Loulou's views

Warmer days are here again, and I couldn't be happier. With only a month left of school, we are already getting into summer-mode at home, making the most of our evenings with bike rides, soccer games, and swimming. This season, it's all about making the most of our time outside—and hosting friends and family for backyard BBQ's. Tis the season, after all. If you're not sure what to serve, perhaps start with a wine menu to set the tone and select the food after you've figured out the drinks. Here are six wines perfect for entertaining this season: Think pink! E&J Gallo White Zinfandel is an excellent choice. This refreshingly sweet wine is even yummier when you mix it with soda water, and garnish it with fresh berries. It's a perfect spring cocktail to enjoy in the sunshine, and a beautiful drink to serve your guests as they arrive. Get your grill on. With grilling season upon us, having a delicious red wine like Alamos Malbec is a must for your...

You guys, spring is in the air! Well, not today, since we're recovering from that crazy April ice storm, but I can just feel it... this weekend calls for sunny skies and temps in the double digits. How exciting is that? Pretty exciting, but not as exciting as the fact that it's the home opener game for our very own Ottawa Fury FC ! They'll be taking on North Carolina, and I can't wait to see our team in action again. I had so much fun attending Fury games last year at TD Place with my children, nieces and nephew–it's always a blast, and a perfect outing for the entire family. I'll be working closely with the Ottawa Fury FC this year promoting the games, doing some Instagram takeovers, and giving away tickets to soccer fans. I'm giving away a family four pass to this weekend's home opener, too! If you love soccer and want to cheer on the city's only professional soccer club, just leave me a comment below telling me why you're looking f...

Disclosure: I am a P&G mom ambassador. As part of my affiliation with this group, I receive products and have been compensated to put Tide to the stain test. The opinions on this blog are my own.  It's May, and although it's been unseasonable cold this month, the last few days have finally proven that spring is most definitely here—and we have some work to do to get our gardens ready for summer! The sun is shining, the days are long, and I'm wearing my flip flops... which makes me so excited. Although I'm not naturally someone with a green thumb, this nice weather prompted me to get out and grow a little garden with some pretty flowers and tulips, as chosen by my children. That's right... we planted flowers outside and they look so pretty! So far, so good, as the plants are alive and thriving, and... I didn't even break a nail. (Ha!) I did, however, get my white t-shirt covered in soil, and I was a little concerned I wouldn't be able to remo...

It's finally here! Spring, we've been waiting. This weekend was so gorgeous, I bet everyone spent it outdoors. The sun was shining, and it was actually... hot outside. There is so much to look forward to now that warmer days are here... walks to the park, bike rides, flip flops, tanned skin, drink on the patio, BBQ's with friends and family, and... frozen yogurt, of course! I love taking my children to Menchie's as an after-school surprise or just because we're craving something delicious and cold. (And with the new Skor flavour, it'll be hard to keep us away!)  I love that Menchie's yogurts are gluten-free, vegan, and certified Kosher. Everyone can enjoy Menchie's, and with over 128 flavours and 50 toppings to choose from, you're sure to find one you'll keep coming back for! The Menchie's Smoothies bar is awesome, too—made with 100% natural fruit, and four servings of fruit per 16 ounce cup. Sweet! And healthy! Right now, you can sc...

Disclosure: I am a P&G mom ambassador. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and have been compensated to put Tide to the stain test. The opinions on this blog are my own.  Spring is here, even though the weather hasn't been warm enough to enjoy the great outdoors yet. And what's with all the snow? Despite the less than seasonable weather, I'm still excited for spring. So excited, in fact,  I went somewhere I don't often go... to the gardening store.  I bought the supplies I needed to start planting some indoor herbs and plants, since it's not warm enough to do any outdoor gardening yet. The truth is, I don't have a green thumb, but I thought I'd start somewhere, and planting some herbs isn't that difficult. I love doing things that my boys can get involved in, too. I'm not afraid to get dirty, either—I'm a die-hard Tide fan, and Tide Ultra Stain Release works miracles on clothes that are covered in dirt. Even white...

Spring is officially here, even though there is still a lot of snow on the ground. Despite the less than seasonal temperatures and the snow,  I'm still excited, because I've been looking forward to spring since January. I really dislike winter because it lasts way longer than it should. There is nothing I enjoy more than welcoming spring back into my life and the best way to do this is by spring cleaning my home. Yes, cleaning can be fun, you guys. Especially when I'm cleaning out my closet to make room for new clothes and shoes for spring. Out with black, and in with colour! Here are some ways you can make spring cleaning your home a little easier: Make Doormats Welcoming: They're the front line against tracking in dirt, so keep them clean enough to function efficiently. If they're extremely soiled, soak them in warm water mixed with a scoop of of OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover for six hours then wash as directed—even the toughest stains get washe...

I miss the sun, warm days, and flip flops on my feet. I miss little dresses, patio nights, and the sounds of summer, like my children splashing in the pool. I miss the smells of summer, too, like suntan lotion. I'm over winter—the cold, the snow, the blowing wind, the ice, and all the winter gear that has taken over my house— enough! Sadly, winter is not quite finished with us yet, as is quite evident by the looks of things out there right now. (Just brutal.) Thankfully, I'm leaving winter behind for a vacation down south, to my favourite south Florida resort , where I'll be enjoying the warm sun on my skin, and the fact that we can all wear our summer clothes again... at least temporarily. Bring on the sunshine. Here are some colourful things that remind me of spring that I'm loving right now: Hanky Panky: These are, hands down, the best. They're comfortable, sexy, and come in many awesome colours. These make a great little gift, too and are totally aff...