How to Hard Boil Farm Fresh Eggs - Easy Peel!

If you have ever tried to hard boil farm fresh eggs, then you will remember the frustration and damage you do to those eggs trying to peel them. 

You end up losing parts of the egg and need a dozen to end up with 8! 

As much as we all love fresh eggs, this is the one downfall if you love hard boiled.

My sister-in-law has a farm and we often bring home fresh eggs.

But I would save those for fried, omelettes, poached and then use store bought eggs for the hard boiled version to make egg salad sandwiches and other dishes.

But I have found the secret to easy peeling and here it is:

Step 1 - Bring a pot of water to a boil and then carefully lower the eggs into the pot.  Make sure there is enough water to cover them completely.

Step 2 - Boil 8 minutes

Step 3 - Leave on burner but turn off the heat and let them sit there for 20 minutes.

Step 4 - Drain the pot and then with the lid on shake a bit to start some cracks in the eggs.

Step 5 - (this is the trick!)  Cover them with ice water.

Step 6 - Leave in the ice water until they are completely cooled.

Step 7 - PEEL and you will be amazed.

This way you can enjoy your fresh farm eggs as sandwiches and any other dishes that require hard boiled and peeled.

Have the Ice Water Ready before Step 4, so you don't have to go looking.

I simply take a large bowl or jug and fill with ice cubes and then fill with coldest water from the tap a few minutes before draining the eggs.

That is it!

The older the eggs the easier they are to peel.  But I totally enjoy the farm fresh ones as I find their yolks to be darker yellow and they just taste better.  Her hens are free range and happy so the eggs are always nice.

Hope this helps you for that next batch of egg salad sandwiches with fresh eggs!

Make Losing Weight and Getting Healthy a Little Easier with this Idea

Well its the New Year, and along with the calendar change comes the resolutions!

Did you make any this year?  I don't usually because it tends to set me up for failure, but this year, after my blood pressure medication was raised, I decided it was time to lose a few pounds and get healthier.

But Just How Can I Lose Weight without Deprivation, Calorie Counting and Misery?

I talked to a dietitian, that was at a local pharmacy handing out information on health issues, and I asked her what was the best way for someone like me to lose weight with no will power?

Her answer "Start with Portion Control" and add an extra walk to my day.

Portion Control??

She said simply measuring out your portions instead of cutting out entire food groups was much easier.  This way you shaved off some calories but still enjoyed your food from all food groups.

She stated the benefits were huge, and you were more likely to stick to it when it was already measured out on the plate.

Benefits of Portion Control

1.  No deprivation of favourite foods

2.  No cutting out entire food groups

3.  No Calorie Counting

I had visions of measuring cups, scales, teaspoons etc!

She frowned and said, why not try portion control diet plates or containers?

Brilliant Idea!

I found this plate on Amazon.  It has a guide right on it.  Fill half your plate with veggies and 1/4 of protein and 1/4 starch.  It is sized in such a way that you can't overfill.



It is a good way to get started.  Actually this is when I realized that my portions had grown, so this brings me back to a normal sized helping.

You could also take a few days and measure out your food and use one of your own plates.  But I just thought this was a worthwhile investment for 10 bucks.

Another option is containers.  These are pre-measured and ready to go for your packed lunches, or simply your entire day of food.  I also found these on Amazon below:


I just know I have to do something, and using aids of some kind, will give me the kick I need to get my weight down.

As it turns out, I ate good healthy foods, just too much of them.

No Calorie Counting!

This is the best method for me.  I am not the best at calories counting, writing my food down, or measuring.  The above ideas, take the guess work out of the size of my portions.

I have also added an extra walk to my day, and make a point of using stairs always.

Anyways,
HAPPY NEW YEAR
May this be the best year ever for changing your bad habits!

5 Last Minute Gifts for Under 10 Dollars

You can get creative when it comes to gift giving.   The holidays can be a super strain on budgets, and yes it is easy to simply click a few buttons online and up your credit card with the latest gadget.

But this year, why not just take a little bit more time and get creative?

5 Last Minute Gifts for Under 10 Dollars

1.  Coffee Mugs -  with Small pack of Chocolates or cookies and a handwritten coupon for a coffee date.

This way they will enjoy the mug and goodies and look forward to a date with you in January when funds might be a little better.  You can get coffee mugs at the dollar store.

2.  Printables - You can purchase 8x10 inspirational, funny, adult, cute or bathroom prints online that you download and print yourself.  You can then get a frame from the dollar tree or refinish one from the thrift shop or use one you have already.

Dare to be Different would make a cute printable.  I enjoy art printables as most of them are easy to print in your own printer, so no printing costs other than a bit of your ink.   Most are under 10 dollars and some even under 5 bucks!

3.  Food Basket - Get creative with the Dollar Store!  Purchase a colander, garlic shredder, spaghetti fork and clear cellophane and ribbon from the Dollar store, then head to the grocery store for a bottle of pasta sauce and a package of spaghetti or pasta.  Place items in the colander and wrap in the cellophane and ribbon.  Change up the theme if you wish, but you get the idea.

4.  Coffee Making Gifts for the Coffee Lovers - Purchase a small coffee or canister tin from the dollar Tree, then head to a large grocery store that has coffee bean grinding abilities (check the coffee aisle) and grind just a few beans from a few different types of coffee, enough to make a pot.  Label the little bags, and place in the coffee tin.  This way they can try different coffees

5.  Layered Cookie Jar and Recipe - If you love to bake, then this would make an awesome affordable gift under 10 bucks!  Get a mason jar from the dollar store and clean and dry.  Layer all the dry ingredients needed to make a batch of cookies.  Print out the recipe and tie around jar with jute twine or cute ribbon.  This way all they need to add is the eggs.

Check out this video below to see one being made:

 I have received this type of gift before, and it is so easy to make the cookies when you have all the measured ingredients in the jar ready to go.

You can decorate the jar many different ways, you could even add a cookie cutter or wooden spoon for some fun.

I Hope You Are Now Inspired to Get Creative with Gifts Under 10 Dollars!

The above 5 ideas,  I hope have got you thinking about your gift giving this year.  If you are an avid baker, you might not need to spend any money as you may have these ingredients in the house. 

But also remember, that people love to spend time with you or receive a bit of help.  If you are super broke, you can create coupons for a visit, helping with gardening, a walk in the park, babysitting, walking the dog, or anything that would make life easier without spending a bucket full of money.

Merry Christmas!


 

How to Make Mini Yarn Pom Poms with a Fork and Tiny Yarn Hats

As I was making some Christmas tree ornaments this year from my old wine corks, I needed a tiny pom pom for the Reindeer nose.

I didn't want to go and buy any, so I went looking and came across this video by ArtsandCrafts on how to use a fork to make a mini pom pom.

Check it out, then I will show you the video to use up those wine corks into rustic Reindeer and then a picture of my completed Wine cork snowman!

This is such a cool idea!  Up until now, I have only ever made pom poms from a cardboard circle, and it would have to be pretty small to create these tiny ones.

I would never have thought of using a fork!  Learn something new everyday.

I love being able to create crafts, such as ornaments with very little store visits.  Just using up craft supplies I have on hand.

Keep a Tub or Box Just for Craft Leftovers

Last year I invested in a large plastic tub that would fit on my closet shelf to house leftover craft materials and labelled it "leftovers".

This way they are kept all in one spot, and you can poke through them when it comes time for smaller crafts such as Christmas tree ornaments or gift tags.

Now I will show you the video I was following for Christmas wine cork reindeer.  This is where I needed the pom poms for the nose, and didn't wan to go and buy any!

Video by Stefan Weetvan - super short video tutorial

I love the simple crafts, that you can do quickly with minimal supplies.  I found most of the twigs in the park.  Just make sure to let them dry out before using if the twigs have been out in snow, or rain etc.

You could take this craft a step further and paint the corks, or add more embellishments, such as more pom poms, now that you can make them quickly from left over yarn and a fork!.

Wine Cork Snowman with Yarn Hat

This picture is of a wine cork snowman I just created!

I painted it white, added eyes and mouth and used a tooth pick for the nose and colored it orange with a marker.

I added a fabric scarf and this cute tiny yarn hat, which I also just learned how to do from Youtube!

If you love these little mini yarn hats then check out this video on how to make them below and don't throw away your empty toilet rolls...  You could also make them larger as a stand alone Christmas decoration.

I followed this video to make the above hat for my wine cork snowman and added a wire that I threaded through the hat so I can hang this on the tree.

NOTE:  On my smaller wine corks I took a piece of cardboard and wrapped it around the top of the cork to get a snugger fit and taped it together for the hat form.

My decorations were looking a bit tired so this year I looked at my pile of wine corks and my box of leftover craft supplies, and decided to get creative.  Between youtube and supplies I think I did ok!

DIY Christmas Card Display by Upcycling a Window Shutter

I love receiving Christmas cards in the mail, and when I was a kid we got so many my mom would add string to the wall to hang them on.

Usually this meant some kind of tape, which of course took off the paint.  Or they would display then all over the mantle.  But I wanted a cuter more effective way to display the cards!

By using an old window shutter, you can really display them as part of your holiday decor.

I found this quick video by Red Cottage Chronicals, on how to make it.  You can go wild with paint and bows, or simply leave it in it's rustic shape especially if you scoured the reuse center or thrift shop.

Upcycling a old window shutter works super well.  I have found these in many re-use centers, second hand stores and some thrift shops.  Or simply purchase one online.

You could also consider a louvered closet door if you have a lot of cards.  The one I found online is super cute and under 30 bucks, you just need to paint it festive colors and turn it the other way to hold the cards.

Lean against the wall and show off all your cards.

How to Make:

Take a window shutter or louvered door and clean it up if used.

Paint with a good primer if you want it covered such as Zinsser (this covers everything without sanding)

This primer literally covers all old paint. Just scrape off any loose bits. It creates a base for any paint you choose.

Paint the colors of your choice

Decorate as she did in the video with a garland or greenery glued to the top (dollar store has lots to choose from for this part of the project)

Lean against the wall or hang on the wall with a good hook or 3M hook (this doesn't leave marks)

Hang all those wonderful cards you have been getting in the mail.

If you are not a fan of the DIY but want a super cool way to hang cards this year, I found a couple of affordable ideas online with Amazon.

I love making the cards part of the holiday decor. I feel people have spent time on picking them and personalizing them to send to me, so it is only fitting that I display them.

...or Upcycle a Crib Rail Side

I saw this idea and thought it was perfect as well.  If there are any old cribs around, use one of the sides, paint it and hang it vertical to create rails for the cards to be displayed on.  Add a few garnishes, such as a garland and you are done!

Easy to store for each season too!

It's end of November at this writing and I got my first card in the mail today!  Time to get started on my display!

How to Upcycle Christmas Cards into Gift Tags

I still have last years Christmas cards, and instead of throwing them out, I decided to make them into tags after watching this super short and yet simple video.

Many of the cards had beautiful fronts, and so it was fitting to create round tags using a punch.

Check out the video:

This is a very simple process.  You could cut them out yourself by using a glass and tracing the circle, or you can do it super quick with a punch.  If you do scrap-booking, you probably already have a punch, if not, I found one on Amazon.


This is a 2 inch punch.

Just think of all the gift tags you could make, once you have this punch, as it speeds things up!

After you have punched them out (you can get 2 or 3 out of a card front depending on its size). You simply need to punch a tiny hole for some string.  I just happened to have some fine red wool left over from a knitting project, so I used that.

Get started now, These are Fun to Make

I got myself organized this year, and purchased a small plastic storage container just to house my recycled cards and tags in.  I keep the punches with them and when I am wrapping, I don't have to go hunting.

Gift Tag Shape Punch

The simple tag above, is obviously round, but if you prefer the traditional "gift tag shape"  I found another hole punch online that creates 3 different sizes.  Just think of the possibilities!  I know I am, for birthdays, Christmas and more.

Create Gift Tags from anything you can punch out!  You could also punch out of plain card stock and decorate yourself.


These tags could also be made into unique pieces of art to add to your gift giving.

Recycle and Upcycle!

It is so easy to turn last years cards into beautiful gift tags.  There really is no need to purchase tags separately.  It is expensive enough at this time of year.

So whether you wish to invest in hole punches in different shapes and sizes, or if you simply want to use a glass and draw a circle, it doesn't matter.  Just reuse the best you can!

Upcycle Punched out Tags into New Christmas Cards

This is a side project, but if you get over excited and make too may tags, then here is a wonderful idea!

Take one piece of card stock and cut in half.

Fold each half over (you now have 2 cards from one sheet) and with a bone folder or a ruler make sure the fold is crisp.

Take some of your punched out round tags and glue to the front of the card.  Or many different shapes, if you have different shaped punches, and you now have a brand new Christmas card made from the old ones!

DIY Perfect Popcorn on the Stove

With microwave popcorn readily available, the old fashioned "pop your own" seems to have disappeared.

But I have to to tell you, there is a HUGE difference in taste, plus I am not sure about the microwave popcorn myself.

But I was sent on an errand for my daughter in law to buy "unpopped popcorn" but what she really meant was the microwave stuff.... so I have a bag of plain unpopped corn sitting around.  So decided to try it.

Check out this video by Simply Recipes:

What you will Need:

*Oil of some kind, they use coconut oil, but you can also use vegetable oil.

*Note:  Don't use olive oil as this is too high a temp and will give a burnt flavor.  Keep olive oil for your salads.

*Unpopped corn (You can usually get this in a bag at grocery store in the same section as popcorn and nuts etc)

*Butter and salt for flavors..

Method:

Step 1 - In a large pot, cover the bottom of the pot with oil.

Step 2 - Heat on med/high heat

Step 3 - Add a couple of kernels when the oil is starting to slightly sizzle, and wait for them to pop.

Step 4 - Once they pop add in the rest.  (follow the bag for amounts)

SECRET RIGHT HERE....  so this is the true secret to beautifully popped and no burnt popcorn.

➽Step 5 - After pouring in the kernels, take the pot off the heat for 30 seconds, sit it on a heat proof mat.  This I think allows the kernels to get into the oil

Step 6 - Then place back on the heat with a lid slightly ajar to let the steam out. (definitely don't forget the lid or you will have popcorn popping everywhere!).

Step 7 - Shake the pan back and forth a bit.

Step 8 - Once the popping mostly stops.  Pour into a waiting large bowl.

Step 9 - Put the pot back on the heat and melt some butter.

Step 10 - Pour over the popcorn and add salt and other seasonings of your choice.

Mix.

That's it!! 

Cozy up somewhere, put on Netflix and get munching!

Obviously you have to be careful around any hot pot or oil, so you can't just leave this like a popcorn maker, but there really is a difference in taste.

It tastes much fresher.

Now that you have the hang of this, you can make you own much cheaper than the microwave stuff.

If you truly don't like the idea of the stove top version, and don't have a microwave, you can get a air popcorn maker.

Give the above method a chance. I find this method tastes just like at the movies!