The Art Of Saying Thank You

From Guest Blogger Lee-Anne Michayluk


In today's age of evites, facebook posts and tweets, receiving a note in the mail can be a lovely surprise. Stationary companies create gorgeous cards and paper. Having some on hand with a roll of stamps makes it easy to send off a letter or thank you note.

Once you have the cards, here are some basic guidelines when sending a thank you note.

1. Be prompt
When a friend extends a kindness or you receive a lovely gift, take a moment as soon as convenient and write a note of thanks.

2. Be personal
Address each person individually thanking them specifically for 'the lovely travel journal' or 'inviting us to share such a wonderful evening!'

3. Be polite
Etiquette never goes out of style. Stay clear of off color comments or jokes, even if Uncle Joe did get a little tipsy.

4. Be positive
What if you don't like the gift or action? Acknowledge, instead, the heart behind the kindness. You can thank them for being so thoughtful or taking time with you.

Sometimes it might be appropriate to include a little something in the envelope ~ a picture from the dinner party or of you using the new gift received.

Taking a moment to say Thank You is always appropriate and appreciated.
And with designs as great as these, who can resist!

Thank You Notes from the Gallison Mudpuppy Collection

Stylish Thank You Notes From Jonathan Adler

Nantucket Thank You Cards from Peter Pauper

Boxed Yellow Poppies Correspondence Cards from William Arthur

You might also like Discover: Vintage Postcards ~ an article from Eat.Love.Savor Magazine. They make a wonderful Thank You Card.

Valentine Ideas for The Man in Your Life

How do you say 'Happy Valentine's Day?' Dinner, movie, flowers, chocolate, diamonds ~ it's so easy for the men, but what should we get them? We would like to offer our suggestions for some unique Valentine's gifts for the man in your life.

A new and fun product at The Willows are Whiskey Rocks - actual ice cube molds that mimic the look of stones. Pair these with a bottle of your man's favourite scotch for a thoughtful and well received gift.

For the fashion conscious guy we offer a fine selection of solid sterling silver jewelry and accessories from the world renowned Thomas Sabo line. From cufflinks to pendants to handsome watches, we have an excellent selection to choose from.

Another fashionable idea is the gift of chic office accessories. These vintage replicas are sure to be well received.

So now that we've taken some of the guess work out of finding the perfect gift all you need to decide is what to wear! 

Buon San Valentino!

Twitter Tuesdays

We love Twitter - it's been so much fun to tweet with new friends! As our way of saying THANKS to our followers we've launched Twitter Tuesdays.

Every Tuesday when you shop in store at The Willows show us on your mobile or via a print out that you follow us on Twitter & receive 10% off your purchase... It's that easy. You can also enter to win our monthly giveaway (it's always something great!).


So thanks for following & thanks for supporting us :)

We're on Pinterest!

Yep, we've started pinning! It's quite addictive so if you come into the shop and we ignore you - that's probably why ;)

Please follow us and let us know you're there so we can check out your boards too!! At least that way you'll get our attention!!

It's a New Year

2012

Can you believe we're already almost three weeks in to a brand new year? The holiday season flew by and we are actually gearing up for Spring in store. It seems we're always looking forward in our line of business. In fact we just had an over the top experience in Atlanta buying unique & one-of-a-kind items for next Christmas. Good news for those who are building collections as you can now pre-order through us!

So with all the looking forward I thought it would be fitting to take a brief look back and share a bit of my history with you.

In 1992 I left the banking world to go back to school. After two years I emerged as a registered massage therapist and started an on site massage business before moving to a local chiropractor's office. After seven years I decided to open up my own day spa, always the entrepreneur. Bodeze Urban Spa offered massage therapy and other beauty services in south Calgary. And we did very well. But after seven years my body decided it was time to move on so I sold Bodeze and was looking for a new business venture.

I considered a number of different things when I found out The Willows Casual Home was for sale. Although not crazy about the interior of the store at the time or the items for sale I loved the location in Willow Park Village. With the help of some savvy business people I bought the shop and started the long process of making it my own.

Now after four years I think I've discovered what I really like and what sells - but then again, I'm always learning. I do know that I love serving our neighbourhood and have the best clientele. So many faithful customers pop in on a regular basis and we see new faces all the time. I'm so thankful for the continued business.

So with those blessings in mind I'm looking forward to 2012 and growing the business. And if there's anything you'd like to see in store, please do let me know.


Terri