Women's Edition Omaha - May 2023

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Mom’s Love

Happy Mother’s Day! Whether you are a biological mom or you fill the role of mother in another way, this is your month.

Many of us have been blessed with great mothers. I was so fortunate to feel as if I had the best mom anyone could ask for. My mother, Anne, was kind, supportive, compassionate, strong, and the best listener I have ever known. Anne became the “mother” to many of my friends when I was a teenager. When my siblings and I had friends over, invariably, some of them would disappear. We knew that they had wandered upstairs to sit and talk to “Mom.” Anne would listen for hours on end. To this day, I hear from cousins and old friends about what an impact she had on their lives. That is Anne’s legacy…unconditional love and acceptance.

What a lady she was! I owe so much to her. She passed away back in the early 1990s, but I find myself still having conversations with her. Anne is still there to gently steer me in the right direction. Thank you, Mom, and Happy Mother’s Day!

As I observe the current generation of moms, I am constantly amazed by their energy, their drive, and their loving hearts. I think it is more challenging today than back in my day. The chauffeuring of kids to school, camps, clubs, and sports is a full-time job in itself. As I observe my daughter, Carissa, and my nieces navigating this path, I’m happy to notice that most dads are a whole lot more involved in child-rearing than they used to be. This generation of dads seems to be very hands-on. That’s great…because it has certainly evolved into a two-person position.

Being a mother is the most rewarding—and the most challenging—responsibility I have ever had. Even though my kids are well into adulthood, they are always on my mind and in my heart. I still strive to get better at being a mom. No matter how old they get, I’ll always be their mom!

Before I sign off, my husband and I would like to wish our sister-in-law, Kristi, a very happy birthday. Kristi is my brother Tom’s wife. Manny and I have a special attachment to Tom and Kristi, as they were with us when we got married. A wonderful couple and wonderful friends. Hope it’s a great day, Kristi! Until next month—which will be Women’s Edition’s 37th Anniversary!— have a great one.

Points of Interest

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Time to think of that special gift to give all the moms in your life. Maybe that perfect piece of jewelry that will be a keepsake forever? Check out Custom Gems (page 31) or Goldsmith Silversmith (page 27). Another gift that always fits is a relaxing spa package or spa service. Check out Aislinn Medical Spa (page 15), Bare Aesthetics (page 29), Faces Day Spa (page 26), and Valo Wellness Spa (page 16).

In May many of our advertisers are celebrating business milestones.

Dunning Acupuncture and Massage is celebrating anniversaries this month. Joel has been practicing Acupuncture and Herb Medicine for 20 years and Teresa has been in Massage Therapy for 25 years. They are offering specials throughout the month of May. See their ad on page 22 for more details.

Tufly’s Shoe Center is celebrating 30 years of helping customers find comfortable shoes to improve their lifestyles. Their ad is on page 14.

Out of the Box celebrates its first year at Ralston’s historic Granary! They want to thank you for making them feel welcomed. They could not be happier here, with so many new and old friends, curious visitors, and interesting clients. If you haven’t discovered Out of the Box, stop—by you will be amazed! See their ad on the inside front cover.

Do you have rental property? Tired of dealing with all the headaches? Check out OKOmaha Real Estate Company on page 23. Their experienced, friendly staff are here to help you take the burden out of owning investment properties.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher

Positive Thought of the Month

“The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.” —Jessica Lange

Cats are loved by millions and have numerous attributes that make them incredible

Women’s Edition makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claim as to the accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. Women’s Edition is not responsible for the accuracy of the QR codes appearing in our magazine.

Celebrating Mothers and Others! Let’s Eat!

Mother’s Day Strata

By Kate Beiting

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 3 cups of cooked ham or sausage, 3 cups of cubed French bread, and 1/2 pound of cubed or grated cheddar cheese in the dish. In a mixing bowl, blend 6 eggs, 3 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, a dash of soy sauce, and several drops of Tabasco. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture. Mix 3 Tablespoons of flour with 3 teaspoons of dry mustard and sprinkle over the top. Melt 3 Tablespoons of butter and pour over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 10.

Patio Beer Balls

Mix 2 large cans of frozen and thawed pink lemonade with 1 two-liter bottle of 7-Up or Sprite, 2 beers, and vodka as desired. Stir. Serve over ice with umbrella straws.

Puff

Pastry Berry Tarts

Combine 3 cups of washed and trimmed berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries—your choice). Add 1 Tablespoon of sugar, mix, and set aside. Thaw 2 sheets of frozen puffed pastry. Cut each sheet into 4 squares. Fold the corners toward the center to make an indented “well” with a slight rim.

Mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 Tablespoon of powdered sugar, 2 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 Tablespoon of lemon zest. Put about a Tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside each puff pastry well. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees on lined cookie sheets. Cool. Spoon the berries onto the pastry squares. Top with whipped cream

or powdered sugar.

Grilled Lemon Chicken

Flatten 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts until even. Mix together 4 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons of canola oil, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Put the chicken breasts in a large dish and pour the marinade over the top. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours. Grill until chicken is done. Serve over hot cooked pasta. Top each chicken breast with a few teaspoons of prepared green pepper jelly and crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella cheese.

Perfectly Baked Spring Asparagus

Peel (if desired) and trim 2 bunches of fresh asparagus spears (or a package of frozen). Put 3 Tablespoons of melted butter in an 8-inch baking dish. Add the asparagus. Mix together 2 Tablespoons of diced onion, 2 Tablespoons of diced celery, 1/4 cup of dried bread crumbs, and salt and pepper

as desired. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the asparagus. Top with 3 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan. Bake at 375 degrees for 25–30 minutes.

Wedge Salad With House Dressing

Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup of pickle relish, and 1 finely diced hard-boiled egg. Refrigerate. Rinse 1 head of iceberg lettuce and pat dry. Cut into desired wedges. Serve with dressing, crisp bacon, sliced scallions, diced tomatoes, diced hard boiled eggs, sliced red onion, and croutons.

Crab Cakes

Mix 1 pound of fresh or frozen crab meat with 1/4 cup of sliced green onions, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1 Tablespoon of chopped parsley, 1 egg, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 cup of mayonnaise. Gradually add 2–3 cups of bread crumbs; have an additional 1 cup of bread crumbs ready. Mix lightly and form into patties. Press patties into additional bread crumbs. Fry in canola oil until lightly browned. Serve with lemon wedges and a wedge salad.

Champagne Chicken

Cut 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts into serving pieces. Cook the chicken in 1/4 cup of butter until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Add 4 cloves of garlic (peeled but whole) and 1 cup of a good domestic champagne to the skillet. Cover and cook on medium for 15 minutes. Remove lid, add another cup of champagne, re-cover, and cook for another 15 minutes. Repeat with another cup of the champagne. Remove the chick -

en to a platter and keep warm in the oven. Remove the garlic cloves.

Bring the champagne to a boil and reduce to about 1 cup. Mix 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 Tablespoon of water and add to the skillet. Stir until thickened. Adjust seasonings. Arrange the chicken on a platter and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with chives or parsley. Serve with pasta or rice.

Palmer House Patio Taco Salad

Cook 1 pound of ground chuck in a large skillet with 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of chili powder (or 1/2 envelope of taco seasoning), and salt and pepper to taste. Drain off grease. Add 1 can of spicy chili beans (undrained). Empty a bag of mixed salad greens (or mix your own) into a large bowl. Top with the cooked beef, broken-up corn tortilla chips, sliced tomatoes or baby tomatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 2 peeled and sliced avocadoes. Serve with creamy Italian dressing or dressing of your choice, with sour cream on the side.

Oh Hello, Dollies

Melt 1 stick of butter and mix in 1 and 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Press into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Pour 1/2 of a can of sweetened condensed milk on top. Sprinkle on 1 and 1/2 cups of semi-sweet or butterscotch chips (or a mixture). Sprinkle on 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, 1 cup of shredded coconut, and another 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips, if desired. Gently press the toppings down. Pour on the rest of the sweetened condensed milk. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes, until lightly browned and the coconut is golden. Let cool. Cut into squares.

Summer Fashion Blessings

Look Your Best This Summer!

By Holly Bell

We’ve waited patiently (or maybe not so patiently) for the warm summer sun on our faces and the smell of flowers and grass. Seeing everything turn green makes me feel happy! Those who live in a location that is seasonless cannot appreciate the euphoria that washes over the midwestern United States in the spring. Fashion is one of the fun facets of a new season as we prepare to dress for different weather again. We can’t all afford designer labels, but readyto-wear takes cues from the runways to choose design mainstream wearable trends. Top designer trends will trickle down to market collections and, eventually, into our closets.

One of the biggest color trends this summer will be all intonations of purple. From pale lilac to deeply saturated purple, this color is a wonderful addition to any wardrobe. It looks so fresh this season and works together in different tones for a gorgeous monochromatic color scheme. These hues can remain in your closet throughout 2023, as purple and lilac hues are expected to remain popular for all four seasons. Also leaning in on the purple craze is baby blue, sometimes with a hint of lavender. Baby blue looks wonderful for summer.

Nothing says summer more than sunshine, so why not dress in it? This season ushers in significant amounts of yellow tones to welcome the rising temperatures. Think you can’t wear yel -

low? Try a pale version of the sunshine color that is flattering to every skin tone. Another idea is to try yellow and white stripes for an easier way to wear the trend. This cheery shade is bound to put a bounce in your step. Last year’s runways were all about Barbie Pink. Pink tones are still going strong, and my personal favorite is fuchsia. Fuchsia will make you stand out in any crowd! Paler tones and those mixed with peach are beautiful (if less eye-grabbing) additions to the pink craze.

“Florals? For spring?

Ground-breaking.” This cheeky line is one of the most popular fashion quotes of all time, but the truth is that florals really are always a happy warm-weather choice. Florals are a very personal selection, but when you find the one

that’s right for you, it’s dopamine dressing at its finest. Forget the small prints shown last spring and go for large-scale bold florals for 2023. An allover bold print is sometimes hard to wear; first, try a flowy skirt or a dress with very simple lines.

Fabrics for summer are moving toward non-synthetic natural weaves. Polyester and rayon tend to keep heat in and cling to your body. Soft washed cotton, lightweight silk, and linen are the coolest fabrics for summer and are right on trend. Blends of natural and polyester fibers also work well, as the poly helps with the wrinkle factor. Always remember to check the fabric content before purchasing. If it contains no natural fibers, you know what to expect.

Silhouettes for summer are largely loose and airy, allowing for optimum circulation. The cargo pant will be a fun addition to your summer wardrobe. We haven’t seen these since the ’90s, but we loved those pockets! We have a long-term fascination with pockets—they always seem like a bonus when we find them. This time around, the cargo pant is softer and less bulky. It’s a cool replacement for your jeans and just as versatile.

Lightweight denim will be in the fashion mainstream with denim skirts, dresses, jackets, and tops. One of the top denim trends is to wear it all at once! No need to match washes. Consider a denim shirt with summer weight jeans, and top it with a denim jacket. Try it on! You may love it.

Matched suiting is a sleek, professional look to love. This season, suiting is uber-relaxed, with oversized blazers and loose-fitting pants in glorious summer colors. If your jacket has the right cut, you can wear it as the runway models do, with no blouse underneath. For a less daring look, try a silky camisole underneath for a bit of soft sexiness. A summer suit offers a plethora of outfit opportunities that will be fun to experiment with.

What are the hot trends you really must have this summer? Here are my picks: a bright floral print piece, a cargo-style pant, a silky blouse, a loose-fitting suit in a summer color, and literally any article of clothing that is purple, lilac, or baby blue. Put together a capsule wardrobe for this summer, starting with some of your favorite basics from previous years and keeping current trends in mind when you add your new pieces. Then, get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

Take the First Step at Better Bodies Break Into a Fitness Pattern!

Ben Grojean, the owner of Better Bodies Powered by Compete Fitness, wants his clients to gain muscle, drop weight, and re-energize a healthy lifestyle, all by starting with a simple first step. That step? Walking through the front door. Ben has trained clients to run 100-mile races or lose 100 pounds, all starting with that first step.

“My belief is that every single person who walks into my gym is successful,” says Ben. “We can measure success in a multitude of ways, and sometimes we’re harder on ourselves if we don’t want to look at our successes. To me, success is if I get people to understand that they need to move more.”

Pushing back on common excuses clients give themselves, Ben starts with micro goals, advising clients to stay consistent even when life throws curveballs. He believes that negativity is a part of life and can lead to positivity. “Everyone has negative experiences,” he points out. “You can use those experiences to positively impact your future. It can actually push you forward if you allow it to.”

His own goals include reaching the middle 60 percent of average Americans who want to build a healthier lifestyle. From group fitness classes to cycling, from yoga to personal training, his gym offers something for everyone. Power Pump? Check. Pilates? Check. Just pop in to use the equipment? No problem.

Ben coaches movement, focusing on basic levels of fitness, and he finds that his clients fit into four different levels. The first level is made up of autonomous clients who pop in to do their own thing. The second and third levels are into group fitness, from small classes of up to eight to large classes of up to 24. The clients in these larger classes often love the environment, the music, and the camaraderie. “I have some fun instructors who make large classes super cool,” says Ben. “The small group wants more direction. Maybe they don’t know exactly what to do or how to do it.”

The fourth fitness level, Ben says, is made up of clients who prefer one-on-one personal training. “They’re after a specific goal—weight loss, athletic performance, health. We really want to understand the person and what they’re after so we can program the routine.”

One of Ben’s clients, Jon, acknowledges that one of the first things he noticed about Ben was that he gets to know everybody. Even though athletes train at the gym, most of the clientele are “normal people” with day jobs. “When I joined,” says Jon, “I was really intimidated. I was afraid I was wearing the wrong shorts, the wrong shoes, the wrong shirt.”

He laughs. “There was never intimidation, just encouragement. Ben creates a very comfortable atmosphere.”

By Janette Calabro

Jon initially jumped on the treadmill while waiting for his kids at Tae Kwon Do. With a little nudge from Ben, Jon worked his way up to running about nine miles after the first year with the running club. The next year, he ran four half-marathons and a few 10K races. He lost weight and his cholesterol improved.

When Jon stepped away from running, he gained some weight. Hesitating to go back to a running routine, he instead joined group fitness. “Group classes completely transformed me,” says Jon. “Ben truly cares about everybody who works out here. He’s one of those people you want to see successful because he’s so good with people.”

Ben is an honest relationship builder, and he doesn’t believe that “motivation” always inspires. “Motivation is fleeting,” he explains. “Motivation comes and goes. It’s all about discipline. In order to create discipline, you must consistently do something. What you consistently do, you will consistently get.”

Though he has never surfed, Ben enjoys the analogy that life is a lot like surfing. “You work to get out into the ocean, you’re paddling hard, you’re fighting the waves. Then you catch a wave, and you ride it. Inevitably, it’s going to come to an end. You’re going to crash and burn, fall off your surfboard, or hit the shore. You’re going to have to get back on to ride the next wave.” It’s important to understand that life is like that—you work hard, you ride it out, you crash. “We have an expectation that life is going to go our way, and it’s just not true,” Ben concludes. “Life is not linear. You have good days and bad days. If you really want to be as healthy as you can be, stay consistent, work hard, and enjoy the wave.”

Better Bodies Powered by Compete Fitness is located at 4117 South 120th Street, in Omaha. For more information, call 402-881-9963 or visit betterbodies-omaha.com.

Ben Grojean, Owner

Ben coaches movement, focusing on basic levels of fitness, and he finds that his clients fit into four different levels.

TAURUS

(April 20 - May 20)

Happy birthday, Taurus! Birthday season begins with a new moon, some closure, and saying“good-bye”to a version of yourself that no longer serves you. The theme is healing! You are at the beginning of something truly spiritual. Whether you are recovering from sorrow or just fatigued, the healing process has begun! Stay strong and believe in yourself. Have faith—better days are coming!

Gemini (May 21–June 20) It is time to let go of something that is holding you back. Change is never easy, but a change for the better is coming your way!

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22) You have worked hard to get where you are. Expect good things for your passion projects, romance, and reverie! When you use your full potential, you can rock anything!

Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22) Travel opportunities have transformed your world! You do what it takes to make your dreams a reality. Embrace your new way of living and loving!

Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22) Take a chance on something that seems outside of your comfort zone. If you’re willing to make yourself vulnerable, the results will be more magical than you imagined!

Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22) Love is in the air for Libra. You won’t even have to put yourself out there—just sit back and be your charming self, and it will come to you!

Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21) When you are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, remember to take a break. You will learn to find small

ways to add magic into your everyday life.

Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21) You were born to show the world who you are! Start by showing yourself what you are capable of. It’s time to believe in yourself!

Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19) You already know the answers to the questions that you are asking yourself. Be brave enough to believe that you can do whatever you desire!

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18) There may be an important journey in your cards. Go with it! This may be a way to reclaim what was once yours.

Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20) Let go of the version of yourself that has allowed you to settle for less than you deserve. There is power in putting your words out there, and luck is coming your way!

Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19) It is time to leave your former self in the past. Allow yourself to live up to the magical potential that you deserve! Feeling extra magical? Book yourself a tarot reading!

Only in Dreams

What Do They Mean?

By Deborah Daley

Dreaming. It is a phenomenon that nearly everyone experiences, whether or not we remember doing so. Dreams are usually a series of thoughts, emotions, and sensations that people experience when they sleep. Numerous studies have been done on this universal experience. It is generally accepted that dreams represent our thinking process for analyzing our actions, thoughts, and emotions from the day.

According to psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud’s theory of dreams, these scenes represent unconscious desires, wishes, and motivations. These often come from our childhood or current situations. When you sleep, some parts of the brain shut down, but other parts stay active.

We all seem fascinated with these occurrences because of their vividness and we strive to understand their meaning. Researchers have studied dreamers for years and have authored thousands of documents about which dreams are the most common and what those dreams might mean. Let’s take a look at what they think it means when we have one of these common dreams.

Being chased: This usually means you are avoiding something important that needs to be acknowledged or dealt with. Another meaning might be that you are resisting others’ advice or are being close-minded. Tony Crisp, the author of Dream Dictionary , suggests that this dream

reflects an urge to escape your own fears or desires.

Falling: This seems to be a clear expression of issues with stability or security in your life. You might feel you lack control in your job or relationships. According to one study, dreams about falling are a sign that something in your life is not going well; they might be suggesting that you need to rethink a choice.

Flying: Experts believe that dreams about flying are really about confidence, hope, and freedom. The feeling of flying lends itself to the feeling of independence. Another meaning associated with this dream experience is that you have strong willpower to free yourself from obstacles in your way.

Death: Although this dream topic can seem scary when taken in a literal sense, it may just mean that you have accepted a change in your life. You have discovered or are ready to discover something about yourself.

Water: Dreams about water can have various meanings. Clear water suggests you have found clarity in your life and are clear

The Ultimate Resort Spa Experience

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about your wants. Muddy or dirty water can suggest sadness or unclear feelings. What you are doing with the water or in the water can also help an expert interpret the meaning.

Food: Dreaming about food can suggest something as simple as the fact that you’re hungry (it might be time to wake up for breakfast!). In a more metaphorical sense, food dreams are about nourishment, whether it’s physical or emotional.

Animals: These dreams are related to personality traits and could mean you have personality traits similar to the animal in your dream. For example, seeing a dog can mean loyalty; seeing an owl can indicate great strength of observation.

Taking Tests: I have personally experienced this dream numerous times. It can mean you are worried about something in your job—an ongoing project or a deadline approaching. It can express a lack of confidence usually involved with control over some aspect of your life. It can also represent a fear of disappointing someone in your life. According to Craig Hamilton-Parker, author of The Hidden Meaning of Dreams , taking an exam in your dream might reveal an underlying fear of failure.

Not Being Able to Move: Dreams the feature immobility can suggest that you feel emotionally trapped or afraid of the future. It can also mean that you are not in control of your life—that your emotional state makes it impossible to make the life moves you want to make.

Not Being Able to Speak: This dream might mean that want to share something but are unable or afraid to do so. It can also mean you are feeling unheard. It may mean that you feel that your opinion does not matter or that you think others feel that way about you.

So, what does it all mean? If you want to understand your dreams, the first step is to record them. Keep a notebook next to your bed and write down everything you can remember about a dream as soon as you wake up. After doing this for some time, review the content of your notes to look for patterns and analyze what you think your most common dreams might mean in your life. What was going on in your life at that time? What were you feeling? In many cases, you will find that your dreams reflect events or concerns of your waking life, past and present.

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Providing Loving Quality In Home Health Care

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- Mr. & Mrs. D. Carter

Our angels are Registered Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Certified Medication Aides

Services include:

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• 2 hr. min. — 24 hr. care 24/7 365 a day supervision by an RN Medication Reminders Light Housekeeping

Red Cross - Hope Sixth.indd 1

Great Finds Consignment Gallery

Sparking Joy in Omaha Homes

You might say that Julie Twedt’s love for the consignment business and the joy it brings to people comes naturally—that it runs in her family. Her business acumen, philosophy, and customer appreciation were passed down to her from her father and mother. In the small town where Julie grew up, her dad owned and operated the local grocery store, and her mom owned the variety store. Julie watched at their sides and learned the ins and outs of building customer relationships.“My parents loved what they did and really strived to keep the customer first,”Julie recalls, which is why she, her husband Jerrold, and their son Brad happily use these philosophies to run the business.

Great Finds is owned by Jerrold, Julie, and their son, Brad, who is the store manager. Completing the Great Finds team is Nichol Johnson and Victoria Donaldson. Julie and Jerrold, who have been married for 56 years, and owned the area Tupperware franchise for 30 years. To operate the franchise, they purchased the building at 13448 L Street. When they retired from Tupperware, they decided to use the building to open a consignment business, where they could share the benefits of repurposing home furnishings and décor with the community. They opened the doors to Great Finds Consignment Gallery in 2005.

“Our philosophy is that everyone is a customer and a friend we haven’t met yet,” Julie says. “We want people to enjoy their shopping experience and browse to their heart’s content. You’ll even find chocolates waiting for you on the front counter.”

The large showroom features several areas with one-of-a-kind furniture, a wide variety of artwork and wall décor, plus lamps, collectibles, seasonal items, and much more. All the items come from private households, and the inventory changes weekly. “We receive numerous comments about the high quality of our items,” Julie shares, “and we give full credit to our consignors.” Customers also appreciate the large variety available at Great Finds and the fact that new pieces are added so often.

Not familiar with the consignment process? Here’s how it works at Great Finds: Potential consignors send pictures of the furniture items they wish to consign. When furniture items are accepted. Great Finds prices, tags, and gets them on the showroom floor. For décor items, the consignor just needs to set an appointment to bring in the items they want sold.

The proceeds on each item are split 50/50. Pieces are on the floor for three months, with two rotations of 10 percent discounts offered during the time period. If something

By Deborah Daley

doesn’t sell by the end date, the consignor can choose to take it back or can have Great Finds donate it. Consignors receive checks monthly.

Business is thriving, and the Great Finds team enjoys helping with anything the customer needs. “We absolutely love seeing customers find something that adds joy to their homes. Business is never boring! We are answering phones, talking with customers, rearranging items, and more.” Julie says “I especially enjoy doing this with family. We also take pleasure in watching customers’ faces when they see the quality of our items and the unique and interesting things we offer.”

Jane and Dave Offutt are two of those customers. Dave is a sixth-generation Omahan, and he and his wife are moving back to Omaha after retiring for years in Olympia, Washington. The couple decided to keep their house on the west coast and bought another one here. Their new home is quite large and had to be completely furnished.

“We have been to many consignment places,” Dave says. “Great Finds not only has great furniture and other pieces but such neat people who are bright, interesting, honest, and involved in your selections.” Over the last year, the Offutts have furnished their entire house from Great Finds. “We went in multiple times and found new, quality pieces each time at amazing, reasonable prices.”

Julie encourages people to come in, browse, and meet the team. “We hope your experience will be so enjoyable that you will want to come back time after time! We look forward to seeing you.”

Great Finds Consignment Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 13448 L Street, in Omaha. You can call the store at 402-8955455 to schedule consignments or simply to ask questions. For more details and a sample of the kind of items they carry, you can visit them online at greatfindsconsignment.com.

Standing L-R Nichol Johnson, Brad Twedt, Victoria Donaldson, Seated Jerrold and Julie Twedt

Our philosophy is that everyone is a customer and a friend we haven’t met yet.

You Deserve a Mother’s Day Break Hire

Out Your To-Do List!

By Janette Calabro

Celebrating Mother’s Day has been a tradition around the world since the Middle Ages, honoring maternal bonds everywhere. In 1908, Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day in the United States. She had no children of her own, but she set the intention to honor the sacrifices that mothers make for their children daily. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day“as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”This year, let’s consider ideas for how moms can pamper themselves with time off and examine the health benefits of“me time.”Read on for ideas to recharge, relax, and hire out for all those things on every mom’s to-do list. Make time to sit back and take a little time to do whatever you want to do.

Moms need a break. Hiring a pro for certain tasks frees up time and may literally increase your lifespan. “Relaxation isn’t only about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby,” states the Mayo Clinic. “It’s a process that decreases the stress effects of your mind and body. These techniques can help with longterm stress to various health problems, such as heart disease and pain.”

What are some ways to celebrate a break for yourself this year? Conventional wisdom says to buy fresh flowers for every room in the house. If that feels a little overdone, consider buying a spring wreath for the front door. You’ll see it every time you enter!

While we’re on the subject of spring blooms, contemplate hiring a pro for the yard and garden. Some moms love working in the garden—in fact, that may be the very thing you wish you had more time to do! However, that doesn’t mean you love every back-breaking yard task. Landscapers can help clean up the lawn, removing debris and helping the earth breathe. As the air circulates, winter diseases like snow mold disappear. Seasoned landscapers can coax a yard from the winter doldrums into a lush, green space, saving you time, effort, and sore muscles by handing the mulching, pruning, and cleaning. Ask your gardener to plant spring bulbs, then sit back and watch as summer blooms. Lawn care is always worth the investment. You’ll swoon every time you look out your windows or sit outside in your beautified natural surroundings.

If you can’t quite see the yard through the windows, consider hiring someone to clean the view from the inside out. Regular cleaning not only keeps fingerprints and rain splotches in check—it also prevents window damage. When hinges are clean of dirt and sludge, they’ll operate better. Window cleaners can assess damage like scratches or nicks, catching a minor problem before it gets big. Clean windows also protect indoor air quality and the home’s energy efficiency. A home treated to regular window cleaning will simply sparkle in the sunlight!

Some moms love gardening, but no one loves cleaning gutters. Professional gutter cleaners come prepared to drag the ladders, climb safely, and dig their hands in gutter muck so you don’t have to! There’s a reason that those winding structures attach to the tops of our houses—to shield the ceiling, walls, and foundation from damaging storms. Dirt, debris, leaves, and twigs all add to gutter clogs. So do animal nests. Resulting damage can include basement flooding and foundation destruction. Building experts report that methodic cleaning extends the life of the roof and gutters, enhances safety and comfort from unexpected pests, and contributes to a home’s beauty.

Pets sometimes need more attention than their human’s schedule allows. A professional dog walker helps our fourlegged family members stay healthy by providing the exercise they need even when you’re busy. Ditto for pet waste services. We’ve all seen the cute and clever names. Take them up on their on their offer! Be honest: haven’t you already done your fair share of cleaning up after others?

If you’ve been spending more time at home over the last few years, you may have noticed that some areas of your house need a little attention. Why not hire a handyman? The services of a handyman can range from plumbing maintenance to lighting repair to painting. Reputable handymen are problem solvers, too. If a patch of loose drywall needs repair or a light fixture needs replacement, make an appointment. Many can accommodate tile installation, appliance repair, and just about anything around the house. If you need repair and improvement such as appliance installation, carpentry, minor electrical work, or basic plumbing, a handyman can get the job done for you.

Cleaning the house can’t be avoided, but sometimes it seems like the cleaning never ends. Do you need a break? This Mother’s Day, hire a maid service and save the time and energy for yourself. A home cleaned by experienced professionals is worth its weight in gold. When you walk into a home that is already sparkling clean, you’ll have time to enjoy it yourself! A clean home is a healthier place for mind, body, and soul.

A home cleaned by experienced professionals is worth its weight in gold.

Ask your housekeeping service to customize a plan. Focus on which rooms need attention and explain what you’re looking for. House cleaners usually welcome specific instructions, and they’re prepared for a very detailed clean. A regularly cleaned home builds confidence, reassurance, and peace of mind. That’s a lot of benefit from a service that is so simple to offload!

If your carpet needs specific help, tell the house cleaners to leave it be and call out a professional carpet cleaner. Specialized equipment cleans hard-to-remove stains, sucks out dirt and debris, and extracts allergens. Carpet cleaners are masters at removing stains from old but loved rugs, replacing the old with a fresh, new look. Some stains need pretreatment that only an expert knows how to manage.

Carpets are best cleaned once or twice a year. Not only will they look and smell better, but everyone in your house will also breathe healthier. Clean carpets eliminate pollutants trapped deep in the fibers, including dust mites, mold, pet dander, and outdoor lawn chemicals. Even toxic gases in the air can stick to embedded particles. Not only will you breathe easier, you’ll also reduce the risk of colds and mitigate the bacteria that can exacerbate health problems like asthma.

While you’re treating yourself, get creative with those tasks that you dread or haven’t the time and energy to do. One example—dry cleaning. Many of us consider laundry a dirty chore, no pun intended. You may already use a dry cleaner for specialty items like silk, leather, or wool, as well as for garments with particular embellishments such as lace or sequins. Water isn’t always kind to fabric, delicate details, and

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tough stains. Instead of water, dry cleaners use gentle solvents to produce like-new garments, extending the lifetime of your favorite wardrobe items. Some cleaners offer to pick up your cleaning and deliver it back, all sparkling and fresh. They will even do your regular laundry. What a treat! Ask about other services, such as alterations, fabric restoration, and big item cleaning such as draperies.

Once you’ve hired service providers to take care of the tasks you don’t want to do yourself, take some time to sit back and enjoy the extra time you’ve created. Dive into your favorite hobbies. Go to the gym, take regular walks, or enjoy a family picnic. Plan a backyard party in your newly landscaped space. Spend time with those who mean the most.

Another idea? Buy the most luxurious hammock or swing you can find, then schedule outdoor me-time every day that weather allows. Why? A tranquil mind and body lead to a longer, healthier life. Relaxation lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, improves digestion, increases blood flow to major muscles, reduces stress hormones, lowers fatigue, and reduces anger and frustration. Spending time doing what you love boosts confidence. That leads to better sleep, easier problem-solving, and the positive sense of humor that we all need in daily life. Explore Mother’s Day this year with time off, and positive vibes will follow!

(P.S. Maybe your mom would be interested in a Mother’s Day gift of time and relaxation? Consider hiring the pros to take care of her least favorite responsibilities!)

Sources for this article included: americaslibrary.gov, consumerreports.org, and history.com.

At Members.MD, our team is complete with well-rounded, highly trained concierge medicine providers. From Physicians to Registered Nurses to our Physician’s Assistant – you get an entire team of providers who know you personally and who will always be there for you.

Call

Dunning Acupuncture and Massage

We strive to provide individualized, whole-person treatments in a comfortable, professional setting. Classic Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnosis and treatment gives the best treatment available for each person.

This month, we are featuring the Covid Kit, which includes the high-quality Chinese herbal formula “Jade Wind Screen.”This formula has been used for centuries to strengthen the protective capacity of the immune system against cold and flu. Also included is the “Cold Killer” formula, which is used for the early onset (days 1-3) of cold/flu symptoms. Detailed instructions included. Kit cost is $100. Call today: 402-650-7715

Peterson Inspections & Home Repair

Get Help Caring for Your Property! Do you have a growing list of home repairs and renovations that need to get done? To stay ahead of home maintenance projects, get assistance from a local handyman. Turn to Peterson Inspections & Home Repair when you need home repairs in Omaha, Lincoln, or Fremont, NE. We’re equipped to take on a wide range of repair services.

Instead of reaching out to multiple contractors, get efficient customer service from our company. Call us today at 402-720-9010 to get professional assistance.

VENUS VEIN CLINIC

Vein disease isn’t about appearance as much as it is about your health. Do you suffer from leg pain, swelling, restlessness, and skin discoloration? These are very common symptoms of vein disease. Left untreated, it can cause serious health issues. At VENUS, you may be surprised at how easily and comfortably you can improve your daily life. There is no downtime to recover, there’s no sedation or heavy medicines needed, and treatments are covered by medical insurance. You can go right back to work or exercise, and you will feel better and look better, too.

VENUS Vein Clinic—Your Go-To Vein Clinic. Don’t wait a day longer, call today at 402-979-VEIN (8346) or visit VenusVeinClinic.com.

Fala’s Treasures and Coffee House

An exciting new concept has come to Fala’s…yoga, anyone?

If you haven’t discovered Fala’s yet, you need to! FALA stands for Fun And Loving Atmosphere, and we believe in working hard to provide just that.

We are a bistro serving out-of-this-world flavors for breakfast, lunch, catering and carry-out dinner, and specialty drinks (including coffee).

Come shop our revamp sale! 40% off clothes, handbags, and scarves. Up to 30% off kids’ clothes.

Make Fala’s your new favorite place to relax and enjoy time with friends. See you soon!

Northern Lights Venue

Northern Lights Venue is a new premier wedding and event venue located in the cozy little town of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. We are conveniently located only 10 minutes north of Omaha. Our modern barn-style space offers the perfect combination of rustic and elegance for your special occasion! Ideal for everything from small gatherings to large-scale events. Northern Lights Venue would be honored to help host your next event and provide the space for your family and friends to gather and celebrate!

Call us today at (402) 468-4600 to book your dream wedding!

OkOmaha Real Estate Co.

OkOmaha Real Estate Co. is locally owned and has been in the real estate business for over 30 years. Your property will always be treated as if it were our own. Our passion is to keep our clients’ investments professionally managed, clean, and occupied. Because of this, we can ensure that you—the owner—can relax and leave the managing of your assets to us. I’m positive that when you meet and talk with us, there will be no regrets. Call us today! 402-905-2247.

“Mimi” Hahn

French River Cruise

#1 Destination for Wine Lovers

Wine lovers, rejoice! I have found the ultimate trip for you. It involves visits to picturesque historic villages, fine food and wine, a valley of vineyard after vineyard, fun and interesting tours, wine tasting, and more wine tasting. Did I mention wine? You can experience all of this as you float the Rhone River on a French river cruise. The next few months are the perfect time to go.

Lyon, Avignon, and Provence are typical starting or ending points of a Rhone River cruise. To be honest, I did not know much beforehand about the cities we visited on this cruise, only knowing the names of a few. Now, I know I prefer Lyon to Paris as a foodie destination. If you want to find your favorite Syrah, Burgundy, and Beaujolais wines, this is the trip for you.

For my artist friends, taking a painting class in Arles will help you channel your inner van Gogh and make for a very memorable experience—you can sit and paint some of the same scenes the famous painter did. Ancient Roman ruins and history can be found along the entire way, pleasing history and architecture buffs.

The summertime brings fields blanketed with lavender and sunflowers in the Provence region, but I really know you are there for the wine. You have nothing to worry about in that regard—these river cruises never run dry! My fellow cruisers agree that the experiences and stops along the Rhone are amazing. I advise you to book with a travel agent, as they can get you added bonuses like room upgrades, shipboard credit (you will use these for spa treatments and upgraded tours), and even a private guide if you are traveling with a group. Also, for sailing on the Rhone, I suggest you get a balcony room. The bridges are low, and you are not able to sit on the top deck as much as on other river cruises.

Now, let me tell you about some of the villages you might visit and what you can do on your upcoming French river cruise on the Rhone.

Lyon is France’s grand culinary capital. I recommend spending two or three more days here so you can take a foodie tour, a silk weavers’ tour, a cooking or pastry class, and a guided bike tour of the city. There is so much to explore, from old to new, from medieval to Renaissance. A whole day can be spent exploring the beautiful Parc de la Tete d’Or. Oh, and don’t worry about overindulging in the incredible food—I was clearly told that calories consumed in Lyon don’t count.

Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage are twin villages connected by a bridge. The wine in this region is produced from the Syrah grapes that grow on steep slopes that require terracing. Take a scenic hike to one of these steep vineyards right above

By Jackie Williams

the Rhone, learn about the world-famous Hermitage wines and local viticulture, and get your daily fill of full-bodied reds.

With cobblestone streets so narrow you can touch houses on both sides while standing in the middle, Viviers is a window into the past. There are no major renovations or updating here so that they can keep everything historic, which makes for great photos. Get a tour of what a medieval house looks like inside while tasting more wine and local cheeses. Catch a game of pétanque (bocce ball) with the locals on your way back to the ship.

Avignon is known as the City of Popes because the Roman Catholic popes lived there instead of Rome during much of the 14th century. Here, you can tour the elaborate and historic Palace of the Popes, visit Old Town, and meander through the trails at Jardin des Doms. It was awesome to walk around Pont du Gard, the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, and then kayak under part of it on the Gardon River.

The city of Arles contains the inspiration for about 200 of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. You can actually go to specific locations in the city where he painted certain pieces and see how things looked from his viewpoint. Some of the views are still the same! The ancient Roman arena there still hosts concerts, plays, and bullfights.

These are just a few of the stops along the river cruise route on the Rhone. Tours include truffle hunting, olive tasting, wine and chocolate pairings, photography, and, of course, daily wine tasting! Being in Rhone Valley puts you in the center of some of the world’s finest wine producers. For those who love wine, history, and scenic beauty—you don’t even have to think twice about taking a Rhone cruise. Book it!

Sources for this article included: montecitovillagetravel. com, uniworld.com, and france.fr.

Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design. Her blogs can be found at BoardandRide.com and the luxury and adventure travel website, ArtofTripping.com.

Blessed Life Music & Events

Music and Joy for the Community

Are you ready to think outside the box when it comes to entertainment or motivational speaking? Are you looking for an experience that will resonate with clients, friends, or family? Are you planning a youth group or corporate retreat that needs enlightened direction? Let me introduce you to a local artist and his wife, a couple who is ready to help you enjoy music, fellowship, fun, and storytelling, all while living their best and blessed lives.

“Bunny” and Andre Right are the dynamic duo behind Blessed Life! The exclamation mark in the name of the company is not a typo—it’s an indication of how much energy and light Bunny and Andre bring to every single event. “We celebrate all events with excitement and joy,” says Bunny. This energetic pair hosts events for large or small gatherings, from concerts to pop-up shops. If you are familiar with the local music scene, chances are that you have already heard of Andre Right with Blessed Life Music. Now, let’s hear their story! Andre and Bunny are eager to share their stories with the community. They readily speak of how they were lost and are now found through a conviction to the Lord, spreading faith through music, clothing, and events.

Andre Right’s specialty is delivering a bold message through music. He is known as the “Turn Up Kid,” a hip-hop artist/songwriter and an inspirational performer. He has been blazing his own path, sharing his Christian rap to authentically shine light through music. “This is not regular hip-hop, with dark messages,” says Bunny. “This is music with purpose and hope.”

One of Andre’s life missions is to allow his audience to experience God in an exciting environment. He wants fans to leave his performances spiritually uplifted. “I went from living my best life to living my blessed life,” he says. Concerned about people’s growing anxiety, depression, and inability to cope and filter, Andre and Bunny are devoted to spreading joy. Andre is available for personal appearances and motivational small concerts. Retreats, youth groups, church groups, corporate team leading groups—those are just a few of the audiences that Blessed Life Music loves to engage.

Bunny Right is the Creative Director and Chief Marketing Officer at Blessed Life! Bunny studied marketing at Creighton University in Omaha. “My goals are to build a sense of community and create opportunities for local small business owners,” she explains. “We can share ideas, struggles, and we can inspire and support one another.”

Some of the scheduled events by Blessed Life are pop-ups. A pop-up is a short-term, temporary retail event that is “here

By Kate Beiting

today and gone tomorrow,” similar to a farmer’s market. This is a one of a kind shopping experience that allows shoppers to make a huge impact on our community by shopping local with over 50 small businesses! Whether if you are shopping for yourself or for someone special you will be sure to find something unique! You can choose from a variety of different items, including beauty, clothing, jewelry, treats, home décor, handmade items, and more! It’s basically a mini mall, but there is also a DJ, live music performances, free massages, luxury raffle prizes, and a photo booth to capture moments with family and friends. Mark your calendar for their next event, The Mother’s Day Market, on Saturday, May 6th, 1-5 p.m., at The Living Room located at 1111 North 13th Street.

Andre’s inspirational musical performances are the centerpiece to Blessed Life Events. Their goal is not only to entertain but to re-energize the local community that they serve. “We are surrounded by amazing small businesses, with such a vibrant community,” says Bunny. “Instead of buying things from Amazon, I want to show off the small businesses that live in this area, the mom and pop shops that are this city’s lifeblood.”

Andre’s hip-hop music is deeply rooted in his Christian faith, and that shows in his lyrics. “We help spread a message of faith, joy, and love to others who may be feeling despair, confusion, or isolation.” All of Blessed Life Events proudly seek to shine light through Christianity. “We hope that shinning our light will help those in need and also inspire others in our community to do the same,” says Bunny.

Check out Andre Right and his music on social platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. If you like what you hear, consider him for your next event! Merchandise and information are available at BlessedLifeMusic.com. To learn more about Blessed Life Events or to see where they’re going to be next, go to their Facebook page, Blessed Life Events. For more information, please contact Andre and Bunny at info@BlessedLifeMusic.com.

Andre and Bunny, owners

Pamper Mom this Mother’s Day

Relaxing at the Spa

By Loretta McCollum

Mother’s Day is here! Let’s take this opportunity to show our moms how much we care. What better way to express our appreciation for these amazing women than by treating them to a day of head-to-toe pampering, relaxation, and rejuvenation? A day spa experience provides exactly that.

Most spas offer a full menu of body treatments, facials, and massages. Other services, such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, and even hairstyling and makeup application are standard offerings at many facilities. Multiple package options are available. You can tailor the experience to your mother’s preferences. Some spas even offer food and drink packages, like massage and merlot or pedicure and paella. You could even make it a mother-daughter experience and treat yourself, as well.

There’s nothing better than a good massage to relax tense muscles and break up those tight knots. To get the most out of your spa experience, be sure to choose the type of massage that’s right for you. The Swedish massage is a popular choice. It’s a great all-over massage that can be slow and gentle or more forceful and invigorating. In contrast, a deep tissue massage involves applying strong, constant pressure to deeper tissue and muscle structure. This is a good choice for chronic muscle pain. You could also choose a hot stone massage, where the therapist places heated stones along

your spine or in the palm of your hand. The warmth from the stones helps relax tight muscles.

Want a body detox or a full-body exfoliation and hydration? Consider a body wrap. A detox wrap draws impurities out of your system and provides your body with extra minerals. First, a body mask containing mud, clay, algae, or seaweed is applied. Then, you’re wrapped in plastic and covered with a blanket. The mask stimulates circulation, which helps rid the body of toxins. After 20 minutes, you jump into the shower to rinse off the mask.

A hydrating body wrap uses a rich cream or gel to penetrate the skin following an exfoliating body scrub. While your skin soaks up the moisture, you’re relaxing, all wrapped up in a warm towel. In addition to detoxing and hydrating, different types of body wraps can also tone and tighten or temporarily boost metabolism.

If you don’t want a wrap but still want some professional exfoliation, consider a relaxing body scrub instead. A massage therapist rubs the skin with a blend of sea salt oils and

aromatics. This is followed by a rinse in the shower. A moisturizer may be applied afterward.

Including a facial treatment in a spa day helps us put our best face forward. Basic facials steam and cleanse the pores. Targeted anti-aging facials use alpha hydroxy creams to help skin look smooth and fresh. An antioxidant facial utilizes vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene to remove pollutants. No matter which option you choose, a facial will cleanse, improve skin tone, moisturize, tighten, and hydrate your skin for a smoother, healthy-looking face.

Hair removal treatments such as waxing can be incorporated into your day spa experience. Razor shaving is like an engraved invitation to a Band-aid festival! Instead, take advantage of a hot wax treatment while you’re chilling in your comfy spa robe. Waxing removes unwanted hair at the root, leaving you smooth and slowing the regrowth process.

Another popular site for hair removal is the eyebrows. Threading is an ancient practice that removes unwanted hairs by pulling them out at the follicle. It’s less painful than tweezing, and the regrowth process is much slower.

After you’ve been hydrated, massaged, exfoliated, and smoothed, some facilities offer a light lunch and a glass of wine or mineral water, served up in a quiet room with soft music and a soothing waterfall. Then, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches like makeup and nails.

With a makeup makeover, a trained aesthetician chooses shades and colors that best flatter your face and then shows you how to apply them to get the look you’re going for. Eyelash extensions are popular, and we’re not talking about drugstore false eyelashes. At a day spa, you can choose your lash length and curl style. Plus, they’re professionally applied. The extensions typically last one to two months.

Last but not least, sit back and relax with a drink while a technician trims, files, scrubs, and polishes your nails with your choice of colors. You’ll emerge from the spa looking and feeling like a new woman, ready to conquer the world. Doesn’t that sound like a fantastic gift for the woman who gave you everything? Happy Mother’s Day!

Sources for this article included skinmds.com, sallybeauty.com, and beautyanswered.com.

Steve Sheridan, Owner

30 May 2023 Interiors by Design

Kitchen Design Trends

Fresh Ideas for 2023

By Robyn V. Powell

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends placing a kitchen remodel budget at 15 to 20 percent of a home’s value. New cabinets represent the biggest chunk of your budget, coming in at about 25 percent, followed by appliances, at 14 percent. While investing in new appliances with convenient smart features will be costly upfront, these upgrades will boost your home value, lower your energy costs, and give you the added bonus of knowing you’re minimizing your environmental footprint.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you may be wondering whether you should hire an interior designer or an architect. If your plans include structural changes, such as removing walls or raising ceilings, an architect has the vision and the skills to incorporate these changes into the design process. For less drastic changes, a professional kitchen designer can evaluate your space, budget, and lifestyle to create the kitchen that works best for you. By looking at how you and your family live in the house and by assessing how you will use the kitchen, a talented kitchen designer can mold your ideas into something you could never have imagined!

A good designer will optimize the use of available space and ensure that appliances and sinks fit perfectly into cabinet dimension spaces. Precise measurements and knowledge of product specifications are critically important in a kitchen, and a designer’s trained eye can help clients select tile,

Design. Integrity. Communication.

Full-service landscape & hardscape design for the Omaha metro area.

“Focusing

four seasons of

Sarah and Nancy founded S&N Landscape Design as two best friends wanting to serve the Omaha area with amazing landscape design and clear communication with clients.

Sarah Perry & Nancy Sohns, Owners

lighting fixtures, and paint colors to pull everything together. The best designers gently push you beyond your comfort level to achieve a kitchen that exceeds your expectations while injecting a sense of fun and adventure into what can be a stressful experience! According to industry experts, a kitchen remodel takes about 6 to 12 weeks.

When it comes to kitchen flooring, durability is key. Wood flooring may not be the best choice for spill-prone areas. Vinyl plank and laminate mimics the attractive look of wood while offering moisture resistance, cost savings, and a slightly distressed surface that is forgiving in this busiest of rooms. Larger format porcelain tile is another great choice. Designers tell us that the shift toward warmer tones of beige is here to stay. To create a light and airy feel in your home, consider the whitewashed coastal floor trend with soft neutral tones.

Create a trend-setting and stylish kitchen by pairing striking white countertops with smoky gray or moody black cabinets. Natural-toned wood cabinets are another big trend. Quartz countertops in white tones with subtle marbling in veins of gray and gold will dominate in 2023. Quartz is resistant to stains and scratches, impervious to heat, and easy to care for, making it a popular choice in any color or pattern. For a polished, elegant, and dressed-to-impress kitchen, accent with gold-toned lighting and hardware.

Perhaps the greatest unsung hero of a beautifully designed kitchen is the lighting. Done well, lighting defines spaces, provides safety, and expresses personal style with features like eye-catching pendants over an island. To achieve the best results, a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting is recommended.

Whether you’re entertaining, doing homework, or just hanging out as a family, the kitchen is the hub of the modern home. Homeowners are finding ways to upgrade technology in their kitchens with docking stations, wireless speakers, and high-tech faucets with touch-free activation control. Remodeling your kitchen is an investment in your home’s value and your family’s quality of life. If these benefits are important to you, then a kitchen remodel is definitely worth the time and money.

Sources for this article included: houzz. com, consumerreports.org, and hgtv.com.

Be Sun Savvy Now Your Skin Will Thank You Later

By Leslie Byrne

The temperatures right now may not have you thinking of baking in the summer sun, but it is never too early to think about protecting your skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. That means that being sun savvy now, by taking steps to protect your skin from damage, is important.

Skin cancer is not the only problem caused by sun exposure. Sun damage can cause changes to the skin, development of new moles or freckles, premature skin aging, and decreased immune system function. When your skin gets burned, white blood cells create new cells to protect your body, taxing your immune system. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is radiation emitted by the sun, can also damage your eyes. A burned cornea can lead to the development of cataracts.

Everyone is at risk of sun exposure damage, but you’re at higher risk if you have fair skin, moles, or a family history of skin cancer. People who work in the sun, such as farmers or construction workers, are at greater risk. If you are worried that you spent way too much time in the sun without any protection as a kid, you may be pleased to learn that sun damage is cumulative and only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure happens before age 18. That means it is not too late for you to start protecting your skin!

There are four main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, which usually starts off as a transparent bump; melanoma, which is potentially life-threatening but can be successfully treated if detected early; non-melanoma, which usually requires surgery to remove; and squamous cell carcinoma, which is aggressive but generally not life threatening. Left untreated, skin cancer can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Anyone over the age of 20, especially those with light-colored hair or eyes, should have an annual skin check with a dermatologist. Just five or more sunburns over a lifetime can double your risk for melanoma.

One of the smartest ways to protect your skin from sun damage is to use sunblock lotion (with an SPF of 15 or higher) on a daily basis. Sunblock is assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which rates how thoroughly it blocks UV rays—higher numbers indicate more protection. When applied daily, sunblock can decrease skin aging by 24 percent.

Do not be fooled into thinking that applying sunblock is all you need to do for protection! It is intended to be combined with other sun-savvy practices. Protecting yourself, and your children, from sun damage is well worth the effort and should be done all year, not just during the summer or at the beach.

In the 1980s, Australia began a public service campaign to help prevent skin cancer. Say “Slip! Slop! Slap!” to any Australian, and they’ll know what to do: “slip” on a shirt, “slop” on some sunblock, and “slap” on some sunglasses. Since the campaign started 40 years ago, the melanoma cancer rates in younger Australians have declined. Let’s follow their lead!

Seek shade under a tree, umbrella, or anything else that provides shade from direct sunlight. Look for clothing that is certified as offering UV protection. Be sure to wear a hat with a wide brim that is tightly woven and does not allow sunlight to come through. If you’re wearing a baseball cap, apply sunblock to unshaded areas like the ears and neck. Sunglasses protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Most sunglasses in the United States block both UVA and UVB rays.

Get into the habit of applying sunblock with a SPF of at least 15 on all exposed skin before heading outside. That includes your ears, hands, and arms. Reapply every two hours when you stay in the sun or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Not sure about the shelf life of sunblock? If it doesn’t have a printed expiration date, mark the bottle when you buy it and do not keep it more than three years. If you have left it out in the heat, toss it sooner.

All of these sun-safe tips apply to both adults and children. (Sunblock is not recommended for babies under six months of age, so keep babies shaded or in protective clothing.) Teaching kids to be sun savvy when they are young will help them continue these practices as an adult. So, slip on a shirt, slop on some sunblock, and slap on some sunglasses to get yourself ready for fun in the sun!

Sources for this article included: skincancer.org, familydoctor.org, cdc. gov, and mayoclinic.org.

Dr. Rafal Krejza, DO

Stephanie Simon,

Ashley Horman, APRN

Dr. Kevin Balter, MD

Sunridge Village Enjoy the Move!

Late last year, Barb Miller decided it was time to relocate. She looked at several retirement communities in the area and found many, but not quite what she was looking for or within her budget until she found Sunridge Village Retirement Community. She put her house up for sale, and it sold faster than she expected.“Sunridge held my unit and gave me ample time to get moved in.”Barb has been at Sunridge Village for about three months. “I’ve felt at home from the first day. People are so friendly!

It seemed everybody knew my name…I discovered they read my name outside my door,” she laughs.

Sandy Ballinger’s house was near Boys Town, where she was close to her family and had plenty of room for a garden (she’s a Master Gardener). “Maintenance and repairs on the house took a lot of time, effort, and money,” she recalls. “The kids asked if I wanted to work on the house or move. I decided to move.” She toured at least 10 places and was getting frustrated when her youngest son asked if she

By Marge Shoemaker

wanted to be a livein nanny to their girls. “Of course I said yes!” she exclaims. “What grandmother would pass that up? Besides, I was retired and appreciated the company!”

About five years later, Sandy’s granddaughters no longer needed a full-time nanny, so she started looking for another place. At Sunridge Village, she found her new home with a choice of activities, and friendly people. “It’s been

L-R Joan Ballion, Sandy Ballinger, Barb Miller

home for a little less than a year,” she says, and she loves it.

Joan Baillon-Wood and her husband lived on an acreage with horses. After 20 years, the acreage was just too much to care for, they found a place to board the horses and purchased a home in Omaha. After 25 years in their Omaha home, Joan’s husband passed, and she was maintaining the house on her own. After years of that responsibility, she was ready to move and was tired of living alone. Joan decided to downsize.“I hired an organizer who helped me sort through the house and storage. She taught me to toss things I didn’t need, use, or want.” One of her many considerations in moving to a community was that they accepted cats, and Sunridge Village does. “I couldn’t bear giving up my cat, Dorito,” Joan says. They have been at Sunridge just over two years.

At Sunridge Village, Joan comments, it’s not necessary to join in the activities to be accepted…it’s okay to just watch. Barb recalls watching a group of card players. “I hadn’t played that game, but it looked interesting. They invited me to sit in and helped me learn Pitch.” Sandy says she never worries about being bored because “there’s always something interesting going on.”

Ages of the residents at Sunridge Village vary widely, but they’re all at least 55. Barb and Sandy declare that age doesn’t matter…you can go anywhere in the building and belong. Michale Kavan, the marketing director at Sunridge, comments, “many seniors want to stay in their houses, but may find isolation and loneliness overwhelming. It’s just no fun going out by yourself…or sitting in the house day after day. We try to make that easier at Sunridge Village.” According to Joan, it really is

easy! “Before, I might have gone several days without seeing anyone,” she says. “Here, I can walk down the hall and have someone to talk to. I’m not lonely anymore.” Sandy and Barb concur that Sunridge Village is a great place to interact with friends.

Richard Anzalone, the owner of Sunridge Village, has a friendly, helpful attitude. He’s always there when needed and includes his own family in Sunridge Village activities. He wants the younger generation to develop the same regard and respect for seniors that he has.

Let’s not forget the amenities! Transportation is exceptional. The bus will take you anywhere you need to go; when it’s not available, there is often someone who can take you (residents who drive can take advantage of secured underground parking). From the exercise room to the library, there are so many wonderful common areas to enjoy.! The dining room offers wonderful conversation and delicious meals. The menus are made from fresh ingredients and created by Chef Gene, prepared from his own recipes or recipes he gets from the residents.

Some final words from our resident ladies: If you’re shopping for a place to live, come to Sunridge Village. Look at all that’s included in the price…many of those services cost extra elsewhere. Check out the activities…there’s something for everyone, including theme parties and community outings. Do it now! Why wait until you NEED to?

Sunridge Village Retirement Community is located at 13410 Blondo Street, in Omaha. Call 402-496-0116 or find them online at sunridgeomaha.com

Valo Wellness Spa Caring for Your Mind, Body, and Soul

By Angella Arndt

Kelly Davis founded Valo Wellness Spa in August 2020. Valo means “light” in Finnish, and the spa embraces the power of light. A native Nebraskan, Kelly started her career in physical therapy, working with U.S. Olympic human and equine athletes. She loved the non-invasive modalities she was able to use. She knew that she eventually wanted to open a business. When the opportunity arose, she decided to put her therapeutic experience to work at a day spa.

Valo Wellness Spa offers spa services, holistic therapies, a wellness playground, a tea bar, wellness workshops, and skin care and enhancement products, all in the traditional environment of a resort-style day spa. Clients are pampered with robes and slippers, relaxing with a cup of tea in the fireplace lounge before and after services.

Spa services include massage treatments, microdermabrasion, facials, light therapy, and LED skin revitalization,. Holistic practitioners include a Reiki master and a dietician.

To meet clients’ varying needs, different types of massage are available, including deep tissue, Swedish, sports recovery, and maternity. Massage enhancements include Himalayan salt stones, aromatherapy, LED light therapy, and foot and hand scrubs. Several facials are offered to help with anti-aging, brightening, hydrating, and skin clearing.

One thing that most women have in common is that we are busy— with work, with family, with home, with friends. It’s easy to forget that it is vital to take care of ourselves first if we want to be able to take care of others. Self-care is essential to a healthy lifestyle! The team at Valo Wellness Spa can help you relax and recharge.

Kelly Davis, Owner

Blue, red, and infrared LED light therapy offers several benefits. Each color uses a different wavelength that penetrates the skin at a different depth. “Blue light targets the top layer of skin and can help with acne and wound healing,” Kelly explains. “Red light penetrates further into the skin, boosting collagen and elastin production, and can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring. Infrared light penetrates the deepest; it helps reduce pain and soothe muscles.”

The wellness playground features innovative, low touch methods to rejuvenate the body and spirit. Treatments include guided meditation, vibration therapy, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic frequency) mat, compression therapy, and halotherapy. Clients relax on zero gravity loungers, and each session lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending upon the service selected.

Guided meditations are combined with brainwave technology and light patterns. “The combination of guided meditation and light therapy with LED lights makes meditation 20 percent more effective,” Kelly reports. Several meditation topics are available, including optimal health, weight wellness, and stress reduction.

Vibration therapy uses a device with rapid-release technology (RRT) for non-invasive, targeted treatment to help relieve pain or muscle tension and increase range of motion. The PEMF mat contains crystals, negative ion-producing hot stones, infrared light, and pulsed electromagnetic frequencies. The mat helps relax muscles and regenerate cells.

Compression therapy involves inflatable devices (placed over arms or legs) that use controlled pressure to increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage and to reduce muscle pain and soreness. A halotherapy booth uses mild infrared heat

with dry salt therapy for respiratory and skin conditions.

The tea bar is open to clients and visitors and features teas from a local herbalist focusing on sustainability. “Each tea has a purpose,” Kelly shares. “We carry several herbal blends that target specific areas and promote overall wellness.”

New wellness workshops are always in development. Current offerings include a monthly sound bath, which is a meditative practice with Tibetan singing bowls. These sessions promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and help you connect with your body.

Valo Wellness Spa carries an organic Maria Akerberg skincare line from Sweden. This female-owned, sustainable skincare line uses natural minerals and ingredients from plants. “We are only one of four spas in the U.S. to carry her line,” Kelly shares. “Everything is sourced from local farmers, and all the packaging has been recycled at least once.”

The spa also carries Leef, a line of whole-plant CBD products for skin care, pain relief, and sleeplessness. They have balms and oils to relieve sore joints and muscles, skin oil to rebalance and nurture the skin, and sleep aid products.

“Every modality we offer has been scientifically proven to work,” Kelly says. “Why wouldn’t you try it if you can get results with non-invasive treatment? Our spa is where clients can experience clean wellness and beauty.”Valo’s mind, body, and soul approach helps keep their clients grounded. “It is rewarding to provide services that relax people, make them happy, and touch their souls.”

Valo Wellness Spa is located at 120 Regency Parkway, Suite 104, in Omaha. Call 402-885-8256 to schedule an appointment or find them online at valowellnessspa.com.

Cuddly Critters

Cats The Purrfect Pet for You?

According to national pet owner surveys, there are over 95.6 million feline owners in the United States. We are fascinated by these beautiful creatures. Let’s explore why these cuddly creatures are so popular, which breeds best suit different human lifestyles, and how cats need to be cared for.

What’s so amazing about cats? a dog person might ask. There are many reasons why we are so fond of our feline friends. Let me highlight just a few.

1. Cats speak to us. Cats make many sounds, but they meow only to humans. This language is reserved for us!

2. Cats are clean pets. Cats are experts at cleanliness and can spend up to 50 percent of their day grooming themselves.

3. Cats are good nappers. On an average day, a cat sleeps 18 to 20 hours. If you have a stressful day, chances are that your kitty will still be in the mood to snuggle when you get home.

4. Felines release a love hormone. Research has shown that petting a cat causes the discharge of oxytocin, a hormone that our bodies release when we fall in love. What a feeling!

5. Cats improve our health. Researchers have proven that interaction with felines can reduce the risk of heart attacks, lower blood pressure, and release dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate moods, reduce stress, and improve immune functioning. Petting your cat is a pleasant way to reinforce motor skills (or to help redevelop them after an injury).

6. Cats love us. Although they may act nonchalant sometimes, they show us their love in many ways. They cuddle up on laps, rub their heads on us, and vocalize their affection.

7. Cats are easy to care for. They don’t need constant attention. They are litter-trained and very independent. You never have to worry about cats disturbing the neighbors, and they likely remain calm when you have visitors.

As with dogs, each cat has its own personality. However, certain breeds do have common traits that can make them better suited for different kinds of living environments.

Abyssinians are generally lively, active cats that love to explore and interact with their humans. American shorthairs are known to be fairly low-maintenance, easy-going, and tolerant of whatever life sends their way. British shorthairs are considered to be the oldest natural breed from England. They are generally comfortable with children and other pets but are not lap cats. The Maine Coon has a “gentle giant” reputation.

By Deborah Daley

They are known to be very affectionate and very comfortable around kids and other pets.

If someone in your household has cat allergies, it’s important to understand that no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic. A protein in cat saliva is what causes problems for allergy sufferers. When a cat licks its coat, the saliva dries and becomes airborne. Females and light-colored cats produce fewer allergens, and neutered males produce fewer than intact males. Kittens produce fewer allergens than adult cats.

Cats are great at grooming themselves, but they can still develop mats, knots, or tangles that require a groomer’s attention. Start training your cat as a kitten to enjoy being brushed and bathed so that the inevitable trips to the groomer will be less stressful. Cat can shed as much as dogs, so if you don’t have much time to devote to brushing at home, look into a short-haired breed.

Cats also develop health problems, like any other animal. Fairly common issues include vomiting, feline urinary tract disease (about 10 percent of cats are brought to the vet on this issue), fleas (which can be treated easily over the counter), tapeworms, diarrhea (from hairballs, allergies, or spoiled food) and eye problems (cataracts, trauma, and viruses can all cause this). When you encounter these problems, the best advice is to see your veterinarian.

Cats can be left alone for longer periods than dogs, but if you’re taking an extended trip, you might consider boarding your cat. Be sure to visit facilities beforehand! Cats should be housed in separate areas from dogs and monitored 24 hours a day. Make sure your pet will have plenty of space, a litter box, and the right amount of food and water. Bring along a few of their favorite things to make them feel at home. You might consider boarding your cat for a short time before doing an extended stay. If your cat does not adapt well to boarding, a cat sitter at home might be a better option.

Cats are loved by millions and have numerous attributes that make them incredible pets. Owning a cat can improve both of your lives!

Sources for this article included: freshstep.com, fullyfeline. com, petkeen.com, and mypet.com.

What Is Reality?

Wall Street Versus Mr. Market

By George Morgan

CNBC is a cable TV network devoted to stock market news and commentary. Every weekday afternoon, they feature several hours of Wall Street professionals pontificating about the market’s gyrations. (CNBC is not for everyone.) A theme recently highlighted during these sessions was the investment gurus’ belief that the stock market had become disconnected from reality. To some pundits, the market has over-corrected and is now undervalued by about 10 percent. To another group, the market is ignoring the inevitability of a recession and needs to shed 10 percent (or more) in order to be properly priced.

So, Wall Street seems to think that Mr. Market has broken from reality. Are they right? To the Wall Street gurus, “reality” is based on their financial calculations and economic forecasts. What all the Wall Street professionals are missing is that they are not the only participants in the market. There are others, such as mutual find participants, options traders, and twenty-somethings living in their parents’ basement, who also participate in the stock pricing process. The market reality that these other people experience is based on an alternative set of criteria.

In my effort to shed some light on this issue, Warren Buffett’s wager with a major hedge fund guru comes to mind. For years, Buffett has been a critic of the Wall Street business model. On many occasions, he has commented that when an individual investor’s money comes together with a professional Wall Street money manager, the professional money manager will be the winner.

At the 2006 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, Buffett was pressed by one of the shareholders on the issue of Wall Street money managers’ ability to produce better-than-market returns. Buffett responded with a blanket challenge to Wall Street. He would bet any taker that, over the course of a decade, a plain vanilla index fund would outperform the best money managers that Wall Street had to offer.

Over a year later, Buffett received a hand-written note from Ted Siedes, accepting the challenge. Siedes is a co-founder of Protégé Partners, a hedge fund investment group that specializes in locating financial wizards for pension funds and highly affluent individuals. Hedge funds are considered to be the crème de la crème of the professional investment world. They operate with fewer regulations than mainstream mutual funds. The only investors allowed into the inner hedge fund circle are those with a multi-million net worth and a minimum $1 million down payment. In return for their self-proclaimed superior financial acumen, hedge fund managers charge 2 percent of the assets of the account per year and 20 percent of the profits.

After exchanging several more hand-written notes, the two agreed upon a stake of $1 million. Each put up $350,000 to buy a zero-coupon Treasury bond that would mature in 2017. Siedes selected a grouping of five funds

so that the overall performance would not be distorted by the results of a single (or awful) money manager. Buffet’s selection was the Vanguard S&P 500 index fund, one of the first and most successful of the index funds. In the investment world, vanilla doesn’t get much plainer than that.

Not too shy to toot his own horn, Buffett stated that he would announce the results at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meetings. The first few years did not go as he had planned, and his pronouncements were as muted as possible. However, as time progressed, the tide turned decidedly in his favor. By 2012, his S&P 500 fund began to charge ahead and never looked back.

When it came time to settle up in 2017, Buffett’s lowly Vanguard S&P 500 fund had increased 125.8 percent, while Siede’s handpicked fund of funds only grew 36.3 percent. Not one of the five hedge funds chosen by Siedes beat the S&P 500 index. In what could be seen as a jab at Siedes, Buffett invited Jack Vogel, whom many consider to be the founding father of the index fund revolution, to that year’s Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. As part of his introduction of Vogel, Buffett stated, “I estimate that Jack—at a minimum—has saved American investors tens of billions of dollars, and the party is just getting started.”

Who won? Well, that depends on your perspective. Ted Siedes got his fees; Mr. Market gained 125 percent; Buffett made his point. The big winner, however, was the Boys and Girls Club of Omaha. When the dust settled, the money that Buffett and Siedes put together when the challenge started had grown to an eye-popping $2.3 million, all of which went to Buffett’s charity of choice.

Editor’s Note: George Morgan has five decades’ experience in all phases of the investment process. He is currently the Founder and Principal of Morgan Investor Education. His website is morganinvestoreducation.com.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.

Hostas

Beautiful and Easy-Going

By Linda Sutherland

Is there anyone out there who does not like hostas? If there is, I believe that person is in an elite minority. The versatility of hostas cannot be matched, and they can glam up a landscape like no other perennial. At one time, I thought of them as a little too plain for my taste—just leafy green plants. They now come in a rich and varied palette of colors and even variegated versions. Be warned…if you get one, you are going to want a dozen more! They are now my go-to plant for just about any place that I can plop one into the earth. The fabulous foliage and outrageous flowers that bloom from these garden gems check all the boxes.

There are so many reasons to plant hostas in your garden. First, they are not water guzzlers; in fact, you could call them somewhat drought-tolerant, though they do not like being too dry. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil that stays moist. Second, there are very few hostas that cannot handle full shade, but there are actually a few that like full sun. (I must note that I have never found one enjoying the full summer sun in the Midwest.) Third, these plants are pretty tough. They really want to survive! Last, but not least: Once they are established, you can easily divide the plants to spread them in your own garden or share them with your friends and neighbors!

Now, for a tiny bit of bad news. Deer and rabbits love

to make a meal out of the tender spring leaves of hostas. If you are serious about keeping these critters from dining on your plants, you should cage the plants early in the spring until they are a good size. Slugs and snails also seem to like a little Hosta salad now and again, leaving holes in the leaves. Slugs can be repelled by surrounding the base of the plant with pine needles, egg shells, or other materials too sharp for slugs and snails to traverse. If that doesn’t work, an ammonia spray will kill them.

I do not mention these pests to scare you away from hostas. I always like to know what I should watch for with unfamiliar plants. Do not be discouraged! The benefits of planting hostas definitely outweigh those pesky problems.

Women’s Edition has been a great tool for our business. With their guidance on graphics and wording, we are getting calls and emails from great fitting customers, so the message is clear in regard to the problem we solve. We have been able to reach new customers on an individual basis. We are so happy to have formed this relationship. It helps us help our customers transition into senior living with a lot less stress!

—Hannah Diediker, CSA

They are very easy to grow.

Any flower garden can be visually improved by the careful placement of a few well-chosen Hosta plants. They are just delightful. I was unaware that there are well over 3,000 different varieties of Hosta, and I now know why they are my favorite—that is a very impressive number of varieties!

Some of the newer “models” are completely different from what you may think of as a Hosta. Island Breeze was the 2022 Hosta of the Year, and it is a dandy. Its bold and prolific foliage brightens a garden with gold leaves in partial shade and a soft lime-green color in deeper shade. This particular Hosta is a smaller plant and has red stems, so it can add to your color show in a grouping. I planted a variety known as Praying Hands last year, and I loved it. It has folded leaves, similar to hands praying. Couldn’t we all use a little prayer in the garden?

Siberian Tiger hostas are another type that I love. This is an unusual variety, with narrow, butter-yellow stripes on its leaves. The White Feather Hosta is fascinating because it starts out with very brilliant white leaves and, as it matures, it transforms into a creamy green. Full disclosure: I did not have the best luck with them last year, but I think they just weren’t getting enough sun. They require indirect sunlight or morning sun. The sunlight helps produce energy for the roots because there is no chlorophyll in the white tissue of the leaves.

My favorite of all hostas are the ones known as blue hostas. They are not technically blue, but a wax-like coating on the leaves gives them a blue-ish hue. These beauties definitely prefer shade! They can handle a little sun but not a full sun location. The Empress Wu Hosta is the 2023 Hosta of the Year. It is a blue variety that holds its color quite well.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to plant hostas year-round, but spring and fall are the ideal planting times for most locations. It is best to avoid planting them in the summer, since temperatures are high and water tables are low. These beautiful and reliable perennials will come back year after year! I also love to use them in pots. They add so much to the garden!

Memory Loss Understanding & Coping with It

By Deborah Daley

We’re all getting older, and that means dealing with the health concerns that come with advanced age. One of these concerns that gets a lot of attention is memory loss. Of course, everyone forgets things at times— where we put the car keys or our glasses. Some degree of memory problems, as well as challenges with other thinking skills, are a common part of aging. It’s important to recognize the difference between what you might call a“senior moment”and serious memory loss.

Signs that might indicate severe memory loss could include things like asking the same questions over and over, getting lost in places you were previously familiar with, or becoming confused about time, people, and places. People with serious memory loss may have trouble following directions like recipes or driving directions and may even have trouble remembering to take care of the tasks of daily living like eating and bathing.

When in doubt, talk with your doctor. Some people get embarrassed about these problems, try to hide symptoms, or let family members compensate for their issues. That helps no one! It’s important to get a prompt diagnosis because, in some cases, the issue is treatable. Some causes of reversible memory loss include medications, minor head trauma, depression or anxiety, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, vitamin B-12 deficiency, brain infection, and sleep apnea.

People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have more memory loss than others in their age group but can still take care

of themselves and do normal activities. If you have MCI, you should monitor your memory changes and see your doctor once or twice a year.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It goes beyond memory loss and includes problems with all types of cognitive functioning, including language skills, visual perception, paying attention, remembering, and learning.

Dementia has many causes. Diseases that cause progressive damage to the brain and, eventually, dementia can include Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia), vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. The pathology and treatment of these conditions varies widely, so a proper diagnosis is vital to disease management.

A recent research study conducted in China on 29,000 adults, published in The Washington Post , shows evidence that eating a variety of foods and reading or playing cards can lower the risk of dementia. Other daily approaches include being physically active,

staying mentally active (reading, crossword puzzles, hobbies), spending time with others, staying organized (limiting distractions and not doing too many things at once), sleeping well, eating a healthy diet, and managing chronic health problems.

Physicians can help identify community resources and organizations, like the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP, that can help patients and family members cope with dementia. If memory loss is severe, a specialized treatment facility may be the best option to assist with care.

It can be hard to decide whether a loved one with dementia needs a level of care that only a facility can provide. Consider these questions: Is your loved one unsafe at home? Is their health at risk? Are their care needs beyond their own abilities, even with your help? Are you neglecting your own needs in caring for your loved one? Would the structure and guided interaction at a care facility benefit your loved one? If you answer yes to most of these questions, a memory care facility might be the best option.

Memory care is the fastest growing sector of the senior housing market, with the number of units doubling over the past decade, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care. These facilities offer a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress. Specially trained staff assist with unique issues that result from memory loss. Daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medications are accomplished with help from staff. Activities are designed to improve cognitive function and engage residents in various stages of the disease. To mitigate wandering (a common symptom of dementia), these facilities have alarmed doors, enclosed outdoor spaces, and even tracking bracelets.

AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association’s Community Resource Finder (communityresourcefinder.org) can help you generate a list of facilities to consider. Click on Housing Options and input the required data. Once you have a list, you should visit each facility in person. Of course, your loved one’s physician will also have recommendations.

Memory loss is a health issue that many senior citizens experience. It’s important to know the signs and causes of severe memory loss so you know when it’s time to take action. Engaging in activities to slow down the disease and enhancing your knowledge of resources and facilities that are available can help you deal with this common issue.

Sources for this article included: aarp.org, mayoclinic.org, and alz.org.

Let Us Help You Care for Your Loved One.

We are not a franchise. We are locally owned and operated by women with over 30 years of experience.

Personal Care •Bedside Sitter Care • 24 hour Care Respite Care • Hospice Support Care • Companionship

“I have been a client of Key Home for almost a year now and could not ask for a better caregiving team. Thank you, Key Home team, for everything you do.” —Thomas

We have a lot of experience in quality personal care.Call us: 402-982-9254.

Sandra Miller, Owner “Where Compassion is Key” Keyhomecare.us

Clip n’ Go

Clip n’ Go is Omaha’s Premier Mobile Pet Grooming Service. Turn to the proficient pet groomers at Clip n’ Go for all your pet grooming needs. We’re a full-service company. From shampooing your pets to trimming their nails to perfection, you can count on us to handle your pet grooming needs with ease.

Our skilled pet groomer will come to your office or home at your convenience. We assure you that your pet will feel comfortable all the time. We’re a great resource for seniors, people with disabilities, busy professionals and families—anyone who struggles to get their pets to the groomer regularly!

Contact us today for full-service and cage-free pet grooming services. Calls are answered 24/7 at 402-669-6876. Mention Women’s Edition and ask about our specials.

The Grout Doctor®

The Grout Doctor® of Omaha is the one to call for all of your grout and tile restoration needs! We are locally owned and operated and backed by a nation-wide network. Why The Grout Doctor®? Because we specialize in tile, grout, and stone repair, and we care. We are highly trained and knowledgeable, professional, timely, and insured. We do not use steam (steam damages your grout). We use our own proprietary products, which are safe, effective, and gentle on our environment.

We have been breathing new life into old tile, grout, and natural stone for over 25 years. Call today 402-393-2565 for a Free Estimate!

Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler

Celebrating life since 1852. Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler provide caring and compassionate funeral and cremation services to the families in our area. Our staff and directors are committed to serving families by solving problems and providing personal satisfaction.

We have expanded our facilities and staff over the past 13 years to meet the growing funeral service and cremation needs of today’s families. Being family-owned and -operated for four generations is one of the cornerstones of our development.

Every detail is considered in planning a meaningful tribute to your loved one. Though not a complete list of our services, the following are several that are available: traditional service, graveside service, memorial service, and “celebration of life” service.

Mobility City of Omaha

We help seniors, veterans, and the disabled (both young and old) achieve independence with mobility equipment such as rollators, walkers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, powerchairs, and lift chairs.

At Mobility City we carry top brands of mobility equipment for purchase at competitive prices. We also offer flexible rental options from daily to long-term rentals. Whether you need a hospital bed, mobility scooter, lift chair, or any other mobility device… We are here for you!

Our trained technicians repair all brands of mobility equipment, including batteries. Stop in today and let us help!

Omaha’s Water Store + Wellness Center

We are Omaha’s new Quantum Wellness Center

Want to improve your energetic well-being? You can with our cutting-edge energetic therapies and modalities. We utilize non-invasive and safe electromagnetic, light, and sound interventions to revitalize the “energy system” in the human body. All our services utilize state-of-the-art equipment and technology that is safe and effective.

Optimize the body to help prevent dysfunction and boost vitality. Schedule your Introductory Session on one of the following modalities: AO Scan Digital Body Analyzer, Rf-Innergy Detox, Sound Frequency Medicine Machine, Infrared Sauna, or Ionic Foot Detox.

Call 402-503-9800 to schedule your Introductory Session today!

Authentically Yours Design

Looking for Furniture, Home Décor, or Apparel that is AUTHENTIC to you?

Authentically Yours Design is a husband/wife team that started with upcycling furniture that is unique and one-of-a-kind BUT have expanded to home décor and apparel.

We would love for you to visit our boutique in Waterloo, NE; to shop online; or to visit us at one of the many upcoming vendor events that we are participating in.

Let us help you find furniture or home décor and apparel that is AUTHENTICALLY YOU! For more information, visit www.authenticallyyoursdesign.com

Change Is Inevitable You Might as Well Grow!

Back in the day, as they say, I wasn’t fond of change…at all. I liked things just the way they were. I viewed change as something that was uncomfortable, stressful, and totally unnecessary. To be honest, I was stuck.

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” —

John D. Rockefeller

Then, almost 11 years ago, I met my husband, Manny Chavez. Manny is the only person I have ever met who relishes change…he thrives on it. Manny constantly wants to learn so that he can grow. Our relationship is a true demonstration of the phrase “opposites attract.”

“The reason as to why we are attracted to our opposites is because they are our salvation from the burden of being ourselves.” — Kamand Kojouri

When we first met, I found myself constantly arguing with Manny. I was so stubborn about wanting to maintain my own personal status quo that I battled him all the time. I thought I knew better. I found myself holding on for dear life to the routines that I had built my life around.

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” —A.A. Milne

By Janet Van deWalle

But then, little by little, I began to listen to him. I remember the first time the “light bulb” went off and I thought that maybe this guy had something. He joined me on an appointment with a couple of “investors” for the magazine. Manny is very adept at reading body language, and he could see behind the baloney that these gentlemen were selling me. Manny knew that they were trying to railroad me into something that would not have been good for me, my advertisers, or my readers. Manny, very professionally, called them out. They didn’t know what hit them.

“Stop lying to intuitive people. You are embarrassing yourself.” —Carl Erskine

That was the moment when Manny got my attention. I began to see him in a different light. I learned so much from that meeting! That experience impacted me as a business owner. I learned. I grew. I changed.

“It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” —Queen Elizabeth II

Over the years, I have changed my attitude toward change. Now, I love it. I seek it out. I reflect on my day. I look at what worked and what I could have done better. I am happier and more alive than I have ever been in my life! Thank you, Manny.

“Overcome failure and you will change.” —Manny Chavez

Oh, I’m Fine How Are You, Really?

’Tis May! Ah, the merry month of May, when flowers are in bloom, the grass is green, summer is nigh, and people are generally in good humor. Where I live, we are experiencing a roller-coaster season as winter turns into spring. Nice weather makes people smile. We’re just happier when we can be outdoors without bundling up.

The changes we’re experiencing in the weather this late winter remind me of an evening a few weeks ago. My usual group was chatting over cocktails in our favorite lounge, where we relax and let the conversation flow.

This particular evening, a friend unexpectedly asked, “Are you happy?” Most of us replied that we are basically happy… or at least content. Happy, we decided, is when you enjoy what you do or do what you enjoy, which aren’t necessarily the same thing. We agreed we are happier in pleasant surroundings. (In our little group, it’s tacitly understood: you can vent, but don’t go on a tirade.)

We were curious about why the question was asked in the first place. “I read an article about people and their moods and how an apparent mood doesn’t always express the way the person really feels,” our friend explained. “For most of us, a casual greeting of ‘How are you?’ receives a reply of ‘I’m fine.’ We don’t want to air our worries or woes in public. We

By Marge Shoemaker

don’t go into detail…or expect details…unless it’s a close friend who we know really cares.”

“This article,” she explained, “went on to talk about why people disguise their real feelings when they’re really torn up inside. Kids (and other people) mask their feelings when they’re worried or stressed…possibly because they think parents and other adults are ‘too old’ to understand or that no one really cares. Ultimately, they try to handle the problem themselves. In the end, it inferred that we need to pay more attention to how people act than to what they say or how they say it. People need to pay attention to what is going in the lives of others.”

I remembered a relative who died of suicide. I remember thinking, What did we miss? Why weren’t we listening? It’s so important that adults be nonjudgmental, listen with open ears, and make themselves available so kids know they can talk openly about their worries and problems.

The conversation that night made all of us think about how we react to others when we know they are experiencing some difficulty. We’re all different, with different backgrounds and experiences. We don’t all react the same way to an event. We need to pay more attention to voice, expression, and actions when interacting with others…try for empathy and understanding when listening to kids and other people.

A Few Words From One Of Our Advertisers:

“I began advertising with Women’s Edition starting with the November 2019 issue and I have been thrilled with the results! I’ve had numerous new clients come to the gallery because they saw my ads in Women’s Edition, even as I’ve been working by appointment in recent months due to the pandemic. Most had never been to downtown Ralston, where I’m located, so introducing them to our town and what we have to offer has been another benefit!

The advertising has resulted not only in sales, but also in new followers on my social media platforms and new newsletter subscribers. Together with their outstanding customer service and sales results, advertising with Women’s Edition has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made for my business. Thank you, Women’s Edition!”

—Debra Joy Groesser

Preparing for a Summer Road Trip Know Before

You Go!

Vacation season is upon us, so we should review how to prepare for a road trip. This is the time to put the effort into organizing and planning your trip—you want to have a good time, but you want to have a safe time, as well. The top of your to-do list should be a visit to your mechanic to find out what maintenance your vehicle needs before you hit the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), getting your vehicle ready for a road trip means you need to have your mechanic check the coolant, windshield washer fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential oils. Everything should be inspected and topped off or replaced, if needed.

Additionally, your mechanic should check the battery, inspect belts and hoses, and verify that all electrical equipment and lights are working. Last, but certainly not least, get your tires inspected! It’s a lot, I know, but safety is the thing here, so it is all necessary. You’re not going to have a good trip if your vehicle breaks down.

Now that we have vehicle maintenance covered, let’s move on to safety items to bring with you (besides your cell phone and charger, of course). Your vehicle should be stocked with a first-aid kit, a hazard warning light or triangle, a fire extinguisher, jumper cables, a flashlight, a portable compressor, and a plug kit for tires. That would certainly include foam tire sealant and a jack and lug wrench. This may seem like a lot of stuff, but there are many things that can happen while you’re on the road. Your motto should be “Be Prepared!” It’s a very good idea to make a list and check it off as you pack.

Now, for a really fun part: choosing your route. We all love our GPS, but sometimes GPS can go a little awry. I prefer to combine old school navigation techniques with the new and modern, so I always travel with hard-copy maps as well as GPS. A map has gotten me out of several situations where GPS just did not get it right. I might add that children love to look at maps and see how far they have come and how far they have to go.

Speaking of children, how do you keep them from driving you crazy from the back seat? The obvious pastime is electronic devices, and there’s a time and place for that, but that’s not what a road trip is all about. One thing that is pretty genius is to give each child an small bin and let them pack it with

By Linda Sutherland

books, toys, crayons, paper, and snacks. Another idea is to download age-appropriate and kid-friendly audiobooks. That should engage the whole family for a while, and then you can talk about it afterwards.

I read about a woman who has her kids make creative snacks during car trips. She brings long pieces of string and Cheerios and has the kids string them to make necklaces. Then, when they are so inclined, they can take a bite out of their necklace. Don’t forget about old school car games like license plate bingo, car counting, and road trip bingo. The more interest the kids take in their new surroundings, the better. That’s what a road trip is all about!

If you have an electric vehicle (and if you do, I commend you), there is a little more planning involved in a road trip. You will have to map out your route according to the power stations situated across the country. This is not difficult to do, but it is a vital step. There are many apps to locate charging stations. Some are network specific (ChargePoint, Electrify America), and some show all available chargers in the area (PlugShare). Keep in mind that you may have to spend a few hours at a charging station site. Use that time to have a meal or walk around and see some sights.

Finally, you’re on your trip, having planned for every issue you could think of…and yet, you end up stranded on the side of the road. What do you need? A membership to an auto club sounds pretty good right now. Speaking as a recipient of roadside assistance from an auto club, the relief that I felt when they showed up was quite convincing for me. It can come in pretty handy in town, as well, and I would not be without it. To me, it is a necessary expense. Now go explore this beautiful country!

Sources for this article included: business insider.com, freshoffthegrid.com, and fixautousa.com.

A map has gotten me out of several situations where GPS just did not get it right.

Quality Care at Home The Age of Independence

The comfort and security of home is something we all crave. It becomes especially important when we face healthcare or safety issues brought on by aging. A Place at Home is a non-medical home care company that assists clients with their daily activities so they can continue to live independently.

Rick Perkins and his wife, Kris, have owned the Omaha franchise of A Place at Home for four years. “Advocacy and passion for at-risk individuals has been part of our DNA,” Rick says. When they lived in Colorado, Rick worked with the Larimer County Department of Human Services as a manager for DHS Adult and Protective Services, and Kris was a 911 dispatcher and an EMT. They wanted to see more of their grandson, in Lincoln, so they looked for a way to put their skills to good use in our community. They settled on A Place at Home, purchasing the local franchise four years ago. As local owners, they are responsible for business development, marketing, networking, new employee orientations, and overall family planning.

According to national research, 70 percent of senior citizens would prefer to spend the end of their life at home. Unfortunately, the individualized support they often need to make that stay viable quite likely means that they come up short.

Childhood friends Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich experienced firsthand the struggles with senior-focused care in the United States. After several attempts to find acceptable care for their loved ones and speaking with others facing the same challenges, they created A Place at Home, a firm that offers the in-home solutions that their loved ones needed. They commit to CARE for their clients by being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical.

Rick and Kris often receive an initial call from a family member of a potential client. “These people may be overwhelmed with caring for a family member and want to find a compassionate and respectful solution that meets everyone’s needs. With each family, we take a four-step approach designed to meet individual needs,” Rick explains. It begins with a free initial call and home consultation. From this information, they create a personalized care plan for the client. They match each client with a caregiver, carefully considering the skills required as well as complementary interests and personality. After the match is made, care begins and outcomes are monitored.

A Place at Home is certainly not the only business in the home health industry, but Rick is quick to point out some of the unique capabilities of his firm. “I think what sets us apart is our commitment to specialty care programs,” he says. “We are certified in many disciplines, including pre-dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, fall protection, stroke recovery, and more. Through our programs, our clients experience reduced hospital re-admission and improved quality of life. Our planning is comprehensive and takes into account not only the skills required but whether our caregivers’ personalities match the people they are helping.”

By Deborah Daley

The work is not without its challenges, Rick notes. The aging population is growing faster than the pool of qualified caregivers. “Another challenge is the ongoing training required to meet the needs of an individualized plan,” he says. “I am involved in cross-training, and you have to stay on top of that.”

The rewards, however, far outweigh the hurdles. “The greatest reward I experience is the sigh of relief—both on the face and in the body posture—of an overwhelmed and exhausted adult, when I tell them we can absolutely help them,” Rick says. “To provide a service that so directly supports family relationships is a true gift.”

Although the right individualized plan reduces overall healthcare costs by reducing the need for hospitalization, many people significantly underestimate the cost of home care, Rick notes. Groups like the League of Human Dignity, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, and the Veterans Administration offer financial assistance.

A Place at Home has worked with hundreds of families in the Omaha area and surrounding communities. The comments of these customers attest to the value they have received. “I cannot put the impact of having A Place at Home into words,” says client Charles. “I would be in a nursing home without them. I have been with them for eight years now.”

Another satisfied customer is Lori P. “It made my whole day brighter when I knew A Place at Home was coming that day. It was fantastic! The caregiver I had was phenomenal. She was very personable, knowledgeable, and loving toward me and my animals.”

If you’re struggling to care for a loved one who wants to live at home, call A Place at Home at 402932-4646 to learn how they can help. The initial consultation is free! Find them online at aplaceathome. com/franchise/Omaha.

Kris and Rick Perkins, Franchise Owners

The Right Clothes Finding Your Self in the Fitting Room

By Mary Helen Stefaniak

Maybe that’s why I love resale shops—from designer consignment to plain Goodwill. Added to the thrill of a good bargain, in a resale shop you get the endorsement of the original owner, who paid full price, and when, against all odds, you find something that fits you, there’s a sense of destiny fulfilled.

Some people have an unerring instinct for the right clothes. My friend Leslee is one of them. Once, when Leslee was in town for the Summer Writing Festival, we met downtown for dinner. The restaurant happened to be next door to a newly opened vintage clothing store called Fat Tulip. Leslee

and I paused between the two doors—one leading to food, the other to clothes. We took note of Fat Tulip’s business hours. We glanced at our watches. “It’s still open,” we both said.

Twenty minutes later, we emerged, hungry as bears, Leslee the new owner of a gray canvas workman’s jacket with a grain elevator and the words, “Felco Farmer’s Coop, Conroy, Iowa” embroidered on the back. She looked like a rural rebel without a cause.

I can’t get over the feeling that my life would be different— better, of course—if only I had the right clothes. This feeling makes me buy things I don’t need at sidewalk sales. It makes me waste my time poring over catalogs, ordering things and sending them back, ostensibly because they don’t fit, but really because they don’t make me look like the model in the catalog. Among the reasons for return on the form, I almost always choose“Not as pictured.”

I’ve had my share of success. In a consignment shop in Denver, I once found a navy-blue suit with a broad-shouldered, waist-cinching jacket and calf-length skirt that was nothing less than stunning, right down to the covered buttons on the kick-pleat. Writing up the receipt, the shop owner told me that she had worn this very suit to small claims court in a recent dispute with her landlord.

“Did you win?” I asked her.

“Of course,” she said.

I don’t know why I even asked. My “new” suit was not the sort of thing that a loser would wear. Whoever bought it years ago knew what she was doing. I keep hoping that a little of her savvy will rub off on me.

That’s what the right clothes, new or vintage, are really all about. Whether hastily undressing in a curtained corner or piling up designer outfits in a plush fitting room, we’re not just trying on clothes. We’re trying on possibilities. We’re trying on different selves. We’re seeing who and what we might be. (Except, of course, when we try on swimsuits. Trying on swimsuits, we’re seeing who we cannot be. Not anymore. No sir.)

Last month, in a resale shop in Milledgeville, Georgia, home of famous author Flannery O’Connor, I made my mother, my aunt, my sister, and my daughter wait for me while I tried on fifteen dresses, not one of which fit. I suppose I was hoping that a little O’Connor would rub off on me if I wore something once worn by someone walking down the same

streets she once did.

My mother is also from Milledgeville. In fact, the resale shop was only half a block from the old USO where she and her sisters used to dance with lonely servicemen when they were teenagers during the Second World War. After I gave up on finding a dress, my mother gave us a tour. She showed us the corner drugstore where they used to buy sodas, and the building that used to be Peabody High—her alma mater and the famous author’s.

Then my mother told us a story that just goes to show how clothes can shape your destiny. We already knew that she’d met my father when he was stationed in Georgia—a young man so keenly aware that his Army Air Corps uniform was the right clothes that he used to stand on the bus from the base into town to save the crease in his pants. We also knew that on the fateful night when she’d accidentally made dates to meet two different guys in the USO at the same time, Dad and his sharp creases had won out over the local flyboy who’d been pursuing her. What we didn’t know was that the local flyboy, now a handsome officer, had asked her to come down to Texas for his graduation. She would have gone—and perhaps erased our family history—but she couldn’t, she said.

Why not? we asked her.

She shrugged. “I didn’t have anything to wear.”

Mary Helen Stefaniak is a writer of novels, essays, and short fiction. This essay appears in The Six-Minute Memoir, available wherever books are sold. Learn more at maryhelenstefaniak.com.

Peak Performance

Controlling Allergies and Asthma

Enjoy the Outdoors!

Spring is here! The birds are singing; the grass is greening; the flowers are blooming.

If you have allergies, your eyes are itching, your nose is running, and your head is pounding. Don’t run back inside just yet! There is hope for you to enjoy the outdoors again.

More than 100 million people suffer from allergies, and 25 million people in the United States have asthma. Those are big numbers, which is why new treatments and medicines are continuously being developed. Knowing what triggers your allergies and asthma is a vital step toward controlling them.

Drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables daily is good for allergies and your whole body. Specifically, studies have shown a link between fewer allergy symptoms and eating grapes, apples, oranges, and tomatoes. Controlling your symptoms is often directly related to controlling your environment. Leaving your shoes at the door and changing your clothes when you come home will keep the allergens you picked up outdoors from spreading through your home.

Using a nasal rinse (also known as a neti pot) can be a little messy, but its effectiveness can’t be denied. A nasal rinse uses water to physically wash away allergens before they take hold in your nose. As an added bonus, it can also rinse away germs that cause colds and flu.

The same substances can trigger allergies and asthma, but allergies aren’t the only trigger for asthma. It can also be triggered by cold air, exercise, or stress. Asthma is a serious, long-term condition. It can be controlled with medication but cannot be cured.

Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are an effective treatment for nasal congestion. Some people turn to acupuncture to control seasonal allergy symptoms. This works by helping regulate your immune system’s response to allergens.

Immunotherapy can reduce the severity of allergy symptoms and is currently the only long-term solution for improving allergies. It works by slowly introducing the allergens to your system so your body can get used to their presence. Patients will start to see results in three to four months, but it will take three to five years for the body to develop permanent immunity. For many, it is well worth the wait. In the past, patients had to go into the doctor’s office for weekly or bi-weekly shots. Now, doctors can prescribe sublingual drops to take at home.

The newest medication for asthma, Airsupra (formerly known as PT027), combines albuterol (a beta2-agonist) with

By Charlene Pierce

budesonide (an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid). It reduces the risk of severe symptoms by 27 percent. Those who do not get full relief from their symptoms with an inhaler can undergo biologic therapy to help them breathe better. The therapy ranges from an IV treatment every few months to injections every few weeks.

Asthma symptoms often show up in infants and toddlers, but the diagnosis is only accurate after children are five. This is because a third of children will cough and wheeze when they have a cold, but most of them don’t have asthma.

Testing for allergies in children involves skin and blood tests and can be done any time after they reach six months of age. Allergies can be minor, causing nothing more than nasal congestion, or, as in the case of peanut allergies, they can be fatal. An estimated 2 percent of children have a peanut allergy and 14 percent have seasonal allergies.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommends that women feel free to eat dairy, soy, and nuts while pregnant. There is no correlation between eating these foods during pregnancy and the child developing an allergy to them. Breastfeeding strengthens a baby’s immune system and is the most nutritious option for infants. Breast milk (even donated breastmilk) is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. Hydrolyzed infant formula is a hypoallergenic solution to soy or cow’s milk if breast milk is unavailable.

Parents should start introducing foods to infants between four and six months of age, depending on the child’s readiness. (Delaying introduction increases the risk of developing allergies.) Introduce one food at a time and only at home when parents can supervise the child. Introduce new foods every three to five days. Start with foods that are easy to digest, such as pears, bananas, and carrots. Introduce potential allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and fish the same way—one at a time and only at home. If your child is at high risk for allergies, introduce riskier foods under a doctor’s supervision.

Don’t hide indoors this spring! Talk to your doctor and take control of your allergies and asthma so you, too, can stop and smell the roses.

Sources for this article included: mayoclinic.org, aafa.org, and aaaai.org.

Drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables daily is good for allergies and your whole body.

Air Conditioners

Is Yours in the Zone?

By Linda Sutherland

Getting a check-up of your air conditioner before the long hot days of summer arrive is pretty important. You don’t want to find out that your air conditioner needs attention on the hottest day of the year! For a comfortable season, schedule a maintenance check while the weather is still cool. That way, if you find out that you need a new unit, you’ll have time to replace it before summer.

Most homes these days are equipped with whole-house units (that is, central air). However, some people choose window units for supplemental or primary cooling. How do you decide which one to choose? The two main factors are cost and efficiency. Window units can almost always be installed by the homeowner without the help of a professional, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s manual. It’s also important to have the right size unit for the room.

Despite being more powerful and larger, central air conditioner units are actually more energy-efficient than window air conditioners. Buying and maintaining several window units will be more expensive than a central air conditioner.

Personally, I’m not a fan of window units because you are basically giving up the window for the season. But if you need to cool your house, and the investment in a central unit is out of the question at the moment, a window air conditioner can be a real lifesaver.

Even without the help of an HVAC pro, you may be able to recognize some signs that your A/C needs attention. If the airflow from your vents seems limited or even warm, your air conditioner is experiencing issues. If your energy bills seem higher than usual, you could have a problem. If there is a buildup of moisture around your unit, it may be leaking refrigerant. If your unit seems louder than usual, it is more than likely time to upgrade. High-rated brands include American Standard, Carrier, Goodman, Trane, Rheem, Lennox, and York.

The newest thing in air conditioning is zoned cooling. An HVAC zoning system is a heating and cooling system that uses dampers in the ductwork to regulate and redirect air to specific areas of the home. This creates customized temperature zones throughout the home for increased comfort and efficiency. It seems that zoning with dampers is more efficient than simply closing the air vents in each room because the dampers provide a better seal. The U.S. Department of Energy

estimates that HVAC system zoning can save homeowners up to 30 percent on a typical heating and cooling bill.

Most of us have hot and cold spots in our houses, especially in a two-story house. You end up being too warm upstairs and too cool downstairs. Ideally, you should have the same comfort level in every room in your house. Sometimes houses have a thermostat downstairs and one upstairs in order to control conditions in different portions of your house.

Experts say you get the highest return on zoning when you have a multi-story home, living space in the basement or attic, a room over your garage, or particularly high ceilings. The price of zoning your house will depend on the number of zones you want, as each one requires its own thermostat. If you have existing ductwork set up for zoning, you are most likely going to spend between $4,500 and $7,000 to cover two to four zones. If you have no ductwork for zoning, a zoned system will cost anywhere in the range of $5,000 to $8,500—there’s a good chance they may have to install more ducts. Even with the upfront cost, the advantages of a zoned system are quite excellent for the homeowner. It allows for much better energy efficiency because the system diverts air away from areas that do not need it.

Most systems have a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years. Of course, it goes without saying that as your equipment gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You should definitely schedule an air conditioning maintenance inspection once a year. This should always be done by a licensed professional who can perform a full and complete inspection. They have a complete list to check off, including drain lines, electrical connections, and thermostat settings.

Even with professionals doing the inspection and repair, homeowners still have to do their part to keep things running smoothly! Make sure the filters are changed every month or two during the cooling season. Pet owners might need to change filters a little more often. Schedule your appointment now to stay cool and comfortable at home this summer.

Sources for this article included: forbes.com, angi.com, lennox.com, and goodhousekeeping.com.

Fresh Concepts Physical Therapy Interiors by Design

Creating a Backyard Oasis

Tranform Your Outdoor Living Space

By Angella Arndt

As spring turns into summer, many people eagerly venture outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, blooming foliage, and outdoor activities. For some people, spending time outdoors also means grilling, entertaining, and relaxing. Backyards have become more important in recent years as people spend more time at home. If you want to create an inviting outdoor entertaining space, check out the following ideas for inspiration.

Outdoor entertaining offers many benefits, including lower energy bills, improved social life, easier entertaining, and more time enjoying the fresh air. Cooking outside eliminates the need for an oven, reducing air conditioning and energy costs. Entertaining at home provides a less expensive, more relaxing environment to gather with family and friends. Cooking outdoors means no mess inside your home, and you can spend more time with your guests. Spending time outdoors has also been shown to lower stress and improve moods.

Outdoor kitchens vary in design, size, and complexity, depending upon one’s budget, creativity, and ultimate goal. Setting a budget is the first step in the planning process, so you’ll have an idea of what you can complete. Think about how you use your backyard. Where would you like to eat and cook? Do you desire an area covered by a roof or awning? How do you want to cook? Choose style options that complement your home, whether contemporary, traditional, or rustic.

The space available will affect the layout you choose. Kitchen layouts include single line, L-shape, and U-shape and may generally include storage areas, counter space, seating space, and preparation space. If you belong to a homeowners’ association, ask about outdoor kitchen requirements or restrictions. Permits may be required before construction begins—your contractor can guide you in this area.

Features abound in an outdoor entertaining space, and functionality is an important design component. Just like the kitchen inside your home, refrigeration, cooking space, sinks, and preparation areas must be arranged appropriately to provide an adequate workspace. Consider the traffic pattern between your indoor and outdoor kitchens and how you will use them when cooking and entertaining outdoors. If needed, plan for utilities such as water, gas, and electricity. Incorporate heaters, shade, and all-weather features such as fire pits and fireplaces to extend the outdoor entertaining season. Entertainment features include music and television. Plan for adequate lighting for cooking and entertaining after dark.

When selecting materials and equipment, consider durability, maintenance, and ease of cleaning. High-quality stainless steel resists corrosion and is easily cleaned. Materials used for counters, decks, or patios should be able to withstand

high temperatures and resist grease stains. Counters made with natural stone require regular sealing. If selecting granite, choose cultured granite with UV stabilizers. Avoid outdoor tile countertops in climates with freezing and thawing. Concrete, sealed pavers, and natural stone blocks like granite work well for outdoor flooring. Choosing materials that are easy to clean and maintain will ensure you have a kitchen you will use.

The grill is the main feature of an outdoor kitchen, and the kind that is right for you depends upon your priorities. Gas grills heat up quickly, provide easy temperature control, and are easier to clean than charcoal grills. These grills typically include two or more burners with separate temperature controls that allow for simultaneously cooking various foods at different temperatures. Charcoal grills are usually smaller than gas grills, are less expensive, and provide a smoky flavor to grilled food. You’ll have to wait a while for the coals to heat up.

Pellet grills combine the convenience of a gas grill with the flexibility of a charcoal grill and smoker. Pellets are added to a hopper that dispenses them into the fire. This can give a distinctive flavor to food, depending upon the type of pellet used. Pellet grills also have a thermostat for precise temperature control.

Smokers provide another option for outdoor cooking. While grills use direct and indirect heat for cooking food, a smoker surrounds food with warm smoke from wood chips and cooks at a much lower temperature. This means that smokers take longer to cook food. For example, burgers can take at least a half hour, and more significant cuts of meat can take six hours or more. Food cooked in smokers develops a fuller depth of taste and tenderness. Wood chips include flavors such as hickory, mesquite, and applewood. Smokers can also use charcoal, propane, pellets, or electricity for fuel.

Whatever type of outdoor kitchen you choose to build, thoughtful planning will ensure a kitchen that meets your needs and allows you to enjoy being outdoors. It will also be a space for creating memorable meals and moments with family and friends.

Sources for this article included: bobvila.com, consumerreports.org, and hgtv.com.

Outdoor kitchens vary in design, size, and complexity, depending upon one’s budget, creativity, and ultimate goal.

Work/Life Balance Let Go the Time Wasters!

It seems like every time I turn around, I see articles about work/life balance. It’s as if people are finally beginning to realize that our careers alone are not going to make us happy. Spending 80 hours a week slaving away at our jobs is not going to give us the fulfillment we thought it was going to give us. We can buy the brand new car and the big house, wear the latest designer fashions, have the best job in the world, keep up with the Joneses—but that is no guarantee of happiness.

“Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls—family, health, friends, integrity—are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.” —Gary

W. Keller

Maybe it was the “pause” that COVID forced on all of us. Maybe the past few years have given us the opportunity to reflect and to learn what really makes us happy. We are beginning to learn what is truly important to us.

Making a decision to seek balance in our lives is something that many of us have never even contemplated. We wake up. We shower. We go to work. We come home. We eat dinner. We go to sleep. Then… we get up and do it all over again.

“Working toward balance takes a lot of ingredients. We need courage, reflection, attention, action, and a push-and-pull

By Janet Van deWalle

relationship between effort and relaxation.” —Tara

Stiles

I’ve been watching the protests that are occurring in France over the government’s plan to raise the retirement age. The average work week in France is 35 hours. The French get five weeks off each year, at a minimum—many people get six to ten weeks off each year. Their previous retirement age was 62 years. The government is raising it to 64 years, and the citizens are protesting in the streets. Do the French know something we don’t know? Do they know the benefits of a work/life balance?

“The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you’ve lost it.” —Anonymous

Striving to become more balanced in our lives is a goal that I didn’t understand until the last several years. Taking time to be “present,” regardless of what activity we are involved in, will help us become more balanced. Choosing to let go of those time wasters that we routinely continued for years on end will free up time to balance our responsibilities with what is now important to us. Breathing will balance us, as well!

Work/life balance—not just buzz words, but a path that will free us to find our own joy. That’s where happiness begins.

“You can do anything, but not everything.” —David Allen

CREATE YOUR OWN ENVIRONMENT

In nature, evolution can require a process of thousands of years. At Curt Hofer & Associates, helping you to create your environment is second nature to us.

Bring your designs, your inspiration, your preferences, pictures and even pins. Together we’ll move through a process that lets you ease into a flawless execution of your ideal surroundings.

Contact us today to see why Curt Hofer & Associates has earned top awards for our iconic design and inspired living spaces for more than 30 years.

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