Willow & Sage by Stampington
It’s important to surround ourselves with people who genuinly care about us.
Who are the people who make you feel safe and accepted just as you are?
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Melinda
Winter is turning to Spring early this year and this body butter will shack off the Winter blues.
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Yields 15, 4 oz airtight jars
Large bowl
4 cups of coconut oil
1 TBS vitamin E oil
20 drops of lavender essential oil
20 drops of peppermint essential OIL
Stand or hand mixer
Spoon
4 oz. airtight jars
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients, and mix with a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or use a hand mixer for 5 minutes.
Spoon the mixture into airtight jars.
If the mixture is thin, the body butter will still set up in the jars.
This is perfect for gift-giving.
Melinda
The family cookbook contains recipes my Grandparents often used and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
1 onion chopped
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tbs. sugar
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
3 tbs. Worchester sauce
1 tbs. mustard
1/2 cup celery
2 ts. Salt
Add all ingredients to a large pot, and cook until combined and slightly bubbling.
Add to a jar or container of your choice.
I am leaving extra space for some headings because once published they are not where I put them. Is this happening to you?
Melinda
I have tried CBD gummies from many companies in the past but stopped looking when I found Kind Oasis gummies in 2022.
Our company is a top-tier-private label supplier of gummies for brands across the country. Our mission is to provide quality, affordable, hemp-derived products for those who need them most.
You can visit our wellness and gift store on the East Side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin which was awarded Best CBD Store and Best New Retail Store voted by The Shepherd Express and Milwaukee Magazine.
I like the Delta 8 THC 50mg – 40ct Berry Splash and have tried the Delta 9 THC 20mg – 30ct Assorted. The Delta 9 gummies made me feel slightly stoned, probably because I ate a whole one. Following instructions is not the best trait. I continue to buy the Delta 8 gummies and stock up when they have a good sale. Kind Oasis offers a big discount on Earth Day and has sales throughout the year.
When my anxiety is rising I eat 2 gummies and eat 2 at bedtime. They are relaxing and help me sleep. I take medication to sleep but when the gummies are eaten on top of the medication I sleep so much better.
I think Delta 8’s says to start with one gummy and Delta 9’s says to start with a fourth of the gummy. I ate a whole Delta 9 and felt slightly stoned.
They have expanded their product line to include Peanut Butter Cups – Delta 9 THC 10mg – 4ct Dark Chocolate.
Fighting to end the social justice issues of sex trafficking and drug abuse
A social justice lifestyle brand supporting holistic rehabilitation for veterans through community-based projects, proactive care advocacy, cannabis education, and compassion
A mission to increase access to quality mental health services for veterans and their families and to promote effective, non-pharmaceutical alternative treatments.
Using the sport of golf as a conduit to provide transformational mental health resources and holistic life resource training to veterans with disabilities and first responders.
I have called the store with a couple of questions and they always take the time to explain. The gummies taste good, which is a big difference from some I tried while searching for the best ones.
The charities Kind Oasis supports are issues I’m concerned about as well.
The post looks correct in Classic Editor and Preview but once published there’s no telling how it will look. Probably another issue with WordPress. I have talked with several Happiness Engineers and still have no answers.
Melinda
I noticed on Monday that my Featured Images were not showing when you view through Notifications. If you click to read the post the image shows up.
I’ve been talking to WordPress all week with no answers. I replied to their email today saying I don’t care anymore. The problems I’ve had in the past were because the System Engineers were making changes that affected bloggers but did not communicate with Happiness Engineers so they would know what was going on.

Take the big change to reblogging. This was a huge change and after many conversations with Happiness Engineers, I found out they didn’t know and had to ask Systems Engineering. This is a big gap in information and a poor way to run a company.
Most companies do the Systems Engineering offline, to not affect users. They debug before they release to the network. WP is the opposite, all the work is done in the background and is often not debugged, so we get to live in the chaos until they get it right.
I am not contacting WP again unless things are directly related to my blog. It’s not worth the emails and lack of answers.
Melinda
I often wonder about the people who read my blog and are not on WordPress. I’m blessed to have most countries stop by at one time or another. I love to learn about where the readers come from, and often look at the globe to see their location and read about the area.
I read about the area and was blown away by the beauty of the island. The most beautiful blue water, I can imagine swimming or boarding while enjoying the crystal clear waters.
The person from Mauritius stops by almost every day and I would like to talk to thank them personally.
Would you please contact me?
I will write more posts about other countries that follow me. I get so excited when a country that I least expect, like today, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and Bangladesh.
Thanks.
Melinda
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.

Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
This post looks crazy with the link showing down towards the bottom. It looks fine in Editor. ANOTHER WordPress issue.
As a teen, I would lie on the floor in my bedroom with headphones on and wear this album out!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, 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.
The family cookbook contains recipes from my Grandparents that were often used and are the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
Butter cookie sheet first
Mix 1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups water
Half a cup of Karo
1 1/2 cup raw peanuts
1 butter/margarine
2 ts. Soda
1/2 ts. salt
Cookie sheet
Set all your stuff on the stove before you start.
Mix white sugar, water, and Karo, and bring to a medium boil until it makes a hard thread from a spoon. Then add peanuts, butter/margarine.
Cook until it turns to medium tan, turn the heat off, and add salt and soda. Stir it up and it will turn white.
Pour in quickly on the cookie sheet.
Let it cool and then break up.
I loved this recipe, it was Granny’s.
Melinda
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Grandparents used and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like dumplings and pecan pie.
What You Need
1/4 ts. vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
3 tbs. flour
1/2 stick butter or margarine
3/4 cup white Karo
1 cup pecan’s chopped

How To Make
Sprinkle pecans in the bottom of unbaked pie crust
Add filling
Bake at 300 degrees for about an hour
In a bowl add together all of the ingredients except for chopped pecans. Let the butter/margarine get soft before adding.
Sprinkle pecans in the bottom of unbaked pie crust
Add filling
Bake at 300 degrees for about an hour
One of the things that is most important is not over-cooking. Take the pie out when there is only a small part in the middle that shacks.
Since these are family recipes the complete cooking instructions are missing because they knew from memory. My Gramps was the master of Pecan Pies in our family.
I’ve made this Pecan Pie so many times, it’s easy and delicious.
This is a great pie year-round but at holidays it was always on the table.
Melinda
I wrote about my weight loss journey in September 2023, the goal was to lose 40 pounds instead, I’ve lost 65 pounds which is underweight for me. Since I was in the hospital in December 2023, I’ve continued to lose weight without trying.
I eat 2-4 pieces of chocolate every day and eat a cupcake or a piece of cake each weekend, along with small meals but it doesn’t affect my weight. Right now, I only weigh 10 pounds more than in high school.
The real story is the high I felt by the low numbers and it brought up thoughts of my eating disorder. I no longer have Bulimia and am so glad. It is hard to explain the feeling but it was sheer excitement and total control.
People with Anorexia understand the feelings of control, and that may be why it’s hard to overcome Anorexia. I don’t understand the ends and outs of Anorexia but have read followers’ posts and it’s a hard battle.
I suffered from Bulimia into my 30s, and am so glad it doesn’t rule me anymore. It was a way to escape the abuse and be in control for once.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington.com
Yields about 4, 2 oz bottles
Bowl
4.5 oz. distilled water
2 oz. tangerine and lemon hydrosol
1 oz aloe vera hydrosl
0.5 oz vegetable glycerine
Metam Whisk
Glass spray bottle (amber) 4 of 2 oz
12 drops of tangerine essential oil
4 drops of lemon essential oil
Bowl, and blend together the distilled water, tangerine, and lemon hydrosol
Aloe vera juice
Vegetable glycerine
Mix oil well with a whisk
Pour the mixture into four spray bottles
Add 3 drops of tangerine essential oil
1 drop of lemon essential oil
Enjoy the calm.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Yields 1/4 cup, about 12 massages
Vanilla jojoba oil (see notes)
Carrier oils, jojoba/sweet almond oil/grapeseed oil
12 drops essential oil blend
Container: dark and opaque
Since vanilla essential oil is expensive, you can use vanilla jojoba, which is less expensive.
You can make it with one scent or a mixture.
If you like a lighter add half of the recipe.
I can’t wait to hear your comments on this one.
Melinda
I don’t understand why only a link is showing, probably another change by WP that Bloggers were not told about.
This post is of the utmost importance to parents around the world. I’m so impressed.
Melinda


I love the beauty of the Habor Bridge and am so glad I didn’t climb it. Climbing the bridge was on my bucket list at the time but my back hurt the morning of. There were plenty of people climbing that day.
Melinda
Accidents are rough. Other than the physical pain they inflict, it also leaves scarring damage to our mental and emotional well-being. Doctors usually offer pain medications for recovery but did you know there are other alternatives we can take and not just solely depending on those prescribed on pills? Are you curious what it is? I’m talking about natural methods! Let’s narrow down these remedies to find out what works for you!
Think of physical therapy as the star player on your comeback team after an injury. It’s not just about moving around—it’s a strategic move to make the most of your recovery. Using a wide variety of techniques, physical therapy works to reduce pain and improve strength and flexibility so your body can get back to normal. Here are a few key treatments:
When you want to express yourself, get a tattoo they said. If you want to heal yourself, get acupuncture. Trigger warning for those who are afraid of needles as we are going to talk about acupuncture, an ancient practice with a touch of modern science that is proven and tested by those who undergo that procedure. Here are a few of the ways, simply explained, that acupuncture can help:
You never know what bones have realigned after your accident. It may feel and look normal, but there are already underlying conditions. That’s why having chiropractic care after an accident is helpful during your recovery. This hands-on approach adjusts your spine and restores your body’s balance and other systems to work together. Here’s how chiropractic care can facilitate your recovery in several key ways:
If you have a garden and you have herbs like ginger, turmeric, and others, no need to take a walk towards the pharmacy as these herbs are in the remedy business. Those mentioned herbs are still providing relief and fighting inflammation today. Some may call it grandmother’s medicine, but hey, they are backed by science. Here are some soothing herbal remedies commonly used for their pain-relieving properties:
Don’t let the pain take a toll on your everyday activities. Let these methods be your co-pilot in the healing process.
This is a collaborative post
Melinda
Since the E-Mail Stats were added by WordPress, I’ve talked with WP Support at least twice and still have no idea how to apply the numbers? It was explained to me as outside traffic, from WP.
How to apply the Views and Clicks is my issue.
I don’t know if the Views are the daily numbers or cumulative, that doesn’t help me.
I appreciate any feedback, be nice.
Melinda
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. All products were found on Amazon.
I’ve had mine for years, at least 10 years, without a single problem. No coffee pot to clean, and makes coffee in minutes. I can’t live without it.
We both love these insulated bottles. When I added more water to my day, I bought us two each. That was years ago. I drink at least 2 refills a day, and I make fewer trips to the fridge.
My Granny used this to keep her stainless sink clean. It probably has more uses and they have several types of cleaners. Nothing gets my stainless sinks cleaner. This is a powder, you will need to work around the sink until the small bits resolve and then take another pass.
We splurged on the trashcan, and it was the best decision. Ours is close to 20 years old, not one problem.
The way to keep the stainless clean is to buy Stainless wipes. My other recommendation is to use Simplehuman trashbags. The big difference is theirs fits the trashcan completely. The cheaper trashbags that my husband is using drive me cringe. The problem is they don’t fit right and don’t cover the removable inner can and food and anything else you put in the trash gets on the top and the back of the trashcan. More cleaning!
I bought this plant last year, it still looks new, and the leaves are still shiny. The planter is bad-looking and cheap. I bought a ceramic planter to put it in. It is perfect for my office and it doesn’t take up much space. I’ve also bought many other artificial plants and the quality top notch. The more expensive offer lasts much better.
I would have a hard time living without the system and have already forgotten how to turn off the television. Alexa takes a short time to adjust to and lately, I am frustrated when I have to ask more than one time. In the big picture of life that’s a crub.
Just a note:
Melinda
In a world brimming with possibilities, luxury travel transcends the ordinary, offering a symphony of experiences that tantalize the senses and ignite the soul. But what truly defines luxury in the realm of travel?
A travel concierge program isn’t merely about extravagant spending or lavish amenities; it’s about crafting a bespoke journey tailored to individual preferences and desires. Whether it’s a secluded island retreat, a cultural immersion in a historic city, or an adventure-filled expedition, luxury travel focuses on delivering unparalleled experiences that leave a lasting impression.
One of the hallmarks of luxury travel is the emphasis on personalization. From the moment of booking to the final farewell, travelers expect a level of customization that reflects their unique tastes and preferences. This may include personalized itineraries, exclusive access to private tours and events, and accommodations tailored to individual needs.
Luxury travelers often seek privacy and exclusivity away from the crowds. Whether it’s a private villa nestled in a secluded paradise or a VIP experience at a renowned attraction, exclusivity adds an element of intimacy and indulgence to the travel experience.
Service excellence is paramount in luxury travel. From attentive butlers anticipating every need to concierge services that cater to even the most extravagant requests, impeccable service enhances the overall sense of luxury and comfort.
Luxury accommodations set the stage for an unforgettable travel experience. From boutique hotels with personalized service to ultra-luxurious resorts offering unparalleled amenities, the choice of accommodation plays a crucial role in defining the level of luxury.
Boutique Hotels: Intimate and stylish, boutique hotels offer personalized service and unique design elements that cater to discerning travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
Luxury Resorts: Situated in breathtaking locations, luxury resorts boast world-class amenities such as private beaches, infinity pools, and award-winning spas, ensuring a truly indulgent stay.
Fine Dining: Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chef-driven establishments offer gastronomic delights that elevate dining to an art form, creating memorable culinary experiences.
Farm-to-Table: Embracing the farm-to-table movement, luxury travelers seek out restaurants and culinary experiences that prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.
Luxury travel extends beyond accommodations and dining to include transportation options that prioritize comfort, convenience, and exclusivity.
Private Jets: For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and convenience, private jet travel offers unparalleled comfort and flexibility, allowing travelers to bypass the hassles of commercial air travel.
Luxury Trains: Embarking on a journey aboard a luxury train evokes a sense of nostalgia and romance, with meticulously restored carriages and scenic routes that offer a glimpse into a bygone era of travel.
Cultural Immersion: Guided tours led by knowledgeable experts provide insights into the local culture, history, and traditions, allowing travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for their destination.
Adventure and Wellness: From heli-skiing in remote mountain ranges to indulgent spa retreats in exotic locales, luxury travelers seek out experiences that cater to their adventurous spirit and desire for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Environmental Conservation: Luxury travelers are increasingly seeking out destinations and accommodations that prioritize environmental sustainability and conservation efforts, minimizing their carbon footprint and supporting eco-friendly initiatives.
Community Engagement: Sustainable tourism initiatives often involve meaningful engagement with local communities, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and economic empowerment.
Wellness Retreats: Wellness-focused luxury resorts and retreats offer holistic experiences that prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being, incorporating elements such as spa treatments, mindfulness practices, and healthy cuisine.
Digital Detox: As technology becomes increasingly pervasive, luxury travelers are seeking out destinations and experiences that allow them to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with themselves and nature.
Safe travels, and may your journey always be filled with wonder, discovery, and the unmistakable allure of luxury.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Beyond Happy!
I spent seven hours reading and researching my family history yesterday. :)
Melinda
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 heard + felt.
I’m Anna (she/her), a survivor-writer-fighter-dreamer-healer. Writing is in my blood- literally. I grew up surrounded by novels and poems and libraries thanks to the influence of my grandfather, best-selling author, journalist, and pal of Robert Frost. From a young age, I learned that writing and words hold power– the power to transform, influence, comfort, harm, heal, process, teach, and so much more.
I love this blog because she writes about many topics including trauma.
Melinda
In this fast-paced social media world, finding the time to look within or back in time can be difficult. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Many of you know I was a wild child at 12 years old. I was a drug addict, my boyfriend was 21 years old and a drug dealer. I did not go to school for a month and spent three days in Juvenile Detention for that.
I don’t remember the circumstances but I was caught with a gun and put on probation. I met with her every month and for 7 months I did not talk. She said the State of Texas wanted to take custody and send me to a boot camp type of facility as punishment.
She did not believe a boot camp was what I needed to reform. She told me about potential options and one day I asked if she could find a boarding school to stay for a year.
My Granny and the Probation Officer worked together to find a boarding school for bad girls. My Granny remembered a Convent for bad girls from when she was younger. Sure enough, the Convent was what I needed, and I stayed there for a year.
My Probation Officer was patient with me and took me to my dental and doctor’s appointments. She never told me what I did wrong or talked down to me. The only snag was when she showed up one day and I was wearing a tee that said cocaine. She made me change. Fair enough.
She encouraged me, told me how smart I was, and other complements I was not used to hearing.
I was transformed early in my stay and was promoted to the highest rank, giving me complete freedom.
She was one of the good guys who saw something in me and I’m so thankful for her. She saved my life.
Melinda
I have been feeling down and thoughts of my illnesses came to mind. I know many people have many other illnesses, and I wish them the best in life I was a sickly child, always with an ear infection.
My life changed in 2012, after spending a year with a Neurologist for a year, all of my tests were abnormal but she didn’t have any answers. After some digging, I realized I had Lyme Disease.
At the time my only illness was Bipolar Disorder and anxiety. How did so many illnesses pop up while in treatment and after treatments for Lyme? I guess that path was meant for me.
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety
Remission from Lyme Disease
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
Sjögeren’s
Tardive Dyskinesia
Hypogammaglobulinemia
Cognitive Impairment
Fibromyalgia
Anemia
Chronic Fatigue
PTSD
And four newly diagnosed Neurologic Disorders, I’ll know more after seeing a Neurologist on March 5th.
Stay posted for an update on the Neurological Disorders.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
This is one of my favorite bands!
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.
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.

Melinda
I wanted to set this post up as a survey but couldn’t find how it would have made your feedback much easier. I apologize but really need your feedback. I’ll keep it short.
Does my About Me page give enough information on what my blog is about and myself?
Am I writing on topics you care about?
What topics would you like to see?
If you could take one minute to share your feedback in the comments section.
I truly appreciate my followers and want to make sure I’m meeting your needs.
Melinda
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
Melinda
| Dear Supporters: We’re getting excited for NO MORE Week 2024, March 3rd to 9th! Are you ready to help shine a brighter spotlight on the need to end domestic and sexual violence? As a reminder, here are some ways you can get involved: Do the NO MORE Week Virtual 5K Your Way! Run, walk, bike, swim, play pickleball, take your dog for a stroll… any step or movement counts, at any time between March 3rd and 9th. It makes a real difference to support the work of the NO MORE Foundation. Sign up today and please tell your friends, colleagues and family to join too! Sign Up NowAttend the KNOW MORE Conference: “Silicon Saviors or Digital Threats?” It’s Free! Join us for this special online conference focused on technology’s positive and negative impacts on domestic and sexual violence. Log on for one session or the whole day. You’ll get to hear from incredible experts and innovators from around the world. It’s free so invite all your colleagues to attend too! Register TodayHold or Join a NO MORE Week EventGet your workplace, school, or community to hold a NO MORE Week event! It could be a panel or discussion; a social media campaign to share why you say NO MORE; a bake sale or other fundraiser, a group 5K outing, and lots more. No matter what, you’ll be helping to increase awareness and action! Get Event IdeasThank you in advance for your incredible support! We can’t wait to see your NO MORE Week photos. Make sure to tag us (@nomoreorg and #NOMOREWeek) so we can amplify your amazing efforts! Sincerely, Pamela Zaballa NO MORE CEO |
Reach out at @nomoreorg
The FREE events sound great!
Melinda
I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and its coinfections in 2014. It controlled my life while the virus spread across my body setting up a house in my brain and causing cognitive impairment. The best way to describe how my brain was affected is to say, a machine gun was used on my brain and those memories are gone. In addition, I forget what I was saying and what I was going to do.
According to The Mayo Clinic Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria.
Ticks that can carry borrelia bacteria live throughout most of the United States. But Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. It’s also common in Europe and in south-central and southeastern Canada.
While most tick bites are harmless, several species can cause life-threatening diseases. Tick-borne diseases include:
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Lyme disease
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
Colorado tick fever
Powassan encephalitis
Tularemia
Ehrlichiosis
Relapsing fever
If Lyme is detected in the first couple of weeks, an antibody is used for a couple of weeks and you dodged a bullet. A large number of people do not get the Lyme Rash, and by the time symptoms start, a small amount of antibiotics does not work. The next step is Antibody Therapy. I had a port in my chest and had Antibody Treatments every day at home. It was miserable.
Know where the ticks are more prominent in your area, avoid the area, or dress appropriately to cut down on having ticks get on you. The last thing to do after every outing is check your ENTIRE body for ticks. Even in the tricky places. Be sure to look in your hair!
Don’t forget dogs can get extremely ill if bitten by certain ticks. My sweet Sasha contracted Ehrlichiosis twice, each time it almost killed her.
Be aware and be vigilant.
Melinda
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lyme-disease/ticks-and-lyme-disease