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HuskeysPaint.com | (828) 214-7100 | December 2025
Sylva, NC · Buncombe County, NC · Jackson County, NC · Swain County, NC · Haywood County, NC · Macon County, NC · Transylvania, NC
The Sweet Rewards of a Slower Life
WHEN YOU STOP RUSHING, LIFE STARTS BLOOMING
In a culture that often praises speed and productivity, slow living offers something refreshingly different. It’s a chance to step off the hamster wheel and savor life’s moments. Slow living is not about doing less just for the sake of it. It’s about doing things with care, attention, and purpose, letting each task or experience have its own space and rhythm. Slow living is choosing to enjoy the process instead of rushing toward the finish line. It’s the quiet satisfaction of brewing coffee slowly in the morning, or preparing a meal from scratch, simply because the act of chopping vegetables and stirring a pot feels grounding. It’s walking through your neighborhood and noticing how the light changes with the seasons, or taking time to chat with a neighbor instead of waving to them in passing. When we live life at a slower pace, the benefits begin to reveal themselves. Stress softens. Mental clarity returns. IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! Winter Interior Project Special at Our Cost (No Markup!) After Hurricane Helene hit last year, many clients postponed projects, and we saw the devastation firsthand. To keep my team working and help homeowners get back on their feet, we ran this special, and filled our entire fall and winter schedule in just one month. Though I didn’t profit personally, I was able to support my crew all winter long without a single layoff. So, I’ve decided to bring this offer back every winter. From December through February, we’ll take on interior projects only (it’s too cold to paint outside!) at our cost : no markup, just enough to keep our team going. Spots are limited to what we can complete during that time frame, and they go fast. It’s a win-win: You get a beautifully transformed home at the lowest price we offer all year, and I get to keep my team working through the slow season. Interested? Give us a call today! Once the winter schedule fills, that’s it!
Everyday moments feel more vivid, and connections with people and places grow deeper. Even the smallest pleasures, like a warm loaf of bread, a handmade scarf, or a garden sprouting with herbs, feel like treasures. At first, it might feel foreign. We’re all too used to rushing, so sitting still, even to enjoy a cup of coffee, seems indulgent. But as you begin to experiment with little rituals, like reading a chapter of a book before bed or taking your sweet time making breakfast, something magical happens. You’ll feel grounded again. Your mind quiets and your shoulders relax. Your days will soon be less about racing and more about savoring. Hobbies often become the heart of this lifestyle, not for their productivity but their presence. Baking bread, tending a garden, knitting, painting, taking photos of small details most people miss, or preserving herbs from a balcony planter. These simple acts invite us to be right here, right now. They turn ordinary afternoons into small celebrations. Slow living doesn’t require an all-or-nothing transformation. It can start with something as simple as sitting with your tea instead of drinking it on the go, or taking a short walk without headphones just to listen to the world around you. The point isn’t perfection, it’s intention and creating a life with room to breathe, notice, and appreciate. Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers. Some days, I still get caught up in the hurry. But when I remember to pause, to breathe, and to reach for one of my slow hobbies, I feel better, more myself. So, if you’re feeling frazzled or burnt out, consider giving slow living a try. Pick one thing, just one. Maybe it’s walking, journaling, or learning to make your own soap. Light a candle you made yourself or sip a cup of tea brewed with your very own home-dried mint, and feel a sense of accomplishment no busywork could ever match. Let it be simple. Let it be enough. You don’t need to change your whole life overnight. Just take a moment today to be where your feet are. Trust me: Life feels a lot richer when you stop to taste it.
— Trent Huskey
(828) 214-7100
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CUSTOM LIGHTING WITHOUT THE COST BRIGHTEN UP WITH DIY FIXTURES
Lighting is one of those things that can completely change the feel of a room. Add a lamp to a dark corner or a warmer bulb to a living room pendant, and you’ve suddenly made the
You can also create DIY table lamps. All kinds of items can be upcycled to make the base, including an old vase or jar. Just make sure it’s heavy enough to stay upright. You can wrap the base in fabric or give it a fresh coat of paint if it needs extra personality. Then, drill a hole for the cord, install the socket, and add the shade.
space feel more open and inviting. And it’s not just the type of bulb that matters. Lighting fixtures also add to the look and feel of your space. In fact, they’re often what people notice first. If you’re looking for an update, you don’t need to spend a fortune or hire an electrician to make it happen. DIY upgrades can go a long way. How about making your own floor lamp? It might sound complicated, but it’s not. All the materials you need, a base, shade, socket, and wiring kit, are readily available and can be combined to make something unique. Personalizing the base or lampshade to fit your style adds character. And remember, it doesn’t have to look brand- new. Half the charm is the rough edges.
If you want to go bigger, try a wall fixture or ceiling light. Mount a couple of sockets on a stained wood board and hang it like a sconce. Or take something unexpected, like a metal basket or ceramic bowl, and turn it into a pendant light. It just takes a light canopy kit and a little patience. None of this has to be perfect. That’s kind of the fun. You’re working with your hands and putting a bit of yourself into the space. And when you flip that switch and see what you built to brighten your room, there’s a satisfaction in knowing you made it happen.
Are you trying to work in a home office that feels like a storage closet with Wi-Fi? You’re not alone. Small changes can make it cozy, less cramped, and maybe boost your productivity. Start by clearing your desk. Tuck away wires, receipts, and plastic trays. Then add one soft thing. It might be a knit blanket over your chair or a small throw pillow. If it’s in your budget, get a new chair. Something comfortable but supportive will make a world of difference. Swap your overhead light for a small lamp with a warm glow. You can also add a candle. Scented candles bring warmth to a room and can have a soothing effect. A plant is a nice finishing touch. Real or fake, it doesn’t matter. Green things make a space feel alive. You don’t need a complete redesign. These quick, easy additions can give your home office a new vibe. COZY UP YOUR WORKSPACE Simple Fixes to Your Office Setup
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(828) 214-7100
Across the globe, animals of all shapes and sizes embark on extraordinary journeys that defy the imagination. Whether by flying, swimming, or running, these migrations are nature’s way of balancing survival with the ever-changing world. Some of these FROM SKY TO SAVANNAH The World’s Most Remarkable Animal Migrations
trips cover thousands of miles, while others involve climbing mountains or crossing rivers, but each demonstrates resilience, instinct, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. A Record-Breaking Traveler One of the most remarkable travelers is the
Cardinal Cookies Frosty Gingerbread
Gifts Menorah Mittens Peppermint
Pinecones Sagittarius Snowball Yule
Arctic tern, a small seabird from the icy North Pole that flies to the far reaches of Antarctica and back, logging up to 25,000 miles! That’s the longest migration of any animal on the planet. For a bird weighing less than a smartphone, it’s an incredible feat. Journey Across Generations The monarch butterfly tells a different kind of migration story: one of teamwork across generations. Starting in Canada and
White Christmas Margarita Dreaming of a white Christmas? Don’t wait for the snow to fall! Make this tasty margarita instead!
the northern U.S., monarchs head south toward central Mexico. Along the way, they breed and die,
passing the torch to their offspring. By the time the journey is complete, 4–5 generations have passed over the span of the trip. The Great Wildebeest Migration On the savannahs of East Africa, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, follow the rains in what’s known as the Great Migration. Their route forms a massive loop across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, filled with dangers, from predators like lions to perilous river crossings guarded by crocodiles. Despite the risks, this spectacle continues each year. Altitudinal Migration While some species traverse continents, others take shorter but equally vital journeys. Many animals, like Red Pandas, spotted owls, and snow leopards, practice altitudinal migration and climb to higher elevations in summer when food is abundant. Then they descend in winter for shelter and warmth. Though smaller in scale, these seasonal shifts are just as critical for survival. Migration is a survival strategy shaped by millions of years of evolution. Nature’s great migrations are living reminders of resilience and interconnectedness. Every journey, whether by bird, butterfly, or wildebeest, shows how far life will go to endure.
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by CharmingCocktails.com
Garnish: • 1/2 of a lime • 2 tbsp dried unsweetened shredded coconut • 1 sprig fresh rosemary • 5–8 cranberries
Cocktail: • 1 oz lime juice • 1 oz cream of coconut • 1/2 oz Cointreau (or other triple sec liqueur) • 2 oz tequila blanco • 1 bar spoon vanilla vodka (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Use half a lime to wet the rim of your glass. Dip the wet rim in shredded coconut, turning the glass so the entire rim is covered. Set the glass aside. 2. Wash and dry the rosemary sprig and cranberries, then set aside while you make the drink. 3. In a cocktail shaker, add the lime juice, cream of coconut, Cointreau, tequila blanco, and vanilla vodka. 4. Fill shaker with ice and shake for 15–20 seconds. 5. Fill the serving glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass. 6. Add cranberries and rosemary as a garnish and serve!
(828) 214-7100
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. Box 261, Whittier, NC 28789
Clean - Courteous Painters - You Can Trust!
WINTER INTERIOR PROJECT SPECIAL
AT OUR COST (NO MARKUP!) Check Inside for
More Details! Limited Spots Available.
Tracks and Treasures Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations.
A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad
has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper- level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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(828) 214-7100
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