The holidays are just around the corner, offering a great opportunity for some quality time with your family. Kids can get bored easily if they don’t have engaging activities that hold their attention. Timbercreek Communities has 6 kid-friendly holiday activities for you to enjoy. We hope you and your kids have a great time!

Ice Skating and Hockey

It doesn’t feel like winter until you’ve laced up your skates and hit the ice. Whether you enjoy public skating at a local rink or a pick game of hockey with friends and family, check out these rinks and schedules for Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Montreal and Toronto. Still not sure where to skate? Check with your local municipality.

Go to the movies

Take a break on a cold winter day and escape into a different world with a trip to the movie theatre. Going to the movies can be a great way to spend your time this holiday season. There are several fun family friendly films to enjoy this month, including the latest J.K. Rowling creation, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the latest Disney animated feature, Moana, and another animated offering featuring the voice talents of Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johansson, Sing.

Build a Gingerbread House

We’ve all seen those elaborately decorated gingerbread houses on display, but few of us have actually attempted to build our own gingerbread house. Creating one from scratch is no small task, but as with many things in life, the joy is in the doing and it can be a great indoor, bonding activity for you and your kids. Simplify things a bit by purchasing a ready-to-assemble kit.

Make a dreidel

A dreidel is a four-sided, spinning top with a distinct Hebrew letter on each side. The game is to spin the dreidel to collect coins or candy depending on the letter that appears. Traditionally, dreidels are made out of clay and this video will show you how to make your own, or you can easily make one out of paper.

DIY Christmas stockings

As the snow piles up outside, having a fun and useful DIY project to focus on can be a great way to spend the day. Brew up some hot cocoa and get to work on DIY Christmas stockings that you’ll be proud to hang by the chimney with care.

DIY Christmas Ornaments

Decorating the Christmas tree is a great family tradition. You can make it even more personal by hanging some ornaments that you and your family create yourselves. These DIY Christmas Ornaments are fun to make. They’re also a great keepsake for future generations.

We hope this post helps you spend a little quality time as a family this holiday season. For more information on Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

Canadian winters can be harsh and braving the cold day after day can be exhausting. Your home should be a warm, safe and comfortable space to rest in. Timbercreek is here to help with 6 winter tips for apartment living.

Invest in a sunlamp

Sunlight has a big impact on your mood. Getting too little sunshine during winter can lead to the winter blues, feelings of depression, and in some cases it can even trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Invest in a sunlamp, or therapy lamp, to feel better during the winter.

Keep your apartment cozy with throw blankets

Feeling comfortable and cozy is important during the winter. Security blankets aren’t only for children. The need to feel warm, safe and secure is real, no matter your age. Keep your apartment cozy with throw blankets that you can wrap around yourself and curl up under.

Consider a rug for warmer wood floors

Wood floors can be beautiful, but they can also feel a little cold during the winter months, especially if it is the first thing your feet touch when you get out of your warm bed. You may want to consider a throw rug to warm up those chilly wood planks.

Invest in thermal curtains

A single pane of glass from a closed window can lose almost 10 times as much heat as the same area of an insulated wall. Windows (even when closed) are usually the biggest cause of heat loss in your home. Invest in thermal curtains to retain more heat and save on your heating costs.

Humidifiers are a renter’s best friend

In the winter, while it’s cold outside and the heat is turned up indoors, the humidity of the room may drop as much as 20%. That drop in humidity can cause adverse health effects because it can dry out mucous membranes in the nose and throat which can lead to respiratory issues. Even if the dry air indoors doesn’t bother you, it can damage wooden furniture, books and even your artwork which can become brittle in low humidity. The good news is that a humidifier can solve all of these problems.

Discover home workouts on YouTube

Trudging outdoors to go to the gym during the dead of winter can be a lot to ask of yourself. It’s important to get your exercise in, even when the temperature drops. The good news is that you can get a great, full body workout, without using expensive equipment by discovering home workouts on YouTube. Whether it’s cardio, bodyweight, HIIT, or yoga, there is something for everyone, for every fitness level.

Timbercreek hopes that these 6 winter tips for apartment living help to make your winter as comfortable and healthy as possible. For more information on Timbercreek Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

It may be hard to believe, but the holiday season is almost here. The holidays are all about getting together with friends and family, and enjoying good food. Hosting a holiday get together this season? You’ve got to try Timbercreek’s 10 favourite holiday dinners.

Turkey with all the trimmings

Turkey with all the trimmings is the iconic holiday meal in North America. If you’ve never tried to tackle it, it’s important to have a plan. Figure out what can be made ahead of time so you can prioritize and even ask for help from your guests. People like to be helpful, especially at this time of year. Encourage your guests to bring a vegetable side dish or a dessert to reheat. Taking a few minor obligations off your plate can make hosting the holiday dinner more enjoyable.

Glazed ham and Couscous

Not everyone likes turkey. For guests who aren’t fans of fowl, we suggest serving this equally impressive Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham with Couscous. This meal is a breeze to prepare compared to turkey and all the trimmings. It can be ready to serve in two to three hours.

Brisket and Latkes

Our favourite holiday dinner for Hanukkah is Braised Brisket and Latkes. It’s a deeply satisfying meal of meat and potatoes, done holiday style. Crispy, oniony, latkes pair perfectly with rich and savoury brisket. Brisket can be a tough cut of meat to master. If you’ve never prepared a brisket before, check out these tips on how to do it perfectly.

Christmas Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings

We love the classic British Christmas Dinner of Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings. You don’t have to hail from the UK to love enjoy tender and delicious roast beef with savoury pastries. Best of all, you get to drench everything in a rich brown gravy!

Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes

Pescatarians will love this Christmas tradition. On Christmas Eve (December 24th) Italian families serve fish instead of meat. There are no rules for preparing The Feast of the Seven Fishes, but the classic meal typically consists of a snack-sized seafood appetizer course, a seafood salad course, a meaty grilled seafood course, followed by a seafood pasta, a stew and vegetable course, and finally a fish-free dessert.

Beef Bourguignon with Parsley Potatoes

We love the rich textures and intense savoury flavours of Beef Bourguignon with Parsley Potatoes. Beef Bourguignon is a hearty classic French dish that involves a lot of umami loaded ingredients (wine, mushrooms and cognac, bacon etc.). This meal is elegant but substantial and can be ready to serve in less than two hours with about 45 minutes of hands on prep time.

Rack of Lamb with Roast Potatoes

Rack of Lamb with Roast Potatoes is a classic holiday meal that looks dramatic and tastes delicious. Don’t be intimidated by this one -- it only takes a few minutes to prepare (not including marinating time). The trick is to be restrained with the herbs. The flavour of the lamb is strong on it’s own so the seasonings should complement this flavour without overpowering it.

Roast Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing

Roast Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing has been a popular Christmas dinner since the 1990s. It offers a light and elegant alternative to turkey with bread stuffing. This recipe takes about three and a half hours total to prepare, but only about 45 minutes of that is hands-on prep time, so it's a perfect meal option if you have a lot on your plate.

Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower)

Spice things up this season with Aloo Gobi! This hearty spiced potato and cauliflower dish is popular across India and Pakistan and will impress your vegetarian guests.

Beef Wellington with Roasted Veggies

If you really want to wow the crowd this holiday season, serve Beef Wellington with Roasted Veggies. This classic show stopping meal is perfect for a special occasion like Christmas. If you’ve never tasted Beef Wellington, it is an incredible mix of textures. Prime cut filet mignon is wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked -- the decadent result is unforgettable.

Happy Holidays from Timbercreek Communities. We hope you enjoyedi our 10 favourite holiday dinners! For information on Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

The holidays are a busy and exciting time. What’s fun for some can be overwhelming for others. The abundant decorations and lights can be very distracting and enticing for your cat. From tipping over the tree in an attempt to climb to the summit, to sniffing and scratching toxic plants and decorations, there is much that you need to deter you curious cat from exploring this holiday season. Timbercreek Communities has some great tips to help you cat-proof your home for the holidays.

Hang your mistletoe and holly high (it can be poisonous)

Hanging mistletoe and holly can be a happy holiday tradition (and a great way to get some free kisses) but did you know that the mistletoe berries contain polysaccharides and alkaloids that can be poisonous to your pets? To keep this tradition a happy one, make sure that these plants are kept well out of your cat’s reach.

Use cat-safe tree decorations and avoid tinsel

You may have noticed that your cat loves your Christmas tree, maybe even more than you do. What cat wouldn’t be happy to have a tree arrive, indoors, and then to have that tree adorned with all sorts of hanging ornaments to bat around?  Knowing this, it’s important to cat-proof your tree. You may want to choose ornaments that are less shiny, less dangly and therefore, less attractive to your kitty. You can also make your own cat-friendly decorations for your tree. There are some decorations out there that simply are not conducive to keeping your cat safe that should be avoided. Tinsel can be a choking hazard and even cause intestinal blockages, as can dangly ribbons. Fake snow can be toxic, and of course, real candles should not go anywhere near your tree.

Keep orange peels under your tree to repel your cat

The smell of orange peels and citrus can be delightful during the holidays, but it’s not something cats enjoy. If you are having trouble keeping kitty from climbing the tree, placing some chopped orange peels under there may be enough to keep your cat at bay. Replace the peels about once a week to keep the citrus oil scent strong.

Mist citronella on plastic trees

A citronella solution may be just the solution you need to keep your cat away from your artificial tree. Since there is no pine smell from a plastic tree, the citronella scent will be a strong deterrent for your cat. It’s important to make your solution strong enough, so be sure to use a ratio of 1 part citronella oil to 4 parts water.

Avoid poinsettias

Poinsettias, with their festive red and green colour, are a popular plant to buy and give during the holidays. Many people mistakenly believe they are poisonous for pets. The truth is they are only mildly toxic, so if someone shows up with one as a gift, there is no need to panic, but you should keep them well out of reach of your cat. Even a mildly toxic effect can cause discomfort and distress for your pet for which there is no effective treatment. Keep the plant high up and away from things your cat can climb easily.

Timbercreek wishes you a happy holiday season! We hope these tips help you cat-proof your holiday decorations this year. For information on Timbercreek Communities near you, please visit our website.

Make a fashion statement at your next holiday party! Discover the hottest trends of the season in today’s post from the fashion and lifestyle experts at Timbercreek Communities.

Add a little sparkle

Sparkles just scream holiday. Make any outfit pop with a sequin piece (a top, or skirt, or jacket). Not comfortable wearing a sparkly piece of clothing? Accessories, such as a purse or headband, will do wonders for your look without being overwhelming.

Embrace the LBD

The Little Black Dress, affectionately known as the LBD, is truly timeless and the perfect go-to for your next holiday party. Add that sequined headband you found on Etsy and your outfit is complete.

Day-to-night leather

You’ll thank yourself for choosing leather as you rush from the office to your holiday party. Leather leggings are especially easy to dress down or dress up, depending on where you’re headed. Now all you need is a pair of high heeled shoes that you can comfortably run from one event to the next in.

Pretty in tweed

Tweed is never out of style, especially during the winter. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate it into this season’s wardrobe lineup, check out this adorable sparkled tweed coat, perfect for the holidays—and looking pretty.

Blazers and jeans

A business casual dress code can be the worst. What does it mean?! Before you demolish your closet looking for the perfect (not too formal, not too corporate) look, consider blazers and jeans. This pairing is always in style and an excellent option for men and women alike. Ladies, check out this warm and classy look complete with a camel blazer and seasonally-appropriate plaid scarf.

Killer suits with lace-up shoes

Men, this one’s for you: The ultimate way to look your best this holiday season is to find that killer suit that compliments your body. It might be easier than you think. GQ has created a breakdown of what you should wear depending on your height, weight and body structure. 

We hope these style tips help you look amazing at your holiday parties this season! If you’re on the hunt for an amazing apartment to match, start with Timbercreek Communities. Our rental communities are located in five provinces and over two dozen cities. For more information, visit our website today. 

With the holiday season just around the corner, you may find yourself running around to various parties, get-togethers and festive holiday gatherings. Rule # 1 don’t show up empty handed! Bringing something small to help your hostess entertain, or something thoughtful to show your appreciation for their hospitality, is always a good idea. Timbercreek Communities is here to help cross some items off your gift list with our Top 8 hostess gifts for this holiday season.

Homemade Baked Goods

Gifts that show that you put in a little time and effort always make an impression. Bringing some delicious homemade baked goods is a great way to show your appreciation for your host/hostess. It doesn’t have to be complicated, this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies takes only 20 minutes of prep time. Your host will love the crispy edges and chewy middles, and your gift can even be added to the dessert table if your host is short on treats.

Wine

Wine is a classic hostess gift option, but it can create some uncertainty on the part of the giver. If dinner is being served, your hostess may have already selected wines that will pair well with her entrees. If you’re surprising your hostess with wine, remember that it is a gift, and your hostess is under no obligation to open it right away. Learn more about wine present etiquette here. The bottom line is, if you are giving wine as a surprise gift, don’t stress about which wine to choose, simply choose something you think your host will enjoy. That being said, if you have been asked to bring wine, be sure to inquire with your hostess about the menu she plans to prepare before you buy. With that in mind, you can then ask your local wine store clerk for assistance in finding the perfect wine to compliment the meal.

Flowers/Holiday Plant

If you are showing up with flowers during the busy holiday season, you may want to avoid the gift wrapped bouquet and give some flowers in a vase (see last section below) instead. Your busy hostess will appreciate not needing to take the time to find a suitable container for your gift. If you want to avoid this situation entirely, a great option during the holidays is a potted poinsettia. They are classic, vibrant and bring a touch of holiday cheer. Best of all, no one expects to keep a poinsettia alive for the whole year, so there is no pressure on your hostess to take good care of it!

Simple serving ware

A thoughtful gift for your hostess this year is simple serving ware. Look for items like decorative cheese knives or salad serving utensils. Chances are your hostess can put them to good use right away!

Mini DIY terrarium

An impressive gift to show your hostess how much you appreciate them is a mini DIY terrarium. This gift idea shows that you took a little time out of your day to create something beautiful for them. They are also very easy to make. Choose an open or closed glass container, add a little gravel, moss, soil and some charcoal (to prevent mold) and some low maintenance plants like cacti or air plants. A terrarium is the perfect decorative gift that will last as long as your hostess wants it too.

Decorative cutting board/ Homemade Trivet

Giving your hostess something homemade and useful is a great idea, especially if they can use it right away! A DIY decorative cutting board or homemade trivet/potholder is perhaps the perfect combination of thoughtful and useful, and the fact that you took the time to make it yourself makes it all the better.

Stylish Apron

A gift that your hostess can open and use immediately is always a hit but don’t pressure her to use it right away. A stylish apron can come in handy to protect your hostess’ fancy party clothes. If you have basic sewing skills, this video will show how you can make your own half-apron in literally one minute!

Flowers and Vase

As we mentioned above, if you are bringing flowers as a gift for your hostess, especially during the hectic holiday season, it’s a good idea to include a vase as part of the gift. A vase will save your hostess the time and trouble it takes to find a suitable container to place your gift in. You can usually pick one up at the florist, easily repurpose a jar, or create your own DIY vase for that personal touch.

Happy Holidays from Timbercreek Communities! We hope these hostess gift ideas help to take some of the guess work out of what to bring to your next holiday gathering. For more information on Timbercreek Communities for rent across Canada, please visit our website.

Don’t hibernate until spring! There are some amazing winter events happening in Montreal, Toronto and Calgary that you won’t want to miss. Timbercreek Communities hopes these winter events to attend in 2016 get you out and about when the weather is less than inspiring.

Montreal

Montreal has an incredible lineup of winter events to enjoy that will leave the rest of the country green with envy. Start with the Montreal Christmas Market, happening December 2nd through 24th at Place Jacques-Cartier. Enjoy artisan food, browse one of a kid crafts and jewellery, and enjoy carols in a twinkle light studded winter wonderland. Luminothérapie is back from December 8th through January 29th. Featuring 13 giant illuminated zoetropes, visitors will be asked to activate the cylinders in order to make fairy tale-inspired images come to life. Music boxes at the centre of each zoetrope provide accompaniment for the giant animated drawings. Don’t miss this beautiful free interactive installation happening at Place des Festivals. 

Toronto

The Toronto Christmas Market invites guests to rediscover the magic of the holiday season. Considered one of the best Christmas markets in the world, get ready to enjoy delicious indulgences like poutine and smoked turkey legs, while you browse artisan crafts in a delightful Christmas village. The event is set for November 18th through December 22nd at the Distillery Historic District. If you’re looking for a holiday spectacle, the Cavalcade of Lights features the city’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony, fireworks and live music performances. This year’s 50th anniversary celebration is happening at Nathan Phillips Square on November 26th. Stick around for a DJ skating party on the rink. Shopping gurus will want to attend the One of a Kind Show, a juried marketplace that has brought together artisan makers and buyers since 1975. Browse a huge selection of clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts, homeware and artisan food and drink. If you prefer food focused events, the 22nd annual Gourmet Wine and Food Expo runs November 17th through 20th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This event feels more like a cocktail party than an expo as it features incredible food tastings, fine wine, beer and spirits, plus a chef stage for live demonstrations.

Calgary

Calgary continues to make a case for its growing arts and culture scene with winter events like CUFF, the Calgary Underground Film Festival. This season’s edition continues the organization’s quest to showcase films from all genres that defy convention. Catch a flick at a venue near you, November 17th through 20th. With 1.5 million lights, 200 displays, crackling fire pits and multiple family-friendly activity zones, you can’t really go wrong at ZOOLIGHTS. Taking place November 25th through January 8th, make plans today to experience the Calgary Zoo in all its wintertime splendor this season.

Across the nation, cities are gearing up for winter festivals and events like the one’s featured today by Timbercreek Communities. Make plans and make the most of the season ahead. For more information about affordable apartments in the heart of Montreal, Toronto, Calgary or another city near you, check out our website today. 

Timbercreek Communities wants you to enjoy a warm and comforting winter in your apartment. These simple hacks for weatherizing your rental will keep you comfortable when the weather is unbearable. Get ready to get cozy.

Draft blockers

Even top-quality windows and doors can’t always prevent the worst winter winds from sneaking into your apartment. Stop unwanted drafts with draft blockers. Blockers are readily available online for all types of doors and windows.

Insulate your windows 

While a draft blocker will cover the bottom of your windows, completely stopping cold air from entering your apartment might involve another level of insulation that covers the entire window. Bubble wrap to the rescue! Start by cutting some bubble wrap to the size of your windowpane. Next, use a spray bottle to spray a layer of water on the glass. Press the bubble wrap onto the glass, bubble side first, and you’re done. The best part of this insulation hack is that it can be easily removed and rehung, without damaging your windows. 

Flannel sheets

Flannel sheets are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping warm during the fall and winter months. The fibers that comprise flannel are littered with small air pockets that trap the warmth from your body. Flannel is also a very soft fabric, so you can count on being comfortable and warm through the night. Swap out your synthetic sheets for a layer or two of flannel this winter and thank us later.

Fuzzy rugs

If you tend to get cold feet in the winter, a fuzzy rug might be just what the doctor ordered. Save money and stay busy with a fun DIY fuzzy rug project. This pom pom rug project requires a little bit of patience to make, but the result is well worth the effort. If you don’t want to spend much time on a rug project, this braided t-shirt rug is pretty much a no-brainer.

Electric blankets

Electric blankets may be the best option for people who get cold easily. Grab a cup of tea, a good book and your electric blanket, and hibernate until warmer days’ return!

Stay cozy and warm this fall and winter with these great apartment hacks from Timbercreek Communities. For more information about Timbercreek Communities and our rental properties, please visit our website.