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Tufted style adds timeless comfort

Tufted style adds timeless comfort

Dear Debbie: I’m having a disagreement with my friend about a tufted armchair. I love the vintage style, but will it fit into a contemporary room setting? Karen Vintage style looks amazing in a contemporary setting, as long as it’s one or two pieces.
Helen Chesnut: Water core hits fruit in hot, dry weather

Helen Chesnut: Water core hits fruit in hot, dry weather

Dear Helen: What has caused some of my apples to have translucent flesh that looks water-soaked? Are such apples all right to eat? P.J. Your description fits a physiological condition called water core.

Condo Smarts: Unauthorized expense likely not worth fighting

Dear Tony: Our strata in Abbotsford has melted down into conflict and dispute over an unauthorized expense. Our strata council of three decided it was time to renovate our lobby.

Debbie Travis: Learn from design mistakes

When I walk into a poorly designed room, I react immediately to the negative aspects. I don’t feel comfortable. It could be that the furniture is out of balance, creating an awkward path to follow.
Helen Chesnut: Rain boosts weary plants, gardeners

Helen Chesnut: Rain boosts weary plants, gardeners

Never before had I seen such glee over the prospect of a significant rainfall. Though some places on the Island were blessed with earlier summer rain, for the rest it had been drought all the way through — until the end of August.
Helen Chesnut: Novel ways to preserve tomatoes

Helen Chesnut: Novel ways to preserve tomatoes

Dear Helen: I gathered in almost all the tomatoes before the rains, and am looking for some interesting ways, beyond canning, of processing them. Something simple and quick would be nice. C.L.

Condo Smarts: No means no for common property changes

Dear Tony: I have a south- facing unit in an eight-floor building, and my deck is open to the full exposure of the sun. During the day, the deck surface heats up and it is unusable as a result of the heat.

Reena Nerbas: Why I store onions in pantyhose

Dear Reena: I would like to know the best way to store onions so that they will keep for a fairly long time. Ruth My favourite onion storage solution includes a pair of clean pantyhose. Place an onion in the toe and tie a knot above the onion.
House Beautiful: Behind the velvet curtain for a theatrical peek

House Beautiful: Behind the velvet curtain for a theatrical peek

Anyone who has ever fantasized about peeking behind the curtain of a play, or tiptoeing into the wings for a different angle on a production will enjoy what the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is staging.

Debbie Travis: Modern fixtures save water

Dear Debbie: We bought a fixer-upper last year, and are renovating the kitchen and bathrooms this summer. So many decisions.