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Memorable Family Gift Ideas Curated by Puns and Little Ones

Creative and punny mom of two, Jen from Puns and Little Ones, is here to share some of her favourite photo gift ideas for this year.

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m all about the holiday season. Come Nov. 1, I switch from pumpkins to Christmas trees – I’m a sucker for a theme. My favourite thing to do is come up with fun photo ideas featuring my two little boys, Aiden and Carter. I’ve turned them into snowman cookies, created Christmas scenes, dressed them up as reindeer – the list goes on.

With all the effort I put into holiday photos, you would think I would be on top of gifts early as well. Wrong – usually that part just sneaks up on me somehow. But not this year! I wanted to beat the rush, skip crowded malls and leave plenty of time for packages to arrive. For our extended family, we decided to order personalized keepsakes from the London Drugs Photolab. They create truly unique and thoughtful gifts that I knew my family members would love.

With social distancing, it’s been tough to go without seeing our extended family who live in other provinces. We were hoping to visit my in-laws in Nova Scotia at Christmas, but that isn’t looking likely. So even though we can’t be there in person, we wanted to make our gifts special. For a few years, I’ve created photobooks and canvases as presents for family members – whenever I’m stuck for ideas, I try to come up with something personal to give them.

I used the Photolab a few months ago to make a custom face mask for Aiden to wear when he went to school, so I knew the quality of their personalized gifts would be good. Side note – I love the cute Christmas masks, like Rudolf the Reindeer or their Christmas sweater pattern. I think I might end up buying some matching ones for a Christmas photo. These would be a great gift too, but you would need to give it early so they could be worn the whole holiday season!

We did a family photoshoot in the fall, so I knew exactly which photos I wanted to use for our holiday presents. The Photolab website is so easy to use – you can choose any photo and text, and within a matter of minutes you can customize the product that you want.

Personalized Puzzles

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

This was my favourite gift that we ordered – a 114-piece heart puzzle with a matching tin for storage. I wanted it to be something the kids could do with their grandparents, as well as for them to display in their home – that’s why we chose the one with the matching tin. I’m going to create an Instagram photo with this one, incorporating the Instagram double-tap heart – keep your eye out for it soon over on @PunsAndLittleOnes!

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

This turned out so cute and I feel like it will be a great keepsake. My boys loved putting together a puzzle with their own faces on it – when Carter saw it coming together, he yelled, “It’s me and Aiden!” I can’t wait until they can actually put together the puzzle with their grandparents in person.

Did you know that there has been a major resurgence in popularity of puzzles this year, with everyone spending more time at home? It’s the perfect cold winter day activity. The Photolab also has 1,000 piece puzzles available for true puzzle lovers – and we are very tempted to order again and get the customized playing cards, which are great stocking stuffers too.

Photo coffee mugs

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Can you ever have too many coffee mugs? I don’t think so. The London Drugs Photolab has many different styles available, as well as a wide variety of holiday and winter themes. These can all be personalized with photos and text. With our mug, I went for an 11 oz designer mug with a single photo on it. I love the two-tone style, with blue on the inside.

These can be ready for pickup in up to 24 hours. They’re also dishwasher and microwave-safe. And at a price point of $15.99 per designer mug, these are super affordable and a thoughtful gift for just about anyone on your list.

Custom water bottles

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

We ordered a sports water bottle for Aiden to take to school – he’s so excited to show it off to his friends. The Photolab even has stainless steel tumblers, beer steins, and latte and espresso mugs that you can add your own photo to. I think we might order a few more of these water bottles for everyone in the house – that way, Carter can have his own too.

Other creative gift ideas

These were just a few of the customized photo gifts you can order from the London Drugs Photolab. Here are a few others that might be perfect for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list:

Photo calendars. They have a small one perfect for your desktop, or a year-at-a-glance style calendar for a wall in your home or office.
Personalized Christmas tree ornaments. They have so many to choose from, like beautiful wood ornaments, crystal, metal and ball ornaments. They can be customized with a photo, message or date.
Cozy photo blankets. You can either customize these with one photo or a collage, and they come in cozy textures like Sherpa and fleece. These days, I’m always wrapped up in a blanket, even during the day while I’m working from home at my desk. I know I would love a gift like this!
Personalized key chains. This creative gift idea would make a great stocking stuffer, and your loved ones can carry around photos of the family anywhere.

How to quickly & easily order your holiday gifts

Although we ordered online, there are three ways you can order holiday gifts from the Photolab:

Online
In-store, using the in-store kiosks
Using the London Drugs Photolab app, available for iOS and Android

When ordering, you’ll have the option to either have your order delivered conveniently to your door, or easily pick up your order in-store at your closest London Drugs. Many of their stores also have the option of curbside pick-up. If you select delivery or are planning to mail packages, remember to place your order soon!

This guest post has been sponsored by London Drugs.

3 Tips for Working Out at Home

Sometimes, trying to workout out at home is hard, especially when you’re surrounded by comfortable couches, your cozy bed, and a TV tempting you with all your favourite shows. But with many people not feeling safe to head to the gym, or unable to go due to local health restrictions, your home can be a great alternative to get fit. We’ve compiled some tips to help you get motivated and transform your home into your personal fitness space.

1.) Designate A Space
Don’t let the size of your available space fool you! You’d be surprised at how good of a workout you can achieve, even with the smallest of spaces. Your bedroom, your living room, or even a hallway can be enough for a good old sweat session. If you are wanting to use another room to exercise in, move furniture around to make space. The key is making sure that you have a designated spot for all of your fitness equipment. This can be under the couch, or even in a corner of the room. You can even get yourself some storage crates, a decorative trunk, or furniture that doubles as storage your for weights, resistance bands, foam rollers, yoga mat, kettle bells, or other fitness accessories you may have. This is a great way to ensure your fitness gear is easily accessible for you, any time you want to work out. If your place is just too small for storing any fitness equipment, it’s time to get creative. Soup cans make great substitutes for dumbells, a laundry detergent jug can be used as a kettle bell, and you can use a sturdy chair, coffee table or even the edge of your couch to do dips.

TIP: If you can, plan your workout space near a window, so that you can open it for fresh air if you get too hot or the room starts to feel stuffy. You can also consider using an air purifier.

2.) Plan Ahead
After you’ve created a designated space for you to workout in, plan your workout schedule ahead of time. This can be marking it on your calendar, setting reminders in your phone, or even getting a white board for your kitchen and plotting it out on there. Whether you’re starting off with 2 days a week or want to work out 5 days a week, having a calendar to plan ahead will help you stay consistent, have goals to work towards, and make fitness a priority. It can also help you keep track of what kinds of workouts your are doing and when to switch it up. Plus, nothing is more satisfying than crossing off your completed workout in your calendar!

TIP: If possible, work out first thing in the morning, so that it is over and done with, before your other daily responsibilities get in the way. If finding a solid time slot is tricky, you can always break it up into smaller chunks. Two 15-minute workouts or even three 10-minute workouts can be just as effective as one 30-minute exercise routine!

3.) Get into the Zone
Get pumped and in the mood by creating a playlist of all your favourite songs to listen to as you workout. Portable bluetooth speakers are a great piece of equipment to use, as they can be taken anywhere. Changing into workout clothes is also a way to help you get into the fitness mindset. As well, remove all potential distractions. Turn off your TV, put your phone on silent, and let people living with you know you are about to begin your exercise routine – or better yet, ask them to work out with you! You can even FaceTime or Zoom with friends and family for a virtual workout session. Sometimes, having a friend or family member to do it together with can be the push you need to get started.

TIP: If none of these things help you to get into the zone, turn on your TV and use the commercials to squeeze in a workout. Try doing as many dumbbell reps, squats, burpees, etc. as you can until the commercial break ends. Then try to beat your record at the next one.

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If you find that you enjoy working out at home, and want to look at incorporating it long-term into your lifestyle, you can also look at investing in exercise equipment like an exercise bike. If you enjoy the outdoors, read this blog on taking your workout outside in chillier weather. Not going to the gym doesn’t mean you have to stop your fitness routine. With some motivation, planning, and a little creativity, you can ensure you never miss a workout!

6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

As the days get shorter and autumn moves toward winter, many people notice that they have less energy and their mood is less positive. The changes may be as subtle as not wanting to get out of bed in the morning or a yearning to return to the fun days of summer. For others, it goes beyond being a little down and may include feeling depressed most of the time and losing interest in activities they normally enjoy. These people may be suffering from a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The symptoms—whether mild or severe—are likely to be due to a sensitivity to the lack of sunlight during the shorter winter days, which disrupts the body’s internal clock and affects hormone levels that, in turn, affect mood and the desire to sleep more.

Fighting back

You can fight back against this natural shift by taking some steps to combat your body’s response to the lack of sunlight. Here are a few suggestions that can help:

1. Get as much sunlight as you can
Spend more time outdoors. Bundle up and go out for a walk or participate in winter sports. It can be difficult to get enough natural sunlight during the winter and, unfortunately, regular indoor lighting doesn’t replace natural sunlight. If you can’t get outdoors for some reason, there are lights called light therapy boxes or SAD lights that have special fluorescent tubes that reproduce the sun’s beneficial rays. Doctors often recommend using one of these light boxes for 30 minutes a day to boost mood.

2. Be physically active

Exercise releases endorphins—the body’s feel-good chemicals—that help lift mood. Exercise also relieves stress, increases energy, and can improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Something as simple as a daily walk—or a visit to the gym or participating in indoor sports if the weather isn’t cooperating—can have a significant impact on mood. Being physically active also helps fight winter weight gain that can have a negative effect on mood.

3. Eat well
Healthy eating benefits both physical and mental health. Be sure to include fruits and vegetables in your daily eating plan. Some foods, such as chocolate, have been shown to relieve anxiety and improve mood temporarily, but that comes with a caution: while candy, cookies, and similar high-carbohydrate foods may make you feel better while you’re eating them, they can make you feel worse later when your blood sugar drops. If you want to treat yourself, try a small piece of dark chocolate and a cup of calming herbal tea.

4. Get cozy

Finding comfort in simple things such as dressing in warm pajamas and curling up in a blanket on a soft couch and watching a favourite TV show, reading a book, or just talking with friends and family can make you feel content and grateful.

5. Don’t forget to have fun
Wintertime doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. You may not be spending time at the beach or in the pool, but many communities have winter festivals that can be lots of fun. You can participate in outdoor sports or even indoor sports at local community centres. You can also look for a good book to read, check out the new movie releases, play board games, or binge-watch a favourite TV show with like-minded friends.

6. Consider volunteering
Sometimes helping others can make you feel better about yourself. If you can’t get out to a local organization to donate your time, try cleaning out your closets and donating things you no longer need.

When you’re so SAD

If your winter blues start to affect all aspects of your life, you may be suffering from SAD. This is more than just a passing low mood; it is a medical condition and should be treated. The first step is to recognize the symptoms of SAD.

Common symptoms are:
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty taking initiative
• Feeling less social than usual and isolating yourself from family and friends
• Depressed mood most of the day
• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Struggling to stay focused
• Constant fatigue and lethargy

Serious cases may cause feelings of hopelessness about the future and sometimes suicidal thoughts. If you experience these symptoms of depression, even if they are mild, it is important to talk with your primary healthcare provider. If the lifestyle tips listed above don’t help resolve your blues, prescription antidepressants may provide the help you need. The bottom line is: don’t suffer; help yourself and get help from others when you need it.

Diwali 2020 Giveaway

Diwali 2020 Giveaway – Official Rules

To enter:

Wishing you a safe and happy Diwali, however you’re celebrating! 🕯️Win 1 of 2 $50 London Drugs gift cards! Simply tell us how you’re celebrating Diwali this year in the comment section of our Facebook and/or instagram post.

Participating and entering in this promotion is considered a complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant. It is also an acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.

No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry per social network per contest. Limit one (1) prize may be won per household. Two (2) winners will be drawn from all combined social media platforms. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 pm Pacific Time on Nov 16, 2020 11:59pm PST. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected.

Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since Nov 16, 2019; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as at Nov 14, 2020 (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization (if any), or any family member living with any such employee.

The winners will be randomly chosen on the day the contest ends (see dates below) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received per contest. To win, selected entrants must have correctly answered the skill-testing mathematical question on the entry for on the online entry form and must sign London Drug’s declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.

There will be 2 (two) prize(s) awarded to 2 (two) winners: each receiving a London Drugs gift card valued at $50. Prize(s) must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. London Drugs reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should any prize become unavailable for any reason. Prize will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to the winner.

Contests dates: Nov 14 – 16, 2020 11:59pm PST
Draw Date: 12:00 PM Pacific Time, Nov 18, 2020

Selected entrants will be contacted by email, or social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winner does not respond then she/he will be notified for the second time, 3 (three) days after the first notification. If the winner still does not respond within 3 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.

The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.

London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s).

This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.

The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

Statement of Declaration and Release

All selected entrants will be required to sign the Statement of Declaration and Release attached before they can be declared a winner and receive a contest prize.

You can now find freshii at London Drugs!

Snack while you shop with freshii! We are now carrying freshii premade, grab and go sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Find them in the cooler section at the locations listed below:

#02: Vancouver – Granville & Georgia

#74: Vancouver – Broadway & Vine

#19: Vancouver – Robson

#50: Vancouver – Davie Street

#10: Vancouver – Kerrisdale

4 Tips to Help Take Your Workout Outside This Fall

Although the days are shorter, the cooler temperature of crisp Fall weather makes it much more comfortable to get your sweat on in the outdoors. Staying active is an important part of any lifestyle. While you can choose to exercise inside, here are some items and tips that can help you make the most out of your outdoor workout.

1. Be Seen

With the limited daylight, by the time you finish work and want to get out for an evening walk or run, it may already be getting dark out. Make sure you are seen by wearing bright or reflective clothing. If all your clothes are dark, you can even get yourself some reflective wrist straps to wear for visibility. You can also consider getting yourself a small flashlight or even a headlamp. Most headlamps have a comfortable, stretchy band that you can adjust to fit over your head, and different light settings to adjust the brightness of the light. A great option is the Dorcy Pro Series Headlamp, which can last up to 6 hours.

If you enjoy cycling, you’ll love the Nite Ize Radiant 125 Rechargeable Front Bike Light. The simple design and stretchy attachment bands support tool-free installation, while the USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers extended run times to keep your path illuminated. A 125-lumen LED offers bright illumination for dusk, dawn and nighttime bike rides. It also features spot, flood and day-safe flash modes to help you stay visible on roads, trails and bike paths.

If you’re a pet owner and stay active by walking your dog, or like bringing them along for company, the Nite Ize SpotLit Collar Light can help both you and your pet stay safe. The bright LED features glow and flash modes to help your precious pooch stay visible on streets, paths and sidewalks. It’s also water-resistant to withstands exposure to the elements.

2. Stay Hydrated

Ensuring you are well hydrated is key, especially when you are being active. Aside from drinking water, other ways you can stay hydrated is by eating hydrating foods. Cooler weather usually marks the start of soup-season. Soups are great as they also provide warmth to your body while increasing you liquid intake. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is also another way of adding more water to your diet.

If you like drinking water, make sure to consume enough before and after your workout. You can also carry a water bottle with you and take small sips during your walks. The Brita Premium Water Filter Bottle is a great one to have, since the replaceable filter helps reduce chlorine and leaves water tasting great. As well, the handy carrying loop and slim design make this bottle easy to carry, and an enclosed easy-strip straw provides access to water without having to remove the lid.

TIP: Fill your water bottle or even a thermos with warm or hot water when walking on chillier nights. You will stay hydrated, and it will also help warm you up! If drinking warm water doesn’t sound palatable to you, try adding some lemon slices, mint leaves, or even a caffeine-free tea to make it a bit tastier. You can browse all of our water bottle and thermos options here.

3. Challenge Yourself

Running is great, but even walking outside is an excellent way to stay active. If you regularly walk as part of your fitness routine, and don’t like running, you can still challenge yourself by mixing it up a bit. One way is to pick up the pace and walk faster, to ensure you get your heart rate up. If you are not used to walking fast, you can always do intervals, walking fast for 3 minutes, then walking at a slower pace for 2 minutes. Choose whatever interval times that work for you! Another great way to make your walking more of a workout is to add hills to your route. Walking on an incline burns more calories and uses your leg muscles differently. Plus it makes your walk a bit more interesting, so you won’t get bored as easily. No hills? No problem! Even finding a set of stairs to walk up on your route can also help make your walk a little tougher. Lastly, try using hand weights. This will not only be more of a challenge, but it can also help you to burn more calories and tone up your arms!

4. Staying Motivated

Sometimes, staying motivated to workout is hard, especially when it is colder and darker outside and all you want to do is curl up on the couch. Calling a few friends to join you on your walk or run can help you stay on track, as it makes your workout session more of a social session. As well, planning your walk or run with friends in advance holds you accountable to not cancel, especially if you had planned to go alone.

A fitness tracker can also help you stay consistent on your fitness journey, as you can see the progress you make. Seeing progress not only gives you a feeling of accomplishment, but can also help you set new fitness goals for yourself. These goals can include walking an extra km, or walking your 5km route a little bit faster than the last time! The Fitbit Inspire 2 is an excellent choice, as it tracks all-day steps, distance and calories burned, and even guided breathing sessions for those longer walks!

Finally, never underestimate a good pair of headphones to help you stay motivated! There are plenty of options, including wireless headphones and earbuds that you can connect to your phone to listen to your favourite tunes or podcasts, and make your workout more enjoyable. Always remember that if you are walking or running alone, keep only one earbud in, or set the volume lower so that you can be alert and hear the sounds around you.

Just because the weather becomes cooler and the days become darker, doesn’t mean you can’t continue to stay active outside! We hope you found these items and tips helpful for your outdoor workouts and walks. Enjoy the Fall, stay healthy and stay safe!

Trick or Treat, Eh! – 10 Proudly Canadian Halloween Goodies

Do you like to wave the maple leaf while you’re decorating the house with spider webs and jack-o-lanterns? We dug into our Halloween treats vault to bring you some of Canada’s favourite candies and snacks, made right here in the Great White North. (Plus a few tips on how to have a Covid-safe Halloween!)

Cadbury Chocolates

While Cadbury is a multinational brand owned by Kraft, their Canadian chocolate treats are made in a factory in Toronto.

Hawkins Cheezies

Natural ingredients and real aged cheddar cheese make a nice change from chocolate. W.T. Hawkins Ltd. was founded in small town Ontario and their products have been made there for over 50 years.

Dare Cookies

For over 125 years, Dare has been a Canadian family-owned business. And a bonus – these paw-shaped cookies contain less than 5g of sugar.

Real Fruit Rollups

These fruit-based treats are also made in Canada by the Canadian family-owned Dare company.

Laura Secord Chocolates

Laura Secord is owned by Jean and Jacques Leclerc, two Canadians who moved manufacturing back to Canada after purchasing the brand in 2010.

Ganong Chocolates

All Ganong products are made in Canada at their state-of-the-art facility in St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

Sunkist Fruit Snacks

Sunkist® Fruit Snacks, are also made in Canada by Ganong at their New Brunswick facility.

Made Good Granola Mini Bars

These tasty treats are Canadian made, by a family-owned Canadian company in Ontario.

Rockets!

Rockets Candy Company was founded in 1963 by Edward “Eddie” Dee. It continues to be family-owned and family-run by three generations of the Dee family.

Hardbite Chips

Made in BC’s only potato chip factory, these awesome snacks are a local favourite. They are so Canadian, their packaging even features photos of iconic Canadian scenes!

Green Beaver Co. Natural Toothpaste

OK, toothpaste isn’t technically a treat. But after all that snacking, you’re going to need it. Green Beaver is a purely Canadian company making their products in Hawkesbury, ON, using organic ingredients that are locally grown whenever available.

Halloween Safety Tips 2020

Besides the usual precautions of making sure clothing is bright and visible, and costumes are fire-proof and have good visibility from the inside, we have a few extra precautions to take this year. Here are a few tips on having a safe and enjoyable Halloween 2020.

Think about small groups outside (not having somebody come into your house) Maybe do something at the end of the driveway or front walk.
Wear a mask if you are greeting any guests, and stay back as much as possible.
Offer pre-packaged treats to kids, so that they’re not rummaging around in a bowl.
Use tongs to hand out treats.
Have kids stay 2 meters away from other trick-or-treating groups, and be patient if they have to wait to approach someone’s home.

And if you end up with a little TOO much candy after Halloween… here’s a wacky recipe for chopped candy cookies!

https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/candy-cookies/

Memorable Family Gift Ideas Curated by Puns and Little Ones

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Personalized Puzzles

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Photo coffee mugs

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones