A hot pink bedroom? Umm...

Young woman has workable idea, but needs some guidance

I receive many e-mails from kids, particularly girls around 10 years old. They've watched my shows and know that I believe in their innate ability to choose great colours and designs. Our rooms are or should be an extension of . . .

Posted: 2008-02-10

Check value before chucking heirlooms

You never know what old stuff might be worth

I am regularly approached by people asking me what to do with keepsakes, furniture, old letters, family photos and movies — you name it — usually passed along by parents and grandparents. I try to be as helpful as possible. Too . . .

Posted: 2020-01-04

A sleigh ride straight to the holiday spirit

Courtesy of Santa's fleet (surely)...

Some people do a simply magnificent job of decorating their homes for Christmas. I’m not one of them... or haven’t been of late, but that has all changed, in a very big way. You see, last weekend, I bought Santa’s actual sleigh, . . .

Posted: 2019-12-14

Save money by gardening on the cheap

HOW can you save money gardening this year? Well, all it takes is a little thought and ingenuity and you can save a bundle. In Britain last year, a survey of 1, 000 people found that 26 per cent were saving as . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

Winnipeg’s sweet spot is still 3b

Canada’s plant hardiness zone maps get an update

In late 2023, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a new version of its plant hardiness zones map for the first time in a decade, the map showed an increase of approximately 1.39 degrees Celsius warmer than . . .

Posted: 2025-08-16

Nurture that indoor garden

Holiday gift plants can charm year-round

Hostess gifts during the holiday season quite often include a beautifully presented plant ranging from the exotic, such as anthurium, orchid, hibiscus or bromeliads, to the more traditional, including amaryllis, Christmas cactus, paper whites and, of course, poinsettia in its . . .

Posted: 2012-01-14

Considering a DIY project?

Know your limits before tackling a home renovation

WHEN you see before and after photographs of a successful DIY renovation it really inspires you to consider making changes in your own home. The question becomes: Can I do it myself? It's good to learn from those who came before . . .

Posted: 2010-08-14

Storm clouds form on homebuilding horizon

Manitoba’s new home construction numbers for May have mirrored the hot weather we’ve been enjoying. A number of recent articles and news stories have highlighted the strong growth in housing starts here last month. May was a tremendously strong month for . . .

Posted: 2017-06-21

Carefully inspect fireplace and chimney prior to first fire of the season

Question: We moved into an old home and we are excited to use the wood-burning fireplace. What do we need to do before we use it, so that we don't burn down the house? Any tips? Peter, LoretteAnswer: Before lighting . . .

Posted: 2015-11-07

Optimize your home office

Create a task-driven environment with proper lighting and colours

These days, millions of people have the luxury of working from home. It’s convenient and comfortable — and the commute is unbeatable. But telecommuting comes with its own host of challenges. If you’re dealing with distractions and a lack of . . .

Posted: 2019-04-20