Loulou's views

What do you love the most about this great weather? When I step outside first thing in the morning, or when I leave work for the day, I can't help but take a deep breath, and smile—the sounds of summer, and the sunshine on my skin really helps put me in a good mood, no matter what's going on in my life. And there is not much I don't love about summer, to be honest. I'd say dressing for these warm, sunshiny days is one of my favourite things to do. Spring and summer is all about cute dresses (and my closet is full of dresses!) and great wedge heels—and with that, smooth, soft, silky skin. Because I'm always in a rush in the morning, I love using great moisturizing products that are going to leave my skin feeling soft all day long. I'm addicted to Jergens Skincare products, because they provide great moisture protection for my skin. One of my favourite new products from Jergens is the Shea Butter Lotion which smells delicious, and kind ...

Right now, there are a lot of things that make me smile. After all, as long as my children are happy, I feel content. However, we all have bad days— those moments of doubt and insecurities and fear that can take over the mind and put you in a state of complete unhappiness. I’m trying to enjoy every minute of this sunshine and warm weather. I love evening walks and basketball games with my boys after dinner, and love the fact that because I’m eating healthier, I’m feeling better, too. However, it doesn’t take much to turn a wonderful day into something… not so wonderful, despite the power of the sun and love from my children. It could be a sad news story I’ve read, a fight I’ve had with a friend or loved one, unpaid bills piling up, or worrying about what’s going to happen in the near (or far) future. And I do worry all the time, about everything. There are ways to stop the negative thoughts from forming into something larger, though, and these are the things I do to try to stay...

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own. Summer is finally here, and so are the wonderful days of lounging outside on patios with friends and family, backyard BBQ's, swimming with the children, enjoying evening soccer games, and, of course, shopping for a new summer wardrobe (hello, dresses!) and new beauty products. When you're getting ready to head out, whether it's for a date night at a romantic Italian restaurant, or a girls night out on a patio, COVERGIRL and Olay can help bring out the most beautiful you. (It is amazing what a little make-up can do!) I love the Olay Total Effects Anti-aging Moisturizer. This new formula has 40% more vitamins and the highest level of Niacinamide in an over-the-counter Olay skincare product. Pretty awesome. This new anti-aging moisturizer is a must-have when you're shop...

I spent the last two days in beautiful Cincinnati, Ohio, thanks to P&G. I had the chance to learn all about Tide HE Turbo technology at P&G's Research and Development Headquarters. But first, Cincinnati... not a city that was on my personal bucket list, but one that I am very glad I got to see and experience. I left with many happy memories and I can't wait to visit again. The city is charming and beautiful, with great history and a cool vibe. It's also very clean, which I loved. The people were super friendly, and the hotel I stayed at— 21C Museum Hotel —was amazing. It was modern and hip and had a great roof top bar with fantastic city views. And very comfortable beds. I flew to Chicago and from there, landed in Kentucky, which is actually where the Ohio airport is located. (I did not know that... I thought I got on the wrong plane and ended up in the wrong State!) Now I can say I was in three States in one day.  Anyway, Kentucky, from what I saw ...

You all know I'm no master chef—or baker—in the kitchen. However, I make up for that in other ways. Recently, though, I found an amazingly easy recipe, one that even my children love helping me make. It's a snack that's packed with so much goodness, and is so delicious, and healthy, I don't mind making them every week. The Kraft Peanut Butter Snack Bites of Goodness that I made recently were a huge hit in my house. I love that I'm able to make my boys a delicious snack that they love eating, and I think it's great that we can incorporate different ingredients in them to make them taste different each time. And total bonus? They're no bake snack bites. So they take no time at all to make. Here's another recipe I love : the Kraft Honey Pistachio Peanut Butter Snack Bites. These are so yummy, you won't even realize there is no chocolate in them! These are just as simple to make. Here's what you need: 1/2 cup Kraft Peanut Butter with Hone...

There are a million reasons I love spring and summer, and shopping for new clothes is on top of that list. I love dressing for this weather, and I love clothes that can be worn different ways for when I go out with the girls for drinks, for when I'm just hanging around with my children, or heading into work. What I look for when I'm shopping is versatility in the pieces I buy. And shopping the  I.N.C  line at Hudson's Bay is one of my favourite things to do, because they always have just what I'm looking for. Versatility. Style. Comfort. I can always find something totally appropriate—whether it's for work, going out, or just kicking back with the family. I received the most amazing package from Hudson's Bay Company, filled with the season's must-have fashion items—from jeans to a bright pink top with zipper detail, to a lacy white top (that is so sexy, worn alone, or with a sweater) to the most stunning two-piece palm leaf very Mad Men in...

After hectic mornings getting the kids out the door for school—a time I cherish, despite how busy it is—I take the scenic route to work. The weather has been perfect, and I love that I'm surrounded by so much beauty on my drive. Windows down with my favourite music playing is always a great start to my day. May is my favourite month, because it's the beginning of summer.  Nothing makes me happier than stepping outside in a little dress and feeling the hot sun on my skin. Sadly, spring and summer go by in the blink of an eye, and because of this, I do as much as I can to take it all in, by staying outside as much as possible. Sunny skies, hot temperatures, and a light breeze... absolute perfection. Nights on patios with friends, pool parties and backyard BBQ's, vacations... all things to get really excited about. Here's something else to get excited about: a spring and summer beauty routine. Now that the harsh months of winter are behind us, it...

Now that warmer days are here, there's really no need to ever be indoors—unless it's to sleep, and even then, it's with the windows open, so the sounds of summer can be heard. This weather, you guys... it's perfection. Finally, after the longest winter ever , we're able to kick back and soak up the sun. The only thing keeping me indoors is... argh —never-ending piles of laundry that somehow, despite the fact that we're wearing less clothing than we did in the winter—seem to keep piling up. (And maybe it's because my boys seem to roll in mud, like, every day, going through so many t-shirts and short every day!) There is no magic solution to laundry, unless someone else is doing it for me, but the next best thing is using a product that's going to make my job more efficient so I can get back to doing the things I really love. It's a fact that laundry is the most time consuming household chore, so Tide has come up with a solution. HE Turbo Clean ...

Lately the weather has been absolute perfection, with warm and sunny days. I simply cannot get enough of how nice it is outside, finally. Spring is most definitely in the air and summer is close behind, which is my favourite time of the year. I love spring for so many reasons—we get to stay out late, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on our skin. I also love spring a lot because it's always the perfect excuse to go shopping, to stock up on spring essentials! Shoppers Drug Mart has everything I need to take care of myself and my family. They have a huge selection of products, no matter what you're looking for; from home decor, to cards and gift ideas, to children's products and, of course, all the beauty products I desire. Shoppers Drug Mart continues to be my one-stop place to shop, and this spring, there is so much to shop for. Shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart is effortless, easy, and doesn't take up too much of my time. The service is always great, which re...

Mother's Day is around the corner and while I'm not overly sentimental, I love giving (and receiving) on this special day. What I receive from my boys that I love and appreciate the most are personal tokens of love and affection that come from the heart. A handwritten card is pretty much all I need to make me completely happy on Mother's Day, or any day of the year, for that matter. The gifts my boys give that come from the heart mean so much to me. When I receive other types of sweet gifts, I'm also very thankful. Gifts like spa treatments ,   luxurious hotel stays , and jewellery always make great gifts. I was given this gorgeous personalized necklace by my Stella and Dot Independent Stylist, Kristy Price , recently, and I wear it almost every day. It's the perfect engravable necklace and it goes with almost everything I wear. It was a special early Mother's Day gift I received, and now I want to give you a special Mother's Day gif...