Having spent the majority of our 20’s living in Downtown Langley, the little city with a big heart is a special place for Jason and myself.

Once upon our childfree years, we lived in a modest-sized one-bedroom apartment that was just a hop, skip and a jump away from eclectic shops, bars and some of the most amazing mom n’ pop eateries South of the Fraser River.

Over the years, we watched in awe as Cascades Casino transformed a vacant lot into a thriving hot spot, attracting visitors from all over Metro Vancouver. And remember China Beach, which became Liquid, then 8 Seconds, before becoming China Beach once again??? Now there’s a high rise going up in its place.

This past week, I spent a lot of time back at my old stiletto stompin’ grounds — so much in fact that Downtown Langley is the theme for our second edition of 3 Things Thursday.

Norm Lee photo

1.Forever Yours Lingerie Holiday Sizzle

Once again, Forever Yours Lingerie brought sizzle to the holiday season with a festive night of lingerie fashion and shopping at their annual Christmas Sizzle Holiday Fashion Show last week.

True to Forever Yours Lingerie’s style, the event had a charitable twist benefiting the Langley Christmas Bureau. There were plenty of tasty canapes from Choo Choo’s Restaurant, dessert from Frosting Cupcakery Restaurant, as well as some sips from Kalala Organic Estate Winery and Mocojo Wines.

I brought along my good friend Kelley, who was a FYL virgin up until that evening. Can you believe it?
“Kristyl, I can’t believe I haven’t been here before, this is great,” she said as we walked around, vino in hand, checking out the release of the brand’s Holiday Collection— some were nice, others were on the naughty side.

The highlight was the fashion show featuring models of all body types, which was rather refreshing to see on the runway.

And since there were gift cards in our swag bags for Downtown Langley Dollars and a discount for that night only, I simply couldn’t leave empty handed. Right???

On another note, we just received word that over $2,000 was raised and 65 toys collected for the Langley Christmas Bureau. Great job you guys xo

2. Sip & Slurp

Last Friday was date night –Downtown Langley style. Jason and I sipped, slurped and mingled our way through the crowd at the 1 Fish 2 Fish Fresh Seafood Market for the 5th annual Sip & Slurp event.

If you’ve never been to the Sip & Slurp, it’s hard to imagine that this little independent fish monger could transform into a lively cocktail party come sunset.

However, it’s a sustainable seafood celebration in honour of Ocean Wise Month that has become one of our all-time favourite annual events here in ‘the Valley.

This year’s event sold out in 48 hours, so you know it’s going to be a great party that will make a big splash.

The evening featured a standout collection of seafood hors d’oeuvres cooked on the big outdoor grill from award-winning BBQ pit master Brian Misko, wine from Kalala Organic Estate Winery — there was even craft beer from Ravens Brewing Company and bubbles (Spritz & Giggles) from Beaumont.

Aside from being a tasty and social event, owner Heather Jenkins aims to have guests leave more knowledge about the seafood they purchase and how it impacts our oceans and rivers.

If you didn’t attend, make sure you put it on you date night bucket list for next year.

3.  Save on Foods Sells Wine!

I’ve always dreamed of a world where you can get your groceries and wine all under one roof, but didn’t’ think I’d ever live to see it actually uncork.

While it’s old news for our friends across the U.S. border, it has taken a LONG time for this union of nibbles and sips to happen out our way. But not anymore Valleyites, not anymore.

Last week, the Save on Foods in Downtown Langley opened its ‘locally crafted wines’ section, making it the fourth location in the Lower Mainland currently selling liquor.

Valley Mom