Move over October—Movember is here! The Movember Foundation is ready for a full month of mo-growing, Move challenges and more. Timbercreek Communities hopes you will support Movember in your community this year in one of these ways. 

Grow Your Mo

Movember is the only global organization completely committed year-round to stop men from dying too young. Over $759 million has been raised since the project began in 2003. The easiest way to participate in this international movement is to grow a Mo! As you grow your mustache, join millions of other Mo Bros and Mo Sistas in raising funds and spreading the word about important men’s health issues.

Take The Move Challenge

Is mustache-growing not your thing? Make Movember your month for moving by committing to a Move challenge. Register for a race, take a class or try a new sport. Your efforts will help you stay healthy and promote men’s health.

Host An Event

Raise funds in an environment that’s comfortable and fun for your friends and family. Throw a dinner party, or host a dance party or movie night to raise money for Movember.  Here are a couple great tips for how to get started online.

Donate Online Or Shop For The Cause

Workaholic? If you can’t commit to growing a stache or hosting an event, you can still make an impact this Movember. Donate directly to the cause online or arrange a matching donation. Another easy option? Sport some Mo swag to spread the word as you go about your busy day. 

Happy Movember! Timbercreek Communities hopes you support this worthy cause this month. Whether you try a Move challenge or grow the best mo in town, you can make a difference in men’s lives! For more information about Timbercreek Communities apartments, visit our website.  

We want to send a big thank you to everyone who signed a lease during our contest and helped make it a success!

And a special congratulations to Navneet, a studying law student in Windsor, the winner of the free rent for a year Grand Prize in our ‘Be Home Free’ contest!

Thank you to all who participated in our Be Home Free contest! Stay tuned for our next contest. 

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.

Spring isn’t the only season for cleaning. Fall is a time of transition and is a great time to start fresh with a clean and organized space. If you plan to tackle a little fall cleaning in your apartment, you need these 5 fall cleaning hacks from Timbercreek Communities. These cleaning hacks won’t just help you clean your apartment, they’ll make your life easier too.

There are so many comforting and invigorating scents to enjoy in the fall. Add a whiff of autumn to your apartment with one of today’s sweet-smelling homemade recipes from Timbercreek Communities.

Spicy, Woodsy Home

Make your home smell like the woods with a few simple ingredients. This spicy, woodsy scent recipe is easy to make, requiring everyday ingredients you probably already have. Gather, clip and trim a few pine branches so that they can easily fit into a pot on the stove. Combine the branches with a bit of a water, a teaspoon of cinnamon and a half teaspoon each of nutmeg and ground cloves. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. 

Orange Pumpkin Spice

This Orange Pumpkin Spice room spray is delicate and comforting. It adds a fresh hint of fall to any room. The recipe avoids harsh chemicals in favour of a perfect combination of essential oils: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, orange and ginger. Combine these oils with eight ounces of water and pour into a spray bottle to use.  

Coffee Vanilla Scent

We love to sip on vanilla flavoured coffees -- they smell amazing! Fill your home with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and sweet of vanilla with this hack. It’s remarkably easy to make in your apartment. All you need are everyday votive vanilla candles and a bowl of coffee beans. Place the candle in the middle, light it and enjoy.     

Bring a little fall into your Timbercreek Communities apartment with these amazing scents. For more information about Timbercreek Communities apartments, located in five provinces and more than 27 cities nationwide, visit our website today.

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing colour and there is a cool bite to the morning air. Weather like this that makes you want to dig into a warm piece of homemade pie. You don’t need an excuse like Thanksgiving to bake a pie, all you need are some fresh ingredients and a little quality time in your kitchen in your Timbercreek Community.

Let’s dig in, shall we?!

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Apples are in season right now. Grab a few at your local market and try your hand at baking a classic Deep Dish Apple Pie. Use a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Braeburn, or Golden Delicious for best results. Using pre-cooked apples allows you to get twice as many apples stuffed into the deep dish crust.

Pumpkin pie may just be the perfect fall pie. When prepared well, a pumpkin pie is rich and lightly spiced with a creamy, custard texture. This video will show you how to bake a perfect pumpkin pie, every time. You’ll even learn how to prevent your pie from cracking while cooking.Pumpkin Pie

Quebec Sugar Pie

If you haven’t tasted a piece of Quebec Sugar Pie, you need to get on it. In Quebec, it’s called Tarte au Sucre, which means sugar pie. This super sweet treat will satisfy your sweet craving, but enjoy responsibly -- it has a lot of sugar in it!

Caramel Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is pretty close to perfection on a plate, but it gets better! Improve on the classic with the addition of gooey salted caramel. This Caramel Pecan Pie is rich, sweet, indulgent and bold. Enjoy a warm slice of this nutty pie with some whipped cream or ice cream and a cup of bold black coffee.

Butternut Squash Pie

Many people think pumpkin pie is the best fall pie around. We disagree! We love Butternut Squash Pie because it’s even smoother and creamier than pumpkin pie. It’s simple to make and tastes great on a cool fall day. It only takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about an hour in the oven and a then a few more hours in the fridge to cool.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is another close relative to pumpkin pie. Whipped sweet potatoes and sweetened condensed milk combine to create a decadent tasting filling. This pie is a smooth and creamy treat without any of the sharpness or bitterness of pumpkin pie. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Apple Crisp

The cool, crisp days of fall are perfect for Apple Crisp. If you love pie but are a little indifferent to crust, or you don’t have the time to bake a full pie, then crisp may be for you. All you have to do is mix sweetened apples and cinnamon in a bowl and then prepare a simple streusel topping of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter and bake it all for about an hour.

There’s almost nothing more satisfying than a warm piece of pie in the fall. Pre-heat the oven and put the kettle on. Timbercreek hopes these recipes inspire you to bake some spectacular fall pies.

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

The only thing more adorable than kids in costume is pets in costume! If you need some Halloween inspiration, check out our 5 favourite pet costumes and learn how to make them yourself.

1. Spider legs

This spider legs costume is absolutely loveable and perfect for your favourite four legged friend. A no-sew tutorial makes it possible for even sub-par crafters to DIY this Halloween.

   
 2. Ghost

This ghost outfit is perfect for dogs and cats that hate to be dressed up in complex, multilayered Halloween costumes. The costume is as simple to make as it looks. Your little friend will look spooktacular!

3. Chia Pet

This Chia Pet costume is a show stopper. If you’re looking to dress your dog up in something that will steal the attention at any friends’ gathering, or even just make your Halloween walk through the park more festive, this costume is it. You’ll need to do a little shopping ahead of time to gather the supplies you’ll need. You will need a dog sweater, plastic aquarium plants, orange fabric and felt for this DIY project.

4. Lion

Why be a cat or a dog when you can be a lion? Knitters can make their own mane for their kittens using this detailed tutorial.

5. Taco Costume

Is it weird that this costume makes us hungry? This DIY Taco Costume is pretty awesome, cute and creative. If you’re short on time we recommend going to the pet store for this one. Crafters should try this DIY costume using felt, embroidery thread, cardboard and Velcro. 

Include your pets in your Halloween festivities this year with Timbercreek Communities’ roundup of the top five pet costumes.

For more information about pet-friendly Timbercreek Communities apartments, located in five provinces and nearly 27 cities, please visit our website today. 

Fall gives you everything you need for beautiful DIY apartment décor. From acorns to colourful leaves and pumpkins, there’s no shortage of inspiration this time of year. These ideas will come in handy for anyone looking to bring a cozy autumn vibe into their space.

Craft a Woodland Frame

This fall, use your favourite memories as décor. Take last year’s best photos and frame them with this gorgeous DIY Fall Woodland Frame. Peel-and-stick moss, pinecones and acorns add a touch of autumn to the piece.

Bring the outside in

Bring the outside in using natural elements in your décor. Pinecones, for example, can be transformed into placeholders in 5 minutes or less, and leaves you gather outside your apartment can be used to make a perfect fall centerpiece.    

Pumpkins can be beautiful

Pumpkin season is here! There are countless ways to put pumpkins to use as fall décor. Larger pumpkins can sit on their own by your front door. Smaller gourds are perfect for shelves, mantels and centerpieces. White pumpkins are a beautiful décor trend this season. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to paint your pumpkins white like a pro. Once your pumpkins are painted, make these adorable BOO Pumpkins or these homemade pumpkin lanterns.

Switch out pillows

Don’t underestimate the difference a new pillow cover can make. This fall, cover your pillows with a fall slipcover that has darker, deeper hues. Shop online for a wide selection of covers. Feeling crafty? Go fabric shopping and fashion your own in minutes.

Candles and throw blankets

Nothing beats décor that is both practical and beautiful. As the temperature drops and cooler, rainier weather arrives, surround yourself with autumn throw blankets and scented candles for comfort and style. These are great additions to your living room and bedroom. These Autumn Leaf Mason Jar Candle Holders will add a warm glow to your space.

Bring autumn into your apartment with today’s fall décor suggestions from Timbercreek Communities. For more information about Timbercreek Communities rentals, located nationwide, please visit our website. 

Fall is hiking season in Ottawa. There’s no better time to experience the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. Pack a picnic lunch, grab a water bottle and get ready to explore Ottawa starting with one of today’s top five top best fall hikes from Timbercreek Communities.

Stony Swamp

There’s nowhere as ecologically diverse as Stony Swamp in the Ottawa Valley. Classes as a Provincially Significant Wetland, there are over 700 species of plants that call this conservation land home -- over 50 of which are considered extremely rare for the region. Stony Swamp is also an excellent area for birdwatchers. Located less than 20 minutes southwest of Ottawa, the park has over 40 kilometres of hiking trails to explore.

Shirleys Bay

The TransCanada Trail is one of the best trails for hiking in Canada. While all 20,000 miles of pathway might be a bit ambitious for the fall, you can experience a sliver of the route at various points in and around Ottawa. One great spot is Shirleys Bay, located west of the city. Shirleys Bay is the largest marshland in the area, perfect for birdwatching or an easy hike through seven kilometres of trails.

Beaver Pond Trail

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, the hiking trails at Algonquin Provincial Park have an excellent reputation. Beaver Pond Trail is a two kilometre route that is just difficult enough and certainly beautiful enough to warrant the two-hour drive from Ottawa. This time of year, expect an incredible array of fall foliage here.

Gatineau Park

One of the best spots for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views of fall foliage is just a 15-minute drive from Ottawa. Gatineau Park is the perfect spot for a weekend hike. You can also check out Fall Rhapsody while you’re in the area -- an annual autumn celebration that includes family activities and exhibits. 

Ottawa River Pathway

You never know when you might want to take a hike -- getting out of town isn’t always an option.Winding through downtown, the Ottawa River Pathway is a great trail to explore that’s located in the heart of the city. The trail is relatively easy to navigate thanks to clearly defined paths. Expect multiple scenic lookouts and picnic spots along the way.

Before winter catches you off guard, enjoy some time in the great outdoors. We hope you enjoy one of today’s Ottawa hiking trail suggestions from Timbercreek Communities. For more information about Ottawa’s Timbercreek Communities apartments, visit our website. 

If your dog won’t stop barking, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues pet owners face. Don’t panic, it’s not your fault -- dogs bark. It’s how they communicate and it's natural. Rest assured that there is something you can do about it. These great tips from Timbercreek Communities will teach you how to stop your dog’s constant barking today.

There are countless reasons why your dog won’t stop barking. An easy place to start in solving this mystery is to block your pup’s view, or at least change it. You never know what’s catching your little guy’s eye and sending him into a noisy fit.

Exercise

Are you giving your dog as much exercise as he or she needs? A restless dog is more likely to bark, which means a great place to start is with a high-energy run or a long walk to tire your little buddy out.

Entertain

Distraction is a great tool to stop your dog from yapping. Consider investing in a mind game designed for pets. You’d be amazed at what your furry friend can accomplish with one of these intelligence-building toys.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key, but to use it correctly it needs to happen immediately after the behavior that you want to encourage. The moment you get your dog to stop barking, give him or her a small treat.  It may not equal results the very first time, but if repeated consistently, your pet will soon understand what you type of behavior earns them a reward.

Invest in Training

Take our word for it, there’s nothing embarrassing about investing in a professional trainer for your pet. Some pets are trickier to train than others. Though it can be a bit of a financial investment, the time and energy you’ll save in the long run might just make it worth the expense.

We hope today’s tips will help you find some peace and quiet. In the meantime, pay your neighbours a visit or even leave them a brief note under the door to let them know you’re working hard to silence the barking.

For more information about pet-friendly Timbercreek Communities, don’t hesitate to visit our website today.