MIKE HOLMES: Hitting the roof

Don't get caught with a leak during the winter season

Fall is the rainy season and the time of year you need to make sure your roof is in good shape. I don't want to think about it, but winter is on its way with snow and ice, freeze and . . .

Posted: 2009-11-07

Cook lasagna noodles in the sauce for perfect texture

Question: I often see no-boil lasagna noodles on the shelf of my grocery store. What makes these noodles different than regular lasagna noodles? Which is better? Jackie Answer: No-boil lasagna noodles are precooked noodles that don’t require boiling. However, instead of purchasing . . .

Posted: 2020-05-02

The best way to keep that face mask clean and proper

Beyond laundry, it's also about how you handle it through the day

QUESTION – I never in my life thought I would be asking this question, but what is the best way to clean and sanitize my cloth mask? Melvin ANSWER – I know what you mean! Use your washing machine and dryer . . .

Posted: 2020-09-26

CONNIE OLIVER: Easy techniques for creating a focal point

Got ilk? If you're renting, this column might be of particular interest because these ideas are not permanent and can be easily incorporated into a rental unit. The majority of rental apartments are lacking in architectural detail, so creating focus is even . . .

Posted: 2012-06-23

Comfort is key to setting up first new home

A good night's sleep is essential for students

Dear Debbie:I'm out of town to university and will be away for four years. My "room" budget is small, but I would like to be smart about purchases so they will go the distance. What are the priorities? Thanks -- . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Hang seasonal wreaths to store

Question: I own several Christmas wreaths, which I pile into plastic totes in my basement when I put them away. Every year I waste hours fluffing up each wreath before hanging them. Do you have any idea of how I . . .

Posted: 2016-12-24

Serving a cold salad without refrigeration

Question: I am invited to a potluck and have been asked to supply salad for a large crowd of people. I was told that there is no room in the fridge for the salad. Do you have any tips for . . .

Posted: 2017-05-27

SOLUTIONS: Ring in 2013 with helpful tips for the home

Life just got easier! To save real snowflakes, wait until the temperature is -10 C or colder outside. Collect snowflakes on microscope slides (do not use your fingers). Cover the snowflakes on the slide with a drop of super glue (not . . .

Posted: 2013-01-05

The new rock stars of home decor

Stones roll into fashion as accessory, art

We've all toted home an interesting stone or two from a good walk. We appreciate the eons it took to shape them; we admire the composition, the shading. But the cosiness? Today's rocks -- or close facsimiles -- are getting all . . .

Posted: 2008-07-06

Check with officials when insulating basement

Question: We are planning on finishing our basement and want to use two inch thick Dow styrofoam rigid insulation between the floor joists, with Great Stuff from Dow to seal any cracks around this insulation. We will eventually drywall the ceiling and . . .

Posted: 2016-06-25