So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
Friday Quote
Category: Men & Womens Health
April Fools’ Day Is In The Near Future
April 1 is Fool’s Day, and boy do I remember the pranks we did when I was younger.
Who came up with this celebration?
A disputed association between 1 April and foolishness is in Geoffrey Chaucer‘s The Canterbury Tales (1392).[3] In the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale.
Here is how a few countries around the globe celebrate April Fools
Italy, France, Belgium, and French-speaking areas of Switzerland and Canada
In Italy, France, Belgium and French-speaking areas of Switzerland and Canada, the 1 April tradition is often known as “April fish” (poisson d’avril in French, april vis in Dutch or pesce d’aprile in Italian). Possible pranks include attempting to attach a paper fish to the victim’s back without being noticed. This fish feature is prominently present on many late 19th- to early 20th-century French April Fools’ Day postcards. Many newspapers also spread a false story on April Fish Day, and a subtle reference to a fish is sometimes given as a clue to the fact that it is an April Fools’ prank.[citation needed] Boulangeries, pâtisseries and chocolatiers in France sell chocolate fishes in their shop windows on the day.[20]
Poland (Prima aprilis)
In Poland, prima April (“First April” in Latin) as a day of pranks is a centuries-long tradition. It is a day when many pranks are played: sometimes very sophisticated hoaxes are prepared by people, media (which often cooperate to make the “information” more credible), and even public institutions. Serious activities are usually avoided; every word said on 1 April could be untrue. The conviction for this is so strong that the Polish anti-Turkish alliance with Leopold I, signed on 1 April 1683, was backdated to 31 March.[22] However, for some in Poland prima April ends at noon of 1 April and prima April jokes after that hour are considered inappropriate and not classy.
A common prank is to carefully remove the cream from an Oreo and replace it with toothpaste, and there are many similar pranks that replace an object (usually food) with another object that looks like the object but tastes different such as replacing sugar with salt and vanilla frosting with sour cream. As well as people playing pranks on one another on April Fools’ Day, elaborate pranks have appeared on radio and television stations, newspapers, and websites, and have been performed by large corporations. In one famous prank in 1957, the BBC broadcast a film in their Panorama current affairs series purporting to show Swiss farmers picking freshly-grown spaghetti, in what they called the Swiss spaghetti harvest. The BBC was soon flooded with requests to purchase a spaghetti plant, forcing them to declare the film a hoax on the news the next day.[31]
I love how the celebrations are so interesting.
Melinda
References:
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
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
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
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
Just Pondering
The first thing I do every day?
For me, it’s making a cup of coffee.
Melinda
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
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
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
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
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
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
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
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!
What’s Your Mood Today?
Very frustrated!
My Neurologist got out of his lane and tried to change one of my medications. I will only change or stop a medication with the doctor who wrote the script.
Melinda
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
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
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
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
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
St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2024
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration held every year on March 17. Originally a religious feast day (the “Feast of Saint Patrick”, the foremost patron saint of Ireland), it has developed into a celebration of Irish heritage and culture generally. It is celebrated with festivals, parades, and dancing by the Irish diaspora in many countries around the world. It is customary to wear green clothing or accessories, the color most associated with Ireland. The Lenten restriction of fasting is lifted for this day, encouraging the consumption of alcohol.
I only knew that the celebration was to drink more beer, mostly green. Now that I know it is religious it was a celebration I will take note.
I don’t drink anymore but I’ve had fun in the past.
Melinda
References:
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Rose-Infused Body Oil
Willow & Sage from Stampington
It sounds wonderful!
You Will Need
I cup-dried organic rose petals
Glass jar
500ml sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil
Blender
Cheesecloth
Strainer
Glass bowl
Who To Make
Add the dried rose petals to a clean glass jar and cover with oil
Secure it tightly with a lid and let it set for a week or two
Make sure that your blender is clean and dry before using
Add the rose-infused oil oul and petals to a high-speed blender and blend well
Place the cheesecloth or a thin cloth in the strainer, and place the strainer over a glass bowl
Strain the oil through the cheesecloth strainer-lined
Gently squeeze out all the oil with your hands
Pour the oil into a dark-colored or amber glass jar for storage
Label and keep stored in a cool dark place
Have fun making this Rose-Infused Body Oil.
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Oat Meal Lace Cookies
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Grandparents used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like dumplings, and pecan pie. Some recipes have been passed down or from other family members recipe.
Ingredients
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup quick oatmeal
1 egg
2 tb. vanilla
2 tsp. flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Cookie sheet
How To Make
Cream butter and sugar until combined
Add egg, and vanilla, and blend.
Add oatmeal, flour, and nuts, and mix until combined
Use a teaspoon to measure with
Drop mixture 2 inches apart on a folded lined cookie sheet
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and slide off the foil
Store in an airtight container
This recipe was a favorite of Granny’s.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 