Stone (or Concrete Block) Retaining Walls - Any tips would be great.

I am in the process of moving a huge amount of dirt in place around the foundation of my house. I have had a spontaneous desire to put in a stone retaining wall in the front facing the street. About 12-18 inches high I think. It will meander slightly.

If you've done this, or closely observed someone else do this, paid someone to do this etc, I'd love to hear about it.