Parade of Homes
Parade of Homes
Show homes open for viewing all summer long
Many of you may think that new show homes are only open twice a year, during the Spring and Fall Parade of Homes. Although those two events certainly receive the greatest publicity and feature more than 100 new homes available for viewing at one time, the various new home builders of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association proudly feature and staff their show homes throughout the year.
We are currently at the midway point between the 2015 Spring Parade of Homes which ran in March and the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes which will be featured from September 12 to October 4. For those of you who require a new home fix between Parades, now is an ideal time.
Short sleeves and slip-ons in July and August promise to make your tour that much more pleasurable and this time of year gives you a chance to check out the air conditioning in the home. On most days, parking opportunities near the various show homes will be excellent.
The only question that remains is how do you know what is open and where to look? The Parade of Homes magazine produced by the Winnipeg Free Press is a staple for all Parade goers. Most people keep their magazine handy and check off the homes and neighbourhoods they visit. Assuming you haven't kept your magazine from last March, not to worry. You can still access all the available show homes on the Manitoba Home Builders Association web site at www.homebuilders.mb.ca. Although not all of the homes featured in the spring are still show homes, it will bring you back to the builders and subdivisions that you frequented back in March. From there, you have a variety of options.
You can download the map on page 57 of the magazine and visit the neighbourhoods that interest you, stopping in at the various show homes on display. On pages 58 - 92, all of the Spring Parade show homes are listed. Simply make note of those builders whose homes you are interested in, go to the MHBA web site and connect to the link that will take you directly to that builder's site. Many will have their show homes listed along with the times they are open. Even simpler, turn a couple of pages in today's paper and you will see a number of ads for show homes listed by MHBA builders.
No matter how you access them, the important thing to know is the various show homes are open for business and your viewing and visiting pleasure. Take your time, visit the styles and locations that catch your fancy, talk to the sales representative and enjoy the introduction to your next new home.
Mike Moore is president of the
Manitoba Home Builders' Association
Parade of Homes
Melt those marshmellows in the microwave
Question: What is the fastest and easiest way to melt marshmallows without burning them? -Davey
Answer: When heating marshmallows on the stove, grease the bottom of the pot before adding them. You may want to add water to the pot if it won’t compromise your recipe. Marshmallows are less likely to burn if you use a double boiler. Or use your microwave oven. You will need a large microwave-safe bowl because the marshmallows expand when heated. Microwave the marshmallows for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat until melted.
Question: How do you get ballpoint ink marks off the leather seat of a new car? -Courtney
Answer: A few favourites you can try include rubbing alcohol, dish soap, shaving cream, hairspray, WD-40, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and (worst case scenario) bug spray. Whichever solution you try, always test it on an inconspicuous area first. When you are confident that no discolouration will occur, apply one of the products to the ink mark, wait 15 minutes and wipe.
Question: I lost the recipe and method you recommended for cleaning a crystal chandelier. Thank you, Loretta
Answer: Here is a solution to clean a chandelier without scrubbing or polishing each piece. Begin by covering the floor with newspaper or hang an open umbrella under the chandelier. Into an empty spray bottle combine 1 teaspoon (5 mL) rubbing alcohol, 4 cups (1 L) hot water and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) dishwasher anti-spot agent such as Jet Dry. While the chandelier is off, spray the unit, and let the liquid drip dry onto the umbrella or newspaper you cn later recycle. You can rinse the umbrella in the bathtub.
Feedback from Manitobans
Re: Sharpie Markers Drying Out: I was a trainer for many years and used markers daily. My tip is- when you buy a marker, always store it with the tip down and you won’t have the problem of the marker running dry. -Earl
Re: Keeping Brown Sugar Soft: I read your article about hardened brown sugar. I have used all the suggestions you gave, but found one that works best of all. I put two large marshmallows in with the sugar, and it is always soft. -Marla
Frugal fun: Save the plastic bag from cereal boxes. Use the bag as a substitute for wax paper; it’s great for freezing homemade bread, pies, dough, or seeds.
Place cut-up cereal bag squares between homemade hamburger patties prior to freezing.
Put an empty cereal bag on the bottom of garbage cans to guard against the bins becoming soiled.
Rice Up to the Challenge
Grind up 1 cup of uncooked rice in a coffee grinder to clean the grinder and sharpen its blades.
Leftover water used for rinsing rice makes a good fertilizer for your household plants.
Add a few grains of rice to your saltshaker. Rice absorbs moisture quickly and more efficiently than salt. Therefore, it prevents salt from clumping in the shaker, due to high humidity.
For fluffy and great-tasting rice, add a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to the boiling water before adding rice. Rice will be easier to spoon and less sticky.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups. Check out her website at reena.ca. Please email her your questions, suggestions or tips.
info@reena.ca.