Popping sounds and odour likely mean microwave is toast

Question: I am hoping that you might have a solution for getting rid of burnt popcorn smell in a microwave. I have tried lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and even microwaving meat with a barbeque sauce. If I leave lemon . . .

Posted: 2022-01-08

Installing backup generator may be a wise choice

Question: I have seen back-up generators installed, on shows like This Old House, for hurricane prone areas, and see company advertisements here. In our climate, and with weather extremes, is this a concern here and what might the steps be . . .

Posted: 2022-01-08

Room to grow in Prairie Pointe

Flexible two-storey offers classy design

When the design team at Discovery Homes drew up the plan for their new show home at 229 Ken Oblik Dr. in Prairie Pointe, they had one objective in mind: to think like a family. That mindset is evident the moment . . .

Posted: 2022-01-08

Give your home a fresh start with a renovation

The beginning of a new year is often a time to reflect on the past and look at things from a fresh perspective. Many take this time to set out their New Year’s resolutions, the steps they plan to take . . .

Posted: 2022-01-08

Spotless bungalow-style condo in Garden City

Opportunity awaits for first time buyers or empty-nesters

Over the past year or two, both first-time buyers and empty nesters with modest budgets have been frustrated in their attempt to purchase a home. That frustration has been caused by two factors: a limited inventory of homes, and bidding wars . . .

Posted: 2022-01-08

Handy tips to help make 2022 a HAPPY NEW YEAR

To unclog a plugged drain, use one cup of salt mixed with one cup of baking soda — no liquid. Pour the dry solution into the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water. Instead of regularly buying paper towels to . . .

Posted: 2021-12-31

Fond memories from a perfect past

Treasures help Mustard travel back in time

Do you have one of these in your home? A treasure chest (cabinet) containing a plethora of fascinating but worthless artifacts I keep around just because I like them. I mean, in the deep dark cold of winter, I can go down . . .

Posted: 2021-12-31

Understanding homes that go BANG in the night

Question:We had vinyl siding installed on our house, approximately five years ago. Since that time, we have experienced a loud banging in a particular area of the back of the house. It seems to become louder during the winter months . . .

Posted: 2021-12-31

Work with nature to unlock your garden's full potential

Vancouver master gardener’s new book shows you how through 80 easy DIY projects

Through 80 DIY projects, Canadian author Stephanie Rose shows you how to turn your outdoor space into a healthy, organic, regenerative garden where everything works in tandem and is better able to sustain itself — the way Mother Nature intended. . . .

Posted: 2021-12-31

Bathroom on a budget

Shower project sparks full facelift

When a family’s circumstances changed this winter, the planned basement bathroom project was broadened. What began as a walk-in shower introduction at the far end of the space, resulted in a full basement bathroom facelift. The old vanity and toilet . . .

Posted: 2021-12-31