Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

My Life Needs An Overhaul

A Little Backstory

My life is blessed, I understand life is about ups and downs and how we respond can change our life’s course. With the ups and downs I’ve experienced, my backbone is much stronger which helps when I feel pushed around, lately by doctors.

My new Psychiatrist who I’ve only met once in person and one video call. We haven’t established a relationship, that takes time. Every time we’ve talked, I leave with more questions. He’s all business which is great but he interrupts me and keeps on talking until he changes the subject, not anymore! At times I feel like he’s charted my future and I won’t fit a peg. Our meeting in January will not be more of the same. I’m taking back control of the topic even if I have to wait until the end of the meeting.

I want a collaborative relationship, which means I am a blank slate and WE fill in the blanks as we go. Taking a predefined peg board and pushing me into the holes will not work and it’s focused on what you want not what I need. He is up on new studies and he likes to mention them as if they are the only way to treat a patient. I will continue seeing him because finding another Psychiatrist is hard, they need extensive training on Bipolar Disorder.

My Life

When I look forward, all I see is the same

I have no extended family

No friends

The only people I see are doctors and my hairdresser

I can only drive in a 3-4 radius of the house due to cognitive impairment and Agrophobia

Have to coordinate schedules when I need my husband to take me to appointments

Lack of joy and hobbies

My Hobbies

Blog

Photography

Bird watching from the kitchen window

Green Thumb inside and out

Ancestry

Reality

Driving limited

Agoraphobia

Dealing with multiple chronic illnesses

Cognitive Impairment

:(

This is a glimpse into my daily life or the lack of it. It’s hard to rebuild your life with several chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment, and Agrophobia. I’m building a new Bucket List that fits my new life. I kept fooling myself that I could complete my old list but it’s not possible now.

If you don’t already have a Bucket List I encourage you to start one, it may change your life.

I work hard not to think about what I can’t do, and stay focused on the here and now.

How do you deal with life challenges?

I can’t wait to see how you respond, and what I can learn from you.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

DIY Favorite Pink Peony Sugar Scrub *Great Gift Idea*

This is a repost, it’s been a blogger favorite since it was first published. A sugar scrub is perfect for your self-care needs so why not make a double or triple batch and give it as a gift. There aren’t many ingredients that make this an Inflation Buster! 

Peony Sugar Scrub Recipe

Pink Peony Sugar Scrub Recipe

This Pink Peony Sugar Scrub leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Skin-loving cranberry butter and champagne extract are whipped together with Foaming Bath Butter to create a smooth base for the sugar. Foaming Bath Butter lathers with water, so the scrub washes off the skin without an oily residue. To use, apply the scrub to wet skin, gently rub in circular motions, and wash away. 

A touch of Hot Pink Mica gives the scrub a lovely pink color. It’s made with Pink Peony Fragrance Oil from Bramble Berry’s Soirée Collection. The fragrance is a modern floral mix of lemon, rhododendron, honey, peony, and white musk.

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

Ingredients

Find all the ingredients here

Three 8 oz. Bail Jars

10 oz. Foaming Bath Butter

2 oz. Cranberry Butter

2.5 oz. Champagne Extract

8 mL Pink Peony Fragrance Oil

15 oz. Sugar

1/16 tsp. Hot Pink Mica

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add 10 ounces of Foaming Bath Butter and 2 ounces of cranberry butter. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until they’re completely combined and smooth.

Add 2.5 ounces of champagne extract and 8 mL of Pink Peony Fragrance Oil. Whip the ingredients until smooth. 

Add 15 ounces of granulated sugar and about 1/16 teaspoon of Hot Pink Mica. Use the mixer to thoroughly incorporate. 

Spoon the mixture into jars. 

To use, apply a small amount of the scrub to damp skin, gently rub in circular motions, and rinse off.

Enjoy!

Related Posts

The Art of Candle Making A Glimpse Inside Willow and Sage Autumn 2019 A Glimpse Inside Willow and Sage Winter 2020 Q&A with a Skin Care Expert Previous Post Next Post

Enjoy

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Easy To Make Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Photo by Marta Dzedyshko on Pexels.com

By Anna Quigg

One of my favorite sweet treats during that ravenous time in my second trimester was a homemade peanut butter cookie. The recipe is so quick and it’s easy, it’s a snap.

INGREDIENTS

1 beaten egg

1 cup sugar

1 cup peanut butter

Mix well and drop on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes until golden.

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-The Rolling Stones-Angie

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.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Easy DIY Holiday Scent Roller Bottles

You can also make roller bottles filled with essential oils that are uplifting and energizing during this busy season. This recipe smells amazing, or you could make your own.

Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

From Willow and Sage Winter 2021

You Will Need

4 drops wild orange essential oil

3 drops frankincense essential oil

3 drops peppermint essential oil

Roller bottle 10-ml

Choice of carrier oil

To Make

Add the wild orange, frankincense, and peppermint essential oils into a 10-ml roller bottle. Top it off with your choice of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil.

Enjoy.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday *Original Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by today.

Original Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

Melinda

Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Nana Kay’s Gluten- Free Banana Bread

Photo by Marta Dzedyshko on Pexels.com

From the book Gluten Freedom

By Shelly Gannan

We replace the flour in this recipe with Pamela’s gluten-free baking mix. Pamela’s baking mix includes xanthan gum, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. you have to add these ingredients if you are using plain gluten-free flour that does not already have them added.

Ingredients:

3 cups gluten-free flour*

2 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups mashed bananas (3-4 very ripe bananas)

2 cups of sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 bag of chocolate chips

*Or use Pamela’s baking mix and eliminate the next four ingredients.

Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease bottoms of two 9x5x3 loaf pans. If not using a premade baking mix, combine flour, xanthan gum, cider vinegar, baking soda, and salt in mixing bowl; blend well with an electric mixer on low speed. Beat bananas separately in a large mixing bowl, then add all the ingredients except chocolate chips to the bananas and beat on low speed for 1 minute.

Fold in chocolate chips and pour mixture evenly into pans. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes then remove from pans to cool completely. If you are making muffins, bake for 20 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick.

Makes two loaves or 12 muffins.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

DIY Moisturizing Mint Body Wash *Great Gift Idea

This gentle body wash is great for sensitive skin because it’s made with coconut oil and aloe vera gel, making it extra soothing. It’s also super refreshing and the cooling effect of mint is a great way to start the day.

Photo by Sohel Patel on Pexels.com

By Kari Peters

 

You Will Need

1/2 cup Castile soap, unscented

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted/jojoba oil

2 TB. aloe vera gel, at room temprature

1 Tb. honey, melted

25 drops peppermint essential oil

5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Funnel

Container

To Make

Whisk together all the ingredients until completely combined. Use a funnel to pour the body wash into your container of choice. I like to use one with a pump handle to make this soap easier to use, as it’s thinner than store-bought body wash. This body wash will separate between uses because no binders or stabilizers are included. Simply shake it together before each use.

Yields 1  1/4 cups

Enjoy! 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Gluten-Free Peppermint Mocha

Coffee drinks give me a chance to stop & relax, and it’s self-care to me.

The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.

What you need

1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk

1-2 shots of expresso

1 TB raw cacao powder

1 TS pure maple syrup

1/4 TS teaspoon peppermint extract

How to make

In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk to your desired temperature over medium to high heat.

Pour the warmed milk into a high-powered blender and add the espresso, cacao powder, maple syrup, and peppermint.

Blend until the drink is combined and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.

Pour into a mug and enjoy it immediately.

Serves 1

Double the recipe to make 2 servings.

Enjoy

Melinda

Reference:

The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

DIY Frankincense & Grapefruit Himalayan Salt Scrub

This moisturizing scrub helps to alleviate dry skin during the cold winter months, and the grapefruit and frankincense essential oils provide an invigorating scent. The recipe fills approximately 10, 4-ounce jars and fits perfectly into a stocking or is a thoughtful teacher gift.

Willow and Sage Winter 2021

Fun · Health and Wellbeing

DIY Reusable Dryer Sheets

Not only are the dryer sheets reusable which makes them an inflation buster.
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Willow and Sage by Stampington

You will need

2 1/2 cups water

2 1/2 cups white vinegar

3-4 TB. vegetable glycerin

Jar with sealed lid: large wide mouth

12 drops of orange essential oil

12 drops of lemon essential oil

7 drops of lavender essential oil

7 drops peppermint essential oil

Cotton quilting squares/washcloths

To Make

Add water, white vinegar, and vegetable glycerin to a large jar. Close the lid and shake vigorously. Add the essential oils. Close the lid and shake again. Add cotton quilting squares or washcloths, and you’re done. Be sure to shake the jar and wring out the cloth before adding them to your load of laundry.

Note

Essential oils last longer in dark glass containers. Since I reused a clear jar, I store my dryer sheets in a dark place to extend shelf life.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Just Pondering

 

Everyone needs time to themselves for a while. Perhaps it’s to do deep thinking, to relax, or just enjoy some peace and quiet.

Where is your favorite place to go when you need to be alone?

 

My office with the door shut and enjoying the smell of candles.

 Melinda

Field Guide by Stampington

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Boz Scaggs – Lido Shuffle-Hit From The 70’s!

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

 

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.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

The Celebration of Diwali 11/12/23

I’ve never attended a Diwali Celebration but would love to. I’ve seen snapshots of the celebration and it looks like so much fun. The key is Diwali honors the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Celebrating under the lights seems appropriate.

Here’s the official explanation of Diwali

The word Diwali (or Deepavali as it’s sometimes called) means “row of lights” in an Ancient language of India, called Sanskrit. During this festival, people decorate their homes with lights and oil lamps, called diyas.

For many people, Diwali honors the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The lights and lamps are said to help Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the year to come!

It’s also a celebration of good triumphing over evil, and different legends based on this theme are associated with Diwali. In northern India, Hindus celebrate the return of the deities (gods) Rama and Sita to the city of Ayodhya, after defeating the evil king Ravana!

I hope you’re surrounded by family and friends enjoying the major celebration.

Enjoy.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Just Pondering

What song lyrics perfectly capture who you are as a person?

 

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

 Melinda

Field Guide by Stampington

Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fan Favorite! Gluten Free Coffee Energy Bites

“These are great for a morning or afternoon snack when you just need a little pick me up. I like to take them to the office with me.” Kristin Cavallari from her cookbook True Comfort.

All recipes are Gluten-Free and free of Refined sugar.

Photo by Negative Space on Pexels.com

Makes 14

1/4 cup finely chopped raw almonds

2/3 cup almond flour

1/2 cup creamy raw almond butter

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1/4 cup vanilla protein powder

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 to 2 teaspoons almond milk

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

To Make

In a large bowl, combine the almonds, almond flour, almond butter, coffee granules, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond milk.

Roll the dough into golf ball size balls and place them on a baking sheet.

Place the shredded coconut in a shallow dish.

Roll each ball into the coconut and then return to the baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour for the bites to firm up before you eat.

These bites keep well in a ziplock bag in the fridge for up to 14 days.

Here’s a great Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. My archives contain many Gluten Free recipes. 

Enjoy!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#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.

Celebrate Life · Fun

#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.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday *Hi From Down Under

I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.

 

The final test for scuba certification was in 1987, it was so cold that two people had to pull out of the test.

Melinda

Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

EatingWell.com

Ivy Odom

November 2019

Kids and adults alike will love this easy peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, which–unlike most cookie recipes–doesn’t call for flour. These gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy and, with only five simple ingredients, they can easily be whipped up by young chefs and enjoyed as an after-school treat. They’re also perfect for a holiday party or a cookie swap.

Photo by Anton Uniqueton on Pexels.com

Total:45 mins Servings:15 

Nutrition Profile:

Ingredient Checklist

  • 1 large egg  
  • ¼ teaspoon salt 
  • 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter 
  • ½ cup light brown sugar 
  • ⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  • Step 1
  • Position rack in the middle of oven; preheat to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk egg and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips until combined. Place slightly rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Step 2
  • Use a fork to flatten each cookie to a 1 3/4-inch diameter by gently pressing in a crisscross pattern. Bake the cookies one sheet at a time until just set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

Tips 

Equipment: Parchment paper

To make ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts 

Serving Size: 2 Cookies Per Serving: 159 calories; protein 4.3g; carbohydrates 12g; dietary fiber 1.3g; sugars 9g; fat 10g; saturated fat 2.1g; cholesterol 12.4mg; vitamin a iu 18IU; folate 2mcg; calcium 3.1mg; iron 0.4mg; magnesium 4.7mg; potassium 18.1mg; sodium 99.9mg; added sugar 8g. Exchanges: 

2 1/2 Fat, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

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

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

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

Celebrate Life · Fun

#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.