Wash throws in cold water and dry on low heat

Question: I received a beautiful, fluffy throw blanket for Christmas last year. How should I wash it so that it doesn’t lose its softness? Cheri Answer: Wash your throws by themselves so that the fuzz from the blanket does not jump . . .

Posted: 2022-02-05

Ay Caramba! 2022 is the Year of the Phlox

There’s more to this versatile species than meets the eye

Each year the National Garden Bureau selects one plant from several different categories. Plants are chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. For its perennial category, the National Garden Bureau has selected 2022 as the . . .

Posted: 2022-02-05

Blizzard of Manitoba memories

Winter storms have always been a hazard of Prairie living

As I write this Tuesday morning, my-oh-my how those cold winter winds 
are howling. And although I’m no fan of winter, I don’t mind a good blizzard now and then, especially this version, with very little snow falling. Once it stops, . . .

Posted: 2022-02-05

Aluminum wiring should be inspected, repaired by electrician

Question: I’m writing to enquire about aluminum wiring. It was permitted by code to be installed in many apartments and homes during the 1970s and today is even used by Manitoba Hydro for heavy gauge service cables. Insurers love to . . .

Posted: 2022-02-05

Artfully crafted in Oak Bluff West

Sprawling bungalow loaded with fashion and function

It’s never an accident when a new home design possesses a high level of function. Which is to say, all that wonderful flow, function and style didn’t just happen. Every detail of the home’s design — in this case Warkentin Custom Homes’ . . .

Posted: 2022-02-05

Room to breathe in East St. Paul

Sturdy two-storey and sprawling property have distinct rural feel

As rare as they are, there are instances in life when you make something of an unexpected discovery. A charming-looking two-storey brick clad home at 2342 Raleigh St. is one of those rare finds, says Pat Stecy of RE/MAX Professionals. “It’s on . . .

Posted: 2022-02-05

Controlling humidity keeps home healthy and comfortable

Question: Our house is about 10 years old. It is built with insulated concrete forms (ICF) and has a heated basement floor. It also has an energy efficient furnace. When we built it, the HRV was hooked up to the . . .

Posted: 2022-01-29

Keeping Old Man Winter at bay

Self-reliance an important aspect of rural life

At a very young age, the importance of self-reliance had been instilled. No matter the required task, it became a priority to tackle it on my own, whenever possible. As such, my adult life revolves around creating scenarios whereby the . . .

Posted: 2022-01-29

Grow your own goodness

Make the switch from a traditional front lawn to an intentional garden

Lawn consumes valuable resources even when weather conditions are as favourable as possible. Amid concerns about a warming climate and the loss of ecosystems combined with the current disruptions to our food supply chain, a manicured front lawn feels like . . .

Posted: 2022-01-29

Stepping up in style

These staircases are the stars of the show

So earlier this week, I got chatting with Lynn Fenwick of Fenwick & Company Interior Design about staircases and the difference their style and design can make to your home. Hold it. Is it staircase or stairway? They don’t sing “climbing the staircase . . .

Posted: 2022-01-29