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.

We could all use a little more space. When you don’t have any extra square footage to work with in your home, it’s important to use the space you have to the fullest. Timbercreek Communities has 5 ideas for small living spaces that will make you feel like you’re living large(r)!

Choose Simple Furniture

Furniture with simple lines makes a small apartment feel cozier. These sofas are great options for small spaces.

Add Hidden Storage

One of the most effective ways to maximize your space is to add hidden storage. Your Timbercreek apartment is your place for your everything and it is important to make sure everything in it has it’s own place. Even large spaces can feel cramped and cluttered when they are not well organized. Get creative and declutter your space this weekend.

“Invisible” Pieces

It’s not magic, it’s lucite. Lucite is a clear, acrylic material that is strong and transparent. Lucite furniture creates the illusion of more space in a tight space because it feels like it’s barely there at all. A lucite coffee table and/or lucite chairs can make your small space feel more open. Light will pass right through the pieces and make the whole room feel less cramped.

Plants Add Depth

Liven up a small space by adding some life to it. The right plants can add depth to tiny spaces. Peace Lilies, Spider Plants and Aloe Vera thrive in high or low light conditions and even clean the air.

Add Mirrors

Well placed mirrors are one of the easiest ways to make a small space feel larger. They trick the mind and make small spaces feel less cramped. Try adding them to areas like your hallway or your bedroom, you’ll be amazed by the new dimension they add.

Timbercreek Communities hope that this post helps to put you in the proper headspace to make the most of your space.

For more information on Timbercreek Rental Communities, please see our website.

Whether you’ve just made the transition from school to work, or have been grinding away at the office for years, it goes without saying that young professionals today are busy multi-taskers. When it comes to making meals, keeping recipes as simple as possible is key, so is having the right foundation ingredients. To help you plan ahead, Timbercreek Communities has put together this list of 14 ingredients every young professional should have in their kitchen. Keep them on hand so that you can whip up whatever you like, without having to put too much thought into the grocery list.

Flour

Flour is the base for so much of what we eat today --  breads, muffins, cakes, fritters, beer-battered delights and more. This glutinous staple has been a standby for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and for good reason.

Salt

This one speaks for itself. Salt goes well on just about any dish, and bumps up the bland ones. Just be careful you don’t overdo it — too much sodium can be detrimental to your diet. Foodies will love the many varieties of specialty salt now available in premium grocery stores like Whole Foods — they make a great finishing touch on your dish. If you’re health conscious, try some pink Himalayan salt — it contains all the minerals your body needs to thrive.

Pepper 

Salt’s spicy counterpart, pepper, will amp up any savoury dish to its full potential. For added freshness, arm your spice arsenal with a pepper mill and a stocked supply of peppercorns. Foodies will love experimenting with different varieties of pepper like pink and red peppercorns which taste subtly different. Health conscious people should try it with turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that becomes much more absorbable when paired with pepper.

Tomato paste 

Though it's not delicious on its own, this canned treasure plays a big role in many dishes - like tomato sauce, chili, curry, shepherd’s pie and stew. Check out these great ideas for what to do with leftover tomato paste.

Lemon 

You can’t go wrong with having a lemon handy at all times. Dressings, juices, soups and salads all incorporate this wonderful, tart fruit. Not to mention lemon water — which, according to many, is great for digestive health.

Ginger 

Ginger plays a starring and supporting role in many classic dishes. Curries, soups and sauces all incorporate this invigorating spice. Fresh ginger and hot water makes a great digestion enhancing tea. Be sure to keep this one in your kitchen, it's available at grocery stores in either fresh root or powder-form.

Sugar 

From sweets like pies, cakes and cookies, to more savoury dishes like baked ham, sugared sirloins, or eggplant parmesan, this granulated cane product comes in handy more often than you’d think.

Garlic 

An age-old flavour-booster, key ingredient in many recipes and wellness aide, garlic is essentially, a miracle food. Check out some great uses for it here.

Onion 

This layered vegetable has many uses, but is primarily used to infuse a distinct, delicious savoury flavour into anything from sandwiches and salads, to pastas and wraps.

Vinegar 

This thin, acidic liquid will come in handy more often than not. Whether you have malt vinegar, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or anything in between — from vinaigrettes to cleaning solutions, this ingredient is a must-have for your cupboard. Check out some of its many household uses here.

Olive oil  

A frying pan staple, this wholesome oil will come in handy in many instances. And remember, even though it's fattening, it’s good fat!

Pasta 

Cheap, quick and easy to make — a box or two of pasta should always be in your cupboard. You never know when Uncle Tony might stop by for some spaghetti.

Soy sauce 

Like vinegar, soy sauce plays a major role in many dishes, especially Asian dishes. It offers an umami-packed saltiness and can add a lot of depth of flavour to your recipes. Check out some great recipes for this food staple here.

Parmesan

Who doesn’t love cheese? Shaved parmesan is what makes a Caesar salad so delicious, and the secret ingredient that adds rich flavour to countless pasta sauces. We prefer buying good quality parmesan in block form and grating it fresh but powdered parmesan will kick up just about any savoury dish too if you’re on a budget. Be sure to keep this exquisite cheese in your fridge at all times.

We hope you use this list to stock up on food items that will come in handy over and over again.

For more information on Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, 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. 

Your bathroom is one of the most regularly used rooms in your apartment so why not make it your own? Adding a touch of style to your bathroom can be easy to do and completely reversible (in case you want to switch things up in the future). Get started this weekend with one of these creative bathroom decorating hacks.

(Photo: 236 Richmond Road)

Put Up a Stylish Shower Curtain

A new shower curtain can add a little personality to any bathroom, no hard hat or tools required. Pick up an affordable curtain from your local department store, or go big with a unique curtain created by an independent artist on Etsy.

Add a Statement Rug/Bath Mat

You’ll thank yourself for finally adding some style to your bathroom each and every time you walk into the room or step out of your shower. Save yourself a trip to the store, and a few extra dollars, with a fun and affordable DIY bath mat project.

Arrange Some Art

Sometimes it’s more about the arrangement than the art. Just about anything can look stylish when arranged and hung creatively. Consider a cool gallery-style display using ceramics you already have on hand, or mimic this creative arrangement made with postcards. 

Get a Plant

We recommend plants that are happy in humidity and fine without direct sunlight. Favourites include the Boston Fern, a Spider Plant or bamboo, each of which offer their own unique aesthetic and air-freshening capabilities.

Store Things in Style

What’s better than functional decor, especially in the bathroom? Create a stylish storage box that’s both full of character and completely practical, or try one of these witty ways of storing toilet paper.

Give your bathroom the love it deserves with a mini makeover. Start this weekend with one of today’s home styling tips that are easy and reversible. For more information about spacious Timbercreek Communities apartments, please visit our website. 

Let’s face it, winter in Canada can be rough! The cold, dark days of winter seem to last forever. During the winter months, it's easy to just want to curl up on the couch with a good book, and that’s fine, some of the time. But don’t let winter beat you! Winter may be the most important season to stay active. Keeping your workouts fresh and challenging is a great way to stay motivated. Timbercreek Communities knows how tough this time of year can be, and we’re on your side! Check out our list of 5 ways to avoid a winter workout rut.

Go for a Winter Run

In the dead of winter, you might not be able to control the weather, but you can control your reaction to it. It’s winter, it’s cold, keep going! We recommend working in an invigorating outdoor run (at 60% to 80% of your maximum effort) once or twice a week. Running in winter helps you burn more calories because of the combination of exercise and keeping your body warm. If you are looking for a challenge, running in snow is more difficult due to the resistance the snow creates for your body. The added intensity allows you to get more done in less time. Before you lace up your running shoes, check out these winter running tips to stay safe and motivated.

Treat Yourself to Some New Gear

Whether you plan to working out outdoors or not, some new workout gear may be a good idea to avoid a winter workout rut. If you are going to be outside, you’ll need to be warm and you’ll need footwear that works in the snow. If your are going to be indoors at the gym, or even working out at home at your Timbercreek Apartment, some new clothes can help keep you motivated. You’ll look better while working out and you’ll want to justify the new purchase. There's no need to over spend on the highest end gear, buy what you can afford -- just enough to remind you that you are worth the investment.

Set Goals

When you find yourself in the dead of winter, it can seem like there is no end in sight. Try to keep in mind that no matter how long the winter drags, Spring is just around the corner, and after springtime, comes summer. If you want to feel good and look good by the summer, you need to put in the work in the winter. Set goals for yourself. Whether you are looking to lose weight, get stronger or get faster (or all three), it’s important to set concrete goals that are MAT: (M)easureable, (A)chievable and (T)imed. Even if you don’t succeed in hitting your goals, having something to work toward and charting your progress will help motivate you through a long, cold winter.

Join A League or a Team

If you’re having trouble staying motivated during the dark, cold months, consider joining a league or team. Most cities across the country including Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton, offer organized leagues or pick up games throughout the year. It’s a great way to have some fun and meet some new people while you stay in shape.

Have Fun

Exercise can be fun! What's your favourite winter activity? Do it as much as you can. It can be downhill or cross country skiing, ice skating, running or anything that gets you out there. Simply getting outside during the winter months can have a huge beneficial impact on your health, fitness and mood. The lack of sunlight in the winter can cause serotonin levels (a mood enhancing chemical in the brain) to drop. That can have a negative effect on your mood as well as make you feel more tired, hungry and craving more comforting carbs. Exercise, especially outdoors, can help combat this condition.

We hope these 5 ways to avoid a winter workout rut help you power your way through winter. 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.

Roommates have been there day in and day out, whether they wanted to be or not, and you couldn’t have gotten through it all without them. Make the holidays your time to say thank you, starting with one of these clever gifts!

Key holder

A key holder can be a useful gift for a roommate who’s always losing their keys. If you’re the one who seems to be losing things the most, give this communal gift as a promise that you’ll take more care.

Shave Subscription

An electric shaver is a lame Christmas gift. A Shave Subscription is an awesome Christmas gift. Give your roommate the gift that keeps on giving with high-quality blades sent each month, perfectly on cue.

Great Power Great Electricity Bill Crewneck Sweater

Does your roommate often forget to turn off the lights? Tell him or her how you really feel with this hilarious sweater.

Beard Bib

No more little hairs all over the bathroom sink, a Beard Bib guarantees cleanliness, plus hilarious photos.

TubShroom The Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector

Hair in the shower drain belongs high up on the list of Worst Roommate Pet Peeves. Who knew the solution to this endless struggle would be just $12.99 on Amazon?

Hair Tie Bracelet Cuff

A Hair Tie Bracelet Cuff may sound crazy, but it totally makes sense. Anyone with long hair can attest -- it’s annoying getting wrist dents because of tight hair ties. This bracelet keeps your hair tie stylishly handy without any uncomfortable indentations.  

Wireless Earbud Headphones

Tired of your roomie complaining about your loud music? Wireless Earbud Headphones have a tangle-resistant design and cords that hang comfortably behind the neck.   

Candle Lovers

If you’re looking for a gift that you and your roommate will enjoy, gift a candle this holiday season. Choose a seasonal scent like Frosted Cranberry or Marshmallow Fireside. This gift gives back, making your apartment smell like a cozy winter wonderland.

Say thanks to the gal or guy with one of these creative roomie gifts. For more information about Timbercreek Communities Apartments, simply 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. 

Roommates can be your new best friends or the bane of your existence. At one point or another, we all have to deal with them. Learn how you can avoid awkward confrontations and unfortunate situations in your apartment with our Living with Roomies: Survival Guide put together by the apartment experts at Timbercreek Communities.



Look For Red Flags

Searching for roomies isn’t easy, especially if you’re new to the city. As the hunt drags on, you may be tempted to jump into whatever setup you find first. Be sure to look for red flags before you make your choice. Meet your potential roommate(s) over coffee to get a feel for how you interact. Ask important questions, and trust your instincts. If you don’t like the person all that much after chatting, there’s a good chance you won’t get along when you’re sharing a living room.

Put Everything In Writing

When you become roommates with a stranger, it’s a good idea to put everything in writing with a roommate agreement. How you split the rent, which spaces are shared spaces and whether or not overnight guests are welcome are all details to put into writing to prevent arguments in the future.

Talk About Money Before

The big ‘M’ conversation should happen before anything and everything else. Everyone needs to agree, and then put into writing, the exact dollars and cents they’re responsible for. Pro tip? Decide in advance how each person is paying and who is responsible to deliver the payment to management every month.

Declare Some House Rules

House rules are a great idea. They’ll keep you sane and prevent you and your roomies from driving each other crazy. Grab some pizza, pull out a notepad and have each person declare their own boundaries and guidelines upfront. Get crafty and turn your rules into decor.

Prepare To Compromise

Even if you do everything by the book, no roommate situation is perfect. When something comes up, take a deep breath, relax and prepare to compromise to find a solution that works for everyone.

Good luck as you get settled with your new roomies! For excellent apartments in Canada’s finest cities nationwide, check out Timbercreek Communities today.