Ready to move in

The Oxbow on the eine 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

Perfect for an ex-urban family

Big, well-designed, newish La Salle house suggests myriad possibilities

It's an ongoing debate, especially among young families looking to upgrade to a bigger, more family-friendly house. The question? Buy new or used? The issue can extend to a home's location: City or quiet bedroom community? With all the great communities in . . .

Posted: 2013-06-29

RENOVATIONS: Shedding light on window treatments

Hi-tech or traditional, blinds, drapes, curtains and shutters will enhance any home

Modern window coverings can now be opened and closed by pushing a button on your iPad. As I don't own an iPad, I haven't been able to open my blinds since they were installed three years ago. I suspect, even if . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

Create a regal space for your new prince or princess...

Without spending a royal sum

From a fantasy carriage crib costing around $19, 000 to a machine that warms up your baby's wipes, there's little doubt there are many products around to make a baby feel just like a little prince or princess. With pictures emerging . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

TREE CARE: Tip blight disease threatens our spruces

I've written about the problems with spruce trees a number of times, but these issues keep returning and growing. Within the last five years, the Sirococcus tip blight fungal disease has leapfrogged into a significant concern -- a threat not only . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

MIKE HOLMES: Net-zero house a big plus in the long term

Homeowners, builders and architects are working together and pushing standards to build net-zero homes. These homes produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis, taking the EnerGuide rating up to 100. EnerGuide rates the energy efficiency of a . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

There is more than one way to insulate between joists

QUESTION: I know the use of extruded foam insulation on interior basement walls must be covered, but what about the header areas? If you seal them with extruded foam, too, must those areas be covered? Doug ANSWER: You have identified an . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

CONNIE OLIVER: Forget beige -- grey is the new neutral

Builder beige is out and stylish grey is in as the new neutral. As you can see from our feature photo, courtesy of Kohler, grey can be a stunning neutral for decor. Any room can be enhanced with the right shade . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

Tackling stubborn stains from neck to toes

QUESTION: I am cleaning up all my boots prior to storing them for the summer and I'm seeking clever storage tips. How can I clean street stains from camel-coloured suede (lamb lined) boots and is there a simple way to . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22

GARDENNG: Dwarf trees never short on beauty

Topgrafts or tree-formed shrubs lend vertical interest to perennial beds

Whenever a friend of mine finds a man attractive, he's inevitably short. My weakness is for short trees. When I first laid eyes on a Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa), it was love at first sight. My relationship, though, was short-lived because . . .

Posted: 2013-06-22