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Ring in the New Year in Waukee

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two glasses of champagne ready for christmas celebration

Maybe the tune has already wormed its way into your ears after sneaking onto your holiday playlist. Not as well known as “Aude Lang Syne,” but the longing refrain, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” demands to know—what are you actually going to do to ring in 2016?

Last year’s neighborhood party was a bust and the year before that you fell asleep at 9:45 p.m. Time to shake things up and shake off the old to make room for the new. Nothing innately magical changes at midnight on December 31, but it is your opportunity to kick off a fresh 365 days in style. Read on for a few local suggestions of party places and family friendly fun.

Gimikk at Mickey’s Irish Pub
No on can party as hardy as the Irish, so converge at Mickey’s Irish Pub and raise a pint or two in bright spirits. Party band Gimikk will rock to room from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. There will be a free champagne toast for a rousing “sláinte” to the past year. The mood will be rousing when free appetizers are put out (while they last) at 11:30 a.m. Party favors will be out for the taking. Plus, there is no cover so, the more money for libations and eats!

Time: 9 p.m.
Address: 50 SE Laurel St., Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-9604
Web: mickeyswaukee.com

Miss Kitty’s Party
Head to neighboring Clive to kiss in 2016. In classic Kitty’s fashion their New Year’s Eve celebration is going to be all about the dancing, music, and general party atmosphere. The venue is taking reservations; $65 includes cover for four people, table, chairs, and a bottle of champagne ready to toast with! There will be free party favors for all.

Time: 7 p.m.
Address: 8800 Swanson Blvd., Clive, IA 50325
Phone: 515-327-1303
Web: kittysusa.com

Bounce in the New Year
The kiddos will love to celebrate the festivities in their own rambunctious way! Luckily Pump It Up in nearby Urbandale offers just the place for happy feet to bounce and play until they are worn out. Plus, they’ll be tuckered out so there will definitely be bedtimes before midnight. Reservations are encouraged and the minimum height requirement is 34”.

Time: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Address: 4069 121st St., Urbandale, IA 50323
Phone: 515-270-5017
Web: pumpitupparty.com

New Year’s Eve with the Sons of Gladys Kravitz
Local watering hole, Kenny’s Pub, will welcome in the new year with the classic rock band, The Sons of Gladys Kravitz. Per usual the sports bar will host a full menu of food, drinks and a lively ambiance. Chill out, bring your pals, and enjoy merry camaraderie right in the heart of Waukee.

Time: 9 p.m.
Address: 605 Ashworth Dr., Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-0161

Jammin’ & Glammin Noon Year’s Eve Party
Head on over to West Des Moines with your kids to share in the New Year festivities. They will love celebrating with the fabulous Glamour Girls Dress Up Party characters. The best part? The countdown is to noon, not midnight, so no need for sleepyhead kiddos on January 1. Games, crafts, door prize drawings, giveaways, and refreshments are all part of the free, family-friendly event. Of course, rhinestone tiara and noisemaker packs will be available for purchase. A reservation is required and parents must stay with children throughout the duration of the event.

Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: Glamour Girls Dress Up & Princess Parties – 116 5th St., West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: 515-519-3513
Web: GlamourGirlsParties.com

Funny Bone Comedy Club
Make a resolution to laugh more in 2016 and start at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, in West Des Moines, for a special New Year’s Eve comedy show. Doors and seating start at 9:30 a.m. for the 10 p.m. show start time. A ticket price of $45 includes one ticket to the NYE show, party favors, champagne at midnight, and an added admission pass to a future show (one pass per couple). Comedian Kevin Bozeman will be taking the stage. Among other accolades Bozeman was the winner of the Midwest region of the HBO Comedy Competition and competed in Los Angeles as a finalist as well as a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010. Comedy, libations, and good company in one place, sounds like the perfect start to a new year.

Time: 9:30 p.m.
Address: 560 S Prairie View Dr. #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: 515-270-2100
Web: desmoines.funnybone.com/

What’s your favorite place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Waukee area? Tell us in the comments below.

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How to simply poach an egg

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Egg on toast

Poaching eggs may seem daunting but it’s really quick and easy. Follow these simple steps for a tasty treat.

  1. Boil enough water to cover the egg(s).
  2. Turn heat off.
  3. Crack eggs separately into hot water.
  4. Once white is firm remove with a slotted spoon and blot with a paper towel.

Mashed Potatoes 101

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Oven baked chicken in gravy with mashed potatoes and vegetables

It’s Cooking 101 and today’s lesson is Mashed Potatoes

  • Cut potatoes in uniform pieces. Add cold water to cover and bring to a boil.
  • Very important to use cold water, hot makes them mushy as they cook faster
    on the outside before cooking through to the inside.
  • Turn down to simmer and test with a knife by poking one, if it falls off
    they are done…if not a few minutes more…generally speaking 30 min.
  • Heat all dairy to be added in advance…butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk
    heavy cream, half and half…so as not to add cold and potatoes cool down.

Holidays and Books

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Christmas cookies

The best part of holidays and birthdays when I was growing up was new books. Sure, there were other presents, but I could always count on at least one new book to add to my own little library.

At some point during the day I would find time to curl up in an out of the way spot with my newest print acquisition – usually in the company of one of my sisters and a cousin or two who were reading their own new treasures.

I’ve continued the tradition with my son and nieces and nephews by giving books and bookstore gift cards over the years. It has made my heart warm to see my nieces and nephews grow up and share their favorite books with their children.

Several years ago, one of my nephews introduced me to interactive children’s books on his laptop. What a great and fun innovation! A wide variety of titles for children of all ages is accessible on the library’s website: http://www.waukee.org/515/Downloads-Databases. Click on Tumblebooks and enjoy.

I’m hoping there’s a book – print or digital – under the tree with your name on it! Merry Christmas!

Enter To Win A $500 Holiday Giveaway from myWaukee

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$500 Holiday Giveaway from myWaukee

myWaukee and participating sponsors are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a Holiday-themed giveaway package valued at $500. What a great way to get your Holiday Shopping started!

See entry details below and be sure to enter before December 15th, 2015!

“Free Skin Analysis” from Des Moines Plastic Surgery {$100 Value + Spend $200 and Get $100 Off Gift Card}

Healthy Skin & Laser Center’s state-of-the-art VISIA Imaging System helps give you a clear visualization and detailed analysis of your skin and complexion. With innovative technology, you’ll be able to see actual images of your wrinkles, spots, pores, skin tone bacteria and sun damage – and then to take an active part in determining the first steps you can take along your own path to skin rejuvenation, facial vitality and long-term complexion health.

Free Scholarship to Spring No Boundaries Class from Fleet Feet Sports Des Moines {$75 Value}

No Boundaries is a 10 week program to take people from their current level activity to completing a 5K (3.1 miles). Participants receive 20 coached group workouts, weekly emails, t-shirt, training schedule, training topics, graduation party and more. The next No Boundaries class will begin in March.

4 Tickets from Des Moines Playhouse {$180 value}

Winner will be able to select a show of their choosing. Upcoming shows include: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 12 Angry Men, Sister Act and You Can’t Take It With You just to name a few!

Adjustment and Consultation from Spinal Tuning Chiropractic {$50 Value}

Car Organizer from Knapp Properties {$50 Value}

Enter To Win…

$500 Holiday Giveaway

A New Intersection (Driving Experience) Is Coming To The DM Metro

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Ever heard of a “diamond” intersection? Well, drivers are in for a completely new driving experience with the development of the new Grand Prairie Parkway interchange along Interstate-80 in Waukee.

So what is a “diamond” intersection exactly? This new kind of intersection is called a diverging diamond and first appeared in 2010. There are only 57 diverging diamond interchanges in the U.S., with three being in Kansas City.

When the light changes, traffic crosses onto what is traditionally known as oncoming lanes. Drivers can turn left on the onramp or continue straight to be diverted back to the southbound side of the road. The biggest advance is that those turning onto the highway don’t have to stop at a second signal.

If you are a visual person, check out this video from KCCI:

Diamond Intersection Coming To Des Moines - Waukee

What do you think of this new “diamond” intersection and will it improve traffic?

Related Posts…

Turkey Base

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Better-Than-Bouillon-Organic-Turkey-Base-098308217237

This is seriously something I recommend you purchase…Turkey Case/Concentrate by Better Than Boullion.

It is about $5 and will make 38 cups of broth/stock…prefect to stretch your turkey drippings.

Available at Price Chopper (top shelf above the soup). I really think you will love it!

Faces of Waukee: Geoff Warmouth

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Geoff-1

Where are you from originally?

I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago, and then Grayslake/Gurnee, Illinois. I’m a Cubs fan all the way.

For new residents who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little about your career?

I studied business through high school and college. After going to community college, I went to work for my father at Warmouth Family Trucking. Later, when he retired, I ran the company. When my wife, Anne, received a job offer to relocate to central Iowa, I closed the business and we chose Waukee—and the Waukee Hardware & Rent It Center! I’ve been in retail for almost 25 years now, and I love it, love it, love it—except for the hours.

What do you do with your free time?

I usually work between 54 and 60 hours a week, but I find time to golf one or two rounds a week and play three or four ping pong matches a week. I also work on projects around the house, and I like to cook.

In this issue, we focus on giving back to our community. What causes are you passionate about?

Cancer and diabetes have affected my family. So far, we’re all doing fine, but when fundraising supports those causes, I do what I can. I’m also passionate about volunteerism—giving back in whatever capacity I can, whether it’s a “boots on the ground” role or a leadership role. I was a charter member of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and served in a few different roles for that organization.

A little elf told us you’ve been known to don a white beard and red coat this time of the year. Can you tell us about that experience?

Playing St. Nick was a great time. That was the beginning of, or pre-WinterFest. I had a great ten-year run before turning it over to a jollier soul. I really enjoy being around kids during the holiday season.

Last question and possibly the most important: Any big plans for the holidays?

I’m going to do as I always do—spend time with my family. I’ve also been known to tip back a glass of holiday cheer with close friends and customers. I’m the youngest of ten in my family, so holidays present the best chance for all of us to be in the same place at once. I look forward to that. Happy holidays to all!

 

Graham Cracker Crust

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Mini cheese pie

Remember…it does not have to be graham crackers…

I’ve used chocolate teddy grahams, ginger snaps, Lorna Dunes….switch it up. Using a food processor pulse to crumb…same proportions.

Follow Country Club Market for more recipes, food tips, and foodie humor.

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