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Welcome to the online version of Hickory Living Magazine. We invite you to read our November cover story and visit our advertisers. Pick up your free copy today!
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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 1
Living the Good Life
Complimentary
Novem
ber 2013S
hane
Gre
ene
Pho
togr
aphy
© 2
013
Pleasures to Have... Treasures to Keep
Unique
Oriental Rugs & More by David
2 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 3
Mailing Address - 1670 E. Broad Street, Suite #195 Statesville, NC 28625 828-464-4060E-mail - [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSKristie Darling • Meredith Collins
Kathy Wheeler • Cheryl GrantJames D. Williams • Matthew Stewart
COVER PHOTOGRAPHYShane Greene Photography
COVER STORYUnique Oriental Rugs & More by David
Editorial Stock photography, unless otherwise noted, is from ThinkStock.
November 2013Living the Good Life
4 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
LIVNG
I from the publisherWelcome to the November issue.This is the month for giving thanks. Thank you to our
veterans for their service to our nation as we salute them on
Veteran's Day, November 11th. If you know a veteran, shake
their hand and tell them you appreciate their service.
Thanksgiving offers a great opportunity for us to step back
and count the many blessings we have to be thankful for. I
am most thankful for wonderful friends and family, work that
I love, and the opportunity to wake up in a fabulous, free
country everyday.
When I think of the sacrifices the early settlers endured
in a new land, most of our problems of today pale in
comparison. These early pioneers overcame incredible
odds, such as brutally cold winters, disease, and starvation
to persevere and put down roots in a new world. Thanks to
them for paving the way for all that we enjoy today.
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for reading the
November issue of Hickory Living Magazine!
Find Hickory Living Magazine on Facebook.http://twitter.com/HickoryLiving
W W W . H I C K O R Y L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E . C O M
LIVINGLIVINGHickory
Myron T. GoughPublisher, Hickory Living
Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.
Myron T. GoughPublisher/[email protected](828) 464-4060
Kathy WheelerArt Director/[email protected](828) 238-3224
Bob [email protected](336) 686-7271
Linda B. [email protected](704) 657-0237
Heather [email protected](704) 962-8080
To advertise, please call one of Hickory Living Magazine's
sales representatives or contact us at (828) 464-4060.
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 5
Find Hickory Living Magazine on Facebook.http://twitter.com/HickoryLiving
6 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
November 2013LIVNG
I content
10 • Being Grateful Makes You Happier
12 • Unique Oriental Rugs & More By David: Pleasures To Have... Treasures To Keep
16 • A Time Of Thanks, Renewal Of Friendships, And Bold New Rumors
18 • Budget Blinds: Window Covering Solutions
23 • What's Cooking?! Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie
24 • Staying Warm And Safe This Winter
26 • Holiday Shopping
29 • 2013 Kitchens & More Tour26
23 18holiday | food | giving back | local business
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 7
8 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 9
10 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
It is impossible to be happy without having an attitude of
gratefulness for what we have, the people in our lives, and
the simple pleasures we enjoy. It’s the little things that make
us happiest. The frequency of positive feelings, rather than
the intensity of those feelings, is the most pleasing. The big
accomplishments in our lives are fleeting. Sure, we are happy
and exhilarated for awhile, but then we adapt to the new ac-
complishment or milestone before moving on to another goal.
The key to happiness is enjoying the day-to-day blessings that
we have. Focusing on what is positive with a grateful heart,
while attempting to change what we don’t like in our lives, is
a tactic that always works. Even disappointment can become a
positive motivator for change when we use the experience as a
source of knowledge.
Someone recently said to me that depression comes from liv-
ing in the past, and anxiety comes from living in the future,
but peace comes when we live in the present. No ones’ life
is perfect. We all have ups and downs, good times and bad,
achievements and failure. We have made mistakes and have
regrets. However, we have a choice in what we focus on, how
we remember our past, how we approach our future. We can
choose to concentrate on making positive memories in the
present.
Here are a few tips to increase our happiness:
Celebrate other people’s success! Being happy for others
who succeed and admiring their talents are healthy attitudes.
However, using their success to measure your own or being
envious is not. If you are competitive, use that to challenge
yourself toward improvement instead of trying to keep up
with someone else’s accomplishments. Do things that are
fulfilling and enjoyable; this is where you will find success and
happiness.
Limit your contact with negative people. Attitudes are
contagious. There is a saying that we’ve all heard – misery
loves company. Avoid becoming a dumping ground for other
people’s problems. Don’t participate in their negativity. That
doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be there for each other, or lend
an ear to a friend who is struggling with an issue, it just means
we should spend more time with those people who choose to
be happy, regardless.
Have a sense of humor. When it comes to present or past
mistakes, don’t take yourself too seriously. Choose to remem-
ber your successes, and laugh at your failures. Give yourself
permission to try and to fail, knowing that both bring you a
little closer to success.
Give back. Do things that improve the lives of others. The
feelings you get from helping and sharing are your reward.
They bring more purpose and happiness into your life.
Count your blessings. Don’t take simple pleasures for
granted. Take time to acknowledge the small things that make
you smile each day. Don’t get so busy that you miss any oppor-
tunity to feel happy, positive, and grateful.
When you sit down to dinner this Thanksgiving holiday, take
a look at those around you and give thanks for the simple
pleasures, the people you love, and the awesome life that you
enjoy.
Being Grateful Makes You Happier
By Cheryl Grant
©Stockbyte | Stockbyte | Thinkstock
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 11
12 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
Photos:On the cover–David Mostafaloo, owner of Unique Oriental Rugs & More. Photo by Shane Greene.
Pictured, left–David with his lovely wife Azam. Photo by Shane Greene.
LIVNG
I cover story
Pleasures to Have... Treasures to Keep
Unique
Oriental Rugs & More by David
“The full nature of hand-knotted Ori-
ental rugs is fascinating and steeped in
history,” David Mostafaloo explained as
he walked me through his extraordinary
showroom. “Centuries-old traditions,
amazing artistic skills and incredible
patience go into hand weaving each rug;
many people don’t know this. Every
rug has its own history, whether it is a
newly woven area rug, or an immense
100-year-old antique carpet. When you
learn this background, you’ll appreci-
ate your rugs so much more. I consider
these rugs to be art.” The Unique Orien-
tal Rugs & More showroom on Hickory
Furniture Mart’s fourth floor is more
like an art gallery than a retail store.
With beautiful rugs lit like fine paintings
along the walls and neat piles of rugs
from across the Middle East waiting to
be viewed, the entire collection literally
glows with ageless beauty.
David Mostafaloo knows the stories
behind each rug he offers for sale. His
passion for these beautiful rugs is appar-
ent with every description he shares. “I
By Kristie Darling
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 13
love this type of artwork, and I understand the craftsmanship, time and
talent required,” David said. With over 16 years’ experience as an Oriental
rug merchant, David can tell at a glance if a rug is a good one, that is, one
that will become the perfect complement to someone’s home or office.
“Each hand-knotted rug’s creation can take just months, or in most cases,
several years,” David continued. “The artists and weavers must design the
pattern, determine all the colors to be used, and calculate the amount of
materials needed at the start. If they don’t do this beforehand, they might
not find the same wool dyed the perfect colors to continue if they run out
in the middle of their work several years later,” David explained. “There
might be dozens of people working on the fabrication of a large Oriental
rug, either in a family-run weaving business with looms in the household
or in a large manufacturing plant.” In either case, when David selects a
rug for his inventory, it is a personal selection based on his vast knowl-
edge and deep love of the rugs.
PASSIONATE CUSTOMER SERVICEDavid and his wife, Azam, met in their homeland, Iran. They’ve managed
Unique Oriental Rugs & More since its 2002 start in the Hickory Furni-
ture Mart. The store has grown from a humble 800 square feet displaying
just 49 rugs to over 10,000 square feet housing thousands of rugs today.
Every personal showing they have is focused on helping their custom-
ers fully understand the rugs they are viewing so that satisfaction and
complete happiness with their selections are ensured. “I search for these
rugs because I am passionate about them,” David said, “and when I can
instill that love and passion in a customer and suggest the perfect match
for their home and lifestyle, it makes my work worthwhile. We have
clients from all over the country, and each has their own unique desire for
Oriental carpets.”
Oriental or Persian rugs are most often made in Iran, Turkey, Pakistan,
India or China. David travels several times each year to purchase rugs for
his showroom or to find special selections to suit a particular location.
“We also have a number of expert carpet buyers in the Middle East who
suggest rugs for us.” David explained, “I can decorate an entire home or
business office with these incredible rugs. Customers typically bring in
floor plans, photos, fabric swatches and paint chips for me to base my
recommendations on. We work with every home style, and we partner
with many interior designers. The rugs become a stunning foundation
to the room, pulling all design elements together. They can be the focal
point and the finishing touch.” David offers personal in-home consulta-
tions, appraisals, repair and restoration, as well.
BEAUTY IS KEYThe rugs that David and Azam offer are either new, never been owned or
used before, typically made in India or Pakistan; semi-antique, less than
70-years-old; or antiques over 70-years-old, typically made in Iran or
Turkey. Each carpet’s city of origin and materials are noted, and David can
Above–Unique Oriental Rugs & More's show-room is located in the Hickory Furniture Mart. There you will find a large selection of antique rugs and Oriental rugs made of wool and/or silk to fit every style and budget. David will be more than happy to assist you and share the history behind each piece. Photos provided by Unique Oriental Rugs & More.
14 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
provide additional background to his
customers. He easily recounted histories
and explained design patterns for me
during my visit. “Currently, we have
a 130-year-old Persian Kerman, fully
restored carpet on display,” David said,
pointing it out to me. “These hand-knot-
ted rugs, with up to 1,000 tiny knots per
square inch, last a very long time.” This
beautiful rug took almost two years to
restore, and I was amazed at its bril-
liant colors and near-perfect condition.
David’s rugs are typically 100% wool
pile knotted or woven onto a cotton
warp, wool with silk, or all silk. New,
factory-made rugs are sometimes made
of viscose and wool. Over 40 colors
might be used in a rug’s intricate design.
David’s semi-antique and antique rugs
have all been professionally restored, a
process that can take up to five years to
complete, depending on the rug’s age,
condition, and size.
Fine rugs from Unique Oriental Rugs
& More can be purchased off the floor
or custom ordered to suit style, colors,
materials and dimensions. In addition
to hundreds of traditionally designed
new, semi-antique and antique rugs,
one-of-a-kind contemporary, abstract
and collectible designs can be seen. Sizes
range from 2’ by 3’ to 16’ by 30’. Round
and octagonal rugs and runners are also
on display. Antique rug sales comprise
about 30 to 40% of the business. Ac-
cessories such as fine unique furniture,
mirrors, lamps, and woven pillow covers
are also available.
FAMILY AND ARTDavid is a first generation rug dealer.
He emigrated to the United States in
1979 and has since become an American
citizen. During his first years here in
North Carolina, he traveled extensively,
fashioning his love of hand-made Orien-
tal rugs and fine art. “We moved to this
area 16 years ago and enjoy being here,”
Azam shared. “The beauty of this busi-
ness is what I love the most, the designs
and colors in each carpet–each pattern
Left–David at the showroom in the Hickory Furniture MartAbove–David working with interior designers Kristen Hart and Sally Bentley of Designing Women, Inc. to find the perfect rug.Below–You must stop by the showroom to see these wooden works of art created by Master Artist Daryoush Ababaf. The wood is inlaid and carved.
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 15
and color has meaning, each image has a story.” The couple remodeled
their lovely lakefront home, turning it into a Mediterranean-style show-
case of very special rugs, of course, as well as their extensive art collec-
tion. “We particularly like several Persian artists, and we have their work
for sale in the showroom, as well as some pieces we love at home,” Azam
told me. Intricate inlaid, carved wood artwork by Master Artist Dary-
oush Ababaf is offered in the showroom. I have never seen such amazing
woodwork as his.
David and Azam have two children: their daughter, Somayra, has an MBA
in Business and son, Saman, plans to join and expand his parents’ busi-
ness when he finishes at UNC-Charlotte.
VISION AND UNDERSTANDINGIf you have not been in the showroom, I recommend you visit whether
you are shopping for rugs or not. Unique Oriental Rugs & More is like an
art gallery filled with beautiful treasures. If you are in search of the perfect
rug for your new home, office or as a new element in your remodeling,
please meet David and enjoy his unique collection. You will learn much
about the heritage and art of Oriental rugs, and David can help you select
one to suit your taste and budget. It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Unique Oriental Rugs & MoreHickory Furniture Mart - Level 4, Suite 450 • Hickory
800-801-RUGS • 828-267-0808www.uniqueorientalrugs.net
Photo:Below–David explains the history of this one-of-a-kind Masterpiece Persian Qum rug. It was designed and woven by one master weaver and took five years to make.
Unique Rugs
Art
Furniture
Accessories
16 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
They say November and Thanksgiving are the most heavily traveled seasons of the year. I try to make it back home during this time of the year to renew old friendships and catch up on the happenings of my hometown. I always try to attend the church that I grew up within, for it gives me a sense of comfort and is a great resource of the current happenings.
The past couple of years have been a big transition for the church. The for-mer pastor of 20 years retired. Mem-bership has been in decline. Giving has dropped and the church has been forced to reexamine finances. All of this in a period of great community need. So the search committee decided to look within the community for a new pastor.
My childhood friend Randy was selected as the most likely candidate. Even in high school, he felt religion to be his true calling. Randy was ordained but had never been a full time clergy-man. As fate would have it, Randy had been recently laid off from his job of 25 years. So this was a wonderful opportunity. Randy had picked up the phrase, “As one door closes, another door opens.”
Randy’s selection was not without controversy. He was well thought of in the community, and the background checks came back with no issues. I am
sure he came at a bargain price for the church. Since he already lived in the community, the church could rent the former pastor’s residence to help shore up its finances.
All the familiar denominations were represented in town. There were Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Catholic churches. There was a Jewish synagogue. But this was a town where people did not move from church to church. Randy’s controversy had begun with hushed rumors. As with many very tight organizations, everyone knows someone who knows someone. Sometimes there is an element of truth in a rumor. But, just like chemistry, ele-ments are very small particles.
I first heard Randy’s rumor at the picnic after the Sunday service. I guess some folks felt they could confide in me be-cause they knew me, but I was no lon-ger a resident of the town. Many knew that Randy and I had been friends in high school, played on the same teams, and even dated some of the same girls. I got the feeling I was being probed for information. Randy’s rumor involved a supposed drinking problem.
As the picnic began to wind down and the congregation began to say their goodbyes, I had some personal time to talk with Randy. We laughed about our days in high school. We talked about whatever happened to Mike, Joyce,
Sally, and Keith. I asked Randy how his new responsibilities were going?
Randy began to open up. He said, all in all, it had been an easy transition. He knew most of the congregation and could recite their lineage. But he was having a bit of trouble overcoming a ru-mor. Oh, I said, playing dumb. Yes, one of the former elders of the church had started a rumor that Randy had a drink-ing problem. He said Irene had wanted her son-in-law to become the new pas-tor and was upset with his appointment. Randy said this rumor was far from the truth. He went on to explain how his income had dropped, but his family’s bills still need to be paid. He understood the finances of the church.
Randy said the rumor had started because Irene and some of her friends had seen his truck parked outside a local bar several nights during the previous week. I asked what Randy was doing at the bar? He told me he had taken a part time job as a backup guitarist to supplement his income. I asked him if he worried about his church position? He said no. He had explained the situation to the current elders, and they understood. But how was he going to stop the rumor? Randy said not to worry…I’ve started parking my truck in front of Irene’s house over night.
I can’t wait for the next picnic.
Bold New Rumors
By James D. Williams
A Time of Thanks, Renewal of Friendships, and
©Jochen Sand | Photodisc | Thinkstock
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 17
18 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
Can you recall a time you’ve been
shopping and struggling to determine
if an item will fit in your home, based
on a small color swatch and written
measurements? There is nothing more
frustrating than getting home and dis-
covering a color isn’t quite right or the
size is slightly off when you install.
Budget Blinds of Statesville and
Hickory takes the guesswork out of
the equation by bringing their mobile
showroom of custom window cover-
ings to your home with a free, in-home
consultation. “We let you shop for your
home in your home,” owner of Budget
Blinds of Statesville & Hickory, Cori
Article by Meredith CollinsPhotos provided by Cori Peters
Photos: Above–Scott and Cori Peters, owners of the Budget Blinds franchise serving Hickory and Statesville, shown with their daughter Jordon.
Left–Cori helps a customer choose the right window coverings, while Scott mea-sures the windows for a custom fit.
Window Covering Solutions
Peters said. “We show samples, recom-
mend solutions, measure windows and
give you a price right in your home.
There are many things about window
coverings, such as the way the sunlight
hits at different times of the day, that
you can’t tell when you are standing in
a store.”
Cori and her husband, Scott, opened
their Budget Blinds franchise in April
2013. They are a full-service solution
for custom window coverings for both
residential and commercial needs.
Their products include shutters, blinds,
shades, drapes and curtains, cornices,
valances, woven woods, window film,
and exterior solar screens. They profes-
sionally measure and install all prod-
ucts.
The Peters have found the franchise’s
business model to be helpful both to
them and their customers. “The biggest
benefit about being a franchise is that
there is an entire network of support
at your fingertips,” Cori said. “All my
suppliers are simply a phone call away
to help with unique solutions. Also,
being the largest franchise in custom
window coverings allows Budget Blinds
to offer a huge selection from the larg-
est manufacturers at great prices. We
have incredible buying power which
enables us to share that value with
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 19
www.budgetblinds.com/[email protected]
704-872-6611
Photo: Above, Scott installs a customer's window treatments.
our customers. Because we are a mobile showroom, we also
have very low overhead which means greater savings for our
customers.”
They also offer special warranties. “We have a five-year, no
questions asked warranty on many of our products,” Cori
explained. “This means if your window treatments are dam-
aged in any way, we will replace each window, one time, for
free within five years. So, if the dog chews them or your kids
break them, no worries, we have a warranty for that.”
Many customers they meet with need window coverings
for rooms they are not able to use because of sunlight. They
recently installed cellular shades in a sunroom that had not
been used for ten years! “This is a convenient service that not
only adds beauty to any home or office, but also provides
functional solutions such as privacy, child safety, and energy
efficiency,” Cori said. “We are happy to bring this service to
our area.”
There are simple solutions for your window covering needs,
and Budget Blinds can help you find the perfect option for
your home, in your home.
20 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 21
22 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 23
Holiday-Flavored Whipped Cream Try these flavored whipped creams using McCormick extract and spices.
For each recipe start with one cup of heavy cream, add the remaining ingre-dients, and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Vanilla: Add 1/4 cup con-fectioners’ sugar and 1 tea-spoon pure vanilla extract
Candy Cane: Add 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1/2
teaspoon pure vanilla ex-tract and 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Cocoa Cinnamon: Add 2 teaspoons unsweetened co-coa powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla ex-tract
Eggnog: Add 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 tea-spoon ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon imitation rum extract
Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie 1 refrigerated pie crust, (from 14.1-ounce package)1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips3 tablespoons milk4 eggs3 tablespoons butter, melted2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract1 cup dark corn syrup1 cup sugar½ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground allspice¼ teaspoon salt1 ½ cups pecan halves
Directions:Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 9-inch deep dish pie plate with pie crust. Bake 7 min-utes. Remove crust from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
Meanwhile, microwave chocolate chips and milk in medium microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour chocolate evenly over crust.
Beat eggs in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Slowly pour mixture over chocolate layer. Place ring of foil around edges of crust to prevent over-browning.
Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until filling is puffed and center is still soft enough to move when shaken gently. Cool com-pletely on wire rack.
What's Cooking?!Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie
Recipe and photo courtesy of McCormick.
For more holiday-inspired recipes, visit www.McCormick.com
24 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
If you haven’t experienced the first chilly nights of late fall and early win-ter, you soon will. That means getting ready for those cold winter nights and making sure you and your family stay warm and safe all winter long. It’s time to make certain your furnace is ready.
Your family’s warmth is important, but so is their health and safety. Follow these tips to ensure everyone in your household stays safe and well in the cold months ahead.
•Ifyouhaveagasfurnace,you’llwantto be sure there’s no risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. The heat ex-changer, the part of the system that's responsible for supplying your home with warm air, expands and contracts as it heats. Over time, this element can become damaged or cracked, releasing a poisonous, tasteless, odorless gas into your home that can cause extreme illness and even death. Have your furnace cleaned and inspected every year, especially if it’s an older model. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in earshot
of each bedroom and have working batteries.
•Tokeeptoomuchdustfromcircu-lating through your vents, replace your furnace filter, which is usually found just inside the front cover of the furnace. A clean filter is an easy, affordable way to keep your furnace running more efficiently.
•Weallhaveclutterinourbasements,so remove all flammable objects from around your furnace and water heat-er. Boxes, clothes, paints, aerosols, gasoline, motorized yard tools, and other flammable products should be moved as far away from the furnace as possible.
•Astemptingasitistokeepyourfurnace turned off to save money on your energy bill, using space heaters can be a dangerous mistake. Accord-ing to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year some 25,000 house fires are linked to these heaters. Placing them too close to clothing, mattresses or bedding,
and curtains can cause a fire in an instant. If you decide to use them, never allow children nearby, and turn them off when you leave. Also, look for space heaters that have an automatic safety shutoff, so they turn off automatically if they tip over or something falls on top of them.
A qualified, NATE-trained heating and cooling company will be able to give your home’s heating system a thorough system check-up and safety inspection. But before you invite a heating and cooling company into your home, ask if they have received the Technician Seal of Safety. This seal requires that each of their technicians is drug tested and has passed a back-ground check, ensuring that all of your belongings, and most importantly your family, will be safe in their presence.
About the Author
Matthew Stewart is the
owner of 72 Degrees Air
Conditioning & Heating.
72degreesofhickory.com
828-449-8256
Staying Warm and Safe
This WinterBy Matthew Stewart
©Goodshot | Goodshot | Thinkstock
HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 25
26 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013
Holiday Shopping
November ushers in the Christ-
mas shopping season, and ev-
eryone will be looking for the
perfect gift for family and friends on
their list. You need a plan. Only after
considering the recipient’s personal-
ity, style, interests, needs, and your
budget, are you ready for the quest to
find a gift that will bring them joy and
much use.
So many of us get distracted while
shopping for others by things we want
and like. I usually make it home with
a few gifts, five impromptu purchases
for myself, AND a blown budget! Not
what I intended to do. The solution is
simple: stick to a list of what you plan
to purchase and your price range. If
you find something you really like for
yourself, take a photo that includes
the tags. Someone may need a hint
or two from your Christmas wish list;
however, be sensitive to their budget
before making a suggestion.
My husband is a professional mu-
sician. Friends ask what’s a good
musical gift they can buy him that he
doesn’t already have. I usually laugh
and respond with, “If he doesn’t have
it, you and I can’t afford it!” People
with a hobby or professional inter-
est almost always have a very specific
wish list. They have already researched
their next purchases. Chances are they
can give you a list of desired items
they want, the best place to shop, the
name brand and model number they
prefer. If the items are over your bud-
get, consider purchasing a gift card from
the store they refer you to.
Personally, I would rather give gifts that
need to be wrapped, or should I say,
unwrapped. I love seeing the wrapping
paper come off and the anticipation on
the recipient’s face. However, sometimes
a gift card is a better choice. For in-
stance, rather than buying clothing, a gift
card from a favorite boutique allows the
recipient to purchase something that fits.
Gift certificates to spas are another great
choice. You can’t wrap a service! And
gift cards to a favorite restaurant make
wonderful gifts for couples.
Buying Local Versus OnlineSome items are fine to buy online, while
others are not. For example, textiles
and other merchandise where the feel,
weight, or texture are important are
better purchased from a store. Clothing
and bedding are good examples. Even
though you may be familiar with the
fabric content of an item, the weight and
texture may not be to your liking, or the
color, for that matter. Variables from how
the camera captures the color to how
your monitor interprets it can make a
huge difference in what you see on the
screen to what you receive in the mail.
Electronics are good items to buy online
if you know what you are looking for.
Many people do their research and make
their selection locally, and then complete
their purchase online to save a little
money. I think it is worth a few extra
dollars to support your local merchants;
I may need their help next season. On-
line purchases are perfect when you can't
find items locally. Make sure to read the
return policy and consider how much
trouble it would be for you or your re-
cipient to return the gift, if needed.
I hope you find all the items on your list
this season and enjoy wrapping them up
in pretty packages! Happy shopping!!
By Kathy Wheeler
©GalaxyPhoto | iStock | Thinkstock
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The Service League of Hickory will host
their 8th annual Kitchens & More Tour
on Saturday, November 16th. A special
treat is in store for ticket holders this
year. The League will be hosting a tea
room at the historic Councill House
located on the corner of Highway 127
North and 3rd Avenue Northeast. Plan
to enjoy the welcoming ambience of the
house and some pleasurable moments
with family and friends, while visiting
over a cup of tea and assorted sweet
and savory bites. The tea room will be
open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
In addition, there are four other lovely
homes on the Tour, from a historic
home to one that is brand new, and a
couple in-between! All are located in
the northwest section of Hickory. Each
home will feature live musical enter-
tainment and delicious tastings from
local restaurants and caterers. The Tour
homes will be open from 10 a.m. until
5 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased
at all Lowes Food stores, Bumblebee
Interiors, Jenny’s Gifts and Accessories,
and the Service League Thrift Shop.
Tickets can also be purchased on No-
vember 16 at any home on the tour.
The Service League of Hickory will also
host its annual Holiday Bake Sale at the
League House from 10 a.m. until
1 p.m. No ticket is required to visit the
League House and to purchase incred-
ible homemade goodies just in time for
Thanksgiving entertaining! The 75th an-
niversary edition of the League’s famous
cookbook, Market to Market, will be
available for $25 at each home. This out-
standing cookbook makes a wonderful
gift for Christmas and holiday giving.
Proceeds from the Tour will go to the
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metro-
lina’s Backpack Program and the Service
League of Hickory’s Scholarship Fund.
Additional information on the Service
League of Hickory and their 2013
Kitchens & More Tour, including a
tour map, can be found on the League's
website at: serviceleaguehickory.org
The Service League of Hickory is
located at 506 Third Avenue North-
west, Hickory.
2013
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