I've got this all wrong...

So this whole blog thing is a lot harder than it seems.  I want this to be a place where I can share my interests and thoughts with others while being informative at the same time.  However, its difficult for me to come up with topics to blog about (hence my hiatus).  I think that I've been going about this the wrong way.  Instead of me trying to find things that I think would be relative and interesting for the public, I think it would be more beneficial for me to share what is relevant in my life on a day to day basis.  Not to say that coming up with topic ideas isn't cool and all, but I put way too much pressure on myself doing so.  So from now on, I'm going to share my everyday adventures and discoveries as often as possible. :)

Song of the Day: Can't Look Down

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I was up late the other night.  It had to be about 3 or 4 in the morning (what ever time soul sessions comes on) when I heard this gem.  I had never heard of Anthony David before this and I'm still not exactly sure who he is.  Apparently he had a hit song with India Arie back in 2008 entitled Words, but I just heard it today.  At any rate, after hearing David's song, Can't Look Down, I see that he is quite possibly the most underrated artist I know.  If R&B is lost, Anthony David might have found it.  He is such a pleasant reminder of what good music used to be.  Can't look down is taken from David's new CD Love Out Loud.  Check out the video that had me jammin' at 3am below!

Today's Special: Mexican-Style Pork and Sweet Potato Slow Cooker Stew

Prep. Time: 20min., Cook Time: 420 min., Serves: 4

You'll Need:
1 small poblano chile
1 pound(s) uncooked lean only pork loin, boneless pork roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup(s) canned chicken broth

1 large uncooked sweet potato(es), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes1 small uncooked onion(s), chopped
14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, fire-roasted, undrained
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, (1Tbsp)

Directions

Turn on a stovetop burner and place poblano chile over open flame (use tongs or a long-handled fork to keep fingers away from flame); carefully turn to char on all sides. Place poblano in a plastic or paper bag; close bag and set aside for 10 minutes to steam. Rub poblano skin off with your hands under cold running water; core, seed and dice poblano. (Note: If you have an electric range, broil poblano on high, 3 inches from flame, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides. Follow remaining directions above.) Place pork in a 5-quart slow cooker. Add broth, sweet potato, onion, poblano chile, tomatoes, cumin, salt and pepper; stir well. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 to 7 hours. Add lime juice and stir well. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.  Tip: Serve with a spoonful of fat-free sour cream if desired. Source: WeightWatchers

Booked: Casanegra

I recently joined the "Afrocentric Book Club" at my local library, and the first book we read was the Essence Book Club Pick Casanegra by Blair Underwood.  Yes, the handsome actor Blair Underwood also has author on his resume.  Casanegra was co-written with the married couple Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes.  This fictitious novel is the first installment of a four book series starring the main character Tennyson Hardwick.  In this first book, Hardwick is introduced as the son of a retired LAPD captain. He is a struggling actor in Hollywood with a very raunchy past.  Though he is an actor, Hardwick finds himself doing much detective work in order to solve the murder of a popular rapper.  To sum it up, this book falls into the category of erotic murder mystery.  If you like crime-solving and action mixed with some steamy romance, look no further.  This book will take you on a roller coaster ride.  The second book of the series isn't on my book club's list, but I've already started reading it.  Click here to preview some snippets from Casanegra.  The full book can be purchased on Amazon or look for it in your local library. 

Check it Out: Tiny Tonight

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Tameka "Tiny" Harris launched her new late night talk show Tiny Tonight this past Monday.  I believe my sister put it best. She described it as being a "ghetto version of The View".  Before you go thinking that this show is just plain ghetto with no substance, I suggest you keep reading.

After watching the first episode of Tiny Tonight, I was very impressed.  It really was like an "urban" version of The View.  It's basically a show of women sitting around gossiping discussing various topics about the world and pop culture.  I liked it because unlike The View, the women can easily relate to my age group.

I'm not sure if the show will contain the same guests every time, but Monday's show included rapper Trina, TV personality Claudia Jordan, Music Artist/Reality Star Tamar Braxton, and Tiny's beloved friend and hairstylist Shekinah.  If you watch TI and Tiny: The Family Hustle, you already know Shekinah's sometimes embarrassing personality.  Although Shekinah's behavior is sometimes "ratchet", she always puts a smile on my face and I think she did a good job as a correspondent on Tiny Tonight.  Trina quickly took her role as the "positive" one in the group.  When everyone was thinking the worst, she always found the brighter side of things, avoiding drama at all costs.  Claudia and Tamar were a tag team of strong minded opinions.  They most definitively voiced their views whether they were positive or not.  Tiny was the neutral one in the batch.

Overall, I certainly approve of Tiny Tonight.  The show debuted with a strong number of satisfied viewers.  From topics of Honey Boo Boo to President Barack Obama, this show has something for everybody.  I haven't seen any dates for upcoming shows, but I hope they keep 'em coming.   In case you missed the first episode, check it out below!  
     

Tiny Tonight! 2012: Year in Review | Tiny Tonight: 2012 The Year In Review

Song of the Day: Mirrors

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She's done it again! Jhene Aiko's songwriting ability is incredible.  Her latest song Mirrors is stuck on repeat for me.  She uses the most simple words to express the most complex ideas.  Her last few videos were all directed by Topshelf Junior.  With her chilling lyrics and Junior's haunting visuals, you are bound to be captivated.  Check out her song/video for Mirrors below. 

I was gone for a minute...

I'm baaaack! School was really kicking my butt this semester (not really) so I didn't exactly have time to blog.  I have absolutely neglected this but I plan to do a little something everyday since I'm on Winter Break now. I have a lot that I want to share, but I never actually take the time to sit down and express myself.  Starting tonight, I'm going to get back to it! Here we go...