Put your eggs into a small saucepan and pour enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1-inch (2.5 cm). If you want to cook more than 4 eggs, consider using a larger pot or cooking them in batches. This will ensure that you can remove the eggs quickly, so they won't overcook.

Summary: Cover the eggs with cold water.

In all the studies that were done on foods, scientists were able to determine a specific list of foods that are low in phthalates. These are foods you should focus on in your diet to help you reduce your exposure to this chemical. Dairy products like low-fat milk and yogurt have low levels of phthalates as do eggs. Avoid high fat foods such as creams, whole milk, and fatty meats as much as possible. Among the grain group, pasta, rice and noodles consistently ranked lower in phthalates. In conventional fruits and vegetables, phthalates levels were very low; however, this is not true for conventional canned fruits, vegetables and pickles. Avoid canned or processed foods. Bottled water and other canned/bottled beverages were found to have low levels of phthalates. Although these foods are found to have low levels of phthalates, they are not completely free of them. In addition to focusing more on foods that are lower in phthalate levels, it's best to be aware of the foods that have high levels. Stay away from these foods to reduce your overall exposure: Studies have shown that phthalates were detectable at high levels in beef, poultry and pork. Specifically in poultry, levels were high in the skin. A few studies showed the phthalate level was lower in frozen meat and poultry. High levels of phthalates were detected in fats like butter, margarine, cooking oils and animal fats (like lard). Dairy items like heavy cream, ice cream and cheese had high to very high levels of phthalates. Studies have also shown that phthalates are particularly high in some packaged foods. Try to avoid these foods, especially for children, as you may be surprised at the concentration levels of phthalates. Studies have shown that children get exposed to the highest concentration of phthalates from common packaged goods. Since these chemicals have serious effects on infants and children, its important to avoid these foods. Scientist believe that part of the reason packaged foods in particular are so high in phthalates is that these chemicals are already present in the food in addition to the packaging. The phthalates can be transferred from the packaging to the food itself. Try to avoid packaged and processed foods (like cereals, crackers, and even infant formula). Make your own versions of you and your child's favorite items from scratch at home. Since studies have shown that phthalates are unfortunately found in many foods, the best way to avoid this chemical may be by purchasing and eating 100% organic items. 100% organic foods are strictly monitored by the USDA. The farmers and manufactures have to follow a very specific set of guidelines to make sure foods are not exposed to a variety of different pesticides or chemicals including phthalates. Since many synthetic pesticides that are sprayed onto fruits and vegetables contain phthalates, make sure to look for produce that's labeled 100% organic. Also consider purchasing 100% organic dairy and meat products. Phthalates seem to be attracted to fat and are found in high quantities in dairy products and meat products; however, DEHP, a toxic phthalate, has been found in certified organic dairy products. This may be because, even on small farms, milk is collected from cow's udders using plastic tubing.

Summary: Choose foods that are naturally low in phthalates. Avoid foods known to be very high in phthalates. Avoid packaged foods. Choose 100% organic foods.

You may be tempted to hold off on delivering the bad news because you don't want to be blamed for the bad news, even when it's not your fault. However, delaying will often make the problem worse. For one, if your boss finds out that you didn't tell them, they're going to be even more unhappy. Also, if your boss has the bad news, they'll be able to prepare for the consequences instead of being blindsided by them, which means the company's reaction as a whole can be more positive. Any problems with significant consequences should be reported as quickly as possible. Assess the potential impact of a problem to determine when to report it. Any issue that may result in danger or law suits, such as major violations of company policy, should be reported immediately. The sooner you get the information to your boss, the sooner they can take it to their boss, if they're not the head of the company. If the bad news is not urgent, keep your eyes open to see when your boss seems less busy. When you notice their workflow slowing down a bit, go in and ask if you can talk to them. That way, you give them a chance to push it off to another time if they don't have the time right now. However, an important issue, such as sexual harassment, should be reported immediately, regardless of how busy your boss is. For less pressing news, you could pick a time when you know the person will be in a good mood, as then the bad news won't come as such a blow. For instance, you could say, "I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Is now a good time?" Also mention about how long you think it will take. You definitely don't want to catch your boss as they're trying to get out the door or running downstairs for lunch. You could also send an email asking about a good time if that's more your boss's style. Trying to soften the blow with rhetoric is not going to help. Just get to the point. Your boss is busy, and most busy people prefer directness, as it takes less time and they don't have to guess at what you mean. Therefore, have a concise statement to open the conversation with. For example, you could use a statement like, "I have some problems with the new line." Phrasing the statement that way reflects ownership and the acceptance of responsibility. If you blame others, you may be viewed as a whistle-blower or company rat. On the other hand, if you know your boss likes small talk, it can help soften the blow to chat a bit first. Your tone sets the mood. If you treat the problem as something that can be fixed and you remain positive, your boss will likely see it that way, too. However, if you're all doom and gloom and come in with a depressed posture, your boss is going to pick up on that, too. Make sure you stand up straight, look your boss in the eye, and speak in a clear tone of voice. That shows you have the confidence to solve the problem.
Summary: Don't wait. Find a good time to talk. Get to the point. Pay attention to your tone.