Now that the mantlepiece is sparkling clean, tis the season to deck the halls! Whether gas, electric or wood burning, the hearth is the heart of the home. Here are a few tips to enhance your creative mantle decorating efforts:
Beware of Clutter
Remove everyday items from the mantle to make way for festive ones. Box up knickknacks […]
December is a month of celebration, where families across the country enjoy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa – just to name a few. Decorations, new and old, are pulled from boxes and hung with care. For homes with a fireplace, the mantle is often a favourite spot for festive decor. But, don’t let dirt and soot smear your efforts. […]
In the winter, the days are shorter, the nights are longer and the lack of natural light causes all manner of mild and extreme discomforts. Lucky for us in North America, ‘hygge’ has arrived! Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is the Danish and Norwegian word for the feeling you get from cozy surroundings. Look through Danish or […]
Extinguish Drafts
In a condo, the majority of unwanted cold air blows in through leaky windows. According to the experts, the best indication of a leak is water, especially on the inside of the window. That usually means that there’s a draft or current of air coming through. For a quick fix on a small to […]
Whether you are out with friends, or celebrating quietly at home, millions of people around the world watch the Times Square Ball drop in New York City on New Year’s Eve. Thousands of people gather in the Big Apple to celebrate, wearing gimmicky glasses, blowing horns and waving sparklers. But as the confetti and balloons […]
1. Bar soap. Bar soap increases the amount of cleaning you will have to do because it gets grimy faster. Instead, use a liquid soap with a pump or hands-free soap dispenser, which is much easier to clean up.
2. Earrings and other jewelry. The humidity in the bathroom can cause your jewelry to tarnish because […]
Have you cleaned out your spice cupboard lately? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no. Like any other food or condiment, spices do have a shelf life, so it is important to clean out your spice cupboard at least twice a year. Here’s how:
1) Empty the cupboard. Start by removing the herbs […]
When it comes to hygiene, hand towels in the bathroom and the kitchen may be the hardest working members of the household. They’re used to dry off your hands, to look good where they hang, and to occasionally wipe up spills or wipe out the sink (which is actually not a good idea). They can […]
Potluck dinners are a wonderful way to lighten a host’s load, especially during the busy holidays. Share the love, by sharing a variety of food options – this also ensures everyone will enjoy at least one thing on the menu! Here’s how to plan a holiday potluck this year.
Send out a mass email, or use […]
How do you handle the oil that you cook with? There are a few habits that can cause a lot of damage – and expense – to your kitchen. Below is a guide to eliminating your common grease gripes.
The sizzle from cooking bacon and other food on the stove often sends fat splatters onto the […]
