Instead of sharing what I’ve been into this month, I’m linking up with Emily to share a few things that I’ve learned during this lovely month of May. (I may have a bias since May is my birthday month…)
1. I’m addicted to blogging porn. Like any multi-step program, naming the addiction/problem is the first part of the recovery process. Social media use is all tied up in my addiction, too, so I’ve been slowly weeding my garden space on the internet and replanting with intention and care. Right now, this looks like reading blogs only via Feedly and deleting Facebook from my phone.
2. I re-learned (more of a confirmation of what I already knew) how to make the perfect hard-boiled egg that peels correctly and has bright yellow yolks.
Get the perfect hard-boiled egg every time:
- Put eggs in pot (don’t overcrowd) and fill with cold water, covering the eggs by one-inch.
- Place pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Not a rolling boil, but a tiny bubble boil.
- Promptly remove from heat and cover the pot with a tight fitting lid.
- Keep covered for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, drain eggs and run under cold water until you can handle them without burning your fingers.
- Drain cold water and shake the eggs vigorously in the pot to crack the shells.
- Peel and store eggs in refrigerator.
- My favorite peeling method: Pinch cracked shell with thumb and forefinger at the top of the wider part of the egg. There’s usually an air pocket there which allows you to get under the membrane that holds the shell together. Pull shell away and gently wedge your thumb under the remaining shell/membrane. Slide your thumb along the egg to take off the remaining shell. Run under water to remove residual shell pieces.
3. Parenthood is a constantly evolving, ever changing role that makes me more overwhelmed and more proud/joyful/energized than anything else. James scooted and slept in his own room for the first time this past week!
4. I’ve always been a little disturbed by how much dish soap it takes to wash my dirty dishes. I use a pump soap dispenser and find myself constantly reapplying to my sponge since most of the new soap gets liberally smeared on the next dish. What I needed was instant lather. Getting instant lather takes a minor investment and will save you a good chunk of money per year.
How to save money on dish soap:
- Buy a foaming anti-bacterial hand soap from Bath and Body Works. (Do they sell cheaper ones elsewhere?) Enjoy the lovely scent until it runs out.
- Fill the empty container 1/3 full of your desired dish soap. Fill the rest of the container with water, leaving about 1/2″ airspace.
- Screw the lid back on and shake, shake, shake until the soap and the water are mixed.
- Voila. You now have a foaming dish soap that gives you instant lather without wasting endless soap!
5. I LOVE smoothies. Why have I resisted all my life? On a normal day, I will whir up a banana, 1 cup whole strawberries, and 1 cup unsweetened almond milk. I pinned this smoothie a couple days ago and made an adapted version yesterday. Just. So. Good.
6. Especially when life gets overwhelming, it’s important to celebrate small victories.
photo credit: quinn.anya (egg) & Bill Selak (dish soap) via photopin cc
Emily C Gardner 
I’ve been really into hard boiled eggs lately, and it’s been a crapshoot if it peels correctly so thanks for the tips :)
I hope this method helps, Allie!
I love foaming dish soap. Target carries a foaming dish soap (Method brand) that is about half the price (I think) of Bath and Body Works and the bottle is bigger. I do the same with hand soap, I refill with Dr Bronners Peppermint (works great as a body wash as well). I’ve been reusing the same bottles for a few years, after I while they get kind of goopy, just soak in hot water then pump the hot water through it a few times to clean it out — good as new.
I’m glad other people do this too! I’m going to have to track down some Dr. Bronners – sounds fun (and refreshing…).