5 Ways to Spend Quality Time With Family this Autumn

Autumn brings the cooler weather, falling leaves, shorter days, and the start of cozy season. With it, comes great opportunities to spend quality time with family, and making memories. Here are 4 fun things to do this Fall with your family.

1 – Baking

Explore new and old recipes together. From home made baked biscuits or Nanaimo bars, to muffins or bread, pull the family together in the kitchen to enjoy crafting tasty treats. Not sure where to begin? You can find a recipe for almost anything online, or dust off one of the old family cookbooks in the pantry and finally try a recipe you’ve been waiting on. With everything from rolling pins and stand mixers, to flour and sugar, we can help take care of your baking needs.

2 – Game Night

Family game night was a staple in many homes before screens became the primary form of entertainment. Revert to those days by gathering everyone around the table  for an evening of laughs and entertainment to play a boardgame. Consider a classic family game like Scrabble, Operation, Clue, or Monopoly. Or you can try some of the new exciting games like Exploding Kittens, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, or Rat-A-Tat-Cat.  No matter the game you choose, the fun is just beginning.

3 – Play Video Games

Sitting together and gaming can be an entertaining experience for everyone including grandma. Introduce your kids to the classics you grew up with, like these Arcade1Up vintage cabinet games, or dust off your Atari or original Nintendo Entertainment System. If you’d prefer, you can also explore the cutting edge graphics of the all new PS5 or introduce grandma to the Xbox series X. Whatever system or game you choose is secondary to the belly laughter and memories made as a family.

4 – Family Movie Night

Whether sitting down for a classic, or the newest release, watching a movie as a family is a great way to end off the evening. You may no longer be able to walk down to Blockbuster to pick up the latest flick, but you can come into London Drugs as a family and browse the great movie selection. While in the store you can also find a new TV, Soundbar or home theater if you need to update some tech to get the most out of it!

5 – Design and Print Family Memories

With the weather cooling, and people spending more time indoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit your memories from the last year, and create personalized mementos. From custom photobooks to personalized calendars, our Photolab offers a wide assortment of products you can bring to life with your precious family memories. Immortalize your dog on a pillow, or make grandma a 1000 piece puzzle of the recent family portrait, the possibilities are endless.

There are many ways to enjoy quality family time this autumn, and no matter what you choose, we wish you many laughs and smiles.

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places to Enjoy Fall Leaves

For many, autumn means falling leaves for crunching underfoot or raking into a piles for canon-balling. For us, autumn’s colourful by-products are a full sensory experience. Right now, trees all over the country are exploding in shades of red, orange, and gold. Canada is a beautiful country year round, but the fall leaves bring something special.

Whether you’re in the middle of the city, out in the country, or deep in the mountains, trees are celebrating the change in weather and giving us a spectacular show. And we’re giving them a standing ovation!

Nicely done, Canada. Nicely, done.

Here are 10 stunning places to enjoy autumn – and the fall leaves – in beautiful Canada.


1. Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia

Stanley Park - Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Fall Leaves

Photo via Fionalucyw

There’s something quintessentially West Coast about wandering around a drizzly Vancouver seawall with a pumpkin-spiced latte in hand, and enjoying the coziness of Stanley Park.


2. Cassidy, British Columbia

Cassidy calibreus - Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Fall Leaves

Photo via Calibreus

Who wouldn’t want to take a fall adventure down this path in Cassidy, B.C.? It’s the perfect blend of colours, transitioning from summer to fall with rustic elegance, and just a hint of mystery. How exciting!


3. Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna - Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Fall Leaves

Photo via Robyn-Nikx

You, too, can bundle up in Kelowna and enjoy the crunchiness of leaves, warm sunshine, and a rambling stream before the weather turns colder. Just pack up the truck and take a quick drive out to Mission Creek Regional Park to explore!


4. New Denver, British Columbia

If this isn’t the perfect weekend, we don’t know what is. Nothing says fall coziness more than an afternoon in the park with our fur-babies. Who packed the picnic?


5. Princes Island Park, Calgary, Alberta

Princes Island Parrk, Calgary - Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Fall Leaves

Photo via Hasina.Kassam

Even in the middle of the city, Calgarians enjoy the ambiance of fall nature and people watching in Prince’s Island Park.


6. The Rocky Mountains, Alberta

 

Want to get away from it all? The Rocky Mountains in Alberta are the perfect fall getaway from… everything. Nothing but rugged wilderness out here!


7. Waskasiu Prince Albert Park, Saskatchewan

Waskasiu Lake, Saskatchewan - Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Fall Leaves

Photo via Herry.with.an.e

Frost is showing up in some parts of Saskatchewan already – like here, in Waskasiu Prince Albert Park. But that doesn’t stop us! The gold in those trees makes us feel like we’re treasure hunting!


8. Mont Pinacle, Quebec

Now that’s a view! While we love the scenery in Mont Pinacle, it’s the cozy rainbow of fall colours the trees are displaying that warms our hearts.


9. Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton, Ontario - Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Fall Leaves

Photo via Argenel

We think we’ll stop and sit a while. Right here. If you bring the hot cocoa, we’ll meet you there.


10. Nova Scotia (or out your own back door!)

Halifax Canada - Beautiful Canada: 10 Stunning Places To Enjoy Fall Leaves

Photo via Seandmcmullen

Leaves are a brilliant red in Nova Scotia this time of year. It has us all fired up! But chances are, if you look out your own backdoor, they’re just as colourful. We’re sure lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

 


How are you enjoying our Beautiful Canada this fall?

Share your Beautiful Canada and fall leaf inspiration and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube !

How to Winterize Your Garden in 4 Simple Steps

When preparing for the chilly fall and winter months, winterizing your backyard or deck may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it is an important step. Before you retreat indoors to cozy up in front of the fireplace with a mug of cocoa, remember that your home requires some fall maintenance. Here’s what you need to do to winterize your garden!

By following these outdoor tips, you’ll ensure that come springtime, your backyard, deck or garden will be ready to thrive.

1. Clean and compost

Winterize Your Garden - London Drugs Blog

Clear leaves and gutters

Even if you are short on time, or are heading on an early fall vacation, the one thing you can do to prepare for the season is to keep your deck, gutters, and lawn clear of fallen leaves. They may look beautiful at first, but if you leave them on the ground for too long—especially in wet weather—they can rot, cause mould and moss growth, and damage wooden decks. Clean out your gutters and downspouts as well, as clogged leaves can cause ice dams once the temperature drops. You may want to invest in a gutter screen just to be safe. If you do only one thing on this list, this should be it. 

Pick over and compost

If you have a garden and are keen to keep it in good shape for the spring, it’s incredibly important to pick over and pull out plants and flowers that are no longer productive. The same goes for any fruits or vegetables that aren’t in harvest or have been leftover from last season. Rake up all debris (this can easily be done while you’re clearing out leaves) and add to the compost bin. Don’t forget to trim dead tree branches and shrubs, and while you’re at it, clean your flowerbeds and mulch— you’ll need them in shape to help protect your next crop!

2. Inspect for damage

Fix up your garden for fall - London Drugs blog

Check for leaks and cracks

While you’re already up on the roof clearing out the gutters, take a look around and make sure there is no roof damage. The last thing you need this season is a dripping ceiling! Inspect for loose or missing shingles, and if you have a deck, make sure the gutter doesn’t empty onto its foundation. If you want to go the extra mile, inspect your driveway for cracks and seal them with driveway filler, and then check  your windows to make sure they don’t need extra caulking. Making sure your home is as snug as a bug in a rug will help you save $$ on heat and electricity. 

Repair and replace

Tighten any loose screws, replace nails, and fill any cracks or loose boards on the deck or patio. If your region is anticipating heavy rain or snowfall in the coming months, plan ahead and consider creating a rainscape below your gutters to redirect any overflow. Use rocks as a channel guard underneath to protect your flowerbeds, driveway or deck from damage.

3. Plant and protect

Flower pot planting bulbs in winter - London Drugs blog

Plant bulbs and trees

It may come as a surprise, but fall is actually one of the best times of year to plant spring-blooming bulbs in certain cold-weather areas. Simply plant them in containers just as you would do in the ground, in odd-numbered groups of 5-9. Choosing containers with good longevity (think ceramic or plastic) will protect your plants from freezing and moisture. Tulip bulbs are a favourite that can be transplanted around the garden in the spring. Trees and evergreen shrubs can also be planted during the cooler season, and you’ll have a great head start to the growing season when spring comes.

Protect plants and flowers

There are a number of measures you can take to protect your garden and plants over the winter months. This includes deadheading potted plants and making sure they get plenty of water before bringing them inside, as well as covering flowerbeds with mulch for protection against frost. You can also leave some seeds out for the birds to ensure your garden gets some attention over the winter, and to promote your next bloom.

4. Winterize the patio

Fall decor winterize garden - London Drugs blog

Care for patio furniture and equipment

The last thing you want when opening up your patio or deck in the spring is to find rusted or damaged patio furniture that you have to replace. If you plan ahead and store, cover, and clean all hard surfaces before the first frost, you’ll having nothing to worry about. Even if patio furniture is powder-coated, it can pay to take extra precaution by cleaning and covering aluminum metals with automotive wax. Plastic furniture and fabrics do need to be brought indoors, and while wood-based and wicker furniture will probably need oiling or painting touch-ups, covering with a tarp will protect them from most elements. The same goes for covering any exposed air conditioners, and other lawn equipment.

Decorate for the season

Don’t miss out on the most fun part of winterizing your deck—the decorating! Once you’ve cleaned, inspected and winterized the backyard and taken care of all the logistics, it’s time to get creative. Whether you string fairy lights around windows and doors, or display multi-coloured pumpkins, cornstalks, and pinecones along the staircase, there are endless patio designs available to inspire you. 

7 Favourite Fall Décor Ideas to Try Now

Fall Decor Ideas - London Drugs Blog

Sweater weather, pumpkin spice and family dinners are just a few of the things that make fall one of the best times of the year. The weather may get chillier and the days shorter, but there’s no denying that the fall season inspires a festive vibe and overall cozy feeling inside the home. The following is a list of DIY fall décor ideas that are bound to get you (and your home!) in the mood for fall.

1. Place Cards

Fall Place Cards - London Drugs Blog

Thanksgiving may have already passed, but there’s always an excuse to throw a dinner party! During the rainy season, it’s easy to entice friends and family to gather for a hot meal. If you’re in a pinch or want to keep it simple, liven up the dining room table with this (pine) fresh take on dinner place cards.

2. Leaf Decor

Fall Garland Decor - London Drugs Blog

Not ready for Christmas décor yet? A quick and easy decorating tip for the kitchen table or hallway is to use the natural décor around you. In this case, use clean fallen leaves (or pick up fabric leaves at your local craft store) and hang them with string to create a colourful fall garland.

3. Autumn Wreath

Fall Wreath - London Drugs Blog

Wreaths are not just for winter! Opt for making your own wreath or purchasing a base at your local dollar store, and add orange fairy lights, plastic fruit and fall flowers. Once December is here, add some fabric ornaments to transition into a holiday look.

4. Cinnamon Candles

Cinnamon Stick Candles - London Drugs Blog

What sparks memories of fall more than the smell of freshly baked apple pie and cinnamon? To recreate this scent in your home, take a tall pillar candle with your favourite fall scent, and line with cinnamon sticks. Not only do they smell amazing, but these candles also make a fantastic centrepiece.

5. Fall Basket

Fall Centerpiece Baskets - London Drugs Blog

Chances are, you have a few wicker baskets stored away in the closet for summer picnics or Easter treats. Make even more use out of them this season, and stack them to create a gorgeous fall centrepiece. Add pinecones, ribbon, and green foliage until you’re decorating in December…then add Christmas bulbs!

6. Framed Prints

Framed Prints Fall - London Drugs Blog

For fall inspired decor that can also work year-round, pick out a couple of rustic wooden frames for accompanying prints. These can be of leaves, pressed flowers, photographs or paintings, and can also be used to display kids’ seasonal artwork.

7. Pumpkin Succulents

Pumpkin Succulent - London Drugs Blog

Flowers may not be the most popular gift during the fall season, but that doesn’t mean we have to shy away from plant-based decorations! Recycle the outer shell of a cored pumpkin and plant your own succulent terrarium. Fill with moss and dirt, and display in lieu of a carved pumpkin.

Changing of the Gourd: 9 Perfectly Pleasant Pumpkin Recipes

We are well into #PSL season, as you’ve probably gathered from your Instagram feed. (That’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season, for you non-coffee drinkers.) Luckily for foodies, there is so much more to this versatile autumn gourd than just coffee shops and Thanksgiving pie, so we’ve put together some of our favourite pumpkin recipes to help you celebrate everyone’s favourite fall flavour.

1. Pumpkin, Beef and Black Bean Chili 

This hearty, savoury dish has a surprising hint of sweetness from the pumpkin that will warm up any cool fall night. Double the recipe and save for a freezer full of leftovers to enjoy throughout the season—it’s no secret that chili is always better the next day (or week, or month). Don’t forget the chipotle sour cream!

[Find the recipe at Country Living]

pumpkin recipes - chili

2. Savoury Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin for breakfast? Of course! Inspired by traditional Indian cooking, these healthy and simple pancakes are also known as besan ka puda. Ingredients can be substituted to make custom flavours, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Perfect for getting you out of that breakfast rut.

[Find the recipe at Ruchi’s Kitchen]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin pancakes

 

3. Glorious Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Even the people who aren’t into the whole #PSL thing will find it hard to pass up a nice, hot bowl of velvety, spiced pumpkin soup. Top with pecans or goat cheese, throw on a pair of fuzzy socks and a cable knit sweater, and you’ll be a Pinterest board come to life. A fall classic.

[Find the recipe at JamieOliver.com]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin soup

4. Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Got a craving for a creamy pasta dish, but trying to cut down on the fat? We’ve got you covered. The richness of the pumpkin in this recipe takes the place of the loads of cheese traditionally found in a baked pasta dish. Comfort food level: EXPERT.

[Find the recipe at Country Living]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin shells

5. Easy Pumpkin Curry

Pumpkin and curry go together like a pile of leaves and a jumping toddler. Skip the take-out and instead whip up this spicy crowd-pleaser, even if you’re short on time. You can pour this delicious concoction over your favourite rice, vegetables, or tofu, or whichever combination of the three satisfies your current craving.

[Find the recipe at A Beautiful Mess]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin curry

6. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

We hope you hung on to the innards of your jack-o’-lantern, because these crunchy snacks are a fall must-have. Packed with iron, magnesium, fibre, zinc, potassium, healthy fats, protein, and tryptophan (which can boost your mood and help you sleep), vegans and vegetarians have been using pumpkin seeds for years as a natural source of nutrients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours: soy sauce, cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg – time to get creative!

[Find the recipe at Oh! She Glows]

pumpkin recipes - roasted pumpkin seeds

7. Savoury Pumpkin Pizza

Yes, it sounds strange on paper, but we promise this will be on your top 10 list of best pizza EVER. Mild and creamy havarti cheese is the perfect flavour accompaniment with the veggies in this dish, and a fun change from mozzarella. Don’t skip the sweetened onions step—they’re the secret ingredient that will put this dish over the top into OMG territory. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will be instantly addicted, and gluten-free foodies can use their favourite GF crust.

[Find the recipe at Love Lola]

pumpkin recipes - savoury pumpkin pizza

8. Chipotle Pumpkin Veggie Burger

Looking for an alternative to your pre-packaged veggie burger option? Try these quick and healthy pumpkin patties. Spices can be dialed up or down to your preference, and toppings are open to creative interpretation. Don’t get boxed in by the bun—these baked, crunchy beauties can also be tucked into a super-healthy lettuce wrap or crumbled on salads. They also freeze nicely, so they can be made ahead of time. Future you will heartily thank present you.

[Find the recipe at Peas & Crayons]

pumpkin recipes - chipotle pumpkin burger

9. Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love a trip to the Cheesecake Factory during a visit south of the border? Well, someone did us all a favour and broke down their creamy, decadent pumpkin cheesecake recipe, and now we’re here to share it with you. (Yeah, you’re welcome.) Next to the prevalent pie, this modern classic is a fall dessert staple. Pro tip: replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, richer taste.

[Find the recipe at Genius Kitchen]

pumpkin recipes - cheesecake factory pumpkin cheesecake

Tuck into these perfectly pleasing pumpkin recipes and enjoy all that fall has to offer. Happy eating!