Home Living Indoor + Outdoor November 2020

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November 2020

HOMELIVING Harvest Home Indoor + Outdoor

HOMEGROWN MINIMALIST HOUSEPLANTS

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holiday décor

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HOMELIVING from the editor

Greetings HOME Readers,

As I write this, the fall leaves are at peak perfection. Oh, how I love this season. And while I don’t like the cold weather, I do like all that comes with it: Thanksgiving and time with family, roaring fires in the fireplace, and holiday decorating and shopping. Things will likely look a bit different this year as COVID-19 cases continue to climb and large Amber Bouthot gatherings are discouraged. We hope that you stay safe this holiday season and find creative ways to connect with family and friends.

In this issue, we have lots of ideas to help you embrace the season from DIY holiday garland and outdoor holiday cheer to minimalist holiday décor and ideas for homemade gifts. We also have an impressive Reader DIY feature. Don’t forget, we are always looking for projects to feature, so if you have done something you are proud of, whether big or small, email me at ambouthot@the-papers.com.

Indoor & Outdoor

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial and Advertising, Ext. 2491 homeindooroutdoorliving.com PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com PUBLICATION MANAGER and EXECUTIVE EDITOR Amber Bouthot ambouthot@the-papers.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rebecca Boone rboone@the-papers.com BUSINESS MANAGER Carrie Goralczyk cgoralczyk@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mary Lester mlester@the-papers.com

contents trends ~

trends..................................... 4 minimalist holiday décor HOME room.......................... 6 half baths

features ~

main feature......................... 8

homegrown holiday

how to................................. 10

DIY holiday garland

well being............................. 11

at

managing holiday stress in 2020

HOME ~

plant this.............................. 12

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Trina Hoy thoy@the-papers.com

November 2020

Vol. 12 No. 7

community ~

company spotlight............. 15

Momper Insulation

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Joe Hoyt jhoyt@the-papers.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ray Balogh, Bethany Beebe, Mary Jane Bogle, Lauren Caggiano, Jaclyn Youhana Garver, Haiden Hibbert, Barb Sieminski, Julie Young

event calendar.................. 16

essentials ~

I am HOME.......................... 18

Jim Brubaker

Home Living Indoor + Outdoor is a news magazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. Home Living does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Home Living or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

Home Living reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Home Living has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. Home Living makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Copyright © Home Living Indoor + Outdoor All rights reserved, 2020

house plants 4-1-1

a division of

landscape.......................... 13

deck the yard

Milford, Indiana

reader DIY........................... 14

Little Free Library

the-papers.com Cover photo shutterstock.com

November 2020 | Home Living 3

what’s trending | trends

Minimalist Holiday Décor

By Amber Bouthot

It’s easy to go overboard during the holidays, from presents and entertaining to fashion choices and decorating. But 2020 has seen a surge in the minimalist living movement — a movement that is all about living with less. This includes fewer financial burdens and getting rid of excess stuff. So how does that translate to holiday décor?

Here are some tips and tricks — and photo inspiration, of course.

Select fewer, larger pieces

Larger pieces make a big visual impact without all the clutter.

For example, ditch the gallery wall and choose one large piece of holiday artwork. Instead of a bunch of tiny candles and objects adorning the fireplace mantle, opt for a simple evergreen garland and one main decorative focal piece on top.

Focus on seasons, not holidays

To simplify your decorating, focus on the season rather than individual holidays. For fall, decorate with pumpkin and leaf décor that isn’t Halloween or Thanksgiving specific. For winter, stick with snow, stars and neutral white twinkle lights.

4 Home Living | November 2020

Don’t waste time with anything you don’t love

Choose zones to decorate

This is central to the minimalist mindset. If you don’t love it, don’t bother. Making sure you decorate with only those pieces you love, will help you keep things simple and make you look forward to decorating and seeing those favorites again.

Instead of transforming every indoor and outdoor space, pick and choose a few to decorate for each season. For example, you may swap out your dining room table runner for each season, as well as a festive centerpiece. In the living room, make the fireplace the focal point. Other high-impact zones are the front door, an entry hallway, and a main floor half bath. Choose the most visible areas of your home and decorate those for the most impact.

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what’s trending | HOME room

Half Baths

By Lauren Caggiano

Half baths are the new “it” feature this year, it seems. It makes sense when you consider many of us have been sheltering in place at home for weeks or even months. A house is certainly more than four walls — it’s a place in which to find comfort and even convenience.

“Oftentimes a home’s value jumps considerably when adding a half bath.”

Kevin Hunter, with Windows Doors & More speaks to this trend.

“We’re seeing creativity by homeowners to create an additional half bath,” he said.

“We’re seeing space taken anywhere from closets and pantries to dining rooms and kitchens, to create the space. Homeowners do not want their guests having to go upstairs to use the restroom when they have only one bathroom currently.”

In other words, it’s all about practicality.

But as Hunter suggests, these spaces don’t have to be boring or drab. On the contrary, there’s a lot you can do to liven it up.

In his words, “homeowners want (half baths) with bright lighting and pastel paint colors. Vinyl planking and ceramic tile leads the way flooring wise.”

Anita Martin with Country Mill Cabinet Company echoes Hunter’s comments, saying you can do a lot, even when square footage is at a premium.

“A feature/focal wall behind the sink vanity is a great place to make a statement,” she said. “Try a new wallpaper or fun tile floor to ceiling. Don’t forget the mirror — select one that’s fun and different but keeping with the style you’re going for. Make the vanity interesting by creating a furniture look with either traditional Queen Anne style legs or a straight modern leg. A wall-to-wall floating vanity also helps the space feel more open.”

6 Home Living | November 2020

One thing to keep in mind: Metal is sleek and great for bathroom hardware, but don’t get too carried away. All brass can overwhelm a bathroom and is a trend that may date your bathroom. However, pulling in other finishes will make it more likely to stand the test of time.

Beyond the aesthetic, Hunter advises homeowners to be realistic in their expectations for this project. If you’re thinking this can be a weekend endeavor, think again.

“These are not one-day projects,” he said.

“A small space takes nearly as long as a large room due to all the different trades that are involved in making the space successful.

The home will be disrupted for 3 to 4 weeks

while all the different pieces of the project are completed.”

Still, all that dust might be worth it in the end, especially if you plan to put the house on the market in the near future.

“Oftentimes a home’s value jumps considerably when adding a half bath,” he said.

Resources: Country Mill Cabinet Company, Laotto, 260.693.9289, countrymillcabinets.com Windows Doors & More, Fort Wayne, 260.399.6037, wdmfactorystore.com

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November 2020 | Home Living 7

features | main feature

Homegrown Holiday

By Mary Jane Bogle

With all the lights, treats and traditions, it’s no wonder Americans love the holiday season.

Some of us even celebrate with parties and gift-giving all month long. But those festivities come with an expensive price tag — to the tune of over one trillion dollars. That’s what Americans spent on holiday gift giving last year alone. (That’s trillion — with a “t.”)

This year, more than ever, it might be time to reign in the spending while still making the holidays special for friends and family. Homemade gifts are just the way to do it. A quick Internet search yields literally thousands of ideas. Here are some top picks to get you started.

Tips for Treats – If you love to bake, some homemade goodness can be the perfect pleaser for hostesses and friends alike. Cookies are always a great option, but you might want to branch out this year and tackle a new recipe for toffee, caramels or even gingerbread fudge.

Bath & Body – Bring the spa treatment home with a wide variety of bath bombs, fizzies, salts and scrubs. These homemade products typically take less than 10 minutes to assemble, and you can make most of them with products readily available at your local grocery store. Pick up some cast-off china at your local thrift store to make teacup candles, and you have everything you need to pamper all the people on your gift-giving list this year.

Wood Works – If you’re handy with tools, consider blessing friends and family with homemade wood products, such as a wooden iPad stand for your favorite chef, custom photo frames for the grandparents, or even a clothespin kettle trivet for the tea drinker in your life.

Sew-Sew – You don’t have to be an accomplished seamstress to pull off some of these unique, handsewn gifts. A needle and some thread, along with fabric scraps, are all you need to make beautiful, scented hand warmers. Those with a sewing machine might want to tackle a zippered earbud pouch, iPhone wallet or luggage tags and key fobs. You might even consider transforming an old sheet into a simple, kimono-style robe.

Canned Cuteness – Think Mason jars are just for canning? Think again. Fill one up with everything your friend needs to make quick breads, brownies or cookies, minus the liquid ingredients, of course! Or you can always pour some homemade hot cocoa mix into pint-sized jars for an extra treat on Christmas morning.

Add in some homemade marshmallows, mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint for an extra special touch.

8 Home Living | November 2020

Some Assembly Required – Not a pro in the kitchen? No problem. Consider putting together a baking set for your favorite chef instead. Grab a vintage tin or woven basket and fill it with a variety of baking tools. Look for unique cookie cutters and holiday sprinkles, spatulas and wooden spoons, or even a new apron or hot pads. You might just get some cookies in return!

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November 2020 | Home Living 9

features | how to

Yarn

DIY Holiday Garland

All you need is some super soft chunky yarn and you can easily make this colorful garland. The only other supplies you will need are twine and scissors.

By Amber Bouthot

Tis the season to deck the halls, so why not get the whole family involved and make your own garland? From paper feathers to pine cones and popcorn, there’s a little something for everyone this holiday season.

Felt Balls You can find felt balls in all shapes, sizes and colors at your local craft or hobby store. Choose what suits your décor best and get to work.

Twine works great for the base, or you can use yarn or other heavy fabric string.

Mini Presents

Using empty raisin or mini cereal boxes, you can create a colorful and playful holiday focal point. Choose colorful tissue paper and wrap each box then string them up with twine.

Feathers

No matter the season, you can find bright and colorful feathers to match your décor. This one is perfect for the season through Thanksgiving. For Christmas and winter, opt for some soft blues and white.

Mini Pinecones Grab some mini pinecones, twine, super glue and scissors and you are ready to go to create this simple, yet beautiful holiday garland. Add some cute puff balls for some extra holiday cheer.

We’d love to see your creations. Email your pictures to Amber at ambouthot@the-papers.com.

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well being | features

Managing holiday stress in 2020

By Jaclyn Youhana Garver

Let’s play a word association game. I say holiday you say … Gifts? Cookies?

Family? What about … Stress?

Holiday stressors are so prevalent, the American Psychological Association has a dedicated Holiday Stress Resource Center. And that’s just during a typical year. In 2020? Woo boy.

For tips to manage stress this year — which, admittedly, may be more elevated than in previous years — we spoke to Christie Browning, the head and founder of reVision Motivational Company, which includes one-on-one coaching and helps clients focus on goal-setting and being intentional with their actions and time. One topic that comes up often? Stress.

Browning shares her tips to de-escalate this year’s holiday stress.

The big takeaway? It’s all about managing expectations.

Have a family conversation Too often, people can get stressed about the holidays before anything even goes wrong.

“I think people get really out-of-whack with their expectations with what the holidays are going to be,” Browning said. “The mom who dresses her kids to look perfectly and yells and screams not to get dirty, and as soon as everyone walks in the door, expects a Norman Rockwell (setting). It’s unrealistic.”

To curb that issue, have a talk with your immediate family and figure out what everyone wants the holiday to look like.

And then, talk about it with extended family members.

“The last thing you want is to show up for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner and find out you should have done this or done that, and you’re feeling mad,” Browning said. “So find out ahead of time: Do I need to wear a mask? Do I need to bring my own plates and silverware?”

Christie Browning

Similarly, is everyone comfortable eating the same food? If so, great.

If not, great. Maybe each family can bring food for their own families.

The important thing to remember is to be sensitive: Others may not feel the same way you do.

“Let’s not make this a brawl, but (figure out) how we can still enjoy the meaning of the whole get-together in the first place,” she said.

Set gift expectations Many people are still reeling from the hit taken by the economy this year. The pandemic resulted in a major financial impact on so many, which adds extra stress around a holiday centered on gift-giving.

That means, planning and budgeting is even more important this year than before. Know the answers to questions like Who do we buy for? and How much are we willing to spend?

“If the family says, ‘We want to buy for nieces and cousins and cats and dogs,’ and you’re not able, you need to be OK to say, ‘We’re not OK with that. That’s not in our budget. Don’t feel like you have to do that for us,’” Browning said.

Define your holiday vibes As much as retailers want buyers to think gifts are necessary for holiday vibes, they’re not.

So figure out: What really creates a happy holiday? Is it presents?

Food?

“No,” Browning said. “It’s heart and our relationships.”

Resources: reVision Motivational Company, Columbia City, 260.255.4694, christiebrowning.com

November 2020 | Home Living 11

at HOME | plant this

House Plants

4-1-1

Purdue Extension’s Rosie Lerner and Brian Young of Young’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop offer some advice for where to start.

“Keep in mind,” Lerner wrote, “that sound cultural methods, preventive care, knowing your plant’s requirements and careful attention are the best substitutes for a green thumb.”

Young encouraged us to dive right in. “The best way to learn is to do it,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to try it.”

While the individual plant and its variety should be considered, the most common light source for house plants is natural light, coming through a window. Should your verdant friend become spindly or grow yellow leaves, it likely needs more light. One warm and one cool fluorescent bulb, 10 to 14 inches above the plant, could remedy the issue, or even a standard reading lamp may help. Whatever the source, rotating the plant once a week will prevent lopsided growth toward the source of light.

The source of the humidity enjoyed by our likely tropical growers is not at issue, but the presence of that moisture in the air is. Lerner wrote that “many modern heating systems have built-in humidifiers.”

Non-mechanical options do exist, though. One could try putting plants together in a terrarium or adding water to a gravel-filled tray (not permitting the pot to enter standing water), placing potted specimens on the stones to bask in the evaporation. While it may be tempting to simply apply water to the leaves, the act is described as futile by Extension.

Your concerns about the proper amount of water to give your friend can evaporate with a few simple guidelines to keep in mind. Giving both too much and too little water can result in leaf drop or yellowing.

Young offered an easy trick to determine if your plant needs to be watered: “Stick your finger into the soil to the first knuckle. If the soil is moist, there’s no need to water. If it is dry, it’s time to give your plant a drink.”

This leads to his next bit of advice: “Make sure the pots you choose have proper drainage, which is key to keep your plants healthy,” he said.

12 Home Living | November 2020

By Bethany Beebe

This month reminds us to be thankful. For many, family, health or dinner on the table come to mind first. As the days get shorter and chillier, though, many find themselves thankful for houseplants, giving a shot of green to the days that long ago saw the first frost.

With a few basics in mind, just about anyone can enjoy this simple pleasure.

Lerner added, “When a few drops begin to flow from the necessary drain hole in the bottom of the pot, stop for a quick break to allow the soil to soak up the liquid and repeat. Water should not pool for more than a few seconds at the top of the pot; mix sand or perlite in the soil for better drainage if this occurs.”

Plants can be watered through placement directly in water but should never be allowed to soak for extended periods of time and should be given their moisture from the top-down at least once a month to prevent salts or minerals from forming deposits.

“I like to put my plants in the shower and let them enjoy the flowing water,” Young said. “This is also a good way to keep them from gathering dust.”

For more information, see Purdue Extension’s HO-39-W or the many other Extension-prepared resources.

According to Brian Young, co-owner of Young’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop, these are some houseplants for novices because they are hardy and require medium natural light.

• Peace Lily • Snake Plant • Rubber Trees

Resources: Purdue Extension- Allen County, Fort Wayne, 260.481.6826, extension.purdue.edu Young’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop, Fort Wayne, 260.245.0012, youngsgreenhouseandflowers.com

landscape | at HOME

Deck the yard Top landscape looks for the holiday season

By Julie Young

You don’t have to have the most elaborate light show to have the best-dressed house on the block this holiday season. From landscape to lighting ideas, understated to over-the-top, we have the top tips to help homeowners outfit their exteriors with plenty of holiday cheer.

Keep it simple.

Jim Brubaker, owner of Jim Brubaker Designs, Inc., says when creating your home’s outdoor holiday look, it is important to have a theme, a color scheme and not to overdo it.

“That’s the worst,” he said. “I always say do it well, do it right, and a little is better than too much.”

Brubaker encourages customers to incorporate fresh greens and simple lighting into an elegant and understated look. A potted tree with metallic ornaments, a great wreath and a festive doormat will welcome your guests warmly. An old sleigh or wooden skis can add to the holiday ambiance and can remain in place all winter long.

Dynamic daytime décor While twinkling lights are always the stars of the exterior holiday show, don’t forget that your property can (and should) look dynamic during the daytime, as well. Wrap your porch columns, gate and mailbox posts with evergreen garland and add colorful ribbon and ornaments to help them stand out. Bring wrapped “presents” (read: empty shoe boxes) and fit them with mini lights so that they will draw attention no matter what time of day.

Don’t forget to give some love to the back yard, too. Inexpensive red/ green flannel shirts can transform your outdoor summer pillows and bring a holiday feel to your outdoor living spaces. Staggered lanterns and plenty of pinecones will also add to the atmosphere.

Light up the night When it comes to lights, Brubaker said it is important to have an artistic vision and look to help your home stand out from the rest.

While some homeowners combine the look of a winter wonderland with something more sacred, he says a large nativity scene with a single spotlight may be more dramatic and powerful than a more elaborately decorated yard.

“The displays you tend to remember are the ones that are done well and with so many colors of lights, you really can choose a few and create something truly spectacular,” he said. “My company helps people with both interior and exterior décor, and my customers tend to be traditionalists so they typically like to use red, green and white lights in their holiday displays.”

Brubaker says traditional doesn’t mean plain. Homeowners might choose to outline their house in colored lights while accenting their bare trees in white. They may incorporate one color in their spruces and choose another for their evergreens.

“When you only have four to five weeks in which to enjoy your holiday décor, it’s no wonder that they want to get them up right after Thanksgiving so that they can get the most out of them,” he said.

“We’re here to help anyway that we can.”

Resources: Jim Brubaker Designs, Fort Wayne, 260.436.3639, jimbrubakerdesigns.com

November 2020 | Home Living 13

at HOME | reader diy

By Amber Bouthot

y r a r b i L e e r Little F

Every month, we highlight Reader DIY Projects. We want to see your projects and share them within the pages of our magazine. It can be something as simple as a craft project or as large as a home addition. If you did it yourself, it can be featured. Email Amber at ambouthot@the-papers.com.

This month’s Reader DIY project comes Katherine Woo who built a Little Free Library for her neighborhood.

What was your inspiration for the project?

I was inspired to create a Little Free Library because I am a massive book lover, and I wanted to help cultivate a love for reading in my community, as well as provide access to free books during these crazy times.

How long did it take from start to finish?

It took me 3 weeks to complete.

Was it easier or harder than you anticipated?

It was pretty much exactly what I anticipated since I’ve made a lot of things and know what to expect as far as time and labor.

What was the total cost of the project? $400 (eeks!)

What did you like best about the undertaking?

It’s always magical when you envision something and bring it to life. And even more so when it turns out better than what was in your head. I love the creative process and the problem solving that goes into making something. Conquering building the roof perfectly and also coming up with the idea to use paint sticks as the shingles was the best part of the process

What was the most challenging aspect?

The most challenging aspect was building the roof. It was the only part of it I actually had to build. I eventually figured it out with the help of instructional resources that the Little Free Library website provides and by reading how other stewards have made theirs on the LFL Facebook group.

Where did you source the materials?

I bought the cabinet from someone on Letgo, the building supplies from Home Depot, the magnetic door latches and motion sensor lights on Amazon, the wood butterfly from a seller on Etsy, the butterfly wallpaper from Hollander’s which is a cute paper store in Michigan, and some supplies from Michaels.

14 Home Living | November 2020

company spotlight | community

Momper Insulation Matt Momper

By Haiden Hibbert

Matt Momper didn’t always want to take over the family business that his mother and father started — but when he realized it would be the vehicle to achieving his goals and giving back to the community, he’s been all in ever since.

Now owner and CEO of Momper Insulation, Matt serves as a leader, visionary and mentor to his staff, many of whom have been with the company their entire careers.

It’s a “family business” in every sense of the word — from taking care of employees financially to investing in their personal lives and developing their character. Matt’s hope is for Momper Insulation to be more than just a job for his staff, but a place to grow into a better person, as well.

“We’re trying to grow our people,” Matt stated. “It’s not just a job at Momper Insulation. We’re going to serve a need for our community. Whether it’s installing insulation or being a good person to the young man who works side by side with you to make him understand how to be a father. My big goal is to elevate our workforce to make sure they’re earning enough money — that this is more than a job.”

Under Matt’s leadership, Momper Insulation has been able to continue offering a pension plan to employees, as well as enough work to keep team members employed throughout economic hardship.

In fact, Momper Insulation has had only one layoff in its 64 years of business.

He continued, “My door is open every morning until the time I leave, and any employee can come and see me. Whether it’s a work-related question or a personal issue, I’m there to help and guide them to get help.”

Matt highlighted one of Momper Installation’s major players, Gary, who has been a pivotal part of the company’s growth.

Gary is the company’s Vice President of Sales and oversees other divisions within the business, cross trains employees, and works with all of the salesmen. He’s been around for more than 20 years and serves as a

prime example of a fruitful career at Momper Insulation.

“Gary is 100% reliable,” Matt said about his teammate. “He is detailed and is nearly perfect on paperwork, bids and handling issues. I can count on him when I’m on vacation to lead the ship. He wears many hats.”

In addition to investing in his employees, Matt also spoke about his passion for helping the community.

“We are really big on giving back to the community. It has done so much for us, so when the opportunity comes to give back,

we usually do a big annual project for free,” he stated. “We also have NeighborLink, a service where people call in and need a favor.

With our various divisions and skill sets, they will send us a list of tasks each month that need done. Our guys understand these are people that need help, and at the end of the day, our crew will stop by and take care of the need.”

Momper Insulation Fort Wayne, 260.432.7543, momper.com

November 2020 | Home Living 15

community | events Honeywell Center • No events scheduled for November All shows add $21.19 for optional dinner at Eugenia’s Restaurant, served 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Ford Theater, 275 E. Market St., Wabash.

260.563.1102, honeywellcenter.org.

Shipshewana Blue Gate Theatre

By Ray Balogh

Botanical Conservatory •S unday, Nov. 1, “Present Tense, Future Calm” garden exhibit (through Nov. 14), regular admission • Thursday, Nov. 5, Flowers of Fall educational activity, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., $1 • Tuesday, Nov. 10, Garden Preschool, Winter Sowing, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., $6/child • Thursday, Nov. 12, Wellness Rock Painting for World Kindness Day, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., $12 • Saturday, Nov. 21, 1st Garden Glimpse, Showcase Exhibit Opening Day, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 21, “Oh? Christmas Tree!” holiday exhibit (through Jan. 3, 2021), regular admission Adults $5, children (3-17) $3, children (2 and under) free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; noon-4 p.m.

Sunday; closed Monday. 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. 260.427.6440, botanicalconservatory.org.

Embassy Theatre •F riday-Sunday, Nov. 6-8, “Annie,” 7:30 p.m.

Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $33/$39/$45 • Sunday, Nov. 15, “On Broadway,” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., call for ticket prices 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. 800.745.3000, fwembassytheatre.org.

Memorial Coliseum •F riday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7, Le Chic Holiday Market, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, $5/person, free children 12 and under Parking $6 main lot, $10 preferred lot. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 260.482.9502, memorialcoliseum.com.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art Exhibitions: • Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Classic Toys and Americana (ongoing) • Glass Sculpture from the Collection (ongoing) • Dia de los Muertos (through Nov. 29) • A Quest for More: Bold Visions in Glass Sculpture (through Dec. 6) • American Impressionism: Treasures from the Daywood Collection (through Dec. 13) • Static Energy: Sculpture by Dale Enochs (through March 14, 2021) Traveling exhibitions (through Dec. 31, 2021): • AFROS: A Celebration of Natural Hair by Michael July • Graphicanos: Contemporary Latino Prints from the Serie Project • Donald Martiny: Freeing the Gesture • Geoffrey Hiller: Daybreak in Myanmar Events: • Thursday, Nov. 5, Curator’s Tour: Static Energy, 12:15 p.m. RSVP required via website • Saturday, Nov. 14, Second Saturday Family Tour, 10:30 a.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 19, FWMoA Live American Impressionism, Facebook Live discussion, 7 p.m.

Adults $8, students (pre-K through college) $6, seniors (65 and older) $6, families $20, free admission for veterans and veterans’ families, free general admission 5 p.m.-8 p.m. every Thursday. 10 a.m.6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday (closed Mondays), 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne.

260.422.6467, fwmoa.org.

•F riday, Nov. 6, and selected days and times (through Jan. 9, 2021), “The Gut Life Christmas,” Music Hall (distanced seating), $24.95 • Friday, Nov. 13, Marty Stuart, (distanced seating), $42.95 to $79.95 • Saturday, Nov. 28, Riders in the Sky, (distanced seating), $19.95 to $44.95 All shows add $18 for dinner theater. All performances held in Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Performing Arts Center address is 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana. Music Hall address is 195 N. Van Buren, Shipshewana.

888.447.4725, thebluegate.com.

Stroede Center for the Arts •S aturday, Nov. 7, The Magic of Eli, young audience event, 7 p.m., free admission 319 Wade Ave., Defiance. 419.784.3401, defiancearts.org.

1 DECATUR: Flea Market Nearly 100 indoor vendors, hot food available.

Sponsored by the Adams County Coin Club. 8 a.m.3 p.m. Sunday (year-round), Riverside Center, 231 E. Monroe St. (Highway 224 East). Contact Carla at 260.517.8182, facebook.com/decaturindianafleamarket.

3, 10, 17, 24 FORT WAYNE: “Little River Ramblers” Hike and explore the interesting plants and wildlife of Eagle Marsh. Bring binoculars for a close-up view. Sponsored by Little River Wetlands Project.

Free admission. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesday, Eagle Marsh west entrance (Boy Scout office parking lot), 6801 Engle Road. 260.478.2515, info@lrwp.org, lrwp.org.

Fresh Holiday Greenery

arriving later this month

Regular Winter Hours M-F 10 am to 4 pm, Sat. 10 am to 3 pm 12515 Coldwater Rd. | Fort Wayne, IN 46845 260-637-5816 | arborfarmsnursery.com

16 Home Living | November 2020

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Wreaths, Roping, Swags, Decorative Stems, Christmas Accessories, and more!

6 WABASH: First Friday Live entertainment, food, kid’s activities, shopping, evening specials and more.

Free admission. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, downtown. 260.563.0975, wabashmarketplace.org.

6 WARSAW: First Friday: “Thanks for Giving — Fill the Truck” Shop downtown boutiques and specialty stores and dine at local eateries or participating food trucks. Patrons are encouraged to donate cash or nonperishable food items, clothing, bedding, etc. for annual fundraiser for Kosciusko County human service organizations. Free admission. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, downtown. 574.267.6311, warsawcdc.org.

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7 through Dec. 31 SHIPSHEWANA: Christmas in Shipshewana Celebration including light parade, tree lighting ceremony, Chocolate Day, Kids Day, visit from Santa and more. Free admission. Hours vary, townwide.

260.768.4008, shipshewana.com.

Other models are available. Offer ends 11/30/2020.

7, 14, 21, 28 FORT WAYNE: South Side Farmers Market 100 stands featuring produce, hand-crafted items, antiques, fresh baked goods, eggs, local honey, hormone-free pork and chicken. Master gardeners on hand to answer questions. Free admission. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday (through mid-December), 3300 Warsaw St. 260.456.8255 or 260.456.1228, southsidefarmersmarket.com.

Save $100 on any in-stock log set

14 SYRACUSE: Tails & Trails 5-mile dog walk on Syracuse Loop Trail, snacks for dogs and humans, raffle, photo session. $10 per dog (includes free gift), $20 for photo session. 1 p.m.4 p.m. Saturday, meet at Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.

574.675.6433, syracusewawaseetrails.com.

20-21, 27-28 SHIPSHEWANA: Lights of Joy Drive-thru Christmas light experience (through Jan. 2, 2021). $20 per vehicle. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 345 S. Van Buren St. shipshewanalightsofjoy.com.

Prepare for cooler temperatures with Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe. If you would like a new look for your fireplace in time for the holidays and winter weather, now is the perfect time to change out your log set. We even having financing available. Fall is also a great time to schedule service or maintenance for your fireplace or wood stove.

574-269-3393 TrustColliers.com

27 through Dec. 13 FORT WAYNE: Festival of Gingerbread More than 100 handmade gingerbread houses and designs, made by artists of all ages. $6/adult, $4/senior (65 and older), $4/youth (3-17), free for children 2 and under and History Center members. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thanksgiving Day), Fort Wayne History Center, 302 E. Berry St. 260.426.2882, fwhistorycenter.org.

24 SHIPSHEWANA: Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Show

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More than 100 vendors selling gifts, vintage items, home decor, crafts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, jewelry, baked goods, signs, more. Admission charge. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Antique & Misc. Building, 345 S. Van Buren St. 260.768.4129, shipshewanatradingplace.com.

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November 2020 | Home Living 17

Home Living Magazine

essentials

m a I HOME Jim Brubaker

“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” is Jim Brubaker’s philosophy.

He’s a landscape designer and owner of Jim Brubaker Designs.

He began working at Sandpoint Greenhouse in 1971 and subsequently he and his late wife Vicki started their own business 12 years ago because he could not see himself doing anything else.

When asked why he chose to start a business here, Brubaker said it was an easy choice. “Fort Wayne is a great town and the people are wonderful,” he said. “Also, it’s close to our northeastern lakes country, where my business flourishes.”

Brubaker has 2 children – Peter and Courtney – and 3 step-grandchildren. From her home in Westfield, Courtney has taken over the billing aspect that Vicki did, and she and her dad speak by phone every day.

Brubaker also employs one full-time and 15 to 20 part-time workers as needed.

How has the pandemic affected his business?

“Landscaping has not been affected, probably because everyone is staying home and doing projects around the house,” said Brubaker, adding that he also does Christmas decorating for residential homes and hospitals.

One aspect of his business is that almost everyone who engages his services becomes an extended family.

“Dad always treats his customers and employees as friends and more importantly, family,” said Courtney. “Family and friends are the very core of his existence.”

18 Home Living | November 2020

One thing that Brubaker does that may set him apart from others in his field is that he draws his plans by hand (rather than through a design software).

“I like to hand-draw all of the blueprints to show the mature size of plant materials,” he said, adding that this can’t be done easily through computer programs.

“Dad is very old school and wants the client to feel the drawing and understand that he connects with them using this method – embracing more of a person-to-person relationship,” clarified Courtney.

Away from the time clock, Brubaker delights in working in (surprise, surprise!) the garden and looking for antiques.

“I would say my work is my hobby as it is very enjoyable,” he admitted, adding that being honest and faithful were the life philosophies he aims for daily.

Courtney concluded with a daughter’s tender impression of her father.

“The thing I love most about my dad is his compassion,” she said. “He is always there for me and wears his heart on his sleeve.”

Transforming Ordinary to Extraordinary for over 40 years

909 Lawrence Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

260-436-3639 jimbrubakerdesigns.com

Landscape Design | Project Management | JBD HOME

Showroom Hours: Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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