Frank Battista is a musician and a part-time salesmen of a well-known home entertainment system, so as he is fond of telling customers, he knows "the value of good sound." One of the sounds he hears at least once a month is of a ranting customer who wishes to return the expensive system because "the acoustics stink." Cool-as-a-cucumber Battista runs through a list of questions with the customer...

Creating an outdoor living space is probably easier than you think, when you use ZipRite Shades. Brought to you by Polar Shades®, ZipRite exterior shades keep pets in, and insects out. How many times have you opted to stay inside because of a bug invasion? With the help of ZipRite Shades, now you don't have to. All it takes is the simple touch of a button, to expand your living space. The good...

Restaurants have to undergo all types of safety requirements. Chefs and kitchen managers are rigorously tested on the best safety techniques for food handling. Public health inspectors routinely inspect food service institutions to ensure every applicable safety requirement is being followed. Restaurants also undergo electrical and structural inspections to ensure the building is safe for their...

Shades or Blinds? The physical differences between shades and blinds are simple to see, but the distinctions are far more than cosmetic. While many people do use one word for the other without really thinking about it, the two types of window coverings differ in substantial ways. In the great shades vs. blinds debate, one of your top considerations should be what you hope to achieve with respect...

Whether you’re refurnishing your home or getting settled in a new place, picking out furniture can seem like an impossibly big task. Your furniture can tell visitors a lot about your personality and contributes to the feel of your home. Cozy and country or sleek and elegant, picking out furniture that suits your style is a must for creating the right atmosphere in your home. Use these guidelines...

Congratulations on your new home! Now that the paperwork's been signed, the next steps can seem daunting. To help you get an idea of the best new home must-dos, consider the following helpful list: Install ceiling fans where possible. Ceiling fans are an excellent low-energy way to keep air circulating throughout your home to improve ventilation and reduce the amount of your home's energy usage....

As the days grow longer and the temperature steadily warms up, most see spring as prime time for deep cleaning. A deep spring clean can be rejuvenating for both your house and everyone within, as you physically sweep out all of the dust, dirt, and grime that’s accumulated over the winter months. From a health perspective, a thorough spring-cleaning helps eliminate particulates that cause...

Home décor blogs offer a daily dose of inspiration, with photos to jumpstart your own ideas as well as step-by-step DIY projects to show you how to achieve the look you want. Check out these five home décor blogs for inspiration: Little Green Notebook Jenny Komenda moved back to her hometown near Phoenix and put her talents to work by completely renovating a 1970s Cape Cod-style house. After...

Window shades have become a product where parents are advised to use extra caution. Although they are accessories meant to add appeal to certain rooms while keeping glare at bay, they often come with unintended side effects. Children, especially those who are still in infancy, often see the strings and cords associated with shades or blinds as play items. When babies and small children are placed...