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/

Replacing House Windows Can Yield Resale Benefits

We all know there are certain home improvement projects that are more exciting than others. Redoing your bathroom or kitchen, for example, allows for a certain amount of creativity. When it comes to replacing windows, however, most homeowners respond with a big yawn. If you are interesting in selling your house, though, changing those frames and panes could be a worthy investment.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/a-not-so-sexy-home-improvement-project-with-real-benefits-2014-10-06

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/

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/

Find Dining Discounts With These Mobile Apps

Eating out can be fun, but expensive. Thanks to technology, though, you can find ways to save money while still enjoying the experience of dining away from home. Several mobile applications offer tips on locating the best discounts for your favorite restaurants.

http://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2014/06/17/restaurant-apps-that-will-save-you-money

'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/

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

Modern Kitchen Renovations Combine Style, Utility

Many people take pride in their kitchens, and rightly so. This room not only provides food, but for many individuals, it also gives a home its soul. It's no wonder, then, that kitchens are one of the most-renovated parts of a house. If you are considering a remodeling of your kitchen, then take a look at some of the newest trends.

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/may/08/high-profile-modern-kitchens-benefit-updates/ 

Where In The World Is The Best Restaurant? San Pellegrino knows

If you are into fine dining and travel, then this story is for you. The annual San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards is out, and the top spot belongs to Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark. But the real winner is Europe, as the continent boasts more than half of the venues on the list. The highest-ranked U.S. restaurant? Eleven Madison Park in New York, which came in at No. 4.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/28/travel/san-pellegrinos-worlds-best-restaurants/

Renovating Your Home for Spring? Let There Be Light!

Take advantage of Spring to lighten up your home. Consider projects like inserting a skylight or sprucing up your walls with a brighter shade of paint. Not only can these changes enliven your abode, but they may also provide added value to your home.

http://marion.wickedlocal.com/article/20140414/NEWS/140418854/12445/LIFESTYLE

Tableside Computer Tablets Add Speed, Entertainment to Restaurant Dining

That computer tablet you’re holding in your hand could be coming to a restaurant table near you.

An increasing number of food establishments are turning to technology to add some spark to their service. Well-known restaurant chains like Chili’s Bar & Grill and Applebee’s, as well as smaller eateries across the United States, are incorporating tableside touchscreen tablets so customers can order drinks, appetizers, desserts or even their entire meal.

With the unlimited aspect of technology, restaurants can offer more detailed menu descriptions and nutritional information.

Another use for the tablets is quick payment, as diners can swipe their credit card themselves.

Not only is this mobile technology being used to speed up ordering, but it is also providing a means of entertainment for customers. Diners can tap into sports shows or listen to music while they are eating or awaiting their food. It’s a more personalized approach to the televisions you see hanging around many sports bars.

Other entertaining features include interactive games for adults and children. That means, instead of a ubiquitous pack of crayons, kids could use a touchscreen tablet to play connect the dots, conduct a word search or paint a picture.

Restaurants are utilizing these tablets in a variety of ways, including setting up special kiosks or simply providing handheld devices to patrons. Both options seem to be getting positive feedback from clientele.

However, not everyone is sold on the idea. Detractors are worried about the effect these tablets will have on waiters and waitresses, including whether jobs will be lost in the name of technology.

Other concerns revolve around the dining experience itself, as some opponents decry the solitary nature of these handheld devices. After all, “eating out” is typically a social endeavor. Will that camaraderie be lost if guests have their noses buried in a tablet?

Regardless of debate, it seems that tableside tablets are the trend du jour. Tech companies like MenuPad, Ziosk and E La Carte are striking more deals with restaurants across the United States, so don’t be surprised to be working with one of these devices the next time you stop in at your favorite dining spot. 

Restaurant Customers Use Social Media to Protest Menu Changes

Ever been disappointed when your favorite eatery updates its menu -- and gets rid of your favorite dish? You are not alone, and there are plenty of social media campaigns to prove it. Find out how your fellow diners are fighting for what they want to eat.

http://time.com/59733/social-media-is-bringing-back-chain-restaurant-menu-items-from-the-dead/

Take Time to Create Solid 'Blueprint' for Renovation Project

It can be easy to get over-excited when you are planning a renovation for your home. But be sure to step back and make a plan ... before you jump into any changes. By taking your time, you can avoid mistakes and ultimately achieve the home upgrade you desire.

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/online_features/real_estate/renovating-laying-a-good-foundation-for-home-improvement-success/article_65f64586-1afe-517b-8d18-b339b013b286.html