cynthiagraceLIVING

NOVEMBER 1st

Author

Kimberly Mooney
November 01, 2025

NOVEMBER 1, 2025

“The more grateful I am
The more beauty I see.”

– Mary Davis

What you’ll find…

🌸 Coffee Talk: Girls I Have A Problem
🌸 Spin Time: Nina Simone Greatest Hits
🌸 Pod Time: Alecia Erickson - The MidLife Maven
🌸 Is Mould Hiding In Your Home?: All Tech Answers Your Questions
🌸 Protein: Unexpected Add Ons
🌸 Quick Hits: High Value. No scrolling necessary.
🌸 Big Crowd- No Stress: Baked Potato Bar
🌸The Come Back: And I Couldn’t Be Happier
🌸 And so much more…

Coffee Talk

Ladies, I’ve got a “situation.”

👩‍🦲 Hair loss.

A LOT of it.

Most friends haven’t noticed, but I do. My ponytail’s about a quarter of what it was, my hairline’s receded, and my style has changed. It started years ago—thought it was menopause, but I had a feeling...

After trying countless products, acupuncture, and visits to my doctor and naturopath, I was referred to a specialist. Turns out, it’s more than menopause.

Dr. Rodriguez, a dermatologist, dropped the bomb: “You have Female Pattern Balding.”

Ummm, riddle me what?

It’s a common thing, but it can really shake your confidence. Collecting mounds of hair off the floor, off your body, your clothes, the sink, the car, your purse, etc gets old fast when stress makes it worse - and my hair is what is causing my stress!!

She prescribed Minoxidil, Rogaine. And yep, I’m in the ‘Dread Shred’ stage — where hair falls faster and longer. Everyone reacts differently, but “patience is key.” she said. ‘Dread Shred’ can last anywhere from 4 weeks to several months.”

Yay, I love that for me. 🥺

Leading up to the diagnosis, I’d already exhausted every emotion so when she said it, It surprisingly didn’t rattle me at all.

Strangely, I wasn’t crying or panicking. Why? Perspective. Of that, I am positive.

There are worse things in the world. I’m seeing it, every day.

If this is my worst so far in life, I’m blessed. 💕

So decision is made. I’m gonna rock my ‘female pattern balding era.’ I’m choosing to approach this with curiosity, not worry. A challenge to style, restyle, and own it. I’m not alone—living life and all its’ surprises and challenges means I’m alive! So…

If I don’t lose my hair — thank you, Jesus.

If I do lose my hair — Stratford’s Moira Rose, here I come — wigs, mascara, lipstick… watch out, world!

PERSPECTIVE.

Spin Time

 Nina Simone — is the soundtrack of deep, moody fall nights — the kind of voice that wraps around you like a warm sweater. Her music isn’t background noise; it pulls you in, slows you down, and reminds you to feel something real. If autumn had a heartbeat, it would sound like Nina at the piano — soulful, steady, undeniable.

Pod Time

A friend mentioned her: Alicia Erickson — The Midlife Maven on Instagram, and I’m literally just diving in.

I don’t know her story yet, but yes, I am going down the scroll-rabbit-hole and loving the idea of following someone who is redefining midlife with confidence and curiosity. 

I’m inviting you to discover her right alongside me. Let’s explore what she’s sharing. ✨

Alicia Erickson, who is now a coach for other women, also opens up about navigating peri-menopause and what she views as critically important things for women’s long-term health, confidence, and quality of life.

Is Mould Hiding In Your Home?

Larry Koughan. What a cutie ❤️

Meet Larry Koughan — he’s the Branch Manager at All Tech Environmental Services and a trusted expert in mould inspection, remediation, and prevention. Larry has helped countless homeowners keep their homes safe, and now he’s sharing his top answers to your most common mould questions.

He’s also my hubby. ❤️

 

Q: I have an apartment in the basement of my house. Recently my tenant mentioned having some health issues that their doctor thought could be related to mould exposure. I’m wondering if you would be able to do an assessment and what solutions might work to resolve the issue if there is a mould issue in the space

 

A- The first thing to identify is there visible mould present. If so, then that obvious issue needs to be addressed and either cleaned or removed, depending upon the extent of it. If there is no visible mould, then an inspection or assessment should be done if there are health, concerns or mould or mildew odours present.

The first things to look for our signs of water damage and or moisture penetrations. This might show up as cracked or blistered painted surfaces on walls or ceilings, water stained areas on ceiling tiles or window casings. If any of this is obvious, then this is a good starting place to look. A moisture metre can also assist to evaluate if there is elevated moisture in the building materials. However, this will only help if there is still moisture present within the wall or ceiling cavity. Previous water damage or infiltration may still have harboured mould growth within the spaces. These are the focus areas for the mould investigation. To check further a small section of the wall or ceiling drywall or other surfacing material should be cut out to see if there is hidden mould in these areas. If there is, it may be a large scale project that requires some professional help. If there is no mould found behind these areas and if health concerns persist, only then should airborne samples for mould, identification, be collected to assess for health concerns. 

The rule of thumb is if you see mold, regardless, how small or large scale it is it should be removed as it is not a natural part of our indoor environments and can cause health concerns. Air sampling assessments should be done as a last step when nothing else obvious is present.

Q: Looking to get an air quality test done. We had a flood in our house and there was lots of mould present it’s now been renovated and we want to ensure it’s safe for us to return home

A- air sampling at the end of a mould remediation project can be beneficial to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration and cleaning process. If it was a large scale project, it’s always best to consult with a professional before the job begins. If the work was completed not using proper mould containment areas, then the chance of spreading mould spores throughout your home can become a large problem and cause further cleaning these other areas affected now. mould affected areas that tore out release spores from the surfaces that can migrate to other areas and stay airborne for a long time. That is why for a larger scale projects a containment area must be constructed with proper negative pressure to keep airborne spores within the work area and then collected on air scrubbers with HEPA filters.

Q: We moved into our home 3 years ago. The previous owners had some water damage done and there is some bubbling on the ceilings. We wanted to know if there was a way to test for mould within these bubbled areas.

A- if there is no visible mould on the outer surface area, then there is no need to test those areas. The issue remains to what is on the underside of that surface. Therefore, removing a small piece of the building material is your best option.

 

Q: I noticed what looks like mould on a couple walls of my house recently and am looking to have an inspection to see what needs to be done. I checked the attic and it looks good but my eaves/gutters might be backing up.

A-if it is visible mold, you are seeing then that is something that needs to be addressed. The other important thing to establish is what caused the mould growth. Surface mould growth can sometimes be caused by high humidity within dwellings. Ideally indoor humidity levels should be between 30 to 60% relative humidity if humidity is higher than this then surface mould may grow. It is a good idea to have your attic checked as well to see that it is properly vented and insulated. If not moisture can accumulate because of improper insulation and when there is little or no ventilation in the space, it can expedite mould growth. Ice damning on gutters and eaves can also back up and cause water infiltration into these areas. Ice damning can also be from improper insulation in attics.

 Q: When should I look into a third-party to come investigate the situation?

A- anytime there is a large scale project (greater than 100 ft2 of affected area) you should consult with a professional.

Q: There’s a funny smell in the basement and I’m stuffed up all the time. Could it be mould and should I be concerned?

A- If there are musty mouldy odours then yes chances are you have a significant mould issue.

Symptoms of mould exposure vary widely among individuals, ranging from common allergy-like reactions to more severe health issues affecting the respiratory system, nervous system, and skin. How a person is affected depends on factors like their sensitivity, the amount and type of mold, and the duration of exposure. 

 

Q: If I find mould, what should I do? What is safe mould that I can clean up and when should I get professional help?

A - Small incidental surface moulds, such as bathroom surfaces from humidity and condensation on window sills and surfaces, should be cleaned whenever they are encountered. They can be done without any special procedures other than cleaning them with a mild soapy detergent and rags. There is no need for bleach. There are several environmentally friendly mould inhibitor sprays you can also use that you can get a most hardware stores.

 

 

10 Unexpected Protein Add Ons ✨

🥬 Fast. clever. Zero overthinking.

Most of us already know Greek yogurt tricks and protein powder hacks.
Here are fresh protein boosts you can toss into what you’re already making — no new recipes required.

1. Silken tofu (in smoothies or dressings)
→ Blends invisibly. Creamy texture. Surprise protein.

2. Lentils in pasta sauce (my newest discovery)
→ Thickens the sauce + adds fibre and protein.

3. Cottage cheese as a sauce base
→ Blend with garlic + pasta water = silky “Alfredo-ish” sauce with protein.

4. Roasted chickpeas instead of croutons
→ Same crunch. 10x the protein.

5. Hemp-heart pesto
→ Replace pine nuts with hemp hearts for a punch of protein.

6. Edamame smashed on avocado toast
→ A green-on-green protein bomb.

7. Black beans mixed into tacos, chili, or sloppy joes
→ Disappears into the texture. Extra protein, no extra work.

8. Quinoa > rice
→ Same usage, more protein. Add frozen peas at the end for a double boost.

9. Hummus toast
→ Toast + hummus + pumpkin seeds.
→ More protein than butter + jam (and it feels fancy).

10. Cottage cheese in pancake batter
→ Fluffy pancakes that secretly act like a protein bar.

💡 Ultra-Lazy Wins

  • Hard-boiled eggs + everything bagel seasoning

  • Almonds on oatmeal

  • Turkey pepperoni + cheese + cucumber = mini protein pizza bites

Quick Hits

High Value. Zero Scrolling.

“WHY DOES SHE LOOK COOL 
and I look frumpy?”

  _____________________________


Warm, fast, no fuss. Rachel Ray’s one-pot recipes are comfort food without the cleanup — cozy bowls, roasted veggies, everything delicious in one pan.

Perfect for fall nights when you want homemade without the effort.

KEEPING IT REAL: Not sure I’ll ever get to this level (or any level) but I find this oddly pleasing to watch.

Inspiring? Yes!
Doable? Yes…For Some 😊

‘Refrigerator’ does not have the letter ‘D’ in it, but ‘fridge’ does. Don’t you find that weird?

 _____________________________

Dawn Power Wash is the shortcut every busy kitchen needs. Spray it on greasy stovetops, sinks, or even barbecue grills, wait a moment, and wipe — the grease just melts away.

No scrubbing frenzy required, just fast, satisfying results. It’s the same trusted Dawn formula you love, now in a spray that does the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

Looking Seamless- Feeling Comfy

Some might say, “I’ve been doing this for years—welcome to the 2000s.”

But others will think, “This is brilliant, life-changing—thank you.”

Wearing yoga or biker shorts under your skirt or dress can make your life so much more comfortable from stopping chafting to sweating less and providing coverage when needed.

Here are reasons you need them with Thighsociety

Before The Frost with Peter Meiger

Peter Meijer, the heart and hands behind VanKampen’s Greenhouses, breaks down everything you need to know this fall — bulbs, shrubs, and all the in-between details.

✅ 1. What is ‘a must’ for your garden in November?

Gardening is as much art as science, so there’s rarely a true “must.” What works for one person may not work for another because factors like shelter, sunlight, and winter snow cover all play a role. That said, here are two smart November moves:

  1. Do NOT prune shrubs in the fall. Pruning stimulates new growth, which wakes the plant up — not ideal before winter. Spring pruning is better, and know your timing (some shrubs bloom on old wood, so prune right after flowering).

  2. Protect tender plants. Wait until leaves fall, then cover. Shrub tents or loose burlap help, but my favourite method is mulching the base once the ground freezes — about 1 foot deep, especially for roses. This acts like artificial snow, keeping soil frozen through winter thaws. In spring, rake the mulch out into the beds for a fresh start.

✅ 2. What flower bulbs should be planted right now?

Fall bulbs need winter in the ground to bloom well — tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth, and allium are the most popular. Some bulbs, like dahlia and gladiolus, won’t survive winter here, so dig them up after the tops die back. Cut off dead foliage, dig up the bulbs, rinse soil off, let them dry in the sun for a few days, and store them indoors in a cool, dry spot (think how you’d store potatoes). I keep mine in shredded paper — anything that keeps them cool and dry works.

✅ 3. Which shrubs, trees, and berry bushes should be pruned?

Each shrub has its own pruning rules. Evergreen bushes are the easiest — prune almost anytime to shape them, but do it yearly for best fullness. Foliage shrubs like ninebark, burning bush, and barberry can be pruned without worrying about blooms. Early spring bloomers (rhododendron, magnolia) should be pruned after flowering. Hydrangeas usually just need dead wood removed once leaves appear. Roses are best pruned in April before they leaf out. Fruit trees are more particular — pruning affects harvest.

Links to videos are helpful, just remember timing may vary for our climate.

✅ 4. What should we do with blackberry bushes?

Raspberries and blackberries fruit on old wood and produce many suckers (new stems from the ground). Suckers won’t fruit this year — they will fruit next year. The best care: remove the stems that fruited this year by cutting them at ground level. This makes room for the new suckers that will become next year’s fruiting canes.

Baked Potato Bar

Hosting a Baked Potato Bar for family or large crowd is a satisfying way to enjoy a cozy meal. Everyone can customize their potatoes with favourite toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, black beans, chives — be creative!

Russet Potatoes are best, but any kind of potato will work.

LET’S GET CREATIVE 🥔

🧀 CHEESE: Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Swiss

🥦 VEGGIES: Scallions, grilled corn, steamed broccoli, caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, jalapenos, avocado, tomatoes, baked beans, capers, anchovies, sauteed mushroom, sliced olives

🥓 MEATS: Chili, ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning, pulled pork, bacon, pepperoni, diced ham, Italian sausage,

🥫 SAUCES: Sour Cream, Mayo, nMarinara Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Salsa, Cottage Cheese, Salsa,

Load up the perfect baked potato 🥔

  • Slice the potato open lengthwise, making sure not to slice all the way through. Use a fork to open the potato more and fluff the insides.

  • Season with a little salt and pepper (optional). Add a pat of salted butter so it melts all over the potato.

  • Add your “main” topping (meat)

  • Add a few "secondary" toppings, veggies or salsa.

  • Add something creamy on top: shredded cheese and/or sour cream. Garnish with some fresh herbs, and dig in!

Cheryl’s Picks

From tired to timeless!

Grace & Stella’s under eye masks and brightening roller is the secret to refreshing, brightening, and awakening your eyes instantly.

A must for looking well-rested after a sleepless night!

Pop the eye masks on in the morning (I am doing this right now and it is to die for) or after a long day for 15 minutes or apply the roller at any time during the day for cool, relaxing massage for your under eyes.

Also, a fun idea when you have a house full of teen girls.

Kelsey’s Picks

RARE BEAUTY (Sephora)

Meet Rare Beauty Body Lotion by Selena Gomez — because apparently your skin deserves more than just soap and water. Smooth, soft, and lightly scented, it’s like giving your arms and legs a little VIP treatment. Go ahead, rub it in… you know you’re worth it.

SAND AND FOG VANILLA MUSK —

Because your scent should do the talking before you even open your mouth. Warm, cozy, and a little bit mysterious, it’s the kind of fragrance that makes people do a double take. Sweet without being bold, soft without being boring… basically, the vanilla you actually want. Spritz it on and strut — let the world catch up.

The Come Back I Was Hoping For

🤓 Glasses chains are having a full comeback — and no, they’re not just for librarians anymore. They’re chic, playful, and wildly practical… because nothing screams “midlife power move” like never losing your glasses again. Think of them as jewelry with a job — style and sanity, all in one little chain.

Mrs. Gay, my childhood stylish piano teacher, had it right all along. I just knew it!! ❤️

Etsy

Amazon

Walmart

Coolbe

Finally, Happy Feet

👟 After years of trying sneaker after sneaker, I’ve learned exactly what my feet need—and what they absolutely refuse to tolerate.

👟 My feet are wide, my instep is sunken, I rely on orthotics, and my knees love to remind me I’m 55! Comfort isn’t a luxury for me; it’s the baseline.

👟 After researching endlessly, reading reviews from other “problem-foot people,” comparing features, and trying every shoe on the market - the reviews on Hettas are standing out!

👟 The wide toe box, the structure that actually accommodates orthotics, the design that doesn’t scream “medical shoe”… everything about them aligns with what my feet have been begging for. I haven’t tried them yet, but all signs are pointing to this being the sneaker that finally lets me enjoy long hikes and even a jog.

 👟 Hettas are next on my list—not because of hype, but because they genuinely seem to understand feet like mine.

👟 And it gets better… they are a Canadian brand 🇨🇦

Pause. Breathe. Reset.

When anxiety or anger hits, your breath usually disappears — tight chest, racing thoughts, heat rising. In those moments, we don’t need a lecture, we need a lifeline. I’ve been there. It’s terrifying.

The “top-up breath” is a quick reset that tells your nervous system, you are safe. It’s simple, subtle, and it works anywhere — in a conversation, in a parking lot, in your kitchen. One breath. One pause. One reset.

Top-Up Breath :

  • Exhale first.
    Empty your lungs completely. (This is the secret — calm starts on the exhale.)

  • Inhale slowly through your nose.
    Let your lungs fill at a pace that feels gentle, not forced.

  • Hold for one soft beat.
    A moment of stillness. A tiny pocket of control.

  • Add the “top-up.”
    Take one small sip of air—just a little extra at the top.

  • Slow exhale through your mouth.
    Like you’re cooling hot tea. Longer than the inhale.

  • Return to your body.
    Notice: shoulders drop, jaw unclenches, clarity returns.

That’s it.

One breath. One moment of authority over your body and your day.

Step Up Your Comfort

👣 Give your feet a little midlife love.

Birkenstock insoles are designed to cradle your foot, support arches, and improve alignment — all while slipping easily into sneakers, boots, or everyday shoes.

Benefits:

  • Deep heel cup for stability

  • Arch support to reduce foot fatigue

  • Even weight distribution for knees and back

  • Durable, high-quality materials

  • Works in many types of shoes, not just Birkenstocks

Netflix Fall Binge List

🎯 A Solo Watch

  1. Wayward (2025) – Canadian-set mystery-thriller, dark and compelling.

  2. Geek Girl (2024) – Fun drama about reinvention, stepping into new roles.

  3. Leanne (2025) – Sitcom from comedian Leanne Morgan, midlife humor & life lessons.

  4. The Granville Girls (2025) – Canadian period romance, escapist and charming.

  5. The Later Daters (2024) – Reality/documentary-style series on modern romance for “golden singles.”

🤝 Watch Together

  1. The Four Seasons (2025) – Adult drama about long-term relationships & change.

  2. PULSE (2025) – High-stakes hospital drama that’s suspenseful & bingeable.

  3. The Perfect Couple (2024) – Drama + suspense, luxe setting, great for shared viewing.

  4. Wayward (2025) – Mystery-thriller, also fun to watch together.

  5. The Granville Girls (2025) – Romantic drama, cozy and engaging for couple nights.Wayward (2025) – Canadian-set mystery-thriller, dark and compelling.

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.

Affirmation

“Today, I welcome the fresh energy of November and
let go of what doesn't serve me.”

Want to support cynthiagraceLIVING?

cynthiagraceLIVING is a one women show on a sincere mission to inspire you to live your happiest, best life. It’s just me, sharing what lifts me up in hopes it lifts you too — One tip, moment or laugh at a time.

Here are a few ways you can support this free on line mini mag.

✨ Follow on instagram @cynthiagraceliving

💭 Hit Reply to this email with content, ideas, life hacks you’d like to share or just to share your thoughts.

❤️ Share cynthiagraceLIVING with anyone who may enjoy it.
Click, copy and paste link below in a text message.
https://cynthiagraceliving.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Shine with kindness, act with purpose, and remember:
your journey is unique, and your presence makes a difference.

Cherish Today.

Reply

or to participate.