November 3, 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!
Happy Sunday Lovers! Did you have a luxurious daylight savings sleep in?
I am SO glad that Halloween is now behind us and we can get into the serious holidays ahead! Lush greenery and twinkle lights? I can get excited about that! I was the first on my street to plop my pumpkins in the compost and tuck the Skeltons away! I love getting my holiday decor out in November so I can enjoy the charm of the season a little longer.
And is anyone else SO anxious about this week’s vote? There is just a lot of energy out there in the world. I am Canadian so I have no ability to participate in the election but the outcome affects us here nonetheless. I continue to be amazed by how divided the US (and the world!) has become. I don’t remember it being this way when I was younger….or perhaps I just didn’t pay attention to it. Now that I spend more time on social media, I’m acutely aware of how strong people’s opinions are…not only on politics, but on everything. They are more than willing to scream type: YOU ARE WRONG from behind their devices. It makes people not really want to share their opinions openly. As an adult, I am able to compartmentalized these opinions, but it does make me second guess showing up fully at times. All to say, I hope it goes well this week and that balanced minds and emotions prevail.
Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that every time your blood sugar spikes, it triggers a spike in your stress hormone cortisol as well?
Goodness knows none of us need any more reasons for our cortisol to spike, so managing your blood sugar is a great way to feel more relaxed. Quick hits of dopamine may feel good in the moment (think candy, alcohol, sweets) but you will feel better in the long run if you can resist that urge.
To keep your blood sugar and mood stable, make sure you are prioritizing protein, fibre and healthy fats over carbs. I write all about it in my ebook with lots of examples of how to get those needs met. Want me to share more about stress, blood sugar and menopause? Just hit reply to the email and let me know and I will add it to my content calendar!
A few scenes from my week before we dive into today’s newsletter….
What caught my eye this week
READING I am having trouble reading at night. I find my eyesight is getting worse and worse and by the time I finally collapse into bed, it’s all I can do to put my AirPods in and be lulled to sleep to an audiobook! I’m still listening to Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger and am getting hooked!
Have we lost the plot on menopause?
This Autumnal Spotify Playlist has been on repeat this week. It will take me all the way until it’s appropriate to start playing Christmas music.
HABITS. I really love the Superhuman app, which provides a type of meditation called activations - these are designed to be listened to while you are busy doing other things - cooking, walking, getting ready in the morning. Here is a case for how micro-meditations can bring more calm to you life.
SHOPPING I bought these jeans for my 15 year old daughter and she is obsessed! I find helping my girls find ‘appropriate’ casual clothes (ie: clothes they can wear to a family party that cover their bodies) super challenging! Send help!
Gift Guides: I’ve started working on them for the holidays! I love putting these together. If you have any requests, please let me know!
I appreciate you being here! Are you enjoying these emails? I always want to bring you more of what you want! Please let me know what you are needing and wanting to see more of!
SCROLLING I just went down a delightful rabbit hole of Ilona Mahers sister’s instagram. How can 1 family have 2 daughter who are so delightful??
In case you missed it, here are ways to manage the jarring arrival of daylight saving time.
And so many of you were asking about my sunglasses in this reel. They are CHIMI and they are currently on sale! Here is the link.
SWOONING this house is making me very excited for the holiday season. Halloween is around the corner and I dread it. I’d like to just bypass to Christmas, please and thank you.
COOKING I posted that salmon recipe I told you about last week. You can find it here. It’s perfect for a crowd or even just for 2 people. I hope you love it.
I am very sad I missed these adorable brie pumpkins for our Canadian Thanksgiving. If you are in the US, maybe a cute add-on to your Thanksgiving table?
From the blog this week…..
This week’s meal plan
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!
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!