It’s time to get outside and soak up the sun. It’s also time to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Timbercreek wants to help you protect your skin this summer with these skincare tips.

Exfoliate

There is some debate about whether exfoliation during the summer is a good idea. It all depends on how active you are outdoors. If you are spending an extended period of time in the sun, playing sports or hanging out at the beach, you may want to hold off from exfoliating. Exfoliating once per week can help get rid of dead skin cells and help rejuvenate your skin.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen

You need to protect yourself when spending time in the sun. Unfortunately, some sunscreens contain toxic ingredients, such as parabens. They are widely used as a preservative. While they do a great job to help protect the shelflife of products, they can also disrupt the endocrine system and interfere with proper hormone function. Studies indicate that some types of parabens may react with UVB rays when applied to the skin and lead to increased skin aging and DNA damage. Look for paraben-free sunscreen.

Hydrate

Severe dehydration has serious health consequences, but even mild dehydration can be damaging, so make hydration a habit. Always carry a water bottle and/or keep one at your desk. Studies show that people feel more alert immediately after drinking water. Drink whenever you get that hazy or frazzled feeling. Sip on a cup of herbal tea at night to both unwind and hydrate. You should also eat water-rich foods. A diet rich in whole foods such as fruit and veggies will increase your fluid intake automatically.

Cover Up (hats, cover ups)

The most effective way to protect your skin from the sun this summer is to keep it covered. A breathable, wide-brimmed hat is a good start. In addition to blocking UV rays, clothes can block some of the infrared rays that make you feel hot. You can choose fabrics like linen, or wear a light scarf or a breezy cover up.

SPF Lipsticks & Moisturizers

After you’ve applied non-toxic sunscreen, don’t overlook your lips. Your lips need sun protection, too. Look for lipsticks and lip balms with SPF. You can also save yourself some time and give yourself one less thing to remember by choosing a moisturizer that does double duty.

Timbercreek wishes you a happy and healthy summer. Get out there and enjoy the sun in a safe way with these skincare tips. To find your home in one of Timbercreek’s Communities, please visit our website.

Whether you plan to paddle or hike, camping is a great opportunity to take in the beauty of earth, water, sun, and forrest. 2017 is a great time to camp because Canadian National Parks are free in honour of Canada’s 150th Birthday. While most people choose to camp in the golden months of summer, it’s just as enjoyable in the spring, fall, and even winter with the right gear. If you want to plan an epic camping adventure, but want to keep your gear to a minimum, this post is for you. From stoves to coolers, tents to layers, the variety of conditions and constant threat of dampness makes packing a tricky prospect regardless of the season. To help you get started, Timbercreek has compiled these minimalist packing tips.

Get Current Gear

It’s sometimes surprising to realize the extent to which technology is applied to camping. Materials, weights, tensile strengths and sizes: it’s all tech influenced, and can seriously aid the packing process. Buying modern gear can be pricey but guarantees a lighter load and maximum functionality.

Layers

Packing layers of the right clothing items can reduce your clothing needs. Moisture wicking, lightweight materials pack warmth and functionality into a small package. Leave jeans and cotton shirts at home. Wool is bulky but keeps you warm even when wet. A thin toque will keep your head warm at night. Goretex coats are thin, water resistant, and maintain warmth.

Stuff Sacks & Compression bags

Compression bags and stuff sacks literally force things to be smaller. An otherwise bulky sleeping bag, and even tents, can be reduced in size by half or more when crushed in a compression bag.  

Inflatables

From thermarests to pillows, inflation is a must. Occupying almost zero space when they aren’t pumped full of air, inflatables are ideal for camping. You can find inflatable sleeping mats (and even full mattresses), pillows, chairs and/or cushions, swimming toys, and life preservers with ease - all of which lighten weight and provide creature comforts.

Wineskins And Small Plastic Containers

From water to wine, packing liquids is an age-old camping requirement and packing concern. Modern aluminum and lightweight steel water bottles are fairly common, and keep the weight to size ratio down. Putting bug spray, suntan lotion, liquid medicines, toothpaste, cooking oil, soap, and shampoo into flat plastic or even standard but smaller bottle containers also helps. But more importantly, when it comes to drinks, using modern plastic wineskins instead of bottles reduces size and weight by more than half. This allows for more refreshment in less space -- always a plus on long trips in the woods.

Timbercreek hopes this article helps you minimize your packing for camping trips. For more information about Timbercreek Communities in your city, please visit our website.

Summertime makes planning a vacation painless. School is out, there are multiple long weekends to take advantage of and the weather is almost guaranteed. If you put off planning a vacation this year but have found some free time this summer, Timbercreek Communities has some tips for planning a great last minute vacation.

Set Your Budget

Pretty much everything about a vacation is determined by your budget. How long you can stay away, how far you can travel and what you can do once you get there are just a few of the things that depend on it. A last minute vacation is spontaneous by nature, but still requires some planning. Figure out how much you can afford to spend before you go. Keep in mind that hotter destinations, like the Caribbean, are in off-season during the summer making them much more affordable. You can even find some great deals on unsold cabins on cruises a week or two before departure.

Determine Your Destination

You may have a list of dream destinations on your travel bucket list but you should also keep an open mind about locations that present themselves while searching for last minute flights. It may not be what you originally had in mind, but spontaneity is key to any great last minute travel experience.

Make the Time to Travel

If you wait for the perfect time to travel, you may find yourself waiting your whole life. There may never be a perfect time, you have to make the time you have perfect. Research has shown that travel is good for you, so don’t put it off. Can you add a vacation day or two to a summer long weekend? Even if it’s only for a long weekend, it’s better than nothing. Don't stand in the way of your travel dreams.

Know Where You Will Stay

Don’t go overboard with the spontaneity. Picking up and leaving last minute can be a great feeling, but having nowhere to stay when you get there is not. Plus, they will probably ask you at customs where you are staying. If you are planning a longer vacation, book a hotel for the first few days at least. That will give you time to plan your next move once you get there.

Go it Alone

It can be hard for family members or a group of friends to be spontaneous at the same time. Don’t be afraid to go solo. Traveling alone lets you make the most of your time, doing only what you want to do. You can stay on the cheap in a hostel and meet new people, or sign up for a tour group if you don’t want to spend too much time by yourself.

Timbercreek bids you bon voyage and hopes these tips help you make the most of your time off this summer. To find your home with Timbercreek Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

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.