After busy years putting the finishing touches on the show Bien, Saskia Thuot felt the need to ask herself this question. The animator, who doesn’t like to plan far in advance, enjoys the summer as she wishes. She would like to spend a lot of time with her two children, Laurence and Simone, until the start of the school year.
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Saskia, what is your job in the summer?
I continue to write for Les Idées de ma maison and 7 Jours magazines. My business, Balmy X Saskia, is doing great. Added to this are my collaborations as an ambassador. I’m not just a face: I propose ideas, I develop the content. This allows me to use my experience and my contacts.
Do you have the opportunity to take time for yourself?
At the end of Bien, I decided to take time for myself because I needed it. I choose to do what I want to do. Of course, as a mother, I have obligations. Since my children are on vacation, there has been a certain relaxation, which is very good. I have a house where I can pick up. Since I don’t have a 9am to 5pm schedule, I have free time.
Have you planned a vacation?
I’m always last minute by nature. I have great planning difficulties. I have just arrived in the Eastern Townships from the Resourcing Lodges in Stanstead. I liked it so much that I am planning to come back this winter. These are mini houses and each has its own spa, sauna and hammam. Right next door we discovered a delicatessen, the Red Beret. It was fabulous! There are hiking trails a few steps away. It is of all beauty! I also visited a spa near Victoriaville, Sainte Hélène. The owner bought the small elementary school in the village and converted it into a spa. The chef is amazing! We eat like kings there. You can also sleep there. Trips like this keep me busy.
Planning a trip to Charlevoix where your mother lives?
Yes, I have planned to visit my mother whose birthday is July 22nd. It’s possible I’ll also make a jump to Florida where I have a condo. I don’t always have the opportunity to go there in winter because the kids are at school, but I want to be able to enjoy it in summer.
Your children have grown up. Are you still doing activities with them?
Yes, of course, but they don’t have that many wishes… For 15-year-old Simone, the only thing she wants is to be with her friends, and that’s normal. She still follows me I’m still glad she’s here, but I accept that she doesn’t want to do the same things as me. I want to do all sorts of activities with my kids, including the zipline at Mont-Tremblant. This is a zipline I would love to do with my family. In Montérégie there is the labyrinth. It doesn’t matter how old we are, it’s freaky. I would also like to go to a theater where there is a lighted show at night. And of course I love going to restaurants.
What are your favorites?
In Montreal, I like Pizzeria Napoletana, an old Italian restaurant on Rue Dante. I love Little Italy! Close to home, in Saint-Bruno, I have my favorites, including Markina, which offers ready meals. In the evenings, from Thursday to Saturday, chef de cuisine Marie-Anick offers a refreshment bar with tapas. It is a pleasure! Otherwise, Le Catch is a place I love for its oysters and atmosphere.
Are you planning to spend time with your friends?
My fondest holiday memories when I was young are in Lac-Saint-Jean. My mother is from Arvida. My aunt rented a campsite in Desbiens. She had a yellow bus that she turned into a trailer. My uncle drove the bus and we went as a family. During this time I experienced my first “kick”. I was 12 and I still remember… (laughs) I loved my summers camping! When I was 10, I went to Disney with my mom. She had told me the news two days before we left. It was magical!
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