A mosaic of beauty

Resurgence of interest in ancient art form

A few months ago I wrote a column about mosaic tiles. There is a resurgence of interest in this ancient art form; we are seeing stunning mosaic work decorating bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes and floors. The number of enthusiastic responses I . . .

Posted: 2008-09-28

Cash deal renos often too good to be true

With the May long weekend in our rear-view mirror and warmer weather here to stay, Manitobans are now fully engaged in yardwork, gardening and preparing for the summer. Sometimes, that also means planning a summer renovation project for your home. Many . . .

Posted: 2018-05-26

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Blackboard paint great for helping kids stay organized

Dear Debbie: Our son and daughter (11 and nine years old) have both asked to have a wall in their bedrooms that they can write on. We have heard of blackboard paint and wonder if you can cover it up when . . .

Posted: 2009-08-30

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Futons are fab again

'70s standby is new, improved and still flexible

Ah yes, it was so hot in the '70s. If you were a starving student or just managing to scrape it together in your first apartment, you had a futon. With, or more likely without a frame, the futon operated as . . .

Posted: 2009-11-07

Backyard becomes oasis

Pool, waterfall planning began a year ago

Despite coordinating countless projects, Aqua-Tech project manager Joe Urmos can never get over how a bit (okay, a lot) of planning and hard work can turn a backyard with potential into a literal oasis of relaxation -- and pinache. "What you're . . .

Posted: 2009-07-26

Flipping through a time machine

Somehow I landed myself a copy of Eaton's 1976 catalogue, and boy were things ugly back then

Looking for a great buy on just about anything for your home? Well congrats! Have YOU come to the right place, because... "THE NEW EATON’S SPRING AND SUMMER CATALOGUE IS HERE!!!!!" New for the Spring and Summer of 1976 that is. While browsing through . . .

Posted: 2018-04-14

Peel a pineapple in record time this summer

Question: Please share with me a fast way to peel a pineapple. -Morgen Answer: Pineapples can be stored at room temperature for about three days, after that store the fruit in the fridge to maintain freshness. I used to work as a cook at . . .

Posted: 2020-07-04

Clean maple cabinets with mild soap, water

QUESTION: What can I use to clean my kitchen cabinet doors without damaging the finish? I have maple-finished cabinets from Kitchen Craft. I stir-fry often and I don't know what to use to clean the grease off the cabinet . . .

Posted: 2011-01-29

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Let's address some fireplace safety issues

QUESTION: Yesterday, I burned some wood in our fireplace. At bedtime, I left the flue open because there were still some hot embers in the hearth. I covered the fireplace opening with a blanket to keep the cold air from . . .

Posted: 2010-02-06

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Aging boiler heats upstairs more than down

QUESTION: In my home, which is 95 years old, I heat with hot-water radiators from a gas-fired boiler. Originally the boiler was gravity fed, but 41 years ago a circulating pump was added when a new boiler was installed. Currently, . . .

Posted: 2010-03-06