July 14, 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!
Living my best hot girl summer (in temperature. Just in temperature. That’s it)
Hello Hello! How ARE you? Did you have a great week?
Not too much is going on around these parts. I already feel like summer is slipping away. Welp. I love these long days and warm nights so much I just want to milk them for all their worth!
We’ve been going out a lot in the boat this week. The water in Georgian Bay might just possibly be the most wonderful feeling. It’s the cleanest, most refreshing feeling to dive in off the stern in the middle of the giant lake.
This week’s tour around the internet and my kitchen was busy. Let’s dive in….
WHAT I DID THIS WEEK
Did you get a chance to listen to my latest playlist? Lovestory Cooking #3 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 wrote a blog post all about gift ideas if you’ve been invited to a friend’s cottage. We always want to be invited back and these are some surefire ways to guarantee that!
I put all the books I’ve listened to on Audible in one list. You can see it here. I find I am able to ‘read’ so many more books since downloading audible and getting my subscription. I love the way that my books click on when I get in the car and I can pick up right where I left off as I drive too and from everywhere. You’ll find a great selection of fiction and non-fiction.
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?
And this Popsicle Hack works SO WELL!
What caught my eye this week
LISTENING to Adelaide, by Genevieve Wheeler on the Libby App. It’s about a 26 year old American, Adelaide, living in London. I adore the main character and my heart breaks for her over and over. And as much as I just want her to get her shit together, I come back every chapter and cheer for her.
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 Did you see my stories this week about my weighted vest for walking? I got the 12lb one and it’s super comfy - helps with posture, strength building and endurance. It’s surprisingly hard to walk my regular route with it on. I’m hooked! Question if you are a weighted vest walker: How do you clean yours?
Speaking of walking, I’m on the hunt for new summer sandals. I know these ones are super trendy right now, but I find them a little too chunky for me. I bought these ones last year and I still love them. I think maybe I’ll go for something like these. They are on sale for prime day.
Last year I picked up this market dress and I’ve gotten so much wear out of it! Also, it’s got pockets! Pockets! I picked up the white version for this summer. I just have to remember not to cook in it!
Also, this little window washer is insanely effective. You still need to use a paper towel in the corners, but it makes short (and satisfying) work of the windows!
READING I just downloaded Sandwich by Catherine Newman onto my kindle. I stared it yesterday and am so excited to have a ‘book’ to read as we head into a few lazy, hazy cottage days.
For non-fiction, I’ve got Forever Strong: a New Science-Based Strategy for Ageing Well, by Gabrielle Lyon. I mentioned this podcast last week that has me rethinking my health. I highly recommend you listen to the podcast if you are over 40. I’m 46 years old and becoming acutely aware of my muscle strength (and it’s rapid decline!) and my cognitive health (also not going in the best direction!). I’d love to create a book club with you and host monthly zoom chats to discuss some of these books together. Tell me : would this be of interest to you? Let me know in the comments or reply to the email!
EATING Tomato season is starting to ramp up here in Ontario. Our harvest is truly at its best in August, but already we are seeing gorgeous, plump tomatoes, some early sweet corn and so much more flooding the markets. Things I plan to make this week:
Gazpacho, Panzanella and a Summer Caprese. Also, Ina Garten’s Summer Tomato Pasta
Don’t forget that if you’re heading to a cottage anytime soon, pick up my done-for-you cottage meal plan, complete with grocery list, that will alleviate any decision fatigue when it comes to planning meals while you’re on holiday.
FINALLY! Found the best protein powder yet! Canadian Protein.
SCROLLING This shoe art, by pauloctavious stopped my scroll.
FOOD WASTE is my biggest pet peeve. This list on how to store produce is helpful.
Looking for past issues of A Lovenote? Catch up on what you missed with Episode 25 and Episode 26 and Episode 27.
Recipes to try this week…..
MEAL PREP IDEA FOR THE WEEK
This is one of my all-time favourites that is perfect for meal prep because it checks all the boxes ✅ Minimal cooking, ✅ Minimal ingredients, ✅ no need to reheat.
Try this today and enjoy it all week long.
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!
Make sure to take time during these busy summer days to reconnect with yourself and feel your feels.
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!