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www.HuskeysPaint.com | (828) 214-7100 | February 2024
Sylva, NC · Buncombe County, NC · Jackson County, NC · Swain County, NC · Haywood County, NC · Macon County, NC · Transylvania, NC
Spreading Random Acts of Kindness: SIMPLE ACTIONS, BIG IMPACTS
I’m thrilled to share a topic with you that’s close to my heart: random acts of kindness. For parents, you know the best lessons we can teach our children start at home. And what better lesson than being kind, not just to others, but to ourselves as well? Did you know that kindness starts with being kind to yourself? It’s not just a feel-good saying; there’s science to back it up. The National Library of Medicine published a study showing that performing a random act of kindness daily for seven days, whether toward yourself, a friend, or a stranger, significantly boosts your overall well-being and happiness. That’s right, being kind actually makes you a happier person! As parents, we always look for ways to instill good values in our children. Here’s something exciting: Kindness can be taught right in the classroom. The website RandomActsOfKindness. com offers free curriculum materials to help teach kids about kindness. Imagine a classroom where kindness is the norm — what a wonderful environment for our children to learn and grow. Speaking of environments, kindness extends to the workplace, too. The same website provides free resources for assessing your workplace environment and incorporating kindness into the culture. Kindness in the workplace creates a culture where people genuinely want to show up and do their best. It includes setting a positive tone, modeling behavior, creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging a growth mindset,
fostering trust and a sense of belonging, promoting effective communication and collaboration, and celebrating successes.
“Kindness doesn’t cost a thing, but it’s the most valuable gift we can give.”
Now, let’s talk about practical ways to show kindness. Here are some ideas for random acts of kindness that you and your family can try: • Leave positive messages on sticky notes in public places for others to find. • Surprise a senior home with a kind gesture. • Focus on and remember the positive things in your life. • Write a handwritten letter of thanks or gratitude and mail it. • Simply listen. • Smile more. • Offer genuine compliments. • Leave change in a vending machine for the next person. • Let someone go ahead of you in line or in traffic. • Be fully present when you’re with others. • Send a friendly “good morning” or “good night” text. • Remember that you are enough. These small acts might seem trivial, but they have a ripple effect, spreading positivity and kindness in ways we can’t imagine. And isn’t that a wonderful thing to be part of? As I wrap up this message, I want to leave you with this thought: Kindness doesn’t cost a thing, but it’s the most valuable gift we can give. It makes our homes happier, our workplaces healthier, and our communities stronger. As a local business committed to the well-being of our community, we believe in leading by example in this journey of spreading kindness. So, let’s challenge ourselves and our little ones to do one random act of kindness each day and watch the magic unfold. — Trent Huskey
(828) 214-7100
www.HuskeysPaint.com
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MAXIMIZING SPACE AND STYLE Clever Home Decoration Strategies
In home design, achieving functionality and aesthetic appeal is a balancing act. But with the right strategies, any space can transform into a stylish and practical haven. Here are five expert tips to maximize both space and style in your home. Utilize every wall. A common mistake in home decoration is neglecting wall space. Designer wisdom dictates that every wall should contribute to the room’s overall look and feel. This doesn’t mean overcrowding walls with decor but thoughtfully using them to enhance the room. Consider adding art, mirrors, shelves, or decorative rails. These elements fill empty spaces and add character and dimension to your living area. Conquer clutter with style. Clutter is the enemy of a well-designed space. Use baskets and storage solutions that complement your decor to keep clutter at bay. Baskets are not just functional; they can also be stylish accents that add texture and warmth to any room. They come in various sizes and materials, allowing you to choose those that align with your home’s aesthetic. This way, you keep your space tidy while adding an element of design. Install creative lighting. Lighting is pivotal in setting the mood and highlighting your home’s best features. Incorporating various types of lighting — wall lamps,
standing lamps, ambient lights, and table lamps — creates layers of illumination that enhance the room’s atmosphere. Pay special attention to your pendant lamp; it’s not just a light source but a decorative piece that can be a focal point in the room. A well-chosen pendant lamp adds elegance and can tie a room together. Harmonize color and texture. Integrating varying textures and colors can dramatically change a room’s appearance and feel. Soft furnishings like throw pillows and rugs bring comfort and visual interest. Experiment with contrasting textures and complementary colors to create a dynamic yet cohesive look. Maximize space with multifunctional furniture. In smaller spaces, multifunctional furniture is a game-changer. Items like sofa beds, extendable tables, and ottomans with storage can serve multiple purposes without sacrificing style or comfort. These versatile pieces are perfect for making the most out of limited space. Applying these strategies can transform your home into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Remember, the key is in the details — no matter how small, every element contributes to your home’s overall style and usability.
Expand, Entertain, Enjoy The Benefits of Building a Deck
A deck is an essential addition to every North Carolina home. Decks
summer day. Picture a long night spent discussing life’s mysteries by the chiminea. Imagine reading a book on a chilly afternoon, basking in the autumn weather with your favorite novel. These are but a few of the many wonderful experiences you can have with a deck, and you’ll create great memories, too. Aesthetic A well-built deck ties the yard together. Decks provide a spot that allows you to view your garden and other outdoor beautification efforts from a top angle. A beautiful wood stain can complement the color of your home, giving it an extra aesthetic edge. If you want to create the most vibrant and attractive backyard possible, a deck is a must. There’s nothing better than a deck for a backyard addition. It’s cost- effective, boosts property value, and — most importantly — allows a family to make memories together. If you’re interested in building one yourself, there are many guides online on how to do so, although you can find many excellent contractors in North Carolina. However, deck staining is best left to professionals; contact us today for an estimate.
provide an array of benefits to just about every part of home ownership. Because of their low investment cost, there’s little reason not to add a marvelous outdoor deck space to your house.
Maximize Value A deck is an excellent choice for those pursuing a maximized property value. Experts say
decks add over $8,000 to property value, costing about $17,000 to build. That’s a pretty substantial ROI of over 50%! Compared to other projects, like a kitchen remodel, that’s a considerable gain. Unforgettable Moments Think of all of the memories you can build with a deck. Envision a cookout with you on the grill, honeyed peaches sizzling on a warm
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www.HuskeysPaint.com
(828) 214-7100
February is a busy month, and Sylva is buzzing with things to do! You can do anything, including learning life-saving skills, hunting for Valentine’s plants, singing karaoke, and making new friendships while running. There’s something for everyone to do in the month of love! First-Aid and CPR Certification Class The Birthstone Breastfeeding & Wellness Center is offering a course on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9–11 p.m. that teaches emergency first-aid and CPR. You’ll learn how to safely perform CPR on adults, children, and infants and how to react to common injuries. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive an official certificate. Reserve a spot soon, as there’s limited space. Valentine’s Nature Heart Hunt Venture through the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains on the hunt to discover nature’s many hearts. Naturalist Gina Patton will guide you in experiencing nature’s finest leaves, tree scars, and mosses. You’re encouraged to snap pictures of them with your phone or camera; the best ones will be displayed on a social media post and newsletter. The adventure begins at the Balsam Mountain Trust Nature Center on Feb. 11, beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. Karaoke Night Are you itching for karaoke? Head to the Boojum Taproom on Feb. 21, from 6 p.m. to midnight. You can either participate in the singing or witness the many voices of North Carolina. Attendees Sylva’s February Festivities A Guide to Entertainment and Activities
Aquarius Candy Cupid Groundhog
Heart Lincoln Chocolate Pennsylvania
Phil Presidents Valentine Winter
Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com Marry Me Chicken
INGREDIENTS
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano •
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
must be 21 and up. Innovation Pub Run
Every Tuesday, the Innovation Pub Runners start running from Sylva at 6 p.m. at their eponymous brewery, returning after 1.5 to 4.5-mile routes at 8 p.m. This month, events in Sylva are on Feb. 13, 27, and 29. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet fellow runners and have a famous local brew in the same evening.
(828) 214-7100
www.HuskeysPaint.com
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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!
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Discover Joy in Random Acts of Kindness Make the Most of Your Space 3 Reasons a Deck Should Be Your Next Project Exciting Happenings in Sylva, NC Marry Me Chicken
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3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap
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A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t
Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute
sleep session to your daily routine.
Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time.
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