It may be hard to believe, but the holiday season is almost here. The holidays are all about getting together with friends and family, and enjoying good food. Hosting a holiday get together this season? You’ve got to try Timbercreek’s 10 favourite holiday dinners.

Turkey with all the trimmings

Turkey with all the trimmings is the iconic holiday meal in North America. If you’ve never tried to tackle it, it’s important to have a plan. Figure out what can be made ahead of time so you can prioritize and even ask for help from your guests. People like to be helpful, especially at this time of year. Encourage your guests to bring a vegetable side dish or a dessert to reheat. Taking a few minor obligations off your plate can make hosting the holiday dinner more enjoyable.

Glazed ham and Couscous

Not everyone likes turkey. For guests who aren’t fans of fowl, we suggest serving this equally impressive Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham with Couscous. This meal is a breeze to prepare compared to turkey and all the trimmings. It can be ready to serve in two to three hours.

Brisket and Latkes

Our favourite holiday dinner for Hanukkah is Braised Brisket and Latkes. It’s a deeply satisfying meal of meat and potatoes, done holiday style. Crispy, oniony, latkes pair perfectly with rich and savoury brisket. Brisket can be a tough cut of meat to master. If you’ve never prepared a brisket before, check out these tips on how to do it perfectly.

Christmas Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings

We love the classic British Christmas Dinner of Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings. You don’t have to hail from the UK to love enjoy tender and delicious roast beef with savoury pastries. Best of all, you get to drench everything in a rich brown gravy!

Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes

Pescatarians will love this Christmas tradition. On Christmas Eve (December 24th) Italian families serve fish instead of meat. There are no rules for preparing The Feast of the Seven Fishes, but the classic meal typically consists of a snack-sized seafood appetizer course, a seafood salad course, a meaty grilled seafood course, followed by a seafood pasta, a stew and vegetable course, and finally a fish-free dessert.

Beef Bourguignon with Parsley Potatoes

We love the rich textures and intense savoury flavours of Beef Bourguignon with Parsley Potatoes. Beef Bourguignon is a hearty classic French dish that involves a lot of umami loaded ingredients (wine, mushrooms and cognac, bacon etc.). This meal is elegant but substantial and can be ready to serve in less than two hours with about 45 minutes of hands on prep time.

Rack of Lamb with Roast Potatoes

Rack of Lamb with Roast Potatoes is a classic holiday meal that looks dramatic and tastes delicious. Don’t be intimidated by this one -- it only takes a few minutes to prepare (not including marinating time). The trick is to be restrained with the herbs. The flavour of the lamb is strong on it’s own so the seasonings should complement this flavour without overpowering it.

Roast Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing

Roast Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing has been a popular Christmas dinner since the 1990s. It offers a light and elegant alternative to turkey with bread stuffing. This recipe takes about three and a half hours total to prepare, but only about 45 minutes of that is hands-on prep time, so it's a perfect meal option if you have a lot on your plate.

Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower)

Spice things up this season with Aloo Gobi! This hearty spiced potato and cauliflower dish is popular across India and Pakistan and will impress your vegetarian guests.

Beef Wellington with Roasted Veggies

If you really want to wow the crowd this holiday season, serve Beef Wellington with Roasted Veggies. This classic show stopping meal is perfect for a special occasion like Christmas. If you’ve never tasted Beef Wellington, it is an incredible mix of textures. Prime cut filet mignon is wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked -- the decadent result is unforgettable.

Happy Holidays from Timbercreek Communities. We hope you enjoyedi our 10 favourite holiday dinners! For information on Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

The holidays are a busy and exciting time. What’s fun for some can be overwhelming for others. The abundant decorations and lights can be very distracting and enticing for your cat. From tipping over the tree in an attempt to climb to the summit, to sniffing and scratching toxic plants and decorations, there is much that you need to deter you curious cat from exploring this holiday season. Timbercreek Communities has some great tips to help you cat-proof your home for the holidays.

Hang your mistletoe and holly high (it can be poisonous)

Hanging mistletoe and holly can be a happy holiday tradition (and a great way to get some free kisses) but did you know that the mistletoe berries contain polysaccharides and alkaloids that can be poisonous to your pets? To keep this tradition a happy one, make sure that these plants are kept well out of your cat’s reach.

Use cat-safe tree decorations and avoid tinsel

You may have noticed that your cat loves your Christmas tree, maybe even more than you do. What cat wouldn’t be happy to have a tree arrive, indoors, and then to have that tree adorned with all sorts of hanging ornaments to bat around?  Knowing this, it’s important to cat-proof your tree. You may want to choose ornaments that are less shiny, less dangly and therefore, less attractive to your kitty. You can also make your own cat-friendly decorations for your tree. There are some decorations out there that simply are not conducive to keeping your cat safe that should be avoided. Tinsel can be a choking hazard and even cause intestinal blockages, as can dangly ribbons. Fake snow can be toxic, and of course, real candles should not go anywhere near your tree.

Keep orange peels under your tree to repel your cat

The smell of orange peels and citrus can be delightful during the holidays, but it’s not something cats enjoy. If you are having trouble keeping kitty from climbing the tree, placing some chopped orange peels under there may be enough to keep your cat at bay. Replace the peels about once a week to keep the citrus oil scent strong.

Mist citronella on plastic trees

A citronella solution may be just the solution you need to keep your cat away from your artificial tree. Since there is no pine smell from a plastic tree, the citronella scent will be a strong deterrent for your cat. It’s important to make your solution strong enough, so be sure to use a ratio of 1 part citronella oil to 4 parts water.

Avoid poinsettias

Poinsettias, with their festive red and green colour, are a popular plant to buy and give during the holidays. Many people mistakenly believe they are poisonous for pets. The truth is they are only mildly toxic, so if someone shows up with one as a gift, there is no need to panic, but you should keep them well out of reach of your cat. Even a mildly toxic effect can cause discomfort and distress for your pet for which there is no effective treatment. Keep the plant high up and away from things your cat can climb easily.

Timbercreek wishes you a happy holiday season! We hope these tips help you cat-proof your holiday decorations this year. For information on Timbercreek Communities near you, please visit our website.

Make a fashion statement at your next holiday party! Discover the hottest trends of the season in today’s post from the fashion and lifestyle experts at Timbercreek Communities.

Add a little sparkle

Sparkles just scream holiday. Make any outfit pop with a sequin piece (a top, or skirt, or jacket). Not comfortable wearing a sparkly piece of clothing? Accessories, such as a purse or headband, will do wonders for your look without being overwhelming.

Embrace the LBD

The Little Black Dress, affectionately known as the LBD, is truly timeless and the perfect go-to for your next holiday party. Add that sequined headband you found on Etsy and your outfit is complete.

Day-to-night leather

You’ll thank yourself for choosing leather as you rush from the office to your holiday party. Leather leggings are especially easy to dress down or dress up, depending on where you’re headed. Now all you need is a pair of high heeled shoes that you can comfortably run from one event to the next in.

Pretty in tweed

Tweed is never out of style, especially during the winter. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate it into this season’s wardrobe lineup, check out this adorable sparkled tweed coat, perfect for the holidays—and looking pretty.

Blazers and jeans

A business casual dress code can be the worst. What does it mean?! Before you demolish your closet looking for the perfect (not too formal, not too corporate) look, consider blazers and jeans. This pairing is always in style and an excellent option for men and women alike. Ladies, check out this warm and classy look complete with a camel blazer and seasonally-appropriate plaid scarf.

Killer suits with lace-up shoes

Men, this one’s for you: The ultimate way to look your best this holiday season is to find that killer suit that compliments your body. It might be easier than you think. GQ has created a breakdown of what you should wear depending on your height, weight and body structure. 

We hope these style tips help you look amazing at your holiday parties this season! If you’re on the hunt for an amazing apartment to match, start with Timbercreek Communities. Our rental communities are located in five provinces and over two dozen cities. For more information, visit our website today. 

With the holiday season just around the corner, you may find yourself running around to various parties, get-togethers and festive holiday gatherings. Rule # 1 don’t show up empty handed! Bringing something small to help your hostess entertain, or something thoughtful to show your appreciation for their hospitality, is always a good idea. Timbercreek Communities is here to help cross some items off your gift list with our Top 8 hostess gifts for this holiday season.

Homemade Baked Goods

Gifts that show that you put in a little time and effort always make an impression. Bringing some delicious homemade baked goods is a great way to show your appreciation for your host/hostess. It doesn’t have to be complicated, this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies takes only 20 minutes of prep time. Your host will love the crispy edges and chewy middles, and your gift can even be added to the dessert table if your host is short on treats.

Wine

Wine is a classic hostess gift option, but it can create some uncertainty on the part of the giver. If dinner is being served, your hostess may have already selected wines that will pair well with her entrees. If you’re surprising your hostess with wine, remember that it is a gift, and your hostess is under no obligation to open it right away. Learn more about wine present etiquette here. The bottom line is, if you are giving wine as a surprise gift, don’t stress about which wine to choose, simply choose something you think your host will enjoy. That being said, if you have been asked to bring wine, be sure to inquire with your hostess about the menu she plans to prepare before you buy. With that in mind, you can then ask your local wine store clerk for assistance in finding the perfect wine to compliment the meal.

Flowers/Holiday Plant

If you are showing up with flowers during the busy holiday season, you may want to avoid the gift wrapped bouquet and give some flowers in a vase (see last section below) instead. Your busy hostess will appreciate not needing to take the time to find a suitable container for your gift. If you want to avoid this situation entirely, a great option during the holidays is a potted poinsettia. They are classic, vibrant and bring a touch of holiday cheer. Best of all, no one expects to keep a poinsettia alive for the whole year, so there is no pressure on your hostess to take good care of it!

Simple serving ware

A thoughtful gift for your hostess this year is simple serving ware. Look for items like decorative cheese knives or salad serving utensils. Chances are your hostess can put them to good use right away!

Mini DIY terrarium

An impressive gift to show your hostess how much you appreciate them is a mini DIY terrarium. This gift idea shows that you took a little time out of your day to create something beautiful for them. They are also very easy to make. Choose an open or closed glass container, add a little gravel, moss, soil and some charcoal (to prevent mold) and some low maintenance plants like cacti or air plants. A terrarium is the perfect decorative gift that will last as long as your hostess wants it too.

Decorative cutting board/ Homemade Trivet

Giving your hostess something homemade and useful is a great idea, especially if they can use it right away! A DIY decorative cutting board or homemade trivet/potholder is perhaps the perfect combination of thoughtful and useful, and the fact that you took the time to make it yourself makes it all the better.

Stylish Apron

A gift that your hostess can open and use immediately is always a hit but don’t pressure her to use it right away. A stylish apron can come in handy to protect your hostess’ fancy party clothes. If you have basic sewing skills, this video will show how you can make your own half-apron in literally one minute!

Flowers and Vase

As we mentioned above, if you are bringing flowers as a gift for your hostess, especially during the hectic holiday season, it’s a good idea to include a vase as part of the gift. A vase will save your hostess the time and trouble it takes to find a suitable container to place your gift in. You can usually pick one up at the florist, easily repurpose a jar, or create your own DIY vase for that personal touch.

Happy Holidays from Timbercreek Communities! We hope these hostess gift ideas help to take some of the guess work out of what to bring to your next holiday gathering. For more information on Timbercreek Communities for rent 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. 

With the holidays fast approaching you may be considering buying a pet as a gift for someone you love. This is not a decision to make casually. The new pet should be well suited to the lifestyle, home and surroundings of the new owner. Timbercreek Communities hopes you will consider these 5 things before you purchase a pet as a gift this holiday.

Give A Pet As A Gift, Not A Surprise

If you have decided you are going to give a pet as a gift, please resist the temptation to give it as a surprise. Of course, a new puppy or kitten with a bow on it is cute, but if the person you are giving it to is unprepared for a pet, it can be stressful for the pet and the new owner. Your loved one may not have any of the necessary pet supplies on hand -- like food, a leash, a good place for the pet to sleep, or a litter box. Also, the animal is in a new environment and all the excitement of the holiday may be too much for the little guy. The SPCA recommends giving an accessory (such as a leash) as the wrapped gift, along with a gift certificate for an adoption. Once the holidays are over and things have quieted down, the recipient can choose their own pet and give them the direct attention their new pet needs and deserves.

If You’re A Parent, Are You Prepared To Look After The Pet?

If you are a parent and have decided to buy a pet as a gift for your children, you need to be prepared to look after the new addition to the family. Having a pet can be a great way to teach your kids about responsibility, but there can be a learning curve that takes some time. Your new pet doesn’t have time for your children to learn how to take care of it. It needs proper care, right out of the gate. Be prepared to care for your new pet yourself, at least at first.

Are You Educated About What Caring For An Animal Entails?

Being prepared to look after a pet requires some education. If you are getting a pet for your children, you need to know how to take care of the new pet. Obviously, different animals will require different care. If you are giving the pet to another household, discuss it with the owners-to-be before you buy the animal so they have time to educate themselves.

Adopt A Pet In Need

Once you have decided to buy a pet as a gift and you have discussed it with the new recipients, you need to decide where to purchase the new pet from. There are tens of thousands of pets in shelters and animal rescue organizations across the country. Why not adopt a pet in need?

Have You Thought About The Cost?

There’s more than just the cost of adoption to think about. Before you give a pet as a gift, and before you discuss it with whomever you’re planning on giving the animal to, you should think about the cost of keeping a pet. There are veterinarian bills for vaccinations and parasite prevention, the new owner’s may not have time to properly walk the animal and may need to pay someone to walk them, or if they travel, will there be boarding costs? You should also know the expected life span of the new pet. Indoor cats and smaller dogs can easily live well into their teens. Whomever you’re giving the animal to must be prepared to commit the lifespan of the new pet.

Pets can be a great way to enrich someone’s life. Be sure you have looked at it from all the angles and consider these 5 things before you purchase a pet as a gift this holiday season.

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

Living in Canada means dealing with harsh winters. You can’t press pause on life just because the snow won’t stop falling. If you are moving into a new home (or one of our rental communities) this winter, Timbercreek is here to help with 5 tips for moving in the colder months.

Hire Movers

If you are moving in the winter, hiring professional movers is the way to go. The best part about hiring movers is that you don’t have to ask your friends and family to help you move. Your best friends will say yes, but that doesn’t mean they want to do it, especially in the winter. Hiring movers means that you can have help packing. Another big reason to hire pros is that your belongings are insured. That will bring you peace of mind. Professional movers have more experience moving, and tend to use heavy duty wrapping and plastic covers so your personal items are less likely to be damaged in the first place. If you’re not used to driving a rented moving van in the dead of winter, in an unfamiliar neighbourhood, hiring professional movers means that you can avoid the stress. One upside to moving in winter is that it’s the off-season for moving companies, so you can expect their lowest prices.

Protect The Floors

You’ve finally found the perfect home for you, make sure you keep it perfect by protecting the floors. Moving in the winter means tracking in dirty, slushy, salty, wet footprints. You may want to lay down some cardboard or plastic sheeting in high traffic areas. You may even want to invest a few dollars in a some disposable shoe booties. Apply furniture sliders to heavy furniture, even after the movers have left, chances are you’ll need to move the dining room table or the sofa from time to time, the sliders make heavy items easier to move, and protect your new floors.

Bring Warm Drinks

On a cold winter day, hot drinks are a lifesaver. You don’t want to make time consuming coffee runs all day long, so fill a large thermos (or two) with your favourite hot beverage and bring some paper cups to share the warmth.

Keep An Eye On The Weather

Moving is hard and moving in the winter is harder. Make things easier on yourself by keeping an eye on the weather. If it’s freezing out and you can’t reschedule the move, dress appropriately. Being cold makes everything more unbearable. Dress in layers so you can adjust your attire with any temperature changes throughout the day.

Winterize Your Belongings

Moving in winter requires taking a few extra precautions to protect your belongings. Place anything that can fit in boxes into reusable plastic containers. It only takes a little snow on your mattresses or upholstered furniture to create a mold problem, so invest in some plastic covers. Investing a few extra minutes before you take your belongings out into the cold, wet world will save you money at the end of the day.

We understand that moving in the winter can be unpleasant. With a little extra planning and these 5 tips for moving in the winter, you can make the experience more manageable.

For information on Timbercreek communities for rent across Canada, please visit our website.

Let’s be honest -- winter can be depressing. Few of us enjoy the frosty temperatures and lack of sunlight. Staying fit in the winter can be a real challenge when many us would rather hibernate under a warm blanket and wait for spring to arrive than go outside. Timbercreek has a few fun suggestions for how you can stay fit during winter.

HIIT Workouts You Can Do At Home

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. HIIT workouts feature a series of intense intervals and relaxed intervals. You go all out for a short burst, then you recover for a short period, then repeat. This 10 minute plyometric workout video requires no equipment and works your whole body at once. If you don’t have 10 minutes to spare, you can still get a killer workout in (in half the time) with this 5 minute whole body workout. If 5-10 minutes seems too short, step up your game with this 15 minute Tabata workout. The Tabata protocol consists of 20 seconds “all out” followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times, for a total of 4 minutes per set.

YouTube Yogis We Love

Yoga is great way to improve your flexibility, focus and to burn calories. YouTube has attracted many yoga experts who share free videos. Choosing the YouTube yogi who’s right for you can be daunting. Our favourite YouTube yogis include Yoga with Adriene. Adriene uploads new 30 minute yoga videos every Wednesday. Tara Stiles is another great choice, especially for those with no time to workout. She provides 10 minute yoga sessions for all skill levels. For a more intense 30 minute fat-burning yoga program, we love the yoga videos provided by fitness guru Jillian Michaels.

Take The Stairs

Did you know that climbing stairs burns more calories per minute than jogging? Stair climbing is officially classified as vigorous exercise. It’s a great form of cardio training and an excellent exercise for building core strength. It effectively works your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, abs and calves. Skip the elevator and take the stairs!

Ski Or Snowboard

If you don’t mind the cold too much, we recommend exercising outdoors in the winter from time to time. It’s a great way to get some vitamin D and have some fun during the colder months. Skiing and snowboarding are fun outdoor exercises to try this season. The amount of calories burned per hour will depend on your intensity level and body weight, but skiing can burn approximately 500 calories per hour and snowboarding will burn approximately 450 calories per hour.

Go Ice Skating

When was the last time you laced up your skates? Skating is a great way to stay active in the winter. Its also a great excuse for pending time with friends, sipping hot chocolate and is a relatively inexpensive family-friendly activity.

Timbercreek hopes these winter activity suggestions will help you stay fit during the winter and make the most of the season. If you would like more information about Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website.

Finding a delicious high quality treat for your pet can be difficult. With all the additives, preservatives, fillers and byproducts in store-bought treats, it’s hard know what you’re getting. Timbercreek Communities is here to help with some homemade pet treats you can make in the comfort and convenience of your kitchen.

Peanut Butter Dog Bone Cookies

These Peanut Butter Dog Bone Cookies are easy to make, and won’t stick to the roof of your dog’s mouth. They feature simple ingredients you likely have on hand -- a little flour, oats, chicken broth, parmesan cheese and of course, peanut butter. They only take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes in the oven. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, though your dog probably won’t let you keep them that long.

Bacon Flavoured Biscuits

Save that bacon fat from your next big breakfast. -- your dog will love you for it! Put it to good use in these Bacon Flavoured Biscuits. With about 20 minutes of prep time, you can make a simple dough of flour, water, milk, eggs and bacon fat. Bake the dough for about 40 minutes and store whatever your dog doesn’t devour in a covered container in the fridge of your Timbercreek home. The recipe makes about 25 biscuits.

Paw Print Dog Treats

These simple Paw Print Dog Treats will put a smile on your dog’s face. They are easy and wholesome treat for your pet -- made of flour, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ and a little chicken stock. The recipe yields about 2 dozen treats that can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. They are a perfect portable treat for walks.

Chicken Treats for Cats

Show your cat how much you care with these Chicken Treats for Cats. This crunchy mix of organic spinach and chicken will have your kitty purring your praises in no time. All you need to do is steam some boneless chicken (or fish, if that’s your cat’s favourite) and blend it with some spinach, flour, egg and a little catnip in a food processor. Form the treats into bite sized pieces and bake them for 20 minutes. This recipe yields several dozen small treats.

Catnip Biscuits

In less than 10 minutes you can prepare Catnip Biscuits all you need is dough of flour, water, milk, wheat germ, honey and of course, catnip. With 20 minutes in the oven and a little time to cool off, your cat’s day just got a lot more delicious!

Timbercreek Communities hopes you give these healthy homemade pet treats a try!

Please visit our website for more information on Timbercreek Communities and our pet-friendly rental properties across Canada.