Debbie Dey

Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could skip the daily commute to your office? Imagine enjoying a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning instead of juggling a dry bagel with a cold cup of coffee in the car?
With today’s ever-growing opportunities to work outside the confines of a traditional office building, it could become a reality sooner than you think. Why not set up your home office to include all the “bells and whistles” so you can get the job done quickly and efficiently?
Try some of these ...

Isn’t it amazing how much you can do on your smartphone these days? Who would have thought, even a few years ago, that you’d be able to simultaneously listen to a podcast for work while surfing the web for the best beach vacation destinations and texting in your pizza order for lunch?
While I’m not suggesting that you should always mix business with pleasure, the fact of the matter is we’ve all become pretty good multitaskers now that everything we want and need to do is literally at our fing...

Whether you bought your home as a fixer-upper, are getting it ready to sell, or just want to do a little updating, it can be more than a little overwhelming when you try to figure out where to start.
Let’s try to simplify things for you.
You’ve probably heard that a newly remodeled kitchen ranks high on homebuyers’ “wish lists.” Well, it’s true. A kitchen remodel takes two of the top spots on HGTV’s Top Remodeling Projects—both major and minor kitchen renovation work taking high honors with a...

HGTV and other home makeover shows have gained popularity because people like to see what new designs and styles are trending. But it can be hard to keep track of the most current styles and differentiate what is sustainable versus what is simply a fad.
Not to worry! In this post, we will describe 7 top interior design trends in 2018 that are likely to have long-term staying power. Even better, we’ll explain how to implement these in your own home (and how much it might cost you).
Vibrant Col...

Everyone needs a little time in their day to relax and refresh. What better place to do that than a newly remodeled bathroom? Whether you’re a DIYer or choose to rely on the expertise of a professional contractor, the ideas below can transform your space into an oasis that’s fit for royalty.
The real beauty of today’s trends is that you can mix and match finishes, textures, patterns and wood types as you like. In other words, eclectic is in! If you’re tired of struggling with that leaky fauce...

No matter whether you live in sunny California, the Deep South or the Northeast, it’s fun to be outside when the weather is nice. If you’ve been dreaming of spending more quality time enjoying nature – or just enjoying your backyard – we put together a list of things you can do to enhance your home’s outdoor living space so you can enjoy every moment.
Keep reading to see our top ideas that will get you started on re-imagining your home’s outdoor spaces.
Outdoor Structures
Create a built-in ac...

As homeowners, we’ve all heard the experts advise us not to spend more on renovations than we can recoup on resale.
While that’s excellent advice:
How do you know which home improvements provide the most value?
AND
Can I do some of the work myself, or do I have to hire a contractor to get the most money back?
The home improvement industry in Canada is booming. The Financial Post reported that renovation spending in Canada topped $68 billion in 2014, has steadily increased in 2015 and has cont...

With so many experts giving advice on what’s trending in home improvement projects, how do you choose which ones to follow? While it’s true that home design trends are constantly changing, there’s one group that has the largest impact on what’s “in” and what’s not…millennials.
Who Are Millennials and Why Should We Care?
According to Wikipedia, the demographic generation referred to as millennials were born between 1980 and the early 2000’s. As the largest group of current or upcoming home buy...

If you’re diligent in preparing for your home renovation, the process will run smoother, the job will be finished on time, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful new space that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.
Are you a “planner” or more comfortable “going with the flow?” Do you “map out” a vacation or “hit the road” looking for adventure? How about your daily routine? Do you have a set work schedule or do your shifts change every day? Regardless of how comfortable you ...

Is your kitchen ready, willing and able to perform all these important functions? If not, a reno project is definitely in your future, and you’ll want to include a critical component that will help it fulfill all its duties.
Your Kitchen. What comes to mind when you think about the room you probably spend a good part of every day in?
As the “heart of the home,” you require a lot from your kitchen. It must always be:
Practical
Clean
Efficient
Convenient
Comfortable
Beautiful
Today’s modern kit...

There has been a push in recent years to make our homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. With everyone pitching in to reduce their energy and carbon footprints, scientists suggest that damaging CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases can also be reduced through green renovations to reverse damaging effects on the environment.
What is home efficiency?
Home efficiency
is the reduction of energy consumption through the use of efficient appliances, fixtures, and products. When combi...

Have you noticed that the years seem to be going by faster and faster? Are you shocked at just how long you’ve been living in your home? Or how many candles are on your birthday cake? While you may worry that as you age you won’t be able to stay in your home anymore, that you’ll be forced to “downsize” or eventually move into an assisted living facility, you’re not alone.
In fact, according to Financial Post Magazine, 20.4 percent of Canada’s population will be over 65 by 2025. That’s a lot o...

While many Canadian homeowners are already using this power source to fuel their energy solutions, many have shied away from renewable energy due to a lack of knowledge or misconceptions. Here’s what you need to know:
We all recognize the importance of the sun and solar energy in our everyday lives. We need it to warm our planet, to grow our food, and to lighten our mood. And while other resources face shortages and increasing prices, we can rely on solar energy to always be available and fre...

I suppose I consider myself one of those “old dogs,” and yes, it’s true, you CAN teach an old dog!

I’ve been in office administration since I was a “tween.” I remember coming home from school every day with purple hands from volunteering in the office. We used a mimeograph machine that used purple ink to make copies of handouts and test papers for the teachers.

I remember Typing 101 in 9th grade and being afraid to move from a manual typewriter to an IBM Selectric because it might be too fast...

I’m the “Queen of Cheap.”

I’m not talking about finding the best bargains, although I do love a good deal, or hoarding the first dollar I ever earned. I’m referring to the ability to put my own needs ahead of everyone else’s. While I often start out with good intentions, when push comes to shove, I almost always short-change myself.

It doesn’t seem to matter that I’m a “mature” 50-something woman who should know better, I still find myself falling back into old habits.

As I try to figure out ...