Melt marshmallows in microwave or double-boiler

Question: I am making a snow display for my son’s Grade 2 class. How can I melt marshmallows without burning them? Mary-Jo Answer: Sounds like fun! Before heating marshmallows on the stove, grease the bottom of the pot. You may also . . .

Posted: 2021-12-18

TRUSS-worthy porch project

Addition had hurdles, but they were covered

Not all projects run as smoothly as planned, despite having taken the appropriate steps. And unforeseen hurdle can wreak havoc on timelines, and such occurrences have been punctuated during these uncertain times. Fortunately, a strong team of suppliers can make . . .

Posted: 2021-12-18

Standing tall in Prairie Pointe

Cab-over design loaded with class and character

In the world of home building, creativity can either be a blessing or a curse. Apply it judiciously, and the result is most often a home design that’s filled with function and personality. Go overboard, and the result can be a . . .

Posted: 2021-12-18

Urban elegance in the heart of downtown Winnipeg

Glasshouse Skylofts offers modern and exclusive living

In 2016, an innovative condominium project came to the heart of downtown Winnipeg at 311 Hargrave St. Called Glasshouse Skylofts, the developers, Urban Capital, were intent upon delivering a new style of living to Winnipeg with a modern, streamlined high-rise building . . .

Posted: 2021-12-18

The 12 plants of Christmas

Author puts horticultural twist on classic holiday song

Adrian Stockdale is author of Plant Names Simplified: Their Pronunciation, Derivation and Meaning (5M Publishing, 2019), the revised third edition of the book first published in 1931 by renowned horticulturalist Arthur Johnson. The book provides the name, pronunciation and classification . . .

Posted: 2021-12-11

Renovation show set for welcome return

The 2022 version of The Winnipeg Renovation Show is returning and is now only a few weeks away. The Winnipeg Renovation Show runs from Jan. 14-16 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. The show has traditionally kicked off the new . . .

Posted: 2021-12-11

Keepsake conundrum

What to do with an accumulation of mementos?

What should you do with unutilized family history stuff in your home when you know nobody else in the family wants any of it, but you still hold an emotional attachment to the items and would feel guilty getting rid . . .

Posted: 2021-12-11

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

Seek out source of stench

Odour near radon mitigation outlet may signal drainage issues

Question: A radon mitigation device was installed in 2017 in my Charleswood home. I have a structural wooden floor in the basement, with a crawlspace below. An odour intermittently emanates from the radon mitigation outlet, not so much in the . . .

Posted: 2021-12-11

Warm and inviting

Home’s country charm enhanced by plenty of modern touches

Ask any builder about constructing a show home in a countrified community, and they will tell you it’s fraught 
with challenges. First — from a stylistic standpoint — there’s an obligation to build in design features that give a subtle nod . . .

Posted: 2021-12-11