Is kitchen remodeling cost-effective?

So, you have made the decision to remodel your home. Kitchen remodeling is one of the first rooms that homeowners explore with regard to renovations. The kitchen is the main gathering place in the home for families and friends. It is the area where socialization happens frequently, so it makes perfect sense to choose to remodel this room in your home first. The project can be extremely fun and should be looked upon as such. There are so many small changes that can be made to completely transform this room that it is mind boggling. Let us talk a bit about whether this remodeling project is a sound financial decision.

First, you should look at the long-term picture. Are you remodeling the kitchen for your own preferences, or will you be selling the home at any point in the future? In either case, renovations to the kitchen can help save money in the future, however, andnbsp;if you are planning to stay in the home, your choices can help save on your monthly utility bills. You can opt for new energy efficient windows that can save you on your monthly electric payments. You can also install low flow faucets to save on water consumption. Buying appliances that are more energy efficient is a great investment and you will also experience personal satisfaction that your new kitchen is more operational and updated.

If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you can expect a very significant return on your investment. If you ask any realtor, they will tell you that one of the first things a potential buyer is interested in is the kitchen. If your kitchen is fresh and updated with contemporary finishes (counters, cabinets, flooring) it will make your home stand out against homes that have a more dated kitchen. You can expect to get a return of at least 40% of your remodeling investment when you go to list your home.andnbsp;

A home kitchen makeover is a very prudent choice, especially if you can only remodel one room. The kitchen is central to the home and you spend a lot of time there cooking, eating and socializing. The benefits of new and updated appliances, and other elements far outweigh the costs you may incur. You will be surprised at how far you can get on your proposed budget, and you'll be left with the feeling that it was money well spent.

by: Leonard Simmons
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7310.shtmlandnbsp;

OPEN HOUSE IN REYNOLDSBURG!

OPEN HOUSE!

by Deborah Marks

03/03/2013 from 2-4 pm

8865 Amaranth Ct, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Come Take a Look!

VERY SPACIOUS HOME, NESTLED ONTO ~1/4 ACRE MATURE TREED, CUL-DE-SAC LOT!

Two-Story, ceramic Foyer. Vaulted Family Room with skylights & fireplace. Island Kitchen with 42” oak cabinets. New stainless steel appliances ’13. Partially finished Basement with Recreation Room & Half Bath. Master Suite with walk-in closet & updated Master Bath `12. Updated main Bath with ceramic floors `12. Spindled catwalk overlooks Entry & Family Room. Fenced yard with flagstone Patio & more!   4 BR's, 2 full and 2 half Baths! Nearly 2,900 SF! Reynoldsburg schools! Only $189,999! Call DeLena today!

 

Columbus Events - March 2013

Vessels of Life
Dates: February 8 - March 1, 2013
Location: Gallery 831
Hours: Monday-Sunday 3-9 p.m.
Address: 831 S. Front St. Columbus, 43206
614-449-8144
A solo exhibition featuring the work of ceramic artist Kevin Russell.

Arnold Party with the Pros
Dates: March 2, 2013
Location: Hollywood Casino
Hours: Saturday 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Admission: $25. (Must be 21 or over to attend).
Address: 200 Georgesville Rd. Columbus, 43228
614-431-2600
The Arnold Party WIth The Pros will once again be the place to be as the worldand#39;s top professionals in bodybuilding, fitness, figure, bikini, strongman and other sports celebrate deep into the night at the Official After-Party For The Arnold Classic. The canand#39;t-miss Arnold event will have a new home in 2013 as the Party With The Pros moves to the Hollywood Casino. Free transportation willl be provided from the Arnold Classic at Veterans Memorial and downtown hotels. The Party With The Pros will feature a includes a night of fun, food, drinks, dancing, music, star-gazing and world-class entertainment. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will also make a special appearance at the canand#39;t-miss event of the weekend.

Short North Arts District Gallery Hop
Dates: March 2, 2013
Location: Short North Arts District
Hours: Saturday 4-10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Address: North High Street from Goodale Blvd to Fifth Ave Columbus, 43201
614-299-8050
The Short North is renowned for the buzz of Gallery Hop. The first Saturday of every month, thousands of visitors converge on the strip, the epicenter of the High Street Experience. They come to celebrate art and partake in an evening of sights, sounds, food, shopping, and cosmopolitan fun. Countless art experiences. District specials. Prize drawings. Ramped up entertainment. Unexpected surprises. Join us for an unforgettable experience.

Run Your Buns Off 5K
Dates: March 3, 2013
Location: Scioto Audubon Park
Hours: Sunday 9 a.m.-noon
Admission: $15-$30
Address: 301 W. Whittier St. Columbus, 43215
614-263-8557
Walk throughout Scioto Audubon Park on this 5K run/walk, organized by the Ohio House Rabbit Rescue.

Arnold Sports Festival
Dates: February 28 - March 3, 2013
Location: Events held at mulitple locations
Hours: Thursday 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EXPO hours: Friday 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $15 EXPO ticket or $10 in advance. An EXPO ticket provides admission to Fitness EXPO and most sport events.
614-431-2600
The Arnold Sports Festival and the world-renowned Arnold Classic will celebrate its 25th Anniversary when the fitness celebration is held Feb. 28-March 3 in Columbus. The Arnold Sports Festival, co-produced by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, is the largest multi-sport festival in the nation, during which the city welcomes more than 175,000 sports and fitness fans. The event features 18,000 athletes competing in 45 sports and events, including 12 Olympic sports. Debuting this year are the Scottish Highland Games, Arnold Survival Race, K-1, and XPC Powerlifting. The three-day Arnold Fitness EXPO at the Greater Columbus Convention Center features more than 700 exhibit booths offering the latest in fitness apparel, equipment, training tools and nutrition.

Events will be held at locations including: Greater Columbus Convention Center (400 N. High St.), Veterans Memorial (300 W. Broad St.), The LC (405 Neil Ave.), Columbus Commons (160 S. High St.), Hilton Columbus Downtown (401 N. High St.), The Ohio State University French Field House (460 Woody Hayes Dr), Jerome Schottenstein Center (555 Borror Dr.) and Hyatt Regency Columbus (350 N. High St.)

Central Ohio Home and Garden Show
Dates: February 23 - March 3, 2013
Location: Ohio Expo Center
Hours: Tuesday-Friday noon-8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: $12. Children 12 and under free.
Address: 717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, 43211
614-461-5257
Honored with the highly prestigious Show of the Year, awarded by the National Association of Consumer Shows, the Central Ohio Home and Garden Show is renowned for its breathtaking live gardens, HGTV talent appearances, cooking demonstrations and interactive home and garden features and more than 400 exhibitors and attractions.

2013 Arts Scholarship Juried Exhibition
Dates: January 19 - March 8, 2013
Location: OSU Urban Arts Space
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Address: 50 W. Town St. Columbus, 43215
614-292-8861
Focusing on the theme of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, the2013 Arts Scholars Juried Exhibition features work from high-achieving Ohio State University students from all years of study who share a joint interest in the arts, including music, visual arts, design, dance and theatre.

Blooms and Butterflies Opening Day
Dates: March 9, 2013
Location: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Adults $11. Seniors and students $9. Children $6. Children under 2 free.
Address: 1777 E. Broad St. Columbus, 43203
614-715-8000
Kids celebrate a Brazilian Carnival and create elaborate crowns or masks, get a butterfly tattoo or their face painted, free with admission. Kids celebrate a Brazilian Carnival and create elaborate crowns or masks, get a butterfly tattoo or their face painted.

Baby Bonanza and Kidand#39;s Expo
Dates: March 10, 2013
Location: Aladdin Shrine Center
Hours: Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $5 Adults. $4 Grandparents.
Address: 3850 Stelzer Rd. Columbus, 43219
740-972-1471
The Baby Bonanza and Kidand#39;s Expo is Central Ohioand#39;s premier maternity, baby and child expo! This one-day event has everything for Mom, Dad, baby, and child all under one roof! If you are an expecting parent, have children at home, or are a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend, then you donand#39;t want to miss this expo! Expect to find the latest products for mommy, baby and child, valuable information on a variety of health and educational organizations, and entertainment for the whole family! Other features include educational seminars presented by area professionals, the very popular diaper derby baby races; a fun competition for non-walking babies, play areas for the kids, fashion show, a Mommy Relaxation Station and Dads - we havenand#39;t forgotten about you! Enter the Dadand#39;s Challenge, a crazy stroller and diaper changing obstacle course just for Dads and Dads-to-be and win fantastic prizes!

Columbus RV Supershow
Dates: March 8-10, 2013
Location: Ohio Expo Center
Hours: Friday 1-8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $7
Address: 717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, 43211
614-644-3247
The Columbus RV Show will once again be representing dealers from the Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati areas. A vast area all under one roof will feature new 2013 models of recreational vehicles, information from campgrounds, parts, accessories and so much more.

International Gem and Jewelry Show
Dates: March 8-10, 2013
Location: Veterans Memorial
Hours: Friday noon-6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $8
Address: 300 W. Broad St Columbus, 43215
614-221-4341
The International Gem and Jewelry Show at the Veterans Memorial provides an exciting opportunity to shop the largest selection of jewelry at the lowest prices available. From $5.00 to $500,000 - there is something for everyone! As a thank you for their service, The International Gem and Jewelry Show offers free admission to all active duty military and veterans with current military identification (offer includes immediate family). Thank you for your service to our country.

Flannaganand#39;s St. Patrickand#39;s Day 5K
Dates: March 16, 2013
Location: Flannaganand#39;s Dublin
Hours: Saturday 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: 6835 Caine Rd. Columbus, 43235
614-332-5205
Join us on for the most fun you will ever have at a 5K. Your morning will consist of a 3.1 mile run (or walk) followed by the BIGGEST ALL DAY St. Patrickand#39;s Day party you will ever see. Irish heritage not required but wear green anyway! Thereand#39;s even a free pre-race breakfast beginning at 8 a.m.

St. Patrickand#39;s Day Celebration
Dates: March 16, 2013
Location: Throughout Dublin
Hours: Saturday 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: Historic Dublin, Ohio (Intersection of Bridge and High Streets) Dublin, 43017
800-245-8387
Come to Dublin, Ohio on the greenest weekend of the year! Bring the entire family to stay and play on Saturday, March 16 and enjoy our annual St. Patrickand#39;s Day Celebration. It includes a pancake breakfast and a miles-long community parade filled with bands, leprechauns, floats and all-things-Irish. Then, spend some time exploring the Historic District hopping for Irish imports, taking in some Celtic entertainment, sipping an Irish tea, tasting some scones or Irish potato chowder and having fun! Donand#39;t forget to wear your green!

St. Patrickand#39;s Day Parade
Dates: March 17, 2013
Location: Throughout downtown
Hours: Sunday parade steps off at 11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Address: Nationwide Blvd. and John H. McConnell Blvd. Columbus, 43215
614-491-4449
Celebrate St. Patrickand#39;s Day in Columbus with this fun, annual parade. The parade will step off at 11:30 a.m. at Nationwide Blvd. and John H. McConnel Blvd. and proceed east on Nationwide Blvd. to High St., south on High St. to Broad St., west on Broad St. to Veterans Memorial for the Shamrock Cluband#39;s Annual Irish Family Reunion.

Columbus Antique and Modern Gun Show
Dates: March 15-17, 2013
Location: Ohio Expo Center
Hours: Friday 2-8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: $6
Address: 717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, 43211
614-323-9050
Buy, sell and trade antique, modern and collectible firearms and accessories.

Columbus International Auto Show
Dates: March 14-17, 2013
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center
Hours: Thursday-Friday noon-9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: General admission $8. Children 12 and under free.
Address: 400 N. High St. Columbus, 43215
614-799-2232
See whatand#39;s new in the auto industry and the hottest cars around.

Aladdin Shrine Circus
Dates: March 21-24, 2013
Location: Ohio Expo Center
Hours: Thursday-Friday 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Subject to change.)
Admission: $10-$25. Kids 12 and under half price. (Subject to change.)
Address: 717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, 43211
614-475-2609
We expect another great show so you can be proud to bring your family, friends, and neighbors to the Aladdin Shrine Circus.

NCAA Division 1 Womenand#39;s Basketball First and Second Rounds
Dates: March 23-25, 2013
Location: St. John Arena, The Ohio State University
Hours: Games will be played Saturday, March 23 and Monday, March 25
Address: 410 Woody Hayes Dr Columbus, 43210
614-292-2624 , 800-GO-BUCKS
Columbus will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Womenand#39;s Basketball for the third times in the last five years and four time (2004, 2009, 2011, 2013) in a decade.

African American Heritage Festival
Dates: March 23-29, 2013
Location: Throughout The Ohio State University Campus
Admission: Free for most events.
614-688-8449
This event traditionally brings thousands of visitors to Columbus and is a time for people of all ages and walks to celebrate African-American history and culture.

Eggs, Paws and Claws
Dates: March 29-30, 2013
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Hours: Friday 5-8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $14.99. Seniors $10.99. Children 2-9 $9.99. Children under 2 free.
Address: 4850 W. Powell Rd. Powell, 43065
614-645-3550 , 800-666-5397
Hop over to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and join us for our annual Eggs, Paws and Claws event. This springtime celebration returns bigger and better then ever. More of your favorite treats stations, kid friendly entertainment and seasonal themed animal enrichment activities. Be sure not to miss a visit from everyoneand#39;s beloved Bunny!

Womenand#39;s History Month at the Ohio Statehouse
Dates: March 1-31, 2013
Location: Ohio Statehouse
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Address: Broad and High streets Columbus, 43215
614-752-9777
The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate and honor important women in the history of Ohio during Womenand#39;s History Month. Special tours of the Ladiesand#39; Gallery and exhibit will focus on women who were important to Ohio history.

Ohio Art League Curated Exhibit
Dates: January 31 - April 14, 2013
Location: Ohio Arts Counciland#39;s Riffe Gallery
Hours: Tuesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday noon-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Address: 77 S. High St. Columbus, 43215
614-466-2613
The Ohio Art League Curated Exhibition contains works from 18 member artists of the Ohio Art League chosen by curator Dennis Harrington, director of the Weston Art Gallery in Cincinnati. The work in the Ohio Art League Curated Exhibition features seasoned and emerging artists, and explores a dialogue of visual connections created by assembling a group of eclectic and inspired works in one place.

NEW LISTING in REYNOLDSBURG!

JUST LISTED!

~7311 Kilnstone Court~

BEAUTIFUL TWO-STORY LOCATED ON A CUL-DE-SAC!
Kitchen opens to Great Room with vaulted ceiling. Master Bedroom with attached Master Bath. Large deck with fenced backyard. New roof 2011 & new hot water tank 2012. Close to shopping and highways! Over 1,300 SF! 3 BRs & 2.5 Baths. Pickerington schools. Only $127,900! Call DeLena today!

NEW LISTING IN LEWIS CENTER!

JUST LISTED!

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SUPER CLEAN & READY TO MOVE RIGHT IN! 

~1/4 acre fenced yard backing to the school. 1^st floor Den/Living or Dining Room. Great Room with berber carpet & gas fireplace, walks-out to rear Deck. 1^st floor Laundry, island Kitchen/Dinette with box wall. Master Suite has vaulted ceilings, his & her walk-in closets,  & private Bath with garden/soak tub. New fence 2012. White 6 panel doors, new garage door, opener, dishwasher & much more! Nearly 2,200 SF! 4 BR’s & 2.5 Baths! Olentangy Schools! Only $233,700! Call DeLena today!

Presidents Day (The William Howard Taft Home)

William Howard Taft Home – Cincinnati, OH

http://www.nps.gov/wiho/index.htm

Born in 1857 to the prestigious Taft family of Cincinnati, William Howard Taft is another buckeye to ascend to the presidency. The home where he was born now sits in the Mount Auburn Historic District of Cincinnati, at 2038 Auburn Ave. His family had relocated to Cincinnati 18 years previously for his father, Alphonso Taft to open a law firm. Taft would go on to follow in his father’s footsteps, graduating from Yale before returning to Cincinnati to attend law school and work at The Cincinnati Commercial, a then popular local paper. After passing the bar and marrying his childhood sweetheart Helen Herron, he was appointed as judge of the Supreme Court of Cincinnati. Mere years later and he became the youngest ever Solicitor General of the United States, appointed by President at the time Benjamin Harrison (another Ohio President we’ll get to eventually.) From there, sky was the limit; Taft became the Governor-General to the Philippines, Secretary of War, Civil Governor of Cuba, and even Secretary of State, acting as President when Theodore Roosevelt was away. Roosevelt, a close Republican ally had begun to groom Taft as his successor, and in 1908 he won the 27^th Presidential election in a sweeping victory against William Jennings Bryan.

Unfortunately, Taft would not be looked upon as a particularly popular president at the time due to his disregard for the press and his dislike of the flashy politics that made Roosevelt so popular. This would later lead to a split with Roosevelt, who attempted his own reelection the following election that would see both Taft and Roosevelt defeated solidly by Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson. With the Presidency out of the way, Taft was eventually appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a position he had spent most of his career dreaming of. He was well respected by his peers in his new position, ended up dropping a staggering 80 pounds, and remarked "I do not remember that I was ever President". Taft would serve in this capacity for several more years until his death in 1930. He is one of two U.S. Presidents to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The house on 2038 Auburn Ave. is now a museum and educational center run by the National Park Service which operates 7 days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. It is a Greek Revival two-story home built in 1835, and is about a mile north of downtown Cincinnati. Taft would end up spending all of his childhood there, remaining for 25 years until his acceptance to Yale. The house would pass out of family ownership after Taft’s move to Washington, and his descendants would spend several years after attempting to reacquire the home as part of the William Howard Taft Memorial Association. They gained ownership in 1953, and would spend $92,500 on renovations to restore the property to its former glory in 1961. Three years later the home was declared a National Historic Landmark, and in 1969 the National Park Service took over the running of the property. The five rooms making up the lower level of the home have been restored to appear as they did when Taft lived there, and many of the portraits and books on display were actually owned by the family, while the upper level has been converted into a museum detailing William’s achievements. Another structure sits on the property as well; the National Historic Site’s Visitor’s Center also known as the Taft Education Center is located next to the home and includes offices, a gift shop, and exhibits on the 27^th President.