summer Archives - London Drugs Blog

7 Best Tips for Prepping Your Backyard and Patio for the Summer

Now that the weather has warmed up, it’s time to expand our living spaces outside. After all, the sun is shining, and the great outdoors are calling!

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a chic downtown patio, there are several things you can do prep your backyard and patio for the summer.

Here are 7 tips to get you started!

1. Clean Surfaces

No matter what else you do to make your outdoor living space look nice, nothing will help if everything is dirty.

First, give all of the floor surfaces a good sweep. Once that’s done, it’s time to get in there and deep clean. 30-Seconds Outdoor Cleaner is great for cleaning large outdoor spaces, and it’s safe to use on lawns, plants, and fabrics. You can even attach the spray bottle right to a hose and douse all of the concrete, wood, siding, patio furniture, flower pots, and garden boxes if need be. Then just scrub with a brush and rinse.

Voilà! No more winter blahs.

2. Get Your Lawn Ready

Sprucing up the yard is more than just about mowing the grass – take your lawn to the next level with some extra TLC.

Aerate: Aeration helps the grass to breathe and also helps the water and nutrients reach the root system. You should aerate your lawn every 1 to 3 years, but high-traffic areas may require more attention. Here are some more aeration tips.
Rake: Debris that has accumulated over the winter can block sunlight and prevent water from reaching deep down to the roots of the grass.
Fertilize: Do a little research about what kind of grass you have, then fertilize accordingly.
Maintain: After checking your lawnmower for sharp blades, appropriate oil level, and properly inflated tires, mow the grass regularly, about once a week. Keep grass cut to a height of about 5 cm, except in the hottest part of the summer, when you should let it grow about 1 cm longer.
Water: Watering your lawn slowly allows water to get all the way down to the roots and avoids runoff, so choose a sprinkler that moves in smooth, sweeping motions. Don’t forget to check the water restrictions in your area, and water your yard at night or in the morning before the sun hits it so that the water doesn’t evaporate before it gets into the soil.

3. Prune Trees, Shrubs, and Potted Plants

Pruning dead and excess growth off trees, shrubs, or plants helps the plants grow, and gets rid of harmful insects and rot. Plus, it just looks nicer.

Make sure to also remove any branches hanging over driveways, sidewalks, or paths (these can be a major problem for anyone who has mobility limitations).

If you need a few tools to get started, you can grab heavy-duty pruning tools and protective gloves here. You got this!

4. Let Your Garden Grow

Choose a sunny corner of your yard or patio for a new flower bed, planter box, pot arrangement, or even a few containers for vegetables. Ask at the garden centre which varieties grow best in your region, then select your favourite variety of seasonals and perennials. It’s easier than you think!

Just remember to mind your watering — flowers don’t require as much moisture as vegetables.

If you’re short on space, check out this tutorial to make your own (adorable) shoe organizer herb garden! It works great even on a tiny outdoor balcony and you’ll have fresh, delicious herbs well into the fall.

5. Control Pests

Check your flowers, shrubs, and trees for any creepy crawlies. Remove any larger critters by hand or with a blast of the hose, and use natural pesticide for the rest. Not sure what works best? Here’s a handy guide to garden pests.

If you have some six-legged visitors in your yard that prefer to annoy people instead of plants, stock up on wasp, mosquito, or ant control products. While we share the outdoors with nature’s creatures, we don’t necessarily want any uninvited guests at our next backyard BBQ.

6. Ready, Set, Grill!

Speaking of BBQs, prepping yours is an essential part of preparing your yard for summer.

Luckily, modern grills are easy to clean. Turn your grill on for 10-15 minutes, then allow it to cool for a while before cleaning it with a heat-safe tool. (Wire brushes can be dangerous, so here are some alternative grill cleaning ideas.) And don’t forget to fill up your propane tank — nothing is worse than preparing delicious homemade burgers only to find out there’s not enough fuel to cook them.

We’ve got some great deals on grilling tools and BBQ essentials right here.

7. Sit Back and Relax

Now that you’ve done all the hard work of making your outdoor space beautiful, enjoy the fruits of your labour and relax. You’ve earned it!

Invest in some comfortable, sturdy, weather-resistant furniture to take full advantage of your backyard space.

If you’ve got the room, consider adding an entire dining set. If you have a smaller space, a bistro-sized table and chairs can make even the smallest patios fashionable and a joy to be on! You’ll be surprised how much time you and your family spend out there. Don’t forget to add a shady umbrella for the hot days, and some inviting mood lighting or a home fire-pit to really enjoy your outdoor experience well into the warm, summer evenings.

If your backyard or patio is in need of some upgrades, London Drugs has everything you need to improve and beautify your outdoor space. Check out our Outdoor Living Event or just stop by and talk to one of our experts about your unique needs. We’d love to see you!

Summer Adventure Must-Haves

With summer quickly approaching, are you ready for your next adventure? From watersports to camping essentials, we have a wide range of items to help get you on your way.

Camping

If you’re planning to get out in the woods and have a fun filled camping adventure, make sure you’re equipped! You’ll want to make sure you have the flannel lined Collection by London Drugs sleeping bag to keep toasty at night. Available in a variety of colours, so you’re sure to find one that suits your personality.

If you are in need of shelter, we have tent options small and large. If you’re looking for a compact tent, the Coleman Sundome 3-person tent is a quick 10 minute setup with room for 3. If you’re heading out with the whole family, the Coleman Iron Peak 8-person tent with screen room is what you need. The screen room ensures the mosquitos don’t flood in while you’re taking off your boots, and with room for 8, it’s spacious interior ensures the family has all the space it needs. Comes complete with room divider so you can divide the interior for extra privacy.

Portable Dining

If your adventure plan includes dining along the way, or at your destination, the Collection by London Drugs folding table with 4 chairs is the go-to portable dining set. (It can also double as a cooking surface!) Great for spots without a picnic table, this table and chairs conveniently packs up into itself, with the chairs tucked away within. Great for camping trips, family gatherings at the beach, or sunny afternoons in the park! Don’t forget to bring along a cooler to keep your food and beverages cool.

Water Activities

Spending some time on the water on a hot summer day is both a fun time, and a great way to cool off. From paddleboards to kayaks, we have a variety of ways for you to get out on the water. Consider adding extra excitement to camping trips with a Zray paddleboard. The fixed central fins make it easy to maneuver on the water, and the EVA foam deck pad boasts a nonslip surface for secure foot placement. A 142kg weight capacity makes this paddleboard ideal for carrying a pet or supplies on your journey.

If you’re planning on bringing a towel, change of clothes, or camera, the Collection by London Drugs Dry Bags are a must-have. Available in 2 sizes and various colours, they’re great to make sure your belongings stay dry from splashes or unexpected swimming trips.

Electric Bikes

An electric bike is a great way to explore any landscape, urban or rural. The electric battery helps power uphill climbs, making sure you can relax and enjoy the adventure. The GoCity line of electric bikes have different options depending on your needs. The Go City PLUG foldable electric bike has a powerful 350W motor, can go up to 28km/h, while keeping power consumption low. The Go CIty Foldable E-bike has a 500W motor, with built in USB that supports charging on the go. With a 30km range, you can get around the city with ease. The Go City Plug Plus also has a 500W motor, and a 6 speed drive train, making it ideal for hilly areas. It’s bigger wheels also perform well when out of the city on non paved surfaces.

No matter how you choose to adventure this summer, we have you covered. With sun care, snacks, drinks, cameras, camping accessories and much more, all available in one place, you’ll want to stop by before you hit the road.
Happy adventuring!

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Living

You can still have a memorable summer this year, even while staying closer to home and heading outside when the sun is out. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, from gardening in your backyard, to picnicking at your local park. We’ve curated some items you can find at London Drugs, that will help make your time outside more enjoyable!

Camellia Leaf Privacy Screens

This Camellia Leaf Privacy Screen is a great addition to any outdoor space. You can use it to dress up an existing fence, cover up an unsightly one, or create a fence where you need it! They are durable, lightweight, and easy to install. As well, they require little maintenance and expand to fit a wide variety of spaces, like a smaller apartment patio or balcony. Made with polyethylene plastic and a sturdy willow frame, these 6.7 feet x 3.3 feet screens are also fade-resistant for 3-5 years, depending on sun exposure.

Bond Portable Gas Fire Bowl

If your ideal evening is kicking back and relaxing outside, we would definitely recommend getting yourself the Bond Portable Gas Fire Bowl. It brings a warm and inviting vibe to any outdoor space. Made out of durable steel, this gas fire bowl has a 54,000 BTU heat output fueled by a clean burning 20lb external propane tank (sold separately). It features an instant electric ignition with flame control knob, a locking lid with handle for portability, and also includes pumice stones, a 10ft propane gas hose with regulator and tank seat.

Garden Accessories

Are you an avid gardener, or want to start growing spices or vegetables at home? You’ll love the Bond 4-Tier Greenhouse! It features 4 wire mesh shelves for ventilation and a plastic cover with zippered flap, giving your seedlings and flowers a great head start sprouting or blooming. Plus, with dimesions of 2.25 x 1 x 4 feet, it can fit a variety of outdoor spaces, even the smaller ones.

If you want to decorate your outdoor space, but don’t really have a green thumb, not to worry – we have a wide selection of patio decor you can use instead of plants to add your own personal flare! From rustic and nautical, to whimsical and tropical, we’re sure you’ll find something that fits your style. Explore our full selection of patio decor here.

Canopy and Bug Tents

Getting outside and soaking up a little sun is great, but for those hotter days, this Collection by London Drugs Heavy Duty Canopy is great for providing a little extra shade. The canopy, measuring at 9.8 x 9.8 feet, features a polyester fabric with a PVC coating and folds away conveniently for easy storage and portability.

If you enjoy the heat, but can’t stand the bugs, we have a solution for you! Made from sturdy 11.5mm fiber glass and 19mm steal tubes, this 9.8 x 9.8 foot Collection by London Drugs Bug Shelter provides protection from pesky mosquitos while also offering a little bit of shade.

We hope you found these items helpful in making the most of your summer this year! Don’t forget to browse our full selection of outdoor living essentials in store and online.

6 Ways to Savour Your Summer Memories

As the days begin to shorten, we become more aware of the fact that summer is starting to wind down. But while summer will inevitably come to an end, you can still relive your summer memories all year round…with the help of your photos! If you’ve been taking snapshots of your best summer moments with your smartphone or camera, it’s a good idea to have a plan for those photos so they don’t end up simply collecting metaphorical dust on a hard drive or your phone. Instead, you can reinforce your summer memories by making those moments into something tangible – like a photo book, a puzzle, or even a blanket!

Here are 6 ways our Photolab can help you savour your summer memories:

1. Staycation Photo Book

This summer has been far different than most. People are spending time closer to home, exploring their own backyard and going hiking, doing local road trips, hitting the beach or just enjoying time at home. It’s been the summer of the staycation. A great way to preserve all of those staycation memories in one place is to create your own photo book.

Printed on high quality photo paper using exceptional inks, our Photolab Technicians review every image and correct as necessary so you know your photo book will be just right. If you have tons of photos to choose from, not to worry! You can add extra pages to any of our photo books to accommodate. While customizing your photo book, you’ll also be able to choose from some great summer-themed templates. Personalize even further with text to help tell the story of your summer adventures.

For ideas on how to capture your summer staycation memories, check out this blog here.

2. Instagram Books

Are all of your best summer photos on Instagram? You can easily share those #Summer2020 memories, straight from Instagram! When you order an Instagram Book through our Photolab, you’ll be able to upload photos directly from your Instagram account. The books are available in 4×4 and 6×6 to best display your square Insta pics. All of our Instagram Books are ready within just 24-72 hours.

3. Puzzles & Playing Cards

With more time being spent a home this year, we’re all looking for new activities to keep us entertained while indoors. You can personalize puzzles and playing cards with your favourite summer photos so can play games with family and roommates while also reliving your summer memories. If you’re looking for a challenge, some of our puzzles have 1000 pieces! They also make a nice gift to include in a care package that you can send to family and friends.

4. Blankets

Wrap yourself in your summer memories by personalizing a photo blanket! Cozy up this fall in a fleece or sherpa blanket with a favourite photo from your summer staycation printed on it – why not send one to the grandparents too? Or add a snapshot to one of our beach blankets and use it to soak in the last days of summer. If you can’t decide on just one photo, you can also choose our blanket collages, which allow you to personalize your blanket with multiple photos!

5. Photo Mugs & Bottles

Reminisce about your summer with every sip! You can personalize your own photo mug or water bottle with a little help from our Photolab. We even have stainless steel tumblers, beer steins, and latte and espresso mugs that you can add your own photo to. Why not customize a mug or bottle for each member in your household, so you’ll never argue over whose is whose again?

If you want one in a flash, our 11oz designer mugs are ready for pick-up in up to 24 hours!

6. Summer Holiday Postcards

You’ve made some great memories this summer, and our personalized postcards make it easy to share them with loved ones! Just pick a size and quantity (you can order individually or in 25-packs), upload a photo, and choose from a wide variety of fun templates. Type your message on the back or add a handwritten note once your postcards are printed; update your friends and family on how you’ve been spending your summer and let them know you’ve been thinking of them. It’s a nice way to keep in touch while also creating a great keepsake.

Find even more creative ways to savour your summer memories by checking out our Photolab online, or by downloading the London Drugs Photolab App (available for iOS and Android)!

Playing Safe Outdoors

Heading outside is a great way to cut back the screen time, enjoy the sunshine and get some fresh air. If you’re spending more time outdoors, especially with your kids, it’s a good idea to be prepared. From wearing the right shoes to dealing with insect bites and stings, we’ve outlined below what you can do to make your outdoor time more enjoyable.

Proper footwear

Flip flops and strappy sandals may seem like ideal summer footwear but they can be dangerous on sandy surfaces. Small children have tender soles, which can easily be burned on hot sand. Open-toed or strappy sandals also leave room for small rocks and other sharp objects to enter and cause pain. The ideal shoe is one that protects both the soles and the upper part of the foot from sharp objects such as nails and glass. Non-slip soles are a plus, helping to prevent injuries caused by slipping on rocks that have become slick from water and algae.

Insect stings & bite

If picnicking or barbecuing outdoors, it is best to prepare in advance for insect attacks. Wearing bright clothing is not a good idea as stinging insects are attracted to bright colours (yellow is particularly appealing to bees). Perfume, including that from shampoos, conditioners, hand cream, lip balm etc. is also an attractant.

Always make sure that food items with fruity aromas like jams, jellies, juices, fruit salads, popsicles and sweet barbecue sauces are kept in sealable containers and close them when not being served. Be aware that open beverage cans are traps for inquisitive bees and wasps, which can enter the can and attempt to exit it when someone drinks from it. This can result in painful stings to the lips and inside the mouth. Stings inside the mouth and throat can be extremely dangerous as they can swell and impede swallowing or breathing.

Teach your children to keep still if a stinging insect lands on them and to let an adult do the work of removing it. If anyone in your group is allergic to insect stings, and needs to use an epinephrine autoinjector, be sure to check with them that they are carrying it. The outdoors are a haven for stinging insects during the summer, and medical attention likely won’t be fast enough in the event of anaphylaxis.

Sun safety

Staying safe in the sunshine means being aware of the three most pressing dangers—heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration. Encourage everyone to drink non-alcoholic drinks frequently, water being the beverage of choice. Also be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours and always after swimming. You can read more on the prevention and treatment of heatstroke and dehydration here.

First aid

Planning for a visit to the beach also means making sure you have basic First Aid supplies on hand. Despite the best of intentions, accidents do happen, and it’s wise to be prepared.

Cuts and abrasions:
Use bottled water to rinse off the cut, pat dry with a clean towel or cloth, and apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin® to prevent infection, and promote healing.

Apply an adhesive bandage such as Band-Aid® Skin-Flex™, which is designed to move like a second skin; 100 per cent waterproof Water Block™, or children’s bandages—which quickly divert attention away from injuries with their fun kids’ show images.

Insect stings and bites:
Wasps sting and leave, whereas bees leave the stinging organ in the skin, where it continues to emit venom. Quickly remove the stinger with a pair of tweezers, the edge of a credit card or other flat object, or your fingernail. Wash the area with bottled water and soap if you have brought some with you.

Stinging pain and itching frequently accompany bites and stings, so be sure to apply Benadryl® Itch Relief Stick or spray to relieve itch and pain, and protect the skin.

Read other articles in our Spring-Summer 2020 volume of our Bettercare magazine here.

10 Ways to Enhance your Outdoor Living

With people spending most of their spring and summer closer to home this year, there is no better time to create an outdoor oasis for you to spend your lazy afternoons in. Make it comforting and inviting with furnishings, outdoor décor and even backyard lighting for those cozy evenings.

BBQ & Outdoor Cooking Essentials

No one can argue that enjoying outdoor BBQs is one of the highlights of warmer weather. The Kenmore Pedestal Grill features 522 sq. in. of cooking space and the generous side shelves fold down for compact storage. This 3-burner patio grill features an electronic ignition for easy lighting, porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids and a durable porcelain-enameled lid with a stainless steel handle.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill features sturdy quick-fold legs and 2 wheels for hassle-free setup, take down, and transport. Plus it features an Insta-start ignition button for matchless lighting! (Just make sure to play it safe and picnic or barbecue at home to maintain social distance, until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.) Find these and other BBQ and Outdoor Cooking Essentials here.

Patio Heaters

Warm up on those chillier nights with Bond Steel Gas Firetable or Portable Gas Fire Bowl. The bowl comes with pumice stones, locking lid with carry handle, 10ft propane gas hose with regulator and tank seat. Both are great for marshmallow roasting or adding a relaxing ambiance to your outdoor space. Find these and other outdoor heaters here.

Outdoor Patio Furniture

Make the most of outdoor spaces with a fresh patio set. This Collection Cosetta Patio Set is made of light weight Acacia wood construction and soft comfortable cushions. It’s small enough to fit most patios, while still providing enough room to seat 4 adults. The coffee table offers a sturdy construction with a decorative slat design top and stabilizing cross bar at the bottom. The set includes 2 arm chairs, 1 bench all with cushions and 1 coffee table.

The simple classic design of the Collection Bistro Set features two folding chairs and a Bistro table that also folds. The silver metal construction with black mesh chairs will suit any patio décor.

Create some shade so you can cool off on the hotter days with this 10ft. Bond Offset Umbrella Set. It includes 4-piece base and is available in blue, red or taupe.Customize your outdoor space with these and other patio furniture and accessories here.

Entertaining Décor & Accessories

Express your personal style with our wide selection of tableware and accessories. You’ll be surprised at how many choices there are to fit your patio theme. Plus, with much of our tableware made from durable materials, you’ll have no problem bringing it outdoors. Browse our full selection here.

Garden Tools & Planters

Work on your green thumb with our selection of outdoor planters and gardening tools. Planters and pots are perfect for adding a pop of colour without digging up the backyard. With our large selection of different styles and sizes, we’re sure you’ll find something that fits your outdoor space, regardless of its size. Plus, you can cart along all your gardening tools in this handy folding wagon from our Collection line. Browse our full selection of garden tools and planters here.

Outdoor Accessories

If you want to add a bit of functional style to your outdoor space, check out this Craft Van Cooler from our Collection line. Not only does it add character to your patio, you can also keep all your beverages cold. You can even use it to store other items when you’re not using it as a cooler, to maximize smaller patio spaces. Browse this and other outdoor accessories here.

Sun Care

Regardless of how much time you spend outdoors, make sure you’re well protected from the sun. From lotions and sprays to mineral options, you can find a sunscreen that’s right for you here.

Summer Clothing & Shoes

Whether you’re playing with your kids, doing some gardening or just soaking up a little sun, make sure you’re adequately dressed for the outdoors. We’ve got a selection of sandals, hats and comfortable clothing to help make spending time in your backyard more enjoyable. Explore our full clothing and shoe selection here.

Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Music adds a whole new element to your time outdoors, so why not use a bluetooth speaker to play your favourite tunes outside? The portability makes it convenient to take it anywhere in your patio space. Browse our full selection of bluetooth speakers here.

Outdoor Toys & Fun

If you’re looking to have some fun outside your yard, the Pelican Fazer 100 Kayak is the perfect choice. Built on a twin-arched, multi-chine hull, this sit-in kayak offers great stability and good tracking. It features an adjustable ERGOFORM padded backrest with seat cushion for comfort, a storage hatch with bungee cord to store your gear, a cockpit table, bottle holder, drain plug and carrying handles. Made of RAM-X impact-resistant material, it is built to last. So bring your Fazer 100 with you on your next adventure at the lake and create memorable stories worth sharing with everyone. Find these and other outdoor toys and fun here.

Fun Ways to Keep Cool

It’s finally here. Summer. The season we’ve waited for all year. Those long, lazy hot weather days we’ve been dreaming about are here, and well, now we’re feeling a little sweaty. And lazy. And we just don’t want to expend a whole lot of energy doing much of anything at all. Much less keeping cool.

But there are so many fun and easy ways to cool down while you chill out this summer. Here a few of our favourite ways to keep cool when the temperature soars.

Play in the Spray

You’ve seen inflatables decorating the neighbourhood during the holidays. Now they’ve found new purpose in the summertime: as sprinklers. That’s right, these inflatable sprinklers aren’t just cute, they’re also functional, and will bring out the play while you get your spray on.

Go Boating

A cool sea-breeze may be just the thing you need to cool down, and you can search for the best coastal breezes in your single-seat kayak. Get paddling!

Or Floating

If the pool is your preference, bring your A-game with a fun and funky floatie for you, or for the whole gang! Splish splash!

Make Some Shade

Sometimes you’ve just got to sit down and relax. But if you want it made in the shade, and your yard has other ideas, you’ll need to create your own little shady spot with a sun umbrella that’ll make lounging a lot less sweaty.

Pack a Cooler

There’s nothing like an ice cold drink on a hot day, but keeping it cool can be a challenge. And going inside for a refill isn’t always feasible, especially if you’re spending the day at the park or the beach. That’s why packing a cooler is essential – Just don’t forget the ice packs!

Explore our full outdoor living selection for more ways to have fun — and keep cool — in the sun.