The Runaway Midwife by Patricia Harman
Midwife Clara Perry is accustomed to comforting her pregnant patients…calming fathers-to-be as they anxiously await the birth of their children…ensuring the babies she delivers come safely into the world.
But when Clara’s life takes a nosedive, she realizes she hasn’t been tending to her own needs and does something drastic: she runs away and starts over again in a place where no one knows her or the mess she’s left behind in West Virginia. Heading to Sea Gull Island – a tiny, remote Canadian island – Clara is ready for anything. Well, almost. She left her passport back home, and the only way she can enter Canada is by hitching a ride on a  snowmobile and illegally crossing the border.
Deciding to reinvent herself, Clara takes a new identity – Sara Livingston, a writer seeking solitude. But there’s no avoiding the outside world. The residents are friendly, and draw ‘Sara’ into their lives and confidences. She volunteers at the local medical clinic, using her midwifery skills, and forms a tentative relationship with a local police officer.
But what will happen if she lets down her guard and reveals the real reason why she left her old life? One lesson soon becomes clear: no matter how far you run, you can never really hide from your past.

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 Runaway Midwife is available at London Drugs along with many other great titles and is on sale for the month of February.

With the changing seasons, it’s only natural to start daydreaming about the next vacation with your loved one. Thankfully, you don’t have to go far in Western Canada to get away.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, anniversary weekend or honeymoon celebration, the following staycations can be just as refreshing as any exotic holiday — and better yet, they’re all close to home.

The Royal Treatment

Have you and your partner been itching for a spa retreat, but can’t commit to a week away from work? All you need is a good soundtrack and a few hours on the road to escape the city and live a short—but sweet—weekend of luxury.

Osoyoos, B.C.

Lake Osoyoos, located in the south of the Okanagan bordering Washington, is said to be B.C.’s warmest lake. The town of Osoyoos is located a quick drive away from Oliver, the wine capital of the province, and is also home to many award-winning wineries. Stay at the lakeside Walnut Beach Resort for its private beach, or book a stay in The Spare Room B & B for a gorgeous view of the town.

Lake Louise, A.B.

Located around a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park and sporting jaw-dropping views, Lake Louise is ideal for ski bunnies and hiking enthusiasts. Book a stay in rustic Deer Lodge for a dip in their rooftop hot tub, or really live like royalty and hike up to Skoki Lodge where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge themselves took respite.

Moosejaw, S.K.

While Saskatchewan may not be the first place folks think of when it comes to beach getaways, it is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful lakes. Moosejaw in particular is world renown for its mineral springs. A stay in Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa is the perfect remedy for tired muscles, and is a sure-fire way to ignite a romantic evening.

Waterfront Destination

Whether you’re accustomed to beach sunsets on the B.C. Coast or lakeside views in Prairie parks, Western Canada is abound with stunning waterfronts. Backcountry, frontcountry, or bear country—wake up next to the water however you want (just don’t forget to pack sunscreen and your Parks Canada Discovery Pass).

Galiano, B.C.

This small Southern Gulf Island between Vancouver and Vancouver Island is accessible by BC Ferries and doesn’t require a vehicle to explore. Galiano Inn can be booked for weddings and offers spa treatments and private yoga lessons. If you want a more rustic vacation, consider renting out a quaint cabin with trails to the ocean.

Icefields Parkway, A.B.

Depending on where you live and how much time you have, you can choose just how many of the 232 kilometres between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Rockies you’d like to see. The Icefields Parkway (or Highway 93 North) is one of the top attractions in the province, with views of Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake, to name a few. Rent an RV, camp or book a hotel package for convenience.

Central Region Parks, M.B.

Close to Winnipeg, Grand Beach Provincial Park, Elk Island Provincial Park and dozens of beaches, book a night or two at Bear Country Cottage Resort or Spirit Rock Inn. Have day dates at Beaches Golf Course, fishing, find a hiking trail or snowshoe in the park.

Into the wild

If fancy hotels aren’t your cup of tea, or you’re looking for a unique experience to calm your weekday nerves, there are many options to suit your needs. If you’re looking for adventure close to home, plan a day trip with your SO without worrying about travel times, and plan accordingly for the outdoors.

Cypress Provincial Park, B.C.

Get out of the city any time of the year with a quick shuttle stop north of West Vancouver. During the winter months, Cypress Mountain is a snow sport haven for couples and families. In the summer, a favourite local gem is atop Black Mountain at Cabin Lake. Only a kilometre or two hike along a well-marked incline, Cabin Lake is a pristine swimming hole for couples to set up camp for a day trip.

Prince Albert National Park, S.K.

Play a round of golf, join a canoe tour or hit the beach in Waskesiu along the lake. You can even book a ranch retreat at Sturgeon River Ranch to experience the wild west of the Prairies. There, you can view Canada’s only free-roaming bison and book a horseback tour for a romantic stroll in the wilderness.

Comfort camping in M.B.

For a camping holiday unlike any other, pack your bags and your partner and pick the provincial park of your choice, making sure they offer the option of renting out a yurt. Part cabin, part tent, staying in a yurt is bound to make for unforgettable stories. Roast marshmallows, snuggle by the campfire and sleep under the stars in style.

When you’re travelling within Canada on a staycation, talk to our LD insurance experts online or in-store to make sure you have the right travel coverage. Happy exploring!

Maybe your life would have been easier if your kid didn’t have allergies and could eat a peanut butter sandwich and yogurt for lunch every single day. Maybe it would have been easier if you married your high school boyfriend, or studied law like your mother told you to. Or maybe not. Life is good, right? And your child is amazing, and wonderful. Law school and high-school boyfriends, be damned!

We suggest learning how to love the creative possibilities in the moment before packing up that lunchbox — and we offer, below, a round-up of allergy-friendly school lunch ideas with links to delicious recipes to help you on your way.

1. Arm yourself with facts

In addition to discovering and understanding your child’s prime allergen(s), you’ll have to remember that offending ingredients are sometimes present in very unexpected places. Dairy may be in processed meats, for instance. Egg proteins are sometimes found in egg substitutes! No kidding. Always read the labels. Try easy substitutions like almond milk instead of 1% and coconut flour instead of wheat flour.

And check this list of common hidden places and suggestions for substitutions on the Eating Well blog.

2. Be honest with your kids

Focus on what your child can eat, instead of faking what they can’t. Forget any foods that come with quotation marks: “peanut” butter or “egg” salad sandwiches, for example. Kids resent being tricked. Instead break free of lunch kit conventions with inside-out recipes like these giant shell pasta noodles stuffed with chicken and vegetables, or a chicken breast filled with grated carrot and grapes.

Find more tips here on menu-planning, along with a fantastic archive of recipes, sorted by the major common allergens.

3. Save your leftovers

Purchase a high-quality insulated container in fun colours for leftovers from supper. They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but this is nearly work-free. Your supper is already allergen-appropriate and kid-tested, right? Just chuck it in a little thermos and you’re done. Take that, sandwich artists! These warming soups and pastas would also make a class-y thermos lunch.

Discover more great tips and recipes like these egg-free, gluten-free meatballs from Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom.

4. Dream big

Imagine that popular fast food your kid could never eat, and figure out a way to make it. They’ll appreciate the extra effort! These nut-, dairy-, egg-, red meat- and shellfish-free corn dogs from Allergic Kid blog will catch eyes in the classroom. Yum!

5.  Go designer

There’s something about sharing lunch ideas—especially allergen-free—that has some mums and dads going bananas over presentation. Not to say you’ll want to carve carrots into roses every morning…but that space provided by the absent sandwich does make a tempting blank canvas, doesn’t it?

Get inspired by Kelly McGuire’s rainbow-beautiful list of 20 non-sandwich school lunch ideas for inspiration.

Canadians love the outdoors. Winter through autumn (yes, that’s how we say it), we spend plenty of time among the woods, mountains and streams. 

We love nature so much that to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, each citizen can request a free National Parks Pass.

We Canadians know about outdoor winter safety, emergency preparedness, and first aid. Still, there have been times when we wish we’d brought something else outdoors with us. The perfect tool, treat, or technology to make the day better. Yup, we’ve learned some mighty hard lessons.

Here’s our list of things you might want to take on your next outdoor adventure:

9. Hand Warmers: We happily put up with a lot in Canada to enjoy time outside, but cold fingertips are not high on that list. Sometimes, gloves and mittens alone don’t cut it. And they aren’t practical for certain activities. For those times, we’re glad to have hand warmers. The heat is created by rapidly oxidizing iron inside the packs. But we mainly care about how great it is to have access to literal pockets of warmth all day.

8. A Can Opener: Some resourceful Canadians are able to open a can using a pocket knife or even a rock. But nothing opens cans quite like a can opener, and few forgotten items are more of a pain to do without. You can also take eating outdoors to the next level with the Eat’N Tool, an all-in-one cutlery tool that doubles as both a screwdriver and a wrench!

7. Portable Phone Charger: Some might wonder why you’d need a phone in the woods. There are at least two good reasons. The first is to keep your social media game on point. But the other, of course, is to use the phone in case of emergency. So make sure to bring backup power. That way, you won’t have to worry about using up battery life getting the perfect waterfall shot.

6. A Watch: While it’s true a phone can be great outdoors, for the reasons listed above and others, one thing we hate to be without in the woods is a plain old-fashioned wristwatch. You shouldn’t have to pull your phone out just to check the time. Plus, outdoor and adventure watches often have other handy functions. One of the best features is that they’re generally much more waterproof than a phone!

5. This Survival Bracelet: You can file this under ‘stuff we didn’t know we always wanted until we found out it exists.’ This simple looking bracelet, designed by Gerber with help from Bear Grylls, is more than a fashion statement. It contains 12 feet of incredibly strong nylon paracord. You can use it to get out of any number of scrapes, unless you leave it at home.

4. Adhesive Tensor: It goes without saying you should bring a first aid kit wherever you go. But one thing you’ll be glad to have in it is this adhesive bandage that attaches right to the skin to provide extra joint stability. Since you never know when you’ll twist an ankle, it’s better to just keep this around.

3. Calorie-Dense Snacks: When you’re exerting significant energy outdoors, whether you’re hiking, snowshoeing, sledding, or biking, a hunger-killing snack is just what you need. We’re talking energy bars, dried fruit, granola, that sort of thing. If you don’t pack such a snack, you could easily become fatigued. Or worse, you might get hangry.

2. Duct Tape: Is there a problem duct tape can’t help to solve? Probably. But we haven’t found very many so far. From fixing equipment to patching a tent, and so much more, duct tape absolutely has you covered. We never like to be caught without it in the great outdoors. Actually, we prefer not to be without it anywhere.

1. Fresh Dry Socks: There are so many threats to foot comfort in the Canadian outdoors. Cold weather, combined with more rivers and lakes than any country in the world, means your toes are likely to get wet and/or cold. So you’ll be glad to have an extra pair of socks in your backpack any time of year.

What would you add?

 To find these and other items to prepare for your next outdoor adventure, visit London Drugs in-store or online. Until then, have fun out there and don’t forget to be ready for anything!

2016 marked a year of both peculiar and timeless food trends, advanced fitness technology and questionable fads. With the arrival of 2017, perhaps something a little different is required. If so, we’ve got you covered. Read on for a list of health and nutrition trends to keep in mind—and a few to avoid—to stay on track for a healthy, happy and effortless 2017.

1. Sprouting

According to the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), sprouting is the first new natural food trend expected to gain attention this year. Not only is sprouting a nutritious way to add nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals in your diet, but you can actually grow sprouts from the comfort of your own home. DIY sprouting is simple and affordable. The CHFA recommends the tiny green mung bean popular in Asian countries, and just one cup provides a full day’s intake of iron. To sprout these yourself, all you need are seeds, an airtight jar and water.

2. Cutting (not quitting) sugar

It may sound tough—if not impossible—to fully eliminate sugar from your diet. One starting point might be to make sure you’re consuming it moderately, since too much sugar is linked to diabetes, heart disease and obesities and can have other lasting effects on the body. Scientists are still debating why exactly sugar should be avoided along with processed foods containing large amounts of sugar. Some studies and doctors will still suggest alternatives like stevia, which contains zero calories and does not cause a blood spike like sugar does. Not a fan of artificial sweeteners? For natural options, honey and dates represent a safe and smart addition to your pantry.

3. Kefir

Another DIY option for the health-conscious: kefir is a fermented milk product with a similar consistency and almost-identical taste to yogurt. It contains 30 different microorganisms, and is a fantastic source of probiotics and prebiotics. Make it at home with milk, kefir cultures and a cheesecloth, and pour over granola or in a smoothie. Kefir is also a great option after a workout to promote healthy digestion.

4. Smart carbs

Another predicted health trend from the CHFA is a surge in smart and healthy carbohydrates. Although many people aim, around the new year, to avoid carbs as much as possible (or at least for as long as possible), it is possible to live a healthy life while following a carb-conscious (but realistic) diet. As long as you’re eating the right carbs, you can safely say no to the guilt. Instead of white bread, reach for bread made with ancient grains, which are nutrient-rich and fibre-packed, and will keep you fuller longer while satisfying your cravings. Or instead of fried potato chips, opt for beet chips or a snack containing complex-carbs. Don’t deny yourself snacks, we say – just snack responsibly.

5. Fitness made fun

A new year almost always involves far-fetched goals of hitting the gym five times a week, or finally kicking that habit of devouring chocolate bars on a nightly basis. But year after year, fitness centres see a drastic dip in membership come February, when real life gets in the way. Instead, set a fun fitness goal that you can train for with a friend. Obstacle courses such as Tough Mudder, the Spartan Race or a more family-friendly race are great places to start. Not only can you avoid boredom by switching up training (think: distance running to sprints, or weight training and yoga), but in the process you may even find something that you love and choose to pursue. If obstacle courses aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty more opportunities to try out a new fitness trend.

Wondering what trend you should leave behind?

Fat fear

Fat, like carbohydrates, often gets a bad rep. When we think fat, we tend to picture slabs of bacon or blocks of butter. But fat doesn’t necessarily make you fat – as long as you’re  ware of which fats are healthy to consume and which to stay away from. Certain fats, Omega-3s, are found in wild salmon and flax seed. There are also fats that help your body burn food efficiently, such as olive oil and walnuts. Of course, try to limit yourself when it comes to trans fats found in your favourite hamburger or pizza slice. Be mindful of what goes into your body, but don’t limit yourself from what really makes you happy.

The dawn of a new year always provides an excellent reason for stepping back, looking at what’s important to you, and refocusing your energy. For you millennials and the young-at-heart who may struggle especially with staying organized, and resisting the impulse to give in to the temptations of social media and instant gratification, this is especially important. Consider, if you will, the following tips to help you “adult”—and reach your goals—in this new year.

Get your finances in order

Learn to do your taxes. Get a head start this year (and give your accounting friend a break) by investing in an online tax program  or installing tax software. Not only will these easy-to-follow programs help you avoid scrambling at the last minute, but they’ll give you an understanding of basic accounting you were never taught in math class.

Set a budget. It may be the most challenging goal of the year for many, but setting (and keeping) a budget doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems. There are dozens of simple how-to budgeting tips on the web, but all you really need is access to a spreadsheet and some patience. Make sure to set a savings goal, track your spending and calculate essential and unnecessary expenses. Find more information here.

Invest in yourself. Just because you set up a savings plan and started reconsidering certain luxury purchases, you don’t have to make drastic changes. Even though you cut out buying a latte from your favourite café every day, don’t completely restrict yourself. Instead, invest in a good coffee maker and brew your own in the morning. Also planning on eating out less frequently? Great. But consider setting aside some cash, too, from your grocery savings in order to occasionally treat yourself to a nice dinner at a new or favourite restaurant. Doing so not only offers a good incentive to keep saving, but allows you to indulge once in awhile without breaking the bank.

Set realistic fitness goals

Do what makes you happy. This may seem obvious, but only sign up for a gym membership if you enjoy lifting weights or the specific fitness classes offered. You may otherwise find it tough to stay positive–especially as you put stress on your body. Prone to shin splints or find marathons monotonous? Avoid running. Do you miss your bicycle and are antsy for the weather to warm up? Try out a spin class. Most community centres and fitness studios offer a free week trial, so test out a few locations until you find one that fits. Want to forgo a membership entirely? Pick up a yoga kit or follow a fitness DVD that suits your hobbies in the privacy of your own home.

Keep yourself accountable. In recent years, there has been a boom in fitness technology. If you’re an avid runner and want to improve your race times, invest in a GPS watch with numerous applications to suit your needs. More of a beginner when it comes to keeping active? Make sure you walk at least 10,000 steps a day with a smaller fitness device that covers the basics. Most fitness trackers on the market sync to your phone and allow you to challenge friends and family to some friendly fitness competition. This way, not only are you keeping yourself accountable for making healthy gains, but your friends will as well.

Get social. Although fitness trackers and devices can be huge motivational factors, nothing is more motivating than having a friend along for the ride (or run, or swim). Grab a friend and map out a local hiking trail, and make sure it’s open to the public and safe this time of year. Convince your roommate, partner or friend to try a new sport or activity that you’ve always thought would be fun. Or better yet, set a challenge and follow a workout plan together. Time goes by much more quickly with someone by your side to keep you motivated.

Keep it simple and organized

Storage is essential. Put your Tetris skills to use this year by organizing the messy areas of your house that cause you stress. This usually includes the kitchen, workspace, bathroom and bedroom. Although the old adage out of sight, out of mind may work for some, we say that clear storage bins are the way to go. Canisters that are easily stackable or slender are perfect to ensure freshness and make it easy for the household cook to grab what they need. Jars are ideal for smaller items like spices, and are extremely versatile. Use them to hold paper clips on your desk or Q-tips on the sink. Wicker baskets are also a great— and aesthetically pleasing—way to hold random household items like workout gear, bags or toys in plain sight.

Meal planning is not just for fitness gurus. There’s no need to purchase an expensive custom-meal plan from a dodgy website or infomercial. Meal planning is as simple as picking up a cookbook or scrolling through a food blog. Once a week, set aside some time to choose five to six meals that will get you through the week (leave one or two days for flexibility). Do the math and make sure you have enough food for leftover lunches and for anyone else who might be eating with you. Write out the ingredients you need for each recipe, consolidate the supplies you already have, and take a quick trip to the grocery store. If you have more time on your hands, or have a hectic week ahead of you, opt for large-batch slow cooker meals and prep the ingredients the night before. If you’re feeling even more keen, cook all the meals for your week in one day, divide into containers and refrigerate.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. We’ve got you covered with London Drugs’ Green Deal recycling program at our stores. With a receipt, you can bring back old electronics, batteries, plastic bags and bottles to do your part to reduce waste. Sort your home recyclables and compost with recycling bins and food scrap containers to make it easier to take out with the trash. Make sure you check which items are in fact compostable or not, and remember to switch out the bags to avoid unnecessary odours.

Be kind to yourself

Spend time with loved ones. Whether it’s only for an hour to grab coffee with an old classmate from college, or by throwing a huge holiday party, make sure to set aside time for your friends. Haven’t talked to your grandmother across the country in a few months? Pick up the phone! Social circles tend to shrink with life additions like full-time employment, children and other commitments, but it’s critical to have a support system behind you. Plan a board game night with former colleagues or host a potluck brunch. Mix up some cocktails and fill each other in on what you’ve missed.

Give back on your computer or at a charity event with friends. Pick a cause that resonates with you and sign up to volunteer in whatever way you’d like, or simply donate money to an organization that needs it. Selfless love will not only make you feel good, but it will help contribute to a cause you believe in.

Make time for self-care. Perhaps the most overlooked, yet most important, tip of the year is to take time for yourself. While self-care and mindfulness have become buzzwords of sorts, they still pack a lot of truth when it comes to being happy. No matter how frantic work or school is, reserve at least half an hour a day for yourself. Pick up a book, drink some tea, relax in a bath or colour out any anxiety you may have built up over the day. Being an adult doesn’t mean neglecting the things that centre you – even if that means vegging out on the couch to watch a movie. Make 2017 an amazing year by balancing responsibility and order with awareness and leisure.