Pamper your patio

And choose patio furniture that doesn't get bears high

I was seated in a polymer chair purchased recently from a big-box outlet, a lovely fillet of beef cooking on the barbecue, when I noted a mother bear and her two cubs bounding toward my position. Seconds later -- from my . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

Gardening: raise it up!

FOR all the romantic notions about gardening, it can be a strenuous effort. Digging, planting and weeding can burn plenty of calories depending on how vigorously you work. Gardeners whose movements are restricted either due to a recent injury, advancing . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

SOLUTIONS: Easy to test baking staples for viability after winter

QUESTION: My question pertains to baking supplies and other staples. I leave staples such as rice, dry pasta, lentils etc. at our unheated cottage over the winter. Do products such as baking soda, baking powder, flours and Bisquick lose their . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

Create living spaces in the great outdoors

Backyard can be extension of your home with some cozy comforts

Sunshine filters through flickering leaves overhead. Barbecue smoke hangs in the air. The side dishes are ready, hungry guests have gathered outside. If only the dining room, kitchen and living room were out there, too. There's no reason why they can't . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Debris-catching products can be trouble

Eavestrough gutter guards can keep out leaves, but vary in effectiveness and ease of installation

QUESTION: I would appreciate your comments on a product named Gutter Stuff, which is available at Home Depot in Winnipeg. A friend of mine had suggested a product called "rain filter" which appears to be very similar to the above . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

CONNIE OLIVER: School's out... now what?

Keep kids involved with room revamp

How do you keep the kids busy this summer and beautify your home at the same time? The answer is elementary, according to leading Canadian paint brand, CIL paint: Involve them in decorating their bedrooms. "A child's bedroom goes through more . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

Gardening in elevated beds is easy and puts you in control

Growing fruits, vegetables and herbs in raised beds is so easy that I don't know why all of us are not gardening this way. There are boundless options for building the beds from a range of materials such as cedar lumber . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

MIKE HOLMES: Choose reliable hardwoods for the long haul

I've got a soft spot for hardwood floors. I think most of us do. The main reason is it doesn't hold dust and dirt the way carpet does. If you have allergies or respiratory problems, hardwood is a good choice. . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

Looking for some shelter in flood-hit Calgary

I recently attended some national meetings of various homebuilder associations from across Canada in Calgary before and during the flood.I went out a day early to join some friends for a round of golf at Stewart Creek in Canmore. It's . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

Ready to move in

The Oxbow on the Seine introduces Phase 3

It goes without saying that not everyone looking for a new home is looking to purchase a single family home.Primary among such buyers are empty nesters and young professionals. The former demographic is usually looking to downsize to a home . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29