November 24, 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 love! How are you? Really?
Bear with me….today is a little everywhere….I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Today, while it is chilly and rainy in Collingwood, I’m giving myself permission to do nothing. To just rest. We rented out our house this past week, which was a mistake to do in the middle of school term. I’ve shared our Airbnb experience here and typically, we love doing it. It’s a source of extra income and a springboard to make us consider new travel adventures for our family. But this time around, it was just too much. We are too close to the holidays, it was too disruptive to the kids, and I spent all week running around trying to minimize the impact of the disruption on my people, on me. I am especially proud of Sadie who, at 16, needs her space and her routine. She shared a room with her little brother and was so tolerant…but I know it took a lot out of her. For today, I rest.
Yesterday, I went to a yoga class led by my beautiful friend Morgan who read us the quote above at the end of our savasana. It landed in me so heavy. With everything going on in the world, and with the holidays fast approaching, I feel like the overwhelm is real. The anxiety is real. And we need to pause. Have compassion. Try to remember what is important. Find our way back to our centre, ourselves. Tell me, does this land with you too, or was I just in a blissed out, yoga-induced, compassionate state?
In other thoughts: Have you noticed how Black Friday has morphed into Black November…. Our inboxes are bursting with sale emails, and while I’m not one to pass up a great deal on something already on my wishlist, I’ve found a simple way to take advantage of this email deluge. If you are overwhelmed by the gift guides coming at you: unsubscribe
Let’s face it—no one has ever said, “I wish I got more emails!” (And yes, the irony of this coming from an email is not lost on me. Stick with me here!). The holidays bring joy, connection, and… way too many marketing emails. Instead of spending your mornings swiping them away (just me?), take a few extra moments to hit unsubscribe. Let me know how this goes. And if I’m one of those emails you unsubscribe to, I’ll be sad to see you go, and I thank you for being here while you were!
So, my friend, if you’re feeling the pressure of the season—the mad dash to tidy up, prepare meals, or host guests—here’s your reminder: sometimes the mess can wait. Give yourself permission to rest, even if it’s just for a moment. That pause might be exactly what you need to show up fully for everything else.
Let’s dive into today’s newsletter, shall we?
xoxChristie
PS: Wishing all my American friends a lovely Thanksgiving this week!
What caught my eye this week
READING Are you a ‘living room family’?
WATCHING Yellowstone. Obvi. I forgot how much I love this series! We’ve watched the prequels and anxiously await every episode to drop! Maybe a trip to a Montana ranch is in my future!
LISTENING. This podcast all about sleep. I adore the Huberman Lab podcast. I’ve learned so much about biohacking my health. I find I turn to his teachings when I’m a little out of balance - like right now. One of his hot tips: Get early morning sunlight into your eyes (no sunglasses) I’ve been doing since early perimenopause and it has really improved my sleep. I wrote about my sleep hygiene here.
Also, I listened to this podcast twice. I think we sometimes need a reminder to just begin the thing. Whatever it is….going to be earlier, drinking less wine, signing up for that certification, going to the gym, going to the doctor….whatever it is. Dig in now - because the present is all we have. The ‘right time’ is a myth and how are we going to learn to drive if the car is in park? We need to be in motion and figure it out as we go.
On that note, I know it’s a little early for New Year’s Goals, but have you thought of your 10 year plan? I think I’m going to try this.
SHOPPING My Gift Guides are coming in hot! I hope you are as excited to receive them as I am to send them to you!
I already ordered this Boyfriend Sweater from Quince - their cashmere is supposed to be fantastic, and you can’t beat the price.
With holiday parties on the horizon, I just ordered this off the shoulder velvet dress and this asymmetrical velvet dress. I also picked up this cute little handbag.
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!
You can catch up on last week’s Lovenote here.
HABITS At this point in the year, my skin feels like it’s going to fall off. It’s dry, tight and itchy. My usual products don’t cut it. Please send recommendations! What DOES make the world of difference is taking an electrolyte. Not only does it support my skin (it’s plumper…if that is a goal), my energy is better, my brain fog is less and I feel better. I recently ran out of my all time fave Age Quencher electrolyte and I’ve been off all week. So I’m reordering today. You can use my code: Lovestory15 to try it. I think you’ll love it.
Also, I’ve been burning candles in the evening now that it’s so dark. This one was gifted to me and it’s absolutely stunning (splurge). This one is a similar scent. (steal). I use this candle warmer which I treated myself to this fall and I LOVE it.
INSTAGRAM Did you see that we now have 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.
The 100 Most Influential Cookbooks
GIFTING Edible gift are truly my favourite things to give. Here is a round up of some of my go-to edible gifts. Homemade Bailey’s, Christmas Spiced Nuts, Ginger Molasses Cookies, Orange Spice Granola, and a freshly baked loaf of sourdough is always appreciated. What about you? Do you have a go-to homemade gift you love to give?
FOOD: If you are hosting this week or need an appetizer, master the art of charcuterie with these easy steps.
And in case you missed it, here are some noteworthy Thanksgiving recipes to have in your back pocket this week if you are still planning your menu. May I also HIGHLY recommend this no-stir Boursin Risotto? It’s a crowd pleaser. Is there anything Boursin can’t do?
From the blog this week…..
This week’s meal plan
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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!