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.

Spring isn’t the only season for cleaning. Fall is a time of transition and is a great time to start fresh with a clean and organized space. If you plan to tackle a little fall cleaning in your apartment, you need these 5 fall cleaning hacks from Timbercreek Communities. These cleaning hacks won’t just help you clean your apartment, they’ll make your life easier too.

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing colour and there is a cool bite to the morning air. Weather like this that makes you want to dig into a warm piece of homemade pie. You don’t need an excuse like Thanksgiving to bake a pie, all you need are some fresh ingredients and a little quality time in your kitchen in your Timbercreek Community.

Let’s dig in, shall we?!

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Apples are in season right now. Grab a few at your local market and try your hand at baking a classic Deep Dish Apple Pie. Use a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Braeburn, or Golden Delicious for best results. Using pre-cooked apples allows you to get twice as many apples stuffed into the deep dish crust.

Pumpkin pie may just be the perfect fall pie. When prepared well, a pumpkin pie is rich and lightly spiced with a creamy, custard texture. This video will show you how to bake a perfect pumpkin pie, every time. You’ll even learn how to prevent your pie from cracking while cooking.Pumpkin Pie

Quebec Sugar Pie

If you haven’t tasted a piece of Quebec Sugar Pie, you need to get on it. In Quebec, it’s called Tarte au Sucre, which means sugar pie. This super sweet treat will satisfy your sweet craving, but enjoy responsibly -- it has a lot of sugar in it!

Caramel Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is pretty close to perfection on a plate, but it gets better! Improve on the classic with the addition of gooey salted caramel. This Caramel Pecan Pie is rich, sweet, indulgent and bold. Enjoy a warm slice of this nutty pie with some whipped cream or ice cream and a cup of bold black coffee.

Butternut Squash Pie

Many people think pumpkin pie is the best fall pie around. We disagree! We love Butternut Squash Pie because it’s even smoother and creamier than pumpkin pie. It’s simple to make and tastes great on a cool fall day. It only takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about an hour in the oven and a then a few more hours in the fridge to cool.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is another close relative to pumpkin pie. Whipped sweet potatoes and sweetened condensed milk combine to create a decadent tasting filling. This pie is a smooth and creamy treat without any of the sharpness or bitterness of pumpkin pie. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Apple Crisp

The cool, crisp days of fall are perfect for Apple Crisp. If you love pie but are a little indifferent to crust, or you don’t have the time to bake a full pie, then crisp may be for you. All you have to do is mix sweetened apples and cinnamon in a bowl and then prepare a simple streusel topping of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter and bake it all for about an hour.

There’s almost nothing more satisfying than a warm piece of pie in the fall. Pre-heat the oven and put the kettle on. Timbercreek hopes these recipes inspire you to bake some spectacular fall pies.

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

Fall is hiking season in Ottawa. There’s no better time to experience the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. Pack a picnic lunch, grab a water bottle and get ready to explore Ottawa starting with one of today’s top five top best fall hikes from Timbercreek Communities.

Stony Swamp

There’s nowhere as ecologically diverse as Stony Swamp in the Ottawa Valley. Classes as a Provincially Significant Wetland, there are over 700 species of plants that call this conservation land home -- over 50 of which are considered extremely rare for the region. Stony Swamp is also an excellent area for birdwatchers. Located less than 20 minutes southwest of Ottawa, the park has over 40 kilometres of hiking trails to explore.

Shirleys Bay

The TransCanada Trail is one of the best trails for hiking in Canada. While all 20,000 miles of pathway might be a bit ambitious for the fall, you can experience a sliver of the route at various points in and around Ottawa. One great spot is Shirleys Bay, located west of the city. Shirleys Bay is the largest marshland in the area, perfect for birdwatching or an easy hike through seven kilometres of trails.

Beaver Pond Trail

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, the hiking trails at Algonquin Provincial Park have an excellent reputation. Beaver Pond Trail is a two kilometre route that is just difficult enough and certainly beautiful enough to warrant the two-hour drive from Ottawa. This time of year, expect an incredible array of fall foliage here.

Gatineau Park

One of the best spots for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views of fall foliage is just a 15-minute drive from Ottawa. Gatineau Park is the perfect spot for a weekend hike. You can also check out Fall Rhapsody while you’re in the area -- an annual autumn celebration that includes family activities and exhibits. 

Ottawa River Pathway

You never know when you might want to take a hike -- getting out of town isn’t always an option.Winding through downtown, the Ottawa River Pathway is a great trail to explore that’s located in the heart of the city. The trail is relatively easy to navigate thanks to clearly defined paths. Expect multiple scenic lookouts and picnic spots along the way.

Before winter catches you off guard, enjoy some time in the great outdoors. We hope you enjoy one of today’s Ottawa hiking trail suggestions from Timbercreek Communities. For more information about Ottawa’s Timbercreek Communities apartments, visit our website. 

We love how many fun places there are to visit in October! From picturesque apple orchards to terrifying fear farms, today’s list of five local destinations for fall fun includes a little something for everyone.

Kitchener-Waterloo Fear Farm

Prepare to be scared. The Kitchener-Waterloo Fear Farm (936685 Blenheim Road) is not for the faint of heart — or anyone under the age of five. This terrifying destination is recommended for fearless 15+ year olds. Fear Farm is open Fridays through Sundays, 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., all month long. If you survive one of the farm’s five terrifying haunts, treat yourself to the Creep-tastic Candy Park, The Gruesome Autumn Grill, The Freakish Fritter House or the brand-new Blood-Curdling Bakery. Check out this amazing farm early in the evening to avoid lines.

Bingemans Screampark

So you survived the Fear Farm, are you ready for something a little more intense? Bingemans Screampark (425 Bingemans Centre Drive) in Kitchener is just a 15-minute drive from Mooregate Apartments (50, 66 & 80 Mooregate Crescent). Last year over 7,000 guests were too scared to complete the haunt. Can you handle it?

Clovermead Honey and Adventure Farm

For those who prefer not to be terrified this fall but still want to enjoy a memorable daytrip, Clovermead Honey and Adventure Farm (1302 Imperial Road) is the quintessential family-friendly October outing. Their adorable slogan, “Jump, Play, and Bee Happy,” tells you just about everything you need to know about this Alymer attraction. Activities include a corn maze, wagon rides, jumping pillows and farm animals. Online reservations are encouraged to avoid long lines.

Kustermans Fall Festival

Located near London, Kustermans (23188 Springwell Road) is the perfect mix of family-friendly fun (during the day) and spooky festivities (at night). While the sun shines, visit Kustermans for fun for all ages including train rides, giant jumping pillows, zip lines, farmcade games and more. At night, if you dare, take part in your choice of two horrifying haunt tours. Visit Kustermans on weekends in October. The venue will also extend its opening hours on Thursday, October 27th.

Apple Land Station

One of the best things about fall is fresh, delicious apples. Pick your own apples, find the perfect fall pumpkin and say hello to the friendly farm animals at Apple Land Station (329 Richmond Street) -- a first-generation farm located near Thorndale. If you pay the farm a visit, be sure to take home a sweet treat from the bakery. Fall festivities run daily with different hours depending on the day. Visit the Apple Land website to learn more.

We hope you explore these fun places near London and Waterloo this October. Best of all, they are located within a short drive from your Timbercreek Communities Apartment. Want more information about Timbercreek Communities? Simply visit our website today.