Cooking oil makes peeling boiled eggs simple

Question: What can I add to the water to make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel? — Donna Answer: Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pot while boiling eggs. The shells absorb just enough of the oil so that the shells . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Small deck presents big challenge

Elevated structure had to be built to withstand 'wobble test'

In the spring of 2014, a client of mine, Lynn Williams, contacted me regarding the possibility of designing a small but strategic deck that would allow convenient access to an above-ground oval pool. Given the limited space around the pool, and . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Dry soil can be difficult in winter months

Question: I saw an old article from the Free Press, dated October 2011, that you wrote about dry soil and I am trying to follow up on that. I found your article very interesting and useful, but thought I would reach . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Diva plants that dominate our gardens

Experts explain how to care for some of the most difficult flowers to please

Divas can be temperamental and difficult to please. They have their own unique style and flaunt it with panache. There are certain plant species, too, that behave like divas in the garden. Temptresses that steal the show, they captivate our . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Make sure mowers are revved up for spring

There are two words my snowblower Jaws loves more than any other in the entire world. Colorado low. Earlier this week, the very second Jaws sensed a Colorado low was headed our way, he ran his tongue over his auger, heaved a . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Letting the light in

Necissity is the mother of invention

Some new home designs evolve naturally, while others are born out of necessity. Suffice it so say the design of 43 Woodbridge Dr. — a raised bungalow that Paradigm Custom Homes has entered in the 2018 Spring Parade of Homes — . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Sage advice for Parade of Homes guests

The 2018 Spring Parade of Homes is well underway! The winter storm which gave Manitoba a wallop held off until late Sunday, allowing visitors to head out during the first weekend of the spring parade and visit many of the great . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Oilers owner goes all-in on California

Katz drops record-tying US$85M for Malibu property

LOS ANGELES — The Malibu estate of West L.A. real estate agent Kurt Rappaport has quietly sold to billionaire Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz for US$85 million — an all-in price that includes the furnishings, according to a spokesperson for . . .

Posted: 2018-03-10

Spring Parade of Homes starts today

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2018 Spring Parade of Homes officially opens at noon today and runs until Sunday, March 25. Showcasing 138 new show homes built by Manitoba’s best home builders, the MHBA is proud to present the biggest and . . .

Posted: 2018-03-03

The Castle on your doorstep

You won't have to go far for this great escape

Need a great escape? Haven’t got the time or money to "go south" as so many snowbirds do? BREAKING (non-fake) NEWS! Have I got the perfect — and local — destination for you! It is none other than a beautiful and classic 116-year-old . . .

Posted: 2018-03-03