7QT: TV, a Crockpot Recipe, and Hairy Situations

Whew, it's getting to feel like winter here in New England.  No real snowfalls yet, but the temps have finally dipped below freezing.  We've had such a mild and pleasant winter, and after last year's record breaking snow storms, I am very happy about it!  Linking up with Kelly and crew, and away we go!

1)

With January comes new TV shows!  Downton Abbey is back:

Sherlock is back:

and my favorite new show, The Grinder:

If you are not watching it yet, please do...it's so witty and funny.  

2)

The Powerball hoopla was crazy!  We had a couple pools going at work (of course, I joined), and everyone kept talking about what they would do if they won.  Phil just kept reminding me that people who win insane amounts of money usually get their lives ruined.  I think I could be the exception ;)

3)

I bought a few tank tops from Loft as a Christmas gift to myself, and I love them so much.  

They come up higher on my neckline than most tank tops I've had, they are long so you can wear them with skinny pants or leggings, or tuck them in to a skirt for a nice blousey effect.  They are soft and seriously, I can't say enough good about them.  Plus they are on sale right now for $8.00 - what a deal!

4)

Today is pajama day at my kid's school.  Since Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, they are celebrating his "I Have A Dream" speech by wearing pj's.  Cute idea, right?  Of course, just last week we gave away allllllllll the older boys' pajamas because they don't wear them anymore.  Apparently, the age 9 and up crowd in this casa thinks it's cooler to wear sweatpants and tee-shirts than pajamas.  The things you learn.

5)

I just purchased a magnifying mirror for the first time, and oh my gosh, those things are scary!  I can see every hair follicle, every pore, it's nuts!  

It made me realize I need to do a much better job at grooming my brows.  They are definitely not "on fleek", more like "oh eeek".  And I think my pores might need some kind of face mask.  Any recommendations?

6)

Have I ever told you my easy-peasy and delicious way of cooking a whole chicken?  We eat this a few times a month, it's such a crowd pleaser.  I can throw it in the crockpot in the morning before work, then just make some potatoes and veggies when I get home.

Crockpot Chicken

Chop 2 carrots, 1 onion, and 3 stalks celery and throw into crockpot.

Wash and dry whole chicken (remove innards) and place on top of veggies.  We use a 6-7 pounder.

Sprinkle top of chicken with whatever spices you like.  (We do rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika)

Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Remove chicken from crockpot and serve.  

Place all remaining bones back in crockpot (all the veggies and juices are still in there) and fill to the top with water, cook on low again for another 8-10 hours (we just usually let it go all night long).  Strain and you have homemade delicious chicken stock.  We get about 8 cups worth every time and use it to make soups, gravy, and sauces.

7)

I'm so excited to watch the Patriots kick some Chiefs behind.  Hopefully.  They haven't been doing too great lately.  But playoff games are fun no matter what.  Well, it's more fun if your team wins, but that's not what I teach my kids.  Do as I say, not as I do.  

Have a wonderful playoff watching, cold weather snuggling, long weekend everybody!