Keep up the Christmas spirit

Extend the life of your poinsettia

More waste is thrown out during the holiday period than at any other time of the year. Crumpled wrapping paper, hastily torn ribbon, countless boxes, Christmas trees that are losing their needles and near-lifeless poinsettia plants. Wait, that last one you . . .

Posted: 2013-12-21

Vent blockage a common cold-climate problem

QUESTION: I enjoy reading your column and hope you can make a suggestion that will eliminate a problem I am having. I have two roof vent pipes installed on the north side of my home and they face the prevailing . . .

Posted: 2013-12-21

Questions remain about Canada Post's mailbox plan

For decades, one of the mainstays of every home has been the mailbox, generally within reach of the front door. Every day, we crack open the door, reach in and get our newspaper. Later, we go through the same procedure to . . .

Posted: 2013-12-21

SOLD & OFFERED

SOLD:   River Park South Address: 3-1911 St Mary's Rd. Asking Price: $244, 900 Selling Price: $235, 000 Taxes: $2, 642.97 Square Footage: 1, 352 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: Condominium Selling Agent: Marc Bouvier, Century 21 Carrie, 204-801-5758   Lakeside Meadows Address: 165 Cambie Rd. Asking Price: $299, 900 Sold Price: $323, 500 Taxes: $3, . . .

Posted: 2013-12-21

Gold standard

Award-winning Arlt Homes bungalow offers contemporary warmth

It's a dilemma that builders face on a daily basis: How to create a home that's contemporary, yet warm. How do you achieve a synergy between the two elements? By filling out a modern floor plan with a host of warm . . .

Posted: 2013-12-21

Penthouse aplenty

Tuxedo Avenue condo a spectacular suite

Standing on the 18th floor in an expansive penthouse at 200 Tuxedo Ave. surveying the city below, a sliver of a thought penetrates your consciousness. That thought? This must be what it's like to live in New York. Then, that Manhattan moment . . .

Posted: 2013-12-21

GARDENING: O Christmas Tree

Tree farms offer everything from U-cut to home delivery

Sometimes the reason for buying a live tree for the holidays is the same as for purchasing an artificial tree. In a word, aroma. The delicious scent of a fresh tree, while intoxicating to some, can bother allergy sufferers. Mold spores . . .

Posted: 2013-12-14

CONNIE OLIVER: Neutralize your colour palette

Canadians are stuck on neutrals. That's the finding of a country-wide survey conducted by leading-brand CIL paint of Canadian paint habits over the last year. The survey, which polled a sampling of CIL paint stores across the country, showed that neutrals . . .

Posted: 2013-12-14

RENOVATIONS: Easy does it

Chalk-based paint removes need for stripping

Still stripping? Stop now. Your antiquated, yet serviceable pieces of furniture encrusted with layers of lacquer, varnish or other gunk can be rejuvenated with a single coat of paint, no caustic strippers required. Newly developed calcium carbonate-based paints have . . .

Posted: 2013-12-14

Affordability key to owning a home

RBC Senior Economist Robert Hogue, who was in Winnipeg last month for the MHBA Housing Forum, has co-authored a new study on factors affecting the ability to buy a home. While larger markets swayed the data, regional highlights are significant.The . . .

Posted: 2013-12-14