My chat with Lisa Saunders, owner of Lisa Marie’s Kitchen. Lisa prepares healthy, home cooked meals for seniors, busy families and people who just don’t like to cook. She can help you with meal planning, prepping, and customize menus to make your life easier. Find out what her most requested dish is.
I love chatting with amazing local #entrepreneurs on my “Dish with Judy” blog in a series of recorded conversations. Please Follow, Like, Comment, and Share. Buy their products or services for yourself or gift it to someone. Please consider supporting small businesses when you are online shopping. #shoplocal#supportsmallbusinesses#dishwithjudy#mississauga
I am talking to Georgia Wolfe about being vegan and how she has healed her mindset and body with food. She want to share that knowledge and passion for sustainable eating with everyone. Her instagram Georgia’s Vegan Remedy recommend delicious recipes, vegetarian restaurants, and products to help you adopt a healthier alternate eating lifestyle. You don’t have to become full vegan, Just incorporating a few of her suggestions can be beneficial. Her photos are beautiful and enticing.
I love chatting with amazing local #entrepreneurs on my “Dish with Judy” blog in a series of recorded conversations. Please Follow, Like, Comment, and Share. Buy their products or services for yourself or gift it to someone. #shoplocal #healthandwellness #vegan #vegetarian #healthyeating #plantbased #georgiasveganremedy #dishwithjudy
Food can be fun and easy! Crina Cretu and Linda Ljucovic joined me to talk about an exciting new program that they are launching. The Program is called Clean Eating for Busy People – Nourish Your Body with Whole Foods. Ten days of great information, cooking demos, delicious recipes, tools and time-saving tips from two nutritionists who will be with you every step of the way! #mealplanning #healthyeating #cleaneating #cookingtips #recipes
Balance Point Health Centre
465 Morden Rd, Oakville, ON L6K 3W6
Email: balancepointhc@yahoo.com
Phone: 289-291-0254
I love chatting with amazing local #entrepreneurs on my “Dish with Judy” blog in a series of recorded conversations. Please Follow, Like, Comment, and Share. Buy their products or services for yourself or gift it to someone. Please consider supporting small businesses when you are online shopping. #shoplocal#supportsmallbusinesses#dishwithjudy#mississauga
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Donna Philp, a consultant with Pampered Chef. I have been using Pampered Chef products since I first got married and love them! We are chatting about some of our favourite “must have” items and the current specials that you don’t want to miss! #pamperedchef #cooking #baking #kitchentools #airfryers #quickcooker #bakeware #cookware #stoneware #virtualparties
I love chatting with amazing local #entrepreneurs on my “Dish with Judy” blog in a series of recorded conversations. Please Follow, Like, Comment, and Share. Buy their products or services for yourself or gift it to someone. Please consider supporting small businesses when you are online shopping. #shoplocal#supportsmallbusinesses#dishwithjudy#mississauga
People often ask, do vision boards work? YES! Absolutely! Here why.
Putting together a visual tool, such as a vision board can help you on your journey towards your ideal life. A vision board adds clarity and focus to your goals. You always hear about celebrities, such as Oprah, or athletes who use visualization and vision boards because studies have shown the process is as effective as physical practice. I’ve heard a few people say that the vision board didn’t work for them, but how much effort did they put into it?
I know many more who swear by it (me included!), and despite the pandemic, I managed to achieve some big wins. If you follow these tips, you will find out how effective a vision board can be for you in attracting the things you desire in your life.
Here are my FIVE TIPS to help you make your Vision Board work for you.
Take Action. Having pretty pictures on a board does not guarantee that your dreams will come true… unless you take the steps to move it forward. You must do the work. If you want to become an author, the book is not going to write itself. Have a plan and set aside the time to do it!
Be realistic. If you put materialistic items, such as a lamborghini, a gated mansion with an infiniti pool, or a 20 carat diamond ring, well, it might take a little more time and more work on your part. Maybe work on your short term goals first. Then as you get better at manifestation, you can go bigger. You do have to put in the work. Just because you paste it on a board, it doesn’t mean your vision board fairy will bring it to you.
Focus. Put your board in plain sight. The first one I ever made ended up in my closet. Now I use a sturdier board (foam core) so that it can lean against the wall on my desk. Take a photo of it and upload it as a screensaver on your cell phone. Vision Boards serve as a daily reminder of our goals. Engage with it daily, not just once every few weeks. Choose bright, attractive images, so your vision board catches your eye. It will inspire and motivate you to focus on all the things you want in your life.
Your mindset. When you set your intentions, be in a positive vibe. Be grateful. Meditation is very helpful in getting you to be still. Listen to what messages may come to you. When you are in a high vibration, your positive energy will attract amazing things. When you are creating your vision board, be happy and reflective. Find words that are inspiring, pictures that will excite and motivate you. Be passionate!
Journaling. Did you know that journaling can improve your mood? According to a Harvard study, people who journal daily have a 25% increase in performance. Write down your intentions in a notebook every day. Ask for what you want. Write about how your day is going, how you’re feeling, and track your “wins”. It’s not about winning a lottery, although that would be nice. It can be getting a new client, or as simple as someone buying you a coffee, any random acts of kindness should be noted. You will be surprised at how many unexpected positive things are happening to you. Feel good about your wins and you will attract more happy surprises into your life. Put pen to paper. It’s powerful.
Below is my Vision Board that I made in Spring of 2019. Before the Covid lockdown in 2020, I managed to get to Paris, Milan, Las Vegas, facilitated 12 Vision Board workshops, attended a lot of exciting events, received many unexpected gifts (all documented), then during the lockdown, I continued with freelance writing, launched my food blog, a YouTube channel, and started writing my book. My family is my world so there are photos of them on my board. Just glancing over at my board will make me smile. You can choose a theme (career, travel) or just keep flipping through your magazines and see what appears. A Vision Board holds me accountable and you will be amazed how impactful these visuals can be.
What’s coming up for YOU?
PAST EVENTS
THESE WORKSHOPS HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED BUT STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO ON UPCOMING EVENTS.
This simple holiday favourite has been a part of my baking since the late 80’s. The best part of Christmas was when your co-workers brought in their best treats during December. When I worked at Dylex, a lady named Halina brought in her delicious Toffee Bars that had everyone swooning. Remember, I didn’t grow up with holiday baking so I asked her for the recipe. Over the years, it has evolved into what it is today. Her original recipe used graham crackers but during the 90’s I tried a version called Skor Bark that used Saltine Crackers and chopped Skor Chocolate Bars on top. I love the salty and sweet combination. Lately I’ve seen similar recipes online called Christmas Crack. I guess if I’m not using Skor Bark, this name is generic enough to let me be more creative with my toppings. Now I throw on top whatever I can find, chopped Kit Kat, Oreos, pretzels, nuts, and even crushed Candy Cane. Of course, you can make it without nuts and it will be delicious! It is so good that it’s hard to keep until Christmas.
1pkg.(100 g sliced almonds or coarsely chopped almonds*, toasted)
Approx. 35 - 45 Saltine crackers with salted tops
1pkg.(300 g semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate wafers)
½cup- 1 cup Skor toffee bits *
*Be creative - mix in other chopped chocolate bars(Coffee Crisp, Oreos, Kit Kat, Crunchie or use crushed candy cane; I also throw in broken pretzels for added saltiness.)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Prepare your cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil so that the bars don’t stick.
Line the pan with Saltine crackers, breaking some to fit.
Melt butter with brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a small sauce pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until thick and foamy. Do not let it burn.
Pour over the crackers, making sure you cover the whole pan.
Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
Bake for approximately 10 minutes until the edges bubble up.
Turn off the oven and take the pan out to sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the chocolate looks shiny and starts to soften. Sometimes it’s hot enough you can skip this step. Then take a spreading knife to smooth the chocolate all over.
Sprinkle more almonds (or chopped nuts) on top and Skor toffee bits. Press slightly.
Let the bar pan cool. When cooled, wrap the pan in plastic and put it into your freezer for an hour.
When the bars are frozen, using a knife along the edges, you can lift the whole bar out and break it into pieces using 2 pcs of wax paper or plastic gloves. The trick is it has to be frozen but if you don’t have the room in your freezer, then the fridge will do.
Receive 10% off your order if you use the PROMO CODE: JUDY88
I love my name necklace! I discovered this local business of custom made jewelry a few months ago. You can choose from a variety of styles and fonts in sterling silver, gold dipped, and pure gold. I have a necklace with my name and one with my initial “J” (coming soon!). I’ve given out several personalized necklaces to my nieces (surprise!) and friends. For a unique gift, you can choose a name or a special word in any language. Browse the selection of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings for women, men and children. Owner Mona Shehadeh will help you choose the perfect gift.
I love chatting with amazing local #entrepreneurs on my “Dish with Judy” blog in a series of recorded conversations. Please Follow, Like, Comment, and Share. Buy their products or services for yourself or gift it to someone. Please consider supporting small businesses when you are online shopping. #shoplocal#supportsmallbusinesses#dishwithjudy#mississauga
I didn’t grow up in a household where baking cookies was a thing. My immigrant parents ran a Chinese restaurant in Hamilton so they worked hard all week. How I envied my friends whose mothers were bakers and during the holidays, I used to eat so many kinds of cookies at their house – pretty sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, and melt-in-your mouth shortbread cookies. I was determined that when I grew up and have children, I would be one of those moms, offering their little friends my cookies. But first, I had to learn how to make them. I asked my mom about cookies when I was quite young. She said to ask my Grandfather because he used to work as a baker on the trains travelling across Canada. At the time, he was already in his eighties (or maybe not, hard to tell when you’re a child), not that approachable, or talkative. But I went to him, notebook in hand, to ask him about cookies. He said he had a shortbread recipe he could share. Great! I didn’t know what shortbread was, but I was very excited about all the cookies I would be making. Then he recited from memory his recipe: 10 lbs butter, 20 lbs flour, 5 lbs sugar . . . I may be exaggerating. I don’t remember the exact quantities, but you get the idea. I had never made anything before so it never occurred to me that he baked cookies for a whole trainload of people, and I needed to do some math conversion. Needless to say, it was many years before I attempted Shortbread cookies.
Twenty years later, I met my husband. I kept hearing about the amazing shortbread cookies made by his mother, Jessie. Apparently she used to make dozens and dozens of shortbreads with a cookie press, that she gave out to everyone at Christmas. All his family and friends agreed that she made the best they’ve ever had. Unfortunately, she passed away just a few months before I met my husband, so I never actually tried them, and so far, no recipe has been found, although a few people have made claims to having it. For years I’ve tried baking every shortbread recipe I came across. I wasn’t trying to compete. I just wanted to continue the tradition. My husband and his family would say that it was good, but it wasn’t quite . . . IT. So the search continued. Finally, Janet, a family friend (probably took pity on me), told me to stop searching. No matter how good my shortbreads were, they will never live up to a memory. Just make new memories. So, I am sharing this recipe I’ve been using for most of my married life. It’s not his mom’s recipe, but it’s easy, delicious, and versatile. An annual tradition. I hope you will enjoy making new memories with it.
Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer or a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Mix in cornstarch. Gradually beat in flour and continue beating.
Roll into 1 inch balls or drop by heaping tablespoons onto cookie sheets, about 1 inch apart. Flatten and decorate with a piece of red or green cherry on top.
Bake approx. 12 - 15 minutes until lightly browned edges. Cool and dust with icing sugar.
Makes 4 dozen cookies. Can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
Variations: I usually divide dough in half and make one of the versions below as well.
Pecan Shortbreads: Instead of red or green cherries, use a wooden spoon, stir in pecans
Toblerone Shortbreads: Wrap a small amount of shortbread dough around a chocolate chunk broke into ½ inch pieces so that the cookie has a chocolate centre.
Holiday Cookies
Holiday Baking
So versatile!
Shortbread Cookies with a chocolate centre.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies with maraschino cherries.
Shortbread wrapped Toblerone chunks just out of the oven.
I was determined that when I grew up and have children, I would be one of those moms, offering their little friends my cookies.
With the launch of my new blog Dish With Judy, I partnered with a talented local entrepreneurs to bring you this awesome DECEMBER HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY on Instagram! With over 300 entries, and using an online Random Name Selector, the WINNER is Donna Smith-Majors @queenwinefairy who won all these fabulous prizes from these amazing businesses. Congratulations Donna!
Donna doesn’t need a new logo at this time so she asked us to randomly select another name so she can gift the Free Logo Design to a deserving local business owner who entered our contest! Yay!
Amanda is a baker, caterer, and personal chef. Amanda has been featured on the Food Network “Donut Showdown”. I met her when she catered a “How She Hustles” event at Shopify. I loved the food and had to meet her! She aims to enhance the soul with visual expressive desserts, and unique dishes, she continues to come up with innovative recipes to share her love through food. Watch this video to see what exciting plans she has coming up. #baker #caterer #toronto #desserts #customcakes #jamaicanrumcheesecake #personalchef
I want to help you with your holiday shopping this year by highlighting my 12 Days of Christmas gift ideas! In no random order, I am chatting with 12 amazing local entrepreneurs on my “Dish with Judy” blog in a series of recorded conversations. Please Follow, Like, Comment, and Share. Buy their products or services for yourself or gift it to someone. Please consider supporting small businesses when you are online shopping.
This simple holiday favourite has been a part of my baking since the late 80’s. The best part of Christmas was when your co-workers brought in their best treats during December. When I worked at Dylex, a lady named Halina brought in her delicious Toffee Bars that had everyone swooning. Remember, I didn’t grow up with holiday baking so I asked her for the recipe. Over the years, it has evolved into what it is today. Her original recipe used graham crackers but during the 90’s I tried a version called Skor Bark that used Saltine Crackers and chopped Skor Chocolate Bars on top. I love the salty and sweet combination. Lately I’ve seen similar recipes online called Christmas Crack. I guess if I’m not using Skor Bark, this name is generic enough to let me be more creative with my toppings. Now I throw on top whatever I can find, chopped Kit Kat, Oreos, pretzels, nuts, and even crushed Candy Cane. Of course, you can make it without nuts and it will be delicious! It is so good that it’s hard to keep until Christmas.
🌲 Holiday Sweets from 
