Archive for the ‘Lifestyle’ Category

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Receive a Complimentary Training Session or a Bootcamp Introductory Rate Courtesy of Pulse Training!

Friday, October 29th, 2010

We all know we could exercise at home alone, and there are a few rare individuals who have the willpower to do it and stick to it. But let’s be honest: most of us will lose our motivation pretty quickly, and soon enough we’ll be reeling off the explanations as to why we haven’t made it to the gym.

Lucky for you, Pulse Personal Training has offered their services to residents of Glenmore and Highland Park (and anyone who keeps up to date with these weekly blogs!) to help create a workout routine that’s effortless to maintain. Choose one complimentary personal training session customized to your needs or kick your butt into gear with one of the company’s bootcamps.

Pulse is offering an introductory rate of $99 for their first month of bootcamps to all residents of Glenmore and Highland Park, which is 56 per cent off the regular rate of $229. And with bootcamps being held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., there shouldn’t be any excuses about finding the time.

Having been in the fitness business for four years, Pulse is well-versed in knowing how to meet your fitness needs. They’ll analyze your personal goals and exercise history to design an exercise program tailored to you. And they specialize in more than just personal training. Choose from corporate wellness classes, nutrition programs or get that swing back into shape with the golf fitness program.

Finally, you can complement your efforts at “The Club” right at home with a certified trainer.

For more information send an email to Info@pulsetraining.ca or call 778.833.2042

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Why You’ll Feel Like You Are Part of Something at Glenmore & Highland Park

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

It’s time to ditch the car and invest in a solid pair of walking shoes.

Welcome to Glenmore and Highland Park where everything you need is within walking distance. Hear why residents and retailers (not to mention our sales team) are raving about this one-stop shop community.

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Mommy and Me

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Places to Go and Things To Do with Your Little One(s)

For moms who want to get out and live life in their community and have fun while raising their children it doesn’t get better than this.

South Surrey is a hub of activity for moms in the know, and the burgeoning neighbourhood around Glenmore and Highland Park is only adding to this vibrant community for mommies.

If story time is a special time in your household you’ll love Kidsbooks in South Surrey. The bookstore often hosts author visits from a variety of popular children’s authors, and next week is no different. On October 20th, Kidsbooks welcomes Blinky to the Rescue’s illustrator/author (and BC-native) Ashley Spires.  Learn even more about the epic space adventures of Blinky the cat and his co-pilot Ted!

Situated on 32nd Avenue, Babycheeks Boutique promises to be a shopping treat for you and your little ones. The boutique is filled with all sorts of beautiful children’s clothes and accessories, and is a host to a variety of child-friendly activities, from reading workshops to song and craft time to play dates with the likes of Cinderella and Ariel. Introduce your little guy or gal to some new playmates and mingle with other moms in the area.

A 10-minute drive from Glenmore and Highland Park, the Bell Performing Arts Centre in South Surrey is host to numerous events for both young and old. This month, it’s all about the kids. Described as a Halloween musical adventure for the entire family, The Great Big Boo! comes to the Bell Centre on October 23rd. And this week, the Centre welcomes acclaimed children’s author Robert Munsch on his Love You Forever Tour.  Take a moment to recite those beloved words “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always” together with your tot.

Of course, if you’re looking to pursue something a little more active there is always Mommy & Me Bowling at Scottsdale Lanes. Pre-schooler and adult team up costs $60 and runs for six weeks. Or you can participate in a family and youth night at Tong Louie Family YMCA.

Spending quality time getting to know other moms who share the same interests as you is always important too. There are a few Mommy & Me groups in the South Surrey/White Rock area to help you do just. The members-only clubs aim to create lasting friendships for parents as well as their children through meet ups and play dates to places like coffee shops, beaches, the aquarium and other areas over the Lower Mainland. You’ll want to sign up as a member to get more information.

A place to live, a place to belong, a place to grow. It’s all here at Glenmore and Highland Park.

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Time to Tee Off

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

Thinking about booking a tee time? We’ve got the rundown to South Surrey’s hotspots if you’re a golfer. From challenging courses to beginner par threes and weekend warriors to full-fledged golf junkies there’s a fairway for everyone.

Morgan Creek Golf Club

An easy 12-minute drive from Highland Park and Glenview, Morgan Creek Golf Club is home to an 18-hole, par-72 course as well as a Golf Teaching Academy and Equipment Fitting Centre. With stunning views of Mount Baker and the Golden Ears Mountain Range, it’s the ideal destination to catch the sun’s rays and indulge in some our province’s super natural beauty. Finish off the game with a refreshing beverage or stay for a full three-course dinner from Morgan’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, which overlooks the 6,967-yard course. Both the course and the restaurant are open to the public year-round.

Hazelmere Golf Club

Hazelmere Golf Course was originally built in 1962, but underwent an extensive renovation in 2003. The renovated Hazelmere includes a natural grass practice facility with five target greens and a practice fairway bunker. Located between the US border and Langley and a mere 10-minute drive from the Morgan Heights area, you’ll find both professional and amateur golfers teeing off at this 18-hole course or relaxing in the one of the Clubhouse’s Panorama, Garden or Fireside Rooms.  And Hazelmere offers more than just golf. Boasting four indoor tennis courts, Hazelmere Tennis club is reputed to be one of the finest tennis facilities in the Fraser Valley. Drop the kids for tennis lessons, while you hit the green!

Peace Portal Golf Club

A golf course steeped in history. Peace Portal Golf Course was the pet project of Seattle lawyer Sam Hill. Most famously known for constructing the International Peace Arch, Hill hoped that Peace Portal would become an internationally renowned course. Now in its 82nd year, the 18-hole course receives regular visitors from the lower mainland and the neighbouring US. Border lineup looking a little too long? Grab a coffee at the Clubhouse and practice your chipping at the chipping green.

Meridian Golf Par 3

There’s no website for Meridian Par 3, but trust us when we say this is one of the prettiest golf courses in South Surrey. The land for this 18-hole course used to be occupied by a hazelnut farm (an old nut house still stands near the 18th tee). Now, a sea of tall cedars and weeping willows add to the picturesque beauty of the family-run Meridian Golf Par 3. Of course, these majestic trees do make some of the holes a little trickier to see! The course and clubhouse are open year-round, weather permitting.

So go on, grab your golf bag and get ready to drive the range.

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ULounge – Your Friendly, Neighbourhood Pub

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Football season is well underway and Canucks pre-season officially started this week. That means, beyond pulling out those foam fingers and laying out that jersey, you need a place to watch the game.

We know just the spot.

With a 150-inch HD projection screen and numerous 52-inch plasma screens positioned throughout the space, Grandview Corners’ ULounge is the ultimate game destination. Sit at the wrap around bar or get cozy in one of the lounge’s booths – whatever your angle, you’ll be in the perfect position to see the game.

And with amazing deals like $5.50 wings and $2.99 Molson Canadian drafts on Wing Wednesdays, and $9.99 Burger and Beer Tuesdays, among others, you can take comfort in the fact that your night out won’t break the bank.

Make sure to take advantage of the pub’s private party rooms for hockey/football pool groups as well. Both the Candle Lounge and the Living Room, each with their own flat screen TV, are available seven days a week and can be reserved for a variety of private functions, including game night with the boys, stagettes, or corporate parties.

Like Glenmore and Highland Park, ULounge combines that neighbourhood feel with a bit of urban flare. Cool aqua accents add a punch of colour to the luxe black and white finishes. But don’t let the sleek interior and funky name fool you. At the heart of it all, ULounge is your friendly, local pub. The management and staff will make you feel right at home.

Beyond being the space to back your favourite team, ULounge is the perfect locale to meet up with friends, chat over a casual drink, munch on great food (at reasonable prices!) and enjoy a spectacular space. And its mere paces from Glenmore and Highland Park, so you can make it home safely while abiding by the recently adjusted impaired driving law.

ULounge’s full kitchen is open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner.

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South Surrey is SPAtastic

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Relax. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

The kids are back at school, and that means you might just have a few extra hours in the day to take some time for yourself. In the hopes that you do, here’s a quick rundown of the salons, beauty spas and places to rejuvenate in the area.

A New Impression Day Spa
If you’re looking to pamper and recharge your body as well as your spirit, you’ll want to head down to A New Impression Day Spa. Along with traditional spa services such as manicures, pedicures, body wraps and massage, A New Impression offers kundalini yoga classes as well.

Aru Spa and Salon
Nominated as the top place to go for a massage in Surrey by Surrey Now readers, Aru’s extensive list of massages comprises everything from hot stone massages to postnatal massages. Therapists are trained in sports, prenatal, postnatal, pregnancy, craniosacral and Reiki massage. Follow up your spa day with a cut and style at the salon.

Casbah Day Spa

Casbah Day Spa looks to be a place for both men and women to gather and feel pampered. The spa offers a complete range of services, including makeup and hair removal treatments, eyelash extensions and an infrared sauna. In addition to these conventional services, Casbah provides various “Medi Services” such as ultrasonic acne treatments, vascular treatments and fractional laser skin resurfacing.

Salon Montage
Now in its fourteenth year serving the White Rock community, Salon Montage is an Aveda concept salon and spa. Every Montage stylist is a graduate of the Aveda Advanced Academy. And you can feel guilt free about lathering your body in sumptuous oils and lotions when you visit the spa. All Aveda hair, skin, body and makeup products are made of 97 per cent naturally derived plant and flower ingredients.

Santé Per Aqua Medical Spa
Although Sante Per Aqua does offer facials, massages, body wraps and other traditional body treatments under their spa section, they actually specialize in medical services. Micropigmentation or permanent makeup, small redness vein therapy and a hair loss treatment clinic are just a few of the services available at Santé Per Aqua.

There’s no shortage of salons and spas in the White Rock and South Surrey area. So whether you have half an hour for a quick polish application or half a day to indulge in a complete spa package, why not treat yourself to a visit.

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A Dog’s Life

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

According to a recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Canada.com, 82 per cent of British Columbians  (that’s eight out of 10!) self-proclaim that B.C. is the most dog-friendly province.

With its numerous off-leash parks, expansive dog-friendly beaches and fur-loving spas, we can’t help but think that maybe the majority of that 82 per cent are living here in South Surrey. Check it out:

Dogwood Park

Pack up the pooch in the car – there is plenty of parking – or walk down to 20th Avenue from the Glenmore and Highland Park area to reach Dogwood Park. An abundance of trails await for your tail-wagging friend to explore. A bulletin board of dog information and related services and an off-leash corral area are easily accessible, as well.

Blackie Spit

Crescent Beach is home to the Surrey Sailing Club and the Crescent Beach Swim Club, but it’s also where you’ll find Blackie Spit, an expansive park with a fully fenced, off-leash dog area and dog swimming beach. Plus, there’s a park shelter, picnic area and a variety of trails and walking paths for all of the two-legged members in your family.

Semiahmoo Park

Site of the Semiahmoo Salmon Festival and the Spirit of the Sea festival, White Rock’s Semiahmoo Park offers a relaxed dog-friendly sandy stretch. Play a game of fetch with your four-legged friend from the early morning right into the evening – Semiahmoo Park is open dawn til dusk.

Paw Pacers Dog Club

The ultimate canine social club. Headed up by the SPCA, Morgan Crossing’s Paw Pacers Club welcomes all breeds and mixes of dog. They strongly believe that socializing dogs is an essential component to building a safe and happy human-canine bond. And it gives you the chance to get to know your surrounding neighbours, too. In addition to the weekly jaunts, there are monthly activities that include guest speakers whom speak to a variety of dog-related topics, from clicker training to animal cruelty. The Club meets weekly on Sunday mornings between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the Shops at Morgan Crossing. There is a $10 monthly fee to join.

The Paw Spa

Your dog might have free reign of the beaches and trails around South Surrey, but after a day running through the sand and dirt, we’d hazard a guess that you’re not so lenient when it comes to indoor house privileges. A trip to the grooming salon might just be the thing you both need. And every now and then man’s best friend deserves more than a regular ol’ brushing. The Paw Spa, which conveniently operates out of the South Surrey Veterinary Hospital, offers all sorts of pampering and salon services for dogs, including a Hydrating Body Cleanse and Nail Paw-lish application.

From big to small, short-haired to long, South Surrey is a regular destination for dog lovers and it’s a convenient location for dog owners. You’ll like it here.

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Outdoor Movies for a Good Cause

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Summer is about staying up late and taking advantage of bright evenings. It’s about soaking up the sun’s rays in the day and relaxing amidst a warm breeze at night. It’s about indulging yourself a little more than usual and embarking on new adventures.

And with fall fast approaching, it only makes sense to take full advantage of those few remaining summer nights. So why not venture out to one of beautiful South Surrey’s outdoor movie nights?

Following in the footsteps of the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association who has been hosting an annual movie night in Holland Park for the past six years, Morgan Crossinghas introduced their own movie under the stars at the corner of 24th Ave and Croydon Drive – just inside Morgan Crossing Village.

We couldn’t wait to get down there last week, especially after we learned the movie was going to be one of our favourite childhood classics, Steven Spielberg’s E.T. Curled up with a blanket, a bag of potato chips and some candy gummies, we took a trip down memory lane.

And for a good cause. The outdoor movie night is by donation, with all proceeds going to the Surrey Food Bank.

The third largest Food Bank in British Columbia, Surrey Food Bank helps feed 15,000 people per month, while providing food support for a number of recovery houses, safe houses, youth centres, and soup kitchen. And that’s something we’re keen to get behind.

Living at Glenmore and Highland Park, you can be part of this full life.

There’s one more Sunday showing, and it’s happening this Sunday, September 5th. It’s the ideal opportunity to give back to this growing area of the Lower Mainland. And it’s such a cool way to enjoy a night out with family and friends.

Get ready for a few giggles. The film starts at dusk, and will be the 1987 spoof, Spaceballs.

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An Ideal Place to Raise a Family

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

We think you’ll like growing up here.

South Surrey’s burgeoning Morgan Heights neighbourhood is a great place to grow, and grow up. Indoor and outdoor activities in the form of clubs, camps and kids venues for your little (and not so little) ones abound, minutes from your doorstep. So, if you’re looking to move with a young one in tow or are planning to start a family soon, we recommend starting here.

Historic Stewart Farmhouse
Just a 12-minute drive from Morgan Heights sits the historic Stewart Farmhouse. First built in 1894, by pioneer John Stewart, the Stewart farmhouse is a now a place for visitors and residents alike to enjoy heritage activities, crafts and home baking. Costumed tour guides will take you through the house, and teach you about life in Surrey in the Victorian period. What’s more, in the summer months, the Stewart Farmhouse offers various children’s daycamps – and that’s great news for you and the kids. They can spend a day at the farm doing things the old-fashioned way, while you can enjoy a quiet lunch with friends.

Serpentine Fen
An interesting and inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. Located 10 minutes from Morgan Heights by car, Serpentine Fen, also called the Serpentine Wildlife Area, is a 150-acre habitat with more than 130 different bird species. There are a number of designated public trails and three covered viewing towers to help spot eagles, hawks, blue herons and more. September and October are the best months for birding, as many birds take shelter in the Fen, but you may also come across frogs, coyotes and even harbour seals. Don’t forget the binoculars!

The South Surrey Indoor Pool
This is a great venue for learning and playing. Register your little ones in swim lessons or just head to the pool for a day of fun. The indoor pool has six 25-metre lanes and two diving boards as well as a children’s pool and whirlpool. And the Pool hosts youth activities on Friday and Saturday nights. Pre-teen pool parties complete with a DJ and games, and Swim Play, which includes swimming followed by a movie and popcorn are popular Saturday night events. Conveniently, located 10 minutes from Morgan Heights.

Softball City
One of the coolest locations for any kid who loves sports has to be Softball City. It is the premiere sports and entertainment complex with four championship calibre diamonds, and it’s one more venue that is located only 10 minutes away from Morgan Heights. It’s an ideal location for fundraisers and birthday parties, or just watching a league or tournament game.

Add the fact that White Rock/South Surrey is part of the largest public school district in B.C., School District 36 (which has 99 public elementary schools and 21 public high schools), and we think you’ll find that Morgan Heights is quite an exciting place to live.

You want to raise your children in a nurturing and stimulating environment, and at Glenmore & Highland Park in Morgan Heights that want can become reality. If you’re looking to make the move and own your own home in a trendy suburban community that combines urban flare with a family-friendly mentality, you’ll love Morgan Heights.

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Want to Get Away this Long Weekend? Why not nip over the border to Washington?

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

At Glenmore and Highland Park in Morgan Heights you’re perfectly positioned to head south.

It’s B.C. Day on Sunday, and we’re really looking forward to the long weekend. The weather promises to be beautiful, and a short work week is certainly something to smile about.

Even better? At Glenmore and Highland Park in Morgan Heights you’re perfectly positioned to head south over the border for the day (or better yet, the weekend!).


If you’re looking to escape for a day trip, Chuckanut Drive is a must. This scenic route connects Bellingham to Skagit Valley, weaving through beautiful farmlands onto the rock shoulder of the Chukanut Mountains down to the historic town of Fairhaven.

The natural beauty of the Drive is an experience in and of itself. The bright colours of Skagit Valley’s well-known tulip fields are perfectly complemented by the lush greenery and dense agriculture of the area. Discover the old pilings, dikes and barns of historic Edison and then continue along the back roads to Samish Island and Bay View. Both Bay View State Park overlooking Padilla Bay or Larrabee State Park on Samish Bay are ideal places to stop and have a picnic. Of course, if you’re looking to indulge your tastebuds, why not try a few oysters? Native to the region, you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters at Oyster Creek Inn or The Oyster Bar.

Beyond the fresh produce and seafood, there are plenty of art and antique shops to explore as well. It truly is a drive like no other.

Then again, if you’re feeling like you need to add a few items to your summer wardrobe you may want to spend the day at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip instead. The Back-to-School & Fall Preview Sale is happening from Thursday, July 29th to Monday, August 2nd. That means deals on items that are already reduced! There are designer fashion and sportswear stores such as BCBG Max Azria and Lacoste as well as children’s outlets like OshKosh B’Gosh. Any summer weddings to attend? You might as well get the gift out of the way this weekend, too. Houseware and home furnishings outlets include Kitchen Collection, Le Creuset and Restoration Hardware, to name a few.


Of course, with an extra day in the mix, you actually have enough time to get away for a night of camping, or even two.

Start your camping weekend with a visit to the quaint town of Port Townsend – known as Washington’s Victorian seaport. There is plenty to explore in this pretty seaside town, hit the beaches and trails on bike or foot, learn a thing or two at the museum or dance up a storm at one of the many live music venues. There are jazz clubs and festivals happening all weekend.

A short drive away, you can set up for a night of camping at Fort Worden along Admiralty Inlet. The 434-acre park – and the location site for the film An Officer and Gentleman – is situated high on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound. Fort Worden was actually active as an army base from 1902 to 1953, and many historic buildings from the military fort still remain.


If you prefer, a short ferry ride will bring you to Fort Casey on Whidbey Island – another great locale for camping. Fort Casey State Park is a 467-acre marine camping park that overlooks Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Considered strategic to the defense of Puget Sound in the 1890s, Fort Casey was built with huge artillery guns on disappearing carriages, many of which were shipped to Europe during World War II. Two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns are still on display today.

So go on, treat yourself to a mini vacation. It’s only a short drive from Glenmore and Highland Park, after all. And whether it’s a day or the entire long weekend, we think you’ll agree there’s plenty for you, your friends and your family to do south of border.

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