Weekend roundup

We're finally getting weather worthy or my summer dress wardrobe, and it's not a moment too soon! Barbecue season is in full swing (be sure to check out our roundup of great products for backyard entertaining), and, according to last week's poll, I'm not the only Yourhomer keen on dining al fresco.

Nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) of those who responded said they plan to entertain outdoors this summer, while 29 per cent will be keeping their hosting duties inside. 

This week, I'm continuing my preoccupation with the bedroom (as seen here, here and here) and asking if you make your bed every day? Let me know in the front page poll!

And, for some more weekend reading, be sure to check out:

- How to pull off retro style

- The latest trends for your walls

- Colin and Justin turn a garage into a mancave

- In defence of 'half-assed housekeeping'

- The 10 things you need to clean with company's coming in 30 minutes

- Father's Day gift ideas

Weekend roundup

Turns out I'm not the only one who daydreams about re-inventing my style with a blank slate: 69 per cent of Yourhomers agree that if they were re-decorating their home from scratch they would change their style.

According to last week's poll a quarter, 25 per cent, of readers wouldn't deviate from their current decor choices, while the remaining six per cent said they didn't know what they would do if given the opportunity for a fresh start.

This week, I've got entertaining on my mind (and some beverages chilling in the fridge for this evening's festivities). I love hosting friends for casual al fresco meals - and we've got a great roundup of everything you need to entertain in style. I want to know if readers share my love of hosting friends on patios, backyards and balconies, so please let me know in the front page poll.

And, of course, I've got a few more weekend reading highlights to share with you - and, if you're off to Ikea this weekend, don't miss this healthy reminder about those cheap, cheerful and calorie-laden cinnamon buns:

- Colin and Justin tackle a very sweet nursery

- Eco-friendly options for beautifying the backyard

- Growing your own incredible edibles

- Tour shines spotlight on Beach's bountiful gardens

- Toronto islanders open their homes for foundation fundraiser

- Follow along as Robin Siegerman helps a couple who have decided to renovate instead of relocate

Weekend roundup

Yourhomers have been busy digging in their backyards and planters lately, with 62 per cent saying that their outdoor spaces are ready for summer. About one-third, 31 per cent, said they weren't quite ready for the warm weather when answering last week's poll, and eight per cent said they don't have a garden. Personally, I'm less than garden-ready this year, but can still enjoy the yard! Be sure to check out our outdoor living page for great gardening and decorating advice!

This week, we're looking at your personal style. With all the pretty things out there, it's easy to daydream about revamping your entire space. If you were starting over from scratch, would you totally change your style? Read the story, and let me know in the front page poll.

For more weekend reading, check out:

- Colin and Justin channel Nantucket cool

- This week's what they got

- A new mattress that can keep your partner hot (or cool)

- Tips on getting the most out of your backyard

- Home tour with Colin Mochrie

Weekend roundup

The majority of Yourhomers are staying put this spring, according to last week's poll. Only one third, 33 per cent, of those who voted said they're currently in the market to buy or sell a home, while an additional 13 per cent were on the fence. (Read our latest home sales story and check out our tips on selling your home)

This week, I'm wondering how many gardeners successfully completed their long weekend to-do lists. Is your garden ready for summer? Check out our outdoor living page for great gardening advice, and be sure to vote in the front page poll.

And, while I'm sure many of you will be out enjoying said gardens (or at least a stellar balcony or patio) this weekend, if you do take a moment in the shade to read (perhaps on your new iPad?), be sure to check out: 

- Colin and Justin's best tips for whipping your backyard into shape

- Iconic King Edward converting to hotel-condo

- A preview of the new season of Flipping Out

- The latest furniture trends

- Cool products for your backyard

- Mark Cullen's latest gardening column

Weekend roundup

Happy long weekend! I don't know about you, but I'm certainly ready for the rest, relaxation and DIY inspiration that the (mostly) warm and sunny holiday weekend will bring!

But, first, I've got to share last weekend's poll results. Apparently, the much-maligned Murphy bed is really experiencing a resurgence as a stylish and space-saving piece, with 63 per cent of Yourhomers saying in last week's poll they would be willing to consider one for their own home. The remaining 38 per cent said no.

This week, I'm looking at the booming real estate market, and the lure of those long-weekend open houses, for a little poll inspiration - I want to know how many readers are currently in the market! Let me know in the front page poll, and be sure to check out all of our fabulous tips in our buying and selling a home sections.

And, for some long weekend reading and project inspiration, be sure to check out:

- Colin and Justin create a Sex and the City-worthy dressing room

- Mark Cullen's long weekend gardening to-do list

- Great products to get you grilling

- 10 easy bathroom updates

- Do your homework before listing your house

- Boomers retiring to the cottage

Weekend roundup

While my mind was on patios, outdoor furniture, gardens and summer cocktails last weekend, the weather was decidedly less than summery. So, perhaps it's no surprise that Yourhomers weren't exactly champing at the bit to envision their outdoor spaces - only 17 people voted in last week's poll. Out of those respondents, a mere 18 per cent said they would be buying new pieces to spruce up their backyards this summer, while 71 per cent weren't planning any new purchases. Six per cent said they didn't know, and another 6 per cent said they don't have an outdoor space.

This week, I'm thinking about one of the latest trends for making small spaces work: the Murphy bed. To me, it feels a little bit like the fanny pack of the decor world (though the fanny pack is also, supposedly, experiencing a new popularity) - useful, but decidedly less than fashionable. However, companies are now giving it an update with sleek lines, more user-friendly functioning and higher quality finishes, so I'm wondering if it's time to give the Murphy bed another chance? Read the full story, then let me know if you'd consider one to help you max out your space by casting your vote in the front page poll.

For some more weekend reading, check out:

- Colin and Justin get busy in the garage

- Tips for getting a taste of the spa at home

- Lessons learned from this season's Canada's Worst Handyman

- Surprising uses for common household products

Weekend roundup

According to last week's poll, the majority of Yourhomers - 79 per cent - support the province's ban of water-guzzling toilets (read the full story here). Fourteen per cent are opposed to the move, while the remaining seven per cent said they don't know. Check out the rest of our eco-friendly Earth Day coverage in our Green Living section.

This week, we're still in spring cleaning mode. I want to know if your whole family lends a hand when it comes to tidying up the house! Let me know in the front page poll, and check out our tips and tricks for getting your kids, partners and the men in your life into the act.

For more weekend reading, check out:

- Colin and Justin channel a chic New York state of mind

- Our roundup of single-cup coffee makers

- The wrap up of our Birth of a Condo series

- Why Ty Pennington's coming to Canada

- How fixed mortgage may ease rate rise stress

- A look at recent real estate transactions in the GTA

- Our home tour with Jian Ghomeshi

Weekend round up

From eco-friendly cleaners to a ban on water-guzzling toilets, Yourhomers were seeing a lot of green this week, just in time for Earth Day! (Read our full coverage here).

And, according to last week's poll, the majority of readers, at 64 per cent, have made the switch to eco-friendly or homemade cleaners. I've been thrilled with the switch to vinegar and baking soda for most of my cleaning needs - and have been saving a fortune to boot!

This week, I want to hear your thoughts on Ontario's decision to outlaw toilets that use 13 litres for one flush. Do you support the move? Are you on your way to pick up a higher-efficiency toilet? Let me know in the front page poll.

For some more weekend reading, check out:

- Colin and Justin's glam master suite makeover

- Stylish eco-decor finds

- 10 steps to a more eco-friendly yard

- Don't rush into homebuying, cautions Income Property host

- Construction begins on Aura, Canada's largest condo

- Canadian home prices no match in the global picture

- What they got

Weekend roundup

Spring is in the air, if not in our step as we all approach our spring cleaning routines. (Get time-saving tips and advice in our full Spring Cleaning Guide.)

And, it turns out, the most-dreaded part of the seasonal cleanup is organizing, according to last week's poll. Nearly half - 44 per cent - of Yourhomers said they loathe dealing with all that paperwork and clutter, while washing the windows came in second with 22 per cent.

Other hated chores included walls, baseboards and "other", all coming in with 11 per cent. Personally, it's the baseboards and windows that get me every time!

This week, we're still sticking with a cleaning theme, but I want to know if you've made the switch to eco-friendly or homemade cleaners. Do you check for the eco-logo on your laundry detergent or make your countertops shine with a vinegar mixture? Read the full story, and let me know in the front page poll (scroll down, on the left.)

For some more weekend reading (and a little help in procrastinating on those chores) check out:

- Top 7 spring furniture trends

- Furnishing your new home on a budget

- Colin and Justin's eco-decorating tips

- Mark Cullen's lawn care tips

- My look back at the first year of home ownership

- Our full buying a home special section

Weekend roundup

Yourhomers may have been celebrating the Easter weekend, but they weren't basking in bunny and egg themed decor last week, with only 20 per cent of those who voted decorating their homes for the holiday. 

This week, we're still on the spring theme, but this time we're looking at that dreaded annual tradition of spring cleaning (incidentally, find out why we feel the need to spring clean here).

What's you're most dreaded part of the cleanup? Hate washing windows? Dusting baseboards? Rescuing long-forgotten socks from the back of the closet? Check out our full spring cleaning guide then cast your vote in the front page poll. 

And, for some more weekend reading, check out:

- A retro diner kitchen, Colin and Justin style

- A peek at the home of singer Matt Dusk, with video

- HGTV's Peter Fallico helps our writer tackle her closet

- Tips for a green lawn this summer

- How condos get their names

- Crooked playhouses charm children

- How to melt your mortgage (and you can do it on TV, too!)