A new alternative in high-efficiency laundry (NC)—




With all of the options available in today's laundry machines, it can be hard to choose the right appliance for your lifestyle and home.

Increasingly known as the eco-friendly option, high-efficiency front-load laundry has been a popular option in recent years. But many people are unaware that a lot of the great front-load features are available with the ergonomic style and convenience of a top-load. Here, Catherine Marion, co-host of The Mom Show and Whirlpool Time Champion, tells us why high-efficiency top-load laundry is starting to get more attention from Canadians coast to coast.

“High-efficiency top-load laundry machines use the same technologies found in the front-load design, meaning the same great energy and water savings,” says Marion. “Plus, with the best vibration control on the market, main floor laundry rooms won't make themselves heard.”

Look for new models with extra capacity like the Whirlpool Cabrio, Marion explains. It's the largest high-efficiency washing machine on the market, and has enough space to fit three baskets of laundry in a single load. “And for a country where moms spend an average of over six hours a week doing laundry, this means more time with your family and less spent in the laundry room,” says Marion, quoting an Ipsos Reid survey conducted in 2008.

And no need to sacrifice the convenient features found on front-loaders – the key options Canadians are looking for are also available in many high-efficiency top-load machines, like the steam feature and quick wash cycle on the Whirlpool Cabrio.

“With a lower average price point, great features and significant energy and water savings, high-efficiency top-load laundry machines are a great value for Canadians,” says Marion.

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A path to first impressions (NC)—



While you may enter your home from a side door or through the garage, most new visitors enter through the front entrance. The walkway to the main entrance sets the tone for visitor's first impressions. If the walkway is deteriorating and in need of repairs it might be time to replace it.

One of the most versatile and customizable options are interlocking concrete pavers. Made with high strength, durable concrete, each unit locks together to form a surface that is visually attractive and withstands the elements.

When planning a walkway project with interlocking concrete pavers, one of the first decisions involves choosing a style that suits your house style and your personal tastes. There is a wide array of colours, shapes, sizes and textures that can satisfy both needs.

• Don't crack. Each interlocking paver unit has joints that allow for a small amount of movement without cracking.

• Are easy to repair. You can remove and reinstate the same pavers with no ugly patches after repairs to the base or underground utilities.

• Present no problems with snow removal. With pavers, you can plow, shovel or use a snow blower.

• Come in many shapes, colours and textures.

Some homeowners install smaller walkways themselves. Larger projects typically require hiring a trained contractor. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute web site at www.icpi.org can provide further information on these topics.