Loulou's views

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend in honour of Mother's Day? This Saturday, May 12th, Koyman Galleries in Ottawa is hosting a special Mother's Day art show featuring the latest art work from local artist  Katerina Mertikas –my mom.  Enjoy a tea and special treats while browsing the two-floor, open-space gallery, while looking at the beautiful pieces of art.  If you're stuck on what to buy your mom this year, might I suggest a beautiful new piece of original art? I love the idea of buying gifts that never lose their value, gifts that can be enjoyed for years to come, and gifts that can be passed down, to the people I love.  The art show begins May 12th, and Katerina Mertikas will be present during the show. If you can't make it that day, not to worry–the art show runs until May 28th.  Happy Mother's Day! 

Is is summer yet? I need to get back to Greece. A vacation in Greece cannot be beat—the sea, the mountains, the islands... and of course, the lifestyle, the culture, the music, the hot sun, and the food... oh, the food!   When I'm in Ottawa, I always crave Greek food, and I'm lucky to have a wonderful Greek family that always cook Greek meals. Even so, going out for Greek food is always a fun thing to do—as long as the food is as good as a home-cooked Greek meal straight from grandmother's kitchen.  We have an amazing authentic Greek restaurant here in Ottawa—and it's my favourite place to go for Greek food.  EVOO , on Preston Street, serves food that'll make you feel like you're in Greece.  It's a perfect hangout any night of the week, and the service is great. And the food? So, so   good. Take my word for it—the tzatziki and pita bread, the lamb, the meatballs, the Greek salad, the french fries... oh, my taste buds!  If you love ...

You all know how much I love to shop, and you know that Nordstrom is my favourite department store. When I found out Nordstrom was coming to Ottawa—moving into my favourite mall, Rideau Centre —I was a little (okay, a lot!) excited. I already know I'm going to be the number-one customer, and I think it would be fitting if I was hired to work there, too. After all, I've got a passion for shopping like no one else I know! Here's some exciting news, Ottawa:  Nordstrom Rideau Centre will open on Friday, March 6th, 2015. That's right... it's almost around the corner. Mark this date down in your calendar, and tell your friends, because you're going to want to be there for the opening day excitement. Of course this new Nordstrom will feature the usual mix of apparel, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. It's got everything for everyone... really! More exciting news: Nordstrom, Inc. announced John Banks as manager of its Rideau Cen...

What movie defines your childhood? For me, it is Girls Just Want To Have Fun. I watched this awesome 80's movie countless numbers of times with my girlfriends. You could say we were a little obsessed. I still remember the entire movie by heart. We all loved to dance, of course, so watching the movie turned into a dance party, too. I'm pretty sure Sarah Jessica Parker wants to bury this movie, but come on—it's a classic! Another movie that makes my top ten best movies ever list? Dirty Dancing. It's a movie that we all still love to watch... over and over and over (and over!) again. I'll never tire of watching.  And clearly I love it very much.  "I carried a watermelon" is one of the best movie lines, no? I danced for many years, until I was in grade 10. (Then one day I forgot to show up for dance class because it was the CD release day for Guns N' Roses Use You Illusions I and II. But that's another story another day...) Anyway, although I...