Author: willowbrook3d

Whatcha Packin’ For A Picnic?

It’s hard to say why, but eating outdoors makes things taste better, right? Take advantage of summer weather, local parks, and public outdoor spaces and plan your next picnic with a few must-haves and prep-ahead recipes.

What are we drinking? Tempting as it may be to break out the bubbly or crack a cold one, not every outdoor space in Metro Vancouver has loosened up the rules on alcohol in public. So, stick with a non-alcoholic classic and crowd-pleaser like fresh raspberry iced tea instead.

RECIPE

  • 8-10 black tea bags of black tea
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 8 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups + ¼ cup cold water
  • 2x 6-ounce containers of raspberries
  • Plenty of ice

METHOD

  • In a large pitcher (that you can find at Hudson’s Bay) steep the tea bags in boiling water and add the sugar, stirring to dissolve. Let the tea bags steep for 20-25 minutes.
  • Soften the raspberries in a medium saucepan over medium heat with ¼ cup water. Press the softened berries through a fine-mesh strainer. Reserve the liquid and discard pulp and seeds.
  • Remove the tea bags (don’t lose count!) and add the raspberry liquid to the pitcher along with the remaining cold water.
  • Serve over ice and enjoy.

What are we eating? While there will always be classics like finger sandwiches, deviled eggs, and pasta salad, picnics are a great time to debut a new recipe. And what’s better than a tasty and delicious meal you can make ahead of time? Watermelon salad, anyone?

RECIPE

  • 1 cucumber, cut into bite-size chunks
  • 1 jalapeno finely diced
  • 1/3 cup sweet mint
  • 4 cups of seedless watermelon cubed
  • ¼ cup red onion
  • 2tbsp lime juice
  • 2tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup crumbled feta

METHOD

  • Combine all ingredients except the mint in a large serving bowl and mix thoroughly
  • Add mint just before serving

What are we playing? Picnics are a great time to dust off the jump rope, practice your best frisbee throw, and make the most of being outdoors with room to play. Be sure to pack park toys like hacky sacks, bubbles, kickballs, or a baseball and glove. Don’t have all the toys and equipment at your disposal? Consider using what’s available in nature—like fallen pinecones or small twigs—as markers for games. Or flex your creativity and imagination and invent your own! Find all this and more at Sport Chek.

What are we wearing? When you’re heading out for fun in the sun, it’s important to make sure you’re cool, comfortable, and covered. In addition to sunscreen, light layers from Aldila Boutique or Warehouse One are also a great way to protect yourself from too much sun exposure while remaining stylish. If you’re near the water, or the spray park, kimonos, wraps, and light shirts and cardigans make an effortless cover-up that you may not want to take off.

Take advantage of all that beautiful British Columbia has to offer and enjoy your time outdoors. Bon appetit!

It Suits You

Nelly was right—it’s getting hot in here. And while it might be tempting to take off all your clothes, if that’s not an option cute new swimwear is a stellar second choice.

Don’t compare yourself to swimsuit models

See something you like? Not sure if it would look good on you? Try it on anyways! Swimsuit models show how one swimsuit looks on one body. And let’s not talk about the airbrushing and re-touching that commonly occurs. The reality is that every body is a swimsuit body, so long as you’re wearing one. So relax, live your best life, grab a cute swimsuit from Boathouse and remember you only have to impress yourself.

Wear what YOU think is cute and comfortable

Take your fashion rulebook and throw it out the window. There are so many options at American Eagle Outfitters and Nordstrom Rack when it comes to swimwear so why limit yourself? If you love to show off skin and curves, go for it! Snag a cute mix and match two-piece or experiment with a one-piece with cool cutouts or a modern neckline. If you’re more comfortable with a cute wrap, pair of shorts, coverup, or rash guard, then rock on! The point is to find what makes you feel good and keeps you cool.

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Forget about body types and focus on activities

Stop worrying about if you’re an apple or a pear. Forget what body type you supposedly have and how you should dress it and focus instead on what you’ll be doing in your swimwear. Planning to surf, waterski, and get competitive on the beach? Consider something designed for watersports and high levels of activity, with ample support, like something from Hudson’s Bay. Intending to float in the pool or lay out by the lake? Choose something you like and find comfortable, that won’t leave you with tan likes you regret. FInd such styles and more at H&M.

When it comes to keeping your suit looking its very best, the rinse is key. Rinse your suit each time you wear it to ensure chlorine and other chemicals don’t compromise the fabric and when it’s time to wash it, stick to the gentle cycle or a hand wash to prolong the life of your sweet new swimwear. Whether you’re in the water or out of it, stay safe with sunscreen, keep a cold drink handy, and have a stellar summer.

Brothers of Denim

A new member of the Willowbrook family, JACK & JONES proudly offers quality denim and the best selection of cool casuals in menswear. They’ve got you covered when it comes to every occasion you might end up in.

And yes, JACK & JONES knows it takes more than a pair of good jeans to cover men’s wardrobe needs. So, they cover the full range from urban sportswear, casual classics, accessories and footwear.

Whether you’re looking for your significant other, best friend, family member, or just a cool dude, the store offers a range of tees, hoodies, and essential wardrobe pieces for men of all ages.

JACK & JONES has reimagined denim to make it more accessible and affordable. Using industry-leading technology, they are continuously exploring the latest trends in fabric innovation, leading to high-quality products that stand the test of time.

On right now… JACK & JONES is offering styles from $5 to $60 plus free shipping on orders over $75 or more!

Take advantage of ongoing great deals like BOGO 50% and catch the JACK & JONES team on Instagram for more outfit inspo, contests, and other sales and savings.

Slather On The SPF

Summer and sunscreen. They go together like cold drinks and a warm breeze, or a margarita and salt. But when it comes to picking the right sunscreen it’s important to understand the different types—mineral and chemical—and their pros and cons to make sure you’re sun safe all summer long.

Mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin and creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. This type of sunscreen works as a layer of tiny mirrors that deflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays to protect you.

Since mineral sunscreens are a form of physical protection, they’re effective immediately after they’re applied, making them a great choice when you’re in a rush, on the go, or wrangling busy kids who want to enjoy the sun. Mineral sunscreens can be sweated or rubbed off so be sure to be generous in your application to ensure you’re covered and reapply often.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed and sit deeper in your skin. This type of sunscreen absorbs UV rays, changes the rays to heat, and releases the hit from your skin—pretty neat, right? Since they’re absorbed, chemical sunscreens may not need to be reapplied as often as their mineral counterparts, but, they require more time to be effective. If you’re reaching for a chemical SPF be sure to allow 15-20 minutes before your sun exposure to make sure you’re adequately protected. Chemical sunscreens can also be problematic or irritating for sensitive skin. If you’re prone to sensitivities or have conditions like rosacea or hyperpigmentation, you may want to pass.

No matter what option you reach for, it’s key to make sure you apply your SPF liberally, evenly, and often. In fact, properly applied sunscreen that’s a lower SPF can be more effective than a higher SPF that’s not done right. And while sunscreen can come in many forms—sprays, sticks, even makeup—there’s no excuse to skip this step. Protect yourself, protect your skin, and party on in the sun, safely. Get your next favourite sunscreen at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay or Nordstrom Rack.

Raise Your Brow with Benefit Cosmetics

I remember the first time my best friend forced me to do something with my eyebrows when I was a teen, it was an experience that I still have memories of to this day! (Thanks, Ali!). The great news is, now there are professional products to help you achieve gorgeous brows.

Let’s look through some of Benefit Cosmetics’ amazing products, available at Sephora, that will take your brow game to the next level and help you achieve the look you want, all from the comfort of your own home!

Benefit Cosmetics is a makeup industry leader when it comes to having brow-luscious brows! They make it easy with their “brow try-on” feature where you can take a picture of yourself and see what shade, arch and thickness would suit you best. This is a great tool that Benefit Cosmetics has available for their customers to help take the guesswork out of the process. Be sure to check it out on their website.

Let’s start off with the “Precisely, My Brow” eyebrow pencil, my personal favourite. This brow pencil draws even hair strokes that last for hours. It will give your brows a more defined look, while still appearing natural. This eyebrow pencil comes in a wide range of colours, so matching your perfect shade should be super easy.

As the iconic Britney Spears would say… “Gimme, gimme, (more)” The “Gimme Brow” is a tinted eyebrow gel that adheres to your hair to make your eyebrows look fuller; the brush applicator allows for an easy fool-proof application that is absolutely mess-free.

Benefit Cosmetics’ most fool-proof product is the “Goof Proof” eyebrow pencil. You will quickly become a pro with this easy filling and shaping tool, that will give you the perfect glide-on formula, making its application a breeze!

The incredible Benefit Cosmetics team at Willowbrook’s Sephora is eager to see you! Experience a wide range of services in-store, including waxing, tinting and tweezing, all at affordable prices. It is fast and easy to book an appointment through the link here. I highly recommend Serena; she makes you feel comfortable and at ease about the entire process.

Benefit Brow Bar Sephora

 

Not only do they offer a fantastic line of brow products but be sure to check out their complete makeup offering to achieve your go-to look. These products and much more are available at Willowbrook’s Sephora!

What’s In Your Getaway Bag?

With warm weather on the horizon and travel restrictions hopefully beginning to ease, there’s never been a better time to start thinking about a weekend getaway. Whether you’re camping by the lake or checking into a chic downtown hotel, there are a few essentials you’ll want to bring to make your trip easy, comfy, and tons of fun.

Sunscreen and SPF products

Good sunscreen and sun protection are essential no matter where you’re headed or what the weather is. Even if it’s not bright or sunny out, it’s key to protect yourself, show your skin some love, and layer on the SPF. If you’re going to be swimming or doing activities where you could break a sweat, like hiking or kayaking, be sure to reapply regularly. And don’t forget your lips, either. Reach for a lip balm packed with SPF to avoid the risk of a burn and sore, chapped, peeling lips so you don’t have to kiss your good time getaway goodbye. All this and more are available at Sephora.

Cute PJs

Jeans? Dress clothes? Hard pass. Stay comfy, cute, and cool with a new set of pajamas or Instagram-worthy loungewear. Thanks to American Eagle Outfitters or La vie en Rose, you can stick with soft, relaxed neutrals or bring on bright bold patterns that are sure to make you look and feel great. Whatever you choose, may we suggest something stretchy for all those extra snacks?

Battery pack/charger

Is there anything worse than forgetting your charger on vacation and watching your battery slowly die? We didn’t think so. Keep all your devices charged so you can capture your memories, humblebrag on social media, and check-in at home without worry. Grab an extra durable cable from The Source that can survive whatever you put it through, and a portable battery back you can stick in your pocket to keep connected on the go.

Good book/Activity book

Reading a book can be a mini-vacation all its own. So before you hit the road, be sure to pack a captivating read, activity book of brain busters, or cute notebook to doodle, journal, and record your vacation memories in. Available at Coles.

Backpack/Duffel

It might seem obvious but when it comes time to pack, you need a good bag. A lightweight, easy-to-carry backpack or duffle from Sport Chek is a great option and alternative to bulky luggage. A smaller bag ensures you only take the essentials and when the trip is over, your new bag is easy to store until your next vacay.

No matter where you’re headed, who you’re with, how far you’re going, or how long you’re sneaking away for, enjoy your time, enjoy your space, and stay safe!

Say Cheese!

Discover the power of your smile with Willowbrook Dental Clinic.

What do you notice first when you meet someone? Chances are, it’s their smile. And while smiles are free, when we’re self-conscious about our teeth, it’s the last thing we want to do.

Teeth whitening is an easy, non-invasive way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. With the help of our highly trained team of hygienists and dentists at Willowbrook Dental Clinic, you’ll see just how great you look when you smile and how easy it is to brighten a room with your pearly whites.

What’s involved in cosmetic teeth whitening?

The process begins with a dental consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for cosmetic teeth whitening. Since there are different bleaching systems available, it’s important to choose one that will meet your needs. At your initial appointment, we will also make impressions of your teeth that will be used to create a mouthguard appliance for you.

At your next appointment, you’ll receive your mouthguard and the materials to begin whitening your teeth. Your dentist will go over the process with you and explain how to apply products and use them correctly. Most bleaching systems require 10-14 day use to achieve desired brightness.

Is teeth bleaching safe? Are there any side effects?

Recent students have shown teeth bleaching to be both safe and effective. While some patients may experience minor irritation and sensitivity, these side effects were short-term and resolved once the treatment ended. We use the best in dental technology to make sure your treatment goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

How long does it last?

Results typically last several years. The longevity of your whiteness depends partly on your personal habits and lifestyle like how often you drink coffee or tea.

Our patients typically have gel leftover from their initial teeth bleaching and the leftover product can be used in future as a touch-up to keep your smile looking its very best. Touch-ups can be done approximately every 6 months and usually take only 2-3 applications to restore vibrancy.

Is cosmetic teeth bleaching for you?

Our teeth change over time. If your smile has darkened from age, coffee/tea drinking, or smoking, cosmetic whitening may be a great option for you and is successful in the majority of cases. These types of stains respond better to treatment than stains caused by fluorosis or tetracycline.

If you have highly sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or thinning enamel, bleaching is not recommended, and you may be a better candidate for porcelain veneers.

Willowbrook Dental Clinic is proud to offer a range of dental care options and services to get you on the path to a bright, healthier smile. Contact us today to learn more and get started.

Your Jean Store

From selling jeans out of the trunk of a car in 1977 to becoming a nationwide chain of over 120 stores, one thing about Warehouse One has remained the same, they know jeans.

Calling Willowbrook home since 2014, Warehouse One carries a wide selection of comfy, cute and casual pieces that can easily be dressed up or down and an unmatched selection of denim.

With Warehouse One’s incredible selection of outfits, you should be all set to welcome warmer weather and liven up your wardrobe. Be sure to check out their Spring Lookbook and enjoy ongoing deals in-store at Willowbrook!

Pssst…did you know, Warehouse One has new spring looks for men too? From floral prints and tie-dye to vintage vibes and more…there’s something for everyone at Warehouse One.

Offering both men’s and women’s clothing, Warehouse One will have your size. An extensive and inclusive size range is available to accommodate petite, regular, plus, and tall with multiple inseam lengths. Women’s jeans are available from sizes 24 – 36 and 14+ – 22+, tops from XS – XXXL, and men’s bottoms in a 28 – 42 waist. You’re sure to find something that fits and makes you feel good, too.

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

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