Loulou's views

Now that summer is here, many of us are getting ready to go on vacation. I can't wait to hit the beach again in Miami, and just relax, because it's been such a busy few months and I need some time to unwind... and enjoy the sound of the waves with sand between my toes. I've put together a list of my must-have travel essentials, and showcased them on CTV Ottawa. I think these are the perfect items to pack along with you for your vacation. Here's what you shouldn't leave home without: La Roche-Posay sunscreen: La Roche-Posay is a trusted name in skincare worldwide, and their Anthelios sunscreen, both for children and adults, provides incredible protection against the sun's harmful rays. The company has also come out with the My UV Patch , to make it easier for everyone to understand and track the amount of UVA and UVB rays they're being exposed to. Just download the My UV Patch app, apply the ultra-thin sticker to your skin, scan it, and let technolo...

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...

The other night, my children begged and begged for me to put up our Christmas tree. It was a beautiful evening, the snow was falling, and we were snuggled up nice and warm indoors after playing outside. Well, with hot chocolate in hands and festive music playing in the background, I complied and we put up the tree. Sure, it's early, but I'm in the mood to celebrate all things festive already, and so are my children. After all, it is such a magical time of year. I have so many wonderful memories of the holiday season from my childhood—decorating the tree, baking cookies, singing carols, writing letters to Santa, asking for the perfect gift (My Little Pony, a guitar, a globe, Rainbow Brite, and Strawberry Shortcake are some gifts I remember asking for and being so excited to receive!). For my sister, I'm sure her favourite and most memorable Christmas memory is when she received Cricket—the big talking doll. One memory that has stayed with me is of staying up really ...

Are you finished your back to school shopping yet? I know, it seems like only yesterday we were out shopping for beach essentials, and now, it's time to get the kids dressed for school. I'm mostly happy that they are heading back, but I'm also sad summer is over. The only thing to cure my sadness? Shopping! Of course. Shopping is always the answer. Sears Canada is a great place to head for back to school shopping with the children, because they have such a great selection of name brand clothes that kids—and parents—have come to love and trust. The best part? When you're shopping at Sears Canada for the kids, you know you're not going to break the bank. There are so many amazing deals for clothes, shoes, and accessories for kids. I love that I can find stylish items at Sears that my boys will love. With both boys taking tennis lessons this year, we needed a variety of clothes that would take the kids from the classroom to the tennis court, so sporty clot...

I recently had the chance to do some back-to-school at Sears for my boys, and I hadn't been in Sears in years. I was surprised by how much it had changed since the last time I had visited, and I decided to go back to check out things for myself. (Shopping is always easier without the kids, right?) Anyway,  after flipping through the Sears Fall 2013 Look! report  I headed to the mall to check things out for myself. The Sears Fall 2013 Look! report was filled with pages of the latest fashions and styles—from cute LBD's to 60's inspired looks. I checked out Sears Canada on Pinterest, too, and was even more inspired to shop. It's hard to not fall in love with the new looks and styles supermodel Bar Refaeli (for Nevada, which was designed by the Buffalo group) is wearing on the cover and inside the magazine. I totally needed the jeans she was wearing so I went out and bought my own! And a new pair of booties, too, of course. I mean, isn't that what fall is all about? ...