Loulou's views

We are so overwhelmed with everyone's support with our children's book Together, Apart: Life During the Coronavirus ! We are thankful to have been interviewed on 580 CFRA, 1310 News, CTV Ottawa Morning Live, CTV Noon , CBC Ottawa, Orleans Star, and Ottawa Matters . The support and kind words, feedback, and images we have received from people who have purchased and shared our book have made us so incredibly happy and grateful. You can see more pictures on my Instagram page, too, under my book highlights. We are still selling books, and catching up with orders, so thanks for your patience, as the mail delivery is a little slower these days. (You can either have your books mailed to you, or you can pick up from either my house or my mom's house, too, and we also drop off books to those who may not be able to travel right now). After receiving many requests for Together, Apart to be translated into French, we are happy to let you know that the book is now available...

On March 9th, I went away on a work trip to Toronto. I landed back in Ottawa the next day, March 10th, and the rest of the week was pretty normal, with some talk about things shutting down for two weeks because of the Coronavirus, and an increase number of cases in Ottawa. By then, we were all a little worried, especially for how bad the situation was in parts of Europe, like in Italy. On that Friday, our boys had their last day of school--grade 9 and grade 6--before March break began. Well, as we all now know, March break was just the beginning of kids being away from school, and for parents everywhere adapting to working from home, getting used to home schooling, zoom meetings, cooking, baking, and keeping busy at home while trying to not completely freak out with worry about the fact that we were living through a global pandemic. There was--and still is--so much uncertainty, and fear. But at the same time, we are slowly getting used to our new routines. And enjoying more family...

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, but bullying—and cyber-bulling—are problems children face every day, every month. The best way to help children and teens is by raising awareness and helping those who need it most. I wanted to talk about this issue because I have children in grade 3 and grade 6, and although they haven't faced any serious issues, I see that not all children are as kind as they should be when I'm volunteering at the school. I asked Ottawa's Stuntman Stu some questions about this issue, because he and the team at Majic 100 started the No More Bullies campaign—which has received great feedback from schools, the youth, parents, and the community. Although the program is currently on hold, there are ways we can still promote kindness and remind children and teenagers the importance of being kind—to everyone. How did you come up with the No More Bullies campaign? What has the feedback been like so far?   The campaign started by accident....

Exactly one year ago today, a terrible event took place in Ottawa that shook us all. A young father, and a Canadian soldier, was shot and killed while he stood sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Ottawa's War Memorial. As I mentioned last year, through darkness, comes light, and as Canadians (and decent humans) we came together in amazing ways—we went back to work the next day, we left flowers and letters of love at the War Memorial, and we wore red, while saluting our fallen soldier on the Highway of Heroes. We mourned the loss of this young man, because of all he represented; life, youth, a Canadian, a soldier, a father, a son, a friend. My mom, artist  Katerina Mertikas , created a painting that day, because she was so sad and overcome with emotion.  She had no idea this painting—the original which now hangs in our Mayor's boardroom— would cause such a buzz and would be so well-received. With the help of Koyman Galleries and The Ottawa Citizen, prints w...

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 !) ...

Last week, a terrible thing happened in Ottawa that affected us all. In the span of a week, we tragically lost two soldiers, one of whom was shot down as he stood sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Ottawa's War Memorial. It was an incredibly difficult day , and week. However, through darkness, comes light. And as Canadians, and residents of this amazing capital city, we came together in beautiful ways. We went back to work the next day, in the downtown core. We payed respect by leaving flowers, notes, and stuffed animals at the War Memorial. We wore red, and we put on our poppies a little earlier. We saluted our fallen soldier on the Highway of Heroes. We mourned the loss of a young man, because of all he represented; life, joy, youth, and a proud love for his country. He was a also a single father, and now, he's left behind a young child, a little boy who will always know what a brave man his father was. My mom, artist Katerina Mertikas,  quickly got to work ...

Today I played co-host on Daytime Ottawa alongside Derick Fage, and it was a blast. We talked about all sorts of things, like if we'd go to Mars or not. (Um, no.) I even gave Derick some tips on dancing because he's going be one of the celebrities on next year's DWTS for Easter Seals. The thing I love best about Daytime is that it's an entire hour focusing on local talent, and it's a great way to learn more about the things that are going on in this awesome city we live in. I always love being on the show, but co-hosting is a whole other level of fun! (Can't wait to come back, Derick... hint, hint.) I even had the chance to make healthy brownies! I look a bit sad in this picture, though. It's just my baking face, which is similar to my "math" face. (The face of confusion!) And this is my look of surprise once I found out what a "cookbook" is actually used for. Just kidding, you guys. I know what they're for... I jus...