London Drugs Archives - Page 5 of 24

10 Trendy (and Easy!) Halloween Costumes for 2018

Halloween is coming, and you and your kid can be the talk of the block when you hit the streets on October 31st in any of these trendy Halloween costumes. From Fortnite to Black Panther, we’ve found some awesome (and relatively easy) costumes that are totally on-trend.

Fortnite

Every kid from here to Charlottetown is playing Fortnite, and at least half of them will be asking for a Fortnite costume for halloween. Yes, we know there are ton of characters from the game, but we found a great tutorial to help you put together some of your own skins IRL.

Fake News

Reading the news these days can be fairly unpleasant. At least we’ve got halloween to help inject some humour into the situation.

More creative costume ideas here.

Snapchat Filters

Your teen probably looks like a cute deer or a piece of toast on their social media channels, so they’ll love showing up at the halloween dance looking the same way! Barfing rainbows has never been so fun.

More costume ideas for teens here.

Young Han Solo

You can never miss with a classic Star Wars costume at halloween. With the release of the new Solo movie, the rakish hero is hip with the kids again, and luckily Han’s new threads not only look great but are simple to put together, too. DIY with a brown jacket, grey t-shirt, holster and boots, or grab the ready-made version here.

Unicorn Candy Milkshake

It’s the year of the milkshake, much to the delight of kids all over Canada. Help your kids celebrate by turning them into their favourite dessert drink! This costume is extra fun because the kids can help with the design and construction.

Find the recipe to whip up your homemade milkshake here.

Mr. Rogers

Bet you never thought Mr. Rogers would ever be cool again, but he certainly is this year with the release of the poignant and gently political documentary about Fred Roger’s legacy. A red cardigan, some loafers and a clip-on tie will transform you into everyone’s favourite neighbour. Add a hand puppet for extra authenticity.

Here are some more super easy last-minute costume ideas.

Avocado Toast

Your go-to snack can now be the hit of the halloween party. Maybe you’ll lock eyes with a cute bottle of hot sauce at the party for a match made in heaven.

Instructions on how to make it here.

Warrior from Black Panther

The costumes from this year’s breakout action blockbuster Black Panther were seriously jaw dropping, and you can capture that Dora Milaje warrior essence with a few simple accessories and a whole lot of fierce attitude.

More clever DIY costume ideas here.

Anything Riverdale

Everyone’s favourite new TV drama is full of fun characters to draw inspiration from, and besides a funny little felt crown, there’s a good chance you’ve already got what you need in your closet.

More Riverdale costume ideas here.

Baby DJ

Heading out trick or treating with a babe in arms? Get the littlest one in on the halloween action! DJs are the new rock stars, and with this fun creation your youngest can turn the party out. More DIY baby and toddler costume ideas here.

Have you got a great idea for this year’s Halloween costumes? Share them with us in the comments!

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

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

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

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

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.

5 Reasons Your Pharmacist is Awesome

Everyone knows that your pharmacist is the expert in filling your prescriptions, but everyone may not know that they provide many other super helpful services as well. We’re celebrating World Pharmacists Day by shining a light on all of the ways your friendly, neighbourhood London Drugs pharmacist can help you maintain and improve your health.

1. They can give you your jabs

Getting immunized isn’t exactly fun, but pharmacists can take the sting out of it by making it easy and convenient. If you’re planning a trip overseas, your pharmacist can help you prepare by reviewing your immunization history, letting you know which vaccines you’ll need for your destination, administering them, and issuing you an International Certificate of Vaccination if you need it.

London Drugs’ Certified Injection Pharmacists are also able to administer influenza vaccinations, as well as the Zostavax vaccine for Shingles.

If you would like to get a vaccination at a London Drugs pharmacy, just ask for more information at the pharmacy counter.

2. They give great advice

Although sometimes necessary, getting in to see a doctor can be time-consuming and complicated. If you’re looking for quick advice about minor ailments or wellness, your pharmacist can be your first stop on the road to good health. You can meet with a London Drugs pharmacist one-on-one to get trusted health advice on anything from allergy relief, diabetes management, nutrition, cough and cold remedies, pain management, stomach health, and eye care. Here’s the best part–no appointment necessary!

3. They help with the kids

Becoming a new parent can be scary, especially if you think something is wrong with your precious little bundle. If you have questions about your child’s health, pharmacists are an accessible resource. They can recommend over-the-counter medications that are safe for your children and provide information on proper dosage to help you treat common baby health conditions such as diaper rash, eczema, cradle cap, constipation, pain and fever, rashes, teething and more. Pharmacists can also refer your child to a doctor or other health professional if they feel your little bundle of joy requires a closer look.

4. They can help you find out for sure

You can never be too careful with your health, and pharmacists make it easier to put your mind at ease. Health screenings are a great way to take control of your health, and London Drugs provides the following convenient screening services and clinics at most of our locations:

5. They care about the community

Pharmacists are not only healthcare professionals, they are caring members of the community that they serve.

For example, last year during the British Columbia wildfire crisis, they provided life-saving services in the affected communities. While London Drugs helped assemble essential supplies and support staff, London Drugs pharmacists assisted those affected by accessing medical histories and contacted insurance providers to ensure quick access to essential medications for people who had to evacuate their homes.

Do you have a great story about how your super-pharmacist saved the day? Share it with us in the comments or on Twitter! #ilovemypharmacist

8+ Awesome Gift Ideas to Show Teacher Appreciation

Now that the kids are settled in to their new classrooms and back to the school routine, we thought now would be the perfect opportunity to show our love for the people who not only teach our children, but the ones who play with, comfort, guide, and inspire them as well. Yes, it’s customary to give a gift to your child’s teacher when school lets out for the summer, but why not show your appreciation by surprising them with a gift at the beginning of the school year instead? Bonus–you’ll get in their good books right off the top!

Fit-Everything Tote Bag

Teachers have a lot of stuff to bring to and from class every day, so a big, strong, practical tote bag is an essential part of a teacher’s kit. If your kid’s teacher already has a good bag, you could also get some super useful must-haves to fill up that bag:

USB drive
Small pouches to organize cosmetics, small office supplies, etc.
Fun coloured pens
Sticky notes
Healthy snacks
Accordion file
Lint roller
Gum or mints

Lunch Box

Buying lunch is expensive, but packing a lunch everyday can get complicated. To make bringing food from home a little tidier, a great lunch box is key. A bento-style box keeps healthy lunch items in their right place, or a bag with insulated compartments keeps the hot side hot and the cold side cold.

Fix-It Tool

Unfortunately, not all schools are in the best of shape, and sometimes things in the classroom fall apart. Instead of waiting for the custodian to show up when something goes haywire, help your teacher take matters into their own hands with a handy multi tool that can be stashed in a desk drawer or a bag.

Self-Care

Self-care is a hot buzzword at the moment, but nobody deserves a little pampering more than the people responsible for the moulding of your children’s minds. Give the gift of a little relaxation with an aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils, some manly pampering with a grooming gift set, or a good, clean scrub with a skin care gift set.

Cold & Flu Fighters

Cold and flu season can hit teachers the hardest, especially the ones who are are around small, sticky people all day. You can help prepare your teacher’s defences with a cold season care package with some fun tissues, hand sanitizer, or vitamin C supplements.

Kill-Proof Plants

A plant does wonders for brightening up a dull space (like an institutional classroom), but teachers are busy people, and who has time to dote over a delicate flower? For a sweet teacher gift, a succulent is a great choice because they are virtually indestructible, and they look very cute on a desk.

Coffee!

Most teachers we know wouldn’t be able to function without a generous supply of coffee everyday, and we suspect that the typical offerings from the teacher’s lounge aren’t up to the standards that our amazing teachers deserve. A travel coffee press and a bag of fair-trade ground coffee would come in very handy for any teacher who regularly caffeinates.

Books

Gifting books for the classroom is a wonderful way to thank a teacher and help their students. Depending on the teacher and the grade, these books could be selections for story time or curriculum textbooks. Go ahead and ask your child’s teacher if there are any textbooks that could use an update for the upcoming school year–you could even start a campaign with the other parents of your child’s classmates to pool together the funds for an entire set of new textbooks.

Are you a teacher? What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Tell us in the comments!

K-Beauty Inspired Cleansing Ritual for Combination Skin

By now you’ve likely heard of the global phenomenon that is K-Beauty. First made popular in South Korea, the concept of ‘double cleansing’ has become widely adopted by beauty buffs. K-Beauty skincare regimes are comprised of a longer series of cleansing steps, using both water and oil-based products. The goal is to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants, while helping to prevent breakouts, accelerated aging, and dryness. The big benefit to those extra cleansing steps is that they allow the rest of your skincare products to penetrate deeper and be more effective. Your skin is left looking and feeling cleaner, healthier and more radiant!

While it might add a few minutes to your daily routine, we think you’ll love your new healthy glow so much, you won’t even mind! And if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the steps, don’t be: you can fully customize your cleansing ritual to include as many or as few products as you like, depending on your skin concerns and skin type.

To help get you started, watch our tutorial video featuring Lifestyle and Beauty Expert Samantha Sito. Her 8-step K-Beauty inspired cleansing ritual caters to sensitive and combination skin, and uses both Korean and Japanese skincare products found at London Drugs. Need some help to develop your own cleansing ritual? Just speak to one of our Beauty Advisors in-store!

Products Featured:

Step 1: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil

Step 2: belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist

Step 3: belif Mild and Effective Facial Scrub

Step 4: belif Bergamot Herbal Extract Toner

Step 5: Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence

Step 6: belif Moisturizing and Firming Eye Cream

Step 7: belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Step 8: Shiseido Ibuki Protective Moisturizer SPF 18

Subscribe to London Drugs on YouTube and stay tuned for more beauty videos!

3 Kid-Friendly Life Hacks for Back to School

It’s that time of year again…the kids are heading back to school! It won’t be long before the chaos sets in (hello messy backpacks and busy mornings!), so we’ve compiled some smart kid-friendly ideas to start the new school year right—with less stress for parents. Here are three life hacks for staying organized and keeping your kids on time for school!

1. Keep your kids’ school backpacks organized

Are important things getting lost in your kids’ backpacks? It happens—especially with the little ones. Try creating a ‘post office’ and ‘bank’ to keep supplies safe! This life hack for back to school will eliminate any crumpled notices or lost money for field trips. Safe supplies, happy parents!

2. Speed up your kids’ morning routine

Trouble getting your kids to do their tasks and to get them out the door in the mornings? Make things fun and encourage them to tackle tasks with speed. Here’s one clever (and tasty) trick for kids to complete their morning chores. Perfect for those end-of-summer days—and your kids will thank you!

3. Use colour-coding to organize your kids’ notebooks

Do your children need some help keeping their school notebooks organized? If they’re in a rush to class, sometimes it’s hard to remember which subject is in which duotang, so they grab them all. Use this quick and easy trick to colour-code math, english, and science! Now they can find the notebook they need in their backpack—fast. Simple, easy, organized!

Are you looking for school supplies or other back to school essentials? You can find everything your children need at London Drugs in-store and online!

Top 5 Things You Need to Do Before Summer Ends

What do we love so much about the summertime? Is it the sunshine, the warm breezes, the lazy days spent at the beach or the lake? Whatever it is that you love about the warmer months, when the end of August starts to roll around, you know that the end of summer is fast approaching. You can feel it in that little nip in the air and the darkness rolling in earlier and earlier.

Let’s try and capture some of that summer magic before the kids go back to school and we all get back to our routines—and before the rain and snow come back with a vengeance! Here are a few tips on how to make the most of the dog days of summer before the leaves inevitably start to fall.

Invite your friends and neighbours over for a BBQ

Nothing defines summer quite like that unmistakable barbecue scent in the air. Before you have to pack up the grill for another year, have one last backyard cookout. Invite your friends and neighbours over, whip up a batch of fruity drinks, and throw some protein on the barbecue. For all your grilling needs, visit any of our locations for a full range of BBQ products.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset (or sunrise!)

Head to your favourite hilltop, mountain, or body of water to catch an epic sunset. There’s something romantic and whimsical about watching a sunset, whether it’s at the peak of a mountain or with your toes digging in the sand at your favourite beach. If you’re feeling really ambitious, take in a sunrise at dawn. Currently on the west coast, the sun is rising just after 6 a.m. and setting just after 8 p.m., making this the ideal time to catch nature at its most glorious.

Go on a mini vacation

In just a couple of weeks, the summer of 2018 will be but a mere memory. Don’t pack away the sunscreen and picnic blankets just yet! A last-minute mini getaway is a great way to experience a few more adventures. Whether it’s camping or luxury hotels, there are so many fabulous spots to escape to right here in BC. Just make sure to be cautious of wildfires in the province if you’re planning a roadtrip.

Take in a festival or outdoor theatre

Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival runs right through to September 22. The spectacular waterfront setting is the perfect way to bid farewell to summer, while you take in Macbeth, Timon of Athens, As You Like It, or Lysistrata. If Shakespeare isn’t really your speed, visit the ever-popular end of summer festival, the PNE, and dance along to the I Love the 90s Tour featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Color Me Badd, and Young MC.

Do one thing you wouldn’t do in the winter

As the seasons change, there are certain activities we ruefully wave goodbye to. Whatever it is for you, fit it in as much as you can. Sailing, hiking, taking a dip in an outdoor pool, enjoying a live baseball game, or roasting marshmallows for s’mores on the barbecue, this is it! Summer is almost over and it’ll be a long time before we see live fireworks or swim in a lake again, so let’s make the most of it.

London Drugs is your one stop shop for all things summer. Pop in to pick up everything you’ll need for your last summer barbecue or road trip.