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.

The weather is getting warmer, the birds are singing and your apartment is probably cluttered from hibernation. It’s time for spring cleaning! Timbercreek Communities has some great tips for how to declutter your apartment this spring.

A Place For Everything

If you don’t have a place for all of your things, it’s possible that you don’t need to hang on to all those things. Life is more simple and less stressful when things are out of the way and organized. It’s also great when you know where everything is and where everything goes. If you can’t find a place for it in your home, perhaps it doesn’t need a place in your heart.

Don’t Take on Too Much

Most of us don’t have the time, energy or focus to spend an entire day cleaning and organizing. You need to organize your efforts. Break the job down, room by room or task by task, it’s up to you. Be efficient and plan to spend 2 or 3 hours per room or task. Be sure to take a well deserved break if you need it.

Use it or Lose It

How many times have you gone through your closets and cupboards and decided to hold onto something because you may need it one day? If you haven’t used that ice cream maker you got for a wedding gift years ago, you probably won’t and that’s okay. Let it go. Sell some things, donate some things, recycle some things and yes, throw away some things that are unusable.

Routine Maintenance

Congratulations! You’ve cleaned-out, decluttered and re-organized. The next step is to realize that you are not done. If you think it’s over, you may feel bad about yourself when you have to clean it up again in month or two. Staying organized requires routine maintenance and regular upkeep. The good news is that your new organizing system will be easier to maintain, with less clutter, than before.

Being organized can be easy! We hope that with a little time and effort, these tips for how to declutter your apartment this spring will help you will feel lighter and less stressed!

To learn more about Timbercreek Communities across a Canada, please visit our website.

Winter is all about comfort food. The cold weather makes most people want to curl up with something rich and delicious and ride out the storm. Its very important to eat your vegetables in winter because you are more prone to illness during the colder months. The Timbercreek team has a list of 10 ways to get your vegetables this winter.

Start With Soups

A hot bowl of soup can be incredibly comforting on a cold winter night. This basic vegetable soup recipe is easy to make. All you need is vegetable (or chicken) stock, lots of veggies and a little salt and pepper. You can use any vegetables you have on hand. Prefer broccoli instead of cauliflower? No problem. This recipe is so easy to follow, it’s hard to make a mistake.

Sneak Veggies Into Hearty Meals

A great way to get some extra veggies into your everyday life is to sneak them into a hearty meal. This Veggie Bolognese Pasta is satisfying and substantial. The meaty sauce is secretly full of veggies like carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes (technically a fruit, but let’s count it here). We promise you won’t miss the meat.

Roast Them For A Sweet Treat

Roasting veggies brings out their delicious sweet flavour as their natural sugars caramelize. When you come in from out of the cold, hot roasted root veggies can be deeply satisfying on their own or as a side dish. Leftover roasted veggies taste delicious cold the next day.

Sip On Them In Smoothies

Green smoothies are a great way to get some extra veggies in. This Veggie Cocktail, is a healthy take on a Bloody Mary, complete with a classic celery stalk garnish. This version of the cocktail is packed with 2 cups of kale! That’s a lot of greens in a delicious package.

Hide Them In Pancakes

Having trouble getting your kids to eat their veggies? Hide some spinach in your next batch of pancakes! Hulk Pancakes are delicious, healthy and vibrantly green. Kids will love their fun name and bright colour, and won’t be able to detect their healthy secret. 

Embrace Stew

Hearty beef stew with veggies is perhaps the perfect winter meal. The stew’s flavour is so rich and meaty you’d never guess this recipe packs in so many vegetables. Make a big pot of it, keep it in your fridge, and heat up a bowl to warm you up whenever the craving strikes.

Turn them into pasta

Spiralized vegetables offer an amazing new way to eat your veggies. Zucchini Noodles are the most common and a great option if you are looking for grain-free pasta or a way to pack more vegetables into your diet. They are easy to make, all you need is a vegetable spiralizer or mandoline. Add your favourite sauce with even more veggies and you’re on your way to getting your five a day.

Turn Them Into Wings

If you love the taste of buffalo wings, but are trying to eat more vegetables, consider whipping up a batch of cauliflower wings. This video will walk you through the process of preparing your cauliflower and buffalo sauce. Serve them with some blue cheese dressing, carrots and celery sticks.

Bake With Them

Is there anything cozier than baking? Vegetables aren’t just for savoury recipes. This winter, bake a warm loaf of Zucchini Bread to share with friends and family. Grated zucchini keeps the sweet loaf moist and delicious. It’s basically a spice cake with the added benefits of vegetables!

We hope these ideas will help you sneak extra veggies into your meals this winter. To learn more about Timbercreek’s rental communities across Canada, 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.

It’s a common misconception that your furry friend is immune to the cold because of his or her fur coat. Fido’s comfort and safety in winter weather conditions depends on a number of variables, from breed, to age, to general physical stamina and strength. Learn more about how to care for Fido this winter in today’s post from Timbercreek Communities.

Minimizing Outdoor Trips

You can’t keep your dog inside all winter, but when is it safe to go out? Smaller, shorter breeds that walk closer to the snow are usually less resilient in cold weather, along with elderly dogs. Some dog breeds, like huskies, have thicker snow-ready coats than others, like greyhounds. A general rule is that when temperatures fall below zero degrees celsius, no matter the dog, your furry friend is at risk for hypothermia. When the cold hits, check the temps to determine if it’s safe to go out. Consider minimizing your outdoor trips with dog-friendly indoor games and activities.

Paw Pads

Perhaps the biggest perk of paw pads is protection, not from the snow, but rather the salt and chemicals that melt the snow. Invest in a pair of affordable paw pads to keep your dogs paws safe. Love long winter hikes? The second benefit of paw pads is protection from rugged terrain that can potentially cut or damage your pet’s paws.

Grooming

You can’t protect your pup from everything, so grooming during the winter is important. Your local groomer will thoroughly clean any salt or mud that finds its way onto your pet throughout the season.

Do’s and Don’ts for Cold Weather

• Don’t leave your pet unattended outdoors when it’s extremely cold.
• Don’t feed your pet less just because it’s cold; Fido actually requires more energy from food to heat his or her body during the winter months.

• Do take note if your dog begins to shiver, bark or refuse to move, as these can be signs of overexposure to cold.
• Do get a cozy Fido Fleece for smaller pets, or pets with thinner coats.

Proper winter care for your pooch is key. Get started today with one of these tips from the dog lovers at Timbercreek Communities. For more information about pet-friendly Timbercreek Communities apartments, located in five provinces and over 27 cities nationwide, 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.

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. 

You’ve prepped your house and your wardrobe -- now it’s time to get your furry pal ready for winter. Transitioning from fall to winter can be tough for dogs, so here are 8 winter must haves for dogs from Timbercreek Communities are simply essential.

Dog sweater

If your little guy is prone to getting little shaky in the winter, a dog sweater is a great idea. You can find a cute dog sweater at pretty much any pet or department store, but why settle for ordinary when you can find something unique? For the stylish pup, check out Etsy’s online selection of handmade dog sweaters. 

Waterproof dog coat

Dog sweaters are perfect for indoor holiday parties or family gatherings, but when it comes to outdoor festivals and events, you’re going to want something more water resistant or your pet will quickly become cold and uncomfortable. Teckelklub is one of the best brands of dog coats in Canada, specializing in waterproof winter coats that hold warmth in.

Dog boots

Road salt, puddles, snow and ice are just a few of many great reasons to protect your pup’s paws this winter. The dog boots you choose should meet this basic criteria. Dog boots need to have excellent traction and water resistance in order to be worth the expense, let alone the hassle of actually putting them on your dog.  

Dog blankets

Give your best friend a cozy blanket to warm up with on cold winter nights. Dog blankets are a great buy this time of year and, if ordered online through Amazon, impressively affordable. 

Safety light

A safety light is easy to overlook, but this accessory can go a long way in guaranteeing your dog’s safety during cold, dark winter days and nights. We love the GoDoggie-GLOW light for its seven colours, five sizes and brilliant LED bulbs that also flash. Best of all, the safety collar can be conveniently recharged, saving you an inconvenient trip to the store for batteries.

Paw balm

When cold, dry weather leaves your poor pup’s nose and paws cracked, a little paw balm is in order. Try making your own this winter, starting with this Homemade Natural Dog Paw Balm recipe. 

Self-warming pet mat

If you love to spoil your pet, add this self-warming pet mat to your list of presents. The mat will soothe your pet’s aching muscles, relieving tension and restoring heat after a snowy day playing outdoors.

Pet carrier for icy days

If and when the weather truly gets ugly, don’t risk your pet’s safety. Keep a pet carrier in your closet or the back of your vehicle for when you need to transport your pet through ice and snow to your destination.

Help your pet thrive this winter by investing in a few must-haves for the season. For more information about dog-friendly Timbercreek Communities, please visit 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.