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!!

A Brief & Pretty History of Charm Bracelets

Back much further than any of us can possibly remember ancient Persians used precious stones engraved with images of gods or animals as amulets. They believed wearing these ‘charms’ would ward off evil spirits.

Fast forward to the 19^th century and charm bracelets become an elaborate accessory worn by the Victorians. Queen Victoria encouraged this fashion trend by wearing bracelets filled with miniature lockets. Inside each were pictures of the royal family.

Today charm bracelets run from simple designs to very elaborate jewels that can be personalized, running anywhere from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars. Though even with expensive bracelets, if you add to them charm by charm or bead by bead, the cost is very manageable. What results are gorgeous pieces of jewelry that reflect personal style.

Now I definitely know charms have no magical powers after being cut off in traffic by a rather unpleasant fellow on my way to work, and I have some serious bling on my wrists! I do, however, appreciate the significance they hold in my life. 

Each charm bracelet I create and add to is completely and uniquely me. My husband, my boys, and my friends and family add to my bracelets at birthdays and Christmas, or simply to show me they love me!

Stunning beads and charms from top designers like Thomas Sabo, Baci and Troll Beads have brought the charm bracelet into the 21^st century with stylish designs. Their jewelry lines offer quality and beauty and a way to add pizzazz to any outfit, whether casual or formal.

Charms offer a personalized way to say 'thank you' to bridesmaids. Siblings can create a bracelet together as a special mother's day surprise. Almost any occasion is a perfect excuse to start building a memory that can be added to for years to come.

#1 Independent Thomas Sabo Retailer

Terri & Rhonda with Thomas Sabo distributor Phillipe in Vegas

Don't worry, we won't break into a rousing rendition of 'We Are The Champions,' but... we really are the champions! The announcement was made this week. For the second year in a row, our tiny shop in Willow Park Village achieved top jewelry sales across Canada for Internationally Renowned German Designer, Thomas Sabo. Imagine, us! #1!

The Girls with Thomas Sabo rep Shannon

We're smiling so big you can barely see the glimmer off the Thomas Sabo jewelry display, and that's saying a lot. Our selection is second to none, often being able to provide discontinued charms and pendants to our customers. But that's not all.

Photo via last.fm

Katy Perry has been named the newest celebrity spokes person for the acclaimed brand. She brings a hip and trendy vibe supporting the unique style that is Thomas Sabo.

The gorgeous sterling silver charms and pendants, and the watches, can be worn as stand alone pieces or combined to compliment each other. The designs dress up formal wear or play up the latest fashions. Thomas Sabo collections are released twice yearly to coincide with major fashion shows in Paris, Milan and NY. The Spring 2011 collection has been unveiled and will arrive in store early February. Plan to be dazzled!