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 • S E R V I N G N E B R A S K A & W E S T E R N I O W A
MARCH/APRIL 2019 INSPIREDLIVINGOMAHA.COM
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MARCH/APRIL 2019
DESIGNS
&
•
VO L U M E 1 7
•
ISSUE 2
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen 402-444-1094 | chris.christen@owh.com
FINISHES
DESIGNER Jessica Thompson 402-444-1120 | jthompson@owh.com
For Your Lifestyle 13817 Industrial Rd. Omaha, NE 68137 402-445-2596 jhcomaha.com @showroom
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ASSISTANT EDITOR Marjie Ducey 402-444-1034 | marjie.ducey@owh.com COPY EDITOR Shelley Larsen 402-444-1143 | shelley.larsen@owh.com ON THE COVER Home of George Kleine and Tom Knox Photographed by Thomas Grady CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey Bebee, Megan Farmer, Thomas Grady, Chad Lebo, Ryan Soderlin, Heather Winkel CUSTOM PUBLISHING SALES MANAGER Lauren Kruger | 402-444-1261 | lauren.kruger@owh.com ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Emily Martin | 402-444-1411 | emily.martin@owh.com Marilyn Martin | 402-444-1405 | marilyn.martin@owh.com Deborah Fernsell | 402-444-1209 | dfernsell@owh.com EVENTS Tam Webb | 402-444-3125 | tam.webb@owh.com Tayler Kirtley | 402-444-1161 | tayler.kirtley@owh.com
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CONTENTS BEFORE + AFTER 8
LUCKY TURNS
HISTORIC GEM 14
BRANDEIS-MILLARD MANSION
HOMESPIRATION 20
EXPANSIVE HUES
DESIGN DONE RIGHT 24
GIFT OF THE NILE
LUXURY HOMES 29
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EDITOR'S NOTE
THE HITS KEEP COMIN ’ NOW SERVING If you’re wild about the local culinary scene, World-Herald food critic Sarah Baker Hansen has just the destination: Omahadines.com. It’s the new place to find all The World-Herald’s food coverage. Sign up for Sarah’s newsletter and every Tuesday you’ll get a preview of her newest dining review, plus tidbits about openings, closings and pop-ups — even a recipe or two. Craving more? Tune in to Sarah’s weekly podcast on omahadines.com.
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NEXT UP The Travel Issue (Delivering Sunday, May 5, to Omaha WorldHerald subscribers)
F
ive things I’ve learned and loved since our
hobby gemologist. Some years ago, the king
last issue:
of Thailand (now deceased) exhibited an
1. Our January-February cover story on Kara
Omaha. Beermann was among the invited
nobody else wanted ranks as one of our most-
guests for the opening reception. He sent
popular ever to run online. Friends and family
a letter of appreciation to the king via his
thought the Bellinos had lost their minds. Not-
personal secretary, whom he had befriended
yet-thirtysomething and already experienced
at the reception. Soon after, a small parcel
flippers, they forged ahead and transformed
for Beermann arrived by special postal
their ugly duckling into a swan.
courier. Inside, a royal gift. From
The story went viral. We’re
Thailand. The customs duty:
hoping good things come to
“Sizable,” Beermann told me. “But
the couple from the exposure
it’s a little boorish to send it back.”
... but that’s all we can say for
The king gifted Beermann – now
now! Meantime, see page 8 for
executive director of the Nebraska
a story on a house search that
Press Association – a gold ring with colored gemstones. The
took a lucky turn. 2. Sarah Voss and Daniel Sullivan emailed to tell us about
CHRIS CHRISTEN
moral of the story: Always send a
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
handwritten thank-you note for
their “senior project” – a 1920s farmhouse near 93rd
invitations you receive. 5. While we’re on the topic of
and Blondo Streets. “Everything we have has
correspondence: My husband faithfully sends
a story behind it,” Sarah said. The house is
me text messages. Some highlight happenings
filled with antiques, quirky finds and original
of the hour: “I just counted 111 turkeys crossing
art. Thousands have enjoyed Marjie Ducey’s
our yard.” Others impart more domestic news:
online-only feature. If you’re not in the habit of
“I dropped one of the house phones into the
visiting us online, you’re missing out. Hop over
washing machine. I’ve been drying the phone
to Omaha.com, click on the subscribe button
... in the oven and with a fan.” Really? And why
and #joinourstory for unlimited digital access;
was the house phone in the laundry room to
it costs less than a cup of coffee and a doughnut
begin with? “Well ... I had just answered the
at the local café.
house phone while gathering the dirty clothes
3. I often am asked, “Where are you traveling
... tossed the phone in the laundry basket on
next?" Prague and Budapest are on tap this fall.
my way to the laundry room ... got sidetracked
Both are on my bucket list of Great Cities of
preparing the fabric softener and dumped
the World. Checked off already: London, Paris,
the basket load into the water ... oopsie! Guess
Berlin, Milan, Venice, Rome and Florence.
that’s one way to end the robocalls to our land
Yes, I am a lucky girl. A part of the world my
line.” But no. The phone survived the dunking.
husband has seen but I haven’t: Southeast Asia. Contributor Heather Winkel reveals the wonders of Thailand and piques my interest, page 40. 4. Speaking of Thailand. Former Nebraska Secretary of State Allen Beermann is a
8 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
extraordinary collection of gemstones in
and Vince Bellino’s renovation of a house that
In case you’re curious: The drying time (with battery removed!) was 45 minutes at 150 F. Happy almost spring,
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BEFORE + AFTER
LUCKY TURNS Intriguing remodel brings an end to long house search
10 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOS THOMAS GRADY
HOUSE HUNTERS GEORGE KLEINE and Tom Knox once might not have given this home in the Westside school district a second look. At only 1,000 square feet, with a small master bedroom and an even tinier kitchen, it definitely wasn’t what they were looking for when they decided to downsize and move across the river to Omaha. The couple, eager to put their Council Bluffs home on the market, already had been searching in Omaha for months.
KITCHEN Todd Sanwick of Sanwick Remodeling Contractors had already chosen the poplar cabinets when Tom Knox and George Kleine bought the home. They tweaked Todd's plan for the cabinet layout. The kitchen, with a 12-foot waterfall island, is their favorite room in the house. The room used to be the living room, and includes the house's original ceiling. They looked at everything: new construction, existing homes, places that would need total remodels. They were on the verge of signing a deal to build a house near the North Omaha Airport ... but the location wasn’t ideal. “We really wanted something that would allow us to walk or ride a bike easily to amenities such as restaurants and grocery stores,” Kleine says. Todd Sanwick of Sanwick Remodeling Contractors, meanwhile, had purchased the small house on a big lot to help a friend. He’d given residential design specialist Mick McGuire of Straightline Design Inc. carte blanche, and while he loved the new addition and second floor, he was concerned. Costs were mounting, constant rain had
BEFORE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 11
BEFORE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 stretched their usual renovation timeline, and he worried that the home wouldn’t sell. Then Tom and George happened upon the neighborhood. Intrigued by the house’s unique architectural style, they decided they wanted a closer look. “It grabbed our imagination,” Knox says. “I called the number on the sign that day.” Two days later Sanwick met them for a walk-through. After seeing only the main floor, Kleine declared this was it. “I’m good,” he remembers saying. After purchasing the house, Sanwick had thought about starting completely over. But with its concrete floors and foundation, it was a sound start to a bigger project. “You just don’t get that anymore,” he says. The addition added space for dining and family rooms and a two-bedroom second floor. The basement also grew, and a full bath was added. Knox and Kleine got in early enough to tweak the countertop and tile selections, and design of the kitchen cabinets and fireplace. They nixed plans for carpeting,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 12 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
MASTER SUITE The two small bedrooms in the original layout were transformed into a master suite, with an adjoining bath and walk-in closet with space for a washer and dryer.
FAMILY ROOM The family room is part of the new addition. An upstairs with two bedrooms also was added above the rebuilt garage.
VIEW MORE ONLINE Find bonus photos from this story at inspiredlivingomaha.com
i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   13
OPEN YOUR MIND TO OPERA
����� �� � ����� ��
SEE THIS HOUSE ON THE 2019 GREATER OMAHA NARI REMODELED HOME TOUR When: March 30 and 31 Time: Noon to 5 p.m. Tickets: $10 Information: omahanari.org
LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES Philip Glass
A DANCE OPERA
April 3, 5, 7, 13 & 14 ��� ����������
FAUST
Charles Gounod
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
A VISIONARY EPIC OPERA
expanded the back deck and widened the driveway.
April 12 & 14 Orpheum Theater
transform the interior. She brought in a living room
Kim Hansen of Absolute Design Interiors helped sectional and chairs for the master bedroom and basement to be mixed with existing pieces. Hansen and her crew also hung the couple’s art collection in groupings that bring splashes of color to every space. Still in the works is the landscaping, which Kleine is eager to start. They plan to add patios in the front and back, a fence for their two dogs, a vegetable garden and some
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trees and shrubs. “Low-maintenance plants that are good for bees and birds and more native to the prairie,” Knox says. The couple say they love the whole house but enjoy the kitchen area the most. It’s graced with a 12-foot island with a waterfall finish and custom MDF and poplar cabinets that Sanwick had already picked. “The original beamed ceiling is still intact in that room,” Kleine says, “and we couldn’t be happier.”
14 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
100 Bancroft Street | Omaha, NE | (402) 346-4002 | 100 Bancroft Street | Omaha, NE | (402) 346-4002 |
i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   15
16  M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
HISTORIC GEM
VICTORIAN RHAPSODY Family stewardship remains at the heart of Brandeis Mansion’s return to glory STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOS MEGAN FARMER
T
he reaction when guests walk into the Brandeis-Millard Mansion is always the same.
Awe. Amazement. Reverence for the
workmanship of a bygone era. Mark Maser had his moment, too, when he first saw the sunlight pouring down the grand staircase from the conservatory. “That makes an impression,” he remembers thinking. Never mind that the roof in that conservatory was leaking like a sieve. That didn’t deter him. Maser, who is retired, loves big houses with a history, and this mansion at 38th and Dewey has both. The 10,000-square-foot structure was designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn and completed in 1904 for Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis, members of a widely known Omaha mercantile family. In its heyday, it was one of the grand mansions of Omaha’s Gold Coast district. It also was a realty company and a day-care center as it fell into decline with the neighborhood around it. But just as the Blackstone District has been reborn, so too has the mansion. “Every surface got touched,” Maser says of the work done since his family bought the property 10 years ago. The woodwork was stained and the
and third floors. The green-stained
describes perfectly the house’s
Carrara marble in all the baths remains
evolution, Maser says. “It took all these
only in the master suite.
folks to get it where it is now.”
Maser says his family’s contribution represents the third stage in the
a home filled with the antiques that
mansion’s restoration.
Maser has been collecting since he was
Renovations by artist Rose Erato and husband David Russell started the road back. John and Janel Sunderland redid
walls re-plastered and painted. The
the roof and added geothermal heating
plumbing and electricity were replaced,
and air conditioning.
and fixtures were updated on the second
Walk in the front door and you’ll find
The saying, “It takes a village,”
in junior high school in Le Mars, Iowa. “Right away I knew where the art and furniture was going to go,” he says. The Victorian era is a favorite, and the big rooms of the mansion gave
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
SOLARIUM
The ceiling, painted in 2004 by Conrad Hinz, has the look of an Italian fresco with its allegory of the four seasons. The Latin on the perimeter is the first verse of the Creation Story from Genesis. i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 17
OMAHA'S GOLD COAST Wealthy Omahans first settled in the Gold Coast historic district in the 1880s, part of a desire to escape the city's congested core. A trolley allowed them to commute from downtown to what was then countryside. Two neighborhoods, Blackstone (originally West Farnam) and West Cathedral, are set within the Gold Coast, which got its name because of the expensive homes built in the area. It sits from about 36th to 40th Street, from Jones to Cuming. Houses, many Late Victorian and 20th Century Revivals, were built from 1889 to 1946, and designed by architects such as Dufrene and Mendelssohn, Thomas Kimball, Jacob Nachtigall, John and Alan
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 him a landing spot for large pieces from around the world. The dining
McDonald, Henry Ives Cobb, F.A. Henninger and Henry Lawrie. The homes were known for spectacular features, including threeand four-story towers, moats, and flower gardens. The area includes several historically significant landmarks, including Joslyn Castle and St. Cecilia Cathedral, as well as several homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1913 Easter tornado destroyed many homes in the neighborhood but missed the cathedral, under construction near 40th and Cuming Streets. The area has seen a resurgence with the development of Midtown Crossing and the Blackstone Business District as well as the growth of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
eight. The second floor
providing easy access
has been converted into
to a casually decorated
two large suites, each with
third-floor family
room alone has furniture from France,
their own fireplace, so that Maser’s
room where Maser and husband Paul
England, Austria and the United States.
parents have space of their own when
Ledwon, principal cellist for the Omaha
they arrive for extended visits and,
Symphony, play board games and enjoy
eventually, to stay.
dinner in front of the TV.
The first bed he ever bought has a home in a third-floor guest room, one of five bedrooms remaining of the original
18 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
The house has an elevator again,
“It’s our comfy room,” Maser says.
He loves that the whole house feels
CONSERVATORY
two pantry areas that help him satisfy
(opposite) This room wasn't on the original blueprint but was added by local architect John Latenser after a conservatory was built at Joslyn Castle.
his love for cooking and entertaining.
LIVING ROOM
A solarium off the dining room is where
(above) Above the marble fireplace, carved in the wood, is an old Gaelic saying, "Don't worry and stay a while."
cozy despite its massive size. The layout lends itself to what he calls racetrack living. Multiple doors on the main floor lead from the living room, dining room, music room and to the kitchen with its
the Brandeis children once studied. Maser has always been fascinated with the behind-the-scenes workings of big houses and can tell you about all the homes that surround his.
BEDROOMS
enjoying life in the big house, one of
Five of the original eight bedrooms remain. All of the beds are antiques that Mark Maser has been collecting since junior high school.
many that he says have spoken to him
VIEW MORE ONLINE
through the years.
See bonus photos and video from this story at inspiredlivingomaha.com
The mansion was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and designated an Omaha Landmark in 1986. But to Maser, it’s his home. He’s
“I don’t think it needs anything,” he says. “Nor do I.”
i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 19
EXPERIENCE LOCAL
A SP ONSORED FEATURE
ONE NIGHT ONLY Multi-talented Wayne Brady to sing hits of Sammy Davis Jr., Sam Cooke SPECIAL FOR OMAHA SYMPHONY
S
inger, dancer, actor and comedian Wayne Brady takes center stage next month with the Omaha
Symphony and Music Director Thomas Wilkins for a one-night-only tribute to Sam Cooke and Sammy Davis Jr. His appearance at the Holland Performing Arts Center is in conjunction with the annual Omaha Symphony Gala. Both patron and general admission tickets are available for a night of hits, including “Wonderful World,” “Chain Gang,” “Cupid,” “Mr. Bojangles” and “The Candy Man.” Singing the music of Davis and Cooke is a natural fit for Brady. Like Brady, Davis was a singer, actor and host of a TV variety show, “The Sammy Davis Jr. Show.” Cooke, considered the “King of Soul,” pioneered soul music for Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and others. A five-time Emmy Award winner and 2008 Grammy nominee for a remake of Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Brady is a show-biz renaissance man with notable credits as actor, singer, dancer, improviser and songwriter. He recently won acclaim as Aaron Burr in a Chicago run of “Hamilton.” After getting his big break on first the British and then the ABC version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, Brady went
20 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
IF YOU GO WHAT Wayne Brady with the Omaha Symphony WHEN 8 p.m. April 13 WHERE Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. TICKETS Concert-only, starting at $29. Premium gala tickets, $500, purchased through Melanie Thornton, 402-661-8575 or mthornton@omahasymphony.org INFORMATION omahasymphony.org
on to star and produce both a highly rated summer sketch show and an Emmy-winning talk show for ABC. Brady returned to his theatrical roots with a successful Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in “Chicago” and a slew of television roles, guest starring on “30 Rock,” “Everybody Loves Chris” and “Dirt,” as well as recurring on “How I Met Your Mother” and hosting “Don’t Forget the Lyrics.” His film work includes the feature films “Crossover,” “The List” (with Sydney Tamiia Poitier) and “1982” from director Tommy Oliver. Recent projects include his sold-out world tour “Makin’ Sh*t Up,” the sci-fi series “Aftermath,” Broadway’s “Kinky Boots” (as Lola), Disney’s animated series “Sophia the First” and Nickelodeon’s “Loud House.” Premium gala tickets are $500 and include valet parking, a cocktail reception, dinner and VIP concert seating. Concert-only tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at omahasymphony.org or by calling Ticket Omaha at 402-345-0606. Proceeds from the gala support the symphony’s education and community engagement activities, which serve more than 45,000 students and community members each year.
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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 21
HOMESPIRATION
expansive hues Homeowner paints, creates with color as muse STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOS RYAN SODERLIN & CHRIS CHRISTEN
22 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
WISTERIA, GOLDENROD
13-year-old home on 1½ wooded acres
and green teal thistle aren’t exactly
along Parkwild Drive in Council Bluffs.
common interior paint colors. But Deb
The kitchen was the first room to be
and Dick Koesters are crazy about the
painted — in misty green. The master
mix.
bedroom came next, in teal with wisteria
“Lots of color and lots of outdoors
and goldenrod accents.
coming in definitely were musts,” Deb
Three years ago, the living room,
says of the decorating scheme for their
which already had a goldenrod accent
wall, got a bold stroke of wisteria “but only because the ceiling drywall started to peel and crack. Something had to be done,” Deb says. “So we brought in our son Tony and scaffolding and started painting.” It was a Herculean feat, with walls soaring 25 feet. “It took me two months to decide the colors in the living room because I was going to have to live with it for a while,” Deb says. “I wanted to keep the gold accent wall, so I just reached across the color wheel and landed on wisteria.” She was right on trend. In 2018,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
LIVING ROOM Deb Koesters used the floral rug as the color basis for the room's paint scheme, while keeping with complementary hues on the color wheel. Shades used among the Koesters' custom art and pieces collected in their travels are Behr's "Patina" (blue), "Garden Plum" (purple) and "Butter Nut" (gold). i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 23
VIEW MORE ONLINE See bonus photos and video from this story at inspiredlivingomaha.com
MASTER BEDROOM Deb Koesters' wisteria living room is visible through an antique Indian lattice window installed in the master bedroom, where the purple-blue-gold color scheme also meets. Koesters and her husband, Dick, bought the window in Florida, and completed the space in the frame with stained glass upon installation in the room.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Pantone declared a similar hue, Ultra Violet, its Color of the Year. The homeowners enjoy updating their interior wall colors every five years or so. Furniture, however, tends to stay in place. “The configuration in the living room
intricate latticework,
forms. Dick is a metal
providing a window to the
artist who also dabbles in contemporary paintings on canvas.
living room from the second-floor guest
Ninety percent of the living room gallery
bedroom.
wall holds large works that Dick and Deb created especially for the space. Art and artifacts from the couple’s travels add another unique dimension.
“They’re from India and they’re quite old. We hauled them home from Florida one year knowing just where they would go,” Deb says. When the shutter width proved too
especially works, so why change it up?”
Among the standout architectural
Deb says.
remnants is a hand-carved table from
narrow for the space, the couple added
India, disassembled to create a mantel
ribbons of marbled glass to fill the gap.
homeowners themselves, enliven walls,
for the hearth and chunky spindle
The detail is especially lovely when
corners and tabletops.
sconces.
viewed from the bedroom — latticework
Original works of art, most by the
Deb, a fiber artist, specializes in felted rugs, upholstery, wall hangings, and 3-D
24 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
Look up, and you’ll spy another curiosity: Antique wooden shutters with
in silhouette with those wisteria walls peeking through.
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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 25
DESIGN DONE RIGHT
Gift OF THE
Nile Egyptianthemed decor blends with modern art, 1880s brick in a downtown penthouse redo
MARY JOCHIM HAS
never
tired of the Egyptian Art Deco motif in her homes.
first level alone. It was such a great opportunity that Mary didn’t think it would work out.
The themed pieces are dazzling. And
But the property company checked off
colors such as turquoise, lapis, teal, gold,
on 2,000 square feet of storage in the
scarlet and black are too much to resist.
basement, a two-car garage and a spot
“I like pow,” Mary says. It shows. Purple walls, bright rugs and Egyptian furnishings and accessories fill the 3,000-foot home she shares with teacup poodle Mini Me. Mary couldn’t believe the fifth-floor penthouse overlooking Gene Leahy Mall had been empty for six months when she first visited two years ago. “My jaw dropped,” Mary says. “This place, empty, was glorious.” The 1889 warehouse near 10th and Douglas Streets had fallen into disrepair and was renovated in the 1970s by former Omaha Symphony Music Director Tom Briccetti. That, Mary says, explains the grand piano-shaped breakfast bar and the 14 speakers in the
for a few flower pots along the entryway that has since been transformed into a courtyard. “They made it too good,” Mary says. Mary, a registered investment adviser, took the leap and along with interior designer and friend Julia Russell of Julia Russell Designs transformed the once boring beige and brick walls with bursts of color, highlighted by her favorite regional artists. The focal point is a pair of 6-foot King Tut brass doors that flank a Steve Joy painting in the living room. “Art along with plants breathes life into a space,” Mary says. “I love seeing the art in a 130-year-old building. Both
CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOS JEFFREY BEBEE
TV AREA Mary Jochim worked with interior designer Julia Russell to build on the colorful theme created by the late Ruth Ann Davis. Julia combined Mary's beloved Egyptian décor with plants and contemporary art in the industrial space. A television hides behind the blue painting by Vickie Mitchell.
26 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   27
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 look better together.” This is her third home with Egyptian décor, which includes gilt brass cobras that guard the sink in the main-floor powder room. People used to warn her that she would grow tired of it. “No way,” Mary says. Russell built on the work of Mary’s original designer, the late Ruth Ann Davis. “Walking into the penthouse for the first time, it was easy to see how Mary’s bold colors and Egyptian-themed décor was going to look incredible,” Russell says. Light fixtures were sourced from all over the world, rugs were custom made and fabrics were custom selected for Mary’s upbeat personality. The only challenge was to provide lighting for Mary’s artwork. Inexpensive clamp lights sourced at a hardware store were the answer. Mary says the eclectic blend of modern and Egyptian works. The arched windows and views, and the brick walls and beams give visitors a place to rest their eyes from the vibrant decor. “I didn’t want to go over the top,” she says, “and have someone walk in here and either get spooked or wonder if they had been transported to a theme park.”
28 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
POWDER ROOM Gilt brass cobras guard the sink in the first-floor powder room.
BEDROOM The master bedroom is on the first floor. The painting above is by a regional artist, Signe Stuart.
OFFICE A Venetian mirror by Barbini reflects where Mary does her work as an investment adviser.
DINING ROOM The wall of mirrors hides a liquor cabinet. It’s also home to Mary’s collection of martini glasses and the dishes she uses for entertaining.
MORE ONLINE In our Host feature, Mary Jochim shares her love of decorating and entertaining. Read the story and see more photos on inspiredlivingomaha.com i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 29
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LUXURY HOMES
THE LEGENDS
8459 Woolworth Ave., District 66 $849,000 Charming first-floor living areas with beamed ceilings. Formal dining room has a built-in hutch and custom stained-glass doors accessing the patio area with water feature and stunning, mature landscaping. New kitchen with modern custom finishes and fixtures. Master boasts a barrel vaulted ceiling, immense closet space, built-ins and two bathrooms. Fifth bedroom located in finished space above garage, featuring an elevator and en-suite bathroom. New DaVinci roof.
7973 Hickory St., District 66 $399,000
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Four-bedroom ranch-style home in Loveland. Corner lot on a culde-sac street. Two-car attached garage space. Secluded welllandscaped rear yard with paver patio and privacy fence. Spacious main living room with dining area and gas fireplace. Large family room with wood floors. Kitchen with island, dinette area and quartz countertops. Sizable master bedroom with reading area and en-suite bathroom. Second bedroom located on main level. Two bedrooms below grade with egress windows and adjacent to newer 3/4 bathroom. Large rec room in basement with theater area and vinyl tile floors. Plenty of storage area below grade. Access to yard and basement from garage.
OMAHA LOUNGE
17711 Grenelefe Ave., Tiburon $315,000
Don't just read about us, come on in and have our bartenders make you the perfect cocktail! 1505 FARNAM ST. 402-709-6815 THEOMAHALOUNGE.COM
Gorgeous Tiburon ranch with all the amenities. Open, inviting floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Spacious main level kitchen with new appliances. Sizable master bedroom with tall ceilings, walkin closet and 3/4 master bathroom. Downstairs boasts a full designer kitchen with refrigerator, dishwasher, built-in oven and microwave. Huge family room and fourth bedroom downstairs. New outdoor living space with paver patio and gas fireplace. Fenced rear yard. All appliances included.
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INTERLUDE LOUNGE For over 50 years, the Interlude Lounge has been loved by many for its specialty Moscow Mules, generous pours and relaxing, retro surroundings. 7643 PACIFIC ST. 402-391-3060 INTERLUDELOUNGE.COM
i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   31
CHRIS MACHIAN
SPRING AFFAIR
GARDENING
As CEO of the garden, it’s time to put some thought into design EVERY WINTER I tell myself
I’m all about keeping them happy and
this is going to be the year I plan out my
thriving. John Nabity, who has taught all
garden. And yet every April I head to Spring
types of gardening classes at Metro
Affair in Lincoln and get caught up in a
Community College since the early
plant-buying frenzy. I think I literally
1980s, says my approach is typical.
lose my mind until I
When he asks — Will your
reach the checkout
10-second decision turn into
counter.
a 20-year mistake? — I know
Then it becomes a matter of squeezing the
Spring Affair, the Midwest’s biggest plant sale and garden event, is April 26 and 27 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln. More than 700 varieties of plants, concessions and vendors are under the same roof. Perennials, herbs, native plants, succulents, annuals and vines are selected for regional suitability, uniqueness and demand and provided by Bluebird Nursery Inc. Trees and shrubs are from the Arboretum. Informative talks also are scheduled.
landscape. Instead of buying a tree on impulse, for example, you’ll consider whether you want shade or ornamental, where it will go, if it’s too close to the property line or your foundation and whether the canopy will stretch over your neighbor’s yard. Meaning he can prune it at will. The problem in Nebraska, Nabity says, is that we’re a victim of the weather. “The harsher the winter, the more excited gardeners are to get out and get a breath of spring air and do something,” he says. “If you don’t plan a little bit, you will accomplish it, but it won’t be right.” Nabity says plants available at Spring
just what he’s talking about.
Affair are quality stock from Bluebird
Despite all my efforts,
Nursery, so that’s a good start. He just
30 to 40 plants I swore I
that pretty perennial I
recommends doing some homework,
wouldn’t buy (that’s no
bought on a whim years ago
to understand what you’re buying and
exaggeration!) into my
is still trying to take over my
where it will flourish.
existing landscape. The downside to that out-of-control buying
MARJIE DUCEY
SPEAKING OF PLANTS
trip is that I lose track of what I’ve bought, and what needs watering; so many of those new finds
front garden bed. In both credit and
Do that planning and you won’t waste time and money, you’ll be a happier
non-credit classes, Nabity
gardener and you won’t fail, and have to
teaches the 4 Ps: planning,
start all over again.
preparing, planting and protecting. Now is the time for planning, he says.
As CEO of our yards, we have the responsibility of making the right
don’t survive a blistering Nebraska
Gardeners should be looking at catalogs,
decisions for our landscape. It’s time
summer.
the Internet and gardening books
to curb the impulse buying and be an
for information. He likes the Taylor
informed gardener instead.
The good news is that I’ve finally learned after many, many trips to the event that native plants do best. And they are perfect for pollinators, too, and
32 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
gardening guides. That way you’ll know what you want and what will work best in your
Wish me luck. “It happens every spring,” Nabity says.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL
A SP ONSORED FEATURE
A CRUISE SHIP ON LAND Life at the Grand Lodge is all about maintaining body, mind and spirit SPECIAL FOR HILLCREST COUNTRY ESTATES GRAND LODGE
M
ost aging adults resist the concept of giving up their homes for retirement community living
until they have to move for their safety and health. In contrast, many residents at Hillcrest’s Grand Lodge in Papillion move to the community sooner to take advantage of what they describe as a “cruise ship on land.” Maintenance-free living, a builtin community of friends, expansive programming, multiple dining options, an indoor saltwater pool, a hot tub and serene walking trails are just a few amenities that allow residents to thrive at Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge. “The key to thriving at any stage of life is a balance of body, mind and spirit,” says Michael Pollock, director of lifestyle and wellness at the upscale 44-acre continuing care retirement community. “The great thing about the Grand Lodge is that we make opportunities readily accessible for all aspects of wellness.” Residents of the Grand Lodge can benefit from a comprehensive fitness schedule that includes both studio and aquatic exercise for the body. With four-to-five class options daily, residents can practice tai chi, yoga, strength, gentle aqua, balance and more. The Wellness Center features a heated indoor saltwater pool, relaxing hot tub, fitness gym with personal trainer, exercise room, a salon and day spa with hair and
beauty services, and a health center. To focus on the mind, Hillcrest has a partnership with Bellevue University that brings college professors to the Grand Lodge monthly to present classes, lectures and other opportunities for learning. The Grand Lodge also has music and art classes and lessons, book clubs, bible studies, worship groups, volunteer opportunities and a multitude of brain games and activities. “Being a part of a community like this with a truly comprehensive offering of lifestyle programs ultimately helps one thrive in retirement,” Pollock says. “Our residents are able to find purpose, become part of a ‘tribe’ of like-minded folks, continuing to learn and grow and keep happy, healthy and active.”
Home-like apartments feature porches and balconies, individual temperature controls, full kitchens with appliances, washers and dryers, 9-foot ceilings and oversized windows. The independent living community is also pet-friendly, so residents don’t have to worry about leaving their furry friends behind. Should individuals need more assistance, the Grand Lodge offers assisted living and memory support. An all-inclusive monthly fee provides the right level of care overseen by a nursing team. In addition, long-term care Cottages and a Rehab Cottage meet the needs of those requiring 24-hour care and post-hospital recovery. To learn more about Hillcrest Country Estates, call 402-885-7007 or visit hillcresthealth.com.
HILLCREST
i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 33
NP DODGE
Local Luxury HOME EDITION
TRENDS
DINING
AREAS
Finding time to sit down and eat together can be challenging. The dining room has evolved and changed to fit busy lifestyles. This space is not only a place for stuffing yourself — but also where you can entertain, share stories and make memories! Whether you’re planning on an extraordinary feast, a small get together, or daily gatherings, we’re sure you’ll find some inspiration in these Omaha area homes.
KITCHENS ARE NOT JUST FOR COOKING
Pamper your family and guests with al fresco dining
KITCHEN PRESENTED BY: NPDODGE Frontline Home Team 402-669-6444 • PHOTO FROM: 112 Banyan Court
OUTDOOR DINING PRESENTED BY: NPDODGE The Rensch Group 402-391-5333 • PHOTO FROM: 710 Ridgewood Avenue
To see the NP Dodge Luxury Portfolio, please visit: 34 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
npdodge.luxuryportfolio.com
13819 Cuming St.
$1,950,000
Rich in warmth & elegance. Timeless design in this spacious, 7-bdrm home. Stunning views overlooking private pool & park-like setting.
Deanne Fairfield 402-212-1343
$1,100,000
13211 Nicholas Cir.
Appreciate layers of architectural integrity, continuity & design by Cizek Builders in this walk-out ranch on Culdesac.
Deanne Fairfield 402-212-1343
$850,000
9005 Leavenworth St.
Brick home on beautifully landscaped private lot in the heart of District 66.
Kelly Buscher 402-201-5962
$795,000
$1,190,990
112 Banyan Ct., Bellevue
Exquisite custom built ranch by Banyan Homes with Designer Chef’s kitchen with second service kitchen and butlers pantry.
Frontline Home Team 402-669-6444
$995,000
710 Ridgewood Ave
Beyond gorgeous! Best of all worlds in your own mini-acreage in super prime location.
The Rensch Group 402-391-5333
Luxury Portfolio International is recognized around the world as the luxury standard of excellence. The network is made up of exclusive brokerages, like NP Dodge, marketing over 50,000 of the world's most remarkable homes annually by presenting a gallery of properties online.
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1505 N 132nd Ave.
Absolutely stunning, completely remodeled 1.5 story dream home located in popular Linden Park!
The Rensch Group 402-391-5333
VISIT
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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 35
THREADS
tailor-made style A modern man’s guide to taking business casual to the next level
STORY + PHOTOS CHRIS CHRISTEN entlemen, can we talk about your staid navy blazer, button-down oxford shirt and rep tie? It’s time to de-borify your wardrobe. Nothing outlandish, mind you. Just a
Bel Air Fashions customized sports jacket, $395.
boost in style, color, fit and comfort. The latter is the biggest deal. Think four-way stretch and total recall in cutting-edge fabrics drawing clothier superlatives such as “sensational” and “incredible.” “When you want to be well-dressed but not over-do it, these travel ease fabrics are the way to go,” says Dick Lerner of Bel Air Fashions. “It’s packand-go technology for every day. And it is sensational.” Branded as “lifestyle apparel,” the appeal cuts a wide swath from millennials to boomers. “Lifestyle clothing is filling the niche between professional and business casual. And it’s just the beginning. We’re starting to see more fabrics with stretch in the made-tomeasure world,” Lerner says. Color and pattern are exploding, too, as wardrobe personalization gains momentum. “It’s not about how many clothes you buy; it’s what you buy,” Lerner says. “We don’t live in a disposable world where you buy something and throw it away. This is about value and quality and wardrobe planning and building.” The dress shirt and the sport coat — basics of a worklife wardrobe — are an easy starting point, says Lerner, author
36 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
Bel Air Fashions customized shirt, starting at $250.
THE DRESS SHIRT A quality dress shirt is the cornerstone of a modern man’s business casual wardrobe. Wear it to the office and look just as dashing on an evening out. Look for innovative technology that wicks away moisture, keeps you dry and cool throughout the day and resists wrinkles. Make it personal: Opt for a made-to-measure shirt and choose your collar, cuff, button and thread styles.
YOU DESIGN IT Fit Traditional, slim, athletic, full, tailored Collar Button-down, spread, English spread, forwardpoint, etc. Cuff Square or rounded shape, barrel (standard) or French Pocket Add a chest pocket or two, or do away with them for a cleaner look Fabric Choose two and let your personality shine Buttons Stay uniform or mix styles for fun Threads Select your thread color(s) for buttonholes, top-stitching
of “Dress Like the Big Fish: How to
“These are key essentials that you
Achieve the Image You Want and the
can dress up or dress down, but you’re
Success You Deserve.”
dressed right all the time. You look
PUNCH LINES
and feel great in them, and you get
More stripes and plaids just begging
compliments every time.”
to be mixed and matched.
“It’s not the tired, boring professional look of 30 years ago,” Lerner says.
i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 37
BUILD A JACKET Made-to-measure means you get a near-perfect fit and options to make the jacket your own in terms of:
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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 39
MOBA OMAHA HOME SHOW
SPACES TO SAVOR Trending at home: Backyard living rooms with color and flair STORY MARJIE DUCEY Dining tables are no longer the centerpiece of outdoor living. They once stood alone on most deck and patios, but they’ve now been shunted to the side. “It’s more of your living room moving outside,” says Dan Gould of Outdoor Kitchen & Patio. Think swivel rocking chairs or a love seat or sofa, all with deep, fat cushions. Because so many new builds have covered patios, it’s no longer a problem to keep furniture in good shape outdoors. In Nebraska, earth tones still rule when designing an outdoor space although blues and grays are trending. One hundred percent solution-dyed acrylics ensure long-lasting color. “Those will hold your colors much longer than less expensive cushions,” Gould says. “‘You get what you pay for’ really holds true in this industry.” Speaking of color, home owners are loving it in their landscape, according to Carlee McCollum of Vickie Lea Designs. She’s the garden account manager for the company, which specializes in designing large swaths of annuals and lush containers, often filled with eyecatching tropical plants. “People just want a showy, full, Although people covet that eyepopping landscaping, time can be an issue. That’s where Vickie Lea comes in, says John Coaker, director of operations. “We add the beauty,” he says, “and they get to enjoy it.” Money can also be an issue. The
40 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
OUTDOOR KITCHEN & PATIO
colorful container,” McCollum says.
VICKIE LEA DESIGNS
“It’s more of your living room moving outside.” DAN GOULD, OUTDOOR KITCHEN & PATIO
national average for a professional landscape designer is $50 to $75 an hour. So McCollum says home owners often do a backyard transformation in stages. They’ll start with the hard scapes such as the patio or deck, then add a kitchen and sitting area and finally the plantings. Although outdoor fireplaces are popular, not everyone wants the complete outdoor kitchen, with a grill, sink, counter space and even a refrigerator. “Some people really go all-out,” McCollum says. “Other people just want a little nook where the grill is or maybe some counter space next to a grill.” Most people agree on privacy. Taller trees or those showy containers can screen off the patio or deck from neighbors.
Once you get to the furniture stage,
2019
Gould says recycled plastic pieces are taking off. Made of recycled milk jugs, they have a 20-year warranty, don’t fade
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and are perfect for fierce winds and lake
Home Show. The event, produced by the Omaha
living in the Midwest. Large cantilevered umbrellas are another top seller. Gould says no one wants to sit outside and bake in the sun anymore. The best thing about outdoor living, McCollum says, is that you can go as fancy or simple as your time and budget allow. As long as the homeowners and their families feel comfortable. “They want to really make their outdoor space more homey,” she says.
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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 41
12 days, 3 regions add up to unforgettable trip to Thailand STORY + PHOTOS HEATHER WINKEL
T
hailand is one hot travel destination for honeymooners, backpackers and pretty much
every travel enthusiast in between. And for good reason. Thailand has it all — shining Buddhist temples, historical cultural ruins, crystal clear waters, massive rock formations, lush natural landscapes, vibrant culture, wonderful people and spectacular food. Oh, the food! Thailand isn’t huge geographically (it’s about the size of Texas), but its regions are diverse, and building an itinerary can feel like planning for several trips. With 36 hours of travel time between the Midwest and Thailand, my husband and I were intent on making the most of every minute of our 12-day visit. We split our time among three regions: Chiang Mai in the north for history, Ko Lanta in the south for relaxation and Bangkok in the center for everything you could ever want. We found traveling between cities to be easy and affordable. AirAsia flights run less than $50 USD each way, and
N E A R + FA R
LAND OF MANY TREASURES
overnight trains are a great way to cover both your accommodations and travel expenses in one swoop. Plus, you can save money by booking tickets online before you go. Taxis and tuk-tuks are everywhere in Bangkok and Chiang Mai; just be sure to negotiate a rate before you get in the vehicle. You should definitely experience at least one tuk-tuk ride.
Chiang Mai DAYS 1-4
Chiang Mai is every wonderful and
delicious thing you’ve heard it described as — and more! It’s a cultural, epicurean and scenic treasure trove. Visiting the Kanta Elephant
42 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
Sanctuary outside Chiang Mai was a
Wat Sri Suphan is a spectacular silver
shop that has the most impressive
highlight of our trip. The elephants on
temple with elaborate and intricate
latté art I’ve ever seen (a raccoon in
this sanctuary are rescued, and there’s
hand-crafted landscapes etched into the
foam!), and Woo Cafe & Art Gallery with
no animal riding. We got to walk among
silver. It’s not in many guidebooks but
tropical plants and colorful flowers.
these magnificent creatures, feed them
came as a recommendation from a local
sugar cane and even bathe them. It was a
we befriended.
truly humbling experience.
There’s no bad place to eat in Chiang
If shopping is your game, the trendy Nimmanhaemin District is the place for strolling, browsing and sipping
Mai, but favorites include The Gallery
frose (a yogurt drink). You can find
spectacular. Reached via a 306-step
along the Ping River for Thai iced
everything from fresh flowers to fried
staircase flanked by serpents, Wat
tea and traditional Massaman Gai
pork to live eels at Warorot Market, the
Phra That Doi Suthep provides an
(yellow chicken curry), and The House
incredible view of the city. We were a bit
Restaurant, for a modern take on Thai
disappointed as clouds formed during
food. Coffee lovers are in luck because
our trek up the imposing stairs, but what
Chiang Mai has no shortage of cafés,
a surprise once we ascended above them!
including Ristr8to, a specialty coffee
The temples in Chiang Mai are
largest public market in Chiang Mai. The Sunday Market is also a gem — go around 4 p.m. to beat the crowd. Chiang Mai is an old city with few
CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 43
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 sidewalks. Walking can be dangerous with all of those tuk-tuks! We hired a driver (about $30 USD, including tip) for a full day of sightseeing, including watching Thai artisans make umbrellas and silk scarves.
Koh Lanta DAYS 5-9 Thailand is well-known for its picturesque islands. You can go island hopping, or follow our lead and immerse yourself in one. We chose Ko Lanta, a small island off the coast of Krabi in the Andaman Sea that’s less touristy than more widely known Phuket and Koh Samui. While most of your time can easily be spent on the beach, take in a cooking
of Ko Phi Phi, Ko Haa and Ko Rok off
pillows on the sandy floor and watch
Kantiang Bay. No matter your mode of
the waves roll in and out of the bay,
transportation (can you say long-tail
is a relaxed night out. For something
boat?), be sure to get out in the water
more upscale, hit the Reggae Bar at
between the majestic rock formations.
Crown Lanta for happy hour and enjoy
Ready for more food? Phad Thai
the posh, private rocky beach without
Rock N Roll in Kantiang Bay makes an insanely good passion fruit smoothie, and the Tom Yum Koong soup is the best on the island. Order a whole fish right off the coals at A la Carte, an outdoor restaurant where they prepare all of the food on a grill. For a good latté and WiFi: Drunken Sailors. For a fancy night out: Baan Phu Lae. Drinks are a must when on the islands. Why Not Bar, where you sit atop
paying to stay at the upscale resort.
Bangkok DAYS 10-12 Thailand’s capital is like any other modern Asian city with its rooftop bars, gourmet food and frenzied pace (you’ll be shocked at how jam-packed the public transit is). But it’s also a truly unique place where you can experience modern malls juxtaposed with ancient temples, businesswomen and Buddhist monks living side-by-side. The Grand Palace is worth the hype
class at Time for Lime in Ko Lanta and
and is even more extraordinary in
a three-hour (yes, THREE hour) Thai
person than in photos. You can join
oil massage by Cha at Arista Spa in
a free English-guided tour, which is
Kantiang Bay. Relaxation at its best.
helpful given the size of the temple.
We didn’t fight the crowds to see the
The palace is packed, so go early in the
famous James Bond rock off nearby
morning for your best chance at people-
Railay Beach, but we did take a dive
free photos. The best and easiest way to
boat to explore the rock formations
get to the temple is by the Chao Phraya
44 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
Perfection from the smallest detail to the grand finale
Express Boat — also a great way to get around and see the city from the water. Nahim Cafe X Handcraft is a fun Japanese doughnut shop. Bonus: You can buy Japanese washi tape for a
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fraction of the cost in the U.S. Toast the twinkling skyscraper lights at a rooftop bar like Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok or Octave Rooftop and Lounge. You may pay a pretty penny for drinks, but the views are worth the splurge. If you’re ready for a taste of home, head over to Smokin’ Pug BBQ near Lumpini Park. It’s run by two Midwesterners, and the ribs and sauce rival the best of Kansas City BBQ joints. Lodging choices abound in Bangkok, from upscale hotels to hostels. We chose Hansar Hotel Bangkok, a boutique hotel near Lumpini Park and the MRT train. The location was perfect, but my favorite part was the infinity pool high among the buildings after a hot day of exploring! If you get a chance to travel just outside Bangkok, Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ruins of Siam’s ancient capital, deserves an entire day. Also on that list should be the Maeklong Railway Market (along train tracks) and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Thai people are lovely and welcoming. It’s always a good idea to respect the culture when visiting a country, and in Thailand that means covering up when entering temples, taking off your shoes when you see them piled outside a door and never taking durian fruit into your hotel room. After all, you don’t want to be known as that disrespectful American!
A Fantastic shopping event.
$ W 1O IT F H F TH AD IS M AD .
MID-AMERICA CENTER
ARTS & Crafts SHOW
Ove
150r
Exhib
itors
MARCH 16 - 17 MID-AMERICA CENTER COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA
Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 10-4
ADM. Just $5.00 (10 & under free) 2-day re-entry stamp
HUGE WIDE AISLES FREE PARKING
Where You Can Buy That Quality Handmade Product At An Affordable Price. Garden Art, Oak Furniture, Paintings, Ceramics, Jewelry, Metal Art Sculptures, Pet Products, Etched & Stained Glass, Yard Art, Pottery, Blown Glass, Candles, Clothing, Floral Wreaths, Toys & Dolls, Baskets, Rugs, Glassware, Purses, Ornaments, Food and Many More Original Products. All Handmade by the exhibitor. Callahan Promotions, Inc. 563-652-4529
For a chance to win $50 Gift Certificates visit our facebook page at Callahan Promotions, Inc. i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 45
The Midwest’s Largest Equestrian Event! Premier Jumping and Dressage Competition
April 4-7th, 2019 C H I H E A LT H C E N T E R Four Ticketed Events • Tickets start at $12.50 • VIP Ticket Packages For Ticket Purchases and Event Information: www.internationalomaha.com Free to the Public • Warm-Up Arena • Demonstration Arena • Horse Discovery Zone • Boutique Shopping
Rel ax
OUTDOORS
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 46 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
EXPERIENCE LOCAL
A SP ONSORED FEATURE
Forest volunteer and gala chair Catherine Harrington
FONTENELLE FOREST
FEATHER OUR NEST Gala plants seeds for future, celebrates forest guild's 50th year
T
BY MAGGIE O'BRIEN SPECIAL FOR FONTENELLE FOREST ASSOCIATION
he Fontenelle Forest Guild’s annual gala April 13 will highlight 50 years of fundraising for conservation,
education and recreation for tens of thousands of visitors each year to the Bellevue nature center. For the golden jubilee event, Feather Our Nest 2019, guild patrons will head to Marriott Omaha Downtown at the Capital District for dinner and silent and live auctions. Special experiences at the forest, paintings, photography, birdhouses and other works of art celebrating nature will be on the auction block. Guests holding VIP tickets will be treated to a Raptor Pre-Party for a close-up view of birds of prey in the forest’s raptor recovery program — a project of the guild. “Fontenelle Forest is such a unique treasure,” says Jenny Doyle, guild president. “And this event brings that treasure
to downtown Omaha (to point up) the connection of nature in our lives.” The nature center was established in 1913 when a group of nature lovers formed the Fontenelle Forest Association and purchased 300 acres of land along the Missouri River for exploring and learning about nature and wildlife. Today, Fontenelle Forest conserves about 2,000 acres of forest, wetlands and prairie; rescues and rehabilitates some 400 birds of prey a year, and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. “I’ve seen the forest headquarters when it was a little house. The secretary’s office was the front porch,” says Carol Russell, who worked there as a college student in the late 1960s. A former guild president, she and husband Rick enjoyed visiting the forest with their children through the years and now, their grandchildren. “Having the raptor exhibit there, having a place where kids can go and commune with nature, there are fewer and fewer spots like that,” Russell says. “With our kids, it
IF YOU GO WHAT Feather Our Nest 2019, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fontenelle Forest Guild WHEN Saturday, April 13 WHERE Marriott Omaha Downtown at the Capitol District, 222 N. 10th St. TICKETS General, $150; VIP, $250, includes Raptor Pre-Party. Corporate and table sponsorships available; contact Bettia Turner, bturner@fontenelleforest.org. RESERVATIONS fontenelleforest.org
added a dimension to their life that they wouldn’t have otherwise experienced.” Education is one of the nature center’s core values, according to Bettia Turner, assistant director of development for the forest. The objective: To inspire current and future generations to care for their world. The impact, she says, is significant: More than 40,000 children and adults participate in forest programming each year. “Fundraisers like Feature Our Nest help make it possible.” i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 47
RECIPES
sublime yolks
An egg in the hand is worth two in the sauce
S
ome of my earliest food memories are my grammy’s Sunday macaroni and cheese, black-
and-white episodes of Julia Child’s cooking show and the inarguable perfection of crispy buttery toast with dippy eggs (what we called “sunny-side eggs” in our part of Pennsylvania). At least to my palate, any chef’s attempt to create the world’s best sauce is really only a pursuit to create the world’s second-best sauce. No one is going to beat the chicken and her sublime yolks. Even ignoring the dozens of sauces like hollandaise, béarnaise CHAD LEBO
THE HIDDEN PANTRY
and mayonnaise that use eggs as a base, the plain old yolk on its own is an astounding
condiment for everything from steaks, vegetables, fish, rice, burgers, pizza, bread, pasta and more. The recipes here show just some of the versatility. A good pan-fried steak with asparagus features a warm yolk that complements both and also showcases horseradish. Then there is the classic Mexican Chorizo and eggs, but this version essentially poaches the eggs in the warm sausage while under a broiler. The result is a soft yolk oozing out as a rich sauce with the spicy meat. And a simple but critical twist on a fried egg wraps it up. Play around and enjoy them all. And next time you are reading a long, complicated recipe for a sauce that takes two hours and three hands to make, consider just reaching for an egg: the greatest sauce yet conceived by humanity and poultry.
EGG SAFETY There is, of course, some minimal risk of salmonella with undercooked eggs. For the young, elderly, pregnant and those with compromised immune systems, the risk is higher. Buy fresh refrigerated eggs as a start, but if you are truly concerned about safety, use pasteurized eggs that are available at higher-end grocery stores. You can also do a search online for how to pasteurize eggs at home.
48 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
CRISPY FRIED EGG & SPINACH SALAD SERVES 2 A fresh egg fried in olive oil is about as simple as it gets, but over high heat one ingredient becomes at once crunchy and crispy on the edges, rich and creamy in the middle and bubbly and chewy in between. Complimented with an easy spinach salad and toasted garlic bread, this 5-minute meal can be breakfast or even a light brunch or supper with a glass of white wine.
INSTRUCTIONS 2 fresh eggs ¼ cup olive oil 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or other vinegar) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups fresh baby spinach 2 slices good bread Salt to taste Black pepper to taste Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar for the salad dressing Hot sauce or ground peppers to taste
1. Prep everything before heating oil. 2. Slice the bread, mince the garlic, and measure out the vinegar into a bowl ready to make the dressing. 3. Crack the eggs into a small bowl first. Better to slide the eggs from the bowl to the skillet instead of cracking directly into the pan. 4. Add olive oil to skillet and heat over high until oil shimmers (1-2 minutes). 5. Gently slide eggs into the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Cook for 1-2 minutes until eggs are browned and crispy and whites are just set but yolk is still runny. 7. Remove eggs and drain on paper towel. 8. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 1 minute. 9. Spoon out 1 teaspoon of the hot oil and mix with the vinegar. Pour dressing over the spinach and toss until evenly coated. 10. Barely dip one side of the bread into the garlic oil. Pour out remaining oil from skillet and reserve for other uses. 11. Put bread slices oil-side down in skillet and cook over mediumhigh heat for 1-2 minutes until toasted. 12. Serve immediately while eggs are still warm.
SUNNY SIDE CHORIZO SKILLET SERVES 4 Nothing new about Chorizo and eggs, but this makes it all in one skillet and keeps the yolks nice and runny and saucy. Since the dish starts on the stove but finishes under the broiler, make sure to use an oven-safe skillet. Cast iron is great for this (and just generally speaking). Can be served on a plate with toast or as tacos with warm tortillas.
INSTRUCTIONS 4 fresh eggs 1 pound Mexican Chorizo 1 avocado, sliced ½ cup scallion or cilantro, minced 4 slices good bread or tortillas, toasted Sour cream, to taste Optional: Fresh baby spinach or very finely cut cabbage dressed with a touch of vinegar as a salad to serve on the side or in the tacos.
1. Cook the Chorizo in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat on the stove top. Chop up while it cooks so it is crumbly. Cook about 4-5 minutes until browned. 2. Remove from heat and gently crack 4 eggs directly into the skillet atop the Chorizo being careful to not break the yolks. 3. Top eggs and Chorizo with half of the scallions or cilantro. 4. Put skillet under broiler on high for 2-3 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. 5. Serve with sliced avocado, sour cream and remaining scallions or cilantro.
STEAK AND EGG Thank goodness two of the best steak sauces complement each other: horseradish and egg yolks. And to double the pleasure, they also pair wonderfully with asparagus. Both the asparagus and steak are best when cooked over high heat. This can make a little smoke if cooked indoors without a good hood vent. A cast iron skillet on the grill can give you great heat and no worries about smoke.
INSTRUCTIONS 2 steaks of your choice (I use Wagyu top sirloin) ½ pound asparagus 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 fresh egg yolks 2 half egg shells 2 slices good bread, toasted ¼ cup chives or scallions, finely minced Salt and black pepper to taste Optional: Shaved Parmesan cheese to toss with the asparagus
1. Preheat oven to 200 F. 2. Sprinkle steaks generously with salt on both sides. 3. Add olive oil to oven-safe skillet and heat over high until oil shimmers (1-2 minutes). 4. Add asparagus and sauté 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and tender but not
soft. 5. Remove asparagus and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper. 6. Use paper towels to pat dry both sides of steaks. 7. Add steaks to skillet and fry on high for 5 minutes. Flip every minute and for last minute use tongs to fry the sides. 8. Pour off all oil
from the skillet. 9. Place skillet in 200 F. oven for 5-10 minutes until internal temperature of steak is 120 F. Don’t guess. Use a thermometer. 10. While waiting for steaks in the oven, crack 2 fresh eggs and separate the yolks. Keep each yolk in half an eggshell like a small cup. Use a scrap of aluminum foil to make a small ring stand to hold the yolk and shell upright. 11. After steak reaches 120 F., turn off oven, but leave skillet inside. Add asparagus back to the skillet to warm along with the yolks and shells in their rings for 5 minutes. 12. Mix horseradish and sour cream. 13. Serve steak over the asparagus and drizzle with the horseradish sauce and chives. Cut or poke a hole in the middle of the toast and use it to hold the yolk and shell. Yolk and horseradish sauce are intended to accompany both the steak and asparagus. i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 49
SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ALL SEASONS FLORAL & GIFTS
EHLY'S INTERIORS
ERWIN'S JEWELERS
Spring has arrived at All Seasons Floral & Gifts. Flowers, home accents and attire – something for everyone. Specializing in florals for weddings, galas, funerals and corporate events. Order now for Easter. We deliver.
We do windows! We repair blinds! Family-owned and operated for over 41 years. Full interior décor service: blinds, fabrics, drapery, upholstery, wallpaper and carpeting. Stop by our showroom to see the latest in décor fashions.
Erwin's offers an extraordinary selection of fine jewelry, wedding and engagement rings, jewelry repairs. Their extensive gift collection suits all tastes and includes Sandhill crane fused-glass from Omaha artist Deb Kubik.
16939 WRIGHT PLAZA, SUITE 136 402-991-9300 SHOPALLSEASONSFLORALOMAHA.COM
2312 BOB BOOZER DRIVE 402-330-6557 WWW.EHLYSBLINDS.COM
223 W. MISSION AVE., BELLEVUE 402-291-2454 ERWINSJEWELERSCO.COM
THE GARAGE COMPANY
LEGACY ART & FRAME
NEW LIFE THRIFT
Omaha and Council Bluffs' premier fullservice company for garages, pool houses and custom sheds. Turnkey construction, including concrete floor. Models on display at our store.
A cozy little shop around the corner in Dundee. Filled with great finds, antiques, consignments, chandeliers. Framing for all antique and contemporary works of art.
Always a fun experience! Find designer, vintage, antiques, clothing, and furniture. Anniversary and back-to-school sales. Seasonal holiday store and NLtique Boutique. Call for pick up for your estate sale leftovers, clothing and furniture. Like us on Facebook!
8301 Q ST. 402-934-9206 THEGARAGECOMPANY.COM
111 N. 50TH ST. 402-330-6665 LEGACYART&FRAME/FACEBOOK
7007 S. 36TH ST., BELLEVUE 402-731-9311 NEWLIFETHRIFT.NET
SPRUCE & ROSIE JANE
TEXTILES
VILLAGE NEEDLEWORKS
The BEST gifts for ever y occasion, Spruce and Rosie Jane have them all! Stop by Spruce for amazing candles, home décor, books, jewelr y and handbags. Rosie Jane has ever ything for babies and toddlers — clothes, books, toys and games. Complimentar y gift wrap.
Dare to be unique! Textiles has it all. Interior design. Custom upholstery. Lighting. Drapery. Wallpaper. Furniture. Start planning for graduation now.
Omaha's premier needlepoint shop. Your destination for turning your passion for needlepoint into a work of art. Located in Countryside Village.
149TH STREET & INDUSTRIAL ROAD 402-399-8764 TEXTILESINTERIORS.COM
8709 SHAMROCK ROAD 402-391-1191 VILLAGENEEDLEWORKS.COM
5018 & 5022 LEAVENWORTH ST. 402-952-4480 INSTAGRAM.COM/SPRUCEOMAHA INSTAGRAM.COM/ROSIEJANEGIFTSOMAHA
50 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9
THE DESIGN GALLERY RY AT NEBR A SKA F U RNI T U RE MA RT
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700 South 72nd Street • Omaha, NE • 800-359-1200
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THE 2020 LINCOLN AVIATOR AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE OF BEAUTY AND PERFORMANCE
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