| Report reveals 10 most hyped kitchen products
Consumer Reports' tests reveal many of the most hawked products delivered less than they promised and several were beaten by the old standards that cost far less. The 2007 August issue is Consumer Report's largest kitchen package to-date with over 30 pages of advice and comprehensive Ratings that will help consumers decide which appliances, countertops, sinks, faucets and flooring offer the best combination of style, performance, and value based on our independent lab tests.
Consumer Reports cooked up 850 pounds of ground beef in tests of appliances and used over 40 stain-producing materials including red wine and ink to test the stain-resistance of flooring, countertops, and other materials.
10 Most-Hyped Products and What to Buy Instead
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Local Business Spotlight: Reasnor man offers craftmanship, quality ...
Combining a dream of being his own boss and his love of woodwork.The craftsman decided after working for a few of his would-be competitors that he could go into business for himself. To help better prepare himself to start a business, Steenhoek went to Des Moines Area Community College and used the free services provided by SCORE. Steenhoek put together a business plan, remodeled a shed into a workshop and made his dream a reality in May when he opened Custom Woodworks, 5269 Highway F62 E. in Reasnor."I enjoyed (woodworking), it was kind of a hobby and I didn't really like working for anyone else so I decided I wanted to do my own thing," he said. .
Restraint is the key to good design choices
You might never mix them all into a casserole; some might not even work for you as part of the same meal. The same sensible restraint applies to home design. Every space or structure has multiple "ingredients" that work together to create the right design recipe. These include color, lighting, materials, surface textures, contrast, scale and proportion. Getting the mix right is a balancing act in which each ingredient has to work in context with the others. Some are like spices best used sparingly, while others are staples you can pile on generously. Most people have diverse tastes in architectural and design elements, but just because you like a variety of looks doesn't mean they should all be featured in a room. Even deliberate mixes of various styles need some discipline and balance to work well.
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