December 15, 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!
These last few weeks of the year always feel so frantic festive! It’s all so joyful but also a little much. I hope your weekend is providing some much needed rest. We are in the home stretch. I spent all day yesterday baking cookies, and treats and gifts to give. And loved it.
I must say, thank goodness for the Christmas lights around the neighbourhood because my LORD it is dark. I am having a harder time than normal adjusting to the lack of daylight. After a particularly frosty morning this week, I snapped at my daughter for leaving the house in only a vest. I scolded her with a yoga analogy: “What you resist, persists!” If you don’t embrace winter, it will be a very long and hard season. I was really talking to myself, not her.
Anyway, that prompted me to share my strategies that have truly helped me cope in this darker, colder season. I hope some of these tips help you, too. And definitely come see me for yoga. It makes a huge difference and if you come to the hot room, that can feel like a warm hug on a cold day.
Today, Katie and Morgan are coming by with their families and we will do a sweet cousin gift exchange. I will have to wing it come party time, because Sadie has a volleyball tournament an hour away from Toronto, so it will be a scramble. Par for the course, as they say! I’m dreaming of having the time to make this. Also, how do we feel about eggnog? I fee l like it’s very divisive. I think I like the idea of it, more than the actual drink.
Let’s dive into today’s newsletter, shall we?
xoxChristie
Scenes from my week:
Sadie, Tiggy and Sully underneath the tree | Red Hen Artisanale studio | Sweet Lauren - our sourdough leader with mom and me | An easy and festive treat to add to cookie boxes | Our somewhat annual cooking baking afternoon with dear friends |Dinner with dear friends | Fraser and I having a date night at the Distillery Christmas Market
What caught my eye this week …
HABITS Need more mood boosting ideas you can add to your routine?
I’m bookmarking these winter wellness trends from one of the healthiest regions in the world
READING I loved this guide on how to gift cookies.
The NY Times collected off-beat holiday traditions from their readers. I love this and want to add a few to our holiday this year. Their research shows that families with traditions are more likely to gather.
WATCHING Working my way through Netflix’s assortment of Christmas movies. Lindsay Lohan is in almost every single one of them. She nails the cheese-factor!
LISTENING. Christmas music on repeat, obvi. I also really like this Christmas Cocktail Jazz playlist. And I almost forgot about the Pentatonix.
SHOPPING
I am obsessed with this sweater
I would very much like this for Christmas. Hello, winter skin anyone?
I hope it’s not too late to order this for parties.
Shopping for a pair of tall boots for winter?
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.
GIFTING Have I mentioned how much I adore Ina? I made these. She makes everything look easy and delicious. I created a round up 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!
FOOD Don’t forget that Inspired Go is offering 20% off with code CHRISTIE. It is possibly my most favourite new discovery. Ordering these salads takes this one very important to-do off my plate and they are easy, delicious, and healthy.
Also, I would 100% make this for Christmas dinner.
Need some Dinner inspiration this week?
I’m channelling SUPER easy this week. There is too much going on, so give yourself grace and plan 1-3 dinners that you know will be simple, quick and efficient, that will provide leftovers and give you all the nourishment you need. Grab the pre-chopped options at the store and don’t stress. There is enough going on as it is. I love you. You’re doing great. Take a load off.
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!