If brownies are dry, remove from oven sooner

QUESTION: I am known for making dry brownies, even though I have experimented with six different recipes. The brownies are taken out of the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean, and I add the icing onto the . . .

Posted: 2019-09-14

Take proper steps to winterize summer property

Keeping moisture in check presents greatest concern

QUESTION: We have a small farmhouse in the country. It has an oil furnace for heating, which is expensive in the winter. It has an unfinished basement with copper water pipes. We don’t go to the farm at all in . . .

Posted: 2019-09-14

Now's not the time to let your lawn care fall off

Tips for the next several weeks, to enjoy healthy grass for years to come

With fall arriving soon, you won’t need to weed or mow your lawn quite as often. But don’t neglect your lawn care just yet. In fact, the actions you take in the next several weeks play a big role in ensuring . . .

Posted: 2019-09-14

Two-storey home offers luxurious family living

Intuitive design fits tons of livable space into compact footprint

The moment the 2019 Spring Parade of Homes ended, Spencer Curtis of Hilton Homes was thinking about the design of the show homes that would appear in the 2019 Fall Parade of Homes. A forward thinker, he already had an . . .

Posted: 2019-09-14

Bringing luxury and function together

Bridgwater Trails show home emphasizes virtues of 'less is more' design philosophy

Wow factor. It’s something every home entered in the 2019 Fall Parade of Homes possesses to one degree or another. And while builders want to impress would-be new homebuyers with stunning, fashion-forward show homes, they must be careful not to go overboard . . .

Posted: 2019-09-14

Dinner with a dash of creativity

One of the best things about cooking at home is the nearly endless possibilities. Cooking at home isn’t just a cost-effective way to eat, but it can also be a fun and engaging hobby. This September I am challenging myself . . .

Posted: 2019-09-12

The best and brightest new homes are on display

You've waited long enough -- the 2019 Fall Parade of Homes kicks off today

Today’s the day! The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2019 Fall Parade of Homes officially opens at noon and runs through Sunday, Sept. 29, showcasing more than 135 new show homes built by Manitoba’s best homebuilders. Once again, the MHBA is proud to . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07

Listing lowered for imprisoned record producer's mansion

LOS ANGELES — Phil Spector’s infamous murder castle — where he shot actor Lana Clarkson to death in 2003 — just got a bit cheaper. After listing for US$5.5 million earlier this year, the French Chateau-style mansion has returned to . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07

Protect against pests and diseases

Be vigilant and plant smart for a healthy garden next spring

Fall is a good time to reduce the risk of pest and disease problems next year. Your first goal should be good garden sanitation practices. Cut down any diseased plant material and remove and destroy debris on the soil around . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07

Proper planning can speed up deck build

Entire project completed in two days

Sometimes, potential clients assume contractors can simply snap our fingers and have their new deck built instantly. The reality is most contractors are generally booked well in advance, especially during the summer months. And secondly, co-ordinating the materials order, scheduling a . . .

Posted: 2019-09-07