Mary Luz Mejia

This is the first of 18 posts highlighting winners of the Canadian leg of the International Chocolate Awards where I interviewed Grand Jurors to tell us what makes the award winners stand out. Strategy, copy post and ideation of posts curated by me.

Craving chocolate while working from home? We have a host of recommendations for you to be inspired to savor our globe later and satisfy your taste buds now!
Craft chocolate, also known as bean-to-bar, is finding its place on people's palates and gaining momentum around the world. In almost every major city, there is at least one craft chocolate shop that, by virtue of how it makes its bars and bonbons, is selling more than just a delicious piece of cocoa.
From Paris, to St. Lucia, to locatio...

Turn these 5 immune-boosting kitchen staples into tasty snacks that promote well-being and quality sleep.
Looking for ways to naturally boost your immune system? The easiest and tastiest way, of course, is through the foods we eat and the quality of sleep we get.
Most of you have likely read or heard about the beneficial, good-for-you properties of vitamins C, E, B complex and magnesium for starters. Immune-boosting powerhouses A and D, as studied in this report, are being linked with the abi...

Step into the Pan-Am Lounge at Toronto’s new MARKED restaurant on John Street and get transported to a modern version of the quintessential 1950s Pan American airport lounge/bar. This is just the first leg of your journey, though, as MARKED is divided into four areas, all providing their own sense of well-executed Latin American cool. The four separate parts of the restaurant each provide a different ambience, and the breadth of South American food means more of a chance that everyone in the ...

For its edibles entry, Canopy Growth could have gone mass market. But the mega cannabis company opted for an elevated bean-to-bar chocolate experience with an award-winning partner
The former Chocolate Capital of Ontario, Smith Falls may soon reclaim its tasty title. However, this time it won’t be for the commercially produced, chocolate-coated candy bars made by its previous resident, Hershey’s Chocolate.
Edibles are scheduled to hit the shelves mid-December. And Smith Falls-located cannabis...

Build a simple sammie, skewer them for hoisin dipping, or slice them in half to up your DIY pizza game.
Discover
Don’t waste that last bit of sauce in the jar! Spoon leftovers (tomato, pesto or coconut milk) into a freezer bag, lay flat and freeze. Then, next time you’re cooking, simply break off a piece.
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When using the frying method: Start with a cold pan. Lay bacon in a single layer In a large non-stick pan frypan; cut slices in half as needed.
Use medium heat or lower for a slow, g...

Love sushi but think it’s impossible to make at home? Sushi à La Maison takes the guess work and knife skills out of preparing restaurant-quality sushi, in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Think of Sushi à La Maison like your own personal sushi pro. You purchase the sushi-grade, pre-cut fish in our frozen seafood department including a tuna, scallop or salmon tartare mix, along with seasoned Sushi à La Maison mayonnaise and accompaniments. Follow the easy-to-make recipes, mix, serve and enjoy...

Some people make and revise endless to-do lists. Others find themselves going down the rabbit hole of “what-ifs,” or they can’t help thinking of things they haven’t dealt with yet.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates 30% of American adults fail to get enough sleep each night and that the problem is so widespread it has become “a public health epidemic.”
We know we need quality sleep to feel refreshed, boost our immune systems, promote good mental health, be pro...

Losing your spouse to football season may not be a bad thing.
While he’s busy, you can focus on your preferences.
Whether you’re into a day off by yourself at the museum, a much-needed yoga session, or simply enjoying an afternoon shopping with an old friend, spending time apart for a little self-care can be a good thing.

Step into the brick-and-beam historic building with its sleek, central bar, black industrial-looking exposed pipes, and sky-high windows—and you’d swear you were in London or Paris.

Birthday or anniversary coming up? Feel like baking but not sure where to start? Our handy guide delivers a bakers’ dozen worth of cake options from classic chocolate to ice cream cakes for life’s special moments. Comment below with your favourite type of cake! Link in bio.

Make this summer memorable. From virtual dinners, to at-home family cook-outs – we have everything you need to make this season extra fresh.
Check out our fresh and frozen meats and ready-made options that are sure to cater to your crew. And if meat-free is on your menu, we’ve got you covered with plant-based choices that are perfect for your grill.
How does your grill game stack up?
Let us pair your BBQ style with some sizzling suggestions to turn your summer cook-outs into magical moments.
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Recipe development: A pretty late fall/winter salad, this feast for the eye is a good as it looks and a perfect side for grilled fish, meats or with any tapas fiesta.

Recipe development using Spanish ingredients, including star ingredient, Spanish kaki fruit, or perSimon fruit.

The deluge of data in the information age can be hard to keep up with, including emails, your kid’s school assignments, and your social media feeds.
The answer may lie with digitally detoxing, even for short bursts, so you can reset when you need it most.
Elenna Mosoff, a certified life and leadership coach who is a digital addictions expert, believes taking simple breaks from the digital world can clear the mental cobwebs and give you the time and space to better care of yourself, your relat...