Beautiful blue and white beds bring serenity home

Nothing makes me want to stay in bed all day lounging more than a rainy day. Seeing as spring is here, the drizzle of April showers won’t be going anywhere soon. This means it is time to refresh and re-comfy . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Perennials to love

Make your garden beautiful for YOU

Are you seeing plenty of perennial plants popping up in your garden this spring? Some plant varieties are slower than others and if you’re like me, it’s impossible to resist the urge to inspect the ground more closely for the . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

This glass has class

Tiling process challenging, but the result is spectacular

The art of tiling is both methodical and strategic. It is a process by which mathematical conclusions determine aesthetic cohesiveness. Albeit challenging, the finished product often yields the focal point of a remodelled space. At a recent bathroom remodel, the homeowner . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Glimmer of hope for declining native bee populations

The tribulations of the honeybee are well-known, even if the origins of the mysterious colony collapse disorder that wiped out hives a few years ago are not easily explained. Then came our awareness of the afflictions of the bumblebee. Of more . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Green grass needs time, water and LOVE

Question: As a Free Press subscriber and an avid reader of your column, I find myself finally feeling the need to appeal to your wisdom and guidance on what afflicts my lawn. Over the past 10-15 years, we have had . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Cooking perfect chicken is all about the temperature

Question: How do I bake chicken breast without drying it out? I either end up with what tastes like rubber, or dry and flavourless meat. Thanks, Gaylene Answer: The secret to perfect chicken every time is an oven thermometer. Safe cooked chicken . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Choose outdoor furniture that will LAST

Price isn't the only sign of quality

After a long pandemic winter, everyone is ready to get outside. "We’re seeing tremendous growth and demand for outdoor furniture earlier in the year, " said Ron Hilton, chief merchandising and operations officer at Overstock. Traditionally, the company gets a spike . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Attention to detail

Two-storey with walk-out perfect for growing family

More than ever active and growing families prize function and value in a new home. Unfortunately, those two traits don’t always correspond. They do in Carriage Signature Homes newest show home at 19 Orion Cres. in Aurora at North Point, says Alana . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Ready and waiting

Sage Creek two-storey better than new

Over the past 14 months, the local real estate market — like the rest of our lives during the COVID-19 pandemic — has been turned upside down. Due to stay-home-restrictions that encouraged people to work from home, home sales increased dramatically . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

River Heights classic updated to perfection

Modern amenities meet charming elegance

As much as folks love River Heights for its character-filled homes, there’s one thing some don’t love — the fact many of these classics lack modern function. In many instances, kitchens tend to be tiny, or separated from the dining room, . . .

Posted: 2021-05-01