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Fraser Valley Valentine’s Day Spa Specials

With Valentines, Galentines, and Palentines (too much?) Day approaching, love is in the air and one of the main ways to love yourself and others is giving the gift of self-care.

There’s no better way to take care of yourself than to provide yourself with a spa treatment. We took a look around the Fraser Valley to see what some of the top local spas might be offering.  Here is a list of what we found.

Valentines Day

The Red Lotus Spa @abbotsfordredlotusspa in Abbotsford is running a 50% of Valentine’s special. They say “February is here to bring love and happiness in our lives❤️ Gifts cards are also available for this promo, a perfect gift for your loved ones.”
See special on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcwsFJPMfY/
Website https://www.redlotusspa.ca/

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Bliss Day Spa @blissdayspalangley in Langley has a gift certificate promotion going for Valentine’s. They say – “Spoil someone that deserves a little self-care this Valentine’s Day (even if that someone is yourself 😉) Spend $100 on Valentine’s Day gift certificates and receive $20 for free!”
Website https://blissdayspa.ca/

Spa Utopia @spautopiabc in Langley has an Instagram giveaway that runs from Feb.11-20. They say – “IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME 😍🎉 We’re spreading the love this month and giving away a Luxury Facial for you AND a loved one! Be embraced with lavish details with caring attention. Wellness starts with a gentle therapist touch, soft essences, a stress-relieving massage on the face, neck & decollete along with a hot stone massage on the feet & legs. Focused attention is given to support your skin’s beauty and health and to deliver the best results possible…” For more details on how to enter see their Instagram post – https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ2DmtkBUPV/
Website – https://spautopia.ca/contact-us/langley/

Casbah Day Spa @casbahdayspa in South Surrey is running a gift card special. They say – “Our gift card promotion is back! Spend $250 or more and receive 10% back on a gift card back to you, Happy Valentine’s Day. And… “Just in time for Valentine’s, this sweet little bath fizzes ❤️ Sweet addition to your Valentines Day gift card ❤️ $10”
Website https://casbahdayspa.com/

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aru spa salon in Surrey has some spa packages to offer. They say… “TREAT YOUR VALENTINE TO A ROMANTIC SPA DAY! There is nothing more special than spending quality time together, while you both indulge in a romantic spa experience. 
We are hosting our Valentine’s Spa Packages right through the month of February, so be sure to book your’s today. 
We have a variety of Spa Packages to choose from, including our popular, Aru Japanese Experience for Couples… Plus our Valentine’s Day Gift Cards are available now!”
Website – https://www.aruspa.com/

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Naanaz Day Spa in Surrey is offering a MELTING ME AWAY PACKAGE They say – “A Relaxing Treatment uses heated stones to gently massage and soothe away an accumulation of stress and tension to bring the mind, body, and spirit into balance. and nourishes depleted cells, leaving the body in a deep state of relaxation and allowing for improved sleep and reduced inflammation to give an immediate sense of well-being. Package Includes a 60 minute hot stone massage with Manicure and Complimentary Paraffin or FREE TAKE HOME Chocolate or Cranberry Body Butter 90 min. Pkg $165 per person Reg $190.”
Website https://www.naanazdayspa.com/

Who doesn’t get a little blue on rainy days? The European Day Spa and Salon @europeandayspaandsalon in Abbotsford made this self-care post recently and they say, “Self-care tips for staying cozy on rainy days ☕️ No doubt we’re missing the warmer weather, but we hope in the meantime this self-care guide will keep you recharged and rejuvenated!” For more see https://www.instagram.com/p/CZvQrlBjQI-/
Website https://www.europeandayspa.ca/
Photo @europeandayspaandsalon

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FOOTNOTES
Photos – Unsplash
Please visit the various company websites to confirm the information listed above.

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abbotsford

February Events in the Fraser Valley

February is the month for love and family! See below for details on a special Valentine’s Day event like the Love is Blind Wine Tasting at Township 7 Winery and a garden event on Family Day at Darts Hill Garden Park. 

There’s lots of hockey too. We’ve only listed a few games so if you are interested check out the Vancouver Giants, Langley Rivermen, and the Abbotsford Canucks.

Abbotsford Events

Abbotsford Canucks

Abbotsford Canucks vs Stockton Heat
Stockton Heat at Abbotsford Canucks at Abbotsford Centre on February 4, 2022
Date: Fri, Feb 4, 7:00–11:00 p.m.
Location: Abbotsford Centre 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Website: https://abbotsford.canucks.com/
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/abbotsfordcanucks/

2022 Fraser Valley Home and Garden Expo
Date: Fri, Feb 11, 1:00 p.m.–Sun, Feb 13, 9:00 p.m.
Location: Tradex – 1190 Cornell St, Abbotsford, BC

RV Show

Earlybird RV Show
Pick up your free campground guides at the Earlybird RV show in Abbotsford, BC, at the Camp and RV BC booth. See you at the Tradex! Read more on Camping & RV in BC
Date: Thu, Feb 17, 7:00 a.m.–Tue, Feb 22, 2:00 p.m.
Location: Tradex 1190 Cornell St, Abbotsford, BC
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/campinbc/

Chris LaneChris Lane is coming to the Abbotsford Centre on February 19th, 2022. Do you and a friend want to go? See website below.
Date: Sat, Feb 19, 7:00–11:00 p.m.
Location: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Photo – Facebook
Website: https://www.jrcountry.ca/contest/45119/info/

Chilliwack

marc atkinson trioMarc Atkinson Trio
Melodic, captivating, this virtuosic group, the marc atkinson trio, is one of the most captivating string trios in the world! Read more on Chilliwack Cultural Centre
Date: Feb 4–25
Location: Hub International Theatre 9201 Corbould St, Chilliwack, BC
Website: https://www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/event/the-marc-atkinson-trio/#.YfG8rfVKi3I
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/marcatkinsontrio/

Langley Events

Vancouver Giants vs Kamloops Blazers – BCLC Community Heroes Night
Take in some WHL action at the Langley Events Centre watching the Vancouver Giants battle the Kamloops Blazers!
Single-game tickets can be purchased at the Langley Events Centre Ticket Office 1 hour before puck drop or online at vancouvergiants.com/tickets Throughout the season, the Vancouver Giants and BCLC will be recognizing different groups of community heroes. All community heroes in attendance will be entered to win a special “Community Hero” game-worn jersey.
Date: February 4, 2022, 7:30 pm
Location: Langley Events Center
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/whlgiants/

Langley Rivermen vs Coquitlam Express
Head to The Lodge to watch the Langley Rivermen take on the Coquitlam Express!
Single-game tickets can be purchased at the George Preston Recreation Centre “The Lodge” box office 45 minutes before puck drop and by calling 778-246-2245 or emailing tickets@langleyrivermen.com or purchase online at HappsNow.
Photo: https://happsnow.com/event/Langley-Rivermen-WK

Township 7 Love Love is Blind Wine Tasting
Visit our South Langley winery and treat your Valentine (or galentine) to a premium blind wine tasting. You will be greeted with a taste of our exclusive sparkling rosé wine, and then you will choose a blind tasting of either red, white or mixed flight of 4 wines. Enjoy your blind tasting paired with charcuterie and sweet treats.
Available Friday – Sunday, February 11 – 13 from 11 am until 5 pm.
Price $34.97 +tax. Reservations Required
Date: February 11-13, 2022, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Township 7 Vineyards & Winery – South Langley, 16 Avenue, Langley Township, BC, Canada
Website and photo: https://township7.com/reservation/type/love-is-blind-langley/

makersmessMakersmess Jewelry Workshop
They say… “today we forge sterling silver, give her texture, feed her love, adorn her with a bauble and admire this authentic piece you created with your own hands. this workshop covers our basic fundamentals of understanding precious metal, how it responds and how to move it. you will design, size, fire, forge, texture, solder and polish. trust in yourself! no experience required, all levels welcome!”
Date: February 26, 2022, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: 21999 96 Avenue, Langley, BC, Canada
Website and photo:  https://www.olympiakomianos.com/events/bangle-workshop-february-26

Mission Events

Jesse Cook

Jesse Cook
World, Latin/Salsa, Jazz The acclaimed guitarist Jesse Cook has spent a lifetime traveling the globe and absorbing rhythms from the diverse cultures of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. His exotic…Read more on Bellingham Events
Date: Fri, Feb 25, 7:30–11:30 p.m.
Location: Clarke Foundation Theatre 33700 Prentis Ave, Mission, BC
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/musicianjessecook/

Surrey Events

Musical Morning: Oboe d’amour
While away the morning listening to the enchanting sounds of the piano and oboe with the Bergmann Duo and Emma Ringrose. Simply Splendid!
Date: February 3, 2022 11:00am – 12:30pm
Loation: Studio Theatre at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue
Tickets & Pricing – $29
Website: https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/events

The Lost FingersThe Lost Fingers in Concert
Enjoy a night of fabulous music with French-Canadian band The Lost Fingers!
Date: February 9, 2022 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue
Tickets & Pricing – Zone A $45, Zone B $35, Zone C $25.
Website: https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/events
Photo: @lepinch

Family DayFamily Day at Darts Hill Garden Park
Join us for a special winter opening on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 11 am to 3 pm , and take part in free family-friendly activities celebrating Family Day. Event activities are free with entry to the garden.
Date: February 19, 2022 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: 1633 – 170 Street
Tickets & Pricing – Entry by donation
Website and photo: https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/events

FOOTNOTES
featured Image – Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash
Langley Events – https://www.tourism-langley.ca/events/
Photos – No copyright infringement intended. Please contact us for credit or removal rod@impactintl.net
Surrey Events – https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/events

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COMMUNITY

Guildford Town Centre Winter Festival

This sure sounds like fun!

Guildford Town Centre Winter Festival

Enjoy some old-fashioned fun at the Winter Festival at Guildford Town Centre and skate for a cause!

  • The North parking lot will be transformed into a magical skating rink, with food trucks and a life-size snow globe.
  • All proceeds from skate rentals will be donated to the Surrey Hospital Foundation.
  • Life size snow globe with tunes from Virgin Radio 94.5 broadcasting live on Saturday, February 8th, and face painting during Family Day Weekend, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.*
  • Valentine’s Day Date Night on Friday, February 14th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Register online and your skate date will include a gift of a photo at the kissing booth, two long stem roses, and a $10 food voucher for the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival trucks at the event.*

Location:
Guildford Town Centre – 10355 152 Street, Surrey

Dates:
February 7 to February 9
Friday: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Noon to 8:00 pm

February 14 to February 17
Friday: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Monday: Noon to 8:00 PM

FOOTNOTES
*Source Miss 604
Winter Festival photo – Guildford Town Center Facebook page.
Main photo (skates) – Unsplash

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Featured

Moving? How to Pick Your New Neighbourhood

Whether you’re buying or selling a home this year, here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on your next place to live:

What do you like or dislike about your current area? Determine what you want in your next neighbourhood by examining your current one. Knowing what traits you like and don’t like will help you choose a new location.

Do you want to be able to walk within your community? Walkable neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly popular, so if it’s important to you, make sure your new community is within walking distance from your must-have amenities, like restaurants, shopping or a gym.

Do you prefer a close-knit community or want some anonymity? Some people prefer the camaraderie of a tight-knit community where everyone knows the neighbours, while others prefer peace and privacy. Spend some time walking through the community to see if it’s the vibe you like.

What kind of commute do you want? Perhaps you don’t mind a longer commute and view it as personal time to reflect and listen to music, audiobooks or podcasts. Or maybe you need your commute to be as short as possible. Either way, you should factor it into your neighbourhood selection.

Are you considering buying or selling this year? Give me a call! I’ll help you through every step of the process.

Mike Wilson
Royal LePage Northstar Realty
Web – https://fvlifestyle.com/real-estate-home/
604-538-2125
mike@fvlifestyle.com

SOURCES: 1. Storeys Editorial Team, “Canadian Housing Sales to Drop 20% in 2022, Price Gains to Slow: RBC,” Storey.com. 2. Robert Hogue, “Home price appreciation easing across Canada,” ThoughtLeadership.RBC.com. 3. PwC Canada, “Outlook for Canada’s housing market,” PwC.com.

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Featured

2022 Real Estate Market Outlook (Canada)

Here’s a look at what’s happening in the market right now and what to keep an eye on over the coming months.

More Modest Home Price Gains
Prospective homebuyers may enjoy slightly favorable conditions. Inventory will likely remain tight, but prices — although still expected to rise — will be more tempered.1

Increased Desire for Separation
As people spent more time at home, the desire for a dedicated working space grew. More homeowners appreciate the benefits of closed-off, distraction-proof floor plans which may lead to a redesigning of open concept homes.

Still a Great Market for Sellers
While there’s been a slight increase in new listings, look for 2022 to still be a sellers’ market. More balanced conditions have recently emerged in some prairie markets, including Regina, Saskatoon, and Edmonton.2

Urbanization Trend Poised to Slow Down
If remote work continues to become a permanent option, some homeowners, especially those working from home in small spaces, might decide to look outside the city for more square footage and green space.3

Are you considering buying or selling this year? Give me a call! I’ll help you through every step of the process.

Mike Wilson
Royal LePage Northstar Realty
Web – https://fvlifestyle.com/real-estate-home/
604-538-2125
mike@fvlifestyle.com

© 2022 Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. RMMK JANUARY C
Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

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eat healthy
CULTURE

5 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Winter

It’s here again. That time of year when people consider setting resolutions and health goals. In the Fraser Valley, it can be particularly difficult trying to exercise this time of year when the weather is vacillating between rain and snow making it difficult to be active outdoors and stay warm and dry. On top of this, we have viruses impacting our ability to stay healthy and work out at gyms and community centres. All that said, there are still a number of things that the experts tell us that we can do to stay healthy this time of year.

How do you stay healthy during the winter? Here are some healthy suggestions tailored to our Fraser Valley climate.

1. Eat healthily. This is kind of a no-brainer and you might be extra motivated to eat healthier after indulging during the holiday season, but a healthy diet is one of the most important things to maintain during the winter months. Eating healthy will ensure that our immune systems stay strong and eating unhealthy on the other hand will only open us up to a greater risk of infection. Our recommendation is to eat as much of a plant-based diet as you possibly can. The good news is there are lots of great plant-based recipes out there on the web and you can also order plant-based options from your favourite local restaurants or services like Fresh Prep and have them delivered to your door.

2. Be active. In addition to eating a healthy diet, trying to find ways to stay active during the winter is crucial. Our rule of thumb is to get at least 30 minutes of continuous exercise per day no matter what time of year it is! Being active outside this time of year isn’t as terrible as you might think especially if you’re just going out for 30 minutes. Dress warm, bring an umbrella to keep your upper body dry if necessary, and try to stay on paths and walkways that are used quite often so that there is less chance of slipping or getting your feet wet. Once you’re out there it isn’t that bad.

Of course, if you are not into going outside in wintry weather there are a plethora of online workout videos and smartphone apps. One of our favorite apps is the Nike Training Club. It’s a free app and has every kind of workout imaginable from Yoga to Cross-Training.

3. Wash your hands and consider wearing a mask. This is the time of year where germs spread easily and so washing your hands regularly can help. It’s also a good idea to carry hand sanitizer just in case you end up in a place where a sink and some soap aren’t available.

4. Get enough sleep. Most people don’t get enough sleep, but getting enough sleep can be a real game-changer for your immune system and your mental health. Here are some sleep stats that show how a lack of sleep impacts us [1]:

  • “People with severe insomnia are seven times more likely to have work-related accidents than good sleepers.”
  • “40% of people with insomnia are believed to also be affected by a mental health disorder.”
  • “Around 75% of adults with depression suffer from insomnia.”

hill climb

5. Take the stairs. One of our fitness factor game changers is taking the stairs as often as you can and incorporating them into your 30 minutes of daily activity. Bottom line: find a way to head uphill at least three times a week. Stair climbing is great for weight loss and strengthening your heart. It can be difficult at first, but if you stick with it you’ll notice a dramatic difference in just a few weeks. There are plenty of places to head uphill in the Fraser Valley, but we’ll save that for a future article. In the meantime…

May you be healthy!

FOOTNOTES
Photos: Unsplash
Be active photo: https://www.nike.com/ca/ntc-app
[1] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-facts-statistics
Information source – https://www.boody.com.au/blogs/lifestyle/9-ways-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-this-winter#

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journaling
COMMUNITY

Journal Prompts to Get You Started

Want to start journaling, but not sure what to say? Whether you list, write or draw it out, these prompts will help get your wheels turning!

RELATIONSHIPS
• What are your strengths and challenges in relationships?
• What are the top lessons you’ve learned from past relationships?
• What is working in your current relationships, and what could improve?
• How can you better support your loved ones?

CAREER
• Describe your dream job. • How would you like to improve your work performance?
• Is your work draining or overwhelming? How can that be changed?
• What is meaningful to you about your current work?

GOAL SETTING
• What are your goals for the year? The month? The next 10-days?
• How have your goals changed over the years?
• What can you do each day to move toward your next milestone?
• What do you want to accomplish most in life?

PERSONAL GROWTH
• Define your top core values.
• What did you learn from a difficult experience?
• What would you tell yourself from 10 years ago?
• What are your thoughts of self-doubt, and how can you change them to be encouraging?

Downlod pdf version – December_eReport_C (1)

© 2021 Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. RMMK DECEMBER EREPORT C

Photos: Unsplash

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flood insurance
abbotsford

Mike Wilson December 2021 Real Estate Update

How are floods and pandemics impacting your Real Estate needs? During this conversation, we talk with Real Estate expert Mike Wilson about flood insurance, how a lack of supply impacts the market, interest rates, and new Real Estate Rules on the horizon in BC, and how they could impact you if you are selling or buying a home.

Listen Here:

Get in touch with Mike!

Mike Wilson
Royal LePage Northstar Realty
Web – https://fvlifestyle.com/real-estate-home/
604-538-2125
mike@fvlifestyle.com

Oh, by the way… if there is any way I can be of service to you or your family during this time, please call me. I’m happy to help you however I can in a way that is healthy and safe.

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Red Cross
abbotsford

Today is Giving Tuesday: Support for Flood Relief.

This year, we want to encourage you to support organizations that are providing aid to flood victims in Southern BC. As we speak, flooding is happening in Southern BC and in and around Abbotsford where many FV Lifestyle readers live.

What is Giving Tuesday?

“GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, taking place each year after Black Friday. The “Opening day of the giving season,” it’s a time when charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for favourite causes. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for GivingTuesday.” https://givingtuesday.ca/about

CanadaHelps is the online platform that we use for other projects for donations. They provide a safe and secure platform for donations and make sure that organizations are legitimate non-profits. For today only they will add $2 to any donation of $20 or more.

CanadaHelps also has a list of organizations that are providing relief for the flooding in British Columbia. You can see their list CLICK HERE

FOOTNOTES

Photo: Red Cross https://donate.redcross.ca/page/94172/donate
All photos – Please contact us for credit or removal rod@impactintl.net

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CULTURE

Tips for a Super Shipping Experience this Holiday Season

Become the expert on shipping and make sure all your gifts get to the right people! 

shipping

Track Packages

  • Get a tracking number to check the status of a package online.
  • Offered by all major couriers — Canada Post, UPS, and FedEx
  • Ship to a Safe Location
  • Consider third-party pick-up locations like an Amazon Locker, UPS, or FedEx.
  • Require a signature upon delivery for valuable items.

Get Rid of Address Labels

  • Cut or peel labels off boxes before discarding them.
  • Shred or cut up envelopes with your personal information to prevent identity theft. 

Choose the Right Envelope or Package

    • Make valuable contents less noticeable by changing up the packaging.
    • When mailing a cheque or gift card, consider placing the original envelope inside a larger one.

Footnotes

Photos – Unsplash
Article – © 2021 Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. RMMK NOVEMBER C

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