November 10, 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!
Hello my Loves! What a year this week was!
In the wake of this week’s US election, I know so many of you are feeling….all the feels. Some of you disappointed, shocked and scared. Others, happy, relieved. I know this because I’ve had conversations with some of you from both sides. And although here in Toronto, we’re a much more liberal community, I am trying to keep an open mind. I shared my disbelief about the results in my stories, which promoted some really great conversations with some of you. I appreciate you taking the time to send me messages sharing your reasons, views and hopes.
There are a million unknowns ahead of us, but in reality, there always will be. The best we can do right now is root into ourselves, root into the present moment, and root into community. Try to ground down and remember what is important. Can you do the next best thing that will support your community with courage, steadfastness, vulnerability, and creativity? Let’s not allow fear of the unknown to divide us even further.
Regardless of where you live or how this week affected you, let us remember to ground down into the present. To nourish yourselves in all the ways that will allow us to show up fully. In love.
On that note: how do you nourish? Is it a special candle? A meal made with love? A workout or a sleep-in? Is it through connecting with others or taking time for yourself? Please share. I’d love to know.
As we start a very busy season - heading into the busiest time of year - how can we make our way towards that finish line of 2024 without feeling completely spent? Asking for a friend.
Quick recap of the photos from this week: Above, Fraser and I attended the 75th anniversary party for our ski club - not sure what the 80s theme was all about, but of course we took advantage of it! Below: My son’s hockey team won their tournament in Buffalo, NY last weekend! So proud of them! My bestie, Lindsay, and our daughters (also besties) woke at the crack of dawn for Lindsay’s sweaty and soulful HIIT pilates class. And My sister-in-law, Morgan, hosted her birthday at Othership - she got a room full of friends into the sauna then cold plunge tubs, including my whole family - it was awesome!
Let’s dive into this week’s Lovenote, shall we?
What caught my eye this week
READING I finished listening to Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger. It was sooo good! What a thriller! I just downloaded The New Menopause, by Mary Claire Haver. I will probably pick up the physical copy too, but I wanted to get through it fast, thus, audiobook.
LISTENING This podcast with Marianne Williamson on finding peace in the division of America. I love her teaching. Also, learning about friendship and connection from Simon Sink. Some really great tidbits in both of these podcasts.
If you have trouble sleeping and haven’t yet tried Yoga Nidra - it is singlehandedly saving my sleep lately. I go immediately back to sleep after waking up at 2:30, 4:30 and sometimes 5.
HABITS. I've recently started a 3-week gluten-free trial, followed by 3 weeks dairy-free, to see if it might ease the joint pain I'm experiencing due to perimenopause. And so far—just 5 days in—it seems to be working! My hip pain has significantly improved, which is so encouraging. Sticking to gluten-free eating at home has been manageable, especially with batch-cooked dinners that leave me plenty of leftovers. But finding quick, gluten-free options on the go has been a bit more challenging! Any tips?
SHOPPING I finally bought these adorable runners that I have had my eye on for ages. They look so good on! And how gorgeous is this cropped sweater? It looks so much more luxe than its pricetag!
I had my makeup done professionally a few weeks ago and the makeup artist recommended this colour correcting foundation. I picked it up and can attest that it is awesome! I also bought the concealer.
I broke out my shoulder season coat this week - the temperatures have finally started to drop - and I love it. You won’t believe it’s Amazon.
Holiday Gift Guides: These are in the works! 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 found my new favourite TikTok account. Thank god for some good news!
Thank you to all of you who voted on Instagram for the next Menopause guide! It is ready to go, and you, my dear subscriber, are the very first to see it! Let me know what you think!
COOKING I’m trying my hat at gluten free baking this week. First up, will be these muffins. I have everything I need to make them this afternoon! If you didn’t see this mind blowing tofu dessert, you MUST try it! I’m making another batch for my sweet tooth.
If you are planning your Thanksgiving, check out my Thanksgiving guide to some foolproof recipes that will help make your day not only delicious but also filled with ease.
If you need an easy slow cooker recipe for dinner tonight, may I suggest this one?
Meals and More from the blog this week…..
This week’s meal plan
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!