Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
National Autism Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Donate Life Month
National Minority Health Month
National Parkinson’s Awareness Month
National Public Health Week (April 1- 7)
National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (April 10)
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month
No doubt April has many important awareness days and they are worth checking out.
The month of May looks full of Awareness Days.
Melinda
I say to myself, where did the Easter Bunny tradition start? How did the Holy Day of Easter become commercialized? How many children have no idea what the meaning of the Easter Celebrations is?
There are no egg hunts in the Bible because the Holy Day is about Jesus. I participated in egg hunts as a kid but I knew it was a Celebration of Jesus. My granny read to me from her Bible and I would go to church with anyone on our street who asked me. I didn’t dig deep into the Bible until I was 14 years old and converted to another religion.
Commercialization annoys me.
Here’s what I found out about the history of the Easter Bunny.
It is debated by scholars, one thought is that it began in the 16th century and others believe it was during the 18th century that the tradition started. They were big community celebrations no doubt but were not related to Easter.
The easiest way to help your kids is to teach them about the meaning of the Easter Celebration, without mentioning Egg Hunts. If kids were taught from the youngest age about Easter and other traditions that happen at the same time.
I am sick of seeing ads for Easter Egg Hunting.
I’m sending my best wishes to everyone who celebrates Easter as a Christian Holy Day.
Melinda
Headaches fall into four categories-migraine, tension, sinus, or sugar and each category can be treated with essential oils to ease the pain. A migraine is often caused by insomnia, stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes, while a tension headache usually comes from stress or strain. A sinus headache occurs when the nasal passages become clogged and cause pressure to build up within your sinuses, and a sugar headache stems from low blood sugar levels. Here are a few tips for treating each type with essential oils.
Rub lavender or peppermint essential oil on your temples and back of the neck to relieve pain and nausea.
Rub eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil on your temple, forehead, and wrists. Or draw a warm bath and add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil before soaking 10-20 minutes. Make sure to get in slowly and drink plenty of water afterward.
Rub eucalyptus essential oil on your temples, chest, and nose to help open up nasal airways.
Mix equal drops of lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and coconut oil, and rub on your temples, forehead, and back of the neck.
Peppermint: cooling effect, inhibits muscle contractions, and stimulates blood flow.
Rosemary: improves alertness, stimulates blood flow, and soothes nausea
Lavender: relieves tension, treats neurological conditions, and helps regulate sleep.
Eucalyptus:. helps remove toxins, opens nasal passages, and promotes emotional balance.
Make sure to test out the oil on a small patch of skin before using.
For sensitive areas such as the face, dilute the oil first with a carrier oil.
Melinda
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
This post is really more of a celebration of my Fibromyalgia staying under control or flare’s have been lighter. This year my other health issues have taken center stage, and I was lucky to avoid a total flare.
Some days I wake in a fog, I don’t fight it and go lie down. How productive is staring at a computer screen or out the back window? I’m more forgiving of myself now and know I’m blessed to be able to focus on my health. I can’t imagine how hard it is to have Fibromyalgia, or any chronic illness, and work, care for kids, or other family matters. My hat’s off to those who manage daily life.
Don’t overdo it!
I have Bursitis in both hips and receive steroid shots to manage the pain. The shots start to wear off in two months but I have to wait until the three-month mark. This is when my hip pain elevates, and having a flare on top of is excruciating. Some days it’s hard to walk, especially the stairs, these are the days my husband jumps in to help me manage the day.
I send well wishes to everyone who has Fibromyalgia, remember towmorrow is a new day.
You’re not alone and talking to someone could change the mood of your day.
Melinda
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 Grannie’s pecan pie.
9 x 13-inch baking pan
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 can Cherry Pie Filling
1 yellow cake mix
1 cup pecans
Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan
Add pineapples, cherry pie filling, and yellow cake mix
Combine well.
Spread evenly over the fruit
Melt a stick of butter and pour over the dry cake mix
Sprinkle 1 cup pecans over the top
Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour
Enjoy!
Melinda
Originally posted in 2010
Each day was a roller coaster of how he felt and how exhausted I was. I learned so much being a caregiver to my grandmother and grandfather. As the population ages, many of you will take on the responsibility. One of the most difficult changes was going from granddaughter to caregiver. Even at 92 my grandfather had a strong mind and felt he didn’t need help. I prayed for strength every day.
My grandfather died in 2010 at the young age of 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 year than I spent at home. I cherish the time we had together, no matter how painful. They are my memories and my life changed forever with his death. His health declined so fast that for two days
I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, he was so weak it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I don’t think we would have been able to talk him into moving to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting.
My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An emergency trip to the hospital for his AFIB is how we learned he had about two months to live. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for a timeline. His doctor had not given me that impression on a recent visit so I asked her to review the hospital records. I was not surprised but very saddened that she agreed with the prognosis. It took a couple weeks for my grandfather to believe the doctors were right. Kidney failure is a silent killer and luckily for some, it is not a painful one. You start sleeping more until you sleep yourself into a coma.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief of duty and he didn’t look any different. Monday morning I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying but thought it was a bad day. Tuesday I knew he was weak when he fell out of bed and felt like dead weight. It took everything in me to get him back in bed.
My grandfather died on Thursday. What the doctors did not tell me is the older the patients die faster. The end came weeks sooner than we thought. I’m so thankful that my grandfather and I had time together to say what we wanted to say, cry about the loss, and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.
Cleaning out the house was so hard, years of memories were everywhere. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on the back of photos, on little pieces of paper, and even on masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times but it was different this time. Everything was packed up this time and the house cleared out. My grandparents raised me so I’ve lost my parents, they were the best you could ever pray for. The house is empty but I see my life in every room, the great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. I am starting a new chapter in my life. It’s a long journey ahead.
Xx M
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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:
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
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:
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:
The Importance of Asbestos Awareness
Key Steps in Asbestos Awareness:
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
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.
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
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
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
April 1 is Fool’s Day, and boy do I remember the pranks we did when I was younger.
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.
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:
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.
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
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
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.
Melinda
References:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2017/07/21/10-ways-to-build-confidence/?sh=6d24cac3c594
Melinda
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.
2 TB butter
2 eggs
1 cup pecans
Flaked coconut
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped dates
2 cups Rice Krispies
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
For me, it’s making a cup of coffee.
Melinda
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.
1 can condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanut chips
2 cups tiny marshmallows
2 cups chopped nuts
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
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.
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
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
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
Willow & Sage by Stampington
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
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
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
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.
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)
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
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.
1 1/2 cups white flour
1/2 ts baking powder
1/4 ts salt
1/4 cup shortening
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
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!
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
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
Granny loved this dip and made it often.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Sounds like a relaxing butter, a great one to use at bedtime, of course, you can use it anytime.
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
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
Looking for the Light 