Tina's 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TIPS

On the 1st Day of CHRISTMAS Tips  - We eat a M&M
[sung  to the tune of 12 days of Christmas in your merriest morning voice]

Of course I am talking about a Morning Meal. You knew that, right? WHAT? You thought I meant those cute little round and colorful candies that melt in your mouth, not in your hands? oh, so very sorry! Weeell, While you could have 1 of those every day if you really want them [because we don't deprivate] I wouldn't recommend it as the most wholesome and healthy way to start your day. :-( I know, I know! :-( Was that your shoulders slumping? I just virtually picked up on that!

HOWEVER, I would recommend that your M&M [aka - breakfast] be just as colorful as a handful of those other ones! For example; Here's my M&M today. Much prettier than a drive-thru window bag of crap heart stopping fat or diabetic sugar coma junk food! 
YES-OH. Sure is! Tastier too!

Fluffy WHITE perfectly soft cooked eggs, BROWN hearty and healthy [whole LIVE grains] cinnamon & raisin Ezekial Bread toasted to a warm crunch. Perfect for dipping in that sweet applesauce followed by a dip in soft and creamy GOLDEN YELLOW yolk. BLUEberries on top of VANILLA Yogurt and RED apples in the fruit bowl to finish off my M&M. Just about all the colors except for green. Perhaps next time I will invite Dr. Suess to bring his GREEN eggs. Still, it was a colorful M&M that I ate today! What color was YOURS?

Seriously, ALWAYS start your day out with a good and healthy Morning Meal - BREAKFAST! I like a quick, simple, and hearty M&M requiring only 5 minutes to prepare and cook. Otherwise I will not make the effort to Breakfast at home. Honestly, this M&M FEAST was no more than 5 minutes from fridge, to stove, to table!     ANYBODY CAN DO THIS!

Poaching eggs is your friend. They do not need a babysitter. Just drop them off in a pool of near bubbling water, medium heat, and walk away for a minute or two. Get the rest of your breakfast ready, turning the eggs over, easy does it, so you don't break the yolk, and let the other side cook a minute or two. Drain them well with a slotted spoonula and slide them onto your plate! The result is fried-like eggs without the fat. Clean up is the easiest and quickest when poaching or boiling eggs because there is no splattering mess. Oh Yeah!

In the meantime, you have had the time to toast your bread, get a little jelly, jam, or apple sauce, and if you like, yogurt and berries, [a small portion] a fresh raw fruit, drink, utensils, napkin and a placemat or pretty towel to set your M&M on. [Because we eat with our eyes first, and a pretty presentation is always most enjoyed] Now, grab a seat and eat!

Right down to the last delicious bite of yogurt and berry goodness!

And savoring every sip of that favorite fresh brewed java or tea. Whatever floats your boat!

Then grab a piece or two of fresh fruit on your way out the door to work or wherever it is you have to run off to for the day. Easy to do when fresh fruit is your table's centerpiece!

I hope the photos help inspire you to eat a good meal at the beginning of your day to fuel your brain and body. Even if my M&M for today isn't perhaps your favorite breakfast, I hope the photos motivate you to create your own M&M to enjoy and look forward to each day.

BUT, if that doesn't help you, maybe this scientific info will get your morning hunger bell to start ringing a healthier and merrier tune! Just this morning I read this latest nutrition and weight bearing news that I think is well worth sharing along with this tip!

Health & Wellness Expert Ann Louise Gettleman Ph.D wrote the following; "in my clinical experience, 50 percent of women suffer from severely depleted levels of GLUTATHIONE

during the holidays. This MASTER ANTIOXIDANT binds to toxic waste and tags it for elimination from the body, but when you are exposed to more harmful chemicals than usual, which many of us are, during the Holidays, GLUTATHIONE gets used up faster than the body can replenish it. This allows toxins to accumulate in cells, causing symptoms like fatigue and weight gain".

To remedy this, she suggests a good quality high-protein breakfast. This "provides the amino acids that serve as building blocks for glutathione. Once levels are restored the body will be able to flush out toxins, so excess pounds will melt away and energy levels will quickly climb." She even suggests consuming a high quality protein shake made with good fat flushing whey protein powder. I would accept that for a quick M&M. You can even prepare it and take it with you and eat it on the go. Most of the time, this liquid style meal doesn't do it for me. I need the chew factor! I could sub a snack for it though!

On a personal note, I have proven a more healthy protein meal, to work well. I have been on a plateau recently as many of you know. 32 lbs. GONE since August 20 but only 2 lbs of that in the past few weeks. Lately I have been CRAVING protein BIG TIME. I realized since August 20th my diet mostly contained whole grains and fiber which is good, but I wasn't consuming much protein, in comparison. So, the past week or so I have listened more closely to and followed my body's own hunger and nutritional needs that it has been signaling me with and I am seeing and feeling the difference from making the change of increased lean proteins in the mornings. As is written; "Man cannot live by bread alone" even if it is the healthiest kind you can buy! Sorry, Ezekial, but you know 'tis true! 

I have proof! An exciting WEIGH-OFF VIDEO is coming your way this weekend. RIGHT HERE!
             So, EAT PROTEIN! But make sure it is healthy and LEAN PROTEIN!

Below's a photo of another favorite way I love my eggs. It's called Eggs In A Blanket. I used Regular live grains Ezekial Bread, and egglands best brown eggs on a very old plate that matches a set my mom gave me when I was 12 years old for my hope chest. I can remember that day as if it were today! I still have these dishes and I still have an even older cedar chest that belonged to my Grandmother [Mamaw Riffe] It, like me, is still full of hope!
But the question is: WHICH CAME FIRST! THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG! Or is that a ROOSTER!

Not sure, but I know what disappeared first! Look below!

Whatever your favorite M&M is, remember to give thanks for it and to ask a blessing over it and for it to help you have the energy, stamina, endurance, mental clarity, physical strength, and emotional wellness you need to carry you through the morning and to your next healthy meal or snack that will get ultimately get you through the day and beyond!
Then put a smile on that beautiful or handsome face and get ready to roll. Before you put the gear in drive, have a look in the rearview mirror to see where you've come from!

Yep, that's ME! And in my rearview mirror I see a girl who used to weigh more than 500 lbs and was unhealthy, unfit and needed a miracle to even make it to her 30th birthday. THAT GIRL is no longer looking back at me! This girl is healthier, happier, fitter, [is that a word? IDK but it rhymes] and 6 months away from THE BIG 5-0. A Miracle Girl, that's who I see! A girl who got rid of 335 lbs nearly 20 years ago and saved her life and is fulfilling her purpose to help others, INCLUDING YOU, to reach beyond to life their best life! That is who THIS Tina Maria Adams is!  What about you? What can I help you accomplish? Overcome?
Who is in YOUR REARVIEW MIRROR? Who do you see looking back at YOU?

Even if today is your first day getting started or re-started toward your Promised Land flowing with Milk & Honey [Health & Wellness] take a good look at the woman or man you are leaving behind. Then point your eyes, your faith, and your motivated determination in FORWARD and DRIVE, DRIVE, DRIVE toward your PROMISED LAND!

I'll meet you there to celebrate! See YA! Gotta go! A TRAIL HIKE hath need of me!

Zoom Zoom!

HUGS ~
Tina Maria

Up, Up, & A Pain

So, I got a little ambitious with my workout plan today.

This was not my normal walk around the park's fountain area.

I should have re-considered, but I was already committed when I saw the views from where I parked.

And did I even know where this leads? No, but I do now!  Something about the Y in the trail should have prompted the following question; Y would I want to do this today and Y would I want to go there alone! Y oh Y oh Y. And my answers are:

1. Because I am curious 2. Because I LOVE ADVENTURE! 3. Because I needed to challenge myself & 4. Because I am a glutton for punishment, obviously!

And because I am COMMITTED and DETERMINED. And impulsive at times. [THIS WAS NOT PRIOR-PLANNED] Never The Less, READY, SET, HIKE!

And where she goes, only God and the Trail Blazers know.....

But like the little energizer Battery Bunny Rabbit... she keeps Going, & Going, & Going

MOSES WAS HERE!

                                                                               

What? Too Much Junk in the Trunk?

Swing Low, Sweet Chariots, Coming for to carry me home!

NOT!

At this point my knees were begging for THAT to happen!

Here my heart, lungs, knees, arms, and legs were SCREAMING, 

"HERE'S YER SIGN"

Tis The Season.....

Give and it shall be given unto you....

Peace, Joy, Hope, Love, & GOODWILL....

Even here, reminders to remember those in need of what we are no longer in need of..

Love the views on this Hiking Trail, BUT WHERE OH WHERE IS MY CAR!

WAIT! Is That little black speck way up ahead, my car?
 PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE SAY YES!

My Sweet Little SOUL, I was beginning to think I was lost from you, forever! But thank GOD, my adventure led me back to you!

FINALLY!

After my hike, I actually felt energized and refreshed, except for my knees.

I knew I needed water, food, Ibuprofen, and rest!

So I took my wearied self home to my reward!

In honor of my Trail Hike, I named this TRAIL MIX, Salad. It has left-over Garlicky Kale Salad, with shredded Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Goats Milk Gouda Cheese, Torn Pieces of a freshly baked Soft Pretzel Roll, and a few carrot sticks. INCREDIBLE!

Since dinner I have been in recovery mode, in my bed, 

pillows under knees 

waiting for the Ibuprofen to kick in.

IF THIS PAIN DOESN'T GO AWAY, I WILL HAVE TO REFER TO THIS WORKOUT AS;

 MY NEW HIKING ADVENTURE ON THE

TRAIL OF TEARS

Alas, I now know the meaning behind this warning sign!

Oh Christmas Me, Oh Christmas Me,

From my house and heart to yours! Hope you enjoy this card with the photo of my Christmas Tree, aka, Jack's Tree. Here is another shot of it with the old porcelain Nativity that my Momma purchased many years ago. I am so blessed to have it and all the decorations she saved through the years, recently unearthed in a storage facility we hadn't cleaned out for years. It's wonderful to see them and hang them on the tree this year. Memories, So Sweet.

Can I just say without sounding like a braggart that I am so blessed to own a  lovely home provided and preserved for me by the Lord. The reality is that by all indications, I should not be able to even rent such a beautiful home even half the size of mine, let alone own it, not with all that I have been through financially and physically these past several years. Yet, only because of His goodness, and favor, am I here, now, about to celebrate 6 Mortgaged years and going strong! I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that this home has not been given to me except that I am to share it with others and to use it for His glory.

Jack and my Mel's Hubby, Donny

                                              
                                                  Mel and daughter, my other Hannah!

                                                                                Me & Melody

                                          Me & my other Hannah, Mel & Donny's Daughter

Unfortunately I didn't get any good photos of Bekah & Kaylen but we have already decided to have another party for New Years, so, hopefully I will get a few then.

Below is a glance of the table and foods from my Christmas Party Luncheon.
Back Left to right: Garlicky Kale Salad, Kale Chips, in the crock pot is the warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip, with a bowl of fresh baked herb and olive loaf bread for dipping, A platter of chips also for dipping, a platter of crudites with homemade buttermilk dressing, A Brie & Crescent Roll Bake, Crescent Rounds, another platter of Crudites and Buttermilk Ranch Dressing. Missing from this photograph are both the Spaghetti Squash with herbs and parmesan, and the better than Olive Garden Zuppa Tuscano Soup that my friend Mel made. It was to die for!

Here's MY PLATE and MY BOWL of Zuppa Tuscano. I'm dreaming of all these goodies as I Blog. If only you all could have been here to share it all with me! It would have been perfect! That Garlicky Kale Salad that Kaylen makes has to be my favorite salad these days! YUM..

Love me some Zuppa Tuscano Soup



For dessert, Bekah made Pumpkin Cheese Cake Dip served with apple slices. Mmm! Mmm! GREAT! We also had Ginger Snaps Cookies made with REAL Molasses and Ginger!

I call this Brie In A Blanket - It is the Brie Cheese and Crescent Roll Recipe you may have seen on a tv commercial [I did]  and just had to try it. It was unbelievable! So simple and So flavorful with those tender and flaky crescents covering a round mound of soft creamy melty brie cheese goodness that somehow holds it's shape even though baked inside the Crescents. Amazing! So richly satisfying!

This is the first Christmas since my Momma passed away, 4 years ago, that we have had a happy Christmas celebration in the house without tears of sadness and loss and grief. But she was part of my Christmas Luncheon yesterday. When I found I didn't have enough  decorative pearls for both candles on my dining room table, I took my Momma's old pearls and wrapped them around the candle on the left. It warms my heart to see them. They looked beautiful , especially bathed in candlelight.

An old, antique, solid cherry desk being served as a side table for extra accessories.

Below is the view from Jack's favorite comfy chair, after dinner where he went channel surfing as you can see while we reminisced about the wonderful afternoon we shared.

Christmas Party Luncheon 2011 was super successful.

Here is a recap of the Menu

 Zuppa Tuscano Soup,

Garlicky Kale Salad,

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip,

Kale Chips,

Brie In A Blanket Crescent Roll Bake,

Spaghetti Squash with herbs and Parmesan,

Crescent Rounds with Real Butter,

Crudites with homemade buttermilk dressing for dipping

Pumpkin Cheese Cake Dip with Apple Slices & Ginger Snap Cookies for dessert

and last but not least,  glasses filled with Chilled Sparkling Grape Juice to drink!

Hands down it was the tastiest & healthiest Christmas party, I have ever had.

That makes me SO Happy! It's not difficult to eat healthy and tasty during the Holidays. Who says you can't begin New Traditions! I just proved that you can! There is more to come as the month is still young! YAY! Love Christmas!

 

Just like my favorite Christmas Movie.... IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.......  No matter what.

All because of our wonderful Savior, & Lord of All, Christ Jesus, our ultimate gift, it truly is a Very Merry Christmas!

Blessings, HUGS, and Love,

Tina Maria

S.I.S.

I love when the weekend begins with a S.I.S. [Sleep. In. Saturday]

I didn't get up until 8:30 and I feel like a new woman after 9 hours of desperately needed mostly uninterrupted rest. It's a very good thing too because I am getting ready for a Christmas Luncheon at my house and I have a lot to do and only an hour to get it all done. First, I wanted to post some photos from my work Christmas Party yesterday.

Who says we can't eat dessert first! This is my one and only bite of this group shared brownie pie. I didn't like it because it was fried. I didn't know that until I tasted it. Just give me a regular baked brownie please. But it made it easy to avoid eating more than one bite, so I was happy!

Now this, I REALLY liked, a lot. So much so, that I was blessed with all the leftovers to bring home which is going to be invited to my Christmas Party Luncheon Table at my house later today. YAY! This was my one and only plate of food during the work Christmas Party because I was too busy bowling! That's right, we bowled. Old fashioned style, BOYS AGAINST THE GIRLS. Too Much Fun!

Since it had been 30 years since the last time I bowled, I picked a score of 70 for me to bowl. I outdid myself and had to throw gutters for the last 2 frames. The way we played is you decided what your score is going to be and the person who comes the closest to their own score, either under or over,  wins. So, look at that!!!! It was fun and we all had a good time. We had a lot of fun and we all want to come here again. Bumper Cars, next time!!!!

Dinner last night for me and Jack was SIMPLE! Apple Glazed Pork Loin, herb & olive bread, potato salad and sprakling water! That pork loin is a must-have-again-soon! So delicious, tender, & juicy!

Gotta rush away from here for a while to get ready for a little Christmas Luncheon Party at my house. Hope you have a wonderful Saturday.

HUGS ~
Tina Maria

And THE WINNER IS.......

CONGRATS GOES TO:

Wait, Hold it! First Things First! Let me say a HUGE, GIGANTIC THANK YOU to ALL who entered your name for up to 3 chances to win the first GIVE AWAY on my Blog Milk & Honey. It was so much fun to read all your comments and see how enthusiastic you all were in wanting to win. I LOVE IT! this just infuses me with enthusiasm to host more Give Away Prizes, so to those of you whose name did not get selected to win today, hold your places because a new prize give away will soon be announced. NOW TO THE WINNING NAME!

Thank you to Miss Rebekah Raabe who randomly selected the winning name. I am glad I didn't have to do that. I wanted you ALL to win. If I had Oprah's money I would gladly say, "and each of you who entered are being sent your own Fitbook today". I mean, who of us wouldn't want to be able to do that! I hope I do get to do something like that, someday soon.

But For now, 1 and only 1 Winner has been selected for our first M&H Blog Give Away.....

AND THE WINNER OF THE NEW FITBOOK GIVE AWAY IS.........

Dawn Charlebois

Dawn, YOU are now the lucky winner of your very own brand new FITBOOK.

Thank You so much for entering the first Milk & Honey Give Away. Your kind comments and encouragement have been such a blessing and I hope you will use your Fitbook to help you track all your progress and that you will think of me and pray for me as often as you use it.

I hope you enjoy your Fitbook as much as I do mine. I would be very interested to know how it helps you achieve your goals as we journey along together.

Dawn, please send me a private message in Facebook with your Address and I will put your Fitbook in the mail to you, this weekend. YAY!!!!! SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!

Until it arrives, here is a link to Fitbook's Website for you to browse through and learn more about your new gift. http://www.getfitbook.com/introducing-fitbook-s/35.htm
Click on the "Check It Out" view demo and turn the pages of the virtual Fitbook to see what you are getting. It's a great little gem.

I'll be thinking of you when I write in mine. :-) 

Blessings, HUGS, & Love,
Tina Maria