May 8, 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!
(5 min read)
Happy (early) Mother’s Day, Midlife Mama!
I’m sending this on a Thursday instead of usual Sunday because I’ve got some of my fave Mother’s Day gifts for you to peruse or send to someone as a gentle nudge. I am also travelling this weekend (more on that later) so wanted to get this to you before then.
Whether you're a biological mom, bonus mom, fur mama, or the glue holding everyone together—I see you. And you deserve to be celebrated. So I made you something special…
A Midlife Mama Mother’s Day Gift Guide
This guide is packed with gift ideas, self-care inspo, and my personal favourite ways to feel nourished, rested, and treated in this season. It’s my way of saying: I’m proud of you. Keep it up. You’re doing beautifully.
And we made it to May! How is it May already? This time of year feels extra nutty. Maycember? May-hem? All of it feels spot on. I feel the everydayness of being a busy mom when time marches on like this.
One Simple Self-Care Shift That Will Change Your Week
You’ve heard me say it before, and you’ll hear me say it again: midlife women need more protein, not less.
But what no one talks about is how to actually get that protein on your plate when life is full, your energy is low, and you’re not in the mood to measure anything.
Here’s my go-to strategy: Prep your protein first.
Pick a day (mine is usually Mondays when the kids are in school) and grill or bake a batch of chicken sausage or chicken thighs. Store them to use throughout the week on salads, in tacos, in stir frys.
Hard boil eggs (the 10-Minute Method is my go-to) or prep a high-protein chia pudding that you can grab for a quick brekkie when you’re on the go.
Keep canned tuna, sliced turkey, or plant-based options (like marinated tofu or edamame) ready to roll.
Once your protein is handled, meals come together so much easier—and you’re less likely to skip, snack, or crash. Bypassing the mental load of getting that protein handled is 80% of the battle.
This is exactly what we’ll be diving into in my upcoming workshop:
Protein Made Simple: A Workshop for Women 40+
📅 May 23 | ⏰ 12PM EST | 💻 Live on Zoom | 🎁 Includes giveaways + bonuses!
Join me for this 60-minute class, where you will learn how to:
Understand how much protein your body needs (and why)
Create easy meals and snacks without shakes, tracking, or stress
Discover how protein supports hormones, metabolism & energy (we’ll dive into the science but keep it below a grade 9 level because that’s where it lands for me)
Sign up now and feel more confident about your food choices in one hour flat. 🥩 PROTEIN MADE SIMPLE
On a Personal Note... We’re Off to Amsterdam!
Did you see my rant about Expedia and that flight credit that was such a nightmare? Urgh it was so frustrating. Well, Fraser and I are sneaking away for a little adventure this weekend (woohoo!)—and I’d love your help.
If you’ve been to Amsterdam (or nearby!), hit reply and send me your best restaurant recs, must-do experiences, or hidden gems. We’re all ears and open to everything from museums to the best coffee spots. (Thank you to my friends who’ve already been sending me those!)
I’ll share some highlights —and yes, I will be packing protein snacks for the plane 😆
Wishing you a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend ahead, full of nourishment, rest, and the love you so generously give to others.
With love,
Christie 💛
PS: A quote I came across that I think you’ll love:
“and i said to my body. softly. ‘i want to be your friend.’ it took a long breath. and replied ‘i have been waiting my whole life for this.” ― Nayyirah Waheed
PPS: Don’t forget to place your Inspired Go Salad delivery. This week, they are donating 1 meal for every salad ordered to mom’s in need. I am beyond excited to be supporting this campaign. Please try it! Both my teen daughters LOVE the salads. And Fraser and I are obsessed. Use my code: CHRISTIEC20 if you haven’t ordered before and get 20% off!
Some things you didn’t ask for (but might enjoy)...
HABITS. I’ve started eating just a few bites of breakfast with my morning coffee—and wow, what a difference! I noticed that coffee on an empty stomach was making me feel a little jittery and anxious—but I didn’t want to give up my beloved morning ritual (can you relate?).
Now, I prep a high-protein breakfast and eat just 2–3 bites with my coffee, then finish the rest a bit later when I’m actually hungry. The result? My cortisol stays in check, my nerves feel steadier, and my energy is more stable throughout the day. It’s a simple shift, but it’s made a big difference in how I feel—especially in this midlife season. What about you—are you a coffee-first or breakfast-first kind of gal?
Also, I was gifted a Novaalab Red Light Therapy mask about 2 weeks ago and have been giving it a trial run. I know it takes time but in the last 2 weeks, 2 friends have asked me what I’m doing differently! That is a win for me! They also gave me a code for you if curious: CHRISTIE&10.
Oh! And now that the sun is shining more regularly, make sure you have your sunscreen! I had my makeup done a while ago and the makeup artist recommended this foundation that has SPF 40 built in. I’ve been loving the coverage - sheer, but moisturizing and a little dewy!
SCROLLING. Is it postpartum? Is it perimenopause? Is it just Thursday? This article hit close to home. If you feel like your hormones and your to-do list are quietly trying to end you, this one is for you.
ADVICE: Does anyone have a suggestion for a spring allergies remedy? My daughter leaves the house and looks like she’s having an emotional breakdown every morning. Honey isn’t cutting it. Please send help!
LISTENING. Did you know that if you have a Spotify Premium account, you get 15 hours of streaming audiobooks? I’m listening to Mind Magic, by James Doti as part of my manifestation group. The sandbag exercise was mind blowing! I highly recommend it. This week, our project is to create a vision board and it feels oh-so-middle school for me! I’m loving the flashback!
READING. I just put Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life on hold in Libby. It might take about 37 weeks for my turn, so if you don’t have that kind of patience, grab it on audible and let me know if it’s worth all the great reviews! I think it would be a lovely Mother’s Day gift.
SHOPPING. Can I confess something and I hope you can relate? With summer coming, I’m dreading shorts. Specifically, jean shorts. I don't think I’ve ever found a comfortable pair that is actually flattering on my body. Now with crèpe-y knees, I’m not feeling them. This year, I’m leaning into these. I ordered them in 2 colours and even got the matching top. Natch.
I shared this week how my shopping at Costco has changed recently. But you know what hasn’t changed - those impulse buys at the front of the store! tub socks? into my cart! 50 new toothbrush heads? I guess I need those too! A whole new stack of glass food storage containers for $54? You know it! This week they had a 2-pack of Owala water bottles that my girls have been begging for so they had to come home with me. And the girls went crazy for them. Ice stays cold for 48hours! CAD USLINK
Also, Costco related, my mom asked for knives for the cottage - our cottage is almost 100 years old and if you can imagine, everything in it is old! My sibs and I are giving her/the cottage this knife set because they are amazing and it’s high time we can actually cut through anything that comes off the bbq!
WATCHING. Fras and I are watching Ransom Canyon - don’t judge me for my obsession with Hallmark-esque Cowboy TV. I can’t stop! The acting could use a bit of work, but somehow, we keep going back for more.
But we also started Friends and Neighbours with Jon Hamm and it’s EXCELLENT! I can’t look away. Every episode gets better.
Also (clearly too much TV in my life lately), we are loving The Studio with Seth Rogan.
FOOD. Try this Strawberry Crumble. It’s the perfect spring dessert! Ideal for Mother’s Day. And this Raw Asparagus Salad is divine if you need to bring a side dish anywhere! Don’t sleep on this Lemon Butter Salmon with Leek Salsa if you are feeding a crowd.
If you need some meal inspiration to help you hit your protein and fiber goals (a key component of my 30-30-30 method) download my free 5-Day Meals that Fuel Midlife Meal Plan. It’s free and the meals are simple, delicious and will set you up for a week of easeful eating.
This week’s meal prep plan 05.08.2025
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!
BREAKFAST
Strawberry Chia Pudding
LUNCH
Inspired Go Salad Delivery - use code CHRISTIEC20
My Post-Workout Green Smoothie
SNACKS
High Protein PB&J Cups
DINNERS
Baked Chicken Thighs with Orzo and Asparagus
Sheet Pan Chili Crisp Salmon with Sugar Snap Peas
Meal Prep: Pulled Pork
Thank you so much for continuing to support me and this newsletter ❤️ Any feedback you have is greatly appreciated—share what you make from this week’s plan and I hope you have a fantastic week!
You can catch up on last week’s Lovenote here.
From the blog this week...
From the Blog…
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This tangy baked salmon with lemon-caper salsa is a quick, anti-inflammatory dinner packed with omega-3s—perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.