Is your 'hood making you fat?

'Walk score' a creative new way to rate the places we live

“Stylish 1, 078 square foot townhouse, three bed, two bath, radiant heated floors, Energy Star appliances, large windows overlook landscaped yard with patio. Perfect home for entertaining. Walk score: 82.” While a "walk score" has yet to appear on a Canadian . . .

Posted: 2009-05-24

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Matching frames connect series of prints

Dear Debbie: We have just moved into a new house which has lots of big windows and high ceilings. Even though the rooms aren't big, there is a great feeling of space. We are at the stage where we want to . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

Attract the birds, not the bugs

Tips to keep feeders just for feathered friends

COLOURFUL, chirping birds pecking away at a feeder are a heartwarming sight, but if it's not set up properly, you may end up attracting some not-so-feathered friends to your backyard. Think squirrels, rats, ants and wasps. There are simple things people can . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

MIKE HOLMES: Restoration insurance needs to go green

Simply returning to pre-loss condition isn't ecologically sound

Restoration contracting is a complicated business -- a good contractor needs to have experience and knowledge in emergency response: demolition and tear out, cleaning, smoke and water mitigation, mould remediation. They also must understand structure, framing, insulation, drywall, trim, finishes . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

CONNIE OLIVER: Discount decor

Money-saving ideas for tough economic times

The economy is on everyone's mind these days. The more you hear about the recession, the more you think twice about spending money on unnecessary items. Even the home decor industry, which is usually considered recession-proof, is noticing a slowdown. . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

The kindest cuts

Handheld pruning shears are an indispensible gardening tool

If you're going to buy just one tool for pruning, make it a pair of handheld pruning shears. This is the tool you'll use for pruning roses and for most cuts on fruit plants, houseplants, and young ornamental trees and bushes. Better-quality . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

SOLUTIONS: Don't despair; here's how to clean up after Picasso

QUESTION: Do you have any tips on how to get regular blue pen ink off the inside of a car? My four-year-old released her inner Picasso on the vinyl interior of my car. Katie, (Whitemouth, MB) ANSWER: Ink sometimes comes off easily . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Does that telepost need to be attached?

QUESTION: I have read a couple of your articles about telepost adjustment, and you seem very knowledgeable on the subject, so I was hoping you could answer a question for me. I have recently had a custom house built by a . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

SOLD / OFFERED 05-17

SOLD Charleswood Address: 14 - 405 Oakdale Asking Price: $129, 900 Sold Price: $135, 000 Taxes: $1, 430 Square Footage: 884 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Listing Agent: Vijay Guliani, Realty Plus Inc, 897-0800   East Kildonan Address: 65 George Suttie Bay Asking Price: $129, 900 Sold Price: $126, 000 Taxes: $1, 557.32 Square Footage: 703 Bedrooms: . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17

The Riel deal

It's modern, open -- and has lots of private spaces, too

As much as open-concept floor plans are the rage today, few people gravitate to a home that is one big, empty space. Designing a home, then, is no simple task. Make it too segmented, then you might lose those who lean . . .

Posted: 2009-05-17