How can you add some brightness to a blustery day?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
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.
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
Blog
Photography
Bird watching from the kitchen window
Green Thumb inside and out
Ancestry
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

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!

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.
Find all the ingredients here
Three 8 oz. Bail Jars
10 oz. Foaming Bath Butter
2 oz. Cranberry Butter
2.5 oz. Champagne Extract
15 oz. Sugar
1/16 tsp. Hot Pink Mica
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!
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
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.
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.

Melinda
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.
From Willow and Sage Winter 2021
4 drops wild orange essential oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
Roller bottle 10-ml
Choice of carrier oil
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
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by today.



Melinda
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
My office with the door shut and enjoying the smell of candles.
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Melinda
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.
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.
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
Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington

Blue Moon DaisyMelinda
“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.
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
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
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.
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.
I’m glad you stopped by today and hope to see you soon.
Melinda

Melinda
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.

Total:45 mins Servings:15
Equipment: Parchment paper
To make ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
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!
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?
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.
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!
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?
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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

Melinda
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.