When decorating for a child it is important to look for items your child can use as they grow. You also want to find ways of adding appealing ideas for the small child that will be easy to change as they get older. Theme Visions of trains or princesses are fine while your child is small, but think about the headache it will cause when they decide they want a change! Opt for removable wall decals that come in a multitude of characters and … [Read more...]
There is a saying “people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan” and whoever originally penned it must have had experience in the home and cottage building and renovation business because it certainly applies. Whether you are building a house, cottage, boathouse or Bunkie there are a lot of details to be addressed and missed details can prove costly. New house or cottage construction normally requires a detailed set of plans referred to … [Read more...]
Part of the appeal of Huntsville and the surrounding area is the natural environment. It is sweet smelling in the spring, hot in the summer, picturesque in the fall and winter…well winter is a whole different story! Snow is both a blessing and a nuisance for people who live here full-time and cottagers alike. It provides a great deal of opportunity for recreation but it can also prevent you from being able to walk out to your mailbox. Snow … [Read more...]
Here are some aspects of decorating your master bedroom to consider when creating the perfect master bedroom whatever the style or palette! The bedroom is a haven for quiet time, not just sleep and therefore functionality becomes important to the design. Assess all the uses of your bedroom and prioritize them in order to get a good layout in mind. Then consider the furniture pieces you will need and their uses: a makeup table can play double … [Read more...]
You just bought an older home or cottage that needs some fixing-up now and major renovations in the future when time and budget allow. Life would be easy if you had the extra cash to just pay a contractor but you don’t and some friends who have started this “do it yourself” (DIY) thing claim to be saving lots of money and having fun doing the work. Maybe you could become a DIY property owner too? The first step is to start small with an … [Read more...]
If you are planning a hydroponic garden for the first time, the extensive amount of online information and resources can seem overwhelming. A good way to simplify the process is to keep the following factors in mind while you are considering what your garden needs. What will you grow? Some vegetables, medicinal plants and flowers are more successful to grow hydroponically than others. Some examples may be tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, orchids … [Read more...]
When you’re deciding which materials to use to cover the floors in your home, you may very well find yourself spoiled for choice. Narrowing down the many options available can be an overwhelming task. You may find it helpful to do a little research first and discard the solutions that aren’t likely to work for you. Then you can start your search with a list that has already been trimmed down. Knowing your own personal style – or at least … [Read more...]
There are lackadaisical summer projects that tend to drag on over the season and then there are the things that need to be done in short order. With winter quickly approaching there are a few key home repair projects you should look into before freezing temperatures make them much, much more complicated. One of the most destructive forces in the world is freezing water. Running water in the form of leaks in your roof is obviously bad and can … [Read more...]
It may be your least favourite time of year if you’re closing up your relaxing cottage getaway. We have a few ideas to keep your second home protected during the off-season so that it’s easier when you return. If you really don’t plan on going back for a while and you know you’re going to shut off the heat, turn off all electronics and appliances at the breaker. Tricia Devoe, owner of Sears Hometown Parry Sound, has an important … [Read more...]
There is an old saying “it is a poor carpenter who blames his tools” and while there is lots of truth in this saying, having the right tool for the job certainly makes things easier. Most DIY cottagers and homeowners will require a power saw for their project, but which type of saw should they get first? Miter saws are great for cutting angles in roof trusses or moulding, table saws are ideal for ripping sheets of plywood and jig saws are … [Read more...]