Home and Lifestyle Archives - Page 44 of 74

World Photo Day 2017: Celebrating Moments in Time with Photofinishing

Even in today’s digital-centric world, printing has remained an incredibly important part of the photography process. Photography is meant to celebrate a special moment in time, and photo printing helps us to share that moment with the world. It’s worth reminding ourselves just how powerful a photo can be, especially while we celebrate World Photo Day.

Developing negatives has always been an exciting part of the process for any photographer, and for a long time it was the only way to share your captured images. It was the only way to tell your story. Henry Fox Talbot pioneered the process of chemically developing film negatives, patenting the process of ‘calotype’ in 1841. This calotype process made photography more practical than paintings and illustrations, with the new ability to make any number of prints from a single negative image. Suddenly, photography was accessible to the everyday person.

However while our options used to be limited to basic prints and enlargements, photographers now have all kinds of unique print surfaces at their fingertips. Thanks to digital technology, we can tell the story of each photo not just with the developed print, but through editing and the print surface itself. After all, a bright, vivid image won’t be conveyed the same way as a dark moody image on the same surface. You’ve chosen a moment in time that you want to celebrate, now you just have to find the perfect surface to share it. Here is a look at some of our favourite print surfaces.

Aluminum Metal Panels

These high-gloss aluminum metal panels have become a popular choice for photographers in recent years. We’ve had many professional photographers tell us these eye-catching prints have been popular with their clients as well. The coated aluminum sheets are infused with dyes that can make any image, especially detailed and rich landscape photos, come alive with vibrant colour.

The London Drugs Photolab has expanded the availability of metal printing technology from just one location to now several Photolab locations, which have the special presses necessary to create the aluminum prints on-site. The lightweight and durable surface makes these prints ideal for hanging on the walls of your home or gallery. They’re also an especially good choice for high traffic areas, thanks to their resistance to fading.

Local photographers Stacy William Head and Larry Hilderman have both printed their landscape images on aluminum metal panels. Stacy finds that the aluminum surface gives his rich, long exposures a very surreal feeling compared to paper or canvas. Larry appreciates the depth it gives his landscape images. You can read more about both Stacy and Larry’s experiences with aluminum metal panels on their respective blog posts here and here.

Canvas Gallery Wraps

Turning your most precious moments into a true work of art is easy with canvas gallery wraps. Using specially pigmented inks with archival qualities, the image is printed on a fine art canvas. The canvas is then stretched around the sides of a 1.75” wooden frame and secured on the back. This style gives the image added depth and dimension. Since the image is printed right to the very edge of the canvas (otherwise known as “full-bleed”), the print can be hung on a wall without an art frame. If you do want the look of a border, our LDExperts in the Photolab recommend a black or white frame, or a floating black frame.

Our LDExperts recommend keeping the canvas dry and avoiding water or liquid cleaning solutions. This will help to preserve the image’s colour and contrast, allowing it to last for many years without noticeable fading.

A new offering is the metallic canvas, which features a pearlescent finish and vibrant colour reproduction. If you’re looking for a unique surface texture, this is an excellent choice.

Bamboo Prints

The texture of bamboo prints really is unparalleled. Made of 90% bamboo fibres and 10% cotton, this ultra-matte, finely crafted white paper offers a unique look and feel to your image. The surface offers maximum aging resistance and an extremely large colour gamut. As an added bonus, bamboo prints are also environmentally-friendly, as bamboo is considered to be a highly renewable resource.

Local photographer Matt Ferguson was impressed after printing on bamboo for the first time. The “texture and physical feel to the print” made it stand out, and he felt as though he “could actually touch the trees and feel the coolness of the fog” featured in his image. If you’re curious to hear more about his experience you can, check out this blog post.

Hopefully World Photo Day will inspire you to experiment with your photofinishing options and try something new. Consider the image you have (portrait or landscape), the colours (vivid or dark), and the purpose (home décor or gallery display) and use those elements to help you decide which surface will best tell the story of your image. If you need a little extra help deciding which surface is the right choice, just speak with one of our LDExperts in the Photolab department in-store!

How to Safely View the Solar Eclipse This Year

Throughout history, solar eclipses have left people in awe as the Earth plunges into darkness during daylight hours. A solar eclipse occurs as the moon passes directly in front of the sun, blocking its light either partially or in full. This causes a shadow to appear on part the Earth, and those within the shadow experience this as an eclipse.

If you’re feeling intrigued by the incredible science behind this phenomenon, why not gather a group of friends together on the morning of August 21st to take in the spectacle of an eclipse yourselves? Throwing a Solar Eclipse Viewing Event is a unique and fun way to celebrate this rare occurrence.

Fill up some thermoses with coffee and hot chocolate, grab some delicious pastries, and set up comfortable folding chairs at your location to wait for the eclipse. Be sure to look at the weather forecast ahead of time to avoid cloudy skies, and pick an outdoor space with a clear view of where the sun will be. If there’s a chance of clouds, hop in the car and program your GPS to a spot with sunnier weather–you’ll definitely want to find clear skies for this event. Bring along portable speakers and a fun playlist (Dark Side of the Moon, anyone?) to give your gathering a true celebratory ambiance. And don’t forget the sunscreen–you’ll need it even while the sun starts to go dark!

Most importantly, bring along EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades to keep your eyes safe while you observe the eclipse. Never look directly at any part of the sun without proper protective equipment, as it can cause irreversible damage and even blindness.

Where Are You Viewing the Eclipse From?

While this eclipse will only reach totality over parts of the United States, we will still be able to observe a significant partial eclipse from Canada. If you’re curious about how much of the solar eclipse you’ll see and when you’ll be able to see the sun at the peak of the eclipse, here’s a quick list showing what you’ll be able to expect! Remember, the further from the path of totality you are, the less the sun will appear to be covered. For this August 21, 2017 solar eclipse, the path of totality will curve from the Pacific Northwest through the middle of the United States to the South-Eastern Seaboard.

Victoria: 91% of the sun will be covered at 10:20 am

Vancouver: 88% of the sun will be covered at 10:21 am

Calgary: 81% of the sun will be covered at 10:20 am

Edmonton: 75% of the sun will be covered at 11:35 am

Regina: 79% of the sun will be covered at 11:46 am

Winnipeg: 76% of the sun will be covered at 12:57 pm

Toronto: 76% of the sun will be covered at 2:32 pm

St. Johns: 43% of the sun will be covered at 4:29 pm

In the meantime, brush up on your solar eclipse knowledge, so you’ll know what to expect (and to impress your friends while you wait!)

10 Fun Facts About Solar Eclipses

There are three different types of solar eclipses: a partial eclipse where the moon only covers some of the sun; a total eclipse, where the entire sun is covered and only the corona is visible; and an annular eclipse, which occurs when the moon covers the sun, but is at a wide point of its orbit, causing the sun to shine around the moon.
When the moon blocks out the entire sun at the peak of a total eclipse, it is called ‘totality.’
There are usually two to five solar eclipses per year, but most are not total eclipses, and many fall over unpopulated areas.
It’s impossible to view a total solar eclipse from the North or South Pole.
A total solar eclipse never lasts longer than 7.5 minutes.
Temperatures can fall by up to 20 degrees as darkness falls during totality.
Every 18 years and 11 days, an almost identical eclipse will happen. This is called the Saros Cycle.
The widest possible path of totality is 269 kilometers across, though it is often quite a bit thinner – around 160 kilometers on average. This eclipse’s path of totality will be thinner than usual – about 115 km wide.
The only time that we can view the sun’s corona with the naked eye is during a total solar eclipse.
If you look directly at any part of the sun during an eclipse, no matter how small the visible sliver is, it can cause vision loss or other damage to your eyes due to the extreme intensity of the light. Always use proper protective gear to observe the sun!

How to Use the Solar Shades

EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades block the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays of the light that comes from the sun and are essential for viewing the partial phases that precede and follow totality. You can follow the moon’s progression across the sun by looking through these glasses every few minutes during the partial phases. EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades are lab tested and meet the new ISO 12312-2 requirements (Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun). It is extremely important to remember that only during complete totality may you look at the sun without EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades. Never look directly at the partial phases of the eclipse without EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades.

Limit continuous use of the EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades to three minutes, and always directly supervise children under the age of 14 during their use.

WARNING: Never look at the sun without special eye protection. When viewing the eclipse, use eclipse glasses at all times when any part of the sun is visible. Direct viewing of the sun can cause permanent damage if the proper precautions are not taken. Adequate eye protection specifically designed for viewing the sun is essential and should be worn so that no harmful rays from the sun can reach the eye.

Now that you are prepared to view the eclipse safely, get ready to make an incredible memory! This rare occurrence won’t come along for another 18 years and 11 days, so make the most of it. Safe and happy viewing!

Best Sour Cherry Jelly

Liquid Pectin allows you to make the freshest jelly possible, retaining more flavour and nutrition than with any other method of jelly making.

Ingredients

4.4 lb (2 kg) sour cherries
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
4 tbsp (60 ml) lemon juice
7 cups (1750 ml) granulated sugar
2 pouches (170 ml) BERNARDIN® Liquid Pectin

Instructions

Place 7 clean 250 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use.
Wash, stem, pit and pulse cherries in a food processor or finely chop. Combine with water in a stainless steel saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and boil gently 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Pour prepared mixture into dampened jelly bag or cheese cloth-lined sieve suspended over a deep container. Let juice drip undisturbed, at least 2 hours or overnight. For quicker results, squeeze bag; juice may be cloudy.
Measure 3-1/2 cups (875 ml) prepared juice into a large, deep stainless steel saucepan. Stir in lemon juice and all the sugar. To reduce foaming, add 1/2 tsp (2 ml) butter or margarine. Over high heat, bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Add liquid pectin, squeezing entire contents from pouch. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and quickly skim off foam, if necessary.
Quickly pour jelly into a hot jar to within 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of top of jar (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more jelly. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining jelly.
When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 10 minutes.*
When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.
After cooling check jar seals. Sealed lids curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

Makes about 7 x 250 ml jars.

Boiling Water Canner – Altitude Adjustments
* At altitudes higher than 1,000 ft (305 m) increase processing time as indicated in chart.	ALTITUDE		INCREASE Processing Time
	FEET	METERS	INCREASE Processing Time
	1,001 – 3,000	306 – 915	5 minutes
	3,001 – 6,000	916 – 1,830	10 minutes
	6,001 – 8,000	1,831 – 2,440	15 minutes
	8,001 –10,000	2,441 – 3,050	20 minutes

How to Throw the Best Beach Barbecue Bash

It’s summertime! And while the living may be easy, planning the perfect beach barbecue requires a bit of work. Beach days can be a fun way to bring friends and family together, especially if you don’t have outdoor space at homeㅡyou can make use of public beach facilities and get some swimming in too! We’ve got everything you need to throw the best beach barbecue this summer.

1. Portable Grill

Obviously, the most important part of a beach barbecue is the barbecue! You’ll want a portable grill that is easy to set up. There may be restrictions in your area about the size of the barbecue or what kind of fuel it uses. In Vancouver, for example, any barbecue in a public park needs to be at least 75 cm off the ground. A good tabletop grill will suffice! In Alberta, check the current fire ban situation before you start planning your barbecue, but for most of the summer a gas or propane stove will be allowed.

2. Cooler

Got to keep them drinks cold! We’ve got you covered with a ton of cooler options, including this fashionable Thermos Heritage Cooler in a classic check pattern and this 36 litre Igloo Wheelie Cooler (drinks and ice get heavy!).

3. Things to Sit On

It’s fun to hang out in the sand, but you at least need something to sit on to keep that sand out of your food. Beach towels offer double duty as a place to sit and tool to dry you off after a dip in the water. This donut printed towel is a fun pick!

If you would rather sit off the ground, there’s a number of camping chair options that will get you up higher. A foldable chair or two is easy to stash in your car trunk.

4. Music

Nothing gets the party started like some tunes! Bring a portable bluetooth speaker and play music directly from your smartphone. You’ll be the coolest person at the beach.

5. Games

For kids and kids at heart, pack some games for your party. Golf toss is easy to play and tons of fun. Bocce is another great option that requires even less equipment. Even just a frisbee can make a beach day better!

6. Food, Drinks, and Dishes

Last but not least, a beach barbecue needs food! Food, drinks, and things to put those on and in. Burgers and hot dogs are the classic barbecue foods, but if you want to up your game and impress your friends, bring some corn on the cob and grill it up elote-style. The Mexican street dish is easier to make than you think!

Compostable paper plates are a great option for the beach, but if you have particularly liquid or greasy foods, plastic may be a better choice. For drinks, you can stick to cans and bottles, or you can class it up with cute enamel camping mugs. Just like dad used to have!

Make the most of the sunny days and breezy nights by spending time outside this summer. No matter what you choose to do, it’s always more fun with friends!

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over

Summertime in Canada is now in full force, and we’ll take any excuse to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. For many, summer calls for patio lunches and weekends at the beach. But for others, it may simply mean retreating back home and unwinding in the backyard.

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over

Whether you’ve hired a landscaper, excel at gardening, or delve into home DIY projects, backyards always seem to be a work in progress. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with a tiny apartment patio or an extravagant poolside gazebo, the following list of 8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over are bound to impress—and hopefully inspire you—this summer season.

1. Outdoor Theatre

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - Outdoor Theatre

If you love to entertain, share a home with a group, or have a large family, this DIY outdoor theatre will be a hit. Perfect for warm nights, this design lets you enjoy watching your favourite films under the stars.

[Find more at The Horticult]

2. DIY Pergola

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - DIY Pergola

You don’t need a lot of space to create stunning backyard structures. This frugal DIY pergola can be assembled more easily than you would think, and can be made on a dime.

[Find more at The Created Home]

3. Refurbished Driveway

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - Refurbished Driveway

If you are committed to using space, a lawn isn’t needed for this stylish outdoor design. With a little ingenuity, these homeowners were able to refurbish their unused driveway and turn it into a backyard sanctuary.

[Find more at House and Home]

4. Koi Pond and Waterfall

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - Koi Pond and Waterfall

For nature lovers looking for a little zen in their lives, a koi fish pond isn’t as hard to make as you might think. This elegant koi pond and waterfall duo give a sense of serenity to a small but oh-so-cozy backyard.

[Find more at Digs Digs]

5. Hot Tub Haven

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - Hot Tub Heaven

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a hot tub, we envy you! This lovely set-up can be appreciated even in the cooler months, but will definitely be a meeting place for friends and family during the summer.

[Find more at Better Homes & Gardens]

6. Beachy Vibes

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - Beachy Vibes

If you can’t get enough of beach life, why not bring the beach to you? Inspired by the rustic outdoors, this campfire set-up will bring back many summer memories.

[Find more at Best of DIY Ideas]

7. Gorgeous Garden

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - Gorgeous Garden

Got a green thumb? This lush green gardenscape is a heavenly escape. With a little TLC and gardening know-how, your backyard can look just as flawless.

[Find more at Canadian Living]

8. Brick Patio

8 Beautiful Backyards to Drool Over - Brick Patio

This classic design reminiscent of the Secret Garden is perfect for apartment dwellers looking for change. Using a faux grass rug, you no longer have to worry about watering a lawn or mowing the grass.

[Find more at Liz Marie Blog]

You can find some beautiful and functional pieces to redesign your backyard from London Drugs in-store or online. Make sure to browse our Outdoor Living Guide for more inspiration!

Ecowaterless Car Cleaning

Washing your car has historically been a daunting task…

This is how we cleaned cars in 1914

In the 1950’s this is how we cleaned cars. Note even nearly 70 years people still clean their cars like this.

An average car wash uses over 200 liters of clean drinking water, contaminates the ground with dirt and you don’t know how your car will look on the other side (pressure washes usually scratch the car).

Of all the earth water: 97% is unusable as it is in the ocean and is salt water. The other 3%is fresh water and only 1% of that is accessible which we can use to drink and our other water needs. This is as the other 2% is locked in icecaps.

Right now: 460 billion litres of clean drinking water is used annually in the car washing industry.

That’s enough water to fill 184,000 Olympic sized swimming pools of clean drinking water.

Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh and only 1% of it is drinkable.

Each car wash is equivalent to 400 bottles of clean drinking water

That’s where Ecowaterless comes in.

Our solution uses zero water, contains only natural ingredients and is completely biodegradable. Along with that you can clean your car in 15 minutes as opposed to the time it would take with a hosepipe, bucket and sponge. Our solution also contains a natural wax which keeps your car shiny and adds another layer or wax coating to your car which protects it against dirt.

Each time you clean your car with Ecowaterless you save 400 bottles of clean drinking water. On top of this you save fuel, car emissions and time from travelling to and back a car wash.

Along with that, Ecowaterless donates a portion of their profits to Canada water aid and the company actively do local volunteering days. Ecowaterless has also won the Vancouver smart business award.

Ecowaterless Car Cleaning Kit is available at London Drugs.

10 Patio Recipes to Help You Sail into Summer

Summer is in full swing, and people are emerging into the sunshine after a long winter of hibernation. With the warm weather rolling in, you might be dreaming of sun-soaked afternoons and evenings spent lounging on a plush patio with all of your favourite people. And what better way to coax those folks into stepping outside than with totally tantalizing dishes? You won’t want to plan your warm-weather outdoor dining experiences without these top 10 patio recipes.

1. Watermelon Brie Bites

Watermelon Brie Bites Outdoor Patio Recipe on the London Drugs blog

These refreshing appetizers are so easy to make, will add a pop of colour to your table spread, and have the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavours. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar over top for added flair.

[Find the recipe from My Suburban Kitchen]

2. Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Outdoor Patio Recipe from London Drugs blog

A triumphant main dish for any al fresco dining experience. Grilled chicken and pineapple compliment each other perfectly with a delicious marinade.

[Find the recipe from Carlsbad Cravings]

3. Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Piccata

Creamy Lemon Salmon Outdoor Patio Recipe on the London Drugs blog

This classic recipe is so easy to make. Salmon with a creamy lemon caper sauce is a perfect main dish to serve alongside grilled veggies.

[Find the recipe at Cafe Delites]

4. Prosciutto Wrapped Pears with Blue Cheese

Prosciutto Wrapped Pears Outdoor Patio Recipe on the London Drugs blog

Jazz up your standard cheese platter by adding fruit and wrapping it all up in salty prosciutto. Fresh fruit and cheese were just meant to be eaten together.

[Find the recipe at Recipe Runner]

5. Tomato, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

Tomato Cucumber Salad Outdoor Patio Recipes on the London Drugs blog

This fresh salad can come together in a pinch. With a handful of raw veggies, some cubed feta cheese, and a deliciously light vinaigrette dressing, it’s a quick and delicious no-fuss dish.

[Find the recipe from Lemon Tree Dwelling]

6. Pomegranate Berry Fizz

Berry Fizz Mocktail Recipe for Patio on the London Drugs Blog

The colour of this mocktail alone makes it a perfect choice to add to your patio recipes arsenal this season. Pomegranate seeds and berries make a lovely garnish, and it will keep you and your guests refreshed on those long summer days.

[Find the recipe from Meatified]

7. Goat Cheese and Apricot Crostini With Pistachios and Mint

Goat Cheese and Apricot Crostini Outdoor Patio Recipe on the London Drugs blog

These appies pack an explosive flavour punch. With just five ingredients, you’ll be able to throw these together in no time and impress everyone with tasty and colourful treats.

[Find the recipe from Stuck on Sweet]

8. Grilled Veggie Skewers with Creamer Potatoes

Grilled Veggie Potato Skewer Outdoor Patio Recipe on the London Drugs blog

Veggie skewers are a must for any patio party. With a little assembly and prep time, you can add tons of colour and flavour to your dishes.

[Find the recipe from I Love Vegan]

9. Tropical Non-Alcoholic Sangria

Non alcoholic sangria recipe on the London Drugs blog

Possibly the most quintessential summer cocktail, sangria is perfect for entertaining. You won’t even miss the wine in this tasty recipe! Mix this fruity and bubbly concoction up in your favourite pitcher with some citrus slices and kick back.

[Find the recipe on Simple Vegan Blog]

10. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms With Spinach and Cheese

Grilled Portobella Mushroom Outdoor Patio Recipe on the London Drugs blog

These make a great entrée if you’re looking to feed the vegetarians in your life. Portobello mushrooms are the perfect base for this delicious spinach and cheese filling.

[Find the recipe from Rachel Cooks]