CHICKEN INSPIRATION FROM ESTRELLA

January 19, 2016 janet gunn

Spending time in my kitchen represents creativity and joy. I work on my blog, arrange flowers, have my coffee in the wee hours, write down my visions and gratitude list, and most of all, our family enjoys yummy meals here, while Buster our dog chills on his cozy bed. On Sunday mornings, I look forward to checking out the food section and being inspired from beautiful photos and great chef recipes. Last weekend I read an article on Dakota Weiss, (Top Chef) from Estrella Restaurant, Located in West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, right here in our hood. I can't wait to experience Estrella! in the meantime... I decided to give it a go in my own kitchen.

Inspired Dish from Dakota Weiss - Baked Chicken / Red & Yellow Beets / Spicy Red Cabbage / Walnuts / Yogurt / Edible Flowers/ FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon / William Yeoward China / Take a look at Backyard Boss / Everything you need to know about edible flowers.

I am fortunate to have a Whole Foods five minutes from my home. The Prepared food section is the next best thing to home cooking, and soooo fresh. I really love the challenge of admiring photos of delicious foods, then attempting to recreate and make it my own. These beets are already prepared, I added red cabbage that I marinated in Rice Vinegar and a Habanero pepper to the red beets; it gives a real kick to the cabbage, and a vibrant color: Crushed walnuts... Did you know that there is one nut that has more brain-enhancing essential Omega 3's than other nuts? And it kinda looks like a brain...Yep it's the walnut. Adding edible flowers from Backyard Boss gives a delicate and elegant touch to your dish. ( Marigolds add a peppery punch flavor)

Fage Greek Strained Yogurt / takes the place of sour cream,

The Kitchn.com is my favorite chicken recipe, it's quick and flawless every time. I used a little Mache Lettuce (known as corn salad) to add a little green color. Why not find a photo of one of your favorite chefs, and add your own creative twist to their recipe. You can't make a mistake, only a mess and a tasty meal! Presentation is a big part of the meal, taking the time to make your plate beautiful feels creative and looks fab. Enjoy your process, remember...your energy goes right into your meal that makes it's way into your body, along with those gathered at your table. I look forward to dining at Estrella, here in West Hollywood. Our city is abundant with incredible restaurants and top chefs. At least I get to be a creative chef in my own kitchen...and in my own mind.

‎”This is my advice to people: Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun”-Julia Child

BENEFITS OF DOING PLANK

January 15, 2016 janet gunn

Here are two exercises for when you are on-the-go or at home. Ladies let's get STRONG. Planks have become increasingly popular for core strengthening, and for good reason: it works - Sometimes the simplest of movements result in the greatest gains to your fitness, and this is certainly true with planks. Holding the plank position takes strength and endurance in your abs, back, and core. And that's what we're doing...Getting Strong.

Five Benefits of Doing Plank / 1) Toned Belly 2) Reduce Back Pain 3) Flexibility 4) Improves Mood 5) Improves Balance and Posture / Nike Shoe / Nike Pant / lululemon / Emi-jay hair tie

Position yourself seated on the floor - Toes pointed

Push body up - Legs straight out in front of you. Make sure you're not holding your breath.

Take your butt to the floor - As you come up - lift your leg up - butt to the floor - switch legs - 10 lifts on each leg - 2 sets - *Try not to collapse in your mid-section. Plank is one of the best exercises for core conditioning but it also works your glutes , hamstrings, improves posture, and balance.

Turn over and hold in a plank position for 1 minute - (or as long as you can ) This exercise strengthens your entire body - If you do planks regularly, you'll find your'e able to sit or stand straighter, and even breathe easier. Just doing the above plank is enough. You will see the more you do it, the longer you will be able to hold the position, and that means you are getting stronger.

A strong core enhances balance and stability, it can help prevent falls and injuries during sports or other activities. In fact a strong flexible core supports almost everything you do. Your back is your 'ladder' a great way to keep that support healthy and long lasting is to strengthen your core.

* Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

BEIGE - UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE

January 12, 2016 janet gunn

I love the look and feel of wearing a neutral & soft color. Mixing nude colors gives you a certain classy and ladylike look. It can be a bit tricky wearing beige and nude colored outfits. By mixing it with a little color, texture, and throw in an edgy purse and shoes, you'll walk out the door with an understated elegance.. It's classic, sophisticated, and after all... it's about how you feel while creating your own personal style.

Snuggle up in a Classic Beige Cashmere Coat from Brooks Brothers. We never know what's on the other side of the door in life. The unknown can always be exciting.

Breaking the rules...Mixing my animal print heels with my animal print Claire V Clutch /

Cashmere is not only classic, it's Sexy & Strong. /Etienne Marcel Jeans /

The French women had the right idea when they never left the house without a scarf...

When you think about the many Doors of Opportunities you've walked through, no matter how big or small...you realize your footprint would tell a nice story, and it's never too late to write your story...