150 years ago, Canada became a Nation. 2017 marks a major milestone in our country’s history. And while celebrations have been under way since January, this summer is when the real parties will kick off. You don’t need to go far to find something happening -- almost every city in the country has put together a range of events to celebrate. From appreciating Canada’s vast natural landscape, to music and the arts, there’s something for everyone. Check out these great ways to celebrate our country’s 150th from Timbercreek.

Go to a National Park

Parks Canada has stepped up to help ring in our 150th by offering free admission to National Parks across the country.  From BC to Newfoundland, our Nation’s vast landscape is free to explore for one year only. Check out the Parks Canada website for availability and regulations as the Discovery Pass covers park entrance, but not all fees like camping and guided tours. Learn more here.

Get Active

Challenge yourself with the ParticipACTION 150 Play List. It was created from the results of over 465,000 votes from people across Canada and includes 150 physical activities that make us uniquely Canadian. The Play List is a challenge to Canadians in communities, schools, workplaces, and even abroad to see how many different activities they can complete in 2017. Learn more here.

The Maritimes

Confederation happened in three stages starting in 1864. While it was initiated by the potential union of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI, those provinces actually waited to join the rest of Canada until the third leaders’ meeting in 1867. As such the maritimes has a rich past and important role in the country’s history.  The east coast is also just a sensational part of the country, both in terms of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From New Brunswick’s flowerpot rocks to the Bay of Fundy, Halifax, and PEI’s red sand beaches, there’s a lot to do and see.  And, like across the rest of the country, there are no shortage of events and celebrations to make the most of our 150th in the Maritimes. Learn more here.

Stay In Town

There are fun activities to enjoy right in your own hometown this year if you want to celebrate Canada’s 150th close to home. Check out your city’s website for events and ideas. Most cities coast to coast are offering a wealth of spectacles all year long.

Get out, enjoy and celebrate the great white north for its 150^th!

For more information about Timbercreek Communities in your city, please visit our website.  

Some people say that clothes make the man. We wouldn't go that far, but taking a little interest in your personal style can certainly have an impact on how others see you and boost your self confidence. It can be difficult to know where to start, so Timbercreek Communities has put together a style guide for men. Try it on for size!

Streamline

Most people have a tendency to hang on to old clothing items “just in case” they'll need them later. You won’t. If you haven’t worn it during the past year, chances are you won’t wear it this year either. Do some late season spring closet cleaning and throw out or give away anything you haven’t worn in over a year. It will de-clutter your closet and free up space for the new or old items that you actually wear.

Step Into Some Colour

Fact: there are more shoe colours than brown and black. So go ahead guys, have a little fun with colour! If you are uncertain about what colour shoes to wear with what colour pants, this handy reference chart takes the guess work and memorization out of the equation.

Gym Shoes Are For The Gym

Speaking of shoes, remember this: gym shoes are for the gym. Sure they’re more comfortable but nothing dresses you down more quickly than trudging around town in gym shoes. Invest in a comfortable walking shoe. Your feet and your fashion sense will thank you.

Scope Out A Fashion Show

If you’re looking for some guidance to step up your style, you don’t need to fly to New York, Paris or Milan to attend a fashion show. Flip through a slideshow of images from a men’s fashion show online, or browse some street style photos. You might just be inspired by the latest trends.

Clean Your Wallet Out Regularly

A big, bulky wallet is bad for your back, uncomfortable to sit on, and cumbersome to carry around. It can can also throw off the lines of your clothing. Just as you do with your closet, make sure you clean out your wallet regularly and lose anything you don’t use. You’ll feel a little a lighter and more streamlined.

Timbercreek hopes this style guide for men helps you look and feel your best. To help find your home with Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website.

Let’s face it, dads are hard to buy for. With Father’s Day just around the corner, Timbercreek has put together a list of common and not-so-common Father’s Day gift ideas for your Dad this year.

A New Tie

Ties have been a go-to Father’s Day present since the tie was invented. If your Dad wears ties, they still make a great gift and can be purchased on just about any budget. Be sure to look through your dad’s closet to see what he likes before grabbing one at the store.

Gift Card

Never underestimate the gift card. While it may sound a little impersonal, a targeted gift card can hit a homer -- especially now that everyone from Shoppers Drug Mart to Indigo to gas stations sells them. Dinners, movies and popcorn, alcohol/LCBO, iTunes, books, prepaid VISA cards, restaurant chains - there’s not a lot you can’t get anymore. Consider one from your dad’s favourite store.

Golf Lesson

For the dads who love to golf, this one’ll take the cake. For beginners and seasoned players alike, Dad will love some focused swing analysis on the local driving range. If a lesson is too specific or pricey (they can get into the triple digits per hour depending on the club), get him some range time, or buy him a 9 or 18-hole round.

Craft Beer Pack

With the craft beer explosion of the past 3-5 years, types and styles of beer have gone through the roof.  Whether your Father is a lager man or an IPA lover, a 6-pack of tasty brew will be sure to please.

Netflix For A Month (Or A Year)

Netflix has revolutionized not only what we watch, but how we watch it. It’s even become a verb. From movies to tv, there’s little you can’t get.  And as their monthly rates are cheaper than two Starbucks coffees, you might consider 6 months to a year of a membership for dear old Dad this Father’s Day.

Slippers

While perhaps not #1 on the must-get Father’s Day gift list, slippers are one of those things you never buy yourself, but love once you have them. And though dollar stores sell them for cheap, a quality, cushy, puffy pair will make your Dad’s morning coffees better than ever. If you check outdoor stores too, you can find those insulated ones that make cool hardwood floors feel warm and plush.

Car Detailing

No one likes to clean their car. Well, some do. But for most, cars function as equal parts transport device and garbage can. While picking up the coffee cups and gum wrappers counts as “cleaning”, vacuuming the seats tends to be that elusive “thing I have do”.  With Dads who drive a lot and are short on time, a detailing gift can be just the thing they need.

Lawn Mowing Service

Though on the surface this one might not sound exciting, having someone else mow the lawn will prove satisfying, especially on a beautiful Saturday morning. Even if your lawn is small, having a professional service manicure your Father’s outdoor space will give him a break and maybe even make the place look decent for once. Cost might be a factor if you intend to cover an entire summer, in which case, you can offer to do it yourself.

Coffee Mug

Perhaps #2 on the all-time Father’s Day gift list, coffee mugs are equally underestimated. For Dads who like coffee, you can’t have enough of them. Planes, trains, automobiles, music notes, hand crafted, bedazzled; as long as you know your Dad’s tastes this one can’t be overdone.  Just make sure it has a good, big handle.

Tickets To A Local Sporting Event

Baseball, football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, MMA -- you can see nearly every sporting type known to man shy of Monster Truck Racing these days so long as you’re within driving distance of a city center. While it might take some planning, and various sports differ in price, you can usually find some nosebleed seats somewhere that won’t break the bank and will provide a fun and memorable way to celebrate Dad.

Timbercreek hopes these great gift ideas help you find the perfect present for Dad this Father’s Day. For more information about Timbercreek Communities in your city, please visit our website.

Bold Magenta

Lipstick, hairstyles, even Benjamin Moore is on top of Bold Magenta this year. Check out more here.

White and Woods

The combination of white and wood-based tones are gaining popularity this year, both in architecture, jewelry, and fashion design. See examples here.

Aqua

From the Trend Council to People magazine, aqua is on deck to be a popular 2017 colour, both in fashion and interior design style. Get the skinny here.

Take advantage of these colour trends this Spring! Incorporate these hues into your wardrobe and home decor for a fresh look.

For more information on Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

Keeping up with the latest trends in fashion can be draining, especially when you have a crazy work life and an even crazier home life. Luckily most workplaces are beginning to embrace business casual and are becoming more open to diversity and personal style. This means you can pull together an impressive wardrobe with flexible outfits that you can wear at work and out to dinner. Check out Timbercreek Communities’ 8 style essentials for busy women that will help keep your closet chic and functional.

Accessorize

Why invest time and money in a closet full of new outfits when you can add one item that makes it look like yesterday's skirt and sweater is an entirely new ensemble? Don't underestimate the power of accessories! A new purse, flats instead of boots, a scarf over a well-loved sweater: all are easy ways to reinvent a go-to outfit. Check out more here.

The Capsule Wardrobe

Sometimes less is so much more. Embrace timeless fashion and minimalism with a capsule wardrobe comprised of a small number of staple pieces and the flexibility to throw in a few seasonal new purchases from time to time. It will leave you looking sharp, effortlessly. Learn how to create a capsule wardrobe here.

Loose or fitted? Why not both?

Instead of reaching for complete outfits or showcasing individual garments, dress yourself with shape in mind. Try loose bottoms with fitted tops, and vice versa, for a balanced look. A bit of form with a lot of function is always a good thing when you’re on the go. Learn how here.

Monochrome

When in doubt, go monochrome. To achieve the monochrome aesthetic, dress yourself in black and white or varying tones of a single color. This approach will help you look put together with ease. Combinations of black and white are not only bold and modern, they’re trending in 2017. Check out some amazing monochrome looks here.

Be aware of the season

A few simple additions that reflect current seasonal trends can go a long way to upgrade an otherwise everyday outfit. Read more here.

Jewellery

Another easy addition during the morning dash is a bit of jewellery.  2017's bling trend is going "big", which can help offset and upsell an otherwise recycled ensemble. Learn how to make a statement with jewellery here.

Hats, hats, hats

For 2017, wide brimmed styles, floppies, fedoras, beanies, pom poms, fur hats, and baseball caps are getting attention.  Adding a new hat to a routine ensemble is all you need for a fresh look. Read more here.

There's an app for that!

From Stylebook to Polyvore, The Hunt, and more, there are many amazing fashion apps available to help you with nearly every aspect of your style. Discover amazing fashion apps here.

Fashion doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. We hope these 8 style essentials for busy women will help you feel chic and simplify your life.

For more information on Timbercreek Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

The weather is getting warmer, the birds are singing and your apartment is probably cluttered from hibernation. It’s time for spring cleaning! Timbercreek Communities has some great tips for how to declutter your apartment this spring.

A Place For Everything

If you don’t have a place for all of your things, it’s possible that you don’t need to hang on to all those things. Life is more simple and less stressful when things are out of the way and organized. It’s also great when you know where everything is and where everything goes. If you can’t find a place for it in your home, perhaps it doesn’t need a place in your heart.

Don’t Take on Too Much

Most of us don’t have the time, energy or focus to spend an entire day cleaning and organizing. You need to organize your efforts. Break the job down, room by room or task by task, it’s up to you. Be efficient and plan to spend 2 or 3 hours per room or task. Be sure to take a well deserved break if you need it.

Use it or Lose It

How many times have you gone through your closets and cupboards and decided to hold onto something because you may need it one day? If you haven’t used that ice cream maker you got for a wedding gift years ago, you probably won’t and that’s okay. Let it go. Sell some things, donate some things, recycle some things and yes, throw away some things that are unusable.

Routine Maintenance

Congratulations! You’ve cleaned-out, decluttered and re-organized. The next step is to realize that you are not done. If you think it’s over, you may feel bad about yourself when you have to clean it up again in month or two. Staying organized requires routine maintenance and regular upkeep. The good news is that your new organizing system will be easier to maintain, with less clutter, than before.

Being organized can be easy! We hope that with a little time and effort, these tips for how to declutter your apartment this spring will help you will feel lighter and less stressed!

To learn more about Timbercreek Communities across a Canada, please visit our website.

Car and bike sharing services have changed the way we get around. They've made transportation more accessible, and turned the concept of ownership on its head. Car and bike sharing, gives you access to convenient transportation for a few hours to go to a meeting, a dinner party, or to see the city. While having your own ride is hard to beat for maximum convenience, occasional use transportation is way more affordable. Check out this list of 5 car and bike sharing services that make life easy from Timbercreek Communities.

Car2Go

With Canadian locations in Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal, Car2Go is an incredible option in the care share scene. Featuring easy app booking, no surge pricing, and affordable rates, they can't be beat. Car2Go cars are two-sweaters that are easy to park and require a small amount of fuel. Learn more here.

Bike Share Toronto

With 2,000 bikes and 200 stations, Bike Share Toronto is making an impression. BST has a fleet of incredibly solid bikes available along major city thoroughfares and subway transit stations, and presents affordable pricing programs including $7 day passes, $15/3-day passes, and a $90 annual memberships that offer unlimited 30-minute rides. Though it is still focused mainly in the downtown core of Toronto, BST is branching out to serve bigger swaths of the city. Get more info from their website.

Enterprise Car Share

Enterprise Car Share offers services in major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Regina, Saskatoon, and Sackville. A small annual fee in addition to hourly or monthly rates are available, in addition to a vast range of car choices. Enterprise Car Share’s rates include fuel and insurance. See more here.

Zipcar

With membership rates as low as $7/month or $70/year, Zipcar is an incredibly affordable care share program. Zipcar is used across Canada from London, ON., Kitchener/Waterloo, Toronto, and Ottawa. Members have access to all 10,000 vehicles including hybrids in more than 470 cities worldwide. As with most services, Zipcar’s rates include fuel and insurance. See more at Zipcar’s website.

With so many amazing sharing options available, there's no need to own a car or bike in 2017. We hope that this list of 5 car and bike sharing services that make life easy will make your commute or unexpected errands a breeze. For even more resources and info about car and bike sharing in Canada, please check out this article.

For more information on Timbercreek Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

Liberty Village is located in Toronto’s west end, in one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. The fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern, urban living is something that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. To help you get a feel for the neighbourhood, Timbercreek Communities created this guide to Liberty Village.

Bars and Restaurants

Liberty Village is a great neighbourhood for food and drink. There are many excellent restaurants and bars to discover. The interior of Les 3 Brasseurs (3 Brewers) feels lofty, yet cozy. The beams, brickwork and the brewery itself, are all exposed, in fact every step of the brewing process in on display. The menu outlines helpful pairing suggestions for those looking to have their beverage compliment their meal. For example, when you choose your Pulled Pork Poutine ($13), you’ll know to order the Amber or Brown to wash it down. If you’re looking for something cozy, LOCAL Public Eatery is an amazingly comforting option. This restaurant compares itself to a living room with better food and drink. LOCAL Public Eatery is obsessed with craft beer and constantly rotates new selections. The menu is loaded with affordable international fare, offering everything from Chicken Quesadillas ($7.50) to Perogies with bacon and fried onions ($8). Their drinks menu is incredible and features local craft beers (like Collective Arts) and more familiar offerings from around the world (like Sapporo). They also have some seriously delicious cocktails, comically served in a boot and not in a boot like their Lucky Lemonade in a boot ($9) -- a delightful mix of JD, lemonade and guava juice.

Concerts, Sports and More!

Liberty Village is home to BMO Field, a huge stadium located in Exhibition Place. It’s an incredible venue for soccer and football games (featuring the Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts), not to mention major concerts and theater performances. Get your tickets for upcoming events here.

Coffee Shops and Cafes

Ciao Europe Cafe (80 Western Battery Road) is a cafe by day and a wine bar by night. Enjoy their fresh panini, stone-baked pizzas, and house-baked pastries. Other options when you’re on the hunt for caffeine in Liberty Village include Balzac’s Coffee (43 Hanna Avenue) and Louie Craft Coffee (1187 King St. West). Click here for a full list of local cafes to visit.

Convenient Transit

True Torontonians are always on the move. We love how accessible Liberty Village is thanks to streetcars, buses, Go Train access, not to mention the Gardiner and Lakeshore. Residents are located close to streetcar lines on Queen and King street that run East and West, and are within walking distance of Go Transit's Exhibition Station. Drivers can access downtown Toronto in minutes thanks to the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard, which are connected to highways leading out of the downtown core.

Design

If you’re looking for interior design and furnishings for your Liberty Village apartment, there’s no need to leave the neighbourhood. Everything you need is within easy reach. West Elm (109 Atlantic Ave) is a great nearby option that is full of contemporary furniture and more for your entire home.

A pet’s playground

Dog owners will love Liberty Village thanks to the outstanding off-leash area in Stanley Park. Owners of timid pups can alternatively stick to the main park paths or surrounding neighbourhood streets. The neighbourhood also boasts a few great pet shops, like Global Pet Foods, Pet Valu and Timmie Doggie Outfitters which features pet clothing, accessories, designer toys, treats, gourmet foods and grooming for posh-pooches and cats.

Groceries

Liberty Village may be ultra-modern but it can still feel like a good, old fashioned neighbourhood. You can step outside your front door and take a trip to the local butcher, baker, cheese shop, chocolate shop or health food store, or enjoy the convenience of a one-stop-shop at Metro Supermarket (100 Lynn Williams St.).

Timbercreek Communities hopes our guide to Liberty Village has left you wanting more. To find your home with Timbercreek Communities across Canada, or in near Liberty Village at  200 Dufferin Street, please visit our website.

Do you commute? Maximize it by doing something productive! Timbercreek Communities has a few suggestions to help get you started.

Learn Something New

You can use your commute to expand your general knowledge base, learn a new language or upgrade your skills. There are variety of informative podcasts, audiobooks and courses you can download to your phone and listen to in your car, on the train, or anywhere else. The Great Courses is an excellent resource available in both audio and video formats. Obviously, do not choose video courses for driving.

Reach out

Commuting in your car with a hands free device, can be the perfect time to connect with a friend, make a private phone call, or get that service call out of the way. You may not mind spending all that time on hold, if you can’t go anywhere anyway. When was the last time you called your parents?

Plot and Plan

Use this time to plan out what you want to accomplish. This can mean creating a to-do list for the day, or maybe a strategy for how to advance in your current job. Maybe you’ve been thinking of starting your own business -- use this time to come up with a business plan. If you are driving, use a voice memo app instead of taking notes.

Exercise

One of the best ways to make your commute more productive is to move instead of sit. As a society we sit way too much. It’s actually shortening our lifespan! If you are located close enough to the office or school to walk or bike, you should. Whether that means biking to the subway or all the way to your destination, it will do your body good. If you don’t own a bike and are on a budget, check out Canadian Tire -- they have a great selection of durable and stylish budget bikes.

Meditate

Meditation is something everyone can benefit from, but few make time for. If you’re going to sit for an extended amount of time in your daily commute, close your eyes, breathe deep and put your travel time to good use with meditation. We know what you’re thinking but you can meditate almost anywhere, even a busy subway car. This article will introduce you to the basics of meditation, so you can get started today.

Timbercreek Communities wishes you a more productive and more satisfying commute.

For information on Timbercreek Communities throughout Canada - please see our website.

Grab your green clothes and get ready to celebrate, because everyone is Irish on St Patrick’s Day! The big day is Friday, March 17th and Timbercreek Communities is here to help with 5 ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Toronto!

St Patrick's Day Céili

Experience a modern take on an old Irish tradition at the Hart House St. Patrick’s Day Céili (kay-lee). There will be live music by Ena O’Brien and headliners The O’Deadly’s, plus guided folk dancing and plenty of food and drink inspired by all things Irish. All ages are welcome. Get your tickets now for only $10.

St Patrick’s Day Party at Steam Whistle Brewery

Steam Whistle Brewery gets even greener with their annual St Patrick’s Day Party. Enjoy a drink and some traditional food courtesy of the Irish Embassy Pub. Enjoy entertainment from Irish Dancers, live music by Brogue, Scantily Plaid & Fresh Eire. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) with proceeds supporting the Achilles St-Patrick’s Day 5k Run/Walk.

Grand Marshal Ball

If you’re looking for a more formal, fancy and elegant experience this St. Patrick’s Day, check out the Grand Marshal Ball at Casa Loma. There will be traditional Irish dancers, live players and a DJ at this special and exclusive event. Tickets will sell out well in advance and are not available at the door. Ticket requests must be made by email to [email protected], request your ticket today!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Enjoy a late night St. Patrick’s Day event on March 17th, rest and recover on Saturday, and watch the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday! It begins at 12 noon at the corner of Bloor and St. George, travels east on Bloor, then south down Yonge Street to Queen, and finishes off at Nathan Phillips Square.

Stay Home and Celebrate

If St. Patrick’s Day crowds aren’t your idea of fun, you can have a quiet celebration at your Timbercreek home. Bake some Steak and Irish Stout Pies and enjoy some St Patrick’s Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Bars for dessert for a delicious, non-traditional night in.

Happy St. Paddy’s Day from Timbercreek Communities! We hope you enjoy a fun and festive weekend. To find your home with Timbercreek Communities in Toronto, please visit your website.