home improvement show

The most popular home projects are not the ones with the best returns
Posted in

The most popular home projects are not the ones with the best returns

Millennial homeowners shift toward renovating instead of selling, says BofA's Liz Suzuki

Most homeowners are planning to remodel at some point down the road, but not everyone will get their money’s worth in improving home value.

Of all home improvement projects, the most popular are sparkling bathroom overhauls, according to newly released data from the Contractor Growth Network, followed by big-ticket kitchen and basement renovations.

In some cases, homeowners may get that money back when it’s time to sell, but more often, these home renovations rarely bring a great return.

More from Personal Finance:
Credit card debt nears $1 trillion
How to get started with investing, budgeting
How much emergency savings you

…
getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME
Posted in

getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME

I was recently lucky enough to spend 24 hours in the Loire Valley. We have a tour there at the end of August, and I need to check some addresses – never a hardship!

I had heard about the amazing flowers at the Chateau de Chenonceaux, and was determined to see what all the fuss was about.

I was not disappointed. They know a lot about getting grand with flowers!

Chenonceaux itself is a truly stunning chateaux that spans the Cher river from bank to bank. The history of the place dates back to the 16th century, and each age

…
A Flower Garden Weekend View
Posted in

A Flower Garden Weekend View

Happy Weekend everyone. This week, the weekend view looks a lot like summer- warm weather, sunshine filled days and blooms in the garden.

Garden Blooms

After a long cold, crazy low snow and atmospheric rain filled winter- the garden is giving us so much love and energy right now. And I am soaking up every. little. bit of it. I wandered the garden this morning before the hot weather and gathered up a big basket of beautiful peonies- I’m obsessed as you know. I spent a bit of time clipping the spent lavender too and will do a blog post

…
Stettler home improvement program entering final stages of approvals
Posted in

Stettler home improvement program entering final stages of approvals

A new program which will allow Stettler residents to make home improvements and pay for the renovations over time on their taxes is another step closer to reality after the May 2 council meeting.

Following a public hearing during the council meeting, where no submissions were received or presented either for or against the proposed programme, the final two readings of the bylaw were read.

The program, overseen by Alberta Municipalities but administered by the municipality, will allow residents of the community to apply to have proposed renovation work done on homes, such as replacing furnaces, windows, or other high-cost

…
The Best White Paint Color
Posted in

The Best White Paint Color

The ‘Best’ white paint color. It’s really more a personal choice and what fits your home. But we definitely have some favorites that have been on repeat for a while now. And since I always get so many questions about what color paint we have in our home, I thought I would share why I love the color and sheen about it again today.

The Best White Paint Color

There was a time back in the day when I went to Home Depot to grab paint chips to refresh the house. I grabbed probably 3 dozen different ones. I chose

…
Real vs Faux- How to Decorate with Beautiful Flowers
Posted in

Real vs Faux- How to Decorate with Beautiful Flowers

Have you ever wondered how artificial flowers compare to real – side by side?

I got a message from a reader recently after showing some faux floral decor on the table. It was about using faux flowers in decor and if that was something that is ok to do if you love and like fresh. A perfect topic to delve into more.

The quick answers? For one, there are no rules! If you love fresh flowers and find a faux arrangement that knocks your socks off? It’s OK to love and enjoy them both! For two: not all faux flowers

…
soaking up spring and our may/june magazine
Posted in

soaking up spring and our may/june magazine

MFCH MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE
Cover photo by Frederic Ducout

May is one of the busiest moments in my year. The garden needs attention, our MFCH Tours pick up speed and social life here gets busy again after the quieter winter.

My favorite time of the day is when I can finally sit and relax and flip through the MFCH Magazine. The May/June issue is a particular favorite of mine because it is full of beautiful homes and gardens around France in the springtime. Putting our magazine together every two months is rather like making a large, colorful cocktail. We always try to include the

…
How to Create a Beautiful Floating Floral Arrangement
Posted in

How to Create a Beautiful Floating Floral Arrangement

Layers of lovely is one of my favorite things. From layers of decor in a room to layers of beauty on a table. And for a special gathering – layers of magic join in. From twinkle lights to candles to flowers. And this floating floral arrangement is such a simple and easy way to add even more ambiance and charm. I promised to share the easy how-to on creating this look- breaking it down in today’s post and don’t miss the video that shows more details as well.

What is a ‘floating’ floral arrangement

A floating floral arrangement is just

…