Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)

This 1948 predecessor to “The Money Pit” (1986) and inspiration for “Are We Done Yet?” (2007) stars Cary Grant and Myrna Loy as Mr. and Mrs. Blandings, a man and wife with two lovely daughters, a bird, a live-in maid, and everything that is entailed in having a good life. However, there is not enough room in their apartment to contain all of these things, and Mr. Blandings is feeling a little squished and more than just a little bit put upon. Having to share his bathroom with three females? It’s more than a man can bear. Upon flipping through … Continue reading

A Library in a Shopping Mall?

Libraries vs. shopping malls. The two things seem as diametrically opposed as a hot fudge sundae and a chunk of tofu. Yet for residents of Orem, Utah, it’s not all that strange. The Orem City Library has been undergoing a $1.8 million dollar remodel, involving half of the library. The south wing will feature a brighter interior, with new ceilings, lighting, and seating. But what do you do with half the contents of an entire library? You can’t just shove it all into a closet while the remodeling takes place. Thus was born the idea of opening a branch of … Continue reading

Home Improvement: Cabinet Re-facing

If your kitchen or bath needs an update, you can give either one or both of them a facelift without a complete remodel. Cabinet re-facing is a great alternative and can be tackled even if you are a beginner when it comes to home improvement. There are plenty of choices when it comes to cabinet re-facing, so you are sure to find something within your ability and your budget. You can update your cabinetry to improve the look and feel of your home or to add value to your home if you’re planning to sell. Either way, there are plenty … Continue reading