Hawaii Student Saver

Recipes For Seduction

2009-11-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

Bon soir mademoiselle/mon sieur!

Tonight for ze night of seduction, we ‘ave a few sure-fire and easy recipes zat will leave your partner wanting more (food and you!). Whisper sweet nothings into ‘er ear and she will melt like butter in your handzzz.

Translation: Here are some extremely simple and delicious recipes that will guarantee a successful date ;)

SALAD

Strawberries have been known as an aphrodisiac fruit since ancient Roman times, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. In this recipe, we will combine this sexy fruit with spinach – which is low in calories and high in nutrients – because hey, to feel sexy we have to feel healthy too right? It’s easy to forget your greens when you’re busy with college life.

Strawberry-Spinach Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients
· 6 ounces baby spinach leaves, rinsed and dried
· 1 pint fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
· 1/2 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
· 1/2 cup bottled balsamic vinaigrette
· 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions
1. In a small mixing bowl, stir together salad dressing and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss spinach, strawberries and onion. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.

APPETIZER

Once believed to bring immortality, creamy mushrooms are the perfect dish to come after right after our sweet and tangy salad. This is a basic recipe, but you can stuff the mushrooms with anything your heart/stomach desires – suggestions: white onion, garlic, tomato, bits of cooked turkey, crabmeat, grilled ground beef, etc.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6 units

Ingredients
· 6 Portobello mushrooms
· 2 packages cream cheese
· bacon bits
· 1 bunch of green onion (chopped)
· Salt/pepper for seasoning

Directions
1. Take cores out of mushrooms.
2. In bowl soften cream cheese, add chopped green onions.
3. Stuff mushrooms with cream cheese, and sprinkle bacon bits on top.
4. Add salt/pepper to your liking.
5. Grill or bake in 350 degree oven until mushrooms are softened.

MAIN COURSE

If your date is still in her seat at this point, you can now breathe easily. She must have enjoyed your food…or she must really like you! Either way, you’re doing great! Here’s another recipe to help you on your way. It involves cheese, which contains ten times as much PEA, phenylethylamine – believed to release the same rush of hormones as when you experience sexual release. Mm cheesy goodness!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Note: Sounds complicated but it’s not!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 min
Serves: 2

Ingredients
· 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
· 4 ounces linguine, cooked al dente
· 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
· 2 tablespoons butter
· 1 thinly sliced green onion
· 1-2 cup heavy whipping cream
· 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
· 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
· 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions
1. Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in butter or margarine until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through.
4. Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese.

If pasta is too much work for you, try out this easy tortilla pizza recipe!

Tortilla Pizza

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 11 minutes
Serves: 2

Ingredients
· 4 flour tortillas
· 1 cup mozzarella/cheddar/jack cheese
· 6 mushrooms, sliced
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
· 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (You can substitute this for instant marinara sauce)

Directions
1. Place one tortilla down.
2. Spread the ranch on it in a thin layer.
3. Place quarter of cheese and one sliced mushroom. Place tortilla on top.
4. Place another quarter serving of cheese, and add two sliced mushrooms and parsley on top.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas to make the second pizza.
6. Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes on cookie sheet.

DESSERT

Chocolate, as we know, is something most members of the fairer sex are extremely fond of. It is described as a food item that “relaxes and lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact.” Combine that with bananas, that has “nutrients essential to sexual hormone production”, you have a truly sexy combo in the following recipe!

Grilled Banana and Nutella Panini

Prep time: approx. 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6 pieces

Ingredients
· 3 ripe bananas, sliced
· 12 slices whole-wheat bread
· 1 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (recommended: Nutella)
· 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
· 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions
1. Place the bananas in a bowl and mash until smooth.
2. Spread each slice with some of the hazelnut spread. Spread the mashed banana over 6 of the slices and combine the slices to make 6 sandwiches.
3. Heat the grill to medium-high.
4. Spread 1 side of each sandwich with some of the butter and place on the grill, buttered-side down.
5. Grill until golden brown. Spread the remaining butter on the bread facing up, flip over and continue grilling until golden brown.
6. Remove from the grill and sprinkle with the confectioners' sugar.

Once you get the hang of it, you might want to try other seductive recipes. A favorite of ours include recipes from blogger/cook extraordinaire CookToBang.com. His sinful recipes and sassy remarks leave us giggling and drooling at the same time. And if you want to find out what other types of food are aphrodisiac, go to EatSomethingSexy.com to be enlightened.

Bon Appétit!

Side note: Abovementioned recipes are extracted and slightly modified from Recipezaar.com and FoodNetwork.com.

CHEAP DATE!

2009-10-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

A scene from Adam Sandler's 50 First Dates

So it's 2009 and everybody's feeling the crunch in their wallets. You might even become wary of splurging on dates. Does this mean you're swearing off the opposite sex until the economy betters itself again? Heck no! And does this mean you might be labeled a "cheap date"? Hmm maybe...but let's pretend we're being smart instead of cheap! Here's how you can continue dating without putting a whole in your wallet...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT (tune in next time for sexy recipes ideas)
Thinking of a way to impress your date? Cook for them! It might sound cliché but this is the BEST way to do it! They say the way to get into one's heart is through their stomach. There are easy recipes online - guaranteed to sweep your date off their feet! But if you're not great at cooking and you've been called a kitchen hazard, all hope's not lost. Prepare a romantic picnic basket and pick a spot in the park or the beach. Pack something easy like sandwiches or perhaps sushi, and sodas. Finish off with a dessert. Voilà! Warning, your date might melt before your dessert!

DVD NIGHT
Each of you bring the movie of your choice - something you think is the BEST horror movie of all time, or the WORST romantic comedy in the world, or something you think your partner will absolutely love. Super brownie points if you get the last one right! And you know you’ve scored if they like the same flicks as you!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
There's so much beautiful nature you can enjoy, especially in a place like Hawaii. Go on a hiking trip to Waimano trail in Pearl City, or enjoy a bike ride along Aiea Loop trail. And there's always the beach. Sun, sand, and sea - you can't go wrong with that.

STAR GAZING
All you need is a warm blanket, an iPod, and obviously a date. Brownie points if you remember to bring snacks! If you're going for sophistication, go for cheese and wine. If you think that's too pretentious, some popcorn and soda would do the trick. Keep your eyes peeled for meteor sightings. StarDate Online is a great website for meteorological information! The next meteor showers will occur on October 21st. We recommend North Shore, Mokuleia as the best place for star gazing. Very dark and private, and extremely romantic!

ARTS AND CRAFTS
Indulge in your creative and artsy side! Remember the pottery-making scene in Ghost? Classic! Who knew pottery-making could be so sexy? But if pottery’s not your thing...How about handmade cards? Have yourself and your date create cute cards for each other by using whatever colorful paper and stationary you find lying around. Or perhaps you could both paint silly portraits of each other. A great memento to have, or something hilarious to laugh about later! And hey, there's also body painting with either paint...or chocolate. *wink wink* Although, perhaps this would be put under the cooking-in category?

FREE EVENTS
There’s always something to do, if you know where to look! HawaiiEventsOnline is a good place to visit. There’s Free Hula Dancing, Asian Folktales Storytelling, and Food For Treat Fundraiser to name a few. And if you’re willing to spend a little bit for ono grindz and live music, you could go to Tiki’s Grill and Bar for their Taco Tuesday promotion. $2 Tacos, $3 Drink Specials, Free Parking and Cover, and a happy date! Here’s another great tip if you both love movies - go for Sunset on the Beach on a weekend. It's a free movie showing at Queen’s surf in Waikiki Beach. Just bring a blanket or towel!

GAME NIGHT
As mentioned in the previous post, board games can still be a fun activity! Taboo, Jenga, Battleship, Twister, Cranium, just to name a few. Heck, your date and you can battle it out on video games too. Pick a couple of fun two-player game you think you both will enjoy – Not just something YOU like! Deduct 100 brownie points if your date gets fed up with you or the game (because you take it too seriously or you’re a sore loser).

IOU MASSAGE COUPON
Running out of ideas? Luckily you give the BEST shoulder massages (or so you’ve been told by your dad)! Give your date an IOU Massage Coupon which he/she can use at any time. Hey since we’re all about coupons…why not be more creative and create coupons for other activities? Coupons for kisses, hugs, laundry, cleaning the dishes…whatever you think your date would appreciate! Even better, you can share a Student Saver coupon with your date. Enjoy Cold Stone ice cream with this Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon!

DOING SOMETHING YOUR PARTNER LIKES
Your girlfriend likes animals? Visit a local shelter and the two of you can become volunteers for a day! Your boyfriend likes cars? Visit a car dealership and pretend you're both looking for a car...he'll have fun just ogling the cars and brownie points if he's allowed to test-drive them!

DISCOVER SOMEPLACE NEW
Got a car? And plenty of gas? Why not drive around to a semi-unfamiliar place (Just make sure it's safe! Have a GPS on standby just in case). Maybe your date has mentioned about always wanting to go to *that* place but he/she never got to. Now’s your chance to try it out! Have a camera ready just in case you want to capture the perfect moment with your date. One location we might suggest is Round Top - Tantalus Circle Drive; it’s the perfect place to take your date to see the city lights.

Being Broke Doesn't Need To Suck

2009-10-07T01:52:00.000-07:00

Are you like Jeff?

Are you a student? And are you broke? And now you don't know what to do for fun...

Well, fear not!

Here are some activities to do when you're broke:

Play Rockband/Guitar Hero
In your heart of hearts, you know that you dreamed about becoming...a rockstar! The sex, drugs, rock and roll aspect of the whole thing is so exciting...but so unattainnable. So we'll rock it out via Video Games. Ah, don't you just love technology? Believe me you'll spend hours and hours in front of the (hopefully very large and flat) television screen once you've chosen your equipment - vocals, guitar, bass, or drums. Take your pick. And rock on!

Boardgame fun
Boardgames are a great way to have fun! They are seriously underrated. Taboo! Pictionary! Cranium! Even old school Monopoly or Scrabble. So many to choose from. You only need the right kind of company. Oh and your parents will definitely approve. They'll be so proud of the fact that you’re spending Friday night doing G-rated activities!

Potluck
What better way to get free food than a potluck party? You'll get to sample your friends’ delicious cooking (or culinary experiments)...as well as try your hand at making something edible. It could turn out really well, or really disastrous. Either way, a fun time for all! Just to be on the safe side, you can always be the beverage-guy. No cooking necessary, and people are bound to get thirsty right?

Pizza+DVD party
Nowadays you can get cheap pizza deals such as Boston's Pizza $10 OFF for 2 19" PIZZAS! (Click for a coupon!) If you share with a bunch of friends it's going to be almost like paying nothing! Splurge with a DVD! Watch something everyone can enjoy.

Jam session/Karaoke
If you have talented musicians in your circle of friends, why not host a little jamming session? As long as you have cool neighbors. Or if you don’t play musical instruments, you can always do a little DIY karaoke. Videos abound on Youtube. And a little alcohol helps to...loosen up the vocal chords *ahem* Have a camcorder ready and voila! You'll post a video on facebook and have tons to laugh (or feel embarassed) about later.

Drinking games
Of course, we have to have something on the list that's not parent-approved. Drinking games. All you need is alcohol, some agreeable participants and perhaps a few props. Cards are the best props to have around. Otherwise, there's always beer pong...or some may spice it up as vodka pong. Warning, that game is only for the hardcore! Website suggestion for drinking games: www.webtender.com/handbook/games

Picnic at the park/Barbeque with friends
Again, you can't go wrong when there's food around. BBQ Steps : 1) Pick a spot - perhaps at a beach or a park, 2) pray to the Weather God for a sunny day, and 3) have your friends bring different things to grill. Burgers, hotdogs, smores, kebabs, etc. Picnic Steps: You can either prepare your own food, or you can do it the easy way - share a bucket of KFC with your pals and chill on a grassy lawn. Preferably with some musical accompaniment. Smiley faces are guaranteed!

Water fights
Perhaps after pigging-out, you’d feel guilty and maybe even undergo food-comatose. A great way to combat this is by doing an activity that requires you to run around and get a little wet. Water fights! Just borrow your little brother’s water gun and fill it up with water, and pick a target! If you can’t get a water gun, just fill up some balloons with water. Lots of balloons. And lots of fun!

Sports
If you’re too sophisticated for water fights, any kind of physical activity will do. Studies show that exercising with friends encourage a healthier lifestyle. So go play a sport with a couple of friends. Tennis, football, squash, swimming - the list is endless.

$1 Theaters (Yelp it!)
'Nuff said. No? Still need convincing? C'mon...With a price like that who cares if it's not the latest movie. Or if there's a very limited number of movies being showed. Bring your own snacks and enjoy the experience. If it gets boring, and if there are nobody else around, have your friends and yourself do comical voice-overs. Thumbs up if you can fake a European accent!

Whatever you do, it is imperative that you avoid:

· Malls
· Arcades
· Online shopping
· Shopaholic friends

Safeguard that wallet! Good luck!

TACO TUESDAY

2009-09-15T02:03:00.000-07:00

It's a Tuesday. Your week has just begun. You've fortunately passed the dreaded Monday, but it's still too early to make plans for the weekend. Now all you can think about is getting through the week.

What better way to get you pumped up about the rest of the week than to chill with your friends over a couple of cheap tacos and beer (if you're of age, that is)?

The answer to your problems: TACO TUESDAY!

Fish tacos from South Shore Grill. Owhh yeah

We've compiled a short and sweet list of recommended restaurants that serve ono and cheap tacos in Oahu. Feel free to try them out, or let us know if you come across better finds!

1. South Shore Grill
3114 Monsarrat Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 734-0229
www.southshoregrillhawaii.com
**Click here for a Coupon! - Buy 1 Entrée Get 1 Half Off!

Hours: 10.30am - 9pm daily
TT Specials: $2 tacos
Perks: Casual dresscode, close to UH and KCC

2. Tiki's Grill & Bar
2570 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-8454
www.tikisgrill.com

Hours: 10.30am - 12am daily
TT Specials: $2 tacos 5pm onwards
Perks: Live music, free cover, free valet parking

3. Kimmie’s Cantina / Red Lion University
2535 Coyne St
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 949-5466
www.yelp.com/biz/red-lion-university-kimmies-cantina-honolulu

Hours: 2pm - 2am daily
TT Specials: $1 tacos 5-9pm
Perks: Popular with UH crowd, live music

4. Tropics Cafe Bar and Lounge
1020 Auahi St
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 591-8009
www.myspace.com/tropicscafehawaii

Hours: Mon-Fri 1pm - 2am, Sat-Sun 8pm - 2am
TT Specials: $1 tacos 5pm onwards
Perks: Free cover, live music

5. Therapy Sports Grill
Koko Marina Center
7192 Kalanianaole Highway
D-105
Honolulu, HI 96825
(808) 394-8200
www.therapysportsgrill.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm - 2am, Sat-Sun 11am - 2am
TT Specials: $1 tacos 5pm onwards
Perks: Free admission

6. Bikini Cantina
1 Aloha Tower Dr # 255
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 525-7288
www.bikinicantina.com

Hours: 11.30am - 2am daily
TT Specials: $2 tacos
Perks: Cheap drinks during Happy Hours (3pm-7pm, 10pm-12am)

Stand Up Paddle Surfing

2009-08-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Any old Joe can pick up a board and ride the waves. But can you do it standing up?

Introducing, the hottest water sport activity that everyone is talking about - Stand Up Paddle Surfing, also known as SUP for short. What is it about SUP that makes it so special?

First of all, it's similar to surfing in the sense that you require a board. But in SUP, you also need a paddle. This helps you navigate through the water while standing. When you surf you usually paddle out into the water, wait for the waves, then jump on your board to ride the waves. But with SUP you don't necessarily need a wave to enjoy the sport. You can paddle out on the open ocean, in harbors, on lakes, rivers or any large body of water. It is an intense sport that works out your "core" strength and tests your balancing abilities.

Some say SUP originated from Polynesian culture. It is called Ku Hoe He'e Nalu in the Hawaiian language - which means to stand, to paddle, and to surf, a wave. Interestingly, it began in the 1960s when beach boys of Waikiki would stand on their surfboards and paddle out to the water to take pictures of tourists learning to surf. And so the sport became fondly known as Beachboy Surfing. Another important contribution to SUP is John Zabotocky who is the oldest beach boy surfer in the world - he has been paddle surfing along the shores of Hawaii since the 1940s.

SUP grew rapidly as a competitive sport. In 2004, it began to make waves (pun intended) when Brian Keaulana, a distinguished Makaha beachboy, decided to add "Beachboy Surfing" to the world-famous "Buffalo Big Board Contest." Since then, there have been many competitions and races worldwide that recognize and celebrate this highly innovative sport. For example, the very next SUP event is on August 29th - Hawaii Paddleboard Championships (aka Duke’s Race). For a list of event dates, click here*.

There are certain SUP ettiquettes that you should follow once you decide you are ready to test out your skills on the open water.

1) Don't be a "wave hog." Let other surfers ride the waves too. Since you have a better vantage point, be a chum and call out the good sets for others.
2) If you are a beginner and want to practice your skills, stay out of a crowded area.
3) Wear a leash if you're in a crowded surf spot. This will help keep your big board safe for all.

Because of its increasing popularity, there is a variety of SUP gear for you to choose from. According to Hawaiian Water Sports, for beginners they recommend a 9'6" to 11'0" for ladies, and 11'0" to 12'0" for gents. Their bestselling item right now is the C4 Waterman that comes in various styles. If you are interested in having SUP surfing lessons from them, ask to speak to JD, Kanai, or Micah. They are experienced teachers who have participated in competitions for years and are certified lifeguards and CPR-trained, so you can rest assured you will be in good hands. Click here* to receive coupons for 50% off for Group Lessons and Rentals!

"We specialize in surfing local surf breaks close to Diamond Head and away from the crowds in Waikiki. Our surf lessons emphasize safety and explain conditions, the art of catching waves, how to stand and ride waves. You are guaranteed to ride waves"

- Hawaiian Water Sports

**************************************************************************

For more information on Stand Up Paddle Surfing visit -

Website: www.hawaiianwatersports.com
Address: Hawaiian Watersports (Diamond Head), 415 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Tel: 808-739-KITE (5483)

Photos are credited to hawaiianwatersports.com and standuppaddles.com

Student Saver

2009-08-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

Aloha!

Welcome to Hawaii Student Saver Blog!

Student Saver was launched as a way for students to have the most amount of fun in the least amount of money. We are dedicated to finding you the best deals out there. We'll keep you up-to-date about ono grindz, most exciting activities and overall fun places just for you peeps in Oahu!

Keep checking for our special COUPONS at our main website www.HawaiiStudentSaver.com and follow us on Twitter. We also have a Facebook page which you can tell all your friends about! Become our Fan and we'll keep you updated with our monthly deals. You may also stand a chance to WIN some competitions that will be featured on our website!

Please feel free to leave comments at our blog. Or if you have any questions, you can contact Student Saver at liz@student-saver.net. We welcome any feedback - such as coupon requests - you may have for us!

Mahalo!