GARDENING: Forget the snow

Add some ZEST to winter gardening

The glossy green leaves of healthy, indoor potted plants brighten up any living space, especially in the dry, dim days of winter. Potted citrus trees, with fragrant blooms and brightly coloured fruit suspended from their branches, have a fascinating allure. But . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

Old trunk becomes coffee table

Dear Marc: I found an old trunk at a flea market. It looks pretty old, I think it would make a great accent piece in my home. Where should I place it to get the best look? Beverly Dear Beverly: Don't . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

CONNIE OLIVER: Decor finds

Unused old objects can make unique accent items

When I come across a great decor idea, I like to share it with others. Not only are the following ideas fantastic, they inspire us to think outside the box when it comes to home decor. I can't take credit . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

SOLUTIONS: Castile soap a gentle but tough alternative

QUESTION: More and more I hear about castile soap. Is it healthier than regular soap? If so where can I purchase it? Sean, Winnipeg ANSWER: Over the last 75 years, thousands of chemicals have been created and introduced into the environment. . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

RENOVATIONS: Basement magic

Gritty grotto transformed into luxurious family area

When guests enter Chris and Lenore’s renovated basement in south Winnipeg, they are touched by a sense of magic. That’s because the walkout basement, which fronts on a river, was renovated by a person who “performed magic” when she transformed the . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

MIKE HOLMES: Duct boosters won't fix home's poor airflow

I was driving the other day when I heard an ad on the radio about duct booster fans. I couldn’t help but laugh. On a recent job we did, the homeowner was having trouble with their HVAC so they called . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

ASK THE INSPECTOR: HRV settings key to homeowner's woes

QUESTION: I have a new home and have found that my furnace was running almost continuously last winter trying to keep our house temperature at 20 degrees. I also found that the temperature variations within our home fluctuate three to . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

Girl-band singer turns travels to new career

NEW YORK — “Home-goods designer” was never a particular aspiration for Belinda Carlisle, the singer best known as part of the Go-Go’s. But, she says, she was spending so much time travelling, and especially travelling to India, where she was . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

Basement magic

Gritty grotto transformed into luxurious family area

When guests enter Chris and Lenore's renovated basement in south Winnipeg, they are touched by a sense of magic.That's because the walkout basement, which fronts on a river, was renovated by a person who "performed magic" when she transformed the . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17

HRV settings key to homeowner's woes

QUESTION: I have a new home and have found that my furnace was running almost continuously last winter trying to keep our house temperature at 20 degrees. I also found that the temperature variations within our home fluctuate three to . . .

Posted: 2012-11-17