WE LOVE PETS! They provide companionship, affection and improve our quality of life -- if they are well behaved. To teach your pets to behave properly you need to be able to get and hold their attention. When you can get their attention, then you can give them commands and control their behavior. It’s straightforward, but it’s not always easy. To help you take control, Timbercreek Communities wants to share these 4 steps for getting your pet’s attention.

Eye Contact is Key

Your pet, especially a dog, is thinking about what it is looking at. If they are not making eye contact with you, chances are they are not thinking about you or what you want them to do. Eye contact is key. The first step in training your pet is to teach them to stare at you, without stopping. After several sessions getting your dog familiar with eye contact, you won’t need to tug on their collar to get their attention.

The Name Game

Getting your dog familiar with eye contact is crucial, but how do you get them to stare at you on command? Teach them their own name. A pet’s name can be used to get their attention, so that you can then tell them what you want them to do next, like “come” for example. It’s important that you only say your pet’s name once. If you repeat the name over and over, they may dismiss it. If you don’t get their attention after saying their name, follow it with attention-getting noises. You can pat your leg or make high pitched noises, then reward them when they look at you.

Praise

Your pet will respond to praise. Positive reinforcement works. The reward of praise makes them likely to repeat the behavior they were praised for. Timing is key -- you need to give them the praise immediately or they will not associate it with the correct action. If you tell your dog to “sit” and then say “good boy” when they stand back up, they will think they are being praised for standing up.

Reward

Besides praise, the other reward that is important to your pet is treats. When you say their name and they stare at you, reward them with a treat immediately. Keep your commands short. Single words are best. Everyone in the family should use the same commands and reward good behaviour right away. Consistency is key. The treat should be small, not something they need to take time to chew. Accompany these treat rewards with praise and you will be able to get your pet’s attention and have them follow your simple commands.

Timbercreek Communities hopes these tips for getting your pet’s attention help to transform your pet into a happy a well behaved member of the family.

To learn about pet friendly Timbercreek Rental 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.

Mothers are amazing. We wouldn’t exist without them! Mother’s Day gives us pause to be thankful for our parent and to reflect on our childhood. While we may occasionally argue, nitpick, obsess, or regress, it’s our mothers who understand us, know us, and love us the best. Mother’s Day is just around the corner, on Sunday May 14, 2017. To celebrate, Timbercreek Communities has created this Top 10 Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help you celebrate your mom.

Flowers

Simple, classic, fragrant and loveable -- flowers really do say it all. From roses to a simple grocery store bouquet, flowers show your love and give your Mom a splash of color and fragrance that will brighten her whole week.

A Bottle of Wine or a gift card

Wine is almost always a great gift. Best of all it can be cheap yet thoughtful. If you don’t trust your own taste in wine, ask for help at your local wine store or the LCBO or skip the guesswork with a gift card like this.

Massage or Reflexology

While upping the price point to between $50 and $120, a massage or reflexology session is a solid Mother’s Day gift option. If full body massage is too intense, the more minimal but no less effective foot reflexology can be a great alternative. Look for businesses like Massage Addict which only employ well trained Registered Massage Therapists.

A book or gift card

If your mom is a reader, she will love a new book or an Indigo or Amazon gift card. You might need to drop some subtle hints to tease out a title that she wants without spoiling the surprise, but whether hard copy or gift card, it’s an inexpensive gift that goes a long way. 

Fitbit

The Fitbit is a solid gift idea for fit moms. Though it’s a slightly pricier option, the Fitbit is a thoughtful gift that simply and effectively encourages fitness by measuring steps per day. Get more info here.

Chocolate

One word for this one: Toblerone. Or maybe two words: Ferrero Rocher.

Scandinave Spa Day

An offshoot of our massage and reflexology idea, Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain, Ontario is a full body, full day, pampering experience. From hot pools to saunas, steam bath and massage, Scandinave is a spa day Mom will love. Check the Scandinave website here.

Beauty Products

From bubble bath to soaps and moisturizers, it’s pretty easy to hit a Mother’s Day home run with a few bath and/or beauty products. The Body Shop is a great place to grab pre-made gift packs. Learn more here.

A Card

Last but not least is a simple card. From handmade to Hallmark, a card can accompany every gift, or be a gift in itself for Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day from Timbercreek Communities!

To learn more about Timbercreek Rental Communities in 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.

Even though it’s only about 5 centimeters in length, the human nose can detect one trillion different scents and is often overlooked as a vehicle for healing and relaxation. Using plant materials, aromatic plant oils, and other aroma compounds, aromatherapy is designed to improve mental and physical well-being through our sense of smell. According to the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists’ (CFA) website, “Several ancient civilizations (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian) have used Aromatherapy for their physical and mental well-being.” Its application, combined with calming music and a serene atmosphere, can help relieve stress. Timbercreek Communities wants to help you destress with 5 ways to enhance your work week with aromatherapy.

Massage

The CFA recommends that essential and plant oils in their concentrated form do not contact the skin. Properly diluted however, they can be safely applied and used in direct, swedish style and reflexology massage. Aroma + massage = heaven. Learn more here.

Inhalation, vapourization, deodorizing

Aromatherapy combined with deep breathing can be very calming for the respiratory and nervous system. Vapourizing essential oils in your home or office can have a peaceful and stress reducing effect, and leave behind a delicate scent. Not sure which oils to use? Check out New Directions Aromatics’ most popular essential oils and buy some at wholesale prices.

Full body and foot baths

Always be careful to properly dilute aromatherapy oils. A great way to do so, and to enjoy them to the fullest, is to add them to a bath in the same way you would add bubbles or epsom salts. If you don’t have time to take a bath, or don’t have a bath in your apartment (only a shower), go small and add them to a basin in small amounts to enjoy a relaxing foot soak. We recommend using a high quality peppermint essential oil in your foot bath.

Compresses

While ice is the most common go-to for sprains and swelling, an aromatherapy compress can be beneficial for minor skin irritations, joint traumas, and fatigued muscles. Sandalwood essential oil is a great oil to incorporate in a compress for sore or swollen muscles and joints as it fights inflammation.

Meditation

Scent and meditation go hand in hand. We’re all familiar with the popular combination of meditation and incense. If you meditate, consider adding in a few aromatherapy tactics for full relaxation. For example, you could try meditating in an aromatherapy bath, or recline in your bedroom while you vapourize your favourite scents and apply a relaxing compress to your sore muscles. Get creative, you’ll be more at peace in no time. If you’re just looking to destress and feel zen, Cedarwood essential oil is considered grounding and a perfect match for meditation.

We know you work hard and need to destress at the end of a long day. We hope these 5 ways to get through the work week with aromatherapy will help you feel more relaxed and revitalized. 

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

It’s Canada’s 150th birthday this year! Celebrate living in one of the greatest countries in the world with a free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass. As part of numerous activities celebrating our century and half birthday, Canadians can enter and explore Canada’s incredible National parks coast to coast, free of charge.

To participate in this amazing opportunity, we recommend that you order your pass online before your arrival for faster entry and greater convenience. Canadians can access all of Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada, including historic canals and waterways (including free lockage, a pass similar to the parks pass).

Please keep in mind that regular fees still apply for other experiences and services including the following: camping, backcountry, and other accommodations, admission to Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, boat mooring, reservation fees, guided tours and hikes, and programs not usually included with admission, firewood, and backcountry overnight use.

With spring’s arrival, and summer just around the corner, there’s no better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than by exploring its majestic landscape with a Parks Canada pass. With 46 national parks to choose from, Timbercreek Communities brings you this shortlist of our favourite national parks to visit in Canada.

Banff National Park

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning Banff National Park was born, Canada's very first national park. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destinations. Get more info here.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park is an incredibly beautiful national park in Northern Ontario. It features rocky terrain, steep cliffs and panoramic views of the bright turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. The area is home to black bears and rare reptiles. The park is full of ancient cedar trees, orchids and ferns. If you plan to camp there, you’ll get a free show from the stars above in this Dark Sky Preserve.

Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site

On the southern tip of Nova Scotia lies Kejimkujik, an old growth national park and historic site. There’s a bit of a debate about the name’s meaning, ranging from the Mi'kmaq translation for "attempting to escape" or "swollen waters", and the park's official stance that Kejimkujik is a Mi'kmaq word meaning "tired muscles". Either way, Kejimkujik’s hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow aspens, quartzite shores, and white sand beaches won’t disappoint. Paddle the waters, hike the trails and discover the rich diversity of Kejimkujik this summer. Learn more here.

Point Pelee National Park

For central Canadians, Point Pelee National Park is not to be missed. Located at Canada’s most southerly point, Pelee boasts a lush Carolinian forest oasis, complete with canoeable marshes, miles of boardwalk, and incredible wildlife. Point Pelee is full of songbirds in the spring, and the hum of cicadas in summer, it flutters with Monarchs in the fall and is a peaceful place to retreat inn  the winter. For wine lovers, the area is also home to numerous VQA wineries. See more here.

Forillon National Park

Forillon National Park is arguably one of the most breathtaking national parks in Canada. It offers the best of land and sea, featuring cliffs with jaw dropping ocean views and dense forest land. Located in Eastern Quebec near New Brunswick, Park Forillon is a great place to hike or go snorkelling and watch seals play.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity while you can.

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

While it’s a little early for t-shirts and sunscreen, the days are getting longer and the clocks have sprung ahead. It’s important to keep our animal friends in mind as spring begins. From cleaning products to open doors and windows, spring plants, and other seasonal changes, hazards to our pets increase. To keep your pets safe and sound, Timbercreek Communities has some important safety tips for spring.

Steer clear of standing water

From algae to mold, dirt, oil, heavy metals, and giardia, standing water (puddles, eaves troughs, ponds, poorly draining backyards) can present a danger to pets. While their digestive systems tend to be less sensitive than humans, pets can still get sick from drinking contaminated water. Try to keep an eye on your yard, and keep an eye out for standing water pockets on your walk routes.

Keep spring cleaning materials high up

Cleaning products contain a ton of toxic chemicals and need to be kept out of reach of your pets. Consider keeping your cleaning stuff in a high place. If you’re like a lot of people, you keep your cleaning solutions under the sink, or on a shelf next to the laundry. For your pet’s safety, relocate any and all cleaning products to a high shelf or cabinet. Keeping them out of reach will prevent accidental ingestion (and vet bills!).

Avoid toxic plants

Lilies can be fatal to cats if ingested. The ASPCA also lists Azaleas, Tulips and Sago Palms as having “systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract.” While both dogs and cats gnaw on grass and succulents for added vitamin content, it’s important to be aware that these and other common greens can give your pets trouble. Get more info here.

Keep Easter chocolate out of reach

While delicious for humans, chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. Throw in that cute little plastic grass that comes with many Easter basket packs and you get a real pet hazard. Inform your kids about the dangers of both items. They shouldn’t have trouble keeping their chocolate safe, but remind them to keep it out of pet reach.

Screen your windows (cat safety)

Even indoor cats love the prospect of outdoor freedom. With spring weather comes open windows and doors, which present an irresistible seduction to the adventurous pet. Get a jump on spring by installing screens on windows to deter your cats (dogs, birds, salamanders) from roaming the neighbourhood (sad as it might be for them!).

Watch out for fleas

Spring is flea and tick season. Luckily for you, knowing is half the battle. The best prevention is cleaning your pet’s bed, sleeping and hangout areas, vacuuming your home, and watching your pet for telltale flea and tick behaviour (scratching, biting, licking, shaking). Click here for more info.

At Timbercreek Communities, we know how much you love your pets and we hope that these important safety tips for spring keep your pets happy and healthy this year.

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

Liberty Village is located in Toronto’s west end, in one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. The fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern, urban living is something that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. To help you get a feel for the neighbourhood, Timbercreek Communities created this guide to Liberty Village.

Bars and Restaurants

Liberty Village is a great neighbourhood for food and drink. There are many excellent restaurants and bars to discover. The interior of Les 3 Brasseurs (3 Brewers) feels lofty, yet cozy. The beams, brickwork and the brewery itself, are all exposed, in fact every step of the brewing process in on display. The menu outlines helpful pairing suggestions for those looking to have their beverage compliment their meal. For example, when you choose your Pulled Pork Poutine ($13), you’ll know to order the Amber or Brown to wash it down. If you’re looking for something cozy, LOCAL Public Eatery is an amazingly comforting option. This restaurant compares itself to a living room with better food and drink. LOCAL Public Eatery is obsessed with craft beer and constantly rotates new selections. The menu is loaded with affordable international fare, offering everything from Chicken Quesadillas ($7.50) to Perogies with bacon and fried onions ($8). Their drinks menu is incredible and features local craft beers (like Collective Arts) and more familiar offerings from around the world (like Sapporo). They also have some seriously delicious cocktails, comically served in a boot and not in a boot like their Lucky Lemonade in a boot ($9) -- a delightful mix of JD, lemonade and guava juice.

Concerts, Sports and More!

Liberty Village is home to BMO Field, a huge stadium located in Exhibition Place. It’s an incredible venue for soccer and football games (featuring the Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts), not to mention major concerts and theater performances. Get your tickets for upcoming events here.

Coffee Shops and Cafes

Ciao Europe Cafe (80 Western Battery Road) is a cafe by day and a wine bar by night. Enjoy their fresh panini, stone-baked pizzas, and house-baked pastries. Other options when you’re on the hunt for caffeine in Liberty Village include Balzac’s Coffee (43 Hanna Avenue) and Louie Craft Coffee (1187 King St. West). Click here for a full list of local cafes to visit.

Convenient Transit

True Torontonians are always on the move. We love how accessible Liberty Village is thanks to streetcars, buses, Go Train access, not to mention the Gardiner and Lakeshore. Residents are located close to streetcar lines on Queen and King street that run East and West, and are within walking distance of Go Transit's Exhibition Station. Drivers can access downtown Toronto in minutes thanks to the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard, which are connected to highways leading out of the downtown core.

Design

If you’re looking for interior design and furnishings for your Liberty Village apartment, there’s no need to leave the neighbourhood. Everything you need is within easy reach. West Elm (109 Atlantic Ave) is a great nearby option that is full of contemporary furniture and more for your entire home.

A pet’s playground

Dog owners will love Liberty Village thanks to the outstanding off-leash area in Stanley Park. Owners of timid pups can alternatively stick to the main park paths or surrounding neighbourhood streets. The neighbourhood also boasts a few great pet shops, like Global Pet Foods, Pet Valu and Timmie Doggie Outfitters which features pet clothing, accessories, designer toys, treats, gourmet foods and grooming for posh-pooches and cats.

Groceries

Liberty Village may be ultra-modern but it can still feel like a good, old fashioned neighbourhood. You can step outside your front door and take a trip to the local butcher, baker, cheese shop, chocolate shop or health food store, or enjoy the convenience of a one-stop-shop at Metro Supermarket (100 Lynn Williams St.).

Timbercreek Communities hopes our guide to Liberty Village has left you wanting more. To find your home with Timbercreek Communities across Canada, or in near Liberty Village at  200 Dufferin Street, please visit our website.

Spring is just around the corner! If you’ve ever wanted to get into gardening but thought you didn’t have the space, we have some tips on gardening without a garden. 

Windowsill Garden

A Windowsill Garden is an easy way to add a lot of life to your apartment. All you need are a few containers, some living herbs or flowers, and a few minutes of your time to transfer them into the containers. Be sure to keep your curtains open for good light exposure.

Mason Jar Herb Garden

A Mason Jar Herb Garden is an incredibly easy space saving gardening option -- and it will make your apartment smell amazing! All you need is soil, some easy-to-care-for living herbs, and a few large mason jars.

Shoe Organizer Planter

This one is super easy. Simply repurpose (or purchase) a hanging shoe organizer to create a hanging garden. This garden project will also help keep your cats from messing with your plants. Find detailed instructions here.

Tiered Herb Garden

Create your very own Tiered Herb Garden using galvanized containers stacked in order of size. They work together -- drill a hole a few inches from the bottom of one container and the water will trickle to the next one below, and so on. Leave the bottom container intact.

Timbercreek hopes these ideas help you give a green-thumbs-up to gardening this season.

To find your home with Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website.