momaha.com
volume 4 ¡ issue 5
MAY 2013
mille fleur
Five ways a wallflower can wear bold blooms
Style watch The stiletto is the new wedge!
Get Organized Zone your kitchen for efficiency
plus Moms’ favorite places to dine out with kids
THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.
Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child. For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.
FROM our MOMAHA.COM editOR
momaha where moms connect vOLUME 4 · ISSUE 5 · MAY 2013 editorial director CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094
creative director/designer A N A N DA S PA DT
momaha.com editor J O S I E LOZ A josie.loza@owh.com 402-444-1075
production coordinator PAT R I C I A “ M U R PH Y ” B E N O I T
on the cover P H O TO BY J I M B U R N E T T
content contributors A M Y TO KO S , A M Y G R AC E , D E v H A N U M A R A , J O S I E LOZ A , H E AT H E R W I N K L E , CO R A CO P P O C K
copy editor AMY LAMAR
to advertise, contact KRISTINE BUHMAN kristine.buhman@owh.com 402-444-1442 MARCIA OSTRANSK Y marcia.ostransky@owh.com 402-444-1489 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2013 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha The Magazine.
Diner’s Guide to Free Food
A
lmost all restaurants are said to be kid-friendly if you go early enough and have well-behaved children. Are you laughing? I am. My trio is a bit much for sit-down dining spots. When I take them to wellestablished restaurants, I sweat and apologize profusely. They’re good kids – I swear. Never mind the tiny bit of paper that just flew out of my son’s straw or that my toddler is now jumping off of her seat. So, I created a mental list of restaurants where the servers and patrons don’t mind if we get a little rowdy, offer discounts, have fun activities and/ or are family friendly. I eventually created an online version of that list. Visit momaha.com/freefood for a complete list of restaurants where kids can eat for free (or really cheap) on certain days of the week. You will find several useful dining tips, foodie tricks and recipes in this issue. If we missed something, don’t be shy. Email your foodie tricks and favorite dining spots to momaha@owh.com.
Chat with Josie each Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com Facebook.com/josie.loza @LozaFina Pinterest.com/momahaowh
Intensive reading & Math Summer School Program
July 8th - August 2nd
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
K - 8th Grade All Ability Levels Space is limited / Small classes
• • • • •
Our Program is Great For: Retaining what was learned in school Providing a jump start on next year Learning phonics, decoding & spelling Increasing comprehension & fluency Improving math facts and concepts
Register Today 402-390-0556 or phoenixacademyomaha.org Phoenix Academy
2
1110 N 66th Street
Omaha, NE 68132
Design Your Own CELEBRATIONS!
CELEBRATIONS!
Celebrate fun times with amazing events including: • Theme-based birthday parties with delightful dress-up costumes for both children and dogs • Interactive games and activities on-site at LeWonderment • Scenic carriage rides through the Old Market • Delicious desserts across the street at Spaghetti Works. LeWonderment CELEBRATIONS! is the Ultimate Destination for Creative Play! Pretend play is the way children develop imagination Call TODAY and creative thinking skills; it brings to plan your the world down to a child’s size and CELEBRATIONS! understanding… Coming this Spring to the Old Market!
BUILD A CONNECTION WITH NATURE Don’t miss Nature Connects, an indoor exhibit featuring 27 sculpturesinspired by nature and built from nearly 500,000 LEGO® bricks. ON DISPLAY THROUGH MAY 19 • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Off Interstate 80 at 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha | (402) 346-4002 • www.lauritzengardens.org
3
CATCH
AIR! Omaha’s NEWEST GYM Specializing in
momaha.com
Raising Good Eaters Toy trains, crayons and peace at restaurants
I
don’t spend much time in the kitchen. For that reason, my children have had plenty of occasions to learn how to behave while eating out. My oldest went straight from breast milk to sushi. That is to say, one of his first experiences eating out was at a local sushi bar. He loved rice with soy sauce and Miso Soup so much that we often ordered AMy seconds. GrACe Luckily for us, our first-born was crazy about Thomas the Train, and would take several of them everywhere we went. We also occupied him with little wooden toys until his food came, which we always ordered immediately upon arrival. This is something we have found most helpful when dining out with kids, and still do even to this day. This way our children eat first while our entrees are being made. By the time our food arrived when our kids were little, they
Farmers markets From apples to zucchini, you can find just about any kind of fresh produce, as well as bread, honey, herbs and more. Take your time, sample the products and talk to the vendors about their goods. Bring home some fresh ingredients and experiment with new recipes. more info: omahafarmersmarket.org
Classes forming now.
CALL TODAY
Csas Community Supported Agriculture groups bring local harvests to you. For a set fee, sometimes paid in full upfront or sometimes paid weekly with pick-up, you get a generous selection of whatever is in season. The options change each week, which means that you get tasty surprises. more info: tomatotomato.org/csa
OMAHA’S
TUMBLING SPECIALIST
402.932.9202 11235 John Galt Blvd. Omaha
4
Amy Grace is married with two children. Read more from her every Friday on momaha.com.
Be Hometown Foodies
Recreational & Competitive
airborneomaha.com
were busying themselves with little toy trains, crayons and coloring sheets. Now that they are older, their phones do the trick. My pet peeve is whiny kids. Unless my children are outside, we insist that they use their “library voices.” This is doubly important in restaurants. Our kids are not allowed to get out of their chairs. They never have been, so they don’t really ask. We try to respect the people dining in restaurants, so keeping my children in their own space is non-negotiable. We practice at home. On most nights we eat as a family at the dinner table. We require our children to act at home as they would in a restaurant. They speak at normal volumes. They stay in their chairs until everyone is finished. They say “please” and “thank you.” And we try to engage them in conversations that keep their attention throughout the meal. If they are consistently on their best behavior at home, it’s easier for them to maintain that good behavior when we’re out.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
restaurants Try restaurants that use locally sourced food. It can be a culinary adventure and a great way to support the local economy. suggestions: Lot 2 in Benson; Harvest Cafe in Lakeside Hills Plaza; Block 16 in downtown Omaha. -Family Features
JUNIOR LEAGUE SIGN-UP
More at MoMaha.coM
;-)
?!
Chat with Josie each Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. on momaha.com.
Read “How I Do It,” a Q & A feature on moms getting through their day.
Eagle Run &
Join momaha’s Evening Children’s Story Time. It meets at 7 p.m. the last Friday of each month at the Bookworm.
Stone Creek
Click through our Kids Camp Directory.
JUNIOR LEAGUES
8 weeks starting the second week of June. Sign-ups begin March 1st.
EAGLE RUN
F U N FO R
Y L I M A F E IR T N E E H T
!
E U G E N E T. M A H O N E Y S TAT E PA R K
Omaha’ Omaha’s a’s La LLargest r g es t Pr rg P Program ro gra ra m Exclusively E Ex xc lusi s vely l fo fforr Kids! Par 3 Course for ages 7 and up. $85
Executive Course for ages 11 and up. $105 Play is on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
STONE CREEK
League is for ages 12 and up. $110 Play is on Thursday afternoons.
JUNIOR LESSONS 1 week clinic (5/1-hour lessons) $90
Enjoy an indoor theater with live performances, horseback trail rides, arts and cra�s, miniature golf, driving range, lodge rooms, cabins and camping, hiking, indoor ac�vity center and much more!! (Park Entry Permit Required)
www.OutdoorNebraska.org RESERVE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY At the indoor playground, call for details Mahoney Grill PARTY 402.944.2523 Ext. 7122 Open Daily 2 8 5 0 0
W
P A R K
H W Y
A S H L A N D ,
N E
6 8 0 0 3
Sessions in May, June and July. Check websites for schedule.
golfstonecreek g olfstonecreek.com .com eaglerungolf.com eaglerungolf .co com 5
Cover story
Bold Blooms in Small Doses
2 1
3
4 5 Bold blooms are springing up everywhere. Here are five ways to wear the trend without getting over-powered. 1. Ivanka Trump satin stilettos, $130 from Von Maur. 2. Sakroots floral iPhone cover, $20 from Dillard's. 3. Floral disk earrings, $16 from Piper at One Pacific Place. 4. Anne Klein turquoise necklace, $45 from DIllard's. 5. Yellow floral headband, $18 from NJ & Co. at Legacy West. Photos by Jim Burnett
6
Styling by Cora Coppock Art Direction by Ananda Spadt
FREE
Ch Check Che h k out heck oou utt tth the he othe he oth otther other her err gr ggre great grea reat eat att se ser services s ices ces ess ttha that th hat att Rave R ave avve S Sa Salon Salo alo alon lon on n & Spa Sp Spaa Retrea R Re Ret Retr Retreat etre etreat etrea r has h s to to off ooffer! offer offe ffer! fer! r!!
10oz 1 0oz sh sshampoo sham sha hamp ampo mpoo poo oo o& 10oz conditioner 10oz con co ondi ond nditio dition ditione itioner tioner oner er Wit any With ny cut and ccolor olorr service. serv service service. ice Certain Cer Certai tain n restrictio rrestrictions rest estrictions tions apply. Exp. tio p. 4/30/13. 4/30/1 4/30/13. 3.
•C Color/Color olor/C olo r/Color r/Colo olor Correction Correc Cor rectio rec tion n •W World-Class orld-Clas orl orld-C d-Clas d-C lasss las Haircuts Haircu Hai rcuts •P Perms/ erm erms/ Relaxers Relaxe Rel axers axe rs Massage • Ma Massa ssage ssage
• Ha Hair ir Ext Extens Extensions ension ens ions ions
• Customer Cu mer Skin Custo Skin Care Car • Anti-Fr Anti-Frizz A nti-Frizz Treatment nti
BRING IN YOUR REPORT CARD AND SHOW US YOUR “A” AND RECEIVE A FREE DONUT!
402.89 402.8 40 402.891.0018 02.89 0 2.891 2.89 .891 891. 91.0 1.00 .00 0018 001 00 018 18
MON:: 10 - 5 | TU TUES: ES: 10 - 8 WED 10 0 - 5 | THURS: 10 0 - 8 | FR FRI: I: 10 - 5 WED: SAT: 1 SAT 10 - 3 | SUN: CLO CLOSED SED
info@ravesalon.com info@r fo@r @ravesalon.com on.c .com • www.ravesalon.com ra com m
Congratulate yourself with a with an “A” on your report card
180th & Q ~ Loc Locate Located ated ate d behi b behind ehind ehi nd Walgreens Walgre greens (SW corner) greens corner)
• Full Range nge of Esthet Esthetic Est hetic ic Ser Services Servic vices es
WE’LL WE WE’ WE’L W E’LL ’LL LL L GIV GIVE GIVE GI IV VE VE YO Y YOU OU SOM SOMETHING M METHING ME NG TO O RAVE V ABOUT! A OU OUT!
FREE DONUT!
1810 18 18101 101 R Pl Plaz Plaza aza Su aza Suite Suit itite e 101, 101, NE 68135 Omah Om Omaha, aha, ah a, N E 68 6813 135 135
• FFacial acial aci al & Body Bod yW Waxing Waxi axing axi ng
SUNRIZE
CATEREXT N YOURTY OR PAR WITH T EVEN O N U T S !
D uts SUNRIZillEdeliver yourr ydoounr We w our office fo to y ext event. zen n do TAILS. *3 E FOR DE tice. *SEE STORum and 24 hour no minim
DONUTS FAMIL OWNEDY OPERA & TED. MADE FRES DAILY! H
17676 Welch Plaza #7 Omaha, NE 1 (180th & Q next to HyVee)
402-614-2228
6AM – NOON • 7 DAYS A WEEK
7
family night out
Parents serve up favorite dining spots in Omaha
E
ating out with the kids can be a tricky, tricky thing. You have to take so much into consideration. Top-ofmind for moms everywhere: Price. You want a nice meal at an affordable price. Atmosphere. You don’t want to be frowned upon for letting your child dance in your booth as your meal arrives. Food. You want good, hearty downhome cookin’ that will have every belly poking out because it’s so filling. Based on those three “ingredients,” we asked readers to weigh in on their favorite restaurants. -Compiled by Josie Loza April Kane: “We love Zio’s Pizzeria. They give the boys dough to play with and coloring pages with crayons. We have fun, and before you know it, our food is ready.” Mom blogger Tunette M. Powell: “Texas Roadhouse. It’s noisy. The employees dance, and the bread keeps my kiddos quiet. But Kona Grill has the best fruit cups for kids.” Becca Smith Sutton: “Cheeseburger In Paradise. It’s already noisy in there, and they don’t seem to care if my little ones dance in the middle of lunch.” Angela Allen: “Texas Roadhouse. The dancing keeps the little one entertained, and he loves to throw peanuts on the floor. It’s the place he picked for his birthday. He’s ready to get on the saddle!”
World-Herald Archive
Marcy Bennett: “HuHot Mongolian Grill on 178th and Center. The kids get to pick what they eat and how much they eat, and they can go back up for seconds if they are still hungry. My boys love watching them cook what they pick out. Cooking s’mores for dessert is the best too.”
Beth Swank: “Red Robin. My girls love to eat there for its many choices. They also like to eat at Red Robin on their birthdays for the singing and ice cream sundae.” Courtney Matthies: “Biaggi’s. It’s a restaurant that my hubby and I enjoy, and my kids keep busy and love coloring on the paper table covers. They also feel very special with the little snack plates of fruit and crackers that they get while waiting for their meals.” Rachel Tipton-Haswell: “Golden Corral. My kids love that they can serve themselves. It has lots of different foods to eat, and the best part is that they actually eat. And it helps that they have a chocolate fountain for dessert.”
8
Emily Schmidt-Bushir: “Guaca Maya is great! The food is awesome, and on Wednesday nights they have a buffet and kids eat free. The kids love getting taco ingredients and then making their own tacos. The food is delicious, and there is always a bunch of choices. It is not just standard Mexican food.”
Tricia Murphy: “Texas Roadhouse for their call-ahead seating and loud environment.” Danisha Hurst: “Mama’s Pizza is our favorite family restaurant for three reasons: friendly service, great locations (Midtown, North Saddle Creek Road and 156th and West Pacific) and tasty food. My hubby can enjoy fresh pizza; the girls love spaghetti and meatballs; and I really like their chicken fried chicken. Plus, with most entrees costing $7 or less, it is affordable.” S. Kay Trotter: “Spaghetti Works because kids eat free on Monday.” Ashley Riddle: “Zio’s. Nothing is worse than waiting for your food to arrive when you have impatient hungry children! I love how Zio’s doesn’t go with the typical crayons and paper. Instead, they plop a big lump of dough on the table. Have at it, kids! It keeps them busy, and helps the adults enjoy eating out.” Jennifer Morrison: “Mama’s Pizza is always good. My kids like Buffalo Wild Wings too.” Ann Holeyfield-Crutcher: “We love going to Jason’s Deli on 72nd Street after church on random Sundays. There is an organic menu that is super yummy. Including drinks, the four of us can eat for under $30. Free ice cream cones top it off.” Amy Csipkes Butts: “Our family loves to go to The Pizza Pie Guys. It’s a wonderful atmosphere. The best part is that everyone can get whatever kind of pizza
,
ons: n,
ve e ost le.”
e n
cal a t he
e y.
p
to rful
a
Jamie Haney Kelly: “Johnny Sortinos Pizza Parlor and Mama’s Pizza. They are nice and loud, there are lots of games and they are quick and easy.”
they like because you get to create your own pizza at the build-it-yourself buffet. And when the children are finished eating, there is an arcade with dry-erase walls where the kids can have fun.” Krista Malcolm Freimuth: “We like to go to Outback. They are friendly, and my son developed a taste for their steaks at a young age. You can get a kid’s meal with a steak in it.” Tracey Bland Willow: “She (my daughter) loves getting a pile of dough at Zio’s, and she loves the ‘ceces’ (horses) at Spaghetti Works.” Brandon Lee Fiscus: “The Pizza Pie Guys is awesome! The whole family can enjoy building their own pizzas. By using the Pinpoint card at The Pizza Pie Guys, you can make it so much better with rewards of free stuff. There is plenty of entertainment wall-to-wall – even televisions so you don’t miss the big game.” Amy Weingardt Toland: “Jason’s Deli. You cannot beat a healthier menu full of options, and it’s just a friendly atmosphere in general.” Connie Campbell Vanderheiden: “Being a stay-at-home mom of five boys sure makes us budget for meals. When we do go to a sit-down restaurant, it usually costs us a Benjamin plus a 15 to 20 percent tip. Saving a few dollars is a must, so we enjoy going to Papillion’s Shadow Lake Buffalo Wild Wings on Thursday’s boneless wing night. We always get excellent service from our regular server, Lisa. She treats us like family. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., so my husband and I can enjoy a $3 big beer while we munch on $3 mozzarella sticks, cheese dip and onion rings while our 60-cent wings are being prepared. It’s a sports bar atmosphere, and the boys enjoy a little brotherly competition while playing the quiz games. My husband, Scott, and I get some much-needed time to talk and catch up on our day. We are proud to have five very well-behaved children, so going out to eat is a treat – plus I don’t have to cook!”
day-glo Off Kilter necklace, $50, from local online retailer EsotericVelvet.com Nothing pulls a muted winter wardrobe out of the doldrums faster than a fabulous piece of jewelry. This beauty is handmade.
World-Herald Archive
9
recipes
Paint Your Own Pottery Studio!
dazzling desserts splurge on some springtime sparkle
Summer Camp Enroll in 4 Camps, get 5th Camp FREE
Gold RaspbeRRies Three words: “edible spray paint.� All it takes is five minutes to turn raspberries into gold. Lay raspberries out on wax paper and spray with one coat of edible spray paint. Let dry before serving.
Offer ends May 31st
To Register Call or visit our studio!
More ideas on page 12
402.502.9080 8037 S 83 Ave
creationstationomaha.com
Birthday Party Packages Available 10
B y H e a t h e r Wi n k e l
Photos by Dev Hanumara
! !
!
!
! ! ! ! !
INCLUDES 3 Activities: Open Jump, Dodge Ball, Laser Maze Snacks – Bottle of Water – Defy Gravity T-Shirt CAMP #1: June 10th-12th CAMP #2: June 24th-26th CAMP #3: July 15th-17th CAMP #4: July 29th-31st Ages 6 – 10 & 11 – 15 • 9am – 12pm • $60 per Camp* *Space is Limited
402-934-3394 | http://www.defygravityusa.com/ 11
recipes, cont. Sugar-rimmed glaSS Punch up your punch glasses (or adult beverages). Fill one shallow bowl with water and another with sprinkles. Quickly decorate glasses by turning them upside down and twirling first in water, then in sprinkles. Let dry before filling with your beverage of choice and serving.
Sprinkled ice cream SandwicheS Add pizzaz to boxed ice cream sandwiches by rolling the ice cream centers in a variety of sprinkles.
rock candy cupcakeS Give your cupcakes a luxurious look by sprinkling crushedup rock candy on top.
NOW OPEN! OMAHA’S HEALTHY OPTION FOR MOMS ON THE GO!
We Cater! 12
SALADS
WRAPS • SOUPS • PANINIS 2101 N. 120th Street • Omaha 402.933.5506
www.MixedGoGreen.com
FALL REGISTRATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED 3, 4 yrs and Pre-K
We provide a safe, nurturing environment and stimulating, age-appropriate activities to keep your child happy and engaged.
For a registration form or questions, email discoverycorner@stpaulspapillion.org
or call 402.880.8103
Discovery Corner
1 WK 6W 2PDKD 1( LQQRYDWLRQUHVHDUFKRPDKD FRP
324 S. Jackson Street, Papillion
PART-TIME & FULL-TIME JOBS FOR
Stay-At-Home Moms! Flexible OfďŹ ce Hours: Monday Thru Saturday (daytime only) Starting pay: $9/hour with opportunity for career advancement Job Description: Research Business Information over the phone and on the web – NO SALES!
We are a high-tech start-up at an attractive southwest location.
Send resume to: teresa@databaseUSA.com or apply online at Careerlink.com
Helping Businesses Grow Since 1972
13
healthy eating
Fresh Brunch Fare
sweet Potato waffles Serves 8
Break out the fruit for a sweet, satisfying change of pace
S
weet breads and casseroles are popular brunch foods, but they can be heavy and full of fat, sugar and calories. For a lighter, fresher brunch that still leaves guests feeling satisfied, fill their
plates with fresh fruits. quick fruity ideas • Slice up a variety of fresh fruits and serve them in fruitbased containers. Carve a basket from a watermelon; hollowout the center of halved cantaloupes or honeydew melons; or make individual servings in cups made out of orange peels.
• Set up a yogurt bar so guests can customize their own yogurt parfaits. Include creamy yogurt, fresh Chilean blueberries, plums, grapes, kiwis and apples. Have a selection of homemade granolas, toasted nuts and coconut flakes with honey or agave nectar for drizzling.
• Set out fresh fruit skewers stacked with chunks of your favorite fresh fruits. For an added layer of flavor, lightly grill the skewers over smoky coals or in a grill pan on the stove. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
1 1/2 cups buttermilk or plain yogurt 4 large eggs 1/2 cup sugar 2 1/2 cups flour 3/4 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 cup cooked sweet potato puree (canned or fresh) 3 tablespoons melted butter 2 peaches, sliced 2 plums, sliced 1 cup grapes, halved 1/4 cup pecans, toasted Maple syrup 1. Blend the first 7 ingredients well and let rest for 20 minutes. 2. Make waffles in a waffle maker. 3. Top with fruits and toasted pecans. 4. Add maple syrup to taste. Nutrients per serving: 300 calories, 9g protein, 7g fat, 63 calories from fat, 4g saturated fat, 120mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 99mg sodium
— Compiled by Family Features
Join us after work to unwind at the
Infant Toddler & Preschool Care!
Now enrolling all ages Open Monday – Friday • 6:30 am – 6:00 pm An evening of festive appetizers, drinks and music
Thursday, May 2nd 6:00 to 8:00 pm Historic Livestock Exchange Building — (North Parking Lot) 4920 South 30th Street • Omaha, NE 68107 Tickets start at $25.00 per person For information call 402-619-5302 Hosted by: The Friends of OneWorld Board Proceeds benefit:
Now offeri secured inte ng rnet viewing!
www.MillardChildCare.com
Millard Childcare and Preschool 5225 S. 170 th St (170 th & Q) • 402-896-5158
14
BlueBerry, Apple And GorGonzolA pAninis Serves 4
8 Italian bread slices 8 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled ½ cup blueberries 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced 8 ounces thinly sliced ham or smoked turkey 1 cup arugula 2 tablespoons red pepper jelly, divided 2 tablespoons olive oil 1. Layer 4 bread slices evenly with Gorgonzola, blueberries, apples, ham and arugula. 2. Spread 1½ teaspoons pepper jelly on each of the remaining 4 bread slices; place bread slices, jelly sides down, on top of arugula. Brush sandwiches with olive oil. 3. Cook sandwiches in batches in a preheated Panini press or grill pan 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Nutrients per serving: 450 calories, 19g fat, 171 calories from fat, 9g saturated fat, 57g cholesterol, 1,507g sodium, 24g protein, 4g dietary fiber
Subscribe for a
full year of
6
issues!
full year just
9.99
$
delivered right to your mailbox Click the Subscribe tab at inspiredhomeomaha.com
Benefits of Chiropractic p Care and Massage During Pregnancy As See Seen een on KMTV Morning Blend
78
$
(a $370 value) for a chiropractic exam, report of findings and initial treat, and an hourlong Swedish or deep tissue massage. New patients only. Must present coupon. Only one redeemable per person. Offer redeemable through April 21, 2013. Appointments are required and subject to availability, offer may be limited.
Call or go online to schedule your appointment – and mention this exclusive Momaha deal! 14 14440 F Street, Suite 109 Omaha, NE 68137 Om Dr. Monte Hinze, D.C. Dr ww www.OmahaNaturalLife.com 40 402.505.4148
15
get organized
Pantry, Cabinets Zoned for Efficiency By Amy Tokos
W
hether you love to cook or consider it a chore, an organized kitchen can be inspiring. One of the biggest challenges we see in the kitchen is how to organize the food. How do your cupboards and pantry look? The easiest way to organize the food in your kitchen is to set up zones. These zones can be on shelves in a pantry or in specified cabinets — whatever works for your kitchen. To label or not to label: Labels are great for communicating your newly organized system to your family. If you decide to label, keep them very general like I labeled them below. If labels and zones get too specific, they can become a source of frustration. Dinner Foods Zone: This zone is the first place you look when it is time to cook dinner. What do you usually look for when you are getting ready to do this? You will want to break this zone into three separate sections: sauces and packaged dinners: Sauces, seasoning packets, cooking soups and other meal starters belong in this area.
Pastas and grains: Keep all of these in one area. If needed, you can get a bin or basket to help contain them. Canned fruits and vegetables: Create a space just for your canned fruits and vegetables. This may also be where you will want to keep all of your tomato sauces and pastes. Condiments Zone: A dedicated shelf in the pantry for the extra mustard, ketchup, salad dressings, pickles and any other spare condiments makes them much easier to find. Breakfast Zone: If all the breakfast food is together, then you and your kids will spend less time in the morning finding what you want to eat. snack Zone: Having a separate space/shelf for snack foods makes it easier to see what you have. An easy way to organize these foods is to use an open bin for grab-and-go snacks. When you buy these items, you can just dump them in the bin. This keeps empty boxes out of your cupboards. school Lunch Zone: Do your kids pack
The ON
PET RES
35
$
uite tes only ly Catt Su Suite Suites itte only $ $2 $20 a night! i ht!
sive
Overnights ay $25 AlllcaD e r y a D
Professional Grooming in the convenience of your driveway!
Complete pet care service Complete pet grooming service Unique indoor pool facility & outside t id play l area
16912 Audrey St 402-516-8888 ThePawSpaPetResort.com 16
their own lunches? Having a space set aside for all of their lunch needs can make your mornings go a bit quicker. Things to include are lunch boxes, baggies and foods that they like to pack. This may need to be close to the snack area if some of those foods cross over into lunches. Convenience Lunch Zone: This includes peanut butter, soups, mac and cheese, tuna ... whatever your kids eat for lunch on the weekends and over the summer. A space for these items will keep the kids from shuffling through the dinner foods and snacks when it is time for lunch. Drink Zone: Keep all of your drinks in this area. Tea, Kool-Aid and hot chocolate will be easy to find if they are together. Baking Goods Zone: A shelf for all of your baking supplies works well for most families. Items you might want to include in this area, if you have space, are your cookie cutters and decorating supplies. With an organized pantry and cabinets, cooking and shopping will be much easier!
16912 Audrey St • 402-516-8888 themobilepawspa.com
Camping takes you on exciting adventures in the outdoors. It’s fun, and it’s good for your mind, body, and spirit. You will learn to rely on yourself and your own skills and knowledge. Cub Scouts will have a blast as they build on skills and adventures this summer. Cub Scout Camps begin in June. Registration is open now at www.mac-bsa.org/CubScoutCamp.
Boy Scouts of America® Mid-America Council
Summer Season Starts May 23 OPEN DAILY FROM 11AM-6PM
MAY KIDS CLUB THURSDAY, Y MAY 23 AT 1PM AT THE SAC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SPRAYGROUND. Come splash in the water and enjoy a live performance from The String Beans, with special guests Cat in the Hat and Things 1 & 2
More than 70 stores, services and restaurants Highway 370 & 72nd Street, Papillion 402.537.00 0 46 Shopping Hours: Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 12-6 ShadowLa a keShopping.com