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What You Need in Your Emergency Kit

You never know when an emergency might occur — whether it’s a fire, earthquake, flood, snowstorm, or windstorm, you can potentially be left without power or forced out of your home. The best way to prepare for such scenarios is to have an emergency kit ready with all the items you’ll need to care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

You can grab pre-assembled emergency kits at London Drugs in a variety of sizes. But you might also want to supplement the basics with additional items. Here’s a look at what you should have in your emergency kit.

What to Put in Your Emergency Kit

What you put in your emergency kit will depend on the specific risks in your area, the size of your household, and the individual needs of household members. But ultimately, you’ll want to prepare to be self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours.

The Basics:

2L of water per person per day
Canned food, energy bars, dried food and other items that won’t spoil are ideal. Be sure to include a can opener with your canned food
Flashlight with batteries and/or lightsticks
Radio with batteries
First Aid kit
Medications (and a copy of your prescriptions)
Infant care items such as diapers, wipes, formula
Pet care items
Cash in smaller bills
Copies of important documents such as insurance papers, birth certificates, etc.

The Extras:

Water for cooking and cleaning
Water purification tablets
Candles and matches/lighter
Extra clothing and shoes
An extra phone charger
Sleeping bag or warm blankets
Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
Toilet paper/tissue
Utensils
A pocket knife
A whistle

You may want to split your emergency kits into several easy-to-carry bags and store them in places you’ll be able to access easily: the front closet, your garage, and even in your car.

Also, keep in mind that food and water as well as batteries should be replaced every year, so set yourself a reminder to swap them out annually.

Planning for an Emergency

While having an emergency kit ready to grab and go is a critical part of an emergency plan, it’s not the only part. There are a couple of other things you’ll want to prepare:

An emergency plan: Write out a plan and ensure all family members know what to do in an emergency. Note your home’s emergency exits. Know how to turn off the gas, electricity, and water, if necessary. Know where the fire extinguisher is, and how to use it. Plan a safe meet-up point with family members in case you’re not all together when the emergency occurs. Map out your neighbourhood’s evacuation routes. Include plans for getting your children and pets if they’re not with you.

A health chart: Write out all pertinent health care information you might need, including a list of medical conditions, allergies, medications, vaccinations, medical history, and health care contacts.

Preparing for a day that may never come (fingers crossed) is a lot of work. But it will set your mind at ease knowing that you’ll be okay should the unthinkable ever happen.

Check out our full selection of emergency kits at londondrugs.com.

Johnson’s Baby Facebook Contest

Johnson’s Baby Facebook Contest

Together with Johnson’s, we’re giving away five Johnson’s Baby gift baskets valued at over $50! See below for full Terms & Conditions and how to enter.

Johnson’s Baby Facebook Contest Terms & Conditions

To enter: Comment on our facebook post with the answer to “what your favorite Johnson’s baby product 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 February 6th, 2018; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of February 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 February 6^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 five prizes of ONE Johnson’s Baby gift basket, valued at approx. $50

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, February 1^st, 2019 – Wednesday, February 6^th, 2019 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Draw date – Thursday February 7^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.

Most Romantic Locations to Take Photos in Canada

@overmystyledbody

Canada has no shortage of incredible winter views, and those views are made even better when you can share them with someone special. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, our LDExperts in the Photolab are sharing some of the most romantic locations across Canada for taking photos together. If you do snap the perfect shot, they’ve also got lots of creative ideas to help you turn that photo into a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other. So make sure to check those out at the end of the post!

Capilano Suspension Bridge, BC

@emily_nicole_photos

The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, BC is not just any romantic spot – it’s also a popular spot for popping the question! Suspended on a bridge of twinkling lights, against a beautiful backdrop of lush green trees, we can understand why couples flock to this beautiful tourist destination for photos together. Photographer Emily Nicole captured these two sweethearts mid-proposal: a moment they are sure to treasure forever.

Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON

@argenel

Take a stroll down through the quaint streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake with your significant other, and you’ll find plenty of romantic spots to snap a photo together. This sweet town adjacent to Niagara Falls looks even more beautiful in the winter, with its snow-capped buildings and dusted walkways. As photographer Argen Elezi says, it’s “the kind of weather that makes you want to get cozy, curl up by the fire, and enjoy some hot chocolate.” The perfect way to end your day together!

Rafferty, SK

@stephedgar4

Bundle up, and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars in the Canadian Prairies. Rafferty, Saskatchewan offers up a clear view of the night’s sky that is sure to take your breath away. Simply set up your tripod, put on the self-timer or use a remote, and snap a shot of the two of you enjoying each other’s company, and the expansive universe above.

Ottawa, Ontario

@littlemissottawa

Ah, romance on the Rideau Canal. Photographer @littlemissottawa captured the love locks lining Somerset Bridge in Ottawa, overlooking the iconic canal. You can snap a photo of you and your loved one adding your own lock, and then head down to the iced-over canal for a skate together.

Lake Bernard, Ontario

@khi_photography

Photographer Kate Hood knows just the spot for romantic photos in Ontario. She took couple Kyla and Phil out to Lake Bernard for a winter shoot: “we snuck in a sunset paddle, a snowy walk down the road and then a cozy bonfire.” Just don’t forget to take a big cozy blanket along!

Peggy’s Cove, NS

@reds_lens

A sunset walk to Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia makes for a romantic date night, and a great photo opp for you and your better half. Photography enthusiast Sherrie Redden was just looking to snap a shot of a Maritime winter sunset, when she happened to capture this couple who were crossing her frame.

Once you have a sweet photo of the two of you together, why not turn it into a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift for your partner? Our London Drugs Photolab can print that snapshot on a fleece blanket, key chain, puzzle or crystal – all in the shape of heart! Or add that romantic photo to a personalized mug, with a Valentine’s Day-themed design on the inside. It doesn’t get more thoughtful than that.

If you need a little help creating your unique Valentine’s Day gifts, you can talk to one of our LDExperts in-store and order through our kiosks. Or, simply order online, or using our London Drugs Photolab App which is available for iOS and Android. Plus, you can use our promocode love2019 to save 10% on select Valentine’s Day themed products, when you order online or in-store (valid January 31st until February 14th, 2019)!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Why Adults Should Play Every Day

Everyone knows that children and playtime go hand in hand. Recent studies have shown that play is an essential part of children’s mental development. Through free play, kids develop their language, vocabulary, social-cognitive, collaboration, generosity, and emotional intelligence skills. But it’s easy to forget that adults benefit greatly from play as well. If you can’t remember the last time you played just for fun, it might be time to put down that to-do list and head out for recess.

What is “Play” for Adults?

When we think about “playing,” adults often think of playgrounds or toys, but play for adults can mean many things: novelty, pleasure, exhilaration, mindfulness, laughter, or creativity.

Play is hugely beneficial for adults for so many reasons:

Physical play increases cardiovascular function, reduces stress hormones, and triggers the release of endorphins.
Laughter also releases endorphins and strengthens inter-personal relationships.
Playing at work increases productivity levels and fosters creative problem solving.
Social and group play wards off depression, improves brain health, and lowers your risk of developing age-related diseases like dementia.

Being a playful adult even makes you more attractive. How many people say “sense of humour” when asked what they look for in a mate? Nearly everyone.

Doing What You Love Will Feel Like Play

For adults, it’s not necessarily specific activities that count as play; it’s more about the way activities make you feel. If you love to do something and it makes you feel happy, exhilarated, or relaxed, it could be considered play.

If there’s a fun task at work that you can’t wait to get to every morning, that counts. If you love folding T-shirts and organizing them by colour KonMari style, you’re playing, my friend.

If you’re stuck for ideas, think about what your favourite things were as a kid.

Loved comics? Ask a librarian about the hottest new graphic novel series.
Miss your dance recitals? Take an adult beginner tap dance class.
Former dungeon master? We guarantee there is a great Dungeons and Dragons game happening at your neighbourhood gaming shop.
Miss hitting those home runs? Find a kickball league or coach a kids’ sports team.

As adults, we’re expected to be serious and responsible, but there’s no reason we have to be that way all the time. Don’t be ashamed to indulge in the adult version of something that used to bring you joy.

How to Add More Play to Your Life

Play doesn’t have to be a big commitment, either. There are countless ways to fit a little more play into your day that don’t take much time or money. For example:

Don’t eat lunch at your desk! Instead, grab a work friend and play cards or go for a walk around the block on your break.
Play with kids: get one to teach you how to play their favourite video game, or grab a handful of their Legos. (You remember Lego, right?)
Get a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and dance in the shower.
Do a crossword puzzle with your morning coffee instead of looking at your phone.
Show off some of your old Star Wars figurine collection on your desk at work.
Have breakfast for dinner.
Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while and relive a funny story. (No, texting doesn’t count.)
Learn how to tell a joke really well.
Doodle a colourful creation if you’re in a boring meeting or phone call.
Pledge to have a snowball fight with your family every time it snows.
Write a funny poem in a greeting card instead of just “Happy Birthday.”
Talk to strangers.
Enact a pro-high fives policy at your office.
Pet dogs. All the dogs.

How Much PlayDo You Need?

As adults, how much should we play? Experts say every day! It can be either a big life change, or a 5-minute recess, but whatever it is, it will be worth it for your health and happiness. And you remember what happened to Jack, right?

Looking to add some more fun and games into your life? LD makes it easy with a huge selection of board games, puzzles, adult colouring books, art supplies, video games, and more.

Beautiful Canada: 20 Winter Dog Photos to Warm Your Heart

The Canadian winter may be cold, but there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the season. Snow, rain, or brisk sunshine — there are loads of adventures to be had — especially if you have a dog!

What’s better than a cup of hot cocoa and good company on a long winter’s walk? Our beloved four-legged friends need their new year’s exercise as much as their humans do. Getting them outside, even in the depths of winter, isn’t just necessary, it’s fun!

To inspire you to explore our beautiful Canada, here are 20 winter dog photos to warm your heart, even when the mercury drops to below zero.

Are you getting out and enjoying the Canadian winter with your fur-baby? Follow us on Instagram and share your doggo photos using the hashtag #LondonDrugs!

1. Strawberry.and.orca

Exploring the snow and mountains in Lake Louise was never more inspiring. Get after it!

2. Boomeroomer

Sometimes the weather goes from -20 C with snow, to +10 C and sunshine. Either way, Comox Lake Bluffs Reserve makes the perfect backdrop for a walk with the pup!

3. Hcjohnstone

Whether you have two legs or four, there’s something refreshing about a fresh snowfall.

4. Yamathebordercollie

By the looks of things, these cute pups dove head first into a snowbank at Big White! We wonder if they know how to make snow angels?

5. Ellellellieee

We can’t. even. Who wants to romp around in the Edmonton snow with this one??

6. Rescuepep

She’s just begging to go explore Kananaskis country. And so are we. That view though!

7. Bright.n.pip

Sometimes it’s brisk enough just for a sweater! The mild temperatures in Vancouver at Barnet Marine Park – and cuteness of pupup – make the daily dog walk an easy choice.

8. Monatails

Could Mona get any more Canadian? In case you’re wondering, her team definitely won.

9. Clover_sonny_doodle_duo

It might be cloudy, but Sonny is showing us that even in cold weather, he’s happy to frolick in the Saskatchewan snow.

10. Milatherusticgolden

Ask young Mila from Montreal – snow tastes great!

11. Ivyinthewild

Ivy is curious about where you’re going to take her today. And so are we! There are so many places to explore in Canada – you never know what’s in store for the day.

12. Bluemerlegryphon

A snow-day soccer match? We’re in!

13. Binkythegoldie

Now this is our kind of camping! Good company, cozy spaces, and lots of furry friends!

14. Benson_doodle

Those booties though. Benson is all suited up for winter. Are you?

15. Melissa_vanmaanen

Sometimes just relaxing on the deck while enjoying the afternoon sunshine is the perfect way to “chill” on a Canadian winter day.

16. Jessicagiguerephotographe

A bit of winter style never hurt anyone. These two look ultra-chic for a snow playdate!

17. Felix.theaussie

Snowed in at the park never looked like so much fun… wait, is that a squirrel over there?

18. Milofordt

A winter day at the beach on Vancouver Island can still be a treat even when summer has long since passed. Sunshine, fresh water, Milo. What’s not to love?

19. Nova_theprettypitty

Sweater weather more than winter weather… or so she’d have us believe.

20. Leovanjecek

Just because it’s a snow day doesn’t mean everyone has to stay inside! Taking the dog out with the family is the perfect way to inspire new memories and their sense of adventure.

How are you enjoying the Canadian winter with your four-legged best friend??

Share your Beautiful Canada + doggo inspiration and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube !

This New Photolab Service Can Help Archive All Your 35mm Slides!

Did you know heat and humidity can destroy your slides over time? Whether you still love to shoot with slide film, or have just uncovered some dusty old boxes full of slides, those pictures matter. It’s important to keep them safe. After all, those slides hold the memories of loved ones, and those memories are your family legacy!

You may already be familiar with our Photo Scanning Box service, which helps you to digitize up to 800 of your old photos and documents. It makes preserving your old photos incredibly easy! Now, we want to help you preserve your slides too. We are excited to soon be launching an all-new Slide Scanning Box service, which can preserve up to 140 (35mm) of your slides at a time, from damage and degradation!

Here’s how it works:

Take our FREE Slide Scanning Box and fill it with 35mm slides only (you can even put the whole carrousel slide tray in the box!)
Return the box to your local London Drugs Photolab and we’ll digitize your 35mm slides. Up to 80 slides is $100.00*, and additional slides are $1 each*
Your treasured slides will be returned to you along with all the digital files on one or more USB flash drives.

*Payment is required at the time of drop off. Price is subject to change.

Once your slide photos are digitized, they will not only be preserved in case of damage to the originals, but now you will be able to easily access those precious photos and share them with love ones in all kinds of creative ways. Just visit our Photolab to see how we can help turn your photos into photo books, cards, calendars and more! We can even create stunning wall décor from those slide photos, from aluminum metal panels and fine art bamboo prints to canvas gallery wraps.

For more details on our Slide Scanning Box (coming soon!), visit us in the London Drugs Photolab in-store.

Canada’s Best Spots for Winter Photography

From British Columbia to New Brunswick, Canada has loads to offer when it comes to spectacular locations for photography, and winter brings in an added bonus – snow covered landscapes! From popular destinations like Niagara Falls to some of the lesser explored sites, our LDExperts in the Photolab have rounded up some of the best places you can visit this winter to capture some great shots worth printing.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Photo by @cadestewart

Vancouver Island may be notorious for its mild winters, but there are quite a few locations that offer beautiful photography landscapes in the winter. With views ranging from frosty beaches in Tofino and Victoria, to snow-covered mountains in Comox Valley, Vancouver Island is definitely a photographer’s paradise this time of year.

Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Photo by @just__karl

While most Canadians planning a “winter national park vacation” in the Rockies tend to focus on Banff Alberta, neighboring Yoho National Park in British Columbia is highly overlooked even though its scenery rivals that of other Rocky Mountain National Parks in Canada.

Yoho National Park is located just a short 10 minute drive from Lake Louise in neighbouring Alberta, or via the town of Golden on the other side of the park offers beautiful photography spots around every corner. A few popular spots include Emerald Lake Lodge, Hamilton Falls which has a frozen waterfall, Lake O’Hara and the Elizabeth Parker Hut, and the breathtaking Wapta Falls.

Churchill, Manitoba

Photo by @andre.brandt

Churchill, an isolated town on Manitoba’s northern Hudson Bay coastline, is a magnet for photographers looking to capture polar bears and more importantly, the northern lights. Churchill is located directly beneath the Auroral Oval making it one of the best places on Earth to witness Mother Nature’s light show. The northern lights (aurora borealis), peak from January to March but is also visible on clear nights all year round.

While out capturing this shot, photographer Andre Brandt shares his experience: “Three days after the 2017 ‘Blizzard of the Century’ in Churchill, Manitoba I took the opportunity to go out and capture the aftermath. I didn’t have to go far to see the beautifully carved snow drifts from the 100km/hr winds we endured for days on end. These particular drifts, on the Churchill River, were almost as hard as concrete. With the sun setting it provided nice side light to really enhance the details and veins in the snow. Despite the -40C temp this day I’m sure glad I trekked out to capture a few shots of these drifts.”

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Photo by @sakithranaweera

Niagara Falls in summer is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. But visiting in winter is a whole different experience altogether. Winter brings an added dimension of beauty to Niagara Falls and this natural wonder transforms into a frozen landscape unlike any other. The mist from the falls combined with the ice-cold winds of winter spray the nearby ornamental walls, lamp posts, trees and buildings, creating lovely frozen ice sculptures. The Winter Festival of Lights which takes place from early November till the end of January is also a great time for photography enthusiasts to capture some vibrant colorful shots. The festival boasts over two million lights and over 125 animated light displays along the Niagara Parkway.

Arrowhead Provincial Park, Ontario

Photo by @trail_bound

A few miles from Toronto is the picturesque Arrowhead Park not only famous for its adventure sports but also its beautiful landscapes. Photographer Mike (@trail_bound) captured this picture while looking for snowy landscapes close to Toronto, “All we’ve been getting in the Toronto area is rain for the past month, so we headed 3 hours north to Arrowhead Provincial Park to see some real winter! This is the point where a small flowing river empties into the frozen Arrowhead Lake.”

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Photo by @tynskiphoto

From the rolling mountain range in the Cape Breton Highlands to the fields in the Annapolis Valley to the many lighthouses that dot the coastline, Nova Scotia is certainly a photographer’s dream. Hiking in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Franey Trail is sure to result in some breathtaking photographs. A visit to Nova Scotia’s most photographed lighthouse Peggy’s Cove, and the quaint fishing village are definitely also a must!

Newfoundland

Photo by @thecovegirl

Photographer Nikita (@thecovegirl) shares her experience shooting in Newfoundland in the winter: “Fishing sheds are a big part of the Newfoundland culture. These sheds are not only for storing fishing gear and tools, but it is often a place of solitude, catching up with friends, and an occasional drinking, singalong, accordion playing dance party. Although they are rarely used in winter, you can’t help but notice these colourful sheds in the midst of a cold winter’s day. Standing on the road side, with my tripod and Canon in hand, under a surreal dusky moon sky, mixed in with some wild weather and crashing waves, reminded me of how beautiful the winter season truly is. The moon was just a reminder that another day was over, soon summer would be here, and the fishing shed would be back in full swing. But for now, I was discovering the beauty of winter.”

Canada has some of the best locations for winter photography irrespective of which end of the country you live, so where will you be heading this winter? And with the ease of our in-store kiosks, the London Drugs Photolab App for iOS and Android, or our website, you can select from multiple print options for your best frosty photographs! Turn your pictures into stunning wall decor, a case for your electronics or even customize a 2019 calendar for your work desk! Don’t forget to check out our winter photography tips before you head out on your next photo adventure!