September 8, 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!
Back to School for Moms
You guyssss! It was such a good week this week! The kids went back to school, they were really happy, I got into my new fall groove, I’m really happy, I think we’re all really happy! Can we just hold onto this for a hot sec? Please?
With the first week of school, we are all settling into our new routines. Every year there is a little flux while we sort ourselves out, but I have come to realize how much I crave and enjoy the structure of my days. It might be because I’m a Libra and balance is in my DNA. Routines and traditions add comfort and value to our lives. Are you getting into your groove? How was your week?
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any tools or tricks that have helped you find more ease getting into your back-to-school rhythm or in feeding you and your family during the school year, please share below. ❤️
Are You New Here?
WELCOME! to our new subscribers! I’m thrilled you’re here. In this newsletter, I share insights into my life, my adventures, and discoveries from my online explorations. Sharing is caring, and I’m excited to pass along helpful tips, hacks, and valuable intel as we all strive to be our best.
I’m always looking for ways to nourish and fuel my busy family of five. After nearly eight years of navigating menopause, I’ve learned one vital lesson: I need to put on my own oxygen mask first. If I’m not taking care of myself, I can’t be at my best for anyone else. Through my journey, I’ve discovered what truly helps me thrive during perimenopause and beyond, and I’m excited to share those insights with you. You can read more about my menopause journey here.
I hope to get to know you better. I always love hearing from you and learning what you need most from me.
Let’s dive into today’s newsletter, shall we?
What caught my eye this week
LISTENING September has the BEST fall energy! I love the energetic shift that happens as well as the deep desire for productivity. I made a Lovestory Fall Playlist for your listening pleasure! I hope that it channels the right autumn chill vibes/get down to business fall energy!
Also, speaking of fall energy, this podcast outlines why we have this back-to-school spur of productivity and how we can harness it to make the most of our time in the next 4 months of the year to achieve goals and dreams.
SHOPPING You can’t do better than a men’s L.L. Bean cotton fisherman sweater — they’re really cozy and you can toss them in the wash. I take these sweaters from my husband and deny knowing what happened to them.
I read one scary article about talc and threw out almost everything I own. I swear by the non-toxic Olio e Osso stick in a watermelon-y pink shade. I use it on lip and cheeks and haven’t yet tried it on my eyes but I think it would be amazing.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
The ever so popular Marry Me Chicken …but in meatball form! These chicken meatballs come out tender, juicy and so flavourful. I served these with a generous amount of spinach over pasta and some crusty sourdough bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Classic Sloppy Joes
My classic Sloppy Joe Recipe has the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, savoury and zest for a summer dinner that your whole family will adore.
Amanda’s Famous Lasagna
This is the most delicious lasagna I’ve ever had. It’s a labour of love -the qualities are doubled so that it will make two giant lasagnas ... one to eat now, and one to freeze, or gift.
Healthier Turkey Bolognese
I am making this today! This incredible Healthy-ish Bolognese sauce is made using ground turkey, instead of beef, and a whole lot of finely chopped veggies. Feel free to make a salad on the side, but you don’t have to….you won’t notice you’re eating an entire serving of vegetables! The extra freeze beautifully!
TRAVEL I barely leave my neighbourhood BUT, I’m off to NYC next weekend! I will be on my own on Saturday night (Fras doesn’t arrive until Sunday). I would like to see a show on the Saturday night (I’ll be there with a few cycling wives before Fraser arrives). What should we see? we are talking about the Notebook (one of my FAVE movies). Please send recommendations!! Also, shameless plug, you can donate here to help support crucial in-hospital and other programs for children undergoing cancer treatments. That’s Fras in the photo! He ‘s so close to his fundraising goal! He is such a force!!
SCROLLING This is a house that I wish was mine! But I actually know the designer (who lives in this home and designed it) so I’m hoping she will invite me over and I can ohh and ahh over everything in person.
7 Patterns in couples who ‘made it’. Noted.
ORGANIZING You GUYS!! I am possibly the world’s worst home owner. When I found this 52 week home maintenance creator who offers a free weekly home checklist and support— this kind of stuff totally overwhelms me so I love that he breaks it down into a single weekly task.
I did, however, tackle the mold in our shower this week and it was a huge success. I mixed baking soda, bleach and some Clorox toilet bowl cleaner in a disposable Red Solo Cup, then applied that mixture with an old toothbrush. I left it on overnight and then rinsed it off in the morning. Worked like a charm! YAY ME!
COOKING We need to take the stress out of our new routine and make sure we are well fed and feeling good. The solution? Batching like a pro.
Let’s Batch Like a Pro
Recipes to try this week…..
This week’s meal plan
Yoga Begins Again
Yoga Begins Again
It’s time to get back into the rhythm of mindful movement. I cannot wait to see your beautiful faces as we move and flow together this week!
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!