The wonders of baking soda never cease to amaze

QUESTION: My white bone china plates have marks on them from my stainless steel cutlery; the marks won't come out with the dishwasher. Any ideas of how to clean them? Thank-you, Terry, WinnipegANSWER: Since scratches caused by cutlery have damaged . . .

Posted: 2013-07-27

Ones to watch: Fascinating newcomers for 2023

Check out these beautiful perennials and annuals

Each new year brings gardeners oodles of new plant varieties to consider for our outdoor spaces. Despite the vast number of new annuals and perennials, most are the result of extensive breeding, development, and trialing over a period of several . . .

Posted: 2023-01-09

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Ceilings that are high on character

Dear Debbie; We have a coffered ceiling in our bedroom. The coffer and the main ceiling are painted white. I'd like to add moulding, but I don't know where it would look best or what colour it should be in relation . . .

Posted: 2009-08-16

Grey chocolate buds need wet-and-dry fix

QUESTION: I made a birthday cake for my daughter. I bought chocolate buds to decorate the top of the cake and when I opened the box, I was disappointed because the chocolate looks grey instead of brown. How can I . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

UPROOTING your home & garden

Good news for gardeners who can't bear leaving their precious plants behind in a move to a new residence

Homebuyers searching for their next property are more likely than ever to purchase a house that also comes with a garden. Attractively developed landscapes add considerable value to the worth of a property.What if you are selling your home and . . .

Posted: 2014-08-01

Choose outdoor furniture that will LAST

Price isn't the only sign of quality

After a long pandemic winter, everyone is ready to get outside. "We’re seeing tremendous growth and demand for outdoor furniture earlier in the year, " said Ron Hilton, chief merchandising and operations officer at Overstock. Traditionally, the company gets a spike . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Treasures from a child's mind

Best to consult youngsters when designing their spaces

Some of our greatest treasures are the storytellers, musicians and designers who have never lost their childhood imagination. Their ability to automatically connect to the whimsy and adventure of a child's world brings enchantment that would otherwise be lost. When . . .

Posted: 2013-08-24

Homegrown for the holidays

Use these new trends and old favourites to make your space stand out during the winter season

No matter what your design style may be — mid-century modern or ever-evolving contemporary — there are plenty of non-traditional plant choices this holiday season. The options to accessorize your mantle and table-scapes go beyond the familiar palette of red . . .

Posted: 2016-11-19

The Southwest angle

Big space calls for bold style

Dear Debbie -- Our home has some unique features such as a large master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and an open family room with nine windows. We've tried to decorate but it just is not coming together. We like a . . .

Posted: 2009-02-14

Bring gorgeous Caribbean to your bedroom

The beginning of the year is filled with fresh hopes and resolutions. But I think most of us, as we pack away all the holiday ribbons and lights, long for a bit of a breather before embarking on exciting new . . .

Posted: 2014-01-25