Claudia or Lala – confused?
My given name is Claudia but my nickname is Lala. You can call me either!
What is your background?
I am Latina. Born in Montreal, Canada but grew up in Honduras. At age 18, I returned to Montreal to attend university and while there, I met Steve – a French Canadian and the love of my life. We got married three days after our graduations. And this year we just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary!
What did you study?
I graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English with a concentration in Film and Communications. I also have a diploma in Interior Decoration.
Any children?
I am the proud mother of two daughters: Valerie and Rachel, both in their twenties. They are beautiful, talented and creative women. I also am a fur mom to Mushu, a Shih-tzu dog.
What languages do you speak?
I am fluent in Spanish, English and French… and I hope to learn Italian soon!
What did you do prior to blogging?
In the 90’s, I was a fashion model, a published freelance writer and the owner of a home accessories import business. When the girls were born, we made the decision that I would stay at-home with them. Seven years went by… and once my youngest started first grade, I decided to go back to work. I began my interior decorating career and business.
Where do you call home?
After 18 years of living in the suburbs of Gatineau, Québec (a 15 min drive from Ottawa, our nation’s capital) we decided to move closer to our girls – who had moved to Toronto previously. So in 2019, we sold our house and bought a century old Edwardian townhome in west Toronto. It is located in a neighborhood that has cute and trendy stores, restaurants, hipster cafés and two beautiful parks nearby.