NEWS

Nearly every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family. While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and finding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance. But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift cards to those friends or family members who seemingly have everything already. Such cards make great gifts, but only when gift givers employ a few tricks…

Although residents of chilly climates come to expect the flakes and gathering snow mounds, some people never quite get used to the cleanup involved in keeping neighborhoods safe and accessible. In March 2014, North America was covered by the third-highest amount of snow that late in the season since record keeping began in 1966, according to NOAA's U.S. National Ice Center. Snow can begin in September and October in some northern areas and stretch on until early spring. It pays to learn the best ways to deal with snow and to incorporate some environmentally friendly strategies as well. The most…

Dining out is incredibly popular. According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant industry sales in 2016 were expected to exceed $782 billion in the United States alone. But dining out is not exclusive to the United States. Restaurants Canada reports that the Canadian restaurant industry accounts for nearly 4 percent of the country's economic activity while directly employing just under 7 percent of the country's entire workforce. Dining out would seemingly appeal to diners from all walks of life, but parents of young children may find it difficult to enjoy dining out with tots in tow. The following tips can…

Proper dining etiquette has a place whether you're enjoying a meal at a five-star restaurant, a fast-food joint or at home. While there are some written rules about social etiquette, there also are unwritten rules rooted in courtesy. By following these guidelines, any dining experience can go smoothly. Put down the phone When dining out or attending a party, direct your attention to fellow guests or dining partners and not your devices. Turn off the ringer, resist the urge to check the sports score, wait to text a friend until you're done, and devote your attention to the meal. Let…

(MS) - As building codes enforce tightened minimum standards for eco-responsibility, the more progressive builders are illustrating their own accountability by using and producing materials that are even more efficient than mandates demand. This is great news if you are currently designing, planning or simply getting ready to buy a new home - your investment will likely deliver greater environmental conservation, lower occupant costs and increased property value. Building code revisions worldwide are ushering a whole new generation of structures that are between 35 and 40 percent more environmentally responsible. The improved practices in construction are showcasing advancements in wall…

The real estate market will always have its ups and downs, but real estate is an oft-profitable investment. Real estate investors do their investing for various reasons. Some see a house as a place to hang their hats for years and years, while others look at properties as nothing more than investments. Buying a home with the intent to fix it up and resell it is called a "fix and flip." In such situations, investors buy homes at below-market prices before refurbishing the homes with the goal of recouping their initial investment and then some when the homes are ultimately…