Category: Lifestyle

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!

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.

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!

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!

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