College Girl Gourmet - Grilled Swai Fish with Roasted Red Tomatoes, Capers and Red Quinoa

"I know ya tired of the usual..." - Trey Songz
 

As college kids/young grown ups on our own - we're constantly seeking ways to save money and survive. One thing I've learned from a long time ago - cooking your own meals leaves a few more dollars in your pocket than dining out. Another lesson I learned from my mom - is that you have to be able to make due with what you've got sometimes.

A key element in living on your own is always having the basics. There is always a bag of rice, cans of vegetables, and at least one type of frozen meat/seafood in the fridge. This way, if and when money gets low - there's still something to eat. No need to order Chinese or pizza - just fifteen minutes to whip up a meal. Hasn't failed me yet. And it sure comes in handy on rent week! 

My mom is the queen of "dinnovation" (dinner-innovation); which is making meals out of random ass ingredients and it results in actually good tasting meals. She was always good at making traditional Caribbean meals - but hated doing the extra work. Trust me, mom gets down on some oxtail or stew peas - but her specialty is meals with no name. Sometimes, I make the names up myself - but then I forget them cuz each one is different. 

Anywhoo - I started cutting back on the amount of meat I eat about a year ago, so seafood has been playing a major part in my life. Part of the reason my booty's shrunk, but that's neither here nor there. One day at Mom's house, I snuck some of their dinner and tasted the fish in the pot and it was delicious!

Had the thickness of tilapia, with the texture of catfish. The fish was called Swai, which is native to Asia and also known as the "striped catfish." I won't bore you with the rest. 

I started by heating extra virgin olive oil at medium heat, and throwing in the fish that I season like five minutes before on the pan. Once it's seared (browned on both sides), I throw in the capers (with a little bit of the water in the jar for flavor), and then the roasted red peppers after. 

I don't eat rice much, so I've learned to substitute it with quinoa, which comes in red and white varieties. It cooks like rice, and puffs out afterwards - so you need less, and are full after. 

In total, it takes about 15 minutes to prepare - and the portions of Swai are so big, you can probably take half to work or eat it the next day. 

I paired this meal with my homemade concoction of iced tea mixed with Aloe juice. I accidentally bought the sugar-free Aloe, and needed a way to mask the strange sugar-substitute flavor. 

It's a good meal that translates to about $3.00 per plate, which is perfect for a solo meal - or you can jazz it up with steamed vegetables for company. I'll photograph the next dinner and put you guys on as I go along.

This has been an episode of College Girl Gourmet. Enjoy!

4Loko - You Are What You Drink

Never heard of 4Loko? Then you must not be in college or live in the hood. This drink has taken both communities by storm. I went for months not knowing what it was, and finally I got a taste for myself. I swear, my liver will never be the same again...


((via wikipedia.com))


Four (nicknames: "liquid cocaine" and "blackout in a can")^[1] is an alcoholic energy drinkproduced by Phusion Projects LLC of Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Four brand includes two variations, Four MaXed and the newer Four Loko. The company, Phusion Projects, also does business under the name Drink Four Brewing Company.^[2] Four debuted in the US market in 2005, first in Ohio, followed by Florida/California/Illinois by mid-year,^[3] then spreading to other states. It was developed by three alumni of Ohio State University: Chris Hunter, Jeff Wright and Jaisen Freeman.


The drink is available in nine flavors: Grape, Fruit punch, Orange Blend, Watermelon, Blue raspberry, Lemonade, Cranberry, Cranberry lemonade and Lemon Lime. ^[2] It is sold in the US as a 23.5 oz aluminium-canned, caffeinated, alcoholic, malt beverage. Its alcohol content varies from state to state, from 6% ABV in Indiana^[3] up to 12% in California.^[4] It also contains carbonation, sugar, and natural and artificial flavoring, similar to other alcopops. Its name is derived from its four other ingredients, caffeine,taurine, guarana, and alcohol.

My first can... 

I am intrigued by the drink - simply because upon tasting it, I had a mix of effects. First - it tasted like someone spilled a cup of juice into a bottle of beer. The sweet flavor is just strong enough to mask all the other flavors (until you burp) enough for you to stomach at least part of it. After the initial gulp - I was jolted awake, which happened to be during watching "Hot Tub Time Machine." I was alert through to the second half of the movie; some of which I don't remember - and was ready for bed as soon as it was over. Lucky for me, I was at home and in my couch that day. When I woke up in the morning, I hated all things liquor.  


The second time was in Orlando last month. I wanted to celebrate Gina's graduation by all of us having drinks in our hotel room. She doesn't drink at all, and I can't imagine why I thought this was the ideal first drink (probably because I blacked out my first try). Well, long story short - three of us shared one can, I drank a small cup and a half. I ended up drinking the most, and was stumbling all over the room for the whole night. Cured my insomnia and knocked me out briefly. I fell off the bed and drunk texted the Mr. for half the night. I really can't tell you what else happened. Sad thing is - one of the girls drank two cans - TWO CANS - by herself! Told us it was like soda. Yeah mama - you're officially hood. 


{{Tangent: I'm on the 4Loko official site voting on the next flavor. Sweet tea sounds good, right? SMH.}}


Not to be mistaken with Arizona's can...

Anywhoo - I caught wind that colleges have been banning the drink from their campuses - and it's no wonder! The alcohol content varies in each state, and of course Florida is at 11% content. That's worse than a beer, and almost as much as like - wine. Come to find out, Ramapo College back up north in Jersey banned the drink because of the ridiculously high number of students who've gotten alcohol poisoning from overdrinking. ((See article here)) I can see why. They mask the taste of the alcohol with appealing flavors, and the drunken feeling creeps up on you later on. Imagine playing beer pong with 4Loko instead, or pouring it down a funnel into some upside-down college kid's mouth. This can have a deadly outcome. 


On the official site, they have a section about responsible drinking - but do drunk kids really want to read that? I hope someone doesn't have to die for this drink to really be regulated. Every other company has had to pull the reigns in on their alcoholic energy beverages - why shouldn't they? I'm all about having a good time, but when it starts posing health risks - it gets a bit out of control... You'd be loko not to see that. 


((Pun intended)) 


Peep the official site here 

Willow Smith - "Whip My Hair" Video

She is adorable, and for an eight year old - she's got a strong voice. That Pinkett-Smith blood is some strong ish...





And yes. Whipping your hair is simply a clean version of the Dutty Wine ((Seen here)) - but we'll let the kids have this one.

Elle Varner - "All I Want Is Him..."

Y'all are gonna get tired of this song soon, lol - and it'll be my fault. I found this young lady while surfing through music and I love her voice! Her name is Elle Varner and she covers Miguel's "All I Want Is You" with her own twist. She has a raspy sound; reminds me of Chrisette Michelle and Macy Gray wrapped in a Curly-haired bun. 


Enjoy...





She's hot in the jazz club scene, it seems. She has a wonderfully clear tone, even singing live. 







Her YouTube Channel


Covering Adele's "Chasing Pavements:" 





I'm currently stalking her Facebook page - so I'll be back with more from this beauty... 

Rihanna - "Only Girl In The World" Video

I mean - music videos don't always have to be concepts  - but this one flew right over my head. Maybe it's supposed to be a feel-good video, but even then - the 70's scratchy camera effects took that away, too. I dunno. I hope there's a second one and this is just a teaser. 

::Blink, blink::

Miguel Jontel Cover - "All I Want Is You"

So I'm home alone on my day off, and I decided to actually do a singing video. No excuses, lol - I'm just bored. 
Naturally I'd pick the song I sing the most when I'm walking around the house - Miguel Jontel's "All I Want Is You..." We all know why. 


And no - I am no pro. 





It was fun - I think I'll do this again... 

Tech Review - Blackberry Torch

It's been a week since the Torch arrived in the mail, and I must say - it has yet to disappoint. I got one piece of feedback from a friend, and she didn't like the phone at all (she traded it for an iPhone). Despite that, I looked up the tech reviews (which were mostly positive) - and ordered it anyway.

Where should I begin? Oh yes - the most important part: 


Battery Life: 
The battery life is actually pretty good - on a scale from 1 to 10, I rate it an 8. Especially compared to my previous 9700. Considering that the phone allows you to multi-task in so many ways. 


On my way to NY, where I left at three in the morning, I managed to send BBM's (Blackberry Messenger Messages), periodically checked Facebook AND Twitter (which we all know kills the battery on any phone) and still managed to have the battery at half-power when I reached my destination around noon. 


I also took the subway, which forces the phone to constantly search for signal in the tunnels where there are no service - and still had half battery. 


Ergonomics and Size:
It has the new trademark textured back, which aids in gripping the phone, but really does feel like a ribbed latex condom (minus the lube). 

The box alone was significantly smaller than the 9700's box - although the phone is comparable in size. The sliding keyboard is a wee bit smaller than the   Bold 9700, but even with my long nails, I manage to use it just fine. In a week or so - I will have mastered it.

Issue: 
Sliding the keyboard out takes two hands, unless you're willing to risk the phone slipping from your hands. If I could make a modification; I would add a small inset for a thumb or finger to slide the screen up. And a grip on the sides  for security. 

Camera: 
 So far, the camera has been decent. On a scale from 1-10, I would give it a 7. 
I enjoy the various settings it allows you to use, including face detection and an outdoor feature. 

Screen Shot app available in AppWorld

The 5megapixel camera is very good, especially with the flash - but the main thing that took points away is how blurry the pictures could be if you don't have a steady hand. 

  Drunken party pics are not advised with this camera. Although accidental blur has made some pretty good photos in my day...

Other than that, the pictures came out very clear with no pixelation. I took photos out of a moving train, outside at the train station, in a nightclub -and got good results.

Issue: I am upset that there is STILL no camera mute option! How can I sneak and take pics with this ever loving shutter sound?! I had an app on my 9700 that muted the sound, but cannot find it in App World. If anyone knows what another one is called - let me know!

Media Player: 

The media player is niiice. Blackberry 6 OS mastered the art of smooth transition. You have the option to swipe the screen and flip through songs, or press the "next" button on the screen. 

The audio is on point - and my Skullcandy headphones make it even better.

Pair this with an 8gig MicroSD card - awesome. I actually don't miss the fact that I left my Zune in NY - all I need is my Torch!

Web Browsing is decent, although if the phone supported 3G it would be faster. I appreciate the "Pinch and Zoom" feature that allows real-time web browsing that I can actually read! 

I made a quick video to show you what pictures can't...

Feedback? Anyone buy the Torch yet? 

No Reservations...

By Me...

They say slow and steady wins the race, but

if we keep up this pace -

we might lose our place

at dinner.

"Quick" - he says,

"open your shirt,"

before I could say no, well -

there went my skirt.

Down by the front door, at the bottom of the stairs.

He never even noticed all the neighbors and their stares.

I meant to close that window, but now it's so fogged.

Glass look so wet I think the wall's waterlogged.

Lessons in love, baby let me teach you.

He said, "I got this third leg, and it's tryna reach you."

And so I reach back,

Dammit - he's stacked.

Baby are you sure that your thang can handle these backs?

Yeah, he is - and I know he's ready

I turn around, grab the rail,

Squeeze it tight and steady

He - grips my mouth tryna muffle my screams

And - holds my hip, so he can

feel me squeam.

Then I - reach my climax

And start to moan -

"Yes! Aw shit - NO!"

Damn, my roommate came home...

Jeremih - "I Like"

The beat reminds me gently of R. Kelly's "Feelin On Your Booty," with a twist. I love Luda; his voice is so velvety on slow tracks...


And umm - I just realized how much of a cutie Jeremih is... 
His voice has definitely improved since Birthday Sex. 

[Jeremih]
Yeah, 

[Chorus:]
I'd like to take the time to love your body
Rub your body, kiss, and hug your body
Girl say ooh ooh I Like, ooh ooh I Like

So I'm gonna take the time to love your body
Rub your body, kiss, and hug your body
Girl say ooh ooh I Like, ooh ooh I Like

[Jeremih - Verse 1:]
Baby don't you go now, you'll gon' get my lesson
Somethin' bout your body, girl just gives me direction.
I'm gonna find this spot. I ain't your honey but my bed rock.
So don't you let your hair down, let me take a picture.
Tell me what's your duty, and this is my description.
Girl and I don't stop, that's right we go from six to nine o' clock.
I ain't the kind to bet, yeah
(you're a superstar, girl you are)
It's all up in my head, oh you
(Baby it's you and me and some privacy cuz)

[Chorus:]
I'd like to take the time to love your body
Rub your body, kiss, and hug your body
Girl say ooh ooh I Like, ooh ooh I Like

So I'm gonna take the time to love your body
Rub your body, kiss, and hug your body
Girl say ooh ooh I Like, ooh ooh I Like

[Ludacris - Verse 2:]
Haha Luda!
Let me touch your body like you be fresh up out the tub and you rub that lotion.
Make you get on all fours and put one leg up,
like your body's doin' three-wheel motion
In the ocean coastin' overdosin' toastin' with the magic potion.
Told them that they can't hold or control 'em 
No one, I'm the magic trojan
Golden like the wrapper lookin' dapper 
then I put her round the back then attack her.
No time for the chitty chat, just give me ya kitty cat and you'll get it back after,
we set the mood right, givin' you a little relaxation.
I'ma get your groove right, take your body on a little vacation.
We island hoppin, and clubs is rockin', and haters jockin'.
Trunk pop lock droppin' and speakers knockin' and bottles poppin'.
I could talk all day let me stimulate your mind while I tell you what I like in you,
but now I'ma just sit back and let Jeremih tell you what he'd like to do..

[Chorus:]
I'd like to take the time to love your body
Rub your body, kiss, and hug your body
Girl say ooh ooh I Like, ooh ooh I Like

So I'm gonna take the time to love your body
Rub your body, kiss, and hug your body
Girl say ooh ooh I Like, ooh ooh I Like

[Hook]
Girl say,
bye bye bye bye

Girl say,
bye bye bye bye

Girl say,
bye bye bye bye

Girl say.. 
((Lyrics Via AZlyrics.com))

Deuces Remix - Drake, T.I., Chris Brown, Kanye West, Fabolous, Andre 3000

Didn't see this coming at all! But I loved it. Kanye, T.I. and Fab killed it. I wish they found a good way to incorporate Breezy more into it, but it would have taken away from everyone's verses. I love Andre 3000's verse, simply because he added a different sound to it. Enjoyed the beat break for Drake's verse, too... 


Don't y'all wonder what Rihanna's feeling right now? Cuz you already know this was Breezy's last laugh. Bet her friends all snuck and downloaded it to their iPods. Bumpin it while she's doin shows and stuff, lol 

{{The Kimi Chronicles}}: Control

These past few days have been quite interesting. 

I love my blog because it's one of the few places where I feel I can really say what I want. I can worry about the consequences later - but in the meantime I can relieve the pressure of keeping things bottled up. These past few posts have really worked. So I continue.

Anybody who reads my posts see the history of myself and "Him" - or "He," as I call him. It hasn't always been great, but it's getting there and I enjoy it. I realize now, though - that part of the reason why things were so rocky, is because I allowed too much outside feedback to influence my thoughts about our relationship. I have been the shoulder to lean on for everyone, and sometimes when I need support - I let it all out on the few people I trust on this earth. That's what friends are for, right? 

Well, I realized a pattern. When I vented about things - I got biased opinions. Those biased opinions would sway me in a biased direction. That direction usually pushed me to letting it out on him. And then in retrospect, I'd look back and wonder what I was thinking. I feel silly when I think about it now. 

I know what I want from this thing we have going on, and for the most part - I get it. As someone who's done long distance and been in a long relationship before - I know that things aren't always gonna be butterfly kisses and sweet talk. This is real life. I'm only 23 - he's only 25. While I have certain desires and expectations - I have to understand that we are human.  I'm not in an abusive relationship, he treats me good, his friends and family like me - what's the issue? We're not married - there's no reason for all the stress and burden.

So I take control of my world - fully this time. I'll take, appreciate and understand feedback - but I'll keep my venting to a minimum. CousinJin said it best - "The only people who should have say in your relationship is you and your partner." No matter what level that relationship is on - it's a wise choice to keep people out of it. So I will. 

I'm sitting here watching a sermon from Trinity Church - and the pastor said it best: "You will never find the answer in man - you must find the problem within yourself." I'm living and learning as best as I can - and the less negative feelings I have around me - the better.

 I'm enjoying myself - be happy for me. That's all I ask.