Cupcakes are a perfect treat to get the party started

Question: I want to have a cupcake-making party for a summer party. How much batter do I need for 24 cupcakes? Corey Answer: If you make enough batter for a double-layer cake, you will have batter for 24 cupcakes. Fill each . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

New kitchen completed during pandemic

Caring and co-operation come together for reno

Here’s a happy tale of Wendy and Ron Kroeker’s COVID-19 kitchen reno. "First the floor plan was kind of worked out on a snowy winter day about three or four years ago, ‘just for fun, ’ I told Ron, but he . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

Air admittance valves usually OK if installed correctly

Question: I kept your details from an interesting plumbing article in the Free Press some time ago. Your writing dealt with under sink issues and the use of an air admittance valve. I would like to know if these devices . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

Warm, inviting and loaded

Former HSC Millionaire Lottery Home stands tall

While it might seem like a trivial detail, it’s not easy to seamlessly match modern and traditional design themes. Consequently, much thought must go into the design of a home that combines the two themes. Then, that design must be executed . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

Modern convenience meets classic charm

River Heights gem impeccably maintained

Much like a car, the fewer owners a home has had, the better condition it’s bound to be in. And while many homes have had three owners (possibly more) in as little as 30 years, 194 Oxford St. has had only . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

It may be time to call a tree service

Trees are an attractive addition to any yard, and they come with plenty of benefits. In addition to cleaning the air and improving the look of your landscape, shade from trees can lower your home’s cooling bill and even boost . . .

Posted: 2020-05-30

Talk those raccoons out of your attic

Furry friends just need a little coaxing to move along

I was chatting with a neighbour a few days ago and he informed me he’d discovered a mama raccoon and her babies had moved into his attic. He was trying to live trap them and having no success. Now I love . . .

Posted: 2020-05-30

Pretty pendants, stunning chandeliers, and lovely lanterns

There are countless ways to bring your style and esthetic into your home, but perhaps none as important as the essential and ever-needed light fixture. Overhead lighting can be overlooked, especially when there are so many fabulous lamps we can use . . .

Posted: 2020-05-30

Skirting around the issue

Matching the right boards an exercise in luck and patience

One of the most difficult tasks to achieve successfully is matching weather-beaten exterior pressure-treated lumber with new wood. Whether the objective is to replace old and rotten boards, or to add-on to what already exists, there is a good chance . . .

Posted: 2020-05-30

Create you own outdoor oasis

Get outside your comfort zone and do something bold and daring

A balcony, porch or terrace is an opportunity to create an inviting outdoor garden oasis. Dominika Dratwa recommends that we step outside our comfort zone and create a design that is bold and daring. Forget about replicating what you have . . .

Posted: 2020-05-30