Courtesy of Vesna Farnden

UNDER BED STORAGE OPTIONS When space is limited, you look to unique solutions to maximize your storage options. In the bedroom, we often think of dressers and closets to house clothes, books, blankets, sheets, etc. Many space-conscious homeowners are creating extra storage space with the main piece of bedroom furniture - the bed. Whether it’s a bunk bed with a wardrobe or shelving underneath or a bed frame made from bookshelf type storage cubes, there is a lot of potential space under the mattress you sleep on each night. Many furniture stores have a variety of storage bed options that can fit any budget. Or there is always the build it yourself route for a more customised and cost effective option. Try a lift-style storage bed where the entire mattress lifts up to reveal a large storage space that is relatively hidden from the outside so could conveniently hold off-season clothes or bedding. SMALL SPACE HOME GYM Many Canadians lead a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well and exercising. However, not everyone has access to a gym and sometimes heading outside is not possible due to the weather. Here are a few small pieces of exercise equipment that won’t overtake an entire room so you can get your body moving when it’s convenient for you. • Yoga Mat – not just for yoga, these soft mats create a space where you can do a variety of body weight movements (squats, crunches, etc.) without having to lie directly on your hard floor or accidentally slip on your carpet. Paired with online workout videos, a yoga mat is a great investment that can easily be stored away. • Core Sliders - these frisbee-sized discs are foam on one side and plastic on the other and glide on most flooring surfaces. Used under your feet or hands, there are a variety of exercises you can do with them that will enhance your core strength. • Resistance bands - There are a few different types of resistance bands on the market but generally they can fit in a small bag or hang nicely on the wall to take up almost no space. These bands (elastic or fabric) add tension or resistance during exercise movements to engage your muscles. Research exercise movements and consult your physician before starting any exercise program, but rest assured you can make a functional and effective home gym in the smallest of spaces.

JOKES

Q: What do you get when you cross a porcupine and a turtle? A: A slowpoke Q: What do you get when you cross a potato with an elephant? A: Mashed potatoes! Q: What do you get if you cross a kangaroo and a snake? A: A jump rope!

Q: What do you get when you cross a hamburger with a computer? A: A big mac! Q: What do you get when you cross a frog with a rabbit? A: A bunny ribbit.

Courtesy of funology.com