July 7, 2024
Welcome to A Lovenote.
A weekly digest where I say hello and share. You’ll find things you can cook this week + some things you didn’t ask for but might enjoy. I’m so glad you are here!
4 Recipes to try this week
Hello Hello! How ARE you? July is my 2nd favourite month (just after October, which just has to be my favourite because it’s my birthday month!). There is just so much happiness and anticipation associated with July. Don’t you think? The days are long and bright, the food is bountiful, the summer is only just getting going, and there is a feeling of everything and anything is ahead.
I feel like we are starting to get into our summer rhythm. Both my teen daughters are working and are managing their own schedules. My son is doing some day camps, so we are getting up and out of the house. We’ve all been super active - working out at the local gym or hiking the hills, playing tennis and pickleball with friends, reading, weeding, making meals that we all eat together. It all feels very …summer.
This week’s tour around the internet and my kitchen was busy. Let’s dive in….
WHAT I DID THIS WEEK
I made my Lovestory Cooking #3 playlist! It’s perfect for easy afternoons and playful dinners al fresco. It has a bit of a ‘Coastal Grandma’ meets joyful July vibe. Happy Listening!
I posted this mocktail video that you guys LOVED! This one is super nostalgic for me. My sisters, mom and I used to drink these all the time at the cottage (albeit not booze free!) But this is one non-alcoholic drink that doesn’t feel like you are missing out on anything.
I shared this watermelon tutorial that I didn’t realize wasn’t universally already known! Once you try it, you’ll never go back to cutting wedges!
I realized we are officially 1/2 way through the year and I did a hard assessment of where I am relative to my goals. Gulp. I truly thought I would have accomplished a lot more by this time. I thought I would have had the opportunity to work with more brands and would have created more digital products. I would love to know what you think about my offerings thus far, and where you think I can better serve you. What would make your life easier? More detailed meal plans? Easier recipes? More baking? Airfryer inspiration? How-to videos? More yoga?
NEW
MENUS
IS
Just in time for the Long Weekend, grab my Simple yet Special done-for-you Long Weekend Menu Plan to help take the hassle out of feeding your people this weekend.
What caught my eye this week
LISTENING to The Anxious Generation, by John Haidt on Audible. I cannot stress enough that you NEED to read this book. I’ve texted all my friends and urged them to pick it up. Haidt walks us through the research that is causing an epidemic of unhappy youth and gives solutions on how to circumvent it. Read this book. Especially if your child hasn’t hit puberty, read this book. If your child is past puberty, also read this book. I can’t wait to discuss this with you all.
I also listened to Dr. Gaby Lyon on the Huberman Lab Podcast. I learned so much about how muscle promotes longevity, brain health, and so much more. This episode was targeted at women past age 40, but they also discussed the needs of teens and men. Get ready to see an increased focus on protein intake in my content! Buckle up, because we are prioritizing protein from here on in!
BOUGHT this WEEK A weighted vest for walking. I’m seeing them al l over socials. Not only do these help to increase strength and endurance, these vests have been proven to support bone density and better posture.
The BEST strapless bra is currently on sale. I get asked about mine all the time. I grabbed a black one.
Prime Day Sales are starting next week. Stay tuned for my picks!
READING Next up on my reading list is Sandwich by Catherine Newman. I already know it will resonate, I definitely feel a bit smushed between my aging parents and teenage children. I worry about them both constantly.
EATING Outside! And am LOVING it! (despite a few bug bites). Here are a few things that are making our al fresco dining (either at home or poolside) even better: This table cloth, these compostable plates, these battery operated lights, this mosquito repellant, this portable snack tray.
LOSING MYSELF In this beauty of a house. Wouldn’t you love to live here?
BUCKET LIST Loved this list of things to do in July.
Looking for past issues of A Lovenote? Catch up on what you missed with Episode 24 and Episode 25 and Episode 26.
Four recipes to try this week…..
Recent posts
Let’s do yoga!
Don’t forget that I have a library of classes available on my website for you to access anytime this summer. Before I started cooking on the internet, I was/am a yoga teacher!
I will be adding at least 1 class a week to the library through the summer months for my students, and you can join too!
I’d like to kick us off with an instagram live class this week. Would you been keen? If so, can you reply to this email and just let me know if you’d prefer an AM class (7:00-7:45am) or an evening class (6:00-6:45pm)
Thank you for being here!
I so appreciate your support of my work by shopping my links. Thank you for following along!
I would LOVE to hear from you! Please let me know what is on your mind and how I can help!
These easy protein peanut butter and jam cups are the perfect midday treat. Rich and creamy peanut butter center, with a dollop of sweet jam hidden inside, they taste so good you won't even be able to tell these are packed with protein!