Good evening 
Today was quite a success. I worked, I wrote, I grocery shopped, I did yoga and I even roasted a chicken!
I like to stay busy…what can I say?! To find out the secret of my chicken roasting, turn to my latest True/Slant article on the subject.
This morning I snacked on a banana with almond butter before stopping by work for a few hours….
I left work and just stopped by the general store for a sandwich on the run. This was SO GOOD!
It was roasted turkey breast, pepperjack cheese, muhammara spread, red onion, lettuce, tomato and mustard…all on hot sourdough bread. I inhaled it…obviously.
The grocery shop of champions….or champions on a budget!
- hot sauce
- dijon mustard
- raspberry preserves
- organic chicken broth
- whole wheat cous cous
- lemons
- 2 butternut squash
- amazing windmill cookies
- pure maple syrup
- dried apricots
- trail mix
- an organic free range chickidy
- honeycrisp apples
- butter
- bananas
- brussels sprouts
- channa masala
- frozen garlic naan
- 3 large greek yogurts
total price= $60
I’m a champ.
During the afternoon, I wrote and roasted my chicken. I felt like such a little Julia, far away from the French homeland (or Florida homeland rather). I’m telling you…for being pretty much circa 1912, this oven I’ve got here is DANG powerful!!! Like woah.
I hit up a 5:30 power yoga flow class a few blocks away…it was good…made me really really REALLY miss my studio back home though. I just need to give it time…I’m going to try a few different studios to see what I like the best. For me, it’s all about the feeling you get when you walk in. I’m one of those people that makes sort of life changing decisions rather…fast. What can I say? I know myself quite well and when I know what I want, I go after it with all my heart. No need to play games or momo around. This is life, people. Same goes with yoga studios. We shall see.
Dinner was previously roasted chicken plus roasted brussels and carrots!
Mmmmmm this was such a homey little meal….and roast chicken is amazing when dipped in dijon mustard. Mustard + hot sauce…two condiments I would never want to ever live without.
And now…I have a new favorite cookie!
No words. Now I know I tend to get (ahem) really excited about food quite often. I could actually talk about food for hours on end and am actually quite boring on dates because all I do is pick apart my dinner and the restaurant (perhaps that’s why I have a lack of dates?! just kidding). Anyways, these cookies are faaaaabulous. They are flaky, buttery and full of almonds. I could probably eat the entire box but I settled with just one, which I topped with a piece of organic milk chocolate with salted almonds muahahahaha
I’m going to have to hide these from myself. Somehow.
Big storm is coming in tonight off the coast….I’m bundling up and battering down. The heat still isn’t fixed and currently I’m wallowing around my attic wearing all too many pieces of my closet topped with a big north face jacket, clutching a mug of tea. The story of my life. Have I mentioned how much I miss Dexter?! 
Gooooodnight!
{ 74 comments… read them below or add one }
TAPATIO! I LOVE THAT HOT SAUCE! MY FAMILY AND I PUT IT ON EVERYTHING!!!!! NO WONDER I LOVE YOUR BLOG!
The Channa Masala you got from TJs is the best!!! My husband and I eat it with whole wheat tandori very often! Don’t you love having TJs!?
Your cat is staying back home?? That’s so sad!
It is wonderful that you are near a Trader Joe and I understand the love affair with him, for sure, but you’ve got to try Fresh & Easy. It is a British chain and is phenomenal. The prices are off the hook and the produce is so fresh that even a week later it is divine. Today I got squirted opening the juiciest naval orange from there and it was only like, 25 cents! Deeelish, too. I looked up the closest location for you and it is in Vacaville. http://www.freshandeasy.com/StoreLocator.aspx?lat=38.6323169&lng=-122.8761309&address=95448
Not exactly in your ‘hood, but maybe you will be over that way for some reason or other and can check it out.
Looks like a great visit to TJ’s!
I am a vegetarian now, but have fond olfactory memories From childhood of my Mom’s roasted chickens on Sundays. I’ve adapted by roasting root vegetables – they kind of have a similar, rich scent that fills up the kitchen. Mmmmm!
What a sandwich!
Nice Job at Tj’s. One you get stocked up with essentials you should be rocking it money wise. I usually spend about $60 (but I buy wine) there and $20 at the farmers market every week for the two of us. I know this storm is crazy!!! That is NOT cool you have no electricity, your land lord should not make you pay a full months rent! You can come visit me and my kitty anytime you want.
I love your TJ’s finds especially the windmill cookies. they remind me of my childhood, my aunt used to give them to us to eat all the time
isn’t curling up with a good book, lots of blankets, and hot tea what storms are made for??
When I am around a roast chicken, I literally turn into a cavewoman. There is NOTHING like meat roasted on the bone. Boneless skinless breasts are so tasteless by comparison!! My method is really similar to yours…the lemon in the cavity really makes it fantastic!
Oh you poor thing being without your kitty
. That makes me sad. All of your food today looks yum yum yum! Makes me crave chicken…
Wow. All of your food in this post looks phenomenal. I’m totally running out to buy those cookies at TJs tomorrow. And that sandwich??? Ridiculous! But what is muhammara spread?
You just reminded me how much I love almond butter + banana! Will have to reintroduce that snack into my routine.
I hear it’s gonna be pretty stormy tomorrow. Not looking forward to that on my run. Great job on frugal grocery shopping. You got some great loot!
So glad you found some yoga!
That roasted chicken looks like it turned out great. I say, I think you’re settling in marvelously!
Mmm love that…need to go after things I want with all my heart too. Have to have a big talk with someone special tomorrow…your words are the perfect inspiration!
Much love Jenna!
Don’t you just LOVE living near TJ’s?! I love how you have 3 containers of Greek yog. Perfect!
I usually get those Greek yogurts from TJ’s but you should try the European Style yogurt they have–twice the amount for the same cost!! It’s pretty thick and creamy too (not QUITE as thick as Greek though).
You are a little like Julia with your kitchen and all.
How cute! That chicken looks delicious! I made some yummy chicken today, too, but yours looks awesome!
What an awesome haul! As much as I love WF’s Trader Joe’s is so much easier on the wallet…I need to do a better job balancing shopping at both!
That sandwich looks fantastic!
Have a great Tuesday!
All the food looks great today! I love roasted chicken dipped in dijon too. It’s just such a rich and creamy sauce. I would love to try those windmill cookies too! Oh and when I pictured you piling all your clothes on I just envisioned the Friends episode when Joey puts on Chandler’s clothes and says, “I’m Chandler. Could I beee wearing any more clothes?” Keep warm!
I spy my favorite trailmix!!
I’m always amazed at how much I come home with for the little money I spend when I go to Trader Joe’s. They really do have the best deals!!
oh and I’m pretty sure you have the best sandwich places around you. All of them look fabulous!
i totally know what you mean about the dates thing… it’s a serious problem for me! haha. i just need to find a fellow food lover.
i can sympathize about the cold as well. rome weather has gone from 80s with intense sun to windy damp and freezing. and i’m living in a historical building with stone floors, 20ft ceilings and seriously drafty windows. sigh.
i totally know what you mean about the dates thing… it’s a serious problem for me! haha. i just need to find a fellow food lover.
i can sympathize about the cold as well. rome weather has gone from 80s with intense sun to windy damp and freezing. and i’m living in a historical building with stone floors, 20ft ceilings and seriously drafty windows. sigh.
i totally know what you mean about the dates thing… it’s a serious problem for me! haha. i just need to find a fellow food lover.
i can sympathize about the cold as well. rome weather has gone from 80s with intense sun to windy damp and freezing. and i’m living in a historical building with stone floors, 20ft ceilings and seriously drafty windows. sigh.
That sandwich looks really good.
And those cookies! Yum.
You managed to not spend a lot of money on so many things! That’s awesome.
That looks great!
And it’s so funny that my name is ‘shouted’ out in the title of this post;)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Haha
My boss keeps those windmill cookies around and my hand seems to slip into that little plastic container at least twice a day! One day she says “Gosh, I keep buying these cookies, maybe David(her husband) is snacking on them” LOL I just kinda shrugged and said “I dunno” 
Stay safe in that storm!
I’m glad you finally get to rave about TJ’s like the rest of us! Your chicken looks amazing!!
Aw, I’m sorry you miss Dexter
I can’t imagine being without my kitties for very long. {{{HUGS}}}
Not those almond windmill cookies in particular, but almond windmill cookies in general were always part of the cookie fellowship my family’s church would have. Oh the Dutchiness of the CRC
Hope Dexter is coming soon…when ?Imagine how sweet your “reunion” will be!!!!!
And yay!Jenna had a TURKEY sammie on our Thanksgiving(Canadian one!)
Come on up to Canada!You have a lot of devoted readers up here you know!!!!
Can’t get enough of your blog!
Stay warm.I am sure the freezing apartment no matter how quaint must be losing a wee bit of it’s charm as you shiver away.we all want you to find a new warm and cozy pad asap!!!
Nice TJ’s shopping spree on a budget!
Yum! That chicken looks like total nourishing comfort food! Delish!
I love roast chicken! It’s cheap and delicious! Great for leftovers too.
I love the roasting chicken article, ,I have never tried it myself actually but I think I may be inspired since you make it sound so easy! Thanks girl
Omg, I was JUST saying last night that I wanted to learn how to roast a whole chicken. I only just started eating poultry again after being a vegetarian and I’m still kinda scared to cook it. That recipe is perfect – thanks Jenna!
PS the State of California and all local county’s have Landlord/Tenant Law Sections….it is ridiculous that you do not have heat and have to move in 30-days because of landlord problems…hope you are getting $$ back for your trouble/discomfort.
If those almond windmill cookies are dairy free, I need to try em asap. I am also obsessed with Trader Joe’s animal cracker cookies.. omg, could inhale the whole tub… happily
Looks great! It is always tough trying to find a new gym or yoga studio — it definitely takes some getting used to.
I love roasting chicken, especially if I have time to make real stock from the carcass.
Sounds like you had a very productive day! I agree with you on the feeling right about things like yoga studios from the minute you walk in. Good job with roasting the chicken. Julia would be so proud.
Hope you were able to stay warm! I admire you for making major life decisions…it’s something too many of us hold back from doing out of fear, doubt or whatever. Hope you find the “right” yoga studio soon too
I totally could not live without hot sauce either. My dad sent me a gallon of my favorite kind, and it’s definitely going to be put to good use!!
That roast chicken looks absolutely perfect! Great job!
Thanks for your tips about roasting a chicken! I’ve always wanted to learn how to do that!
Dexter is coming soon, right? I hope so!
Sounds like such a fun and productive day. Sometimes, nothing beats roasted chicken.
I’m super decisive and make snap decisions as well..no wishy washing around for me. But my first instinct is usually the right one…in the past when I don’t follow my first instinct I usually make the wrong choice. So bravo to you for being that way! You obviously listen to your inner voice too!
Yummy chicken!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
I hope you find a good yoga studio soon! That roasted chicken looks delicious. Hopefully the storm isn’t too bad today.
Don’t forget to wear a hat in this weather!
Hi Jenna! I too love and shop Trader’s all the time. My new favorite healthy indulgent snack is their medjool dates smeared with raw almond butter! It is sweet, rich, and incredibly satisfying treat! Their mini whole grain mini choco-chip cookies are great too!
That chicken looks really good! I wish I was closer to a Trader Joe’s. I have to drive 4 hours!
Wow you really stocked up on the greek yogurt!
roasted brussel sprouts are the BEST!
I’M NOT KIDDING… I JUST ROASTED MY FIRST CHICKEN LAST NIGHT WITH ROASTED BRUSSELS, CARROTS, TURNIPS, B-NUT AND TATERS!!! HOW FUNNY, loooove it. Nothing like roast chicken leftovers to make me feel like a true carnivore when I’m picking at the carcass for a midnight snack, hehe.
Almond cookies look awesome. I also love roasting a chicken, so much more affordable and you get some many different meal options! Good choice!!
Jenna – why so many lemons, what on earth do you do with them all?
Morgan,
there’s only 5 small ones! I love lemons and use them with everything! Great to have on hand for cooking
I just checked out your True/ Slant article and it was great! Really helpful for me. I just started eating meat again this year after 8 years as a vegetarian, and I have been afraid to try my hand at roasting a chicken- have no idea what I am doing. Now I do!
You make me really want to go to Trader Joe’s! I wish they had a few in Florida!
Stay safe in that weather! Being so damp, maybe you should stay with the “boys” for a couple nights! You will need HEAT! Hope you find another place quickly!
I think I need to try that chicken too! I can almost smell it!
I lust love your outlook on life in general! You are always so happy and upbeat! I’m glad things are working out well for you!
Mmm that chicken looks so good. Your pics make me realize just how badly I need to make a Trader Joe’s run…but it’s raining….and walking in the rain with groceries — not fun. haha Those brussel sprouts look so good! I was always afraid of them…and then I actually tried them – yum!
Your TJ’s shopping looks just like mine, especially the yogurt part! Isn’t shopping there fun?
wow! great job on cooking a chicken girl, looks great!
jenna
I get so excited when I shop like a champ on a budget! I love roasting whole chickens. It makes the house smell so good and turns out so much better and juicier than the store bought ones – and like a third of the price. When whole chickens are on sale I stock up on a few and freeze the extras. Holy yum!
Jenna dear, if you have a lack of dates then the rest of us are in serious trouble. I bet all the boys love ya!!
Your chicken looks so good!
Those cookies sound really good!
That chicken looks A-mazing!
I must say all that for $60 pretty amazing!
Now that’s self-control – I would have put back at least 5 of those cookies! Gotta grab some of those my next TJs trip!
Also – there is nothing like a moist, tender roasted chicken! The leftovers are my favorite part!
I’m making a TJ’s run myself soon and now I’m going to have to get a chicken. That looks divine!!
My favorite Trader Joe’s cookies are the Triple Ginger cookies that come in a little plastic tub like that one. They are so good! Really small, crispy, and packed with ginger flavor.
Also – try their Golden Berry Blend dried fruit. comes in a plastic bag and is really good on oatmeal or granola or yogurt.
Love the TJ – wish we had one where I live. I have to stock up when I travel to the west coast every few months.
TJs Naan is heaven. PURE heaven. Enjoy it!
I love the cheap grocery bills when I shop at TJ’s. And their almond cookies are to die for. I try to hide stuff like that behind other stuff in my cupboards so I don’t see it when I first look. SOmetimes it works