Entrance Exam

Photo by Ryan Veldkamp

This is the front of The Willows Casual Home ~ our little shop in Calgary. We are always changing up what we put outside hoping to catch peoples' eye and inspire them to come in for a browse. When the seasons change, so do the items displayed outside.

The front entrance of a home is much the same. It sets the stage to welcome friends and family, says come in (or not) and speaks something about those behind the door.


It's also about welcoming yourself home. Does your door or entry way feel inviting after a long day or a trip away? If not, it's time to add some zest.

Here are a few easy ways to inject some personality to your front door, porch, gateway or walkway.

• Wreathes add color and can change with the seasons.
• Potted plants add life and color, and can be switched throughout the year.
• A fresh coat of paint on the front door is always a great idea. Try a bold, new color.
• New hardware or a mailbox also add personality to your doorway.
• Clean and tidy is always welcoming. Keep the walk swept and the papers off the steps.
• A chair or two invites people to sit down and stay awhile.
• Solar lights help brighten a walkway.

Here are some welcoming entry ways, walk ways and garden paths to inspire you.

Photo by sonjalovas

Love Is An Action

How do you define love?

We all often proclaim, I just ‘love’ my new shoes or that great new wall clock I picked up at The Willows! But true, deep profoundly passionate and tender affection for another… well, how often is that true?

Dictionary.com says love is:  

[luhv]

–noun

1.

a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2.

a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

In 1942 on the shores of Dieppe, our grandfather, Richard Wallace, lived out the meaning of love. On August 19th his Regiment took part in Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid. He was with his troops on the beaches of Dieppe. A brutal attack from the Germans left many dead, many more wounded and suffering. Grandpa Dick stayed on the beach to help his wounded comrades rather than leaving them to escape. He didn’t have to. No one asked him to. Only love compelled him to. His tender affection for the men he served with and his affection for doing the right thing ~ helping when it was so desperately needed ~ caused him to stay and tend the wounded.

In an article by Jacqueline Chartier is a statement about the photograph above. "A dominant image featured at the Calgary museum of the regiments is a touching, larger than life-size photo of Lieutenant Richard "Dick" Wallace rendering first aid on the beach. Wallace was with the Calgary Tanks on that fateful day in 1942. The Germans photographed him bent over tending to an injured comrade -- a soldier lying face down and helpless on the rocks."

For us, this is a picture of love in action. And this is our legacy of love.
To so many men and women who serve the cause of freedom,
in whatever capacity, we extend our gratitude.

You can read all of Jacqueline's article here.

Spring Fling

We Love Thomas Sabo ~ and that love has earned us top spot for another year in a row!

Katy Perry is the first ever ambassador for the brand and is coming on board 

just as Thomas Sabo is releasing their 2011 Spring POP Collection.

Notice some of the fun new charms

And Pendants

It's really hard to choose ~ so we help you build a wishlist. 

Anyone who stops in wanting to add to your bracelet can choose the charms that are still on your list!

Pop by soon!!