Hard Cooked Eggs - Baked, not Boiled!

Have you searched for years to find the perfect technique to hard boil your eggs?
I have.


I've used egg prickers, egg timers, and this awesome plastic indicator thing that turns from red to black from the outside in as the temperature increases...
It sits in the water with your eggs while they boil. And it works really well!


...But you still have to remember to check on it while your water boils...


When you struggle with ADD, like I do, you know how unreliable that can be... I walk out of the room, then remember 20 MINUTES LATER that I was cooking something!! Oops!!


#thestruggleisreal


So, I ran across directions for baked eggs...
Let me tell you.
 My life has never been the same!


This is what I do.

Step one: Gather the eggs from the chicken coop where the hens are happily laying practically every day! I store mine on the counter. You can do that with farm-fresh eggs. The chickens put "a natural bloom" on the eggs when they lay that seals and protects them. This makes it easier to tell which ones are cooked, too, since the cooked ones will go in the fridge! Besides, it's just nice to look at them, sometimes!

Step two: Preheat the oven to 320 degrees.

I know, it seems kind of random...

Step three: On baking day, wash your eggs! So, there is always some sand or dirt or..... other stuff..... on the eggs. They have not been washed prior to this because we want to leave the protective bloom on them. However, we are now going to cook them. I always clean my eggs just before cooking. If you wash your eggs as soon as you gather them, it would be prudent to store them in the fridge until you use them. Something about the porous nature of the eggshell after you remove the bloom.

Step four: Place eggs in a muffin pan. I love my mini-muffin pan (from The Pampered Chef, of course) because I can bake a full 2-dozen eggs at once!

You can use a regular sized muffin pan, but I just really love this one!

It's so beautiful!

Step five: Place the pan in the oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. Walk away without worrying that you will forget you are cooking something because YOU SET A TIMER!! Yay!

What would I do without timers?

Step six: (optional) For even easier to peel eggs, as soon as they come out of the oven, drop them into a bowl of ice water. Once they have cooled enough to handle, store in the fridge.

Was there ever a more convenient on-the-go snack?

A complete protein serving is 2 eggs.

Not up for eating your eggs alone?

Just slice them up and add them to your salad!

Which reminds me...  I have an amazing recipe for Spinach Salad that I need to share...

Stay tuned!

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"How are you not sore after falling off?"

 

“How are you not sore after falling off??” MK asks me incredulously…

 

This was the actual question posed to me.

Yes, I fell off.  At the horse show.  In my class.  And I was disqualified.

Round 1 - Fence 3

 

My flippant answer to “How are you not sore?” was, “I work out.”

While it was initially spoken in jest, I think there’s some truth in there.

 

I put in a gajillion braids...

Because I’m following a complete workout program, my core is regularly and thoroughly worked and challenged.  Therefore, when the Fancy Pony slammed on the brakes, my core was available to hold me in the middle (for an extra second, anyway).  That extra second allowed me to slow my forward trajectory to better match my pony’s lack of trajectory so that I sort of fell onto her neck and just rolled on around until I landed in the dirt.  I wasn’t grabbing with out-of-shape muscles to stay on, so they were fully available to do the job.  It’s not like you use those muscles when riding is going well…  Thanks to my integrated cardio-weights workouts, they were available just how I needed them!

 

The story gets better though!

I like this one!

 

While I was eliminated from my first round, I still had a second round to ride.

We made it a little further this time…

I sat all my refusals without falling off.

I had a few nice jumping efforts.

I had a few not-so-pretty jumping efforts…

You would think we hadn't practiced at home...

 

I had this incredible save!!

Stay in the middle...

 

Just call me Karen?

Now, what you may find difficult so see here, is that I’m hanging off of the left side of my horse by my right knee and elbow…  Somehow, I was able to channel my inner Karen O’Connor and sit right back up!

…And re-approach the offending jump…

 

I’m pretty sure I just straight up choked in my first 3’ hunter class, but I learned.  I learned more than I imagined I could in those few short minutes.  And, now, I’m back home to implement the lessons learned while pushing just a little further out of my comfort zone.

after my second refusal...

Because if we don’t push something, we won’t grow.

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How Working Out Impacts My Riding

(cross-posted to http://equestriansnob.blogspot.com/)

As you work your way up the levels of your chosen riding discipline, you may find the your body becomes less and less cooperative...  The parts just don't seem to do what you told them to do...  Or what you *thought* you told them to...

Do you follow a workout program, or do you just stick to one thing all the time?

(such as running, biking, walking, whatever)

I've been following my programs that:

 - change up the muscle groups that get worked each day

 - include cardio components

 - schedule in stretching and flexibility

 - establish core strength and stability

You wouldn't think that any of that really affects my riding one way or another...

But, when it comes down to upping the ante, I'm realizing it *is* my own solid foundation!

Working out increases my confidence!

Now, I don't fully understand why breaking a sweat each day should make any difference in my confidence, but I still notice a difference.  I think body language has much to do with it.

Check out this TED Talks Life Hack by Amy Cuddy!  If you get a chance to watch the video, I highly recommend it!

I think exercise puts me in power poses (and for more than 2 minutes at a time) and contributes to my increased confidence.  I don't have any other science to back this up.  It's just a hunch.

confidence to stick with my horse when she puts in an extra push!

Working out heightens my body awareness at all levels!

Are my heels down?  Are my hips even?  Am I sitting up straight or collapsing forward?

These questions get easier to answer by feel when I'm working out.  Out of the saddle, I'm finding all of these tiny muscles between the big muscles and slowly becoming aware of all my body parts in relation to the rest of me.

In triangle pose, I feel squished between 2 panes of glass, but when I look up, my right shoulder is a bit forward.  So, I figure out how to bring it back in line.  That translates to square shoulders in the saddle.  Because I work on it every day.  At home.  Out of the saddle.

awareness of my position so that I stay centered and out of the way when we take off from a bad spot!
(I can't see that expression without cracking up!!  LOLOL)

Working out improves my posture!

Whether I'm lifting weights or stretching into a yoga pose, I must put my body into alignment.  The actions themselves slowly install a muscle memory of balanced body parts.  Squats, especially with weights, push my weight into my heels, helping them stay DOWN when I'm in the saddle.

Resistance training teaches me to keep my chest and chin UP.

Yoga and Pilates help me keep my spine and pelvis aligned.

Because I'm training every day.

Bonus - it improves my posture OUT of the saddle, as well!

Working out solidifies my balance!

Oh, the crazy things I do at home! Yoga balance poses.  One-legged squats.  Side plank.  Chair pose!!

The better my balance is, the easier it gets to stay out of my horse's way when we work.  And when I can get out of her way, she truly becomes brilliant!

As the muscles get fatigued, my ability to balance declines.  By pushing my limits out of the saddle, my muscles gain endurance.  If I fall out of a pose at home, it's not going to impact my horse.  I can push harder and harder - all the way to my limits!  Then, I can push those limits farther!

When I get back in the saddle, I have more to offer my horse.  More stability.  More balance.  More quiet allowance.  More partnership.

I'm putting as much effort into our performance as my horse is!

Working out manages my pain.

I am a rider with a chronic back injury.  Bulged discs never completely heal.  By maintaining my core strength and flexibility on a daily basis, acute flare-ups are shorter and less painful.  It helps me build what I call "coping muscles".

Recently, my back was so tied up, I couldn't sit the canter.  I had a performance to give. Since I couldn't sit the canter, I cantered in half-seat.  I had the strength to do that much, at least.  The flexibility comes and goes, but I continue to train it anyway.  I learn how to work in a way that protects my injury while still being effective.  The hurt goes away faster.  The muscles remain more pliable.  I remain functional!!

That doesn't mean I never have bad pain days...  I still have occasions where some outside force that I have yet to identify lays me low and all I can do is take NSAIDS and lay on the couch and wait for the spasms and ache to pass.  But it's no longer taking DAYS to pass.  It seems to only take 24 hours or less.  Then, I can step right back into my routine.

It doesn't mean we're perfect, but it does mean we are both doing our best!!

Shameless Plug

I'm not at my ideal weight, yet.  I don't have a 6-pack.  I modify and work around chronic injury and pain.  I like bread and chocolate and ice cream...

Despite all of that, I am succeeding at a pace that works for me.  I am sustaining small, consistent improvements.  And I am helping others do the same thing!!

Learn more about what I do at http://dynamicwithjacq.blogspot.com/p/services.html

Spaghetti (Squash) and Parmesan Asparagus

Can you tell the difference?
I'm not going to lie to you and tell you they are exactly like pasta.  However, the texture and size is pretty darn close. At my house, we've compared and determined that we actually do like squash better than pasta!








If you've never made spaghetti squash, the entire idea can be *REALLY* intimidating.
So, I want to walk you through a gentle introduction to Spaghetti Squash.

First, pick out and purchase a Spaghetti Squash.

Look for a firm gourd.  Start with a small-ish one (that would be about 6" diameter, maybe 10" long)

They come in all sizes, but the smaller they are, the finer your "pasta" will be.

Cut off the stem end of your squash.

Slice the squash in half long ways.

Scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff.  This is very much like cleaning a pumpkin.

Puking Spaghetti Squash??

Spray the raw edges with oil (olive oil, coconut oil, Pam, whatever you use), and lay cut side down on your baking sheet.

I line mine with foil for easy clean up.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until you can poke a fork through the skin, but it doesn't tear easily...

While that's baking, prepare your spaghetti sauce and asparagus.

But, don't start too soon!  You can even wait until you've pulled the squash out of the oven and let it cool while you cook the asparagus!

When cooling my squash, I flip it cut-side-up to let as much of the steam escape as possible.

I prefer skinny, tender sprigs of asparagus.  The fatter the stalk, the more fibrous it tends to be, and the more bitter it may taste.  I used to hate asparagus, but I've grown to really love it as my go-to vegetable side!




We like Bertolli spaghetti sauces, but you can make your own, if you prefer!  I don't have a favorite recipe - yet!!




For the Asparagus:

I use the Pampered Chef Large Micro-Cooker.  I cut the bottoms off so that they fit nicely inside, then add about 1/4" of water in the bottom.  Clip the lid on and steam in the microwave on high for 5 minutes.

Look!  Fat grass!!

Once steamed, immediately drain the water, then sprinkle the asparagus with a little garlic salt and grate Parmesan cheese over the top.  Put the lid back over it to help the cheese melt.  This can just sit on the counter until you're ready to serve.

While the cheese melts, use a fork to scrape out the inside of your squash into a bowl, colander, or directly to your serving dish!


Yes, it really does look like noodles!

noodles!

Spoon sauce over the "noodles", serve up a side of asparagus, and enjoy!




For weekly food prep, I'll store my single servings in a pint-size mason jar.  I layer beef on the bottom, spoon sauce over the beef, then top to the bring with squash "noodles".  To eat, I dump the whole mess into a bowl and heat in the microwave!  Yum!!

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What SHOULD riders be wearing when they compete??

I ran across a couple articles taking opposite views about whether jackets should be required in the Grand Prix Show Jumping competitions.




Enjoy these opinion pieces from the writers at Horse Collaborative!




Let Golf Keep Polo Shirts, Real Show Jumpers Wear Coats




8 Reasons Polo Shirts Belong in the Grand Prix Ring






The hubbub started with a high-stakes, well-recognized jumping competition that waived the requirement for a jacket and allowed competitors to show in a polo shirt on a very hot weekend in California.


Some members of the equestrian community cheered such forward thinking.
Others cringed...
And everyone seems to fall clearly on one side or the other!!

schooling in 4-way stretch

Athletic wear should enhance athletic performance

or

Tradition Is More Than Just a Place We’ve Been

While I respect tradition, I no longer go to the gym in baggy sweatpants.  Yoga pants and leggings allow me the same range of motion without all the extra material getting in my way and interfering with my movement.  I would rather work out in my breeches than in baggy sweatpants!!


The only time I've actually appreciated my hunt jacket as more than a nod to tradition has been on the hunting field where it was *actually* keeping me warm on a chilly morning.  I agree that it looks sharp, but I'm not going to wear it on the cross-country course - where I need to be at my absolute nest and most agile!


I find that traditional jackets restrict my movement a little in the shoulder and elbow.  I can't even get in the saddle without having to tug my jacket back into place.  Do I really need to worry about my clothes once I'm mounted?


I'll ditch my jacket for something more "performance enhancing", thanks.

Putting on a suit jacket and tie to compete is batsh*t insane

or

Hunt Coats Today Have Come a Long Way

While I agree that technology and fabrics have really advanced, I still can't get my hunt jacket to perform as well as a fitted long-sleeve with 4-way stretch!  And that jacket has never helped cool me in heated temperatures!

winning in a suit

Now you might be thinking, BUT TECHNICAL FABRICS

or

Show Jumping Doesn’t Actually Have an Image Problem

Was someone concerned about IMAGE?  I thought that was a Hunters thing...
Nope, I'm not the least bit concerned about how great my fancy jacket looks when I'm jumping jumps.  Technical fabrics are great.  I appreciate the vents in my helmet that keep me from expiring on summer days, and I *do* wear it every time that I ride.  Advances have made my helmet stronger, cooler, and safer.
Can the same be said for my hunt coat?  It might be a little stretchier (not much - it's still looks like a suit), it might be marginally cooler (but I'm still sweating waaaay more than when I take it off), but it isn't any *safer*.  I'm still wearing it "just for looks".

If there is no image problem, why is everyone up in arms about about it?

“It’s 90 seconds in the ring. The riders can take it.”

No other sport in the world insists on a uniform that actually impedes performance.

“What’s next, McDonald’s logos on their collar?!”

I get that "you can do almost anything for 90 seconds".  While it may sometimes be called a "sports jacket", it still does nothing to help my athletic performance.  Yes.  It hinders my performance.
As far as logos are concerned, I don't see how changing the uniform makes a difference either way.  There are requirements and size limits on dressage saddle pads, so similar structure could address "decoration" on polos (or jackets, for that matter).




So, what's your take on it?  How does the jacket requirement (or lack thereof) affect you?

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On the Menu - March 2016

What have I been eating, you ask?

Well, it turns out that I prefer to eat the exact same thing all freaking week!
I'm sure that sounds ridiculously boring, but it works for me.  It also simplifies my shopping list and cooking activities.






So, here is what's on my agenda for next week:

	Main Menu	Alternatives
Breakfast:	Chocolate Shakeology With Spinach And almond milk	Um... mixed greens instead of Spinach??
2nd Breakfast	Shepherd's Pie with mixed vegetable and Cauliflower Potatoes	Broccoli Cauliflower Quiche
Lunch:	Baked Chicken Nuggets Broccoli or Green Beans	Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Snacks:	Carrots Apple Banana	Celery Melon Strawberries
Dinner:	Whatever gets planned with hubby...

What will *you* be eating?

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You don't have to drink the kool-aid!

Anyone who knows me has probably been encouraged at one time or another to step outside of their comfort zone. (Just a tiny bit)


I try to do my own share, and this past weekend, I did just that.
I judged at a high school forensics debate!


True confession, I never actually knew what Forensics was...  It was just always paired with Debate...
Debate and Forensics...


I sat there eating from a plate with some Pringles and a slice of marbled pound cake. (Yup, I'm human, too.)  The teenage girl who roped me into this gig starts going on about what a health food nut I am...  (Really??  I try so hard, but fall short - just look at the decadence on my plate!!)
And the gentleman next to me asked, "So, what do you normally eat?"


I started listing my previous day's meals and snacks...  Chocolate Shakeology with spinach...  overnight oats... carrots... quiche...  Chicken and wild rice soup (with plenty of vegetables!)...


The gentleman looked at me, horrified...
"But, you binge on junk food once in a while don't you???" (He seriously sounded terrified that I was some inhuman healthy eating lunatic)


So, I responded as honestly as I could.

"Absolutely, I do!!"

Honestly, life just isn't worth living if I can never enjoy a frozen margarita, a rich piece of cake, or a cheddar brat ever again!

So, here I was looking at my eating habits as if I still have so far to go (I have a handful of meals I rotate through, for crying out loud!), and the rest of the world is looking at me like, "How can she stand to live on that stuff? Where's the joy??"

Trust me, there is joy.  I *am* human...

It's called a "dirty dump truck"...

You don't have to ditch everything you are used to in order to eat a little healthier!

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DRINK THE KOOL-AID!

Your best bet for success is to just start small.

My journey started WAY back when I read this book... (17 years ago???)...  Potatoes, Not Prozac...

It talked about eating in a way that may help manage the symptoms of ADHD.

I started by switching from white bread to wheat bread.
A few years later, I never missed white bread!


If you only change one small thing at a time, it takes a long time to completely transform your eating habits.  But those small changes increase the likelihood that your habit will stick!

The time will pass anyway.  I can't believe it has been that long!!!

Start where you can.  Set yourself up for success!

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