November 17, 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!
Toronto has been overtaken by Taylor Swift Mania and I’m not mad about it. The vibe in the city is palpable. The sheer joy from thousands of Swifties can be felt. I feel like I got to be part of this generations Elivis Presley or Beatle Mania moment. Have you been? Can you relate? I am so grateful that we got to see her on Friday night. It was sparkling. We won’t ever let it go.
I’m taking a bit of space between Halloween and Christmas decorating. Next week, I’m getting my fa la la on! I always look forward to the decorative lights that brighten up the darkness that falls now at 5pm. For years, the end of daylight savings and early nights felt like an inconvenience to me. I still struggle with my mental health in the winter months, but I’m working hard to flip the script and welcome the early darkness. I’m leaning into Hygge. Here are a few simple ways to add warmth and light during the darker months:
Lamps & Candlelight
Overhead lighting can feel harsh, so instead, I rely on lamps and candles to create a gentle glow. As the evening sets in, I walk around lighting candles and turning on lamps and it’s become a soothing ritual.
Mood Music
Relaxing tunes or even gentle Christmas music are a staple in our home this time of year. There is something soothing about the sound of jazz while dinner bubbles on the stove.
Comfort Essentials
Cozy blankets, early bedtimes, nourishing meals, a luxurious body wash, a freezer stocked with cookie dough for on-demand treats, hot baths with soaking salts, fuzzy socks, a crackling fireplace (or screensaver), fluffy layers on the bed, and a fully stocked tea drawer—these simple comforts are my colder month go-tos. Consider what simple things bring you comfort and see how you can amplify them this season.
Let’s dive into today’s newsletter, but before we do, a few scenes from my week: My daughter Tiggy left for a ski training camp in BC. She is in her happiest place. I’m adding more weights into my workout routine and, guys, it’s HARD! My friend Kate and I at the Taylor Swift concert on Friday night. It was a night to remember! Brunch with my people and Sully’s hockey tournament.
PS: In case you missed it, here are some noteworthy Thanksgiving recipes to have in your back pocket this holiday season.
What caught my eye this week
READING Where we were misled about menopause. Also, this article, Can we be Too Young for Menopause?
WATCHING I started watching the Martha Stewart Documentary on Netflix this week. Like her or not, Martha is an enigma.
LISTENING. I was interviewed by host Chelsea on the Not Young. Better. podcast and I loved our discussion about all things menopause and midlife. Please let me know what you thought if you had a chance to listen!
SHOPPING I have 2 Gift Guide Ready for you! If you have any requests, please do not hesitate to reply to this email and let me know!
Working next on my gift guide for guys and my gift guide for the hostess. Don’t sleep on this stunning cookbook for either yourself or as a gift. Donna Hay was the first to show us how photography and food can come together. I have almost all her books!
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 Yes, cooking can improve your mental health. This Food & Wine article discusses the research showing how cooking can help alleviate anxious thoughts and tendencies. I love this so much because I think it’s what I’ve found to be true for my own self and why I enjoy the process of creating food. Cooking can support our lives in rich ways, not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
I also started up a Broadcast Channel on my Instagram! Join us! I share a few more personal tidbits, post my recipes there (so you never miss them!) and it’s a more intimate venue to dive deeper into the questions and issues we are having as it relates to our health and wellbeing.
SWOONING this house is making me very excited for the holiday season.
COOKING or rather, baking. I’m whipping up a double batch of these cookie dough balls to freeze and have on hand to give as hostess gifts over the holidays. There is truly nothing quite like knowing you have these on hand. Have you tried this recipe? These cookies are gluten free and very notable.
Let’s talk bone broth. Have you ever made it at home? It’s simple, affordable and filled with good-for-you nutrients that will keep your immunity soaring….or restore immunity if you are a little run down. I would love to see you try this.
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!