Home and Lifestyle Archives - Page 26 of 75

October Book of the Month: China Rich Girlfriend

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan

In China Rich Girlfriend, Kevin Kwan’s glitzy sequel to the New York Times bestseller (and blockbuster movie), Crazy Rich Asians, Kwan once again takes us on a dizzying journey into a world of wealth and privilege that few of us will ever experience first-hand. Kwan’s descriptions of luxury designer brands and excess are jaw-dropping and, as you turn the pages, you may find yourself in turn entranced and horrified by the over-the-top affluence of the world he describes.

At the end of Crazy Rich Asians, Nick Young, the fabulously wealthy, dashing heir to a Singapore fortune, proposed to his modestly-raised American girlfriend Rachel Chu, and fell out with his meddling relatives. China Rich Girlfriend picks up two years later as Nick and Rachel prepare to head to the altar in a comparatively low-key but (of course) luxurious Californian wedding surrounded by Rachel’s relatives.

At the wedding rehearsal dinner, the couple is visited by Nick’s scheming mother Eleanor Young, who has hired a private investigator to track down Bao Gaoliang, a wealthy politician in China who claims to be Rachel’s estranged father. Rachel’s world is thrown into a tailspin as she learns that she has a family she never knew about in China. Gaoliang is now married to Bao Shaoyen and they have a son, Carlton, who is the spitting image of Rachel.

Once the shock wears off, Rachel and Nick decide to honeymoon in China to meet her new extended family. Of course, things don’t go all that smoothly when Rachel turns up. Shaoyen is threatened by her husband’s oldest daughter and she makes her feelings clear, forbidding anyone in her family from associating with the newcomers. Carlton and his girlfriend, Collette Bing, ignore her request and spend time getting to know Rachel and Nick, even travelling to Paris with them. Without giving up too many spoilers, events take a turn for the worse and there are tearful confessions, arrests, someone is poisoned, and more than one of the characters will fall from grace.

Elsewhere we learn that Nick’s beautiful and alluring cousin, Astrid Leong, is struggling as her marriage to Michael is crumbling. Her family’s wealth has always been a bone of contention between her and her self-made husband. As his business has become more successful he has grown increasingly abusive, and in despair Astrid turns to her former fiancé, Charlie Wu, for comfort. Will she succumb to pressure and stay with her husband to avoid disgracing her family or will she break away and finally be with Charlie?

In Crazy Rich Asians we met Kitty Pong, former soap actress. In the sequel we get to know more about Kitty and her desperation to be accepted by Singapore’s elite. Kitty, who is married to the mysteriously absent Bernard Tai, hires Corinna Ko-Tung, a well-connected woman from a respected family to help her make the right connections and make some headway with Singapore’s high society. Kitty’s struggle to fit in and the scandal that seems to follow her wherever she goes makes her one of the more interesting characters in China Rich Girlfriend, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her on her journey of self-discovery.

China Rich Girlfriend will appeal to readers seeking an escapist novel, but the numerous characters and side stories can be confusing at times. You will need to concentrate to remember who is who and how they’re connected. Overall it is an entertaining romp through a world like no other with glamorous stops in Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Paris.

Book of the Month

Every month we will be featuring a book to be showcased in our Book of the Month. Staff members and friends will be reading the book and posting their reviews. We’d love to hear what you thought of these books as well. Post your comments and let us know. China Rich Girlfriend is available at London Drugs along with many other great titles and is on sale for the month of October.

6 Last-minute Halloween Costumes Your Friends Will Love

Yikes, did you just get a last-minute invite to a Halloween party? Or did you spend so much time planning the kids’ costumes that you completely forgot about your own? Don’t worry, because we’ve got some ideas for fun Halloween costumes for the whole family that you can easily put together and still impress your friends!

Box of Timbits

Last-minute Halloween costumes for the whole family

Photo from huffingtonpost.com

Who doesn’t love Timbits! You’ll be the hit of the Halloween party, especially if you carry a real box of the little morsels with you. Bonus: get your BFF to paint a plastic garbage can brown, and you’ll have your Double Double!

More last-minute Canadian Halloween costume ideas here.

Spider Web

Photo from marthatstewart.com

Everyone has a bag of that fake spider web in the decorations box, right? Wrap some around your kid, add some plastic spiders and spooky makeup, and you’re ready for tricks and treats.

More last-minute Halloween costume ideas for kids here.

Rosie the Riveter

Photo from brit.co

Rock this iconic symbol for women’s equality with a denim shirt, work pants, red bandana, and an up-do.

Don’t forget hair and makeup! Here’s a super easy tutorial:

Party Animal

Photo from goodhousekeeping.com

For this one, all you need is an animal mask, a party hat, and a drink. Take it uptown with some formal wear!

Lots more easy Halloween costume ideas here.

Pizza Slice

Photo from u-createcrafts.com

This one is more easy-ish, but the cuteness factor makes it worth the trip to the fabric store. Bonus: the kid can help with the glueing! We’ve got the step-by-step tutorial for you right here.

The Flash

Photo from brit.com

Grab a full-length body suit from the party store and get glueing. Or, if you’re really in a pinch, pull out those red long johns from the ski bag.

More fun DIY Halloween costume ideas for men here.

This Halloween, no matter what you wear, have fun, be safe, and don’t eat too much candy. Or do, we won’t judge.

Enter for a chance to WIN a Dyson V6 Origin Vacuum

Dyson V6 Origin Vacuum Contest

Together with Dyson, we’re excited to be giving away one Dyson V6 Origin Vacuum! See below for full Terms & Conditions and how to enter.

Dyson Facebook Contest Terms & Conditions

To enter: Comment with the answer to “If you won a V6 Origin cord-free vacuum, where would you clean first?”

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 October 25^th, 2017; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of October 19th, 2018; (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 October 25^th, 2018. 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 prizes of

ONE (1) Dyson V6 Origin Vacuum (L0153863, valued at $399.99)

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, October 19^th, 2018 – Thursday October 25th, 2018, 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Draw date – Friday October 26^th, 2018

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.

6 Science-y Things To Do with Kids for Halloween

Halloween is a great time to get your kids interested in science. When else does it make sense to make slime and goop and witch’s brews? They’re not just fun to play with; they’ll teach your kids about how the world works, too. Chemistry and physics can be exciting!

Whether you’re throwing a kids’ Halloween party or just want some spooky educational experiments, we’ve got you covered.

Make Some Halloween Slime

Slime is the classic spooky science-y experiment for good reason: it’s easy, sticky, icky, and oh so fun to play with! You can make slime yourself with these borax-free slime recipes–make a bunch of different coloured batches with food colouring! You can also purchase DIY slime kits which contain everything you’ll need, as well as instructions. Want something even cooler? Make bubbling slime with xantham gum, baking soda, and vinegar!

Ooh, Ooze!

Ooze is a bit more foamy and a bit less sticky than slime. Think about those vinegar and baking soda volcanoes you used to make as a kid, only with a bit more structure–that’s ooze! You can make ooze with hydrogen peroxide and yeast, both easily available ingredients. For your little witch or wizard, make this magical brew in a cauldron or beaker. Or, if you’d prefer to scare your neighbours, make an oozing pumpkin for your front steps!

Dancing Ghosts

Teach your children about static electricity by making a ghost dance! Science Bob has the scoop; all you need is a balloon, your child’s hair (to create the static charge), and a ghost made out of tissue paper. Oh, and maybe some spooky tunes to add to the effect.

Glowing Gulps

With a little tonic water and a black light, you can make glowing liquids that are safe to drink. Tonic water contains quinine, which has been used historically to prevent malaria. British colonists in India would drink gin and tonics for this very reason (the gin makes the tonic a bit more exciting.) Quinine will fluoresce under a black light, which just means that it glows! You can usually get a black light at a party supply store.

Fake Blood

If you’ve got older kiddos, make some fake blood with them! Steve Spangler Science has a bunch of recipes. It’ll add some amazing colour to a scary Halloween costume!

Galaxy Play Dough

If you’d prefer to make something a little less scary, try making some galaxy play dough. By adding glitter and glycerin, you’ll have a shiny, sparkly dough to pull, stretch, and play with.

10 Signs You’re a True Canadian Hockey Fan

If you’re like us, as soon as the first cold snap hits you’re reaching for your ice skates and hockey sticks. Whether it’s our kid’s major or junior hockey league, the WHL, CHL, or NHL, or simply the group we meet up with every Saturday afternoon to knock a puck around, we love Canadian hockey with a fire. And not just because we need to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures!

So, how do you know you’re a true Canadian hockey fan? We’ve compiled a list of 10 telltale signs to watch out for, err strive for, this season!

Lace up!

1. When you were growing up, lacing a hockey skate gave you a bigger thrill than lacing your shoes.

2. You take more pride in the smell of your hockey gear than you do in its appearance; the more you use it, the better!

3. Your driveway is a hockey rink. In June.

4. You know the best seats in the arena are in the upper bowl.

5. You think wearing a toque is an acceptable method to hide that hockey hair.

6. There are some friends you don’t see 10 months out of the year. Because they aren’t fans.

7. You understand “penalty moods,” and “shoot out anxiety,” yet you still say please and thank you.

8. A fresh cup of java is your go-to road fuel.

9. July and August are your least favourite months of the year.

10. These are your favourite colours.

LDExtras members! Stop by any London Drugs between October 1 – December 7, 2018, and purchase ANY pack of Duracell batteries, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a VIP experience at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Vancouver this Winter!

Are you a true Canadian hockey fan?

Help us get into the hockey season spirit and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube for even more hockey inspiration!

12 Best Ever Homemade Soup Recipes

Snowstorms and endlessly rainy winter days call for wool socks and warm, hearty meals. We say embrace it all — and indulge in these satisfying and comforting homemade soup recipes.

1. Canadian Style French Onion Soup

Sweetened with maple syrup, this update on a savoury classic will inspire soup lovers everywhere. Get the recipe from Simple Bites.

2. Goulash Soup

This tangy, meaty dish is filled with rich flavours and only takes 30 minutes to prepare. Get the recipe from Eat. Live. Travel. Write.

3. Tomato Tortellini Soup with Kale

A healthy take on a pasta dinner, this tasty tomato soup is guaranteed to warm you up. Get the recipe from Living Lou.

4. Sweet Corn Soup

Reminisce about the summer months with these two creamy and customizable corn soup recipes that will brighten up your day. Get the recipe from 80 Twenty.

5. Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup

Carrot and ginger soup is ideal for spicing up the winter blues and soothing the sniffles during a cold snap. Get the recipe from Lord Byron’s Kitchen.

6. Mulligatawny Soup

This fun-to-say soup may have been a comfort food growing up, and is creamy and decadent enough to satisfy you all day. Get the recipe from Crumb.

7. Beet Borscht

Make a big batch of this cozy soup to last you through a snowed-in weekend. Easily freeze any leftovers for a quick meal. Get the recipe from Canadian Living.

8. French-Canadian Vegetarian Pea Soup

Enjoy soup the French Canadian way with this vegetarian ode to French-Canadian heritage. Get the recipe from the Fig Tree Blog.

9. Homemade Vegetable Stock

Whether it’s used as an all-natural vegan base to any soup recipe or on its own, put your veggie scraps to use and make your own stock. Get the recipe from The Kitchn.

10. Chorizo and Lentil Soup

Add spice to your soup this season with the heat of chorizo sausage mixed with the heartiness of lentils. Get the recipe from Seven Spoons.

11. Chanterelle Mushroom Chowder

If you’re a lover of mushroom soup, look no further. This luxurious and creamy chowder will be difficult to share. Get the recipe from Dinner with Julie.

12. Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Soup

A long-standing favourite for many, now vegans can also enjoy a bowl of creamy broccoli soup. Get the recipe from Oh She Glows.

6 Delicious Turkey Preparations for Your Thanksgiving Feast

Let’s talk turkey!

Canadians are getting ready to gather with friends and family to give thanks, and also to eat a whole bunch of delicious food.

Whether you’re new to preparing a Thanksgiving feast or a “seasoned” chef, we know it can be daunting. Fantastic, but daunting. So, we’ve curated 6 delicious ways to prepare a turkey so you can wow dinner guests and make new memories!

Please enjoy these 6 Delicious Turkey Preparations for your Thanksgiving Feast.

1. Brine, Baby, Brine

Image via The Kitchn

Brining your turkey creates rich flavour, and also helps you get prep done the night before the big day. It’s a favourite around our houses, for sure. Here’s one recipe and method. We recommend adding a full clove of garlic and a ¼ cup of honey to add even more depth of flavour.

2. Deep Fried Turkey

Image via Serious Eats

This turkey preparation was all the rage for a while there, and we can really see why. Deep frying the turkey gives it a delicious taste and texture, and the crispy skin is a heavenly treat.

Caution: deep frying a turkey is a potentially dangerous activity, so follow these safety precautions to the letter. Safety first!

3. Slow-Grilled Turkey

Image via David Malosh

Did you know you can grill a turkey? Neither did we. #LifeGoals.

If you have the right kind of kettle grill, the deliciously deep smoky flavour might well be worth your effort. Check out the whole recipe and method here.

4. Classic Roast Turkey Preparation

Image via The Food Network

Hamptons-chic domestic guru, Ina Garten, has a classic recipe for roast turkey that uses thyme, lemon, onion, and garlic to add fresh flavour to your bird. Find the recipe here – it’s a great place to start for those who are new to Thanksgiving chef-ery.

It’s as simple as it is delicious!

5. Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Image via RecipeTin Eats

Three minutes of prep and a day of slow cooking make this recipe an easy choice for busy people (or those who would rather spend their fall day outdoors instead of hovering around a hot stove).

The low and slow preparation delivers fantastic flavour, and the gravy that comes out of the pot is also superb. This one is a brine must-try, at Thanksgiving and beyond! Hot turkey sandwiches in March? Yes please!

6. Caribbean Turkey with Spicy Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing

Image from Jamie Oliver

Recipes for turkey with out-there ingredients can be found all over the internet. If you are feeling adventurous, give some of these a try! Jamie Oliver’s recipe for Caribbean Turkey with Spicy Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing is sure to wow your dinner guests.