ONE CHICKEN, TWO WAYS

I have a reputation for not being much of a cook. I am a smart girl, so when I have a man around who is ready, willing, and able I'm not going to deny him the opportunity to show me his skills. I am more than happy to do the dishes if that means I have someone cooking for me, but the truth is that I do know how to do a thing or two in the kitchen.

For example, I baked a whole chicken in my slow cooker a couple of days ago and it came out so much better than those rotisserie chickens they sell at the grocery store, which not to mention are made with added sugar. As it turns out sugar isn't necessary to have a moist and flavorful chicken if you just do it yourself!

Slow Cooking Chicken

1 - Whole Chicken

1 - Lemon

2 - Cloves of Garlic

1 - Shallot

A Few Pinches of Herb Seasoning 

Start by rinsing off the chicken and patting it dry. Then, slice a lemon in half and place one half inside the carcass while continuing to slice the other half to place on the bottom of the slow cooker pot and on top of the bird for flavoring. In addition to the lemon, also place garlic and shallots inside the carcass and around the bird. Finally, sprinkle a few pinches of your favorite herb seasoning on the chicken to give it a little more flavor. There's no need to buy a special one, I used Simply Organic's Garlic n' Herb that I had sitting in my pantry. When you are finished seasoning the chicken place in your slow cooker and set it on low to cook for 7.5 hours. It's the perfect weeknight dinner!

Here's another tip - the chicken also makes for a great lunch the next day. You can use the leftovers to make a light and healthy chicken salad like I did.

Avocado Chicken Salad

Leftover Chicken

1 - Avocado

1/4 - Yellow Onion

1/2 - Lemon

1 or 2 Pinches of Garlic Powder & Cracked Pepper 

Shred the leftover chicken in a medium sized bowl. Add chopped avocado and onion, then sprinkle garlic powder and cracked pepper to taste. Mash and mix ingredients together, and then squeeze lemon juice over the top for added flavor and to keep the avocado from browning. You can either eat this Avocado Chicken Salad carb-free or make into a tasty wrap. I usually opt for the wrap using Food for Life's Gluten-Free Brown Rice Tortillas, which you can buy at Whole Foods.

And there you have it - two healthy home cooked meals made by myself! 

If you have any questions, please ask below in the comments section OR feel free to share tips for your favorite chicken dish.

xo

Jen

YOGA IN THE PARK

Have you ever thought about taking your yoga practice outdoors? I had never given it much thought until I went on a date a couple of months ago and while we didn't hit it off, the date wasn't a complete waste of my time because he introduced me to the idea of Yoga in the Park in Dana Point.

Yoga in the Park takes place every morning at 10am rain or shine in Lantern Bay Park located on the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott. It is a donation based class taught by various instructors from the South County region who also teach at local studios. All are welcome, including your kiddos and furry friends!

The class I took on Friday morning was taught by Laura Lutz who is described as a fun and inspiring spirit. She began the class by quoting T.S. Elliot and made a good point that New Year's Resolutions are a little bit silly because why do you have to start something that betters yourself on January 1st when you can do it any day of the year, which I could not agree with more. In fact, I had the same exact thought heading into the new year so I knew I would like her style. 

Laura's class was a nice even paced flow perfect for beginners to experienced yogis looking for a chill workout. I didn't break a sweat but after 60 minutes of side angles, chaturangas, hip openers and backbends in the winter sun I walked away feeling calm and refreshed. 

The only thing that would have made my Yoga in the Park experience that much better would have been if Laura provided an awesome soundtrack to go along with the scenic views of Dana Point Harbor. Maybe a little Coldplay "Paradise" or some Jack Johnson tunes, but all in all it was a good experience that I would recommend. It's a great alternative to a traditional studio, much more affordable and all you parents out there don't have to worry about getting a sitter. You can bring your little ones with you and teach them how to live a healthy lifestyle early. It might even make a fun family outing.

Give Yoga in the Park a shot if you're in the Orange County area and let me know what you think! 

xo
Jen

For more info on Yoga in the Park visit www.iheartyogainthepark.com.

2013 LIFE LESSONS

2013 was full of life lessons for me. It was a year that started in one direction and ended in another. Life threw me some curve balls and I had to learn how to roll with the punches. It has been said that "you can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf," which is what I strive to do everyday and in doing so I have learned some valuable lessons. 

Life is full of uncertainties, but no matter what life dishes out you have to remember two things (1) it goes on and (2) always add avocado. ;-)

Photo Cred: Instagram +tristanprettyman 

I have no idea what 2014 has in store for me. I surely couldn't have predicted 2013, but everything happens for a reason and maybe the best hasn't happened yet. 

Happy New Year Friends!

xo 
Jen