Burly X5 still gets high marks for handling

 Photos by Neil Moore / Feature photo: BMW X5 blends luxury with ruggedness in this mid-size sport utility. Big tires and a wide stance keep it firmly rooted to the asphalt. I’ve always appreciated BMW’s ability to embrace the ‘sport’ in ‘sport utility.’ Sure, they call their X5 a Sports

Living Large at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal

 A view of the Palm Court, leading into the opulent Oval Room. Photo by Moetreal. When my girlfriend Kathleen and I stepped into the fantastically elegant lobby in the Ritz-Carlton Montreal last Saturday, I immediately thought of the book buried in my backpack: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo

From Dreary to Dramatic

 The mission: Transform a fully accessible kitchen and bathroom. The results are improvements to both form and functionality. A call to action put forth by the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation was presented to local contractors to update an older apartment unit located in the Byward Market area. The goal was to

Get Inspired with Lorna Jane Clarkson

 Inspired, by active living advocate Lorna Jane Clarkson, hits shelves this month. It’s a great summer read for ladies looking to learn more about Clarkson’s philosophy and how to live an inspirational, active life. It’s got everything you need to kick start a healthier lifestyle. The book includes personal style

The Royal Treatment with Paradisus

 Punta Cana has become one of the most popular year-round tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Its name refers to the cane palms in the region, and literally means “Tip of the White Cane Palms.” Its climate is constant, the temperature warm and the land absolutely beautiful. Located at the junction

John’s Reno Tips: Giving Your Bathroom A Makeover

 Photo above: © Sylvain Lalande Remodelling the bathroom is no small task and if not properly planned, mistakes can be catastrophic. Before getting started, here are a few reno tips from John Gordon, owner of Your Reno Guys. Q How do heating systems for tile floors work and will they

A Cave No Longer

 Doors, Floors and Garages Like You’ve Never Imagined. When you think of a garage, does disorganized, dark and dirty spring to mind? What if it could be transformed into a clean, warm, bright and organized space? That’s what the professionals at The Floor Company can do. The start to any garage

Nipissing University Provides Quality Education to First Nations Communities

 It is frequently forgotten access to learning and high-quality teaching is not available for everyone in Canada. The education provided for Aboriginal children is just one example of a group with limited access. Their level of education is well below that of other Canadian children. The high school graduation rate

In Search of Style: Wanderlust

 There's something adventurous about making plans to travel abroad. Whether you’re about to hop on the next plane overseas or even if you’re staying put in Ottawa, try out these globe-trotting styles seen on the Spring/ Summer runways. It’s easy to get on trend and stay cool as the humidity

Wardrobe Woes: What Will I Wear Today?

 It happens to me almost every day--whether I have to be out the door in five or 50 minutes. You can find me in front of my closet, starring at the assortment of skirts, shirts, tees and jeans that only seem to be starring right back. Nothing jumps out, nothing

The Perfect Pant: Aella

 The perfect pair of pants is waiting for you. Yes, I said it--the perfect pair of pants. Dreams really do come true! We all know the horrible feeling of going into a dressing room with a stack of pants, crossing our fingers one pair, just one, will fit and look

Hot Summer Projects: It’s a Shore Thing

 Beauti-Tone brings lakefront style without the cottage commute Ahh Summer. Sandy beaches, pristine lakes, warm winds and long days. Want to create the carefree and relaxing charm of a summer getaway year-round in your home (without the blackflies)? Beauti-Tone has created a collection of projects, many using colours from the Colour

Some Day at the Beach! Destination Weddings: Cuba

 When my brother-in-law announced his intention to wed in Cuba, my wife Trine literally jumped for joy. She had seriously considered holding our wedding party on a beach in the Caribbean, so she could get hitched while barefoot in the sand. I was happy too – I like a beach vacation