Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy good weather. However, there are instances wherein weather elements can be so harsh, making it challenging to spend time outside your home. This is where deck and cover combinations prove to be beneficial. This article lists some of the benefits of deck and cover combinations to maximize your comfort and enjoyment outdoors. Protection from the Elements One of the primary advantages of installing deck and cover combinations is to protect yourself from harsh weather elements when you want to spend time outside your home. For this ..read more

Now and Then  by Iris Winston Giving back comes in many forms. It can be as simple as responding to a ring at the door and hearing a tiny smiling child in uniform asking if you would like to buy Girl Guide cookies. OrKidstra performed at the Carleton-Dominion Chalmers Centre in December. Photo: Greg Allison, courtesy of OrKidstra I don’t care for the cookies but never have the heart to refuse. It is much easier to turn down an unsolicited phone call from an unknown charity, even if the call is coming from someone who claims to be one of the people with the condition or need that the chari ..read more

By Brian Morin Spring fills us with emotion as we welcome seasonal changes. The sights, sounds and smells offer a rich bouquet of sensory delights with longer days enabling us to take full advantage of nature’s abundance. Yellow Warbler We have exchanged the monochrome winter landscape for a bevy of colours that begin on the ground but quickly take to the air. Spring wildflowers and flowering trees are accompanied by insects that our songbirds require for both themselves and for their chicks. It is the presence of insects that enables a host of winged beauties to breed in our northern climate ..read more

To keep your house pleasant and healthy, you must constantly clean and organize it. However, it might be difficult to find the time to clean due to our hectic schedules and many obligations. In this situation, a cleaning service is useful. However, picking the best house cleaning service from among the numerous accessible options might be a hassle. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most important things to look for in a cleaning service. You need to know why you need a professional cleaning service before you can choose one that fits your needs. Among its many attractive advantages ar ..read more

By Brian Morin Spring fills us with emotion as we welcome seasonal changes. The sights, sounds and smells offer a rich bouquet of sensory delights with longer days enabling us to take full advantage of nature’s abundance. Ruby-throated Hummingbird We have exchanged the monochrome winter landscape for a bevy of colours that begin on the ground but quickly take to the air. Spring wildflowers and flowering trees are accompanied by insects that our songbirds require for both themselves and for their chicks. It is the presence of insects that enables a host of winged beauties to breed in our northe ..read more

Not everyone has outdoor living space, like a garden, front or back yard, or anything other than indoors at all, so if you are one of those who do, you should absolutely use your chance and utilize the space. When it comes to home design, most people just forget or plain ignore their outdoors, but this is not something you should emulate as they are a very important part of your property that might have great potential in increasing your home’s value if you ever plan to sell your property. There are a lot of reasons, obvious, and some not so immediately obvious, why you shouldn’t just waste yo ..read more

Get Tech Smart Converts report it’s a smart move to switch to a smart thermostat. This tech device not only ensures you stay comfortable 24/7, it helps save you money and allows you to control your home’s temperature no matter where you are. It’s environmentally-friendly too. No wonder, as the Ontario government reports, about 600,000 smart thermostats have already been installed in the province. Since a smart thermostat connects to the internet via Wi-Fi, you can adjust your home’s temperature from your phone, tablet or smart watch— depending on the model and brand you choose. That ..read more

Your home’s exterior is the first impression your abode makes on the world. It’s the snapshot that passes judgment before anyone even steps through your door. But creating a captivating façade isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses—it’s an essential part of homeownership that adds value, creates a warm welcome, and sets the tone for the style of your interiors. Are you ready to revamp your residential charm? Here are six tips for mastering the magic of curb appeal. 1. Start at the Top with a Re-Roofing Revolution When was the last time you looked up? The roof is the crowning glory of yo ..read more

A Lifer Who Loves to Glide by Iris Winston “I’m a lifer.” Photo courtesy of Stars on Ice Canadian skating legend Kurt Browning is talking about how important a part figure skating has played in his life. “Some people will be the best in the room in competition, but they’re not lifers,” says the four-time world champion. “They’re not going to be skating for fun at 65 or seeking students to share their skating with or an audience to show off for. I’m a lifer who just loves to glide. “I’ve had access to my sport from so many different viewpoints, as a young skater, a competitor, a winner, a loser ..read more

Lifescape By Janet Armstrong, Accredited Interior Designer, CAPS Linen is a popular upholstery choice due to its comfort and low maintenance. Photo: West Elm Many of us want to remain in our homes and fortunately there is new research into the requirements for safety, support and comfort. There are also new products coming to market every year that support this goal in spite of the challenges of changing health. I previously wrote about some modifications that can be made to support changes to mobility, cognition, vision and auditory function. In addition to modifications that improve the func ..read more