Spring is just around the corner! If you’ve ever wanted to get into gardening but thought you didn’t have the space, we have some tips on gardening without a garden. 

Windowsill Garden

A Windowsill Garden is an easy way to add a lot of life to your apartment. All you need are a few containers, some living herbs or flowers, and a few minutes of your time to transfer them into the containers. Be sure to keep your curtains open for good light exposure.

Mason Jar Herb Garden

A Mason Jar Herb Garden is an incredibly easy space saving gardening option -- and it will make your apartment smell amazing! All you need is soil, some easy-to-care-for living herbs, and a few large mason jars.

Shoe Organizer Planter

This one is super easy. Simply repurpose (or purchase) a hanging shoe organizer to create a hanging garden. This garden project will also help keep your cats from messing with your plants. Find detailed instructions here.

Tiered Herb Garden

Create your very own Tiered Herb Garden using galvanized containers stacked in order of size. They work together -- drill a hole a few inches from the bottom of one container and the water will trickle to the next one below, and so on. Leave the bottom container intact.

Timbercreek hopes these ideas help you give a green-thumbs-up to gardening this season.

To find your home with Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website.

Making New Year’s resolutions is pretty easy, but not keeping them can be even easier! Before you give in, you should know that there’s an app for that. Check out our top picks in today’s blog post.

Clear up some brain space

Whether you’re committing to a healthy new grocery list or a project with your coworkers, sticking to your resolution is going to require a place to save and share ideas, reminders or lists. We love apps that clear brain space. They help you get things done in an organized way without having to remember much. If this sounds like a dream come true, check out Evernote and OneNote.

Watching your wallet?

For money-related New Year’s resolutions, Mint is a must. We love this app because it connects all of your accounts, credit cards, loans, bills, etc., in one place, providing you with a more honest view of the money that you do (or do not) have. Create savings goals, budgets and overspending alerts to keep yourself financially focused for the next 12 months.

My Fitness Pal

What more could you wish for than a healthier, happier 2017? There are a ton of different apps to choose from when it comes to monitoring your health and fitness goals. My Fitness Pal is our top pick because of its extensive food log, making calorie counting super easy. You can also use My Fitness Pal to track your exercise, helping you stick to your workout schedule.

Don’t go it alone! Download an app that can help you keep your New Year’s resolutions all year long, Timbercreek’s amazing apartment communities are located in several provinces across the country. For more information, please visit our website today. 

It’s a common misconception that your furry friend is immune to the cold because of his or her fur coat. Fido’s comfort and safety in winter weather conditions depends on a number of variables, from breed, to age, to general physical stamina and strength. Learn more about how to care for Fido this winter in today’s post from Timbercreek Communities.

Minimizing Outdoor Trips

You can’t keep your dog inside all winter, but when is it safe to go out? Smaller, shorter breeds that walk closer to the snow are usually less resilient in cold weather, along with elderly dogs. Some dog breeds, like huskies, have thicker snow-ready coats than others, like greyhounds. A general rule is that when temperatures fall below zero degrees celsius, no matter the dog, your furry friend is at risk for hypothermia. When the cold hits, check the temps to determine if it’s safe to go out. Consider minimizing your outdoor trips with dog-friendly indoor games and activities.

Paw Pads

Perhaps the biggest perk of paw pads is protection, not from the snow, but rather the salt and chemicals that melt the snow. Invest in a pair of affordable paw pads to keep your dogs paws safe. Love long winter hikes? The second benefit of paw pads is protection from rugged terrain that can potentially cut or damage your pet’s paws.

Grooming

You can’t protect your pup from everything, so grooming during the winter is important. Your local groomer will thoroughly clean any salt or mud that finds its way onto your pet throughout the season.

Do’s and Don’ts for Cold Weather

• Don’t leave your pet unattended outdoors when it’s extremely cold.
• Don’t feed your pet less just because it’s cold; Fido actually requires more energy from food to heat his or her body during the winter months.

• Do take note if your dog begins to shiver, bark or refuse to move, as these can be signs of overexposure to cold.
• Do get a cozy Fido Fleece for smaller pets, or pets with thinner coats.

Proper winter care for your pooch is key. Get started today with one of these tips from the dog lovers at Timbercreek Communities. For more information about pet-friendly Timbercreek Communities apartments, located in five provinces and over 27 cities nationwide, please visit our website.

Need a reason to start biking? Today’s post offers a quick and easy overview of why every student should ride a bike from Timbercreek Communities apartments to school.

Quick Exercise

Biking is a proven way to build muscle and strengthen your heart. You can burn hundreds of calories while biking, and potentially not even realize it. If you’re focused on the road and enjoying the great outdoors, time will quickly pass as you improve your stamina and tone your legs commuting the short distance from your Timbercreek Communities apartment to the classroom.

Reduce Personal Carbon Footprint

With somewhere in the ballpark of 18 million vehicles currently crowding Canada’s roads, all of which release their fair share of harmful greenhouse gases into our environment, choosing to ride a bike to school can be your way of taking a stand against climate change and reducing your own carbon footprint.

Save Money on Transit

Biking is affordable. If you opt for a refurbished bike from a local repair shop, a reliable set of wheels will cost you little. Compared to the cost of maintaining a car, plus that expensive student parking pass, biking can help you save valuable dollars during your time at university.

Feel Healthy

If nothing else convinces you to bike, this may do the trick -- biking can reduce stress and fatigue. As a college student, you often find yourself weighed down by countless commitments and an endless pile of assignments. Cut out the unnecessary worries with a quiet bike ride, proven to help you feel better and give you a boost of energy for your school week.

Timbercreek Communities is giving you the facts that you need to consider biking to and from class this school year. Before you hit the road, remember to research your local bicycle rules online and to invest in a sturdy lock to keep your bike safe.

For more information about Timbercreek Communities apartments, many of which are located within a short bike ride of local universities, visit our website. 

The Canadian National Exhibition, CNE, The Ex is an end of summer tradition. From August 19th to September 5th, The EX helps us say goodbye to summer with a grin on our faces. Timbercreek Communities is here to help you make the most of the EXperience this year.

The Food

More than one million people visit the Toronto Star Food Building every year to sample cuisines from around the world. It’s truly become a Toronto institution. Foodies take note: this year Food Truck Frenzy is returning to the CNE with a wide variety of trucks to suit every taste. It will take place at the same time as Craft Beer Fest.

The Exhibits

In addition to the rides and the food, the EX is about the exhibits. Some of the great ones this year are the amazing international Sand Sculpting Competition, you won’t believe what these artists can do with sand! Trekkers, don’t miss Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50 years -- a global art exhibition featuring artists from 10 countries commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic series. You can also catch Augmenting Reality and experience how technology is enhancing, and maybe even altering, our reality.

The Air Show

The 67th annual Canadian International Air Show will once again take to the sky above Lake Ontario this Labour Day Weekend (September 3rd - 5th) from 12pm -3pm. It’s a heart-pounding display not to be missed, with performances by the Breitling Jet Team, The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and more. Click here for more details!

Summer in Toronto just wouldn’t feel complete without a trip to the CNE. It’s an annual pilgrimage to say farewell to summer. It’s about a 45 minute drive (or an hour and half by TTC) from your apartment at 274 - 278 Cedar Avenue, Richmond Hill and easily accessible by TTC from your Timbercreek Toronto apartment or just a 7 minute walk from Lord Dufferin Apartments (200 Dufferin Street, Toronto).

For more information on Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website, today!

Cycling is great. It’s a great form of exercise and it’s a great eco-friendly way to get around Winnipeg. It’s also just a lot of fun! If you want to get on a bike this summer, the Timbercreek Communities has some suggestions for nearby places you may like to visit on two wheels.

Bishop Grandin Greenway

The longest multi-use trail in Winnipeg is The Bishop Grandin Greenway. The east trail (7 km) and the west trails (5 km) connect several communities -- from Sage Creek to Charleswood. Along the path there are a network of natural areas and retention ponds that support local wildlife communities. The trail is just a 3 minute bike ride from your home at Arden Hollows Apartments (15 Arden Avenue, Winnipeg).

Sunday and Holiday Bicycle Routes

The city of Winnipeg designates 4 streets as Sunday and Holiday bicycle routes. From 8 am to 8 pm, motor vehicle traffic on these streets is limited to one block -- making cycling easier and safer. One of these bicycle routes is Lyndale Drive (from Cromwell Street to Gauvin Street) that’s about a 5 minute bike ride away from Hargrave Place (26, 45 Hargrave Street). Also Wolseley Street at Maryland Street (just a 7 minute bike ride from Hargrave Place at 33 Hargrave Street). These routes are great for anyone new to cycling looking to get some road experience.

Assiniboine Riverwalk

One of the best and most beautiful places to bike is the Riverwalk and it’s less than 5 minutes away from Hargrave Place, Fort Garry Tower (70 Garry Street) or 160 Smith. This path that runs along the Assiniboine River also connects to other paths along Assiniboine Ave, (dedicated bike lane) St. Boniface and The Forks.

Remember the freedom you felt as a child when you got on your bike? You can rekindle that feeling as an adult. These convenient and beautiful bike routes will make you feel like a kid again -- just remember to wear your helmet! Find more information here on Timbercreek rental properties, including Winnipeg. 

Spend a little time in nature in Ottawa this summer! Whether you prefer a luxurious lakefront cottage, roughing it in a tent, or catching your dinner from the lake -- the Timbercreek Communities blog team is here to help you find the perfect campsite or cottage rental for your summer vacation.

Wesley Clover

Wesley Clover is the perfect spot to unplug and look at the stars just beyond the city lights. Whether you’re looking to park a trailer or RV, pitch a tent or rent a full service cabin, The Wesley Clover Campground is just an 8 minute drive from Sunset Heights or Sunview Apartments (2880/2900 Carling Avenue, Ottawa). Even without a car, the campground can be reached by public transportation in under an hour!

Camp Hither Hills

With camping options to suit everyone’s taste, Camp Hither Hills is less than a 20 minute drive from 2805,2865 and 2889 Cedarwood Drive or 2898 Baycrest Drive, Ottawa. This full service campground is perfect for your next trip. All camping spots include a picnic table and fire pit. Even if you’ve never camped before, their friendly staff are available to provide helpful advice.

Lone Wolf

Nestled in the Gatineau Hills of Quebec on 230 acres of forest, lake, pond, stream and rolling hills. Lone Wolf Cabin Rental feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere but is only half an hour from York Towers at 135-145 York Street, Ottawa. They rent secluded log cabins and yurts -- some with their own log-fired sauna!

Peaksview Chalets

Kick back and relax with your family in a luxurious chalet at Peaksview Chalets in beautiful Calabogie, Ontario this summer. This property targets family renters so rest assured that your little ones are welcome too. Enjoy private lake access, golfing, fishing and more in this secluded spot that’s just over an hour away (by car) from Stewart Apartments (146 Stewart Street, Ottawa).

Nothing beats the simple pleasures of a summer vacation. The sunshine, the swimming, the sounds of nature. Living in Ottawa means having all the comforts and conveniences of city living, with nature just around the corner. For more information on Timbercreek rental properties, please visit our website.

Nothing makes summertime feel like summertime more than a refreshing swim in the pool. Most Timbercreek apartments in Mississauga are equipped with outdoor pools. For those times when you are looking for an Olympic sized pool (to swim laps, throw a birthday party with slides, or when you want to find a children’s splash pool) rest assured that you have many great options nearby.

Don Mclean Westacres Outdoor Pool

Don Mclean Westacres is located at 2166 Westfield Drive, just an 8 minute drive from 1855 Bloor Street, Mississauga. This 25 metre outdoor pool with slide and diving board is available for party rentals on weekends from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, and 5:30pm to 6:30pm. You can call 905-615-4100 to reserve it.

Huron Park Aquatics

Huron Park Aquatics features a 25 metre, 6 lane indoor pool -- not to mention a children’s shallow pool, diving board and two slides. A full schedule and rates are available here. Find them at 830 Paisley Blvd. West., Mississauga (a 15 minute drive from 1750 Bloor Street)

Lion's Club of Credit Valley Outdoor Pool

Nothing beats outdoor swimming in the summer. Lion’s Club of Credit Valley Outdoor Pool is open weekdays from 7am to 7pm. Located at 20 Rosewood Avenue, Mississauga -- just an 11 minute drive from 30 Central Parkway West.

Cawthra Pool

Cawthra Pool is an indoor facility for swimming fun - even when the weather isn’t so hot. They offer a full range of classes -- from Aquatfitness to Fun Swim. The pool is open weekdays from 8:30am to 8:30pm and weekends from 8:30am to1pm at 1305 Cawthra Rd, Mississauga (just a 12 minute drive from 1867 Bloor Street).

The Timbercreek Communities blog team hopes this week’s post helps squeeze a bit more swimming into your summer. For more information on our apartments for rent in Mississauga, please visit our website.

Canada Day is just around the corner, which means there’s no day like today to make plans to celebrate near Windsor apartments. Find a few activities happening nearby featured in today’s helpful post from the Timbercreek Communities blog team.

Windsor’s Canada Day Celebration

July 1st is the annual Windsor’s Canada Day Celebration & Parade. The event includes Midway rides, a parade, children’s entertainment and an incredible 5000-piece birthday cake! The grand finale to Windsor’s 17-day Summer Fest, this is a free family-friendly event not to be missed. The parade kicks off at Wyandotte Street East & Devonshire Road, about a 10-minute bicycle ride from Carnegie Apartments (450 Victoria Avenue).

Fort Malden National Historic Site

History will come alive at the Fort Malden National Historic Site’s Canada Day celebration, slated for July 1st. A full day of family-friendly activities will end with a spectacular fireworks show over the Detroit River. Fort Malden is an easy day trip from Alexander Park Apartments (3445 Riverside Drive East), about a 30-minute drive.

Ice Cream Festival

Love ice cream? Do your kids love playing in the water on a hot summer day? The Ice Cream Festival in Amherstburg has all the ingredients for a perfect Canada Day party. The fun kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on July 1st and ends with fireworks at 10:00 p.m. Admission is free. To get to Toddy Jones Park (100 Laird Street), plan on just under a 30 minute drive from Spanish Trio Apartments (8950/8955/9150 Wyandotte Street East).

Stoney Point Park

Family baseball, soccer, a skateboard competition and live music makes Stoney Point Park (880 Comber Sideroad) the place to be this holiday. The park, a half-hour drive from King Edward Apartments (1333 Ouellette Avenue), is perfectly located along the water. Enjoy a parade at 4:00 p.m. and stay for the flag raising ceremony shortly thereafter.

Add a touch of patriotism to your Canada Day celebration with these red-and-white recipes. Delicious and easy to make, these dishes are bound to be a hit. Find a few tasty options to make at Winnipeg apartments in today’s holiday-themed post from the blog team at Timbercreek Communities.

Grilled Panzanella Bites

These Grilled Panzanella Bites are the perfect addition to your Canada Day menu. Use fresh tomatoes for this easy appetizer. While the recipe is simple to prepare, be sure to start prepping in advance -- the dressing needs at least two hours to refrigerate.

Raspberry Cheesecake Popsicles

Cool off this Canada Day with sweet Raspberry Cheesecake Popsicles. Fresh fruit takes this recipe to the next level, ensuring a crowd favourite at your holiday picnic. This is also a great recipe to prepare the day before, saving time and stress on July 3rd.

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Don’t reinvent the wheel this Canada Day. Strawberry shortcake is a beloved summer classic, and its colour scheme is perfect for the July celebration. Whip up this timeless favourite as a finale to your day-long party. Use strawberries from your local farmers market for extra flavour. Near Arden Hollows Apartments (15 Arden Avenue), shop the selection of fresh produce at St. Norbert Farmers Market (3514 Pembina Highway), a 10-minute drive away.

Gin Rum Shandy

What about a red-and-white adult beverage? Kick off your holiday celebration with a Gin Rum Shandy, featuring apple juice, lime and fresh ginger with a kick of gin and rum.

Happy Canada Day from Timbercreek Communities! The blog team hopes today’s post gave you a few ideas on how to create a colorful, creative meal, snack or picnic for the holiday. For more information about Winnipeg apartments, simply visit our website today.