4Rent – Calgary – September 29, 2023

SPOTLIGHT

FIRESIDE PROPERTY GROUP LTD. – Castleview Park:

Located in a quiet north-east residential area, close to schools, the McKnight LRT station, grocery stores, drugstore, doctors’ offices, restaurants and banks.

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

FINANCE

How to use a budget .... PAGE 10

SAFETY

Fire safety checklist ...... PAGE 12

FOOD

Spruce up sprouts ....... PAGE 14

MOVERS

Moving checklist ......... PAGE 22

DECOR

Design hacks ............. PAGE 26

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Carolyn Porteous carolyn@mediaclassified.ca

780.984.4902

GROUP SALES MANAGER

Randi Segal randi.segal@mediaclassified.ca

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES & SERVICE

Marilyn Watling marilyn@mediaclassified.ca

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Leo Racioppo leo@mediaclassified.ca

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

John Racioppo john@mediaclassified.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@mediaclassified.ca

CIRCULATION INQUIRIES distributionteam@mediaclassified.ca

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid-Sachs

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Johannah Lorenzo

All submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@mediaclassified.ca

Member of:

2014 CRRA Media Excellence Award Winner

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Fireside Property Group

If you are looking for an experienced property management company that exceeds your expectations in Calgary, Alberta –look no further than Fireside Property Group. With a focus on providing superior, client-focused management services and a commitment to foster win/ win relationships between property owners and their residents, Fireside Property Group embraces and deploys the best practices and highest business standards in the property management industry.

Fireside Property Group has rentals available that offer the perfect combination of accessibility and convenience, in conjunction with local amenities and services that you depend on. As a leader in the property management industry in Calgary, they create an unparalleled renting experience that places a focus on the needs of their tenants and creates a community that provides an excellent experience. Although headquartered in Calgary, Alberta – Fireside Property Group also has available rentals in Edmonton and Sudbury, Ontario.

The properties available to rent under their management team offer nothing but quality residential accommodations and a rental price point you will love. Well maintained and regularly updated, residents can be confident that will they will be renting with a company that knows and understands what they want and need most out of a rental property.

As a licensed Real Estate Broker, a former president of the Calgary Residential Rental Association, and with over 20 years of experience, Fireside Property Group is lead by the president, Keith McMullen, BA. President McMullen has created a company that identifies the needs of renters

and provides an exception high-quality rental experience.

President McMullen was formerly responsible for managing Prestigious Properties growing portfolio of multifamily assets in Western Canada. Before working at Prestigious Properties, Mr McMullen worked and managed for Gateway Property Management, Canada’s largest property management firm. As well as TransGlobe, Canada’s 3rd largest apartment building owner, and Realstar Management Limited, President McMullen carries an impressive level of understanding and knowledge surrounding the property management industry.

Renting an apartment is not just about a place to live – it is about your lifestyle. When you rent from Fireside Property Group in Calgary, you can feel confident that you have picked a company that keeps your needs in mind. With a focus on responsibility and reliability, their business is not just about providing apartments for rent – it is about the people who live in them and providing them with a premium rental experience unlike any other.

Are you on the hunt for your next perfect rental apartment? Choose a property management company that has built their business with you in mind – pick Fireside Property Group. ■

Keith McMullen, BA, President

4 tips to manage a hybrid work environment

Before and during the years of the pandemic many of us experienced both traditional office workdays and remote work. Now, many companies are committing to allowing employees to split their hours between a centralized workplace and a home office – for good.

Here are four tips to help you hit your stride and make the most of hybrid work.

get to know your co-workers

One of the great benefits of being in the office is in-person interactions with co-workers. So, use in-office time to hold important meetings and to check in with managers and direct reports. But also use the days you’re at the office to have the occasional office social, whether it’s lunch at a local restaurant or a quick dropin happy hour – you’ll make the most of face-to-face time to become friends and allies.

make a go-bag

Having more than one workstation means you probably need to tote things like a laptop back and forth on your commute. Make inoffice mornings easier by creating a small go-bag of essentials you use every day that you can quickly tuck into your larger commuting

bag. It might include things like your favourite pen, go-to notebook and wired headphones for online meetings.

review your budget

Everything from the cost of gas or public transportation to buying lunch or an afternoon coffee can begin to add up on in-person workdays. In fact, while many Canadians enjoy the collaborative aspects of hybrid work, just over 20 per cent of people see commuting as expensive according to recent data from Aviva Canada. So, it’s smart to review your spending

Make in-office mornings easier by creating a small go-bag of essentials you use every day that you can quickly tuck into your larger commuting bag.

plan regularly and adjust it to your hybrid routine. For instance, if one of the perks of heading into the office is going out for lunch with colleagues, see where else you can cut back to accommodate that treat.

watch your sleep schedule

One of the luxuries of working a few days from home means you save time on your commute. Just watch out for sleeping in extra on those days compared to your in-office mornings. It’s widely understood that going to sleep and waking up at roughly the

same times each day and night will leave you feeling better and be less jarring on your system compared to switching up your routine every other day. Instead, use the extra commute time you save to savour your

morning coffee or do something else you enjoy.

Find information about the collaborative hybrid work environment at insurer Aviva Canada on their website. ■

— News Canada

September 29–October 13, 2023 4Rent.ca

how to use a budget to build financial resilience

The world we live can be complex and challenging. One way to stay on top of things is to develop your money management skills to keep up with your bills and financial commitments.

needs vs. wants

Knowing the difference between your needs and your wants is key to making a smart budget. A “need” is something that is essential, such as food or a roof over your head. A “want” is something that you’d like, but don’t necessarily need. This can include, for example, a meal at a restaurant, a vacation or designer shoes.

Remember that needs and wants can differ from one person to another. Once you’ve sorted out what your needs and wants are, you’re ready to start your budget.

getting started

To create a good budget, you need an effective tool. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has an online budget planner that’s easy to use.

The first step is to outline your income and monthly expenses. As you’re entering your numbers, the budget planner gives you tips about how to save more and/or spend less and helps you figure out if you will have money left or if you’re overspending.

...develop your money management skills to keep up with your bills and financial commitments

This information, in turn, will show you how to better manage your day-to-day finances and spend your money wisely. This is a powerful way to build financial resilience and lower your stress levels.

Find the budget planner and more money tips at canada.ca/money. ■

5-step home fire safety checklist

Our homes are special places full of loved ones, memories, pets and more. So why would we leave it unprotected from detectable –and usually preventable – threats like smoke, fire and carbon monoxide?

Fire safety experts report that more than 60 per cent of consumers do not test their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms regularly. That, along with other easy-to-perform tasks, can mean the difference between a safe home and a dangerous one. Follow this checklist to ensure your home and family are protected in case of an emergency.

follow alarm installation guidelines

To secure the highest level of protection, follow the National Fire Protection Association’s recommendation to install smoke and CO alarms

inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

test and maintain alarms

Alarms should be tested regularly and replaced at least every 10 years. Help ensure your alarms are maintained by changing the batteries at least every six months. For hassle-free protection, consider the First Alert 10-year Smoke Alarm, which features a sealed 10-year battery, eliminating the need for battery replacements for a decade.

equip your home with fire extinguishers

Having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is an important part of maintaining a safe home. Place extinguishers in convenient locations on every level of the home, in the kitchen and in the ga-

rage. To use, follow the P.A.S.S. technique: pull the pin, aim low, squeeze the lever and sweep.

protect against the “silent killer”

An odourless and invisible gas, carbon monoxide is the number one cause of accidental poisoning and can only be detected with an alarm. Install 10-year sealed battery CO alarms and be sure to check them regularly using the test button.

plan. practice. repeat.

Knowing – and practicing – what to do in the event of an emergency is crucial. Make sure to involve everyone in your household in creating a plan and then practice it at least twice a year. Identify two ways out of each room and a meeting place outside. Once outside, call 911 and wait until officials clear your home before re-entering.■

– News Canada

5 ways to spruce up your sprouts

While your table may not be as crowded with friends and relatives this holiday, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Many families can still enjoy more intimate gatherings to share good company and delicious food.

Brussels sprouts have been a staple at holiday dinners for decades. But they’re likely not your favourite or first choice when it comes to loading up your plate. Although often steamed or boiled, these mini cabbage look-a-likes have more tasty potential than you think.

The truth is that Brussels sprouts have only gotten better over the years, becoming more mellow and nuttier over time rather than the bitter, stinky sprouts of your childhood. So, put away the steamer basket and stop guests from pushing them around their plates by giving one of these tips and delicious roasted variations a try.

start at the store

For the best roasted sprouts, look for larger bright-green heads with tight leaves. Brussels sprouts are currently in season, meaning they’re locally grown so you’ll be getting the bestpossible flavour and nutrients out of your new favourite holiday side.

keep it simple

For an easy but far superior alternative to the standard steamed variety, slice sprouts in half and toss in extra virgin olive oil with salt and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes.

everything is better with bacon

Toss sprouts in olive oil, salt and pepper and top them with chopped un-cooked bacon before roasting them. Craving that sweet and salty mix? Add a few tablespoons of maple syrup when tossing them in olive oil to achieve that perfect maple-bacon flavour.

cranberries aren’t just for turkey

If bacon isn’t your thing, once your simple sprouts are perfectly roasted, toss them with a mixture of dried cranberries and almonds or walnuts to add an unexpected sweetness and build on their nutty flavour.

leaf it to the pecorino

Peeling away the leaves of each sprout may seem like a never-ending task, but it’s so worth it. Try adding a warm salad to your holiday table by roasting the leaves with olive oil and salt and pepper for 20 minutes or until the leaves are crisp. Toss them in a bowl with grated or shaved pecorino Romano cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a satisfying alternative.

Everything you need for your feast, including delicious and local Brussels sprouts, is available at your local Loblaws. If you need more time in the kitchen, simply place a PC Express order for easy in-store pickup. ■

good mental health

Mental health challenges seem to be growing more common among Canadians, and it’s no wonder with the ongoing change and uncertainty we’ve lived with over the last few years.

In fact, a new survey reveals a notable decline in the number of working Canadians who rated their mental health as excellent or good in 2021, particularly among 18 to 34 year olds. This younger cohort reported higher rates of mental health challenges compared to those 55 and older – suggesting pandemic-related stressors may be hitting young people particularly hard.

According to Maria Winslow, senior director of life & health at RBC Insurance, claims trends among their insurance clients also support this take, with over one third of new disability claims for 18 to 39 year olds being related to mental health in 2021.

“It has no doubt been a challenging and unpredictable time for so many who are working, and we’re seeing this manifest with a signifi-

cant impact on their mental health,” says Winslow. “While we may not be able to control our current circumstances, there are measures we can all take to cope with challenges and ensure we remain prepared for uncertainty.”

To help manage stress and maintain good mental health, consider these three core steps:

focus on healthy habits

Whether working at home, the office or a hybrid of both, it’s important to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. So take frequent mini-breaks to exercise or meditate and foster social connection with others. Along with a balanced diet and getting enough sleep, this kind of stimulating separation is critical for supporting mental health and overall well-being

. review and revise your spending

With inflation on the rise, most people would benefit from reviewing their priorities to help keep fi-

nancial stress at bay. For example, you can cook at home to limit takeout, unsubscribe from sales emails to help prevent impulse purchases, and look for areas where you can reduce or eliminate fees and services that you don’t absolutely need or use. This step might start out tough, but knowing you’re getting your finances in check can lift a major weight off your mind.

double check your insurance

Being proactive and taking control helps to lower anxiety and provides a greater sense of safety. Disability insurance can help you maintain your income if you become unable to work, and many plans can also help you return to work through benefits such as rehabilitation sessions, job retraining and other services to help you.

Find more information about disability insurance at rbcinsurance.com/ disability.

Individual and Group Life and Health insurance is underwritten by RBC Life Insurance Company. ■

— News Canada

3 tips to help manage ongoing stress and maintain

Being proactive and taking control helps to lower anxiety and provides a greater sense of safety

giving back and giving thanks this Thanksgiving

Celebrated by Canadians on the second Monday in October, Thanksgiving is a day to reflect on everything we are thankful for. The word “Thanksgiving” generally conjures up the image of a family sitting around a dinner table about to partake in a traditional dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans and pumpkin pie.

While this is still the norm in many households, over time, new traditions are springing up. For example, some families may swap the turkey for an equally savoury, meatless option, while others may choose to prepare a meal from their home country. And for those whose families live far away, there is “Friendsgiving.”

Friendsgiving, or Friends Thanksgiving in its longer form, refers to the

gathering of friends for a Thanksgiving dinner. Widely popular among early career professionals and university and college students who can’t travel home to be with their families, Friendsgiving is slowly gaining traction among other demographics.

Sharing with those in need on this holiday is another trend that is on the rise. In addition to enjoying a meal together, many families and friend groups are now adding giving back to the menu.

There are many ways to give back. Collecting non-perishable food items for a local food bank and serving at local food shelters are some examples of simple yet impactful ways to give back to your community. Giving back to the global community is another way families and friends groups can make the world a better place.

If you are having trouble deciding which cause to support, consider giving to a charity like Beautiful World Canada, which specializes in providing universal access to education. While public education is free in our country, millions of children around the world will never see the inside of a classroom. That’s why this organization is working to change this.

Founded in 2011, the not-forprofit organization works with local partners to provide comprehensive secondary and post-secondary scholarships to women and girls in Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia. Learn how you and your family or friends can give the gift of education this Thanksgiving at beautifulworldcanada.org. ■

moving checklist

BY CHUCK RESNICK

Moving can be a busy time. We recommend the following 15-point checklist that will help you complete your move in a stress free way.

■ Double-check all closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to ensure they are empty.

■ Carry all important documents, money and jewelry with you.

■ Pack toys, games or special items for the kids to keep them busy during the move.

■ Remember to pack a box of basics that you may need on move-in day (tools, paper products, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.). Be sure to have it loaded last so that it will be first off at your new home.

■ Don't pack paint, bottles of bleach, gas cans or other inflammables. It is against federal law for movers to transport flammable and combustible materials.

■ Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.

■ Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws, before removing cables take pictures of the back of the unit so you can hook everything back up the same way. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.

■ Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.

■ Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.

■ Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.

■ Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.

■ Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.

■ Pack medicines in a plastic zip lock bag or leakproof container.

■ Check the weather forecast for your move day, if it’s going to be hot be sure to have a cooler with lots of bottled water and sports drinks on ice.

■ Call your moving company the day before your move to get a contact number for the crew doing your move in case you need to contact them on route. Give your mover your cell phone number and be sure to fully charge your cell phone the night before your move day. ■

Chuck Resnick is vice-president, marketing and operations at Two Men and A Truck – Canada®

design hacks for small living spaces

Bigger isn’t always better. Small spaces have proven to be the preferred living option for many of us since they require less maintenance, cleaning and budget for furnishing and renovations. However, adding personality and making the most of a small living space can be a challenge. Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert shares her tips on how to make the most of a small space.

invest in multi-purpose furniture

Instead of filling the room with separate pieces for different purposes, invest in furniture that serves more than one function. Consider a sofa that can easily transform into

a bed, allowing your living room to double as a guest bedroom. Alternatively, opt for a coffee table that you can extend or adjust in height to serve as a dining table or workspace when needed.

create division with paint

Colour creates distinction between spaces without the need for a physical room-divider. While it can be tempting to go for one light hue to make a space feel bigger, using different colours on a wall can create separation and make it multifunctional. A bold colour, for example, can signal to the mind that this area is for work.

Grech explains, “Colour affects humans psychologically. Offices painted in blues or greens tend to be less distracting and even improve

concentration, where warm reds, yellows and oranges bring higher energy to the space. It truly depends on what mindset each person is trying to get into when they work.”

For calmer spaces like the bedroom or office area she recommends a soothing light purple such as New Age 1444, or a calming, crisp light blue like Polar Sky CC-790.

don’t be afraid of height

When dealing with a small living space, it’s essential to think beyond the floor area and make use of vertical space. Your walls can be used for additional storage or to create the illusion of a larger space. Don’t be afraid to use height to your advantage, whether that’s through paint or furniture to draw the eye upward. ■

— News Canada

September 29–October 13, 2023 4Rent.ca

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