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Ghosts, Baroque Music, Dolly, Brutally Honest Men, Hot Reads & Irresistible Recipes—Everything You Need for a Cozy, Fun Month.
October 18, 2025

I’m not in my ‘figure it out’ era anymore,
I’m in my ‘make it feel good’ one.
What you’ll find…
✨ Coffee Talk: Ghosts, Holy Water & A Smudge for That
✨ Spin Time: The Best Baroque Playlist Ever
✨ Pod Time: Dolly Parton Says It Best
✨ What He Said: 4 Men Get Brutally Honest — Hold the Wine!
✨ Mindspace Moment: Mini Purse Detox (a.k.a. Women Wisdom)
✨ Hot Reads: Too Hot to Put Down 🔥
✨ In the Kitchen: Bruschetta to Die For
✨ And so much more…
Coffee Talk
There’s a Smudge For That!
You do you, but when I start thinking there’s a ghost in my house—flickering lights, clothes in the tub, doors closing, footsteps down the hall—a girl needs to act… especially when hubby is leaving for a week and I’m home alone with Casper the “friendly or not?” ghost.
Not on my watch.
Off I went to the Witch Store on Kent Street to gear up with a smudge for negative energy. Then one more stop…
Picture this, Sicily, haha no seriously, me smudging every entryway, corner and window, “You are not welcome here! Spirits be gone! Negative energy be gone!” My husband walks in mid-ceremony, filming and screaming, “OH. MY. GOD. OH-MY-GOD-KIM??!”
Well he went next level - silent - when I took the Holy Water from my mom. I retraced every step, chanting the Our Father and Hail Mary in a priest-like, semi-exorcism monotone.
Call me a nut job, a loon—I don’t care. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The next evening, a friend going through a breakup came over. She sat down and said, “Wait… this house feels good. This is the best I’ve felt in days. What???”
Proof is in the pudding—or the air, I should say. My friend felt “something good,” Casper stayed away while hubby was gone, and I actually got some sleep. Well… except that one night. 🤔 Let’s just say the jury’s still out after a terrifying sleep paralysis episode—I’m pretty sure (???) it was science, not spirit. That’s what I’m going with.
Bad breakup? Too much negative energy? Feeling blah?
There’s a smudge for that.
Spin Time
Listening to Baroque Music wakes up a part of me that only Baroque music can. 🎶
It takes me back to a time when I was completely wrapped up in it — from those early days learning to play to preparing for my UPEI audition, to the years that followed filled with studying, performing, and teaching Baroque music. Not even sure why I love it so much, Bach was the reason I was grounded so much as a kid, or “If you don’t practice 45 minutes every day ,you can’t use the phone!”.
The music just brings me a few good feels closer to my younger self.💞
This playlist brings calm to the chaos and focus to the fog 🙃
So pour something warm (or cold), press play, and let Bach and friends do the rest 🌸
Pod Time
Watch this 5 minute video to learn Dolly’s favourite life advice from her momma: “To Thine Own Self Be True.” ‘Know who you are, know what you can do, be willing to sacrifice. Believe in yourself, believe in God. Use these for strength and inspiration. Have faith.’ | ![]() “I would rather wear out than rust out.” |
4 Men Get Brutally Honest - Hold The Wine!
What he really means, what he's actually thinking, and what he wishes you just knew. It’s all here!
Ok I change my mind, don’t hold the wine 🍷‼️
I sat down with a few men (separately of course), handed them a list of questions, and asked them to answer only the ones they felt comfortable with. My only request? Honesty—in exchange for complete anonymity.
I have to say, I was impressed. Their answers were straightforward, sincere, and thoughtful. And maybe best of all—they genuinely appreciated the chance to be asked. Bravo, gentlemen.
Girls, this is golden - for both the married and single ladies out there ❤️
❓Be honest - do men really listen, or do they just wait for their turn to talk?
A) We listen, we want to help solve it but we get in trouble for trying to fix it when really all you want is for us to listen. NOTICE your partners effort. So help us out by saying “I don’t need you to fix anything, just listen.’
❓When you say “I’m fine,” are you actually fine?
A) Sometimes if I say “I’m fine,” it’s true. Other times it isn’t true but I don’t want to talk about it.
❓Be honest, do men actually listen, or do they just wait their turn to talk?
A) I listen, but if a woman repeats the same message over and over then I tune out.
❓What’s one small thing a woman can do that makes a big difference?
A) Let her man know she sees him and appreciates him.
❓What’s the most common misunderstanding between men and women?
A) That they could use reassurance and a kind word.
❓What’s you take on texting - necessary evil or total trap?
A) Beyond three responses we should be calling.
B) Texting can be useful and helpful but tone can be misread.
❓When women say, “We need to talk” what goes through your mind?
A) F#@K!
B) It means she is unhappy and it’s serious.
❓What’s one thing you wish women would stop assuming about men over 50?
A) They can’t grow and improve.
❓What’s something about women that men secretly admire but never say out loud?
A) Their ability to multitask.
❓What’s one thing that turns you off instantly?
A) Smoking.
B) If I see them being bitchy to others for no reason- not kind.
C) Instant turnoff is rudeness.
❓Is it true that men don’t pick up on hints?
A) Hints? What hints?
B) I believe I truly don’t pick up on hints
❓What makes communication work — and what shuts it down?
A) Calm “I feel” statements work….we don’t want you to feel anything but loved. Shouting, angry tone, accusations shut it down and bring defensive responses.
B)Communication works best when you talk about good things as well as challenges. It shuts down when it is always negative or complaining.
❓What makes you stay connected — long term?
A) Companionship, humour, touch, sex, ‘titillating’ conversation.
B) The feeling that you have a partner who wants to go through good and bad times together. Someone who sees you and wants to be there with you.
❓Are compliments from women as big a deal as we think?
C) Yes of course, but still not as important as the other way around:)
❓What’s your take on arguments — walk away, talk it out, or let time do its thing?
A) Some go hand in hand don’t they? Take time apart, then come together.
B) Arguments will happen. It is important that the issue be identified and the argument doesn’t get too personal. Taking shots at the other can make it difficult. Sometimes a pause is necessary for both people to think about the other’s perspective. That way you many not just have an emotional reaction and might see their side in a better light.
❓When a man stops calling or texting — what’s really going on there?
A) Move on — it’s over.
B) He’s either unsure of you, or he is just not interested.
C) He’s just not interested.
❓Be honest-if a guy’s into you, does she even have to wonder?
A) It depends how confident he is. If he is not confident you might not get as good of a read.
❓What make a man lose interest after a few great dates?
A) Immaturity or unresolved issues that surface.
C) He just wasn’t that into her.
❓What’s your idea of a great night with someone — no big production, just good vibes?
A) Music, conversation, laughter, physical connection.
❓What does supportive look like from a man’s perspective?
A)Providing a helping hand, lessening the load, listening, being present.
C) Someone who supports your goals and vision even when you doubt them.
❓What makes you feel most appreciated in a relationship?
C) A hug, a kiss, affection. It’s a simple answer - appreciation.
❓If a man is not calling, not planning, not showing up — should a woman ever chase it?
A) I’m all about working to achieve a goal and not giving up however, it still comes down to your boundaries and how you deserve to be treated. If a man isn’t making you feel like a priority from the beginning, will he ever? Is he worth it? Why case something that doesn’t want to be caught?
B) A woman or man can always chase it if they like but they should do so with open eyes. Sometimes there is a reason for their behaviour you may not be aware of.
C) No a woman should not chase someone who is not showing up, again, there is a reason - just not interested. Chasing won’t make a difference.
❓What’s one thing you wish women knew about how men handle conflict or emotion?
A) I can only speak for myself but I wish they knew that it is ok to walk away when things are heated to allow both to cool down.
❓What’s your take on women making the first move?
A) It’s 2025 people, you do you.
B) I like it.
❓What’s one thing women do that makes men feel seen or appreciated?
A)Ask their partner this question to get the right answer for that man.
❓What is the quickest way to kill a man’s interest?
A) Talk about yourself all the time and don’t ask anything about him.
❓Is there such a thing as ‘too independent” to a man?
A) I don’t know if I would say “too independent” is a thing. The problem would be if in their effort to demonstrate how independent they are, it comes across as not wanting connection.
❓What does it actually mean when a man says, “I’m just ready for a relationship right how.”?
A) It means he isn’t as serious as the woman at the time.
❓How long does it take for a guy to know if he’s really into someone?
A) Depends. Sometimes people are an open book and you can get to know them quickly. Other times they are more guarded and it may take a little time to know if the spark is there.
❓As hormones shifts, and sex drives changes, how does this affect you and your marriage, this stage in your life?
A) Not gonna lie – it's been rough. What really got to me was feeling like I was always initiating and getting shot down. Started feeling like maybe she just wasn't attracted to me anymore. That messes with your head more than the actual lack of sex. What helped was when she finally opened up about what was going on with her body.
B) What bothers me most is when she seems uncomfortable or like she's doing me a favor. That kills it for me completely. I'd rather have nothing than feel like I'm imposing on my own wife. We've had to relearn intimacy – the touching, the closeness, the flirting. That stuff matters more now. The marriage is solid because we're friends first.
C) It was harder on me than I admitted for a long time. I felt rejected, unsexy, like I'd become invisible. But you can either make it a wedge or tackle it together. What saved us? Realizing intimacy is bigger than sex. I still need to feel desired and connected. We found other ways – and yeah, we still have sex, just differently. The marriage is deeper now because we actually communicated.
❓What makes you feel most disconnected?
A) When affection completely disappeared. Not sex – just touch. A kiss that's not a peck. Holding hands. Sitting close. It all became transactional or non-existent. I feel like we're just managing a household together. Feels pathetic to have to ask your own wife to touch you.
B) Being treated like a roommate instead of a partner. She'll ask everyone else for advice but not me. Makes decisions without me. I miss being her person.
C) When she's glued to her phone or always busy with everything except us. I'm not asking for much – just look at me when we talk, laugh at my stupid jokes, ask about my day like you actually care. I haven't told her because every time I try, it sounds like I'm being needy or complaining.
Women Wisdom 🕊 Mini Detox Purse Edition
👛 The Purse Principle
Challenge: Clean out your purse.
Yes — today. Dump it out, sort through the gum wrappers, pens, mystery receipts, your favourite lipstick your still digging into, and that lip balm that’s probably older than your Netflix subscription.
Wisdom: What’s in our bags often mirrors what’s in our minds — full, cluttered, and carrying things we don’t even realize. Keep what you need, let go of what’s weighing you down, and walk a little lighter today.
The BEST Bruschetta in Town
My hubby has been making this bruschetta for me since we started dating in 2009 and it’s STILL my favourite ❤️ best I ever had…restaurant versions included!
I guarantee you’ll not find a tastier one!
Oh I just love my man in the kitchen! 🍷 Cheers Babe.
![]() | Balsamic Bruschetta by Kathy Bias 8 diced roma tomatoes **Best if mixture has 1 to 2 hours to blend. |
Heat Between the Pages
MILD 🔥People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. This is a great ease in to the adult book world with classic friends-to-lovers storyline and a delightful burst of steam. ![]() | MEDIUM 🔥🔥Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover. This is one of Hoover’s best novels. It’s full of emotion, romance, a sexy bar owner, and scenes the will make you crack a window. ![]() | SPICY 🔥🔥🔥A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas. Things brings you to a fantasy world with faeries and fae romance, and it just gets steamier with each book in the series. this series will make you ask yourself Who knew faeries were sexy?! ![]() |
EXTRA SPICY 🔥🔥🔥🔥Deep End by Ali Hazelwood. Hazelwood loves to put boss women as her leads, and this one includes some bondage and all the spice tha twill make you look around the waiting room to make sure no one is reading over your shoulder. | ![]() |
Quickie Time of Course
“Don’t be a Ding Dong!” Let Chef Jean Pierre teach you How to Dice An Onyo (onion)
Easy frozen food hack to keep those veggies fresh AND in the bag.
Eliminate Puffiness and Bags under eyes without cosmetics! Causes and effective solutions with Dr. Ales Ulishchenko. ➡️Same dude, just another video.
Exciting News 🎉
cynthiagraceLIVING is beyond excited to be hosting a concert in support of Hope Happens Here — a women’s wellness retreat for those touched by cancer. Every ticket, every note, and every shared moment of music will help fund this incredible cause, bringing hope, community, and healing to women right not only on PEI, but across the world.
HOPE HAPPENS HERE — Created by PEI’s Michelle Hughes this women’s wellness retreat is for survivors, conquerors, and thrivers—any woman personally touched by cancer. It’s a tender, powerful weekend of connection, healing practices, and simple joy that keeps showing up in people’s lives long after the retreat ends.
Michelle Hughes is the woman, mom, wife, and daughter behind My Journey To Just Live and now the founder of HOPE HAPPENS HERE RETREAT. She is a thriving cancer survivor living with a rare, incurable stage 4 cancer—but that does not define who she is. She has inspired hundreds of thousands of women around the world to 'Just Live Out Loud'.
“Creating JOY in the often overlooked is what it’s all about now.”
Her story is remarkable, and I encourage you, if you don't already, to follow her on one, many, or all of her platforms.
Instagram: myjourneytojustlive
facebook: myjourneytojustlive1
Myjourneytojustlive.com
linktr.ee/myjourneytojustlive
cynthiagraceLIVING News
🌸 Something exciting is coming your way!
I’ve been quietly working on a new series of books that celebrate gratitude, mindfulness, reflection, creativity, and growth — and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Keep an eye on your inbox for a second issue today — a special note where I’ll spill all the details and give you a first peek! 👀
Affirmation
Some days I’m bold, some days I’m barely brewed.
Both count.
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Shine with kindness, act with purpose, and remember:
your journey is unique, and your presence makes a difference.
Cherish Today.










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