It is the “Month of Love,” so I have to ask:
Are you still in love with your home?
Relationships change, and so do our housing needs. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, maybe you’re ready to downsize and travel more, or maybe you’re just ready for a change of scenery. If you’re looking for a secondary recreational or investment property. There is something out there for everyone, so take advantage of this market.
This February, I’m focusing on helping you find a home that fits who you are in 2026, not who you were five years ago.
Let’s find you a home that loves you back.
For sellers:
- Inventory is still tight. Putting your home on the market now means you have less competition than you will in six weeks. Serious buyers are already looking—they aren’t waiting for the tulips.
For buyers:
- You can secure a home without the bidding wars that often come with warmer weather.
While everyone else is settling in to watch the Winter Olympics this month, let’s use these next 28 days to get your strategy in place. Whether it’s a pre-approval or a decluttering session, the work we do in February pays off in March.
I am here for you.
Grey County – Hidden Gem
My cozy, delicious recommendation for date night in Grey Highlands for Valentine’s Day. The kitchen prioritizes organic, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the Grey County landscape. Expect generous, “grandmother-style” portions elevated with global flair and Indigenous influences.
Home TLC: February Edition
Let’s give a little love to your furnace for keeping us warm all winter.
- Check the Exterior Vents
Ensure the white PVC intake and exhaust pipes on the side of your house aren’t blocked by drifting snow or ice. If they can’t “breathe”, your system will shut down. - Swap the Filter
Your furnace is working overtime this month. A clogged filter restricts airflow, hikes up your utility bill, and puts unnecessary strain on the motor. - Monitor the Humidifier
Check the water panel inside your furnace humidifier. If it’s crusty with mineral buildup, swap it out to keep your home’s air from getting too dry (and your hardwood floors from cracking).
The Curated Edit – Your Home Must Have
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit with Grow Light
$129.95
For those of you who are missing your gardens and want a “pop of green” in the kitchen before the thaw — Countertop Herb Gardens (Click & Grow) is my must-have for February.
Market Pulse – January 2026
Home Spotlight
This home has a special place in my heart for so many reasons. From the unmatched privacy to the serene views that make every morning feel peaceful, it’s truly a hidden gem.
A huge thank you to Deb for trusting me with the sale of her home. I know this property is a place where the new owners will find the perfect sanctuary to start their next chapter.
MLS | X12751656
List Price | $759,000
Listing Details | 3 Beds, 1 Bath, 3-acre lot
Brokerage | Royal Le Page RCR
Listing Agent | Nicole Kruzick
Because my happy place is the kitchen…
Featured February Recipe
Decadent Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
As February rolls around, there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, rich dessert, especially one with a secret gooey centre. These Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes are a perfect treat for a cozy night in, a special Valentine’s Day dinner, or just to warm up after a chilly day. They look impressive but are surprisingly simple to whip up!
Yields: 4 servings | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 12-14 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 4 ounces good-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: fresh raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously
butter four 6-ounce ramekins. For extra assurance against sticking,
you can dust them lightly with cocoa powder or flour, tapping out the
excess. Place the prepared ramekins on a baking sheet. - Melt Chocolate & Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler,
melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together. Stir until smooth
and completely combined. Set aside to cool slightly. - Whip Eggs & Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole
eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light in color and
slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, or 5
minutes by hand). - Combine: Gradually fold the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the
egg mixture until just combined. - Add Flour: Gently fold in the flour until no streaks remain. Be careful
not to overmix. - Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Bake
for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should
still be jiggly. This is key for that molten center! - Serve: Carefully run a knife around the edge of each ramekin. Invert
each cake onto a small plate. Garnish with fresh raspberries, a
dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy that warm, flowing chocolate centre!
Nicole – your newsletter invites being opened, is a pleasure to read – and offers tasty bites of information!!
Love it!!
Thank you so much for tuning in Catherine. Glad you enjoyed the format and the recipe. It’s one of my favs!