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...

These last few weeks have been the busiest ever, and Christmas was an absolute magical time spent with family and friends. We hosted several times, enjoyed Christmas Eve at my parents house, and Christmas Day at home before heading to the in-laws for more festivities. It was a perfect holiday season, but it's not over yet–New Year's Eve is coming up and it's time to start thinking about what to wear to ring in the new year! After all, it's a big night–we're saying goodbye to 2019, and welcoming a new decade into our lives. Who's ready for 2020? I know I am! 2019 was a great year filled with many memories, including a summer in Paris and Greece, winter break in Bahamas, and focusing on work and family. Now, it's time to look forward at all the things 2020 will bring, but before that how about figuring out what to wear? I recently partnered with DressYou  as a brand ambassador, and I found so many great pieces of clothing and accessories for all occasio...

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...

Winter has barely begun, and I'm already missing summer. The cold weather is not only hard to adjust to mentally, it can also be harsh on our skin and body. It's important to take the time to treat our skin to some much-needed self-care throughout this long season–and a visit to THE TEN SPOT certainly helps deliver some TLC where we need it most! I was invited to experience THE TEN SPOT in the Glebe recently, and I enjoyed an eyebrow wax and pedicure. The service was excellent, and I can't wait to go back! In addition to visiting THE TEN SPOT (whether you're going in for a laser treatment, manicure, pedicure, or facial) you can also take care of your skin at home. With the help of skin care experts at THE TEN SPOT, here are four tips for transitioning your skin to the cold weather conditions of winter. Exfoliate, but not too much! Exfoliate only once a week. Your skin will be increasingly sensitive from the cold and dry climate, so you'll want to avoid adde...

After spending a few days in the most beautiful city of all, I though I'd share with you what I consider to be the top five places to see when you're in the City of Lights, especially if you are only there for a short time. Whether you're travelling to Paris as a couple, with friends, or as a family, it really is a perfect destination for everyone–kids included. Of course, it will be more challenging navigating the cobblestone streets and exploring the sites if your children are very young or still in a stroller, so my advice is to wait until your children are old enough to truly understand and appreciate the greatness, beauty, and history of Paris. Top five places to visit in Paris:  Sacre Coeur:  Did you know the Sacre Coeur is the most visited monument in the world? It's no wonder why it's such a popular attraction, because it is truly breathtaking. Every year, over 11 million people visit this basilica, which was built at the end of the 19th century...

There is no better place to travel to than Europe in the summertime. I'm back to reality now after one month away–first, a few days in Paris, followed by four weeks in Greece–our second home. It's easy to fall in love with Paris; what you've read about and what you've seen depicted of this magical city are all true. It's a city unlike any other, one that is filled with so much beauty it'll leave you awestruck with every step you take. It is, of course, a perfect city for lovers, but equally wonderful to experience with the entire family, especially if you love history, culture, fine dining, and breathtaking museums. Of course, the shopping is excellent, too! I saw Paris for the first time last summer, on my return from my Portugal press trip. Earlier this year, my husband had the chance to visit Paris on a work trip. We decided to take our children this summer, before we went to Greece. It was the best decision ever. Our boys are at an age where travel an...

Disclosure: I have partnered with Allergen Inc. and  Juvéderm for this campaign, and have received treatment and  monetary  compensation. All views and opinions are my own.   If yo u're on the fence about  Juvéderm  let me put your mind at ease–over the course of several months, I had the  opportunity  to experience  Juvéderm   fillers with Dr. Caronline Tosoni , and I loved my experience. She is one of  the  best cosmetic physicians in Ottawa, and after seeing her several times for consultations and treatments, I can see why she's so loved in this city. Many  people  I know go to Dr. Tosoni,  including several of my close friends. Her professionalism and expertise can't be beat! A ll the doubts I had prior to making my appointment with Dr. Tosoni were put to rest after my first visit with her. My initial fear was the pain from the needles, and wondering if anything would go wrong. I wa...

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around every once in a while, you could miss it." We're all familiar with this line from the classic movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which took place in Chicago—the famous city I got to experience for the first time on a recent press trip. I was so fortunate to be travelling with some wonderful Canadian journalists, led by the most professional (and fun) PR firm, Fathom Co. (hi, Mark and Laura!) and hosted by Choose Chicago. Chicago—I definitely choose you! Some cities leave me yearning for more; I feel this way about New York City, and I feel this way about Chicago now. My first time visiting the Windy City left quite an impression on me, even though I was only there for a few days. I explored as much as I could, making good use of my time from morning to night. I walked around Millennium Park, took my picture by the famous "bean", watched Hamilton for the first time, (more on that late...

This Mother's Day, keep is simple by shopping local for the most important woman in your life. There are so many wonderful gifts to give mom for Mother's Day. Of course, the most important gift of all is the gift that's free: love, and spending quality time with those closest to you. For me, a truly happy Mother's Day means I'm spending it with my children and my family, doing things we love, together. A home made card from my children is always the most cherished gift I receive every year. However–receiving (and giving) something extra special is a wonderful way to celebrate Mother's day, too. This year, I thought it would be a good idea to shop for gifts from local businesses, because Ottawa is full of great companies selling amazing products every mom will appreciate. Here are my choices for the best gifts to give this Mother's Day: Tallow Boutique : Tallow is an adorable boutique located in Westboro. They sell so many wonderful items including...

Spring is in the air! And spring in the hair , you guys. Isn't this the perfect season to freshen up your look, update your highlights, and take care of yourself? I think so. I am a firm believer in self-care and I love taking the time visit salons to get my hair done. I had the pleasure of visiting Tappa Hair Salon recently, where I was given a fabulous blow-dry and a lash lift and tint. This was the most relaxing procedure, with stunning results. A lash lift and tint basically lifts your eyelashes so they look fuller, longer, and more voluminous; there is no need for lash extensions (which can be so problematic) because the lash lift gives excellent results and lasts for about eight weeks. I am thrilled with the results and will be back for sure. Tappa Hair Salon, in Carlingwood Shopping Centre, is hosting a fabulous Nioxin hair event called "Spring is in the Hair" taking place on April 25th, between noon and 8 p.m. This day of beauty is so worth it, so grab yo...