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M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 1
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VOLUME 19
•
ISSUE 3
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen 402-444-1094 | chris.christen@owh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Marjie Ducey 402-444-1034 | marjie.ducey@owh.com DESIGNER April Burford
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COPY EDITOR Kiley Cruse ON THE COVER Home of Ashley and James Lantis Photographed by Mandy McGregor Photography CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Kurt A. Keeler, Mandy McGregor
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contents 18
43 E DITOR’S NOTE 6
THE SURPRISING FAVORITE
DESIGN DONE RIGHT 8
MODERN TUDOR
HISTORIC GEM 18
A BOHO NATURAL
HOMESPIRATION 25
ODDLY SUBLIME
AU COURANT 33 35
PORCH PAINTINGS
25
HANG-UPS + HAMMOCKS
SPEAKING OF PLANTS 36
NO, NOs
RECIPES 38
BERRY-BEST BAKED OATMEAL
DESTINATION 40 43
THE OCEAN STATE
36
THE COTTONWOOD: GENTEEL + HIP
omaha.com/inspiredliving 5
KURT A. KEELER
EDITOR’S NOTE
OLD-WORLD INFLUENCES
Waldruh, in 1982, when the Keelers were its owners. Warren Keeler was an architect who had an interest in the restoration of historic buildings. He most likely was drawn to Waldruh’s unique design and history.
The surprising favorite Because it is so much fun.”
MARK MASER HAD heard that we were
Marjie Ducey had
“They have become wildly popular,” she says, counting prop masters for
planning to interview his
already connected with
“Star Trek: Discovery,” the TNT
good friend and former
Diane … and relayed the
series “Snowpiercer,” and a leading
neighbor Diane Hayes,
same after her interview.
Broadway production among her
who has a sunroom for
Next, it was my turn
customers.
all seasons, filled with
to be enthralled as we
orchids.
photographed her eclectic
assemblage artist says of her celestial
spaces and oddities.
orbs, which fetch $400 to $500 each.
“So… orchids,” Mark wrote. “Sure … but that
CHRIS CHRISTEN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
would only scratch the
Diane’s orrery obsession started decades
“I’m busy all the time,” the
Diane is a former Realtor and has been in hundreds of local homes. She
surface. Diane is fun and quirky … she
ago when she came across a 1930s
was curious: “Which one is your all-
creates orreries.” (Creates …what?)
orbiter model at a flea market and
time favorite?”
“While not exactly steampunk,” the
marveled at its design. Years later,
Impossible to answer. After a decade
owner of the Brandeis-Millard House
she bought a mechanized child’s toy,
of editing this magazine, I’m taking
continued, “Diane’s space is most
took it apart and adapted the gears
The Fifth.
unique. Oddities … found and created,
for her own reproduction of the early
black walls, but not dark. Eerie, but not
astronomy instrument. Her mini solar
scary. Mad scientist, but only half mad.
system with its moving parts and
Creative. Funny. Saucy.”
lights fascinated friends. “Everyone
Mark went on to write, “I don’t know
wanted one,” Diane says. About a year
if you’re the one who will be talking to
ago, she established an Etsy shop and
her … but if not, you will want to be…
Omaha Orrery was born.
6 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
When Diane shared her favorite, I gasped. Waldruh. In Bellevue. My husband’s late parents, Warren and Peggy Keeler, once owned it! Waldruh, which is loosely translated from German as “quiet forest,” was
BOSTWICK/SUNEG COLLECTION, ST. MARGARET MARY PARISH JUDY MEDAKOVICH
BOSTWICK/SUNEG COLLECTION, ST. MARGARET MARY PARISH KURT A. KEELER
WALDRUH, THEN AND NOW
Clockwise from top: The Rev. Joseph Suneg’s log home in 1932; the original stone hearth; the property’s sundial; and the house in 2005, after the property’s conversion to a subdivision. built in 1931 by the Rev. Joseph Suneg
house. There was enough land for
When the Keelers sold the property
on land along Bellevue Boulevard not
Kurt’s sister, Lisa, to have a horse.
in 1985 and moved to Colorado Springs,
far from the Missouri River in Sarpy
There also was a wooden shrine to
an antique ship’s bell went with them.
County. The original log cabin had an
Jesus, complete with kneeler, and a
The elk antlers, mounted on the side of
Old World design, with an imposing
sundial positioned on a large stone
the house by Suneg, stayed. A friendly
stone fireplace and rocks on a slightly
pedestal. Both likely placed by Suneg.
but ever-present ghost is presumed to
pitched roof to hold slate shingles in
Renovation work revealed the Catholic
still occupy the house.
place and to keep snow from piling
priest’s black socks used as chinking to
too deep.
close cracks between the logs.
Waldruh won my heart the day Kurt introduced me to it. I’d love to
Just two years earlier, the priest
When Warren and Peggy bought
had organized a land transaction that
the heavily wooded property from the
me of the stone-and-wood houses
secured the site of St. Margaret Mary
Roark family in 1964, two of the Keeler
of Switzerland, where my parents
Catholic Church in Omaha. Suneg
kids were still at home and Kurt was
were born.
sold Waldruh in 1935 to Mr. and Mrs.
away at college. The running joke was
Harold Day and on the same day,
that the family had moved and didn’t
every now and then. The surrounding
according to a published history of St.
tell Kurt where they went. The party
acres have been replatted and filled in
Margaret Mary’s, bought seven acres
house was the site of a few notorious
with houses. But that doesn’t diminish
of land on a bluff further north on the
events, held while Warren and Peggy
the special place Waldruh holds in our
Boulevard and dubbed it Lorelei.
were out of town. An unsolved mystery
family’s heart.
Waldruh was unique with a two-
is how a black chrome kitchen chair
story horse stable and shop, a detached
could have disappeared. “It was a
two-car garage at the end of a long
source of agony for Mom until her
driveway, and a stand-alone party
dying day,” Kurt says.
see the inside. Its construction reminds
Kurt and I still drive past the house
Here’s to such places in yours,
omaha.com/inspiredliving 7
DESIGN DONE RIGHT
A MODERN TUDOR Classic exterior gives way to a relaxed and elegant interior filled with natural light and a connection to the outdoors STORY
8 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
MARJIE DUCEY
PHOTOGRAPHY
MANDY McGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SPACIOUS & BRIGHT
The homeowners love the views from the big windows in their living room.
L
incoln house hunters James
It had the mature trees that were also on
architect Allison Fejfar of Studio 951 and
and Ashley Lantis wanted a
their wish list.
Omaha interior designer Courtney Otte
Tudor look on the outside and an open concept on the inside.
“We were looking for a larger lot that
of The Modern Hive to come up with their
was in town,” James says. “The property
dream home. It’s about 3,300 square feet
we bought was part of an old acreage that
with four bedrooms and 2½ baths. They’ll
without some major remodeling. So they
the developer divided into six lots. We
have even more room to grow when they
opted instead for a new build on a large
were the first to purchase one of the lots.”
That proved almost impossible to find
lot near 70th Street and Old Cheney Road.
They worked with Rezac Construction,
tackle the unfinished basement. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 omaha.com/inspiredliving
9
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
Ashley’s favorite space is the screened-in patio at the back of the home where the couple and toddler daughter Clara have spent many hours in the year since the build was finished. A large folding door opens completely to allow the patio space to be an extension of the living area. It’s a great spot to entertain or unwind, Ashley says, and is also a favorite spot for their two cats. Visitors comment most about the massive windows, with several stretching two stories in the living room area. A large stair tower near the main entrance is framed with big windows as well. Because of the spacious lot and the distance the house sits from the street, privacy is assured. “We paid a lot of attention to the windows as far as bringing in natural light,” James says. “We both enjoy the sunlight during the day. With large trees on the property we wanted to bring that into the house to enjoy as well.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
10 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
MODERN EDGE
Ashley and James Lantis, pictured with daughter Clara, wanted a modern Tudor look for the exterior. A gas-flame lantern above the front door is a classic touch.
QUIET TIME
The library is the perfect place for Ashley and James to relax and read. In the design, they envisioned floor-to-ceiling bookcases, so a ladder was a must.
GRAPHIC ELEMENTS
With crisp white walls, natural wood accents and lots of black and white, the home’s aesthetic is clean while still being comfortable.
o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 11
MAXIMIZED SPACE
Wide, open stairways provide architectural interest and allow light from windows on the landings to spill into the main living areas. The doors by the dining table open completely to the back porch, expanding the space for family get-togethers.
12 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 13
FAMILY HUB
The family spends lots of time at the kitchen island. At 9 feet, it’s designed for versatility.
14 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
When they sit in the living room, they
bring in sunlight for passive heat. They’re also able to enjoy lots of
can gaze out at the trees and watch the
wildlife, with deer and foxes as well as the
seasons change. Ashley says it almost
neighborhood turkeys.
feels as though they are outside. Energy
The main floor isn’t completely open;
large dining table for gatherings, but when it’s just the three of them, they tend to eat their meals at the 9-foot kitchen island. “We do everything there,” Ashley says. “The island tends to be the heart of the
efficiency was important, with most
there are defined spaces for a library,
whole house.”
windows positioned on the south side to
laundry room and mud room. There is a
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
MINIMAL DESIGN
The custom range hood is white oak in keeping with other light wood finishes in the home.
omaha.com/inspiredliving
15
SPA-LIKE DESIGN
The homeowners wanted the main bathroom to feel like a spa with a soaking tub and multiple shower heads.
LIGHT TOUCH
The light fixture in the main bedroom is from Serena & Lily. Ashley likes the soft, romantic feel it gives to the space.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
Although the house has a modern vibe, they didn’t want it to feel cold, so they decorated with earth tones and opted for lighter hardwood floors for a warmer feel. It was an interesting process, they say, to build a custom home with all the decisions that entails. They’re grateful they found good people to work with who listened to their input and paid attention to every detail as they put it all together. “The end result gave us the house we really love,” Ashley says.
16 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
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o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 17
HISTORIC GEM
A BOHO A NATURAL
STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY LILY SMITH
manda Yong loves returning to a home that feels like spring year-round. “It makes me feel good to
be among green and growing things,” she says.
Botanical lover finds her happy place in Dundee four square
18 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
Botanical wallpaper greets her at the
front door. Pictures of flowers follow her up the stairs to the second floor. A growing collection of houseplants smiles
at her from the sunroom. Amanda calls her style romantic traditional with a touch of bohemian. “I love things inspired by nature,” she says. Amanda and husband Kyle Dworak
of the home’s transformation on Instagram, @thelittledovehome. Aside from refinishing the wood floors — oak on the first level and quarter-sawn pine on the second — no major work was required. Rooms just needed paint,
found their perfect blank slate in Dundee
furniture and Yong’s special touches, many
two years ago. Their previous house in
of them thrift finds.
the Ak-Sar-Ben area, with its farmhouse
MAKING IT THEIR OWN
Amanda and Kyle moved into their Dundee home two years ago. The library, opposite page, was one of their major projects. Kyle built the bookcases. Amanda loves botanicals; the entry wallpaper is from House of Hackney.
Their biggest project has been turning
theme, just wasn’t her, she says. Instead,
the main bedroom upstairs into a library.
she found her style in the traditional two-
Kyle, from a large family with some
story four square. She shares the journey
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 19
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
handyman experience, built bookcases
a fake plant person. “This room gets such good sunlight,”
where a closet used to be. Vintage favorites
she says. “I started adding more plants
such as “Anne of Green Gables” and “Little
and they have all lived. I really enjoy it.
Women” dot the shelves.
They all have names. There’s Monsieur
A sofa and Anthropologie chair in Amanda’s favorite shade of green will share space with a desk Kyle is building.
Monstera, Philomena the philodendron and Ferdinand the fiddle leaf fig.” The couple have only tackled parts of the
“I have the ideas and he is able to
adjoining kitchen. They sanded, primed
execute them,” Amanda says. “I’m more
and then painted the cupboards “Coastal
of the design person. I grew up sketching
Dusk” by Valspar. Amanda says they have
houses. That was what I did for fun.”
other big plans. On the list of to-dos are the
A hoya plant named Valentine that Kyle
bathrooms, which she says are in rough
brought home on Valentine’s Day last year
shape, and the third floor, which currently
sparked the plant room off the dining room.
houses Amanda’s clothes.
Amanda, a nurse care manager at
They haven’t had a chance to do much
CHI Health Immanuel, admits that before
outside.
the hoya arrived in their home, she was
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
20 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
FINDING HER STYLE
Amanda, pictured with Rosie, is slowly building her houseplant collection. She loves vintage items and has filled her home with treasures found at Junkstock and thrift shops, among other places. Flora, the goddess of spring, was an Etsy purchase.
o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 21
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
“We have giant hedges I want to rip out, and replace them with hydrangeas and roses,” she says. With dog Rosie by their side, they enjoy the walkability and social life the couple found living in central Omaha. And of course, their home, which was built in 1912. Amanda discovered that actress Anne Ramsey, Mama Fratelli in the movie “The Goonies,” once lived there. “I absolutely love Dundee. I’ve always
22 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
FLOWER POWER
Kyle built the plant ledge between the living and dining rooms especially for greenery. It’s faux because the room doesn’t get a lot of sunlight. A gallery wall holds floral paintings — all of them thrifted. dreamed of living in a big, old house,” Yong says. “I love the woodwork, the high ceilings on the main floor. The arched doorways. The windows and the sunlight. Kyle and I love ending the day sitting on the big front porch.” o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 23
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mainstreetstudios2610.com 24 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
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HOMESPIRATION
Oddly sublime Artist’s eccentric abode overflows with curiosities
W
STORY
MARJIE DUCEY
PHOTOGRAPHY
KURT A. KEELER + CHRIS CHRISTEN
hen asked about the design aesthetic of her home, Diane Hayes describes it as Martha
Stewart meets Pee-wee Herman and they have a child. There is no rhyme or reason for anything, she says. “As an artist, I tend to surround myself with things I find curious. It’s just a place to have fun.” She found the perfect spot five years ago in the old Condon mansion in Omaha’s historic Field Club neighborhood. Surgeon Albert P. Condon modeled the 1914 Georgian Revival edifice after his
CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
GRAND HOME
The Condon mansion, built in1914, was rumored to have an indoor swimming pool. Evidence still is elusive.
ODDITIES
Antique globes and one-of-a-kind orreries designed and assembled by the homeowner fill ledges and tabletops in the living room. The mini solar systems have been hot sellers on Etsy, Diane says. o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 25
26 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
Every room was cool before she moved
favorite daughter’s doll house. He was
in, she says, but she’s added her own
a renaissance man who loved gadgets,
touches, such as the slate black paint for
everything from window casings to
the living room walls.
door knobs.
“There is nothing so daunting as
“Weird little details,” Hayes says.
putting an inky black roller on a white
That was enough inspiration for the
wall,’’ she says.
artist, who had been intrigued by the
LIVING ROOM
Dark walls look rich in a living room with abundant natural light from a pair of stately windows. At far left of the space is the gateway to the solarium, which allows even more daylight into the main living area.
The large dining room table, lit by
mansion since she was a child. She has
an octopus light from above, is where
filled her apartment, one of six in the
Hayes creates the items that fill her home
building, with what she calls oddball
and also the reproductions of antique
things that she has made or assembled.
astronomy models that comprise her
Most have come from Goodwill, thrift
current business, Omaha Orrery.
shops and estate sales.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 27
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27
You also might find her making a purse covered in a mosaic of vintage costume jewelry or a fortune teller from a sunglass display case she found at a thrift store in Papillion. It talks and moves. You never know what you’ll discover as you explore an apartment space that includes a living room, dining room, kitchen and two bedrooms, one of which is used as a studio. Three vintage bathrooms still have “crazy cool” antique tile, with one done in pink and blue, one in red and cream and the third in brown and pink. They’re all charming, Hayes says. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
28 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Diane’s living space boasts turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Hardwood floors and doors, including an unusual bi-fold leaded glass design, are original, as is a built-in hutch in the dining room-turned-office.
o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 29
SOLARIUM
Diane loves sleeping in the solarium on stormy summer nights. She has help tending all those plants and keeping the humidity just right in the room. Orchids are her forte.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
The piece de resistance is the solarium at the front. When Hayes last counted,
she says. She and her helpers slog 7 to 14 gallons
she had almost 90 tropical plants,
out to the solarium each week. With
including a number of orchids. Her
sun from the east, west and south, it’s
favorite plant is a very large and very
otherwise easy to keep the plants happy.
mature Prince of Orange with its tomatocolored new leaves.
30 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
make it better would be a water source,”
Hayes flourishes there, too. “I have a day bed. My favorite place to
“The air quality is amazing out there.
sleep during a blizzard or thunderstorm
There are doors on all three sides. You can
is that room. It’s just like camping out.
open up that solarium so that it’s pretty
It’s great.”
much outside. The only thing that would
CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 31
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30
Her home is not for everyone, though, Hayes admits. It’s eccentric, but so was the original owner, who supposedly carried around a pet raccoon on his hip like a baby. A friend once joked that if Diane’s home ever burned down it would take 30 years and $400 to replace everything. “It’s so true,” she says.
32 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
THE QUIRKIER, THE BETTER
Dealing in antiques and oddities feeds Diane’s creativity as an assemblage artist. Groupings like these can be found throughout her home. The fortune teller display at right is part of her bedroom decor. Knock on the glass and the mannequin just might talk!
AU COURANT
bright spots Artist’s happy accents enliven exterior walls across town
A
STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY
CHRIS CHRISTEN
nn Manhart Dirks was
grade teacher and hobby artist
reading a newspaper article
starting painting and
on creative ways to brighten a
posting pictures of her
porch when she noticed a flaw
works on her personal
of three or four pieces in
Facebook page.
her inventory that would
in the featured photo. “There was this wide open space on
Two years later, her
the wall behind the furniture grouping,”
acrylic Porch Paintings
she says.
can be found on more
She solved a similar situation on her own front porch 25 years earlier by adding an original painting — of her own creation. A side hustle emerged after seeing that newspaper article, as the veteran second-
than 50 homes across Omaha, she says. Prospective customers email
“Then we start playing catch,” the artist says. She replies with images
complement the space – whether it’s a porch, fence or garden wall, for example. Client feedback then gives Dirks enough information to gather eight to 10 paintings for a
Dirks a photo of their house and tell her a
driveway showing.
little about their style preferences.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 33
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
“We try all of the paintings on the house, to see which one works best,” Dirks says. “Whatever you put on your house needs to be seen from the street. Big and bold plays best.” She primarily works with 16-by-16-inch and 16-by-20-inch canvases. “A barn quilt can look great with the lines of a house,” Dirks says. A new style in her portfolio blends Mexican folk art techniques and doodling. Geometric shapes and silhouettes of pets or
Dirks says, has good durability in areas
profiles of people are favorites to paint.
somewhat sheltered from the elements.
Commissions are possible, but Dirks
Decorating outdoor spaces with the same
prefers to paint whatever inspires her –
arsenal of art you’d use inside is a growing
from a wild pattern on a friend’s skirt to
trend as homeowners and apartment
whimsical chickadees to continuous-line
dwellers seek to bring unexpected elements
flowers and more.
to their blank spaces.
Prices generally range from $100 to $125, plus a $20 hanging fee. The artwork,
34 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
A black accent wall on Dirks’ front porch is a gallery of sorts for a rotating show of
recent and favorite works. The right piece can bring the whole style of a home together, she says. “It’s so much fun,” Dirks says of the match game. “I think I have one (painting) in every major neighborhood in Omaha,” she says. Her dream: A neighborhood with a Porch Painting on every home.
AU COURANT
Summer hangouts TEXT, STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY
CHRIS CHRISTEN
Spend the summer hanging out — literally — in a hammock. Hammocking (yes, that is a word), is a great way to relax and de-stress. The compact style shown is by Cielo Hammocks. It was made in Yucatan, Mexico, where people have been weaving and sleeping in hammocks for hundreds of years. Cielo is working to preserve the tradition, contributing 10% of sales back to the Mayan artisans it supports. $140, cloth tote included; The Green House, 1234 S. 13th St.
Hammocks for plants, too Houseplants and things bohemian have sparked a return of macrame plant holders. Buy one ready to hang or learn to loop and knot your own 1970s throwback. Christina Mainelli, owner of The Green House in Omaha’s emerging Little Bohemia, hosts occasional workshops. Watch for dates and locations online at thegreenhouseomaha.com. Our featured plants and macrame holders (mini hammocks!) are from Manelli’s pandemic-launched home and garden boutique. Prices vary. o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 35
SPEAKING OF PLANTS
CHRISTY MUSGRAVE PHOTOS
FRAGRANT BLOOMER
The “Queen of the Orchids,” Cattleya, has showy, fragrant flowers 6 to 8 inches across. Prized by brides, they make the perfect focal point of a breathtaking bouquet.
WILDLY EXOTIC
Paphiopedilum or “Lady Slipper” is found on five continents. The pouch-like structure on the flower acts as an insect trap, aiding in pollination.
let there be light! Before you water another plant, check out these no-nos
I
MARJIE DUCEY
SPEAKING OF PLANTS
36 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
sank further down in my chair as
and Dodge Streets has closed but she and her
the interview with Christy Musgrave
son, Dustin Sudduth, continue to be very busy,
continued.
especially working with commercial businesses.
Yes, I admitted, I give my plants tap
Musgrave knows quite a bit about basic orchid
water. Yes, I have some languishing in a north
growing, hence the reason for our interview. But
window. And yes, there was a banana peel
she’s also an expert in houseplants.
floating in some water on my counter, supposedly
I had a lot to learn.
to add potassium for my indoor plants.
Musgrave says it’s actually very simple, be it
“Yuck,” says Musgrave, owner of the Plant
a common houseplant or an orchid. Give them
House. Her brick and mortar store near 72nd
what they need: the right amount of light and
good water. Before you buy a plant, take inventory and consider what you’re willing to do to help that plant flourish. “If you have a child and you don’t feed it right or don’t feed it at all, the kid isn’t going to grow,” she says. “Many parents, pet and plant owners, assume if they are comfortable, their animals and plants are comfortable. This often is not the case.” First of all, Musgrave says, you can’t grow plants in the dark, even if a plant looks great in a certain corner of the living room. It may be the place for a plant but not the plant for the place. So open those mini blinds and let there be light! A window with southern exposure is generally best. “If you are going to spend money on plants, buy some lights if your light is inadequate. You can play God when it comes to providing a dependable light source,” she says. “You can control the amount and intensity of light and your plants will be happy.” Musgrave says to worry more about providing good water than too much water. Plants can’t filter out the chemicals in our tap water like humans can. That crusty
BEGINNER’S FRIENDS
white mixture on the top of the soil is
Both Dendrobium “Microchip,” left, and Cattleya “Earl” like the bright filtered light of a south window and well-drained potting mix. “Earl” can grow more than a foot tall.
chemical buildup and an indicator of your water quality. Musgrave suggests using a reverse
VIBRANT JEWEL
osmosis system as she does, or using purchased purified water, well water or
Intergeneric oncidiums are great hybrids for the indoor hobbyist and can bloom multiple times per year.
rain water. Mix any of those with tap water and you’ll see a big difference rather quickly, Musgrave says. “If you see yellow leaves, or the tips
a whole handful of vitamins in one day.” Another no-no. Don’t bring a plant
grow on every continent except Antarctica. No matter your taste, there is an orchid
start getting yellow and eventually
home and put it into a huge pot just
browning at the margins, that’s likely
because you have one you think is
because of poor water quality,’’ she says.
pretty. Plants like tight quarters with
Society and St. Augustine (Florida) Orchid
“Just because you can drink it, doesn’t
the right kind of soil. Fans and cool mist
Society provide excellent information. Don’t
mean your plants like it. You shouldn’t
humidifiers help, too. Keep plants away
be fooled by the three ice-cube watering
put a goldfish into our water.”
from window drafts and heating and air
method or what’s on the tag, she warns.
conditioner vents.
That can be a marketing gimmick.
Yellow leaves should be removed; they’re a drag on plants and can attract bugs.
Musgrave has always loved plants but
for you.” The websites of the American Orchid
Orchids have the same requirements as
And, for goodness sake, don’t add fertilizer
became hooked on orchids when her son
most plants. However, if you want them to
to a struggling plant. It’s not medicine.
became interested, and she says he’s the
bloom they need a lower temperature at
Musgrave says that’s like giving someone
real expert.
night, just as they have in nature.
who feels nauseous a big steak dinner. If you want to add fertilizer, do it slowly.
“It’s one of the most diverse plant
Plants are good for us, Musgrave
groups you can find,” she said. “The orchid
says, providing oxygen and greenery we
A weak mixture of water and her favorite,
family is second only to the aster family in
naturally like. Give them a little effort and
Dyna Gro, will do the trick.
terms of species numbers at approximately
in return you’ll be rewarded.
“Don’t give your plants a big shot of fertilizer. Add a little bit of nutrient and not
27,000. One of every seven blooming plants is an orchid. There are wild orchids that
“The orchid is a living thing,” she says. “It deserves respect.” o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 37
38 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
RECIPE
A texture lover’s dream Baked oatmeal dish is pretty enough for special occasions; healthy enough for every day
TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY
T
KILEY CRUSE
his baked oatmeal dish wins the grand prize in the category of “perfect breakfast
recipes” in my book. There are three reasons I love
this recipe so much: It’s simple to make. It’s healthy, chock-full of fruit and void of refined sugar. And, it’s unbelievably adaptable. As written, the recipe calls for fresh berries. Frozen berries bake the same — provided they’re not thawed. If you don’t care for blackberries, substitute strawberries or blueberries, or any other in-season fruit. Try apples with a dash of cinnamon or apples and cranberries for a little tang in the fall. Peaches and almonds pair wonderfully, too. If you like crunch, substitute your favorite nuts for the chocolate chips. For an added punch of protein, top with a dollop of peanut butter or Greek yogurt. The combinations are endless, giving you reason to reinvent this recipe over and over again.
DARK CHOCOLATE BERRY BAKED OATMEAL SERVES 6
INSTRUCTIONS 1 medium ripe banana 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup maple syrup ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (see note) 2 cups quick oats ½ cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder 1 pint raspberries, divided 1 pint blackberries, divided ¹⁄³ cup mini dark chocolate chips, divided (see note) Pinch of salt Peanut butter, optional
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and spray an 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. 2. Place banana in a large bowl and mash with a fork. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup and almond milk and mix until combined. 3. Add oats, flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt and mix. Add most of the berries, reserving about ½ cup, and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips and mix again. 4. Transfer batter into casserole dish using a spatula to spread evenly. Sprinkle the
remaining berries and chocolate chips over the top. 5. Bake at 350 F for 35 minutes. 6. Remove from oven. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with a spoonful of warmed peanut butter, optional. NOTE: Any unsweetened plant-based milk or regular milk can be substituted. We were unable to find mini dark chocolate chips so we substituted mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. Adapted from fitfoodiefinds.com o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 39
DESTINATION
Small but mighty Rhode Island wows with iconic foods, stone walls and mansions
L STORY
KEVIN WARNEKE
et me tell you about an Awful Awful. It’s similar to a milkshake — only better — because
before fried clams (which we tried and
everywhere. Coffee milk, the state’s official
which require no explanation).
beverage, was provided by the Maroneys at
While the trip turned into a quest to check off the 10 must-eats, we enjoyed
their Airbnb in Pascoag. We also had hot wieners as appetizers
Providence, Newport and Block Island.
at George’s Pizza and Pub in Pascoag. I
Three things stood out: the Cliff Walk in
learned that some Rhode Islanders spell
the combination of ice milk and sugar
Newport, the Mohegan Bluffs on Block
wiener with an “ei” and serve theirs “all the
blended with syrup gives it a sweeter,
Island and Newport National Golf Club
way” with meat sauce, mustard and onions.
more powerful taste. Awful Awful stands
in Middleton.
for Awful Big Awful Good and it’s a Rhode Island tradition. While prepping for a 2020 trip to
First things first: I managed seven
That left only three: Johnnycakes (cornmeal pancakes), stuffies (stuffed clams
of the 10 iconic foods designated by
flavored with, for example, onion, celery
onlyinyourstate.com. We knocked off clam
and green pepper) and donut cake for my
Rhode Island with my extended family,
cakes at Rebecca’s Lunch & Dinner on
return visit.
I stumbled across a list of 10 iconic foods
Block Island and clam chowder and clam
to try while visiting the Ocean State. The
cakes (a second time) at Iggy’s Doughboys
to explore the state, walk its beaches and
Awful Awful, found at Newport Creamery
& Chowder House in Narragansett. We
marvel at its mansions. We also golfed.
restaurants, was ninth on the list, right
tried Del’s Lemonade, which can be found
40 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
But enough about food. Our intent was
We set a slow pace along Newport’s 3.5-
BLOCK ISLAND
CLIFF WALK ADOBE STOCK
ADOBE STOCK
JWESSEL PHOTOGRAPHY
mile Cliff Walk. On our left were crashing waves and rocky beaches and on our right were mansions from the Gilded Age. The walk is broken into five segments, with the fourth a bit rocky. The mansions were impressive, but the stone walls and the tunnels that connected the path were more intriguing. We drove Newport’s Ten Mile
KEVIN WARNEKE
Drive, which provides a glimpse of the
FOODIE’S DELIGHT
community’s summer residents, parks and public access shoreline. The onshore
The Ocean State’s most iconic foods were too tempting to resist for Omahan Kevin Warneke and his traveling companions. Hot wieners, clam chowder, clam cakes, and Del’s Lemonade lived up to the hype.
sea breeze at Brenton Point State Park is popular with kite flyers. The next day, we ferried to Block Island, which features two lighthouses. We CONTINUED ON PAGE 42
KEVIN WARNEKE
o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 41
NEWPORT NATIONAL
BLOCK ISLAND
ADOBE STOCK
KEVIN WARNEKE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41
the United States. It’s first on my list.
explored via moped and eventually ended
Here’s why: The bunker on No. 17 seems
calls them the “signature landform” in
up at Mohegan Bluffs, where we took the
to stretch forever, as do the wetlands that
the region.
140-step stairway to the beach below.
must be carried from the tee on Nos. 1,
Our trip included time for two rounds of
Robert Thorson, a landscape geologist,
“There are probably historic stone walls
9 and 18. The rectangular green on the
in each of the United States,” he said.
golf. No. 11 at Crystal Lake Golf Club in
par 5 No. 8 was the first I’ve seen, as was
“In most states, the task is to explain why
Burrillville is the most striking hole I’ve
the stone wall that cuts across No. 14’s
walls exist. In New England, they’re so
played, dropping 90 feet from tee to green.
fairway.
ubiquitous that the task is to explain why
You feel as if you are on top of the world
The stone wall on 14 and the many
they’re absent. There’s a reason for this.
until you try to target the green below with
other walls will be what I remember most
Only in New England did a livestock-tillage
your tee shot.
about Rhode Island. They’re everywhere
rural economy take place on ubiquitously
— enclosing cemeteries, framing yards and
stony soils.”
PGA.com ranks Newport National as the eighth-best links-style golf course in
shouldering roadways.
BEST OF THE BEST
Mom’s quest to see all 50 states became son’s quest too
Washington. For Idaho, we picked Shoshone
morning walk — and returned for a second
Falls, known as “Niagara of the West.”
visit. We found the Crystal Bridges Museum
While we stood along a deck watching the
of American Art spectacular and the spin on
Rhode Island compensates for
falls, we found ourselves in the middle of a
Bill Clinton’s presidency at his library and
what it lacks in geography with an
quinceañera, a celebration of a girl’s 15th
museum in Little Rock amusing.
overdose of flair. The first of the 13
birthday. It was the highlight of our trip.
I STORY
Now I understand.
KEVIN WARNEKE
saved the smallest for last.
Colonies was a fitting finale to my quest to visit all 50 states. I started counting states when my mother
No. 47: Alaska, which, hands down, is
I counted my travels and realized Idaho
the most impressive state. We saw a pod of
was my 43rd state (my mother assured me
whales breach and heard glaciers calve. We
I have been to West Virginia, but I have no
watched a brown bear run while we flew in
was closing in on visiting her 50th. She was
memory of it) and devised a plan to collect
a bush pilot’s care, and arose at 3 a.m. to
down to three — Idaho, Washington and
the remaining seven.
see the sun rise. You may think this odd,
Oregon — when my father died in 2014. She
No. 45: Arkansas, which my wife and I
fretted that she wouldn’t finish her journey
admitted exceeded our expectations and
— so I offered to take her.
smashed our stereotypes. We based an
We visited the three states in three days
but the best part of Alaska was the smell of the great outdoors. Mississippi and Rhode Island were
extended weekend in Eureka Springs and
my final two states. Before I could play
— targeting one attraction in each: Powell’s
spent part of each day walking nearby
favorites, work took me to Jackson,
City of Books, which occupies a city block in
trails. We discovered a stone dam at Lake
Mississippi, where a colleague and I toured
Portland, Oregon; and Mount St. Helens in
Leatherwood City Park during an early
the state capitol. Not a bad runner-up.
42 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
DESTINATION
Genteel & hip When it comes to historic hotels, The Cottonwood stands tall STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY KURT A.
A
KEELER AND CHRIS CHRISTEN
city’s love is here to stay with
— even enchanted — with the property’s
the revival of The Blackstone
history and the prospect of being part of
as The Cottonwood, Omaha’s
its continuing story as The Cottonwood,
most historic and storied hotel.
he says.
“There is a spirit, a soul to this building
Omaha’s grand dame of hospitality is
that is special to the community,” James
both genteel and hip, paying homage to the
Schelnick says.
past while carving its own niche under the
When the $75 million restoration was launched more than three years
flag of Kimpton Hotels. Metro-area residents have been beating
ago, a treasure trove of family stories of
a path to the registration desk since the
honeymoon stays, black-tie parties, late-
hotel’s opening in November.
night cocktails and more started flooding in. The anecdotes, from a time when the
“Some weekends, we’re flipping the entire hotel,” Schelnick says. The Cottonwood has
hotel was Omaha’s social epicenter, are
205 guest rooms and suites — more than
priceless, The Cottonwood’s director of
160 original to the hotel. Nightly rates
sales and marketing says. And now a new generation is intrigued
range from $139 to $399. CONTINUED ON PAGE 44
The former Blackstone Hotel at 36th and Farnam Streets sits on the edge of Omaha’s historic Gold Coast neighborhood. Its restoration embraces its glorious past. o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 43
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
“Locals have been pushing the experience. It’s been a nice surprise,” Schelnick says. “Word of mouth means a lot in Omaha.” My husband Kurt and I arrived early enough on a Saturday afternoon to beat the line, but it was 40 people deep by 5 p.m.
SNAPPY COMEBACK
In some instances where restoration wasn’t possible, old photos were used to re-create historic touches. The mosaic tile in the lobby, above, is original. In another unique touch, upholstered headboards in the guest rooms depict a scene on menus from The Blackstone era. At top right, Brioche aux Amandes, a sure bet on the a la carte bunch menu in the Orleans Room.
Several fur babies were checking in, too. This Kimpton property is so pet-friendly, Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf already has
mid-day meet up with clients or drinks with friends after work — no room key required. An a la carte brunch is served every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sophisticated-yet-approachable menu includes small plates of lobster deviled eggs, crispy chicken lollipops and marinated olives, large plates of steak, mussels and chicken, and, of course, the
while traveling the Lincoln Highway. For those familiar with the original hotel,
famed Blackstone Reuben. “I had to take that sandwich very
obliged a request to prepare a $50 fillet for
a peek at the Orleans Room is a must. The
seriously because of the history,” Chef
a very pampered pooch. (He gets it; he has
mosaic tile, pillars, dark wood ceiling beams
Arensdorf says. “I never thought I could
two spoiled dogs himself, Sous and Chef.)
and velvet-upholstered window benches
like sauerkraut as much as I do.”
Built in 1915 as a residential hotel, The Blackstone was designated an Omaha
still exist.
Tea service with scones and petit
Billing the iconic restaurant-lounge as
fours is offered Saturdays and Sundays
Landmark in 1983 and listed on the
“Omaha’s most comfortable living room”
from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Reservations are
National Register of Historic Places in
isn’t a stretch. Cozy conversation areas, a
required. (To be totally cool, you’ll want to
1985. In 1920, the building was purchased
handsome bar and gin cocktails complement
pronounce the name of the room correctly.
by Charles Schimmel. He made it the place
the smooth jazz track playing in the
It’s Orr-lee-ahns).
to stay between Chicago and San Francisco
background. It’s the perfect setting for a
CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
44 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
OMAHA’S LIVING ROOM
In 1950, the former Blackstone Hotel was described as “one of the country’s best glamour houses.” As The Cottonwood, the hotel retains a number of original features, including the mosaic tile and wood beams of the Orleans Room. o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 45
AN INSTANT HIT
The signature paint color for The Cottonwood is “Jack Pine” 660 by Benjamin Moore. The Garden Lounge is defined by it. At right, The Cottonwood Room bar with its golden tree.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44
The 1920s-inspired Garden Lounge just off the lobby is destined to become The Cottonwood’s most identifiable setting. “A thousand percent,” Schelnick says. “If you’re looking at the highest percentage of Instagram photos from a single place in Omaha, this could be it.” The Cottonwood Room on the lower level won’t be far behind for a must-have selfie. It’s the city’s prettiest cocktail lounge, bar none, with a golden cottonwood tree in the center of the circular bar. In the background, a multi-panel wall screen projects a tranquil river scene. The hotel’s fine-dining restaurant on the same level is The Committee Chophouse. “We’re in another world right now,” Kurt said as we sat down for dinner. “I’m just blown away.” I agreed, although my “where-arewe” moment came in a dim corner of The Cottonwood Room, sipping an Old Fashioned and a martini before dinner. The Committee wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable and our meal was exquisitely prepared and presented. Steak stars on the French-based New Orleans menu. CONTINUED ON PAGE 48
46 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
BIRTH OF REUBEN
The Committee Chophouse takes its name from the private group who gathered for late-night poker games at The Blackstone between 1920 and 19335. As the story goes, members took turns cooking for the group, and the Reuben sandwich was born. The hotel’s owner, Charles Schimmel, put it on the lunch menu and fame spread.
ARTFUL SPACES
Original art curated by Omaha muralist Watie White enlivens spaces throughout The Cottonwood, including guest rooms. The gallery wall at left is in the foyer of The Cottonwood Room.
o m a h a . c o m / i n s p i r e d l i v i n g 47
The classics
NOTHING BUT PRIME “OK doesn’t get you great,” says Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf. “I’m my harshest critic.” Featured: Baseball Cut Steak Diane.
GORAT’S STEAK HOUSE
THE MARKET BASKET
An Omaha tradition since 1944. A worldwide favorite of Warren Buffett, BRK shareholders, celebrities and dignitaries. Top-quality filet mignon, prime rib, whiskey ribeye, chops and seafood. Take-out, delivery, dine-in, Friday lunch. Happy hour MondayFriday 3-5:30 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Make the Market Basket your destination for exceptional gourmet food! Join us Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Our delectable pastries, wonderful deli selections and ready-to-serve holiday meals will impress your family and friends. Call today to order!
4917 CENTER ST. 402-551-3733 GORATSOMAHA.COM
2501 S. 90TH ST., SUITE 126 402-397-1100 MARKETBASKETOMAHA.COM
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46
“Omaha is on the cusp of being more adventurous” when
s m a l l b u s i n e s s d i r e c T o ry
it comes to food, Arensdorf says. He’s using 100% prime cuts and locally sourced ingredients in his quest to make “simple things great” and earn a spot among the top steakhouses in the nation. This butcher’s daughter loves a perfectly charred fillet, but the sides were unforgettable. That may have a lot to do with the beer cheese sauce base used in the gratin potatoes and creamed spinach we sampled. For dessert, it had to be Baked Alaska.
BEAU JOYAU
EHLY’S INTERIORS
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We do windows! We repair blinds! Family owned and operated for over 43 years. Full interior décor service; blinds, fabrics, drapery, upholstery, wallpaper and carpeting. Stop by our showroom to see the latest in décor fashions.
2947 S. 108TH ST., HILLTOP PLAZA 402-301-7103 BEAUJOYAU.SHOP
2312 BOB BOOZER DRIVE 402-330-6557 EHLYSINTERIORS.COM
We hadn’t dressed up for dinner in more than a year, and it felt great to put some effort into our attire. Swanky clothes aren’t required, but it’s appropriate when a tab runs $200 or more for dinner for two. A Saturday evening reservation could be tough to get, unless you’re booking several weeks in advance, Arensdorf says. “For locals, this is a perfect little getaway,” he says. “We brought a little Chicago or New York to Omaha.”
48 M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1
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