Edible alchemy

The bubbles and fizz of fermentation

This year’s early start to the growing season has resulted in bountiful fruit and vegetable gardens. The edible landscape is brimming with delicious possibilities. There are many ways to enjoy the fruits, vegetables and herbs that are in season right . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Regulators seek safety labels on flooring

The Consumer Product Safety Commission staff in the United States is tackling a very interesting problem.The National Floor Safety Institute has petitioned it to require floor covering manufacturers to label their products to indicate that there is a possibility of . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

For the birds

Backyard chickens require care and caution

More people are keeping chickens in their urban and suburban backyards, and I don’t think it’s just because they enjoy the fresh eggs. It would be cheaper and easier to just buy eggs at the grocery store.Most people view backyard . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Increased tax on investment housing may not be answer

As reported here a couple of weeks ago, the city of Vancouver has implemented a new 15 per cent tax on foreign real estate investments. This was in response to runaway housing price escalation. There were reports of extremely marginal . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Design trends for wood floors

Wood flooring is a classic look for any home, but there are trends to consider when installing a new floor or refinishing an existing one:1. Wide floor boardsIf you have smaller rooms, consider the trend toward wider planks, which create . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Take it inside

These toys are guaranteed to make a rainy day shine

These toys are guaranteed to make a rainy day shinePhotos by: Armin Brott and Samantha . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Deep COVER

Upholstery is getting livelier thanks to peppy fabrics and bold colours

HIGH POINT, N.C. —You can’t help but sit up and take notice of today’s boldly upholstered chairs. A chair is just a place to plop until it’s dressed in the new, brighter solid and patterned fabrics that are lifting the . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Use vinegar and hot water to remove blueberry stain

Question: I think of you for so many household questions that befuddle me. And here’s another one. I have a big, straw summer purse with cloth lining. I spilled blueberries on the lining and don’t know how to clean the . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Collected rainwater safe for irrigating lawn, garden

Question: I have a question for you regarding the water that comes out of the sump pit. We have two large rain barrels and have been collecting this water from the hose as it pumps out of the basement. When the . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13

Child's play

Timely tips for decorating kids' rooms

I’ve decorated a lot of kids’ rooms lately, and it’s trendy for parents to freely include their kids in all decisions, whether it’s the colour of the walls or the pile thickness of the carpet. The problem with this approach . . .

Posted: 2016-08-13