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.  

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.

Pets enrich our lives. A well trained, well behaved dog makes life better. Teaching your dog simple tricks also teaches them how to obey commands, gives opportunities for positive reinforcement and teaches your pet discipline. Who knew tricks could be the key to having a well behaved and happy dog?! Here are 5 fun tricks to teach your best friend, from your friends at Timbercreek Communities.

Kiss

It’s pretty easy to get a dog to lick your face. The trick is to get them to give you a gentle kiss that doesn’t require toweling off after. Hold a treat by your face as you say the command and offer your cheek. Wait until he touches your cheek with his nose and pull away and give him the treat before he can lick you. Eventually he will learn that is all that is required. If you have a big or overly excitable dog, don’t let your kids perform this trick until your dog has it down.

Shake Paws

You’ll need a little patience to teach your dog to shake a paw. If you can spare the time, it's ideal to practice for about 5 minutes a day. To keep you both from getting tired or frustrated. Show your dog the treat in your hand. If your pet lifts its paw, or bats at the treat in your closed hand, reward your pooch with the treat and a little praise. Your other hand should remain out flat to shake. When your pup lifts his or her paw you can grab it while he/she takes the treat.

Fetch

It may seem like a dog would naturally fetch without training but the truth is, most don’t. Most dogs will simply stare and possibly wonder why you are throwing their toy away. Follow these 6 steps to teach your dog to fetch, from the dog whisperer himself, Cesar Millan.

Bark on Command

Teaching your dog to speak or is an easy trick and can fix a barking problem, as he will learn to bark only when commanded. If your dog has a barking trigger, like a knock at the door, try knocking on the door. When he barks say “speak” and give him a treat and/or click your clicker. Repeat this several times, then give the “speak” command without knocking. If he obeys and barks, give him treats and praise.

Spin

Teaching your dog to spin is not only cute, it also keeps your pet limber. Place a treat on his/her nose but don’t let your dog eat it. Slowly move your hand in the direction you want your pet to spin. Stick with one direction at first. Once your pet completes a full circle, click, use your marker word and give him/her a treat.

We hope you give these fun tricks to teach your dog a try! To find your home with Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website.

It’s grilling season and nothing tastes better on the grill than a juicy and delicious burger. If your burger game is getting a little played out, we have some suggestions for how to step it up. Here are 5 seriously tasty burgers you’ve got to try this weekend!

The Perfect Burger

When something is called The Perfect Burger, you’ve simply got to try it and see for yourself. You only need eight basic ingredients to form the patties: egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper and medium ground beef. Then you can customize the recipe to make your perfect burger with suggested “stir-ins” like caesar dressing, curry powder or hoisin sauce.

Umami Burger with Port and Stilton

Umami is known as the “fifth taste”, it falls right after sweet, salty, sour and bitter. It is a deeply satisfying, savoury taste. Resist the urge to pile on any of the usual toppings on this Umami Burger. The only toppings you need are Port wine and Stilton cheese.

Quinoa-veggie Burger

Burgers don't need meat to taste delicious. If you’re avoiding meat you can still have a satisfying burger this summer. This super-nutritious Quinoa-veggie burger is sandwiched between two grilled portobello mushrooms for a protein-packed, low-carb twist on a classic.

Guacamole Turkey Burger

Not into red meat? These Guacamole Turkey Burgers are topped with a delicious dollop of guacamole. Dark-meat turkey makes the patties juicy and the chili powder, lime zest, and cilantro lends a Southwestern flavour.

Butter Chicken Burger

These amazing Butter Chicken Burgers are a rich and perfectly spiced twist on two classic dishes. Serve them with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and a little plain Greek yogurt for an international taste sensation!

You really can’t go wrong with any of these amazing burgers. We hope they help you take a big bite of summer!

To find your home with Timbercreek Communities across Canada, 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.

Let’s face it, dads are hard to buy for. With Father’s Day just around the corner, Timbercreek has put together a list of common and not-so-common Father’s Day gift ideas for your Dad this year.

A New Tie

Ties have been a go-to Father’s Day present since the tie was invented. If your Dad wears ties, they still make a great gift and can be purchased on just about any budget. Be sure to look through your dad’s closet to see what he likes before grabbing one at the store.

Gift Card

Never underestimate the gift card. While it may sound a little impersonal, a targeted gift card can hit a homer -- especially now that everyone from Shoppers Drug Mart to Indigo to gas stations sells them. Dinners, movies and popcorn, alcohol/LCBO, iTunes, books, prepaid VISA cards, restaurant chains - there’s not a lot you can’t get anymore. Consider one from your dad’s favourite store.

Golf Lesson

For the dads who love to golf, this one’ll take the cake. For beginners and seasoned players alike, Dad will love some focused swing analysis on the local driving range. If a lesson is too specific or pricey (they can get into the triple digits per hour depending on the club), get him some range time, or buy him a 9 or 18-hole round.

Craft Beer Pack

With the craft beer explosion of the past 3-5 years, types and styles of beer have gone through the roof.  Whether your Father is a lager man or an IPA lover, a 6-pack of tasty brew will be sure to please.

Netflix For A Month (Or A Year)

Netflix has revolutionized not only what we watch, but how we watch it. It’s even become a verb. From movies to tv, there’s little you can’t get.  And as their monthly rates are cheaper than two Starbucks coffees, you might consider 6 months to a year of a membership for dear old Dad this Father’s Day.

Slippers

While perhaps not #1 on the must-get Father’s Day gift list, slippers are one of those things you never buy yourself, but love once you have them. And though dollar stores sell them for cheap, a quality, cushy, puffy pair will make your Dad’s morning coffees better than ever. If you check outdoor stores too, you can find those insulated ones that make cool hardwood floors feel warm and plush.

Car Detailing

No one likes to clean their car. Well, some do. But for most, cars function as equal parts transport device and garbage can. While picking up the coffee cups and gum wrappers counts as “cleaning”, vacuuming the seats tends to be that elusive “thing I have do”.  With Dads who drive a lot and are short on time, a detailing gift can be just the thing they need.

Lawn Mowing Service

Though on the surface this one might not sound exciting, having someone else mow the lawn will prove satisfying, especially on a beautiful Saturday morning. Even if your lawn is small, having a professional service manicure your Father’s outdoor space will give him a break and maybe even make the place look decent for once. Cost might be a factor if you intend to cover an entire summer, in which case, you can offer to do it yourself.

Coffee Mug

Perhaps #2 on the all-time Father’s Day gift list, coffee mugs are equally underestimated. For Dads who like coffee, you can’t have enough of them. Planes, trains, automobiles, music notes, hand crafted, bedazzled; as long as you know your Dad’s tastes this one can’t be overdone.  Just make sure it has a good, big handle.

Tickets To A Local Sporting Event

Baseball, football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, MMA -- you can see nearly every sporting type known to man shy of Monster Truck Racing these days so long as you’re within driving distance of a city center. While it might take some planning, and various sports differ in price, you can usually find some nosebleed seats somewhere that won’t break the bank and will provide a fun and memorable way to celebrate Dad.

Timbercreek hopes these great gift ideas help you find the perfect present for Dad this Father’s Day. 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.

Lunch is over and the end of the day seems very far away, you’ve hit the dreaded midday slump. You can reach for sugary snacks or caffeine to push through, but they can make the crash even worse and aren’t great solutions to the problem. To help you power through your busy day, Timbercreek Communities has 10 natural ways to get over the midday slump.

Stretch

These quick and simple stretches, that you can do at your desk, will help you fight fatigue. They will send some oxygen to your brain, relieve stressed muscles and give you bit of a boost when you need it.

Power Up with Protein

Instead of stuffing yourself with carbs when you hit the midday slump, power up with protein snacks. Keep some raw nuts, trail-mix or beef jerky nearby to power through the afternoon.

Lighten Up

Getting exposure to natural light is crucial for maintaining our energy levels. If you can’t work by a window, try heading to a coffee shop or talking a short stroll outside.

Make a Splash

Go into the bathroom and splash some cold water on your face if you need to wake yourself up fast.

Stand and Deliver

Rather than sending an email to your coworker, try walking over and talking to them. It will give you the chance to stretch your legs and take a much needed screen break.

Screen Breaks

Staring at a screen all day can cause eye strain and fatigue. Every 20 minutes, take a break at stare at something 20 feet away while blinking your eyes for 20 seconds.

Walking and Talk

Instead of taking that one on one meeting sitting down, take it to the streets and walk as you talk.

Catnap

Sometimes, nothing but a nap will do. It’s not slacking off, a 10-20 minute power nap can leave you feeling more alert and actually boost your productivity.

Fuel Up

Eating a healthy breakfast can help you avoid a 2pm crash, especially when you combine that with a smaller, less carb-heavy lunch.

Meditate at Your Desk

Just a few minutes of meditation can boost your energy and reduce your stress levels. Give it a try and see how you feel.

Don’t let exhaustion steal your day! Timbercreek Communities hopes that these 10 natural ways to get over the midday slump energize your afternoon.

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.

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.