Loulou's views

One of my favourite things about the holiday season is the last-minute shopping. As much as I plan ahead of time and get most of my shopping done for everyone on my list by the beginning of December, there is always something left to buy a day or two before Christmas, which is perfectly fine with me, because I truly do love the hustle and bustle of the holidays, especially the last-minute shopping. I received the most adorable set of silver bracelets from ALEX AND ANI this week, and they are the perfect accessories to wear during the fun holiday season. I've already received so many compliments on the bracelets, (I especially love my new kite bracelet—it's perfect to wear no matter the season!) and I love knowing I've inspired some friends to buy some of these bracelets for people on their list, too. 'Tis the season, after all. ALEX AND ANI have some great holiday sets to gift, which will make your holiday shopping even easier. How ...

As much as I love presents wrapped up under the Christmas tree, I prefer presents that have to do with travel—like a stay in a gorgeous luxury hotel. Sometimes, a weekend getaway is the perfect way to escape and unwind during the crazy holiday season, or in the new year, when you have more time. Giving gifts that have to do with travel—luggage, bikinis, sunglasses, airplane tickets or a surprise stay in a gorgeous hotel in a city you love—give lasting memories that'll last forever. I've had the great pleasure of staying at The Hazelton Hotel several times, and each time I stay there, I fall in love all over again. It's become my favourite hotel, and it's always hard to say goodbye. This luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Yorkville is all about excellent service, gorgeous, sexy  rooms and suites , (62 beautifully designed rooms and 15 exceptional suites) and incredible dining options, whether you're ordering to your room or enjoying the food and ambiance at O...

If you're still looking for the perfect gift to give this holiday season, you should consider giving something unique, something designed in Canada, something practical, and something timeless—like a new watch from Medium Watch Co. What is Medium Watch Co.? "We are a collaboration of designers, innovators, entrepreneurs, athletes and artists that appreciate the details. We value the tools of our trade and the accessories that define us. Through careful craftsmanship and customization of the products that we choose, we are making a statement about who we are." I recently received a gorgeous watch from Medium Watch Co . and love the sleek design and the choice of watches that are available for men and women. I had a hard time choosing which watch I wanted, but went with the black and rose gold mesh watch . It's perfect and I wear it almost every day. I love that Medium Watch Co. is designed in Canada and customized worldwide. Medium Watch Co. focuses on c...

As the year comes to an end, there is so much to look forward to in the new year.  To keep things lighthearted—we've all had enough bad news with all the things going on in the world—let's talk about ways we can kick back and ring in the new year with pleasure, laughs, and excitement. Yes, I'm talking about taking the time for yourself to unwind in front of your television, and watch the new shows and movies Netflix will be showcasing this January. Here are some of the movies and shows I'm excited to watch on Netflix, while I anxiously await another seasons of House of Cards and Strangers Things: Movies: American Sniper: I still haven't seen American Sniper so I know what I'll be watching this in January. This movie, starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, and Luke Grimes, is about U.S. Navy Seal marksman Chris Kyle and his chilling story. American Beauty: A classic, and a movie I love watching again and again. You can't go wrong watching anything ...

I am getting so excited for Christmas, and all the fun that comes with it—especially getting the chance to spend some quality time with my children, who will be home from school for two weeks. Actually, this year, the break goes until January 9th, meaning that although we'll be busy right up until Christmas Day, we'll definitely need to find some things to do to occupy ourselves during the long break from school, without going stir-crazy. From getting together with friends and family, to lots of play time in the great (and freezing!) outdoors, we'll be happily entertained—but I know eventually I'll hear the dreaded:  "Mom... I'm bored!" Thankfully, we're set up with Netflix, and that means countless hours of entertainment, from the warmth of our home. My boys love selecting shows and movies to watch on Netflix, and I love the great variety of programming that Netflix has for all its viewers, young and... not so young. On December 23rd, Netflix and ...

Can you believe there is only one week left until Christmas? Yes, the holiday season is upon us, and if you're anything like me, you've been especially busy this month. So busy, you glance at the calendar in disbelief at how quickly the days are going by and a little frightened with all you have left to do before the end of the month... and year. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to forget eating well and maintaining a healthy diet, with all the parties and cookies and festive beverages tempting you. Once you get in the habit of eating well, though (habits usually take 21 days to become a daily routine) it's easier to keep to your routine of eating well, despite the temptations around you. If you're looking to start your day off right, and improve your overall healthy, you should consider taking psyllium fibre. Sounds scary? It's not. It's just a naturally sourced dietary fibre found in Metamucil powder, and it has a long his...

La Roche-Posay  is known for great skincare products, especially for those who suffer from dry or sensitive skin. The new Toleriane Ultra is amazing at providing extra moisture during the winter and  Toleriane Ultra Overnight works while you sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed, with glowing skin. I was given the new Toleriane Ultra line to try and I loved the products; they instantly moisturized and soothed my skin. The soft, fresh formula (fragrance-free) restored lost moisture to my skin quickly, and I only had to use a small amount. It uses minimal ingredients, yet delivers excellent results. The Toleriane Ultra Eye Controur  cream was especially soothing for my sensitive eyes that suffer from redness, stinging, and puffiness. It targets the discomfort of the eye area with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, naturally rich in selanium, helping to relieve sensitive skin while preventing signs of aging. The eye cream is preser...

The holidays are upon us, and while we're busy decorating the house, baking cookies, and feeling festive, it's also a time to remember that there will be many who won't be celebrating the holiday season from the comfort of their home. Every year, thousands of children and families find themselves spending the holiday season in the hospital. I know from experience—having spent time in our children's hospital with my oldest son—how important it is to keep children entertained and feeling happy while they're sick and not at home. Sometimes, something as simple as a new toy or game can help brighten a child's day while they're in the hospital, giving them the power to imagine a better tomorrow.  Since it is the season of giving, Duracell believes in powering the imagination of sick children by helping ensure kids can still be kids, and enjoy the magic of the season despite their illness that's keeping them away from home. For the 10th year in a row, D...

I have to admit,—I never watch TV. Unless it's for sports, or the news. The only time you'll catch me getting comfortable in front of my television is when I'm watching a show I love on Netflix. (That goes for my entire family, actually). I'm all about binge-watching, and have been known to watch episode after episode of House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Stranger Things and Breaking Bad well into the wee hours of the morning. After all, it's impossible to stop after just one... or two... or three episodes, isn't it? Here's an interesting fact about Netflix: TV and movies go better together, and after viewers finish watching a series, they'll will take a pause (usually this lasts for three days, but for it took months before I watched anything after Breaking Bad, convinced I'd never see anything as amazing again!). During the "break", more than half of Netflix members watched a movie to keep the binge feeling alive. (Yes, for rea...

Tis' the season for shopping and finding the perfect gifts for the people on your list. I love giving people gifts that are practical and stylish, like designer sunglasses. I can't get enough of my designer shades, and I wear mine practically every day. Sometimes, shopping for sunglasses can be an overwhelming experience, but shopping for your designer shades online at SmartBuyGlasses.ca is a simple, straightforward process. Whether you're looking for Gucci, Bolle, Ray-Ban, Fendi, Boss, Valentino, Tom Ford, Michael Kors or Kate Spade, SmartBuyGlasses.ca has it all. You can search by brand, and price point, and voila—you're sure to find the perfect pair for yourself... or the perfect pair to gift. I've been lucky to partner with SmartBuyGlasses.ca several times, and I'm never disappointed in the products I receive. SmartBuyGlasses.ca is dedicated to providing customers with the largest range of designer sunglasses, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, ...

New York City is always a good idea, but it's even more magical during the holiday season. Spending a few days in the Big Apple in November and December is a great way to celebrate the festive season, and there is so much to see and do—and most of the sightseeing is free, which is an added bonus. I was on CTV Morning Live today talking about what to do in the Big Apple this time of year. Where to stay: Four Seasons New York Downtown: Where you stay in NYC is important, especially if you're travelling with your family and children. Our recent stay at the brand-new Four Seasons New York Downtown was simply spectacular. Near the 9/11 memorial and One World Trade, and only a few blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge, the Four Seasons New York Downtown offers excellent in-room dining options created by chef Shaun Acosta, which we loved, because we could dine in our spacious suite, without having to worry about where to eat in NYC, allowing us more time to take in the sights and ...

There is nothing more magical than spending the holiday season in the city that never sleeps. A trip to New York City is always a great idea, but when you travel to New York City in November and December, it's even more incredible. Although I've been a dozen times, it's never enough, and I start planning my next trip while I'm still there. Walking down Fifth Avenue to check out the beautifully decorated store window displays and skating at Rockefeller Center while looking up at the famous Christmas tree makes a trip to New York City during the festive season a must for those who to love to travel. Where you stay in New York City is important, and can make the trip even more memorable. I had the great pleasure of staying in the luxurious, brand-new Four Seasons New York Downtown in November with my family, and it was absolutely delightful. It's exactly what you'd expect a stay at the Four Seasons to be; incredible service, luxurious rooms, (we didn't want...