Do it Solo

Lighten Up!

Lee-Ann Santos

Summer is upon us and with a change in season often comes the feeling of refreshing our home. It doesn't have to cost you a fortune either. If you can replace your decorative pillows and throw on the sofa you have an instant pick me up. Give the change added punch by picking fuscia, lime green or yellow. Get out of your comfort zone and have some fun. Add some flowers saturated in the same hue or a new accessory. It doesn't take much to get some bang for your buck!

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Updating those outdated kitchen cabinets

Gary Parker

I could list many good reasons not to paint a nicely finished set of wooden kitchen cabinets, but I lost that argument a long time ago. And, in cases where the cabinets are in rough shape, painting may be the best option. However, before you make that decision you need to accept that, no matter how good your paint job is, it will never stand up the way the original wood finish did. If you can touch up your older wood cabinets with a bit of matching stain and an application of polyurethane, consider this option first. But if you must paint, here's how I would go about the job.

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Grouting Without Pouting

Dave Tyrrell

Grouting your bathroom tile surface isn't as complicated as you may think. No need to pout. It's a job you can do yourself. There are a few things you need to know before tackling your first tile project.

1. Use wall tile grout where the gap between tiles is 1/8th inch or less. For larger gaps, use sanded floor tile grout. Using wall tile grout on larger gaps, can shrink and crack it when it cures.

2. Be sure the grout is a fine powder (without any lumps) before mixing it. Lumpy grout is an indication that it has gone bad. Don't use it.

3. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always mix grout with the right amount of water. Too much water will result in a crumbly, unstable grout. Too little water means the grout won't fill the gaps between the tiles properly.

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How women can avoid getting ripped off at the mechanic

by www.carchick.ca blog

Hondaengine_200 When I received an email from Ryerson student Krista Simpson asking to interview me about CarChick.ca, my driving blog for women, I was more than happy to help.

I just received word from Krista that the article is complete and published on Digital Journal. Read Krista?s article ?How women can avoid getting ripped off at the mechanic?.

I am pleased to be included in the article with Jessica Gilbank, owner of Ms. Lube by Mechanchik, an all female car repair shop in Toronto and a CarChick.ca contributor. Jessica provides great tips about how to establish a positive relationship with your mechanic and deal with any issues.

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Rickard's Scores a Football Feast

As the world anxiously awaits the outcome of the month long global soccer celebration (and we relish the return of silence and our guy friends back) this weekend we will know which country clinches the golden trophy. In anticipation of the final game celebrations,. Chef Michael P. Clive has teamed up with Rickard's to come up with some beer-inspired easy-to-execute recipes and tips for preparing your own final four inspired menu.

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