ASK THE INSPECTOR: Get to the root of your sewer-line problem

QUESTION: I am trying to find information on who to contact about a collapsed sewer line. My husband had someone come in to clear a slowly draining laundry sink in our basement. It has been doing this off and on . . .

Posted: 2010-12-31

SOLUTIONS: Get the scoop on peanut butter oil

QUESTION: Can you please tell me why some peanut butter labels state that they contain "no trans fats" but the jar label lists partially hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient? Cheers! Bill, Winnipeg ANSWER: All peanut butter, by law, must contain . . .

Posted: 2010-12-31

Thanks to all who made this past year a success

As 2010 ends and a new year begins, the Manitoba Home Builders'Association wants to take this opportunity to recognize and thank those who made this past year a success. The residential construction industry is a huge part of Manitoba's economy, accounting . . .

Posted: 2010-12-31

SOLD & OFFERED: Dec. 31-10

SOLD St. James Address: 310 Amherst Street Asking Price: $119, 900 Sold Price: $128, 000 Taxes: $1, 807 Square Footage: 650 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Listing Agent: Ken Maines, Maximum Realty, 999-9078 Crestview Address: 117 Deloraine Dr. Asking Price: $229, 900 Sold Price: $240, 000 Taxes: $2, 929.79 Square Footage: 1, 500 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5 Lot Size: . . .

Posted: 2010-12-31

No. 1 for a reason

The Manchester's unusual, family-friendly features make it a top seller

When the design team at Kensington Homes conceived The Manchester, it's clear their mandate was to dare to be different. According to Kensington's new-home sales representative Sabie Brar, the calculated risk has paid off in a big way. "Plain and simple, the . . .

Posted: 2010-12-31

Warmth -- and wow

Clearly, not all condos are created equal

It's a scene that exudes pure Canadiana: you're standing at the back of your home in your four-season sunroom, looking out at freshly fallen snow and pine trees in the back yard. Turning back to face the home's interior, you can't . . .

Posted: 2010-12-31

We're a nation of worriers about our debt

During the Christmas season, we tend to turn our attention to finances, in particular our credit card debt. When looking at the bigger picture, we then look at our accumulated household debt. It's not that we have developed some new worries . . .

Posted: 2010-12-26

Now we're cooking

Kitchen renos take a lot of careful planning

You've just watched the hottest renovations show on HGTV -- this one featuring a killer kitchen -- and you've decided (come hell or high water) that you want one of those for yourself. After all, how hard could it be?   A lot . . .

Posted: 2010-12-26

There's nothing wrong with a little vanity

I get a fair amount of reader emails from this column, usually for advice, which is fine by me. Once in a while the advice is taken and I actually get to see the results, even if it takes a . . .

Posted: 2010-12-26

Blond hair turned green? Wash it in ketchup

QUESTION: Help! My blond hair has turned green from the chlorine in my sister's indoor swimming pool. -- Jessica, Boissevain, Man. ANSWER: When you combine high levels of copper in pool water with chlorine bleach, you'll leave Oscar the Grouch begging . . .

Posted: 2010-12-26