March 2010 Her Magazine

CELEBRATING, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING... the Women of Omaha.

COMMUNITY

Cures for Cabin Fever

HEALTH

Heart Disease Symptoms

FASHION

'80s Flashback

Careers in 2 Years!

February/March 2010 • www.heromaha.com

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February/March 2010, Volume 9 / Issue 1

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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HEALTH EXTRA Acai Berry HEALTH Heart Disease

Celebrating, Empowering, Inspiring... the Women of Omaha.

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COVER

published by

omaha magazine, ltd publisher

todd lemke

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HOW TO Decorate on a Budget

editor

COMMUNITY Cabin Fever

sandy lemke assistant editor

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COVER

linda persigehl art director/graphic design

matt jensen graphic design

john gawley

A LETTER FROM THE GIRL SCOUTS SPIRIT OF NEBRASKA

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A LETTER FROM YWCA OMAHA

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photography by

minorwhite studios (bill sitzmann & scott drickey)

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FOOD Chocolate

contributors

suzanne smith arney susan meyers • judy gilliard alicia smith-hollins kim carpenter ywca • girl scouts account executives

gwen lemke • vick i voet greg bruns • gil cohen alicia smith-hollins • corey ross

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Careers in Two Years or Less

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BEAUTY

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Anne Nye: An Artist in Full Bloom

Fashion Trends

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Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD Her Magazine is published bi-monthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha, NE 68046. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, LTD, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

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editor’sletter

EDITOR SANDY LEMKE

Dear Readers,

F

ebruary is Heart Health Month! HER Magazine is always proud to bring you outstanding stories on health. Writer Susan Meyers does an outstanding job of interviewing patients and several doctors from Omaha hospitals to research the latest information.

This issue’s article on Heart Disease focuses on prevention at an early age. Young women need to know the signs of heart disease. We saw with actress Brittany Murphy’s death at 32 that even young women can suffer ill effects of heart problems. Murphy’s lifestyle could have contributed to her risk, as is the case with many. See Meyers’ Health story on page 7.

Starting with this issue, we bring you Health EXTRA, a short article featuring a timely topic on wellness. I hope you enjoy this issue’s article on “Acai Berry – Super Fruit or Scam?” on page 6. If you have any comments about this article or ideas for future Health EXTRA segments, please contact me via email: letters@heromaha.com. I enjoy hearing from readers!

We hope many of you will benefit from our cover story, “Careers in Two Years Or Less!” on page 12. Our cover model (above) is Katie Fleharty, esthetician at The Grove Salon. Fleharty was able to start working after just six months of study at Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics. HOT TIP -- we learned from the Omaha Police Department that they are looking for more diversity in the department and

that includes women! Read more about these and more exciting careers on page 12.

Our Fashion Flashback nods to the ‘80s, looking at how the Material Girl’s fashion has creeped into our current style. We had a fantastic time shooting the photos with model Jamie White at Minorwhite Studios. We played an iTunes mix of Prince, Yaz and Madonna while Scott Drickey snapped away.

After a COLD and SNOWY blizzard-y January, it’s warming up a bit but still not warm enough for the kids to play outside. Writer Kim Carpenter has compiled an informative article about indoor activities for the little ones to tweens. Omaha has many offerings. Read all about them on page 20.

Thanks for reading! Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with your comments.

Sandy Lemke Editor

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health extra

Acai Berry — Super Fruit or Scam?

T

he Acai berry seems to be the super food of the moment, with supplement manufacturers hyper-marketing it as powerful agent to fight disease, lower cholesterol, reduce signs of aging and increase energy.

We talked to Omaha nutritionist/dietician Ruth Nekonchuk from the Methodist Center for Diabetes and Nutritional Health and asked her these questions about the effectiveness and safety of the Acai berry.

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What exactly is the Acai berry? Where is it natively grown? How is it prepared and used by the consumer?

The Acai palm tree is found in Central and South America. The tree produces a small flower, where the berry is found. The Acai palm tree also produces Heart of palm, a vegetable often used in salads. Acai is a traditional food in the Amazon culture. It can be found commercially as juice, powder, capsule or tablets.

What nutritional value does the Acai berry have? Does it warrant the title “super food”?

There is little nutritional information and no manufacture standardization because Acai is considered an herbal supplement, not a food. The Acai berry is rich in antioxidants similar to those found in blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and red grapes. A diet high in antioxidants has been shown to reduce the risk of aging and some disease processes.

In addition, www.naturalstandards.com, a site founded by researchers and clinicians to provide high quality, evidence-based information about homeopathic and alternative medicines, had this to say: “The Acai berry has been shown to contain a number of anti-

6 www.heromaha.com

oxidants, including anthocyanins, which may boost the skin’s ability to prevent oxidants from harming connective tissues; phytosterols, which may protect epidermal collagen; flavonoids, which may exert anti-inflammatory properties; omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are vital to proper cell contraction and regeneration; monounsaturated oleic acid, which may help the body to absorb omega-3 oil through the cell membrane more effectively; as well as phytonutrients and minerals such as potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Acai berry purportedly possesses more proteins than an egg, and the vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E. The oleic acid content of Açaí has been reported to be the same as in olive oil.”

Does the Acai berry hold any dangers or risks for users?

It appears as though Acai is safe up to 140 mg at one time, but there is no proven safe or effective dose at this time. It is not listed on the USFDA generally recognized as safe list (GRAS).

The website www.naturalstandards.com states that Acai may aggravate or initiate hypertension (high blood pressure) or edema (swelling). It may also aggravate or initiate gastrointestinal disorders (ulcers or intestinal bleeding).

Would you advise someone to use Acai berry as a homeopathic medicine or nutritional supplement?

To date, there is no scientific evidence that proves Acai has more health benefits than other similar fruits. Acai berry can be a part of a healthy diet, just as any fruit or vegetable. The American Dietetic Association states, “People absorb the antioxidants from the Acai berry, but studies have yet to find special health benefits from the consumption of it.” H

health STORY BY SUSAN MEYERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

Like many women, Carol Hanzek failed to recognize the more subtle symptoms of heart disease that are common in women and instead, dismissed them at first. As a result, the disease had a chance to progress, resulting in a stroke.

Heart Disease Should Be on Women's Radar Early prevention is women's best defense.

C

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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arol Hanzek and her husband, Dick, were getting ready to celebrate a special day. It was their 40th wedding anniversary and her daughter and husband from Omaha and her son and girlfriend from Kansas City had driven in from out-of-town to spend the day with them. The family headed to the Farmer’s Market downtown and then planned to have dinner at Carol’s favorite restaurant later that evening. But Carol’s plans were unexpectedly trumped.

As the family walked to the Farmer’s Market, Carol felt more fatigued and out of breath than normal. She also began to experience numbness around the mouth, left cheek, side of her nose and even her fingertips. When her daughter became concerned, Carol dismissed it to being overweight and out of shape.

But the symptoms persisted, even when she got into the car. At that

7

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health (continued) point, her daughter insisted they drive to a nearby emergency room.

Diagnostic tests revealed that Carol had experienced a small stroke.

The doctor said she was fortunate that it was small and hadn’t done more damage. Hanzek later underwent a heart catheterization, which revealed several blockages in the arteries. During the procedure, one

Approximately one in five women in the U.S. has some form of cardiovascular disease. of the larger obstructions was opened with a stent.

“I feel fortunate it wasn’t worse,” says Carol, who says in retrospect, she now realizes that she had been experiencing the subtle warning signs over the last few months. But she always found an excuse to brush them off: parking had changed at work and she now had a further way to walk; she was getting older; she was overweight and needed to get back to a regular exercise routine. They all seemed like reasonable explanations for her fatigue and shortness of breath.

Unfortunately, like Hanzek, many women fail to recognize the more subtle symptoms of heart disease that are common to women and instead, tend to dismiss them, says Traci Jurrens, MD, cardiologist at Creighton University Medical Center. As a result, the disease has a

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chance to become more progressed, and this can lead to more severe outcomes when it is finally diagnosed, she says.

While we still don’t know for sure, how the disease develops in women may help explain these subtle differences. A study by the National Institutes of Health, called WISE – Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation – found that some women develop a more diffuse buildup of plaques that often form in the smaller coronary arteries of the heart in contrast to the larger, irregular plaques that normally develop in men’s arteries. While women may have chest pain and discomfort, their symptoms are more likely to be vague and atypical and often include mild neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort; shortness of breath; nausea or vomiting; sweating; lightheadedness or dizziness; extreme fatigue and a jaw ache that travels down the neck. Because symptoms tend to be vague and difficult to diagnose, women need to be aggressive about reporting symptoms to their doctors, says Dr. Jurrens.

Heart disease and its symptoms need to be on the radar of all women. Approximately one in five women in the United States has some form of cardiovascular disease. It is also the number one killer of all women in this country. The major difference between men and women is that women are more likely to develop symptoms of heart disease after menopause, about 10 years later than men.

“One of the most important things women can do is to take preventive steps early on to prevent development of the disease and its risk factors,” says Kiran Gangahar, MD, cardiologist at The Nebraska Medical Center. “New guidelines suggest that women have a significant risk

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(continued) health

of long-term cardiovascular disease that increases with age if they do nothing to prevent it,” she says. Women at highest risk include those with: established heart disease; peripheral artery disease; cerebral vascular disease (stroke); have had an abdominal aortic aneurysm; chronic kidney disease; diabetes or have a 10-year cardiovascular risk

“

If you fit into this category, you should be seen by your family doctor at least 10 years prior to when heart dis-

ease was diagnosed for your family members.

”

— Dr. Traci Jurrens

of 20 percent or more, based on the Framingham Heart Study. Women with just one of the following major risk factors are also at risk for development of cardiovascular disease. These include: smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, central obesity, family history of premature heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Premature heart disease is defined as heart disease before the age of 40 in men and before 50 in women. “If you fit into this category, you should be seen by your family doctor at least 10 years prior to when heart disease was diagnosed for your family member,” says Dr. Jurrens.

“Assessment of a woman’s cardiovascular risk at an early age during routine health maintenance visits by her primary physician are critical,” says Dr. Gangahar. “Once a woman is identified as having an intermeCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Put Your Heart in Their Hands

Traci Jurrens, MD, cardiologist at Creighton University Medical Center, advises women under 65 take a daily baby aspirin to reduce their chances of stroke.

Did you know that only 7 percent of the nation’s cardiologists are women?

At The Cardiac Center at Creighton University, we are proud that women make up 33 percent of our cardiologists. This diverse team of cardiologists provides an interdisciplinary approach to heart health.

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Front, Traci Jurrens, M.D., and Susan Schima, M.D. Back, Nancy Koster, M.D., Claire Hunter, M.D., Amy Arouni, M.D., Kelly Airey, M.D., and Karen Rovang, M.D.

Our Creighton cardiologists can help you beat the odds. They are part of a dedicated team of Creighton physicians providing outstanding preventive care and cardiovascular treatment for patients in the Midwest region.

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health (continued) diate or high risk for cardiovascular disease, appropriate prevention measures can be initiated and she may require closer follow up as defined by her physician. Since some studies have shown that women’s outcomes following a heart attack as well as with coronary artery bypass graft surgery are not as good as those for men, the importance

“

If something doesn't feel right, don't assume it's

nothing. Get it checked out. Women also need to

”

be more persistent when they see their doctors.

Karen Tesina, RN, MSN, cardiovascular service line executive at Methodist Hospital, said women experiencing heart disease symptoms are often not diagnosed correctly.

— Karen Tesina, RN, MSN

of risk factor modification cannot be emphasized enough.”

“Women also need to have a heightened awareness of their bodies,” says Karen Tesina, RN, MSN, cardiovascular service line executive at Methodist Hospital. “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t assume it’s nothing. Get it checked out. Women also need to be more persistent when they see their doctors. Women have historically been sent away with anti-anxiety drugs. While physicians today are more aware of heart disease in women and are doing a better job of diagnosing it, women still need to be their own advocates. If you feel something isn’t right and your doctor says otherwise, be insistent or get a second opinion. We are seeing heart disease develop in younger and younger ages. You can never start learning and taking action too early.

Other preventive steps women can take include eating a heart healthy diet that includes foods like almonds and other nuts, using

From one leader to another

Methodist Health System celebrates the strength and leadership abilities of women. We’re leading the way in our commitment to your health by building the first and only medical campus and hospital dedicated solely to the care of women. Our women’s hospital will feature a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the highest in west Omaha, to help alleviate the shortage of beds for at-risk babies. We have the area’s only comprehensive program for sexual assault survivors—and we’re investing in providing these services at the new women’s hospital. We’re the only health system in the metro area that embraces the educational initiatives and health-related activities of Spirit of Women®, a national organization that actively supports wellness for women. We’re devoted to caring for you as you continue to influence and inspire. www.bestcare.org

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(continued) health olive oil, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Taking a baby aspirin before age 65 may help reduce a woman’s risk for stroke and after 65, it can help decrease your risk for heart disease and stroke, says Dr. Jurrens. Women might also consider taking fish oil, which has been shown to help decrease cholesterol and arrhythmias. Vitamin E, on the other hand, once touted for its heart disease prevention, has never

“

One of the most important things women can do is to take steps early on to prevent development of

the disease and its risk factors.

”

— Dr. Kiran Gangahar

been shown to decrease cardiac risk factors, she says.

Recommended guidelines for exercise have become more aggressive, says Dr. Gangahar. All women should include 30 minutes of moderate exercise in their daily routine. To maintain weight loss, women need to exercise for one hour and to lose weight, they will need to exercise for one and one-half hours.

Hanzek, who is 62, says despite her risk factors — being overweight, high cholesterol and high blood pressure — she never thought it would happen to her. Since then, she has made a renewed commitment to exercise and eating healthy. “Now I realize how important it is,” she says. “It’s just like brushing your teeth – you have to make time for it. I just feel lucky to still be here today.” H

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STORY BY SANDY LEMKE & LINDA PERSIGEHL PHOTO BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

Careers S

in 2 Years! ) s s e L r (o

tuck in a dead-end job? Looking for a career, now that the kids are in school? Not interested in going the traditional four-year route? If you answered “yes” to any of these, you might want to consider one of the many career options out there requiring two years or less of formal training. You’ll spend less time in

school, go into less debt to get your degree, and be on the job doing what you’re passionate about in half the time.

Here are a few professions, achievable in two years or less, that offer any young woman a bright future.

EsthEtician

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“It’ll change your life,” promises Katie Fleharty, esthetician at The Grove salon, of her waxing services. Cover model Fleharty does waxing of all types: legs, brows, bikini. Clients love her hair removal services so much, they call them life-changing.

Clients scream at her, even cuss at her. “But I will say they come back for more,” she laughs.

Fleharty had her first brow wax at the tender age of 11, and that certainly changed her life. “My mother was always taking me to the salon. I have been doing my own wax since I was 16 and fell in love with the idea of doing skin care.”

What is it like to be a professional esthetician? “I start by taking down all my appointments, setting up my room. I usually alternate between brow waxing and Brazilian and bikini waxing. Sometimes, I do facials and chemical peels. I talk to my clients about their skin care regimen to make sure they don’t have any contraindications such as tanning.”

Fleharty has been called the “waxing queen” because she does fabulous brows. “Brow shaping kind of became my niche. My clients were always raving to me about their brows.”

“I am a very result-oriented individual. When my clients come in, they leave getting exactly what they wanted.

Fleharty attended Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics for her esthetics degree. Vicki Billington, Director of Esthetics for Capitol, said the job outlook in Omaha is picking up. Her students call her “Miss B.” Said Billington, “We receive calls from salon owners looking for applicants, and those calls have increased in the last couple of months.” Pay for a graduate is as varied as the graduates themselves, who range in age from 19-54. Billington said, “Some are fresh out of school, some are college transfers looking for something different. Some are retirees looking for a flexible job schedule.” Those choosing the esthetics field can expect to find employment in most cities, even most countries. The median income for a full-time skincare specialist in Nebraska is $33,700 a year. (O.netcenter.org) 13

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cover story (continued)

ParalEgal

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Employment prospects for paralegals are expected to grow 28% in the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Most paralegals work in large law firms. Some work in government, some work in a corporate setting such as a bank or insurance company.

Paralegals help lawyers in their work by doing research, preparing documents, organizing information and more. Paralegals work under the supervision of lawyers, and while they cannot perform all the duties of lawyers, they do a wide scope of legal work.

Most paralegals put in a 40-hour workweek and earn a salary, which varies according to education and experience.

The national median income for a full-time paralegal ranges from $44,000-$56,000 annually. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Some receive a bonus. Customary benefits include health and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave.

Diana Warner, a paralegal at Brumbaugh & Quandahl law firm, received her associate degree in paralegal studies at Metro Community College. It took her 2 ½ years. “I was raising kids and working as a single parent,” said Warner.

What attracted her to the legal field? “It is interesting and ever changing. I need something that keeps me stimulated. Law always interested me. I didn’t have the luxury of attending law school, so being a paralegal gets me close enough to the action,” said Warner.

Warner has 18 years of experience and enjoys her work environment. “It is busy but relaxed. I work with great people. Everybody has a sense of humor.”

Warner’s advice to potential paralegals is “you must be detail oriented but also use your critical reasoning skills. Analytical skills are a must.”

Local American Bar Association-approved education options are associate degree programs at Metro Community College and College of St. Mary. The College of St. Mary, a college for women, also offers its students an option to earn a four-year paralegal degree.

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Those looking for part-time work with flexible hours in a clean work environment can consider the dental field. Over half work part time. Dental hygienists enjoy good job prospects, as their occupation is one of the fastest growing.

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Dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth and gums. They also assist dentists in other routine tasks such as completing charts, applying sealants and explaining good home care.

Dentists are hiring more dental hygienists to help them see more patients and increase revenue for their practice. With more assistants doing the routine tasks, dentists have more time for advanced work.

To be registered as a dental hygienist, one must complete an associate’s degree and be licensed by the state. Those wishing to go into teaching or public health need a bachelor’s degree. The national median income for a full-time hygienist is $66,570 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Jody Mendick has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 25 years. She works in the office of Dr. Brad Carson. Before choosing dental, Mendick considered nursing. “My counselor warned me that hospitals never close. I liked the flexibility of the dental field.” Although an associates’ degree is all that is needed to work as a dental hygienist, Mendick earned a bachelors’ degree so that she could have the option to switch to nursing someday.

Local dental hygienist programs include the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Metro Community College.

Mendick’s day is pretty busy. “I see about 13 patients a day. I am usually here by about 7:00 a.m. to set up. Appointments run through 4:30 p.m. and at the end of the day I clean up and leave at 5 p.m. We are supposed to get an hour for lunch, but sometimes patients are late and I get only a half an hour for lunch. Patients are pretty much back to back.”

POlicE OFFicEr

If you enjoy building relationships, possess good judgment and problem-solving skills, and desire opportunities to give back to your community, then a career in law enforcement may be for you. The Omaha Police Department is currently seeking entry-level police officers and new recruits, as are departments all over the U.S., to fill jobs vacated by veteran officers, who are retiring in record numbers.

The OPD’s Police Training Academy accept recruits who meet these requirements: are at least 21 years of age; have a valid driver’s license; have a high school diploma or G.E.D.; read and speak English; pass a background test, drug screening and polygraph; have no felony convictions; and pass several written and physical agility tests.

The training program includes 22 weeks of

classroom instruction, followed by 15 weeks of field training accompanied by veteran officers. Recruits must also complete a one-year probationary period. Police work offers a wide variety of positions and duties, including: uniformed patrol officer, on a “beat” assignment; crime prevention or community service officer, working with youth and neighborhood groups; plain-clothes investigator, working crime scenes; and civilian dispatcher in the station, among others.

Starting pay for an Omaha police officer is about $36,000 (may be more if the officer is bilingual). OPD employees also receive a comprehensive insurance package and pension plan, as well as many other benefits and perks. After two years of service, they may also participate in a college incentives program, which rewards officers monetarily for earning their associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Experienced officers and those in specialty positions can earn $50,000 and up annually.

Jackie Dolinsky, a former Omaha realtor, enrolled in the OPD training program in December 2007 at age 33. The real estate market had taken a downturn, and Dolinsky was looking for more job security and good benefits.

“I had thought about becoming a police officer years ago, but decided at the time it wasn’t right for my family,” Dolinsky said. “But by [2007], my kids were older. And my sister, who’d been hired by OPD five years earlier, encouraged me to do it.”

Dolinsky, who graduated more than a year ago now, said she most enjoys the variety in police work and the fact that she’s making a difference in people’s lives. And though the job can be difficult at times, most days have light-hearted moments as well. “The people I work with are wonderful. And I laugh a lot.”

Physical thEraPist assistant According to USA Today, Physical Therapist Assistant is one of the jobs with the highest projected growth in the U.S. A growing elderly population, prone to debilitating joints and injuries, as well as the Baby Boomer generation entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, are the primary reasons demand for rehabilitation services in general is up dramatically.

PTAs help physical therapists, or PTs, to implement a treatment plan that improves patient mobility, relieves pain, and prevents

or lessens physical disabilities. A PTA may help a recent hip replacement patient exercise a healing joint, teach a heart attack victim proper cardiac exercises, or help a person with Cerebral Palsy learn to dress themselves; then document the patient’s results for the PT to review.

In 2009, there were approximately 230 accredited PTA programs nationwide. To qualify, students must have their high school diploma or G.E.D. Most are two-year programs, and include both academic coursework (algebra, anatomy and physiology, etc) and hands-on clinical experience. Clinical work includes certifications in CPR and other first aid, and field experience at a certified facility such as nursing home, pediatric clinic or orthopedic hospital. Graduates earn an associate’s degree.

Clarkson College, which offers a PTA program here in Omaha, states its graduates report a starting salary between $35,000 - $40,000 annually. With specialization in musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, or cardiovascular/pulmonary care, or by earning their bachelor’s degree, PTAs can earn more. In 2008, the median annual wages of PTAs was $46,000.

(Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website) Some healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement as an incentive to further your education.

Kelly Jackson, 25, enrolled in Clarkson’s PTA program in August 2003. Though initially a physics major at UNO, she decided to change her direction after she job-shadowed a PTA and loved what she saw.

She spent three years at a chronic pain clinic, then two years in home health care. She now works at a sports rehab clinic three days a week, and as a Clarkson PTA instructor part-time.

“I’m a strong people person, and as a PTA I get a lot of one-onone with patients, which I love. Since graduating, I’ve learned that I also love the teaching aspect of being a PTA - teaching students the principles of PTA as well as patients how to prevent injury and stay healthy.” H

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Check out current and past results of Best of Omaha®. See who the readers of Omaha Magazine chose as their local favorites for Dining, Entertainment, Shopping and much more.

Other Hot Careers in Two Years (or less!)

For more information about these careers and others, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website at www.bls.gov

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Home Health Aide Medical Assistant Paraprofessional Educator Veterinary Assistant Personal Trainer Database Administrator Pharmacy Technician Radiology Technician Medical Transcriptionist Web Technology Specialist Computer Support Specialist Forensic Science Technician

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how to STORY BY LINDA PERSIGEHL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

How to Decorate Your Place on a Budget

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n $8,000 first-time homebuyers’ tax credit, a housing market full of great bargains, and low mortgage rates have made this a great time

for many young couples – in fact, many singles – to buy their first house or condo. And anxious as you may be to ditch your

hand-me-down furniture and college décor (i.e. beer signs and photos of friends) for new furnishings which reflect the modern, mature new you, you’re not willing to rack up the credit to make it happen. So we asked two local interior designers for some budget-friendly tips to decorate your first place with

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style and flair.

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IDF's Wiechman: A good paint job is a great way to decorate "on the cheap."

Don’t rush it! Designer Becki Wiechman, ASID, with The Interior Design Firm, said figuring out your own style can take time, as can getting your place fully decorated and furnished, especially if you’re doing much of the work yourself. “I have been I my first house for 2 ½ years and I’m still decorating it!” Weichman said. (And she’s a designer!) “And couples face an additional challenge with uniting often very different decorating styles.” Taking some time to decorate will also mean you make smarter, well-thought-out decisions and allow you to decorate with a “pay as you go” method so you’re less likely to go into debt.

Begin with a good paint job. Newly painted (and neatly, I might add) walls make a room look like a fresh canvas, and color can do wonders for creating a mood. Wiechman concurred: “The biggest bang for your

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buck is to change a space with paint. Color will transform any space dramatically. And painting is not too challenging if you have the right tools and supplies. Ask a professional what items are necessary for your walls.” Weichman said not every room should have a different color, but “don’t be afraid of developing a color scheme of 2-4 colors. Then carry the colors throughout your house.”

Start with small projects. “Changing light fixtures, changing cabinet hardware, tiling the kitchen backsplash, etc., help to update the home and make it feel your own,” said Wiechman. These can often be do-it-yourself projects, and are much more affordable than, say, a total kitchen remodel or basement finish. Erin Svoboda, ASID, an interior designer with Designer’s Touch, added, “There are many online

tutorials and do-it-yourself books for various types of projects at Lowe’s, Home Depot and Menards.” Those retailers also offer weekend workshops on many home improvement projects for a minimal fee.

Hire a budget-friendly decorator. Who says only the well-to-do can afford an interior designer? “Our designers at The Interior Design Firm work on budgets at any level,” Weichman said. “For just a one-hour consultation, a designer can select paint colors, recommend the best furniture layout, and point you in the best direction for furniture/ art/accessories, based on your style and budget.” And if you’re uncertain of just what direction to go, a decorator can look through magazine clippings and photos you’ve saved of your “likes” and “must-haves” and help you weave them together into a style that’s all your own.

Mix & match price points. We can’t all afford $5,000 sofas and custom draperies, but we can and should spend a little more on a few pieces in a room, Wiechman advised. “By using one or two higher quality pieces, you can fill in with some less expensive pieces and it still looks wonderful and put together,” she said. For example, buy the higher-end coffee table that takes center stage in your living room, but save a little by picking up an inexpensive wool area rug for underneath it at your local discount store.

Be choosy! “One rule I always follow is to buy the things that you truly love!” said Svoboda. “If you have any hesitation (cost aside), don’t buy it, because later on you will end up getting rid of it and in the long run will end up spending more money.” H

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Shop retail smart. “A great place to find décor on a budget is any thrift shop,” said Svoboda. “You can find some great pieces that may just need some tender loving care with a little paint or reupholstering.” Svoboda also recommended overstock and discount stores, including Tuesday Morning, Gordmans, Target and Garden Ridge, for deals on accessories, art, or small furniture pieces that meet your budget needs.

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community STORY BY KIM CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

"Cone Zone" exhibit at Omaha Children's Museum

Penguin day class at Henry Doorly Zoo

Pottery Class, offered by Arts For All

Mommy & Me class at Lauritzen Gardens

Cooling Down Cabin Fever

Ways to help your kids beat the long winter doldrums

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ou know the symptoms. Irritability, nervous energy, endless whining – even temper tantrums. During this time of year, when the days are shortest but seem the longest, both parents and children are prone to feeling cooped up and agonizingly anxious. Therefore, boredom busters are a must!

Fortunately, there are plenty of offerings in Omaha that work as cabin fever reducers while also turning up the heat on creativity. And there are plenty of options that accommodate limited budgets, different age groups and a wide range of interests.

Tried-and-true venues such as the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Durham Museum have traveling exhibitions that allow children to escape winter through the power of their own imaginations. Through April 19th, the Children’s Museum presents “Construction Zone,” an interactive show that serves as a “kid-powered construction site.” Kids can use tools to dig, design, and, of course, build to their hearts’ content. Featured fun includes a “Cone Zone” obstacle course, a “Big Dig” Build-A-Fort, and “Pulley Place.”

Through May 2, the Durham Museum transports families away from winter’s bluster with “Are We There Yet?”, a celebration of the iconic American vacation. Visit places like the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, and the Golden Gate Bridge without ever leaving Omaha. Since no vacation would be complete without adding to the family photo album,

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photo ops let children create their own memories – such as showing their family going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Classes and other educational activities offer additional ways to dispel the doldrums. Lauritzen Gardens, Fontenelle Forest and the Henry Doorly Zoo all offer hands-on educational programming that complement kids’ experiences and provide them with a greater understanding of the natural world.

“Lil’ Sprouts” and “Mommy and Me” at Lauritzen Gardens let preschoolers make garden-inspired snacks, crafts and have giggle-worthy fun with themes such as wiggly worms. Older kids can become “Nature Detectives” and unravel nature’s clues, while the whole family can beat back winter through Family Workshops. “Take Me to the Tropics!” on March 24, for example, provides a private greenhouse tour followed by planting a pineapple to take home. In March and April, the Gardens is also hosting a Family Book Club celebrating the 100th anniversary of classic children’s book The Secret Garden.

On Monday and Tuesday mornings preschoolers can get their hands dirty, at least figuratively, at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. The interactive “Mud Pies” program brings preschoolers to Habitat Hollow where they learn about flora and fauna. Parents can further nurture a budding love for nature with classes such as “Nature Buddies” and “Nature Detectives.” Older children can experience winter in the woods

Hiking on the Riverview Boardwalk, Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Arts For All violin instruction.

open the doors and head on out to places where kids can exercise their minds and bodies - and most importantly, have fun. H Arts For All: At prices you can afford, Arts For All offers classes in everything from violin lessons to mural painting taught by local professionals. Another advantage is its location: in neighborhoods throughout the city. www.artsforallinc.com (402) 731-0889 Children’s Museum: Whether your kids are hitting the farm and grocery store or staging shows in the mini-theater, there are plenty of activities to keep kiddos engaged. Tuesdays classes such Preschool Pals provide fun, structured ways for kids to learn and be creative, while art and science programming captivates growing minds. And don’t forget the perennially popular “ball room” that provides hours of engaging entertainment.

500 S. 20th Street www.ocm.org (402) 342-6164 Admission: Members free; Children 2 & up $7 Community Centers: Whether you’re “Out West,” in Midtown or in South or North Omaha, the city’s many community centers offer activities for every age group for free or as close to free as you can get.

Montclair, AV Sorenson, Benson and Mockingbird Hills are just a few.

For a full list of locations, event calendars, hours and fees, visit: www. cityofomaha.org/parks

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by taking to the trails, where they learn how to recognize animal tracks and spot dens. During Henry Doorly Zoo classes kids can have a “wild ed-venture” when they meet zookeepers and have real animal encounters. The Zoo even specifically targets cabin fever with “I Like To Move It!,” which teaches kids how to by “move and groove” like animals while getting a work out.

Arts For All gives parents another great option option. This nonprofit lives up to its name by making art available to everyone through affordable instruction taught by trained professionals. Classes for younger children include “Sing for Fun” and “Music Moves.” 14-week sessions cost only $84 – roughly $6 per class – and introduce children to both the visual and performing arts.

And don’t forget the stellar public programs offered at Omaha’s community centers and public libraries, which offer the most bang for a parent’s buck. At the Florence Community Center, for example, kids 1-6 can work off steam on Friday with “Tiny Tot Gym,” which costs only $1 per child – and free for children under 1. The third Friday of the month, families can attend the similarly priced Madd Hatter Tea Parties with cookies and other surprises.

Library branches similarly have events designed just for children.

Preschool and toddler story times feature books as well as activities such as crafts and singing. Book clubs and movie events engage older kids, who can also test their skills with games like Wii, Nintendo, PlayStation, Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Best of all, library events are free and with so many branches it’s easy to find something nearby that fits busy schedules.

With spring too many days away on the calendar, there is a wide range of fever reducers that can make winter pass a little more quickly and provide outlets for all that nervous energy. Don’t despair - just

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community

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center hikers Henry Doorly Zoo day class

The Durham's "Are We There Yet?" exhibit

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The Durham Museum: Located in Omaha’s former Union Station, this Art Deco building is the perfect place to use the present moment to experience the richness of the past. Traveling exhibitions through partners such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress and the National Archives provide world-class opportunities for learning locally.

801 South 10th Street (402) 444-5071 www.durhammuseum.org Admission: Members free; Children 3-12 $ Children 3-12 $5; Adults $7; Seniors 62+ $6 Fontenelle Forest Nature Center: Experience the great Nebraska outdoors by taking to the trails – even if you don’t hike all 26 miles of them. Visit Acorn Acres, where children can romp around a natural playground and take a break from electronic media. It’s a way to open young minds through nature’s wide-open ecosystems.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North, Bellevue (402) 731-3140 Class fees vary Admission: Members free; Children 3-11 $5; Adults $7; Seniors 65+ $6

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Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center: With the natural world as its classroom, Omaha’s botanical gardens brings kids out of the cabin and into the great outdoors – as well as in classrooms. And just strolling through the gardens is a perfect way to get some muchneeded fresh air.

100 Bancroft Street www.lauritzengardens.org 402) 346-4002 Class fees vary Admission: Members free; Children 6-12 $3; Adults $6 Public Libraries: From toddler story times to Wii, you can’t beat the price - activities are free and open to the public. And don’t forget all the books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs you can check out for free.

For events calendar & locations visit: www.omahapubliclibrary.org Henry Doorly Zoo: What better way to spend a frigid winter afternoon than trekking through a tropical rain forest? Wind your way through a dense jungle amid the call of wild animals, or visit the Kingdom of the Night, Gorilla Valley and the Aquarium - plus a whole lot more.

3701 South 10th Street www.omahazoo.com (402) 733-8400 Class fees vary Admission: Members free; Children 3-11 $7.75; Adults $11.50; Seniors 62+ $10.00

fashion trends STORY BY LINDA PERSIGEHL

'80s

Fashion Flashback

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lirty ballet flats and leggings. Skinny jeans, long tunic tees and high-heeled ankle boots. You 30-somethings remember sporting these trendy fashion essentials back in the 1980s, when movies like John Hughes’ Pretty In Pink, Olivia Newton-John and Madonna were some of the biggest fashion influences of the day.

Well, as they say in fashion, everything old becomes new again.

What was hot, then lame, becomes hot again, eventually. And so it is that in this new decade of the 21st century, we’re seeing retro ‘80s fashions make a return – BIGTIME! Welcome back, Flashdance-inspired off-the-shoulder shirts! You too, color-block patterns, shades of neon, puffy sleeves (a la “Dynasty”) and ruffles on virtually everything!

“The ‘80s fashions are pretty popular across the board with all ages,” said Kylie Kaipust, manager of beyourself, an Omaha boutique. “It’s all how you incorporate it into your wardrobe. You don’t have to go totally retro, just add some accents to your modern wardrobe for a fun twist.”

Even ‘80s big hair – a la Bumpits (see page 24 for a review) – is back, though minus the bad perm. Colorful, chunky costume jewelry is amping up the vintage-inspired look as well.

So what ‘80s fashion trends haven’t made a re-appearance? (at least not yet!) Shoulder pads, Members Only jackets and hair scrunchies.

Let’s hope these fashion missteps stay in the back of the closet! H

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Model Jamie White glams it up in '80s fashions, courtesy of beyourself, an Omaha boutique. An asymmetrical black dress, neon pink leggings, puffy color-block blouse and metallic leather flats help complete these two retro looks.

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beauty STORY BY ALICIA SMITH-HOLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

BEFORE

BEFORE Models Amy Huffman, left, and Morgan Lemke put the Bumpit to the test. Though not dramatic, both got a boost to the crown of their hair from the gadget.

AFTER

To Bump or Not to Bump?

That is the question.

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hen channel surfing, the easiest waste of time is an infomercial. Hours are spent watching vegetables become juice, wondering if it’s possible to lose 10 lbs. instantly, and pondering if a Snuggy is cozy enough to be worth the ridicule of owning one.

As a person with fine hair, I have always dreamt of having an Amy Winehouse beehive — minus the multiple arrests. Now thanks to Bumpits, maybe I can. Perhaps, this is why clients are showing up at hair salons with Bumpits in hand. “One lady with hair down to her waist came in and we used it for an up-do. It was helpful, as it helped hold up all her hair,” said Katie Bodnar, stylist at Turning

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Heads Salon and Spa. As a Capitol Hair School graduate with thick, luscious hair, my sister Jessica was the perfect person to begin the Bumpits experiment. The Bumpits pack comes with three pieces — a small Bumpits for the bangs, and medium and larger ones for the complete up-do. It also comes in blonde, brown or dark brown.

Initially, putting the three pieces in is easy: Part your hair in three sections, then position the Bumpits at the parts. With the ridges to hold it in place, it holds well. However, it is questionable if it would hold all day. There were two issues with using all three pieces. First, even with thick hair, the plastic pieces were not covered — from the

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AFTER

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side view, you could see straight through. Second, the bump looked unnatural and unfashionable. Dare I say tacky?

Next, we tried using only the bang Bumpits. This was slightly more successful, however the Bumpits was easily viewable again.

Upon taking it out, we achieved softer more natural results without the Bumpits.

The Bumpits look may be more achievable minus the plastic accessories. “No one is ‘hair challenged,’ which is a great marketing gimmick,” said Brooke Levey, stylist at Creative Hair Design. Stylists are taught how to give big hair minus the not-so-fancy tools. “A good stylist can show the client how to backcomb [tease] correctly, so they can get the same effect at home. All you need is a good root booster comb and hairspray to get the same effect without wearing a foreign object on your head all day.”

All in all, although a good idea in theory, the Bumpits is not a musthave item as it is hard to use, unnatural and easily viewable. Instead, make friends with a hairstylist. They can teach you how to give yourself a good bump. H

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art

Anne Nye: An Artist in Full Bloom

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nne Nye’s lissome dancer represented Omaha’s Summer Arts Festival last year. In a composition called Counterpoint, the dancer sashays among whirling images of music and elements of visual art in a vibrant and colorful celebration of life. This is one of many dancers, each variation familiar, yet unique. Nye, the 2009 Festival’s featured artist, created her Dancer series after “a season of personal loss.” In a statement that accompanies each one, Nye writes, “Life’s dance takes us over hills and through many valleys, strengthening our hearts, teaching us to endure in the process.”

The work’s technique, as well as its subject, is improvisational collaboration. It’s a skill that Nye, a painter, developed when she discovered glass fusion. In Counterpoint [the original is in a private collection], the hands, notes, and dress are glass pieces that are collaged onto a painted wood panel. “The materials of glass and paint play off one another,” Nye says. Mixed-media adds another layer to the image, another beat to the rhythm.

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Nye dates her earliest art memory to doing coloring books with her mother. “She didn’t just fill in the pictures,” Nye says, “she pushed that crayon onto the page, worked it, blended it with other colors.” It was the beginning of a life-long passion for color. Following art stud-

Anne Nye will have a solo exhibition of her mixed-media work at the Nebraska Governor’s Residence March 31st through April 30th. Presented by The Nebraska Arts Council. ies at the University of Idaho and California College of Arts & Crafts, she made a career as a commercial artist. She moved to Omaha, and worked at the World-Herald and Garden Café before giving herself over to creative art in 1997. After trying her hand at glass, she was captivated by the play of light, and by the contrasting touch of glass’s sur-

COLUMN BY SUZANNE SMITH ARNEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

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flowers, water lilies, and poppies are always in bloom at Blue Pomegranate Gallery in Benson (which she co-owns), as well as galleries around the country that represent her. Sizes range from suncatchers to large sculptural work, thanks to her two kilns—a standard toploader and a large horizontal oven. In her studio, Nye draws on glass panes and cuts shapes as easily as if they were paper. Some, intended for mixed-media, will be finished individually. For glasswork, she will layer pieces for color and shape, detailing with small bits from her stash, and finally adding shading with granulated glass (frit). The work assumes its own character after a carefully controlled firing and cooling process.

Expertise in two media gives her creative expression multiple outlets, each with a oneof-a-kind tone and spirit. Painting satisfies her urge to move and blend color, while glass has added a sparkle to her creative life. Used alone or together, Nye’s work is a celebration of creativity and beauty. H

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face to paint’s. Her mixed-media work began with a series centered on a doorway opening onto a fabulous landscape, or in some cases a “soundscape.” These latter works inspired independent pieces such as Counterpoint.

Landscape and botanicals feature in much of her art. Full Bloom is one example, intended for an upcoming exhibition. (See it at www. annenye.com.) Nye’s own words describe it beautifully: “This piece is, again, playing with color and texture. Bouncing colors from opposite sides of the spectrum against one another, which usually results in chaos, and bringing order out of it. Looking closely, you can see how the paint and glass textures play against one another. I love the brilliant statement the tall, detailed iris makes against the simplicity of the background. So I think we, as women, must stand tall and be who we are — simplifying our world if necessary and focusing our energies to live our dreams… and reach our FULL BLOOM.” Nye is known for her glass flowers. Sun-

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message from

Theresa Cassaday, Chief Communication Officer

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

Stop in to See What we do With Glass.

From Entryways to Cabinets.

Use Your Imagination.

Rainbow Artistic Glass

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• Bel Air Plaza St. 330-7676 330-7676 • 3709 S 138th (138th &Road, B St.) Suite 505 12100 West Center www.rainbowartisticglass.com www.rainbowartisticglass.com

28 www.heromaha.com

Are Kids More Responsible Today Than 20 Years Ago? Girl Scout Study Says "Yes!"

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said they would “cyber-bully” by forwarding very parent worries about that moan embarrassing picture of a classmate to ment when their child is confronted their friends. Additionally, some 40 percent with a potentially life-altering would also tell the original email’s sender choice – to lie, bully, cheat, take drugs, have what he or she did was wrong. Attitudes sex. Are our children equipped to make the about racial and ethnic diversity were also right choice? According to a recent study, parmeasured. Fifty-nine percent of high school ents can take heart – today our kids are better age kids said that being around people from prepared than ever to do the right thing. different racial and ethnic backgrounds was A comparison between two nationwide “important to them,” particularly to the girls. surveys conducted 20 years apart by the Girl All this good news is great news for Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) indicates that Scouts! We’ve been striving to create positive today’s teens and tweens are more likely to outcomes such as know their own minds Some highlights from the study: 1989 2009 these for nearly 100 and stand on their own two feet. They value Would not cheat on a test 50% 62% years. Our programs and community family, support diversity Would refuse an alcoholic service projects are and desire community drink at a party 46% 58% designed to help fosinvolvement even more Believe smoking is okay ter precisely this kind than their peers just a if you enjoy it 25% 18% of self-awareness and generation ago.

Plan to vote in the future 77% 84% social consciousness.

For “Good Intentions: 63% 76% As our founder The Beliefs and Values of Plan to give to charity Juliette Gordon Lowe Teens and Tweens Today,” Plan to wait until GSRI surveyed 3,263 marriage to have sex 24% 30% said, “Youth is the time of the possible; the girls and boys from 3rd time when the world is open and simple. It is through 12th grade.1 The numbers reveal that, for us, the leaders, to develop girls’ courage, overall, today’s youth are less prone to risky protect their confidence and train their hands or inappropriate behavior, are civic-minded and their hearts to serve eagerly and purposeand generous, value diversity and tend to fully their homes and their nation.” H have a close, respectful relationship with their parents.

The 2009 study added questions about For complete details of the “Good Intentions” study, the ethics of technology. Only six percent go to girlscoutsnebraska.org/goodintentions Both the 1989 and 2009 surveys were designed by international market research firm Harris Interactive. Both queried youth on issues ranging from ethics and diversity to civic involvement and peer pressure.

EVERY ISSUE, HER MAGAZINE BRINGS YOU AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE GIRL SCOUTS – SPIRIT OF NEBRASKA. YOU CAN HELP, GET INVOLVED!

By: Melissa DeLong message from

Natalia J. Peart, PhD Chief Executive Officer

YWCA Omaha

Giving From the Heart

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ach year there are new challenges that we face in our world, our community, and in our own lives. We also love to hear about individuals that have found a way, big or small, to help make other people’s lives just a little bit better. These people could be strangers, neighbors or

from a 12 year old girl, Sophie Clark. Sophie received $100 for her birthday and tucked it away as she decided what she would buy.

After thinking her dilemma through, she decided it was best to give it to a place that could help a girl whose need was greater than hers.

In the note Sophie sent to us was the following poem:

GIRLS We are all completely different, Some of us love music, Some of us love sports, Some us love to learn, Some of us love adventure, But in ways, we are all alike.

We all want to be strong, To be protected, to be loved.

But those things aren’t just given to us.

We must find our courage and strength, To show the world who we are, To never give up on our dreams, To face the road ahead of us with pride, And always stick together.

— Sophie Clark age 12

Here in Omaha, we are touched by the stories of those struggling to either build or rebuild their lives. It is always heartwarming to meet the truly amazing people who step forward and give from their heart. These people are your neighbors, your co-workers, complete strangers, and sometimes they are children who understand what it means to help others in need. The Omaha community is abounding with those willing to give of their time, of their talent and their treasure.

We are all honored by those who give of their heart; and here in Omaha, we have miles and miles of heart. H

EVERY ISSUE, HER MAGAZINE BRINGS YOU AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Y WCA OMAHA. YOU CAN HELP, GET INVOLVED!

Burning Unwanted Fat

Burning

off unwanted fat is a mission of every woman this time of year - PERIOD! No matter what the size, shape, or condition we are in, we always feel there is a little or a lot of fat that needs to find a new residence off our body. The problem is we don’t always know the most efficient and effective way to do it, so we throw our hands in the air and give up before we get started. Here is a practical list of must do’s to get started: • Know your target heart rate (THR). Get a heart rate monitor or learn how to take your pulse so you can ensure you are managing your workouts in “the zone”.

• Ensure at least 20 minutes of your aerobic workout is in the 70-85% range of your maximum heart rate for your age.

• Mix high intensity and moderate intensity levels within a single aerobic workout.

• Mix 4-5 days of aerobic interval training with 2-3 days of strength training. 30 minutes a day is all that is required if you keep your THR in the zone.

• Know your numbers: BMR, caloric intake to maintain, caloric deficit required to burn fat, balance between protein, carbs, and healthy fat, and body fat composition.

• Drink 8 glasses of water a day and eat 6 small meals a day managing snacks to less than 200 calories each.

• Measure baseline fitness level(s) through standard fitness tests to determine progress.

It’s a simple formula that will yield high results if you follow these guidelines, turning Mission Impossible into success. Need help or have questions? Call me at 933-6031.

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co-workers; it doesn’t really matter, because what they are doing is what matters. They are giving from their hearts.

Here at the YWCA Omaha, we see people everyday that are transitioning and redesigning their lives. Yet, we also see people everyday who give from their heart--whether it is donating cell phones, career clothing, toiletries, or money in order to help others in need of assistance. These amazing acts of generosity sometimes come from unexpected places and unexpected people.

We recently had the pleasure of receiving an unusual donation--unusual because it came

Mission Possible:

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COLUMN BY JUDY GILLIARD

Chocolate Lovers,

Take Heart!

C

ome February we think of love and chocolate, and it’s nice to know that a good quality chocolate also contains properties that are good for our hearts!

One of my go-to foodies is Nigella Lawson, a food writer and cookbook author from England. I love her style, and her recipes!

One that I have made for several dinner parties — from Nigella Bites, 2002 — is Chocolate Cloud Cake, a light, rich chocolate cake that presents beautifully.

Another, Chocohotopots, comes from Nigella Lawson’s Feast, 2004.

Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake If you are a lover of rich European chocolate you will love this! If you prefer a lighter milk chocolate use milk chocolate pieces in place of the semi-sweet.

Crust 1 cup graham crackers crumbs ¼ t cinnamon ¼ t allspice 3 T melted butter Place all ingredients in food processor and process until fine crumbs. Press mixture in a 7” spring-form pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 10 minutes in a 350 degree F oven; let cool 15 minutes.

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Filling 8 oz low-fat cottage cheese 8 oz light cream cheese ½ cup egg substitute ½ cup sugar ½ t vanilla ¼ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder ¼ cup mini sweet chocolate chips

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In a food processor blend cottage cheese and light cream cheese until smooth. Add egg substitute, sugar & vanilla to cheese mixture and process well. Remove ½ mixture from bowl; add to process cocoa powder and ¼ cup chocolate chips. Blend until well mixed. Pour vanilla mixture over crust and top with chocolate mixture; take a knife and run through mixture into spring-form pan. Bake in 350-degree F oven for 35 min; let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. (Best made a day ahead.)

Serves 8

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The dessert is a combination of a rich pudding and a soufflé. (Tip: When you make the Chocohotopots, have them ready to go in the oven right after you serve the main course.)

My third favorite go-to recipe is Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake. The biggest secret in making chocolate desserts is to use a good dark processed cocoa powder and a good quality chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa solids.

To serve with you chocolate dessert, I love a sparking white wine… or a tawny port along with coffee. H

Chocolate Cloud Cake 9 oz bittersweet chocolate, minimum 70% cocoa solids 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 6 eggs: 2 whole, 4 separated 1/2 cup plus 1 T sugar 2 T orange-flavored liqueur, optional (recommended: Cointreau) 1 orange, zested For the cream topping: 2 cups heavy cream 1 t vanilla extract 1 T orange-flavored liqueur, optional (recommended: Cointreau) 1/2 t unsweetened cocoa powder, for sprinkling Special equipment: 9-inch spring-form pan Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of the cake pan with baking parchment. Melt the chocolate, either in a double boiler or a microwave. Add the butter and let melt in the warm chocolate. Beat the 2 whole eggs and 4 egg yolks with 1/3 cup of the sugar. Then gently add the c ocolate mixture, the orange-flavored liqueur, and the orange zest. In another bowl, whisk the 4 egg whites until foamy; gradually add the remaining sugar and whisk until the whites hold their shape but are not too stiff. Lighten the chocolate mixture with a dollop of egg whites, and then fold in the rest of the whites.

Pour into the prepared pan and bake 35-40 minutes or until the cake is risen and cracked and the center is no long wobbly. Cool the cake in its pan on a wire rack; the middle will sink as it cools. When you are ready to eat, place the still pan-bound cake on a cake stand or plate for serving and carefully remove the sides of the pan from the cake. Don’t worry about cracks or rough edges (it’s the crater look we’re going for here.) Whip the cream until it’s soft and add the vanilla and orange-flavored liquor. Continue whisking until the cream is firm but not stiff. Fill the crater of the cake with the whipped cream, easing it out gently towards the edges of the cake, and dust the top lightly with cocoa powder pushed through a tea strainer.

Chocohotopots 1 stick plus 1 T unsalted butter 4 oz semisweet chocolate, with 60% cocoa solids 2 eggs 3/4 cup super-fine sugar 3 T all-purpose flour Special equipment: 4 (2/3 to 1-cup capacity) ramekins Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Butter the ramekins with 1 T butter. Either in a microwave or in a bowl suspended over a pan over simmering water, melt the dark chocolate and 1stick butter; set aside to cool a little. In another bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar and flour with a hand whisk and beat in the cooled butter and chocolate mixture. Divide the mixture between the 4 buttered ramekins. Bake for about 20 minutes; the tops should be cooked and cracked and the chocolate gooey underneath.

Place each ramekin on a small plate with a teaspoon and serve. Make sure to warn people that these desserts will be HOT!

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This is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Consult your tax professional for details on the homebuyer tax credit.

Available with contract written by 4/30/2010 and closed by 6/30/2010. Must have owned your home as a primary residence for 5 consecutive years of the last 8 years.