Loulou's views

Christmas Eve has always been my favourite night of the year, ever since I was a child. It's a night that's filled with traditions and it always make me feel nostalgic. We gather at my parent's house, sit in front of the fireplace by the Christmas tree, and talk the night away. Of course, in between all the talking there is also plenty of eating, (Greek style, of course) drinking, (I love red wine) and laughing, as we reminisce about holidays past. While the adults talk, the children play and watch their favourite holiday movies—usually Home Alone and Elf, on repeat— as they anxiously wait to open their presents. Our memories are happy ones that make us laugh, as we remember stories we'll never forget—like that one Christmas Eve we had unexpected visitors at my parent's house. No, not Santa, but the nice folks from the fire department! A few years ago, my son was taking a nap at my parent's house, and when he woke up, his leg was stuck in the crib...

I'm so happy to have been invited to attend this year's Boobyball — Planet Booby—taking place on Friday, November 13th. It's going to be an intergalactic night of fun, all for a very worthwhile cause. But the question is: what does one wear to an out-of-this-world gala? I spoke with Alexandra Gunn,  Fashion Editor for Ottawa Life Magazine and member of the Social Media Committee for Ottawa's Boobyball, about this incredible event that'll be in Ottawa for the very first time. Tell me about Boobyball, Rethink Breast Cancer, and this year's Planet Booby that is taking place in Ottawa. If your readers have never heard of Boobyball, be prepared to be impressed by the 'out of this world' fundraiser that is coming to Ottawa for the first time! Boobyball is one of the most coveted and high profile fundraising events for young philanthropists in Toronto, Calgary, Winnipeg, and now, Ottawa. Boobyball has always been about being bold, upbeat, and creative...

Now that November is here, it's time to start planning for the holiday season. (Yes, already!) The busiest time of the year has just begun—decorating the house, attending Christmas plays and concerts, enjoying and hosting parties, baking, and, of course, shopping for the perfect outfit with just the right amount of sparkle—all while enjoying hot chocolate by the fireplace, watching Elf. Indeed, it is the most wonderful time of the year. Although I always plan my holiday shopping early so I'm not panicking on December 24th, I sometimes forget to buy certain things, like items for the stockings. Yikes! I try to put traditional items in each stocking, like chocolate, candy canes, games and small toys. This year I'll be putting a Super Mario Bros Kids spin toothbrush in each child's stocking, so they're reminded about the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day—especially during the holiday season when they're consuming way too many sweets! I als...

As a child, I didn't worry very much about my appearance, what I weighed, or what I ate. Life was carefree and easy. The word "diet" wasn't part of my vocabulary until I turned 16, and looking back, I wish I hadn't started worrying about dieting at such a young age. (Especially because there was no reason to worry about losing weight—I was healthy, active, and ate well.) Growing up today is a totally different world than the one I grew up in. Our children are now constantly being exposed to unhealthy messages and images online, on television, and in print. These messages revolve around how young people can lose weight to attain the "perfect" body. These unhealthy body messages affect both boys and girls, and sadly, these messages are everywhere you look—and in the faces of children younger than 16 years old. Multi-Grain Cheerios has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the unhealthy body image messages disguised as harmless entertainment that...

I'm not a morning person, despite the fact that I wake up at six a.m. every day. (Thanks, children!) Waking up at six o'clock has a lot to do with the fact that I'm a mom of two early risers, and even though I don't fall asleep until well past midnight, waking up early is my new normal. Despite waking up at the crack of dawn, getting out the door on time can still be a challenge. The morning hustle is real, you guys. I'm glad Jergens asked me to try their new Jergens Moisturizer for Wet Skin , because it's truly helped save me time getting ready in the morning. I love products that promise to save me time, and Jergens is a name I already trust to keep my skin feeling soft and smooth. I enjoyed using both the Green Tea Oil and the Coconut Oil moisturizers. I applied the moisturizer after I turned off the water in my shower, and quickly dried off with a towel. The moisturizer actually stays locked in, and my skin feels soft all day long.  These moisturizers ...

I always have time to go to the salon to do my hair, even if it's just for my weekly blow-dry.  I always have time to go to the mall. I always have time to check Facebook. I always have time to catch up on my favourite shows on Netflix. So, really, there's no excuse for why I sometimes can't find the time to go the gym. "Want to go to BodyPump?"  "I can't—I have no time!" I don't like excuses, but sometimes, that's exactly what I'm using when I try to get out of going to a class at the gym. And sometimes, it truly does feel like I have no time for the gym, but that's only because my priorities have shifted—and that should never be the case. After all, it's my health. And my future. So why do I find it so hard to stick to a fitness routine, one that'll benefit me now and in the long run? I get into great routines with working out, usually in the summer and before a vacation when I know I'm going to be spending my d...

In case you didn't know, Lansdowne Park (in the Glebe) is the place to be in Ottawa. Lansdowne's got it all: TD Place, where you can catch a Redblacks or Fury game, an awesome park for children, heritage buildings, shopping, and many fine restaurants and bars. Hanging out at Lansdowne Park is especially fun in the summertime, with all the busy patios, but it's great year-round, too, whether you're enjoying breakfast with the family or a girls night out after a football game. When I received an invitation from Jack Astor's Lansdowne to come in with my husband and a group of friends so they could treat us to their delicious new menu, I said yes right away. Obviously! I love the service at Jack Astor's, (shout out to our awesome server, Courtney!) and the fun atmosphere. Jack Astor's in the Glebe has the traditional "Elvis booth" they have in each of their locations, and they have some great display cases featuring very cool antique artifacts ...

Exactly one year ago today, a terrible event took place in Ottawa that shook us all. A young father, and a Canadian soldier, was shot and killed while he stood sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Ottawa's War Memorial. As I mentioned last year, through darkness, comes light, and as Canadians (and decent humans) we came together in amazing ways—we went back to work the next day, we left flowers and letters of love at the War Memorial, and we wore red, while saluting our fallen soldier on the Highway of Heroes. We mourned the loss of this young man, because of all he represented; life, youth, a Canadian, a soldier, a father, a son, a friend. My mom, artist  Katerina Mertikas , created a painting that day, because she was so sad and overcome with emotion.  She had no idea this painting—the original which now hangs in our Mayor's boardroom— would cause such a buzz and would be so well-received. With the help of Koyman Galleries and The Ottawa Citizen, prints w...

Ah, the hustle and bustle of the morning rush. As a mom of two busy boys, there really aren't enough hours in a day to get through everything, but it's always important for me to start the day off feeling somewhat refreshed—despite the lack of sleep I get. I try to wake up before my early-risers (hello, six o'clock in the morning!) so I can take an uninterrupted shower—which is always the best way to start my day. If I'm able to get ready, put on my make-up, and have a cup of coffee before my kids wake up, it's a good thing. I don't like starting my day without my hair and make-up done, to be honest. As a beauty product junkie, I love trying out new hair products, especially because my hair is sometimes unruly, dry, and over-processed. (It's not easy being blonde!) Herbal Essences is a name I've used for years and it's a name I trust to get the results I want for my hair, so when I was introduced to the new Naked Volume Collection , I couldn...

As a Canadian, I love hockey. Of course I do. Another sport I love? Basketball. Not only because my oldest son is an awesome basketball player, but also because it's a super fun game. I was so excited to attend my first! ever! NBA game last week, thanks to Marriott Rewards. My husband and I enjoyed the game in a sweet suite which was catered (wine and basketball and Golden Palace egg rolls? Perfection!) and full of great energy and people. And also, awesome music. Basketball and music go hand in hand, I think. The legendary former NBA player Chauncey Billups hung out with us in our suite, too—I took a picture with him (he even called me sweetheart, and he was so nice) and I got his autography for my basketball loving brother-in-law. (Thanks, Billups!) (You're welcome, Sean!) After the game, we hit the after party. And it was a great time, despite the fact that the Raptors lost the game. (We were all on a high, though, because even though t...