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Home - Lifestyle
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Summer Lovin' - |
Omaha caters to randy couples with unexpected make-out spots
by Lindsey Baker and Lainey Seyler
Ah, summer. It’s a time of high heat, gauzy dresses and the undeniable urge to grab someone’s slightly sweaty hand for a moonlit walk.
It’s a cliche, but we love summer nights as much as Sandra Dee and Danny Zuko, and Omaha has plenty of prime places to redefine “hotspot.” We’re not talking about the expected date-night lovebird perches either — sure, that bridge over the Gene Leahy Mall is pretty (and semi-private, come to think of it), but when we think of making out under the summer stars, we can’t help but feel it’s, well, a bit of a surprise. It’s sweet, sticky and only kind of bad.
So for all you would-be daters, we’ve indulged our wilder imaginations and compiled a short list of Omaha’s top five summer make-out spots. We hope they do spark a little of your own romance, but, really, we hope we don’t see you there. And we mean that in the nicest possible way.
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Shoptalk - |
I’ve long operated with a functional approach to summer fashion, meaning I see no reason any girl — even the most stylish — need drop a wad of cash on outfits designed for Nebraska’s blistering summers. Most summer trends are, at best, in rotation for maybe two summer seasons anyway, so now is the time for cheap neon skirts and just-as-bright shoes; animal-print umbrellas; sheer, inexpensive, ethnic-vibed scarves and baubles; and big, bright canvas totes. I think it’s also the perfect time for a heap of funky throwaway sunglasses. Sure, I think your classic numbers are essential — especially for summer dinner parties and weddings and the like — but when you fill up one of those totes, throw it in the car and hit the road, I think it’s perfectly OK to channel Lolita (sans Humbert Humbert, of course).
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Stowaway The Reader and Win A Trip! - |
Contest Rules
• Simply Stowaway The Reader with you on your trip this summer.
• Then take a creative photo with you and The Reader on vacation.
• Submit the photo to Carlson Wagonlit Travel or The Reader at:
Reader Stowaway, P.O. Box 7360, Omaha NE 68107
or travel@thereader.com by Aug. 31, 2008.
• Photos will be judged by sponsors at The Reader with prizes
• Photos will be printed weekly in The Reader and online at
www.thereader.com.
• Awarded for: Most Creative • Most Humorous • Furthest Distance Traveled
• On or about Sept. 15, one winner will receive the trip for
two to Puerto Vallarta.
• Winners must be 21 and have a valid passport at time of departure.
The Grand Prize for this contest is a 4-day, 3-night stay at the all-inclusive Crown Paradise Club in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and includes air from Omaha. Trip is valid September 2009, with blackout dates December 20, 2008 and January 3, 2009 and from April 11-18, 2009 and is not valid on Holidays, Holy Week, Easter and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Call 341.7323 for details. |
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Secret Garden - |
Benson's plant paramedics get their grow on
by Ali Hodge
With passion for horticulture and a desire to help the community, Benson Plant Rescue has created an oasis for fellow gardeners, motivated by a love of fellowship, business and perennials.
Arriving at the two houses in North Omaha with as much plant life in their yards as one would expect to see at Lauritzen Gardens is a life-affirming experience. Returning warm, boisterous greetings of volunteers and dodging a few casually tossed water hoses, you’ll find the man who started it all, Dr. David J. Hibler.
He’ll be covered with dirt, digging in the garden, carrying plants to customers’ cars and smiling, like his volunteers. |
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Shoptalk - |
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After last weekend’s wind storm (and after waiting for the city’s power to come back on), I thought now might be a good time to talk about emergency preparedness. Yeah, it’s a little elementary, but when the lights went out I didn’t have everything I’d need ready to go in my apartment. So, thanks to my parents for taking me in, and here’s to seeing the last of the 110 to 115 mph winds of the season. |
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Arch Effect - |
Architect Phil Freelon
designs with an eye
toward the community
by Sarah Knaack
Phil Freelon has been building a reputation as a “starchitect,” and not without reason.
Born in Philadelphia, the architect earned a master’s from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has garnered 26 American Institute of Architects awards in regional, state and local categories, along with a handful of other awards.
The American Institute of Architects Omaha hosts Freelon on Thursday at Kaneko. He’ll be presenting on his firm’s current projects — endeavors already built and those in the design process.
Freelon’s early interest in art and science found a happy marriage in the field of architecture, and the Freelon Group came into being in 1990 with a focus on principles and innovation. |
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Shoptalk - |
* At last, after a year of suspense, Forever 21 has opened its doors in Westroads Mall.
I dropped in during last weekend’s grand opening and was greeted by racks and racks of the brand’s youthful, discount-priced clothing — think a totally American H&M, albeit with less creativity and no men’s offerings.
Actually, shopping in Forever 21 last Saturday was a little like being in an H&M — the store is bright, white and has the vaguely modern feel of most new, non-descript store backgrounds — which is to say the clothes, in set-up and proliferation, are overwhelming. Rack upon rack of bright trends — and in the back, box upon box of them yet to be unpacked — mostly priced at less than $50. Factor in about a hundred bargain-hungry gals and their exasperated boyfriends and you have Omaha’s H&M equivalent, in full. |
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God and Hops - |
New Omaha pastor serves up Theology on Tap
by Lucas Schwaller
Omahans pack into the Old Market’s Myth, a hip martini bar with leather bench seats and urban-chic décor, to catch a few drinks and discuss theology, a topic traditionally more at home in church pews than bar stools. The drink line winds its way through the upscale lounge as people keep streaming in, shoulder-to-shoulder. You would think it was happy hour on a Friday. Laughter and the steady buzz of conversation fill the bar this Wednesday evening as the crowd waits for Pastor Eric Elnes to begin the first gathering of the “Theology on Tap” series, something he hopes will become an unorthodox and popular tradition in Omaha.
Roughly one month ago, Elnes moved to Omaha from Scottsdale, Ariz., accepting a position as senior minister at Countryside Community Church, United Church of Christ. He is a unique breed of theologian and pastor, a progressive and ardent believer in the power of faith and love who maintains a respect for differing opinions and beliefs. He completed his Ivy League education with an M.A. and Ph.D. from the Princeton Theological Seminary School 15 years ago and has been a pastor ever since.
Although it was a long move from Scottsdale to Omaha, Elnes is used to long journeys. Two years ago, he, along with five others from differing churches, walked from Phoenix to Washington, D.C., he said, as a symbolic demonstration of the human connections faith can establish by emphasizing the biblical principles of love for God and neighbor. On this journey, Elnes noticed “such a deep hunger” in the people they met “for honest expressions of Christian faith and spirituality” — for a faith that is concerned less with taking the Bible literally, he said, and more with uncovering inherent principles, for the kind of faith that concentrates on righting injustices and correcting poverty rather than judging sexual orientation or discriminating against the beliefs of others. |
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Shop Talk - |
Beauty-product lovers unite: This weekend heralds the opening of Omaha’s shiny new Sephora at Village Pointe, 17101 Davenport St. The 5,200-square-foot beauty superstore will feature its own classic line of products, as well as offerings from such brands as Nars, Stila, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and YSL. And you can feel better about stocking up on goods June 20 because Sephora will be donating a percentage of opening-day sales to Omaha’s Alegent Health Foundation to support its Image Recovery Centers.
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Lighting the Flair - |
Omaha bartenders lend style to the bar and
aspiring drink-slingers alike
by Nicole Blauw
Martin Janica is not from around here. He doesn’t have the pasty complexion of someone who’s spent years perfecting the fine art of layering, nor does he have the distinctly non-distinct Mid-western accent. He probably doesn’t even own any Husker paraphernalia.
Martin Janica is definitely not from around here, so why is he so sure he knows what Omaha needs? Who does this guy think he is anyway?
Janica is a professional flair bartender.
A flair bartender is someone who performs tricks like juggling and flipping bottles while making drinks. To call Janica just a bartender would be like calling Bobby Flay a short-order cook. And whether competing in choreography and showmanship performances or demonstrating mixology expertise, “you have no idea how much training it takes,” Janica said in his mellifluous accent. “I think very highly of my profession. In a way you are an artist. It’s a form of art in a liquid way.”
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Shop Talk - |
This week in Shoptalk, I’d like to initiate a new monthly feature for my column, a sort of what-would-shoptalkers-do guide to dressing for various events. I’ll choose an event—reader inquiries are welcome—and then will peruse the inventory of local shops, both boutique and chain, to provide handy, affordable solutions to fashion’s changing conundrums.
First up, I’ve decided to tackle the pending event of the season: the summer barbecue, or, more loosely and perhaps more apropo for my vegan friends, the summer night yard party. On summer’s hottest nights, I always recommend a dress — it’s breezy, and that’s a beautiful thing. Let’s take a look at a few types of parties and a few corresponding dresses from Urban Outfitters, 737 N. 14th St. downtown. |
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Two for the Road - |
The Reader’s Baker sisters
get you ready for summer travels
by Lindsey and Sarah Baker
By day, the Baker sisters are travelers.
This year will see us around and out of the country — and it won’t be a first. While we’ve learned a lot out in the world, we’ve also learned a trip anywhere, for business, pleasure or otherwise, won’t go well if it doesn’t start well.
For readers hitting the road, we’ve penned a guide for wisely packing and planning so you won’t, as Lindsey sometimes does, end up in a foreign Walgreen’s scouting face wash and a pair of tights instead of absorbing local culture. |
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Mixing Company - |
West Coast DJ finds comfort in Omaha
by Benjamin J. Hankey
Las Vegas-based DJ Scotty Boy has been mixing house music for more than 20 years—longer than some of his fans have been alive. He has built a reputation as one of the top DJs in America — one song, one club, one tour at a time.
“I tour each week,” he said, stepping off a night flight in San Francisco, “Wednesday through Saturday.”
Since the beginning of last year, DJ Scotty Boy, 34, has flown to Omaha eight times to pump out fresh mixes at area nightlife hotspots. He visits again Saturday, May 31, to play a 10 p.m. show at Club Nico — following stops in Dallas and Kansas City. Soon afterward, he flies to Seoul, South Korea for a show at a 1,500-capacity club.
Still, he said, he loves cities like Omaha.
“The people appreciate what I do more versus when you’re playing in places like L.A. or New York,” he said. “They’re so used to it and they’re so ‘industry’ and snobby that they don’t really appreciate the work you put into it; whereas Omaha, the people are very appreciative. You know, I’d almost rather play more places like Omaha than places like Hollywood.”
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Shop Talk - |
I’ll admit it. Sometimes, I do run errands — the grocery, Walgreens, the mall — in yoga pants. I have two new wide-leg pairs I’d live in if I could, frankly, with a basic American Apparel T-shirt and skimmer sneakers.
Errand-wear is a toughie, to be sure. Yes, Juicy tracksuits are finally passé and Tim Gunn’s sweatsuit-alternative chino outfit, if you ask me, isn’t going to matter to that raver teen checking you out at Hy-Vee. Still, unless you’re sick or have just been dumped, you do owe it to yourself to look neat, presentable and current when leaving the house on a work-free day.
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Ashiatsu Afoot - |
Omaha massueses set foot on latest massage trend
by Sally Deskins
The topic of feet seems to be sensitive in popular society. Foot fetishism is the most common form of sexual preference for otherwise nonsexual objects or body parts. In Middle Eastern societies, female feet are considered beautiful. In several Christian denominations, foot washing is a religious ritual. In Thailand it is considered extremely offensive to show someone the sole of your foot. Feet are among the most common places to be tickled. And when Britney Spears walked into a gas station bathroom shoeless, it made American headlines.
Despite (or because of) this foot sensationalism, Sheila Kirsch oftentimes receives double-takes when she tells people of her profession — Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (AOBT), an ancient form of barefoot massage.
It was invented by Ruthie Hardee Piper of Denver in 1995, combining elements of ancient Thai massage, barefoot Shiatsu from Japan and Keralite massage from Southern India all united with a Western technique of application. |
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Shop Talk - |
My sister’s boyfriend loves sports. My sister, pre-boyfriend, did not.
Their relationship is a model in compromise: Matthew has acquiesced to watching "The Hills" with Sarah, as she has submitted to watching Cubs games.
Now, the deal is reaching its next level: attending a live sporting event. Sarah will take in her first Cubs game at Wrigley Field this year, and accordingly, has no idea what to wear.
As she asked me, what is the stylish girlfriend of a sporto to do? Wear actual MLB-sanctioned gear? Opt for the mildly horrific line of Cubs-emblazoned peasant tops made by actress Alyssa Milano?
I say “NO” to both. Style-savvy girls need not fear their summertime sporting outfits will come with a black bar to place over their eyes. Instead, stick to simple, sporty basics. |
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Up with Chuck - |
Converse’s 100th year sees the company’s iconic sneaker
still resonating with happy feet
by Lindsey Baker
My friend Amy gave me my first pair of Converse Chuck Taylors. They were blue, already broken-in and peppered with her own doodles, most prominently a blue-ink star on the inside of the right shoe.
I wore them constantly during a phase punctuated with rock shows, plaid skirts, piles of tiny buttons and a general look my mom exasperatingly referred to as “Lindsey’s phase.”
No one was happier than my mom, then, when, two years later, a few months after returning from a summer internship in California, my Chucks fell apart. I almost cried when the inner sole of that right shoe slipped out with my foot. Underneath, I discovered quite a bit of sand from Encinitas’ Moonlight Beach.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Converse, and though I’ve grown out of “my phase,” I’ve not grown out of my love for the company’s Chucks. I’ve three pairs in rotation now — and somewhere in a box in my parents’ basement, I’ve got those old blue gals, too, sad as they may be. But they did have Bright Eyes lyrics written on them, after all. |
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Shop Talk - |
This weekend, finding something to do is as easy as heading downtown.
Start the weekend Thursday at 8 p.m. at Candy, a candy-inspired fashion show at the Old Market Tavern. The show features original designs by local designers Shamina, Kittylicious and Nicole Brown with hair by the always-fabulous Paul Kenney of Sirens. DJ Brent Cramption will be spinning and there will be lots of free edible candy samples. Even more, the night doubles as a celebration of Madonna’s newest release, Hard Candy. Homer’s will be providing special $3-off coupons for Madges’s new record.
After sastifying your sweet tooth, check out the largest-ever tent party in the Old Market, which will shade Jones Street from 10th to 11th streets Friday through Sunday. Friday kicks off with Nomad on the Street from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. DJs Brent Crampton, Zach Tiller, Dr. Zhivago and Aaron Lee will spin while Nomad Lounge drinks are served on the street Two young professional groups will also be competing to raise money for local charities. The entrance fee is $5.
Saturday sees Urban Wine Festival Omaha 2008, featuring music by Michael Walker and wine tastings with a commemorative glass provided by Urban Wine Company from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., Tim Wildmsith, the Kris Lager Band and Old Boy Network will perform. Tickets, available at Urban Wine Company, 1037 Jones St., are $20 ADV, $25 DOS.
On Sunday, stop by CoutURE in the Market from 2-6 p.m.; Alegent Health, Mercer Management, Spaghetti Works and the Old Market Business Association are hosting this fashion show with cancer-survivor models age 10 and older. Clothing will be provided by local boutiques including Nouvelle Eve, Deniz, Trocadero and the Garment District. Tickets are $25 at any Security National Bank location, with a gift bag. All proceeds go to the Omaha chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
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Survival of the Pinkest - |
When it comes to cancer, the ‘breast’ defense is a good attitude
by Sarah Wengert
Runway models are icons of beauty and grace. These otherworldly creatures offer a stunning fantasy, but in reality the depth of a woman’s beauty is best revealed by her resolve to survive when presented with, shall we say, a bump in the runway.
A group of local breast cancer survivors, having faced the ultimate lump in the road, will take the runway for Couture, a fashion show to promote awareness, raise money for cancer victim Susan G. Komen of Nebraska and display the fierce beauty of their matchless mindsets.
Meeting with the Couture models one afternoon I was immediately struck by their lively attitudes. In their bright smiles, bold humor and sincere laughter it is clear they are on top of the world — all because they’re still in it. |
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Shop Talk - |
After a busy weekend out of town, my feet are sore — and I can only imagine my friend Marta’s feet are even more so after all the museums, shopping, eating and airplane-hopping.
Marta brought an array of high and low heels — and a few stray flats — for our sojourn to Austin, Texas; I, a sort-of-seasoned traveler, opted for flats and my pair of trusty slip-on (if a little passé, along with Mischa Barton) Keds. Still, I think our most comfortable moments were in our hotel room, where Marta switched to slippers and I went barefoot.
What is the stylish girl-on-the-go to do? Sure, you can take a ballet flat or sandal or two on the road this summer, but I still can’t shake the idea that the stylish, streamlined, flat-like sneaker is the best way to preserve your pretty toes for the party shoes you can break out come nightfall. |
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