February 23, 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!

My husband loves crawling into bed with me like this 😆

Holy snowballs. Can I just say it? I am really struggling right now.

February just seems so cold and sad. I had so many great plans for this year, yet it’s only February and I’m burned out and uninspired. I feel like I’m at my lowest.

Aren’t you glad you opened this newsletter? Nothing but sunshine and roses.

But seriously, there is a psychological phenomenon at play here….it’s called The Dunning Kruger Effect.

In simple terms, the Dunning-Kruger effect, is when you begin to feel a dip in motivation after feeling overly confident about something. In my case, being overly optimistic about Twenty Twenty THRIVE, building my business, connecting with new people, launching new products and services that were going to make a huge difference in peoples lives. Then, according to the Dunning-Kruger effect, reality hits:

  • The days are cold and dark

  • The initial excitement wears off

  • You realize how much more there is to learn and do

  • Your confidence dips (sometimes drastically)

This is when many people give up, hitting what's sometimes called the "valley of despair" in the Dunning-Kruger curve. The key is understanding that this dip in confidence and motivation is completely normal - it's actually a sign that you're gaining a more realistic understanding of the journey ahead.

So what to do?

  1. I go back to my tried and true routines that I know ground me.

  2. I create micro-wins: Instead of setting unrealistic goals, I set small ones.

  3. I set myself up for success with meal prep(scroll down!) and set out my workout clothes the night before.

  4. I share my experience with friends and find accountability partners for work, exercise and socializing.

Whether this is the winter blues, perimenopause mood swings or something else altogether, I think sharing the realities of perimenopause and being a midlife mom with friends is so important. I don’t want it to sneak up on them. Talking about it helps.

xoChristie

P.S. If you're struggling with your moods and would like support, let's connect and discuss how I can help you feel like your most vibrant self again.

Exploring what I've discovered across the web this week...

HABITS. This week, I started using mouth tape based on the teaching of James Nestor in his book Breathe. Mouth taping is a new(ish) wellness trend that it is exactly what it sounds like… when you quite literally tape your mouth shut with a soft, skin-safe tape at night to help encourage you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. There is some science behind it but essentially it’s supposed to improve sleep, stop snoring and increase your oxygen intake.

At first, I thought I would feel claustrophobic but it was way easier than I thought! My first 3 nights were amazing. I slept soundly through the night (which is rare!) and woke up with more energy than usual. The 4th night, I put too much lip balm on before bed and found the tape had released from my face and was hanging off the side of my mouth in the middle of the night. The 5th night I started getting sick (I don’t think mouth tape related) so I haven’t used it since. But I’m excited to get back to it. You can read more about the benefits of mouth taping here. Related: my cheatsheet to a good night’s rest.

SCROLLING. A beautiful tribute to Kfir and Ariel Bibas. May their memory be a blessing.

HOME. I am thiiiiiiiis close to buying a Ninja Creami. Do you have one? I think this would make my summer dreams come true. Currently on sale.

LISTENING. I am not a political person, but the US/Canada situation has me feeling very on edge. I stumbled upon this podcast that was highly interesting and incredibly informative. Here in Canada, we love to hate Trump, but Karla Joy Treadway shared some facts about Canada and its leadership that highlight our country in a way I never considered before. It’s worth a listen and I would love to hear your thoughts.

The Anxiety-Creativity Connection. This makes so much sense to me. I think we all need to prioritize creativity. Baking sourdough gives me this outlet.

WATCHING. I am binge watching Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix. It’s the story of Belle Gibson, the Australian influencer who lied about having cancer and claimed she cured herself with wellness practices. It really makes me realize how toxic the ‘wellness’ industry online can be. I think a lot has changed since Belle had her moment of fame, but I it’s so important to do your own research and consult with your doctor for what is best for you.

FOOD. Or for this week, maybe supplements is a better category. One of my friends recommended taking colostrum for overall health and immunity. Is this something you do? I keep hearing about it and am considering ordering this.


This week’s meal prep plan 02.23.2025

If you are on a mission to eat more protein like so many of us, I thought I would offer up a few suggestions that you can actually make in advance and store for quick grab-and-go options all week long.

These options keep things interesting, are simple to make and won’t compromise flavour or nutritional value.

I’m excited for you to grab these recipes, spend some time today prepping these meals so you set yourself up for a successful and easeful (and high protein!) week ahead!

xoChristie

PS: Let me know if these recipes are helpful and if you’ll be trying them out! Should I include a grocery list to make things easier for you?

Breakfast

High Protein Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats

Lunch

Honey Garlic Tofu

Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites

this red wine vinaigrette is versatile and lasts all week in the fridge

Go-To Red Wine Vinaigrette

Snacks

Homemade, High Protein, PB&J Cups

Dinners

Easy, Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken

Sausage and Tomato Risotto

Warming Butternut, Spinach and Chickpea Soup

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. Just hit reply on your email and send me a ‘lovenote’ back!

You can catch up on last week’s Lovenote here.

From the blog this week...


From the Blog…

image of Christie holding a Granny Smith apple in the kitchen leaning against her stove

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