10 Things I Learned This Year
the best of ask an expert 2010canada
(Dec.28.10)
As the editor of the Ask an Expert column, I've picked up a few tips and tricks over the years. Having edited 312 expert posts, I have definitely uncovered a few secrets. Here are the top 10 things I learned on SweetHome in 2010:
- I never knew what a picture wall was until Alison Goodwin from the Village Gallery taught me how to make one. Now, it's definitely near the top of my what-to-do-on-Christmas-break list.
- I love cheese. I love wine. Did I ever know how to pair them properly? No. Thankfully, Leslieville Cheese Market and our SweetHome sommelier Erin Rosar stepped in and taught me how to pair them perfectly (and make my own cheese board to boot!).
- Buy a high efficiency toilet. High efficiency toilet models allow an average family of four to save more than 62,000 litres of water annually. Kind of worth it, right?
- That there's such a thing as a Santoku knife — and it's one of the five essential knives you should have in your kitchen.
- During the month of April, our organizing expert tackled your home, one room at a time. From the artwork on your fridge to the stack of mail eating your front hall table, we got you organized. I learned too many lessons during this month to pick just one.
- Everything about how a barbecue actually works (and how to shop for one) from Weber Canada.
- You should set aside $5000 (at least) for hidden expenses when you're buying a new home.
- If you store your clothing in plastic containers in between seasons, make sure you line the container with tissue or cotton.
- Deep green "shoulders" on carrots may indicate bitterness.
- Always read through an entire recipe before you begin. Not doing so can have disastrous results.
Here's to a great 2010 and an even better 2011. Happy Holidays!
Sam
Assistant Editor, sweetspot.ca
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