CONNIE OLIVER: Bright ideas

Add bling to lamps

I happened upon some stunning new lighting at a local furniture store recently that really piqued my interest and imagination. This new trend in lamp and lighting design adds a little bling to standard table and floor lamps as well as . . .

Posted: 2013-04-27

Coffee and vanilla can combat prominent cauliflower smell in fridge

QUESTION: I am having trouble getting the smell of cauliflower out of my fridge. I have washed the fridge with vinegar and now have a dish of lemon juice and vinegar inside. I also have two boxes of baking soda . . .

Posted: 2019-10-12

SOLUTIONS: Red velvet cupcakes add WOW factor

QUESTION: Can you please give me an idea of how to liven up chocolate cupcakes? I have been asked to bring dessert to our ladies' tea and I want to 'WOW' them with something a little different. Hilda, Birtle ANSWER: Have . . .

Posted: 2012-04-21

Pretty in PINK

The soothing and sophisticated lighter shade of red

Pink is still a favoured colour for a girl’s room. While it is sweet and pretty for a nursery or little girl’s room, it can also be used with sophistication in adult spaces with the right accouterments and accent colours.Rooted . . .

Posted: 2016-07-16

Kitchen thermometer is your key to fully cooked chicken

Question: Guests are coming for supper soon, I have decided to cook chicken. Previously, I served undercooked chicken to my cousin; that was embarrassing. What is the fastest way to tell if it’s done, without looking like I don’t know . . .

Posted: 2019-04-27

Room with a TUNE

Minneapolis man transforms spare bedroom into musical museum

MINNEAPOLIS —Mark Milner has transformed a spare bedroom in his home into a shrine to music, musicians and personal memories.The back story: Over the years, Milner, a longtime musician and recently retired teacher of music and theater, accumulated a vast . . .

Posted: 2016-07-30

Have fire extinguishers inspected by a professional

Question: How often should I replace my fire extinguisher? Joel, WinnipegAnswer: You only need to replace a fire extinguisher if it needs replacing. With that said, fire extinguishers should be maintained at least once a year or when specifically indicated . . .

Posted: 2015-10-10

Sealing chase at top of building enclosure should stop moisture

Question: I have a question about what to do about moisture collecting on the underside of the metal cap of my false chimney chase. The entire chase has insulation and vapour barrier, but it would be considered a cold zone. . . .

Posted: 2020-02-08

Walking the plank

Quality product well worth the added expense

During a recent kitchen expansion and remodel, my clients also wanted to replace the existing flooring on the majority of their main floor. Other than the tiled bathroom, this included the new kitchen area, sunken dining room, front foyer, and . . .

Posted: 2020-04-11

CONNIE OLIVER: Colour your kitchen

Blend strong tones with the right amount of white

White kitchen cabinets can be boring if the kitchen lacks wall colour. As you can see in this vibrant kitchen photograph (courtesy of Moen), the vivid blue wall colour really brings life to this room. As I've said before, strong . . .

Posted: 2014-05-03