December 1, 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 and Happy December!
Before we get into it, I want you to know how very grateful I am for you! I’m so lucky that I get to connect with you and if you don’t know it yet, please hear it now.
On Friday morning, I lay in bed thinking about happiness. Isn’t that the ultimate goal? The reason we get up, show up, and try every single day?
But for me, happiness isn’t a passive state—it’s work. I work hard on my energy, my mindset, and my habits to create a foundation where I feel good in my body and soul. I’m one of those sensitive souls who craves balance, peace, and space. Without it, I nosedive.
Now December is here, and I’m reminded of how the season used to sweep me up entirely. I see it now in my kids—the wonder, the anticipation, the celebration. I love the lights, the magic, the cozy traditions. But as I’ve gotten older, happiness sometimes feels like it’s slipping just out of reach.
Responsibilities, parenting, endless choices... They all crowd my mind and heart, pushing joy into the background. I try to recreate the happiness of my younger years, but often it feels like I’m doing it for my kids and family rather than for myself. I’m tired. Prioritizing my happiness seems like the last thing on the list.
But let’s turn this around. Because here’s the truth I’ve learned: Happiness doesn’t have to be grand or elusive. It lives in small, intentional habits that brighten our days, especially when they feel dark (hello, Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Humans thrive on consistency and routine. These don’t just make life easier—they protect our energy by reducing decision fatigue. Think about it: We make 35,000 decisions a day. The more automatic some of those decisions become, the less energy we waste.
When you craft a routine filled with tiny, meaningful habits, they eventually become second nature. You’ll find yourself flowing through your day with more ease, less stress, and yes, more space for joy.
So, as we step into the holiday season, I’m inviting you to consider:
What small habit could you start today that feels nourishing?
How can you create a routine that serves you—not just those around you?
Even in the busiest season, it’s possible to prioritize yourself, one step at a time.
Let’s dive into today’s newsletter, shall we?
xoxChristie
Scenes from my week:
The annual birthday lunch with my sister and my mom | spending a special 6 year old birthday day with my niece and my daughter | My son leaving for his first solo trip to BC with his ski team | My Meno-Mama Gift guide dropped this week (!) | Working out with heavy weights - my new priority | Sadie in action at her volleyball tournament on Saturday (they lost but she played like a star!)
What caught my eye this week
READING Quiet your mind, busy your hands. I wish I created this. I love having busy hands! I calms my busy brain. I asked for this for Christmas.
I always love it when Toronto gets a shout out! Here is Jenny Bird’s essential guide to the city.
WATCHING Wicked, the movie. Have you been? I’m trying to coordinate my family (without any luck so far) to go see this together. I love the music! My girls and I are on a Netflix Christmas Movie marathon. It makes me so happy!
LISTENING. Christmas music on repeat. I love this playlist. There is also the ever popular Martha Stewart Christmas. This one never gets old.
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 love the Meno-Mama gift guide! Just buy all this for yourself and put it in your stocking. What would you add? Some of you suggested readers (glasses)! So funny.
I picked up a few stocking stuffers: my girls are getting this (such a cute gift exchange item), these, this, and these. My son has these, this, these, and these are a necessity. For my husband he loves his car so I got this. Also, got him these because sleep has been tricky lately and I think they will help.
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 Any one else struggling with dry skin? Usually at this point in the year, my skin feels like it’s going to fall off. It’s dry, tight and itchy. But not lately! I was sent the Aramore starter kit which includes a day lotion, an eye cream and a night cream and I will 100% be reordering! My skin feels more even, hydrated and brighter. They are offering 20% off right now if you use the link above.
Also, I cannot share enough what a GAME CHANGER taking an electrolyte is. Tell me honestly - have you considered it? I was skeptical at first, but as soon as I started regularly putting HYDRATE into my water bottle, I found an immediate energy lift. I also noticed less brain fog and my skin improved. Age Quencher is offering a HUGE sale this weekend. Use my code LOVESTORY15. Age Quencher electrolyte. The discount is almost 50% off this weekend but use the code anyways so they know I sent you!
SCROLLING I think I want to be Dutch.
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?
SALES There are so many sales to be had out there. It’s a little overwhelming. I did buy a bunch of clothes for my girls and I used my own guides to shop for their stockings. It’s a huge goal of mine to finish the shopping this weekend so that I can try to enjoy the rest of the month.
FOOD: Aside from my love affair with sourdough, I have been LOVING being gluten free. I’ve gotten to a place where I feel so good not eating gluten that I am motivated to avoid it. I’m going to spend this week finding some delicious gluten free holiday treats you can make. Don’t forget that if you are entertaining, this High Protein Mousse is next level delicious.
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!