Your perfect home has one flaw: the previous owners put up garish wallpaper in the kitchen. Will you learn to live with it? Or try painting over it? Neither are ideal solutions. Instead, with a little effort and time, you can safely and successfully remove the wallpaper to customize your own beautiful space.  First, consider the age of the wallpaper. Prior to the late 1980s, manufacturers added asbestos (a silicate mineral) as a fire retardant to ceiling tiles, insulation, carpets, wallpaper and more. Asbesto... read more

If a pipe bursts while you sleep, a kitchen fire gets out of control, or a tree crashes through your roof, insurance can help you avoid financial hardship. It is essential for all homeowners. The trick is to ensure you have the coverage you need at reasonable rates. Policies vary from company to company and salespeople often work on commission, so it pays to understand the key features of insurance and to shop around.  Tips to reduce your premiums:  1. Begin by reviewing your current policy. TD Insuran... read more

Holiday gatherings have returned after two years of restrictions and, for many people, it’s time to celebrate! If you wish to host a fabulous cocktail party or traditional dinner, these ideas can help you create festive magic with minimal fuss. Included are a few inflation-fighters to stretch your budget. Décor Pinecones, evergreen boughs, ribbon, ornaments, and treats from your kitchen are reminiscent of holidays past. Add to the nostalgia with personal, homemade touches.   Pinecones: Unadorne... read more

Did you know that pesticides from lawns can eventually wash into rivers and lakes to kill fish? Or that rat poison can work its way up the food chain?  What we do around our homes can have unexpected outcomes far beyond our fences. Fortunately, there are simple ways that we can maintain our homes while being kind to wildlife. Alexander Donald is a Director of the Ontario Wildlife Rescue (www.ontariowildliferescue.ca), a non-profit organization that rehabilitates injured or orphaned wild animals including bird... read more

Pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and many pollutants are so small that they float through the air. When people breathe in, touch, or consume these particles, the body recognizes them as foreign invaders and releases histamines. This natural chemical is produced in white blood cells and released into the body triggering allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. Sometimes, people have a dangerous reaction called anaphylaxis, which can involve swelling of the airways. If you have ... read more