Bringing your Christmas tree out of the past

Decorations are going on earlier and following fashion, interior design

It's barely into December, but it's never too early to deck the halls. Opting to extend the holiday season, more and more people are setting up their tannenbaums as soon as their Halloween decorations come down. "We're decorating our trees a lot . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

Classic cottage gardening a timeless design style

Discover the essential elements in new book by Danish gardening celebrity Claus Dalby

Thinking about taking your garden to the next level? The cottage gardening style could be just what you are looking for. Danish author Claus Dalby is known the world over for his breathtaking garden design. With nearly half a . . .

Posted: 2023-08-12

There's always room for history

Wagon, bunkhouse and possibly bigger plans have place in yard

Houston, we have a problem. The forest is eating my old grain wagon. I rescued this dear old sweetie, with permission, from a collapsing barn on the Bates farm just outside of Killarney about 30 years ago. I brought it home . . .

Posted: 2020-10-03

CONNIE OLIVER: Some handy dos and don'ts with feature walls

A few weeks back, I mentioned there was one more update needed in my kitchen. The brick wall on the wall opposite the cabinets has been a thorn in my side since we purchased our home years ago. The brick 'feature' . . .

Posted: 2013-06-01

Easy tips help you sit back, enjoy summer

It's finally time for sun and fun so get ready to soak up these easy summer-loving hints! 1. Clean up the grill with citrus. Heat up the grill and slice an orange in half. Take the sliced orange and rub . . .

Posted: 2008-06-01

Removing stains from marble countertops

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: 2017-03-18

The secret to succulent gravy

Question: I tried numerous times to make gravy and it always ends up lumpy. Can you please tell me: how much flour should I use for the best consistency? — Lucas Answer: The art of gravy making can be a challenge. You are right, . . .

Posted: 2017-08-19

Straight goods on Steven and Chris -- they're fun

Steven Sabados is a handsome charmer with muscular forearms. What he is not is straight. Women say they are fine with this. Ha. What they really want is for Sabados to change jerseys and play for Team Hetero. I know about women's . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

Vinegar can be used to help remove cutlery stains

Question: How can I get rid of the discolouration on my cutlery? — Ivy  Answer: In commercial kitchens it is very common to toss cutlery into a sink of plain old white vinegar, let it soak and polish with a cloth. Or cut a . . .

Posted: 2019-07-27

Some books should stay on the shelf

Mustard peruses his library in a pandemic pause

This isolation thing is getting a little boring. You vacuum, clean the bathroom in case company drops by, and if they do, you can’t let them in. "Love you! Go away!" So it’s important to have things around your home that . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09