Uncertainty eventually leads to prosperity

Despite the pandemic, for some contractors and suppliers business is booming

If there is one word to describe the year 2020, uncertainty is my choice. Beyond the health crisis created by the pandemic, the measures and restrictions set forth in an attempt to combat the spread of the virus have also . . .

Posted: 2021-01-23

Top backyard landscape design trends

Escape to your outdoor living room to relax, entertain and play

Following on the heels of what turned out to be a very big year for anyone who worked in the landscape design industry, 2021 is shaping up to be a monumental year. The scope of emerging trends for 2021 tell . . .

Posted: 2021-01-23

Cut lettuce with a clean, sharp knife for freshness

Question: Does it matter if you tear lettuce versus cutting it with a knife? Carrie Answer: Many cooks believe that when lettuce touches metal, it will react and prematurely turn brown. While this isn’t completely a myth, it really doesn’t make a . . .

Posted: 2021-01-23

Conquer clutter one room at a time

Mustard has been playing BEFORE & AFTER -- and you should too

Let’s play a little game called before and after (B&A). Thanks to isolation, I’ve been playing B&A for a while now, and the great thing about this game is you can’t lose. And let’s be honest with one another here, what else . . .

Posted: 2021-01-23

Perfect proportions

Stylish design on smaller lot makes excellent use of space

With lot sizes getting increasingly smaller to save costs, builders have been challenged to make a 1, 700 square-foot home feel as spacious and livable as a 2, 000-plus sq. ft. home. It turns out this is easier said than done. The . . .

Posted: 2021-01-23

Sensible luxury

Spectacular Bridgwater Lakes two-storey loaded with form and function

Drive through any neighbourhood and there always seems to be one home that stands out from the rest. In this instance, 28 Willow Brook Rd., a 3, 387-square-foot two-storey home built by Huntington Homes in 2018, immediately catches your eye. With . . .

Posted: 2021-01-23

Mega Millions, Mega Choices

This year should be a year of celebration. "2021 marks 150 years of compassionate care at St. Boniface Hospital, " said Karen Fowler, Interim President and CEO, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. The pandemic makes celebrations of any kind more difficult. However, Fowler . . .

Posted: 2021-01-23

Freshen up your walls with these bold design tips

When it comes to artwork, sometimes thinking outside the box can be the best solution. Gone are the days of solely traditional prints or canvases; in are the days of creativity, including innovative DIY projects. Looking for ways to spark . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Beat the post-holiday decor slump with tranquility

We did it! We survived 2020 and what is best described as a "unique" holiday season. Since we were spending most of our holiday time at home this year, I pulled out all the stops to make it feel as . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Freshen the air in your home with these fragrant tips

Question: With the restrictions in place, I can’t purchase the air fresheners I usually buy. What can I do to keep my house smelling fresh? Louisa Answer: Pour handfuls of fresh coffee grounds inside socks, close with an elastic band and store . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16