The best in sound

After a tough semester, gift will be music to their ears

What freshly minted grad wouldn’t appreciate a good headphone as a graduation gift? Here’s a selection of the top headphones to choose from, both wireless and wired. Bose QuietComfort 35 CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding) The good: The Bose QuietComfort . . .

Posted: 2017-05-20

SOLUTIONS: Steam way to fluffier potatoes

QUESTION: Julia Child once said, "The lid should always be left "ajar" if potatoes are left in the pot after cooking." Also, someone said that cabbage should be cooked without a lid on. Would you know why? Here are some . . .

Posted: 2010-09-25

Checks and (bank) balances

Routine home maintenance can save you lots of money over time

It's human nature to attempt to save a few dollars by tackling common maintenance work around the house. But some, such as Victoria resident Ramona Maximuk's former landlord, found out the hard way that some work should be left to . . .

Posted: 2009-08-30

SOLUTIONS: Diet Pepsi can take old carpet off cement

QUESTION: Do you have any wonderful solutions for removing outdoor carpeting from cement steps? The carpet on the steps at my front door is in tatters and I need to remove it, and then replace it. Thank you, I love . . .

Posted: 2011-07-23

Heatproof spray paint can perk up glass lamp

Question: I hope you can help me with this problem. I presently have a set of lamps that were given to me by my late parents. They have a glass base and I wonder if they can be painted, as . . .

Posted: 2021-12-11

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Moisture mystery easily solved, not easily fixed

QUESTION: My house was built in 1950 and originally had downspouts from the eavestroughs emptying into the basement. I'm not sure when the original owners switched them to the outside, but that's where they are today. I don't believe we have . . .

Posted: 2013-02-09

MIKE HOLMES: Your kitchen can't take the heat

Your stove -- whether it's gas or electric -- needs to have an operating hood and extraction fan over it. These hoods aren't just decorative -- they are essential to help control excess moisture in your home, as well as . . .

Posted: 2009-10-18

MIKE HOLMES: Five steps to boosting your home's value

Homeowners frequently ask me what they should do to make their homes more valuable. To me, making a home valuable means making it work for the family; making it durable so it lasts; and making it more energy efficient so the . . .

Posted: 2014-05-10

MIKE HOLMES: Duct cleaning a good thing -- if it's needed

Healthier air quality, better airflow, more energy efficiency -- yes, I am a fan of duct cleaning. But there's a time and a place for duct cleaning. And it's not always worth the money you pay. There are a lot of . . .

Posted: 2011-04-09

Take the longue way home

Leopard a dramatic choice for covering antique chaise

Dear Leanne: I am recovering an antique chaise longue and would love to use a leopard print. I don't want to recover this piece any time soon and I was wondering how long animal patterns would still be in style. ANSWER: . . .

Posted: 2010-09-25