December 8, 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!
Hi you!
I hope your December is off to a bright start. I think you need to bake these cookies.
Last week, I shared about how in this menopausal season, I feel like my brain is just overflowing with details, reminders, important things I need to remember. It’s endless. Neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi explains the woman's brain in menopause so beautifully in this twelve minute TedTalk.
What about you? Is the overwhelm of the season starting to creep up on you? I know for sure that when I start to feel this way, I need to double down on my sleep. When we aren’t sleeping, everything else in life feels just a little more stressful. And when you allow the stress hormone, cortisol, to creep up, it suppresses estrogen. Which of course, can make our menopause symptoms flare. I shared two new resources on the blog this week. I outlined what I’ve learned (and experienced!) about Why Sleep Feels Impossible in Menopause and also HRT: The Question I Get Asked The Most. They both are intertwined as it relates to sleep, so I wanted to bring them to your attention in case it can help you.
Also - I'm excited to share something new I've been working on! I am creating a workshop designed specifically for women in their 40s and 50s who are navigating perimenopause. It's called "Your Menopause Blueprint: 5 Steps to Feeling Even Better Than Before."
I'm looking for a few beta testers to help me fine-tune the workshop before the official launch. As a thank you, the first 10 people to sign up will receive a special discount on the course.
If you're interested in learning more about how I can help you to manage your symptoms and reclaim your energy, mood, and sense of self, I'd love for you to join me. And if you prefer a more personalized approach, you can also book a 1:1 menopause coaching call with me.
Click here to inquire. I hope you book your spot. I can't wait to help you feel your best again!
Let’s dive into today’s newsletter, shall we?
xoxChristie
Scenes from my week:
My dearest friend Karrie and I. We snuck out for a birthday lunch | These are the gluten free cookies my husband was raving about | My mom and her sisters at our annual family Christmas party. There were 5 sister (one has passed) and they are all so gorgeous!
What caught my eye this week …
READING I think I got 17 emails from every single day from every single retailer I subscribe to last week. It was just too much. I have a Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday and Gift Guide hangover. I really enjoyed this breakdown of how affiliate marketing works. And I know I am part of the problem. I too have my gift guides. But can I share something with you? Want to know how much I earned from affiliate links last week? $10.44. Woohooo! I’ll try not to spend all that in one place.
WATCHING Christmas movies on repeat. On Sunday night (Dec 1) we kicked it off with Love Actually. That movie never gets old for me! Fras and I also started watching Bad Sisters on Netflix. We LOVE it. It’s such a great show. I highly recommend!
LISTENING. I needed a light book so downloaded the audio version of Wedding People. It has great reviews. Just started it last night.
FOOD I shared last week about a new salad company that reached out and let me try their salad delivery service. It’s called Inspired Go, and it is possibly my most favourite new discovery. I have too many decisions on my brain lately, and figuring out what to eat for lunch is very low on my priority list. Ordering these salads takes this one very important to-do off my plate. (excuse the pun!) I order a week full of salads that get delivered to my doorstep, stay fresh all week and nourish my body with all the leafy greens and goodness that I need. They have given me a code to share with you and I hope you try it! I promise you the salads will make your weekday lunches something to look forward to! code: CHRISTIE
SHOPPING Nothing but essentials. I’m in a shopping hangover. Actually, that’s not true. These bamboo sheets. Has anyone tried them? They have amazing reviews, are 47% off and promise cooling properties that this hot and bothered mama needs lately. I think I need to try them out.
In case you’ve still got any budget left, I’ll leave my gift guides right here!
Thanks for reading! I appreciate you being here! As always, I would love to hear from you!
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 Ummmm….can we talk about this? I use AG1 and enjoy it, but I think there are equal products out there for less money. Do you take it?
If you’ve been caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle, here are some FREE ways to romanticize the holidays.
Also - I think I can learn this.
Dreaming of chalets in the French Alps like this one.
The advice section in The Cleveland is next level unhinged. The drama is next level. I can’t believe the one about the mother-in-law taking out an insurance policy on her estranged daughter-in-law. Anyhoodles. Click with caution. I’ll never get those 30 minutes back.
We are a ski family and our little ski town got so much snow this week! If you are dreaming of a ski getaway this winter, here are Canada’s top ski resorts.
GIFTING Have I mentioned how much I adore Ina? I made these. She makes everything look easy and delicious. How cute would they look all packaged up in cello? 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 make gifts to give? If so, please share and I will make a list to share in next week’s newsletter!
If you’re not into making edible gift, here is a list of the best food gifts that you can buy.
FOOD: Did you know that Parmesan has 10g of protein per ounce? Fun fact. Here is everything else you need to know about Parmigiana Reggiano.
Need some Dinner inspiration this week?
One Pot Thai Beef and Broccoli
Better than Take Out Chicken Fried Rice
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!