And the winner is...

Sparky Award recipient taps into his inner Clark Griswold

Sparky was the nickname Clark Griswold’s wife, Ellen, had for him in the classic film Christmas Vacation. In the spirit of Christmas, our first annual Sparky Award, for the best Christmas display in Winnipeg, is being presented to a man . . .

Posted: 2017-12-22

One man's trash...

Grandpa would've loved today's construction waste

Home construction isn’t what it used to be — and that is a very good thing. Every day, I drive through Headingley, passing numerous homes under construction. And there is always a bevy of trucks and vans out front of each . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

Roof icing problem fixable from outside or inside

Icicles, runoff, make property dangerous in winter

Question: About 10 years ago, I had R50 insulation blown into my attic, thanks to a Manitoba Hydro incentive program that made it attractive and affordable. My house is an old one, with two-by-four roof rafters. I’d always had trouble . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

Personalize gifts to avoid them gathering dust

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list can be difficult. We’ve all had the experience of not knowing what to buy someone, and then opting for something generic so the person at least knows we were thinking . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

Baked-on messes solved with a good soak

Tips on defeating a dishwasher's greatest enemy

Question: I am so frustrated with my dishwasher; it is only two years old and works like junk. Egg food particles tend to bake onto dishes in the machine, making them even more difficult to clean. Any suggestions would be . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

Getting the best result on painting an old chair

Multiple options to help make colour last

Question: I found a great mid-century table and pair of chairs at a rummage sale for US$30. One chair has a stain. I would like to paint the table and chairs a glossy white. The label on the chairs says . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

There's no more pop in popcorn ceilings

A popcorn ceiling, otherwise known as an acoustic ceiling, is a ceiling that’s been sprayed with a textured coating. A popular design element between the 1950s and the 1980s, the texture is useful for hiding imperfections, but is now considered . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

Fare hikes concern environmental group

Fewer bus riders may mean more greenhouse gases

If the City of Winnipeg wants to prove it’s a good environmental steward, then it needs to show citizens it cares about providing quality public transportation, Elizabeth Shearer says. But with rate hikes coming to Winnipeg Transit, she worries those higher fares could ultimately be . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

Developing trust makes end product better

Contractors often find themselves alone in clients' homes

My favourite aspect of the client-contractor relationship is the development of trust — which sometimes allows the evolution of a friendship. Because much of the work a contractor completes occurs during regular business hours on weekdays, it is necessary for the . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16

This holiday season's top gadgets and gizmos

Shopping ideas for the techie in the family

Technophiles are hard to shop for, or so we’re told. Here are some can’t-miss gifts, we’d enjoy. Cave Tools ● Nothing beats a perfect hamburger any day of the year, and the Cave Tools Burger Press makes one every time. The . . .

Posted: 2017-12-16