Tag Archives: Melanie Bolke

Scrambled Eggs 101

5 Jun

Delicious every time!

During a business trip to a small Texas town, I opted to spend the night at a delightful bed-and-breakfast.

Most people staying at a B&B are on vacation, so at 5:15 am on a weekday, I was the earliest riser and the only guest in the grand dining room.

The owner kept me company and told stories while he prepared a fabulous breakfast in the adjacent kitchen.

On the menu were:

–Scrambled eggs (the best I’d ever had),

–Turkey bacon,

–Freshly squeezed orange juice,

–Delicious scones,

–And some type of creamy yogurt that I saved for an afternoon snack later that day.

I asked the owner to please share with me how he made his scrumptious scrambled eggs and he was happy to do so.

By following these steps, your scrambled eggs will be just right every time: yellow, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth, and simply perfect.

Continue reading

Quick Tip In Health: Auto-Refill Your Prescriptions

1 Jun

When my son was six months old, I was diagnosed with post-pregnancy thyroiditis. This condition causes extreme swings in thyroid hormone levels, resulting in a variety of symptoms as the body tries to regulate itself.

My hair was falling out in large clumps. I was experiencing severe night sweats, and changed my bed sheets every morning. My stomach was a wreck and my mood was all over the place.

My symptoms persisted until I was referred to an endocrinologist who diagnosed my condition and prescribed a daily medication.

I was having trouble remembering to refill my prescriptions, until I learned that my pharmacy offers an automated refill service. Now that I’ve enrolled, my prescription is automatically renewed each month and I receive a text message on my phone when it’s ready to be picked up.

My thyroid levels have since stabilized and most likely I will take medication daily for the rest of my life.

Though I do have to remember to take my medication every morning, I no longer have to remember to renew my prescription.

What a relief!

Costco, Walgreen’sWal-Mart, and Target all offer automatic refill services for maintenance prescriptions, free of charge. There are many other pharmacies that offer this service as well.

If you take prescription medication regularly, check with your pharmacist to find out if an automated refill service is an option for you.

To your health,

Image of prescription bottles provided courtesy of foto76

Orange-Strawberry Summertime Smoothie

29 May

After several hours of working in the yard this weekend with 90+° heat, I was feeling depleted and wanted something really replenishing to drink.

A quick inventory of the contents in my fridge and freezer revealed the ingredients listed below, which I used to whip up this oh-so-yummy smoothie packed with Vitamin C and Potassium.

Oh-so-yummy Orange-Strawberry Summertime Smoothie is packed with Vitamin C and Potassium

The flavor is on the tangy side, so if your taste buds prefer something less so, add agave nectar or cane sugar to sweeten it up.

A dollop of whipping cream will make this smoothie sweet and creamy. Hubby downed the one in this pic in seconds. I went with no added sweetener, as I like my smoothies slightly tart.

Orange-Strawberry Summertime Smoothie Recipe

Combine the following ingredients in a blender on high for about a minute:

–1-1/2 cups vanilla coconut milk

–1/2 cup orange juice

–approx. 1 cup soft tofu

–4-5 large frozen strawberries

–1 frozen banana

–1/2 cup frozen pineapple

Makes two 16 oz. smoothies

Looking for more smoothie recipes? Click here.

Enjoy!

Thank You Isn’t Enough

27 May

This American flag flies outside my home on Memorial Day as a way to remember.

Around My Home, we fly the American flag on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and several other times a year. It’s one way we can publicly display gratitude for our troops.

I am able to experience many enjoyable moments during this three-day weekend: grilling in the backyard, getting in some much-needed rest, and spending time with my family. I am able to enjoy these things and relax in relative safety, thanks to the men and women who have fought to defend this country that I love.

My uncle served in the Air Force, my brother was in the National Guard and now serves as a police officer, and my grandfather was a firefighter for more than 20 years. Although I know that the fire department is not part of the military, I always thought of my grandfather as a public defender and patriot.

So, though it doesn’t seem like enough, thank you to the men and women of our military who selflessly protect the freedom that I cherish.

And thank you to the families that love them.

Perfect Asparagus Every Time

18 May

Perfect Asparagus – Delicious and Ready to Serve

I once was afraid to cook asparagus, but not anymore!

Thanks to my mother-in-law, my asparagus now turns out perfectly every time, and yours can, too! During her recent visit to Austin, she shared these simple tips with me: Continue reading

What It Feels Like To Turn 40

15 May

Enjoying the precious gift of motherhood!

Technically, I have a few hours left in my thirties. But when my head hits the pillow at the end of today, it will be as a 40-year-old.

As my sweet baby boy drifted off to sleep in my arms last night, my mind flooded with thoughts of what it feels like to leave my thirties behind me.

My thirties were filled with life-changing experiences.

Many were blessings.

Some were not.

I experienced deep loss.

–My uncle, Michael Bernstein, who was a highly regarded and successful business man, died in 2003. He taught me much of what I know about the business world and showered me with blessings.

–I also lost my grandfather, Alec Bryce, in 2006. He was a Detroit firefighter and skilled artist who came to the U.S. as a 3-year-old boy on a ship bound from Scotland. That ship docked at Ellis Island on May 15, 1920. Ninety-two years ago today.

Both of these men had tremendous influence on my life, and I miss them.

My thirties were also filled with great gain.

–I met and married my husband, an amazing man who I’m convinced is perfectly matched for me and I for him.

–I started my own business, following in the footsteps of my dad. I’ve had some incredible opportunities to perform work that I love, around the world. This role has been highly fulfilling for me.

–I’ve discovered true friendship with some remarkable women. I pray that we’ll continue to share in each other’s joys and shoulder each other’s burdens for the rest of our days.

–I gained an additional 12 bubbling nieces and nephews that have enriched my life in many ways.

–In my thirties, I experienced the joy of becoming a mother. I waited a long time for my son and there is nothing that compares to the precious gift of motherhood. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

When I turned 30, I hid because I was embarrassed. I felt old. I refused to tell anyone my age. I became angry if someone discovered it and even more so if they shared it with others.

Today, however, I celebrate. I rejoice that my life is full. I’m thankful for the many blessings I enjoy that are too numerous to count. I’m astounded knowing that there will be more to come in the years ahead!

I also know that there will be loss and disappointment in the years ahead. Through it, my confidence rests in my Creator, who seeks to bring me hope, not harm, all the days of my life.

But today is not that day.

Today, I have much to be thankful for.

Today, I turn 40.

Today is a good day.

Quick Tip: In the Kitchen With Quinoa Flakes For Breakfast

11 May

Quinoa Flakes for Breakfast – Super Tasty and Gluten-Free!

Recently, I’ve decided to give gluten-free living a try.

I love having hot breakfast year-round and discovered the tasty treat of Quinoa Flakes.

Quinoa Flakes are quick and easy, and are a delicious, gluten-free alternative to oatmeal. This hot cereal is literally ready in 90 seconds on the stove.

I add a dash of sea salt and some maple syrup to mine each morning. They are super-healthy and even my 1-year-old loves it, without the syrup!

If you’re looking for a healthy, gluten-free, hot breakfast, I know you’ll enjoy it, too!

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