Author: willowbrook3d

Upgrade Your Home Office

We know—the novelty of working from home might be wearing a little thin. Okay, maybe a lot thin. But with many of us still taking our meetings remotely and only dressing up for conference calls, the need for a functional, organized, and uplifting workspace is greater than ever.

So how do you update your space quickly, easily, and without breaking the bank?

Step one: make the most of what you got.

Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated home office. So whether you’re working from a spare room, dining table, or, the couch, it’s key to create a space you can work in. Invest in things like small organizers for pens and pencils from Claire’s or a cute case to keep them contained. Or, a paper organizer that lets you file hardcopy documents for quick reference. Spending a lot of time with a laptop in front of you? Consider a cushy laptop desk from Coles that makes it easier to work if you don’t have a desk or table to use (P.S.-they’re also great for watching Netflix, too).

Step two: organize.

Drowning in paper? Too many tabs open? Is today Wednesday, or Thursday? Working from home can make it even harder to separate work life and home life and the need for calendars is clear. Try a cute at-a-glance desk version or opt for an inspirational agenda. Hudson’s Bay and Icing have some really cute ones! We won’t tell anyone if you doodle in it during your next Zoom call. Want to take it to the next level? Consider a book on organizing tips, tricks, and strategies to help you get your space in order once and for all. Get yourself one from Coles.

Step three: treat yourself.

Working through a global pandemic is no easy feat. Make time to reward yourself for your hard work, too. Step up your coffee game with a chic reusable cup that you’ll want to show off in meetings—online and in person. Pick up a reusable cup at Nutrition House, Starbucks or Tim Hortons! You can even invest in a fitness tracker from Simply Computing and The Source, or a smartwatch from WIRELESSWAVE and TBooth Wireless so you stay connected, never miss an alert, and make sure you get your steps in, even if you are working from the living room.

Whatever system works for you, we’re sure you’ll find the right accessories and set up to make your home workspace productive, pretty, and totally positive.

Capture Stunning Memories

Say cheese! Joining the Willowbrook family eight years ago, Kerrisdale Cameras is a family-run, local photography retailer providing an extensive selection of new and used digital and film photo equipment.

With an incredibly knowledgeable staff ready and willing to share their passion and expertise, you’re sure to get the help and support you need to take your photo game to the next level.

Kerrisdale Cameras carries all major camera brands and accessories, including drones and GoPros, and even offers photofinishing services.

If you’re ready to debut your shots to the community, be sure to check out the store’s monthly photo contest and watch for great deals in the weekly newspaper ads.

A Tourist In Your Own Town!

I think it is safe to say that we’ll be spending another spring and summer close to home this year, so why not become a tourist in your own town?

I will be highlighting some of my favourite spots in Langley that I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Wondering what to do on a Friday night? If you are looking for a modern dining experience with some spice, I highly recommend Haven Kitchen & Bar! With their delicious food and amazing cocktails, you will not leave hungry. I would start with one of their signature cocktails (I’m loving the Haven Paloma). And then, order a starter; I highly recommend the Miso Truffle Fries. You can’t really go wrong with any of the entrées, they are all delicious and pretty good portion sizes. Haven has a beautiful, heated patio for you to enjoy as well as indoor seating. Be sure to make reservations in advance as this place is a new Langley hot spot!

I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a Saturday afternoon with family other than in Fort Langley. As you walk down the streets, you get a whimsical vintage feel that makes you feel that you are in a totally different place. You will see many heritage buildings that add to the charm of this area. The Little White House & Co. is among one of my favourite spots to stop by every time I’m in Fort Langley. It’s one of the best places to have brunch or tea with your bestie and then go visit the unique store that is filled with boutique clothes, furniture and more. Don’t forget about Wendel’s Bookstore if you are an avid reader like myself, you could get lost in this place for hours (and they also have a fabulous café!). After walking around all afternoon and visiting the quaint little shops in Fort Langley, it’s time for dinner! My go-to place is Beatniks Bistro, one of the oldest buildings in Fort Langley built in 1933, here I would start with the Roasted Vegetable Dip, and then have the Beef Dip for the entrée. This is a great outing for the whole family, all the while enjoying our gorgeous spring and summer weather.

Speaking of gorgeous weather, why not get outside and explore the beautiful outdoors on a Sunday and experience the nice trails and parks we have here in Langley? I really enjoy Derby Reach Regional Park, it has great walking trails for any experience level and with all of us being stuck at home a lot this year, it’s nice to get out with the family and enjoy a great activity. Another favourite of mine is Krause Berry Farm. I highly recommend visiting on the weekend so you can experience their delicious waffles, they come served nice and warm with berries and whip cream on top, seriously SO good!

There is so much more to do right here in your backyard! I hope you can safely enjoy a nice spring being a tourist in your own town!

Pick The Right Diamond, Ladies

Diamonds aren’t an everyday purchase. In fact, for many, they’re a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Our crash course on diamond certification will help you understand the different types and ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. In fact, our team at Golden Tree Jewellers has got it down to a science.

How are diamonds ranked?

Well you C…no, literally, when it comes to diamonds you want to remember the four Cs: carat weight, clarity, colour grade, and cut. Together, these factors create a universal description of how a diamond will be valued.

One of the more common questions people ask when it comes to diamonds is how many carats? This is a measure of what the stone itself weighs. Depending on the style of jewelry you’re looking for you may also see terms like, “total carat weight” which is the total weight of all the stones together.

The next factor is clarity. In essence, clarity looks for imperfections in a diamond and ranks them on a numerical scale from flawless to, well, less than perfect. The clarity of the diamond reflects how much of that all-important sparkle you can expect.

Did you know not all diamonds are clear? That’s right. While they’re commonly colourless, they can have a tint all the way up to yellow colouring. Colours of diamonds are certified by a number (from 0.0-10) or a letter from D to Z.

The cut of a diamond can also play a vital role in how the stone is rated and how it shines. The cut is typically rated on a scale from ideal to poor. Other factors to consider when talking about diamonds are fluorescence, polish grade, and brilliance. Want to know more? Talk to a jeweller!

Who rates diamonds?

Certain professional organizations are known to be trusted authorities when it comes to diamond certifications. These include the Gemological Institute of America, The American Gem Society, The International Gemological Institute, Gemological Science International, and GemEx Systems Inc. A rating from any of these institutions is a good sign and indicates you’re dealing with a genuine product.

Diamond Certification at Golden Tree Jewellers

If you’re new to the diamond certification scene, check our online diamond selection portal. Each part of the diamond rating system is carefully laid out, allowing you to pick and choose relevant filters to help you select a diamond with everything you need. We offer certified loose diamonds and our qualified team is able to unite you with the perfect one for your ring giving you a one-of-a-kind piece for a one-of-a-kind moment.

Celebrate Your Shape

Calling Willowbrook home for more than 15 years, when it comes to fashion, Ricki’s has it covered.

With looks to suit all occasions and styles—from casual and fun basics to polished and chic ensembles—you’re sure to get an outfit that fits and makes you feel fabulous. They are proudly size-inclusive, carrying pieces in sizes 0-18 (XS-XXL) and short, regular, and long inseams.

Did you know you could get a beautiful pair of Blue Light glasses at Ricki’s? Their chic glasses fitted with anti-reflective lenses help minimize the strain from electronic screens – something we’re all experiencing these days (thanks, Zoom!).

At Ricki’s, promotions change weekly, plus, Fashion+Friends members can reap the rewards of the new points system and take advantage of exclusive promotions!

Pssst…don’t forget to check out their *NEW* accessories in-store! Plus, they offer private shopping hours. Get expert advice and style tips from trained associates, and bring someone from your bubble too! Their team will be happy to help.

Head to Ricki’s at Willowbrook to check out their Spring wardrobe, you might just find something more in-store.

Embracing Health

Being a healthy weight is different for everyone.

People are biologically different, with different nutritional needs. A healthy weight is important for overall health and wellness long term. It has nothing to do with fitting into a certain clothing size.

Weight loss or weight management requires changes to our current lifestyle. But this doesn’t mean doing a 180 on your routines. Small tweaks to your day-to-day are all it takes while keeping the focus on nutrition, exercise, and getting enough water.

It’s vital that we eat foods that support our health like protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Think protein is going to bulk you up, ladies? Think again. Protein is required by every cell in your body. It aids in repairing and making new cells which can help fight infection and illnesses and keep your muscles strong and toned. Psst…did you know the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn? It’s a win-win for weight management.

Your exact protein needs may vary depending on your lifestyle but in general, the average adult female requires 45grams. Chat with an expert in-store at Nutrition House to learn more about what options are available and will work best to meet your needs.

We need water. And we need a lot of it. Water plays a vital role in your bodily functions yet most of us don’t drink enough of it. It’s also key to weight management. So why don’t we get enough? Some of us simply forget while others find water a bit bland. Setting reminders on your phone can help you increase your H20 consumption. Or, set goals like making sure you drink a set number of bottles each day. You can also spruce up your plain water with add-ins like vitamin tablets to add flavour while benefitting your immune systems.

Exercise can be daunting. But just 30 minutes of movement each day can have a tremendous effect on your physical and mental well-being and helps keep your weight under control and your health in check. If a half-hour is just a bit too much, break it up into smaller, 10–15-minute activities like stretches or weightlifting. Need more ideas? The on-staff personal trainer at Nutrition House can help you ease into any type of exercise with a few simple tips and tricks.

Getting healthier doesn’t have to be hard, but it does have to be a priority.

Willowbrook Can Make You A Winner

Okay, last year didn’t go how anyone planned. So this year, we’re here to make sure it’s a winner. Literally.

Every month, we’re going to give you the chance to win amazing prizes like gift cards, products, experiences, and more. Trust us—you won’t want to miss out.

So whether you’re in the market for a new outfit, a relaxing pedicure, some new home décor, or a sweet treat and caffeine fix, we’ve got you covered. All it takes is a couple of minutes and a few clicks to be in it to win it.

Here’s how it works:

  • Simply sign up for our e-newsletter below
  • Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam) for our monthly Year of Winning emails
  • Access the entry form through the link in the email to enter your details
  • And that’s it! No, really, that’s all it takes to be in to win one of our fabulous prizes each month.

That’s twelve chances to take home great prizes! What are you waiting for? Willowbrook can help make you a winner!

Terms and Conditions apply.

Spoil Your Skin This Winter

We do cardio for our heart health; take fish oil for our brains; wear blue light glasses to avoid eye strain. But what about our skin?

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and it’s more than just a covering. Our skin is a barrier that protects us, warms us and regulates our temperature, and is one of our body’s first lines of defence. It’s time to treat it right—especially in the winter.

Say it with us: MOISTURE. Hydrating your skin is vital not only to its look (Hello healthy glow? It’s us, we miss you.) but its functionality. And moisture starts internally. Getting enough water is a key component to the health of your skin overall (and there’s tons of other health benefits to drinking water, too). But it’s hard to trade in a vanilla latte for a bottle of Evian. Try adding some sliced fruit like lemon, lime, or strawberries, to your water, or a few sprigs of mint to easily and naturally flavour your drink. Or look for liquid collagen (aka the beauty vitamin—great for skin, hair, and nails) and vitamin mixes you can add to your glass of H2O giving you the benefit of internal hydration with an extra kick. Find them at Nutrition House.

TLC wasn’t wrong when they said, “I don’t want no scrub” but the scrub we want belongs in your bath or shower routine. Scrubs are an effective way to exfoliate, removing flaky dead skin cells to brighten your complexion and release your inner glow. But remember to be gentle—avoid using scrubs on delicate skin like your face and don’t overdo it or you can cause microtears. The Body Shop has an incredible range of scrubs for you to choose from.

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Mask up. No, not just when you leave the house but at home, too. Face masks can be a great boost of hydration and relaxing way to soothe and care for your skin. Plus, there’s something out there for everyone no matter what your skin type or product preference. Step into Sephora and try traditional mud masks, luscious gel, or go quick and convenient with a ready-to-go sheet mask.

Seek out a specialist. When it doubt, consult with a product specialist or aesthetician to learn more about what products to use (and avoid) and how to care for your skin. With the right products and a set routine, we know you’ll love the skin you’re in.

Willowbrook Shopping Centre
19705 Fraser Highway
Langley, BC V3A 7E9

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