Just after midnight tonight, the transition to start opening up 3 east bound lanes on the Port Mann will begin. By the time commuters are up in the morning and heading into Surrey or further into the Fraser Valley...those 3 lanes will be open.
I don`t know about you, but it is a little concerning that we will be crossing over a body of water on the widest bridge in the world...even though it isn`t finished. But I guess we shouldn`t be too worried as there have been construction vehicles travelling across the bridge for months.

Unfortunately, the cost to build this bridge has us paying tolls as of tomorrow...although there will be the introductory rate of $1.50 if you register your vehicle. On a positive note once you register and receive your FREE decal for your windshield it will be good for both the Port Mann and the Golden Ears Bridge and you will be able to do away with the transponder. Register before November 30th and receive 20 free trips.  

Drivers will be able to register for an account, starting Monday, Sept. 17, either online at www.treo.ca, by phone at 604-516-8736 or in person at the Coquitlam and Service Centres located at either end of the Port Mann Bridge.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/Port+Mann+Bridge+tolls+start+incentive+drivers+with+video/7232152/story.html#ixzz26n7IFBCH

For more detailed information on the building of the new Port Mann Bridge visit the following link:
http://www.pmh1project.com/in-your-community/in-your-community-port-mann-bridge/Pages/default.aspx

2 years ago we took our girls to New York for a holiday and to cross a few things off our bucket list. One of which was to pay our respects and visit ground zero. St. Paul's church outside of Ground Zero, had been transformed as a permanent memorial and the emotions that overcame us as we walked through and read accounts of September 11th. We never expected to be so emotional, it brought us back to that day. We can only imagine how difficult it must have been for New Yorkers living with that reminder everyday.

The present memorial was still in construction when we visited New York, so it still remains on our bucket list to return and pay our repsects once more.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/9-11-museum-previews-exhibit-spotlights-lives-3-000-victims-article-1.1156330

Today around the world, our hearts go out to the families that lost loved ones in New York.

September is here and the kids are back to school. With summer being over many people are considering selling their home in the fall market. The activity in the market has started picking up, but before you decide to put your home on the market there are a few things you need to consider.

Take a look at the tips we offer on how to get started:

https://www.balancerealestategroup.com/GettheStraightFactsAboutWhatCanMakeorBreaktheSaleofYourHome.ubr

CIBC's having their grand opening at the new Brickyard station plaza on 176 and Hwy 10 in Cloverdale this Saturday from 10am -2pm. They will be having a barbecue and Canucks fans should stop by for their chance to meet Trevor Linden, who will be there between 11am - 1pm.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/business/168655636.html?mobile=true

Looking for something to do this weekend. Looks like the weather is going to be beautiful for the Langley Cruise-in this weekend. If you love cars, downtown Langley is the place to be. The Langley Cruise-in is known as one of the largest car shows in not only Canada but all of North America.

For more information on the Langley Cruise-in and to see photos of previous years check out their website.

http://www.langleycruise-in.com/

We just received feedback from a realtor that had shown one of our clients properties yesterday and the one comment they made that really struck me was how well cared for and maintained our clients home was. The photos that SeeVirtual360's photographers took, showcased our clients property accurately. The Buyers commented that they could tell our Sellers really wanted to sell their home. Many times we take our clients through homes that you wouldn't think should be on the market as they are left in disarray, dirty and cluttered.

Whomever you hire to sell your home, insist they hire a professional to photograph your home. As my blog title says "A picture truly is worth a thousand words". Photographers are trained to set the right kind of lighting and to remove certain things from a room or take photos from the right angle. A simple point and shoot is not enough in today's market.

First impressions are huge and setting the stage is important.

When I came across this article I thought it was important to share.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/27/ugly-real-estate-listing-photos-how-to-avoid-them/

If you are looking to sell, we at the Bettina Reid Group pride ourselves in helping you to prepare your home for sale. We have SeeVirtual360 photographers shoot all of our clients homes and we will be sure to showcase your home to get it sold and help you make your next move!

Today was the 1st day back to school for children across Canada. Parents everywhere are excited to get their children back in to a routine.

Strange as it is, my teenage girls were actually looking forward to school. My youngest was much like most kids and looking forward to seeing all her friends that she hadn't seen all summer long. Not really looking forward to school itself but the social side of things. My eldest on the other hand started her last year of highschool today, which on it's own is the reason she was looking forward to going back.

I will never understand the schools here in BC and only going back for an hour today.  The reason we were told was to help schools get organized, but I have heard many schools in the past take a week or more to get their classes organized. I have lived in 3 other provinces across Canada and today would have been the 1st full day, not tomorrow. It is such a teaser for the kids, especially the younger ones.

For some great tips for parents on how to help your children to get back in to school routines visit the following link:

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/factsheets/back-to-school

Good bye to Summer, see you again next year! Happy 1st full day of school tomorrow!

Just back from taking a mini Whistler vacation with my amazing husband...and no kids. Love them, but we all need a few days without them once in a while. Figured it was a good time to get away before things get busy in the fall market.

The 1st night we stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where our accommodations were definitely 5 star. We were asked if we would prefer the slope side because of the incredible views...even though we chose not to get slope view we still had an amazing view of the mountains. The service was impeccable and the room itself was relaxing and comfortable...exactly what we needed.

Right now as a BC or Washington resident you get better than the best available rates along with the opportunity to upgrade upon check in.

For more information on this promotion click on the following link:

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

While we were in Whistler we discovered a recently opened restaurant "El Furniture Warehouse" where everything on the menu was $4.95.... Seems hard to believe but it's true, all the starters, salads, entrees and desserts were $4.95 each. We figured for the price we would at least give it a chance...although really didn't have great hopes. I mean how can a restaurant offer good food for that price. We figured it would either be really small portions or taste terrible....

We were pleasantly surprised, we seated ourselves and the waiter was quick to get us menus and drinks. Then informed us things might take a bit of time as they had just sat a group of 30. We figured let's wait it out, we really wanted to see what it was like. Then I ordered the "Works Burger" the waiter had highly recommended and my husband ordered the pulled chicken sandwich as well as beer battered onion rings. It did take a while, as predicted but all the servers were very attentive and either refilled our drinks or made sure to let us know it wouldn't be long. When our order arrived the meals came with a fair amount of fries and a regular size sandwich. The onion rings were nice and crisp. We enjoyed every bite of our meal and look forward to coming back.

Unfortunately, we weren't the ideal customers as we aren't drinkers. But for a place like Whistler I am sure they must make their money off the alcohol they serve. From what I could tell the beer and drink prices seemed to be on par with most pubs. We highly recommend checking them out the next time you are in Whistler, be prepared to wait in long lines in the evening as the restaurant fills up fast.

One of the goals my husband and I have had since we started the Insanity program was to do the Grouse Grind. It's been a number of years since we attempted it the last time and it was a struggle then. Probably would have been again, had we tried at the beginning of the summer. Which is why we planned to make the climb near the end of the summer. My husband's goal is to do it in an hour or less, I'm just looking forward to the hike. :) 

I was amazed to see the record on the website as just under 24 minutes. But I was probably more amazed by the number of people we know that do the Grouse Grind quite often. From what I have heard some people actually use it as their daily workout. People of all ages. I remember the 1st time we did it with our eldest and she kept going up ahead anxious for us to catch up. Then when you see an older person pass you on the path, you think if they can do it...so can I! No doubt one of the many things that keeps them young.

Now I am off to get my rest before my alarm awakens me for our exciting day to come!

If you haven't done the Grouse Grind before...I highly recommend checking out there website and trying it at least once!

http://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind

For some people working out is like a drug, gives you that adrenaline boost and leaves you wanting more.... Well I enjoy working out, I cannot say I have enjoyed the Insanity program...but it has definitely shaped my body.

Anyone reading this and those that know me have wondered why do I need to do a workout like this. I certainly wasn't doing it to lose weight and in fact I have gained in muscle mass. I did it primarily to support my hubby and for myself to get in shape health wise. I have been bugging him to do something and have always told him I would join him in whatever it was that he wanted to do. ( I really only thought he would suggest swimming or something a few times a week, not full out, heavy duty workout 6 days a week for 60 days straight.)

I have always eaten well, but wow this has really made me eat even better. Never realized just how hard it is to eat 2500 healthy calories in a day. I struggle to get over the 2000 mark.

So as we near the end of the Insanity 60 day challenge with just over a week to go, we have just committed ourselves to another 30 days of craziness. LOL My husband hasn't quite reached his goal, although has been doing amazing. But since he isn't where he wants to be has has suggested we go to the next level and try Insanity- Asylum. I am so very proud of him, to have gone from never working out and hating it (not that he enjoys doing it, but I figure if this is his mid life crisis.. I will take it. LOL) I am very proud of him making the decision to be healthy, not only by working out but by eating healthy too! I love him but had my doubts that he would make it, simply because I know how much he hates to work out. But he has not only made it but has sought out where we go next with this and how he wants to maintain once he reaches his goals. I will gladly join him for the ride....although I have to say I'm not too sure if I can handle Shaun T say "Dig Deeper" too much longer...:)

If you want to see just how crazy we are and where we go next with our workouts click on the following link

Insanity - Asylum