Dawn Heisler, RE/MAX REAL ESTATE (EDMONTON) @dawnheislerremax - Tumblr Blog

Power tool shopping for the man who has it all

Every year, women spend countless hours trying to come up with creative gift ideas for their fathers, husbands, and brothers, but it is always the same story - men are hard to buy for. Here's a little tip to help you with your shopping: Studies show that after personal responsibilities like car payments, repairs and gas, guys spend most of their dough on clothes, eating out, electronics and booze. What's missing from this list is the ultimate guy present - power tools.

Husqvarna Canada, reported to be the world's largest producer of outdoor power products, helps rev up your gift-giving this year with a list of the most in-demand power products for your man:

Leaf blowers: Truly the tool for the man who has it all, we are not talking about your father's leaf blower. Modern varieties are ergonomically designed with lots of power for clearing leaves and debris. Plus, some double as a vacuum for lawn and garden.

Chainsaws: Millions of chainsaws are sold every year and millions of men drool over those millions of chainsaws every year. It doesn't matter if he lives in a condo. He will be the envy of his neighbors, his friends, his brothers, his co-workers. Just get him one.

Snowblowers: Shoveling snow results in hundreds of thousands of injuries each year, and a snowblower might be just the answer. Plus, pretty soon he'll be competing with the neighbors to see who gets to plow the little old lady's driveway down the street.

Trimmers: Most homeowners have a trimmer for those hard-to-reach spots and for finishing touches, but it is amazing the difference quality makes. When purchasing a trimmer, look for something that's light and comfortable, easy-to-start, and high-powered with rapid acceleration.

Lawnmowers: Many mowers are hand-me-downs, but at some point, it's time to invest in the real deal. Whether that's an eco-friendly manual, a tailor-made push mower, or the big kahuna - a rider - new models are better for your lawn and gentler on the environment.

Buying guides are available online at Husqvarna.ca

Quick and easy Raspberry Coulis with Molten Lava Truffle Cakes

(NC) -- Raspberry coulis is an easy way to pretty up freshly baked molten lava cakes for company. Don't drain the raspberries- you want all that raspberry juice in the sauce. You can use frozen strawberries if you prefer strawberry coulis.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 9 minutes

Stand time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) whole frozen red raspberries, thawed

½ cup (125 mL) icing sugar

1 tsp (5 mL) fresh lemon juice

1 pkg (300 g) President's Choice: The Decadent Molten Chocolate Cake Baking Mix

2 eggs

¼ cup (50 mL) unsalted butter, melted

Directions

In blender, purée raspberries and their juices, sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Using rubber spatula, press purée through sieve. Discard solids. Refrigerate coulis.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter six ¾-cup (175 mL) ramekins.

In bowl, combine cake mix, eggs and melted butter. Using wooden spoon, stir for 30 seconds to moisten. Scrape side of bowl. Stir for 1 minute. Batter will be very thick. Spoon evenly into prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on baking sheet. Bake in centre of oven for 8 to 9 minutes or until edges are set but centre is still soft. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes.

Spoon 2 tbsp (25 mL) coulis onto each of six dessert plates. Carefully invert one cake onto each of the plates. Dust with icing sugar and garnish with a mint sprig, if desired. Save remaining coulis to drizzle over ice cream or yogurt.

Makes 6 servings.

Visit pc.ca for more recipe ideas.

A few tips when fitting wooden flooring

Laminate and wooden flooring looks great in almost any room. If you are considering fitting the wooden flooring yourself then there are a few tips that may help you to fit it easier and may add a more professional finish to it. With some hard work, patience and the right flooring tools it may not be as difficult to achieve a good finish as you imagine. Before laying the laminate or wooden flooring ensure that your under floor is in good condition and is as flat and bounce-free as possible. Uneven areas should try to be repaired. The flatter the surface the better the wooden flooring will look. Ideally you will want the new wooden flooring to run length-ways along your room as this looks better than width-ways, however if your existing floorboards also run length-ways it is a bad idea to fit them directly together as this can lead to joint separation and unevenness. If this is the case then fit plywood over the entire floor surface so that you have a flat surface to then work on. Once your existing floor is ready, lay an insulating membrane across the entire flooring area. This keeps heat in the room and dampens noise when the wooden flooring is walked upon and is highly recommended. Once this has been laid you are ready to lay your new wooden flooring panels. The easiest way is to work from farthest wall from the door inwards as this is the most seen part of the room. If possible remove skirting boards and door architraves so that you can work from the wall. If this isn't possible then beading can be fixed to these areas afterwards to give a tidy finish. When laying the flooring panels always stagger joints by using random length flooring pieces as this will add to the strength of the flooring and the aesthetics. Ensure that all pieces are firmly locked together before re-applying skirting and architraves or adding beading. Flooring can contract and retract based on the heat of the room and moisture levels so do not fix skirting or beading to the floor. Fix skirting to the wall and fix beading to the skirting. by: Xander Palmer http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6471.shtml

Finished basements save energy with more living space

By finishing your basement, you can gain more living space while reducing the amount of energy loss from downstairs. Basements that are not fully finished typically do not have insulated walls or covered flooring, which can result in heat loss and cause your furnace to work overtime A renovated basement offers more than additional storage space. It can provide a lot of extra room for a growing family, such as space for a gym, home theater, office, guest suite, or a playroom for the kids. To ensure a comfortable and inviting basement, there are a few project components to consider: •Insulation will ensure your space is warm and comfortable. For the best results, install a 'stone wool batt' insulation product with the Roxul ComfortBoard IS. This combo is mechanically fastened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, offering you a higher R-value and better acoustics. • Drywall will help define the space and make it feel like a part of your home. If you haven't tackled drywall before, consider hiring a pro to ensure your walls are seamless. • Flooring should be water sealed and covered with an insulated material. There are many products on the market, but consider laying padding before carpet or in-floor heating before tiles. • Personalize it with finishing touches. Select furniture that can fit down a typically steep staircase and choose items that compliment the rest of your home's décor, making your basement feel like an extension of your living space.

Big design ideas for small kitchen spaces

Bigger isn't always better in the real estate world, and what's more, it's not always possible. With more home owners downsizing from McMansions to smaller, more manageable houses, and a growing number of people opting to rent rather than buy, many families are looking for new ways to decorate, design and work with smaller spaces. Kitchens sell homes, but this most-used room in the house hasn't escaped the "less is more" trend, either. Interior designers, decorators and home product makers are responding to the growing demand for practical, beautiful options that make sense in smaller kitchens. If you're looking to make a big impact in a small kitchen, here are a few ideas to get you started: Work the walls - You may love your cozy kitchen, but that doesn't mean you want to make it look or feel any smaller than it already is. Lighter wall colors can help a little kitchen feel more open and airy. One winning decorating technique for small kitchens is to paint the majority of the wall space in a light neutral tone, like a pale cream or taupe and then add a pop of brighter or darker color to one accent wall or area. You can edge up the excitement of this technique by using a mural for kitchens on the accent wall, rather than just a different paint color. Have an oddly shaped niche in your kitchen? You can turn that problematic space into a design statement with custom, repositionable wallpaper that can be custom-sized and custom-colored to fit your specifications. This unique product can be adhered and re-adhered hundreds of times so you can take it with you to your next house if you choose. Smart-size your appliances - Sure that 30-cubic-foot stainless steel refrigerator is beautiful in the showroom, but how much will you love it when you can't fully open the door in your small kitchen? Refrigerators come in several sizes, so you should be able to find one that will fit your space. The same is true for stoves, microwaves and dishwashers. Choosing appliances that make size-sense for the space you have not only improves the livability of your petite kitchen, it can improve your efficiency as well. Get creative with storage - One of the biggest challenges of a small kitchen is finding space for everything from pots and pans to flatware, dishes and foodstuffs. Small spaces call for storage creativity. Whether you hang some pots and pans overhead, replace traditional cabinet shelves with pullout drawers or use special racks to store plates vertically, you can find plenty of creative small-kitchen storage solutions. Liven things up with light - Often, a small kitchen will have just one window - or no window at all. Yet light is an important way to make a tight space feel more expansive and inviting. Task lighting is essential for work areas in small spaces. Pendant lights can create ambiance and provide practical illumination without sacrificing any wall space. And if you crave natural light for your windowless kitchen, consider installing a skylight. Tubular skylights can bring sunlight into your ground-floor kitchen even if there's a second floor above it. Small kitchens are here to stay, whether as part of the trend toward smaller, more efficient homes or the reality of rental unit life. With some decorating creativity and practical design tactics, you can ensure your small kitchen yields large benefits - both in terms of enjoyment and resale value.

Adore your front door: Three tips for beautiful wood doors in any climate

(BPT) - Your home's front door is more than a portal for family and friends - it makes a statement about your own personal style. Home designers often list the entry door as one of the most cost effective ways to dress up the front of your home for "wow" curb appeal. "This Old House" magazine notes that since the front door is the first and last thing we touch when entering and leaving our homes, "it's easy to understand why many of us still like our doors to be made of wood - nothing else matches the material's warmth and satisfying heft." "People choose wood entry doors first and foremost for their beauty; it's a fine piece of furniture on the front of your home," says Brad Loveless of Simpson Door Company. For homeowners who enjoy the beauty of wood entry doors, options are now available to stand up to the harshest climates - from the wind-driven rains of Nantucket Island to the desert Southwest. The following are three ways to have the wood door you want and to ensure it will look great for years, no matter what the climate throws at it. Bring your dreams to life With doors available in hundreds of wood species, and numerous designs and glass options, it can be hard to envision how a particular door will look like on your home. Short of hiring an architect to make a sketch, most people have had to rely on their imaginations. Recently, easy-to-use, free online tools have become available to simplify the door selection process. They allow a homeowner to be sure before they buy. Go for performance People are used to looking for high performance when shopping for new cars or computers, but might not realize the same approach can apply to doors. Manufacturers have developed high-performance wood doors with superior weather resistance that last in the most demanding exposures, including coastal homes with no porch or roof overhang to protect the door. One high-performance option to consider is choosing wood species that perform best in moist conditions, as this varies among wood types. Species that have been shown in laboratory testing to have natural moisture resistance include Douglas Fir, Black Locust, Nootka Cypress and Sapele Mahogany, among others. Another performance option some manufacturers offer in their wood doors is water-resistant composite blocks within the bottom of the door, where water can infiltrate. Doors also are available with full exterior cladding to protect them from rain and sun, while retaining the beauty of wood inside the home. A strong finish With any door, whether made of wood, steel or fiberglass, it is crucial to finish it for long-lasting protection from the elements. Doors are sold either factory finished or unfinished. If unfinished, the door must be finished by the door dealer, a contractor or the homeowner. Manufacturers provide step-by-step instructions for best results from finishing, and those steps typically must be followed to ensure warranty requirements. Chief among these are to finish all six sides - front, back and all edges. As no wood surface should be left unfinished, finish should also be applied to the cut-outs for the handle and lock set, as well as any other openings, such as for mail slots or pet doors. If the door is exposed to sun, it is generally better to use lighter color paints or stains as those absorb less heat from damaging UV rays.

How to decorate festively in a condo

(NC) Living in a condominium, townhome, or apartment shouldn't mean that you have to forgo festive holiday decorating. Some of this year's hottest décor trends come in very small packages - and with a little guidance you can create your very own Christmas in Condoland. Karen Sortino, a home organization specialist at Lowe's Home Improvement encourages condo dwellers to repurpose as much of their existing home décor as possible. This includes making use of your current colour scheme to achieve a festive impact.

"Holiday décor is no longer limited to the traditional green and red, many decorations are available in a range of colours that will match or compliment your existing colour pallet, including neutrals, metallics, and bolder tones." Sortino also has the following tips from decorating small spaces:

• Brighten hanging pictures by swapping the current image with ones that capture a special holiday moment.

• Attach evergreen to the top of the frame as an accent.

• Replace existing accent pillows, throw blankets, bathroom, kitchen and dining linens with ones that are holiday themed.

• Break out festive dishware and keep it on display throughout the season.

• Hang wreaths and garlands on walls, window wells and frames.

• Monogrammed hooks can be installed temporarily to hang stockings or wreaths to your walls and mantles, and crystals or ornaments can be dangled from ceilings using ribbon or clear fishing wire.

Many people also insist that a Christmas tree is essential to fostering holiday spirit and to suit varying needs, there are many options available such as miniature trees (natural or artificial), table top trees, or half trees that sit flush against your wall. There are even peel and stick Christmas tree wall decals.

For those who have space to spare, Sortino points out that Lowe's offers a beautiful 7 foot pre-lit Aspen fir pencil tree from GE that measures only 35 inch diameter. If you have a balcony or solarium, consider putting a tree outside and using outdoor lights. This will free up some living space and will look beautiful when dusted with a light coating of snow.

More holiday decorating ideas can be found at www.lowes.ca/holiday.

5 perfect presents make gift-giving easy

The holidays are a special time of year to show the important people in our lives how much we appreciate them - and that means gift-giving. If picking out holiday gifts is painless for you, you're one of the lucky ones. More often than not, people have a tough time finding the perfect present for friends and family, particularly if you have someone on your list who already seems to have everything. So, if you're stumped as to what to get that impossible-to-buy-for person, consider these five gift ideas that are sure to brighten anyone's holiday: 1. Gift your services Rather than giving a tangible item, give your services; it's the perfectly practical gift for the person on your list who may be short on space, lacking financial resources or would just appreciate a little extra help. Love kids? Offer free child care so the recipient can enjoy an evening out on the town without worrying about the little ones. Have a knack for cooking? Gift a weeknight meal that you deliver to the recipient's doorstep. Known for your organization? Offer your skills to help the recipient organize a closet, office or other cluttered space. 2. Make a miracle happen Positively impacting others by giving a charitable gift in the recipient's name embraces the true meaning of the season. The new Give Miracles Holiday Catalog from national nonprofit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals features in-demand pediatric items and services that local children's hospitals need anything from comforting teddy bears ($30) to a case of extra-small preemie diapers smaller than the palm of your hand ($170)! For high-impact gifts like a physical therapy toy kit ($375) or a pediatric wheelchair ($970), funds can be collectively raised by numerous gift-givers. This option is ideal for extended families looking to do something more meaningful than the typical gift exchange. And to make that 'do-good' feeling for the recipient last long after the holidays are over, Give Miracles donors receive ongoing communication from Children's Miracle Network Hospitals throughout the year about how their gift is making an impact at their local hospital. Browse the gift catalog at www.GiveMiracles.org. 3. Purchase a membership to a monthly club Rather than wasting money on a new gadget that will quickly be forgotten, give a gift that benefits the recipient all year long. Monthly clubs provide fun deliveries to a loved one's address, an ongoing reminder of your generosity. Monthly gift clubs are available for just about anything, from wine and beer, to jams and cheese, to bacon and fruit. 4. Give a gift that grows Potted plants are a fantastic gift idea because they represent how your love continues to grow for that special someone. Plus, plants are a wonderful addition to interior decor and help clean the air. With so many houseplants readily available, you're sure to find the perfect one for the person who has everything. Does he gravitate toward decor with vivid color? Choose a flowering plant that provides delightful blooms. Does she love Asian culture? How about gifting a bonsai tree or a bamboo plant? 5. Provide an experience Often, it's not what's in the box, it's the memory that stays with so many people after the holidays have passed. That's why giving a special experience can make a truly meaningful gift. Think about what really interests the recipient or an activity they've had on their bucket list. Perhaps it's a hot air balloon ride or a white water rafting daytrip. If the person really loves to shop, hire a personal shopper for the day and let them see what it's like to live like a star. If the recipient loves gourmet food, purchase a spot in a class taught by your town's hottest chef. Any one of these ideas is sure to show that hard-to-shop-for person on your list that you've put some real thought into their gift. And ultimately, isn't it the thought that counts?

To Do List for First-time Home Buyers

GET YOUR CREDIT SCORE AS HIGH AS YOU CAN Pay off credit cards and only use 10% of your limit moving forward. You can sell large things, but don't make any major purchases (like a car). Don't cancel any lines of credit and don't open any new lines of credit. Stay current on all of your bills and remember, no major purchases! SAVE You'll need money for the down payment (if you need to), closing costs, and escrow for insurance and taxes CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT A good real estate agent will guide you through the next steps so that you don't make any errors. If you're reading this, it's because you got it from your local real estate agent, me! It's also important to have an understanding of how your real estate agent is going to market your property (i.e. email, social media, MLS, open houses, etc). CHOOSE A LENDER Your real estate agent should provide a list of preferred lenders. (Hey, that's me! I can help!) The lender runs your credit and gives you mortgage options and estimated rates. The lender also calculates how much you can spend on a house based off of your debt to income ratio. DECIDE WHAT FEATURES ARE IMPORTANT AND VISIT HOMES Make a list of features most important to you before you start looking. Your real estate agent will book showing for houses that match your list. Visit the homes and take notes and photos. NARROW CHOICES Make sure to test the commute, consider resale value for the home, and finally make a decision! MAKE AN OFFER Offers are contingent on appraisals, home inspections and termite inspections (where applicable). Side note: you're not "stuck" with a house that wasn't built to code or has major structural damage that wasn't present at the time of showing. FINAL WALK-THROUGH AND CLOSE Make sure the house is the way that it should be, as this is your final moment to speak up if something is wrong. Bring your closing money to the table, and get ready to sign paperwork! MOVE IN Congrats and enjoy your new home!

6 simple steps for you to follow for a clean and organized garage

Your garage's main function is usually to safeguard and store your car, truck or motorcycles. That can't take place if your garage has turned into a glorified storage unit, stuffed to the rafters with boxes, toys, tools, bikes, strollers and everything else you either don't have room for or just don't want in the house. Below are 6 easy to follow steps that will help you clean and organize your garage and seize control once again. Step 1 - get everything out of the garage and sort it all into groups. Categorize it all and put everything into groups with like items. For example, toys with toys, carpentry tools with carpentry tools, yard tools with yard tools etc. Make a pile for trash, anything you don't want that you can sell in a garage sale and items to give away. Step 2 - Get the appropriate organizational tools and supplies. After you've grouped everything, decide on exactly what tools and resources will help you organize these items better. For example,do you need shelves? If so what kind... a free standing shelving system or shelves mounted to the wall? Do you need storage bins, cabinet systems, tool chests, peg boards, hanging roof systems, hanging bike racks, hooks etc. Step 3 - Clean garage. As soon as you empty your garage it's important to take time to sweep out all the loose debris and remove cobwebs. You'll appreciate your garage much more if it's clean so make sure to sweep and dust routinely. Step 4 - Decor. This does not mean you need to remodel your garage into pseudo-living room, however you could think about a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Next think about the floor? Lots of people prefer to paint and seal the floor of their garage to protect it from stains and also makes cleaning easy. Transforming your wall and floor surfaces will have a enormous effect on the appearance of your garage. Step 5 - Arrange Items For Storage. As soon as you are done with cleaning the garage (floor and walls) now's the time for you to put everything back. Place those items that you use on regularly within easy reach. Put items less frequently used further back in the garage or higher up on shelves or in cabinets. Putting labels on shelves, bins and boxes will make it a lot easier for you to find what you're looking for. Step 6 - Lastly, make some rules for yourself and family members and implement them. Rules along the lines of, "Always return the items you used back to where you got them," needs to be put into practice at all times if you plan on keeping your garage clean and organized. If you follow these 6 simple steps, in no time you will have a clean and well organized garage. Not only will you be able to park your car in your garage but you'll also be able to find anything want when you need it. One more thing, don't forget to have a garage sale to help get rid of all those unwanted items and put some cash in your pockets! by: Walter Jensen http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7210.shtml

Hydronic heat systems spread warmth more effectively

(NC)-Every house seems to have a chilly, uncomfortable corner that never seems to get warm no matter what you do. You turn up the thermostat when only one cold room is the culprit. If that doesn't work, you spend money on inefficient space heaters, then worry about the inevitable extra expense on your electric bill. And, despite all your efforts to create a cozy environment in that cold corner, the results often fall short, leaving friends and family to freeze when they should be warming up in the comfort and hospitality of your home.

Radiant hydronic heating may be the stylish solution to this, especially in frigid family rooms or brisk basements. Instead of forced air, hydronic heating uses water, which has a very high capacity for transferring heat to deliver consistent warmth throughout your house. According to the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, a not-for-profit trade association representing Canada's manufacturers and wholesaler-distributors of plumbing and hydronic heating products, there are other advantages of this kind of heating:

• Distributed by wall-to-wall pipes, under-floor radiant heating delivers consistent, even warmth that reaches all corners of a home, not just where there's a vent or duct with good airflow;

• Using water as the heat-transfer medium reduces the need to move around air with its dirt, dust, pollutants and allergens, improving indoor air quality when the windows are closed to keep winter weather out;

• Floor and wall radiant heating delivers consistent and even warming over a greater surface area. This is known as the radiant effect and it allows you to heat your home at a lower thermostat setting, requiring less energy for lower bills;

• The main heating conduit is pipe, which means less duct work, so it can be installed almost anywhere, including lower levels, basements, and garages. Use it to heat your whole home or just the new addition;

• Hydronic heating allows you to use your whole living space without the worry of obstructing vents and intakes. And with fewer unsightly grills, hydronic heating contributes to the esthetic appeal of your house;

• Hydronic heating uses boilers, not a furnace. One boiler can be used for both hydronic heating and producing hot water;

Hydronic heating is easy to install and not expensive. More information is available online at www.ciph.com.

Simplify cleaning tasks around the house with baking soda

(NC) One of the most powerful and effective kitchen cleaners available today can already be found in most households. The mystery cleaner is baking soda.

With a multitude of uses throughout the home, some of us may have forgotten that baking soda is also a powerful cleaning agent that is inexpensive, and safe for the whole family when used as directed. Here are some useful ways to make it work for you:

• Instead of harsh chemical cleaners, use baking soda as a natural and food-safe surface cleanser on your kitchen counters. Sprinkle it onto a damp sponge or cloth to wipe surfaces clean.

• An effective cleaner on tough coffee and tea stains, baking soda when paired with warm water can be used to thoroughly clean coffee makers, mugs and tea cups. Remember to rinse well.

• To help cut through grease on dishes, pots and pans, add 30 grams of baking soda (along with your regular detergent) to your dishwater. Let it soak for 15 minutes and then clean.

• To help keep your fridge and kitchen smelling fresh, Arm and Hammer Fridge Fresh conveniently stick to the inside of the refrigerator. The filters feature baking soda which destroys strong odours in the fridge to help foods taste fresher longer.

• Baking soda is a food-safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a vegetable brush or a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse with water to enjoy.

More information is available at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Beware and buy safe when purchasing electrical products

(NC) A growing number of harmful counterfeit electrical products in Canada are raising concerns about consumer safety. These products by-pass the quality controls that ensure relevant safety standards are met to protect against electrical shock and fire hazards. The number of harmful counterfeit electrical products represented 12% of products seized last year. These can include electrical appliances, electronics and cables, chargers and adapters, extension cords and powerbars, lamps and ballasts, smoke detectors, and electrical components like circuit breakers, fuses, receptacles, ground fault circuit interrupters and conduit fittings. Using counterfeit electrical components for home renovations can be especially dangerous. If installed in a home's electrical system, these can advance electrical fire concerns from potential short circuits and overheating.

Follow these basic steps to beware and to buy safe:

Probe: Research electrical products to confirm there are no published recalls.

Place: Buy from established retailers or vendors, and use extra caution when buying second hand or on-line.

Product: Know the manufacturer or brand, and ensure the product quality and appearance are satisfactory.

Package: Look for a certification mark on the packaging, and ensure that manufacturer and product information is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Price: If it is too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have safety concerns regarding an electrical product that you believe is unsafe stop using it and contact the manufacturer or retailer where you purchased the product, or Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety Division.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International Canada encourages you to share these consumer safety steps to protect family, friends and neighbours. More information can be found online at www.esfi.ca.

Ideas for flooring in your home

Your home is your paradise and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that are not only eye-catching but also comfortable for you and your family. If you are going to change the flooring in your home, here are some tips for flooring the different parts of your house. Bedroom flooring: There are plenty options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which grabs a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling. You can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms. You can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess, which is unavoidable, the flooring can withstand the burden. Also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring you can choose laminate. Living room flooring: It is the most used area and withstands most of the traffic coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such amendments done with your furniture or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home. Kitchen flooring: Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile is a best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use. by: Builder Brian http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7342.shtml

Save the planet to save money

Being environmentally conscious has always been on my priority list, but not until recently has it become such a profitable commitment. After 14 years of real estate investing and renovating, I've learned that eco-conscious renovations are a win-win choice. First of all, and most importantly, the pressure on the planet is significantly less if you have an efficient home and use cleaner products. Secondly, with the increasing cost of energy, there are significant savings with reduced use of utilities.

Here are some eco improvements that will save you a bundle, and put you on Mother Nature's good list:

• Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Upgrading your attic insulation is one way to reduce your energy consumption and costs. A simple DIY project is to top up your attic insulation, which will increase the energy efficiency of your home. Use an easy-to-use loose stone wool insulation product, such as Roxul RockFill, that can simply be spread by hand throughout the attic on top of the existing insulation.

• Household appliances can be energy drains. Replacing your furnace, hot water tank and air conditioning unit with highly efficient models is usually a good start when reducing the energy consumption of your home. Before doing work, check with your gas/electric provider in your area to see if there are any rebate programs.

• Windows can be a major source of energy loss. It is usually obvious when it's time for new windows. And the technology that goes into today's windows is far superior to anything more than 20 years old. If you want to reap all the benefits of new windows, be sure to tell the installer doing the measure that you want them to be "brick to brick," not "inserts". Inserts leave you with smaller windows placed into the old, inefficient jambs.

•DIY details. There are a few quick, simple improvements that will increase the efficiency of your home for very little cash invested upfront. Here are some quick eco to-do jobs that can be done in a day: caulk around windows; add weather stripping to door gaps; install low-flow shower heads; put aerators on faucets; switch to compact florescent bulbs; change your furnace filter; and set up a programmable thermostat.

Scott McGillivray is a full-time real estate investor, contractor, television host, writer, and educator.

Tips for the hockey parent

(NC) The unsung heroes in Canadian hockey are - without question - the parents. It takes dedication, encouragement, and a whole lot of time and energy to be a hockey parent. Here are some things to keep in mind for all hockey parents, ranging from cost-savers to stress reducers.

Take the carpool lane - Connect with other parents on your child's team and make plans to share the driving to and from games. Not only will carpooling give you a much-needed break a few days a week but it will save you money in gas.

Get the right equipment - Suiting your child up for the hockey season is the most important step in preparing them for the game and keeping them safe.

Visit CanadianTire.ca/hockey for a hockey equipment checklist that outlines everything needed to protect your child from head-to-toe.

Be prepared - Save money on last-minute stops to the grocery store or drive-thru by planning ahead. Keep snacks such as crackers, juice boxes and granola bars in the car and pre-program your coffee maker to brew first thing in the morning. This will ensure your hockey player has a chance to eat amidst the busy morning rush and that you stay energized.

Have fun - Your child shouldn't be the only one enjoying the hockey season.

If the daily trips to the arena are becoming too much, alternate attending games with another family member.

Participate in your own extra-curricular activities - sign up for a class on "hockey-free" days or, if you can't get enough of the sport, look into an adult hockey league.

Keep these tips in mind to help you and your family thrive this hockey season.

Three questions to answer before you buy a home

Preparing to buy a home requires more than just a down payment. Before you purchase property, take time to understand your available mortgage options and balance your debt load. Thorough planning and smart budgeting now can help you avoid running into high debt or repayment problems down the road.

Farhaneh Haque, director of mortgage advice at TD Canada Trust, says that first time home buyers should answer three important questions before they start hitting any open houses this season.

• Do I understand the process? It never hurts to meet with a mortgage specialist to learn more about the home buying process and the different mortgage options available, such as fixed versus variable rate mortgages, flexible repayment schedules, and even mortgages that offer cash back. Before falling in love with a home, consider getting pre-approved so you know what you may be able to afford and avoid getting disappointed by falling in love with a home that is outside your price range.

• What is my personal debt load? If you have other obligations like a car payment or student loan, ensure you are taking on a mortgage that you can manage within your total budget. Try using an online debt management calculator to help determine how much debt you can reasonably take on based on your income, current debt payments and expenses.

• Can I afford my mortgage and save for the future? Sometimes home buyers take on more debt than they can manage and quickly find themselves "house poor" - with no money left for future savings or a rainy day. Before you take the leap into homeownership, crunch the numbers to ensure your budget reflects the lifestyle you want after you move into your new home, and you are clear on what sacrifices you may need to make to continue to live comfortably and save for your future.

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Dawn Heisler, RE/MAX REAL ESTATE (EDMONTON)