October 13, 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!

a girl in silhouette looking at the northern lights

The Northern Lights on Friday were magnificent!

Happy Sunday my Loves!

As Thanksgiving arrives here in Canada, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude—not just for this season, but for YOU.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Whether you've been following along for years or just recently joined, your support means the world to me. It’s because of you that I get to do what I love—creating, sharing, and helping women like us feel our best during the ever-changing seasons of life...all in pursuit of creating our own personal love story! Each of us deserves to feel our very best and love each and every day of this wild and wonderful thing called life!

This past week, I launched my Meals for Menopause digital guide, and the response has been nothing short of amazing. I’m beyond thankful for the trust you've placed in me, and I’m so excited for the journey we’re embarking on together—nourishing our bodies, finding balance, and supporting one another.

I spent this Thanksgiving in Collingwood, where my heart is full. The leaves on the hills are every beautiful hue of orange, yellow and red. I reconnected with so many friends and family over delicious food. I am filled to the brim on so many levels… gratitude for you all for your encouragement, and the positive energy you bring into my days. Gratitude for all that I’ve worked for in my personal, social and professional life. May you use this holiday (or just this day if it is not yet your Thanksgiving or you don’t celebrate) to reflect on all that you have in your life and be reminded of how far you’ve come. Let that be your focus as you dig into something delicious. (I might have a few recipe ideas for that 😉). I hope your holiday is filled with love and laughter. 🍂

And lastly, if you have been on the fence about participating in the ‘Pause Effect Retreat on October 25-27 this is your chance to book! Registration closes on Sunday October 20th. If this is something you’ve been dreaming of, please reach out! This retreat is magic ✨. I truly believe that the reason I went through early on-set menopause was to share my learnings, growth and wisdom with you all. And with Lindsay at my side, sharing her poetic ability to connect, express, feel and move energy…all together, we are going to vibrate higher. We have such an incredible program designed with you in mind. If you are ready to move into connection, belonging, learning, and growing together—we hope that you will join us. You can find out more about this retreat here.

Let’s dive into today’s newsletter, shall we?

What caught my eye this week

WATCHING The new documentary M Factor is coming out on Netflix this month and I absolutely cannot wait. it looks like it has been beautifully produced and researched. I think it’s high time we open up this can of worms that affects nearly every woman with a uterus, and start normalizing and supporting them as the transition takes place!

I listened to the Call her Daddy interview with Kamala Harris this week and posted about it in my Instagram stories. I found it really refreshing to hear two women candidly discuss how women are treated in the US and how they want to see that change. I was SHOCKED by some of the comments directed at me for re-posting it. I didn’t mean for it to come across as being ‘political’. I truly enjoyed the conversation and hope you do too.

READING How to change your mindset about aging.

I immediately downloaded Ina’s Memoir after reading the lessons from her life. I can’t believe I hadn’t bought it until now! You can get yours here.

SHOPPING I love the basics from Everlane. They are having a 25% off Friends & Family sale. And not Everlove but I love, love, LOVE this navy cardigan.

Creamy Turkey Chili

Put this one on the list for those leftovers after Thanksgiving! You will love how turkey can be reimagined in this bright and flavourful soup/chili.

Delicata Squash Salad

Delicata squash are my new favourite type of gourd. They roast up sweet, with a lovely texture and you can eat the skin, making them even easier to prepare. This salad is perfect for this time of year.

Browned Butter Butternut Squash and Radicchio Salad

Are you looking for a show stopping autumnal salad to serve this holiday season? You’ve got to stop and add this gorgeous Warm Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette to your list. Your holiday guests will be begging for this recipe!

We appreciate you being here! Are you enjoying these emails? Feel free to share with a friend and let me know what you want to see more of!

You can catch up on last week’s Lovenote here.

SCROLLING Have you ever heard of land artists? So cool!

This neuroscientist believes in manifestation. I’m so glad my woo-woo habits are being validated!

COOKING I made the Half Baked Harvest Herb Butter Turkey for Thanksgiving and it was PERFECTION! The gravy was super easy too. I also made Ina’s caramelized shallots which are so easy and absolutely deeelish! And the best Thanksgiving side EVER, is my shaved brussels sprouts and prosciutto salad. This is a MUST make.

I’m looking for a few lighter meals this week after all the deliciousness from Canadian Thanksgiving. But if you are swimming in turkey leftovers, definitely add this Creamy Turkey Chili to your rotation this week. You will love the brightened up spin on a classic white chili.

Roasted butternut squash and radicchio is tossed in a tangy and rich browned butter vinaigrette.

The ‘Pause Effect

The ‘Pause Effect weekend retreat is coming up and we want you with us! Give yourself 48 hours to change the course of this season in your life. We come together, we learn from the collective, and we remember that we are not alone. You can think of all the reasons not to….and one major reason to:

YOU. For YOU, and for them.

From the blog this week…..


This week’s meal plan

image of Christie holding a Granny Smith apple in the kitchen leaning against her stove

Thank you for being here!

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I would LOVE to hear from you! Please let me know what is on your mind and how I can help!