The new(er) kid on the block

Osborne Village condo available in a 2007 building, with a fresh, modern layout

Looking for a condominium in Osborne Village can be challenging for one huge reason. That reason? None other than a shortage of new construction in the area. Though there are some new projects on the go, most of the condominium stock . . .

Posted: 2017-08-12

Look to lindens for a healthy, pleasing pick

Tree's symmetry and health make them a fine choice

Frequently I am asked by people living in newer neighbourhoods, "What trees should I plant?" With the well-known problems of American elms with Dutch elm disease, the impending issue of ash trees being killed by emerald ash borers, as well as . . .

Posted: 2017-08-12

Treasures a happy reminder

Family memories live in old keepsakes

Not everyone has one of these. A treasure cabinet. But I do, a few of us sentimental folk do, and it contains treasures of not monetary, but emotional and nostalgic value. And how do you put a price on that? I think . . .

Posted: 2017-08-12

Replacing panels in door not really easy task

Question: We recently moved into an interior rowhouse. Although we have plenty of windows in the side alley, as well as the front bay and transom windows, I am still desperate for more light. I would like to replace the . . .

Posted: 2017-08-12

Creating your own peaceful garden escape

When does a garden become hallowed ground? When we have created a space for spirituality or remembrance there. Traditionally called shrines, these amazing spiritual nooks in nature remind us that peace can be found in this chaotic world. You’ll find shrines . . .

Posted: 2017-08-12

Global sham sheet conspiracy left many in beds of lies

There’s a new kind of "short-sheeting" and — instead of being a practical joke — it is an international crime. In March, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) found that foreign sheet manufacturers were shorting consumers on thread counts. In response, . . .

Posted: 2017-08-05

Home prices on rise, trouble is building

Recent headlines suggest the average price of a house in Canada has remained essentially flat compared to the average price from last June. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the national average price for homes sold in June 2017 was . . .

Posted: 2017-08-05

Disdain for the deck stain

If there's any job I hate to do, it's this one

Occasionally a potential client will request to have a deck stained. Due to my contempt for the process, a prompt and courteous reply details the following sentiment: "I build ’em, I don’t stain ’em." That said, it’s no secret decks built . . .

Posted: 2017-08-05

Ten decor trends that are here to stay

Following trends can be dangerous in home décor, where rooms are designed to last decades, not months. But while we tread carefully when it comes to decorating with trends in our homes, we can’t deny the fact that it sometimes . . .

Posted: 2017-08-05

Old medicine doesn't age well

Retro home remedies not recommended for modern-day use

Feeling a little under the weather? No worries. I have for you treatments and advice from two medical books, both written by doctors as a resource for home use. They are, Dr. Chase’s Recipes — Information For Everybody, published in 1881, . . .

Posted: 2017-08-05