Courtesy of Kim Bellehumeur

2026 | ISSUE 4

DECLUTTER YOUR ROOM INSTANTLY WITH UNDERBED STORAGE

Under-bed storage turns an often-forgotten spot into a handy way to keep your room tidy without needing more furniture. It’s perfect for keeping things all tucked out of sight. In small rooms, this hidden storage really helps cut down on clutter and makes the most of your space. Before you buy storage containers for under your bed, check the space to make sure they’ll fit. Measure from the floor to the bottom of your bed frame, then take off 1 or 2 inches so the containers slide in and out easily. Most beds have 6 to 12 inches of space, but things like support beams or thick carpet can reduce it. Platform beds usually have less room, while taller beds or ones with risers can give you more. Flat bins, soft zippered bags, shoe organizers, and slim drawers usually fit well under the bed. They’re perfect for items you don’t use every day, such as winter clothes, camping gear, guest sheets, or seasonal decorations. Rolling bins, fabric boxes, or built-in drawers that slide out easily help keep your room tidy and make it easy to grab what you need. This kind of storage is also handy for items you want to reach quickly, such as purses, shoes, accessories, craft supplies, or sports gear.

Squares LEMON ZEST

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup softened butter • 1 cup sugar • 2 eggs • 4 Tbsp lemon juice + zest of two lemons • ½ tsp salt • 1¼ cups multipurpose flour

Glaze: • 1 cup powdered sugar • 2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice + zest of one lemon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan with foil and lightly oil. Leave some foil hanging over edges to easily lift the squares out when they’re done. 2.In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, stirring gently. Stir in lemon juice, zest and salt. Gradually fold in the flour until no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix. 3.Spread the batter evenly in your pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top looks set and lightly golden. 4.Make the glaze by whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. 5.Remove from the oven and let the squares cool completely. Pour the glaze over and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top. Let glaze set. Cut into squares and enjoy!

YOU MAY HAVE A FRESH START ANY MOMENT YOU CHOOSE, FOR THIS THING WE CALL ‘FAILURE’ IS NOT THE FALLING, BUT THE STAYING DOWN”

MARY PICKFORD

WORD SEARCH

Find and circle each hidden word from the list within the letter grid. Words may appear horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Cross off each word as you find it and keep going until you’ve found them all!

• WILD ROSE • CROCUS • VIOLET • PEONY • LILY • IRIS • LAVENDER • PANSY

• LILAC • TULIP • POPPY

SOLUTION

DESIGN WITH INTENT USING LOCAL CANADIAN ART

Connecting with your local community is a wonderful way to bring the neighbourhood into your home, especially since many people want to feel like they belong. Featuring local art in real estate listings can make a neighbourhood feel livelier and more unique, rather than generic. If you keep a consistent colour theme in your room or home, it’s easy to mix local art with store-bought decor without things clashing. Try matching paint swatches to your textiles, frames, or ceramics to tie everything together. Smaller towns and neighbourhoods often have rotating art shows at libraries, community centres, co-op galleries, or regional art councils, which are wonderful places to discover new local artists. Buyers notice more than just a house with paintings; they see the story of the community, the mountains, city skylines, and local festivals that connect the home to its place in Canada. When you choose pieces by local artists, you also signal that the area supports creativity and culture, which can appeal to buyers who value uniqueness and authenticity over mass produced decor.

MAKE AN IMPRESSION WITH STATEMENT FLOORS

From bold patterned tiles and painted designs to richly stained hardwood, these floors turn functional space into a conversation piece. Much like an accent wall, statement floors are intentionally eye-catching, visually striking choices that stand out, such as bold patterns, high contrast tiles, richly stained hardwood, or unusual materials like resin or patterned vinyl. They are meant to act as a focal point in a room, often in living areas, kitchens, or entryways, and can signal a more curated or designer minded home.

If a statement floor is durable, well-maintained, and documented with receipts or installation records, it can help reinforce the perception of a higher quality overall property. When statement floors are tasteful, neutral, or timeless in style and made from durable materials such as hardwood or high-quality tile, they can positively influence resale value by making the home feel more modern and move-in-ready. A statement floor done right doesn’t just grab attention; it anchors the entire space with confidence and charm.

The other day, my wife asked me how I have so much candy. I responded, “I always have a few twix up my sleeve.”

What’s the fastest way to stop a dog from digging up the garden? You take away his shovel!

What did one tomato say to the other during the footrace? Ketchup!

Why did the realtor bring a pencil to the showing? To draw interest in the home!

The Market Noise Rising Above

*Statistics from February 2026

3 Beds 3 Baths Lease FROM KITCHEN TO LIVING ROOM: PLANTS THAT THRIVE INSIDE Keeping living plants indoors is a wonderful way to showcase a house with greenery and bring life to it. Indoor gardening lets people grow herbs, greens, and even small vegetables year round, even in limited spaces like apartments or small kitchens. With the right light, containers, and soil, many leafy greens and herbs can thrive near a sunny window or under supplemental grow lights. Some of the easiest indoor plants to care for are those that tolerate a wide range of conditions and don’t require frequent watering. The snake plant, Aloe vera, pothos plants, succulents, and cacti, as well as Herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley, and low light greens such as lettuce or spinach. Indoor gardens also improve air quality and bring a bit of nature inside, which can be especially welcome in colder Canadian climates where outdoor growing seasons are short. Vacant Land 2 Beds 2 Baths Bungalow

2 Beds 2 Baths Townhouse

3 Beds 2 Baths Bungalow

Commercial Building and Land

B.J. ROTH REALTY LTD. Brokerage Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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