
Emily grew up in a household where there was always a summer garden, and a room being renovated. This influence followed her into adulthood as she has worked in various trades for more than a decade, specializing in tile and trim carpentry. She owns and runs MLE Renovations and has over 15 years of professional renovation and landscaping experience.
Emily has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Guelph, a Masters in Creative Writing from Humber College, and a Journalism diploma from Conestoga College, so writing about DIY projects is her dream job! She’s particularly interested in green design, re-purposing items, and creating environmentally-friendly outdoor landscapes. She always has a project in mind. Next on the list: creating a rain garden on the front lawn, and turning her garage into a working office and guest suite.
Emily lives just southwest of Toronto, but grew up in Chicago, and has family across Canada and the United States. She currently works in a Lowes garden center and has an orange tabby cat who helps her decide where plants should go - without getting his paws dirty.
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Build a House or Buy a Trailer: What's Better?
These two options are great alternatives to renting....
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Water Filter Facts: What's In Your Tap?
Your drinking water is not as safe as you think....
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Easy Ways to Start a Pollinator Garden
Supporting local pollinators is easier than you think....
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How to Grow Amaranth
This super plant should be in everyone's garden....
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Easy DIY Irrigation Systems for Gardens
The eco-conscious (and cheap) way to water your plants....
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How to Make Mirror Closet Doors Look High-End
How to spruce up your mirror door....
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Minimalist Cleaning Kit: What 5 Things Do You Actually Need?
Tired of plastic spray bottles taking up space in your cabinets? You only really need 5 product...
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How to Build a Fire Pit
Building a fire pit is a satisfying and straightforward DIY project....
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Cleaning Tips for Common Appliances
Your appliances need a little love....
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Installing an Outdoor Pole Light
Installing an outdoor pole light can be a way to get functional lighting as well as ambience....
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Everything You Should Know About Spare Tires
Inflate your knowledge about spare tires with these safety and maintenance tips....
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5 Simple Ways to Deal With Drafts Before Winter
How to weatherproof your home and save money all winter long....
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Paint Trends of 2018
Boldly go where no paint has gone before with 2022's colors of the year....
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How to Apply for a Building Permit
This is often the most important step homeowners ignore when doing renovations....
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How to Safely Use a Chainsaw
Using a chainsaw for your project? Here's some important safety information....
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7 Drywall Texture Techniques
Staring at the ceiling? Here are seven ways to add more dimension to bare walls....
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How to Maintain a Healthy Lawn in Volatile Weather Conditions
Don't let your grass fall victim to the weather....
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5 Ways to Design a Small Urban Garden
A small space doesn't mean you can't have plants....
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Canning Basics for Beginners
Save money and time with this age-old DIY skill!...
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Snow Removal Tips for Your Driveway
Use these tips to get on top of snow before it buries you....
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Energy Efficient Interior Design
Here are tips on decorating your way to lower utility bills....
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7 Signs It's Time to Replace Old Plumbing
Gripes with your pipes? Use your senses to check out plumbing issues....
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How to Stop a Flea Infestation in its Tracks
Get rid of fleas in no time with these comprehensive steps....
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6 Ways to Collect Rainwater
Save money by catching this natural resource before it goes down the drain!...
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What Vegetables to Plant in Spring for a Summer Harvest
Plant these veggies for a summer harvest!...
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Free-IY: How to Find Free Materials for Your Next DIY Project
Find free stuff with these tips!...
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The Best Trees to Plant Near a House
Pick plants that will grow safely and elegantly....
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Costs and Considerations When Building a Gazebo
Find out what you're getting into—outside....
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Growing Carrots the Square Foot Gardening Way
Grow more carrots in less space....
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Everything You Need to Know About Storage Sheds and Permits
Not all sheds need a permit, but some do....
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Worst Garden Pests (And How to Get Rid of Them)
Keep your garden safe from these unwelcome intruders....
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How to Keep Rabbits Out of Vegetable Gardens
This common backyard pest loves to eat your plants....
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10 Birds You Want in Your Orchard (And How to Keep Away the Ones You Don’t)
Many birds will help protect your fruit trees from insects....
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DIY Projects for Cat and Dog Owners
Press paws on human projects for a minute....
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How to Get Free Trees and Plants
Stop paying for plants!...
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Trees You Shouldn't Plant Near Houses
Keep these problematic trees at a distance....
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How to Save a Dying Arborvitae Tree
Learn about the "tree of life" and how to keep it thriving....
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Redbud Tree Propagation Instructions
Grow your own redbud tree with these tried and true methods....
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How to Find Homes For Rent in Your Area
Find your dream home with these rental tips....
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Identifying & Treating Hollyhock Diseases And Pests
Keep your hollyhocks blooming for years....
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Easy Outdoor Plants
Steer clear of invasive species and plant these instead....
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When To Plant Vegetables
Set them up for success....
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Wildfire Prevention and Preparation
How to keep safe when wildfires are imminent....
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Crafting With Real Flowers
Celebrate their beauty with an artistic touch....
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7 Resolutions to Save Money With DIY
Mutitask by learning new DIY skills that will save you money....
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No-Mow Lawns
Ditch the lawnmower this summer and plant this instead....
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Organic Lawn Care 101
Learn how to get a healthy lawn the natural way....
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How to Plant and Grow a Clover Lawn
Plant this for a greener, lusher lawn!...
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Inexpensive but Stunning Landscaping Ideas
Find joy in simple steps....
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Beautify Your Backyard Landscape on a Budget
You don't have to break the bank to buff your bushes....