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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013 1

Living the Good Life

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Pleasures to Have... Treasures to Keep

Unique

Oriental Rugs & More by David

2 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2013

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


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.


Find Hickory Living Magazine on Facebook.http://twitter.com/HickoryLiving


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


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


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


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.


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.


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


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


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


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.


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


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


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


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

Hickorylivingnov13web

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