Loulou's views

As much as I love to travel and explore new countries and cities, there is something very comforting about travelling back to my favourite vacation destination. For me and my family, that special place of familiarity that keeps us coming back for more, year after year, is the Diplomat Resort and Spa in South Florida. Aside from spending some serious quality time with my family on the beach and by the pools while on vacation at the Diplomat, I also love to sneak away for some pampering at the Diplomat Spa. During my stay at the Diplomat Resort and Spa this winter, I was treated to the New Year, New You Spa Package, and it was incredible. This special package consisted of a one hour personal training session, an 80 minute massage, a 50 minute firming facial, and a shellac manicure and pedicure. I was blown away, and very grateful for my spa experience. (I didn't do the personal training session, though—I left my running shoes a...

March break is almost over, and spring has arrived—but the weather does not yet match the season, as we're dealing with a lot of snow, and cold temperatures, still. No matter, though. Spring is here, and before we know it, we'll be sitting outside enjoying the weather we've been craving since January. For now? We spend some time outside, but enjoy coming back inside to warm up, and watch some of our favourite shows on Netflix . (Let me just take a moment here to thank Netflix Canada for this great package I received last month to welcome me back to the Netflix Stream Team for year two—I'm happy to be part of this great partnership again!) Anyway, my boys? They love watching anything that teaches them something new. It's all about educational shows for my science-loving boys, and right now, Netflix is featuring movies and shows that are exactly what my boys love to watch, including Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. This is such an interesting, inspiring, sh...

Most days, I feel like I live in my car. From morning to night, I'm driving around town, taking the kids to school, working from the office downtown or from my home, heading into meetings, shopping, picking my kids up, and taking them to their after school activities, after homework, of course. Thank goodness for coffee on the go, otherwise I'd never make it through the day! Of course all the driving around happens in between everything else that's getting checked off my to-do list, and let's not forget dinner preparation. (Pizza delivery nights are the best!) We do so much, all the time. Phew —it's no wonder we're often left exhausted at the end of the day and all we can think about is relaxing. While I often squeeze in time for a quick lunch with friends and a weekly visits to the salon, (I need my weekly blow-dry!) we don't often take the time for ourselves in the evening, to relax, unwind, and re-connect with our loved ones—you know, like going on a ...

Nordstrom Ottawa is opening its doors today, after much excitement and anticipation. I am ALL CAPS EXCITED, you guys! I have been a long-time lover and shopper of Nordstrom—it is my favourite department store, after all—and after attending the #NordstromOTT Gala Wednesday night, it was great to see that all the things I love about Nordstrom will be the same in my hometown, with a local twist. (How amazing is it that $180,000 was raised for United Way Ottawa and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation because of the Gala?) Bright and early today (starting at 7:30 a.m.) you can attend the Nordstrom Ottawa Beauty Bash , to get a look at what's in store for you (no pun intended) and to meet some of the lovely people who will be working behind your favourite beauty counters. (I'm still in awe of this package of amazing products Nordstrom sent my way to review. Best. Gift. Ever. ) From the Nordstrom pre-gala party  (which was a great way to welcome Nordstrom to Ottawa !) ...

Spring is finally— finally —in the air. Oh, just writing those words feels amazing! It has been a long, harsh winter, and despite a ten day beautiful vacation to Miami and Orlando, winter still dragged on, which meant I spent more time than usual sitting on the couch wishing the snow would go away so I could get outside with my children to do the things we love to do. (I'm sorry, but fun winter activities like skiing and skating are not that enjoyable to me because -30C is the worst!) Anyway, now with warmer days in our forceast, it's time to get back into shape. (Unless, of course, you've been smart and have kept up your workout routine even when all you've wanted to do is stay home, eat chips, and marathon-watch the new season of House of Cards.) I have been with GoodLife Fitness for years, probably from the first year they opened in Ottawa. I loved that I could go the gym whenever I wanted to work out, I loved that there was always a location clos...

Spring is officially here, even though there is still a lot of snow on the ground. Despite the less than seasonal temperatures and the snow,  I'm still excited, because I've been looking forward to spring since January. I really dislike winter because it lasts way longer than it should. There is nothing I enjoy more than welcoming spring back into my life and the best way to do this is by spring cleaning my home. Yes, cleaning can be fun, you guys. Especially when I'm cleaning out my closet to make room for new clothes and shoes for spring. Out with black, and in with colour! Here are some ways you can make spring cleaning your home a little easier: Make Doormats Welcoming: They're the front line against tracking in dirt, so keep them clean enough to function efficiently. If they're extremely soiled, soak them in warm water mixed with a scoop of of OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover for six hours then wash as directed—even the toughest stains get washe...

If I were to write a book about parenthood, it would be filled with wise advice I'd want to share about how quickly life change as soon as you become a parent. We may think we have all the answers, but really, nothing can truly prepare you for all that comes with parenthood. With this book, I would include a pack of batteries, and a bottle of wine—two essential items you should always have at home once you're a mom or dad! Believe it or not, batteries are absolutely essential to have in the home. (So is wine, of course.) We all know we should have working flashlights at home for emergencies, but those flashlights won't be any good if you don't have batteries to put in them. Since I'm always in the grocery store buying food for my family, I always remember to pick up new batteries when I'm there. (We love the Energizer® EcoAdvanced TM batteries, because they are super long lasting alkaline batteries made with 4% recycled batteries.) I haven't alwa...