It’s spring cleaning time again. And at London Drugs, we’re thrilled. No… honestly. We love the annual reminder to declutter, deep clean, and start fresh. This spring, we’ve already shared cleaning tips for the kitchen and for your computer.

But what about your vehicle?

If it’s been some time since you last gave your chariot a thorough cleaning, now’s the perfect time to tackle it: the weather is (slightly) warmer and the sun may even be peeking out. Even better? That sunshine will make the results of your cleaning look fabulous! And remember, you don’t need fancy detailing products to make your car look amazing, inside and out.

Below are 12 cleaning and detailing tricks we trust, using common household products.

6 Homestyle Tricks To Clean Your Car’s Exterior

1. Shine Your Car With Hair Conditioner

It sounds a bit strange, but you’ll be amazed by the results, especially if you use conditioners containing lanolin, a kind of wax. The bonus: conditioner is much easier to apply than traditional car waxes. You simply mix it with water, lather, apply, then rinse…just like your hair. And if conditioner isn’t your thing, you can make homemade car washing solutions, too.

2. De-Bug Your Grill With Dryer Sheets
If you’ve ever taken a Canadian summer road trip, you know all about that thick layer of bugs that develops on your car’s front bumper and grill. It’s often tough to remove and pretty icky. One approach: try rubbing it off with a dryer sheet. We’re not sure why it works, but it does. You’ll be relieved.

3. Shine Your Tires With Olive Oil
Want to get your tires back to the deep black they had when they were brand new? There are a slew of customized products designed for doing just that, but regular olive oil works spectacularly well, too (actually, almost any vegetable oil works reasonably). After washing the tire and letting it dry, just rub the oil in liberally with a cloth. Voila.

4. Remove Rust Spots With Vinegar

Smoothies are the perfect way to start the morning, boost energy during the day and replenish your body after a workout. For a little taste of spring, use your favourite seasonal fruits, pick up a personal blender, and prepare these delicious and nutritious smoothies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Also, check out our solution to charging up your smoothies in a pinch (perfect with any of these recipes)!

1. Grapefruit Breakfast Smoothie Bowl

Substitute the usual bland grapefruit breakfast with this creamy and tangy smoothie bowl. With only five ingredients as your base, this smoothie is easy on the waistline and the wallet, and can be customized in any way you’d like.

[Find the recipe at Frugal Mom Eh!]

2. Pineapple Apple and Orange Super Green Smoothie

Green smoothies don’t have to taste overly, well, green. With this recipe, you’ll get all the vitamin and fibre benefits possible from your kale and spinach, with all the sweetness of pineapples, apple and citrus. Yum.

[Find the recipe at Carmyy]

3. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

It almost sounds like dessert, doesn’t it? Sweetened with dates and thickened with rolled oats and banana, this decadent smoothie doubles as an on-the-go breakfast or protein-packed shake after the gym.

[Find the recipe at Food Network Canada]

4. Raspberry Cheesecake Smoothie

To satiate even the most active sweet tooth, this cheesecake copycat can, in fact, double as a guilt-free dessert — with a surprising secret ingredient.

[Find the recipe at Mommy Moment]

5. Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie

Battling the tail end of a winter cold, and can’t wait to get into the springtime mood? Sip on this flu-fighting turmeric, ginger and lemon juice smoothie that’s as bright as it is tasty.

[Find the recipe at Minimalist Baker]

6. Fitness Smoothie

Whether you’ve started a new workout routine or want to switch up your protein shake repertoire, this antioxidant-rich and protein-filled smoothie is a great addition to any fitness plan. The combination of muesli and yogurt with give you an energy boost to last through your day.

[Find the recipe at Best Health Mag]

7. Chocolate Tahini Avocado Smoothie Bowl

A perfect treat after a yoga session or long work day, this chocolatey, mousse-like smoothie is made with tahini, cocoa powder, almond butter and avocado.

[Find the recipe at Will Frolic for Food]

8. Gazpacho Smoothie

If you’re more a fan of savoury snacks than sweet treats, this smoothie option is for you. Reminiscent of an alcohol-free Caesar, you can turn this into a soup or a cocktail.

[Find the recipe at Canadian Living]

9. Protein S’mores Smoothie

Here’s another great post-workout shake with an indulgent twist. Chocolate protein powder, almond milk and traditional S’more ingredients make a drool-worthy dupe for a campfire favourite.

[Find the recipe at Moni Meals]

10. Mint and Green Tea Smoothie

Yes, it’s another green smoothie, but again not too green for your tastebuds. Infused with organic jasmine tea, this drink combines leafy greens with your favourite tea staples—ginger and honey—for a fresh springtime taste.

[Find the recipe at Kitchen Konfidence]

With spring break fast approaching, you may be forming your escape plan to emerge from your winter hibernation and take the family on an adventure. But if the idea of having to organize kids, suitcases, accommodation, toys, snacks, and everything in between makes you want to take a break from spring break, have no fear. Having a solid plan is key, and whether you’re journeying across the world/country/province, here are a few helpful tips for ensuring you’re as prepared as you can be on your holiday.

Do Your Research

Once you decide on a destination, dedicate some time — before you get there — to get to know it, so that you can make the most of your time. A good travel guide is always a good plan—they’ll often include information that only locals would know, money-saving tips, and lots of hidden treasures to explore. They also tend to include recommended destination-specific packing lists that can make your preparation that much easier.

If you’re travelling internationally, check your passport to see if it’s expiring soon. Passport renewal can take a few weeks, so factoring the time to get a new passport photo, fill out the paperwork, and make the trip to the passport office will help to minimize the stress of these necessary preparations.

Make Lists

Lists are highly underrated — especially when it comes to deciding what to pack. But thinking it through, and writing it down beforehand, will help to keep your suitcases from overflowing with things you’ll never use (and ensure that the necessities are in there). After you do your research, consider also creating a ‘packing essentials’ list for the whole family to help them prioritize what necessities to bring. You can also keep it on hand for the next trip!

Another fun idea is to start a shared list of the kinds of things each family member wants to do while you’re away. Stick the list to the fridge and have everybody contribute their picks of activities or tourist attractions, helping everyone to feel a part of the planning and to get a little more excited about what’s in store.

If you’re going on a road trip, a snack list can help to ensure that everyone gets a say in what kinds of treats they want to munch and sip on. Some fun choices are fruit snacks, trail mix, and these litterless juice boxes that everyone can fill with their favourite juice.

Pack Light

Hopping on a jet plane? Many airlines have their own specifications on baggage weights and dimensions, especially for carry-on items. Knowing ahead of time how you need to pack will save you from any day-of surprises and prevent you from being one of those forlorn-looking travellers at the airport check-in, struggling with three open suitcases trying to evenly distribute the weight between them.

There’s a certain philosophy that some travellers swear by, and it’s the ‘Buy It There’ principle. If there are things that you’re not sure you need, and you want to keep your bags as light as possible, remember that in the worst-case scenario, you can always purchase them when you arrive at your destination.

Expect the Best, Prepare for the Worst

If you’re traveling internationally, even if it’s just for a weekend, you should absolutely consider purchasing travel insurance. It may seem like overkill, but if a series of unfortunate events should land you or a family member in the emergency room, you’ll rest easy knowing your holiday won’t cost you thousands of dollars more than you budgeted.

If you have the capacity, dedicating one carry-on bag for backup clothes and toiletries is a great security measure. If your luggage gets delayed or lost, you’ll still have a few days’ worth of clothing and be able to manage until your belongings find their way back to you.

Planning an epic road trip? It’s a snap to get the right auto insurance so that you can be on your way.

Stay Adaptable

Even the most meticulous planning can’t account for spontaneous mishaps. The weather might turn, you might get lost, or an attraction may be closed. Just remember: you’re on an adventure–ups and downs included–with the people you love. 

Stay smiling, remember that you’re making memories, and enjoy the ride!

What She Knew by Gilly MacMillan
Rachel Jenner is walking in a Bristol park with her eight-year-old son, Ben, when he asks if he can run ahead. It’s an ordinary request on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, and Rachel has no reason to worry – until Ben vanishes.
Police are called, search parties go out, and Rachel, already insecure after her recent divorce, feels herself coming undone. As hours and then days pass without a sign of Ben, everyone who knew him is called into question, from Rachel’s newly married ex-husband to her mother-of-the-year sister. Inevitably, media attention focuses on Rachel too, and the public’s attitude toward her begins to shift from sympathy to suspicion.
As she desperately pieces together the threadbare clues, Rachel realizes that nothing is quite as she imagined it to be, not even her own judgment. And the greatest dangers may lie not in the anonymous strangers of every parent’s nightmares, but behind the familiar smiles of those she trusts the most.
Where is Ben? The clock is ticking…

Reviews

Overall, I enjoyed reading What She Knew. It was a suspenseful, page-turning mystery about a mother searching for her eight year old son, Benedict Finch, after he disappears during a walk in the woods. The story is told by his mother, Rachel Jenner and the torment she endures trying to find him but it also uses multiple character perspectives as well as news articles, and social media. I thought the presence of social media throughout the story made it more relatable as it is how society in 2017 engage with the current events happening daily. It is a reminder of how easily information can not only be spread, but distorted from the truth. This is contrasted with the perspectives from Detective Jim Clemo and Rachel and allowed the reader to gain insight on their true feelings as the story unfolded. – Review by Samantha

Gripping story that has you reading from chapter to chapter alternating from 2 different people’s points of view, Rachel the mother who’s son goes missing and the detective in charge of the case plus comments on a vicious blog. There are many potential suspects including the mother that may have motive so you want to keep reading to find out what happened to the young boy. There’s also a secret that Rachel finds out about her past that leaves her wondering who she really is. Although I enjoyed reading the story, there were a few questions at the end that I wished had been answered. – Review by Janice

I found this book to be a pretty good read. The author keeps you guessing throughout the book as to who may be the guilty person. The character development is good and while the subject matter is terrifying, overall I found it an interesting read. I would recommend this book. – Review by Shelley

This book was a real page-turner. I couldn’t stop reading until I found out who had taken the young boy and if he was ok. There were some twists and turns that had me guessing throughout. Overall I enjoyed the book and the journey it took me on. – Review by Kelly

I loved this book!  The way it was written is very easy to understand, with just enough description to help you see through the eyes of the characters and relate to them, yet not too much that it gets ‘wordy’.  Gilly MacMillan catches the reader’s attention by letting you see from more than one perspective including the mother, father, private investigator dealing with the case, etc. and that way you really get a very rounded perception of the whole story.  This is a drama about a missing child,  which is a very intense and emotional situation and strikes you as very real and close to the heart, you can really feel what the mother and other characters went through from start to finish and all the thoughts/emotional upheavals, and processes that were experienced.  I found the book very hard to put down, and definitely recommend this one!  – Review by Angela

Book of the Month
Every month we will be featuring a new 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.

What She Knew is available at London Drugs along with many other great titles and is on sale for the month of March.

A Canadian winter rarely feels over until about mid-May. So for some, the first day of spring on March 20 provides mainly encouragement. But for school kids, as well as teachers and parents, it means so much more.

It’s time for spring break!

Depending on your school district, the break tends to fall between mid-March and very early April. No matter when it lands, however, the kids love it. Still, after some time spent relaxing, they’re usually eager to get out and do something fun.

Don’t worry, we can help.

March Break Family Fun options in Western Canada:

PlayDome

Location: BC Place Stadium – Vancouver, BC
Date(s): March 22 – 26
Description: Imagine a huge, full-scale carnival, including all your favourite rides and games, with tons of delicious food options. Now picture it all under one giant roof. That’s right, this carnival takes place indoors at field-level of the truly massive BC Place stadium. Even better, unlike most carnivals, endless rides are included with the price of admission.

Pacific Rim Whale Festival

Location: Pacific Rim National Park & Area – Ucuelet, BC
Date(s): March 11 – 26
Description: We may not get to see them as much as we’d like to, but wild animals are our neighbors on this earth. So why not come out and say hello to the annual migration of grey whales that pass by the BC coast each year near Ucuelet. There are also dozens of events planned during the festival for the whole family. Even better, Pacific Rim National Park admission is free this year!

Spring Rally in the Alley

Location: Gasoline Alley Museum @ Heritage Park – Calgary, AB
Date(s): March 24 – April 2
Description: Ever wanted to be a race car driver? How about a mechanic who builds, fixes, and races their own cars? Well, if you also happen to be a kid, this is your chance to dress and act just like a classic racing enthusiast. You can also play games and make crafts while you’re at it. With that much fun stuff to do, your time at Gasoline Alley Museum is sure to zoom past.

Fort Edmonton Park Day Camps

Location: Fort Edmonton Park – Edmonton, AB
Date(s): March 27 – 31
Description: This spring break in Edmonton, while you’re at work, your kids can have some old-fashioned fun with their friends (and we’re talking pioneer days-levels of old fashioned). That means outdoor adventures and games, cooking over open fires, building homemade toys, and more. These day camps run from 8:30 to 4:30 with separate groups for 6-to-8 and 9-to-12 year-olds.

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair

Location: Various Venues – Brandon, MB
Date(s): March 27 – April 1
Description: Leave it to Manitoba to hold a winter festival entirely during the spring. But they obviously know what they’re doing, since this beloved annual festival has been running for over a century. It includes horse events, concerts, food, children’s play areas, an agricultural trade show, a hypnotist, and even a unicorn show. No wonder it attracted 110,000 visitors last year!

Festival of Fools

Location: The Forks – Winnipeg, MB
Date(s): March 25-31
Description: All of us like to clown around sometimes. But the performers at the Festival of Fools take clowning to the next level. These expert acrobats, jugglers, magicians, and yes, clowns, will amuse, amaze, inspire, and entertain your entire family, especially the little ones. There is also face painting, clowning classes, and even a “Boogie Woogie Hootchy Kootchy Dance Extravaganza.”

Enjoy the break!