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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

November/December 2013

inside

Omaha

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big house on the prairieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gets a loving Makeover

Welcome the season

Holiday Primer

Notice-me Style Delish Recipes Smashing parties

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KURT A. KEELER

Stack old books in the shape of a tree, add fresh greenery and decorative balls, and you have a sweet display for your den or reading nook. Handblown glass orbs, $22.95 each, from Lewis Art Gallery; traditional balls from Tannenbaum, $3.50 to $9.95 each. Accent table, $1,640, from Lewis Art Gallery.

N O T B E N

P I C T U R E D :

A N D O N

S A R A H ’ S

T H E

J A W S

F L O O R .

Some rooms make better first impressions than others. And a Tile Shop showroom is certainly no exception. Here, we have dozens of actual kitchen and bath displays to give you ideas and to get you inspired. Because we think you should be able to see the tile you love on our wall before hanging it on yours. It’s like taking your new space for a test drive. The Tile Shop. Beautiful made easy. Get inspired at TileShop.com. LO C AT E D AT 12951 W EST C E N T E R ROA D I N T H E MO N TC L A I R S H O P P I N G C E N T E R

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Editor's Note

Home for the Holidays

November/December 2013

Editor Chris Christen 402-444-1094 Chris.Christen@owh.com Assistant Editor Amy LaMar

This holiday season,

ages Inc.

we take you to my hometown of Oakland,

Scholz Im

Neb., to meet a couple who took on an ambitious restoration of a 1908 home and got a "blessed gift" in return. The homeowners, Mike and Karen Blanc, opened their home for a public tour last December and proclaimed their twoand-a-half-year journey complete. See why it was the happiest holiday season ever (page 48). As a footnote, I watched the house’s progress from afar for about a year. After the holiday tour, I asked Mike and Karen if we could share their story on our pages. They were over the moon. Karen, who blogs about life as a wife, mother and grandmother (MotherRabbitSays. blogspot.com) called our visit and photo session “a thrill of a lifetime.” She told her followers: “I am on a sweet high from the whole experience.” The pleasure was all ours.

Karen is nuts about Pottery Barn, and she has filled her home with comfortable, traditional pieces and creative touches that make my head spin. We’ll share several of these in 2014 when Karen joins us as a regular contributor. I hope that you enjoy this issue as much as our team has enjoyed putting it together. A number of us already have shopped our pages. Check out the Gift Guide (page 32) and our styled fashion feature (page 40). Have a friend who loves looking through your copy of this magazine? Gift us! Subscribe at inspiredhomeomaha.com. Or call 402-444-1094. We aim to make shopping easy! Wishing you warmth, laughter and love this holiday season.

Chris Christen Editor

Creative Director/Designer Heidi Hoffman Photo Imaging Specialist Patricia “Murphy” Benoit Content Contributors Stephen Bell, Krystal Overmyer, Pat Waters, Heather Winkel, Karen Blanc, Nathan Newhouse, Lindsey Anne Baker, Avery Loschen, Sandra Wendel Photography Contributors Jeffrey Bebee, Kurt A. Keeler, Dev Hanumara, Daniel Johnson, Heidi Hoffman, Corrie Suhr Sales Manager Carrie Kentch 402-444-1448 Carrie.Kentch@owh.com Account Representative Cathleen Vanhauer 402-444-1209 Cathleen.Vanhauer@owh.com Events & Custom Publishing Manager Tam Webb 402-444-3125 Tam.Webb@owh.com On the Cover: DIY ornaments styled by Heather Winkel, photographed by Dev Hanumara

Proudly published by

1314 Douglas St., Suite 600 Omaha NE 68102 402-444-1094 Inspired Home Omaha (ISSN 7447026659) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2013, Omaha World-Herald Co. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

Find us at Mike and Karen Blanc take us inside their "Big House on the Prairie," page 48. Photo by Jeffrey Bebee.

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6 NOvember/December 2013

Calendar

go. do. GREEN HOME TOUR

'ELF THE MUSICAL'

Nov. 9 Various locations greenomahacoalition.org Tour six to seven homes in the greater Omaha area, including recently completed homes by Charles Thomas Homes and Dwell Omaha, as well as remodels by homeowners in Bellevue and downtown. A variety of new construction, remodels and green remodels in progress will be featured. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: $5

Nov. 19-24 Orpheum Theater ticketomaha.com This modern-day Christmas classic is a funny tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. He ends up helping New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Hours: Start times vary Admission: $30 to $75

SMART ENERGY EXPO Nov. 10 Millard Lumber greenomahacoalition.org The purpose of the Green Omaha Coalition’s Smart Energy Expo is to create awareness of products and services that add value, save money and promote energy efficiency for your home and lifestyle. Industry leaders will be on-hand displaying products and answering questions. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free

ESCOFFIER, MASTER OF THE KITCHEN: BRUNCH, THEATRE & DESSERT Nov. 16 Metropolitan Community College - Fort Omaha Campus, Institute for the Culinary Arts mccneb.edu/bistro Celebrity chef Georges Auguste Escoffier presents a clever and funny presentation that delves into the gossip and backstory of the restaurants, recipes and private lives of famous people in Europe. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Admission: $36; includes brunch, theatre and dessert

8 NOvember/December 2013

BLING IN THE HOLIDAYS Nov. 23 Westside Community Center blingintheholidays.blog.com This fine art show and sale features one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, paintings, fiber, fused glass, blown glass, lamp work, wood, mixed media, gourmet food items and more. You can also help support the Children’s Respite Care Centers of Omaha by donating a new toy. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free

MIRACLE ON FARNAM Nov. 23 Midtown Crossing Turner Park midtowncrossing.com The annual debut of Midtown Crossing’s holiday lights and fireworks spectacular showcases the artistry and imagination of at least 20 of Omaha’s arts and cultural organizations’ window displays. The most miraculous window display, which will be determined by public vote, earns a $3,000 donation courtesy of the Baer Foundation. Hours: Holiday lights debut begins at dusk; the window

Fashionable • Trendy • Classic Get in the Holiday Spirit. Tour Homes. Enjoy Brunch & Dessert.

displays are available for viewing every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through New Year’s Day. Admission: Free

HOLIDAY POINSETTIA SHOW Nov. 29 to Jan. 5 Lauritzen Gardens lauritzengardens.org Thousands of poinsettias fill the floral display hall for a spectacular, beautiful way to celebrate the holidays. In the center of it all is a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree surrounded by twinkling lights, ornaments and model trains. Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. Garden members and children under age 6 are admitted free of charge.

HOLIDAY CRAFTS BAZAAR Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 Omar Bakery building, Boiler Room Studios (lower level) handmadeomaha.com Several artists will have their work on display. There will be an opportunity to create a DIY project – your own gift wrap – for a $5 suggested donation to cover the cost of materials. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30, and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 Admission: Free

HISTORIC HOME TOUR Dec. 6 to Dec. 7 Storz Mansion, Gold Coast Barmettler House and Joslyn Castle joslyncastle.com Enjoy three amazing historic homes decorated for the holidays. Tour the famous Storz Mansion, the elegant and sophisticated Gold Coast Barmettler House and the spectacular, historic Joslyn

Castle. Enjoy special tastings at each home, as well as a holiday gift boutique on the second and third floors of the Joslyn Castle. A tour and boutique preview party will be held Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Joslyn Castle. Tickets for the preview party are $75, and include tour admission. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: $20

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE Dec. 7 24th Street between Burdette and Ohio Streets empoweromaha.com This community holiday celebration is presented by the Empowerment Network, OEDC, North Omaha Arts Alliance, Love’s Jazz and Arts Center and the City of Omaha in partnership with more than 50 organizations, businesses, ministries and groups. The event draws over 1,000 visitors, and includes free carriage rides, live holiday jazz and gospel music, free hot chocolate and cookies, an arts and crafts boutique and more. Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Admission: Free

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HOLIDAY WREATH CREATION Dec. 14 Lauritzen Gardens lauritzengardens.org This annual workshop teaches you how to create an elegant holiday wreath using fresh evergreens, pinecones, winterberries and other materials. Limited availability. Hours: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Admission: $39 for members; $49 for nonmembers

Call today ay for your FREE in-home estimate.

402.884.9600 402 884 9600 inspiredhomeomaha.com 9

The Dish

A recipe series for home cooks who want to kick it up a notch.

Rise and shine Equal parts of orange juice and maple syrup make this soufflĂŠ worth getting up for.

R e c i p e b y C h e f S t e p h e n B e l l , c h e f i n s t r u c t o r, Metropolitan Community College Photographed by Daniel Johnson

Tip:

rrific h is a te This dis -fuss for a no e option mble th e ch. Ass d n n ru a b r re winte ht befo t x the nig e s n in e k h e T ram vered. o c , te refrigera g, simply bake mornin ve. and ser

Learn More

Take your cooking to the next level with mcc's Everyday extraordinaire classes. mccneb.edu/ce.

10â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

MAPLE-ORANGE FRENCH TOAST SOUFFLÉ Yield: 4 servings 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 4 eggs 1 egg white ½ cup milk 1⁄3 cup orange juice 1⁄3 cup maple syrup Zest of 1 orange 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar 4 cups French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 cup chopped pecans, divided Dash cinnamon

In a medium bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and egg white, one at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth. Stir in milk, orange juice, syrup, orange zest and sugars until smooth and blended.

Divide bread cubes among four greased 10-ounce ramekins or custard cups; sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans onto the bread. Slowly pour a generous ½ cup of the egg mixture over the bread in each cup; press bread into the egg mixture.

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3. Cover ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour up to overnight.

4. Place ramekins on a baking sheet. Add a pinch of cinnamon and sprinkle remaining chopped pecans into each ramekin.

Bake on the center rack of a preheated 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until custards are puffed and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 11

Host

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ls e chil ry Carol Cheers pagn a r ty

Cham foyer of M more pa e in the home. Se ation from m y's spir it r in l's tea . r a g G ell Hil m ratin deco and the N omaha.co e y it m r r o h Ga pired at ins

Best Time of the Year the

just got better

Helpful strategies for entertaining with ease (and lots of flair). 12â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

Entertaining is all about showing your guests

a great time and serving delicious food. Party pros share tips in this ultimate primer for the perfect holiday soirée. Story by Chris Christen

Mary Carol Garrity Founder, Nell Hill's

harried shopper issues a warning: “Don’t come in unless you have a passion for Christmas.” Hello? That’s exactly why throngs crash Nell Hill’s in Atchison, Kan., each November. Customers can’t wait to see what Mary Carol Garrity’s home-decorating empire is up to for the holidays. They’re ready to shop, too, especially after collecting ideas from a tour of Garrity’s Greek Revival home. The Nell Hill’s team starts decorating the house in early August in order to have it ready for busloads of weekend visitors during the first part of November. For a good number of fans –

Open house

Tour Mary Carol Garrity's home (for free!) during her annual holiday open house Nov. 8-9. For details, visit nellhills.com

including a growing share from Omaha and elsewhere in Nebraska – it’s an annual pilgrimage. The draw is the chance to exchange pleasantries with Garrity, who greets each and every visitor at the door. And they get to see how Garrity and her team have incorporated the latest holiday décor into the traditional interior. “Zip ties are our best friend,” Garrity offers as a decorating tip. “No nails, no damage.” Boxwood wreaths, evergreen swags, twig orbs, red berries and other naturals dominated the 2012 display. And this year? Garrity will only hint: “Prepare to be dazzled.”

For the Hostess

Five beyond-the-ordinary hostess gift ideas from Garrity's blog: Spools of holiday ribbon Evergreen bouquets Fingertip towels Mini cake plates Silver votives

Hot off the press

Garrity's eighth book, "Nell Hill's Rooms We Love" ($29.99), hit book stands in October. Learn secrets for romancing a room, new ways to transform old spaces with color and the author's guiding principles for interior design.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 13

DINNER IS SERVED Impress your guests with a golden array of recipes, courtesy of one of the city's hottest catering chefs. Recipes by Nathan Newhouse Photographed by Kurt A. Keeler

E HOM D E R I E INSPXCLUSIV feature E this ner

s in ate din ecipe n The r its at a privMark Alle h y at were hosted b Ledwon rd l party r and Pau deis Milla Mase toric Bran more: is ee the h ansion. S maha.com o M e m edho inspir

14â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

Chef Nathan Newhouse Owner, Attitude on Food

Chilled Cantaloupe and Peach Soup Yield: 6 servings 6 very ripe peaches 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ cup white wine 1 tablespoon orange blossom honey ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Dash fresh ground nutmeg 1 medium-sized ripe cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1. Peel, pit and slice the peaches. Place peaches in a medium-sized saucepan with the lemon juice, white wine, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. Heat to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow soup to cool.

Once the soup is cool, use a blender or food processor to puree the peach mixture with the cantaloupe and orange juice. Puree until very smooth.

3. Pour the soup into a bowl. Cover and chill until it’s very cold.

When soup is ready to serve, top with sliced red grapes or fresh blueberries.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 15

Baked Salmon Parcel With Pear & Jicama Slaw and Carrot Sauce

1. Gently pull apart 6 egg roll wrappers. 2. Season salmon on both sides with salt and pepper, and

Yield: 6 servings

place in the middle of the wrapper. Place a sprig of cilantro on top of the salmon.

Salmon

3. Brush melted butter around the edge of the wrapper.

Egg roll wrappers (available at Asian grocery stores) Six 6-ounce portions of fresh salmon (boneless/skinless filets) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons melted butter Additional melted butter

Fold the pastry around the salmon to make a parcel.

Place the salmon on a cookie sheet. Brush more melted butter on top. Bake in a 380-degree oven until lightly golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Slaw 1 large jicama, peeled and cut into matchstick-sized strips 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into matchstick-sized strips 1 pear, peeled and julienned (place strips in water with a teaspoon of lemon juice to stop browning) Cilantro, rough-chopped, to taste Combine above ingredients in a bowl. Add dressing (recipe below) and mix well.

Dressing Âź cup rice wine vinegar 1â &#x201E;8 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil Juice of half of a lemon 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 clove garlic, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Adjust seasonings as necessary. Pour over slaw.

Carrot sauce 1 pound fresh peeled carrots 1 stick unsalted butter Pinch cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (used for thickening) Dash heavy cream

Place carrots in an electric juicer and juice (or use a 14- to 16-ounce container of pre-made juice).

2. Place juice and butter in a saucepan and bring to a slow simmer.

16â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

3. Once simmering, add cayenne and other seasonings and whisk together.

Pour in cornstarch/water mixture a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

5. Add cream, and adjust seasonings accordingly. To assemble the dish: Place slaw in the middle of a plate, and put the cooked salmon gently on top. Using a teaspoon, spoon sauce around the salmon.

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LET YOUR BODY DO THE TALKING Build a Buffet table Arrange serving platters at varying heights on the buffet table. Gather items from around your house as risers, and then cover them with linens.

1. Peel potatoes and boil in Sweet Potato Dip Yield: 8 servings

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1 pound sweet potatoes ¼ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream 1 clove garlic (or to taste) Salt and pepper to taste Flat bread or pita bread Balsamic vinegar Olive oil

salted water until very soft. Let drain well for 10 minutes, then cool.

Place potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic and salt and pepper in food processor and blend well. Adjust seasonings as needed.

3. Grill flat bread; cut into quarters. Arrange on a plate, and drizzle with vinegar and oil just before serving.

4. Spread dip onto bread.

Overnight Short Ribs

Cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees for 4 hours.

Yield: 10 servings

5. When short ribs are done,

5 pounds short ribs Salt to taste Pepper to taste ¼ cup oil 2 cups diced carrots 2 cups diced celery 2 cups diced yellow onion 2 tablespoons fresh thyme 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary 4 cups red wine 6 cups water 5 cloves garlic ¼ cup beef stock ½ cup tomato paste ½ cup water ½ cup cornstarch

take the ribs out of the liquid and allow the beef and the liquid to sit in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, skim the fat off the top of the liquid. Heat the liquid on the stove. Bring to a boil and thicken with ½ cup water and cornstarch. This is your demi-glace for the short ribs.

7. Heat ribs in a 350-degree oven in a covered dish until hot (approximately 30 minutes). Serve on a plate and top with demi-glace sauce.

Season short ribs with salt and pepper.

Sear all four sides of ribs in a hot pan with oil, then remove.

3. Place short ribs in a

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18 NOvember/December 2013

roasting pan, followed by the carrots, celery, onion, thyme, rosemary, red wine, 6 cups water, garlic, beef stock and tomato paste.

HOUSEHOLD aromaS

Fill your table and the room with candlelight. But avoid scented candles. Let the aroma of the food stand on its own.

Hibiscus and Brie Cheese Almondine Crostini Yield: 8 servings French baguette, sliced ¼-inch thick Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup (purchase online or from Attitude on Food or use a cranberry sauce/compote) 1 small wheel of a good French or domestic Brie cheese Sliced almonds, lightly toasted

1. Place sliced baguette on a cookie sheet. 2. Cut each flower in half and place on a

Acorn clusters, mini photo frames, wine corks and fruit work for this purpose, too.

paper towel.

3. Cut cheese to a size that fits nicely on a baguette slice and place on each slice.

4. Top each slice with a flower half. 5. Bake in oven at 380 degrees for a few minutes or until cheese is slightly melted.

Remove from oven and add almonds. Continue cooking for another few minutes. Remove from oven.

Sweet signage

Create holiday-themed signage for each item on the table. Try this: Tie three candy canes together with ribbon, with the curved ends resting on the tabletop. You'll have the perfect menu holder in less than five minutes. And for pennies, too!

Arrange on a platter, and drizzle with hibiscus syrup just before serving.

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inspiredhomeomaha.com 19

Avery Loschen Party host extraordinaire

Desserts hold center stage Family recipes tempt taste buds, evoke happy memories. Story by Lindsey Anne Baker Photography by Corrie Suhr

hen I arrive at the grand home of Avery Loschen and Will Perkins in Omaha’s Gold Coast neighborhood, the scene is buzzing at a low hum. It’s a half-hour before their annual holiday open house, and things seem to be in order. Loschen, a real estate investor, leads me through the 10,000-square-foot 1917 mansion at 38th and California Streets. He and Perkins, an interior designer, have been fastidiously restoring it since its rescue in 2010. We're politely interrupted by someone looking for lemons. Later, while Loschen and I chat by the fireplace in the library, Perkins, with a bright red snowflake pinned to his lapel, pops in. “Dry vermouth?” he offers. Although the clock is ticking, none of the questions are frenzied – these are the fine details of a plan weeks in the making. From the main floor’s north solarium to its corresponding south solarium, tables are dressed. Blocks of cheese, crackers, grapes and nuts, dips and savory hors d’oeuvres are in position. And sweets, well, if anything is going to steal the show from the stunning home, the sweets will do it. “I love to bake,” Loschen says simply. He has, in fact, baked, cooked and prepped all of the food for their 150 to 200 guests. “I start planning for our holiday open house at least six to eight weeks in advance,” Loschen says. “Just like real estate is all about ‘location, location, location,’ parties are all about ‘planning, planning, planning.’”

20 NOvember/December 2013

Loschen makes lists of what he plans to make, and chooses recipes based on how far in advance they can be prepared. He develops calendars for food prep and a master shopping list with necessary quantities. “You do not have time to keep running to the store if you are going to maintain your schedule,” he says. When it comes to cookies, Loschen makes three or four kinds a day. With 40 varieties on the menu, he starts baking cookies 10 to 14 days before the party. He starts with those that can be frozen, and avoids making any that are too timeconsuming or complicated. He ends up with 75 to 100 pieces of each type. “I want to make sure that I have more than enough,” he says. “You can always use the leftovers for cookie platters for friends or neighbors or additional parties.” Loschen’s heritage is German and Danish, and he uses recipes that he grew up with from three generations of his family. His great-grandmothers, grandmothers and mother were “great cooks and bakers,” he says. “When I prepare each of their recipes, it brings back happy thoughts.” Chatter emerges around the cookie table. “The place looks fabulous.” “This is a wonderful setting.” “Avery’s made a few things, hasn’t he?” An hour into the party, a guest leans toward me. “It’s noisy in here,” she says. “I think that’s a good sign.” I have to agree. It’s not too noisy. It’s good noisy. It’s people meeting, mingling. It’s the party’s finest final detail.

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Yield: About 6 dozen

Getting It Together Loschen's prep tips for the days just before the big event:

1 cup sugar Â˝ teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter 3 ounces cream cheese, softened Â˝ teaspoon almond extract Â˝ teaspoon vanilla 1 egg yolk (reserve white) 2 Âź cups all-purpose flour

Combine sugar, salt, butter, cream cheese, almond extract, vanilla and egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add flour and mix until combined. 3. Divide dough into three equal parts and chill for 30 minutes. 4. Roll out one portion of dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured board. Cut in desired shapes.

5. Place 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets. If desired, brush with a slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with white or colored sugar. You can also omit the egg white and sugar, bake plain and frost when cool.

Bake cookies at 375 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are just turning golden on the edges. Remove cookies from sheets and cool on racks. Store in airtight containers.

Set tables with linens and serving pieces one or two days before a large party. Put written notes with the names of the items that will be served on each serving piece. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If someone is helping you at the last minute,â&#x20AC;? Loschen says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this tells him or her exactly where everything goes.â&#x20AC;? Limit items that need to be prepared the day of the party. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are always a million-and-one last-minute details that need your attention.â&#x20AC;? Consider having two shifts of helpers. Those who come early to help with preparation (then go home to change clothes and return); and those who come to help with final details (already dressed for the party).

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Danielle Rollins,

Author, "Soirée: Entertaining With Style" (Rizzoli, 2012) Story by Chris Christen

“Your party should reflect you. But when your

guests arrive, it’s your job to make each one feel like they're the most important person in the room.”

Color palette

If you look outside, everything goes together. Take nature as your example in your color palette. You can make any pattern feel seasonal by changing up the flowers and accessories. You don't have to have red and green for Christmas.

Set the stage

Think outside the box and improvise at every opportunity. Gather side chairs from other rooms for seating; rent tables, or build them from long planks, wooden doors or anything else that's flat and can be draped with fabric.

Break the Ice

Dress the part

Invite the right mix of people. Specify the attire for your guests so they can coordinate their look with the party’s decor.

22 NOvember/December 2013

Set up a tray of drinks near the door. This gives people a reason to talk and mingle the minute they cross the threshold. Whether you hire a bartender depends on the formality of the party.

Mix & Match

Set a great table. Mix and match your dishes, flatware and serving pieces. A collected look always carries more charm and warmth than a perfectly matched table.

Stay in season

Build your menu around foods that are in season and readily available. Recipes need not be timeconsuming or intimidating. But add a few homemade personal touches – these invariably catch your guests’ attention and envy.

French 75 Yield: 8 servings 12 ounces gin 8 ounces Lemon Simple Syrup (see recipe, right) 8 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice (8 to 10 lemons) 8 chilled champagne coupes filled with crushed ice 1 bottle dry champagne, chilled

1. In a large pitcher, combine gin, Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Stir.

Fill chilled champagne glasses with crushed ice, and fill the glasses about one-third of the way with the gin lemonade.

3. Top each glass with 2 ounces champagne just before serving.

Lemon Simple Syrup Yield: 8 servings 1 cup water 1 cup sugar Zest of 2 to 3 lemons Juice of 1 lemon

1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes clear.

2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring continuously for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Add lemon zest and juice. Pour into a container. Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Source: “Soirée: Entertaining With Style” by Danielle Rollins (Rizzoli, 2012). Photo courtesy of the author.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 23

Feature

Assigned Seating Welcome guests to your table with place card perfection.

Te x t b y H e a t h e r W i n k e l Photographed by Dev Hanumara

Oh, Christmas Tree Create whimsical Christmas place cards that reflect the spirit of the season. WHAT YOU NEED

Small evergreen tree (available at craft stores) Burlap Baker’s twine Name tag Toy car WHAT YOU DO

1. Create a burlap sack around the bottom of your miniature tree using a small square of burlap tied on with baker’s twine. 2. Attach a name tag to the twine used to attach the burlap sack. 3. Cut a small rectangle of burlap and place on top of car. 4. Tie tree to the toy car through its windows using baker’s twine.

24 NOvember/December 2013

Fall Foliage

Bring the fall colors to your Thanksgiving table with leaves straight from your yard. WHAT YOU NEED

Leaves Stencil X-Acto knife WHAT YOU DO

1. Gather enough leaves for each letter of your guests’ names, and put the leaves between two books to flatten. 2. Using a stencil and an X-Acto knife, cut out one letter per leaf. 3. Spell out names on each guest’s plate.

Holiday in a Jar

A jar full of goodies makes a simple seating card for any occasion. WHAT YOU NEED

Small jar Seasonal trinkets Waxed or craft paper String Gift tag WHAT YOU DO

1. Fill a jar with seasonal trinkets (We used cinnamon sticks and pinecones). 2. Cut a square of waxed or craft paper an inch bigger than the jar on all sides, and tie it on with string. 3. Fill out and attach a gift tag to the jar with a string bow.

Twiggy Star

Create rustic, yet glamorous place cards for Hanukkah by pairing twigs and glitter. WHAT YOU NEED

Glitter glue Wooden name tag 6 twigs of equal length Craft glue Ribbon WHAT YOU DO

1. Use glitter glue to write the guest's name on a wooden tag. Let dry. 2. Gather six small twigs of a similar length to form two triangles. 3. Glue each triangle together using craft glue. 4. Lay one triangle upside down on top of the other to form a star, and then glue the two triangles together. 5. Let dry before attaching a ribbon bow and the name tag. inspiredhomeomaha.com 25

Feature

Naughty Nice

We picked up this metal tag ($3) from Callie LaScala's Countyline Studio at Junkstock Omaha – Harvest Edition. We also snagged a heart magnet ($2), but it didn't feel “wintry” enough, so we improvised by gluing a felt snowflake to another magnet. Darling (if we say so ourselves).

Tag – You’re It!

Wr i t t e n a n d S t y l e d b y Chris Christen and Karen Blanc Photographed by Heidi Hoffman

ft more e cra n mor Find iration o ards. insp erest bo Pint rest.com/gazine our a te Pin maham iredo

insp

e the hit of your holiday gift exchange with cheery packages adorned with creative tags. Scrapbook aisles at craft stores are chock-full of specialty papers and embellishments. Pick a theme that relates to your gift – playful, romantic, sentimental or sporty, for example. Then coordinate your paper and stock up on your trimmings. Good to have on-hand: Scissors; glue gun and glue sticks; string; ribbon; decorative tape; 3-D paints; and fine-tip and medium-tip Sharpies. We’re yearround fans of brown craft paper. You can dress it up or dress it down, and it’s appropriate for everybody on your gift-giving list.

We love this! Photos as gift tags. Even those too young to know how to read will know which gift is theirs.

26 NOvember/December 2013

Walk through your yard and see what you can find. Acorns, pinecones, evergreen sprigs, berries, feathers and twigs are natural accents that don’t cost a cent. Be sure to knock off the dust and bugs; an old toothbrush works well. Metallic spray paint and glitter glue provide a festive touch.

Nothing says "homespun holidays" more than peppermint-striped string. We bought a package of felt snowflakes, but kids surely would have fun making a batch for you. A felt mitten on a mini clothespin holds a tag made on a home computer. The tag is printed on card stock and trimmed with pinking shears.

Ribbons in different colors, textures and styles add instant interest. You'll get lots of mileage out of a rubber stamp, too. For this example, we tied on a sweet silver locket. You don't have to stick with a holiday stamp. You might pick a design that gives the recipient a clue about the giver. "Mother Rabbit" is an example.

A decorating trick is to work in groups of three. In this example, two balls and a gift tag are balanced to the eye. The velvet ribbon, however, appears underwhelming on its own. Add a layer of sheer ribbon and – presto! – you have a perfectly balanced display.

‘ Tis the Season TO GIVE

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HOME Omaha

Subscriptions to digital or print www.inspiredHOMEomaha.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 27

Ornamental Design Swirls of color add pop to plain bulbs. Text and Styling by Heather Winkel Photos by Dev Hanumara

Painted Ornament Cluster WHAT YOU NEED WHAT YOU DO Ribbon Craft paint Wood skewers Styrofoam base Clear glass bulbs

1. Pick out coordinating ribbon and paint colors. 2. Insert skewers into the Styrofoam base. 3. Remove tops from clear glass bulbs. 4. Squeeze paint into bulbs and swirl into a design. 5. Once painted, turn bulb upside down and place on skewer to dry.

6. Watch excess paint ooze out! 7. Allow to dry completely (it may take several days). Remove from skewers and return tops to bulbs. 8. Measure varying lengths of ribbon (making sure they lay nicely into a cluster), and tie a single ribbon to each bulb. 9. Tie the dangling end of the ribbon in a knot and hang.

28â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

Place waxed paper, a brown paper sack or newsprint on your work surface to protect it from wet paint.

YOUR

Holida g Design & Gift Destination FURNITURE ACCESSORIES FLOWERS

ROEDER MORTUARIES

Family Owned for 100 years

It means so much. Whenever you need us, Roeder Mortuary is here for you. As a fourth-generation, family-owned mortuary, we know the importance of attentive service to every detail: • Traditional funerals • Graveside services • Memorial services • Video tributes • Cremation services • Pre-planning It’s our family helping yours, since 1912.

4922 Dodge St 402-991-1970 voilaﬂowers.com MON-FRI 8AM-6PM SAT 8AM-4PM CLOSED SUN

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11710 Standing Stone 402-332-0090

www.roedermortuary.com inspiredhomeomaha.com 29

Homespiration

Steal this idea for vintage family photos – what a great surprise gift that would be!

kurt a. keeler

The World’s Smallest and Lightest Digital SLR Camera. Small Size, Big Possibilities. As the world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR camera*, the new EOS Rebel SL1 is small in size but enormous in performance. � ��

Informative class included with purchase. ��

30 NOvember/December 2013

Rockbrook 108th & Center 397-1171

Legacy 168th & W. Center (1 Blk. South) 691-0003

Lincoln 70th & Pioneers 488-4200

Shop 24/7 at rockbrookcamera.com

Art to the Letter Put your handwritten treasures on display. By Karen Blanc

ost of us keep cherished correspondence tucked away in a shoe box or a drawer. But why not put these meaningful pieces on display? Here are three examples of keepsake letters and postcards as fabulous works of art.

1. Supersize a postcard as poster art.

Using an idea from Pinterest, I enlarged two postcards that are part of our familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. One postcard was mailed from Oakland, Neb., to Lincoln, Neb., in 1913 by the original owner of my home. Another postcard traveled across the ocean in 1908 from Sweden to my great-grandfather in Benson, Neb. The message is in Swedish, while the address is in English. I love seeing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nort Amerikaâ&#x20AC;? in big, glorious letters. The supersized reproductions are displayed in 18-by-24-inch and 24-by-36-inch frames that corresponded to the enlargements available at my favorite copy center. The proportions of my postcards didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit exactly into the frames, so I disguised the discrepancy by placing the postcards on similarly colored backgrounds before enlarging them.

2. Bundle letters for a tabletop display.

In our household, a Marineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letters back home were saved and gifted to him by his mother. Today, the letters are proudly displayed with the Marineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog tags wrapped around them.

3. Decorate a hallway with holiday greetings.

Use matching mats and frames in a hallway gallery that stirs warm memories each time you pass it. In our home, three generations are now represented in words and pictures.

The

STARDUST Collection

exclusively In this day and age of cyber correspondence, a hand-writtenat letter is a treasure. This holiday season, give the gift of a note written in your own hand. Not fond of your penmanship? People who love you love your handwriting. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a unique part of you. Letter-writing is a breeze when the supplies are readily at hand. Build a little writing station with note cards, postage stamps, return address labels or a custom and a GCstamp Gems good-quality pen. Feeling crafty? Rubber stamps and ink pads, stickers, photos and card stock are basics for homemade cards and tags.

wishing on a star GC Gems 8420 WEST DODGE RD., #109 402-210-9091 | GCGEMS.COM

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 31

Holiday

Gift Guide BROUGHT TO YOU BY THESE SPONSORS

Wine, Beer & Spirits Gift Card, $100

Personalized Photo Calendar, Starting at $19.99

Remember the year in photographs of your family, friends and memorable events. Order your own unique, personalized photo calendar today from the Creative Imaging Suite inside Rockbrook Camera. Twelve- and 18-month calendars are available to document your life’s journey.

ROCKBROOK CAMERA Rockbrook - 108th & Center Legacy - 168th & West Center Road rockbrookcamera.com

Glenda Gies Designer Handbag, Starting at $155

This gorgeous handbag features black chenille mosaic on lush gold brocade with a leather calfskin trim. Choose from a selection of luxurious fabrics and styles to complete her look.

DEB’S-TIQUE 617 N. 98th St. 402-934-3770 debstique.com

32 NOvember/December 2013

An Omaha treasure, Spirit World has curated the best offering of beer, wine and spirits, not to mention the Hunters' Chicken Salad from their always scrumptious cafe. For the holiday season only, you will be rewarded with a FREE $10 gift card with each purchase of a $100 gift card. A thoughtful and generous gift for someone special on your list and a little something for you, too.

SPIRIT WORLD 7517 Pacific St. 402-391-8680 spiritworldwine.com

Creating the Premier Outdoor Living Experience

Omaha

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402-330-7811

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Experience the Magic at

SANTA’S HOURS Monday - Saturday: 2 pm - 8 pm Sunday: 12 pm - 6 pm Christmas Eve: 10 am - 3 pm Professional Portraits by Mary Kay Photography

Celebrate the Holidays with us the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve!

Watch it snow in Center Court every Saturday from 1 pm - 5 pm The snow will fall on the hour

REGENCY COURT MALL 120 Regency Parkway Omaha, Nebraska regencycourtomaha.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 33

Gift Guide

Hand-Blown Glass Ornaments, Starting Under $10 Ornaments from Old World Christmas make a fun and fanciful addition to any collection. Shown below are Swinging On A Star, Magis’ Camel and The Frog King – each created with mouth-blown glass, hand-painted and glittered. Many other ornament styles are available.

TANNENBAUM CHRISTMAS SHOP 1007 Howard St. 402-345-9627 otannenbaum.com

Home

& Palate

Gifts for the home and palate never disappoint. Downtown Omaha doesn’t either.

Food and Wine Lover’s Gift Basket, Starting at $25

Fill a gift basket with your choice of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars paired with your favorite bottle of wine. Finish off the basket with gourmet salts, jams, mustards, pastas and sauces. There is a variety of pre-made baskets ready to go, or custom design your own.

VINE + BRANCH 1125 Jackson St. 402-614-4048 fineoilsandvinegars.com

Downtown Omaha Gift Card, $10 to $500

Will you be giving gift cards to friends, family and others this holiday season, but don't know what type of card they would like? The Downtown Omaha gift card allows them to dine, shop, play and stay at over 100 downtown businesses including bars, restaurants, retailers, galleries, hotels and more. There is so much to DO in downtown Omaha!

DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 1620 Dodge St. 402-916-1796 omahadowntown.org

“First Light - Grizzly Bear,” 20x30 Framed Limited-Edition Print, $1,295 Legendary nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen has traveled throughout the world for 40 years photographing the earth’s last great wild places. Come visit the Mangelsen–Images of Nature Gallery in the Old Market. Featured are limited-edition collector and artist proof prints, along with other great holiday gifts. Open daily.

MANGELSEN–IMAGES OF NATURE GALLERY 1115 Harney St. 402-341-8460 mangelsen.com

34 NOvember/December 2013

Crystal Drop Necklace, $70

Made using traditional French methods developed at the turn of the century. The 14-karat gold antique finished chain can be worn long or can be doubled for a shorter look.

THE MIX 8710 Countryside Plaza 402-933-7995 themixshoes.com

Hand-blown Ornaments, $25 each

Every Who down in Whoville – yes, even little Cindy Lou Who – will be held in wide-eyed awe looking beneath any tree decorated with these luminescent orbs. Created by local artist Thomas Maras, these hand-blown instant heirlooms will cause any heart to grow "three sizes that day” when unwrapped.

Dundee gallery 4916 Underwood Ave. 402-505-8333 dundeegallery.com

Thymes Frasier Fir Scents, Starting at $10

As traditional holiday scents fill the air, our fondest memories come flooding back. Frasier Fir brings forth a feeling of warmth and joy to share with all of those in our lives.

SPRUCE 5022 Leavenworth St. 402-952-4480 spruce-omaha.com

Herbal Spa Pedicure with Paraffin Manicure, $50 ($70 Value)

An herbal pedicure rejuvenates, refreshes and renews your senses while pampering your feet. Choose from a variety of herbal scents and ingredients in this special package. It includes a soak, gentle exfoliation, a chamomile mask, nail reshaping, massage, hydrating oils and lotions, hot rocks and polish.

NT NAILS at Midtown Crossing 3157 Farnam St., Suite 7110 402-991-7676 ntnailsomaha.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 35

Gift Guide

Computer Tune-up, $50

Frustrated with your computer? There is no need to buy a new one. Tech Life Support offers tune-ups and virus removal, making your computer like new again – faster, safer and hassle-free.

TECH LIFE SUPPORT 3506 N. 147th St. 402-718-9408 tech-life-support.com

Gilden Tree Cotton Velour Robe, $72

This snowy white robe is incredibly soft and warm, appreciated by both men and women. Gilden Tree uses 100 percent natural chemical-free cotton, and this robe has all the features you look for: a classic notched collar, front patch pockets and double belt loops. And it's full-length, so you can surround yourself in luxury.

LINEN GALLERY 120 Regency Parkway, Suite 165 402-399-5242 linensanddown.com

Holiday Gift Basket, $45 and Up

Chef 2’s gourmet gift baskets include a variety of delicious olive oils, balsamic vinegars, spreads, bruschetta, crackers and much more. The culinary-trained staff will assist you with both pre-made and custom options to fit your needs and budget. These baskets are the perfect gifts for family, friends and colleagues.

CHEF 2 AT MIDTOWN CROSSING 3157 Farnam St. 402-991-5656 chefs2.com

Diamond Bangles, Starting at $900

These beautiful bangles are among hundreds of items to choose from in Bergman Jewelers’ estate jewelry collection. Prices start at $200.

BERGMAN JEWELERS 9415 F St. 402-342-2611 bergmandiamonds.com

36 NOvember/December 2013

Custom Design Home Technology Echo Systems provides custom design for audio and video products ranging from home theaters to a complete lighting control system, as well as automated window shades for the home. Our superior quality, service and design are what set us apart from the competition.

4315 S. 120th Street

402-334-4900

www.echosystemsomaha.com

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 37

Gift Guide

Jingle All the Way, $15 per Dozen and Up

Give Santa a sweet alternative to cookies this year! Brighten up your holidays with a jolly array of favorites specially decorated for the season. Choose from custom gourmet cupcakes, cheesecakes and a Jingle All the Way box filled with scrumptious mini desserts. There are also gift cards and even gift tags that are good for gifting a sincere treat. There’s something for everyone on your “nice” list and for all of your holiday celebrations, big or small.

GIGI’S CUPCAKES 16811 Burke St. 402-991-9010 gigiscupcakesusa.com

Alessi Corkscrews by Alessandro Mendini, $51 and Up

Alessi corkscrews are hand-decorated and made of PA and chrome-plated zamak. The newest in the series, “Pinocchio,” is reminiscent of Carlo Collodi’s world-famous puppet. The 2013 limited-edition hand-decorated corkscrew is No. 27 in the series. Opens wine bottles quickly and easily.

GADGETEER 7317 Douglas St. 402-397-0808 gadgeteerusa.com

Officially Licensed Creighton University Classic Navy Blazer, $450

This S. Cohen blazer features a white lining with a printed logo and embroidered “Billy Bluejay” under the collar. A unique and timeless gift for any Creighton fan! Made of 100 percent wool. Available in sizes 38 short to 54 extra long.

JERRY RYAN CLOTHING & SPORTSWEAR 7806 West Dodge Road 402-330-6614 jerryryanclothing.com

38 NOvember/December 2013

make a statement

working with the innovative lines from the likes of Thomasville, our designers will help you bring statement-making excitement to your home.

• Inspiration • Innovation • Design Ideas

Professional Designers to help you express your style—

nfm.com

Whether you’re searching for a new sofa or whole new look, The Design Gallery offers an eclectic selection of fine home furnishings. Working with you in our store or your home, you’ll enjoy all the benefits Nebraska Furniture Mart has to offer, plus expert interior design assistance. With design services that range from furniture selection, arrangement, color and fabric coordination to window coverings and accessories, our talented designers will help you transform your home into a fitting expression of your style … at prices you’re going to love! Call: 402-255-6327 for an appointment with one of our designers.

Bernhardt • Century • Drexel Heritage • Hancock & Moore • Lexington Home Brands • Henredon • Thomasville and more... inspiredhomeomaha.com 39

Fashion

Gold THE

STANDARD

Art Direction by Heidi Hoffman Photography by Brad Iwen Styling by Cora Coppock Model, Marcy Kerkhoff Hair & Makeup, Kontempo

40â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

Holidays at

FREE

GIIFT WRAP BA AGS Witth a purcha se.

ll the season’s riches converge in the sleek and modern surroundings of private jeweler Mark Schmelzer’s home. But none shines brighter than gold on the holiday party scene. It’s a glamorous proposition, but so worth it when you light up the room.

Parker dress, $286, Gramercy; Labradorite ring, $24, Me & Me; Baguette and teardrop sapphire and emerald necklace, $38, Garment District; earrings, stylist's own; clutch, $32, Gramercy

20% OFF

ONE ITEM Good Goo d thru thru 12 12.31.13 12.31 .31.13 .13

Mavi Jeans Silver Jeans Guess • MEK Rock Revival Mens FREE ALTERATIONS!

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HUGO BOSS - DKNY - CALVIN KLEIN G STAR - TED BAKER - DONALD J PLINER

Omaha - Rockbrook Village | 108th & Center | 402.333.5206 Lincoln - 14th & P | 402.476.3432 inspiredhomeomaha.com 41

18K white gold eternity band, 7cttw, $15,000; 14K white gold straight row bracelet with 20cttw princess-cut diamonds, $28,000; 18K white gold bracelet with 15cttw emerald cuts, $22,000, all from Mark Edward Private Jeweller. Rhinestone pendant necklace, $98, Cache; 18K white gold stud earrings with princess cut and marquise diamonds, $1,900, Mark Edward Private Jeweller; Snake peplum top, $263, She.la

42â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

Dress, $595, from the per se collection represented by Mary Anne Vaccaro; Sigerson Morrison shoe, $379, The Mix; Anne Klein pantyhose, $10, DSW; ribbonbeaded necklace, $38, Garment District; Labradorite ring, $24, Me & Me; Bangles, Mary Anne Vaccaro personal collection; 18K white gold stud earrings with princess cut and marquise diamonds, $1,900, Mark Edward Private Jeweller.

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 43

Necklace, $150, Brass ring, $110, Teardrop rhinestone earrings, $90, all from She.la; Rhinestone brooch, $25, Piper; Cranberry pick berries, $5.35 each, Voilà!; Champagne flutes, homeowner's collection; Pine cones and other ornaments, stylist’s own; Plate, homeowner's collection

44 NOvember/December 2013

Yigal Azrariel top, $630, She.la; per se skirt, $365, Mary Anne Vaccaro; Seychelles shoes, $90, The Mix; Green stone and gold bracelet, $240, She.la; Black and gold clover bracelet, $198, She.la; Stacking rings, $18, Garment District; Earrings, $24, Garment District; Sapphire and emerald necklace, $38, Garment District; Gold cuff, $45, Me & Me; Clutch, $32, Gramercy; Gold ceramic sphere, $19.25, Voilà!; Vase, $45, Voilà!; Greenery, various prices, Voilà!; Gold and cream Callisto Home pillow, $348.75, The Linen Gallery.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 45

Parker dress, $330, Garment District; Seychelles shoes, $90, The Mix; Gold chain necklace, $170, She.la; Green geode pendant necklace, $150, She.la; Earrings, $30, Garment District; Brass ring, $110, She.la; Gold spiral orbs, $4.25 to $14.65 each, VoilĂ ! Gold ornaments, stylist's own.

46â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

Adam Michael Jewelry

She.la

The Mix

Adam Michael Jewelry is a modern jewelry gallery that carries lines such as Alex And Ani, Trollbeads, and Kameleon. We also specialize in creating custom jewelry.

She.la offers an unparalleled collection of exclusive designer garments and cutting edge labels. The finest quality apparel, accessories and gifts.

Fall & Winter styles have arrived! The Mix is Omaha's premier destination for upscale women's shoes and accessories.

402-315-3400 adammichael.com

402-391-1880 shopshela.com

402-933-7995 themixshoes.com

Robert Max Opticians

Gramercy

Pattini's Shoes

Robert Max is a unique optical boutique with a large collection of frames from around the world. Our trained stylists will help you find the perfect pair!

Inspired by one of Manhattan's most fashionable neighborhoods, Gramercy is Omaha's key to contemporary New York style. Find us at Countryside Village.

You'll find premium quality shoes, boots & accessories from the top manufacturers from around the world at Pattini's. Personalized attention and superior service.

402-397-0930

402-934-2111 gramercyomaha.com

402-502-5400

Faces A Spa

87th & Pacific • Omaha, NE • countryside-village.com •

The Quintessential Day Spa. Massage-Body Treatments Manicures & Nail Treatments Facials & Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion 402-384-8400 facesspa.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 47

Before + After

The stenciling is original to the house. The first owners' grandson told the Blancs that he remembers it from his boyhood.

48â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

The exterior palette is remarkably close to a historic match. Base: Benjamin Moore Nantucket Gray HC-111. Trim: Benjamin Moore Jute AF-80.

Big House

On The Prairie

Gets a Loving Restoration Couple savors the goodness that comes from turning a house into a home – and baking bread every Sunday. Story by Chris Christen Photographed by Jeffrey Bebee

aren and Mike Blanc were taking loaves of freshbaked bread to friends when their route took them past an empty house that had recently come on the market. “Do you want to go in?’’ Mike asked Karen. “The back door is open.” The couple let themselves in and savored the possibilities. “We walked through the rooms and marveled at the beauty and the potential,” Karen recalls of that June 2010 evening. “The house drew us in. When we went home that night, I pictured us making dinner in that house instead of our own, and when I closed my eyes to sleep, we were in the master bedroom with the beautiful windows.” By midweek, the Oakland, Neb., couple was hopelessly in love with the prospect of owning the house and turning it into a home for their blended family of 10 children. "Once Karen went inside, wild horses couldn't keep her away," Mike says of their introduction to the two-story house that once had been a showpiece in their small farming community, but now was in a sad state of neglect. The Blancs made calls to find out which financial institution owned the property and how the foreclosure sale was being handled. They researched deed and tax records at the county courthouse. And they contemplated their finances. “We loved the house, but we honestly couldn't imagine how things could possibly work out for us to purchase and renovate it,” Karen says. “So we prayed about it.” continued on page 50

inspiredhomeomaha.com 49

Original to the HOUSE Peekab oo cupb betwee oards n th and din e kitchen ing roo m; a swin wood b g door; eams; a nd a plate rail.

continued from page 49

A month later, during a family vacation to Disney World in Orlando, word came that their bid had been accepted and the house would soon be theirs. “We did a high-five in the middle of the street,” Karen says, laughing at the memory. “We were elated. Finally, we’d have a home big enough for our whole family.” The news, however, was bittersweet. Karen’s dad had died just one week earlier, leaving a small nest egg to be shared by his three daughters. “I felt as though my dad had a part in our destiny,” Karen says. “We are convinced that it was through God’s providence that we got the house.” The Kerl home, as it is known in the community, was built in 1907-08 by German immigrant Irving Kerl as a gift to his bride, Anna, and it stayed in the family for 88 years. The Blancs are its fourth owners. Omaha architect Gary Bishop helped them preserve the home’s architectural integrity. “Without the architect, we wouldn’t still be married,” Mike quips. One of the couple's first tasks was to create a “dream book” for the architect. Karen, a professional scrap-booker and photo organizer, embraced the assignment. Pottery Barn became an inspiration for colors, finishes, furnishings and many warm and elegant touches throughout the home. Structural changes were held to a minimum, in part to improve the home’s chances of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mike handled all of the demolition work in addition to his full-time job as a facilities manager for an agricultural research facility north of Oakland. “You don’t think it’s going to take much time until you start into it,” he says. “We’d give anything to know how many hours we put into this house” over its two-and-a-half-year restoration. When master carpenter Dave Grimm of Grimm & Sons Carpentry came on the job in spring 2011, continued on page 52

50 NOvember/December 2013

Design specialist Shelli Holechek of Omaha gave Karen the confidence to decorate the reading room walls with photos of the kids.

to Original Home the ng g urni n al-b e readi a o c A th ), and n i lace age ace firep (this p g firepl . n m i m roo -burn g roo d n woo the livi in

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 51

The kitchen is a place where serious cooks want to work, which is why they chose marble and soapstone for their surfaces. "A Wolf range was the dream splurge," Karen says. "Our family does a lot of cooking." The space has a cottage feel, with a white subway tile backsplash and a soapstone island. The soapstone was harvested from the same quarry as the 100-year-old soapstone used for the sink in the basement.

continued from page 50

Mike put himself to work as Grimm’s after-hours assistant. “I was a ‘house mouse,’ tackling small projects late into the evenings.” It would be a year before the house would be ready to welcome its new family. It should have been sooner, but Mike first had to deal with an unexpected distraction. A routine dental checkup in February 2011 brought a devastating diagnosis: Throat cancer. The house project and Mike's cancer journey now were on parallel tracks. The house was both energy-giving and energy-zapping for Mike. But mostly, Karen wrote in a blog, it was exhilarating. “It was a happy place as he made his work lists and stuck with

52 NOvember/December 2013

them” throughout his treatment and recovery. “One of Mike’s fears was that the house wouldn’t get finished, and we would never be able to move into it together,’’ Karen shares. Mike had surgery in St. Louis on April 5, 2011. A cancerous lymph node discovered later that August resulted in a second surgery, followed by six weeks of daily radiation therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. In December 2011, Mike got an “all clear” from his doctors, and he remains cancer-free. Working on the house, the Blancs say, was “good medicine” for Mike. “This

old house is a blessing for us on many levels,” Karen says. Their participation in a holiday home tour sponsored by the Oakland Women’s Club marked the completion of the restoration project. “We have a home now – a place for all of our kids to come and enjoy being a family,” Mike says. “For me, it's a place to settle out the day.” His favorite room is the kitchen. “I love baking bread. I do it nearly every Sunday. It feels good to be in the kitchen with the morning sun streaming through the windows.”

Karen Blanc blogs at MotherRabbitSays.blogspot.com.

Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous wheat bread. He mills the flour from Montana wheat berries just before he starts baking.

[

The Interior Color Palette

]

Living room, upstairs hallway Benjamin Moore Jute AF-80

Dining room Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage HC-114

Kitchen Benjamin Moore China White PM-20

Master bedroom Benjamin Moore Nantucket Gray HC-111

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 53

Before + After

Subway tile dresses up a hard-working main floor bathroom. The double console and the chandeliers are from Pottery Barn.

54â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

A self-described "onestop" shopper, Karen is crazy for Pottery Barn, and has lobbied its catalog editors to use her home for a styled shoot. A design consultant from the Omaha store helped Karen with some of her decor choices.

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 55

Design Done Right

New scenery

– both inside and out Condo's modern feel complements downtown view. S t o r y b y P a t Wa t e r s Photographed by Jeffrey Bebee

avid Hecker took an analytical decision-making approach when he and his wife, Melanie, moved this year from their large home in west Omaha to a downtown condo. “We thought about it over a period of probably two years,” says David, 49. “We didn’t have children living at home, and we had more space than we needed. We liked the house, but thought we needed a different place. We thought about moving to a lake, but ultimately decided that this was the lifestyle we wanted to experience.” Deciding to leave their home in the Ridges near 180th and Pacific continued on page 59

Custom-made steel facing by Nollette Metal Works of Blair for the front door.

56 NOvember/December 2013

Exposed ductwork.

Salvaged red fire-exit door repurposed as a wall panel.

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 57

Design Done Right

Stained concrete floors by NSC Hardscapes of Omaha, which installed a layer of material beneath the concrete for soundproofing and softening.

58â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

continued from page 56

Streets for a downtown address was only the first step in this deliberative relocation process. The couple looked at a number of buildings before ultimately settling on the top floor of the five-story Kimball Laundry building at 15th and Jones Streets. “We had looked at this space three or four times early in 2012 and joked that it was the city’s biggest birdhouse,” says Melanie, 43. “It was open, and pigeons were flying through it. But David could see a great place – modern, but incorporating industrial details. He had the vision.” Coincidentally, David’s employer, Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc., was the general contractor when the building was constructed in the early 1920s. “That’s a fun detail,” says David, who is group general counsel for the Omaha-based construction company. The U.S. Army leased the industrial laundry facility during World War II for the purpose of cleaning uniforms. The fifth floor, which was added later, was once used to store furs. Unfortunately, the walls’ original terra cotta tile was too damaged to restore. The Heckers considered brick walls before deciding to use drywall instead. They incorporated industrial touches in other ways. It appealed to the Heckers that they could finish the space to their liking. “David enjoys design,” Melanie says. “We started collecting pictures of details we saw and liked, and we were able to incorporate a number of them. We saw it, we liked it and we found a way to work it in.” David adds, “We had in our minds the size we wanted and the basic floor plan: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a larger office and then open space. We had the flexibility here to do that.” Two unusual features that captivated the couple: Oversized, nearly floor-to-ceiling windows; and a private deck accessible directly from their home. Melanie and David are on the deck most evenings – she with a glass of wine and he with a scotch – to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. continued on page 61

inspiredhomeomaha.com 59

Design Done Right

Privacy comes with the touch of a button, which activates mechanical blinds.

60â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

continued from page 59

The view is just as striking from the inside, thanks to those large windows. “We’ve had a number of people say that they didn’t realize Omaha had a downtown,” David says. The Heckers have lived in Omaha since 2003. They met in Lincoln, where David received his undergraduate degree and attended law school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Melanie, a community volunteer, grew up in Douglas, Neb., and attended Doane College in Crete. Once they decided on the historic Kimball Laundry building, the work really began. Helping to realize the Heckers’ vision for the space were Paul Nelson of PEN Architect, Ken Hagedorn of Sudbeck Homes and Julia Russell of Julia Russell Designs. One advantage the couple had during construction was being on-site most of the time. They sold their home in the Ridges in May 2012, and then leased a unit in the Kimball building while theirs was being completed. They moved into their new space in December 2012. Their west Omaha home had a western, mountain lodge aesthetic. “We had heavy leather furniture and a lot of landscape paintings. It was casual – rustic,” David says. “We loved it, but it didn’t fit what we wanted downtown. We thought if we were going to make the effort to move downtown, we should have a change.” Their 2,800-square-foot condo has a distinctly modern feel. The neutral color palette is sleek and calming. The furnishings are streamlined and functional. Original, primarily contemporary, artwork is displayed throughout the home. “We like to support the arts, and we like to get to know the artists,” David says. Their favorites include fine art photographs by local artists and friends, Laurie and Charles Kay. When it was time to select furnishings, the Heckers scoured trade magazines, tapped their own design instincts and traveled with Russell to Chicago in search of unusual items. “We went to design galleries, and Julia would help us determine if the scale of a piece was right for us,” Melanie says. Having lived on both ends of the city, is this the final stop for the Heckers? “This is our last place in Omaha,” David says. “We really enjoyed the process. When we talk about retirement, I look forward to making another place our own. We worked with good people, and we learned a lot. When we reach a different stage of life, I’ll be better equipped next time and know what to expect.” Meanwhile, they’re enjoying the restaurants and entertainment options that their new neighborhood offers. “The building itself is very social, and we’ve definitely utilized downtown,” Melanie says.

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inspiredhomeomaha.com 61

Custom-made steel facing by Nollette Metal Works of Blair on a see-through fireplace.

62â&#x20AC;&#x192; NOvember/December 2013

The Frame Service

Le Peep

T Hurt

Quality Custom Picture Framing Local Fine Artwork Stop by our Midtown location for your holiday art and framing gifts.

A clever and original culinary concept with a menu that reads like a cookbook. Our food is prepared fresh daily. Voted Omaha’s Best Breakfast four years in a row!

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[ Inspired Resources ]

TAKE Note NJ&CO Holiday Accents & Gifts Home Décor & Furniture Stylish Apparel & Accessories Legacy West Holiday Open House Nov. 9th & 10th

People, Places and Things You Need to Check Out in Greater Omaha

17650 Wright St. Next to Sprint 402-502-1962 njandcompany.com

Freshly Organized We offer professional organizing services for your home, office, children & life. Our team will help create customized systems to make your space fun, fresh & functional. 402-670-3271 freshlyorganized.com

The Laurel Tree

Deb's-tique

Garment District

Bring on the Flavor!

We are a locally owned boutique and gift shop offering a wide variety of unique clothing, gifts, jewelry, shoes and home décor all at affordable prices.

The inspirational Blessing Bracelet is one of many holiday gifts you'll find at Omaha's newest specialty boutique. Check out our latest fashion trends, antiques, & home accessories, too!

A New York shopping experience. Featuring women's contemporary clothing & accessories from well-known & emerging designers.

Olive Oil • Balsamic Vinegar Dried Mushrooms • Sea Salt Come sample our different products and find the flavor that's right for you!

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10929 Prairie Brook Rd. 402-968-7944 oldworldoil.com

16827 Q St. 402-861-8733 mylaureltree.com

GET NOTICED

617 N. 98th St. 402-934-3770 debstique.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 63

End Note

“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” - MARK TWAIN

Next issue

Inspired living in a brand-new light!

64 NOvember/December 2013

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