Netflix Celebrates Earth Month

I love Netflix. In fact, I primarily only watch Netflix. All my favourite shows—Breaking Bad, Orange Is The New Black, Homeland, House Of Cards—are on Netflix. I watched all five seasons of Breaking Bad in three weeks. Waiting that long was hard, and it took a lot of will power on my part to not power through an entire season in one night—I had to pace myself. (It was, like everyone was saying, the best show ever. And I finally understand now why they kept willing ALL the awards!)

I'm not the only one in my family who loves Netflix—my husband is a huge fan, and so are our children. My oldest son has a TV in his room (and Netflix) and he has limited time to watch TV when he's home. When he does watch, he is almost always watching an educational show about animals, the earth, science, or marine life.

When I was recently asked to be part of the Netflix Stream Team, I was thrilled, because, well, I'm the biggest Netflix fan—everyone in my family is!

Now that Earth Month is upon us, it's the perfect time to remind ourselves—and even educate ourselves— about all the great wonders this planet continuously provides us. I love sitting down with my kids and husband to watch documentaries about animals and the earth because it starts some great conversations—about the things we can do to help our environment, about our favourite animals, and so much more. (My eight year old adores sea turtles, and my six year old loves crocodiles so much we even had one in our house for his fifth birthday for an animal show!)

My boys loved watching The Blue Planet on Netflix (over and over again) because it was so interesting, and very educational. It was neat to discover the creatures that live in the marine world, some familiar to us, and some completely unknown.

Another great documentary we want to watch is Addicted to Plastic. which is all about how plastic products are now such a huge part of our lives that we don't even think twice about using them. This documentary will be eye opening, although it might be a little too mature for my children. 

The one we're most excited to start watching? Wildlife Specials. There are different episodes (Humpback Whale, Polar Bear, and the Crocodile, my youngest son's favourite) and one on the Great Natural Wonders of the World. I know we're going to love this series, and we can't wait to start watching.

There are also some great shows on Netflix for younger children, too, that will help educate them on the environment and the earth, like Curious George, everyone's favourite little curious monkey.

What are your excited to watch this month with your family? 

Disclosure: I am part of the Netflix Canada Stream Team. I receive certain perks as part of my affiliation in this program. All opinions and views are my own.

Spa Week By Way Spa (And A Spa Week Giveaway!)

What's more blissful than a day at the spa? I'm a huge spa girl, and I make sure to work massages into my schedule whenever I can. From testing out fabulous treatments at resorts like the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort and Spa to visiting my favourite salons here in Ottawa, I try to make time for me, so I can unwind and relax.

I was talking about WaySpa.com and the upcoming Spa Week on CTV Ottawa Morning Live, and now I'm really looking forward to some pampering, especially after a very busy month.

Here's my segment about WaySpa.com and SpaWeek!

WaySpa.com offers great deals on spa treatments from coast to coast. WaySpa.com has partnered with over 2,000 spas across Canada, and it's the place to go if you're looking for a mani-pedi combo close to home, a couples package for a NYC getaway, or a spa weekend with the girlfriends. WaySpa.com  offers it all, and it's easy to buy treatments online.

Spa Week by WaySpa.com is returning to Canada from April 21 to April 27. Spa Week is a bi-annual event and allows you to enjoy luxurious full-service spa treatments at the best salons across Canada for just $50.00. That means that massage you've been craving for months, that normally costs more than you'd like to pay for it? It's yours, for only 50 dollars.

This year, joining Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, WaySpa.com has announced the addition of Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa to its Spa Week roster. Canadians everywhere can now experience spa treatments at an amazing price.

Want to participate? Here's how:

1. Go to WaySpa.com/SPAWEEK and find the treatment you want—a week of amazing hair treatments, a massage, a mani-pedi combo, or anything you want.
2. Purchase your $50.00 Spa Week treatment voucher.
3. Book your appointment with the spa of your choice.
4. Enjoy your spa day!

Supporting sponsors of Spa Week by WaySpa.com include Godiva Chocolatier and The Mighty Leaf Tea Company, who will help enhance guest experiences with their delicious offerings.

For a complete list of participating spas and treatments, or to purchase your voucher and book your appointment, visit www.wayspa.com/spaweek. 

Bonus! I'm giving away a Spa Week gift certificate to one of my readers. 

Enter here:

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Good Luck, spa lovers!

Top Six Family Summer Vacation Destinations

I love to travel. I love that my boys enjoy the adventure of travel, too. Now that they're older, travelling is much easier. I was on a plane before I turned one years old, and I lived in Greece for the first year of my life. I spent childhood summers in Greece, and winter vacations in Florida. From vacations in Venezuela, Aruba, Amsterdam, England, Mexico, California, New York City and Grand Cayman Island, I like to think I can offer some travel advice to my friends and readers.

My family and I go to south Florida once or twice a year, and we love road trips to Chateau Montebello, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Montreal. We loved vacationing in Maine and Bahamas. Sometimes, deciding where to go on vacation can be stressful, especially when you're traveling with children, so I've put together a list to help you decide where to vacation this summer.

Here are my top six summer family vacation destinations:

South Florida: If you're looking for a beach vacation that's not too far away, I recommend South Florida. We have been vacationing at the beautiful Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa once or twice a year since my oldest son was two. We consider the Westin Diplomat our "home away from home", if you will.  The oceanfront balcony rooms are our favourite, and when the children were younger and would nap in our room, sitting on the balcony taking in that ocean view was vacation enough.

The resort has two large pools—an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and a large lagoon-style pool with cascading waterfalls. There is a fabulous spa, a tennis centre (voted one of the 50 best tennis resorts in the world) a 24-hour gym, and a golf course. There is a great restaurant, a Sushi bar, and a little grocery store where you can stock up on all you need, like Starbucks coffee, snacks, yogurt parfaits, fruit, and bottles of wine. There's also the great Westin Kids Club.

Even though we're in Florida where there are a million things to do, (shopping at Aventura Mall and at the Bal Harbour Shops are my two favourite things to do!) we don't usually leave the resort during the day. We feel like we're a million miles away.

Atlantis, Bahamas: A few years ago, my family and I went to the Atlantis resort in Bahamas. Whatever wonderful things you hear about the Atlantis resort? All true! This resort is amazing, and massive. Perhaps even overwhelming, because there is so much to do.  There are 20 pools, including three children's pools, and the ocean is the loveliest shade of turquoise.

There are places to go if you want some peace and quiet, and there is Dolphin Cay, where you can watch a dolphin show, or even swim with the dolphins if you're brave enough. There are many places to eat, so you'll have no problem finding something great for even the pickiest eater traveling with you. We loved eating pizza at the Marina, and finishing our night at Ben and Jerry's.

Even rainy days are fun at Atlantis, and we passed our time in the many stores, library, and huge casino. The ocean life is incredible, too. Some of our favourite pools? The Grotto pool, a zero-entry pool with cascading waterfalls, the Baths pool, the Mayan Temple pool, the Ripple pool, the Poseidon pool, and the Splashers pool. We loved the lazy river ride, too, and the many water slides. One week is almost not enough time to take it all in, so if you can afford a two-week vacation to Atlantis, I'd highly recommend that.

Washington, D.C.: I am a little biased because I lived in D.C. for a while, completing an internship at WUSA TV 9. Before that, I travelled to D.C. often to visit family. I took my boys on my first sans-husband trip when they were younger and it was a great vacation. The flight is only an hour, and we took the subway everywhere.

I love everything about D.C. and Bethesda, Maryland—from the shopping to the great museums. The Air and Space museum and the Spy museum are worth checking out when you're traveling with children. We also went to the National Mall, the White House, and my favourite, The Cheesecake Factory! There are tons of things to do in the summertime, and Georgetown is my favourite place to go. From the shopping to the restaurants, it's a great place to people watch. Maybe you'll even bump into Frank Underwood?

Ogunquit, Maine: I have been to Maine three times, and every time I go, I can't wait to go back. It is one of my favourite places to go in the summertime. Ogunquit is a relaxed, casual beach town, and a very popular tourist destination in the summertime. I love walking the streets, checking out the pretty stores, and eating at the fine restaurants overlooking the ocean.

We stayed at Anchorage By The Sea, which has three pools, including a small children's pool. (They even have an indoor pool in case the weather is not co-operating.) We took trolley rides, visited famous lighthouses in Perkins Cove, and walked the village at night, stopping in all the picturesque stores along the way. From where we live, it's about a seven hour car ride, and we'll definitely go back again soon. The only down side? The ocean is never warm enough to actual swim in, unless you're very brave.

Mont Tremblant: Mont Tremblant is an awesome place to go in the winter because it's one of the greatest places to ski. My family and I went to Tremblant when I was Volkswagen Canada's 24H Tremblant blogger, and it was breathtakingly beautiful in December, with Christmas lights everywhere.

Mont Tremblant is just as lovely in the summer—it's a stunning village in Quebec, and there is a lot to do, especially for the children, no matter the season. My boys loved the boat rides, the gondola rides, and swimming in hotel pools. The village also has a great water park for the kids. Although we've been three times, it's one place we'll keep coming back to, because it's just a short (three hour) drive from home.

Niagara Falls/Great Wolf Lodge: We've taken the boys to Great Wolf Lodge and Niagara Falls twice, and they absolutely love it.

Great Wolf Lodge is made for children of all ages. Kids are everywhere, so be prepared for some noise. The indoor water park is so much fun, even for the older kids. It's always fun getting buckets of water poured on you as you're walking by! Great Wolf Lodge is packed with activities for the children, and has an arcade, outdoor pool, and spa for children and adults. It's the perfect resort for kids, and you're just a few minutes from Niagara Falls. Go during peach picking season.

Other places I love going with the kids? Toronto! Visit the ROM, go to the top of the CN Tower, check out the new aquarium, and go to Legoland.

Whether you're staying close to home or traveling far, I hope you have a fantastic summer vacation. I know it's only mid-April, but the earlier you start planning and booking your travels, the happier you'll be, because you'll be stress-free.

If you have any questions about the hotels we stay at when we travel, or if you're looking for advice on anything else travel related, just let me know—I'd be happy to help!

Breaking Bad Obsession

Anyone who knows me knows I get easily obsessed with things. I often say things like "Oh my God, you guys? I just saw the BEST movie EVER. Like, seriously. You have to go see American Hustle, because it was THE BEST." I say things like this all the time, so I get that those closest to me may not totally believe me when I get super excited about the new things I love.

This is me, basically:

Best song ever! Best movie ever! Best burger ever! Best vacation ever! I get it, I tend to over-exaggerate things sometimes. When I started watching House of Cards on Netflix, I said it was the best show ever. I loved it. (Still do!) I even wrote about my Mad Men obsession. I made sure everyone I was friends with watched it. My friends listen to me because it's the only way I'll leave them alone and drop a subject, so they oblige, whether they want to or not. (Thanks, friends! You know I'm right!)

You guys, here's the thing. This time when I say to you THE BEST EVER I mean it, 100%.

The best television series in the history of television is Breaking Bad. PERIOD. 

I know I'm late to the game here, but oh my. Oh, my God.

Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad! Breaking Bad. It is all over. I am so very, very sad.

I just powered through the five seasons in, like, two weeks. I tried so hard to take it slow, but things sometimes have to happen quickly, because waiting is impossible when things are that good.

Walter White. Jesse Pinkman. Sigh!

Every single episode of Breaking Bad was unbelievably incredible. I mean, there was an entire episode about a fly, and even that was amazing.

Every episode had me on the edge of my seat. Cursing and screaming and laughing and clapping at the television.  There were episodes where I almost pulled out all my hair. One episode almost made me faint. My blood pressure was definitely at dangerous levels during the last six episodes of season five. And the ending, you guys? The ending? It was perfect. It was everything it had to be.

I would sometimes drive around in my car and see a police car behind me and get scared, forgetting that I was not the one with the meth lab. I mean, I even had dreams, dreams about Breaking Bad and the Mexican drug cartel.

I was going to write this post with major spoilers in it, but I don't trust my sister enough. Guaranteed, she's going to read this post, and the entire show will be ruined for her, because she hasn't started watching it yet. I want to talk about it all, because it needs to be talked about. (My sister promises she's going to start watching soon, and I know she will, because I'll drive her nuts if she doesn't.)

When I was depressed that I had finished watching Season Two of House of Cards, I told my husband how sad I was. He said to me: "Watch Breaking Bad. Trust me." Trust him I did, and now, I can't stop talking about it, poor guy.

Every character on Breaking Bad was amazing. Mike, Hank, Gus, Saul. "Better call Saul!"  Every major thing that happened blew my mind. I can say without a doubt that there has never been a better show, ever. And I am sure you will all agree with me on this, right?

If you haven't watched Breaking Bad yet, please do yourself a favour... watch it. And enjoy every second of the wildest ride of your life.

Kidoodle.TV: Built For Kids, Loved By Parents

As a family, we love to travel—a lot. Getting to our destination can be a lot of fun, whether it's a car ride to Great Wolf Lodge or a plane ride to Florida. However, when you take into account airport delays and tired children, the travelling part can sometimes be tiresome. Thank goodness for iPads, because they can be a lifesaver on trips.

Now that my boys are older, they love watching their favourite shows on their iPads. I'm very glad they no longer watch some of the shows that used to annoy me, like Caillou, but with full access to the internet, sometimes I worry about what they are viewing. 

They are pros at navigating around their iPads and searching YouTube for Minecraft videos. Sometimes I'll hear a very bad word and I'll have to tell them to turn it off. I wish iPads came with parental controls!

Thankfully I discovered Kidoodle.TV—an online streaming video service for children 12 and under. Thanks to Mom Central Canada, I was offered a free two-month subscription to Kidoodle.TV and my kids put it to the test.

Some great features of Kidoodle.TV: 

• It's mobile, safe, and comes with parental controls and time limits. Pretty genius, right?
• You can customize profiles for up to five children.
• Kidoodle.TV is strictly focused on the children—no commercials, no bad words, and no adult content you have to feel uncomfortable about. 
• You can choose content based on your child's age or just by the shows they like to watch.
• You can set time limits, too, through the secure Parent's Room.
• Kidoodle.TV can be watched when you're on the go or travelling, as long as you have internet access.
• Did I mention Kidoodle.TV has awesome retro content, including Jem and the Holograms and Inspector Gadget, two of my favourite shows from my past?

Would you like to try Kidoodle.TV yourself to see if it would be a good fit for your children? My friends at Mom Central Canada have a discount code just for you—you'll receive 25% off for a one year subscription to Kidoodle.TV. Just enter this custom discount code when prompted: MCC25. (This coupon expires June 30, 2014.)

Our children love their iPads, and I love that with Kidoodle.TV I don't have to worry about them watching stuff that might not be completely appropriate for them. 

I'm also a fan of the educational shows, like National Geographic—my children love shows about nature and animals. Other favourite shows they love on Kidoodle.TV? Super Mario Bros., and Transformers—talk about a blast from my past!

Make sure to also head over to Kidoodle's Facebook page to enter to win one of three iPad Minis. It's super easy to enter, and iPads are essential when you're traveling with kids! 

Disclosure: I am part of the Kidoodle.TV blogger program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own. 

Spring Style

It's April—and it's finally time to put away the winter gear, even though there is still snow on the ground. Winter dragged on (and on and on) this year, with never-ending snowstorms and freezing temperatures, but now we're heading into warmer months and that means it's time to celebrate—by making room in our closets for spring and summer. See ya, boots. To the basement you go, Canada Goose parka. I love you, but I'm taking a break for a while, okay?

Here are the spring essentials you need:

A bright jacket: Everyone needs a spring jacket that can be worn on chilly mornings or evenings when you're on a patio having drinks outside. Think something bright like hot pink, sunshine yellow, or kelly green. Colour is everywhere this season!

Florals: What's more spring-like than dressing in florals? Floral dresses are huge right now. After all, it just wouldn't be spring without fresh flowers! When you're wearing a floral dress, keep the rest of your accessories simple and stick with a nude heel to bring the look together.

Black and white: Black and white is always in season. Black is my go-to colour, even in the summertime. A cute little black dress, wedge heels and a tan? Easy, stylish, and cool. Even more cool? A pretty white dress with a golden tan. I love the one below from Banana Republic. And the possibilities are endless—Nordstrom also has a great selection. I love the white legging jeans at Gap, too. Super cute!

Little dresses: I love wearing pastel colours and bold colours in the spring and summer.  Shades of pink, coral, blue and green is a fun and pretty way to welcome back the sunshine. Club Monaco has some amazing dresses right now. I also love shopping Bloomigdale's and Nordstrom for dresses and hey—they even deliver to Canada, if you love online shopping.

Stylish shades: I love sunglasses and I always gravitate towards Chanel glasses. I do splurge on my sunglasses, but I wear them all the time and take very good care of them, so that's my excuse. I'm currently in love with this classic pair of Gucci shades. Perfect for a European summer vacation, no?

Cute flats: I love my Tory Burch Reva flats. They're comfortable, easy to slip on, and very practical shoes to wear every day. When it comes to comfort, Sam Edelman is also incredible, and this year I'll be wearing this pair of Felicia nude flats to get around.

Striped dress: What's more classic than a striped dress? If you look inside my closet, you'll notice a theme—stripes, stripes, and more stripes. Whether you're wearing big, bold stripes or smaller stripes, this look is perfect for spring and summer days. I'm in love with this black and white theory dress, and the next time I go shopping, this dress is coming home with me. Gap has a great selection of striped (and very affordable) dresses, too.

The perfect nude heel: Nine West is always one step ahead with the best shoes for every season. The perfect work heel? They've got it. The Izzy is one amazing shoe for spring and summer and can be worn with practically everything from a cute cocktail dress to cropped pants and boyfriend jeans. I also love the Mahla, a dressier wedge heel. Both are perfect for spring and summer!

This is only a small glimpse into all the things I want and need for spring and summer. There are so many great options in stores right now, no matter what your style or price range is. Have fun shopping for all things spring!

An Evening With Lainey Gossip

I've always loved the entertainment industry and after university, I interned at Entertainment Tonight in Los Angeles. That was quite an experience—especially sitting in Mary Hart's chair.  I'm completely fascinated with all things entertainment—movies, television shows, music, and celebrities. One of my guilty pleasures is reading magazines like In Style and US Weekly. I can't get enough!

A couple of years ago, celebrity blogger Lainey (from www.laineygossip.com) came to Ottawa and I was invited to a special evening of gossip and fun where she schooled us all with her knowledge of the entertainment industry. She's met everyone there is to meet, and she knows all the latest celebrity gossip. She's always in the know, you know?

Lainey is back next week, and it's time for me to dust off my notebook, sharpen my pencil, and put on my cutest school outfit, because I'm attending Lainey's latest gossip's faculty of celebrity studies—sophomore session! Lainey will also be sharing an inside look at her debut book, "Listen to the Squawking Chicken." How fun!

This live lecture (brought to you by glaceau vitaminwater) includes cocktails and snacks, of course, so we'll be very well-fueled while we learn about the latest celebrity gossip. Gossip, friends, and cocktails? Sign me up!

Best news? I've got an invite for TWO to give away to one of my fabulous celebrity obsessed readers!

The faculty of celebrity studies takes place on Monday April 7th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. 

Once a winner is randomly selected, I'll notify them about where the location is. (It is somewhere fabulous, I promise you that!)

If you want to make sure you're on top of all things entertainment, catch up on your reading at www.laineygossip.com. You can also follow Lainey on Twitter at @laineygossip.

Hashtag? #rumorestimmortalis

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Better Homes and Gardens 2014 Best New Beauty Products Giveaway!

As a beauty blogger, I love getting the chance to try the latest products people are buzzing about, because many of these products quickly get added to my "must-buy, must-have" shopping list.

I was excited when Better Homes and Gardens Magazine contacted me to try the Best New Beauty Products 2014. Over 80,000 consumers took part in a research study conducted by BrandSpark International and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, and these consumers selected the 29 most appealing and innovative new beauty products of 2014. I got to put these great products to the test! (I love my job, truly.)

Best part? I get to give away these fabulous beauty products to one of my readers! 

Here are the products I received: 

SensatioNail Starter Kit: I am terrible at doing my own nails, so I go for manicures every two weeks. I've fallen in love with getting shellac nail polish, because with the LED nail lamp, the polish dries quickly and my nails lasts for a week without chipping. This new SensatioNail Kit is perfect for people who don't have time to wait for regular nail polish to dry. The SensatioNail Starter Kit comes with everything you need for 10 gel applications, even the Pro 3060 LED Lamp, designed to safely and quickly flash-cure your favourite Gel Polish, sealing in the colour to a "glossy, damage-proof, mirror-like finish." After 10 manicures, you can buy the Essential Kit and the colour of your choice and you're good to go again. The starter kit sells for $59.99.

Dove Go Fresh Body Wash: I love Dove Body Wash, and the new Dove Go Fresh Restore Body Wash is "...infused with Dove's unique's NutriumMoisture technology, which moisturizes and nourishes skin."  It smells fresh, with scents of blue fig and orange blossom—so yummy. 

Pantene Age Defy: This is the greatest Pantene shampoo and conditioner for damaged, over-processed hair. This new shampoo and conditioner helps hair act (and feel) up to 10 years younger. It helps fix damaged hair, lacklustre colour, dryness, thinning, breakage, split ends and frizz. It even restores smoothness and shine. What more do you need in a shampoo and conditioner? Absolutely nothing!  These are my two new favourites.

Regeneration Extreme Eye Complex: This is considered the best new eye cream on the market right now. It reduces puffiness and dark circles, and retails for $65.00. It helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, too. Even if you're tired, nobody will know. I love this eye cream—a lot!

Cover Girl + Olay Eye Rehab CC Cream:  This is the best new eye cream under $40.00. It conceals while improving skin tone—total bonus.

Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15: A moisturizer and CC cream plus sunscreen, in one bottle—perfect for travelling, so you don't have to over-pack the beauty products. (Which will also leave you more room in your suitcase for that extra pair of shoes!)

Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1:  This great foundation is also an primer, concealer, and sunscreen for your skin—and the matte finish covers extremely well, without looking like a heavy foundation. 

Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil:  I love using this oil on my hair because it adds shine, reduces frizz, and smells absolute divine! It is just as good as the original Moroccan Oil I use on my hair, and it's totally affordable. The Suave Moroccan Oil keeps my hair smooth all day long.

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick: This is a great long-lasting lipstick. I love the colour, too. It's neutral enough to be worn with anything, and I love wearing this shade of lipstick with a smoky eye. 

OPI Liquid Sand: This is OPI nail polish is sparkly and shiny. I love the gold and I took forward to wearing this colour in the summer, with a little white dress, sandals, and a golden tan. 

A lot of these products have been added to my "favourites" list. What are you most excited about trying? Do you have a favourite among these great beauty products?

Enter here to win these great new beauty products: 

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Cruciani Bracelets: The Hottest Accessory From Italy

I love shopping for and discovering new accessories. With stylish accessories, you don't have to spend a fortune to change your look from day to day. A new pair of shoes, a cute pair of sunglasses, and some colourful jewellery can transform your look effortlessly. I'm just waiting for the weather to warm up so I can embrace spring fashion and accessories—enough with winter already!

One of the hottest fashion accessories in Europe is the Cruciani bracelet, which is made in Italy—the fashion capital of the world.

All the way from Italy, Cruciani bracelets have the fashion industry, celebrities, and people from around the world buzzing. These gorgeous Made in Italy lace bracelets come in a wide variety of colours, and each one is as beautiful as the next. They have become the must-have fashion accessory for men and women with over 12 million sold worldwide. 

Cruciani bracelets have been spotted on the arms of Beyonce, Kate Middleton, Heidi Klum and many other celebs. (Beyonce even posted a picture on Instagram wearing her Cruciani bracelets!)

These cute lace bracelets have become a global phenomenon. Tourists and locals stock up on them during the summer months in Italy—they're the fashion accessory to have, after all—and I've been given two of them, one in black, and one in turquoise. I love them, and I think they'll be super fun to wear during the summer months.

I'm also giving away a Cruciani bracelet to one of my awesome readers—this way, you'll be totally ready for spring and summer, too!

Enter here:

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The winner of this giveaway will be able to select the bracelet of their choice over at shopcruciani.ca.

Good Luck, my fashionable friends!

The Ultimate Girls Day Out At The National Women's Show

Looking for something fun to do with the girls?  Get your best friends together for the National Women's Show, back by popular demand at the Ottawa Convention Centre this March 29th and 30th!

Bring your best friend, your sister, and your mom and shop 'til you drop at over 250 exhibits. (Make sure you're wearing comfortable—yet stylish—shoes!) And don't worry, you won't be shopping on an empty stomach—you'll get the chance to eat some fabulous food, and taste some delicious wine, too. Yum!  If you want a break from walking around, sit down and enjoy some fashion shows, and meet some celebrity guests, too.

You'll also learn health, wellness and beauty secrets, you'll see some great cooking demonstrations, and even go home with some home renovations ideas. Looking for somewhere to vacation this summer? This show has that covered, too! There are great goodie bags that'll be given out at the National Women's Show, too, featuring great products from Kellogg's, Nestle's Skinny Cow, John Freida, and so much more. Of course, you'll be taking home great samples of products throughout the day, as well, and there are tons of great contests to enter, too.

If you like to attend the National Women's Show, you can enter to win tickets here! I'm giving away 4 sets of tickets to my readers.

Enter here:

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(Note: Please leave your name in the comment section along with a way I can reach you. Ticket can be picked up at the National Women's Show!)

If you would like to purchase addition tickets at a reduced cost, just enter the promo code LouLou at check-out for $3.00 off your ticket price!

In A New York Minute

I love being busy.  I love cities that are awake, alive, and full of action. Cities like New York, the city that never sleeps. I love the hectic pace of New York, seeing people everywhere constantly doing something, even if they're just sitting on a park bench in Central Park, taking it all in. And there really is so much to take in when you're in NYC—always. 

I just got back from a few days in the Big Apple with my mom and sister. A girls trip to see A Raisin in the Sun with Denzel Washington on Broadway was the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of spring. I've been to NYC seven times, and each time, I love it more than the time before. This city is just so cool. I've been having a love affair with NYC my entire life, starting when I was a child and falling in love with the movie Annie.

I had the great opportunity to review and stay at Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, and once we arrived, we hit the streets and basically walked for two days straight—as one should, when they're in New York. Why waste time in a taxi when you can see so much more by foot? (I started off in stylish boots, switched to flats, and ended up wearing a new pair of flip flips. But it was okay—it was actually warm enough to wear flip flips in NYC!)

Here's a summary of our trip to NYC in pictures:

We went to Magnolia Bakery. It was my sister's first time, and she loved the cupcakes. I did, too. I'm not a huge cupcake fan, but I think they are better than anywhere else I've tried. I always go with vanilla.

We went to Bloomingdale's to shop, and knowing I would be coming home to our never-ending winter, (sigh) I picked up a new coat. Of course.

The weather in NYC was perfection while we were there. We even enjoyed coffee outside, on a patio. And we didn't get cold! It was amazing. Of course, we're coming from months of minus 40C, so anything warmer than that, and we think it's summer.

We took in the sights, from Upper East Side, to Rockefeller Centre to the New York Public Library. 

We went to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre early enough to stalk talk to Denzel's personal driver. He told us where to stand after the show so we'd meet Mr. Denzel. Seeing this play in the intimate, old theatre was a great experience. Seeing Denzel performing so close to me was pretty awesome. After the show, I was front of the line to meet him and shake his hand. My hands were shaking afterwards, and I was debating if I should ever wash my hand again. (Of course I did.)

We ate dinner at great restaurants, we imagined we lived in Manhattan, and we had our own adventures, as we always do when we travel together.

Memories? Made. New York City is everything... and really one of my favourite places to visit. Can't wait for more adventures!

In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made, oh
There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York,
New York, New York... (Jay Z and Alicia Keys)