January 19, 2025
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!
Dear wonderful community,
My heart aches for those affected by the California fires. As these unfathomable images fill our screens and the world feels particularly heavy, I'm reminded of why we gather here – to find and share light, even in the darkest moments. My hope is that you find a little happiness in this weekly roundup.
Speaking of light, what a joy it was to wrap up our 10-Day Winter Wellness Challenge with almost 200 of you amazing souls! Together, we embraced January gently, accumulating 100,000 steps, drinking 20L of water, journaling daily, and finding peace in meditation of our ten days together. Our zoom yoga sessions and weighted vest walks created connections that truly warmed my heart. Your notes and progress updates meant the world to me – I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved together.
Can I share something personal? While I've been faithfully writing in my Five Minutes Journal (loving this new habit!), I'm wrestling with my 2025 goals. Yes, those lofty ones I shared in a recent email. But through our Wellness Reset, I had an epiphany: it's not about grand goals – it's about rhythms, routines, and small, consistent habits.
Here's what's actually moving the needle for me:
Rising without fail at 6AM (no snooze button negotiations!)
Moving my body before 9AM - nothing extreme, just enough to feel alive (bonus points for morning sunlight!)
Eating proper meals (as someone with a history of disordered eating, choosing nourishing foods that energize has been transformative)
One daily non-negotiable: journaling, meditation, or reading (all three if I'm feeling ambitious!)
New priority: embracing earlier bedtimes, because quality sleep changes everything
The Winter Wellness Reset wasn't just about checking boxes – it was about discovering how tiny, consistent actions create lasting change. For those who joined us, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway. And if you missed it, reply to save your spot for next year's challenge. It’s free and you’ve got nothing to lose.
The ‘Pause Effect Masterclass
January 30 @ 12pm EST
Ready to decode perimenopause and transform this transition into your time to thrive?
Join us for "The Pause Effect" Masterclass – a free, empowering session where we'll dive deep into understanding what's really happening in your body during perimenopause and how to navigate it with confidence.
We'll explore the changes you're experiencing (yes, even those "Is it just me?" moments!), uncover science-backed strategies for managing symptoms, and discover how to reframe this phase as an opportunity for profound personal growth. From hormone fluctuations to practical lifestyle adjustments, you'll walk away with a clear roadmap for thriving during this season of life. Plus, I'll share the exact tools and techniques we’ve used with our clients to help them feel energized, balanced, and truly themselves again.
This is your invitation to stop googling symptoms at 3 AM and start understanding your body's wisdom. Save your spot now – because thriving in perimenopause isn't just possible, it's your natural next chapter.
Now, let's explore what I've discovered across the web this week...
HABITS I know the dark days and cold weather make it harder to get back into the swing of things. TBH most of me wants to snuggle up on the couch, eat carbs and binge watch a series. The cure for me was learning how to embrace the winter days. I’ve given up looking nice in a parka. I choose comforting foods that my body craves. How are you doing This January?
HOME. I organized all my wrapping paper into this amazon find and it’s so satisfying! I thrive on an organized house. It may not be clean, but everything is in its place!
My cousin Katie came by this week with her boys and essentially redecorated my entire house! We’ve lived here for over 10 years and I think we are due for a little zhush! Shall I share on Insta the transformation? I already pushed ‘order’ on this rug.
LISTENING. A new to me Podcast: Wiser than Me with Julia Louis Dreyfus. She interviewed Jane Fonda and it was a beautiful conversation about ageing.
My sister sent me this podcast interview with Dr. Stacy Sims. It was mind blowing regarding women in exercise and menopause. It’s very long. I listened to it on 1.25x speed, but IMHO, absolutely worth it.
BEAUTY. My hairdresser recommended this product for my thinning, breaking hair and it’s been GREAT! My hair feels less frizzy, more glossy and healthier.
WATCHING American Housewife. My son and I are deep in this series and it’s mindless and he loves it! Next up is Severance. Everyone is obsessed with this show.
READING. I’m not doing dry January but here this is a great read on nine ways to say no to alcohol if someone won’t leave you alone.
Hollywood is finally making movies about the complexities of women ageing.
How to prepare for taking care of your parents.
Bingeing All Fours, by Miranda July. Holy Moly this book was a lot but I couldn’t put it down. The writing is incredible.
SHOPPING. Do you follow @care.likes.to.shop? She is a wonderful friend and might not know it yet, but she’s my new stylist. She recommended some jeans to me and they are all AH. MAZ.ING. I bought these because she said they were her favourite and now I understand why. I wear a size 28. I also loved these, but the 28 was a little big so am exchanging for the 27. And these are on their way to me. I had to return the size I bought for a smaller size. Care and I are planning a shopping day soon and we’ll bring you along for the ride!
FOOD: It’s going to be COLD here in Toronto this week. I’m meal planning some soups and roasted veggies to have on hand all week for healthy lunches.
xoChristie
THIS WEEK’S MEAL PLAN JAN 19, 2025.
Monday Sheet Pan Marinated Pork Tenderloin with crispy Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes(marinate the pork tonight)
Tuesday Creamy, Dreamy, Greeny Pasta
Wednesday Weeknight Blackened Salmon
Thursday One Pan Baked Meatballs
Friday Kitchen Sink Beef and Vegetable Soup
Saturday Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Thank you for being here!
As always, I would love to hear from you! What to you need more of? Less of? I’m open to it all!
You can catch up on last week’s Lovenote here.
From the blog this week...
From the Blog…
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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!