Into the wild

Wildwood Park winner has rustic charm

Way back when -- in the 1950s, that is -- Wildwood Park represented a daring new take on housing developments. With its breathtaking collection of mature trees, big fenceless lots and walking paths meandering through the community, it was a definite . . .

Posted: 2009-11-07

Order, order

Seven ways to straighten up a disorganized mess

Clutter. Mess. Disorganization. Any way you say it spells mayhem. Yet not everyone can afford -- or is willing to face the humiliation -- of having a professional organizer tackle their bulging closets, messy basements and chaotic kitchen cupboards. Pack rats take . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

Do-it-yourselfers -- and couch potatoes -- grab your remotes

Handy homeowners can now turn off the power tools, turn on the TV and get tips on home renovation from Canada's first 'round-the-clock home-improvement specialty channel. DIY Network Canada offers viewers tips, expert advice and step-by-step guidance to tackle everything from . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

Holiday magic without blowing the budget

With a dusting of snow on the ground in some cities in Canada, we're reminded that the festive season is not far away. Time to start planning. What will our homes look like this year? Holiday decor 2009 will honour the . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

Leather flooring: If the shoe fits...

It makes for great footwear and soft, natural-feeling furniture -- but who ever thought of using leather to cover floors? One innovative company is using leather to create sumptuous floor surfaces that caress the feet and are much more comfortable than . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

MIKE HOLMES: What lies beneath

When redoing your flooring, be sure to check joists and subfloor

Most people never give a thought to what's underneath their floor. They spent a lot of time choosing the finish -- hardwood or laminate, carpet or tile -- and discussing the cost with their contractor. But they won't watch any of . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

TREE CARE: The kindest cuts

Follow these steps for healthier trees

Wet summers such as the one experienced this year in southern Manitoba encourages diseases such as fire blight and black rot, especially in fruit trees. Tree and woody shrub diseases normally show up in the spring or summer. Early detection . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Beautify your bathroom

Make it shiny and clean for your holiday guests

If you are like me, holidays seem to arrive out of nowhere and suddenly I'm expecting a house full of relatives and wondering when I'm going to get the food shopping in. It's the same every year, I hear my . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

CONNIE OLIVER: The simple life

Smarten up your space: declutter

In writing these articles each week I try my best to cover a variety of decorating scenarios so that I reach as many people as possible. This week I want to focus on those who want to simplify their lives; . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31

Confessions of a blog-aholic

Websites, magazines offer great ideas to feed my decorating addiction

My name is Nathalie and I'm addicted to decorating. My husband, Paddy Quain, who always tries to look on the bright side, says it could be worse: I could be into heroin. Be that as it may, there is no shortage of . . .

Posted: 2009-10-31