A bass guitar stolen Saturday from a 1970s chart-climbing band has been located and is headed home.Exile, known for its hit song, "Kiss You All Over" was playing at the Ludlow Garage in Clifton. Shortly before the band took the stage, Sonny LeMaire noticed his custom-made bass was gone.LeMaire said the guitar was not the most expensive he owns, but it was one of his most prized.It was a guitar made by a dear friend of mine, just for me. It was just special, LeMaire said. When it happened, I was sick to my stomach.On Monday, LeMaire put out a plea to find the guitar.On Tuesday, a guitar restoration shop owner in Northside realized he had just bought the distinctive bass and wanted it reunited with its rightful owner.Chris Sisson, the owner of Restoration Guitar on Hamilton Avenue, said most of his work is fixing guitars.The satisfaction of doing this is helping musicians make the art. Sisson said.When he saw a picture of the stolen guitar, he said it was so unusual, he knew he had it.Oh yea, no question about it, Sisson said.In a FaceTime meeting, Sisson and LeMaire talked about the person who sold the guitar to Sisson.What was his story? LeMaire asked.His story was that he had a studio, and he was closing his studio, and he was going to have a cleaning service. So, he wanted to sell it, Sisson answered.Amazing. Amazing. Im glad you got it. Im glad its there, LeMaire said.The two are making arrangements to get the guitar sent back to LeMarie.

A bass guitar stolen Saturday from a 1970s chart-climbing band has been located and is headed home.

Exile, known for its hit song, "Kiss You All Over" was playing at the Ludlow Garage in Clifton. Shortly before the band took the stage, Sonny LeMaire noticed his custom-made bass was gone.

LeMaire said the guitar was not the most expensive he owns, but it was one of his most prized.

It was a guitar made by a dear friend of mine, just for me. It was just special, LeMaire said. When it happened, I was sick to my stomach.

On Monday, LeMaire put out a plea to find the guitar.

On Tuesday, a guitar restoration shop owner in Northside realized he had just bought the distinctive bass and wanted it reunited with its rightful owner.

Chris Sisson, the owner of Restoration Guitar on Hamilton Avenue, said most of his work is fixing guitars.

The satisfaction of doing this is helping musicians make the art. Sisson said.

When he saw a picture of the stolen guitar, he said it was so unusual, he knew he had it.

Oh yea, no question about it, Sisson said.

In a FaceTime meeting, Sisson and LeMaire talked about the person who sold the guitar to Sisson.

What was his story? LeMaire asked.

His story was that he had a studio, and he was closing his studio, and he was going to have a cleaning service. So, he wanted to sell it, Sisson answered.

Amazing. Amazing. Im glad you got it. Im glad its there, LeMaire said.

The two are making arrangements to get the guitar sent back to LeMarie.

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Bass guitar stolen from member of popular 1970s band soon to be reunited with owner - WLWT Cincinnati

President Paula Mae Weekes. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

PRESIDENT Paula-Mae Weekes said she was aware of a public dialogue on the cost of restoring Presidents House but said the improvements lift national pride and have tangible benefits.

On Tuesday night she hosted guests for the reopening of the historic house, which had been out of service since its roof collapsed weeks before the 2010 general election.Weekes confided that last June she had hosted the Ghanaian President, but in a cramped and inappropriate setting. No suitable venue was available to host a dinner for her visitor, she lamented.Recalling her visit to Jamaicas Governor General, she quipped, My brown eyes turned green with envy at his stately, colonial home.She thanked the Government for returning President's House to a state befitting the dignity and status of the office of President.

It is an occasion for celebration.

She led guests in a toast to the renovated edifice, "the 21 century edition of President's House."I wish you a season filled with all good things.The Prime Minister earlier told guests he is not often overwhelmed but was now.

The media tour of the President's House Restoration Project, guided by officials of Udecott and Unicom Limited, President's House, Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain. - ROGER JACOB

This edifice is TT at its best, he said.

He thanked the President for her co-operation in the repairs. He saluted the architects, managers, labours and everyone else involved in the work.

Dr Rowley admitted that initially the repairs had seemed daunting and had faced slight delays. But now, he said, Once restored, it had restored the missing jewel in the crown. This is the largest jewel in the crown apparently referring to the other historic buildings around Queens Park Savannah. I hope you feel the same sense of pride I do. After years we are able to do business at the house of the President.

It could not have come at a better time. Merry Christmas.Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell told Newsday the restoration would attract many tourists.

A very large cruise ship is coming to TT on Christmas Day, and there are walking tours.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley greets President Paula Mae Weekes.

Saying tourists like to visit the Savannahs historic buildings, he said the Government has done great renovations to Stollmeyers Castle and Whitehall, with work now under way on Mille Fleurs.

And now the jewel in the crown is Presidents House. This abuts on the Botanical Gardens, a favourite with tourists. It is marvellous and only improves our tourism product and boosts national pride.

Mitchell said Presidents house tells the story of TT and so helps visitors get to know the country.

Im proud. Im proud to be a member of this government, which takes national pride and heritage with the seriousness it deserves and gets things completed.

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Weekes: President's House will boost pride in TT - Trinidad News

Restoration works continue at the Red House on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain on November 20. - Jeff Mayers

HOUSE Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George said the Red House restoration is scheduled to be completed this month and Parliament will complete its move to the location in January.

She was speaking at the opening of the sitting of the House on Monday.

"The Red House is the home of TT's Parliament and the seat of democracy."

She recalled that this "monumental and historic" building required urgent restoration and in 2011 a decision was made to temporarily relocate both Houses of Parliament and all auxiliary facilities to the current location at Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain.

She said the House had been informed that restoration and refurbishment of the Red House and the adjacent Cabildo Parliament Complex would be completed by December 31, 2019.

"This means that over the next six weeks the process of relocating the Parliament of TT, its auxiliary facilities and staff from Tower D to the Red House and the adjacent Cabildo Parliament Complex will take place."

Annisette-George said this "arduous task" will require all of Parliament's resources, particularly its staff, to ensure a smooth transition. She stressed that the relocation will result in a temporary disruption of the auxiliary services usually at members' disposal. She reported that sittings of both Houses and committee meetings will stand adjourned and administrative services may become temporarily unavailable during the transition period.

She said it is anticipated the move and the resumption of all services should be completed by January 20, 2020. She expressed the House's heartfelt appreciation to the Clerk of the House, the acting Clerk of the Senate and the Parliament staff for sacrificing their holiday season to complete the relocation project. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi later reiterated that after the building is vacated it will be used for civil courts.

The Red House restoration was done by Udecott and cost approximately $441 million.

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Speaker: Parliament in Red House by January - Trinidad News

Parliament will make its long-awaited return to its home at the restored Red House by January 20, 2020.

House Speaker Brigid Annisette-George made the announcement as she gave an update on the relocation of the Parliament.

Parliament has been housed at Tower D at the Waterfront Complex since 2011 while restoration works were carried out at the historic Red House.

During Mondays sitting of the Parliament, Annisette-George said full restoration works on the Red House and Cabildo Parliament Complex are scheduled to be completed by December 31.

She said it would take six weeks to relocate the Parliament, auxiliary facilities and staff.

This would result in a temporary disruption of some auxiliary and administrative services, while some sittings of both the Upper and Lower Houses and some committees would stand adjourned during this transition period.

The House Speaker advised, however, that the move and the resumption of services would be completed by January 20, 2020.

Annisette-George assured that the Clerk of the House will make every effort to keep the members of the Parliament up to date on all developments concerning the move.

She extended thanks to the Parliament staff and the Clerks of both the Upper and Lower houses who will have to work through the Christmas season to ensure that the relocation remains on schedule.

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Parliament back at the Red House January 20 - Loop News Trinidad and Tobago

The spectacular stained glass at Sherborne Abbey is only part of what makes this building one of the grandest in England, as John Goodall explains.

Every Tuesday afternoon, we delve into the Country Life archives to find something special from the magazines illustrious past.This week, we look back at the 2013 Christmas special issue, in which our architecture editor John Goodall explained the history of Sherborne Abbey.

In 705, Sherborne had been chosen by King Ine as the seat of a vast bishopric that extended across the modern counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Berkshire. From 909, the see underwent the first of several transformations when it was subdivided by the foundation of a cathedral at Wells, wrote John.

Under its founding bishop, St Aldhelm, Sherborne was served by a community of priests or canons, but, in about 990, one of his successors, Wulfsin (or Wulfsige), re-formed the community as a Benedictine monastery. Soon after Wulfsins death in 1001, miracles were reported at his tomb and Bishop Aelfwold (104558) created a great new church as an appropriate setting for his predecessors relics.

That church was re-developed byBishop Roger (110339),Justiciar of England and Chancellor of Henry I, who was clearly impressed by what was there before. There could be no more powerful testimony to the grandeur of the Anglo-Saxon church than the fact that Roger did not raze it to the ground (the usual approach of Norman rebuilders), wrote John.

Sherborne Abbey. Credit: Dr John Crook/Country Life

The full article explains more of the machinations following the buildings history, from the day in 1437 when it was burnt down by local residents and how it survived the Dissolution. On this page, however, were focusing on what it looks like inside as it stands today a story which John expanded upon in the final section of his piece:

In its present form, the interior was shaped by a series of restoration campaigns launched in 1848 and absorbing an estimated 36,000 over the subsequent 40 years. A fundraising campaign instigated by the vicar, Rev John Parsons, and supported by the enormously rich Earl Digby permitted the restoration of the nave and transepts under the direction of R. C. Carpenter.

Earl Digby died in 1856, but, the choir was restored in his memory by W. Slater, a pupil and partner of Carpenter, at the expense of his nephew and heir George Digby Wingfield-Baker. This project culminated in the creation of a spectacular decorative scheme that includes a cycle of stained glass by Clayton and Bell: a Passion cycle in the east window and a huge array of saints, bishops and kings in the clerestorey windows.

Stained glass at Sherborne Abbey. Credit: Dr John Crook/Country Life

Across the walls and vault extends a complex scheme of painted decoration executed by J. G. Crace. Laid before the high altar are three memorial brasses made by Waller of London, one to the Earl and two to his distant forebears. Finally, in 188485, the tower was again restored.

Further changes have followed in the 20th century. The medieval Lady Chapel fell out of use at the Dissolution and was partly rebuilt as a war memorial in 1921 by W. D. Care. More recently, another major restoration campaign was brought to successful completion in 1983.

Among its modern curiosities, Sherborne has the heaviest eightbell peel in the world and includes one recast bell reputedly given by Cardinal Wolsey. Its inscription runs: By Wolseys gift I measure time for all/To mirth, to grief, to church I serve to call.

There is also a fire bell dated 1653: Lord quench the furious flame/aris, run, help put out the same. In the light of history, the legend could be read as a collective pledge of the parishioners to cherish the abbey as they clearly do and not to burn it down again.

John Goodalls full article, was published in Country Life on December 2013.

Iron can be wrought into the most delightful staircase balustrades. John Goodall chooses some favourites from Country Lifes outstanding archive.

There are many nominations for the oldest home in Britain in this piece from the Country Life archive, John Goodall

New discoveries in the archives at Belvoir are fleshing out the history of this outstanding castle. John Goodall delves into

Link:
Sherborne Abbeys stained glass: The spectacular Victorian addition to a building with 1300 years of history - Country Life

Installing carpet on the floor has become much cheaper and easier due to the advanced technologies that are in use now. Carpet installation work is now an easy thing. It has been in demand for a long time and few enhancements make the carpet installation job much faster and affordable.

Homeowners are removing their old designs of carpet to opt for the new one. They are getting the best deal from the carpet installers. Modern carpet installers are doing their job in a very skilled way so that they can provide extra benefits to the homeowners including dreamy bedroom, insulation and muffle sound.

The carpet installers are decorating the homes with carpets that are adaptable to any weather such as cold winter morning and sweaty summer days. Any subfloor in good condition is getting a suitable solution for carpets. If the floor is made of concrete, the carpet installers are installing a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from coming up.Cheap carpet installation Philadelphiaservices involve a carpet pad that has many functions including absorbing shock and making the surface softer. Most of the pads are now between 1/4 and 7/16 inches thick and can withhold six pounds of weight.

In the current architecture market, the carpet installers are averagely charging $18 per yard. They are using synthetic carpets such as Triexta, Nylon, Polyester, and olefin. These materials are good choices when it comes to stains and cleaning.

Nylon and Triexta carpets are coming in many patterns, colors, and thicknesses. Such carpet installation projects are being carried out by skilled technicians. They are taking only a few days to install carpet in a single room or a set of rooms.

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Carpet Installation has Become a Lot Cheaper and Homeowners are Going for it - Seekers Time

FAIRMONT Town Manager Katrina Tatum pleaded Tuesday for help in identifying elderly residents in Fairmont who are living in damaged homes as a result of hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

Its right here in the center of the town, she said during a meeting of the town Board of Commissioners.

Tatum said a lot of senior citizens are living in dilapidated homes because of storm damage and she has not been able to identify all of them yet. Many are unwilling to move from their homes or have not told her their needs.

I will fight to get their houses redone, she said. I have in the past, and I will continue to do it.

The construction of new homes in town is paid for in part by the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Community Development Block Grant Recovery Program through the county, Tatum said.

The American Recovery Group, Baptists on Mission and United Methodist Committee on Relief have helped with the rebuilding effort, she said. Ten houses are scheduled to be built in the coming year.

In other business, the commissioners amended the towns Youth Services Program request for construction assistance to help pay for repairs to the 4,164-square-foot Youth Center building.

Tatum also recommended that whoever buys the center be able to defer making rent payments to the town in favor of paying renovation expenses. Renovations include painting, installation of carpet/tile and minor electrical work.

If somebody renovates it, let that be their rent, Tatum said.

The town was unable to receive state funding to finish repairing the center, Tatum said. But she will redraft the request and try again after receiving a recommendation from Sen. Danny Britt Jr.

The town will send out the request for qualifications Jan. 1 and will receive bids from interested buyers until April 1.

Keep in mind whatever agency or group you ultimately place in the building will have to be self-sufficient and not dependent on the town for resources, including utilities and adjustments, Tatum wrote in a meeting agenda packet given to commissioners.

She also said the town received $315,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation this past week. The money will be used to help repair the access road leading to the towns sewer plant. The town needs $440,000 to complete the project.

In other business, Commissioners Charles Kemp, J.J. McCree, and Heather Seibles were sworn in to office by Superior Court Judge Frank Floyd at the Fairmont-South Robeson Heritage Center, located at 207 S. Main St.

Kemp has served the town for 40 years, including eight as its mayor and 32 on the board, the longest of any commissioner.

I pledge to all those present and to the larger audience of citizens who are not here to always act professionally, with integrity, and with determination in representing you, Kemp said. I dont believe the citizens deserve anything less.

McCree is beginning his sixth four-year term.

He said the Youth Center is a priority for him this term.

Im looking forward to working with it, and I hope we can move forward in an expedient manner, especially for the kids, McCree said. Its for the kids.

Seibles will replace Cassandra Gaddy. Seibles is a longtime resident of Fairmont and a 2007 graduate of Fayetteville State University with a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice.

She is a member of the Stop the Violence Program in Fairmont. Seibles said she wants to provide youth with resources and outlets to drive them out of the streets and to success.

McCree was selected mayor pro tempore in a 4-2 vote.

Tatum

Superior Court Judge Frank Floyd swears in newly elected Fairmont Board of Commissioners member Heather Seibles on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Fairmont-South Robeson Heritage Center. Standing with Seibles is her mother, Cynthia Seibles.

Reach Jessica Horne at 910-416-5165 or via email at [emailprotected]

Original post:
Fairmont wants names of elderly who need help - The Robesonian

A good piece of news came for historic Goshen Theatre located in Edwardsville when an anonymous person donated a huge amount to Goshen Theatre Board. The board received $1million from the unknown person for renovation purposes.

The renovation is already undergoing in the theatre and this donation will help to speed up the project. Goshen Theatre Board has no idea about the donor because the money was received without any contact details.

Goshen Theatre Board had started the renovation project in May of this year for phase one. There was $4 million estimated for the renovation. The board is working on expanding the lobby, installing a new elevator and putting new restrooms. $1 million would be used to set new seating on the main floor, repairing of plaster ceiling, balcony, and carpet installation. Cheap carpet installation Philadelphia matches every renovation project, and it is affordable and complies with every location such as office, theatres, house floors, and meeting rooms.

People who are involved in the historic Goshen Theatre renovation project were very excited after receiving the donation amount. The donation amount has allowed the board to pre-pone the final completion date of the renovation project. The donation will not only help to carry out the task involved in the renovation planning, but it would also allow the board to bring new things in the theatre.

Goshen Theatre board is expecting to complete the renovation project by February of the next year.

Link:
Historic Goshen Theatre Got $1 Million Donation for Renovation from Anonymous Person - The American Reporter

A Holland America cruise ship has returned to service after receiving a series of upgrades that include Billboard Onboard, new interactive TVs, new photo shop, and more.

Holland America Lines Noordam recently sailed for Australia following its scheduled 14-day dry dock at Victoria Shipyards in Victoria, British Columbia. The cruise ship received a refresh and several upgrades as part of the cruise lines continued efforts to roll out its latest and most popular experiences across their fleet.

The most notable new additions are Billboard Onboard to the Music Walk area, Microsoft Studio in the Explorations Caf and Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop where guests can create mementos from their photos. In addition, suites were refreshed with new soft goods, furniture and bathrooms.

Other areas receiving extensive enhancements were Pinnacle Grill, Pinnacle Bar, The Greenhouse Spa & Salon, the Dining Room and Lido Market. A pickleball court was also added to the sports court area.

Sponsored Links

Music Walk Expands with Billboard OnboardNoordam guests have more live music options than ever before with the addition of Billboard Onboard, which joins the wildly popular B.B. Kings Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage in the Music Walk area. Billboard Onboard in partnership with Billboard, the leading global destination for charts, news, trends and innovation in music features the talents of two pianists playing 50 years of chart-topping hits.

Suite Accommodations Were Fully RefurbishedNoordam suites received the same upgrades that are rolling out on the lines Signature- and Vista-class ships. The main living area in each suite was refreshed with new furniture, carpet, headboard and stone desktops and soft goods. Electronic upgrades included a new USB outlet added to the beds headboard, bedside LED reading lights, upgraded electrical outlets and a lighted closet rod. Suite bathrooms received designer glass tile and a new vanity area.

All staterooms received new verandah furniture, and new sofa beds were installed in staterooms with that sleep option.

New Interactive TV with On-Demand MoviesA new interactive television system was installed in all suites and staterooms, featuring large, LED flat-screen TVs with complimentary movies and TV shows on demand as well as easy access to the daily program and shipboard information including restaurant overviews, spa services and account status.

Fujifilm Wonder Photo ShopGuests can now create unique photo mementos and gifts at the new Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop. Using photos taken by guests or the shipboard photographer, the new Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop makes it easy to design mounted 3-D photos, keepsake boxes, metal panel prints and more.

Upgrades to dining venues, bars, lounges and other public areas include:

Next summer Noordam will head to Alaska, sailing 7-day Glacier Discovery cruises northbound from Vancouver B.C. and southbound from Seward (Anchorage). An in-depth Land + Sea journey can be added to Noordam sailings for those guests who want to explore the interior of The Great Land, including the must-see Denali National Park.

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Holland America Ship Resumes Cruises After Receiving New Features & Upgrades - Cruise Fever

From the kitchen down to the HVAC system, there are plenty of projects to keep you busy through winter. (iStock)

Yard work, roofing and entire home renovations may have to wait until the warmer months. Winter, however, can be prime time for completing certain projects that otherwise would not get done.

For starters, contractors have increased availability since its their slowest time of the year. Theyre also generally more willing to negotiate on labor costs. Materials everything from paint to appliances are also deeply discounted to make room on the shelves for new spring inventory.

So, whether youre selling your house in the spring which is thought to be the best time to list or youve just moved in, here are a few home improvement projects experts recommend doing in the winter:

"Painters are likely to offer far more discounts and deals than they do during the overbooked summer, says one expert. (iStock)

Due to the decrease in demand for exterior painting December through March, painters are likely to offer far more discounts and deals than they do during the overbooked summer, says Matt Kunz, president of Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company. Kunz estimates the average lead time for a good painter in August is 3-4 weeks. But in December and January, its 1 week or less.

If youre doing the painting yourself, you can still save. Sherwin Williams is currently offering a coupon for 30 percent off its paints and stainsthrough Dec. 29, 2019. (Keep in mind that you will need to keep windows open to let the fumes out.)

Depending on the paint youre using and most manufacturers include a paints minimum and maximum temperature for application on cans winter can also be the ideal time for exterior painting. This is especially true if you live in the south since paint doesnt dry well in extremely hot and humid conditions. Similarly, it doesnt dry well in cold temperatures. Rico de Paz, who oversees Consumer Reports paint tests, says it should be at least 50 degrees F during application and shouldnt drop below freezing for several days after painting.

Its only on the shortest days of the year that you fully realize how dark it gets outside. (iStock)

Its only on the shortest days of the year that you fully realize how dark it gets outside and can see where you need light. Not only will installing outdoor lighting help your family stay safe, it may even allow you to entertain outdoors during the winter. In the latter case, consider investing in a heat lamp that will provide light in addition to heat. And if you add more outdoor lighting, the men and women who deliver your packages will thank you. It makes their job a lot easier.

You dont need to have a New Years resolution to lose weight in order to benefit from winters low prices on gym equipment. In fact, half of the eight items on Consumer Reports list of the best things to buy in January can be used in a home gym. Based on the organizations research, expect to find deep discounts on ellipticals, treadmills, scales and perhaps the most important item for sticking with your routine: a TV.

Curing new floors in humid weather isn't a good idea. For a predictable finish, you'll want drier, heated winter air. (N-Hance Wood Refinishing)

Refinishing hardwood floors in the winter is tough when you are spending more time indoors and need to be on your floors. Plus, you have to find room indoors to store your furniture. However, the inconvenience may be better in the long run. According to N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Home Depots national partner, more humid temperatures can make the finish cure too fast. This results in a too-glossy, uneven finish. For a predictable finish cure, they prefer drier, heated winter air.

Spring is peak season for professional carpet cleaners. However, that means that if you're hiring someone to give your carpets a deep clean, you'll likely get a cheaper quote in the winter when business is slower. And thats not the only reason. According to the professional carpet and upholstery cleaning service, Chem-Dry, carpets dry quicker in the winter. Clean carpets are also thought to help keep families healthier during flu season.

Dylan Murray, owner of Murray Builders NYC, knows from many years of experience that spring and summer are the worst time to need an HVAC contractor. Thats when their schedules are packed, and its not uncommon to have to wait weeks to get an appointment. Instead, Murray recommends hiring one in the winter when theyre more available and often when installation costs are lower. Plus, you wont run the risk of making a decision based on the sheer desperation summers high temperatures incite. In winter you have plenty of time to do research and talk to technicians who arent being pulled in 20 different directions.

Why wait until spring to start your spring cleaning? (iStock)

Why spend the first beautiful days of the year spring-cleaning when you could have done it on more dreary days? Thats why winter is the perfect time to declutter, or as the queen of decluttering, Marie Kondo, says, tidy up. According to Kondos tips, you should start with clothes, books, documents, miscellaneous and finally, mementos. She also doesnt subscribe to the theory of starting in one room and finishing it first. Her method involves starting with one category and finishing that before moving on to the next.

Its better to tackle kitchen remodeling in the winter before lumber and cabinets see a large price hike in the spring, says Doug Coyle, owner of House Doctors of Andover and Merrimack Valley. Coyle also explains that it can be easier to obtain the required permits this time of year. The government agencies that issue them, and ultimatelygive the green light for anything having to do with changing plumbing or electric, tend not to be as backlogged in the winter months. (Furthermore, January is also the cheapest month to buy a new wall oven, according to Consumer Reports.)

If you dont want to completely remodel your kitchen, but youd like a fresh look, consider replacing the hardware. Its amazing how far a few shiny new knobs and handles can go.

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9 home improvement projects that are easier and often cheaper in the winter - Fox News