Katy, Logee's is certainly an adventure in itself. I've been going there for years. My first times were when Joy Martin was running it. Even squeezing through the aisles single file is worth it. So many exotic plants growing over, under and around! It's only about a 40 minute ride for me. I don't know of any other greenhouses that have that kind of variety. The botanical center at Roger Williams Park here in Providence is big and interesting. There's a $3 admission though. Lunch afterwards would not be a problem. Providence has tons of great restaurants. Maybe some others here would be interested in one of these or something else. Bill

Your model appears to be an inexpensive (relatively) top load laundry center. I just replaced a very similar model that was over 25 years old. It was very noisy - yours is probably quieter - but it did shake some during the spin cycle. If the machine is moving at all on the floor or making anything but normal machine-spinning noises call for service. Frigidaire has a front-load laundry center - GLEH1642D - that is highly rated - and not much more money. If you need to replace this bad one you might research this model.

Hey there! I totally admire your dedication to your candle-making practice—especially since it’s tied to something meaningful and spiritual. It’s great that you’re experimenting and learning what works best for your setup. Cleaning the jars – You’re right, that smoky residue can be stubborn! Besides hot water soaking, you might try adding a little vinegar or baking soda to the water—both can help cut through soot. Some candle makers swear by using a bit of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to finish up the job. Wick suggestions – Zinc-core wicks can sometimes burn too hot for narrow jars like the 7-day ones, which may explain the sooting. You might want to test out cotton or paper core wicks instead, which can give a steadier, cleaner burn. Alternative jars – If you're thinking of trying different containers, thrift stores often have tons of inexpensive glassware that can be repurposed for candles. Finding more 7-day jars – You might try checking with local dollar stores or even nearby churches—they often go through these jars and might be willing to save you empties. Even for personal use—or especially if you ever decide to share or sell your candles—thoughtfully designedcustom candle boxes can add a beautiful finishing touch and help protect your jars during storage or transport. Hope that helps, and happy candle crafting! 😊

Congratulations on getting your new build underway. I'm not an expert, but am doing my second kitchen and have gleaned a lot of good info here over 7 yrs. I'm happy to offer my opinion on some things you're questioning. I would do a hood vent instead of a microwave. It's so much easier to do it while you're building instead of trying to retrofit. If you've been on GW for a while you've likely read many of the practical reasons for good ventilation. I know some spaces are so small (apartment/condo kitchens, etc) that micro hoods are the best choice, but I think having it as a focal point in the kitchen is not desirable. If you don't want to give up cab space, there are some small but efficient countertop models you could set right on the counter beside the fridge. I also worried about going to the ceiling w/ cabinets but my vote is to do it. I don't think you'll find it overwhelms the space. I would not go with all glass uppers unless you want to showcase everything in your upper cabinets. I think a touch of glass with nicely displayed dish ware or decorative items gives the feeling of lightness more than a wall full of what most of us typically keep on hand for practical purposes in our top cabs. Lastly, I am a big fan of SW Dover White. It has covered almost all the walls in my open plan home and I've liked it in every season and every light.