Wow!  I was just sitting here thinking about what I could do to pass the time while the eggs I put on the stove to be boiled, well boiled and it hit me!!!  Why the heck haven't I put on and shared with you all how I make my fool proof boiled eggs.

After years of hearing how others do it; putting a dash of baking soda in the water while the eggs boiled, let the water boil first then put the eggs in, put the eggs in before it boils, cover the eggs after they are done and let sit, etc, etc, etc. I stumbled upon my way (and maybe others) just on complete accident.

Before I tell my story (hehehe, sounds like the beginning of a 20/20 news event) I want you to know a couple of things: 1. These are not made fast, it is a slower process so if you are looking for a quick hard boiled egg recipe, this is not it. 2. I wouldn't call these hard boiled or soft boiled... more of a slow boiled ending with the results of a hard boiled egg.

Okay back to the story...

One night I decided that I was going to make some hard boiled eggs for the following morning's breakfast and maybe even for the next day.  I am a true believer in putting the eggs in before the water is even hot.  So I put a pot of water on the stove with my single layer of eggs at the bottom and I let them come to a boil, turned it down a bit and intended to let them boil for about 5-10 minutes and then let them cool off in the hot water with a lid on it because 7/10 times this is a great method of cooking eggs.

Well that is not what happened.  I forgot they were cooking!! *GASP*

About 20 minutes after I started cooking them boyfriend asked if I was cooking rubber eggs and that's when I remembered!  To play it off nicely I laughed and said, oh no I meant to cook them this long, hehehehe.  I waited about another minute because at that point I though that there was no way I was going to get the shell to come off and because I had to play the whole "I meant to do it" scenario.  I skipped the covering and drained the eggs and ran them under cold water until the water stayed cool and I could touch the eggs.  I then, because I just had to see, cracked the outside of one of the eggs and began to peel.  I expected the whites would be stuck badly to the inside of the shell.  I expected a tragedy!

I was fooled!!!  The egg de-shelled perfectly!!!

Long story short, the best eggs I had ever made occurred on this what began as an unfortunate boiling night!

So here is the how to on these eggs in a little less story telling format...

First fill a pot with enough water to cover how ever many eggs you are going to boil (a single layer of eggs, do not stack). Add the eggs to the water and ensure that the water is covering the eggs, like below I didn't have enough so I added a bit more.

Then bring the water to a boil.  Doesn't have to be a rapid boil for you to start the timer and turn down the heat.  I turn the heat down to just above a simmer so it continues to boil without overflowing.  Set a timer (hehehe because you dont want to forget) for 25 minutes and let the heat and water work its magic.

Once it is done boiling immediately drain hot water (I just drain as much as I can from the pot so I don't dirty any other dishes) and then fill the pot back up with cold running water.  Empty once maybe twice, to get rid of the warm water (the eggs and pot will heat the water back up).  Once the water is cool and the eggs are cool enough to touch transfer them to a bowl and put in the refrigerator until completely cooled (at least 2 hours maybe a bit longer).

Once cooled you can peel with ease and serve however you planned.  Beautifully shelled eggs are great for; breakfast, deviled eggs, cobb salads, egg salad and so much more!!

Now I know that there are a million posts about how to make the perfect egg but I really hope that you do give this one a try.  It is the best one I have found, even if it was on accident!

Throwback Thursday--- Salmon Pouches

I wanted to do a throwback to a summertastic dinner idea!  

It is that time of the year to turn that grill on and create some amazing dishes!

This salmon pouch dish is one that is always a hit at my house.  It is easy and super yummy!  For the recipe of click HERE and scroll down till you see these scrumptious pouches.

If you are wondering how in the world to make a pouch that vents but doesn't leak see my original post HERE for a how to.

It is not only a family favorite but it is one of my blog favorites too!

Would love to hear your thoughts on these super easy salmon pouches... Let me know your variations or what you think.

Best Mushroom Soup Ever!

I guess the title of this is more my opinion than anything else but I love this soup!!  The mushroom flavor is just to die for!

It is too hot for soup but I don't care, this is a good anytime soup that just hits that mushroom craving spot (you know if you have one *WINK*).

This soup is an adaptation to one that I found on Skinnytaste.com.  I have used more "clean" type of ingredients.

So here is what I do...

I gather all my ingredients... Organic chicken broth, white button mushrooms, celery, wheat flour, and portabella mushrooms.  I cut up the mushrooms but leave the celery whole.  I don't cut the celery because I am going to have to gathering it out of the soup later and blend it.  I cut it up the first time I made this soup because I didn't read the directions fully and man was it hard to get it out of the broth.  That is what makes cooking fun though and well I learned from my mistake.

Okay, then I put the broth and the flour into a blender to blend it together (it is definitely easier than mixing it together with a whisk or fork).

At this point rest is pretty simple...

Putting everything in a medium size pot.  You first let in boil then bring it down to a simmer and cover.  It will seem like it is going to over flow out of the pot but as long and you have it low and covered that won't happen.  

Once it has been simmering for about 20 minutes it is time to put the finishing touches on!

Taking the celery out and some of the soup and placing it into a blender (blend, obviously) then return the smooth mixture to the pot and let simmer for a little bit longer.

I don't know if you noticed that I have not added any seasonings.  It seems weird I am sure but I want the soup flavored by the mushrooms and celery.  When the soup is finally finished and you ladle yourself some into a bowl... taste it.  If you would like to add pepper and salt this is when I do it.  Sometimes I don't put any in, others I need my salty friend.

For the full recipe click HERE and scroll down.

VIOLA!  

Awesome, flavorful, mushroomtastic soup!

Enjoy!

A How-To: Cleaning Your Yoga Mat

I have to be honest... 

When first starting yoga many years ago it really never occurred to me that I may have to clean my yoga mat.  Cue YUCK!  But here is the thing I don't wear it and once put away I didn't think about it.  It wasn't until I went to a real yoga studio and saw others doing it that it clicked... DUH!  I sweat on my mat, I touch my mat, my sweaty clothes touch the mat... Why in the world wouldn't I clean it?!?!

So then I just started cleaning it with the wipes that they had at the studio.

Now that I am doing yoga only at home because of the Yoga Boot Camp I am in and the love I have for my yogi guide Adriene I knew I had to come up with a way to clean the mat at home.  

Luckily that was easy because on Adriene's blog she was kind enough to show a little how to on making your own yoga cleaning spray. To see her how to video click HERE.  

Here is my version though so you can see what I used since I have to work a little bit on a budget.

So I used the ingredients that she provided but I had to cheap it down with not 100% essential oils and a cheapy version of witch hazel.  I got the plastic bottle for 99cents at Wal-mart too!
I followed her directions...

3/4 full distilled water and the rest witch hazel then about 5 drops of an essential oil.

I did lavender in the pink bottle and the I did mint rosemary in the green bottle (seen below). 

I chose lavender because it helps to relieve stress and improve your mood (if you choose to use 100% oil it you can use it sparingly on yourself to help relieve stress, tension or even disinfect your scalp, you can search for other health benefits on google of click HERE for an awesome article).

I chose rosemary mint for the other bottle because mint helps calm the body and rosemary is wonderful for many reasons including stress relief.  Using rosemary by itself is also marvelous!  If used topically it helps with clarity, headaches and pain relief.  Click HERE for more info on rosemary, since you know I am no expert.

Once you have made your spray, use it liberally on your mat (I let it sit for about 30 seconds) and then wipe with a cloth with the grain of your mat. 

I love this spray and it makes my mat smell amazing!

I use it about every other day depending on my yoga sessions and how sweaty I get. 

Keep Cool Fellow Tucsonans!

I have three cranky kiddos when we reach heat that is hitting record breaking temps!  What does a mom do to keep things cool?  Here are some ideas for parents in our area:

1. Mount Lemmon

This may seem like a give in but I had to put it on my list because there are so many awesome things to do and it is usually 20 degrees cooler!  What does our family do while on Mount Lemmon?  We hike, fish, picnic, explore, ride the ski lift, and eat scrumptious giant cookies from the Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven.

2. Pima County Libraries

I love this one!  We start at the beginning of the summer and sign up the kiddos for their summer reading programs. The kids can earn prizes and at the same time you win as a mom because you can get your kiddos to read during the summer!  On top of the awesome reading program there are many neat free classes that your kiddos can join, play and learn from.  They range from Minecraft times, science experiment demos, magic shows, and so much more!  Click the Pima County picture below to find events at a library near you.

3. YMCA Swimming

This one is if you are adventurous enough to go out in the heat and sun (wear lots of sun block and drink lots of water). Even if you are not a member of the YMCA you can take yourself and your kids to swim for pretty cheap.  If you are under the age of 17 you can swim for $1, over 17 is $3.  There are certain times in which open swim is so check out the YMCA website for your local YMCA and times that they are open for swimming.

4. Bedroxx Bowling

I personally love this alley the most and that is why it joined my list.  Beat the heat in a rock solid fun environment.  Here is the prices I have found that make going here even more solid...

Monday Family Movie Night--- $30 for 6 people to use a lane for 2 hrs, includes shoes, 12" pizza and soda, plus a fun family movie!

Tuesday--- 6-10 pm has $1 games and $1 shoes.

Wednesday--- $8 a person which includes the price of shoes and unlimited bowling from 7- 10 pm

5. Reid Park Summer Movie Nights

This is FREE!!!  Grab a blanket, chairs and a dinner picnic and get ready for a fun evening.  Cox puts on a movie for your family to enjoy right in the middle of the cozy Reid Park.  You can start setting up camp around 6:30 and the movie begins at dusk.  There are some vendors and fun activities for your family to enjoy while there. More information, click on the picture below.

Would love to hear from you all about any other cool events going on in Tucson.  Leave info in the comments if you have anything you would like to share with all of us.  

Yoga Revival!

Well it has been a short minute since I even thought about blogging because I was super busy with the end of the school year and all the shenanigans that come along with it. 

But here I am now and I feel awesome!  The end of the school year was not the only thing that has made me feel magnificent (AHHH a break) but because I decided to take the leap and join a 30 day yoga camp.  Cue blog point...

I wanted to share with you the amazing program that has jump started me into holding onto my health and well being.  I am pretty good at keeping on the "clean" eating band wagon but I needed an exercise routine that could go with it.  I don't like the gym, I don't like running (especially here in Tucson where we have been hitting record temps) and well I don't like exercise!  But I can stand yoga.  I have off and on gone to yoga to help with weight loss and healthy living but I found something finally that I believe will keep me going on the "workout" train.  

With the help of the amazing Adriene, I have been able to let go stress, work through problems and keep to my eating habits with more ease.  Who is Adriene you ask... she is my yogi guide.  You can find her at her blog Yoga With Adriene.  She has free yoga videos, tips and astounding advice.  I just finished day 10 today of her yoga "boot camp" and I can already feel the startling difference it is making in my life.  If you are looking for a new way to accept yourself and let go of some inner stresses you may not even know you were holding onto her camp is great with mantra's that help you understand, accept and be present in your life.  

Now you may be thinking this is a marketing ploy but I assure you it isn't.  This is just me shouting from the roof tops that I love my new found awesomeness and Adriene just happen to help me find my inner strength.  

Thanks friends!

Namaste!

Weekend Shenanigans With the Daughter :)

This past weekend I took a morning to hang with daughter.  We decided to visit a local Farmer's Market but I decided to surprise her with a stop for a quick breakfast at Roadrunner Cafe.  It was the first time either of us had been to this certain little cafe.  I was taken back by how sweet and homey it felt.  There were clearly regulars hanging out and talking and the owner (I assume he was the owner) was involved with the conversation.  He also was so nice to daughter and she loved, for the first time ever, the strawberry smoothie she got.  I say the first time ever because usually she hates the smoothies from coffee shops but she loved this one and the impressive whipped cream on top!

I got a caramel macchiato that was the best thing I have ever had!  I decided I even liked it better than Starbucks!!  

If you are ever in Tucson I highly recommend this local cafe :)

After we ate we took our drinks to go and headed to the Heirloom Farmer's Market up at the Steam Pump Ranch.  I was super excited because I LOVE the Rillito Park one.  When we got there I noticed immediately that it was so much smaller.  I do not know if it is always like this but it was this past Saturday.

I got some gigantic cucumbers (made a cucumber salad with those) and some pretty plump carrots (which I am eating right now with hummus).  
I do have to say though I will probably stick with the Rillito one though because it is closer to my home and it had more options.
Either way though I am a firm believer in Farmer's Markets because they are local people just trying to make a living with great ideas and stupendous food!