RENOVATIONS: Paper the place properly

Expert advice can help you choose the right wallpaper

When people decide to renovate an older house, the first thing to go is wallpaper. As there are thousands of designs, colours and textures of wallpaper on the market, picking the right style for your home can be made easier and . . .

Posted: 2014-03-15

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Older low-pitched roofs present challenges

QUESTION: We have a low-pitched roof that is covered not by tar and gravel, but a polyurethane foam covered with a polymer coating. Our problem is there is no vapour barrier in our ceiling, other than this roofing material itself. . . .

Posted: 2012-10-13

Everything and the kitchen sink

I've found the perfect place for Christmas shopping

Today’s column is about the PERFECT place to go Christmas shopping. However, before I lead you to a place of fascinating treasures and even better savings (who doesn’t love a deal?) I feel it is my duty to issue the following . . .

Posted: 2017-11-18

Colour safe bleach keeps fabrics bright and fresh looking

Question: What is the difference between bleach and colour safe bleach? My socks look dingy after I play soccer. How can I keep my white and orange socks looking new? — Cathy Answer: Colour safe bleach is made using hydrogen peroxide while . . .

Posted: 2021-10-09

Drywall-sanding attachment a sure bet to suck up the dust

QUESTION: Love your column! I would like to know how to keep the dust down when I have a small area to sand on drywall? Thank you. Florence, Winnipeg ANSWER: The best way to reduce drywall dust during a sanding project . . .

Posted: 2013-11-30

CONNIEOLIVER: Window-dressing can be creative, cheap

Window treatments add tons of character, colour and texture to a room. They complete your decor and make your home feel dressed. They can be costly, particularly if you have several windows in the room you're decorating, but with a . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

GARDENING: Be kind to Mother Earth

Choose sustainable gardening

Even to yoga devotees, the discipline of mindfulness doesn't come easy. How do we focus on the moment when so many things are clamouring for our attention? Like anything else, it takes a little practise. Dave Hanson applies the philosophy of . . .

Posted: 2014-03-08

SOLUTIONS: Measuring rice need not be wild disaster

QUESTION: The other day I cooked wild rice and was embarrassed when I ran out before everyone at the table had a helping. What is the best measuring tool for wild rice? In other words, how much rice will one . . .

Posted: 2011-11-26

Fishy dishwasher needs good cleaning

Check filter, use a bleach solution

QUESTION — How can I get rid of a fishy smell coming from the inside of my dishwasher? — Jean ANSWER — Old food stuck in the filter of the dishwasher is a common reason for the unit to carry a . . .

Posted: 2020-08-29

Soap and water likely enough to remove gasoline stains from concrete

Question: Gas spilled onto the concrete floor in the garage. Is there any way to get rid of it? Laura Answer: Remove gasoline stains on your driveway with the following technique: Using a garden hose, spray the area with . . .

Posted: 2022-09-24