Jill's Humble Pies

Do you have something special that has been passed on down to you? My great grandmother, Nana as we all called her, entrusted this precious china doll to me many years ago. She passed away in her 96th year in November of 2000. This special treasure will stay with me until I pass it to my own daughter one day. I’ve been blessed with a few special keepsakes from grandparents and great grandparents, all of which I treasure. But my Nana was the most perfect and important p...erson in my life. I spent countless hours with her. And I as I grew up, she became more and more special with each passing year. Both my mom and myself had an exceptionally unique bond with her. I miss her. And I often wonder what it would be like if she was still here. Would she be proud of me? Would she be proud of her family? Well I definitely know that my mom and I would still have that special bond with her. And I know that the special bond we had is the reason why we are still comforted day after day by her. So as much as I am purging things in preparation of moving, some items just can’t be purged as they help to heal your heart and bring you joy. I wonder what treasures of mine will last for generations?

10 square stuffed pizzas These are so good! Made with my puffed pastry and stuffed with pizza sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella. You can also add onion, mushrooms, green peppers, bacon, ham or pineapple. Available to order as soon as I stop eating the prototypes lol These reheat so easily and make for a quick, delicious and easy dinner/lunch/snack. Two sizes will be available.

I’ve been purging and getting rid of all kinds of excess stuff. My ultimate goal is to have less, but to enjoy life more. Keepsakes are special but do I really need to keep every little knick knack? I’m not one for junk. I like things simple. And yet I seem to have way too much stuff. Today I purged bags of clothes. And I mean bags!! I’m sure if I kept it all I wouldn’t have to do laundry for an entire year . So why do we keep stuff? Why is it hard to let go?... There’s so many reasons actually. But I can tell you this. It’s freeing. It feels good. I’m on a roll Our ultimate goal is to live in a small cabin one day, spending lots of time living in our trailer travelling the continent. So why not get use to having less now? I have my family. And that’s more than enough for me

THANK YOU to everyone for your kind words and support. As I posted the other day, we are moving. Not far. But we are making a move. The only thing that has been affected by this is my meat pie orders. I have postponed them at the moment. (New pickup is to be determined still) All valentines orders are going ahead as planned. There are no changes to any pickups or deliveries for valentines. If anyone has any boxes they wish to get rid of, just let me know. I’d be ...happy to take them off your hands. I also have a few extra valentines items available, with the help of M&R Sweets (my parents chocolate business of 30+ years). I have 15 boxes which have approximately 8 assorted shortbread and 10 handmade chocolates. Each box is gift wrapped in cellophane. $10 each I also have 18 treat bags which have 5 handmade valentine chocolates $3/bag

I don’t know about you, but I love cardinals. And I love the idea that when cardinals appear, it’s a visitor from heaven. This has brought me so much comfort, so many times. And today, I got this beautiful message.... I wanted to thank you for your kindness over Christmas. I lost my husband of 57 years just before Christmas. To have the empty spot beside me every day has been so difficult. And we loved Christmas every year. This time, I knew it would be difficult. ...But I was given a wonderful stocking which I opened Christmas Day. As well I was gifted a wonderful turkey dinner. I do not know you and I do not know who gave you my name. But I do know that Christmas morning I was greeted by a beautiful cardinal outside of my window. And I want to believe that it was my Carl visiting me on Christmas Day, making sure I was ok. And as he would have seen, I was ok. Your kindness brought me so much joy on Christmas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And don’t forget that cardinals are truly heaven sent, as I believe you are as well. Happy New Year. Lynn

I’m returning messages a little slower this week. Thanks for you patience. I will get to your message as soon possible.

My Dad makes Salt Boxes for your porch. Each one comes with a bin inside to hold your salt, as well as a scoop. They are stained and treated for outdoor use. He’s sold hundreds of these and only has 4 left that are available for pickup this coming week. $85 each. If interested, let me know.

INDIVIDUAL FREEZER MEALSOnly $8 each For those who missed out the last time around with our introductory freezer meals and for those who want to restock, I have 2 dates for the new year available to preorder. I usually book up within 24 hours of posting Dates available: January 9-10 (SOLD OUT)... January 16-17 (SOLD OUT) January 23-24(SOLD OUT) These are individually portioned meals that go from freezer to microwave. Options: #1 Chicken Penne (White chicken, penne noodles, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning) #2 Cheesy Macaroni Casserole (Tomato based with lots of cheddar cheese and macaroni noodles) #3 Chili (Ground beef, tomatoes and sauce, seasoning and kidney beans) #4 Hearty Beef Stew (made with stewing beef, not ground beef, potatoes, carrots, peas/corn and a rich broth) #5 Meatballs/Hashbrown Casserole/Broccoli (Sweet chili meatballs, cheesy hashbrown casserole and broccoli florets) They come in a 28oz container All containers reheat in the microwave easily. Payment can be sent to [email protected] Please do not etransfer until the order is confirmed with me. Delivery is available upon request. No charge for orders over $20. (Bowmanville to Whitby area only) These are available to preorder on a first come first serve basis. Once orders are full, I will update the post.

Here’s what’s happening for Valentines . Lots of treats to share, gift or to eat yourself lol There’s only room for a few more order Valentines Order Selection No substitutions Pickup February 10-14... Delivery available #112 deluxe large dipped shortbread hearts (assorted toppings) $15 #21 hot chocolate pack plus 4 mini shortbread hearts $2 #37 mini shortbread heart sleeve $3 #44 pack of heart shaped shortbread pies (assorted toppings, shortbread base, topped with pure chocolate) $20 #52 large shortbread hearts $2 #612 chocolate chip shortbread or 12 skor shortbread $10 #724 chocolate chip shortbread or 24 skor shortbread $20 #824 assorted shortbread (sizes and flavours are assorted) $20 #924 mini heart shortbread $12 #1024 mini chocolate dipped heart shortbread $15 #1124 assorted cookies $20 (Chocolate chip, m&m, Reese, skor, butterscotch, white chocolate) #126 pack of cupcakes $12 6 vanilla, 6 chocolate or 3 vanilla/3 chocolate #13 Pies $15 Raspberry, Cherry, Lemon meringue, key lime #146 pack of tarts $15 (1 raspberry, 1 cherry, 1 blueberry, 1 raspberry crumble, 1 cherry crumble, 1 blueberry crumble) #15Individual Pepperoni or cheese pizza bites $3 each (tart size) #1610 square cheese, pepperoni or deluxe stuffed pizza made with my puffed pastry $20 (feeds 4) #17 Handmade chocolate packs $8 each 16-18 chocolates in each container. Mix of white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pink and red coloured chocolate. All high quality. Made by M&R Sweets, my parents chocolate business of 30+ years #18Fudge! 4 round $5 each Chocolate Cookies and cream Maple Maple pecan M&M Skor White chocolate Mint chocolate Chocolate pecan Peanut butter reese White chocolate cranberry #19 Valentines Shortbread Charcuterie Boxes Each one has an assortment of the following: Plain shortbread hearts Chocolate dipped shortbread hearts Skor dipped shortbread hearts Chocolate chip shortbread Chocolate chip Skor shortbread Cranberry/white choc shortbread Homemade chocolate hearts Small: feeds 2-4 Approximately 24 pieces $25 Large: feeds 4-8 Approximately 48 pieces $50

I’m really not great at poetry, but these words just come to me sometimes. The stockings that you have been contributing towards will go to people like the lady in the words I wrote below. This is how I express my heart.... The Stocking... Christmas, this year It will be only me For my family is gone There’s no one to see The stores will be closed The restaurants too So what shall I do Sit here and stew? My phone rang today A sweet voice on the line How are you keeping Is everything fine? She knew I was lonely She knew I was down I’m bringing you something When I come to town A surprise! Oh how lovely A Christmas gift She knew what I needed A heart-warming lift A stocking, she said Filled with things just for me Something to open To place under my tree My eyes filled with tears But why? I said It’s Christmas, she answered Then I lowered my head For the Reason for Christmas The gift from above Sent someone to me To show me His love God’s love is unwrapped And given away To all who accept it On each Christmas Day So I’ll sit here and open These gifts so dear I’m not alone! For God is here

We have a bunch of teens, young adults and single parents who we are collecting gifts and stockings for. We are looking for $5/$10 gift cards to add to their gifts. Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Walmart, McDonalds, pizza pizza, grocery stores, etc. If anyone would like to help, just let me know.

THANK YOU to everyone who has reached out with love and care while I’ve been working through my migraines. I really am ok and have taken a few days to rest up. Been in touch with my doctor and we are on top of things. I take after my mom in many ways, and I’ve inherited her gift of migraines. So this is not new for me. I’m planning to be back on top of things this weekend. I’m looking forward to all of the exciting things that the Christmas season is going to bring Thank you for your patience and understanding the past few weeks especially. You are all so very special to me

Due to Covid, the Salvation Army has had to pull its red kettles this year. They are needing support through online donations. I encourage you all to give to places you are confident with. My confidence is in the Salvation Army and the work they do in our community and all around the world. Please feel free to share this post with your friends and family.

I’m looking for the following items for our Sending Love gift bags. There are so many individuals in our community who are isolated, afraid and alone. A little love can go a long way to support these people. If you can donate any of these items, just let me know. As well, if you know someone who is alone or a senior couple, and they would enjoy a gift bag dropped on their doorstep, just let me know. Maybe there’s a family you know who is struggling through these d...ays. We are here to support, encourage and uplift our community. Here’s what I’m needing: Boxes of tea bags Instant coffee Mugs Puzzles Word search books Pencils Pens Kleenex Hot chocolate packs Magazines Boxes of crackers Packs of assorted chocolates/nuts

Happy New Year to all! I will not be answering any messages today as I’m starting 2021 in my pjs, on my couch, with my coffee, Netflix and my family. I’ll return all messages tomorrow.

A few important notes: I am fully booked until the end of January. If any extras become available...I will post them as always. If you haven’t confirmed your pickup date for your Christmas order, please do so ASAP. Anytime up until December 24 is available ... If you requested a stocking or a Christmas dinner donation, please touch base to confirm whether you need us to deliver or if you prefer to deliver it yourself. We are still needing donations (stockings and stocking stuffers such as treats, crossword books, small Christmas ornaments, mugs, wallets suitable for teenagers) or financial donations are always welcome (email is [email protected] for etransfers)

A wonderful way to support local businesses this Christmas is by purchasing gift certificates. I have some available if anyone is interested Each one comes with a small package of shortbread

I’m still needing a few specific things in order to complete some stockings: Word search books Pens Hand/body lotion Men’s and woman’s socks ... Chocolates/treats Men’s/woman’s scarves or mitts Tea Towels Tea bags (small boxes or individual bags) Mugs If anyone would like to help just let me know

I am in need of EMPTY stockings as we have lots and lots of stocking stuffers here. If anyone has any lying around or would like to pick up a few to donate, I’d appreciate that. They can be dropped off anytime in the next few days. Even if I’m not here to bring them in, someone else will be. 1464 Lyncroft Cres Thank you!

Halloween Contest!

For those of you asking, this is the post about Sadie. Her story that I shared has inspired many of you to donate and take action. If you know anyone like Sadie who could use a stocking to bless them this Christmas, just let me know. I’d love for them to have a stocking. No one needs to be alone or without. A single senior, a senior couple who can’t see family, a single mom and her kids, etc. And if they are alone, then they might as well have a Christmas stocking to bring them some Christmas cheer. Just send me a message if you have someone on your mind for this.

The first 100 stockings are packed. That was a HUGE job! We will get to the rest another day. Thanks to my Mom and Dad for their help packing the stockings. And thank you to all of you who have contributed to these. Can’t thank you enough

And the packing has started! So many amazing donations for the stockings Will post more pictures later once we’ve assembled them. It’s exhausting but so worth it. This is Christmas!!

For those needing assistance this Christmas...here’s some helpful info. We are helping as many as we can, but there’s hundreds more who need greater support. Please never hesitate to reach out and ask for help. That’s what community is all about.

So much fun making all of these great boxes...hard not to eat them all

At some point, when I get the time, I will explain further about those we are helping this Christmas. Along with many seniors, we are helping families who have lost a loved one in the past few months...some due to known health issues, some with no warning and some because of Covid. For those who think that Covid is not a big deal...it is. And so many lives have been lost. We are trying to help these families navigate through the Christmas season. Tonight I’m doing a ...big buy from a few local retailers for toys for children who are grieving this Christmas. I have their ages and their interests and will do my best to chose things appropriate to each of them. If anyone else would like to contribute to this, please contact me. Cash/etransfer donations as well as toys and other items for the children are welcome as well. KT Floral has donated a lovely porch planter for one of these families as well. Such a great way to bring some Christmas cheer. Continuing to do my best, Jill Blessings to all

I have about 30 of these printed off for anyone who needs one (I know some of you do not have a printer) No judging, as everyone is welcome to make their own decisions regarding their Halloween plans. For those not handing out candy and not wanting their doorbells dinging all night, these signs are handy as well as turning out lights. If you are handing out candy or taking your children trick or treating, have fun, stay safe and wash your hands well.

Stay tuned later tomorrow....we are spending the day packing stockings!! This will be the first day and then next weekend we will do round 2 as there’s still more items coming from many people who have contacted me. Items for teenagers are still needed as well as gift cards for fast food, Walmart, grocery stores etc. Any donations are appreciated. As we get the stockings packed, I’ll post pictures. A big packing party would have been wonderful, but due to the current situation, we’ve had to keep it to just us. But I promise...I’ll keep you all a part of it as much as I can There will be well over 200 stockings by the time we are all done Thank you for all of your support and donations. It’s been absolutely amazing and overwhelming.

Don’t panic buy!! I know so many people like the lady in this picture lol. And there’s been many reasons lately that people panic buy. But please, stay home, stay safe, enjoy the beautiful snowfall that is coming, and maybe look in your pantry/freezer/fridge and get creative with some meals. I love when people say can I have the recipe for that?, after I’ve cooked them dinner. But honestly, following a recipe is not my favourite thing to do. I usually just pull together whatever I have here and hope for the best . If you have items lying around and need some meal idea inspiration, just message me, I’m happy to help. Use up what’s in your freezer and pantry before it spoils. It may just make the best family dinner ever

Shortbread...yum

If you are looking for something yummy for lunch today, check out my brothers restaurant. He has an awesome special on today

I have 15 more bags of Halloween treats ready. Free!! One per child. Please do not reserve one if you can’t pick it up within a reasonable timeframe.

I have 2 Haunted Chocolate Cookie kits left to give away. Just comment below if you are interested. I’ll randomly select 2 winners at 9pm tonight

I have people/families who would like to adopt a senior this winter. Write letters to them, shovel their driveways, pick up groceries etc. If you know a senior or seniors who would love this, just let me know. If I can pair them up, I will. Those who have volunteered to provide this gift of love....thank you so much! There’s room for more to help! Let me know if you are interested. It’s a great way to get your kids involved in giving back to others

Halloween Contest Post pictures below of your costumes, decorations or pumpkins. One person will be randomly selected to win a box of Halloween treats. (Pictured below) *winner will be announced October 31 at 10am

This week I’m focussing on collecting SOCKS . New only please. These will be added to our stockings. We need socks for babies, kids/teens and adults. If you can help, we would appreciate them being dropped on our porch anytime this week. 1464 Lyncroft Cres. Next week we will focus on a different item

100% of what I earn from Scentsy sales goes towards my initiatives. Currently I’m striving towards and working tirelessly towards helping many people at Christmas (mainly seniors). If you would like to take a look at the items available, here’s the link. You can browse and shop via this link. Everything is shipped directly to your home or you can have it shipped to anyone you’d like as a gift. Check out the link below. Let me know if you have any questions. And as always, I appreciate your orders and support https://jillboville.scentsy.ca

Individual size sweet boxes...everyone gets their own little box with 6-8 assorted squares and cookies. No sharing required . Perfect for office staff, seniors, neighbours, friends and family. Only $6 each

Looking for moose or bears in Algonquin park today... yet all we found was a dinosaur. Halloween fun!