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 spend roughly 1.5 years in the bathroom in our lifetime. While it may seem like a chore to most men, personalizing your bathroom can go a long way. From hardware to software, it doesn’t take much to make your bathroom both more civilized and more masculine. To help you get started, Timbercreek has a few ways to create a more masculine bathroom.

Dark Tones: Navy, Grey, Taupe.

Try incorporating a dark-toned colour palette into the space (think navy, grey, olive and taupe) through standard bathroom items like new towels, a shower curtain, a bath mat, etc. These small changes can make a big impact and totally revamp the look of the space.

Incorporate Metals Into Finishes: Chrome, Pewter, Copper, Brushed Steel

Nothing says masculine like a little metal. Whether you are renovating or renting, incorporating metal finishes and accents can make any bathroom more masculine. Easy bathroom features to swap out include towel racks, toilet paper holders, garbage cans, and soap dishes and dispensers.

Better Towels

Ditch your stack of ratty, musty, thin, washed-too-many-times towels and invest in some new plush, high quality towels.  Nice towels make bathroom time more enjoyable. To keep the look masculine stick to dark tones or white.

Non-Traditional Objects: Repurposed Items

If you’re on a budget, thinking beyond the bathroom aisle never hurts. Try a tin pail for a garbage can or a pencil holder for toothbrushes. Use a small area rug instead of a bathmat -- the sky’s the limit! While Bed Bath and Beyond would have us believe otherwise, bath furnishings can come from anywhere.

Add Personal Touches:

Photos from trips or special interests are always nice accents.  Race cars, beach tanning, travel pics, even a 50s era pinup poster can add warmth and personality to a bathroom space. 

Have Fun With Shower Curtains

If you don’t care about quality, shower curtains can be really inexpensive. They come in a myriad of colours, shapes, textures and opacity and are easy to replace when you get bored. There may be no easier, faster, or cheaper way to give your bathroom a macho makeover than a new masculine shower curtain. Stick to dark colours, simple patterns, or no pattern at all.

Aftershave

A bottle of your favourite aftershave, or even classic Old Spice or Aqua Velva, will make your bathroom smell more masculine. While it’s easy to overdo cologne, a nice traditional aftershave (applied sparingly) will give you and your bathroom a masculine scent that’s not overpowering.

Well Placed Magazines

Bathroom reading is a thing for a reason. There’s nothing more manly than a selection of fishing, hunting, or video game magazines to help pass the time.  A dash of Scientific American or The Economist can help up the class factor and keep you informed. 

Air Freshener

A good air freshener can make a big impact.  Be careful to choose a good quality brand and a relatively subtle scent. Cheap air fresheners are semi toxic and stick to nasal passages, while good quality air fresheners cover odors but aren’t harmful.

A Good Stock of TP

It’s safe to say most men usually keep the bare minimum of toilet paper on hand. Having a fresh well stocked supply of toilet paper is nice for guests and will ensure you are prepared for anything that comes your way.

Timbercreek hopes this list helps make your bathroom more masculine.  For more information about Timbercreek Communities in your city, please visit our website.

The term business casual is hard to define. From dress shirts and chinos to t-shirts and jeans, there are many interpretations of the term. For employees of companies that still require that men wear weekday suits to the office, business casual may mean no-jacket Fridays. Many businesses today have flexible dress codes, while some have no dress codes at all. If you’re unsure of what your version of casual men’s attire looks like, Timbercreek has some questions and considerations that will help you out.

Is It Business?  Or Is It Casual?

Many feel it's a faux pas to assume any outfit with a blazer qualifies as business casual.  As Restart Your Style points out, business casual is still a dress code for business.  As such, dressing up a casual outfit isn't the goal: making semi-formal business attire more casual and comfortable is. Check out more here.

Jeans Don't Count

John Mayer popularized the blazer-over-hoodie-with-jeans look in the mid-2000s. While the ‘put a blazer on it’ mentality certainly upsells some looks, for many, it just doesn’t cut it as business casual. While jeans are great, and many office environments today promote them, if you're going to wear them to work it’s best to stick to a high quality pair. Opt for new, dark, unripped jeans, and leave the hoodie at home -- unless you skateboard for a living.

Programmer Chic

In the tech industry, home and "remote" work are on the rise. If you work remotely, and rarely meet with clients and colleagues, there’s no need for a closet full of office attire. For the rare times you do have to venture out, it’s good to have some clothing to wear that matches the style of your colleagues or clients,whether that be dress pants or jeans depends on them.

Google Grade

While Google isn't the only company doing it (Twitter, Facebook, and Apple for example), they set the bar for the ping-pong office. With foosball, video games, yoga, DJing, and scheduled play among many strategies to improve performance and promote employee culture, dress codes have followed suit. In fact, one of Google’s philosophies is that 'you can be serious without a suit.' Learn more here.

No Single Answer

One traditional definition suggests "business casual for men means wearing a pair of smart pants [i.e. slacks, chinos, or dress pants], a collared shirt, a sweater or blazer, and relaxed but elegant shoes." “Another author wrote in the Financial Times that ‘ordinarily business casual for guys seems fairly clear. It is a pair of chinos, a blazer and a good shirt, no tie.’" But the reality is, every industry is different. The traditional approach may apply to careers in finance and government, but in software development, advertising, design, and any kind of freelance work, the rules have changed. One key point to remember however: when interviewing, meeting a client, attending a performance review, or otherwise making an impression, it never hurts to dress up. Read more here and here.

Timbercreek hopes this list helps you understand casual men’s attire. 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.

Some of the best design trends come from Scandinavia. 2016 was the year of Hygge (pronounced “hue-guh”) a Danish concept which had us hanging string lights and embracing firelight, knit slippers and hot drinks, dip dyed tassels and gold garlands all in the name of feeling cosy. Hygge is really more of a mood than an actual style motif, and it’s easy to love and make your own. While we think hygge is wonderful, as we roll into 2017 this comfort-seeking style is being replaced by another trend known as Lagom. Similarly tongue-twisting (the la is pronounced “bar”, and gom sounds like “prom”), Lagom is all about monochrome and minimalism. The look involves stark contrast, an abundance of white, and elegant simplicity. Already taking over Pinterest and instagram, you’ve probably encountered examples of Lagom online. To help you get on trend, Timbercreek Communities presents Lagom, the philosophy of stylish simplicity taking the design world by storm.

IKEA’s Live Lagom Collection

A simple Swedish philosophy for everyday life, Lagom means ‘just the right amount’. According to IKEA, “It’s based on the idea that we can strike a healthy balance with the world around us without having to make extreme changes, and without denying ourselves anything. With LAGOM in mind, we think you can live a more sustainable, healthy and cost-conscious life at home, without any dramatic upheaval.” More than an effort to sell, IKEA’s Live LAGOM project is an active community aiming to help save energy and water, reduce waste and promote a healthy lifestyle. Check out more here.

Lagom Magazine

A style mag founded in 2014 by Bristol-based husband-and-wife team Elliot and Samantha Stocks, Lagom “is a celebration of innovation and creativity — a lifestyle magazine showcasing those who achieve a sense of balance between work and play.” Exhibiting the Lagom philosophy, the magazine prides itself on a grounded, humble aesthetic, showcasing three distinct areas: Spaces & Places, Craft & Create, and Escape & Recharge. Check out Lagom magazine’s website for more info on Lagom and style inspiration.

Lagom and Minimalism

According to Wikipedia, Lagom, “is said to describe the basis of the Swedish national psyche, one of consensus and equality (where) it is still widely considered ideal to be modest and avoid extremes.” Lagom is embodied by the value of "just enough".  It can be compared to the "less is more" western idiom, and stands in contrast to the value of "more is better". It is viewed favorably as a sustainable alternative to the hoarding extremes of consumerism.” If you enjoy the concept and want to bring it into your life and home, minimalism is a good place to start. To create a Lagom inspired space, look for well designed and functional pieces and keep your rooms sparse -- do not overcrowd them with furniture and knick knacks. Less is infinitely more.

Read more on Hygge here, and Lagom here.

We could all benefit from embracing a philosophy like Lagom. We hope this guide to Lagom inspires you to redefine your space and embrace simplicity.

For more information on Timbercreek 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.

When life leaves you feeling wound up, nothing is as relaxing as a spa day. A little indulgence can go a long way for your health. You deserve to take it easy. Timbercreek Communities has put together this list of the top 5 spas in Ontario to visit when you need a break or can be a great Mother’s Day gift!

Ste. Anne’s Spa

Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario is located about 90 minutes east of Toronto. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort offers guests day or over-night accommodations in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere that promotes a feeling of genuine calm. Guests can select their own personal spa experience with a full line of services and wellness classes. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a healthy and wholesome meal in their full service dining room.

The Spa at White Oaks

The Spa at White Oaks in Niagara-on-the-Lake features 17 treatment rooms where guests can treat themselves to the very best. Choose from aromatherapy facials, body wraps, microdermabrasion treatments and more.

Body Blitz Spa

Body Blitz Spa is a water spa that caters to women in their two downtown Toronto locations. Both locations feature identical services. Guests can bathe in the spa’s therapeutic waters and indulge in premium services from the spa menu to create their own ultimate unwinding experience.

Scandinave Spa

Collingwood is about two hours north of Toronto and home to The Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain. Here guests experience a unique Nordic-inspired, outdoor spa. Visit to indulge in body warming steam baths, hot baths and Finnish sauna, before taking the plunge into the cold bath. Finish off your visit with a Swedish or hot stone massage.

Miraj Hammam Spa at Shangri La

Envelop yourself in luxury at Shangri La’s Miraj Hammam Spa, an oasis within the city of Toronto. This Moroccan-themed spa features “hammams” where steam and exfoliation are used to detoxify and rejuvenate. But that is only the beginning. Stay for a massage, facial or body care treatment -- like a honey and wine body wrap.

Timbercreek Communities hopes this list of the top 5 spas in Ontario inspires you to take some time for yourself or with your mom as a nice getaway. Relax, unwind and shrug off some stress at one of these amazing spas.

The one thing that we can control is our reaction to stress. Developing a meditation practice has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood and immunity, along with many other benefits. Timbercreek Communities is here to show you how to easily incorporate yoga or meditation into your day.

In the Morning

Meditation first thing in the morning is a great way to prime yourself for the day ahead. It can prepare you for the challenges the day will bring, and help you deal with stress before it starts. It helps set a positive tone for the day. Be sure to get enough sleep because if you are over-tired you may simply fall back asleep during your meditation. Be sure to give yourself enough time so your meditation doesn’t feel like one more chore you don’t have time for.

Before Going to Bed

If you go to bed tense and stressed, you’re not going to get the restful sleep that you need. Meditating just before bed is a great idea. Give yourself a few minutes to lie down, focus your mind and breath, and prepare yourself for sleep.

While you wait

With enough meditation practice, you will be able to enter a meditative state more easily. The more you practice, the easier it will get and you will be able to take meditative breaks anywhere. Close your eyes (never while driving) and focus only on your breath or the sounds around you. Even 30 seconds whenever you can throughout the day can be effective, if you use that time effectively, with focus.

Practice mindful eating

A goal of meditation is to bring you into the present moment with attention. You can do this whenever you take a bite of food throughout the day and practice mindful eating. Pay attention to what you are eating. The flavours, the textures, the sound of chewing. It can also be effective in changing your diet to more healthful food because you are paying attention to what you are putting into your body.

Get on your Mat

Yoga is a form of moving meditation. You can exercise and meditate at the same time. In yoga, movement and breath are linked and you can practice maintaining a calm inner focus, no matter what strenuous work you are doing or what stresses are coming at you. Youtube yogis like Tara Stiles make it easy to incorporate incredibly short yoga practices into your day, any time, anywhere.

Timbercreek Communities hopes that you feel inspired by these tips for how to easily incorporate yoga or meditation into your day.

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.

When life gives you lemons, don’t make lemonade – make natural products to use around your Timbercreek Apartment! These natural lemon creations can replace store bought items that contain harmful chemicals and additives. Best of all, these natural products work just as well as their commercial alternatives.

Fridge Deodorizer

Using chemical-laden products close to your food feels like a bad idea. Thankfully, all you need for a natural fridge deodorizer is some lemon juice and cotton balls! Remove and discard all spoiled food from your fridge, transfer smelly foods (like cheese, onions and fish) to airtight containers, and then soak a few cotton balls in lemon juice and leave them in your fridge for 4 to 6 hours. That’s it! Repeat this process every few weeks, or whenever you detect unpleasant odours.

All Purpose Cleaner/Natural Bleach Alternative

Clean your Timbercreek apartment and leave a pleasant lemony scent in the air with this simple Three Ingredient All Purpose Cleaner. The ingredients for this non-toxic, natural cleaner are lemon juice, water and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution which is available from any drugstore. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is the only germicidal agent that contains only water and oxygen. It kills microorganisms through oxidation. The lemon juice breaks down grease and grime. This homemade solution can even be used as a natural bleach alternative.

Homemade Mouthwash

It's easy to make your own homemade mouthwash. All you need is lemon juice, water and cinnamon. This mixture will freshen your breath and clean your mouth without chemicals like benzoic acid, sodium benzoate and poloxamer 407 (sounds pretty harmful).

Natural Insect Repellant

Lemons can be used as a natural insect repellent to deter uninvited guests that may have found their way into your home. Apply some fresh squeezed lemon juice along floors, windowsills, or anywhere an ant has appeared. You can also place dried lemon peels in your closets to deter moths and leave a fresh scent.

We hope this helps you find new uses for your leftover lemons and helps you replace harmful chemicals in your home.

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