(NC)—Is it the words to a children's song or the desperate pleas from lawn enthusiasts around the country? As the summer winds down, your lawn goes dormant, you dead head your flowers and leaves start to get ready for the big colour show. However, the life of a weed has just begun. Time for you to be pro-active in your fall lawn care program. It will pay significant dividends when the snow melts and the forsythia starts to bloom in the spring.

(NC)—Not everyone heads south for the winter. From song birds like chickadees to birds of prey like eagles, from water birds like loons to game birds like partridges, scores of bird varieties stay home in Canada during winter months. And while it's unlikely you'll attract an eagle to your backyard bird feeder — just as well — you can bring colour to your backyard and important nutrition to birds by feeding them when other food sources are scarce. With limited food sources available during the winter, many birds depend on outdoor bird feeders.

(NC)—With colder temperatures and the changing of the leaves comes an increase in the number of insects intent on finding their way indoors. Once inside, ants, earwigs, cockroaches, silverfish and other crawling pests can multiply very quickly, so it's no surprise most people prefer to keep them out.

(NC)—Fall does what no other season can do. Its warm, sunny days and cool, dewy nights provide ideal conditions for growing new grass and developing your lawn's source of strength, a deep and dense root system.

(NC)—Wait a minute. Isn't fall when lawns start to shut down? Why fertilize then? Fall conditions are great for lawns as this is the time when grass roots start to store nutrients for the winter. A fall feeding helps build strong roots and protects the lawn from winter stress, so you'll have a healthier lawn next year.

(NC)—“The fall is the perfect time to get a jump on a beautiful garden,” says Syd Pell, gardens specialist at Miracle-Gro. “Most people think that there is nothing to be done once the weather turns chilly, but in fact this is the best time to get a head start on a great garden for next spring.”

(NC)—The amount of water used daily in Canada is 122 billion litres per day. Residential water use, which represents 12 percent of Canada's total usage, may not seem like a large amount, but that portion of the country's water use is critical as it is the most expensive due to the costs of filtration and treatment.

(NC)—Small bathrooms are often a challenging space to renovate and redesign with style and function working together. Creating a multi-functional family bathroom with timeless style means investing in fixtures and faucets intended for modern day living.

(NC)—Minimalism was originally introduced as an artistic principle that focused on using a minimum number of colours, shapes, lines and textures. Designers and architects adopted the style, resulting in homes that were spare and simple, yet elegant. Typically, these homes featured architectural forms, uninterrupted planes, and neutral colours.

(NC)—We have all been there before. We want to have fun with home decorating without stepping too far outside of our comfort zone. Rest assured it can be done.

(NC)—A backed up pipe in the bathroom is a drag, to say the least. It's one of the most used rooms in the house, but have you been performing the proper maintenance on a regular basis? Direct Energy has a few tips to keep the plumbing in your washroom operating efficiently.

(NC)—Most of us have a worst-case scenario plan for those might-happen moments in life: job loss, car accident or property damage. But how many have a back-up plan if a component of the mechanical system of our home stops working – namely the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems?

(NC)—A recent Direct Energy survey asked Canadians to rate the overall energy efficiency fitness of their homes. Forty-two percent described the fitness/efficiency level of their home as 'trim', meaning their home is moderately energy efficient, but has room for improvement. On the opposite end, a smaller group rated their homes as 'couch potato' when asked the same question.

(NC)—Here is a question from a homeowner about buying just the right air conditioner, answered by Direct Energy's home ideas director, Dave Walton.

(NC)—You love the look of natural wood flooring but are afraid to install hardwood because you know your floors take a beating from the kids, pets and the heavy day-to-day traffic all too common in modern family life.

(NC)—Home remodeling, especially room “makeovers,” are on the increase, as many of today's homeowners are looking for ways to improve their surroundings, but at the right price.

(NC)—Natural stone and ceramic tile floors have great design, architectural and sculptural qualities. But they can be expensive, hard to clean, cold to walk on and not very durable.

(NC)—As the cold weather approaches it's tempting to hibernate indoors and spark a cozy fire. But before you hunker down, insurer RSA offers some safety tips you should consider.

(NC)—As the summer winds down and Canadians return from their vacations, many homeowners will be trying to fit in a few home improvement projects before the snow begins to fall. “Before embarking on a big home renovation or project, there are a few things – including insurance - to take into account,” says Irene Bianchi, vice president claims and corporate services at RSA. “While many people are consumed with their design and décor options, they forget to consider important factors such as insurance.” Without the proper insurance coverage, damages to a new home addition or upgrade could end up costing significantly more than anticipated.

(NC)—When the temperature starts to cool down and the leaves start to fall from the trees, it's time to start thinking about closing the cottage for the summer.

(NC)—“I relate window treatments to fashion,” says designer Vicente Wolf. “Do you want it to be a sheer little revealing slip or do you want a formal, elaborate evening gown? I like to get down to basics – always opting for the slip over the elaborate gown.”

(NC)—'Here's an option in window coverings that deserves more than a second look. It is, after all, the product used on the set of Donald Trump's “Celebrity Apprentice” reality TV show. Why? Because it offers the look of a Roman shade with the light control of a blind in intriguing fabrics and colours. It also has a sheer backing that brings a warm glow of light to any space, while filtering out harmful UV rays and harsh glare. Called Pirouette window shadings, it was introduced by leading window covering manufacturer Hunter Douglas a few short years ago.

(NC)—There's no need to uproot your life in order to make your home more green and energy-efficient this fall and winter. It can be easy. Experts at leading window coverings manufacturer Hunter Douglas, which pioneered energy efficiency at the window with the introduction of the world's first honeycomb shade, offer the following tips:

(NC)—As children head back to school after summer days spent outdoors, their lives begin to be focused indoors with hours spent working on homework and playing with friends in their rooms. Along with a fresh pack of crayons and pristine notebooks, your children will likely appreciate a fresh look for their rooms.

(NC)—Doing your part to save the earth can be done in style with value-conscious Applause honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas, makers of Duette, the original honeycomb shade. Not only does the air-trapping honeycomb construction of Applause shades ensure their energy efficiency, but the new 2010 collection includes the only shade of its kind on the market made with recycled materials. Called Vintage, it is created using 40 percent recycled polyester fibres from post-consumer textiles, such as water bottles. Vintage is also as beautiful as it is sustainable with a contemporary linear pattern offered in 10 neutral colours in both semi-opaque and blackout.

(NC)—As you're driving to cottage country, do you know what you're seeing in the fields next to the highway? Grain Farmers of Ontario will provide nuggets of information every week to help you become a farming expert and impress your travel companions.

(NC)—Did you know that some laundry detergents don't remove body oils and sweat from clothes and bedding, even after washing? To get rid of the unseen 'yuck' from laundry look for new Sunlight Deep Clean laundry detergent that's specially formulated to help remove lingering body oils and sweat as well as everyday dirt and stains.

(NC)—Did you know one person can produce up to several litres of sweat in a day? Even after washing, clothes and sheets can still trap lingering body oils and sweat. New Sunlight Deep Clean laundry detergent is specially formulated to safely penetrate between the fibres of clothing to help remove trapped body oils and sweat that other detergents can leave behind.

(NC)—According to a national state-of-the-laundry survey for Sunlight Deep Clean laundry detergent 14% of Canadian women admit to wearing the same socks for several days in a row and 3% admit to turning underpants inside out instead of washing them. Canadians might want to reconsider their habits in light of Sunlight research that shows sweat and body oils, not visible to the naked eye, can linger in clothes even after being washed with some other detergents.

(NC)—In a national state-of-the-laundry survey for Sunlight Deep Clean laundry detergent more than a third (36%) of Canadian women admitted to having gone more than a month without changing the bed sheets and 12% admitted to not changing the sheets on a guest bed between guests. This isn't very restful news, especially when research shows body oils and sweat can linger deep inside fabrics, even after they have been washed by some other detergents.

(NC)—If you're like most Canadians, it's happened to you: a shrunken sweater, bleach streaks on your best bed sheets, perhaps a beloved MP3 player run through the wash.

(NC)—Are your 'clean' clothes truly clean? In a recent national state-of-the-laundry survey for Sunlight Deep Clean laundry detergent, conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, more than 95% of Canadian women said they were confident that their laundry was free of sweat and body oils after washing.

(NC)—When it comes to home improvement, you don't have to be a professional to get professional-looking results. There are many simple bathroom projects that can dramatically update your home:

(NC)—Do you want a new bathroom, but think the price tag might be out of your budget?  Don't give up so easily.  There are many simple updates and unique products that can give you a custom-designed look on a bare-minimum budget.

(NC)—Are you thinking of remodeling but don't know where to start? Let your mouse do the heavy lifting and transform your current space into your dream home.

(NC)—Are you mixed up by modern and confused by what's considered contemporary? Contemporary is characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details. Today's updated contemporary look is a blend of comfortable, livable elements that create a sophisticated, fresh feel.

(NC)—Becoming a new parent can be a scary process. Luckily, there are easy ways that you can prepare yourself – and your home – to give you peace of mind and be able to enjoy the time with your new baby.

(NC)—Going Buggy? Dr. Peter Kevan, Professor emeritus in ecology and entomology at the University of Guelph offers the following tips to help keep bugs at bay:

(NC)—Have you ever wondered why bugs can be more bothersome from one year to the next?

(NC)—School's out and summer's in! Many Canadians have already welcomed the start of the season by heading up to the cottage, hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a campground feast. Yet many of these popular pastimes are enjoyed by unwanted insects too – and whether they're buzzing around the picnic table or creeping inside through an open screen door, it's important to know how to prevent – or eliminate—an infestation.

(NC)—If you visit some of the more stylish kitchen showrooms, you'll likely see a selection of tall, complex kitchen faucets that look like they need to come with an instruction manual. These are the currently very popular professional-style faucets, based on designs that are used for professional chefs.

(NC)—While cheery and bright colours of green, red or yellow create a fun and lively look in the kitchen, for a more sophisticated look consider black. Not only does black add refinement and elegance but it's easy to fit into any existing colour scheme and doesn't show dirt as easily.

(NC)—The beauty and shine of a brand new stainless steel sink can be quickly marred by the first few scratches. Here are some essentials of kitchen sink care from Blanco, a leading premium kitchen sink manufacturer with more than 80 years experience in kitchen workstation design and manufacturing.

(NC)—If you're thinking of selling your condo, it may be time to look at a few simple but effective improvements for your kitchen that give it a lift and create a better first impression for potential buyers.

(NC)—Are you fed up with your noisy teenage kids taking over your house and your life? Are your paper-thin walls preventing you from sleeping through the sounds of video games and slumber parties? Upgrading your wall insulation will help you sleep better. The best news is that it can be done quickly and easily, helping to significantly reduce the noise levels in your home.

(NC)—As more and more homes are being listed for sale in the Canadian real estate market, you may be worried about how your home will stand out in a crowd. If you're waiting for the selling frenzy to die down, that doesn't mean you can't build up the value of your home. Upgrading or renovating key focal points of your house, such as the front entrance, kitchen or bathroom, will ensure that your house puts its best face forward for potential buyers and will provide the best return on investment for your renovation costs.

(NC)—As temperatures fall and there are fewer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, your home is becoming your hideaway. Why don't you make it more beautiful and comfortable before winter is upon us? Consider building an addition, such as a sunroom, for extra space and comfort. More sun exposure will help you increase the amount of vitamin D during those bleak winter months, while creating additional living space for your family.

(NC)—According to Natural Resources Canada, more than 17 per cent of the energy consumed in Canada is used in our homes. One project that can improve your home's energy efficiency, while also adding extra living space, is finishing your basement.

(NC)—According to a recent TD Canada Trust survey, most Canadians are willing to pay more for greener homes. While building a brand new eco-friendly house is an option, there are many ways to make your existing home more sustainable, including energy efficiency renovations. Quick and easy do-it-yourself projects, like re-insulating your attic, will help with this goal.

(NC)—We may pay more initially for the long-term quality, but any time a homeowner opts for materials or methods that conserve energy, money is saved in spades too. For example, concrete walls are now a choice option replacing wood. Not only do you save forests and trees but certain concrete wall systems deliver up to 70 per cent savings on energy bills. When you opt for the quicker, builder-friendly system of pre-assembled concrete forms, your home stands to be three times more sound resistant, four times more fire resistant, and nine times stronger – and also far less prone to wood rot, mustiness and mould. More information is online at www.nudura.com. Other green options when building include solar power, water management, drainage, windows, siding, heating/cooling, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and outdoor irrigation.

(NC)—Premium-priced, environmentally responsible options are still the preference for homeowners and builders, even in uncertain economic times. This insistence not to cut corners and keep quality high signals a permanent new path for builders.

(NC)—Builders today work with informed consumers, many insisting on the most energy-efficient and environmentally-responsible designs, fixtures, materials, and methods. Those who offer these services must constantly keep up with latest technology and how to apply it. The best builders must stay open-minded to change and keep informed. Here's an example: one of the more popular consumer demands in the 21st century is to discard the old wood-framed walls in favour of a new and innovative concrete system. Homeowners want to own the most durable house on the street – and indeed, homes constructed with this system of pre-assembled, interlocking forms of concrete are nine times stronger than those made with wood. The homes are also three times more sound resistant and four times more fire resistant. This award winning wall system by Canadian company, Nudura, delivers energy savings and human health benefits as well: Drafts are eliminated; wood-rot and mould, are eliminated; and homeowners stand to cut the costs of their energy bills up to 70 per cent. More information on this – as well as efficient ceilings and floors – is available online at www.nudura.com.

(NC)—We often hear the term 'dream home' as a kind of undefined ideal sometime in the future.

(NC)—What an opportunity we have when building a new home to get everything exactly right from scratch. It may take research and resolve to ensure the best options, but the highest quality home is an investment that keeps on giving.

(NC)—If owners insist on using the most advanced methods and materials for the most important building steps, they can be assured of owning a home with a structure that is far stronger, far more cost efficient, far healthier for occupants and far more valuable than most houses to date, industry observers say.

(NC)—As the summer begins to wind down and parents get ready to send their kids back to school, it's a good time to start setting new routines and habits. “Getting children involved in making dinner and school lunches helps get them excited about eating nutritious foods and is a great way to spend quality time together,” says Korey Kealey, food specialist and mom of three. “Now is the perfect time to get the kids involved in these daily tasks.”

(NC)—Approximately one third of Canadians are renters, and while many find wonderful dwellings that suit their needs, not all rental properties reflect one's sense of style.

(NC)—Sometimes there's nothing better than a warm shower at the end of a long day to help you destress and relax. But a cramped space or a cold, sterile bathroom can add to your stress rather than help alleviate it. Delta Faucet offers some quick and easy tips to help improve your shower experience and maximize your comfort so you can start or finish your day in the best possible way.

(NC)—For most people, their home is their largest financial asset. Because of the high value attached to homes, they may be a key target of fraud.

(NC)—Purchasing an estate property can seem like a great deal, but buyers shouldn't be seduced by a low price tag without digging a little deeper. Buying a property of this kind can be complex due to some specific issues that may arise.

(NC)—We all want the finer things in life, but while many of us have expensive tastes, we don't always have such lavish budgets. And, when it comes to updating our kitchen, many items can have large price tags that in today's market we won't be able to recoup. Luckily, with a little creativity you can achieve a cost-conscious kitchen remodel that achieves maximum enjoyment on a minimal budget.

(NC)—Nothing better sums up kids' personalities than their favourite spaces: their bedrooms or playrooms. And in today's design-conscious society, there's no limiting the ways you can create inviting, kid-friendly spaces that reflect your children's personal tastes while encouraging imaginative play and creativity.

By Gillian Birch

(NC)—Fall is upon us, which means beautiful seasonal colours and leaves crunching under your feet. Beyond the season's splendour, for homeowners there is an array of chores to do around the home and yard.