(NC) There are plenty of fun, eco-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy this fall. Here are some great – and green – ideas.  

1. Explore the great outdoors 

   Fall is great weather for hiking, and the changing leaves make a great background for family portraits. To keep the kids engaged, play a fun game like “I spy – nature edition” or see what they can find on a scavenger hunt.

   With 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves in Canada, as well as many provincial parks and local nature reserves to explore, nature isn’t far from your doorstep. Don’t forget to leave only...

(NC) The words “extreme weather” can take on different meanings across Canada, but whether it’s intense winds or damaging hail, the reality is extreme weather is on the rise. From torrential rain to wildfires, ensuring your home is properly protected is more important than ever.

Insurance premiums are generally based on the likelihood of making a claim (claims frequency) and its potential cost (claims severity). Factors like your home’s location, age of the building and type of residence (detached, townhouse, etc.) also play a role.

Since extreme weather can increase the risk of...

(NC) Getting ready for the new school year can be quite a task. It involves more than just buying new clothes; it’s about setting the stage for a successful year through planning and organization, ensuring health and safety, and establishing routines.

To help you transition smoothly from vacation mode to a back-to-school mindset, here are the top four things to consider as you prepare for the upcoming academic year.

1. Stock up on school supplies
   Start shopping for school essentials such as stationery, lunch boxes and school bags as early as possible. This will give you time to snag those...

(NC) Organizing a messy or cluttered closet makes it easier to find your clothes, creates space and makes the whole room look neat and tidy. Here are some closet storage ideas, tips and tricks to help maximize space in your closet.

Use shelves to optimize space and add decor
“Adding wooden or wire shelving to your closet is a great way to increase storage for items like shoes and other non-hangable items,” says Katie Linnen, storage and organization merchant for The Home Depot Canada. “Wire shelves are perfect for letting things like linens breathe, while wooden shelving is sturdier for...

(NC) Looking for inexpensive ways to bring your bathroom back to life? Here are seven tips from Donna Fraser, bath merchant at The Home Depot Canada, to make your bathroom feel new without breaking the bank.

Don’t relocate
Running new pipes or moving existing ones can drive up your renovation cost. If possible, keep toilets, sinks and showers as close to their original locations as you can. If you must move something, sinks are generally the least expensive to reposition.

Choose a single splurge item
If you plan to renovate around one stunning main focal point, you’ll be able to get...

(NC) Caring for your lawn isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about nurturing a healthy ecosystem right in your own backyard. A well-maintained lawn not only adds charm to your property, it also plays a crucial role in supporting a healthier environment. Here are some of the ways that taking care of your lawn can benefit our surroundings.

Enhancing air quality: Your lawn acts as a natural air purifier, capturing dust, pollen and other airborne particles, making the air cleaner. Through photosynthesis, grass absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and releases oxygen, helping to reduce CO2 levels in...

(NC) As summer approaches, many homeowners are eager to fire up their grills and host outdoor cookouts with family and friends. While barbecuing can be a fun and delicious way to enjoy the season, here are some ways to prioritize your safety to prevent accidents and ensure a memorable, worry-free gathering.

Before starting your barbecue, ensure that your grill is in good working condition. Check for any gas leaks in propane and natural gas grills, make sure all connections are secure and check the grill’s air inlets for spiders or other obstructions. For charcoal grills, use only...

(NC) Homeownership is a big step, whether you’re a first-time buyer or not. Protecting your new home typically involves getting new locks, installing an alarm system and maybe even getting a “guard” dog. However, something you might not have considered is to help protect your mortgage.

TD Mortgage Protection, for example, offers optional coverage to help safeguard one of your biggest financial obligations. You’ve worked hard for your new home, and you likely want to help ensure you and your loved ones can stay in it as long as you want, whether it’s your starter or forever home.

If...

(NC) Summer is a time to stretch your legs and enjoy the warm weather with your family and friends. During this time, many people are also looking to make upgrades to their home.

Whether you’re looking to add more value to your home, make a few eco-friendly improvements or simply maximize your enjoyment, there’s a renovation project for everyone. Give your home a breath of new life with these summer renovation projects that can add value to it.

1) Update the interior

• If you’re looking to undertake some bigger projects, first consider whether you have the necessary skills and experience...

(NC) It’s time to celebrate the fathers – and those who play the role of father figure, like grandads, awesome uncles and other inspiring folks – in our lives. Whether yours is the techie type, a sensitive soul or the guy who already has it all, our Father’s Day gift guide has you covered.

For the techie
A drone can be a popular gift for anyone who’s fascinated by the latest technology, loves their toys and tools, or wants to try aerial photography. It’s a rapidly growing hobby. Just know that there are important things Dad must know before flying one. Does it need to be registered? How...