Indian Samoas

So I made Samosas for Memorial Day Weekend

I lurve me some Indian food.

So yesterday, I decided to make something different for a Memorial Day BBQ I went to. I tried to be different and succeeded; being that my food item was a non-black/ non-Nigerian/ non-American food course.  I am a big fan of samosas, at restaurants they are typically small and expensive for no reason at all.  It is typically a $7 appetizer for 2-3 Samosa.  Where as this recipe cost me like $12 for  all of  the recipe items, and could possibly generate  80 samosas

Groceries

Anyway,I went to the mighty Internet for recipes and wa-la found a video and recipe.  The hardest part of this recipe is stuffing and closing the samosa. Other than that, it is a pretty easy recipe. Sadly, the temperature in little ol New Jersey was disgustingly humid today. I picked the wrong day to be in the kitchen anywhere near oil or an oven

*This was a treat, not the healthiest of selections to cook*

For Cover:

• 1 cup all purpose flour (Maida)
• Water to Knead dough
• 2tbsp oil
• Little salt
• 1/4th tsp. Ajwain (optional) * didn’t have it tried to be creative used Garlic/Ginger oil I had for my stir-fry’s*

For Stuffing:

• 3-4 Potatoes (boiled, peeled & mashed)
• 1/2 cup Green Peas (boiled)
• 1-2 Green Chilies (finely chopped)
• 1/2tsp Ginger (crushed) *added some Garlic*
• 1tbsp coriander finely chopped *I used roasted coriander seeds, which I roasted over skillet)
• Few chopped Cashews (optional)
• Few Raisins (optional)
• 1/2tsp Garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Red chili powder to taste
• 1/2 tsp. Dry Mango powder( Amchur) (optional) * You can get this from Asian/ Indian food store or just use mince un-ripe mangoes, I plan on using this next time*

*Phat-2-Phit Change Up*

I just briefly fried the samosa for like 2 minutes, the baked it for remaining cooking time. I am not really a fan of oily food.

How to make samosa:

For Cover:

• Mix all the ingredients (salt, oil, ajwain) except water.  *added roasted cracked coriander seeds*
• Add a little water at a time.
• Pat and knead well for several times into a soft pliable dough.
• Cover it with moist Muslin cloth and keep aside for 15 minutes.  *Didn’t do this because of time*
• In a bowl add mashed potatoes and all dry masalas (salt, chili powder, mango powder, garam masala) and green chilles, ginger and Mix well.
• Add green peas, cashews and raisins and mix well.
• Add coriander and keep aside.

To Proceed :

• Make small rolls of dough and roll it into a 4"-5" diameter circle.
• Cut it into two parts like semi-circle.
• Now take one semi circle and fold it like a cone. Use water while doing so.
• Place a spoon of filling in the cone and seal the third side using a drop of water.
• Heat oil in a kadhai *used a wok* and deep fry till golden brown (fry on a medium flame).
• Serve samosa hot with hari chutney, tamarind chutney. (Mango and Mint Chutney bought from wholefoods*)

P.S. 

I made this for my Nigerian Family Last Thanksgiving FAIL!!!! The adults would dare not try it, losers.

This week I am trying 6/4 Salad Meal Plan, which is …

6 Days of Salads 4X times a Day. 
80% Greens 20% whatever ( meat, nuts, fruits …)

I will collage it for the end of the week. I really need to get my eating habits in orders this isn’t a Crash Diet. I really do LOVE SALADS, so I thought I enjoy it alone for a couple of days. Some of my recipes will be less than 200+ calories while the other 600-700 calories. So I will not be really dieting just trying to eat healthier. I watched Weight of Nation on HBO and I decided to start making a conscience effect to select healthy food choices to match my workout regimen.  Furthermore, I am motivated by vanity; a couple of pounds off the scale after this change will be great ;). This heat reminded me summer is finally here.

Love Life

Love God

Love You

& Love Others

Have Great Week!!!

Pursuing a Naija Man: The Diet (Part 2)

So with much conviction I write this post.  It’s hard to open up on a social platforms because words are not 3D, therefore, my words can be misconstrued or taken out of context for what they are not. Also I am not an Anonymous blogger, thus I do not know who and what views my blog

However, I promise to update The Pursuing a Naija Man… Thus … that is what I will do. *With MUCH RESISTANCE IN MY SPIRIT*

 

Soooo here we go

 

Metaphorically, Dating is like starting a new diet.

With out the proper motivation and dedication you will fail. DIETS require ALOT OF WORK!

It requires self sacrifice

It requires doing that which you are not use to

It requires you  to subject yourself to the removal of temporary satisfaction  for a greater mean.

It requires a sense of humility

It requires an attitude change

AND Trust … I  know PLENTY concerning Diets!!

Atkins/South Beach/ Low Glycimeic/Ideal Protein/Cabbage Soup/GrapeFruit Diet 

… The List goes on and on. There is diet for EVERYONE!

Those who  typically sustain a diet (which should be coined naturally as a lifestyle change) are those that find a diet they can incorporate ‘Easily’ into their current Lifestyle.

With that said…..MEN are far from EASY, just complicated creatures for absolutely no reason (and they can say the same about  women likewise)

Anyway ….. So Mr. Glasses ... FIRST OFF .. the PURSUIT IS OVER!!!

*Disclaimer* 

This is going to have to be a in series of post because currently I don’t know what the hell we are doing and personally  I don’t really care. It's summer and Cuffing Season (Definition of "Cuffing Season") is over! (<< I hate when single men say cuffing season, shut your thirsty ass up, but currently I can relate to such verbiage).

::Rewind like 5+ months back::

Immediately 6 days (November 9^th 2011) after my post on pursuing Nigerian Man … I sent Glasses a message on good ol facebook …. BEING EXTREMELY DIRECT. My aunt wanted to awkwardly invite him over for thanksgiving for an introduction and I thought PAUSE if people get involved this will become too serious too soon. So I took matters into my own hands.  I remember exactly where I was to, It was shortly after work, before my Epidemiology Class in my schools computer lab. Thus, I was distracted the entire class until I heard my phone vibrate.

:: Pause:: OBSTACLE #1  The Wait Game. 

When you start a diet, results are not always as fast. You have to wait for your body to respond to that change. Drastic changes will likely result in a Drastic Loss/Response … however that is likely to be temporary success. However, a Gradual change in your diet, is usually more realistic, it may take longer to see results, but it can be maintained. 

 He had responded, *BIG SMILE* applauding my direct-ness and told me to pick a date and time to link up ... his treat  and asked for my number and friend requested::::VICTORY:::

:::: Let the Games Begin ::::

So it was time for me level the playing ground, *Rubs Hands Together* and turn up my “ Shakara” Because like I said in the Pursuit post. I am not use to this tactical method of being so direct and showing my cards.  LOLL so l Ignored his message for a day. That gave him enough time to stalk me via FB, go through my pictures blah and more blah.  When I finally replied, I told him the Truth, that I am extremely busy with school & work, if we could speak later in the week.  Glasses understood, wished me luck and we moved forward.  A week later I texted him apologizing for being so busy, I did not plan to speak to him however, he was driving and it was Friday night so after texting, he asked if we can speak that night.

::Pause:: OBSTACLE #2 : Misconstrued thoughts. 

When starting a diet no one tells you about the side effects you are likely to endure. Dieters fail to mention  the possible constipation, possible headaches, dry mouth, acne, hair loss and so forth. 

I love this Movie. 500 Days of Summer. I am being Dramatic but my situation is not like this at all.

I am Very socially awkward. Prior to our first interaction, I had already thoroughly researched him. Thus, I painted this image of what he was. That Night, my perceived perception of what he was and is was completely blown out the water. I was never moreso wrong. I do not have a filter, so I kept saying wow this is not what I expected.  We spoke for like 3 hours+ … a conversation you typically do not have so early in the getting to know each other phase. We talked about past relationships, marriage, sex, ambitions, blah and more blah.   I ended the conversation, thinking this isn’t going to work.  I remember waking up next morning kind of sad, like ugk another one bites the dust. Then he texted me …. and texted me again  … and texted me again. With every text regained my interest.

OBSTACLE #3 …. Their is no quitting in dieting.

This is all late November.

 To Be continued ....

Love Life

Love God

Love People

& Love U

P.S. Going to LA.  tomorrow super excited, My first vacation of the summer starts with Sunny California.    There will be pictures galore. 

HEYYYY YALLL

So I am BACK!!!

My First year of Grad school is officially ova!!!!

(Thank you jesus!)  

 I now have time to Blog… time to Have Fun … time to cook … time to exercise BLAH AND MORE BLAH

Lawd! This semester was a super Drain but it is over. I don’t know how people do it.  For example,  My aunt who has 5 children, worked full-time and got her nursing degree. I am not built like that.  AT ALLL. 

I complained my whole way through this semester. It was Difficult BLOODY DREADFULLY DIFFICULT. School & Work & Exercise and Trying to start a new relationship. It is not easy. One had to give.

Reality is a Rude Bitch

 and it she did not slow down for me at all 

Thus my Absence.

Thus I will remain true to my intentions, when I first set out on this blog. To blog about 

 

FOOD-LOVE-FITNESS-

LIFE-FASHION-LAUGHTER

As Promised!!

Um I have promised you an update on the Pursuit of Naija Man, ( lol I secretly want to #Renig). But I won’t. I am scared he will find this blog one day and point fingers. But there is blessing in every lesson, thus I will share my story…. IN MY NEXT POST muhahah

 I am very much excited for the summer.

I plan to do A LOT OF THINGS I have been too scared or have procrastinated doing.

Examples are ....

1. Skydiving
2. Europe Invasion
3. Date/Trick “Frivolously” (Post coming *sipstea*)
4. Finish this Weight loss Debacle
5.  Party more
6. Blah and more blah

#IOLO ( I-Only-Live-Once YOLO REMIX, P.s. I apologize to those people who get annoyed with people who use hastags outside of twitter. ) 

 I will have a testimony/ story to pass on to my children, one day and LAWD I want it to be a safe one YET FAR FROM BORING ONE.  Sadly, I don’t like to gamble, I typically play it safe. However, I trust God in knowing he is far from done with my Journey on Earth. There is still much to accomplish and much to cease out of Life. So This Summer That is my MOTHALOVIN’ Mission.  I want to do everything, I am not going to wait for someone to take me either.

My MOTTO:

  

“May I live as long as I want and never want as long as I Live” (Remix of an Irish Blessing)

  

Alrighty Let me get back to work.

But I have missed you all. *tears*

Have great day/evening, (wherever you are in the world)

As always,

Love God,

Love People,

Love Life,

& Love You

P.S. .... #TEAMMAVIN!!!! I love This Song. "Jealous our love"... um can someone translate"

Pursuing A Naija Man ....

The one thing I CAN NOT do is chase a man ...

(well #iLie .. Partially) ... In the past after "Falling" (and I don’t mean Falling in Love) but *Swooning* for a man I have laid out my Affections “righteously’ on the  table for him to gorge and feast upon.  I wouldn't really call that pursuing ... Per say. However, to me if any of my GFs were to tell me they have performed any of my ‘ petting tricks ’, I'd Probably say, "Trick Is that Ninja paying your tuition? Is he going to put ring on it,  *rolleyes*... if not FALL ALL THE WAY BACK... You are making it entirely too easy for him"

Anyway, recently while performing my internet tirades of pruning and improving my Igbo Skills (yes I am trying to learn Igbo by force. I understand probably 75 . 489% of it and can speak probably about 6 . 5712%.).. I landed upon a ...

HIL-ARI-OUS WEB BLOG

 HOW TO SNAG AN IGBO MAN

I *rolledmyeyes* for point half of second and then <<CLICKED>>
As I read some of the "Flarth" on this Blog (which I agreed with 82 . 561% of it) ... I just kept rolling my eyes because it reminded me of a recent conversation with my very traditional Igbo Madre. (again insert *eyeroll*)

The whole Cats & dogs …. Venus & Mars …Game of Trivial and Pursuit.

There is this guy I have a ‘Slight’ interest in. About three weeks back he Eye-Fugg the hell out of me in Church Parking Lot (Yes, at Church ... Saints ...Sexual Desire is Not a Sin, it is a very natural part of human nature) However, (sighhh) instead of encouraging it I looked away or tried to act as if I did not see him, knowing DAMN WELL, I saw him in church and knew exactly
...Where he was sitting,
...How he clapped his hands 8578 times during Praise & Worship
...That the ankara pattern shifted to the left, on his side pocket,
...He had five 10 dollar bills in his wallet during tithe.
#iKid .... But I saw him already. Our "eye engagement" in the parking lot was my chance to alert him that I INDEED did notice him

However... MY IGBO UPBRINGING ENCOURARGED me OTHER-WISE

So here I am ASSED OUT... I was a visitor to that church. The only reason I attended service that particular Sunday was for my Uncle's Child's Baby Dedication.
Now, this is a big Nigerian. In other words,  #busybodies attend that church Left and Right.  So, Immediately I described him to my aunt and after a few hints and clues. She said "Glasses" was the one.
She was EXCITED, I mean ECSTATIC
she said, “heyyyy Ifunanya, PERFECT FIT”.  We began to investigate, found out what he does professionally, how old he is, if he was engaged blah and more blah. But the icing on the cake is that he is my uncle’s young friend. So I was like SOLD!!!!! I will just drop a line with my mom and she will play ' MatchMaker ' like the rest of the Busy Body Nigerian “Thirsty” Moms at that Church.

....... MASSSIVE SIDE EYE

My bourgeois Mother, chuckled for a bit and said, "Ifunanya he is suppose to pursue you". I replied, "pursue what ... a Memory ?!?! He does not know me, and how am I pursuing him by making an inquiry." We argued for a bit, she chuckled and she said we will see. Anyway Fast forward ... I attended a wedding, Saturday in the middle of the NOR’EASTER SNOW STORM (13inches in my area!!!). I was Bored at home thus attended a wedding my parents mentioned they were attending. (I really just went for the Cake and free Drinks)  

FAST FORWARD

I am getting a drink from the bar... ONE QUICK GLANCE TO my Right and then GLASSES magically appears. He appeared to be distracted by his phone (or was he pretending *sideeye*). I then wisped back to my table with my Drink. I then told my Uncle with a LARGE SMILE.. "Your friend is here" He Replied,"Yeah I know I saw him when he came in" ::He CHANGED THE SUBJECT SHARP *AfricanCockBlocker::

3 Minutes Later I kid you Not!!!! (and about 7 minutes since I saw him at the bar)

GLASSES comes to our table to greet my Uncle. I acknowledge him quickly look back at my food and gesture to my mom "THAT IS THE GUY!" Anyway, long story short I watched him the whole night and see if his ass dances with anyone. So I told my mom I am going to Facebook Request him. She got mad and serious real fast, and said, “I DARE not! That is not Lady Like,"

So here I stand perplexed and confused about my next move. I HATE THE WORD NO!!! NO one can tell me I cannot have something, it’s just going to make me want it more. T

In this day & age, the whole Male & Female Interaction has changed 360. I was joking with a friend the other day, who ordered a drink for a guy to get his attention. The guy then proceeded to applaud her because he said he would have been TOO SCARED to approach her if not for that gesture. I honestly believe the breed of today's men are completely nonchalant and lazy. A Good percentage of them do not prune their apples from the tree, they pick their apples from the ground. They have this lethargic attitude towards women, in general and I don’t blame them with all these DAMN Beyonce Girl Power songs out ::To The Left …To The Left:: (BEYONCE! SHUT YO ASS UP). Who wants the added stress in this economy?  In order for there to be somewhat of a partial victory, I believe it’s necessary to cater their ego and display to them they have a chance.

 Again that is not how I was raised or how I’ve lived my life thus far. I was raised to shy my eyes and act as if he is a N-O-N-F-A-C-T-O-R. To make sure he goes through hell and back before he even thinks he has a chance. I was raised to believe there is an ocean of FINE STRONG INTELLIGENT SINGLE MEN waiting for me grace them with my presence.

I call this all the Mis-Education of Ifunanya

Because, the truth of the Matter is …. That is indeed not ' always ' the CASE ANYMORE! THE GAME HAS CHANGE AND PLAYERS ARE ON LOCKOUT!

So here I stand..If I do friend request him I feel like I will lose leverage and power … Because

A: I will first express interest; therefore he will think this will be an easy walk
B: He may not be interested (which I doubt *winks*)

C: He may be like who are you? ( I say this because at Church I had Curly Weave & Glasses on and Saturday I had a Straight weave with a bang)

Anyway... I will be visiting his church this Sunday.  Thus there will BE the PART II. This woul be a track on  the soundtrack of my life right now ...

UPDATE: Recently Started the 4 Hour Diet, MONDAY Will update you guys witha  full post Monday! However, it is going GREAT!!! I hope you all are living no stress and Blessed. Till we Meet Again Mucho Besos.

As always,

Love GOD

Love LIFE

Love PEOPLE

& LOVE YOU

YES BABBBY!

Dovelett Quince

I ONLY watch reality weight loss TV shows ( Example The Biggest Loser)  for the Fitness Regimens. Different ideas on how to spruce up my workout regimen. Its just entirely too emotional, like sheesh I am so over all these tears. Like MAN the hell up! GrownAss Men crying about how they miss their familes. *Rolleyes* It takes only 4-6 months to tape a season. MAN UP!

Anywho, I was a tad nosey on Twitter last night, when I noticed people were raving on about a Mr. Yusef Myers. They kept on saying this new trainer is fine. So I assumed it was Dovelett Quince  on "The Biggest Loser" *winks* another reason I watch the show with his FIOOONEEEEE Hershey Chiseled Chocolate ass! *Bites Lip*. I keep tweeting him, *embarrassedface*but I have failed to be obliged with his attention!

Yusef Meyers

However Mr. Yusef Myers ... from MTV's Show "I Use to Be Fat" took the cake last night  ( NO PUN intended .. I mean literally took the cake I couldn't eat anything after looking at his BEAUTIFULLY SCULPTED BODY). The Funny thing is I am not really into muscles At All. I am more into Height with men. But Men like this are called Visual Anorexia, I just cant eat around them. They instantly remind me I need to get my ISH together. Beautifully Scuplted Women have the same effect. Like somenights I go to beyonceworldnet.com (I think thats website) and just go through all her pictures. Just like that seconds later, I have my gym clothes on and ipod & water bottle on hand READAY TO GO!

Anywho ...

 Tonight I am going to  GYM and I am so excited I haven't been to the gym since Saturday because of School. So tonight is likely going to be 3 Hour and 30 Minute SESSION. Yes Long AS HELL. But I feel soooo Good after it. I was inspired by Yusef Meyers KettleBell usage. So I am going to focus primarily on that and of Course everything else. Here is a Preveiw:

  Phat to Phit Program

20 min Circuit Training: Free Weights and Cable
20 min Some TRX Base Strength Training ( i will probably post about that tomrrow)
20 min Abs
Cardio Cardio Cardio,( Running,15 Incline Treadmill and Elliptial Circuit)


P.S. I am OBSESSED with Rhianna's We Found Love Track and Video. This song is audio adreniline, I think i write up a  Life & Lyrics post on it soon. I think it can correlatse to many things outside Love Lost.

 "like nothing can save you, and when its over and it  gone you almost wish you can have all that stuff back so that you can have the good"

HOPE guys are having a Fabulous Wednesday.

#ShoutOut Myne W: 5 Pounds is never a problem with me. I can lose 8 in three days if I wanted too. But the Challenge on!!!! Thanks for being my Motivation! So Monday You will have your updates!

#ShoutOut LoveLife4Sale &  "To a Reader on FashionBombShell ... They both Reminded me I need to start blogging more.  Mucho Besos


As Always
LOVE LIFE
LOVE GOD
LOVE PEOPLE
& LOVE YOU

Self Pity Post

Hey Babes! 

This is my Confessison *Usher Voice*

 Father ...

 I have sinned I have turned my heart away from this lovely Blog World

. Due to being Mucho Gordo.

 I have hidden my face and body because of the mere 7 pounds I have gained (well really 13 since starting this blog) since my last update. Father, I have lost sight of my vision and lost sight of my Goal. Though day to day I continuously endure my normal painstaking W-O-R-K-O-U-T-S, I have defiled my body with countless nonsense of filth, flarth and flander *Bill Cosby Voice*. I have blackslidden into my old ways of Binging like a ravenous glutinous Monster, creeping late at night (to the fridge that is *embarrassed face*), and laboring in self pity. So Lord I ask that you once again renew my heart, Renew my Vision and put me on tract of completing this goal. Blah Blah Blah AMEN

 Seriously... I am extremely Hard on myself (as my friends would say *rolleyes*) with regards to my weight.  Thus I have turned into some what of recluse. I just feel like a hypocrite, if I were to be giving advice and I am still struggling to get my ISH right. "Likkkeee *Sideye* Chile Pleasee"

 What is Funny is ... their is this You Tube Girl (she will respectfully remain nameless). However, I will throw some #MTO style subliminals. She originally started a weight loss You-Tube Journal when she was auditioning for America's Next Top Model. Beautiful Nubian Sister.  I use to watch her weight loss videos S-T-E-A-D-Y  ... until ... she gained all her weight back and then she decide to just REIGN in the Plus-Size World. I Labeled her a CERTIFIED JOKE,

I felt HOW D-A-R-E SHE ...

 publicly proclaim to the world the message of weight loss and then gain all the weight back and become comfortable with it. It broke my heart. I mean weight loss is HARRRD, I am sure she had so many young people looking up to her with her 5,000+ followers.  She would have constant weight loss challenges and not submit herself to them and apologize later. It just annoyed me because she made weight loss look impossible. T-H-E-R-E-FORE *filesnailes*  I would constantly write annoying message (out of love) ... "Like Baby Girl whats going on, you need to crack that whip and Get it Together!!" ( Lol *Chuckles* I know, I am annoying) .... though she gained like 65 pounds back and I have only gained only 13 ... I started beating myself up like, " IFNA time to get it right" .... 'you don't want to be like "Dot-Dot-Dot-Dot"'

The thing is I have lost my weight STRICTLY through Vigourous  EXERCISE. My Diet Regimen is as infrequent as the weather, B-U-T missing a session at the GYM. uh-uh! NOT HAPPENING  I DO NOT PLAY!!!! I just snack a lot at WORK  (the aka Calorie Hell HOLE OF free food). Then I also snack during my 3 hour lectures  SMH. Just Terrible.  Therefore work & School has completely knocked my perfectly fine weightlossequastion out of WACK!

Anyway, I promise To be back here steady. This Sunday will update you with my *Coversface* Measurements & Weight & Pictures. The Whole SHABANG SHABANG until then MUCHO BESOS!!! (Secretly I am going to try and kock of 5 pounds before Sunday Just because of you guys MUHAHAHAHA!

As Always
LOVE GOD
LOVE LIFE
LOVE PEOPLE
& LOVE YOU

Part I: "Mi Love My Life"

Soooo this Heffa Irene is on her way ..... Possiblity I may never blog again. But secretly that possibility exist every minute, every second, and every day.

So.... I just wanted to encourage you to

TO FULLY LOVE YOUR LIFE

So much went on this week.

East Coast Earthquake ... (yes I felt it)

Will & Jada *whimpers

Now this Hurricane, where people are losing their friggen minds!!!!!!!!!!!

I LURRRRVEEE THIS SONG WITH ALL MY HEART. I love all the words of this song. I will elaborate on it fully this weekend, God willingly. I am sure I will have an ample amount of time to blog this weekend! New Jersey is under a state of emergency *YAWNS*. Sooo yeah, I will be sure to blog Part II in the immediate near future.

For now let me just leave you with ... this JAM