Container contentment

Out-of-service steel shipping boxes make cheap, easily assembled, indestructible homes

Bernard Morin would like us to start thinking inside the box. If we did, he says, we could build homes quicker, cheaper and a lot greener. Morin, with his wife and business partner Jocelyne Labelle, sells homes made from recycled maritime . . .

Posted: 2011-05-21

Upgrade brings condos into new century

Townhouses an affordable option

As the price of houses escalates rapidly, buyers are looking for other options. More people are considering townhouse condominiums due to their house-like feel. Problem is, many such condos are in the 30- to 40-year-old range and can be dated with . . .

Posted: 2011-05-21

Phase out chemicals in your yard

How-to guide for reducing harm to environment

Consider the issue of chemical pesticides. Most Prairie gardeners are aware of their negative impact on our environment. The majority of insecticides are broad-based rather than specific. They target the "good guys" as well as the pests, upsetting the natural balance . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

Planting ornaments in your garden

They shouldn't clash with the house, and natural is nice

AN attractive garden is more than just plants. Well-positioned garden ornaments create points of interest and transform the appearance of the garden. Garden accessories that bring life to a garden landscape can range from diminutive garden gnomes to a piece of . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

Bachelorette back to first love

Perky Albertan focusing on Extreme Makeovers, for now

IN 2009, Vancouverite Jillian Harris won the hearts of North American TV audiences as the first Canadian to star on ABC's reality show The Bachelorette. Now she has returned to her first love: interior design. The perky 31-year-old remains unmarried (she . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

Straight goods on Steven and Chris -- they're fun

Steven Sabados is a handsome charmer with muscular forearms. What he is not is straight. Women say they are fine with this. Ha. What they really want is for Sabados to change jerseys and play for Team Hetero. I know about women's . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

CONNIE OLIVER: Step up, decorate your stairway

The photograph of this decadent bathroom has a feature in it I thought we should revisit. The stairway in this room has been adorned with small lights, which give the room a soft glow and also make the stairs a . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

MIKE HOLMES: Well done 'bump-out' alternative to big reno

Is it worth it? I mean, both practically and financially speaking. Do you find yourself squeezed only two or three times a year when the whole family comes for a holiday meal? Then I'd say the expense and hassle of a . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Warming up basement floor without wet woes

QUESTION: Recently we bought a modest bungalow in North Kildonan. The basement, which has some of the area broken up by stud-framed walls that are not sheeted in, will be completed as soon as it is affordable. The concrete floor . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14

SOLUTIONS: No quick fix for dark spots behind pictures

QUESTION: I love your natural, non-chemical solutions. Is there anything that will remove the dark discolouration on the paint behind pictures hung on the wall? And is there a way to prevent this discolouration from happening? Thanks. Vee, Winnipeg ANSWER: I . . .

Posted: 2011-05-14