It's Time For Home Fall Design Trends

What's happening in the world of home design this fall? According to this group of experts, it's more "mix" and less "match." But do they agree on grey being the color of the season? Take a look at what they had to say about these topics and more.

http://www.lohud.com/story/money/real-estate/homes/sell-this-house/2014/10/10/home-design-trends-fall/17027937/

Remodeling Your Home? Keep It Small

When people dream about renovating their home, they sometimes envision grandiose plans of addition and expansion. But often it's better to keep everything on a smaller scale. Before you go crazy on your next remodeling project, take a step back and ask, "Is bigger really better?"

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865612870/Bigger-isn7t-always-better-in-home-remodeling.html?pg=all

TV Expanding Its Foundation of Home Improvement Shows

If you like watching home improvement shows, then you are probably pretty satisfied with your TV options these days. Networks are zeroing in on the popularity of DIY projects, with about 180 renovation-related shows currently in development. Wow.

http://www.latimes.com/home/la-hm-home-show-hosts-20140906-story.html

Builder Using Recycled Shipping Containers To Make House

It's always interesting to see what kind of materials can be used to build a house these days. In Michigan, a home is being constructed out of red metal shipping containers like those you see on a rail car or in a boatyard. The recycled material is touted as energy efficient. The completed project will be a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath house measuring 2,100 square feet.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/09/17/container-home-under-construction-draws-eyes-in-royal-oak/

Skilled Construction Workers in High Demand

It seems there is so much talk about how difficult it is to get a job nowadays. But if you are a skilled construction worker, there are plenty of opportunities. Take a look at this story, and you'll see what I mean.

http://www.npr.org/2014/08/06/338011367/construction-industry-missing-key-tool-skilled-workers

Restaurants' Social Media Snafus A Marketing Nightmare

There is no doubt this is the age of social media. And while Facebook, Twitter and the like can bring their share of goodness and light, they can also ruin reputations with the tap of a finger. Take the impact that social media has had on various restaurant chains, including Taco Bell, McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A. These eateries, among others, have served up some major PR blunders, thanks to diners and their ever-present digital devices.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-daily-meal/the-worst-restaurant-soci_b_5603707.html

Boost Bathroom Appeal With These Renovation Tips

Everybody likes a new bathroom. In fact, these relatively small spaces can make or break the sale of a house. If you are looking to sell your home, or simply want to spruce up where you live, then bathrooms are a good place to start. Take a look at the following renovation tips for your bathroom.

http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/07/18/13-ways-to-save-on-your-bathroom-renovation

Eateries Spark Your Spending With A Little Menu 'Magic'

One of the keys to a successful restaurant is the value of its menu. We're not just talking about the cost of food, though. Menus can feature a lot of "psychological" tactics that encourage diners to spend more. Take a look at how your local eatery may be using special tricks to influence your food choices.

http://www.businessinsider.com/restaurant-menus-spend-more-money-2014-7

Some Home Renovations Not Worth the Money

We often talk about which home renovations can help improve the value of your property. But there are some alterations that may be more trouble (and expense) than they are worth. Take a look at these five projects that may not be the best use of your time or finances.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/07/12/home-renovations-to-avoid/12483595/

These 10 DIY Projects Can Help Home's Curb Appeal

When you are trying to sell your home, first impressions matter. And the first thing prospective buyers see is the exterior of your house. There are several projects you can take care of yourself to aid your home's curb appeal.

http://www.theintelligencer.com/article_91c02317-6e2b-53df-aa3a-28251bbb6786.html

Construction Site Leads To Fabulous Fossil Find

Sometimes construction can yield more than what's on the blueprints. Excavation can especially be full of surprises. Take, for example, the recent fossil find at a construction site in Fremont, Calif.

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_26099360/fossil-treasure-trove-discovered-at-silicon-valley-construction

These Signs Point to Zero-Star Dining

Everyone has had a bad experience at a restaurant. But how do you know when it's a "fluke" and when it's the sign of a zero-star eatery? There are obvious signs to determine the difference, including dirty dinnerware and rude servers. Check out this columnist's advice ...

https://www.yahoo.com/food/how-to-spot-a-zero-star-restaurant-without-a-review-90373964521.html

Ohio Man, 91, Creating Small-Scale Replica of Jacobs Field

Attention to detail is a trait that every good building contractor understands well. That's why we can especially appreciate the work of Joe Duncan, a 91-year-old man who is building a detailed replica of Jacobs Field. It's not the first model he's undertaken, but it may be the most intricate, right down to the seating on the third-base line. Take a look at his amazing work!

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2014/06/jacobs_field_ballpark_joe_dunc.html

Stop, Thief! This Restaurant Put You on Facebook!

A restaurant in Arizona had an interesting -- and humiliating -- way to handle a man who stole some artwork from its walls. Instead of calling the police, the pub's owner posted surveillance footage of the thief stuffing the $500 painting into a backpack. Not bad for an amateur crime fighter!

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/2014/06/18/flagstaff-restaurant-shames-thief-facebook/10707999/

'No Tipping' Policy Aims to Protect Servers, KY Restaurant Says

It may seem like a crazy idea to some, but a restaurant in Newport, Ky., says it is looking out for its waiters and waitresses by instituting an anti-tipping policy. Instead, Packhouse Meats pays servers $10 an hour or 20 percent of their individual food sales per shift. The policy is geared toward rewarding employees for their actual work, not by the whims of the customer. What do you think of the idea?

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2014/06/12/no-tipping-at-kentucky-restaurant/10365711/

When Renovating Home, Choose Contractor Wisely And Don't Forget Insurance

There are many things to consider when renovating your home. Two of the most important aspects involve selecting an experienced, trustworthy contractor and setting up adequate insurance for the project. The following article offers some advice to help your remodeling process go as smoothly as possible.

http://www.idahostatejournal.com/vac/money_and_finance/home-renovation-starts-with-good-planning-and-good-insurance/article_c63c5788-ecb2-547b-8cd1-17a6fe652e3b.html

Be Smart About Home Renovation With These 5 Tips

Most people like the idea of renovating their home, but what are the best changes to make? Although any upgrade is welcome, there are some aspects of a house that can create more bang for the buck. Read on to discover how steel doors, wood decks and kitchen remodeling can make your home renovation truly shine.

http://wallstcheatsheet.com/personal-finance/5-of-the-most-profitable-home-renovations-you-could-make.html/?a=viewall

Google Glass Stirs Up Controversy at NY Restaurant

Google Glass seems to be one of those products you either love or hate. At a restaurant in Manhattan, that disparity has come into clear focus after a user was asked to remove the device while she dined. What do you think about it?

http://consumerist.com/2014/05/27/is-it-wrong-for-a-restaurant-to-tell-diners-to-remove-google-glass/

Eatery Turns Tables on Customer's 'Offensive' Suggestion

Never let it be said that a restaurant owner doesn't take his customer's comments to heart. An eatery in West Virginia is hosting a special event after one customer suggested that the servers should "show more skin." Read on to find out just what the boss did.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/eats/restaurant-answers-show-skin-request-clever-article-1.1800580

Restaurant Rewards Couple For 'Well-Behaved' Kid

Are you one of those people who notices children in restaurants? Particularly when they are quiet? A restaurant in Canada issued a "well behaved kids" discount to a couple dining on Mother's Day with their 1-year-old daughter. How do you feel about the idea?

http://www.click2houston.com/news/restaurant-gives-family-wellbehaved-kids-discount/25950458