.”

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BEFORE + AFTER

FRONT YARD

“Outside at night? Oh, goodness. It’s finally what I dreamed it could be!” says Barbara Hart, a master gardener, of the landscaping.

TRENDING VIEW MORE ONLINE FIND BONUS PHOTOS FROM THIS HOME AT inspiredlivingomaha.com

18 MAY/JUNE 2016

Wahoo couple survives ‘The Money Pit,’ restores a Queen Anne to regal stature STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

Barbara and Eric Hart

The Hart home’s earliest date of record at the Saunders County Courthouse is 1906. However, receipts in attic floor joists and square nails in staircases suggest that the home may date to 1879 – nine years after Wahoo’s founding.

inspiredlivingomaha.com 19

KITCHEN CABINETS

Upper cabinets (opposite page), original to the kitchen, are incorporated into this sideboard created by a local carpenter. The design shows off a cherished collection of ironstone and provides space for seasonal displays and buffet items when the family entertains. Other cabinetry is new made to look old.

KITCHEN ISLAND

Previous owners left behind a shabby 9-foot-long soda fountain bar, and the Harts immediately saw its potential as a kitchen island. The massive piece was repaired and refinished by a local craftsman, adapted for a cooktop and capped with granite.

20â&#x20AC;&#x192; MAY/JUNE 2016

A lot of “Hart”

POWDER ROOM

In true Victorian opulence, the main-floor powder room features a tented ceiling with 67 feet of fabric. Barbara fauxpainted the walls and hired an artist to do the vine detailing.

has gone into the Victorian home at 10th and Linden Streets in Wahoo, Nebraska. Surrounded by a hand-hewn picket fence, the restoration of this architectural treasure has been a long time coming. Back in 1996, Barbara and Eric Hart knew their newly acquired house would be a challenge. But they didn’t expect to take two decades to return the Queen Anne – one of the town’s oldest homes – to its 1880s grandeur. “The house was in incredibly poor shape inside and out,” says Eric, flashing back to the summer when he and Barbara became its sixth owners. Eric had assured his wife: “Six months and a little elbow grease, and we’ll have this house looking great.” The reality? “Almost 20 years later, we’re still working on it,” Barbara says. “We’re just glad we didn’t know then what we know now.” The first night in the house, the kitchen ceiling came crashing down. “We both cried,” Barbara says. The Harts were living in a multilevel house in Papillion when they first started searching real estate listings for a fixer-upper in an older neighborhood. “It was my dream to live in a historic home,” Barbara says. They zeroed in on Wahoo at Eric’s suggestion. “Eric thought Wahoo was the most adorable little town, but I wouldn’t hear of it at first,” Barbara admits. She reconsidered after seeing the historic homes and concluded that small-town life would be a positive for their three children, who then ranged from the fourth to ninth grades. A tight housing market forced a bold move. “We put an ad in the Wahoo newspaper,” Barbara says. It read: “We want your house. Any price. Any condition.” “We got a few calls from people wanting to know if we were making a movie,” Eric says. One party, however, had an intriguing property that the Harts didn’t feel they could let go. “We bought it on the spot with a handshake.” After an initial jolt of buyer’s remorse, Eric rolled up his sleeves and dove in. “He’s the workhorse here,” Barbara says. “Very few things were hired out.” A former corporate executive turned selfemployed music publisher and software developer, Eric had the flexibility to put in the time required for such a large undertaking. (continued on page 23)

inspiredlivingomaha.com 21

UPSTAIRS BATH

The master bath décor incorporates two of Barbara Hart’s loves: architectural salvage and vintage linens. Eric is too tall for the clawfoot tub, so this space is designated “girls only.”

22 MAY/JUNE 2016

(continued from page 21)

Eric worked methodically – no easy task in a house that previous owners had modified into four apartment units. Sometimes it wasn’t clear if a wall was structural until he tore into it. “We were so overwhelmed,” Barbara recalls. “For the first three years, Eric and I slept on a mattress and box spring in the parlor amid the construction.” “It looks fun in a movie like ‘The Money Pit,’ but not in real life,” Eric adds. Today, their comfortable home is enjoyed by the Harts’ three grown children and eight grandchildren who range in age from 1 month to 7 years. Among the home’s crowning elements: • A rosewood-and-walnut staircase that took seven years to strip of paint and refinish to its original glory. • A handsome attic billiards room with its original stained-glass windows. The flooring was reclaimed from the Wahoo High School gymnasium. • Original gas light fixtures reconfigured for electricity. • A picket fence with 500 hand-hewn cedar planks stained to color match the house – a three-year project completed last summer. Presently Eric is putting the finishing touches on a sunroom he built over the winter between business trips to Nashville and starting-up ScriptClaim Systems, a software venture specializing in prescription claims processing. Compliments from locals have been a constant since the Harts came to the house’s rescue. One anonymous admirer wrote: “We’ve been watching you refurbish the house. Thank you for beautifying Wahoo.” Such feedback is gratifying, even reaffirming. “It makes you feel really good to hear that,” Barbara says. “We love the house, too. That’s why we stuck with it.”

“

-BARBARA HART (explaining her decorating style)

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VESTIBULE

The home’s front door features hand carvings that replicate architectural detailing on the home’s exterior. The wallpaper is a Victorian-era reproduction by Schumacher. The stairs took seven years to refurbish.

24 MAY/JUNE 2016

DEN

Barbara admits to being “obsessed” with clocks. “The ticking is soothing to me,” she offers as partial explanation. This grouping is in her den, where the couple enjoys reading. The reclaimed tin ceiling is from a general store in Liberty, Missouri. When suitable authentic tin cove molding couldn’t be located, a reproduction was installed and faux-painted to look antique.

LIVING ROOM WALLS

Fabric-covered walls make the living room a favorite spot for Barbara. The peacock print, a period reproduction, is from Textiles Inc. in Omaha. The room has oak woodwork and soft white pine flooring that are original to the space.

inspiredlivingomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 25

ATTIC

The attic room, completed in 2005, has its own heating and cooling system and reinforced floor joists to support a pool table and other furnishings. The stained-glass windows are original; the reclaimed maple flooring is from the Wahoo High School gymnasium. “This was one of my favorite projects because, at the end of the day, I could shut the door and walk away,” Eric Hart says. “We didn’t have to live in the middle of the mess.”

26 MAY/JUNE 2016

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HOMESPIRATION

Fairacres garden thrives on memories of trips abroad STORY KIM CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

he waterways of the Alhambra. Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny. Mexico’s sandy beaches. References to these places combine to create unique ambiance in a heavily shaded yard in midtown Omaha’s serene Fairacres neighborhood. When the homeowner first moved into the property in 1998, she was faced with a pear-shaped yard with poor drainage. She turned to Francis “Simy” Simonds, a retired florist who helped her with landscape design. They worked together to create an outdoor living space that addressed issues while also complementing the home’s mid-1930s Mediterranean architecture. “We had to level the yard and get rid of steps by the patio to make it easier to entertain,” she says. “We also tried to add a variety of visual experiences and as many points of interest into the yard as possible.” The duo achieved this by drawing on personal interests and experiences abroad. A love of Monet’s gardens translated into a corridor of winding wisteria that makes the most of the yard’s space. A trip to southern Spain inspired a shallow water channel that helps with drainage. Shells gathered from a vacation in Mexico and embedded in a short flight of stairs add sentimental delight. Brickwork replaced a staid slate patio and enhanced the home’s architecture by picking up on the richness of its terra cotta roof tiles. One thing the homeowner didn’t have to worry about was the tree canopy. There’s green. Lots and lots of green. “The house is completely shaded in the summer,” she says. “On a hot day, it’s at least five degrees cooler. It’s heavenly here.”

28 MAY/JUNE 2016

PATIO AREA

Orange and yellow honeysuckle coupled with clematis vine their way up Doric columns and over a cedar pergola to form a fragrant canopy for dining. A Provençal table linen paired with vintage Fiestaware adds a festive flair, while yellow cushions with gray piping keep the space bright and cheery. Copper pendant lighting provides a buttery glow during evening entertaining. The perennial garden includes vibrant black-eyed Susans, irises from a family friend, and yellow primroses from the homeowner’s mother’s garden.

TRENDING VIEW MORE ONLINE FIND BONUS PHOTOS FROM THIS HOME AT inspiredlivingomaha.com

inspiredlivingomaha.com 29

ALHAMBRA WATER CHANNEL

Inspired by a trip to southern Spain, the waterway runs on a pump and helps provide drainage for the sloped yard. “This is an allusion to the Garden of Life at Alhambra,” the homeowner says. “The water travels over the tiles in a musical rhythm.” Tile and shell fragments were gathered during a trip to Mexico. A casually yet carefully arranged upended clay vessel disguises the pump that circulates water through the channel.

WROUGHT IRON GATE

This ornate early 20th-century French wrought iron gate was a salvage rescue that amplifies the home’s Mediterranean architecture. Francis “Simy” Simonds designed the accompanying archway and added the hanging lantern, which echoes the home’s roofline. The homeowner heightened the wall to add greater privacy.

WISTERIA WALKWAY

Inspired by the trellis in Monet’s famous garden in Giverny, this wisteria-covered walkway provides a secluded area to read or spend quiet time. “We did this to frame the yard. The idea was to create another interesting experience and an outdoor ‘room,’” the homeowner says. “The trellis is the same shape as Monet’s. The shallow arcs gave us extra height, and I love that the vines have camouflaged it.” The paving stones were salvaged from the home’s previous patio, which glared too brightly in direct sunlight but have soft earth tones in the dappled shade.

30 MAY/JUNE 2016

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When I’m making a purchase, I seriously consider three things: Does it have a purpose? Is it comfortable? And I have to love it.

Hayneedle.com is your go-to source for everything home – including tips on how to put it all together. When the weather warms, it’s only natural to extend your indoor living mood to the patio outside. Hayneedle stylist Vallerie Drorbaugh uses exclusive finds and a few unexpected details to make an outdoor space a surprising extension of indoor comfort, no special occasion – or special budget – required.

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INSPIRED TABLE SETTINGS Start with a streamlined patio dining set in a versatile, on-trend hue. This exclusive pick from the Coral Coast South Isle collection is durable and subtly textural – a perfect backdrop to organic table décor that nods to natural outdoor settings.

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THREADS

PHOTOGRAPHY HEATHER & JAMESON ART DIREC TION HEIDI THORSON MERCHANDISE ST YLING JESSICA LUNA HAIR & MAKEUP KALI RAHDER, VICTOR VICTORIA SALON & SPA MODEL ELISA F., DEVELOP MODEL MANAGEMENT LOCATION MULHALL'S

Poppy, daffodil and hyacinth are budding strong in fashion’s perennial garden. Pick a dainty floral print or go big and bold with tropical style. Feeling adventurous? Stray from the garden path in an eye-catching cutout or an off-the-shoulder look that’s equally fresh and modern. And just for fun, give your lips a smack of lilac or violet, and watch as summer flowers!

34 MAY/JUNE 2016

Nicole Miller dress, $468 Michael Stars fedora, $44 CHRISTEL’S CHRISTELSCLOTHING.COM

Opal drop earrings, $28 Lush stone ring, $34 GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

Metal bangles, $14 each MULHALL’S MULHALLS.COM

Fabric flower pins (in hair), $7.50 each VOILA! VOILAFLOWERS.COM

Crossbody bag, $73 HUSH LA BOUTIQUE HUSHLABOUTIQUE.COM

"Raquel" Audacious Lipstick by NARS, $32

inspiredlivingomaha.com 35

Cutout sweater, $178 Ava pants, $176 SR2 tote, $100 HUSH LA BOUTIQUE HUSHLABOUTIQUE.COM

Bella Dahl shirt, $139 GARMENT DISTRICT

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Tassel necklace, $78 GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

Jan Hart “Femmina IV” stone necklace, $98 Nicki Nix ginkgo leaf and chrysoprase necklace (as hair accent), $185 BLUE POMEGRANATE BLUEPOM.COM

"Candy Apple" NYX lip cream, $6.50

36 MAY/JUNE 2016

Parker romper, $298 Sidewalk hat, $48 GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

Vicki lace top, $83.99 HELLO HOLIDAY

Estell handbag, $74 HUSH LA BOUTIQUE

Grunhaus triangle earrings by Mor, $39 Cassie Leaders pearl necklace, $189 Mary Lowe cuff bracelet, $44 BLUE POMEGRANATE

Officine Creative “Skyros” sandal, $348 THE MIX

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"Passion Rose" NYX liquid suede cream lipstick, $7

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(This page) Felicia mini dress, $286 GARMENT DISTRICT

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Rachel Zoe top, $325 HUSH LA BOUTIQUE HUSHLABOUTIQUE.COM

Radzoli jacket, $108 NJ & CO. NJANDCOMPANY.COM

Tassel earrings, $27.99 Sunglasses, $20 HELLO HOLIDAY HELLOHOLIDAY.COM

Yvonne Hayes cuff (in hair), $52 BLUE POMEGRANATE Bluepom.com Modern prep bracelet, $48 VOILA! VOILAFLOWERS.COM

“Audrey” handbag, $225 TEHRA + B TEHRAANDB.COM

"Melted Violet" lip color by Too Faced, $21 (Opposite page) Rag & Bone blouse, $298 Rag & Bone camisole, $298 Pas de Calais belt, $198 CHRISTEL’S CHRISTELSCLOTHING.COM

Beaded scarf, $89 HUSH LA BOUTIQUE HUSHLABOUTIQUE.COM

Beaded pendant, $98 GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

Jen7 skinny jeans, $198 NJ & CO. NJANDCOMPANY.COM

Jeffrey Campbell lace-up heels, $165 THE MIX THEMIXSHOES.COM

"Orange County" NYX liquid suede lipstick, $7

38 MAY/JUNE 2016

inspiredlivingomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 39

40 MAY/JUNE 2016

(Opposite page) Milly tunic, $268 CHRISTEL’S

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Nally & Millie sweater (at waist), $96 NJ & CO. NJANDCOMPANY.COM

Gold strand necklace, $58 Mother jeans, $198 Mistral clutch, $42 GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

“Momo” earrings by Mor, $30 BLUE POMEGRANATE BLUEPOM.COM

Metal bangles, $14 each MULHALL’S MULHALLS.COM

Raquel Allegra for Coclico “Erin” wedge, $474 THE MIX THEMIXSHOES.COM

Tribal statement necklace, stylist’s own "Life's a Beach" NYX liquid suede lipstick, $7

(This page) Bailey 44 dress, $268 Waverly Grey top, $175 Envelope clutch, $30 GRAMERCY GRAMERCYOMAHA.COM

Suncoo belt (as necklace), $40 CHRISTEL’S

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Simona Dedek earrings, $36 BLUE POMEGRANATE BLUEPOM.COM

Bracelet, $29.99 MULHALL’S MULHALLS.COM

Joie “Sable” sandal, $155 THE MIX THEMIXSHOES.COM

"Amethyst" NYX liquid suede lipstick, $7

inspiredlivingomaha.com 41

AU COURANT

STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI THORSON

White heart sunglasses, $14 FRANCESCA'S

Blue Planet sunglasses, $32 KAJOMA’S WEST

Thierry Lasry clear frames, $489 ROBERT MAX OPTICIANS

Robert Max hexagons, $489 ROBERT MAX OPTICIANS

Dior "Soreal" rose gold shades, $625 ROBERT MAX OPTICIANS

No debate here. These shades are lookers. Say yes to the latest fashion eyewear for him and her. And make no apologies for wearing them on a cloudy day.

42 MAY/JUNE 2016

Gold rim sunglasses, $12 KLEVELAND CLOTHING Vuarnet sunwear, $249 ROBERT MAX OPTICIANS

ic! Berlin stainless steel rounds, $519 ROBERT MAX OPTICIANS

Randolph aviators, $149 GRAE CLOTHING

Black sunglasses, $12 KLEVELAND CLOTHING

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THE HIDDEN PANTRY

TEXT + RECIPES + PHOTOGRAPHY CHAD LEBO

Explore your garden and give flowers a chance to move from the centerpiece of the table to the centerpiece of your plate

erhaps I’m attracted to edible flowers because of my botanist wife. Then again, her Ph.D. was in strychnos, aka strychnine, aka poison, so the first sip of my evening tea is always a small one. Regardless, I do savor the chance to roam the garden and woods in early summer to see what blooms cry out for a way to get from the field to my table. Blossoms, buds and blooms of many plants can be safely enjoyed, but that doesn’t mean you can ramble around devouring flower arrangements and foraging in your neighbor’s flower bed. Consider this the obligatory “eat at your own risk” warning. Before enjoying any plant you are not sure of, consult a field guide, reputable website, extension service, master gardener or any wizened woodland healer you may come across. Now, let’s get the creative nectar flowing. Spring flowers are mostly past, but next year remember to enjoy fruit tree blossoms. If the fruit is edible, the

blossoms are too – as long as they’ve not been sprayed. Like nearly all flowers, they are mild, so use them in ways that will let their flavor shine, being careful not to overwhelm them. Add them to the top of salads, desserts and yogurt or use them as garnishes for fresh cheese. You can also make a simple syrup (recipe, page 46) for pouring over pancakes or ice cream, and for sweetening hot and iced teas. For summer, look to rose, lilac, lavender, hibiscus, honeysuckle, lemon verbena and other blooms for similar flavors and uses. On the savory side, you'll find a bouquet of edibles. You cannot go wrong with herb flowers. In summer’s swelter, herbs will bolt and start to bloom. Count this as an opportunity. I find that herb flowers taste better than the leaves that serve as the normal fare. Use them as you would any herb. But when it comes to flavor and flexibility, it’s hard to beat compound butters (recipe, page 45) and infused oil

dressings (recipe, page 47). The butter works just as well on pork scaloppini as on grilled bread, omelets, fish, shrimp, steak, roasted vegetables and more. Infused oil also is a standout dressing for salads. The heat of a warm tomato and mozzarella salad (recipe, page 47) brings out even more of the herb and floral aromatics. Beyond herb flowers, in summer try marigolds, nasturtiums, gladiolus, roses, pansies and many more. And don’t forget about vegetable flowers, nearly all of which are not only edible, but tasty. A particularly prolific and delicious choice this time of year is the day lily. The young shoots can be eaten like asparagus. The buds (as well as those of other flowers) can be pickled. The large petals can accompany salads, stirfries and soups. As long as you’re not allergic, you can use day lily stamens and their abundant pollen instead of expensive saffron.

Chad Lebo is the proprietor of Cure Cooking in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, and specializes in curing meats for heritage breed bacon, pancetta, ham steaks and sausages. He also offers cooking classes and private instruction. Cure Cooking’s dry-cured aged country bacon garnered the 2016 Good Food Award in the charcuterie category. Learn more at curecooking.com

44 MAY/JUNE 2016

PORK SCALOPPINI WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS AND EGG (Serves 2) Both fresh and rich, this straightforward dish requires just minutes to make. Pork can be replaced with any thinly sliced meat, or left out and substituted with an additional fried egg. Roasted asparagus pairs best with this, but other roasted vegetables will work.

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Prep pork: Cut 2 slices pork loin or other lean cut, ½-inch thick. With mallet, flatten and tenderize until about 50 percent larger. Sprinkle with fine salt. Coat with white flour and shake off. 2. Heat empty frying pan on medium-high for 3-5 minutes. 3. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, 1 handful of asparagus tips and a pinch of salt to hot pan and roast until lightly browned and tender (not soft). 4. Fry 2 eggs. Hard whites, but soft (liquid) yolks. 5. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and fry pork until lightly browned and crisp, about 2 minutes. Don’t overcook or pork will be tough. 6. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to pork in the hot pan after cooking. Swirl frying pan and flip pork once. 7. Remove pork to serve. 8. Serve all together along with dollop of nasturtium compound butter (see recipe). Grilled bread and a slice of fresh lemon go nicely, too. Excellent with a dry white wine.

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NASTURTIUM COMPOUND BUTTER (Serves 12) The herb-and-pepper taste of both the nasturtium’s flowers and leaves works beautifully with butter and garlic, while the yogurt lightens the butter and adds tangy flavor. The nasturtium may be substituted with any favorite fresh herb or edible flower.

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Heat an empty frying pan on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes. 2. Remove frying pan from heat and add 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter. Butter will brown and then continue to melt. 3. Mince and then add to warm butter: 2 nasturtium flowers, 1 nasturtium leaf, 1 clove garlic and salt to taste. 4. After butter cools about 5 minutes, add 4 tablespoons plain, unsweetened Greek or drained yogurt. 5. Whisk or puree with immersion blender and chill in fridge until solid. 6. Serve with grilled meats, fried eggs, omelets, warm bread, corn on the cob or just about anything to which you’d like to add a flavorful butter.

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FLORAL SIMPLE SYRUP Recipes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much simpler than this, or more versatile. Simple syrup is wonderful over ice cream, cake, cookies and pancakes, and as a sweetener in hot or iced tea, cocktails and much more.

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. In a saucepan, mix equal parts white sugar and water. One and a half cups each will make about 1 pint finished syrup. 2. Add 3-4 tablespoons fresh flower petals (from rose, hibiscus, violet, cherry or apple blooms). 3. Optional: add 1 vanilla bean, split open. 4. Heat on medium until mixture boils. Simmer for just 2 minutes. Allow to cool. Store in refrigerator.

46â&#x20AC;&#x192; MAY/JUNE 2016

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WARM TOMATO & MOZZARELLA SALAD (Serves 2 as a meal or 4 as a starter) A simple vegetarian salad with the warmth of pan-roasted tomatoes that fully brings out all the flavors of the herb flowers and cheese.

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1-2 tablespoons minced herb flowers and leaves, ½ teaspoon hot sauce and a pinch of salt to taste. 2. Add to a frying pan and heat on low for 5 minutes. 3. Prep 1 cup each of the following: mozzarella cheese and lightly toasted bread cut into ¾-inch cubes; baby spinach; and cherry or grape tomatoes. 4. Heat a frying pan to medium-high and add tomatoes. Stir until skins just start to split and are warm. About 3-5 minutes. 5. Toss all ingredients plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar together in a large bowl. 6. Best served warm, but room temperature also works.

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HERB FLOWER DRESSING OR DIPPING OIL Makes enough dressing for 4-6 side salads, or use as a dip for warm bread.

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. In a saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1-2 tablespoons minced herb flowers and-or leaves, ½ teaspoon hot sauce and a pinch of salt to taste. 2. Heat on low for 5 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and mix in 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. 4. Serve warm or at room temperature. inspiredlivingomaha.com 47

HOST

Reinventing summer's favorite treat ART DIRECTION HEIDI THORSON PHOTOGRAPHY HOWARD K. MARCUS + KILEY CRUSE STYLING INSPIRED LIVING TEAM TEXT KIM CARPENTER

48 MAY/JUNE 2016

scream, you scream, we all … you know how the rest of the chant goes. When it comes to ice cream, the majority of us are like big kids, ready to chase down the ice cream truck and add extra chocolate sauce to our hot fudge sundaes. We’ve elevated this beloved summertime treat to creamy new heights. From palate-cleansing sorbets to chocolate castles, these recipes are oh, so adult – but will still delight even the youngest among us.

ICE BOWL WITH EDIBLE FLOWERS HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Place some ice cubes in the base of a 3.5-liter/6pint/15-cup clear plastic or glass freezerproof bowl. Tuck fresh edible flowers (we used tea roses) and leaves amid the ice. Position a smaller bowl so that it rests on the ice cubes, leaving an open space between the two bowls. 2. Pour cold water into the space between the bowls until the water level starts to come up the sides. Place in freezer for 2-3 hours until solid. 3. Tuck more flowers and leaves between the two bowls, mixing the flowers and leaves so that they look attractive through the sides of the larger bowl. 4. Place some kitchen weights or food cans in the central bowl to prevent it from rising, then fill the space between the bowls to the rim with more water. Freeze overnight until firm. 5. Release the inner bowl by pouring boiling water into it almost to the top. Quickly tip out the water and lift away the inner bowl. Repeat the process if the bowl does not come free instantly. 6. Release the outer bowl by dipping it into a sink or tub of near-boiling water. Do not allow the water to flow into the bowls. Apply firm thumb pressure on the ice to encourage the release from the outer bowl. Repeat until ice bowl releases. Handle ice bowl with oven mitts to maintain grip. Immediately place ice bowl in freezer until just prior to serving. 7. Shortly before serving, scoop ice cream or sorbet into the bowl. Return to the freezer until ready to serve. Recipe from “Ice Cream and Iced Desserts” by Joanna Farrow and Sara Lewis; prepared by Kurt Keeler

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CHOCOLATE TEARDROPS (Serves 4) HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Cut out six parchment paper strips, each measuring 10½-by1¼ inches. Put 3½ ounces plain chocolate, broken into pieces in a double boiler or heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Leave until melted, then remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Coat the underside of a parchment strip with chocolate, leaving one-half inch uncoated at the end. Try to keep the other side uncoated. 3. Allow strip to sit about 10 minutes until chocolate is firm,

50 MAY/JUNE 2016

but not completely set. 4. Gently bring the ends of the strip together so that the coated side is on the inside. Clip the ends together with a paper clip, then place the teardrop onto a baking sheet to set. Make five more shapes in the same way. Chill until set. 5. Spoon vanilla ice cream carefully into chocolate teardrops, making sure the shapes are filled to the brim. 6. Level top of ice cream with a knife and freeze the filled chocolate teardrops for at least 3 hours or overnight. 7. To serve, remove the paper clips from the chocolate teardrops, then carefully peel away the parchment. Transfer the shapes to individual dessert plates. Adapted from “Ice Cream and Iced Desserts” by Joanna Farrow and Sara Lewis; prepared by Kiley Cruse

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GRANDMA'S COUNTRY-STYLE VANILLA ICE CREAM (Makes 4 quarts) HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Beat 4 eggs until foamy. Gradually add 2½ cups sugar and continue beating until thickened. 2. Add 4 cups heavy whipping cream, ¼ teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons vanilla. Mix thoroughly. 3. Pour mixture into ice cream maker (we used KitchenAid’s version of a stand mixer) and add 5 cups whole milk. 4. Mix on low speed for about 20 minutes. Serve immediately or pour into freezer-safe container and place in freezer for about 3 hours. Recipe courtesy of Mickey & Marilyn Woodden

Kara Bellino

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VANILLA GELATO (Makes 1 quart, serves 4) HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1½ cups heavy cream, 1½ cups whole milk and 1 cup sugar. 2. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, then cook until bubbles form around the edge of the pan. 3. Remove from heat. Add ½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise, scraping the seeds into the mixture, and let stand for 30 minutes. 4. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or until thoroughly chilled. 5. Remove the vanilla pod and transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker. 6. Freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Recipe from “Gelato! Italian Ice Creams, Sorbetti & Granite” by Pamela Sheldon Johns; prepared by Kiley Cruse

3-INGREDIENT ICE CREAM (Makes 1 quart) HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk. Stir to combine. 2. Add 2 cups heavy whipping cream to a mixing bowl and whip on high for 7-10 minutes until stiff peaks form. 3. Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly add the vanilla mixture to the heavy cream. Once combined, pour into a freezer-safe container and let freeze for at least 6 hours.

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ICE CREAM HEART HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Take an 8-by-10-inch piece of foil and fold it lengthwise until you create a strip that is approximately 1 inch wide. 2. Bend the foil strip into a heart shape and staple ends together. 3. Place the foil mold on a baking sheet and fill with ice cream that is at the point of setting. 4. Level the surface with a knife and then freeze until completely firm. 5. Remove from freezer and cut the foil mold away from the ice cream with scissors and peel away. Slide a palette knife under the shaped ice cream and transfer to serving plate. Instructions adapted from “Ice Cream and Iced Desserts” by Joanna Farrow and Sara Lewis; prepared by Kiley Cruse

52 MAY/JUNE 2016

CHOCOLATE CASTLES (Serves 6) HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Put 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces, in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over gently simmering water. Stir frequently until melted. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Cut out six 12-by-5inch strips of parchment paper, folding each in half lengthwise to yield 2½-by-12-inch strips. 4. Stand a 3-inch pastry cutter on the baking sheet. Roll one strip of parchment paper into a circle and fit inside the cutter with the folded edge on the base paper. Fasten the edges together with tape. 5. Remove the cutter and shape more paper collars in the same way, leaving the pastry cutter in place in the final collar. 6. Spoon a little of the melted chocolate

into the base of the collar supported by the cutter. Using a teaspoon, spread the chocolate over the base and up the sides of the collar, making the top edge uneven. Carefully lift away the cutter. 7. Use the cutter for support when creating each case. Leave the cases in a cool place or put into the fridge to set. 8. Carefully peel away the parchment paper from the sides of the cases. 9. Lift the cases off the base and transfer to serving plates. 10. Fill cases with ice cream and serve immediately. TIP: For white chocolate castles, substitute almond bark for semi-sweet chocolate chips. Adapted from “Ice Cream and Iced Desserts” by Joanna Farrow and Sara Lewis; prepared by Kiley Cruse

inspiredlivingomaha.com 53

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STRAWBERRY SORBET (Serves 6) HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Place ¼ cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. 2. Place 2½ cups strawberries, hulled, into a food processor or blender and purée. 3. Add sugar syrup mix to the purée and chill until the mixture is very cold. 4. Add 2 cups plain low-fat Greek yogurt to the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. 5. Pour into a freezerproof container and freeze for four hours, raking over once with a fork to break up ice crystals. If using an electric ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 6. Remove from freezer and allow to sit for 10 minutes to soften. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with fresh fruit and mint leaf. Recipe by Inspired Living Omaha; prepared by Kim Carpenter

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MINIATURE CHOC-ICES (Makes about 25) HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Put a large baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes. Using a melon baller, scoop balls from 1¼ pints or 3 cups ice cream (we used chocolate and vanilla), and place onto baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. 2. Line a second baking sheet with nonstick baking parchment or wax paper and place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Melt 7 ounces plain chocolate, broken into pieces, in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Melt 1 ounce milk chocolate, broken into pieces, in a separate bowl. 3. Using a palette knife, transfer the ice cream scoops to the paper-lined sheet. Spoon a little plain chocolate over one scoop so that most of it is coated. 4. Scatter immediately with ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts, lightly toasted, before the chocolate sets. Coat half the remaining scoops in the same way, scattering each one with nuts before the chocolate sets. Spoon the remaining plain chocolate over all the remaining scoops. 5. Using a teaspoon, drizzle the milk chocolate over the choc-ices that are not topped. TIP: For a white chocolate topping, substitute almond bark for plain chocolate. Recipe from “Ice Cream and Iced Desserts” by Joanna Farrow and Sara Lewis; prepared by Kiley Cruse

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DESTINATION

Sights, scenes and people make Amsterdam ideal vacation spot for Midwesterner STORY CHRIS HAMEL PHOTOGRAPHY GUY DUNCAN

56 MAY/JUNE 2016

ith the elegance of Paris, the efficiency of Berlin, the music culture of Vienna and a penchant for English even the Brits could take a cue from (plus, throw in some canals reminiscent of Venice for good measure), and Amsterdam is ideal for any Heartlander seeking a relaxed but refined European destination. I know that Paris likes to think of herself as the prettiest girl at the Euro prom, but Amsterdam is a real knockout. The narrow four- and five-story buildings that uniformly line the city streets are an architectural marvel. Canals encircle the city center like a watery spider web stretching for miles. Cafés abound. A guy could while away an entire day sitting at a table next to a canal, sipping great coffee or beer and watching the boats come and go. Several experiences shouldn’t be missed. The first is City Center. This is where you’ll find the Central Train Station and an information center. The Dutch command of English is exceptional, and the guides, easily identifiable in their bright red vests, are happy to set you on your way. Adjacent is the Red Light District where the Dutch, in an open-minded attempt to deal with the world’s oldest occupation, legalized prostitution. It’s not nearly as nefarious as it sounds. Situated in the oldest part of town, most of its narrow cobblestone walkways are lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, though there are also brothels and related enterprises such as condom shops, a sex museum and a prostitution information center. Yes, you read that correctly. Is it safe? Should you go? Absolutely. My 18-year-old daughter and I visited the district a couple of times during a trip last summer. The district is buzzing with international tourists, and the winding maze of streets is a blast to explore. Actual prostitution is relegated to specific narrow alleyways identified with red neon lights that mark the windows where nearly-naked women advertise their wares. Easily avoided if you wish. Amsterdam is not a big city, so walking is a reasonable means of transportation. You can head south and west from the City Center and Red Light District to Jordaan, the erstwhile Jewish quarter. Today it’s an eclectic, artsy neighborhood bordered by canals and filled with funky, unique shops. One of Rembrandt’s last homes is here, as is the Anne Frank Haus and Museum. A word to the wise: on a weekday in late July, the line for the latter's admittance stretched two full city blocks. If this is a must-see destination for you, purchase tickets online for a designated entry time. If you walk from City Center to the Jordaan, you’ll be tired. Take a break. Find a café along a canal and enjoy a coffee. If you want to indulge in beer, order a Heineken, Amstel or Bavaria (all local brews) to put a little spring back in your walking shoes. Just so you know: in Amsterdam a café is just that – a café. A place advertising itself as a “coffee house,” though, is a cannabis shop where you can purchase and smoke marijuana (around $10$18 per gram). (continued on page 59)

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The Museumplein

The author, exploring Amsterdam by bike.

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58 MAY/JUNE 2016

Let your Hardware Show Your Style (continued from page 57)

From the Jordaan, head east toward Leidesplein, a humming commercial hub known for its nightlife. The plaza funnels into a series of narrow streets and canals, and if you’re looking for music clubs with DJs or live music, this is where you’ll find them. Just a few minutes south of Leidesplein is the Museum Quarter, home to three world-class art museums in an enormous green space called the Museumplein. It includes the Rijksmuseum, which boasts the majority of Amsterdam’s rich art history, most notably works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the Stedelijk, which focuses on contemporary exhibitions. Having a low tolerance for art sensory overload, I visited only the Van Gogh Museum. Most affecting and unsettling was the collection of Van Gogh’s self-portraits (many of the 39 that he did). The colors, shades and textures changed over time, but his razorsharp melancholy gaze was a constant. To the south and east of the Museum Quarter is De Pijp, which is as authentic as Dutch neighborhoods get and was perhaps my favorite place to hang out. Shops and restaurants were a little easier on the wallet (my daughter received a stunning haircut for 16 Euros), and there was a stronger sense of family and community. A major attraction is the Albert Cuypstraat open-air market, which stretches for more than a kilometer and is the largest in Amsterdam. The market is on a tight street teeming with fresh fish stalls, lingerie stands, bikes, spices and wooden shoes. Vendors here are happy to haggle and lower their asking prices. If you have time, go; it’s a little gritty but without losing Amsterdam’s warmth. There are bikes. Lots of them. DutchAmsterdam.com estimates that the 811,000 people living in Amsterdam own an estimated 881,000 bicycles. They are everywhere, and be clear on this: riders will run you over should you get in their way – but not before warning you with the ringing of a cute little bell. Bike paths – separate from streets and sidewalks, and regulated by bike traffic lights – give some order to the two-wheeled chaos. Not able to resist, I seized the opportunity and enjoyed delightful bike routes all over the aerobic-friendly flat cityscape. Our ride along the Amstel River was a biking dream. You’ll find a rental shop on nearly every corner. It’s the best way to see Amsterdam. The endless bustle of mega-cities like Paris and London can sometimes feel more like work than play. I think European travel should feel exotic and historical. Equally, it should enlighten and inspire. Amsterdam delivered on those points and welcomed in a way that will feel familiar to mid-American folks who visit this great city. Chris Hamel teaches English, speech and creative writing at Omaha Brownell-Talbot. Guy Duncan is a former Omahan living in The Netherlands.

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PROFILE

TRENDING LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? FIND BONUS PHOTOS FROM THIS STORY AT inspiredlivingomaha.com

60 MAY/JUNE 2016

Annette Bausch makes a tandem jump with daughter Lori at her side.

Omaha woman finds enjoyment, enlightenment in skydiving STORY DAN McCANN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LORI BAUSCH

maha’s Lori Bausch isn’t simply a fan of Peter Pan, she’s a kindred spirit – a woman unfazed by altitude who consumes her fountain of youth in exhilarating 45-second gulps. “You always take that moment – a deep sigh as you’re climbing out of the plane,” Bausch says. “The door opens, the rush hits you, and the smile comes across your face because you know you’re going to be plummeting toward the earth in moments.” She balances “plummeting” and other eyebrow-raising verbs with emotions like passion and joy. Since her first skydive with friends more than eight years ago, Bausch has completely free-fallen in love with the sport. Something she always wanted to do is now a selfdescribed addiction. At this writing, she had registered more than 925 jumps. “I remember before that first jump, the videographer said to me, ‘You don’t seem nervous.’ I said, ‘I’m not scared of the jump. I’m scared of how much money this is going to cost me for the rest of my life,’” she recalls with a smile. An active member of the Lincoln Sport Parachute Club, Bausch has since notched most of her jumps in Nebraska – with a few memorable exceptions. “About five years ago, I jumped over Austria and the largest grass field in Europe. We had a view of the Alps and Hitler’s tea house (the Kehlsteinhaus above Berchtesgaden) as we exited the plane.” The sport, says Bausch, tends to draw Type-A personalities, but it’s not just the “Red Bull adrenaline junkies” who are jumping out of planes (or hot air balloons, which she also has done).

“You start for the thrill, but you stay for the people,” she says. “You get to meet so many amazing men and women you wouldn’t necessarily run into in everyday life, and it becomes a big dysfunctional family. I met some of my best friends through skydiving.” The Lincoln Sport Parachute Club counts among its approximately 65 members doctors, engineers, pilots, attorneys and retirees, along with Bausch, an otherwise grounded development special events coordinator for Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's botanical center. “Half your paycheck for the rest of your life,” she laughs about her hobby. “That’s the joke, anyway.” Once you’re licensed to jump without an instructor, the act itself is relatively inexpensive – roughly $20 per dive. The big investment is in the gear, jumpsuits, cameras and altimeters, “and then you think you have to go play in the wind tunnel, and that’s not inexpensive. It definitely makes you keep a job.” The trade-off extends beyond a Cessna-load of fun, thrills and camaraderie. Bausch says there is another side to sky diving – a spiritual side. “I say I’m going to the ‘Church of the Rising Cessna,’ especially when you jump at sunset or you’re flying around the clouds, because it gives you a sense of how small you are in the world and how amazing it is that this all exists,” she says. “Twice a year, we’ll do night jumps out at the club in Weeping Water. You can see all the way to the north Omaha TV towers and all the way to Lincoln on the other side. The lights are just stunning – all the stars. It’s amazing how much the moon will light up the whole space.” Skydiving is not without danger, but for Bausch, the risk of dying is outweighed by the excitement of living. “It’s an amateur sport that’s been around since the Sixties. They’ve made so many improvements in safety measures. Yes, there’s a chance of dying, but there’s a chance of dying on your couch. When it’s your time, it’s your time, no matter what activity you’re doing.” (Case in point – Bausch ruptured her Achilles tendon in January while doing lunges at the gym. Forced to trade parachuting for physical therapy, she hopes to be airborne again in May. “It’s been a very long winter and spring,” she says.) Ask what her family thinks of her hobby, and she’ll whip out her smartphone and swipe to a picture of her 72-year-old mother, Annette Bausch, doing a tandem dive of her own.“My dad makes fun of it, but they’re pretty proud, overall.”

(continued on page 62)

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Bausch says she would like to earn her accelerated free fall rating so she can teach. She also wants to compete, someday, at the United States Parachute Association’s national skydiving championships. One thing she doesn’t plan to do? Base jump. “I’m all about the free fall, flying through the air and playing with my friends,” she says. “It’s more fun to go with your friends. Someone gives the count – ready, set, go – and you all leap into the air. For 45 seconds (until you deploy your main parachute), you’re Peter Pan.” Interestingly enough, channeling “the boy who never grows up” – even for 45 seconds at a time – seems to have some age-defying side effects. “It’s amazing how, if you look at the jumpers out at the drop zone, they either don’t look – or don’t act – their ages,” Bausch says. “Everyone should have a great passion in their life,” she says. “I’m very lucky I found mine. It makes me a kinder, better, happier person.”

BAUSCH'S TALL TALES • Lori Bausch has jumped with Niklas Hemlin, a world champion skydiver with Airspeed Arizona. “This guy takes it to the next level. It was incredible – the control he had, watching it and learning.” • As part of a four-person team, she has won many gold and silver medals in formation skydiving from the Cornhusker State Games. “There are usually four to five different formations. You’re scored on how many times you can do those formations during free fall.” • She is planning the club-sponsored Redemption Boogie, an annual skydiving festival July 21-24 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. “We bring in two big planes that hold 22 people, as opposed to our Cessnas that only hold four, so you get to go higher (13,500 feet vs. 10,000 feet) and play with more of your friends.” A portion of Boogie proceeds benefits the American Cancer Society. To make your own leap, visit jumpnebraska.com.

62 MAY/JUNE 2016

“ -PETER PAN

“

(continued from page 61)

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