Momaha Magazine - September 2018 by Omaha World-Herald

momaha.com

VOLUME 9 · ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER

THE SPIRALIZER Cooking with a twist

Sweet KID ROOMS Decor that grows with your child

ﾫ Easy

Fresh corn, 4 ways

2018

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THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS. Her’Manii, age 8 Supracondylar Humerus Fracture After Her’Manii fractured her elbow, the orthopedic specialists at Children’s were quick to get her in to surgery and on to recovery. Because the only breaks this busy second grader should have to worry about are the ones she chooses to take herself.

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CONTENTS

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

6 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Column 8 On Our Radar 10 Momaha Bookshelf 24 Be Well 32 Get Organized

20 Rethinking Hot Lunch 22 The Spiralizer 26 Room to Grow

ON THE COVER 16 Sweet Corn, 4 Ways

SPONSORED FEATURES 12 The Rose Theater 14 YMCA of Greater Omaha 18 Learning Community 30 Huntington Learning Center

momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 9 . ISSUE 9 . SEPTEMBER 2018 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer HEIDI HOFFMAN hhoffman@owh.com 402-444-1351

assistant editor MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

copy editor SHELLEY LARSEN shelley.larsen@owh.com 402-444-1143

momaha.com editor ASHLEE COFFEY ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator PAT R I C I A “ M U R P H Y ” B E N O I T

content contributors AMY TOKOS BECC A DeWILDE JOSHUA FOO DAN McC ANN B R YA N F R O S T K AT H L E E N C O N N O R M I K E W AT K I N S H E AT H E R W I N K E L

cover photo HEIDI HOFFMAN

account manager L AURE N KRUGE R lauren.kruger@owh.com 402-444-1261

account executive E M I LY M A R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive M A R I LY N M A R T I N marilyn.martin@owh.com 402-444-1405

account executive MICHAEL MEDRANO michael.medrano@owh.com 402-444-1209 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2018 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 Magazine.

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MOMAHA.COM EDITOR // ASHLEE COFFEY Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald. Mom to Sam and Elliott. Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH

SPICE OF LIFE

all is almost here. It was another hot summer, and I’m very much looking forward to experiencing all that fall has to offer with my 2- and 4-year-old. We’ll be visiting the pumpkin patch, playing in the leaves, carving pumpkins, eating s’mores over a bonfire and baking yummy treats. OK, maybe that last one is a year-round thing. My oldest is starting to understand the change of seasons. He knows that after summer comes fall and Halloween. But my 2-year-old

has no idea. So it’s fun watching him basically experience everything like it’s the first time. One big tradition in our home is getting out the fall decorations. Every year, I add a DIY craft with the kids. If you’re looking to spice up your home this fall, check out our hacks for decorating and organizing on the cheap. For fun with the kids in the kitchen, try spiralizing! We hope your school year is off to a great start!

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ON OUR RADAR // EDITOR’S PICKS New and Momaha-tested too!

BRING THE TOYS WITH YOU

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

The Sago Mini Portable Playset was a big hit with Briggs. It’s easy to pack up for trips, and comes in diner, Jinja house or spaceship designs. Because he is just 2, Mom had to watch him closely. ”My son puts stuff in his mouth all the time, and I can tell the pieces aren’t going to last very long.’’ $19.99. Amazon.com

GET A PROTEIN BOOST PB Fit peanut butter powder is a versatile way to get a lowfat, low-carb protein boost. Our reviewer added a couple of tablespoons to a banana smoothie in the morning and ¼ cup to each batch of energy bites she made for her daughter’s volleyball and tennis teams. She buys the organic version; it’s also available in a regular variety. $9.98 for a 15-ounce jar. PBfit.com

ENJOY SOME PLAYTIME Our mother of three says all of her kids have loved discovery mats. Once they were around 5 months old, though, they no longer enjoyed being on their backs. With the Yookidoo Gymotion mat, baby is able to sit up and look at objects, which prolongs the usefulness of the mat, even if it is only for 10 minutes at a time. Our reviewer’s only wish? Softer hanging objects. “Although they are fairly cushioned, plastic is hard on little hands.” She liked that the mat is easy to fold and unfold. $79.99. amazon.com

LOOK LIKE A PRINCESS Four-month-old Braegan looked like a princess in her Feltman Brothers Floral Bullion Dress. Her mother loved that it comes with a pretty panty to hide a diaper. She also likes that the vintage-styled dress, with its hand-embroidered flowers and lace trim, is made of light material perfect for the hot summer months. $68.50. Feltmanbrothers.com

WHISK AWAY SWEAT The Urban Halo headband was the perfect size for a 17-year-old dancer. She tried it out during a dance class and it stayed securely in place. She also likes its versatility. The headband’s width can be adjusted. It comes in a variety of patterns, plus, the uber-soft fabric whisks away sweat during exercise. $15. Urbanhalo.com

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MOMAHA BOOKSHELF

Unicorns, a stinky playmate and an adventurous sasquatch COMPILED by Momaha Magazine

THE VERY LAST CASTLE

Travis Jonker and Mark Pett Nobody every went in or came out of the very last castle in town. People speculated it was filled with monsters and snakes and even worse. Ibb sees the lone guard every day and is the only one brave enough to knock on the front door. She’s invited back and finds out just what’s inside the fortress in this tale of overcoming fears, making friends and creating a welcoming community. Ages 4 to 8.

LUMBERJANES UNICORN POWER!

Mariko Tamaki and Brooke Allen The five scouts of Roanoke cabin love their summers at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. They get to hang out with their best friends, earn scout badges, annoy their counselor Jen and go on supernatural adventures. When a hike up a mysterious mountain doesn’t go as planned, the friends have to combine their smarts and courage to find their way out of trouble. But there are unicorns! Ages 8 to 12.

BIG FOOT AND LITTLE FOOT

Ellen Potter and Felicita Sala Hugo is a Sasquatch (don’t call him Big Foot) who wants to meet a human. Boone is a human who wants to meet a Sasquatch. Hugo and his kind are afraid of humans, and we find out all about their life in the caves. But Hugo is eager for adventure. He goes floating down the river and is saved by Boone, and they embark on some adventures, including a surprise encounter with Ogopogo. The lake monster even introduces Boone to the people in his secret world. Ages 6 to 9.

MY STINKY DOG

Christine Roussey This little boy loves everything about his dog, Alfred. Except that he stinks. So he tries everything to stop Alfred from stinking. When it finally works, he’s dismayed. Alfred doesn’t want to get out and roll in the dirt anymore, he hates to get wet, and he’s always brushing his teeth. The little boy decides they had much more fun when Alfred was stinky. So they walk in the woods, and eat stinky cheese and tuna fish. Life is perfect again. Ages 3 to 6.

THE 5 O’CLOCK BAND

Troy “Trombone Shorty’’ Andrews and Bryan Collier Illustrated by Bryan Collier, a Caldecott honor winner, this book tells the story of young musician Shorty, who let his band down by missing rehearsal. Shorty wants to know what it takes to be a leader, so he hits the streets of New Orleans to find the answers. He meets people who share what it means to be an artist, leader and friend. A portion of the proceeds from the book benefit the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which is committed to preserving the musical heritage of New Orleans. Ages 4 to 8.

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SPONSORED FEATURE // THE ROSE THEATER

POWER OF THEATER School-year classes help kids burst out of their shells, explore their talents

t the beginning of each school year, the choices for extracurricular activities come flooding through the front door like a tidal wave. Could there be an activity that satisfies your child’s needs all in one place? A place that harnesses their creativity, celebrates their individuality and capitalizes on their boundless energy? The Rose Theater is a safe haven for children to express their true selves, and the theater’s school-year classes lay the groundwork for a lifetime of confidence and success. See which class at The Rose is the right fit for your child, and envision the transformation that will soon take place with an education in the arts.

For the child who is ready to burst out of their shell CREATIVE DRAMA CLASSES For eight weeks, students in grades pre-K to eight capture and channel their most creative side in our creative drama courses. Join Judy Moody on a mad treasure hunt, lurk into the spooky unknowns with stories from Goosebumps, find your true home with Moana and much more. With seven choices in class themes for the fall session, students learn how to be bold and courageous while using their bodies, voices and imaginations to step into characters, stories and new worlds.

For the child whose inner star shines bright ACTING AND PRODUCTION CLASSES Students in The Rose’s yearlong production classes enhance their onstage performance skills as well as their knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes. Classes are designed for student performers at beginning to advanced acting levels, and provide a challenging curriculum that fosters continued skill development each year. Students who complete the fall and/or winter semesters may participate in the spring production, complete with lights, costumes and sound.

For the thoughtful storyteller PLAYWRIGHT CLASSES Students in grades 7 through 12 learn the basics of playwriting, idea creation, and constructive criticism. Students in the Young Playwrights class have the opportunity to write a play for the Young Playwrights Festival. Sketch Comedy: Writing & Acting coaches younger students in writing their own sketches to be performed on stage. From profound insights to gutbusting giggles, these young Shakespeares create moments audiences will forever cherish.

For the child with a song in their heart and a spirit to match MUSICAL THEATER CLASSES Singing, acting and dancing come together for one spectacular experience. Yearlong classes are open to students ages 4 to 15 with their grand finale performance on the main stage in May.

For the child who is ready to move and groove DANCE CLASSES Dance classes at The Rose span a wide variety of styles and methods. Classes are for any skill level, ages 2 and up. Dance classes run throughout the school year and culminate in the ultimate performance opportunity on the main stage, with costumes, lighting and sound.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSE THEATER

For every child No matter their ability, age, talent or skill level, all children are welcome at The Rose Theater. The Rose's artist educators believe in the potential of every student. As professional working artists, these educators bring their own knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Learn more at rosetheater.org.

ACTING DANCE VOICE MUSICAL THEATER Omaha’s longest-running theater arts education program

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SPONSORED FEATURE // YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

CULINARY SMARTS

Look who’s cooking! YMCA is turning out kids with skills to whip up a meal TEXT Mike Watkins

n a world of convenience foods and drive-thru windows, healthy eating often gets lost in the daily shuffle. The YMCA of Greater Omaha seeks to help families change that — and reduce childhood obesity in the process — in a Culinary Kids pilot program aimed at 3to-10-year-olds. “Cooking your own meals is beneficial in so many ways,” says Kristen Minor, senior program director for YMCA Early Learning Centers. “Involving children in the process instills healthy eating habits for the long-term.” The arcing goal of the YMCA’s nutrition initiative is to help prevent childhood obesity, which has more than tripled since the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In classes at six area YMCA Early Learning Centers, children conduct cooking experiments and focus on areas of healthy

living. Each experiment is tied to a lesson about the food being used and the good things it does their bodies. “We talk about each ingredient, what it is, where it comes from and how good it will taste,” Minor says. “We also compare them with not-so-healthy alternatives and talk about why the healthy ingredient is the best choice.” The Culinary Kids class is currently being piloted at the Charles E. Lakin YMCA in Council Bluffs. The hands-on session includes how to read recipes and nutrition labels, handle food, and measure ingredients and portions. Kitchen safety also is discussed. While the Charles E. Lakin YMCA is the only Y in the community with a teaching kitchen, healthy cooking activities are woven into the curriculum at all YMCA locations. The YMCA combines its cooking proj-

Culinary Kids classes at the YMCA of Greater Omaha are open to members and non-members alike. Non-members pay a nominal fee.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

MORE INFORMATION

Sabrina Stevens sstevens@metroymca.org lakin.metroymca.org

ects with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Child and Adult Care Program to provide healthy meals and snacks to program participants. “Kids are excited to have a hands-on experience with cooking, including measuring, pouring and mixing,” says Sabrina Stevens, youth and family director at the Charles E. Lakin YMCA. “Children learn the importance of label reading,” she says. “It quickly becomes very apparent that healthy food tastes good, too. We are able to expose them to new foods and give them the opportunity to taste them cooked and used in a variety of different ways.” And the kids’ favorite part? “Kids love trying food they have created,” Stevens says. “They love trying new recipes and foods in the classroom and in the kitchen.”

BRING YOUR FAMILY CLOSER JOIN THE YMCA FAMILY!

Quality time at the Y leads to happier, healthier families & communities. Visit one of our locations for a tour or visit our website to learn more about the YMCA experience and join today!

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SWEET CORN, 4 WAYS Farmers markets and roadside stands are brimming with this summertime favorite. STYLING + RECIPES + PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Winkel

Cheesy Jalapeño Corn • 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened • 8 ears corn, shucked • 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese • ¼ teaspoon onion powder • Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Add corn cobs to a large pot of water. Over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender. 2. Remove cobs and once cool, slice corn from them. 3. Mix corn, cheese, jalapeños, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste over medium heat. 4. Cut cream cheese into cubes and add to mix. Stir until a creamy sauce forms.5. Pour into greased cast-iron skillet and bake for 15 minutes.

Mexican Street Corn (left) • 4 ears corn, shucked • ¼ cup mayonnaise • ¼ cup sour cream • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic • ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro • ½ cup crumbled cotija • ½ teaspoon chili powder • 1 lime, cut in wedges

1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija, garlic and cilantro in a bowl. Stir until mixed and set aside. 2. Prepare charcoal grill. Once hot, place corn cobs directly on the hot side of the grill and rotate cobs occasionally until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Cobs should be slightly charred on all sides. 3. Remove cobs and use a spoon to coat corn with sauce on all sides. 4. Sprinkle with extra cotija and chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.

Cool Corn Dip (RIGHT) • 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened • 1 package ranch seasoning mix • 2 red peppers, chopped • 4 ears corn, shucked • Lime juice

1. Add corn to a large pot of water. Over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender. 2. Remove cobs and once cool, slice corn from the cobs. 3. Combine softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix in a mixing bowl. 4. Add red peppers and corn and a few squirts of lime juice and mix until combined. 5. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving. 6. Serve with chips.

Grilled Corn Avocado Toast (left) • 2 pieces sliced bread • 1 ear grilled corn • 1 avocado • Crumbled goat cheese • Chopped chives • Salt and pepper to taste

1. Toast bread. 2. Top toast with sliced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, grilled corn kernels (cut from cob) and chopped chives. 3. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

SPONSORED FEATURE // LEARNING COMMUNITY OF DOUGLAS & SARPY COUNTIES

WORKING TOGETHER Learning Community’s Parent University builds family-school partnerships that bolster children’s academic success TEXT Dan McCann

nother new school year is upon us and with it comes a weighty assignment for parents. Hold on, you say, that’s not how it’s supposed to work. Actually, that’s how it works best. Here’s the back-to-school task: Evaluate your level of engagement in your children’s schooling, and if necessary, explore new ways to build stronger school partnerships. The results bear it out: When parents work together with schools to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school but also through life. “I want my children to be happy and successful, go to college and get degrees in something that they’re going to be happy in,” says Amira Blanco-Liggins, her busy 3-year-old daughter playing at her feet. The working mom has not only accepted the assignment, she also is working especially hard to ace it: “It’s up to me. If I make education important in their lives, they’re more likely to want to go to school and do well.” For more than two years now, BlancoLiggins has attended Parent University, a program of the Learning Community Center of North Omaha. Its two-generation (2-Gen) approach supports child and family success by cultivating family engagement and connecting home, school and community. “In a child’s K-12 educational lifetime, 80 percent of that time is at home, so the parent is the first, best teacher for that child," says David Patton, CEO of the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties. "That’s something our 2-Gen approach really takes into account. You have that role of the parent that needs to be supported.”

FREE PARENT UNIVERSITY FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS The memberships include access to more than 80 classes, a Family Resource Center with computers, take-home learning activities and fun family events. Courses, which range from three to 11 weeks, fall under four categories: parenting, life skills and wellness, leadership and school success. “We always say to our parents, 'If you do things to make you well and whole, you will have more energy, motivation and inspiration to be fully engaged with your child educationally,' ” says Jamalia Parker, Learning Community director of family engagement services. To accommodate working families, classes are held on nights and weekends with child care and meals provided. Star pupil Blanco-Liggins, who also has a 7-year-old son, has taken an extensive list of classes: Financial Literacy, Cooking Matters, Bonding With Your Child, Primetime Reading. More classes, even, than any other Parent University participant. “You can never learn enough,” says Blanco-Liggins, who also volunteers on the curriculum-influencing Parent University Parent Advisory Council. “It’s a priority to come down here, and I’ve seen the improvement. Taking all of these classes has made me want to be the best parent I can be.” HOW IT WORKS Parent University is open to families, including parents expecting a child, who live in the attendance areas of six Omaha Public Schools in neighborhoods in the vicinity of the Learning Community Center of North Omaha. While Parent University family memberships are free, there are expectations. Parents must:

• Attend at least two Parent University courses each year. • Participate in parent-teacher conferences. • Communicate monthly with their child's teachers. Each family in Parent University has its own educational navigator who makes mandatory monthly home visits. “They walk new parents through the intake process and explain the program,” Parker says. “They do coaching and help parents identify goals to help their families become more empowered and stable.” Blanco-Liggins has gained more than education and motivation from her ongoing Parent University experience. “I’m going back to school this year,” she says, adding that she wants to earn a master’s degree in clinical counseling. ARE YOU AN ENGAGED PARENT? 4 Learning Community tips to build school partnerships 1. Make the introduction to your child’s teacher count. Share goals (personal and academic) for your child, plus a few “happy points” a teacher can use on difficult days. 2. Get to know your child’s principal. Request a brief meeting to say “hello” or send a letter that includes a family picture. 3. Connect with your child’s teacher. Drop by the classroom and see what you can do at home to reinforce what your child is learning. Share any observations, concerns with the teacher. 4. Be involved in school events; volunteer. These are other meaningful ways to connect with your child’s teacher, principal.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: RETHINKING HOT LUNCH Skip the cold cuts and the lunch line. New long-lasting vacuum insulated containers keep food warm until lunchtime. PHOTOGRAPHY + STYLING Heidi Hoffman

GET THE MOMAHA-TESTED GEAR Containers from Target, $8.99-$14.99

10 HOT LUNCH IDEAS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Tacos/nachos Soup Chicken nuggets Pizza bursts Grilled cheese sandwich Mashed potatoes & ham Quesadillas Spaghetti & meatballs Pulled pork sandwich Macaroni & cheese

TIPS

To keep food warm longer: boil hot water and pour it into thermal container. Let stand for a few minutes, then drain the water and add the food. To retain freshness: place a folded napkin or paper towel in the bottom of the container before adding the chicken nuggets. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and keep the nuggets nice and crispy. To make the most of leftovers: Simply reheat and transfer to the thermal container.

THE SPIRALIZER:

A NEW SPIN ON VEGGIE PREP PHOTOGRAPHY + STYLING Heidi Hoffman

If you're looking for a way to spruce up your veggie plate – or simply add more veggies to your diet, the Spiralizer is the answer. Here are three recipes Momaha editors are loving.

AVOCADO PESTO ZOODLES • 2 large zucchini, spiralized • ½ tablespoon olive oil • 1 ripe avocado • ½ cup fresh basil leaves • 2 cloves garlic • ¼ cup feta cheese • ¼ cup bacon bits • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

1. Spiralize zucchini and set aside. Dab zucchini with paper towel to soak up excess water. 2. In a food processor, add avocado, basil, garlic, lemon juice and sea salt and pulse until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil until creamy. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook zucchini noodles until tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. 4. Add zucchini noodles to a large bowl and toss with avocado pesto. Season with cracked pepper, feta cheese and bacon bits. Serve immediately. Recipe adapted from eatyourselfskinny.com

STIR-FRY SESAME ZOODLES • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 yellow onion, spiralized • 2 small zucchini, spiralized • ½ tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce • 2 tablespoons low-sodium teriyaki sauce • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add spiralized onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until translucent and tender. 2. Stir in spiralized zucchini and continue to cook for 2 minutes. 3. Add soy sauce, teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds; mix and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until zucchini is tender. 4. Remove from heat and serve. Recipe adapted from diethood.com

BEET & CARROT SALAD • 1-2 beets • 2 large carrots • 1 orange, juiced • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon honey • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped • Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Wash and spiralize the beets. Place the beet noodles in a large bowl. TIP: Cut the beet noodles for easier eating. 2. In a small mason jar, combine the orange juice, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper and olive oil. Shake until wellcombined. Pour the dressing over the spiralized beets and carrots. 3. Add the mint and toss well. Serve immediately. Recipe adapted from fashionablefoods.com

BE WELL // ADVICE FOR A BETTER LIFE

SEW, WHAT'S NEW? The crafts aren't dead

STORY Marjie Ducey PHOTOGRAPHY Becca DeWilde

ot as many children are learning how to crochet, knit and sew, but the classics are far from dead. “We see it alive and well in 4-H programming,’’ says Maria Walker, southeast Nebraska district 4-H youth coordinator. Each fall 4-H officials review hundreds of entries across 93 counties for county and state fair competition. Becca DeWilde, 18, is one of their success stories. Since she started 4-H at age 6, she’s graduated to sewing her own garments. She’s learned how to quilt and can knit as well. She’s even created some sewing groups, which include her nine siblings, who are home-schooled. Becca earned a scholarship to Metropolitan Community College, where she plans to study business with a goal of owning her own store someday. She’d love to design theater costumes. Becca still remembers her first project: a pin cushion. She encourages parents or grandparents who want to get a youngster involved to let them find a fabric or yarn that inspires them. “Everyone has their unique story to

bring to fabric,’’ she says. “Encouraging kids to express themselves is the key.’’ The classics such as crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch and sewing don’t have to be considered old-fashioned, she says. She loves using different materials, even wiring and electronics, in garments. Her 13-year-old brother, meanwhile, enjoys the engineering and mathematics involved in sewing. Not every child has access to someone who can teach them or has the tools necessary to learn how to sew or knit, Walker says, so 4-H has open enrollment to fill the need. Clubs meet monthly, and if anyone knows a bunch of kids who are interested, they can form their own club or join individually. Brandy Sage, director of marketing at Mangelsen’s, says that while numbers are down there are always children interested in learning a craft. The store offers knitting, crocheting and cake decorating classes. “Locally owned craft stores often have great beginner’s classes for a variety of ages,’’ she says. Joining the Girl Scouts is another great

avenue, Sage says, as well as step-by-step tutorials on knitting, crocheting, sewing and quilting on YouTube and YouTube Kids. The nonprofit Fashion Institute Midwest offers workspace and mentoring to budding designers five days a week (including Saturdays) at 1141 N. 11th St. Creative inspiration, sewing techniques and careers in fashion are some of the topics covered in youth- and teen-centered workshops throughout the year. Plus, participants have access to the workroom's sewing machines, fitting rooms and resource library. Learn more at fashioninstitutemidwest.org. While fewer family members are passing down a hobby to the next generation, don’t give up. Walker says a visit to the creative displays at the Iowa and Nebraska State Fairs might inspire a youngster or two. Sewing has become a huge part of Becca’s life, and even a stress-reliever. “I love that I can take all the stress and emotions that I feel and turn them into something beautiful through my art, my designing.’’

Interested in exploring 4-H? Go to https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy If you'd like to try your hand at sewing a pin cushion, search pinterest.com for adorable examples!

2108741-01

ROOM TO GROW Best bedroom design is one that changes as quickly as baby does STORY Marjie Ducey PHOTOGRAPHY Joshua Foo, Kathleen Connor

ne of the funnest things about having a baby is decorating the nursery. But nowadays, parents are thinking more long-term when it comes to colors and themes. We asked two local interior designers for their takes on decorating for the future.

Step into Laith's room. Son of Sofia Jawed Wessel and Dustin Wessel.

BRYAN FROST â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BLACK AWNING 1. Keep it timeless with room to grow. It's easy to be overwhelmed with all the cool-kid bed trends on Pinterest. My advice is to choose a classic bed and nightstand that you won't have to replace in five years. Have fun with color and pattern in bedding, pillows, rug and other accessories.

2. Consider your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests. A bedroom is a space to grow in and enjoy. You can make anything look great on a shelf, including toys. My cool-kid client adores horses, so we showcased his collection.

3. Keep the wall colors neutral. By doing so, you allow the space to work with a plethora of future colors as your child's interests change from collecting rocks to listening to punk rock. My love for "Barney Purple" from age 6 didn't translate very well into my teen years. Yikes! (God bless my parents for taking on that one!)

Elements that can grow on a kid, from Bryan Frost's featured bedroom design: Lego wall, created with peel-and-stick baseplates. 10 x 10, $17.95 each, assorted colors, walmart.com Vintage classroom map, chalk capable vinyl. About $150, etsy. com or ebay.com Accordion wall lamp, $49.99, target.com Modular rolling utility cart, similar styles about $50, lowes.com, homedepot.com, thecontainerstore.com Hooks, similar styles about $26 each, hyggenorth.com

KATHLEEN CONNOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AMONG OTHER THINGS 1. Avoid buying furniture sets. It's so much easier to swap out a damaged or dated piece in a room that is already wellbalanced with pieces of different styles. This also allows you to mix in pieces you acquire over time, such as heirlooms or hand-medowns. 2. Avoid a pervasive theme. Your child will grow out of it more quickly than the crib! Children's interests change so frequently that it's better to reflect them in smaller doses rather than wall murals, custom curtains and rugs. Throw in a mermaid lamp, an airplane pillow or a train poster. Skip the "Toy Story" mural. 3. Consider how your child will grow into the space. Will your child eventually need a desk for hobbies or homework? Is your child likely to have friends over for sleepovers? If so, a bunk or trundle bed might make sense. 4. Have fun decorating, to a point. Remember, this is a space for sleeping. Bold patterns and vibrant colors everywhere in the room will make both of you crazy in a short amount of time. Give your child's eyes a rest with solid curtains, bedspread or walls. Avoid dark wall paint; light colors are easier on the eyes and usually stand the test of time. Moreover, dark walls are harder to repaint and require more coats of paint and time to change. If you let your child pick, limit the choices to lighter shades.

SPONSORED FEATURE // HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

SCHOOL MODE

Huntington Learning Center's 5 tips for preparing kids for their best year ever

“Students need summer break to relax and recharge their batteries, but the beginning of a new grade can be a little bumpy if parents and children remain in summer mode until that first school bell rings,” says Morris. Luckily, a little preparation can make a big difference. Here are five back-to-school tips for parents and children.

ith summer coming to a close, families with children are gearing up to head back to school. There are several things parents should be doing now to get children mentally prepared to start the year right, says Gwyn Morris of the Omaha Huntington Learning Center.

1 Get organized and stay organized. Use a homework notebook or a student planner or smartphone planner app (for older students). Clean off desktops and stock up on pencils, paper and other supplies; place a family calendar in a central location for recording important dates; and set up a reliable system for keeping track of papers from teachers and the school office.

2 Meet the teacher. Attend back-to-school night to meet teachers and staff as well as school leaders. Ask the teacher how you can support your child in school and the best way to stay in touch about any issues that might arise.

3 Go over the routine. For most families, summer offers a more relaxed pace and schedule, but come August, it’s a good idea to go over the school-day routine your family will resume once school is back in session. Update the family calendar with scheduled activities, start waking your child earlier one or two weeks before the first day of school, and get back to a regular evening routine.

Goodbye, summer mode. Hello, school mode. The transition starts now!

Refresh last year’s schoolwork. Summer slide is a serious problem, with many students losing several months of knowledge gained in the prior school year. If your child hasn’t touched a book all summer, you can still make up some ground by reviewing last year’s assignments or textbooks together and re-establishing a nightly reading habit.

Have positive conversations. The end of summer can induce stress for children who didn’t have the best experience last school year. Embrace a positive attitude and talk with your child about changes you would both like to make. Talk about your child’s biggest worries and how you can offer support. Remind your child that no problem is insurmountable and that you’re there to help.

ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at huntingtonhelps.com.

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GET ORGANIZED // AMY TOKOS Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

CHEAP & EASY That's the best way to start out if you're serious about being organized

hen you're starting out on your organizing journey, think simple and cheap until you figure out what works best for you. Once you have the perfect systems in place, you can consider investing in nicer items. Until then, you may be wasting your money.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1. Turn all your hangers backward on your closet rods. After you wear an item, return the hanger to the correct position on the rod. Items that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t getting worn should be removed and donated. 2. Designate a donate bin. All items you are removing from your home need a landing place. Donate bins in the master closet area and maybe another area can help the whole family keep the house from feeling cluttered. 3. Keep a recycle bin handy. The amount of paper that goes out of the house needs to match the amount of paper coming into the house. 4. Store sheets in matching pillowcases. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never have to look for matching linens again. 5. Do a 10-minute daily cleanup. Enlist the entire family. Calling for all hands on deck for 10 minutes in the evening can make a difference when you wake up in the morning.

MUST-HAVES

1. Refrigerator clip. Buy one for every child for holding spelling lists, reading records and party invites. Color code these or write initials on them so everybody knows which clip is theirs. 2. Over-the-door shoe organizers. Use one to organize stuffed animals or other small toys, hats and gloves, craft supplies, etc. 3. Tension rods. Install them vertically in cabinets as dividers or slots for cookie sheets and cutting boards. Or use horizontally under a sink to hang spray bottles. 4. Plastic bins. In cabinets, they function like drawers. I use bins for water bottles and plastic storage containers. Just measure the opening and find a bin that fits the best. 5. Other containers. Shoes boxes, food storage containers, empty check boxes. Use them as drawer dividers for makeup, clothing, office supplies, etc. If you like the way they work, you can cover them with fabric to make them look nicer. 6. Good hooks. Install them in the kitchen or bathroom for towels, in the bedroom for jewelry or in an entryway for high-use jackets. The uses go on and on. 7. Small open file boxes. They're perfect for holding papers that need to stay handy.

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