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

Blogger Highlight-Grace of the Sun

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 Grace of the Sun.

 

Grace of the Sun

My true intention
is to share,
what brings me joy
because I care.

If what you see
brings on a smile,
then follow me
read for a while.

We have followed each other for the past year, probably more. Her words flow and are soothing. You must check out her blog and read for a while.  

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Pound Cake

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

It’s super easy to make and the rewards are high.

What You Need

 

2 cups sugar

1 cup margarine

4 eggs

2 1/2 TSP. vanilla

1 cup Butter Milk

3 cups flour

1/2 TSP soda

1 TSP salt

Like many recipes, they are old and faded and my Granny made items enough that she didn’t add instructions. This is one of the recipes. I’ll try to read her mind.

Who To Make

 

In a large bowl add sugar and margarine

Mix eggs beaten well

Add vanilla, buttermilk and salt

Add flour and soda

Combine all ingredients

Cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 1/2

I winged it on the instructions, if you’ve been backing a long time it might make sense to you. If it tastes bad you can say it’s because it had no instructions.

Cooking is fun!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Quick Fudge Frosting

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

What You Need

 

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 TBS Cocoa

2 TBS butter or margarine

1/4 cup milk

1 TBS light corn syrup

Dash of salt

1/2 to 3/4 cup confectioners sugar

1 TSP vanilla

How To Make

 

Mix sugar and cocoa in a saucepan

Add buttermilk, milk, corn syrup and salt

Heat to boiling, stirring frequently

Boil vigorously for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally

Cool  and beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla

I love chocolate everything and Granny’s frosting was always so creamy.

Enjoy!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?

Asbestos: the word itself carries a weight of danger, a whisper of caution in its syllables. But why exactly is this substance so feared, so notorious? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the depths of asbestos, uncover its origins, explore its dangers, understand its symptoms, and shed light on the process of making a claim with asbestos lawyers if you’ve been affected.

What is Asbestos?

Let’s start at the beginning. Asbestos isn’t a single entity but rather a group of naturally occurring minerals that boast impressive resistance to heat, fire, and electricity. This made asbestos a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from insulation in buildings to components in automotive brakes.

The key types of asbestos include:

  • Chrysotile – Also known as white asbestos, it’s the most commonly used type.
  • Amosite – Known as brown asbestos, it’s often found in cement sheets and pipe insulation.
  • Crocidolite – This is blue asbestos, known for its extremely fine fibers and is considered the most dangerous type.

Why is Asbestos So Dangerous?

The danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibers. When disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition work, these fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inside the body, they can cause serious health issues over time.

Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure

  • Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
  • Asbestosis – A chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue.
  • Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.

Recognizing Symptoms

Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to manifest, making early detection challenging. However, being aware of potential symptoms can prompt timely medical intervention.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent cough
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Making a Claim

If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal advice from experienced solicitors is essential to navigate the complex process of making a claim.

Steps to Making a Claim:

  1. Consultation – Schedule a consultation with a reputable solicitor specializing in asbestos-related claims. They will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
  2. Gathering Evidence – Collect any relevant medical records, employment history, and documentation related to asbestos exposure.
  3. Claim Submission – Your solicitor will help prepare and submit your claim to the relevant authorities or asbestos compensation schemes.
  4. Negotiation and Settlement – Your solicitor will negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
  5. Legal Proceedings (if necessary) – In some cases, legal proceedings may be required if an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation.

The Importance of Asbestos Awareness

Key Steps in Asbestos Awareness:

  • Education – Providing comprehensive training and information to workers and the public about the risks of asbestos exposure and how to safely handle asbestos-containing materials.
  • Regulation – Enforcing strict regulations and standards for asbestos management, removal, and disposal to ensure safe practices in all industries.
  • Regular Inspections – Conducting routine inspections of buildings and infrastructure to identify and address any asbestos-containing materials promptly.
  • Safe Handling Practices – Implementing protocols for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos to minimize the risk of exposure to workers and the surrounding community.

FAQs About Asbestos Claims

Q: How long do I have to make a claim?

A: The time limit for making a claim varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. It’s best to consult with a solicitor as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.

Q: Can I make a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one?

A: Yes, if a family member has passed away due to an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to make a claim on their behalf. Again, seeking legal advice is crucial to understand your options.

Q: Will making a claim affect my employment?

A: It’s illegal for employers to discriminate against employees who make legitimate compensation claims. Your employer’s liability insurance typically covers compensation payments, not the employer directly.

Conclusion

Asbestos may have once been hailed as a miracle material, but its dark side has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Understanding the dangers of asbestos, recognizing symptoms, and knowing how to make a claim are essential steps in protecting yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms of asbestos-related illness, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and legal advice. Your health and well-being are paramount.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-German Chocolate Frosting

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

What You Need

 

1 1/2 cup sugar

3 TBS. flour

1 1/2 milk

1 stick butter

8 oz bag angel flake coconut

1 TSP vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts

How To Make

 

Bring to a boil, add the butter and angel flake coconut

Cook on low heat for 7 minutes or until thick

Add vanilla, chopped nuts

Cool and frost cake.

This is one of my favorite types of cake. She would make it for my birthday.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Moving Forward

I’m Mourning and She’s Still Alive

Originally posted in 2005

My grandmother passed away from Dementia from two strokes in 2005. I’m reposting for the caregivers dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. For those who have not been a caregiver, these posts may help you down the road. For the caregivers who give every ounce of energy, just one piece of advice if I may. Take time to clear your head, 10 or 30 minutes whatever you can for yourself each week. I did not have anyone to offer suggestions and had a brain drain after both of their deaths. My body was physically broken down. Due to the nature of the illness, it’s hard to take an eye off them, 24/7. I was fortunate we had hospice care for both of my grandparents. My grandfather was healthy enough to help my grandmother. 

I’m Morning and She’s Still Alive

As the caregiver for my grandparents, my hands are full yet my mind runs at a high level by switching to what I call “caregiver mode”. I can manage tons of information about what drugs they take, schedule appointments, discuss test results, or anything else needed to take care of two people who are dying and “switch back” when at home.

Before her fall and a broken hip, my grandmother knew me. Our conversations were limited but sharing memories with her made my day. She really enjoyed a photo book I put together with many photos of her beloved dog, Blackie. Thinking about Blackie always made her smile, even though he died twenty years ago she remembers him like it was today.

On the way to their house, last week tears started rolling down my face, I could not stop crying. It took a few minutes to figure out what was causing so much pain. My mind had switched to caregiver mode from granddaughter and realized my grandmother no longer knew me. We would not share our memories again. I knew the day would come and say prayers for the memories we shared. The realization was much harder to accept. I am in mourning and miss my grandmother so much.

Xx  M    aka Warrior

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Candy

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny & Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

The candy tastes great and it’s so easy to make. Don’t think about the calories as you eat.

What You Need

 

1 jar marshmallow cream

1 1/2 cups sugar

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1/4 TSP salt

1 pkg 12oz semi-sweet chocolate pieces

1 TSP vanilla

1 cup pecans

How To Make

 

Combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan

Bring to a full boil, string constantly

Continue to boil over medium heat string constantly for 5 minutes

Remove from heat, stir in chocolate pieces and vanilla

Beat well and put in pecans

Put in a greased 8″ cake pan

Chill in refrigerator and cut into squares

 

Melinda

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

How To Be More Confident

I believe self-confidence starts with good parenting, not the ones who are on the phone the entire evening. Parents show how important their kids are when they attend all the plays, musicals, and ballet practices.

I built mine by taking the smallest job, the job no one wants, and doing the job without complaint. Your actions will be noticed and your confidence grows.

Admit when I am wrong, and move on. You have to get out of your comfort zone to grow. I joined a wine club and even met a couple of clients there. From there I went to museums and took a few night school classes. I stayed focused on the goal and knew I wanted to achieve it. My confidence grew a little at a time. 

So many successful people credit their sense of self and their confidence to their success. But not many people really explain how to build confidence, or how to become confident. It’s tricky, because confidence is built on different things, but overall it is built on choices and accomplishments that feed your passion, and that make you feel happy and proud of who you are. Discovering these things is one of the most worthwhile pursuits of your life according to Forbes.

Be yourself, don’t fake it, and remember the client is right, most of the time. 

 

Melinda

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2017/07/21/10-ways-to-build-confidence/?sh=6d24cac3c594

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

Just Pondering

Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see, it is what gives life its deeper significance.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Date Balls

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

What You Need

2 TB butter

2 eggs

1 cup pecans

Flaked coconut

1 cup sugar

1 cup chopped dates

2 cups Rice Krispies

How To Make

Melt butter in skillet

Add sugar, eggs, dates, and mix

Cool until it thickens

Add pecans and Rice Krispies

Make into balls and roll in coconuts or pecans

Grease your hands before rolling the balls.

If you like dates, you’ll love these.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing

My First Post In 2005 – Dementia Induced Thought’s Of Suicide

I looked back at my very first post written as a blogger, the site was different, it was called Defining Memories but I have since published on Look for the Light. I started Defining Memories in 2005 to help me mourn my Granny. It was a very dark time and writing was the perfect outlet.

I hope reading this post is as cathartic for you as it has been for me. The subject matter has changed since 2005 but the feeling and release it gives me is the same.

Thank you so much for reading and following me on my journey.

Photo by Gilberto Olimpio on Pexels.com

Being a caregiver to a dying loved one can leave you drained of emotion, exhausted, and frustrated. All perfectly normal feelings. I felt a quilt mixed in my bowl of emotions. I grew up knowing my grandparents wanted to die at home. I would grant the wish if possible. They inspired me, saved me from abuse, and blessed me with unconditional love.

Helping my gramps when making difficult life decisions, while working hard to remember she is my Granny. There were uncomfortable conversations, articulate to doctors how she is progressing and butt heads with family members. I ran a tight ship and had no problem telling people it was time to leave, and not allowing people over every day. God blessed me with the ability to turn my depression down and step up to the next level. Love for my Granny drove my decision to give her an extra morphine stick. She died in my hands while I kissed her goodbye.

As our population ages, the number of caregivers increases. It can seem overwhelming at times. If you don’t have a blog I would suggest checking out, it gave me an outlet. Caregivers choose to open their hearts to emotional and physical challenges. 

Dementia-Induced Thoughts Of Suicide

Today I used one of four “in case of emergency” pills to keep my Granny from hurting herself during a dementia-related meltdown brought on by my Gramps going to the grocery store. She’s had many of these episodes since her stroke almost two years ago. Today I saw the beginning of the end in her face. As I look at the three pills in the bottle, I try to accept that we will need to “ease” the trauma more times before her memory is gone.

Her stroke caused dementia, and at 84 she continues to slide downhill. The meds do a good job of controlling the anger and aggression but on days like today, nothing short of a miracle works. I had to reach for “the emergency” stash and this sank in as I watched her doze off from the effects.

Today she did not recognize her own home and thought my Gramps abandoned her in somebody else’s house while going to the grocery store. She became enraged and very self-destructive by hitting herself in the head while saying that she would rather be dead than be left “here” by herself. I tried to calm her as I always do but today nothing worked. I tried to get her to focus on what I was saying but it was too late, she was lost in her painful reality. It was a very hard choice but a drug-induced calm over self-inflicted harm is the right thing to do.

While waiting for the drug to work I showed her photos of her and my grandfather from 24 years ago, a photo of my father on a pony when he was a child, and many others I took off the walls to see if she could connect to anything. She recognized my dad but several other family members were a blur. It was so painful to watch her lose touch, it ripped my heart out.

Those four pills were the “holy grail” and they took me back to the night of her stroke when Gramps went home to try to nap and she got upset that he was not there. It took six of us to hold down an 82-year-old who barely weighed 100 lbs. Her aggression reached a point where she needed restraining. Her arms were tied to the bed yet she managed to fight. I used all of my weight to hold her down to the bed, yelling at the nurse where the hell was a shot to knock her out. The nurse did not articulate to the doctor the situation’s urgency so he did not approve a sedative. I told her if she could not articulate the need, she would pass the phone to me. I would get the message across.  The doctor ordered a sedative.

Watching her lose touch with reality is like seeing your child get hit by a car in slow motion and not being able to get a word out. I’m thankful for the time we spent together no matter how painful. I focus on the good moments and do not hold on to difficult days like this.

M

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Rocky Road Fudge

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

This recipe is a keeper! My brother and I would beg Granny to make it.

What You Need

1 can condensed milk

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup peanut chips

2 cups tiny marshmallows

2 cups chopped nuts

How To Make

Stir and melt chips and milk over medium heat, don’t scorch

Stir all the time and fold in marshmallows and nuts

Spread on buttered oblong pan and cool.

This is worth forgetting about the calorie count.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Chocolate Cream Pie

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

Another winner from my Granny, she’s the cake and candy chef.

What You Need

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/4 ts salt

6 tbsp flour

2 cups milk

2 egg yolks

2 heaping TB of cocoa

1 ts vanilla

1 unbaked pie crust

How To Make

Mix sugar, flour, cocoa, and salt together and mix well

Add milk and eggs

Blend in cocoa

Add milk and stir well

Beat eggs and add to the mixture

Stir the mixture slowly and stir the whole time until it gets thicks

Pour  mixture into unbaked pie crust 

Add vanilla either before or after

This is a fantastic and easy-to-make pie. 

Melinda

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

Just Pondering

 

The first book you remember reading?

I wasn’t interested in reading until my boarding school counselor gave me several books to read including Man Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. The book is a game changer.

The book was given to me at 13 years old and what sticks in my mind is how he survived the Holocaust Concentration Camps. He is a very strong man and is a great example of how we can take control of our lives.

Melinda

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

Zero Waste Glass Cleaner

Willow & Sage by Stampington

You Will Need

Funnel

2 cups of distilled water

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol

1 tsp arrowroot powder

10 drops of lemon essential oil

Glass spray bottle, 16oz

How To Make

Using a funnel, add all ingredients to a glass spray bottle and shack to combine

Shack the bottle before each use because the arrowroot powder settles to the bottom

Use newspaper to clean windows and mirrors

This is an easy way to be kinder to the earth.

Melinda

 

 

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

Favorite Health & Wellness Shower Steamers-Great Gift

These shower steamers are great for self-care and make great gifts. I’ve looked on Amazon and was surprised by how expensive Steamers are. Treat yourself and friends and family with the steamers.

Willow and Sage by Stampington

 

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup citric acid

1/3 cup arrowroot powder

1/4 cup kaolin clay

Bowl: Large non-metallic

Spray the bottle with water

Nitrile gloves

Silicone mold: cylinder

45 drops of rosemary essential oil

45 drops peppermint essential oil

30 drops of chamomile essential oil

Dried leaves/herbs (optional)

150 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Dried eucalyptus leaves, crushed (optional)

Mica: green (optional)

120 drops of peppermint essential oil

2 TB. menthol crystals Mica: Agua (optional)

How to Make

Add all the dry ingredients to a large, non-metallic bowl and whisk until blended. Drop the essential oils on the dry ingredients, and stir to combine. The essential oils can create droplets, which will dissolve in the following step.

Spray the mixture with a little water and incorporate it immediately to avoid a reaction. If you don’t have a spray bottle, sprinkle water on the mixture using a teaspoon.

When kneading the mixture, put on nitrile gloves to protect your hands as the citric acid can irritate sensitive skin and nail polish. The mixture should feel like damp sand and be wet enough to hold its shape when pressed together. If using colored mica and dried herbs or flowers, add them to the mixture.

Fill the silicone mold with the mixture, and press firmly into the mold using your fingertips, paying attention to the edges. Let the mixture dry for 24-48 hours. Shower steamers can be affected by the humidity; in a humid environment, the drying time may be longer. When they feel hard and solid, carefully peel back the mold and gently pop out of the disk. Store the steamers in an airtight container or jar, and ensure that the steamers aren’t exposed to water or moisture. The shelf life is one year.

Before use, let warm water run for several minutes to moisturize the air. It’s best to remove the steamer from the running water and the drain. Ideally, only the bottom of the tabs should be wet. You can also put a shower steamer in a soap dish. Breathe in deeply as the essential oils vaporize.

These are the all-around self-care gifts. Make a huge batch and then you have some for gifts. Don’t forget your self-care, save some for yourself. 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Dumplings

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

This is  Gramps’ favorite, he loved them so much he carried the recipe in his wallet. My brother learned from Gramps and was much better at making them.

What You Need

1 1/2 cups white flour

1/2 ts baking powder

1/4 ts salt

1/4 cup shortening 

How To Make

Sift flour, baking, and salt together

Crumble in the shortening with your fingers

Add just enough milk to make a very stiff dough

Using a spoon to mix

Roll out the dough on a well-floured board until it’s very thin

Cut 1/8 thick 

Cut into strips and lay into 3-quart post-medium chicken

1 1/2 broth into until boiling stock

Lower heat and cook slowly for almost 20 minutes

Do not take off the lid

Gramps loved dumplings

Melinda

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

Deep Thoughts

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook- Dill Dip

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

What You Need And Instructions

Mash 8oz cream cheese and mix

1/2 cup of mayonnaise Not salad dressing

1 1/2 tsp Dill

2 tb parsley flacks

1 tsp celery salt

4 greens onions chopped

1/2 tsp Accent

Mix together and chill overnight

  • You may not be able to find Accent, it’s an old product. Unfortunately, I don’t know what to replace it with. You can probably find it on the Internet and if nothing else you can see what ingredients are used and make your own.

Granny loved this dip and made it often.

Melinda

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

Spiced Lavender Whipped Shea Butter

Willow & Sage by Stampington

Sounds like a relaxing butter, a great one to use at bedtime, of course, you can use it anytime.

You Will Need

Large bowl

1 cup organic shea butter

1/2 cup organic coconut oil

Hand-held or stand mixer

3 drops lavender essential oil

3 drops sweet orange essential oil

3 drops of clove essential oil

Airtight container

How To Make

Add the Shea Butter and coconut oil to a large bowl and blend until the mixture is creamy and whipped. Be patient, the whipping process can take some time to achieve consistency

Once completely whipped, fold in lavender, sweet orange, and clove essential oils

Store in an airtight container of your choice

Kick back and take the smell in to get the full effect.

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Lemon Jello Cake

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

This is so good and easy to make. My brother loved this cake so Granny made it often.

What You Need

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme cake mix

1 pkg of Lemon Jello

4 eggs

2/3 cup oil

2/3 water

1 tsp lemon extract

How To Make

Dissolve Jello in warm water

Add oil, cake mix, and eggs. One at a time and beating well

Add extract and beat until smooth & creamy

Bake 50 minutes at 350 degrees

Icing instructions

Dissolve 1 cup of powdered sugar in 1/4 cup of lemon juice

Combine well and pour over the cake while it is still warm

You can make this cake any time of year and it will not let you down.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook- Buttermilk Pie

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

What you need

1/2 cup butter

3 TB flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 beaten eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla

Dash of nutmeg

How To Make

Have butter soft

Add sugar, and cream together well and add sugar, flour, and eggs beat well.

Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, and nutmeg

Pour into unbaked pie shell

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes

Cool completely before eating.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight Mental Notes1

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 I highlight the blog of Mental Notes 1.   

Mental Notes1

POETRY RANDOM THOUGHTS AND STUFF LIKE THAT…

I am a sucker for love and a sob story; I am definitely for the underdog. I am a little weird but very loving, I am perfectly imperfect but shhhh, don’t tell anyone, I wrote a poetry book called Mental Notes in 2011 about addiction and all the insanity associated with it. I have randomly been posting pieces of the book to the blog. Here is the Kindle link for a preview http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SFS54U/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

The blog is new to me but from looking at her blog, she writes poetry and many other topics. She also has two books published. Be sure to check her blog out.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Carrier Oil Refresher

Willow & Sage by Stampington

Coconut Oil

Moisturizes dry skin and hair

Sweet Almond Oil

Softens, for all skin types

Argan Oil

Moisturizes and soothes acne

For all skin types

Jojoba Oil

Improves complexion and moisturizes

For all skin types

Apricot Kernal Oil

Absorbs quickly

Has a light scent

For dry, sensitive, and mature skin

Olive Oil

Moisturizes and rejuvenates

Has a strong scent

For dry and mature skin

Rosehip Oil

Treats dry, irritated as well and scars

Grapeseed Oil

Treats oily, acne-prone skin

For all skin types

Avocado Oil

Contains high vitamin content

Has high viscosity

For all skin types

Safflower Oil

Soothes dry and irritated skin

For sensitive skin

Melinda

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

Belly Oil For Menstral Cramps

Willow and Sage by Stampington

This reciepie shows you how to use it as a treatment to calm menstral cramps.

You will need

1 TB walnut oil/carrier oil

2 drops of chamomile essential oil

2 drops of cypress essential oil

2 drops of lavender essential oil

Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com

To Make

Apply the walnut oil on your entire abdomen. Drop the essential oils on top of the carrier oil, and start massaging your belly. Place the palm of your dominant hand above belly button and with the other hand on top. Starting at the lower right abdoment, slowly rub your abdomen with both hands in a clockwise direction 20-30 times. Move your hands below your rib cage on either side of torso, and massage in a downward direction 5-6 times. Finish by kneading your abdomen in a circular in a circular motion 3-4 times, again in a clockwise direction. Start to massagebelly on the first day of period, before you feel any cramps beginning, if possible. After the massage, you can place a hot water bottle on your belly to keep it even more relaxed and calm.

Melinda

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

Simple Beard Oil Blends

Willow and Sage by Stamptington

I have four recipes for all of your beard’s needs.

Growth

3 drops orange

3 drops cedarwood

3 drops frankincense

2 drops lavender

1 oz carrier oil

Refresh

5 drops rosemary

5 drops cedarwood

5 drops sandalwood

1 oz. carrier oil

Rejuvenate

6 drops cedarwood

2 drops of tea tree

2 drops lavender

1 oz. carrier oil

Calm

5 drops of pink pepper

5 drops Douglas Fir

3 drops cedarwood

1 drop clary sage

1 oz carrier oil

You will need a small amount of carrier oil and a 2 oz dropper bottle

A couple of great carrier oils are grapeseed oil and olive oil. But there are many to pick from.

These make great gifts for the men in your life.  

Melinda

Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Blogger Favorite Creamy No-Dairy Tricks

This is a repost from a few years ago that has been quite popular. Try for yourself the delight with no-dairy tricks!

If you crave creamy foods but don’t care or can’t eat dairy, these vegan substitutes for heavy cream will help.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Elizabeth Shaw

Cashew Cream

“Cashews are frequently used in dairy-free products because they provide a texture similar to dairy without tasting like a nut,” Shaw says. “Cashew cream can easily be made with cashews, water, and salt.” If you can’t eat nuts, pureed white beans work similarly. 

Best In: sauces, mousses, salad dressings

Dairy-Free Milk + Olive Oil

Once blended, this combo mimics the higher fat content that gives heavy cream its thick, silky texture and taste. Shaw says-but it’s not a one-for-one substitute, so you’ll have to add it in stages until you get the consistency you’re looking for. 

Best In: sauces, soups, stews

Coconut Cream

It’s like a thicker, creamier coconut milk, and you’ll want to buy it sweetened or unsweetened depending on what you are using it for. If you can’t find it or already have full-fat coconut milk on hand, you can DIY it. “Place the coconut milk can upside down in the fridge overnight, then drain to remove the milk solids. Place the solids in a chilled bowl and whip with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.” Shaw says.

Best In: mousses, whipped cream, sauces, curries 

Silkin Tofu + Plant Milk

“This combination is a great alternative and can be made by blending equal parts of each-plus, it boosts the protein of your recipe,” saw Shaw. It’s also lower in fat than heavy cream but still delivers the vibe you’re looking for. 

Best In: sauces, dressings, smoothies, puddings

Enjoy!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook- Kraut Salad

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

I can’t say how this tastes because I will not eat kraut.

What You Need

1 cup chopped onions

1 cup chopped green pepper

1 cup chopped celery

1 TSB salt

1 larger can of Kraut using the juice

1 can pimentos

3/4 cup salad oil

1 1/4 sugar

How To Make

Mix together and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using.

Kraut loves will enjoy this recipe.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook- Pralenes

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

What You Need

1/4 cup water

2 cups light brown sugar

1/3 cup margarine

1 1/2 cups pecans

How To Make

Boil water and ingredients and boil for 5 more minutes

Take off stove

Beat for one minute

Drop on wax paper or foil and cool

Remove after it hardens

These are out of this world! We all looked forward to her Pralenes.

Melinda