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HuskeysPaint.com | (828) 214-7100 | March 2026
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TAME THE TOY MOUNTAIN Smart Decluttering Tips for Busy Families
There’s something liberating about stepping into a room that feels open and calm. I love it! There aren’t any piles of clothes on the chair, no toys scattered across the floor, and no random shoes flung by the door. When kids are part of the picture, that calm can feel like a faraway dream. But what if you could actually bring it closer to reality? With a bit of intention and some smart habits, a clutter‑free home becomes not just possible, but sustainable. Start with what matters most. Kids come with mountains of stuff: toys, art supplies, books, and random bits and pieces. But they likely only actually use and love a small fraction of it. That’s where you can step in: Help them (and yourself) identify what matters, the toys they play with over and over, and items they’re emotionally attached to. As for the rest, it’s time to shed it. Take one drawer, shelf, or closet at a time and empty it. Sort what you keep versus what you donate or toss, and then only put back the items that bring joy or get real use. When you put things back, don’t cram drawers or shelves full. Instead, allow for some space so things don’t pile up again as soon as one more toy or book enters the home. Make storage work for you (and them). Once you’ve pared down, smart storage becomes your best friend: • Use bins or baskets for toys and small items. Label them with words or pictures, depending on your child’s age. This not only keeps clutter contained but teaches kids where things belong. • Go vertical or keep it hidden! Under‑bed bins, shelves, and furniture with built-in storage all offer spots to stash toys, clothes, or seasonal items without cluttering the living space. • Assign a “home” for everything. Every toy, book, puzzle, or backpack has a designated place, and ideally, kids know where that is. If something doesn’t have a place yet, create one. Build cleanup habits and family involvement. Clutter doesn’t usually come from one big mess; it creeps in, gradually. That’s why small, consistent habits often work better than rare deep‑cleaning sprees. Try:
• A quick pick‑up before bed (or after dinner) to ensure things don’t pile up. • A regular “family cleanup time,” lasting 15–30 minutes once a week (or more often, if needed). When everyone pitches in, it feels less like a chore. • Teach children to help. Even young kids can put toys in bins, stack books, toss trash, or hang up jackets. When organized early, these habits often stick. Rotate, reassess, and repeat. One of the sneakiest ways clutter builds up is through “out of sight, out of mind.” When you store toys and never revisit them, things add up. Instead, regularly revisit what you keep. • Every few months (or at the change of seasons, birthdays, holidays), set aside time to go through toys, clothes, and papers. If something hasn’t been used or worn, it’s a candidate for donation or the trash. • Try a “one‑in, one‑out” rule: When a new toy or item comes in, choose one old item to donate or discard. This keeps accumulation in check. Embrace imperfection and intentionality. Let’s be real: If you have kids, there will always be a little mess. Toys get dumped out, crayons go astray, and papers accumulate on the counter. The goal isn’t flawless minimalism, it’s functional calm. What matters is having a system that makes clutter manageable, teaches kids good habits, and gives you some breathing room. Over time, these little choices of what to keep, where to store it, and when to purge add up. So, open a drawer, closet, or bin today and empty it. Decide what belongs and give the rest away. Then step back, take a deep breath, and let the calm wash over you. Your home, and maybe your mind, will thank you!
— Trent Huskey
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Your Carry-On, Upgraded A Guide to Mastering the Minimalist Travel Mindset
We’ve all been there: juggling bags, hunting for space in overhead compartments, and wishing we had packed lighter. But with these five simple strategies, you can pack less, move faster, and enjoy your adventure instead of dragging it around. Choose a smaller bag to guide your packing. We all have that impulse to pack “just in case,” stuffing extra clothes and gadgets into our luggage because, well, there’s room. But here’s the trick: Pick a smaller bag than usual. A carry-on around 10 liters smaller than what you usually use acts as a gentle nudge, forcing you to rethink what you need. Build a capsule wardrobe for travel. Clothes are where overpacking really sneaks in. Instead of thinking in terms of outfits, think in terms of items. Build a travel capsule wardrobe of 10–12 mix-and-match pieces, including shoes and jackets. These can cover a week or more. Don’t stress about underwear; pack what you need outside the capsule. The goal is simplicity, flexibility, and style without the suitcase overload. Maximize space with compression cubes. Packing cubes might not reduce the amount you bring, but they sure make it fit better. Compression cubes help you organize and compact THE PERFECT COFFEE TABLE FIND ONE THAT LOOKS GREAT AND WORKS HARD
your clothing, allowing even a modest bag to hold everything neatly. Keep toiletries tiny and simple. Skip the half-bottle of shampoo and overstuffed toiletry bag. Travel-size containers for shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and a few first-aid essentials are all you need. Bonus: Running out of toothpaste gives you a perfect excuse to explore a local grocery store. You might even discover a quirky, new favorite. Think short, even on long trips.
Longer travel doesn’t mean more packing. Essentials, such as your passport, phone, chargers, a water bottle, a comb, and a travel pillow, remain constant. Clothing? Keep it minimal and plan to do laundry. Sink-washing, hotel services, or local laundromats all work. A few spins in water and a quick hang to dry is surprisingly effective. Travel lighter, explore further, and enjoy the freedom that comes from packing smart. Less baggage means more adventure, and a little extra space for souvenirs.
Choosing a coffee table is often an afterthought when decorating. With sofas, accent chairs, and carpets often being the priority decisions. However, a well-chosen coffee table can actually become a focal point for a stylish and functional decor. The most popular shapes are rectangular or oval, and they should extend for about 1/2 to 3/4 of the length of your sofa. Square or round tables
enhance a smaller room. To make a design statement, consider a hexagonal, triangular, or free-form table. Materials can also vary. Wood is durable and reliable. A glass table can make a small room appear bigger, while a metal table enhances a modern, industrial design. These workhorses of the living room can also provide added storage, including shelving or sleek drawers. As you weigh the many appealing designs, materials, and features, you may wonder why you didn’t choose your coffee table first !
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GREET GUESTS IN STYLE Easy Ways to Make a Small Entryway Shine
The entryway to a home can pose challenges for a design-conscious homeowner, from constant clutter to heavy, multipurpose traffic. These transitional spaces in many homes are often cramped and lacking in natural light. Your entryway helps form guests’ first impression of your home, so putting some thought into making the most of the space is worth the effort. Start by adding at least one piece of functional furniture, such as a slim console table or a cushioned bench with baskets or closed cabinets beneath. Try to avoid stacking shoes and boots by the door if possible. Instead, stow them in baskets or a closed cabinet. Building in upper wall cabinetry can be helpful if space permits. Decorative hooks send a welcoming message to guests looking for a place to hang their coats and bags, and with so many styles, these can look good even when not in use. Floating wall shelves also add storage and free up floor space. Some designers cover an entire wall with hooks and shelves, providing guests a hassle-free space to park their belongings. Select wall art that makes a design statement without overwhelming the space. Hanging a mirror near the door can make your entryway feel more spacious. Adding statement lighting can be an opportunity to express your sense of style. Consider replacing outdated or dim lights with a brighter, more modern fixture. If your ceilings are high, find a chandelier that suits your preferred style and space. A prominent light fixture can actually make a small space feel larger and taller. And don’t forget the floor! Many homeowners leave their entryway floors bare. But going beyond the customary doormat and adding a rug can better define the space. Choose a rug that’s tightly woven or washable, and extend it to within a few inches of the perimeter of the area. Avoid the assumption that entryway walls should be white. It’s fine to choose a soft, warm wall color, which can add depth to the area. And what entryway space is complete without a colorful door? While colors that pop are popular for door exteriors, extending the color to the interior side is also a trend. Any of these changes can transform a dark, utilitarian entryway into a welcoming, highly functional enhancement of your home.
Basketball Books
Guinness Iris Leprechaun Popcorn
Rainy Shamrock Suffrage Windy
Daffodil Daylight
Spinach Artichoke Pizza This deep-dish pizza recipe is fancy and easy to make, delivering all the flavor of a cheesy spinach-artichoke dip in a baked-pizza form!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese • 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. Box 261, Whittier, NC 28789
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INSIDE THIS EDITION
Practical Ways to Simplify Your Home With Kids in Tow Pack Like a Pro and Say Goodbye to Suitcase Overload A Stylish Centerpiece for Your Living Room Create a Bright, Beautiful Welcome Zone in Your Home Spinach Artichoke Pizza 3 Essential Strategies Straight From Norway to Boost Your Daily Life
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The Art of Slow Living Find Your ‘Velvære’ Through Nature, Community, and Coziness
According to the World Happiness Report, Norway consistently ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, whereas the U.S. has been in the high teens for years. We can’t emulate everything Norwegians do to remain happy (nor would most Americans want to). But they do offer a unique strategy Americans can utilize to maintain a positive outlook on life. Velvære is the Norwegian word for the state of well-being, which can be achieved by adopting the Nordic concept of slow living. Here are three strategies straight from Norway to help you reach velvære. Friluftsliv While friluftsliv may look like something found in a medical textbook, it refers to the Norwegian concept of open-air living and outdoor recreation. Norwegians spend ample time outside, regardless of the season. They ski, cook, and walk in nature.
The outdoors plays a huge role in the Norwegian way of life, which directly impacts their happiness! Dugnad As we already know, community and belonging have a significant role in our happiness. Dugnad is a Norwegian activity all about helping and supporting one’s community. Whether through doing volunteer work, cleaning up public spaces, or raising money to support local causes, finding ways to help others will provide more value to your life and help your heart stay happy. Koselig How do you describe your everyday sense of being? Do you experience your life as chaotic, calm, or consistent? Koselig is the idea of incorporating coziness into all aspects of your life. When you carry yourself with a sense of warmth and comfort, you feel better and spread happiness everywhere you go.
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