We've been a bit behind on the world of podcasts but we've found one that we will definitely subscribe to called Handyguys. The Handyguys are actually Brian and Paul who since the beginning of the year have been recording these podcasts that cover everything home related from Appliance Repairs to Choosing Home Inspectors.

Give them a listen.

The host of Today's Homeowner, Danny Lipford, is celebrating his 30th anniversary of Lipford Construction. Well done to Danny and his team for an impressive accomplishment.

It's official. Charles & Hudson will be moving from NYC to LA next month. We've had a great run in the world's most amazing city but it's time to check out the left coast. Because we have writers from all over the country our perspective is not specifically NewYorkcentric but we can't deny that C&H can have a bit more urban flair due to our location.

One Project Closer just did a nice review of our GPS unit and we're happy with our decision.

More to come on our move later.

Betty Draper struggles to fit into the life of a 50's housewife on AMC's Mad Men, and she's often seen wearing an apron in the kitchen and cooking meals, taking care of the kids, and gossiping with friends.

As residents flee from hurricane Gustav, many of them face the difficult task of not knowing what condition their house may be in when they return and what to do if they've lost everything. We've pulled some links from Charles and Hudson as well as other sites that can help answer these questions and more.

+ 15 Free Toolbox plans via Toolcrib

+ Steps Side Table via Casasugar

+ DIY Door to Dining Table via Design*Sponge

+ Staycation Ideas from DIY Life

Flagstone is typically used in outdoor applications to create pathways or sometimes patios but this family is using them to tile their kitchen. But what is even more interesting is the fact that they sourced the flagstone from a nearby creek on their property.

Not only are empty homes left vacant by foreclosure or suspended construction vulnerable to theft, thieves are now targeting current home construction job sites in increasing numbers.

If you are in the midst of a construction project make sure your land and materials are protected.

Back in the day I worked at Sherwin-Williams. Although I was familiar with the brand I had never recalled paying much attention to the logo. I remember after seeing it for the first time I was slightly appalled. The term "Cover the Earth" and accompanying image of paint being poured over the world was disturbing and this was years before the "green" movement took hold and at a time when environmentalists were on the fringe.

I may not be alone in thinking this as the Sherwin-Williams website has a section that explains the logo.

Our historical logo is one of the most recognized company logos in existence. Created in the late 1800's, the logo's purpose was to represent the company's desire to help beautify and protect the buildings of the world. It was a symbol of a young company's enthusiasm, idealism and hope regarding its future and the possibility for achievement that hovered on the nation's horizon. Over the years our "Cover the Earth" logo has become a figurative emblem signifying integrity and service.

That sounds great and I love nostalgic signs but I think it's time they consider a new slogan and logo for the next generation. This isn't about being politically correct but from a business standpoint why keep using a logo that taps into the wrong consumer emotions?

It's telling that the explanation for this logo is found at the bottom of the page that showcases their "Greensure" environmentally friendly products.

Please share your comments below.

Casasugar found this unique hotel built in London, England that uses shipping containers as building materials.

The Travelodge hotel in London, opened on August 15, and was crafted from 86 steel containers in a modular construction project developed by Verbus Systems.

The containers were modified and fitted with hotel room fixtures and fittings in Shenzen, China, shipped to England, trucked to the site and then fitted together in a framework to form the building. It took only 20 days to place the containers in the framework.
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Paul Harvey, the managing director of international and development at Travelodge, said his firm's use of modified shipping containers to construct hotels demonstrates its "commitment to innovation and cost effectiveness."

"Customers will notice no difference in their room to a traditionally constructed hotel, yet they will benefit from the low prices we charge due to our desire to cut the cost of doing business," Harvey said.

A level subfloor should be achieved before laying down any type of floor covering such as wood planks, tile, or carpet. One Project Closer helps a reader level their subfloor in preparation for laying down vinyl tile.

Although only updated once a week the Rockler Woodworking blog is definitely worth a look. We found their post about specialty finishing tools that allow you to spray or paint finish on your wood project without touching it.

The Sure Hook 360 is also valuable if you paint a lot of cabinets or hanging pieces.

After reading this nice review of our site from Green Gate Ranch Remodel, we took some time to peruse their site and found a couple of great projects that are documented in an easy to follow step by step process.

We've bookmarked them and are looking forward to seeing their garden shed complete.

As the do-it-yourself design boom has proliferated on TV and in magazines, so have online virtual room planners. We reviewed the top virtual room planners from last year, many of which are very effective in providing you with inspiration for designing your own room. As internet technologies advance so have the engines and design behind these room planners which have progressed with more detail and sophistication.

But there is a new challenger to these virtual room planners that comes to us from across the pond. MyDeco.com bills itself as a "furniture fix for the decorati" which is an apt description considering the top flight designers and retailers who have partnered with them.

MyDeco is more than just a virtual room planner. There is an editorial component to the site called "The Magazine" that features design guides and celebrity home news, as well as a fairly robust community of bloggers, designers, and decorators who share their own tips and rooms they've designed.

We're not sure how many US retailers are on board with the site but we foresee MyDeco expanding beyond the UK which would be favorable for us Yanks considering the high shipping costs for some of the products currently only available from overseas suppliers.

Check out the site, add us as a friend, and let us know what you think.

According to the Wall Street Journal "About 600 Amish contractors or subcontractors work in at least a dozen states, a rapid increase over the past decade". Homeowners are citing their craftsmanship and techniques used such as timber-frame building (which doesn't use nails) as well as their timeliness and lower cost.

On the flip side the Amish eschew modern technologies such as cell-phones and automobiles but it seems they've found a way around that. "Many can't own power tools -- but they can rent or borrow them. They aren't allowed to drive -- but they can use a car with a hired driver. Use of phones is banned at home -- but many are permitted to use cellphones for business or if someone else owns the phone, like the non-Amish driver."

via Wall Street Journal