Mamma Mia

Summer may be coming to an end... tear!  But there are a few more fests left so don't hibernate yet.  Everyone should be Italian at least once a year so celebrate your heritage this weekend at La Festa Italiana with 30 varieties of authentic Italian food and entertainment.  Nothing like a little Italian feast to put you in a food coma.  Pizza, pasta, gelato, fried dough, no food item is more that $5.00.  And don't worry... the opening Husker Game will be available to view at the fest on Saturday so don't let your man use that as an excuse!  September 2 - 4, Roncalli Catholic High School, 116th and Rainwood Road.

Urban Outfitters Bike Shop Tour

Omaha is one of 23 stops along Levi's mobile bike shop tour.  Urban Outfitters and Levi's have collaborated to develop a bike wear line called "511 Commuter" for the urban cyclist.  Pants are designed with the stylish cyclist in mind.  Head down to Urban Outfitters today (Aug. 30th) for FREE tune-ups with experienced mechanics, customized tailoring for pants/jeans, bike bag workshops and free stuff, 4-8PM.

Gotta Love Groupon

Omaha ladies check out today's Omaha Groupon for $25 on a $50 purchase at TOGS in Legacy Court.  Free money to update your Fall wardrobe.  I love this grey dolman sleeve sweater, a perfect piece to transition from summer to fall!http://www.groupon.com/omaha/

Big Fat Greek Weekend

My husband Andy and I spent our honeymoon hopping the Greek Islands and ever since Mediterranean food has been my favorite!  Gyros and tzatsiki sauce, pitas and hummus, saganaki and baklava, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.  If you are feeling hungry this weekend visit Omaha's Greek Fest on 84th and Center.  Hosted by St. Johns Othodox Church, Greek Fest has been an Omaha tradition for over 20 years.  With dancing and entertainment, boutiques and food - there's just enough to make you wanna say OPA!

Desire to Inspire

I realized the other day that it’s been 10 years since I’ve lived in a real house. From dorm rooms to apartments, condos and townhomes, seven moves in seven years has been exhausting but I’m happy to say my century of claustrophobia has come to an end and I’m moving into a big girl house one month from today! I spent my weekend combing the Internet for color palates and design inspiration. This site, Houzz.com is a dream! Like Pinterest, it’s an online tool for cutting and collecting your design inspiration images. You can organize your clippings into ideabooks. Check out the book I’ve started as inspiration for our new master bedroom. I’m working with pale yellow walls and thought a gray and yellow palate would be a sunny yet soothing combination.

Master Bedroom Inspiration

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Accessories And Decor on Houzz- For Example:

Clocks · Fireplace Accessories · Decals · Waste Baskets · Home Fragrance · Vases · Pillows · Indoor Pots And Planters ·

Feeling Crafty?

I love these DIY coasters!  Super simple and absolutely adorable.  The perfect hostess gift or party favor for your next soiree. 

What you need:

• 4x4 Tiles (.16 cents at Home Depot)
• Assorted Scrap Book Paper
• Mod Podge Adhesive
• Clear Spray Paint
• Felt Pads

Cut the assorted paper into 4x4 squares and adhere to the tile with Mod Podge.  Spray a coat of clear spray paint and attach felt pads.  Easy right?

GAGA for MAHA

In the mood for some musica this weekend?  MAHA, the region's premiere indie music festival, kicks off this Saturday at 12:30P at Aksarben Village.  The line-up features a Guided By Voices reunion marking their third to last appearance ever, rap-reggae-rock artist Matisyahu and Omaha's Cursive, $30.

Be sure to stop by Scout's mobile shop - Lil Scoutie.  The folks from Esoteric Velvet will be on hand celebrating their 100-day anniversary with sweets and treats.  Visitors will also have a chance to win VIP tix to Omaha Fashion Week!

To see the full line-up or buy tickets visit MahaMusicFestival.com

Splash Mob

Get your bikini and super soaker ready!  1,911 Omahans are attending so far and the numbers keep growing.  The first ever Omaha Splash Mob is planned for this weekend in the Old Market on the corner of 11^th and Howard.  This massive water fight is planned to start at 12:00 so go incognito and keep all water guns, goggles, swim fins, nose plugs and bikinis out of sight until the clock strikes twelve! Oh – and don’t forget to put your cell phone in a zip lock baggie just in case. 

Balloon Platoon

There’s something magical about seeing a hot air balloon in the sky at sunset.  Be sure to look West this weekend to catch a glimpse of the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival, balloons launching from 204^th and Q at 7P and glowing around 9P, August 12th and 13th.  If you feel like joining in the fun, the Food and Wine Experience will begin at 6P including a vast selection of vino and apps, $12!

Brace Yourself

As a former Brace Face, I swore I'd never want to wear those little rubber-bands again.  I'll never forget the day I got them off, three years of metal mouth was enough for me!  Think again... New York orthodontists and jewelry designer Lulu Frost have collaborated to make braces cool again.  These fun, durable bracelets are crafted out of authentic orthodontic materials and are the latest craze in middle schools across the country.  Check'em out http://www.bracedlets.com/.

Fossil Find

I always feel better splurging on a piece that can transition from season to season.  Last night I was hunting for the perfect summer party ensemble and came across this beautiful embroidered skirt.  Call me crazy but I thought Fossil only sold watches... apparently not!


Pair this skirt with a coral tank and sandals or with an olive sweater and boots when the leaves start changing.  Either way you're sure to get your money's worth!  Be sure to check out Fossil's Fall Collection at Oakview Mall or Fossil.com.

Fashion Forward

Where has the summer gone?  I can't believe it's already August! And that means Omaha Fashion Week is just around the corner, got your tickets yet?  This year's line-up includes 40+ designers from the Midwest and beyond.  A few to watch...

Eliana Smith Fall 2011 Collection

Eliana Smith

Originally from Argentina, Eliana works with unique textiles to put a spin on classic silhouettes with intricate detailing.  I love this sophisticated and flirty silk skirt.
elianasmithdesigns.com

Jennie Mason

Graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, Jennie’s line radioactive heart, is an edgy mix of hand printed fabrics, industrial zippers and florescent shades that are sure to get noticed.
www.radioactiveheart.com 

Megan Hunt Fall 2010 Line

Megan Hunt

Otherwise known as Princess Lasertron, this bridal designer/blogger has expanded her collection to include whimsical dresses with a pinch of fifties flare. 
www.princesslasertron.com 

Omaha Fashion Week

August 22-27^th 
Nomad Lounge
1013 Jones Street

Doors open at 6P shows start at 8P

General, Reserved or VIP Seating, $25 - $120
omahafashionweek.com