Are you ready to carry two mortgages?

Doing well in the housing market can be all about timing. Ideally, you want to have a buyer for your existing home, purchase the new place, and move smoothly from the old abode to your new dream home. Of course, it . . .

Posted: 2010-10-30

Olive oil can make an appliance look like new again

Question: I own a stainless-steel fridge, and I am having a hard time keeping it polished. I have tried many products, but haven’t found anything that works (they always leave streaks). I have tried Windex, hot water and soap, Fantastik, . . .

Posted: 2018-07-21

Go against the grain -- paint cottage walls

When it comes to cottages and cabins, I have a not-so-hidden agenda: My plan is to paint knotty pine one summer home at a time. Oh, the horror! Yes, I'm another one of those decorators who wants to paint the wood. It's . . .

Posted: 2013-07-13

SOLUTIONS: Washing soda great for stained pots

QUESTION: How can I clean stainless steel pots that have boiled dry? I managed to remove some stains with baking soda and S.O.S pads. Dawn, Portage La Prairie ANSWER: Baking soda will do a good job but washing soda is stronger and . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

SOLUTIONS: A mint suggestion for solving mouse problem

QUESTION: We have found mice nests under the hood of our car. Can you suggest a solution apart from shaving cream on cotton balls? We would sure like to give this a try. Thanks in advance for any help you . . .

Posted: 2013-12-07

Baking soda will wipe those rings from marble counter

QUESTION: My son built a new house that has a large marble counter in the kitchen. It has acquired marks on it, water rings etc., which cannot be removed just by wiping with a dishcloth. Can you tell me what . . .

Posted: 2013-09-07

The bird is the word

Action must be taken to prevent further species decline

The cat did it. There’s always a convenient scapegoat, but the fact is, there are many factors that are contributing to the precipitous decline of North American bird species. The world’s leading scientific journal, Science, reported this fall that 2.9 billion breeding . . .

Posted: 2019-11-23

SOLUTIONS: Mouse in the house? Give it peanut butter

QUESTION: Do you have a "green" solution for repelling mice? We had mice problems last year and would rather repel them than kill them. We are rather low-income people. Linda, Winnipeg ANSWER: Mice love peanut butter even more than cheese. Locate . . .

Posted: 2011-06-11

Protecting your piece of paradise

How to grow and keep specialty plants meant for warmer climates thriving

If you have purchased a specialty plant (otherwise known as a plant meant for a warmer climate) and want to see it survive outdoors in our cold climate, it’s essential to follow some basic principles. Success in the garden, whether you . . .

Posted: 2017-07-22

SOLUTIONS: Non-gel shaving cream helps remove streaks

QUESTION: I read your column in the Winnipeg Free Press each week and thoroughly enjoy the tips and solutions. We recently removed old wallpaper in the bathroom with fabric softener and some of the fabric softener ran onto the bathroom . . .

Posted: 2011-03-26