Floppy Boots Got You Down? We Take Care of That.

Are your winter boots flopping over and making a mess in your closet? Here’s a quick solution to get rid of #bootflop for good!

If you want to clean up your closet, and take good care of your boots over the spring and summer months, have no fear! You can end #bootflop forever with this quick and fun trick that uses an old pool noodle–we know you have one somewhere!

Grab an old pool noodle.
Measure and rough cut to the boot height.
Place inside your boots and zip up!

It’s as easy as that. The pool noodle will keep your boots upright, so you can organize them in your closet without wasting any valuable space. Then, when winter rolls around again, they’ll be ready to put on and go!

LD Solutions offers solutions to everyday problems. You trust London Drugs for your tech, pharmacy, cosmetics, insurance, photography, and more–we help solve your everyday problems.

We hope you enjoy these other tips and life hacks, too!

7 Reasons To Love Springtime in Canada

Spring in Western Canada is a welcome change from the snow and sleet of the winter months. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and cities brighten with springtime events and activities. Whether you’ve been looking forward to spending time outdoors or discovering new restaurant patios, this is a season for everyone.

1. Take a hike

Image from Go Live Explore

It comes as no surprise that Western Canada is known for having some of the best hiking trails in the nation. With a milder climate and access to ranges like the Rockies, the arrival of spring on the mountains beckons to many avid hikers and trail runners. Of course, the highest peaks are best avoided without appropriate snow gear, but many mountains are perfect for a springtime climb.

Deep Cove in North Vancouver, B.C. is open year-round, while Mt. Seymour is a popular option in late spring because of its breathtaking snow-capped peaks. In Alberta, skip tourist season and have Johnston Canyon to yourself in Banff, or find a trail in family-friendly Kananaskis.

2. Dine on a patio

Image from @jillian.harris

Many restaurants will open their patio doors for covered outdoor dining even during a chilly day. Patio heaters are usually available year-round, but for those lucky enough to experience a warm streak in their city before summer, the availability of patio dining is the perfect reason to socialize or hold a company event. Always call ahead to make sure patios are available, and make reservations if needed!

Choose the best patios in Vancouver, from most dog-friendly, best brunch spots and prime people-watching. In Kelowna, find patios overlooking sprawling vineyards and waterfront views. Keep your eyes out for these Calgary restaurants as soon as the sun comes out, and don’t miss out on Winnipeg’s top rooftop spots.

3. Train for a race

Image from BMO Vancouver Marathon

You may have started training for your next marathon in the fall or winter in preparation for spring, which is prime racing season in Western Canada. Whether it’s a marathon or an obstacle course that’s up your alley, there are dozens of races to choose from.

Assemble a team for Tough Mudder in Whistler, participate in the longest running marathon event in Canada at the Calgary Marathon, get colourful at Color Me Rad in Winnipeg, or qualify for Boston at Gopher Attack in Regina.

4. Hit a hole-in-one

B.C. golf courses can open as early as February. The Okanagan is a beautiful and popular attraction for golf-lovers, and Vancouver Island is also renown for year-round golf due to it’s mild climate. For the rest of Western Canada, golf season starts mid-April, and it’s best to plan ahead if you’re looking for a sweet vacation spot. Saskatchewan is the perfect place to land a hole in one, and Alberta provides spectacular glacial scenery to accompany your swing.

5. Have a mountain adventure

Image from @courtlynf

You don’t have to be a hiking enthusiast to appreciate a day on the mountain. There are endless activities for everyone in the family that will keep you preoccupied once ski season has ended but your favourite walking trails and lakes are not yet accessible.

If you’re looking for a thrill, take a zipline across the peaks of Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver before tackling the Grouse Grind in the summer. Love heights, but want to bring the kids? The Grouse skyride is popular at all times of the year, and sports gorgeous views of the mountain and city. In Canmore, try your hand at ice climbing before the season ends, and then take a rock climbing course to use your new skills. For a family day or adventurous date, play paintball or sign up for a high ropes course in North Battleford.

6. Stroll in a garden

Image from @carlymla

Spring is the season where we’re inspired to rejuvenate our gardens and appreciate new blooms. In Canada, we’re also fortunate enough to be surrounded by beautiful public gardens and parks.

Take the day to explore some of the 55 acres of the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, or stop to smell the roses at the Rose Garden in Stanley Park in Vancouver. In Lethbridge, get a taste of Japan at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden or explore the botanical garden pyramids in Edmonton at the Muttart Conservatory. See specimens from the 1960s at Patterson Garden Arboretum in Saskatoon, and Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg for its 450 hectares of forest, gardens and conservatory.

7. Escape on a road trip

Image from @bskphoto

For those itching for a quick weekend getaway or spur-of-the-moment day trip, spring is the perfect season to escape from the city. Not too hot and not too cold, many roads are clear of snow and ready to be explored.

Discover a hidden hot spring in B.C., or brave the waves in Tofino — Canada’s surfing capital. Take a long weekend off in Alberta and make the drive from Calgary to Lake Louise for prime camping or luxury accommodations. Set up a yurt in a Manitoba provincial park, or rent a camper and find your way to Prince Albert for historic tours. Be sure to map out your route, and pack sunscreen and snacks for whichever spring adventure you choose.

Strawberry Balsamic Jam

Strawberry Balsamic Jam

Freshly ground pepper gives this wonderful sweet jam savoury undertones. It adds pizzazz to breads and is great with cheese, especially brie. Or, brush onto chicken or pork for summer barbecues.

3- 3/4 cups (925 ml) crushed strawberries (about 4 pt)
3 tbsp (45 ml) Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
Grated zest of 1 lemon
6 -1/2 cups (1625 ml) granulated sugar
1/4-1/2 tsp (1 – 2 ml) freshly ground black pepper
1 pouch BERNARDIN Liquid Pectin

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, hull and crush strawberries one layer at a time. Measure prepared fruit into a large, deep stainless steel saucepan. Stir in vinegar, lemon juice and zest, sugar and pepper. Add 1/2 tsp (2 ml) butter or margarine (to reduce foaming). Over high heat, bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Add liquid pectin, squeezing entire contents from pouch. Return to boil; boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off foam if necessary.
Quickly ladle hot jam 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 jam. 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 jam.
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 discs 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 250ml jars

Boiling Water Canner – Altitude Adjustments
ALTITUDE
*At altitudes higher than 1,000 ft (305 m) increase processing time as indicated in chart.	FEET	METERS	+ 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

12 “Homestyle” Tricks To Deep Clean Your Vehicle

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

Rust spots can a real pain: they spread quickly if left unchecked and are tough to repair. So if you only have small surface spots, so far, remove them right away with undiluted white vinegar. Lemon juice works, too. Just rub it into the rust, give the acids a few seconds to work, and wipe clean.

5. Fill Scratches with Nail Polish
After you’ve removed the rust, or (even better) before it forms, you can fill small paint scratches with nail polish. Sure, the results from vehicle paint patching kits might last longer. But if you’re looking for a quick way to protect, this might be it. And nail polish comes in so many shades that it’s dead easy to colour match. Just be sure the surface is dry before you apply and look for a polish that says it dries hard.

6. Use Toothpaste To Clean Headlights
That yellow-ish film that can develop on your headlights not only looks bad, but might block some of the light from making it to the street, to guide your way. A quick natural fix: baking soda toothpaste. Just brush it on and rinse it off.

6 Homestyle Tricks To Clean Your Car’s Interior

1. Recondition Your Dashboard with Vaseline
Once again, there are many products designed for detailing your vehicle’s dashboard and other soft, interior surfaces. But plain old petroleum jelly, known to many as Vaseline, works about as well as any of them, and it costs a lot less.

2. Remove Pet Hair with a Squeegee
This tip doesn’t apply to everyone, but some of us pet owners really need the help. Of course, a vacuum may be needed to remove every last hair and all the dander, but you’ll be surprised by how much you can clump up and pull out with just a couple sprays of water and a regular rubber squeegee.

3. Clean Windows With Baby Wipes
Glass cleaning sprays are great when you’re already cleaning the car, but they aren’t very convenient for day-to-day smudges and fingerprints inside your car. For that, keep a box of baby wipes handy. They couldn’t be more convenient and most leave only streak-free clarity behind.

4. Get Into Crevices With a Table Knife
Your car has many seams, cracks, and tight corners that even a standard ‘homestyle’ cleaning tool like a toothbrush won’t reach or clean very easily. To effectively get rid of that hairline grime, wrap the end of a regular tableware knife in a cloth and use it to scrub it out.

5. Blast Dusty Vents With A Can of Air
You can try sucking the dusty build-up out of your vents with a vacuum, but enough accumulated crud will make that approach less than satisfying. Try spot blasting the vents with a can of air, instead. You might even already have one hanging around the house for cleaning dust out of your electronics.

6. Make Your Own Air Freshener with Essential Oils
Now that your car is clean inside and out, freshen its scent with a DIY air freshener. One method is to douse a wooden clothespin with essential oils and clip it to a vent. This approach gives you an almost endless number of natural smells to choose from.

What are your favourite homestyle cleaning tips? Or cleaning tips in general? We’d love to hear them. Until then, enjoy your spring cleaning. We know we will!

ALSO: BEST HOME CLEANING TIPS & TRICKS

April Book of the Month

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Travel writer Lo Blacklock’s latest assignment is tantalizing: write a story about the maiden voyage of the luxury cruise ship Aurora. The promise of clear skies, calm waters, and a small list of well-heeled guests awaits. How could she say no?
As the voyage sets out, it is everything Lo could hope for. The ten cabins are plush and the guests are elegant. Soon, though, frigid winds lash the deck while dark clouds conspire overhead. Then Lo is awakened to something out of a nightmare – a sickening splash and a woman’s body disappearing beneath the waves. But the passengers and crew remain accounted for, and nobody admits to having seen this woman on board.
Lo knows something has gone horrifyingly wrong. But who was the woman in cabin 10? And why will no one believe what Lo saw?
With surprising twists, spine-tingling turns, and a setting that proves as uncomfortably claustrophobic as it is eerily beautiful, Ruth Ware offers up another taut and intense thriller in The Woman in Cabin 10.

Reviews
Murder mystery thriller set on a small high end cruise ship on its introductory Scandanavian cruise for press and investors. Fast paced and keeps you guessing as to what really happened. Ending seems rushed or poorly edited but still a good read. – Review by Carolynn

The Woman in Cabin 10 kept me flipping pages so I could get to the finale of the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a passenger on the luxury ship, The Aurora Borealis. Although it does start off a bit slow, the beginning uses traumatic experiences of the main character and journalist Lo Blacklock, and incorporates them into the twists and turns of her quest to uncover the truth. In addition, an array of supporting characters each with a strange past leaves the reader suspicious, curious and wondering if Lo is going a bit crazy herself. The setting of a cruise ship in the midst of the Norwegian fjords, isolated and disconnected from the main world adds to the dark plot. It was a great “who done it?” type story that keeps you on your toes. – Review by Samantha

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.

The Woman in Cabin 10 is available at London Drugs along with many other great titles and is on sale for the month of April.

10 Fresh Smoothies to Blend Up Now

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]

How to Plan a Spring Break That Actually Feels Like a Break

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!