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Bring Out the Creative Side in Your Kids this Spring Break

Spring Break is here and if you’re looking for innovative ways to keep your kids busy, we’ve got just what you need. Our Photolab provides free Take and Create books with templates designed to encourage kids to explore their creative side; they’re a fun family activity! Once they’ve created their works of art in the free book, you can purchase magnets, mugs or even coasters with your kid’s masterpiece on them!

Great for kids of all ages, the books provide simple templates for kids to draw on – like the mug template pictured above. The templates are sized according to product, so we can easily scan and print onto your chosen surface. Just pick up your free Take and Create book from your local London Drugs Photolab, bring it home and let the kids have fun drawing and colouring their own designs. Want to get in on the action too? Colour a few of the templates yourself along with the kids! Once you’re done, bring the book with the templates back to the London Drugs Photolab, where we’ll scan the artwork and print it on the photolab products you choose to purchase.

Or, if the kids are getting a little stir crazy in the house, and you’ve got shopping to do…just drop by our Photolab and let the kids colour in their Take and Create book in the store while you shop!

Did you know you can also bring in any paper copy of your kid’s artwork and we can scan it and put it on any of our Photolab products? Or simply use your at-home scanner, and upload the digital copy directly to our Photolab website! Choose from bookmarks, coin banks, blankets, mouse pads and gamer pads, key chains, ornaments and more to print on. There are also all kinds of cool products like beach blankets and beach bags available, if you’re planning on jet-setting somewhere warm for Spring Break.

So, get started on your kid’s spring break project by visiting your local London Drugs Photolab and pick up your free Take and Create book today!

How to Put Together a Travel Emergency Kit

We all want our travel plans to unfold smoothly, but the reality is that emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared can bring peace of mind, especially when you’re away from the comforts of home. Whether you’re exploring beautiful Canada, or travelling further afield, here’s how to put together a travel emergency kit you can tuck in your luggage.

What to Put in Your Travel Emergency Kit

When packing your kit, consider such factors as your destination, planned activities, your health, and those of the people with whom you’ll be travelling.

Here are some basic and extra items that will help you handle travel emergencies. You can also purchase a pre-assembled first aid kit to get you started, then customize its contents according to your needs.

Travel Emergency Kit Essentials

For health

Prescription medication in the original containers and a list of your prescriptions (in case you lose them)
Basic first aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, elastic bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors)
Antibacterial hand wipes, gel, or liquid
Pain and fever medication, such as Advil or Tylenol
Hydrocortisone cream for rashes and bug bites
Insect repellent
Antihistamines for allergies
Packets of oral rehydration salts
Condoms and emergency contraception
Antibacterial and antifungal spray/cream
Anti-diarrheal medication
Cold and flu medication
Thermometer

Tip: It’s not a good idea to try medications you haven’t used before while on a trip. Consult with your doctor or stick to tested favourites that work for you.

For safety

Legible photocopies of important documents: a government-issued ID, passport, visa, prescriptions, etc.
A list of emergency numbers including your travel insurance company, family members or friends, the nearest embassy, and your accommodations at your destination
Travel insurance policy documents

Tip: Keep your documents and money in a fanny pack or money belt you can hide under your clothes.

For kids

Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Diaper rash ointment
Kids’ sunscreen
Pedialyte (or other child-friendly rehydration solution)
Saline drops for stuffy noses

Extras

Melatonin (to help with sleep and jet lag)
Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
Earplugs
Extra pair of glasses or contacts
Backup power source
Aloe gel for sunburns
Mosquito net
Water purification tablets

For any illness, injury, or emergency situation that cannot be solved with the kit, seek professional medical help. Consider purchasing travel insurance that will cover your unexpected medical expenses and provide assistance in case of an emergency both in Canada and abroad.

Consult Your Healthcare Providers

It’s also important to consult with your physician or a London Drugs Travel Clinic Pharmacist before your trip. A healthcare professional will help you to customize a travel emergency kit and will recommend the precautions you should take. Some vaccines and a certificate of proof may be needed to enter specific countries. Also, be sure to take a supply of prescribed medications — enough for a few extra days of your trip — and copies of your prescriptions.

To stay on top of emergency situations around the world, register with Registration of Canadians Abroad, a free service that will notify you in case of an emergency abroad or at home.

No matter where you are in the world, a travel emergency kit will be crucial if and when things go wrong. Having one tucked away in your suitcase will help to ensure that emergencies don’t catch you off guard while you’re busy enjoying your trip.

London Drugs carries a wide variety of travel items, including First Aid kits, travel security kits, and travel insurance, that can help ease the strain of an emergency away from home. Safe travels!

5 Family Spring Break Ideas Right in Your Backyard

If a tropical vacation isn’t in the cards for spring break this year, finding fun in your own backyard can be easy and exciting. Embracing the seasonal transition can inspire lots of simple household activities from vegetable garden prep, to closet organizing, to local outdoor adventures like biking, picnics, and foraging in nature. Here are five ideas for a fun family spring break right in your own backyard.

Plan Your Summer Garden

It might not be planting time yet, but there’s still a chance for kids to dig in the dirt and get their hands dirty. Science even supports the idea that letting kids play in the dirt has positive benefits from calming their nerves to improving their microbiome.

Make an activity out of browsing a seed catalogue, creating a collage of your vegetable wish-list, and setting up a starter tray in your home. It’s as simple as buying a small bag of potting soil and a few pouches of seeds. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers make great starters. You can even buy a starter pot-maker to make little pots out of recycled newspaper.

Get more tips on starting your garden.

“Travel” Through the Library

Who says travel only happens on planes, trains, and automobiles? Take a trip to your local library and invite the kids to choose a book on a foreign country.

Use that as a jumping off point for a theme day. You could make a meal of dishes from the region (involving the kids in the cooking, of course), learn a few expressions to say to each other throughout the day, spend an afternoon tracing outlines of the country map and colouring them in. Added bonus — your kids get a geography lesson while they’re pretend-travelling to other countries.

Get Outside

It might still be too cold for a long afternoon picnic, but you can make the most of clear days by having a morning or afternoon tea time in the park. Pack a special snack and a waterproof mat for the occasion, and enjoy the fresh air with simple outdoor games like frisbee, tag, or kite-flying.

You could even collect fallen leaves, pinecones, and rocks, for painting and crafting with later. Don’t forget to invite some friends!

Get on Wheels

Spring Break is the perfect time to get the bikes tuned up, make sure helmets still fit, and start building up little ones’ stamina for those long summer bike rides.

Find a map of local trails and highlight which ones are nearby and kid-friendly. Plan short regular outings when the days are dry and the kids have lots of energy to burn.

“Konmari” Your Kids’ Closets

Spring doesn’t reserve its sprouting for flowers! Most children seem to grow an inch or two by the time spring break rolls around. In keeping with Marie Kondo’s “konmari” organizing craze, why not get the kids involved in their own wardrobe?

Take an hour or two to go through their closets with them and see what still fits from last summer. You could even create a mini-fashion show as a rainy day activity. Sort through what’s outgrown, make a list of what’s needed, and teach the kids how to fold and stack their own clothes. You’ll not only be scratching things off your to-do list, but giving them the satisfaction of shiny clean rooms!

Get more tips on decluttering and home organization.

However you spend your spring break, we wish you a fun time with your family!

Pepperidge Farm & Tam Tams Facebook Contest

Together with Pepperidge Farm & Tam Tams, we’re giving away $1000 to put towards your next family vacation! See below for full Terms & Conditions and how to enter.

Pepperidge Farm Facebook Contest Terms & Conditions

To enter: Comment with the answer to “what your favorite flavor of Goldfish and why?”

Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since March 1st, 2018; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of March 1^st, 2019; (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization (if any), or any family member living with any such employee.

No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry per person per social network per contest. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 PM Pacific Time March 15^th, 2019. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected. All entries become the property of London Drugs Limited and will not be returned.

One (1) winner will be randomly chosen on the day the contest ends (see dates below) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received per contest. To win, selected entrants must correctly answer a skill-testing mathematical question and must sign London Drugs’ declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.

There will be ONE prize of $1000 worth of Visa gift cards.

See details and contest date below. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. Prizes will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to contest winners.

Contest date – Friday, March 1^st, 2019 – Friday, March 15^th, 2019 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Draw date – Monday, March 18^th, 2019

Only one prize may be won by any one person and household. In the event that any selected entrant incorrectly answers the skill-testing question or is otherwise unwilling or unable to comply in full with these rules, a new entry will be drawn.

Selected winners will be contacted by email or on the social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winners do not respond then they will be notified for the second time, 3 (three) days after the first notification. If the winners still do not respond within 3 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.

The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.

London Drugs and their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s).

This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs, an independent judging organization, and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use, and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice, and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at www.londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.

The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

Real Expert Interview: 6 Decluttering Tips from Organizing Junkie Laura Wittmann

Does the idea of decluttering your shoe closet or re-organizing the recycling area immediately cause you anxiety? You aren’t alone. Our lives are so busy with commitments and appointments, it can be difficult to find the time to make everything shine like a pretty penny.

For some, cleaning, tidying, and organizing the home is a chore to be dealt with. For self-proclaimed organization junkie Laura Wittmann, it’s a high she can’t get enough of! And she’s quick to share the fix.

Laura is a home organization expert and author of the book Clutter Rehab: 101 simple, practical tips and tricks to the organizational problems encountered everyday. She believes having a perfect home where everything is perfectly organized all the time isn’t what home organization is all about. Life happens, things get messy, and her practical tips help you manage it all in real life.

1. Everyone’s story is unique. Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be an expert in home creation and organization?

I’m not the type of person who was born an organizer. But living in a small house with four people where moving wasn’t an option, we had to figure out how we were going to do it in such a small space.

Subsequently, my journey to living a simpler life really helped me see how life-changing organization can be. I started my blog to share my excitement in hopes of enticing others to get hooked on organizing right alongside me.

I love helping others experience the benefits of living a life with less clutter and chaos. From how to slow down in a crazy busy world, to practical tips like how to manage your paper piles, my blog tackles it all.

The best part is, you don’t need any special skills to reap the rewards of an organized life.

2. Getting organized is not a one-step process, and it can be challenging for many. Could you share any growth moments or revelations you’ve experienced while creating and organizing your home?

One of the first lessons I had to learn when I started out was discovering that being organized wasn’t just about throwing stuff into cute containers and calling it organized.

There is so much more involved which is why I created an acronym to help with the PROCESS. It starts with having a Plan and ends with a Smile. Decluttering plays such a huge role in the organizing PROCESS but it’s one people try to avoid. Yes it’s hard and requires some decision making; however, the more we practice it the easier it gets, I promise!

Another area of growth for me was learning how to say no. Organization isn’t just about organizing our stuff but also our time. For me, it was about learning how to slow down and recognizing that jam packing my family’s schedule was a choice I was making. My kids didn’t need to be in multiple activities and everyone was much happier when we weren’t running around constantly on overdrive.

It would be hard to go back to living that way now that we’ve experienced the incredible impact it has had on our home and our stress levels.

3. Do you have any guidance for those wanting to create a warm, relaxing, and organized home? Perhaps some preparation tips, tools, or mindset suggestions?

The problem with clutter and chaos is that it can be pretty overwhelming, that’s for sure.

One of the things I recommend is to break down projects into 5-15 minute tasks. It’s much easier to make the time for a quick organizing task than find the time to organize an entire room. Drawers can be done in a small amount of time for instance. Closets may take longer so it might make sense for you to start with shoes, then pants, then shirts, etc.

Get in the habit of doing one small organizing task a day and before you know it, you’ll be feeling much more at peace in your space. Removing the things that you no longer love or use or have the room to store will allow your home to become a beautiful sanctuary for you and your loved ones.

4. Do you have any products or tools you’re passionate about or find useful in your home creation and organization?

Oh yes I do!

Some of my favourites include cabinet shelves in my kitchen cabinets to add more space, and plastic stackable drawers for extra storage in my bathroom cabinets and linen closet.

I also absolutely love using the space on the back of all the doors in my house. This space is so often ignored but it’s prime space for hanging shoe organizers to house anything from hats and mitts to bathroom products. Over-the-door hooks also provide storage for purses and bags to even jewelry. The possibilities are absolutely endless.

5. We are strong advocates for living green. Do you have any environmentally friendly organizing ideas to share?

Absolutely!

Take a look at some of the product packaging that comes into your home. There are so many instances where these things can be reused to help you create organization.

For instance, tissue and tea boxes make excellent dividers in drawers. Simply cut off the tops and line your bathroom and kitchen drawers to create separation. This will help immensely when it comes to finding what you need.

6. What are a few unconventional, surprising, or quirky tips you have for creating and organizing your home?

People are often surprised when I tell them the goal of organization isn’t about having a magazine-worthy home where everything is perfectly placed. Instead, the goal should always be to create spaces that allow you to breathe easier, that don’t stress you out, and where you can easily find what you need.

The beauty of this is that what works for you may not work for someone else. So it’s important that we don’t compare our home to another. Make your space work for you and your family! You can start by storing stuff where you use it.

For instance, this may mean keeping dishes in lower cabinets so your kids can help themselves or put them away out of the dishwasher. Your home should function for the season of life you are in. Organization is not once and done; it’s a constant tweaking of systems to make life easier, not more complicated.

One of the posts on my blog that always surprises my readers when I bring it up is that I don’t sort my laundry. I know I’m such a rebel! Yet this area alone has been life changing for me and I highly recommend it if laundry is an area that stresses you out.

My basic advice: Simplify, simplify, simplify even if it goes against everything you’ve ever been taught, ha!

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Laura Wittmann has been working as a professional organizer and blogger since 2006. She is the founder of the blog I’m an Organizing Junkie where she provides regular encouragement and education for organized living. By providing organizing advice and tips, a little bit of tough love, and citing her own personal experiences as a mother of three, she inspires her readers to move from chaotic clutter to sensible order. Laura’s advice has been featured in numerous magazines, including Woman’s World, Better Homes & Gardens, Canadian Living and Family Circle. She lives with her husband and kids in Alberta where she’s constantly on the lookout for her next organizing “fix.” You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram. For additional tips on how to organize your home, you can also drop by your local London Drugs and talk to any of our in-store experts.

Pet Products You and Your Furry Friends Will Love

Every pet owner knows their furry friends bring immeasurable joy, companionship, and love to a household.

Science has proven that our pets also bring us concrete health benefits like lowered blood pressure and better immunity. They get us outside for fresh air and exercise, give us much-needed snuggles after a long day, teach our kids about care and responsibility, prevent loneliness, and even facilitate socializing and meeting new people.

And although our pets rarely ask for much in return, here are a few things you’ll love to bring home for them as thanks for their unconditional love.

Toys

Pets love to play! But they can be tough on their toys. Tired of toting a chewed up frisbee to the park? Freshen it up with a Nerf Dog Barbell Chew. It’s great for fetching, tugging, and tossing around.

If more traditional chew toys are more your pet’s style, try this bacon-scented Hartz Tough Bone Dog Toy. It cleans teeth while your pet chews to their heart’s content.

And for those days when it’s too cold or too wet to frolic in the park, this fun gator-shaped sqeaker mat will have you and your pet squealing with delight.

Treats

Every pet deserves delicious food and treats. Give your cat the freshest food from Whiskas. These perfect portions reduce waste and ensure their meal is always fresh and tasty.

Teaching your dog new tricks? Reward their efforts with some chewy Zoe treats. With flavours like peanut butter and banana, bacon, and chicken parmesan, you’ll have them shaking a paw in no time.

Is all that exercise causing achy joints? SierraSil Chews Leaps and Bounds will help ease your dog’s joint aches and pains.

We’re thankful to our pets for bringing all the furry feels into our lives. But for those times your pet needs medical attention despite your tender loving care, London Drugs’ pet insurance has got you and your furry friend covered.

Check out more great pet care products at LondonDrugs.com.

Real Expert Interview: 6 Decluttering Tips from Home Organization Expert Jenn Lifford

Home is where the heart is. Unfortunately, it’s also where all the stuff is, too.

Spring cleaning got an early start this year, thanks to Marie Kondo. But if you haven’t started yet, we’ve got some tips to help. After all, we can’t think of a better way to spend these dark winter days than cozying up in a tidy, organized, and peaceful space. Just add good company and a steaming mug of hot chocolate!

Let’s be real though: getting our homes organized is not always an easy process – both technically and emotionally. The old adage that the things you own end up owning you is true.

That’s why we’ve asked Jenn Lifford, Mission, B.C.-based expert organizer and author of the book The Home Decluttering Diet, six questions about how she gets organized and how you can use her methods to make your home a cleaner, leaner, and more beautiful space to live in.

1. Everyone’s story is unique. Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be an expert in home creation and organization?

I’ve always loved organized spaces, but as our family grew and our time decreased, it became harder and harder to keep up with the chaos. Our house generally looked tidy, but our drawers, closets, and cupboards were overflowing. It was hard to find what we wanted and I always felt so overwhelmed with everything.

At the time, my blog was more of a craft blog, but I started to add a few organizing projects here and there. I found that the posts really resonated with my readers and it helped encourage me to keep going with the organization process. Over time, I developed The Home Organization Diet, which is a year-long plan to declutter, deep clean, and organize the entire home. I still follow this every year (some years more faithfully than others!) to keep up with the ever-changing needs of our family.

I’ve learned that having an organized home is more about changing your mindset and adopting new habits rather than just taking some time to organize a space with pretty bins.

2. Getting organized is not a one-step process, and it can be challenging for many. Could you share any growth moments or revelations you’ve experienced while creating and organizing your home?

The decluttering process itself is often more complicated than just getting rid of stuff. There are often a lot of emotional reactions that go with it and it can be a hard task for many people.

I learned a lot about myself during this process in terms of what my priorities were and what was really important to me. I’m definitely a lot more intentional now with what I buy and bring into our home.

Throughout the whole organization process, I’ve also been working on trying to let go of the idea of perfection. In the past, I would often put off anything that I could not do exactly the way I wanted. I was always waiting for the perfect time or the perfect budget before starting. I’m now trying to focus more on just making progress and being happier with what I am able to accomplish.

3. Do you have any guidance for those wanting to create a warm, relaxing, and organized home? Perhaps some preparation tips, tools, or mindset suggestions?

Change of any kind always requires time and patience. Creating a relaxing and organized home is no different.

To avoid getting overwhelmed, focus on one space at a time and appreciate all of the little accomplishments you make along the way (even if you still have a lot of other things you want to do!) Commit to a certain amount of time each week that you will devote to getting things organized and stick with it!

I find that writing down a plan is always helpful and I like to put on a timer to keep myself focused when I’m working.

4. Do you have any products or tools you’re passionate about or find useful in your home creation and organization?

While there are a variety of awesome organization products on the market, it’s important that you have a really good idea of the space you have available and what items you need to store before running out and purchasing them.

I love using clear acrylic containers for organizing (I especially love the InterDesign brand). You can find them everywhere from our fridge and pantry to our bathroom cupboards.

I’m also a big fan of Command hooks and use these for hanging smaller items such as dog leashes, keys, and jewellery.

You can also try shopping around your home for everyday items that can be used for organizing. Mason jars, egg containers, pretty bowls, etc., can always be used for other storage purposes.

5. We are strong advocates for living green. Do you have any environmentally friendly organizing ideas to share?

When you’re going through the decluttering process, it’s important to minimize your waste as much as possible. Be creative with where you donate your items.

Vet clinics are generally happy to take old towels, women’s shelters will take clothing, bedding, and unopened personal care products, while schools are often looking for craft and school supplies or educational toys and games.

If the items are beyond repair, be sure to recycle as much as possible before deciding to throw them into the trash. Check your local recycling guidelines to see what items can be recycled.

Finally, as you’re going through the decluttering process, take note of what items you tend to overbuy or purchase when they’re not really needed. Learn from these past mistakes and be more intentional about what you purchase in the future. There’s no point in taking the time to declutter your home if you’re just going to fill it back up again!

6. What are a few unconventional, surprising, or quirky tips you have for creating and organizing your home?

In general, having less stuff means having more time for the things you really love. Be sure that the items you keep are ones that you use, love, or make your life better in some way.

Get in the habit of putting items away rather than just putting them down. Taking those few extra seconds to do this will make a huge difference in keeping your home tidy. Make sure that every item in your home has a specific place to live and make sure everyone knows where this is.

The simpler the organization system, the better it will work. Items need to be easy to access and, even more importantly, easy to put away. Make sure everyone in your family knows where things go and stick with it! Over time it will gradually become more of a habit and easier to do.

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Want to get more ideas on how to organize your beautiful home? Find Jenn at Clean and Scentsible, and on Facebook and Instagram. You can also drop by your local London Drugs and talk to any of our in-store experts.

Bring Out the Creative Side in Your Kids this Spring Break

How to Put Together a Travel Emergency Kit