Loulou's views

It's almost time for back-to-school–and while this is a good thing in many ways, (hello, routine!) I'm sad my favourite season is almost over. We've had a wonderful summer that included some travelling and we've made the most of these hot, sunshiny days. Even though I'm not heading back to school as a student, I share the excitement with my boys (or for my boys?)–my oldest is going into grade eight (I can't believe it!) and my youngest is heading into grade five. The best part about back-to-school? Shopping for school supplies, of course! I love stocking up on paper, pens, pencils, backpacks, and binders. Isn't it fun getting organized? I love shopping for products that give back, and this year, I'm happy to be partnered with Avery Products Canada because they give back in a big way–and Avery has some amazing products not only for back-to-school, but for the office, too. Avery Products Canada has partnered with the Pinball Clemons Foundation (P...

September is here, and although it's sad saying goodbye to summer, I'm definitely looking forward to getting back into the routine of fall—and I think the kids are ready, too. With school just days away, it's time to start thinking about quick and healthy breakfast and snack ideas that'll get everyone out the door quickly—and snacks that'll keep the children satisfied throughout the day. Kellogg's is always a great idea in the morning—and Rice Krispies is a cereal I loved as a child, and still do—so do my boys. Kellogg Canada has just come out with some tasty and healthy Nutri-Grain Fruit and Nut Medley Bars that are perfect snacks to eat after school on the way to the dozens of after-school activities. (I save these bars for the kids for after school because they contain nuts. I also make sure to have some in my purse for my hectic days, too, when I'm always on the go.) These bars are packed with real fruits and nuts, and whole grain gluten-free oats, ...

I can't believe I'm talking about this, but it's almost time for the kids to head back to school. It's crazy how quickly summer passes, isn't it? It's also too bad winter months never, ever seem to go by as fast. I wish summer lasted year-round, but let's be honest—my kids are definitely needing routine back in their lives. And as much as I love lounging by the pool for hours every day... I am also ready for more regular routine. Yes, we've had a wonderful summer filled with great memories and vacations to Mont Tremblant and south Florida, and my boys enjoyed a couple of weeks of tennis camp, too. The rest of our summer days and nights were spent swimming and enjoying the great outdoors, and now... it's time to dust off the backpacks, and start thinking about making lunches every day. Are you ready? I am! (Except for the making lunches every day part. I could do without that.) I was on CTV Morning Live today talking about essential and afforda...

Although I have school-aged children, I remember my days of being a student vividly. I remember the friends I had, what subjects I loved best, and the special teachers who helped me become the person I am today. It seems like yesterday I was a student in school, and now, my children are students themselves—in grade two and grade five. The years go by quicker than I ever imagined possible, and from the moment my oldest went to kindergarten I wanted my kids' experience in school to be a positive one, despite the occasional first-day-of-school-tears. As a mom, it's important for me to know that at the end of a long school day, it was a good one for my boys. The first day my oldest son started school was rough for me and for him. He cried, and didn't want to leave me. And I cried because I felt the same way! It was because of his loving, patient, and caring teacher that I was able to let go—and it was because of her that he thrived from the first day of school...

It honestly feels like it was just yesterday I was picking the kids up on their last day of school, holding back tears over the fact that another year had come to an end, and where does the time go? (Also, tears of fear, because gosh, summer is L-O-N-G, even when it includes two weeks of tennis camp and a four week vacation to Greece.) Well, guess what? In a few days, kids are heading back to school for another year. As much as I'll miss having my two boys around me all day, I know we're all looking forward to routine again. And hey, some free time for me to work and uh... shop will be just lovely. When it comes to back-to-school shopping, I get really excited. I've always loved shopping for essential school supplies, like backpacks, lunch containers, and anything that'll help keep me—and the kids—organized. I was on CTV Morning Live talking about some great back-to-school products—here are some of my favourites: Net Nanny: Net Nanny is something all parent...

The countdown is officially on for back-to-school! My kids are sad that summer is coming to an end, because summer is the best season of all—swimming all day and no homework is a pretty sweet gig, after all. (I'm actually quite sad that summer is almost over, too, because I'm still not recovered from the shock of last winter, but I digress...) The one thing that turns my "summer is over" sobs into smiles is back-to-school shopping—and not only for my children. September is the perfect month to start new—like a brand new year. I just love re-organizing the home, tackling projects like painting rooms, buying new home decor and furniture, and stocking up on must-have clothes and school supplies. August and September are my favourite months to get organized, get back on track, and buy items that'll help everyone get back into routine without meltdowns or tears.  Nate Berkus—well recognized and well loved interior designer and TV personality—has added his signa...

Pottery Barn is my favourite store for home inspiration—I love stocking up on items for the home whenever I can. I get most of my decor ideas from Pottery Barn, and I try to make our home look as cosy and comfortable as they do in a Pottery Barn catalogue or showroom. Within two days of walking into Pottery Barn Kids for the first time, I found out I was pregnant. I am convinced that the store has magical powers, and since then, I have shopped religiously in PBK for my boys. From bedding to shelves and accessories for their rooms, to the must-have back-to-school gear, including backpacks, lunch bags, and food storage containers, it's my go-to place to get all the things they'll need to start the school year off on the right foot. The Mackenzie backpacks are my personal favourite—they last throughout the years, and my boys have even used the same backpack two years in a row. They could use them even longer than that, but I like to buy new backpacks for them, because PBK alwa...