Something for nothing and your tips for free.

In the world of home improvement, it's not often the word free enters the equation. The thirst for complimentary advice from respected experts has become big business, helping to give rise to the popularity of networks like HGTV.

As an interior designer I am often called upon to help my clients decide where to place and display their books. Whether you are an avid paperback reader or you have an entire family devoted to hefty hardcovers, I'm going to show you some inexpensive ways to turn those books into a focal point for your room.

Hardcover books often come with a lofty price tag. Many of my clients request built-in display shelving which they plan to eventually fill with books yet to be purchased. I want to caution against this, as a single shelf worth of hardcover books can cost hundreds of dollars.

While sub-zero temperatures may be on the minds of most Calgarians, an update from the city shows efforts to rebuild from the June floods are still ongoing.

About 6,000 homes and about 4,000 businesses suffered damage due to flooding, as a result the city created a flood recovery operations centre (ROC) and a task force of various business units.

I am working on my garden and the soil is hitting the ground but I haven't left the kitchen. It's a Sunday morning in January and I am planting micro-greens. I am also wear my fuzzy slippers.

Sold at many markets, so called "baby" lettuce is also called microgreens and I am growing my own. From seed, they take a few weeks to mature and size up for eating. It doesn't really matter when you get started and I wouldn't plan a dinner party around it, but micro-greens grown indoors under lights germinate overnight and keep growing until cut.

In keeping with the Ronald McDonald House's focus on helping others, the organization will soon be shining a light on those who've helped them achieve their goals over the last year.

Taking place March 8, the 2nd Annual Illuminate Gala will spotlight the importance of community by highlighting two inspirational philanthropists to the Calgary and Ronald McDonald House communities.

Calgary's luxury homes market narrowly missed claiming top spot nationwide in 2013, with year-overyear sales growth in the sector outpacing nearly all other Canadian centres.

According to Re/Max's Upper-End Report, sales of homes priced at $1 million or more in Calgary increased by 34 per cent in 2013. In Vancouver, where the luxury market is defined by Re/Max as homes priced at $2 million or more, luxury sales increased by 36 per cent.