Patriotic Prairie Girl

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday of the year!  Sundresses, BBQ, frozen cocktails and fireworks, what more could a girl ask for!  Here are this weekend's must see and do events...

Friday
Cheap Trick - Pack your cooler and gear up for some power pop at Memorial Park.  You are guaranteed a better view this year as the stage will be on Dodge facing North so snag a spot on the hill and get ready to "Surrender".  Parking available on UNO's campus starting at 4PM, concert 7P - 10P.

Saturday
Fireworks at Ameritrade Park - Check out the largest firework display in the Midwest featuring twice as many fireworks as last year!  Stake your spot on Mike Fahey Street by 10PM or attend the Home Run Derby inside the stadium with Fireworks to follow 7:30 PM ($12 Admission).

Sunday
Acoustic Sunday Concert Series - Head out to Soaring Wings Vineyard for an afternoon of sipping and songs.  Acoustic guitar player Tim Koehn will be performing from 2P - 4P in the gazebo area.  Bring a lawn chair and a cheese plate to pair!

Red, White and Blue... Menu

Whether you are hosting or attending a 4^th of July feast… it’s always fun to have a little red, white and blue on the menu.  Here are a few easy treats to make this weekend – a patriotic confection that is sure to grab their attention!

Star Spangled Strawberries

Pretzel Sparklers

Beach Bagtastic

Heading to the lake this 4th of July weekend?  Make sure your bag is packed with all of summer's essential staples!  A wide brim hat (Target), sunglasses (Urban Outfitter) and 50+ sunscreen will keep your face looking fresh in your fifties.  A bottle of water and Clean and Clear blotting sheets will keep you cool and shine free.  And don’t forget your iPad in case you want to rock out our read up!  Have fun bathing beauties!

Beach Bag Essentials by PrairieGirlOMA featuring a striped tote

J Crew striped tote
$300 - jcrew.com

Bow hat
$13 - target.com

Urban Renewal Vintage vintage oversized sunglasses
$325 - urbanoutfitters.com

Amazon.com: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid...
$24 - amazon.com

Firecracker

Independence day is on its way, which means family reunions, barbecues, picnics, concerts, pool parties and late night fireworks.  What better way to show you’re proud to be an American than the perfect red, white and blue ensemble! These three looks are sure to make you a patriotic prairie girl - all found at an Omaha store near you!

Firecracker by PrairieGirlOMA featuring denim shorts

(Hat - Von Maur, Sperry's and Wrap Belt - Dillard's, Toms Wedges - Roots and Wings)

Green Thumb

You don’t need a green thumb to have fresh flowers in your window – Even better if those greens are edible! This year swap out your geraniums and impatiens for an herb garden.  Basil, mint, oregano and parsley can come in handy in the kitchen and the bar! Mulhalls is the perfect spot to fill your pot.  Their massive selection will be all you need to start planting!

Check out this homemade Mojito kit complete with mint seeds, two Mojito glasses a wooden pestle and recipe booklet.  The perfect hostess gift for your next summer Barbecue. Now that’s my kind of garden, Mulhalls $20!

Watercolor Weekend

YAY! it's almost Friday so mark your calendars with this weekend's must see and do events!

Saturday

Ever wanted to pick up a paintbrush and make something pretty for yourself or someone special? Well connect with the Kindergartner in you and sign up for Madalyn Burning’s Watercolor Painting Workshop, Saturday, June 30^th, 10:00AM at the Hot Shops in the Old Market, $35. Explore your own unique style and come home with a work of art perfect for that blank wall in your bathroom! Check out my watercolor Pinboard below for some inspiration.

Also be sure to check out the Bemis 30^th Anniversary Celebration, 1-5PM. Get a sneak peek of the newly renovated third floor, including five new studios, see what current residents have been working on, and view the brand new Bemis Gardens an innovative green art laboratory that will transform the Bemis Center’s exterior into a public exhibition site and urban garden, so pretty!

Sunday

Head to Midtown Crossing and join hundreds for Yoga Rocks the Park – every Saturday at 4pm in Turner Park, FREE. Including live beats, and instruction from local Yogis (kids camp available).

pinterest.com/prairiegirloma/fun-with-watercolor

To Be or Not to Be...

In the mood for some outdoor entertainment? Shakespeare on the Green is kicking off its 25^th season tomorrow night with a Midsummer Night’s Dream, June 23-26 and July 6, 8, 10. So grab your sweetheart and a bottle of wine, it’s the perfect date for you and your mate! Performances start at 8PM in Elmwood Park, nestled just south of the UNO Bell Tower (64^th and Dodge). And don’t forget your picnic basket. Make your own or order a pre-made picnic from Patrick’s Market downtown. You can find their menus online - just be sure to call ahead so it's ready to go before the show!

I love these Steadystick wine glass holders that will keep your vino spill free, $19.95 at The Gadgeteer, 7317 Douglas Street.

Big Time Climb

Are you an extreme Prairie Girl looking for your next adventure?  You may have noticed that the grain silos on 34^th and I-80 have undergone a makeover.  Transforming from an eyesore to an art installation.  Featuring giant posters made by artists commenting on the use of land and agriculture.  Two visionaries decided to take this beautification project to the next level by renovating and repurposing the grain silos into the largest rock climbing gym in the US! 

The outdoor area is scheduled to open to the public on July 4^th and will include 6 100ft routes and 12 45ft routes.  Make it to the top and you will find one of the best views in the city!  Entrance $12, rentals $5 and classes ranging from $12 - $15, open Fridays 12P – 11P, Saturdays 8A – 11P and Sundays 12P – dark.  For more information visit SILOS Extreme Outdoor Adventure on Facebook or siloextremeoutdooradventures.com.  Hope you aren’t scared of heights!

Joy Ride

Omaha is becoming a green machine with the addition of an intercity bike-sharing program.  Ever wish you could run a few errands without having to worry about finding a parking spot or burn a few calories on your lunch hour?  Five B-cycle kiosks have been installed around Aksarben Village and UNO offering easy access to the Keystone Trail, Memorial Park, Elmwood Park, Crossroads and Dundee.  Simple insert your credit card to rent a bike by the hour and return to any kiosk in town.  It’s like having a bike whenever you need it and it’s gone when you don’t!  So next time you are headed to cocktail hour, rent a bike to get there and you won’t have to worry about picking up your car the next day!  Learn more about the program and find kiosk locations at omaha.bcycle.com.

Boutique Birthday

Going out to play on this hot Saturday? Head to beyourself boutique or The Giving Tree for their 6 year anniversary and remodel celebration!  $50 off $150 at beyourself and $25 off $100 at The Giving Tree, raffles, treats and sassy summer looks.  Happy shopping!

It's Game Time: CWS Preview

They’re calling it the New 13^th Street, Beginning of an Era, the New Stomping Ground.  So don’t get stuck in left field, head down to TD Ameritrade Park this week whether you heart baseball or not!  Below are my Prairie Girl picks for what to see, hear, sip, and savor before and after the games.  Now go play ball!

Yogi Flash Mob

Kickoff your weekend with some Karma and join in the first CWS Lululemon Yoga Flash Mob! Grab your mat and head to the entrance of TD Ameritrade Park, Saturday, June 18^th at 1:30PM.  Keep a lookout for Lululemon ambassadors in teal tanks who will lead the group in a mass flow.  You can learn the routine on YouTube or simply show up with a smile. 
Say Ommmmmm…. aha (get it?)
 

Baseball Village at the Matt

Want to experience the CWS all in one hot spot?  The Old Mattress Factory has lined its property with tents to create a gigantic Baseball Village complete with a beer garden, concert area, picnicking space, shopping and food from local vendors including Stokes, Patrick’s Market, Lo Sole Mio, Dante’s Pizza and more!  Entrance to the village is free, or be a VIP - unlimited food, drink and live music $50!

Not Your Average Slowdown

The Slowdown is switching gears to appeal to the masses by hosting two weeks of cover bands beginning with an 80’s dance party on Friday, June 17^th – Righteous!  Hours will be extended to 11AM to 2AM with free live music after the games each night, a huge outdoor beer garden in the back lot and a projection screen installed on the main stage broadcasting the games.  So beat the heat and grab a seat.

Party Capitol

In addition to hosting a Bloody Mary Bar every morning during the series, Capitol Lounge is taking a different approach and hosting a free party bus with a mini-club inside including a live DJ.  The bus will shuttle people to the stadium and surrounding nightspots in style so be sure to hitch a ride!

Other Hot Spots

Tip Top Party Zone

Goodnights

The Union

DJ’s Dugout

Pauli’s

Gear-up For CWS

The College World Series kicks off this Friday but before I share my Prairie Girl picks on where to tailgate and celebrate we need to be sure your uniform is ready!  Several local boutiques are stocking their shelves with adorable Baseball Gear that will make you look like a fan whether you are there for the baseball or the beer garden.  Check out these hot looks that are sure to score a home run at the ballpark!

Beginning of an Era... Mae and Pearl $22.00

LOVE, literally... Mae and Pearl $22.00

Buy me some... Mae and Pearl $22.00

Retro Baseball... Skyz Boutique $22.00

 

Pinteresting

A good friend turned me onto this fantastic site that lets you organize and share all of the beautiful things you find online!  Pinterest helps you collect and collage your life whether you’re planning a wedding, party, redecorating your pad or just feeling creative.  Best of all you can seek inspiration by browsing and following trendsetters and friends like me.  Follow me at PrairieGirlOMA!

Wanna be Prairie Girl Chic?  Check out this pinboard for inspiration and create your own today!  Don’t forget to mention @prairiegirloma if you get pinning and find something you think other prairie girls might like!

http://re.pn/b/duY2

Prairie Girl Pride

Why do you love Omaha?  The big city entertainment, small town feel, the music scene, art community, charitable involvement, easy access to travel, CWS, fantastic food?  On second thought... what’s not to love?!  Visit this inspired site developed by the folks at What Cheer website design as an occasional reminder of why you call Omaha home :)

 
Check it out and share what makes you proud to be a Prairie Girl!

www.iliveinomaha.com

Market Hopping

One benefit of being a Prairie Girl is the abundance of fresh, local produce available in the summer.  It seems there is a Farmer’s Market around every corner from now until the leaves start changing.  Veggies, flowers, treats and jellies just about anything to please your bellies.

Must-See Markets

Omaha Farmer’s Market – Old Market

Saturdays through October 15th

8AM – 12PM

Omaha Farmer’s Market – Aksarben Village

Sundays through October 16^th

9AM – 1PM

Village Pointe Farmer’s Market

Saturdays through October 1^st

8AM – 1PM

Outdoor Market – Midtown Crossing

Saturdays through September 1^st

9AM – 12PM

Shop in style with one of these sweet reusable tote bags, Modcloth.com $24.99.

Artful Weekend

Feeling inspired?  This weekend is stacked with originative events to satisfy your visual appetite. 

Friday, June 10th

 Art Buying on a Budget

Ever wanted a custom work of art to adorn your mantel?  Well you don’t have to be Warren Buffett to own a signature piece.  The Bemis Underground is hosting their annual $100 Dollar Art Sale at 7PM.  Admission is $5 and artwork is first come first serve.  But get there early as there is sure to be a line of eager art enthusiasts awaiting there chance to own a masterpiece!

Wino's Wonderland

After purchasing your Picasso head to the Village Pointe Wine Festival, Friday June 10th (3-9PM) and Saturday, June 11^th (1-9PM).  Swirl, smell, slurp, swish and swallow your way around the world with more than 100 wines to sip and sample.  $45 per person includes a $10 Brix gift card, small plates, Riedel glass and unlimited vino.

Saturday, June 11th

Art Mart

Craving some more cultivation?  Head to the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Friday – Sunday on Farnam Street between 10^th and 15^th.  Browse for fun or get some shopping done.  With 135 artists ranging from painters to jewelry makers you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.  And be sure to check out the Revinylize Nebraska Tent near 10^th and Farnam to learn how to make your own messenger bag or wallet with old billboard vinyl.  Help the environment and walk away in style, messenger bag workshop $10, wallets $5.

Daddy Dearest

Reminder: Father’s Day is around the corner...  June 19^th if you're wondering.  And if you are anything like me, finding the perfect gift can be somewhat of a struggle.  Here are a few ideas that will make him cry as opposed to handing him a necktie.

  

Putting Papa

Help Daddio get his golf game in full swing with a private lesson at Golf Tec.  Together with a certified personal coach, he’ll hit shots on a Hi-tech ball flight simulator, have his swing videoed and learn how turn his bogeys into birdies.  Private 60 minute Swing Evaluation Session $175.

Dapper Dad

Forget the shirt and tie, spice up his style with some summery Sperry Top-Siders.  I love the nautical Navy/Seaside color $75 at Dillards.  He’ll be the hippest Dad on the block or should I say boat :)

 

Personal Padre

Take the nostalgic route by framing an old picture or family tree.  These Umbra Snap Frames make any photo look like a classic Polaroid.  They can be mounted to your wall with a simple tack and come with a dry erase marker for crafting creative captions, starting at $20 at City Limits in the Old Market.

 

Foodie Father

What better way to show your affection than by stacking his freezer.  The “Fire Up the Grill” package from Omaha Steaks includes everything a grill master needs to throw their next BBQ soiree - including stuffed baked potatoes and a chocolate lover’s cake $79.99.

 

 

Perfect Pedi

Sandals, flip-flops and wedges mean it’s time to pamper those tootsies.  But do you ever fear your pedicure treat may turn into fungus on your feet?  Call me a worrywart but I can’t help thinking about whose feet may have soaked in that tub before my foot rub.  Don’t fret, V Nails at Village Pointe has your piggies covered.  Each Spa pedicure includes a disposable plastic tub liner changed after every customer to maintain squeaky-clean conditions.  The trendy atmosphere and comparable prices (pedis starting at $25.00) make it a perfect stop next time you shop! 

My latest foot fetish… crackle nail polish, worn over your favorite shade to create an edgy shattered effect when dry.

Hello Summer

Ready or not… swimsuit season has arrived.  In typical Midwest fashion we’ve skipped straight from leggings and blazers to rompers and boat shoes – thank God for the spray tan!  I’m addicted.  Who needs wrinkles and sunspots when you can be a bronze beauty for only $28 at Shine Day Spa?  And don’t worry about missing a spot, Shine Spray Tan Technicians are sure to cover every nook and cranny with an even coat.  I left with a flawless glow and was escorted to my car with an umbrella so my tan wouldn’t blemish in the rain.  Nothing like a perfect tan to make a girl feel more confident in her two piece. 

Swimsuit Season by Prairie-Girl featuring a beach swimwear

Victoria s Secret beach swimwear
victoriassecret.com

Juicy Couture tote handbag
$78 - piperlime.gap.com