Smart Living Fort Wayne - February 9, 2023

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Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health & Entertainment! New!WinterEvents SeePage28 Where to Find Jewelry for Valentine’s Day The Reasons to Hire an Interior Designer Could You Cope with Long-Term Care Costs? Your Dream Shower or Tub is 1 Day Away A Valentine’s Day Recipe You’ll Love to Share Get Ready for Fort Wayne’s Home & Garden Show Summer Fun at Fort Wayne’s Boat Show Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • February 2023 • No. I
Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 4
Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart Living. Copyright 2022 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. 6 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas Managing Editor Jim Taylor Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingFortWayne.com In This Issue Right in Our Region Cover & p. 16 The Fort Wayne Boat Show & Sale Your Style .............................................................11 Beautiful Jewelry from a Dependable Source Your Outing 13 The Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show Inspiration ...........................................................14 Shameless Your Home 19 Your Dream Shower or Tub is 1 Day Away Your Money 23 Could You Cope With Long-Term Care Costs? Your Home 2 27 Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer Your Family Fun 28 A pleasant surprise in the country! Amish-Style Restaurant • Bakery • Village Shops • Inn 240 U.S. 20 Middlebury, IN • 800-455-9471 • www.essenhaus.com DINE STAY PLAY

Valentine’s Day

One of the biggest holidays of the year is coming up next week! And by “big,” I mean expensive.

Valentine’s Day is a huge spending event in the United States. The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend around $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day this year — which is up $2 billion from last year.

If you’re in a pinch and still need to find a last-minute gift, common ideas are candy, flowers, jewelry, clothing or an evening out. These are all items/experiences that you can purchase at local retailers, and here at “Smart Living,” we highly encourage you to buy your Valentine’s Day gifts at local shops versus on Amazon or at big-box stores.

Think about it. We spend billions on this holiday. Imagine our portion of that money staying in our community. Keeping our dollars local helps us to have better schools, nicer roads, and everything else that’s paid for by taxes from local governments.

Not to mention, giant businesses are firing workers by the thousands right now. (Looking at you, Spotify, Google and Microsoft). It’s a good time to remember that the more we support small businesses, the more job opportunities we create in our own community.

If you’d like a specific suggestion, I’d recommend checking out the jewelry at Carbaugh Jewelers, in Auburn. Full disclosure: they advertise with us! But I think their pieces are genuinely beautiful. They’re a great example of a local business that deserves our dollars.

I know Valentine’s Day has been chastised as a “Hallmark Holiday,” but I do think it’s nice to celebrate love in its many forms. Whether you give a gift to a family member, friend or romantic partner, if it’s genuine, they’ll appreciate it. It feels good to be recognized.

And all talk of spending aside, just saying “I love you” to the people you care about is so important. Those aren’t trivial words. If someone matters to you, let them know.

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day! ❚

7 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I Tell them you saw it in ...

Beautiful Jewelry From a Dependable Source

Carbaugh Jewelers, 108 E. Seventh St., is the oldest business in historic downtown Auburn and has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, many other economic downturns, changes in fashion trends and fads, and a pandemic.

Mike Littlejohn, the store’s fourth owner, says the business has endured 121 years because it offers customers a unique experience shopping for fine jewelry in the same place where their great-grandparents shopped.

“The life of this store has endured a lot over the years, and we have greatly struggled at times, but we have stayed in business because of the repairs and custom work we do,” he says. “If we just relied on retail sales, we would have closed our doors a long time ago.”

Even during a six-week shutdown because of the pandemic, he continued working, catching up on repairs and custom orders, and allowing curbside pickups.

He says his customer base from a three-state area is loyal because of the quality work they expect and get from him. Littlejohn is known as the one who can best repurpose jewelry.

A customer will often bring in a piece of heirloom jewelry, which has a lot of meaning and beautiful stones, but isn’t worn because it’s not their style. Littlejohn can take the stones and make something new, even if the customer doesn’t want the piece totally melted down and changed.

He recalls one woman whose husband had died. She wanted to make a special piece of jewelry out of their wedding rings, without destroying them.

Littlejohn put one ring inside of the other, on an angle, welded it together to form a circular design within a circle and the woman now wears the rings as a pendant.

“She says she wears it all the time and it is a perfect piece to help her grieve because the rings are intact, but put together in a unique design that has a completely new look.”

For those who appreciate the history of Carbaugh’s, they also understand the meaning of giving the jeweler the time he needs to create. Repairs and custom orders brought in today won’t be finished until early spring, Littlejohn says, and most people are patient and willing to wait.

The full-service store specializes in retail sales, custom work and repairs on all types of jewelry. Services include ring sizing, stone setting, fabrication and restyling, engraving and watch repair. The store offers the newest styles and designs, specializing in dia-

monds and colored stones from makers like Rego, Bentelli, Aiden, Color Merchants and Bertke Brothers, as well as having a large selection of watches and clocks made by Seiko.

Edward O. Little was the first owner of Little’s Jewelers in 1901. In 1915, Charles Carbaugh, a high school student, started working for him. The two men eventually formed a partnership and ran the business together, until Little passed away in 1955. Charles became the sole owner and changed the name of the store to Carbaugh Jewelers in 1960. Charles’s son and daughterin-law, Robert and Betty, took over the business when he died in 1962. The couple retired in 1997, at which time they sold the business to Littlejohn.

Littlejohn started working part time for Robert and Betty in 1980 while in high school. He was taking a metals class and needed to do a report on someone in the business. Because he was dating the couple’s daughter, Littlejohn interviewed Robert.

“In the course of the interview, he offered me a job and I jumped at the chance. They taught me a lot and I eventually went to school in Memphis to become a certified jeweler,” he says.

While he and the owner’s daughter went their separate ways, her sister has worked at the store for 42 years and oversees inventory, records and office work.

“When I am able to make something that makes people that happy, it’s not a job. The reward is what people feel and say about their experience with me. It tells me I made the right career choice,” Littlejohn says.

Business hours are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. ❚

Your Style 11 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I Tell them you saw it in ...
Left: Charles Carbaugh, a former owner. Right: Edward Little, the original owner. Mike Littlejohn, owner of Carbaugh Jewelers, in Auburn, is known for his excellence in repurposing jewelry. He can also create custom items or repair heirloom pieces.
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Family Fun at FW Home & Garden Show

The 50th Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show gathers more than 650 exhibitors March 2-5 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave.

“With our 50th anniversary show, we are celebrating big,” says owner Becky Williamson. “It will be our biggest and most entertainment-filled show ever. It is the place to go for all your home projects where you can compare hundreds of companies and find one that will be your perfect fit for what you need. We have many vendors here, too, that do not have store fronts. So, you will only find their products here.”

The event takes place Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you aren’t in need of home remodeling, you can still enjoy dozens of food options, browse furniture and decor, try out a new mattress, or visit the “Garden Gallery” dedicated to everything outdoors, Williamson adds. The Gallery has unique garden accessories, gifts, fairy gardens, patio and landscape displays, plants, and hundreds of spring flowers.

“You don’t have to own your home to enjoy the show – we have something for everyone to enjoy,” Williamson adds. “Bring your family for ‘Kids Day’ on Sunday, learn about everything from composting to getting started with chickens, see Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel, and so much more. We have something happening almost every hour of the show.”

Williamson suggests shoppers visit home-gardenshow. com ahead of time to browse through the exhibitor list. That way, if there’s something specific you’re looking for, you can identify where those vendors are located at the event, she says.

You can also use the website to find information about the keynote speakers and entertainment happening throughout the weekend, including seminars from knowledgeable home and garden experts, piglet races, chainsaw carving demos, a petting zoo, a gnome scavenger hunt and more.

“It will help to plan ahead so you don’t miss anything,” Williamson says.

Throughout the weekend, many vendors will offer “show only” prices and giveaways. A big giveaway to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the event is a $50,000 giveaway contest sponsored by Windows, Doors and More. Up to 20 showgoers will roll the dice for a chance to win prizes valued at $50, $500, $5,000 or a grand $50,000. Potential contestants can enter on home-gardenshow.com.

“Everyone will walk away with something,” Williamson says. “A lot of people think we are a big corporation, but believe it or not, we are a small, family-owned company. I am the thirdgeneration owner – my grandfather started the show in 1973 and ran it until my mom took over in 2003. In 2019, she retired, and I have taken the lead. I love what I do, and I wouldn’t be able to make it possible without my wonderful partnerships with Windows, Doors & More, our media partners, and of course, our vendors.”

Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for seniors ages 62 and older. Children ages 15 and under can enter the event for free.

In addition, the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show has a charitable partnership with Community Harvest Food Bank. Visitors can bring a non-perishable food donation to the event for $2 off the regular admission cost.

“People tell me when they think of the show, it makes them think of spring,” Williamson says. “I am proud to be able to continue the tradition and bring a little bit of spring to Fort Wayne every year. I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community and proud to give back as well.” ❚

Your Outings 13 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I Tell them you saw it in ...
The Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show gathers more than 650 exhibitors March 2-5.

Shameless

Mostof us feel shame when we behave badly, as we should. Only people with major disorders, such as sociopaths and narcissists, don’t feel shame. How we move past our shame is important to our walk with God and overall wellbeing. Trying to hide from God, as Adam and Eve did (Genesis 3:8), or lying to ourselves about our misdeeds, just doesn’t work.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John. 1:8&9)

Therefore, our first step is honesty, which requires humility. In humility we can summon the courage to face our ugly parts, correct bad behaviors, accept forgiveness and draw closer to God. We do this as often as we need to because God’s mercy is infinite.

…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12 & 13 NIV)

Before he was confronted by Christ on the road to Damascus and called to be an apostle, Paul violently persecuted Christians. Talk about feelings of shame! But he didn’t allow his shameful past to put distance between himself and God, or to hinder the future to which God called him. He moved past his shame.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b NIV)

If we don’t deal with them, emotions like shame can widen the space between God and us. That’s not what He wants. We’re all imperfect. God knows this. He loves us anyway. We can be at peace.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded … Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:8,10 NIV) ❚

Inspiration & Worship 14 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

See Why Life is Better With a Boat

The 42nd annual Fort Wayne Boat Show & Sale will have more than 200 watercrafts on display Thursday, Feb. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave.

“Since 1981, we have proudly been one of the largest collections of boats to be on display at the Memorial Coliseum,” says Tracy Sweeney, executive show director. “The Boat Show provides a unique space where industry professionals and fans can gather together to share ideas and meet other people who share

their passions for the boating industry. You will find more than 52 exhibitors, including marine dealers from all over Indiana and Michigan, together in one place.”

Interest in the Boat Show spans across states, as visitors from Indiana, Michigan and Ohio travel to Fort Wayne to attend, Sweeney says. The event is made possible by the Lakeland Marine Retailers Association.

For many families, the Boat Show is an annual outing and one of the first signs that spring is on the way, Sweeney adds.

Right in Our Region 16 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

This year, the event takes place from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.

“It might be cold outside, but it’s sunny and 75 inside the Fort Wayne Boat Show and Sale,” Sweeney says.

She advises visitors to arrive early in the day, so that there’s enough time to browse the impressive array of watercrafts on display. Take your time to walk through the many pontoons, sit on a jet ski, or get up on a large speed boat. The options are bountiful, so make sure there’s ample time to see which option best fits your family’s needs.

Products at the show include boats, outboard motors, electric boats, personal watercraft, lifts, piers, docks, boat covers, boat upholstery and more. Certain vendors will also have boat accessories and water toys, Sweeney adds.

Visitors who wish to trade in their current boat for a new one

should bring pictures of their boat and any important documents/ information so that dealers can assess your boat’s condition and provide an accurate trade-in value.

“Again, this event has been here in Fort Wayne since 1981, and many of these dealers have been here since the first show,” Sweeney says. “Boating is very important to many families, and it is great every year to see families and friends get together at the Fort Wayne Boat Show and talk about the sunny days coming soon and being out on a boat.”

In addition to shopping and/or bargaining, visitors can take advantage of a water safety class taught by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Saturday from 9 a.m.3 p.m. The class is free and open to anyone ages 13 and older. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and registration takes place at the DNR booth or at register-ed.com.

Those who attend on Saturday also have the chance to receive a Fort Wayne Boat Show insulated mug, and on Sunday, the first 300 people to arrive will receive sunglasses, Sweeney says. The event will also have dry roasted nuts courtesy of The Almond Garten, freshly popped kernels in a variety of flavors from Copper Kettle Popcorn, and other snacks.

Money-saving coupons are available at fortwayneboatshow. com. On Thursday, the event is free entry and free parking with a coupon. Other coupons apply to items on Friday through Sunday, Sweeney says.

Entry without a coupon on Thursday costs $2 from 3-6 p.m. and $10 from 6-8 p.m. Entry for teens and adults costs $10 the rest of the weekend, while kids 12 and under are free. ❚

Right in Our Region 17 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I Tell them you saw it in ...
A
9
water safety class takes place
Saturday from
a.m.-3 p.m.
The Fort Wayne Boat Show & Sale will have more than 200 watercrafts on display Feb. 9-12 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

Your Dream Shower or Tub is 1 Day Away

Renovating your bathroom doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. The team at Bath Experts, who are the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer in Fort Wayne, can install a new shower or bathtub in as little as one day.

“Our specialty is speed and customer satisfaction,” says Steve Woodward, owner and president.

Bath Experts specializes in top-ofthe-line tub replacements, shower replacements and conversions from one to the other. The business is exclusively focused on the “wet space” in your bathroom, meaning just the tub and shower area.

“We don’t offer a full remodel service like flooring, vanities or toilets,” Woodward says. “We come in and in as little as one day you get a brand-new shower or bathtub. We use our own installers – there are no subcontractors – and all of them are factory certified.”

The majority of customers want to remove an outdated bathtub and replace it with a sleek, easily accessible walk-in shower, Woodward adds. Current trends include installing low-threshold shower pans so that the shower is easier and safer to enter, as well as other safety features such as seats and grab bars.

As far as colors go, Woodward is seeing most customers choose white, matte black, or a blend of both. “We do all sorts of fixtures, of course, but right now, there’s a pretty good demand for that white/black look, or something similar,” he says.

But homeowners have plenty of options to customize the space to their liking, adds Jeff Worzala, director of marketing.

“Everything can be customized based on what a client’s needs are, and that’s really how we design a project,” he says. “We have more than 200 options as far as color choices and the design and texture options within them, as well as all our options for shower fixtures, shower doors, grab bars and other features. We build a system specific to a particular homeowner.”

While bath-to-shower conversions are most common, some customers are looking for a luxurious soaker tub to complete their dream bathroom environment, Worzala adds. Bath Experts is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer for the Fort Wayne area, and offers a limited lifetime warranty.

“It’s nice to know that the company you’re working with is going to stand behind their product, and that’s what the warranty is there for,” Worzala says. “Obviously, our goal is to do a good job the first time, have the customer feel completely satisfied, and never hear from them again until they’re ready to do their second bathroom. But, if they have issues or concerns, having that warranty is peace of mind.”

To learn more about Bath Experts or to schedule a consultation, visit onedaybathexperts.com.

Your Home & Garden 19 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I Tell them you saw it in ...

Long Eared Owl

Photography by David C. Olson

Coping With Long-Term Care Costs

We all want to stay healthy and live independently throughout our retirement years. Unfortunately, that won’t be possible for some of us, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for health-related challenges – such as the need for long-term care.

As you may know, long-term care covers a variety of services, ranging from occasional visits from a home health aide to fulltime residency in a nursing home. But while these types of care may vary in duration and intensity, they all have one thing in common – they’re expensive. Genworth, an insurance company, reports these median annual costs:

• Over $100,000 for a private room in a nursing home

• Over $60,000 for the services of a home health aide

Furthermore, Medicare typically pays very few of these expenses, which means the burden of payment will likely fall on you – or, even worse, on your adult children if you can’t afford the care you need.

Of course, you could hope that you will avoid these costs simply by not requiring any type of assistance, but the odds aren’t necessarily in your favor. In fact, someone turning 65 today has an almost 70% chance of needing some type of longterm care services in their remaining years, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

So, how can you protect yourself from the potentially enormous costs of long-term care? You could decide that you’ll pay out of pocket – if so, you’ll need to incorporate into your retirement budget a reasonable estimate of potential long-term care costs, and you may need to make some significant changes to your saving and investment plans. And the earlier you begin, the better.

Your other option is to purchase some form of long-term care insurance. Essentially, three types of coverage are available:

• Traditional long-term care insurance – A traditional long-term care policy covers long-term care expenses in your home or at a nursing facility. But policies will differ in terms of what services are covered and how benefits are paid. And you may also be able to choose whether you want inflation protection. Also, with some policies, you can deduct the premiums from your state and federal taxes. (Your tax advisor can evaluate a policy you’re considering for potential tax benefits.)

• Hybrid long-term care insurance – In addition to providing coverage for home health care or a nursing home stay, a hybrid long-term care policy also offers a death benefit, so if you never need long-term care, your family could benefit from the policy’s proceeds.

• Life insurance with a long-term care rider – You can find a life insurance policy that lets you add long-term care coverage through a “rider,” or optional add-on. With this type of policy, you can use some of the death benefit to pay for your long-term care needs.

Which policy is best for you? There’s no one right answer for everyone. A financial professional can help you evaluate all your options within the context of your overall investment and protection strategies. But keep in mind that all long-term care policies tend to get more expensive as you get older, so if you’re considering this type of coverage, you may want to get started sooner rather than later. ❚

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309.

Pamela S. Covington, CFP® RICP®

AAMS®

Financial Advisor

6525 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 (260) 478-8038

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ pam-covington

Your Money 23 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I Tell them you saw it in ...
24 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 New Year. New Look. VAN’S HOME CENTER With our customizable appliance and furniture brands, you can create a style that is uniquely you. Shop our displays in-store and design your dream home today. Ask About Our Customizable Dining Sets & Bedrooms Made From 100% Solid Wood Custom Options To Fit Your Style FURNITURE | APPLIANCES | FLOORING MATTRESSES | CABINETS | COUNTERTOPS 20 Minutes From Fort Wayne! Just Off I-69 & State Road 8 In Auburn! www.VansHomeCenter.com 106 Peckhart Ct. Auburn, IN | 260.927.8267

Valentine’s Recipes You’ll Love to Share

If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love.

Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired.

Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal.

For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.

Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say “I love you.”

Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net.

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of NestlÈ

Servings: 10 pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons NestlÈ Toll House Baking Cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon red food coloring

heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional)

butter, for garnish (optional)

powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

maple syrup, for garnish (optional)

fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.

In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes.

Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired.

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping. ❚

Source: Family Features

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26 Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer

Most people know what they like when it comes to home furnishings, but picking out suitable items for a certain room and making it look right may not be so easy.

That’s where sales manager and designer Arianna Brock of Fairfield Galleries, US 33 North, Fort Wayne, can lend a helping hand.

“You want a particular space to work for your own life, and that’s different for everyone,” she says. “You may love a certain look, but the space you have won’t allow it to happen.

“Many people don’t understand the value of an interior designer unless they hire one, or do it themselves and find their plans didn’t work out. We are another set of eyes and don’t have the emotional attachment to the house, so we can look at it like a blank canvas and visualize changes.”

Brock recalls one client who had a long, narrow living room with dark colors of red, orange and brown with a sofa and loveseat facing a fireplace.

“We got rid of the loveseat, put in a recliner, added two swivel chairs and put the sofa against the wall,” she says. “We went to more updated neutral colors, and as a result, the room was more open and easier to move around in, and yet there were more places to sit. The clients were thrilled.”

The biggest mistake people often make when trying to be their own designer is not knowing when to stop, Brock adds. An

overcrowded room is one of the most common problems she has to solve.

“Someone may love a certain sofa, but it doesn’t work in the space you want to put it in, and the color might not be right for the room.”

Store lighting and home lighting can be very different, Brock adds.

“Plus, you have to work around doors, windows, fireplaces and more, and people don’t always take that into consideration.”

It’s not only about how the room will look, but also how the room will be used by the family, Brock says. Oftentimes, a homeowner needs professional advice when transitioning to a new stage in life. Some of those scenarios include parents who become empty nesters and want to repurpose a space, or parents who become grandparents and want to have a fun space for grandchildren when they visit. Two single parents meet and get married, and suddenly have twice as many children all living together. A person living in a large family goes off on their own and needs to adapt to a single lifestyle for the first time ever and feels at a loss on what to do.

“You want a certain look, but it has to be functional,” Brock says. “We can give suggestions on fabric selections, furniture and design so families can get the most use out of any room.”

For more information or to make an appointment for a home analysis, call (260) 489-5526. ❚

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Entertainment & Events

Nashville Thursdays

Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music 7-10 p.m. in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com.

Fort Wayne Komets

Join the Jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets as they make another run for a championship. Games are at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Visit komets.com to see the complete 2023 schedule.

Headwaters Park Ice Skating

Thru Feb. 26, Tues.-Thurs. 3-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. noon-9 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m., closed Mondays. The skating rink is open for the winter season at Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneparks.org.

YLNI Winter Farmers Market

Thru April 29, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more at the former Wayne Candy Factory building, 1501 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, facebook.com/YLNIFarmersMarket/.

Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. A 4-strike pinball tournament for kids presented by Wizard’s World Pinball Arcade, 14613 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 760-6314, fortwaynepinball.com.

“Hello, Dolly!”

Feb. 18-19, 24-26, times vary. This musical

adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance, and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. Presented by Fort Wayne Civic Theatre at the Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwcivic.org.

Buddy Guy Farewell Tour

Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. At age 86, Buddy Guy is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound, and a living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.

Disney on Ice: ‘Into the Magic’

Feb. 23-26, Thurs. & Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. This action-packed extravaganza features Disney’s “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Coco,” “Beauty and the Beast” and other beloved Disney characters. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, memorialcoliseum.com.

Jazz Ensemble Concert I

Feb. 24, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The School of Music Jazz Ensemble performs festival favorites from the libraries of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman and more. Presented by Purdue University Fort Wayne College of Visual and Performing Arts at Auer Performance Hall, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, pfw.edu.

Fort Wayne Ballet Presents: “Peter Pan” Feb. 25, 10 a.m. & noon. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys dance their way across Neverland with Wendy, Michael and John in tow. Featuring Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy Youth Company. Auer Center, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.

Cody Johnson with Randy Houser

March 3, 7:30 p.m. The country music powerhouses perform at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, memorialcoliseum.com.

Little Rock Stars

March 4, 11, 18 & 25. Help spark a love of music for your little one with four once-weekly learning sessions. Presented by Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology, 5501 US 30, Fort Wayne, academy.sweetwater.com.

Your Fun
Smart Living Fort Wayne February 2023 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 28
Wizard’s World Pinball Arcade, in Fort Wayne, offers a Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament every Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. Tournaments for all ages are offered at additional times. Help your child spark a love of music by attending four learning sessions in the month of March, presented by Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology, in Fort Wayne.

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