Are you troubled by efflorescence? Efflorescence is a white residue found on the surface of concrete and bricks. It can take the form of a crystal-like deposit or appear as a fluffy/fuzzy looking growth. But a growth it is not.

Sometimes mistaken for mould, efflorescence is caused when water seeps through the material (concrete, bricks, tile, etc.) and brings dissolved salts and minerals from within to the surface. When the water evaporates, the white stain appears.

Should you be worried? That depends on the situation. If you are bothered by unsightly stains on the exterior of your home, often found in new homes, simply wash the problem away. (Check out these helpful cleaning tips.)

But if the problem recurs regularly, it may be a sign that you have an underlying problem; a leaky eaves trough or downspout that needs attention, or that the direction of an automatic sprinkler head needs to be adjusted.

More of a concern is when efflorescence appears on an interior surface of your home. This may be a sign of poor water drainage on the other side of the affected wall or surface. Clean the area well, then watch for signs of the efflorescence reappearing. Consult a basement/concrete specialist if it does.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games wound down with Canada sporting 19 medals in total; 10 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze. Well done Canada!

The Vancouver 2010 Games, both Paralympics and Olympics, turned out to be a very successful campaign despite the warm temps. Our success has Canadian athletes and Canadians in general already looking forward to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Last month’s Earth Hour was an event in which many Canadians took part. Each year it helps raise awareness of energy consumption and conservation. We did well for the hour, with people  turning out lights and avoiding unnecessary energy-guzzlers from coast to coast.

Now let’s see how we do for a whole day! Or for every day!

Earth Day is held on April 22nd around the world each year. But as the Earth Day Canada website says, Earth Day isn’t a day, it’s a movement. Join the movement this year and help make a difference. Here’s how…

• Buy Earth Day merchandise to help spread the word, with proceeds going to the cause.
• Take part in an Earth Day event planned in your area.
• Hold a fund-raising event such as a bake sale, neighbourhood garage sale, etc.
• Organize the clean-up of a neighbourhood site.

Check here for other great ways to celebrate Earth Day.

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
~ Vivian Greene

Instead of using paper or plastic pots when starting plants indoors, try half of a hollowed-out grapefruit or orange rind. Poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and they work better than anything you can buy.

When it comes time to plant, simply put the whole thing in the ground. The rind will serve as additional fertilizer while the plant matures.

The moose is one of the most well-recognized members of the Canadian wildlife scene.  The largest member of the deer family, moose live in all provinces and territories of Canada.

Did j’a know these other memorable moose facts;

• A moose’s tail is too short to swish the flies away.
• A rack of antlers can range from 120 to 180 cm across (4 to 6 ft).
• The long flap of fur-covered skin that dangles under a moose’s chin is called a bell.
• Moose are tall! A full-grown male can be over 3 m (8 to 10 ft) in length with a shoulder height of over 2 m (5 to 7 ft).
• Males can weigh 600 kg (over 1300 lbs).
• Moose feet have two large hoofed toes and two smaller toes.
• The moose has poor eyesight, but a keen sense of smell and hear well.
• Moose are good swimmers.
• Some people think moose are funny-looking. Could be because they have very long legs, big hooves, large ears, a wide droopy nose, an overhanging top lip, a humpback, a short tail, and skin hanging from its chin.
• The moose is NOT depicted on Canadian quarters. That’s a caribou.

Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones – If you are looking for plants and seeds this spring, the internet can be a wonderful resource. But beware – they may not be suited to your Plant Hardiness Zone. Be sure to check the recommended zones(s) for the plants you buy. This site will let you check which zone you are in.

Gardening with Kids – Start them young! If they learn to love gardening, or even if they just experience working in the soil, starting gardening as children can help foster a better appreciation for a sustainable environment. This site has some fabulous info and ideas.

Hone those Knives – Are you frustrated by dull knives when working in the kitchen. Check out these sharpening tips, then take a few minutes to put the edge back on those old blades. You’ll be glad you did.

Baking Soda for Spring Cleaning – Sprucing up your home for spring doesn’t have to include noxious, toxic, chemical-laced cleaners. Reduce the impact your cleaning has on the environment by using baking soda. Check out this site for useful tips. They work!

This is another of those simple yet seldom-used keyboard shortcuts that almost everyone can benefit from. When editing or scrolling through a document, rather than moving one letter/space at a time, speed things up by holding down the Control Key plus the direction key; Ctrl + Left arrow / Right arrow to move word-by-word.

Bloxorz – Nathan, age 11, says, “This game is so much fun. It’s also really frustrating. You have to get the block down the hole by flipping it over and over. It easier than it sounds. Try it!”

Earth Day Crafts – Abby, age 8, says, “We plan to celebrate Earth Day 2010 by making recycled crafts. This site has lots of great ideas. Our favourites are the sticks and stones mobile and the ground coffee fossils.”

Face Care Tips – Simone, age 12, says, “I always get a big pimple when I am going to a birthday party or something. But I don’t get as many as other kids. That’s because I read these tips and facts about acne.”

The Great EcoKids Challenge – Kimberley, age 10, says, “Action is what’s important when it comes to protecting the environment. We have fund-raisers planned so that we can buy some solar panels to help heat the water in the school. Check out this site for info and ideas.”

During the winter, a lot of stuff can settle in the cracks and joints in concrete walkways and patios and between the deck boards. Cleaning it come spring can be a tedious job!

Here’s a simple yet effective tool you can make to ease the chore and keep you off your knees. Screw an S-hook or cup hook into the end of a broom handle and drag it through the cracks and crevices to loosen the crud, then sweep it away.

"I was taught to respect my elders.  It's just getting harder to find them." ~ Unknown

"Figures don’t lie, but liars figure." ~ Mark Twain

"Hermits have no peer pressure." ~ Steven Wright

"All those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand." ~ Anonymous