Loulou's views

Now that November is here, it's time to start planning for the holiday season. (Yes, already!) The busiest time of the year has just begun—decorating the house, attending Christmas plays and concerts, enjoying and hosting parties, baking, and, of course, shopping for the perfect outfit with just the right amount of sparkle—all while enjoying hot chocolate by the fireplace, watching Elf. Indeed, it is the most wonderful time of the year. Although I always plan my holiday shopping early so I'm not panicking on December 24th, I sometimes forget to buy certain things, like items for the stockings. Yikes! I try to put traditional items in each stocking, like chocolate, candy canes, games and small toys. This year I'll be putting a Super Mario Bros Kids spin toothbrush in each child's stocking, so they're reminded about the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day—especially during the holiday season when they're consuming way too many sweets! I als...

What's on your holiday wish list? For me, books are always the top of my list, along with candles and beauty products. I love receiving my favourite must-have products as Christmas gifts, like The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter and White Musk eau de toilette—these also make such perfect stocking stuffers! Christmas 2014 at The Body Shop is all about making wishes come true, and this year, they've put together the biggest gift selection ever —with over 75 new gifts and gift sets that are perfect for giving and gifting. But the very best part? The Body Shop has partnered with War Child , the global charity for children affected by war, to grant children the wish of education—which is the most important gift of all, along with health. With your help, The Body Shop will provide more than 6 million lessons to children in war-torn areas. For every gift you buy—no matter how big or small—The Body Shop will make a contribution that funds a class for a child. Keeping chi...

Can you believe we are only days away from December? November has been the busiest month, and before we know it, the holidays will be here—and we'll be rushing around as always trying to buy those last-minute holiday gifts for everyone on our list. I start my holiday shopping early (in fact, I am mostly finished shopping for my children!) but there are always a few gifts I leave for the last minute. Partly because I'm busy, and partly because I actually do enjoy the last-minute hustle of shopping for gifts in December. Tis' the season, after all. This year, I'll be giving the gift of WaySpa to many special people on my shopping list, because without a doubt, it'll be the gift that they'll love the most. Seriously, who doesn't love (or deserve) a day at the spa, whether it's for a manicure and pedicure, a fresh blow-dry or a one-hour full-body massage? As a WaySpa Brand Ambassador I'm very fortunate because I'm given the chance to t...

What's number one on your child's holiday wish-list? For my nine year old, anything Minecraft; for my six year old, anything LEGO. Mix it up with some science sets, crafts, and books, and holiday shopping will be a breeze this year—more time for you to enjoy your holiday beverage as you snuggle up by the fireplace! Here are some cool gifts kids will love to unwrap this holiday season, making you the BEST PARENT EVER. Minecraft Creeper Backpack:  My son has been asking for a Minecraft backpack since before school started this year; I haven't been able to find one until now. (Thanks for sharing this, Cool Mom Picks!) Bonus: Minecraft Wrapping Paper ! I think wrapping up my oldest son's gift in this paper will be totally cool, right? Minecraft plush toys: My boy (of course) has most of these, and I love adding to his collection. These are great for stocking stuffers, too and perfect to give as gifts. Minecraft hoodie: Jinx.com  is my go-to place...

Are you out of ideas on what to get the kids or your loved one for their stocking this year? Well, don't worry. I've got some great stocking stuffer ideas everyone will love—items that are unique, practical, and affordable. (Even things I want to find in my stocking this year... hint, hint, Santa!) Here's my segment from CTV Ottawa Morning Live where I showed some amazing items from Tag Along Toys and HomeSense. There is something here for everyone in your family! Happy holiday shopping, friends. If you need a personal shopper, you know where to find me. Thanks for the great items I got to show on-air, Homesense and Tag Along Toys ! Also! I feel like Santa's helper right now... the amazing items I showed from Tag Along Toys? I'm giving them away to one of my lucky readers! Leave me a comment below telling me what you want in YOUR stocking this year, and you'll be entered to win! (Local residents only for this giveaway, please. Winner will b...

I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that summer is over. After all, it's almost December, the red cups are back at Starbucks, it's freezing outside, and it has started snowing. (Hold me as I weep.) The one thing that keeps me smiling through the cold until about January 2nd is the holidays. I love everything about the festive season, especially the shopping for other people part. And, okay, for myself, too. (We all need some new sparkle for the parties, right?) Shoppers Drug Mart  is one of my favourite holiday destinations for gift giving. And right now there are some amazing promotions going on that'll make your holiday shopping easy—I promise. You'll find something at Shoppers Drug Mart for literally everyone on your shopping list. From amazing fragrance sets and gorgeous gift baskets to toys and electronics, Shoppers is your one-stop shop. Shoppers Drug Mart always has great in-store sales and promotions, and they're always open la...

I first fell in love with  Citrus Silver last year when I attended a pre-Mother's Day event in Toronto's Park Hyatt hotel. The unique, personalized silver jewellery Citrus Silver creates is easy to love. I was lucky to receive a stunning, hand-stamped pendant with my children's names on it, on a silver chain, along with a simple chain and small cross. I wear these two necklaces together, almost every day. I love them, and I receive a lot of compliments on them, too. Citrus Silver creates stunning, quality, hand-stamped personalized jewellery. Made in Canada and sterling silver, every piece is as unique as the person who wears it.  I love receiving—and giving—jewellery as gifts to people I love. Birthdays, Mother's Day, just because gifts, and, of course, CHRISTMAS GIFTS! I think personalized Citrus Silver jewellery is a great gift idea for the holidays. Perfect for a surprise stocking stuffer, or great wrapped under the tree. There are many different styles...