Don't cry over spilled milk or mouldy bird feeders

QUESTION -- Can you please tell me how I can prevent mould from forming in my hummingbird feeder? Orve, WinnipegANSWER -- The easiest solution for resisting mould in feeders is to move the feeder into the shade. When it comes . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

Room to move

Proper design, updated materials help drab, undersized bathroom

No matter how much you like your home, there always seems to be one space that, well, just doesn't work.In many cases, that space is an undersized bathroom. It seems no matter how much you wrack your brain, you can't . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

Address issues with home before warranty expires

Question: We've been living in our newly built home for about a month now. We have a home warranty that will cover some of the problems we might find and I just came across some issues that I was hoping . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

Sirococcus disease a blight on spruce trees

Of all the tree issues that concern property owners, unquestionably Colorado blue spruce and the green variety of Colorado spruce year after year top the list.This variety and species of spruce simply has lost most of its ability to deal . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

No need to break bank to update decor

Readers often contact me to share their ideas and decorating successes. I've enjoyed hearing from you over these past 15 years. (Has it been that long?)Linda D. recently contacted me to share her story of decorating triumphs while living on . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

All the right moves

Extensive planning is key to a successful renovation

A big renovation requires a trustworthy contractor. That's why Morgan Whiteway chose Red Seal Builders to complete a large addition to his two-storey home in the Norwood area, including a basement and a large attached double garage. "It's the kind of project . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

Functional and elegant

Sage Creek bungalow offers exceptional attention to detail

When it comes to show homes, function must come first. Once a functional design is achieved, elegance can then be woven into the overall design. The design team at Maric Homes had that in mind when they conceived the floor . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

Classic charmer

River Heights home offers a thoughtful layout in a great location

Not all River Heights classics were created equal.Most of the homes built between 1900 and 1930 ooze character, but the layouts and features vary greatly.As a result, some homes are far more livable than others. The 2, 000 sq. ft., . . .

Posted: 2014-11-22

High on ornamental grass

Provides contrast and tranquility to gardens

Deer resistant. These two words are a powerful descriptor and make a good argument for including ornamental grasses in your landscape. At Assiniboine Park, home to Winnipeg's largest garden as well as a deer population that has demonstrated a steady appetite . . .

Posted: 2014-11-15

Solutions: Fixing stains and wobbly locks

QUESTION -- I have four butter knives from the American Silversmiths Collection, and they have stains on them I can't remove. They look like smudges. Can you help? Janet (Winnipeg) ANSWER -- You may want to purchase the commercial cleaning product . . .

Posted: 2014-11-15