Emily Mardell

This week’s GetJoyfull Snack Plan features a delicious, make ahead treat that’s truly summer on a stick!

May 4th to 10th is Mental Health Week, and rallying call for all of us to #getreal about how we really feel. For many of us, myself included, it can start with talking about the stresses of everyday life, and the stress of our “new normal.”

Now that we’re spending so much extra time at home as a family, I’ve been finding myself in the kitchen a whole lot more. The downside is a constant pile of dishes, but the upside is a stock of recipes that keep my heart happy.

In stressful times, cooking together as a family can be a great way to relax and escape worries of the day. Thankfully, my kids like to help out at mealtime and Papa can be enticed with snacks.

With everything that’s going on in the world, and at home right now, our family is hunkered down with a plan to make all our favourite comfort foods in the coming weeks. Our hearts need it.

Tender, juicy, perfectly roasted chicken has always been a GetJoyfull family favourite. My family enjoys it so much that I often roast two at a time to ensure enough leftovers for soup and sandwiches.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The GetJoyfull countdown to Christmas is on and our family is excitedly planning a spread of yummy dishes for the festive season.

In Case You Missed it last week the lovely @deanneferguson joined the Mama Joy Monday family with a mini masterclass on how simple, everyday rituals can help us regroup, refuel, and reconnect.

We’re half-way through September, and somehow, together, surviving the back-to-school rush. How about you? Keeping it real, this routine “reset” has definitely been a challenge.

With three children at home, a newborn, toddler, and school-ager, I’m constantly looking for recipes that check GetJoyfull “boxes,” and make the most of the next to no time I have for cooking.