SOLUTIONS: Shorten a dress without sewing

QUESTION: I am borrowing my cousin's dress for a dinner that I am going to in three weeks. The dress is knee-length and I am wondering how I can temporarily shorten it so that it is a short dress without . . .

Posted: 2014-03-01

Fire up your imagination

Spring Parade of Homes promises function and form

If you needed a reminder that spring is on the horizon, it's here, and none too soon: the Spring Parade of Homes, which will run from March 1 to 23. And this edition of the annual spring rite will feature not . . .

Posted: 2014-03-01

Fit for all

Flexible design makes two-storey home suitable for many needs

So you have a young family, and have been living in a 1, 200-square-foot, 11/2-storey home a number of years. As serviceable as it's been, now the kids are getting older -- and want their privacy -- it's time to move . . .

Posted: 2014-03-01

A townhome of your very own

Waterford Landing units offer high-end features at an affordable price

If you're a prospective new homebuyer, it's no secret home ownership isn't a cheap proposition. Whether you buy a resale home, new home or a condominium, prices can be steep, with dollar value only fair to middling. Having to perform upgrades . . .

Posted: 2014-03-01

Great place to raise a family

Updated '90s house looks like new, with space to spare, loads of quality

When you're 22 years old, it's very rare that you'd need a facelift -- or, let's say, upgrades -- of any sort. However, if a home is slightly more than two decades old and you want to maintain a contemporary look, . . .

Posted: 2014-03-01

GARDENING: The buzz on bees

It can be a sweet hobby for backyard enthusiasts

This time of year, even a swath of dandelions stretching the entire length of a median strip might be a welcome sight to winter-weary gardeners. Then again, maybe not. But to a bee, biding its time in a winter shelter with . . .

Posted: 2014-02-22

RENOVATIONS: Chain-reaction reno

Wallpaper issue triggers major revamp

Great renovations can begin with one seemingly insignificant act. At least, that's how Ron Funk and Cheryl Digby's reno of a 1900-square-foot bungalow in Morden began. "I was sitting at the kitchen table eating supper when I noticed a little piece of . . .

Posted: 2014-02-22

SOLUTIONS: Epoxy mix should fix scratched porcelain sink

QUESTION: I enjoy reading your helpful tips. How would you suggest getting surface scratches out of lovely, white porcelain kitchen sinks? I have tried baking soda, Magic Eraser, bleach and vinegar but nothing works. The scratches are not penetrating, they . . .

Posted: 2014-02-22

Steady budget should help housing industry

Many people complained that the recent federal budget lacked a certain pizzazz and didn't have the excitement and incentives of other budgets. What is it about jobs, infrastructure and deficit reduction that they don't like? The Canadian Home Builders Association supported . . .

Posted: 2014-02-22

Pitfalls of a new fireplace

Revamping fireplace costly so you better do it right

QUESTION: Our gas fireplace is mucho ugly. Saw on TV that you completely revamped a beast. Can you give me the options and costs? ANSWER: The "mucho ugly" fireplace I renovated for my clients was originally 15 feet wide with . . .

Posted: 2014-02-22