Loulou's views

Advent calendars have come a long way since we were kids–I remember our choices were limited to chocolate (and not the good kind) and windows that opened to reveal a different Christmas illustration every day. I loved those in particular, but now, we have countless choices when it comes to buying an advent calendar to help us count down to Christmas. I was on CTV Noon and CTV Ottawa Morning Live showing viewers the best advent calendars to give this year.  Here are my suggestions for advent calendars guaranteed to make everyone smile: For the sweet tooth: Purdy's Chocolates This year, Purdy's has come out with not one but two advent calendars for the chocolate lover! The starry night advent calendar contains pretty drawers you pull open every day to reveal a tasty, festive, wrapped in foil milk or while chocolate piece; a dark chocolate foiled bell, or a foiled chocolate salted caramel. If you flip each drawer while you're counting down, you'll reveal a be...

Valentine's Day is a sweet way to celebrate love and friendship and it's the perfect day to show how you feel about someone by surprising them with an unexpected gift to show you care. I was on CTV Morning Live and CTV Noon talking about some amazing gift ideas—from beauty products to chocolates and everything in between—guaranteed to please everyone on your list. For the beauty and hair lover: Fragrance: What could be sweeter than a new fragrance to receive for Valentine's Day? Hudson's Bay has an incredible selection of classic and new fragrances and my personal favourite scents for Valentine's Day are Prada Candy, Tory Burch Love Relentlessly, Chloé Love Story and Fleur Musc by Narciso Rodriguez. Omorovicza: This skin care company has great products for those who love to take care of their skin. Their Perfecting Lip Balm is perfect for soft, kissable lips, and sells for $45. It helps plumps lips while hydrating them. Omorovicza Gold Hydrating M...

With Christmas weeks away, I'm feeling festive, despite the fact that it's unseasonably warm outside. The holidays are about spending time with family and friends, making memories, giving back, and having fun. (Champagne, anyone?) I love that I can spend the entire month shopping—guilt-free! (Some gifts to give, and some gifts for me... what? A girl needs a new dress and shoes for the parties!) I've put together a gift guide to make shopping stress-free this holiday season. There is something here for everyone on your list! I talked about these great products on Daytime and on CTV Morning Live. .. and here are the details (and link to the segment.)   LOULOU'S 2015 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Beauty, Hair, Skin Care and Fashion Caudalie: Caudalie is a skin care company from France and I have been using their new Resveratrol LIFT collection for over a month. The results? Amazing. This formula help firm skin while stimulating the production of collagen. Caudalie h...

Valentine's Day is a few days away and I've got some thoughtful gift ideas—to give and to receive! I was on CTV Morning Live talking about these great gifts. You can watch the segment here . Here are some great gifts for Valentine's Day: Romantic Trip For Two: Who needs diamonds if you can escape to a warm, sunny destination? The memories of a great vacation are better than diamonds! I just got back from the Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour , Miami, and it's the perfect place to escape to if you're looking for a little romance and fun in the sun, if even just for a weekend. Besides, Miami is only a three hour flight from Ottawa. You'll be greeted with a glass of champagne when you arrive, and from there, you'll get lost in a world of luxury and romance, with bedrooms boasting gorgoeus views of the Atlantic Ocean, a heated pool, amazing service and food, and a personal driver to take you to the Bal Harbour Shops. Perfection, no? Swe...