"We definitely have a mildewy smell in our basement, but I’m not sure where the moisture is coming from."

- Cliff, via e-mail

Here’s a trick for figuring out whether your dampness is caused by condensation or moisture seeping in through the foundation. 

Start by cutting a one-foot-square piece of foil or heavy plastic (like from a garbage bag).  Run duct tape along all four sides of the square and secure the patch to the basement wall, pressing the tape firmly to seal all edges.  Leave the patch on the wall for at least 24 hours.  When time’s up, inspect the patch to see which side is damp. 

If the side that was open to the basement air is damp, you have a condensation problem. 

If the side that was next to the wall is moist, you’re getting water seepage from the outside.  Proceed to next question.

Celebrating 27 years since A Repair to Remember launched on the Women's Television Network in Canada. 

Home repair, DIY, and quirky stuff like whatever is happening in the video below. Hope you'll join in the fun. 

Some of us tend to forget what we’ve accomplished in our lifetimes and we find ourselves feeling like we’ve never done anything meaningful, useful or worthwhile.

Some of us may even go through low spots when we feel that our lives haven’t had any validity.

But when we express that to friends, they're aghast, because that’s not their sense at all. They may think we’re highly accomplished, but we feel like impostors.

So, after a couple of years of feeling that way, I decided to start questioning that belief. Just for a few days.

And in that few days I looked back at all the things I’ve done and you know what? Just scrolling through the ridiculous number of things I’ve made, tried to make, or failed to make, I felt better.

Here’s an example: Episode 1 of Anything I Can Do – “Fountain Do” – how to make a meditation fountain. It was my first day on set with this show (early 2000) and I was giddy to the point of hysteria. But it was kinda fun. And I got to shoot the show on the same farm we used when we shot Road to Avonlea. Such beauty and happy memories. 

And if by some chance DIY isn't your thang, here's Episode #1 of my relationship show, Men On Women, which aired in Canada in 2000-2001. 

Topics:

• Detecting attraction 
• When a guy says "I'll call you" after a date, how long does a girl wait for him to call before she knows he was fibbing? And do women ever say "I'll call you" and not call?
• Call from viewer: Why do guys make a distinction between a woman they'd want to marry and a woman who they want to fool around with?
• Breast implants
• Manly Moments: Kissing on a first date
• Physical affection parameters
• Rushing or not rushing a relationship
• Audience question: On a first date, how do you know when you're not interested in a girl, and how do you let her know?
• Relationships in art

This week's free ToolGirl How-to video gives you a billion options for bone-easy handmade gifts.  You'll learn to frame any two-dimensional item using inexpensive materials and a soldering iron...

How To Make A Tinned Picture Frame  - step by step instructions

It's getting to be gifty season and I've got a hostess treat that's fast and classy depending on your definition of classy.  This quick video contains my hard-earned tips for festooning candles with microwave-pressed flowers (or hardware for a more manly version).  

My friend Shyenna (7) has an eye for colour.  When there's paint around, she cuts loose.  Her choices are instant and fearless.  I love watching her because it inspires me to go with my own instincts, even though I've always doubted them.  

And this project isn't just about decorating with fabric and paint.  We also built the mirror frame from scratch.  It's a simple, fun project that any beginner can accomplish.  (Plus there's a monster who lives in the mirror!)

In case there's any doubt in your mind about whether someone as young as 4 years old can use a drill or a saw, just watch these faces...

(See 15 easy building projects for kids 3-9)

Sometimes you just have to help giant manufacturers out with a few hacks to their displays...