Make Sure to Give Sellers Their Homework! A Case Study… Before we, as home stagers, decide on whether or not we want to take on a home staging job, I always advise going to see the property and meet the home seller and realtor whenever possible. There will be times in your career where you turn down a job because it’s not right for you. In this case I thought that it was very doable especially since I was bringing in some PRES graduates to assist the new students. Over the years I have moved many desks – taken them apart and reconnected the computer quite easily. I did not give the client any homework (big mistake on my part) such as taking the desk apart and moving it up into the spare room that we would later make into an office. This home is fairly typical in our market of a family h... 03/15/2013

Langley Shoe Renew Hockey Leather and Riding Repairs WOW! With dance shoes hopefully in hand, I accompanied my friend who took her son's leather dress boots in for resoling, heel counters and lining repairs. 'Just visiting' I said, explained what my ballroom shoes needed and wondered how soon the repair could be done. "When would you like it done?" Hopefully, but with wincing hesitation, I decided to be a little bold, "About an hour?" "Not soon enough! How about 10 minutes?!" the repairman said. A very engaging fellow!      And what a great job! I will definitely bring my dance shoes for repair at 'Langley Shoe Renew' when I visit Langley again.    05/28/2012

Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay – In Motion Thru Langley May 19th   The 25th Anniversary of Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour will see the Canada-wide Rick Hansen Relay stop by the Langley Events Centre on May 19th at 3:00pm. The cause is to raise awareness and help find a cure for spinal cord injury. The Relay will then move through Willoughby and on to Langley City and Surrey, ending the day in White Rock.   This Township of Langley FREE event will run 1:30-3:30p.m. and will include an Active Expo as well as booths and other activities.  Come out and try the wheelchair obstacle course! Para skier Rob Gosse will be on site to share his experiences in sit-skiing.     If you are unable to attend one of the community events, please consider donating to this worthy cause! 05/17/2012

Congratulations to Bacchus Bistro – Award-winning Dining in Langley!   The Bacchus Bistro at the Domaine de Chaberton Winery was the bronze award winner in the 23rd annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards in the category of best winery/vineyard dining.   As a local Langley winery, we’re very proud of Domaine de Chaberton’s restaurant, the Bacchus Bistro, being the only non-Okanagan winery making the top spots!   Domaine de Chaberton is just a couple of miles from our home in the Campbell Valley area of south Langley, and the Bacchus Bistro is a favorite restaurant.  My hubby believes that their Lamb Shanks can’t be beat...while I am a huge fan of the Tarte Tatin!  Of course, they are all the better when paired with Domaine de Chaberton signature wines (my fave is the gold medal winn... 05/05/2012

Western Canadian Gymnastics Championship – Langley Events Centre       Langley is proud to host the 2012 Western Canadian Gymnastics Championship at the Langley Events Centre this weekend.  Come out and support our local team! Members of the Langley Gymnastics Foundation will be there in force!   Events start Friday, May 4 at 9:00a.m. and run through Saturday, May 5:     Ticket prices per day: $5 student/senior $10 adult ($18 for competition pass) $25 family day pass (family = 2 adults + 2 students/seniors) $40 family competition pass   Check out the full schedule of events or watch the live webcast (starts Fri, May 4 @ 9:00am) 05/03/2012

Wordless Wednesday in Langley, B.C. – The Cherry Blossoms Are Cheery!           If you are seeking a home in the Langley or Surrey area of B.C., or are considering placing your property on the market, please give me call for a free consultation. As your local NAGAB-certified GreenAgent, I'd welcome answering any "green" questions you might have - and truly make your property dreams a reality! 05/02/2012

Grow Healthy, Grow Smart in Langley, B.C.   The Township of Langley is offering FREE workshops for anyone interested in learning easy ways to reduce or eliminate the use of cosmetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers.     The Grow Healthy, Grow Smart program advocates for No Pesticide Lawns & Gardens. Take the opportunity to attend these workshops - be eco-friendly and keep your lawn and garden looking beautiful!   Organic Vegetable Gardening: Apr 28, 11am-12, Cedar Rim Nursery Natural Fruit Tree Care: Apr 29, 12-1pm, Cedar Rim Nursery Buzz Pollination: May 5, 10:00am-12, LEPS office       If you are seeking a home in the Langley or Surrey area of B.C., or are considering placing your property on the market, please give me call for a free consultation. As your local NAGAB-certified Gre... 04/27/2012

Green Can Recycling – Township of Langley   Do you know what “Green Can” recycling is all about?  The Township of Langley Green Can Program is a very convenient way to compost food scraps, soiled paper, and yard trimmings, rather than have them go to the garbage dump. All food scraps, including bones, can now be recycled!   If you receive garbage collection through the Township of Langley, you can participate in the Green Can Program.  Strata property owners should confirm eligibility with their property management company.   Make recycling easy AND help the environment – participate in the Green Can Program!       04/26/2012

Wordless (almost) Wednesday in Langley, B.C. – Horses Crossing!   In honor of the recent Earth Day, it’s the ultimate in green transportation – and thankfully, our Langley community embraces equestrians.  Proud to live in the Horse Capital of B.C.!   If you are seeking a home in the Langley or Surrey area of B.C., or are considering placing your property on the market, please give me call for a free consultation. Let me make your property dreams a reality!   04/25/2012

Langley Walk – 50th Anniversary – Sunday, May 6, 2012   FAMILY FUN – FREE!   The Langley Walk is one of the most well-known Spring-time events in our community.  Walk, stroll, or roll – run or bike – this year the 5km Langley Walk takes place on Sunday, May 6 – starting and ending at the McLeod Athletic Park, 56th Ave & 216th St.  Time: 12:00pm - entertainment and registration starts 1:30pm - walk starts (more festivities after the walk) 50th Anniversary of the Langley Walk! After the walk, stay for a free lunch, fun activities and entertainment – and awarding of trophies and prizes. Here are some of the prizes: Most walkers from an elementary school/middle school prize - $500 to the winning school for purchase of equipment Most walkers from a secondary school prize - $500 to the winnin... 04/24/2012

Langley Has Talent – Finals May 5, 2012   Langley truly does have talent! The Langley Has Talent Finals, hosted by the Langley Rotary Club, are scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 7-9:30p.m.        The goal of Langley Has Talent is to raise funds for a Langley Rotary Theatre which will foster arts in the Langley community (Langley City and Township of Langley).  Here is a complete list of the finalists, which include individual and group performances.   Reserve your tickets for the Final online at www.langleyhastalent.ca or in-person at the Langley Times office (20258 Fraser Hwy). Tickets for the Finals are $20.   Langley Has Talent takes place at the Christian Life Assembly Hall (21277-56th Ave, Langley).   04/23/2012

Going GREEN in Langley, B.C. – Earth 'Year'!   In Langley, B.C. we try to think of being ‘green’ on Earth Day (officially April 22) – and all year round!  Here are a few of the events that we’ll be celebrating for Earth 'Year' – and the organizations that make a difference in sustainability, conservation, recycling & energy efficiency.   Clean Up Langley Day – grab some friends and pick a spot in the Township of Langley (including Aldergrove and Fort Langley) and participate in the community-wide cleanup – the Township of Langley will provide cleaning materials and pick-up for the garbage. Pick a section of road/stream/park – it’s not too late to register your group!   Pitch-In Week – April 23-30th – head into the Langley City community and make a difference!  The City of Langley is hos... 04/20/2012

Clean Up Langley Day – Sat, April 21, 2012!   Help keep Langley the beautiful place it is by participating in a community-wide clean up taking place Saturday, April 21, from 9:00am-2:00pm.   In honor of Earth Day, get a group together and pick a section of roadway, park, trail, creek or stream.  The Township will supply all cleaning supplies and take care of garbage removal.   Register today, as an individual, a family, a business or community group, at the Township of Langley Adopt-a-Program. 04/14/2012

Bottle Collection for Special Olympics – Sat, Apr 14 – Murrayville   Langley is very proud to be hosting the Special Olympics B.C. Provincial Summer Games in 2013, which will see more than 1,100 Special Olympians plus 300 coaches coming to town.   To help support the Langley Special Olympics (SOBC-Langley), Special Olympics athletes and games supporters will be in the Murrayville area collecting refundable bottles and cans.   The annual spring bottle drive occurs this Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 9a.m. to 2p.m.   Please get your refundable bottles and cans ready and look for the volunteers in the Murrayville neighborhood – your support is gratefully appreciated! 04/13/2012

Record-Setting Fundraising for Royal LePage Shelter Foundation   The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation recently announced that fundraising efforts in 2011 totaled a record-setting $2 million to support women’s shelters and to stop family violence in Canada.   Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charitable foundation.   In addition to providing education and funding prevention programs, the Shelter Foundation supports 200 shelters across Canada and aids more than 30,000 women and children every year.   Since 1999 more than $14 million has been raised through Shelter Foundation efforts. 100% of the funds raised go to the community (Royal LePage covers the costs of administration). On May 12, 2012, the National Garage Sale for Shelter, a one-day charity garage ... 04/12/2012

Moving to Animal-Friendly Langley? Fast Facts & FAQ’s   Welcome to Langley! As rural suburbs of Vancouver, the City of Langley and Township of Langley have plenty to offer for folks seeking value for their property dollar. Langley is also known for being a very animal-friendly and “green” community.     Here are 10 Fast Facts and 10 Frequently Asked Questions about animal care and support services in the Langleys:     Fast Facts 1.   Animal Control, Education & Management is handled by the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) for both the City of Langley and Langley Township (which includes Aldergrove and Fort Langley) 2.   LAPS  is located at the: Patti Dale Animal Shelter 26220 – 56th Ave, Aldergrove, B.C. V4W 1J7 Phone: (604) 857-5055 Email: info@lapsbc.ca 3.   Animal EMERGENCIES... 04/11/2012

Dog Park Fun in Langley,B.C.   There are many amazing dog parks in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, and although all dogs must be leashed in most public areas, Langley alone is proud to host five official off-leash dog parks.      ·        Brookswood Off-Leash Park – 206th Street and 44A Avenue – a very large, fully fenced park. Open dawn to dusk. Restrooms, parking, water fountain, handicap access. ·       Derby Reach Park – Fort Langley, 22000 Allard Crescent – beautiful park with both on-leash and leash-optional areas.  Open dawn to dusk. River access, parking, full park facilities and trails. ·       Campbell Valley Park – 204th Street and 4th Avenue – a very extensive system of walking trails and meadows in this 535 hectare park, plenty of interesting wildlife, river/stream... 04/09/2012

Speechless (Almost) Sunday – Looking for Easter Eggs in Langley, B.C. Was figuring this was the best place to find Easter eggs…but not so much!  Wait….is that the Easter bunny?     If you are seeking a home in the Langley or Surrey area of B.C., or are considering placing your property on the market, please give me call for a free consultation. Let me make your property dreams a reality!     04/08/2012

Fort Langley - Easter Egg Hunt – April 8, 2012   The Fort Langley National Historic Site is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt, taking place Easter Sunday (April 8) from 10:00am - 5:00pm.   Easter Egg Hunt starts at 1:00p.m.   There is also a scavenger hunt and Easter crafts and games – fun for the whole family! Come play with history!   The Full Barrel Café, open from 10:00am – 4:00pm, is hosting the Easter Brunch.   Admission to the event is $3.90 child, $7.80 per adult, $19.60 per family, or FREE with your annual pass (on sale for 20% off).   For further information: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index.aspx or call 604-513-4777.   Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket!   04/06/2012

Meatless Monday – Yummy Kale Salad   With the sun finally deciding to show itself, the local markets have an abundance of fresh, leafy greens. My favorite is kale – it’s amazingly diverse – whether sautéed as a side dish, chopped up and added to soup, or oven-baked (if you haven’t tried these delicate, tasty “chips” you are really missing out!) Kale is also great raw in a salad – here’s a favorite recipe:   Dressing: (*any light, vinegary, bottled dressing will also work well) Juice from 1/2 lemon (~2 tbsp) 1/2 tsp flavored salad vinegar (such as raspberry vinegar, tarragon vinegar, champagne vinegar) 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard   Salad: Tender kale leaves – well rinsed and very thinly chopped (remove thick stems, as they may be bitter) 1/2 small red onion – very thinly chopp... 04/02/2012