Can opener can do more than open cans

QUESTION -- Whenever I purchase household items that have thick packaging encasing them, it takes me a mountain of time and frustration to remove the plastic. Often my scissors can't cut through the thick plastic. Do you have any ideas . . .

Posted: 2015-02-28

Switching to energy-efficient bulbs a bright idea

Renovation time is a good time to save moolah. It's easy. Just ensure any new light fixtures you buy are equipped with Energy Star approved bulbs and, at the same time, replace existing incandescent lamps in your home with energy-efficient . . .

Posted: 2015-02-28

Sold

Sold-Offered for Feb. 28, 2015:   SOLD: Maples ADDRESS: 14 Leamen Ave. ASKING PRICE: $324, 900 SOLD PRICE: $310, 000 TAXES: $2, 749.83 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1, 358 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 2 LOT SIZE: 57 x 100 LISTING AGENT: Lynda Mackie, RE/MAX executives 204-890-9960 SELLING AGENT: Tony Panchhi, RE/MAX executives 204-987-9800   SOLD: St. Norbert ADDRESS: 183 Le . . .

Posted: 2015-02-28

And now for something different

Trifecta of homes from Hilton functional, affordable

No question about it -- many prospective homebuyers would like to buy a new home.However, in many cases, one major issue prevents them from making the purchase: affordability. Reality is, most folks simply can't afford to shell out $450, 000 . . .

Posted: 2015-02-28

Marvellous mansion

Big, lovely home will generate rental revenue aplenty

It's something we've all dreamed about -- having our own luxurious mansion to live in.Ideally, it would be situated on a quiet, mature lot. Moreover, that lot would also exude a countrified charm (with its generous width and depth, surrounded . . .

Posted: 2015-02-28

Exotic locales inspire gardeners

European travels can fill mind with numerous new, creative ideas

"I am out of the country until the snow disappears and will have no access to my emails or phone during that time."It's a message that resonates at this time of year as wanderlust fuels the desire to travel. What . . .

Posted: 2015-02-21

Avoiding mould grief in basement insulation

111I am currently developing my basement. My home was built in 1974. The previous owner had already framed the exterior walls and installed pink R12 fibreglass insulation along with a vapour barrier, probably around seven years ago. The vapour barrier . . .

Posted: 2015-02-21

Be gentle when cleaning marble floors

QUESTION -- I have a problem with stains on marble flooring. Most stains are water and the tiles are also dulling with no shine. Is there a cure? Many thanks in advance. Glenda (Niverville)ANSWER -- Regardless of anything else you . . .

Posted: 2015-02-21

A place for everything

In my fantasy world, I have unlimited storage in my home. Nothing is cram-packed into too-small spaces, and I have scads of open drawers and cabinets in which to effortlessly organize my essentials. But back here in the real world, . . .

Posted: 2015-02-21

Want parents close by? Build a granny suite

Fifteen years ago, it was frowned upon to apply for a permit to build an addition called a granny suite. In those days, the preferred nomenclature employed by the City of Winnipeg was servants' quarters.Apparently, the city's mandarins believed granny . . .

Posted: 2015-02-21