Category: Lifestyle

Hungry For The Outdoors

Now that summer has finally arrived in Metro Vancouver (hey, even Mother Nature likes to be fashionably late) we can finally light the BBQ and enjoy the best that picnicking, patios and outdoor dining has to offer.

Start with the essential tools—like the BBQ itself. If you’re looking to upgrade your current set up or get your foot in the grilling game, look no further. This Dyna-Glo propane grill at Hudson’s Bay is sure to keep up with everyone’s appetite with three burners and ample space to cook up burgers, steaks, veggies, and even dessert.

What goes along with a new grill? The gadgets. Stay safe and practical with a heat resistant glove that can protect you up to 930 degrees Fahrenheit. And don’t forget your knife, grill fork, tongs, a spatula, bottle opener, and corkscrew. Did we mention you can get all six in one? Keep your gadget game on point with this grill master multitool and stop worrying about what you’re forgetting.

We might not like to clean the grill, but we do like tools to make it as quick and easy as possible. And we have to admit, a clean grill is pretty nice to look at. Investing in a good brush ensures your grill is ready to use the next time you fire it up and keeps your cooking surface in tip-top shape. How do you clean the grill brush? Pop it in the dishwasher as necessary and thank us later. Get it all at House of Knives.

 

If the grill is looking good, shouldn’t the griller, too? Spruce up your summer wardrobe with bright colours, seasonal patterns, and light fabrics to keep you equal parts cool and chic. Skip the shorts and tank combo and reach for a flowy maxi dress or wide-leg jumpsuit from Le Chateau to elevate your look. Top it off with a wide brim hat or woven sun visor from Urban Planet to keep the sun out of your face and eliminate the need for a fancy hairdo.

 

 

They say when the sun goes down, it gets hotter. But if you’re like the rest of us you might be ready for a cozy plush blanket from QE Home that you can wrap up in, and if you’re really lucky, snuggle up under with a hot date.

Whether you’re the hostess with the mostest or a lucky invited guest, you’re sure to impress and make memories at your next BBQ.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

The man, the myth, the legend. We’re celebrating the ‘best’ for every Dad!

Whether likes the best sneakers for his morning run, the best BBQ set to grill burgers on his patio or even the best watch to make sure he’s spending all his precious time with you. Long story short, Dad deserves the best. With Father’s Day right around the corner, we’re here with gift ideas for every Dad.

FOR THE ENTERTAINER

Is Dad secretly a bar and wine enthusiast? Get him the tools he needs to host an incredible (socially distanced) party with Moscow Mule glasses, a hockey puck whiskey stone as well as an all-time favourite cheese board set from House of Knives.

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FOR THE FITNESS BUFF

If he’s been working from home and looks to incorporate creative ways to stay fit, these gadgets will help him release pent up energy and get a good workout in. Yoga mat from Sport Chek and a smart reminder water bottle from The Source? Check. Oh, and don’t forget to level up Dad’s fitness regimen with the new Fitbit Versa 2 from The Source. And, of course, Dad needs his handy (but cool) backpack to house his gear. Be sure to grab a Herschel backpack from Foot Locker.

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FOR THE GRILL MASTER

Sunny day out on the patio with old school tunes playing on a set of Marley speakers from Wirelesswave? We’re all for it, and we’re sure Dad will love it too. Give him the gift of a compact charcoal bullet smoker that he can show off along with his pristine set of stainless steel knives. And Dad needs something to keep his drinks cool and ready to quench his thirst. Enter, the Koolatron. No ice, no mess, and no more soggy sandwiches – this gift is perfect for Dad. Get it all, and more at Hudson’s Bay.

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FOR THE GROOMER

Of course, Dad wants to look good all day, every day! So, why not give him the gift of self-care and love from Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop? From oodles of Layrite shampoo bottles, Uppercut firm hold pomade for his luscious hair and let’s not forget, an American Crew aftershave to keep his face looking prim and proper, Dad will have everything he needs to take self-care to the next level. And while you’re at it, add a nice, classy and comfortable Remington shaver to his gift bag. Trust us, he’ll thank you for it.

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FOR THE STYLE KING

Dress to impress, right? Absolutely! For a Dad who likes to up his style every once in a while, Jack & Jones is the one-stop-shop for all of his apparel needs. Make every day into a tropical paradise with floral shirts and shorts. Plus, belts and socks are a must-have for all Dads (sorry, not sorry!).

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Here’s wishing your Dad, Grandpa and all the father figures in your life, the very BEST Father’s Day!

Love, Willowbrook ♥️

New Year, New You

It’s wonderful that we all make resolutions.  The problem is:  following through on them.  It’s easy to talk the talk, but not so easy to walk the walk. Just remember the mantra – change is good.

Most resolutions we make are regarding our physical and mental health. Whether it is just to feel better, get healthier, lose weight, or to try to add activities to our lives to improve our lifestyle. At GNC, they promote starting with a healthy breakfast (maybe add some whey protein to that oatmeal?), or, if you are vegan, try a vegan breakfast bowl with some vege-complete protein. I’m not vegan but I have come around to trying the oatmeal. Not bad, and it fills you up!

Throughout the day try to have healthy snacks. Mixed nuts are a great snack, and fruits and vegetables of course.  That’s not always convenient depending on your job or your lifestyle. So, try a protein shake instead. They are pretty tasty. Not quite as tasty as a Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks but they are also a ton fewer calories and much lower sugar content (the frappuccino would put me into a diabetic sugar coma).

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Try to get more active! It makes a huge difference especially if you have a desk job. Even a short 5 to 15-minute walk daily in the fresh air makes a huge difference both physically and mentally. I promise you; you will notice the difference! I try to park on the outskirts of the parking lots, so I force myself to walk further.

Take a daily multivitamin. Statistics have shown that 50% of the population do not get enough vitamins from their food consumption. In this day and age, I think there are a lot of Skip the Dishes happening so we’re not getting all the fruits and vegetables we need. We do need to supplement with one of the many multi-vitamins available, especially Vitamin C. At GNC they have Vitamin C in every form available: from tablets, chews, to gummy bears. I have to admit I’m hooked on the gummy bears!

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Nutrition House also has many products such as vitamins, supplements, organic compounds, etc. to help with your immune system, digestive system, and all-round health. They also carry some alternative items to help improve your life.

Stress management is key for leading a healthier more productive life. Besides exercise and proper rest, many people now help manage their stress with the use of Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils where the oil is inhaled or used topically on the skin for sleep, headaches, and other conditions. Essential oils are used with the intention of preventing or treating illness, reducing stress, or enhancing well-being. Using a diffuser with essential oils is awesome. I love the Lavender Vanilla, it definitely helps me relax and get better sleep. Nutrition House also carries lava bracelets and other jewellery that incorporate essential oils. Your body warms the oil allowing for the slow diffusion of the scent. Sounds lovely!

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Himalayan salt lamps are another item that Nutrition House sells. They are decorative lights you can buy for your home carved out of pink Himalayan salt. They are believed to have various health benefits. In fact, advocates of salt lamps claim they can clean the air in your home, soothe allergies, boost your mood and help you sleep.

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I hope my suggestions get you thinking about the many ways that you can try to become the best that you can be. One step at a time, you will see and feel a difference. Wishing you the best!

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

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