It’s time to unwind and refresh with our Wahl Massager Contest

Enter for a chance to WIN 1 of 5 Wahl Heat Therapy Massagers!

To enter – like the post on Facebook and/or Twitter and share – Tell us your favourite way to relax

Contest Rules:

1) No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry per social network per contest. Limit one (1) prize may be won per household. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 pm Pacific Time on January 20, 2019. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected.

2) 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 January 15, 2018; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as at January 15, 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.

3) The winners 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 have correctly answered the skill-testing mathematical question on the entry form and must sign London Drug’s 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.

4) There will be 5 prizes awarded: each receiving ONE Wahl Heat Therapy Massager Prize Pack, worth approximately $45. Prize(s) must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. London Drugs reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should any prize become unavailable for any reason. Prize will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to the winner.

Contests dates: January 15, 2019 – January 20, 2019
Draw Date: 12:00 PM Pacific Time Monday, January 21, 2019

5) Selected entrants will be contacted by email, or social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winner does not respond then she/he will be notified for the second time, 2 (two) days after the first notification. If the winner still does not respond within 2 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.

6) 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.

7) London Drugs, 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).

8) 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 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.

9) 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.

STATEMENT OF DECLARATION AND RELEASE

All selected entrants will be required to sign the Statement of Declaration and Release attached before they can be declared a winner and receive a contest prize.

How to Change Your Bad Habits This Year

How to Change Your Bad Habits Now

We are creatures of habit. We follow the same routines over and over again because it’s easy, it’s comfortable, and it’s often automatic. When habits become ingrained, we barely even think about the actions we’re taking. 

This is great if our habits are good for us. But we all have bad habits we repeat consistently, too — not enough exercise, too much screen time, not enough healthy food, too much sugar, not enough rest, too much work, etc.

Once a habit is ingrained, it’s hard to turn it around. Transforming bad habits into good ones takes time, commitment, and patience. Following these steps will make the process a little easier.

Step 1: Start SmallHow to change your bad habits this year

Don’t try to change many habits at once; the difficulty may be insurmountable. Start with one habit and stick with it for 30 days. When it becomes routine and you find yourself doing it automatically, then add in another one.

Start with something small and relatively simple, like replacing your second cup of coffee with a glass of water in the morning, or spending 20 minutes of your lunch hour walking outside. Starting with something small and easy increases your chances of success and will put you in a positive mindset for tackling tougher habits.

Step 2: Know Your Triggers

Understand what triggers your bad habit. Do you eat chips every time you sit down to watch TV? Do you bite your nails when you talk on the phone? Do you drink coffee whenever you’re feeling sluggish?

Knowing what triggers your bad habit allows you to create a plan to help prevent you from engaging in it when the trigger strikes. So, for example, you could keep a bowl of fruit next to the TV, have something to keep your hands busy when you’re talking on the phone, or plan to get up and do some jumping jacks when you’re feeling sluggish.

Replace every bad habit with a good one

Step 3: Replace the Bad Habit with a Good One

For every bad habit you want to eliminate, find a good habit to replace it, and make it easy to engage in that habit. For example, say you want to stop snacking on chips; have a healthy snack like a handful of almonds or some chopped up veggies all ready and easy to grab. The impulse to eat will still be there and you can act on it in a healthier way.

Step 4: Be Consistent for 30 Days

They say it takes 20 to 30 days to really cement a new habit, and that’s with consistent practice. The more you practice the new habit, the faster it will become, well, a habit. It will get a little bit easier each time, until one day you’ll do it without even realizing that you have.

Replace your bad habits with good ones

Step 5: Use Distractions When You Have Cravings

Habits that are well-ingrained will come with strong physical urges or cravings. Changing bad habits takes time and patienceWhatever you do, don’t give in to those urges. Ride them out by distracting yourself or using positive self-talk.

Most urges will only last a few minutes before fading away. Resist them and you’re that much closer to creating your new habit.

Step 6: Accept Failure but Don’t Let it Stop You

It’s almost inevitable that you’ll fail at least once when working on replacing a bad habit. It’s only natural to revert to what we’re used to — especially when we’re tired, stressed, or hungry.

Don’t let a lapse in willpower prevent you from forging ahead with your goal. Get back on the wagon and keep going. You’ll soon get there, and you’ll feel so good when you do!

Looking for more healthy habits inspiration and support? Come talk to an expert at the LD Pharmacy anytime.

Bring on the Bubbles — It’s National Bubble Day!

It's National Bubble Day!

The New Year can bring with it a dose of harsh reality after the holidays: back to early morning wake-ups, daily routines, and a definite lack of seasonal sparkle. But here’s a fun antidote: National Bubble Day!

If your holiday bubble has burst, National Bubble Day is the perfect opportunity to give yourself permission for a little fun and pampering. Frankly, we’re in favour of self-care any day of the week, so if you could use a holiday to recover from the holidays, bring on the bubbles and have some fun.

Lather Up!

Lather up on National Bubble Day

A sudsy soak is more than a simple sanitary escape. It’s almost like doing a workout! Research has actually shown that a hot bath helps to burn calories and regulate blood sugar. So grab some soap or bubble bath and lather up!

Star and Rose Ice Cream SoapPre de Provence Lavender Soap

Try this super fun ice cream soap or opt for something a little more luxurious.

Shop our full selection of bar soaps, bodywash and bubble bath products.

Blowing Bubbles

Get your baby some bubbles for national bubble day

Babies love bubbles as much (if not more) than adults, so get them in on the bubble action with a bubble bath of their own or a bottle of bubbles to blow.

Burt's Bees Baby WashAttitude Baby Leaves Natural Bubble Wash

Try Burt’s Bees Bubble Bath or Attitude Baby Leaves Natural Bubble Wash for bubbles that are gentle on baby’s skin.

Shop our full selection of baby bath products.

Let Your Cup Bubble Over

Make your own bubbly water with a SodaStream

It’s common knowledge that drinking water is crucial for optimal health, but plain old water can get a little boring.

Bubbles to the rescue!SodaStream

Add a little sparkle to your water with a SodaStream.

Did you know that drinking carbonated water has health benefits that range from improved digestion to increased cognitive performance? 

And making your own sparkling water at home also helps the environment and your wallet!

Shop our full selection of SodaStream products and find your favourite flavour.

Pop the Bubble

National Bubble Day

Take a trip down memory lane with a good old fashioned pack of bubble gum. You’ll feel like a kid again blowing giant bubbles (and picking sticky gum off your face). Go ahead, we dare you.

Shop our full selection of candy.

Happy National Bubble Day!

New Year Fitness Facebook Contest

Kick off the New Year by bringing workout and massage gear to the comfort of your home. Together with PurAthletics and Rejuvenate, we’re giving away a pack of fitness, yoga and massage accessories worth $150 to two lucky winners! See below for full Terms & Conditions and how to enter.

New Year Fitness Facebook Contest Terms & Conditions

To enter: Comment with the answer to “what your favorite fitness workout is 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 January 9th, 2018; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of January 4th, 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 January 9th, 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 two prizes of

  • ONE (1) fitness, yoga and massage accessories prize pack (valued at $150)

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, January 4th, 2019 – Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Draw date – Thursday January 10th, 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.

 

 

4 Tips to Clear the Clutter after the Holidays

The most wonderful time of the year is officially over, and if you’re like most of us, you probably have more than a few things that need to be tidied up, de-cluttered, and put away. But getting your life back to normal doesn’t have to be anywhere near as stressful as last-minute gift shopping.

Our clutter clearing hints below will help you make the transition from holiday season to clean-up without losing the joyful glow cultivated over the last few weeks.

Box it up for Charity

Some say Boxing Day originated in the UK, as the day when the collection boxes for the poor were opened, and distributed. Other origin stories have it that Boxing Day was the day working people collected gratuities or acknowledgements of service for the past year in the form of ‘Christmas Boxes.’ Either way, you can use the spirit of Boxing Day to take a look around your home and see what can be boxed up and sent to charity. And while you’re in the dark corners of closets you haven’t seen in years, a little organization can’t hurt either. This will make room for all the shiny new goodies from Christmas and give you a fresh start to the New Year while helping out someone in need. A true win-win situation.

Send Your Christmas Tree into the Wild

If you have a backyard, why not consider digging a spot for a temporary home for your much appreciated Christmas tree? After the lights are taken down, simply plant your tree outside. The tree will give small wildlife a nice warm place to nest up among the needles during the winter. Once spring or summer hits, the tree will likely have dried out enough to have a bonfire with it for a fun Christmas in July celebration (festive outfits and eggnog milkshakes encouraged).

An Egg-cellent Idea for Your Egg Cartons

Make sure to save all the egg cartons from your Christmas baking. If they have long been recycled, throw a post-holiday brunch to get some new cartons to save. The small pockets meant for the eggs make great protective storage for delicate ornaments and can be labelled accordingly for decorating next year.

Start a Relationship with Clips

Get ready to meet your new best friend – binder clips. Yes, you heard that right. These humble little office supplies come in very handy for keeping your entire home tidy, but there are some great tips that you can use right away for post-holiday organization.

  • Freezer overflowing with turkey leftovers? Free up space and bring hard-to-see items to the front by clipping bags underneath the wire shelf.
  • Clip the ends of wrapping paper rolls together to keep them from unrolling and getting wrinkled in the cupboard.
  • Create a fun and casual photo display of all of your holiday memories by clipping them together lengthwise in an easy-to-hang chain, string them onto a ribbon for a horizontal display, or use thumbtacks to pin them up in whatever configuration you like.

We hope these hacks save you some stress as you wind down the holiday season. We wish you joy in the New Year from our London Drugs family to yours.

9 Warm and Welcoming New Year’s Day Brunch Recipes

The new year is just around the corner, so why not ring in 2019 with a delicious brunch get-together? We’ve got some of the best New Year’s Day brunch recipes to help you and your friends or family celebrate in the best way we know how – surrounded by delicious food.

Cranberry-Apple Cider Punch

Photo credit

Coffee and tea are musts for brunch, but this fresh spritzer will quench some holiday thirsts, too.

Ingredients:

4 cups apple cider, chilled
2 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
2 cups ginger ale, chilled
1 can (12oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate
apple slices and orange slices for garnish
frozen cranberries, optional for garnish
or rosemary cranberry sprig for individual garnish, as shown in image

Directions:

In a large jug combine cider, juice, and orange juice concentrate. Refrigerate until serving time. Just before serving add chilled ginger ale. Garnish with frozen cranberries, apples, and orange slices.

Get more non-alcoholic drink recipes at Say Yes.

Eggnog Scones

Photo credit

You know you’ve got some leftover eggnog in your fridge. Put it to good use with these warm, sweet pastries that are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3/4 cup eggnog

Directions:

Stir flour with sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Work in butter until crumbly. Pour in eggnog and stir until just mixed. Pat dough into a 2cm-thick circle. Cut into 8 triangle-shaped scones. Arrange 2cm apart on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F until golden, about 15 min.

Recipe from Chatelaine

Broccoli-Rabe and Ricotta Frittata

Photo credit

This one is as fun to eat as it is to say.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

3/4 pound broccoli rabe, tough stems removed
9 eggs
3/4 cup ricotta (about 1/3 pound)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Directions:

Heat the oven to 325°F. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the broccoli rabe until almost tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Rinse the broccoli rabe with cold water and drain thoroughly. Cut the broccoli rabe into 2-inch lengths and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the ricotta and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and the pepper.

In a medium cast-iron or ovenproof nonstick frying pan (we recommend the Berghoff Neo Enamel Cast Iron Fry Pan), heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the blanched broccoli rabe and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.

Evenly distribute the broccoli rabe in the pan and then add the egg mixture. Cook the frittata, without stirring, until the edges start to set, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle the parmesan over the top and bake until firm, about 25 minutes.

Tip: Broccoli rabe can be bitter, but blanching the vegetable in boiling salted water for a few minutes before proceeding with the recipe tempers its strength. The trick, used here, can be applied to almost any dish.

Recipe from Food & Wine

 

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

Photo credit

Yes you read that right. These decadent treats will wow your guests and have them talking for the rest of the year.

Yield: 16 pancakes

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups milk
2 Tbsp white vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 Tbsp red food colouring
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup salted butter, melted
1 recipe Cream Cheese Glaze, recipe follows
fresh raspberries and mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Cream Cheese Glaze
6 oz cream cheese, softened
6 Tbsp butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk, plus more if desired
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat an electric non-stick griddle (like this affordable Black & Decker griddle) to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, set aside. Measure out milk into a liquid measuring cup and whisk in vinegar, allow mixture to rest for 2 minutes. Pour milk mixture into a separate large mixing bowl and add in sugar, eggs, red food colouring, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk mixture until well combined. While whisking, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

Butter griddle if necessary and pour about a 1/4 – 1/3 cup batter (depending on how large you want your pancakes) at a time onto hot griddle (you can also use the back of measuring cup or spoon to lightly spread batter from centre out to the edge a bit so they aren’t thicker in the centre than they are on the edges). Cook until bubbles begin to appear on the top surface of the pancakes then flip and cook opposite side until pancake is cooked through (I didn’t want the tops of the pancakes to be brownish red so I flipped them a little earlier than I normally do with pancakes, I didn’t wait for many bubbles). Serve warm with Cream Cheese Glaze and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves if desired.

Cream Cheese Glaze
In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer set on medium speed, blend together cream cheese and butter until well combine and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in remaining ingredients and mix about 1 minute until well combined, adding additional milk to thin if desired. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

Recipe from Cooking Classy

Bacon in the Oven

Photo credit

You can’t have pancakes without bacon, but cooking bacon for a big group can be a hassle. In the oven it’s much less work, less mess, and it will be just as crispy as the stovetop method.

Directions:

1. Preheat to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with foil. (You’ll be thankful once it’s time to do dishes.)

2. If you like your bacon extra crispy, put a metal cooling rack inside the baking sheet. Elevating the bacon allows the strips to cook from all sides. If you like your bacon with a little chew, or you don’t have a cooling rack, skip this step. Your bacon will still be amazing.

3. Lay bacon strips in a SINGLE layer on the baking sheet. Do not let them overlap or the strips will stick together. Bake until the bacon is crispy, about 20 minutes, depending on its thickness. Our advice: Start checking after 15 minutes because some ovens are finicky and burnt bacon is sad.

4. Per usual, drain the (very greasy) bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, then serve immediately.

5. Pour grease into a mason jar (or other glass container) and store in the fridge. Seriously though — saving the fat will be the best decision you make all week. You can use it to cook eggs, roast vegetables, and pop popcorn!

Recipe from Delish

Healthy Breakfast Bake with Spaghetti Squash

Photo credit

If you or your guests are looking to take a break from the holiday treats, this healthy selection will still satisfy your craving for a special breakfast.

Ingredients:

Note: This recipe is for one serving, increase quantities as needed.

½ spaghetti squash
salt and pepper
2 – 3 Tbsp tomato sauce
1 – 2 handfuls spinach, chopped
1 handful mushrooms, diced
2 slices ham, chopped
1 – 2 thin slices red onion, chopped in half
1 handful Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 handful green onions, chopped
2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF (205ºC). Slice squash in half and clean out seeds. Sprinkle squash with salt and pepper to taste. Spread tomato sauce in squash. Place spinach, followed by mushrooms, ham, red onion and cheese, followed by another sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Once oven is preheated, bake squash for 15 to 20 minutes. After 15 to 20 minutes crack two eggs into the spaghetti squash and continue to bake until egg reaches your desired doneness (about 15 to 20 minutes). Finish with salt and pepper and serve.

Recipe from Food Network

 

Cranberry Bliss Muffins

Photo credit

Craving your favourite treat from a certain coffee shop chain? Satisfy your craving with these delectable knock-offs.

Ingredients:

2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour*
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons orange zest (optional)
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries, lightly chopped, divided
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips, divided

Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (aka confectioners’ sugar)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a standard-size muffin pan with 12 cups by either greasing or adding cupcake liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Crack the egg into a medium bowl and whisk until pale, about 30 seconds. Add the sugar and whisk vigorously until thick and well-combined for another 30 seconds. Add the melted butter and whisk vigorously to combine. Stir in the vanilla and orange zest. Lastly, add the sour cream in two additions, whisking just until combined.

4. Chop the cranberries (if you haven’t already). Reserve 2 tablespoons and set aside. Add the remainder to the flour mixture along with 1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips. Toss the cranberries and white chocolate chips with the flour mixture just until distributed.

5. Add the sour cream mixture to the flour and fold very gently with a rubber spatula, continuing to fold and stir gently just until combined. The batter will be very thick and there may still be bits of flour here and there; that’s okay. Better to have spots of flour than to overmix.

6. Scoop into muffin cups in approx. 1/3 cup increments, dividing evenly between the 12 cups. Bake until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. For the frosting, using a stand mixer (like this classic KitchenAid model) or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until well combined, about 30 seconds. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on medium speed until well combined and smooth, about 60 seconds.

8. Frost cooled muffins with a knife – each takes about a tablespoon of frosting. Sprinkle on remaining chopped cranberries. Lastly, place 1/4 cup white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 50% power in 15-second increments until they melt when stirred. If the white chocolate siezes up, try adding a 1/4 teaspoon or so of vegetable oil to help get it to a drizzle-able consistency. Using a spoon, drizzle the white chocolate over the tops of each muffin in long, thin streams. Let sit until white chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes, and serve.

Recipe from Kitchen Treaty

Perfect French Toast

Nothing says brunch like this classic. Bonus – it’s also super easy!

Ingredients:

1 cup half-and-half
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons honey, warmed in microwave for 20 seconds
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 (1/2-inch) slices day-old or stale country loaf, brioche or challah bread
4 tablespoons butter

Directions:

In medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, honey, and salt. You may do this the night before. When ready to cook, pour custard mixture into a pie pan and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Dip bread into mixture, allow to soak for 30 seconds on each side, and then remove to a cooling rack that is sitting in a sheet pan, and allow to sit for 1 to 2 minutes.

Over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch nonstick saute pan. Place 2 slices of bread at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and place on rack in oven for 5 minutes. Repeat with all 8 slices. Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream or fruit

 

Baked Oatmeal with Orange and Almonds

Photo credit

Even the pickiest eaters will love this healthy update on a comforting breakfast staple.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking!)
½ cup sliced almonds
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 large egg
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1½ tablespoons liquid virgin coconut oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
4 oranges of your choice, skin and pith removed and sliced into roughly ¼” rounds
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional)
For serving: (optional)
Almond milk
Maple syrup

Directions:

Pre-heat your oven to 375°F with a rack in the top third of the oven. Grease a medium baking dish with coconut oil and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, half of the almonds, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract and orange zest. Arrange half of the sliced oranges in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with the oat mixture. Then pour the milk mixture over the oats. Lightly tap the baking dish on the counter a few times to help distribute the liquid through the oats. Bake for 20 minutes until the oat mixture is just beginning to set. Top with the remaining almonds and orange slices. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the oatmeal is set and the top is very lightly browned. (Optional: sprinkle the orange segments with turbinado sugar and pop the oatmeal under the broiler for a minute or two to caramelize the citrus.)

Note: If you’re not into citrus, feel free to mix up the fruit. You could also use a mix of bananas and blueberries, but almost any fruit will do. Think thinly sliced (or finely chopped) apples and pears in fall/winter, peaches and cherries in summer, etc.

Recipe from Domesticate Me

 

Happy brunching! We hope the new year brings you you warmth, peace and time with family and friends. 

10 Healthy(ish) Recipes for the New Year

We’ve all been there: December has come and gone, and with it all the cookies, turkey, and sweet treats.

Come January, we’re ready to get back on track!

Healthy Recipes from London Drugs Blog

While there’s nothing wrong with setting your goals high, sometimes you need a little wiggle room to keep them within reach. Maybe you’re simply hoping to add more vegetables to your diet – or perhaps you’d just like to cut out that second cup of coffee every morning.

Whatever your resolutions are, don’t be too hard on yourself – sometimes it’s good to indulge (in moderation, of course)! If you’d like to make some healthy changes to your food choices in 2019, we’ve assembled 10 of our favourite healthy(ish) recipes to motivate you well into the new year.


1. Spinach Crepes with Roasted Root Vegetables and Tahini Sauce

[Photo cred + find the recipe at Occasionally Eggs]

For those of you who follow a grain-free or gluten-free diet, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious savoury meals! These spinach crepes require only spinach, water, chickpea flour, and seasoning – and can be paired with your favourite fillings.


2. Coconut Cashew Bars

[Photo cred + find the recipe at The Bewitchin Kitchen]

Three all-natural ingredients and 10 minutes is all you need to prepare these sweet and crunchy coconut cashew bars. Eat them for breakfast or grab them for an on-the-go snack!


3. Sweet & Smoky Pineapple Chipotle Chili

[Photo cred + find the recipe at Pups with Chopsticks]

When you think of chili, the word “healthy” doesn’t usually come to mind. However, this recipe features well-rounded flavours like pineapple, chipotle, gochujang, pork, and maple syrup that make for a sumptuous – and nutritious – meal.


4. Healthier Homemade Alphagetti

[Photo cred + find the recipe at My Kitchen Love]

For parents out there who struggle with convincing their kids to eat real food – we’ve found the perfect shortcut! Dupe their favourite canned meal and make your own homemade noodle and tomato dish with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients.


5. Cauliflower Cheeseburger Casserole

[Photo cred + find the recipe at Food & Whine]

It may not be a salad, but this “healthy” take on beef and pasta boxed meals swaps cauliflower-rich in Vitamins C, K, and B6 – for noodles, and requires real ingredients. For those who are gluten-free, omit the flour, butter, and milk in the roux and replace with a cup of heavy cream and extra cheese!


6. The Ultimate Low-Carb Stir-Fry

[Photo cred + find the recipe at Green Healthy Cooking]

Stir-fry meals are a go-to for any household on a time crunch or a budget. Thankfully, you can adapt your stir-fry to whatever food restrictions or preferences you may have. Add chicken, turkey, shrimp, pork, or beef and sprinkle with a splash of soy sauce.


7. Salted Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter

[Photo cred + find the recipe at Spice and Sprout]

Make your own natural version of the well-known, crowd-pleasing hazelnut butter – but without the excessive sugar and preservatives! Perfect for anyone with nut allergies! Easily blend together sunflower seeds, coconut oil, dark chocolate, and a little bit of icing sugar and salt for a delectable spread.


8. Duck Ramen (Paleo)

[Photo cred + find the recipe at Flash Fiction Kitchen]

Sweet potato and kelp noodles are life savers whenever those following a gluten- and grain-free diet are craving some pasta. Make this fresh duck ramen with rich broth, bok choy, avocado – and any of your favourite soup toppings!


9. Za’atar Roast Chicken

[Photo cred + find the recipe at i am a food blog]

Impress your friends and family while sticking to your nutrition resolutions at your next dinner party or celebration. Filled to the brim with aromatic spices, olive oil, chicken, and red onion – this dish is so tasty your guests won’t even realize what they’re eating is so good for them!


10. Spicy Cabbage Soup (Vegan)

[Photo cred + find the recipe at Eff Yeah Food]

The cabbage craze has taken off – and for good reason, as the vegetable comes packed with nutrients and is a great source of manganese and fiber. Make your own delicious cabbage soup with ingredients you may already have in your pantry, including canned tomatoes and a plethora of spices.


Do you have a favourite healthy(ish) recipe for the new year?

Share your drool-worthy recipes and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube !

« Previous Page Next Page »