What song lyrics perfectly capture who you are as a person?
Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Category: Celebrate Life
Yummy Roasted Leeks
Leeks are a great side dish and are healthy. This dish is simple and doesn’t take long to cook, the perfect dish this holiday season. Best yet, it’s Gluten-Free.
You will need
2 large Leeks, tough green ends trimmed
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh ground black pepper
Pink Himalayan salt
How to cook
Preheat the oven to 425F
Cut the leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse them liberally under cold water, removing all the dirt and sand from them while keeping the halves intact. Pat them dry.
Place leeks cut side up in a medium baking dish. Coat them with the olive oil and season with 2 big pinches of salt and 1 big pinch of pepper.
Roast until they are tender and golden brown, 35 minutes, and serve immediately.
Serves 4
I have more recipes and DIY projects on the way. Right now I’m working on a Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.
Enjoy!
Melinda
The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort
Wordless Wednesday *Blue Moon Daisy
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Blue Moon Daisy
Melinda
10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Stressed-Out Friend
This year has been turbulent, to say the least. The risk of illness, and losing your job, it’s enough to make the calmest of people feel stressed and anxious inside.
Everyone has undoubtedly experienced struggles this year, your friends included. And so, if you’re wondering what thoughtful gifts to buy this year to cheer up your closest, the solution lies in getting them something that will help bring on relaxation. And below, we’ve got just the ticket, in the form of 10 gift ideas to consider giving this year.
Photo by Kim Stiver from Pexels – CC0 Licence
Pajamas
Pajamas are the ultimate pieces of clothing associated with relaxation and sleep. Gift your friend some super-soft pajamas to snuggle into this Christmas, and you’re sure to increase their comfort and make them feel more relaxed in an instant.
Vape Pen
Vape pens such as bloom farms rose gold highlighter are a sleek and handy gift for your friends who like to vape. Don’t forget to add CBD solutions to the present, too (CBD calms nerves and anxiety).
Weighted Blanket
Find a snuggly blanket for your friend, preferably one that feels heavy. Heavy blankets help to reduce anxiety in sufferers because they emulate the feeling of a big warm hug.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an essential oil that can help your best friend unwind. Lavender is a natural sleep aid, which can tempt over-thinkers and anxious friends to sleep with ease.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate will never go down a miss with anyone. The delicious edible is also proven to positively impact a person’s well-being, improving their mood and immunity.
Therapy Putty
Therapy putty is the perfect gift for your friend who needs stress relief on the go. Squishing therapy putty between your fingers is great for reducing stress levels and can help your friend feel more at ease.
Journal
Stress and anxiety strike at any moment. Often at inconvenient times when there’s no one around to talk to, to help rationalize and organize their thoughts. As a remedy, gift a journal to your overthinking friend so that they can write down what they feel when you’re not around to listen.
Plant
A few indoor plants are well-known for reducing stress. Greenery, in general, is excellent for your well-being. Snake and basil plants have calming properties that put their owners at ease. If your friend has office space at home, suggest they pop it on their desk to help them manage their stress throughout the day.
Bath Bomb
A scented bath bomb will encourage your friend to use your gift by taking a hot bath, which is all part of your ploy to help them relieve stress.
Candle
A soothing aroma can make a world of difference to how we feel. And having flickering candles around the room is relaxing to see. From tea lights to a large Yankee candle, there are a lot of candles out there that would make an ideal relaxing gift for your friend.
Suppose your friend is going through a rough patch or seems particularly down or stressed as of late. You don’t need to wait until Christmas to send them one of the thoughtful gifts above. For most of the ideas above you can order online and get sent directly to your friend. It’s just a case of picking your gifts and shipping them over.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Cindy Knoke
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series. I’ve enjoyed sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Cindy Knoke.
Cindy Knoke
Photography, Birds and Travel
My closest neighbors are coyotes (packs and packs of them and they are HUNGRY), rattlers (lots and lots of them and they are MEAN), and free range cows/bulls (the bulls aren’t too friendly either).
Forget cell phones. They don’t work out here. Forget GPS, it misdirects.
It’s best not to wander too much out here, the people (and their dogs) are kinda twitchy.
To reach The Holler turn right at the reeking chicken farm, proceed down a bunch of pot-holed semi-streets/dirt roads, past the abandoned refrigerators and occupied old RV’s and then things get kinda dicey.
My friends usual reaction to the trip to The Holler is, “You’ve got to be kidding!” Or, “Next time let’s meet half way.”
I have known Cindy for many years, she’s kind, smart, loves to travel, and is an excellent photographer.
Melinda
How Do You Heal From Trauma?
I had a conversation with my Therapist about healing from trauma recently. I asked her, if a traumatic memory is triggered and there is no emotion or pain associated with it does that mean it’s not traumatic anymore. She explained that the memory is still traumatic until I attach a memory to it.
Everyone has trauma in their life. It could be the death of a loved one, a horrific car accident, losing your job, or any other trauma you can think of including chronic illnesses. Many people push the trauma down and go about their business. When I was younger most of my worst traumas were in a box. It’s a survival method and not the recommended way to heal!
I started seeing my Therapist 30 years ago, and we’ve slowly talked through most of my trauma. Healing is a slow process but a necessary one. I’m sharing my slimmed-down description of the process. Healing also includes self-care, lots of self-care, and giving yourself grace.
Healing Process
The first step is acknowledging the trauma.
You need to talk to a Therapist about the trauma in great detail. This can be difficult which means you may talk about one trauma for a month or more.
Once you’ve talked through the trauma it’s easy to think you’re healed. Not so.
The final step to healing is taking each trauma and adding emotion to it. This is a tough part. You have to mentally go back to the trauma and feel the emotion felt at the time and process it.
She reminded me that I had to relive the trauma and feel the emotion. I didn’t have to think about it, I’m not going back. Why? My daily life is not affected, the memories rarely come up, if at all, and I can deal with that. In the future, if a memory hits hard and stays with me, I will take the next step.
We all deserve to live our best life and you have to make your own decisions. You’re in charge, if you are not ready to talk, don’t talk. Please know that all traumatic memories stay with you until you process them. Once you are ready to talk, go at your own speed, healing is no marathon.
At times of trauma and stress, individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism in an attempt to ease pain or escape overwhelming emotions related to their experiences. While such substances may provide temporary relief, reliance on substances often complicates healing journeys further, leading to further emotional and physical problems. Recognizing such tendencies is key, as this allows individuals to explore healthier coping strategies. Getting assistance from professionals such as therapists, support groups, and facilities like Woburn Addiction Treatment may lead to more constructive routes toward healing while stressing that healthy alternatives exist despite the challenges you experience.
To achieve healing of any type, you have to feel positive toward your Therapist in order to build trust in them. It may take seeing several before meeting a person you click with. Once you trust them, stay with them.
My version of healing from trauma may sound easy but I assure you it’s not. My mother left me in the bathtub at six months old and went downstairs to talk with my Granny before being asked where I was. The trauma builds from there and I survived with the help of my Grandparents and my Therapist.
The process of dealing with trauma can bring up other unpleasant emotions relating to these memories, such as anxiety. Going back and reliving events from the past prevents you from repressing them as you normally would. It feels like blood-letting while you’re doing it, but it is also one of those things that’s essential. If you don’t go through it (preferably with the help of a therapist), it’ll all stay inside you and you won’t get better.
Even if you’re not ready to deal with the tough stuff, there are many benefits to having a Therapist to talk to. My Therapist has helped me deal with so much more than trauma.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share Double Shot-John Mellencamp -Pink Houses
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
#Weekend Music Share-John Mellencamp – Hurts So Good
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Friday Quote
I’m glad you stopped by today and hope to see you soon.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Hi From Down Under
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
What’s Your Mood Today?
Let’s Celebrate The Day of the Dead
I learned what The Day of the Dead meant by spending time in the New Orleans markets admiring the vignettes. It’s a huge celebration with family and friends welcoming back the souls of the dead.
According to History.com
The roots of the Day of the Dead, celebrated in contemporary Mexico and among those of Mexican heritage in the United States and around the world, go back some 3,000 years, to the rituals honoring the dead in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The Aztecs and other Nahua people living in what is now central Mexico held a cyclical view of the universe, and saw death as an integral, ever-present part of life.
During contemporary Day of the Dead festivities, people commonly wear skull masks and eat sugar candy molded into the shape of skulls. The pan de ánimas of All Souls Day rituals in Spain is reflected in pan de muerto, the traditional sweet baked good of Day of the Dead celebrations today. Other food and drink associated with the holiday, but consumed year-round as well, include spicy dark chocolate and the corn-based drink called atole. You can wish someone a happy Day of the Dead by saying, “Feliz día de los Muertos.”
The Day of the Dead celebration sounds very interesting, having the soul of a loved one appear could be life-changing.
Enjoy the celebration!
Melinda
The Steps to Take to Improve Your Self-Worth
Many people struggle with confidence and self-worth, and if you’re one of those people, there are lots of things you can do to start reversing the situation. Taking positive steps in the right direction will enable you to start feeling better about yourself and more confident on a day-to-day basis. We’re going to talk now about some of the steps you should try to take.
Practice Forgiveness
First of all, you need to get into the habit and mindset of forgiving. It’s impossible to feel positive about yourself if you’re forever hanging onto old resentments and things like that. They’re not going to help you to move forward and focus on your own well-being and self-worth. There really is no benefit to be found from carrying around grudges and resentments with you.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
One thing that many of us are guilty of us is comparing ourselves to others. But it’s something that’s not healthy and not positive in any way at all. When you compare yourself to someone else, whether you’re focusing on the good or the bad, it sets up the wrong paradigm. You don’t need to measure your own success and worth by that of someone else. It’s a negative way of looking at the situation.
Get Into the Habit of Exercising
Exercising is good for the body and the mind. You tend to feel invigorated and positive after you’ve been exercising, whether that means going for a short job around the park or a long session in the gym. It’s entirely up to you what kind of exercise you do and how you balance it, but you should certainly try to exercise a little more if you can. You’ll notice the difference it makes.
Do Your Bit to Help Those Less Fortunate Than You
There are so many people who are worse off than yourself, even when you feel like your life is pretty tough. If you want to feel better about yourself and the impact you’re having on the world, you should think about how you can do things such as help the homeless or volunteer your time and effort in other ways. That way, you’ll be having a positive impact on the world.
Carry Yourself with Confidence Each Day
The way in which you carry yourself and conduct yourself in your day-to-day life can help to move your feelings of self-worth in the right direction. Try to be as confident as you can each day. Acting confidently will breed inner confidence and that’s what you’re looking for right now. It’s within your power to change these things.
We all deserve to feel a higher sense of self-worth, so if this is something that you’ve been struggling with recently, you should do what you can to change that. And the tips we’ve discussed here will certainly make that possible for you, so try to implement them in your day-to-day life.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Anything Is Possible
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Anything Is Possible.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
When I was 12 years old, my father told me:
“Nothing is Impossible,”
I like to state things positively, so Anything Is Possible is the name of this blog.
When we think and speak positively about our hopes and dreams and express gratitude for the good things we already have, we receive our hearts’ desires…..or something even better! That became clear when my high school sweetheart found me 39 years later when the timing was perfect.
I have followed Joanna for years, she has a positive energy which we all need. Be sure to check out her two books.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What would you pack in your bike basket to ensure you have everything you need to create the most magical day?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
How Dogs Can Enrich Your Life
Have you ever wondered why people say dogs are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend? Well, if you’ve ever been around one, you probably get the gist. But if not, let’s jump into the glorious, tail-wagging world of how dogs can seriously upgrade your life game!
Cardio Buddy
Who needs an expensive gym membership or a fancy treadmill collecting dust in the basement? Dogs are the ultimate workout buddies. They’re always ready for a walk or run, rain or shine. And let’s face it, when those big ol’ eyes are pleading for a jaunt around the block, who can resist?
Social Butterfly Boost
Have you ever been on a walk with a dog? You’re basically a local celebrity. People stop to chat, other dog owners give you the nod, and before you know it, you’re in a full-blown conversation about breeds, dog parks, and that cute thing your dog did last Tuesday.
Ultimate Stress Reliever
Had a rough day? Dogs have this magical ability to sense it. A snuggle on the couch, a wagging tail, and the sheer joy they show when you walk through the door can melt away the stresses of the day faster than ice cream on a hot summer’s afternoon.
While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!
Boost That Immunity
Dogs are messy, and they’re explorers. While that means occasionally you’ll be questioning what they’re eating off the ground, it also means they’re exposing you to a world of new germs – in a good way! Regular exposure can actually boost your immunity. Who knew Fido was also your personal health guard?
Unconditional Love
Ever tried explaining to a dog that you made a mistake at work or that you forgot to pay a bill? They don’t care. They love you with a kind of purity and loyalty that’s rare in the world. It’s unconditional and unwavering. Talk about a confidence boost!
Laughter Overload
Dogs are downright goofy. From chasing their tails, getting spooked by their reflection, or just the goofy ways they play with toys, they’re a constant source of entertainment and chuckles.
A Purpose and Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and having one can encourage you to build and maintain a daily rhythm. Morning walks, feeding times, play sessions, and bruising your labradoodle’s hair (did you know labradoodles come in many colors?) – these activities create a structure that can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you’re someone who tends to feel a bit lost without a plan.
Safety First
While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!
Learning Patience
While dogs bring joy, they can also test your patience (looking at you, chewed up shoes). But, in these moments, they teach us patience, understanding, and problem-solving. It’s all part of the package and, in the end, makes us better humans.
They Keep You Present
Dogs live in the moment. Whether they’re chasing a ball or just lounging in the sun, they’re all in. And that’s a beautiful lesson for all of us. In a world constantly pulling our attention in a million directions, dogs remind us of the beauty of the here and now.
In short, dogs aren’t just pets; they’re an upgrade to your life. They’re a constant source of fun, joy, and purpose, which is why, if you think you could give one a loving home, you should definitely consider the benefits of having a pampered pooch of your own.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town-Live
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
https://youtu.be/Ta3YkTdIQqE?si=vcOOJgArrvHu5ul8
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Game Day Sheet Pan Nachos
This is the perfect dish for when friends and family come over to watch the game or celebrate the weekend.
True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari
What you need
2 (5-once) bags of tortilla chips
2 cups Black refined beans
2 pounds shredded Slow-Cooker Chicken taco meat
8 ounces of goats-milk cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1 cup Simple guacamole
1/2 cup Roasted Salsa
3/4 cup chopped jalapeno (Optional)
How to make
Preheat oven to 375F
On a large baking sheet, spread the chips out evenly. Next, spoon the black beans spread over the chips gently, avoiding breaking the chips as much as possible. Scatter the shredded chicken on top followed by the grated cheese.
Bake the nachos until the cheese starts to melt, 15 minutes.
Remove the backing sheet, from the oven and spoon the sour cream, guacamole, and salsa over the top.
Sprinkle the jalapeños on last, if using
Serve immediately
Service 6
Enjoy!
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Hetch Hechty Trail, Yosemite National Park
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Hetch Hetchy Trail, Yosemite National Park
Feel the spray?
Melinda
DIY Pressed-Flower Gift Tags
What a way to decorate your gifts and people love it when you go the extra mile.
You Will Need
Rolling pin
Air-dry clay
Glass/or cookie-cutter
Pressed flowers
Toothpick
Scissors
Twine
Wooden beads
To Make
Use the rolling pin so it is about 1/4 inch thick
Press a glass or cookie cutter into the clay and remove excess clay around it
Gently place pressed flowers on the clay circle using a rolling pin very gently to press the flowers in.
Use a toothpick to create a hole in the clay
Let it dry for a couple of days
Cut a length of twine and insert it into the hole
Add a bead, tie the twine, and then tie the twine in a knot to finish
This is a simple and inexpensive way to decorate any gift.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
DIY Lavender Green Tea Foot Bath
Taking time for a foot bath is great self-care and it’s very relaxing.
Willow & Sage by Stampington
You Will Need
Large bowl
1 cup Epson salt
1 TB organic lavender flowers
1 TB organic green tea
20 drops organic lavender essential oil
Fork
Airtight jar
To Make
In a large bowl, combine the Epsom salt, lavender flowers, and green tea.
Add the lavender essential oil, and use fork to comb through the salt to make sure it is well combined without any lumps.
This foot soak sounds so good.
Melinda
DIY Refreshing Room Spray
There is nothing pleasant about lingering foul order. This citrus-scented spray helps eliminate unwanted odors from any room from any room in the house.
You will need
Spray bottle: small
Distilled water
1 tsp dish soap
1 tsp vodka
30 drops of citrus essential oil
How to Make
Fill a small spray bottle two-thirds with distilled water
Add the dish soap, vodka, and the essential oil
Tighten the spray top and swirl the mixture for 30 seconds before spraying.
The spray is a great housewarming gift or for use around the house.
Melinda
Reference:
Blogger Highlight-Vova Zinger’s Photoblog
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Vova Zinger’s Photoblog.
I’ve decided to highlight the blogs I follow, some I’ve followed for over 10 years.
Vova Zinger’s Photoblog
The world around through my camera’s lens
My name is Vova Zinger, and I’m an amateur photographer. I am an urban guy and I love all the cities where I have lived – the nice very old Ukrainian city of Lviv(where I was born and lived for almost 40 years), reborn after the Recession of 1970s Pittsburgh (where I started my life in the United States), and beautiful charming Boston (where I’m living now). I love these cities and I like to share my love to them with you by making and displaying their pictures of them. This is why you’ll see a lot of city’s images on my blog.
But I also like to travel, to see new places. By traveling I mean not only visiting new cities (because I like them), but going outside to see the wonders of nature. And when I see something beautiful, I can not resist taking pictures.
I look forward to seeing what photo he will show next.
Melinda
What’s In Season This Fall
The page I’m sharing is from True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari.
Elderberries
Yarrow
Figs
Violet
Cranberries
Dandelion root
Black walnuts
Persimmons
Juniper Berries
Rosehips
Kumquats
Plantain
Conifer needles
Beetroot
Crabapples
Crab apples
Sage
Birch bark
Quince
Goldenrod
Pomergranates
Enjoy the goodies of the season.
Melinda
Slow-Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal
The holidays are around the corner so I’ll have more recipes coming your way. By getting everything you need, you can avoid the frenzy at the grocery store.
This recipe is from True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari, all the recipes are free of glutens and refined sugar.
What You Need
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
4 cups full-fat coconut milk
2 bananas sliced
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Pink Himalayan salt
2 TB pure maple syrup
Serves six
How to make
In a slow cooker, combine oats, coconut milk, bananas, and 2 cups of water with the vanilla, cinnamon, and a big pinch of salt. Stir together, and cook on a low setting for 8 hours.
In the morning or when it’s ready to be served, add maple syrup to the oatmeal. Stir to combine and serve warm.
Melinda
DIY Moroccan Sugar Scrub
The scrub is easy to make and it also makes gifts.
You will need
Small Bowl
1 cup granulated sugar
1 TB matcha powder
2 bags of Moroccan mint tea
2 1/2 TB Jojoba oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
Container you want to use
Chunky yarn
To make
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the matcha powder.
Cut two bags of Moroccan mint and loose tea into the sugar mix.
Add the jojoba oil, and mix well to distribute.
Add peppermint essential oil, if desired.
Store the container in a dark and cool place.
To package for your gift-giving purpose, wrap a nice rope around the container.
Simply rub on rough skin or anywhere that needs exfoliation.
Have fun making for yourself or giving a gift for the holidays.
Keep your eyes open for more DIY projects and recipes.
Melinda
What’s Your Mood Today?
#Weekend Music Share-Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (Official Video)
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
https://youtu.be/qYkbTyHXwbs?si=dHaa8cO85uovhIlv
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 