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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.

—

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.

Cool Containers for Healthy Eating on the Go

Could the right food container help you make better food and drink choices? We think so! With all of the cool container options available today — from mason jars to bento boxes to refillable condiment tubes — you can reduce waste, save money, and pack healthy meals for eating on the go. Most are also freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making meal prep and clean-up a breeze.

Bento Boxes

If one of your goals is to get a grasp on portion sizes without sacrificing variety, try a bento box container. Traditional bento boxes originated in Japan as individually portioned take-away containers that allow for different ingredients to be neatly compartmentalized. Each section begs to be filled with something tasty, but because you have to be mindful about portions, you’ll never have to worry about over-packing (and overeating).

Mason Jars

If you get excited about beautiful food, the humble mason jar is your best friend. With no fancy packaging to hide behind, your food’s going to have to be colourful and varied, which usually means more vegetables.

And with Canada’s new food guide recommending that half of each meal be made up of fruits and vegetables, this is a good thing. As each layer builds in your jar, you’ll be inspired to make the next one contrasting in colour and texture. Even better, get an assembly line going and fill up three or four at once.

Soup Sets

Because soup alone is never enough, invest in a soup set that includes a vessel specifically designed to prevent hot liquids from leaking but also comes with other containers that will hold a salad, protein, bread, etc.

A set that’s all bundled together means each container nestles into the next and may even come with a carrying strap so you can skip a separate carrying bag.

Water Bottles

Always need your water to be ice-cold or piping hot? If that’s been your excuse for not drinking enough water throughout the day, you need to get yourself a double wall water bottle. The two layers produce an insulating effect, meaning your hot liquids stay hot and your cold liquids stay cold.

Just do yourself a favour and buy separate ones for water and coffee/tea; once your water bottle makes contact with anything other than water it’ll retain a hint of that flavour forever.

Eco Packaging

In Japan, there’s a tradition of wrapping gifts in pretty, reusable fabric, furoshiki. It’s environmentally friendly, practical, and so much more original and creative than using traditional wrapping paper.

Adopt this technique and use a pretty, reusable container for gifting home baking or for returning borrowed sugar/flour/eggs to a neighbour. And think beyond the kitchen — these containers would be great for gifting and storing kids’ toys, sewing notions, makeup, etc.

Silicone Tubes

It’s true: condiments make everything better. But when it comes to carrying slippery sauces and drippy dressings, ditch conventional lidded containers for refillable, soft silicone tubes. They come in a variety of sizes and the smallest ones are perfect for salad dressing, hot sauce, or even fresh lemon juice. So tiny they can fit in your pocket but made for travel so they’ll never leak or burst.

Once you find a container set that works for your lifestyle, double up and get a second set. That way, one set can go into the dishwasher while the other set is ready to be filled.

Find all the container sets you need in our Food Storage section at londondrugs.com.

This Valentine’s Day We’re Celebrating Genuine Care

Some of us have a complex relationship with Valentine’s Day. And that’s fair — love can be a complicated matter. That’s why we’ve decided to be more inclusive about the way we celebrate this oft-maligned holiday.

This year, we’re making Valentine’s Day all about genuine care. Care for ourselves. Care for our families and friends. Care for our communities, and care for our planet. Here’s how you can get involved too.

And hey – make sure you swing by Instagram to enter to win our #GenuineCare giveaway! We’re giving away 5 $100 gift certificates and announcing winners all week from February 11 – February 15th. Check it out!

Self Care

Self care is huge for us — as reflected in our roots. You can’t take care of others if you don’t look after yourself first, and our pharmacists are here to assist with your self-care needs — everything from disease management, to vaccinations, to prescriptions. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of their genuine care for your health.

Care for Family and Friends

Care for family is deeply rooted in everything we do at London Drugs. And we know it is for you too — whether it’s making dinners for your siblings or packing lunches for your kids, driving your parents to appointments, or chauffeuring your friends around town. This Valentine’s Day let’s be sure to let them all know just how much we care about them.

Care for our Community

We love and appreciate all of the communities throughout B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba that have welcomed us into their fold. Coming together as a community to show our care for one another is one of our core values, and this Valentine’s Day, we say thank you for showing us so much love, too.

Care for the Planet

We genuinely care for our planet, and we know you do too. That’s why we work hard to be green. Our recycling centres accept everything from packaging to electronics to batteries (see the full recycling list here). Last year alone, with your help, we recycled 3,711 pounds of cell phones; 42,155 pounds of fluorescent lights; 122,780 pounds of batteries; and 370,751 pounds of electronics. We also diverted 93.9% of waste from landfill. That’s true love for the earth right there.

Care for Your Partner

Don’t worry, we won’t take all of the romance out of Valentine’s Day! Showing care for our partners is obviously a key part of a loving relationship. So go ahead and buy those chocolates, flowers, and Carlton cards. Cook a special meal, throw on a rom-com, or just spend time enjoying each others’ presence. Because love is worth celebrating.

Everyone has something or someone they care about. And Valentine’s Day is a great day to show how much you genuinely care.

How do you show #GenuineCare? Enter to Win a $100 Gift Card!

Follow London Drugs on Instagram and tag two people to whom you’d like to show genuine care. You’ll be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards! For extra entries, leave a comment on one of our five days of #GenuineCare posts and tell us how you’re showing genuine care to those you love most.

Valentines Day Instagram Contest Terms & Conditions

To enter: Follow London Drugs on Instagram and tag two people to whom you’d like to show genuine care. You can get an extra entry by commenting about how you’re showing #GenuineCare this Valentine’s Day.

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 February 2018; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of February 1st, 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 day. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 PM each day between Feb 11 and Feb 15. 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 each day of 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 five prizes of a $100 London Drugs Gift card. One prize will be awarded each day from Feb 11 – 15.

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 – Monday, February 11, 2019 – Friday, February 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Draw date – There will be a random draw done each day from February 12, 2019 to 16.

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 through Instagram. 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.

What the Chinese Zodiac Means for You

“What’s your sign?”

“I’m a rat!” “I’m an ox!”

This might sound odd, unless you’re familiar with the Chinese zodiac system, which is comprised of 12 animals, including the rat and the ox.

The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac cycles through every 12 years, so depending on your birth year, you are one of 12 animals. But be aware that this system is based on the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, so the start of the new year shifts each year in accordance with the moon. Generally, Lunar New Year happens sometime between late January and early February. This year, the new year is February 12, ushering in the Year of the Ox.

The origin story for this system varies, but generally, it’s believed that Buddha wanted to invite 12 animals to his birthday party and declared a race – the first 12 animals to arrive would be his honored guests. The rat, small but strategic, knew he’d never win on his own, so jumped on the back of the fastest animal, the ox. Nearing Buddha, the rat jumped off and scurried into first place, which is why the rat is always first in the cycle. And the ox, second.

Each animal sign is endowed with personality traits, partially derived from the origin story, partially from the animals’ inherent characteristics. While western culture typically assigns more negative traits to many of the animals in the Chinese zodiac, Chinese mythology has a very different interpretation. So don’t fret if you’re a rat, a snake or a pig.

Animal Personalities

The Rat

As the first to arrive at Buddha’s party, rats are competitive, quick-thinking, and ambitious. But they can also be stubborn, devious, and enjoy gossiping just a little bit too much.
Years of the Rat: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

The Ox

As the rat’s ride to the party, the ox is very patient, diligent, and honest. On the other hand, the ox can often be stubborn, narrow-minded, and a poor communicator.
Years of the Ox: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

The Tiger

Even though the tiger came in third in Buddha’s race, it is generally considered a very lucky animal. Tigers are charming, courageous, and have the potential to be good leaders. But watch out, they can also easily be prone to boastfulness, irritability, and overindulgence.
Years of the Tiger: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.

The Rabbit

People born in the year of the rabbit tend to be kind, popular, and generally enjoy a long life. Rabbits also make great negotiators. However, they also tend to be secretive, stubborn, and quick to settle into melancholy so they do well to keep a large circle of good friends.
Years of the Rabbit: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.

The Dragon

Everyone wants to be a dragon: they are energetic, powerful, and have a robust constitution. But, cross a dragon and you’ll see its conceited, judgmental, and quick-tempered side.
Years of the Dragon: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.

The Snake

If someone calls you a snake, take it as a compliment. In the Chinese zodiac, a snake is considered to be charming, generous, and discreet. And if you are one, just keep your propensity for being lazy and greedy in check.
Years of the Snake: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.

The Horse

Horses in this zodiac are energetic with an indomitable spirit, clever, and easily draw others into their circle. But they can also often be arrogant, over-confident, and selfish.
Years of the Horse: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.

The Goat

Goat (also sheep or ram) are considered to be polite, calm, and determined. On the flip side, they can have unrealistic expectations, are prone to pessimism and can be slow on the uptake.
Years of the Goat: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.

The Monkey

Everyone should know a monkey; monkeys are so charming and fun and creative. But get close enough and you’ll quickly see another side that’s arrogant, crafty, and eternally restless.
Years of the Monkey: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.

The Rooster

Roosters are practical, hard-working, independent, and love keeping a tidy home. They have the potential to make the perfect partner, but keep in mind their propensity to be easily swayed by others and a lack of social skills.
Years of the Rooster: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.

The Dog

Loyal, kind, and friendly, dogs are very much akin to their animal counterparts. But their love of a good home life often keeps them from socializing with others. And once they’re out of their comfort zone, they can be cold, stubborn, and highly judgmental.
Years of the Dog: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.

The Pig

Pigs don’t have the best reputation in Western culture, but in this zodiac pigs are seen as intelligent, compassionate, and ruled by a sense of just. They’re also considered to be very lucky in wealth, which is good since they have a taste for luxury. The pig was last to arrive at Buddha’s party not because it was slow or tired, but because the pig was watching out for everyone else, to make sure they arrived safely. The darker side of pigs reveal their extreme stubbornness, naiveté, and materialism.
Years of the Pig: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.

What to Expect in the Year of the Tiger

In China, the Tiger is known as the king of all beasts. Those born in years of the Tiger are ambitious, daring and courageous. They are also enthusiastic, generous, optimistic and cheerful by nature, and are committed to helping others for the greater good.

Those born in the Year of the Tiger in 2022 may suffer major setbacks, misunderstandings, possibly even meet with more serious disasters. Sudden disruptions in career, romance and home life should be expected. It may not be the ideal year for the Tiger, but 2022 is all about following your intuition and taking leaps for the chance to be rewarded. You can read a more detailed breakdown of the Year of the Tiger here.

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

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?

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?

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?

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

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

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

Pet Products You and Your Furry Friends Will Love

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

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?

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?

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?

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

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

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

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What the Chinese Zodiac Means for You

The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Animal Personalities

The Rat

The Ox

The Tiger

The Rabbit

The Dragon

The Snake

The Horse

The Goat

The Monkey

The Rooster

The Dog

The Pig

What to Expect in the Year of the Tiger

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