4Rent – Greater Toronto Area – February 24, 2024

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MAPS................... PAGE 5

FAMILY How to keep the kids busy .... PAGE 10

TIPS Successful

slow cooking ........... PAGE 18

HOME Molly Maid’s top 12 cleaning tips.... PAGE 22

MOVERS

Winter moving.......... PAGE 26

CLASSIFIEDS..... PAGE 34

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Use our colour coded regions to find the rental area you’re interested in. All our ads are organized by regions easily located by the matching colour tabs.

break through the winter blues without breaking the bank

Winter can be a difficult season for many people. It’s dark. It’s cold. It’s wet and windy. Some may find they feel more down during this time of year. So, how can you break out of this seasonal funk without breaking the bank?

Here are a few low-cost ideas to lift your spirits this winter:

delight the senses

Whether it’s a warm mug of herbal tea on your lips, the feel of your pet’s soft fur between your fingers or the smell of your favourite homecooked meal, try taking a few minutes each day to appreciate small joys and engage your physical senses. This mindfulness practice – which uses things already around you – can help you feel more grounded and ready to take on the day.

join a book club – or another meet-up

Reading offers an immersive world, and a book club can help you commit to reading regularly, expose you to new stories and provide allimportant social time. Though social interaction may be tempting to

avoid when you feel low, it can do a lot for your mental health to be around supportive people you trust. Borrow your picks from the local library (or their e-book app) to help keep costs low. If reading isn’t your thing, consider a weekly or monthly meet-up to learn a new skill, practise a sport together or do an activity like volunteering, cooking or crafting.

embrace the outdoors

As the old saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Check the forecast, bundle

up accordingly and get outside during daylight hours, when you can, by visiting a local park, exploring a nature trail or simply taking

a walk around your neighbourhood. Movement and exposure to sunshine can be good for seasonal depression, and spending time outdoors will lift your mood – without spending money.

reach out for free mental health support

You may find that the “winter blues” are having a bigger impact on your life than you thought. If you’re having feelings of depression that are long-lasting or negatively impacting your every day, know there is help. Free, confidential mental health resources are available at anytime, from anywhere in Canada. ■

— News Canada

2575

• Adjacent to Main Station – TTC Subway and GO Train Stop

• On-site city community centre and daycare

• Transitioning to 100% smoke-free living

• Laundry facilities

• 24/7 on-site staff and security

• Fully renovated Jr. 1, 1, 1 + den, 2 and 2 + den bedroom suites

• Open-concept kitchen

• Stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and over-the range microwave

• Designer cabinetry, stone countertops, recessed lighting in kitchen

• Custom roller blinds

• Private balconies with most suites

Encourage kids to develop their emotional, creative and communication skills by developing their own skit or play.

snowstorm got you stuck indoors?

how to keep the kids busy

As the pandemic stretches on and winter sets in, we’re all going a little stir crazy. If you’re a parent feeling stuck on creative ideas for fun and educational activities to do with your kids, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some suggestions from The Genius of Play, a nonprofit initiative whose mission is to raise awareness about the critical role of play in healthy child development:

play with texture

Kids love playing with sensory textures such as paints, slime, sand and foam, and this helps improve fine motor skills. Fortunately, you can now find less messy and sticky versions of these items for a hasslefree cleanup.

revisit favourite games

Consider classic board games like checkers and dominoes, or playing a game of crazy eights with a deck of cards. These games teach the importance of sharing and good sportsmanship while helping kids learn to strategize and plan ahead.

use for dress-up and have toys on hand to use as props.

build new things

Whether your child prefers following step-by-step instructions or using their imagination, designing, creating and playing with construction toys can build problem-solving, spatial and fine motor skills.

create an obstacle course

Building a safe obstacle course is a fun way to keep little ones active indoors while building core muscles and developing balance. Pick three to five exercises to get their energy out.

check out STEAM toys

Play with science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) toys and games. For example, use a science kit to erupt a volcano or code a robot. These important educational experiences can be fun supplements to classroom learning.

experiment with costumes

Encourage kids to develop their emotional, creative and communication skills by developing their own skit or play. Maintain a well-stocked costume trunk that they can

transform tidying up

It may not sound like play at first glance, but cleanup can be fun with the right attitude. Put on music and have kids dance as they put toys away, make the bed and help with chores. Or, make a game of it, racing each other to complete tasks.

Find play ideas, expert advice and other play resources at thegeniusofplay.org.■

9 affordable ways to eat for a greener future

As many of us experience both a high cost of living and growing effects of climate change, such as unseasonable temperatures or extreme weather events, it might be reassuring to know that some steps that save you money at the grocery store will also cut back on food waste.

With sustainability in mind, here are some core tips to help you buy, store and prepare food in a way that helps you, your community and the environment.

buying food:

use your list

The age-old, wallet-friendly tip to make a list before grocery shopping helps you avoid buying more than you need. That can mean less food ends up rotting in the back of your fridge or going stale in your cupboards.

embrace imperfection

Many grocers sell “imperfect” looking fruits and vegetables, often at a discount. Think apples that don’t have a perfect peel, or carrots that are a little knobby. They are just as healthy, and you prevent them from going to landfill, while saving a few cents.

go exploring

Try one of the many apps or programs that aim to reduce food waste. They connect users with discounted foods from nearby grocers. You can try new foods without breaking the bank and divert good food from going to waste.

storing food:

perishables up front

As a reminder to eat foods that will go bad first, place ones you’ve opened at the front of the fridge or pantry.

freezer advantage

If you’re not sure you’ll use something before it goes bad, freeze it to use later. Label it with the name of the food and date to remind yourself what it is and when you froze it.

label wisdom

Know that a best-before date is not an indicator of food safety, but about freshness, nutritional value and quality. You can buy and eat

foods after the best-before date has passed. However, foods that are likely to spoil should be stored properly, and they should be eaten as quickly as possible. For example, because of the potential for contamination, once a package of lunchmeat is open, for safety reasons, it should be consumed in three to five days. Use your judgment when deciding if food is still safe to eat. You can’t always tell by its smell or taste.

preparing food: cook fresh first

Try to use the most perishable items in your fridge or pantry, such as berries or spinach, before the hardier foods like apples, potatoes or carrots, which will last longer.

mix up leftovers

You can make leftovers more appetizing by turning them into something new, like quiche, stir-fries, soups or casseroles – all versatile meals that taste great with a mix of leftover vegetables and proteins.

make waste work

Some food waste is inevitable, but instead of just throwing it out, make use of the compost program in your community if there is one or start composting at home. You can save on fertilizer for your garden. If you’re already composting, try freezing waste to prevent odours and help the composting process along.

Find more information at canada. ca/eating-for-the-future.

www.newscanada.com ■

— News Canada

simple tips for successful

Slow cookers can be found in many homes. Slow cookers are great for busy individuals who prefer to prepare meals in advance and then arrive home in the evening to a hot, homecooked meal.

People new to slow cookers may want to gain some knowledge before diving in to improve their chances of preparing tasty meals. The following are some slow cooker tips that can benefit home chefs.

• Treat the slow cooker like an oven and preheat it. Putting food into an

already warmed crock can make the difference in cooking time and taste.

• Choose the right cuts of meat to use in the slow cooker. Lean toward chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders, and lamb shanks. Fatty and tougher meats will tenderize nicely with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. When slow cooking poultry, choose dark meats, which tend to respond better to slow cooking.

• Take the time to brown meat for a couple of minutes and sauté vegetables before adding them to the crock. This will provide a deeper layer of flavour.

• Many manufacturers recommend filling the crocks inside a slow cooker no more than two-thirds full. This helps ensure food is cooked all the way through and prevents potential food-safety hazards.

• Begin with room-temperature meat. As with other cooking methods, let

slow cooking

meat come to room temperature rather than using it straight from the refrigerator to ensure juicy, flavorful meals.

• The Food Network suggests layering carefully and first cutting food into uniform-size pieces. Then place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top.

• Adjust seasoning as the meal nears completion. Some season-

ings may lose their punch during the slow cooking process. At just the end of simmering, add fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Similarly, dairy can break down in the slow cooker, so stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

• Do not add frozen ingredients to the slow cooker, as it can keep food in the danger zone where bacteria can flourish (40 to 140 F). Therefore, make sure meat and vegeta-

bles are fully thawed before turning the cooker on.

• Use wine judiciously because the alcohol will not evaporate as readily in a sealed slow cooker.

• Resist the urge to take off the lid and peek. This can increase the amount of time the meal will need to finish cooking.

With some handy tips, anyone can become a slow cooking expert. ■

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simplify your cleaning products

Limit spring cleaning products to a quality window/glass cleaner, allpurpose cleaner, tile/grout cleaner and a toilet bowl cleaner.

the Molly Maid system

Clean each room from the top to bottom starting on the left and moving right. This really is the quickest and most efficient way to thoroughly spring clean your home.

dust first, vacuum second

Any bits of dust or dirt that fall to the floor as you’re dusting will be picked up by the vacuum cleaner.

the best dust cloth: a damp, clean microfiber cloth

Hold the cloth by a corner and lightly mist with clean water from a spray bottle. The cloth should be just damp enough to pick up dust without leaving moisture streaks on the furniture surface.

pet hair

Remove it from upholstery with a damp microfibre cloth or rubber glove.

damp mop

First sweep or vacuum floors to collect crumbs and dirt. Then start washing the floor in the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the door. Use a damp cloth on the end of a mop handle to reach the narrow space between appliances.

microwave spatters

Fill a cup with water and microwave on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any baked on food so you can easily wipe it clean. Before wiping the microwave, re-

member to be extra careful when removing the cup of water as it will be hot.

dish cloths and sponges

These are germ incubators, if you don’t clean them you’re just spreading the bacteria around. Wash dish cloths regularly, and microwave damp sponges on high for several minutes to kill bacteria. Even better, toss the sponge and stick to microfibre cloths, which dry quickly when hung up and help prevent the spread of germs.

the toothbrush

Use a toothbrush for hard to reach areas in the bathroom and kitchen (for example, around the soap holder, taps and drain).

streaks on the balcony door

Streaks are tricky to eliminate. When spring cleaning, wipe the interior side of the glass horizontally and the exterior side verti -

cally. This way, it will be easy to determine if the streaks are on the inside or outside.

clean your laundry routine

You fill your laundry basket with dirty clothes. You take it to the laundry room and setting it on the floor. Then you repack it with clean clothes an hour later. Give your laundry basket, hamper and detergent/bleach/softener caddy a good cleanse. Now, add anti-bacterial wipes to your laundry kit so that you can wipe out the inside of the basket before refilling it with clean clothes each time.

de-scale the kettle

Fill the kettle half-and-half with white vinegar and water and leave it to soak overnight. Using an old toothbrush, dislodge any stubborn bits of lime scale. Rinse out thoroughly a couple of times and then boil some water to eliminate any odour of vinegar.■

— For more information visit mollymaid.ca February 24–March 23, 2024 4Rent.ca

blizzards, black ice

moving!

BY CHUCK RESNICK MOVING EXPERT

Moving when ice and snow are in the daily forecast isn’t a popular choice for many Canadians. It’s cold and slippery; but with some extra safety precautions, winter moving also has many advantages.

Moving last minute? No problem, if it’s during the cold months. Choosing to move in the “off season” – sometime between November and March – can save you time and money.

Summer is the busiest season for moving companies. This means you must be well prepared, booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance to ensure your preferred moving company is available. Not only are they higher in demand but generally their rates are also more expensive.

Some companies may be more willing to negotiate their rates during the winter months as they’re competing for business during the slow season. Likewise, less rush and stress for companies in the winter means you get their best employees resulting in a higher quality of service.

With everything booked, now comes the packing. Follow these tips for a relaxed and toasty move –no matter what’s going on outside those frosted windows.

• Have a contingency plan. Keep up to date with local weather forecasts and change your plans accordingly. If a big snowfall or freezing rain is expected the morning of your move day, don’t risk it.

• Keep cozy. Carry extra warm clothes for you and your family –including hats, gloves and snow pants. Pack these ahead of time and clearly label them so you can locate them immediately.

• Remember your items will be in a non-heated environment for a while. Ensure your plants, electronics and liquids are properly packed and protected from the cold.

• Allow extra time on the move day – cold weather slows things down. Additionally, rushing in the winter can lead to accidents and injuries.

• Have driveways and sidewalks cleared of snow before the movers arrive. Your driveway needs to be ploughed wider than usual – enough to allow the moving

truck’s loading ramp to be positioned as close to your front door as possible. Lay plywood down on muddy or slushy areas. Slipping can not only lead to dropped boxes and broken possessions but also personal injury.

• Quality movers will use floor runners to protect your floors in high traffic area but for extra protection inside, cover your floors to protect them from tracked-in snow, mud, and salt.

• Drive safe. Make sure maintenance and service on your vehicles are current. Check the air pressure in your tires and ensure the trunk is equipped with emergency kits (matches, flashlight, food), blankets, and shovels. Drive slowly with extra caution.

• Be certain that your heating company for your new home is aware of your move in day.

Wintertime moving doesn’t have to be wet and miserable. With these reminders, you’ll be packed up, moved and basking in the warmth of your new home before you know it. ■ Chuck

4 ways to practise whole home safety

Practising whole home safety includes having proper protection against the threat of smoke, fire and carbon monoxide (CO). However, just over one in three Canadian residents who experienced a residential fire had a working smoke alarm in their home, according to Statistics Canada.

First Alert, a fire safety brand, shares the following safety tips to help you protect the moments that matter most with your family:

prepare a home emergency kit

Being prepared in case of an emergency includes having an emergency kit on hand. In addition to basic necessities such as a first-aid kit, water, a flashlight and medical supplies, make sure your kit includes batteries, a multi-tool, blankets and non-perishable food.

install and maintain your alarms

Proper smoke and CO alarm maintenance and replacement are essential to help keep your home and family protected. The National

Fire Protection Association recommends installing alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom.

Test your alarms regularly by pressing the test button and waiting for the alarm to sound. Replace the batteries at least every six months, or make maintenance easier with a two-in-one smoke and CO alarm such as the First Alert 10-Year Battery Combination Alarm, which means you don’t have to replace the batteries or deal with late-night chirps for a decade.

equip your home with fire extinguishers

Beyond smoke and CO alarms, having fire extinguishers is an important element of home safety.

Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, as well as in common spaces like the kitchen and garage. When selecting a fire extinguisher, look for devices designed to combat common household fires caused by wood products, grease and electricity.

create and practise a home escape plan

In the event of a home emergency like a fire, it’s important to have a home escape plan. Together with your family, identify two exits out of every room and designate a meeting spot outside of your home. Practise your plan at least twice a year to help ensure every family member remembers what to do. ■

Give Canadian renters the

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they need in apartment living

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The Canadian Certified Rental Building™ program provides renters across Canada with a true “quality-assurance” advantage they need in apartment living.

Bring the “CRB-approved” advantage to your residents and prospective renters today!

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Lookup

583-689 BARBER AVE, LISTOWEL

1 BEDROOM

2 BEDROOM

3 BEDROOM

• Balconies

• Cable ready

• Carpeted & ceramic floors

• Convenience store

• Fridge & stove

• Golf Course

• Hospital nearby

• Internet ready

• On-site laundry

• On-site staff

• Outdoor parking

• Park views

• Parks nearby

• Schools nearby

• Shopping nearby

Living the country life just 30 minutes from Kitchener! This quality condominium rental complex is located in the thriving & growing town of Listowel. Affordable, clean & undergoing extensive ongoing renovations & updates, this property is ideal for mature or retired individuals, as well as professionals who commute to Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford or the London area. Backing directly onto nature trails & green space, you are within a short walk to local schools & churches. All major shopping, banking & retailers are located directly in Listowel including Walmart, Canadian Tire, Zehr’s, Shopper’s Drug Mart & several Tim Horton’s! There is also a beautiful downtown core along with a local hospital. This development boasts spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suite designs with laundry facilities on each floor. With continuing upgrades & renovations, this charming location will continue to be an attractive and affordable place to call home. Our friendly staff is on-site 24/7. Located on the scenic Perth Country Trails system, you can enjoy everything nature has to offer, small town charm & friendliness and still be close to the city! Inquire today!

Water & heat are included; hydro (electricity) is extra.

1.855.377.4734

2575

• Adjacent to Main Station – TTC Subway and GO Train Stop

• On-site city community centre and daycare

• Transitioning to 100% smoke-free living

• Laundry facilities

• 24/7 on-site staff and security

• Fully renovated Jr. 1, 1, 1 + den, 2 and 2 + den bedroom suites

• Open-concept kitchen

• Stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and over-the range microwave

• Designer cabinetry, stone countertops, recessed lighting in kitchen

• Custom roller blinds

• Private balconies with most suites