Proper preparation key to good paint job

ON the surface, painting seems like an easy thing to do. After all, anybody who can move their arms back and forth can paint. It's a nice idea, but house painting -- like any skill -- takes a lot of practice . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

Time to freshen up the home

Helpful ideas to make spring cleaning less of a dreaded chore

THE flowers are in bloom, the birds are chirping, and the sun is shining brightly -- right through your dirty windows. That's when it hits you. Spring is in the air and it's time to freshen up your home. If the . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

CONNIE OLIVER: Decorate your cottage to keep a fresh look

Manitobans are known for their love of the outdoors. Cottagers are eager to open up their summer retreat for the upcoming season. Decorating the cottage is a great way to keep it from looking dated and stale. Keeping the décor . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Craftsman Style never loses its simple appeal

Dear Debbie: I am looking for design advice for our master bedroom in keeping with the Craftsman style of our home. The space is small, 9' x 13'. There is no room for a closet door and the arrangement of the . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

You can do a condo

Designer offers affordable tips for sprucing up your space

Calgary-based home decor and design expert Alykhan Velji has some answers on how to make the most of your condo. Question: With the open design of new homes and condos today, how do people go about fixing them up to make . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

Orchid obsession

Tips for growing the king of houseplants

So beautiful and so exotic-looking. It's easy to assume that orchids are difficult to grow. But orchid experts say they're surprisingly tough -- especially the phalaenopsis, a particularly hardy variety. I would call those the king of the houseplants, says Lynne Copeland, . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Those older windows will leave you feeling cold

QUESTION: Here's a question relevant for many Winnipeg homeowners. What is the best way to preserve old single or double-hung wood windows? Can they be made more energy efficient, and what kind of storm windows can be used to complement . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

SOLUTIONS: WD-40 great for getting tape off windows

QUESTION: I regularly read your household solutions in the Winnipeg Free Press and find them very helpful. I am hoping that you can help me with my problem: I have scotch tape on my windows due to applying decals etc. . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

Show homes welcome you year-round

THE 2010 Spring Parade of Homes has ended but you still have plenty of opportunity to revisit those fantastic showhomes that you saw during the two weeks of Parade. The weather was perfect this year and Manitobans responded in kind as . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27

SOLD & OFFERED - March 27-10

St. James Address: 504 Marjorie Street Asking Price: $209, 900 Sold Price: $227, 000 Taxes: $2, 220.99 Square Footage: 949 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: 50 x 96 Listing Agent: Lori Thorsteinson, Loren Realty, 792-0188 East St. Paul Address: 117 Omeniuk Drive Asking Price: $429, 900 Sold Price: $ . . .

Posted: 2010-03-27