Loulou's views

The 92nd annual Academy Awards take place on February 9th. There are so many great movies nominated this year, many of which I've seen–and loved! Nothing beats an excellent movie except, perhaps, an equally excellent book. Great novels are often a staple of Oscar season, and this year, these are the books that inspired some of the year's best movies, all Oscar nominated films. The books make an excellent companion to the film, and I think it's a great idea to read the book, and watch the movie, just in time for Oscar season. I was on CTV Noon and CTV Ottawa Morning Live talking about these great books, all of which you can pick up at Indigo . (My favourite store, by the way–I could spend countless hours in Indigo looking through all the books and home decor items!) Here are the books worth reading before February 9th: The Irishman This Irishman is the movie based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. The movie, on Netflix and in select the...

I love everything about summer—the hot weather, backyard BBQ's and pool parties, time off with my family, and, of course, going on vacation. I travel as often as I can, taking a couple of big vacations a year, with lots of weekend trips throughout the year. If I could travel every other week, I would. From airports to hotels and the journey in between, there is nothing I don't love about getting away, making new memories, relaxing in favourite hotels and just taking in the sights and sounds around me. As you plan for your summer or fall getaway, remember this: you don't need to overpack. Trust me. When you're a smart packer, bringing with you only the travel essentials you need, travelling will be easier, and less complicated. I was on Daytime Ottawa recently, talking about must-have travel essentials. Here's what you need to pack before you travel:  Carry-on luggage I usually pack a large suitcase when I travel—even for weekend getaways. I don't...

If you haven't  already  planned your summer vacation yet, it's time to start. Vacations and book go hand in hand for me, so I’ve rounded up some great places to visit and paired them with some great books set in each location to make your vacation even more memorable, and I chatted about it on  CTV Morning Live.  New York City is always a good place to visit, no matter  the  season—and if that's where you've headed—whether by car or plane—you'll want to get reading. Here are the  perfect  books to read while you're in the Big Apple:  The Great Gatsby: This classic Jazz Age novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is such a great book. I've read it several times and I love it. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn:  This beautiful classic by Betty Smith will take you back in time in NYC about a family and their lives in Brooklyn from 1902-1919.  Both these books will make your trip to NYC even more special and while you’re in NYC,...

As a mom of two adorable, smart, and funny boys, my favourite thing about Mother's Day is... well, just being able to spend time with my children. After all, they're my entire heart and world, and they fill me with so much joy every day it feels like my heart might burst. And every day, I am in awe of how much they've grown, and how they're becoming their own independent people. I cherish all the time we have together, and love that they still want me to put them to bed every night. I know this won't last; so I'll enjoy it while I can. Of course, anything hand-made with love from my boys is the ultimate Mother's Day gift, but what else would a mom love on Mother's Day? I was on CTV Morning Live talking about the great gifts I'd love to receive... and give... this Mother's Day. Here are some great gifts to give for Mother's Day: A luxurious getaway: I was on a press trip to Toronto recently and I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto ...

It's almost time for the Oscars, and I can't wait! I'm looking forward to seeing my favourite celebrities on the red carpet, and I'm excited to see who will win Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Picture. If you're like me and must read the book before you see the movie, you're in luck because this year, the number of Oscar nominated books is higher than usual, which means you still have time to read these great books turned Oscar nominated films before February 28th. I was on CTV Ottawa Morning Live today chatting about the Oscars and which books-turned-movie have been given an Oscar nod. A very special thank you to Chapters-Indigo for always having the books I need for my segments and for always keeping me reading at home. If you're looking to pick up any of these great Oscar nominated books, head to Chapters-Indigo. Best Picture:  The Revenant: This novel by Michael Punke has been nominated for Best Picture and Leonardo DiCaprio is ...

Here are three things I love: traveling, reading, and shopping. I need to have at least three or four books on my night table waiting to be read when I'm in the middle of a book, knowing it'll take me a day or two to get over the last book I've read. (I just finished reading Brooklyn, and oh, my God—it was amazing. Now I have to see the movie before the Oscars!) I was on Daytime Ottawa today talking about the hottest books to read this winter. If you've been searching for your next great read, I've got a list for you! Valentine's Day Books To Love: Chasers of the Light—Poems from the Typewriter Series: This great collection of beautiful love poems is written by author Tyler Knott Greyson. Another great book by Tyler Knott Greyson /All The Words Are Yours. Both books make great books to give and to receive this month. Truly beautiful and inspirational. You can read from the author on Instagram. Me Before You: This is a touching, unexpected lo...

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...