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www.HuskeysPaint.com | (828) 214-7100 | August 2025
Sylva, NC · Buncombe County, NC · Jackson County, NC · Swain County, NC · Haywood County, NC · Macon County, NC · Transylvania, NC
ROAM, RECORD, AND REMEMBER THE ART OF MAPPING OUR MEMORIES
How do we make moments last when they seem to fly by faster than ever? This question has been on my mind lately, especially considering that we somehow arrived in August when I could have sworn we were still at the start of the year! For many people, the past few months were full of graduation ceremonies or the end of another school year. For others, the next few weeks will be their last before they pack up and move away to college. With so many milestones coming and going, it’s no surprise we’re at the peak of family vacation season. Whether it’s a first-ever trip with children or a last big excursion before kids leave home in the fall, parents want to cherish these special moments forever. With this in mind, I researched how current technologies help us preserve memories like never before. Gone are the days when we told our stories with photo albums or photos held to refrigerator doors by magnets. Now, we can chronicle 10 or 100 times as many moments with the click of a computer key or a button on our phones. While looking into this topic online, I was struck by the number of travel blogs I encountered. If you’ve never considered writing one before, it’s a fun way to keep a record of your travels with your loved ones in a place away from the clutter of social media. Creating a dedicated online site to spotlight your vacation highlights will enable loved ones not on the typical platforms to stay updated on your adventures and give you more control over how your content is customized, viewed, and preserved. If you’d like to back up and maintain your digital vacation photos on an online cloud, Google Photos allows multiple users to add their images to shared folders. Of course, social media is still the easiest and most popular way to chronicle your getaways online, but you should do so with caution. Instead of posting your photos or “checking in” at faraway destinations in real time, consider posting your vacation memories on social media once you’re home. Unfortunately, alerting cyberspace you’re away is increasingly risky, especially when you add people you don’t know to your social media accounts — or add a real-life “friend” whose identity was stolen. Those smiling
pictures you post while away could unwittingly invite someone to pay an unwanted visit to your house, so be careful with how much you share from your big excursion in the moment. Naturally, some people view vacation as a way to escape technology. If putting away your screens is a goal, you can use postcards — not just to send greetings to friends and family back home but also to serve as family diaries-by-mail. I read an article about families that use them to write down travelogue entries before mailing them home. Once they return from their trip, they go through all the cards and share their memories. It struck me as a great way to put a new spin on something more traditional — and a nice method of creating mementos without relying on your mobile phone. Whether you’re tech-savvy or old-school, there’s no shortage of fun ways to immortalize your family memories. I hope you enjoy your summer trips and create moments that will live on in cyberspace and beyond.
— Trent Huskey
(828) 214-7100
www.HuskeysPaint.com
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THE ART OF HOSTING FRIENDS WHO POP IN UNANNOUNCED
BE READY FOR COMPANY AROUND THE CLOCK
There’s something magical about a home where people feel welcome to knock unannounced. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh coffee, the hum of background music, or the feeling that laughter is always waiting inside. Creating a drop-in-friendly home isn’t about spotless counters or perfectly arranged pillows. It’s about heart, warmth, and a little bit of daily prep.
Ditch the apologies, embrace the moment. Rule No. 1: Don’t apologize. No “sorry about the mess” or “ignore the toys.” Life happens, and your guests aren’t there to judge your laundry pile; they’re there to see you. A warm greeting speaks volumes. Create spaces that invite conversation. Keep your kitchen table clear enough to invite guests to sit, and position chairs so guests don’t have to wonder where to face. A few cozy nooks or an open seat at the counter signal that you’re always happy to host. Snacks are secret weapons. Drop-in visitors aren’t expecting charcuterie chic. A simple box of crackers, cookies, or salted nuts does the trick. Keep a stash of simple pantry treats and frozen bites you can pop in the oven. Add a chilled drink or a pot of coffee, and you’ve got hospitality in a flash. Get the whole family involved. Kids can learn early that people matter more than to-do lists. When someone pops by, pause the chaos. Let the kids
help grab drinks or clear up the coffee table, not because it’s chore time, but because it’s guest time. Practice the art of being ‘dressed enough.’ No one expects red carpet glam, but clean, casual clothes and brushed hair help you feel confident answering the door. When you go about your day looking presentable, you don’t have to panic when you hear a knock on the door. Bonus: Dressing well lifts your spirits, whether guests come or not! Ready for a last-minute overnight? You bet! Spare bedding, a guest toothbrush, and breakfast basics (think eggs, yogurt, or toast) mean you’re always prepared for the unexpected and appreciated for it. Not every guest will request to spend the night, but you want to feel ready to offer a bed whenever needed. Remember, the best homes aren’t pristine. They’re lived in. And the best hosts? They open the door and say, “Glad you’re here.”
Make a Statement! 4 Accent Wall Ideas to Transform Any Room
Want to refresh your space without a complete remodel? These creative accent wall ideas pack major personality with minimal effort. Batten Down in Style For a clean and custom look, try a batten wall. These thin wood strips create a crisp grid effect, adding texture and depth. It’s classic yet contemporary and DIY-friendly. Brick It On Dreaming of a downtown loft vibe? Faux brick is your shortcut to that raw, industrial charm, without the hassle of
actual bricks. It’s rustic, rugged, and ridiculously easy to install. Go Bold in Black One wall. One paint can. Endless impact. A black accent wall brings instant drama and elegance to your space. Bonus: It makes artwork and furniture pop like
never before. Get Growing
Turn your wall into a lush vertical garden. Living plant walls bring a breath of fresh air (literally) and double as stunning natural decor. Green is definitely the new glam.
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In most families, holidays, special occasions, and Sunday dinners usually revolve around laughter and food — lots of food. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous biscuits or that secret chili recipe your uncle swears he’ll take to the grave, these dishes are part of what makes your family your family. So, why not gather all those delicious memories into one place by creating a family cookbook? Know your why. Before you dive in, decide what your cookbook is for. Is it a holiday gift? A legacy project? A fun way to organize weeknight favorites? Knowing your purpose will guide the tone, design, and A Taste of Home CREATE A FAMILY COOKBOOK FULL OF LOVE AND FLAVOR
Beer Family Leo Lunchbox
Mustard Peridot Poppy Sisters
Twins Vacation Watermelon Zucchini
care you put into it. Gather the goods.
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
Now comes the fun (and sometimes chaotic) part — tracking down recipes from relatives. Send a group text, email, or social media post asking for their go-to dishes. Encourage everyone to include personal stories, tips, or funny kitchen mishaps. That’s the good stuff that makes your cookbook meaningful. Choose an organizational style. You could go the traditional route with categories like appetizers, mains, and desserts, or get creative with sections like “Grandma’s Greatest Hits,” “Cousin Potluck Favorites,” or “Holiday Classics.” Just pick a format that feels natural and easy to follow. Test and tweak as you go. Some family recipes live in the land of vague directions — “a dash of this” or “cook until it smells right,” etc. If needed, test the recipes and jot down more precise measurements or instructions. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Add a personal touch. Photos can take a cookbook from good to unforgettable. Include pictures of the dishes, handwritten recipe cards, or candid family cooking moments. Even simple design details — like using someone’s handwriting or a family saying — can make it feel special. Pick a format. You don’t need to be a professional designer to pull this off. Tools like Canva, Shutterfly, or even Microsoft Word can help you create a layout. Decide whether you want to print physical copies, go digital, or do both Don’t forget to embrace imperfection. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect! A little mess here and there adds charm. What matters is preserving the joy, tradition, and flavor of your family’s kitchen.
Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
INGREDIENTS
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt Fresh ground pepper, to taste 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided
1 loaf French bread
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp chopped cilantro
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving!
(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!
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Life Through Summer’s Lens
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Keep a Warm and Welcoming Space for Surprise Visitors Refresh Your Room With Eye-Catching Accent Walls Cook Up a Legacy Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
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Nantucket’s Timeless Allure
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Why Nantucket Should Be Your Next Getaway Whales, Wine, and Whimsy
When many Americans think of vacation destinations, they envision beautiful state parks, sunny beaches in Florida or California, and the mountains of Appalachia and the Rockies. However, many states across the country offer exciting events and beautiful scenery. If Massachusetts isn’t already on your radar, consider giving it a closer look the next time you plan
500 years. First sighted by an Englishman named Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602, the island was settled by colonists 50 years later in 1659. Not long after, they spotted whales offshore, which put Nantucket on the map. Whaling became the ultimate trade for people living in the area, and the island even became the world’s whaling capital until the 1850s. You can still view whales from the island today, and if you want to get the full story, check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum. If whale watching and museum touring aren’t your thing, you can pursue other exciting activities around Nantucket. The island is bike-friendly, and many trails will take you by all the best sights. Many one-of-a-kind boutiques occupy beautiful historic buildings, and there’s even a public golf course that will leave all your golfing buddies jealous. If you go in May, you may even experience the renowned Wine & Food Festival. Nantucket is full of historic architecture, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. You might even see a famous face during your visit! This is a vacation you’ll be talking about for years to come!
a vacation. Cape Cod has beautiful beaches and a rich history that many don’t know about, and
something exciting is always happening in Boston. But if you want to experience the true essence of Massachusetts, take a trip to Nantucket. Nantucket is a small island, only 14 miles long and about 3.5 miles wide. Its history with European settlers goes back over
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